Under Italian escort next they see Where the twelfth Lewis o’er the hills is gone, &c .

Stanza xxxiv. lines 1 and 2.

“Lewis the XIIth, king of France, successor to Charles VIII. and a constant enemy to Ludovico Sforza, had resolved to take from him the government; for which intent he made a league with Pope Alexander VI., with the Venetians, and with Ferrando king of Spain. He thus drove Ludovico from his government, who fled to the emperor of Germany.

“Under the symbol of a mulberry-tree the poet figures the above mentioned Ludovico Sforza, who was called il Moro (a mulberry-tree) from the darkness of his complexion.”— H .

A prisoner by the faithless Switzer made, He shows the lord who hired him with his gold .

Stanza xxxvi. lines 5 and 6.

“The Swiss, being corrupted by the bribes of the French, betrayed Ludovico to them; who was carried into France, where he died, after five years’ imprisonment.”— H .

That warder then shows Cæsar Borgia, grown Puissant in Italy, &c .

Stanza xxxvii. lines 1 and 2.

“Cæsar Borgia, son of Pope Alexander VI., who, by the favour of Lewis XII. king of France, took to wife Charlotte d’Alabrette of the blood royal, he having renounced the cardinal’s hat.”— H .

Then shows the king, that will the saw take down, And papal acorns in Bologna place .

Stanza xxxvii. lines 5 and 6.

The saw was the arms of the Bentivogli, and the acorns those of Pope Julius II.

Then Genoa’s burghers, by this monarch broke .

Stanza xxxvii. line 7.

“The Genoese having created Paulo de Nove doge, a man taken from the dregs of the people, and asserted at the same time that Genoa was not subject to any prince, Lewis marched against them with a powerful army, and the city surrendered to him at discretion.”— H .

You see, (pursues that warder,) how with dead Covered is Ghiâradada’s green champaign .

Stanza xxxviii. lines 1 and 2.

“The Venetians sent a numerous army, who engaged the army of the French at Ghiaradada, though contrary to the opinion of the Venetian general. After an obstinate battle, the Venetians were defeated with great loss; the gates of Bergamo, Brescia, and Cremona were thrown open to Lewis; many other places surrendered to him, and he prepared to attack Venice itself.”— H .

When through Alphonso’s worth, &c .

Stanza xl. line 7.

“Alphonso duke of Ferrara.”— H .

Behold the Frank returns, and here behold Is broken, by the faithless Swiss betrayed, &c .

Stanza xlii. lines 1 and 2.

“King Lewis, exasperated at being driven out of Italy, made a peace and league with the Venetians, and sent a fresh army against Maximilian Sforza. Maximilian, assisted with the pope’s money, called in the Swiss to his aid, not without risk (as the poet observes) considering the fate of his father; however, joined with these, he attacked and entirely defeated the French army; for which victory the pope bestowed on the Swiss the title of Defenders of the Holy Church.”— H .

Lo! Bourbon, &c .

Stanza xliv. line 3.

“Ferrando, king of Spain, being dead, the Emperor Maximi lian invaded Lombardy with fourteen thousand Swiss and seven thousand Belgians, with an intention of laying siege to Milan, defended by Trivulzio and Charles of Bourbon.”— H .

Lo! other Francis, &c .

Stanza xlv. line 1.

“The Emperor Charles V. made a league with Pope Leo, in order to drive the French out of Milan; and restore Francesco Sforza, nephew of the first Francis, and son of Ludovico il Moro. The French were now become odious to the Milanese. Sforza engaging Lautrec, put him to flight, and, entering the city by night, was made duke.”— H .

Makes the rude Switzer pay Bicocca dear, &c .

Stanza xlix. line 3.

The battle of Bicocca was most fatal in its immediate consequences to the Swiss, and in its ultimate consequences most fatal to the French.

“King Francis, resolving to recover the duchy of Milan, passed into Lombardy with a great army, when all submitted to him except Pavia. Being attacked in the night by the Marquisses of Pescara and Guasto, he was vanquished and made prisoner, though afterwards set at liberty upon giving up his sons for hostages.”— H .

