But ere the spavined dactyls could be spurred

Into recitative, in great dismay

Both Cherubim and Seraphim were heard

To murmur loudly through their long array;

And Michael rose ere he could get a word

Of all his foundered verses under way,

And cried, "For God's sake stop, my friend! 'twere best—[551]

'Non Di, non homines'—you know the rest."[552]