Zanoni, by Edward Bulwer-Lytton

Orrida maesta nei fero aspetto

Terrore accresce, e piu superbo il rende;

Rosseggian gli occhi, e di veneno infetto

Come infausta cometa, il guardo splende,

Gil involve il mento, e sull ‘irsuto petto

Ispida efoita la gran barbe scende;

E IN GUISA DE VORAGINE PROFONDA

SAPRE LA BOCCA A’ATRO SANGUE IMMONDA.

(Ger. Lib., Cant. iv. 7.)

A horrible majesty in the fierce aspect increases it terror, and renders it more superb. Red glow the eyes, and the aspect infected, like a baleful comet, with envenomed influences, glares around. A vast beard covers the chin — and, rough and thick, descends over the shaggy breast. — And like a profound gulf expand the jaws, foul with black gore.