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XLVI
A mass of solid fire burning bright
Rolled up in smouldering fumes, there bursteth out,
And there the blustering winds add strength and might
And gather close the sparsed flames about:
The Frenchmen trembled at the dreadful light,
To arms in haste and fear ran all the rout,
Down fell the piece dreaded so much in war,
Thus what long days do make one hour doth mar.

Word:

burst

Question:

Why did the Frenchmen tremble at the "dreadful light" and run to arms in haste and fear?

Answer (optional):

The Frenchmen trembled at the "dreadful light" and ran to arms in haste and fear because Ismen and his companion threw balls made of hollow brass containing enclosed fire, pitch, and brimstone, which started a fire on the timber-work of the enemy's engine. The fire grew rapidly, and the Frenchmen were terrified by the burning sparks and towering smoke. They ran to arms in fear and watched the enemy execute their valiant enterprise.