Another wars upon his native land .

Stanza liv. line 8.

Henry VIII. of England.

In every part you see how Rome is woe, &c .

Stanza lv. line 1.

The assault of Rome by the constable Bourbon. “The kingdom” (il reame) in this canto, and others treating of Italian wars, means Naples.

Wherein the Syren’s body lies inurned .

Stanza lvi. line 8.

Naples, where Parthenope the syren was said to have been buried.

Lo! the imperial squadrons thither steer, &c .

Stanza lvii. line 1.

“He alludes here to the great naval engagement at Cape d’Orso, between the imperialists and the French, while Naples was besieged, when the French fleet was commanded by Philip Dorea, who held the place of Andrew Dorea, of whom so much is said in the 15th Book.”— H.

We have now gone the round of this most wearisome picture-gallery, and are about to escape into the open air. Ariosto has most grievously abused the privilege of poetical prophecy: in his other least successful flights there is some great redeeming grace: in these the beauties are so thinly scattered, that they hardly serve to lead us on to the conclusion.

Left Battus’ tomb behind him on the plain .

Stanza c. line 7.

“The city of Cyrene was built by Battus. Catullus says,

‘Et Batti veteris sacrum sepulchrum. ’ ”

H.

The swarthy people are baptized with fire .

Stanza cii. line 8.

Hoole says that the ancient Nubians, interpreting the Gospel literally, were branded with the cross.

High prized withal, albeit it so abound, Is that best metal, &c .

Stanza civ. lines 1 and 2.

All romancers have, necessarily for the effect of their fable, kept up the value of the precious metals in their descriptions of gorgeous cities and palaces, however marvellously they may have increased their quantity; but it is a singular fact, that Ariosto, in his age, should have been aware of the contradiction. It may be noticed aa no common example of his shrewdness.

I have in this stanza ventured to introduce the word lodges into poetical, as already received into architectural, language, as ‘in the lodges of Raphael.’ If it be objected that lodges in English have already a different acceptation; I say this objection maybe made to half the importations of foreign words with which our language has been enriched. A fair restriction of the licence, however, might be contended for, where we are in possession of an equivalent for that which is sought to be introduced; and thus Milton may be said to have sinned in the use of frontispiece in his description of the Pandæmonium , if the word pediment was then in existence.

We Priest and Prester John the sovereign name .

Stanza cvi. line 8.

In the original,

Gli diciam Presto e Pretejanni noi.

It is hardly necessary to observe that this is the king of Abyssinia, who was formerly so called, it is supposed, as uniting the royal and priestly character. Our ‘ Priest ’ is no doubt a corruption of ‘presto,’ as Prester John is of ‘Prete janni.’

Upon this hill, which well-nigh kissed the skies, &c .

Stanza cx. line 1.

Not only Dante (I believe on authority to be found in the fathers) has assigned a seat to paradise, but it is laid down in the mappa mondo of Fra Mauro, that wonderful monument of genius and industry, in which so many geographical discoveries are anticipated.

“ And I to build thee, in my royal hold, “ A holy temple, made of marble, swear, &c .

“ Nor angel, &c .

“ Offer these vows to God, &c . “ To him thy churches build, thine altars rear ,” &c .

Stanza cxvi. cxvii. cxviii.

Imitated from the dialogue between Æneas and the Sibyl in Ovid .

“Templa tibi statuam, tribuam tibi thuris honores.” “—Nec dea sum certe; nec sacri thuris honore “Humanum dignare caput,” &c.

All bear a female face of pallid dye, &c .

Stanza cxx. line 1.

In this description, the only addition to Virgil’s , as well as Ovid’s , picture is the tail, which Ariosto has not very happily hung upon his harpies. The strange representations which we have seen of exotic bats, with monkey-faces, may justify the rest; but there is, I believe, no precedent in the book of nature for the tail. Moreover a snake-tail seems a most unfit and unmanageable appendage for a bird.

