Even with that rage wherewith the stream that reigns, The king of rivers -- when he breaks his mound, And makes himself a way through Mantuan plains-- The greasy furrows and glad harvests, round, And, with the sheepcotes, flock, and dogs and swains Bears off, in his o'erwhelming waters drowned;
Over the elm's high top the fishes glide, Where fowls erewhile their nimble pinions plied;