At every step one encountered the marks of that struggle and victory, reminding one of Jacob's mysterious encounter with the angel.

The waters of the marsh were now forced within the prescribed limits of a system of drains and canals.
Luxuriant crops triumphed over reeds and rushes, which were now only permitted to fringe the edges of the ditches.

Sleek, mild-eyed cows grazed and ruminated where formerly the wildfowl built her nest.

Chaos was vanquished, and had to own man for her lord and master.
Here, upon the scene of his labors, Paul's figure assumed a certain epic dignity.

As a stern lord with a handful of armed followers keeps down a subjugated people, so Paul, at the head of a few hundred workmen, held sway over the unruly forces of Nature always more or less ready to revolt.