text:  Where the vast body ends succeed The serpent spires around it roll'd-- Woe--woe to rider woe to steed Whom coils as fearful e'er enfold! "All to the awful life was done-- The very hue so ghastly won-- The grey dull tint:--the labour ceased It stood--half reptile and half beast! And now began the mimic chase; Two dogs I sought of noblest race Fierce nimble fleet and wont to scorn The wild bull's wrath and levell'd horn; These docile to my cheering cry I train'd to bound and rend and spring Now round the Monster-shape to fly Now to the Monster-shape to cling! "And where their gripe the best assails The belly left unsheath'd in scales I taught the dexterous hounds to hang And find the spot to fix the fang; Whilst I with lance and mailed garb Launch'd on the beast mine Arab barb