Dismissed at length, they break through all delay
To tempt the dangers of the doubtful way;
And first to Ascalon their steps they bend,
Whose walls along the neighbouring sea extend.
Nor yet in prospect rose the distant shore,
Scarce the hoarse waves from far were heard to roar,
When thwart the road a river rolled its flood
Tempestuous, and all further course withstood:
The torrent-stream his ancient bounds disdains,
Swoll'n with new force and late-descending rains.
Irresolute they stand, when lo! appears
The wondrous sage: vigorous he seemed in years,
Awful his mien; low as his feet there flows
A vestment unadorned, though white as new-fall'n snows;
Against the stream the waves secure he trod,
His head a chaplet bore, his hand a rod.