Awhile the , tho' unnumber'd Foes
Ally'd to One united Force oppose,
Nor royal Birth, nor ancient Fame forgets;
But mocks th' Invaders, and their Onset meets:
Feeds with Revenge, and tasts the double Sweets
Of slaughter'd Rebels, and of grateful Treats.
But when around the rallying Troops appear,
Rush in the Front, and thicken in the Rear,
War's doubtful Toils the finny Chief engage,
Rebellion worthy all the Monarch's Rage.
Fearless of Danger they at once surround
The Princely Fish, and all the  wound.
With Rage inveterate the restless Shoals
Make at his Head, and on his azure Jowls
Remorseless fasten; on his Back they ride,
Hang on his Gills, and tear his bleeding Side.
Some glide beneath, others behind him press,
Burden the Tail, and all the Fish distress.
He lab'ring puffs, tho' weaken'd with his Wounds
Yet vig'rous shoots, and all the Ocean rounds.
Vext with Disgrace, and Sense of various Pain
He meditates Revenge; with proud Disdain
Now swift as sunny Gleams the  leaps
Thro' flying Mists, and o'er the Surface sweeps.
Like Lightning now he gilds the Depths below,
Where silent Waves, and stiller Waters flow.
Nor mirksom Shades below, nor upper Seas,
Remove the Foes, nor give the Sov'rain Ease.
They still unmov'd their fasten'd Hold retain,
Drive with their Guide, and round the troubled Main.
Where're he moves, unwelcome they attend,
And born by him, with him as swift descend
To lowest Seas, as swift again pursue
Repeated Tracks, and clearer Day review.
Thus joyn'd they all one monstrous Fish appear,
And to known Shapes no certain Likeness bear.
Fishers amaz'd long fix their steady Eyes,
While blended Kinds their real Form disguise.