Layout 2

THE ORLANDO FURIOSO.

CANTO XXXIV.

ARGUMENT.

In the infernal pit Astolpho hears

Of Lydia’s woe, by smoke well-nigh opprest.

He mounts anew, and him his courser bears

To the terrestrial paradise addrest.

By John advised in all, to heaven he steers;

Of some of his lost sense here repossest,

Orlando’s wasted wit as well he takes,

Sees the Fates spin their threads, and earth-ward makes.

THE ORLANDO FURIOSO.

CANTO XXXIV.

I.

O fierce and hungry harpies, that on blind And erring Italy so full have fed ! Whom, for the scourge of ancient sins designed, Haply just Heaven to every board has sped. Innocent children, pious mothers, pined With hunger, die, and see their daily bread, —The orphan’s and the widow’s scanty food— Feed for a single feast that filthy brood.

II.

Too foul a fault was his, who did unclose That cave long shut, and made the passage free, From whence that greediness, that filth arose, Our Italy’s infection doomed to be. Then was good life extinguished, and repose So banished, that with strife and poverty, With fear and trouble, is she still perplext, And shall for many a future year be vext:

III.

Till she her sons has shaken by the hair, And from Lethæan sloth to life restored; Exclaiming, “Will none imitate that pair, “Zethes and Calais , with avenging sword “Rescue from claws and stench our goodly fare, “And cleanse and glad anew the genial board, “As they king Phineus from those fowls released, “And England’s peer restored the Nubian’s feast?”

IV.

Hunting those hideous birds, that cavalier Aye scared them with the bugle’s horrid sound; Till at the mountain-cave his long career He closed, and ran the monstrous troop to ground: Attentive to the vent he held his ear, And in that troubled cavern heard rebound, Weeping and wailing, and eternal yell; Proof certain that its entrance led to hell.

V.

Astolpho doubts if he within shall wend, And see those wretched ones expelled from day; Into the central pit of earth descend, And the infernal gulfs around survey. “Why should I fear, that on my horn depend “For certain succour?” (did the warrior say) “Satan and Pluto so will I confound, “And drive before me their three-headed hound.”

VI.

He speedily his winged horse forsook; (Him to a sapling near at hand he ties) The cavern entered next; but first he took His horn, whereon the knight in all relies. Not far has he advanced before a smoke, Obscure and foul, offends his nose and eyes. Ranker than pitch and sulphur is the stench, Yet not thereat does good Astolpho blench.

VII.

But as he more descends into that lair, So much he finds the smoke and vapour worse; And it appears he can no further fare; Nay, backward must retrace his way parforce. Lo! something ( what he knows not) he in air Espies, that seems in motion, like a corse. Upon whose wasted form long time had beat The winter’s rain and summer’s scorching heat.

VIII.

In that dim cavern was so little light, —Yea, well-nigh might be said that light was none— Nought sees or comprehends the English knight What wavers so, above that vapour dun: For surer proof, a stroke or two would smite With his good faulchion Otho’s valiant son : Then deemed that duke it was a spirit, whom He seemed to strike amid the misty gloom.

IX.

When him a melancholy voice addressed; “Ah! without harming other, downward wend. “Me but too sore the sable fumes molest, “Which hither from the hellish fires ascend.” Thereat the duke, amazed, his steps represt, And to the spirit cried; “So may Heaven send “A respite from the vapours that exhale, “As thou shalt deign to tell thy mournful tale!

X.

“And to be known on earth shouldst thou be fain, “Thee will I satisfy.” To him the sprite; “So sweet it seems to me, in fame again “Thus to return into the glorious light, “My huge desire such favour to obtain, “Forces my words from me in my despite, “Constraining me to tell the things ye seek; “Though ’tis annoyance and fatigue to speak.

XI.

