But ere the mingling bounds have far been passed,[bs]

Dark Guadiana rolls his power along

In sullen billows, murmuring and vast,

So noted ancient roundelays among.[bt]

Whilome upon his banks did legions throng

Of Moor and Knight, in mailéd splendour drest:

Here ceased the swift their race, here sunk the strong;

The Paynim turban and the Christian crest

Mixed on the bleeding stream, by floating hosts oppressed.[57]