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For his soft downy cheek and slender form Made them conceive they might subdue his firmness: Therefore he was reserved till noble Varus And his compeers had in the flames expired. Then did they court and tempt him with fair promise Of all that earthly pleasure or ambition Can offer, to deny his holy faith. But he, who seem'd before so meek and timid, Now suddenly embued with holy grace, Like the transition of some watery cloud In passing o'er the moon's refulgent disc, Glowed with new life; and from his fervid tongue Words of most firm indignant constancy Pour'd eloquently forth; then to the pile Sprung he as lightly as a dauntless warrior Scaling the breach of honour; or, alas! As I have seen him midst his boyish mates, Vaulting aloft for very love of motion.

High heaven be prais'd for this!—Thine eyes beheld it?

I saw it not: the friend who witness'd it, Left him yet living midst devouring flame; Therefore I spoke of Cælus doubtfully, If he as yet belong'd to earth or heaven. [They cover their faces and remain silent.