“Lydia, the child of Lydia’s king, am I , “To proud estate and princely honours born, “Condemned by righteous doom of God on high “In murky smoke eternally to mourn: “Because a kindly lover’s constancy “I, while I lived, repaid with spite and scorn. “With countless others swarm these grots below, “For the same sin, condemned to the same woe.

XII.

“Yet lower down, harsh Anaxareté “Suffers worse pain where thicker fumes arise; “Heaven changed her flesh to stone, and here to be “Tormented, her afflicted spirit sties: “In that unmoved she, hung in air, could see “A lover vext by her barbarities. “Here Daphne learns how rashly she had done “In having given Apollo such a run.”

XIII.

“Of hosts of ingrate women in this cell “Confined, it would be tedious to recite, “If, one by one, I upon these should dwell; “So many, their amount is infinite. “ ’Twould be more tedious of the men to tell, “Whose base ingratitude due pains requite; “And whom, in a more dismal prison pent, “Smoke blinds, and everlasting fires torment.

XIV.

“Since to belief soft woman is more prone, “He that deceives her, merits heavier pain; “To Theseus and to Jason this is known, “And him that vexed of old the Latian reign , “And him that of his brother Absalon “Erewhile provoked the pestilent disdain, “Because of Thamar ; countless is the horde “Of those who left a wife or wedded lord.

XV.

“But, rather of my state than theirs to shew, “And sin which brought me hither:—I was fair, “But so much haughtier was than fair of hue, “I know not if I ever equalled were: “Nor which was most excessive of the two, “My pride or beauty, could to thee declare. “Though it is certain, Pride but took its rise “In that rare loveliness which pleased all eyes.

XVI.

“There lived a Thracian knight, for warlike skill “And prowess, upon earth without a peer; “Who, voiced by many a worthy witness still, “The praises of my matchless charms did hear. “So that, of forethought and his own free will, “Fixed all his love on me that cavalier; “Weening this while that I, upon my part, “Should for his valour duly prize his heart.

XVII.

“He came to Lydia, and by faster tie “Was fettered at my sight; and there enrolled “Amid my royal father’s chivalry, “In mickle fame increased that baron bold. “His feats of many a sort, and valour high “Would make a tale too tedious to be told; “With what his boundless merit had deserved, “If a more grateful master he had served.

XVIII.

“Pamphylia, Caria, and Cilicia’s reign, “Through him, my father brought beneath his sway, “Who never moved a-field his martial train, “But when that warrior pointed out the way: “He, when he deemed he had deserved such gain, “Pressed close the Lydian king, upon a day, “And craved me from the monarch as his wife, “As meed of all that booty made in strife.

XIX.

“Rejected of the monarch was the peer, “Who was resolved his child should highly wed; “Not him who was a simple cavalier; “Who, saving valour, was with nought bested. “For on my father, bent on gain and gear “And avarice, of all vice the fountain-head, “Manners and merit for as little pass, “As the lute’s music on the lumpish ass .

XX.

“Alcestes, he of whom I speak (so hight “That warrior), when he sees his suit denied, “Repulsed by one, by whom he had most right “To think that he should most be gratified, “Craves his discharge, and threatens he this slight “Will make the Lydian monarch dear abide. “The Armenian, an old rival of my sire, “And mortal foe, he sought with this desire;

XXI.

“And so the monarch urged, he made him rear “His banner, and attack my sire; and, through “His famous feats, that Thracian cavalier “Was named the captain of the invading crew. ‘For the Armenian sovereign, far and near, ‘All things (so said the knight) he would subdue; ‘But claiming as his share, when all was won, ‘My sovereign beauties for the service done.’

XXII.

“I ill to you the mischief could express “Alcestes did us in that war; o’erthrown “By him four armies were, and he in less “Than one short twelvemonth left us neither town, “Nor tower, save one, where cliffs forbade access: “ ’Twas here my sire, amid those of his own “Whom most he loved, took refuge, in his need, “With all the wealth he could collect with speed.

XXIII.

