Book VII
The Reign of Terror
Orrida maesta nei fero aspettoTerrore accresce, e piu superbo il rende;Rosseggian gli occhi, e di veneno infettoCome infausta cometa, il guardo splende,Gil involve il mento, e sull ‘irsuto pettoIspida efoita la gran barbe scende;E IN GUISA DE VORAGINE PROFONDASAPRE LA BOCCA A’ATRO SANGUE IMMONDA.(Ger. Lib., Cant. iv. 7.)
A horrible majesty in the fierce aspect increases it terror, and renders it more superb. Red glow the eyes, and the aspect infected, like a baleful comet, with envenomed influences, glares around. A vast beard covers the chin—and, rough and thick, descends over the shaggy breast.—And like a profound gulf expand the jaws, foul with black gore.