“Us in this fortilage the knight attacked, “And shortly to such desperation drave, “That gladly would the king have made a pact, “To yield me for his consort, yea his slave, “With half our realm, if certain by that act “Himself from every other loss to save; “Right sure he otherwise should forfeit all, “And, after, die in bonds, a captive thrall.

XXIV.

“Before this happened, to try every way “Of remedy the Lydian king was bent; “And thither, where Alcestes’ army lay, “Me, the first cause of all the mischief, sent. “To yield my person to him as a prey “I with intention to Alcestes went; “To bid him take what portion of our reign “He pleased, and pacify his fierce disdain.

XXV.

“When of my coming that good knight does know, “Me he encounters pale and trembling sore: “ ’Twould seem a vanquished man’s, a prisoner’s brow, “He, rather than a victor’s semblance, bore. “I who perceive he loves, address not now “The warrior as I was resolved before. “My vantage I descry, and shift my ground, “To fit the state wherein that knight was found.

XXVI.

“To curse the warrior’s passion I begun, “And of his crying cruelty complained, “Since foully by my father had he done, “And me would have by violence constrained; “Who with more grace my person would have won, “Nor waited many days, had he maintained “His course of courtship, as begun whilere, “To king and all of us so passing dear;

XXVII.

“And if the honest suit he hoped to gain “Had been at first rejected by my sire, “ ’Twas, he was somedeal of a churlish vein, “Nor ever yielded to a first desire: “He should not therefore, restive to the rein, “Have left his goodly task, so prompt to ire; “Sure, passing aye from good to better deed, “In little time to win the wished-for meed;

XXVIII.

“And if my father would not have been won, “To him I would so earnestly have prayed, “That he my lover should have made his son; “Nay, had my royal sire my suit gainsayed, “For him in secret that I would have done, “Wherewith he should have deemed himself appaid: “But since, it seemed, he other means designed, “Never to love him had I fixed my mind;

XXIX.

“And, though I sought him, at my father’s hest, “And pious love for him had been my guide, “He might be sure, not long should be possest “The bliss that I, in my despite, supplied; “For the red blood should issue from my breast “As soon as his ill will was satisfied “On this my wretched person, which alone “He so by brutal force should make his own.

XXX.

“With these, and words like these, I moved the peer, “When I such puissance in myself espied; “And him so contrite made, in desert drear, “Was never seen a saint more mortified. “Before my feet the doleful cavalier “Fell down, and snatched a poniard from his side; “Which, he protested, I parforce should take, “And for so foul a sin my vengeance slake.

XXXI.

“To push my mighty victory to an end “I scheme, when him I see in such distress, “And give him hopes he may even yet pretend “That I deservedly his love should bless, “If he his ancient error will amend, “Will of his realm my father repossess, “And will in future time deserve my charms “By love and service, not by force of arms.

XXXII.

“So promised he to do; and set me free, “And let me, as I came, untouched, depart; “Nor even to kiss my lips he ventured; see “If he is yoked securely, if his heart “Love has well touched with the desire of me, “If he for him need feather other dart! “He seeks the Armenian, who by pact should take “Whatever spoil the conquering armies make;

XXXIII.

“And him, as best he might, would fain persuade ‘To leave to Lydia’s monarch his domain, ‘Upon whose wasted lands his host had preyed, ‘And rest content with his Armenian reign.’ —‘He would not hear of this (the monarch said, With cheeks with fury swolen) ‘nor would refrain ‘From pressing Lydia’s king with armed band, ‘So long as he possessed a palm of land;

XXXIV.

‘And if the knight, when a vile woman sues, ‘His purpose shift, let him the evil bear: ‘ He will not, for the warrior’s asking, lose ‘What he has hardly conquered in a year.’ “Alcestes to the king his suit renews, “And next complains, that he rejects his prayer. “At length the Thracian fires, and threatens high, “By love or force the monarch shall comply.

XXXV.

“So kindling anger waxed between the two, “It urged them from ill words to worser deed: “Upon the king his sword Alcestes drew; “Though thousands aid the monarch in his need, “And, in despite of all, their sovereign slew ; “And made that day as well the Armenians bleed, “Backed by the Thracians’ and Cilicians’ aid “And other followers, by the warrior paid.

XXXVI.

“His conquest he pursued, and, at his cost, “Without expense to us, in less than one “Short month, the kingdom by my father lost “Restored; and, to repair the mischief done, “(Beside spoil given) he conquered with his host, “—Taxing or taking what his arms had won— “Armenia and Cappadocia which confine; “And scowered Hyrcania to the distant brine.

XXXVII.

“Him not to greet with triumphs, but to slay, “Returning from that warfare, we intend; “But, fearing failure, our design delay “In that we find too many him befriend. “Feeding him aye with hope from day to day, “I for the Thracian warrior love pretend: “But first declare my will that he oppose “And prove his valour on our other foes;

XXXVIII.

“And him, now sole, now ill accompanied, “On strange and perilous emprize I speed; “Wherein a thousand knights might well have died; “But all things happily with him succeed: “For Victory was ever on his side; “And oft with horrid foes of monstrous breed, “With Giants and with Lestrigons, who wrought “Damage in our domains, the warrior fought.

XXXIX.

“Nor Juno, nor Eurystheus, in such chase “Ever renowned Alcides vext so sore, “In Erymanth, Nemæa, Lerna, Thrace, “Ætolia, Africa, by Tyber’s shore, “By Ebro’s sunny bank, or other place, “As (hiding murderous hate, while I implore) “I exercise my lover still in strife, “With the same fell design upon his life.

XL.

“Unable to achieve my first intent, “I on a scheme of no less mischief fall: “Through me, all deemed his friends by him are shent, “Who thus bring down on him the hate of all. “The Thracian leader never more content “Than to obey, whatever be the call, “Is at my bidding ever prompt to smite, “Without regarding who or what the wight.

XLI.

“When I perceive that, through the warrior’s mean, “Extinguished is my father’s every foe; “And, conquered by himself, that knight is seen “—Friendless, through us—I now the masque forego; “What I, from him, beneath a flattering mien, “Had hitherto concealed, I plainly show; “—What deep and deadly hate my bosom fired, “And that I but to work his death desired.

XLII.

“Then, thinking if such course I should pursue, “That public shame would still the deed attend, “(For men too well my obligations knew, “And would be prompt my cruelty to shend,) “Meseemed enough to drive him from my view, “So that he should no more my eyes offend: “Nor would I more address or see the peer, “Nor letter would receive or message hear.

XLIII.

“This my ingratitude in him such pain “At length produced, that mastered by his woe, “After entreating mercy long in vain, “He sickened sore and sank beneath the blow. “For pain which fits my sin, dark fumes now stain “My cheek, and with salt rheum mine eyes o’erflow. “Thus in eternal torment shall I dwell; “For saving mercy helpeth not in hell.”

XLIV.

Since wretched Lydia spake no more, the peer Would fain discern if more in torment lay; But, those false ingrates’ curse, the darkness drear So waxed before him, and obscured the way, That not one inch advanced the cavalier; Nay, back parforce returns that warrior; nay, Himself from that increasing smoke to save, Makes for the mouth of the disastrous cave.

XLV.

The motion of his quickly shifting feet More savours of a run than walk or trot. Thus mounting the ascent in swift retreat, Astolpho sees the outlet of the grot; Where, through the darkness of that dismal seat And those foul fumes, a dawn of daylight shot; He from the cavern, sorely pained and pined, Issues at last, and leaves the smoke behind;

XLVI.

And next to bar the way against that band, Whose greedy bellies so for victual crave, Picks stones, and trees lays level with his brand, Which charged with pepper or amomum wave; And what might seem a hedge, with busy hand, As best he can, constructs before the cave; And so succeeds in blocking that repair, The harpies shall no more revisit air.

XLVII.

While in that cave Astolpho did remain, The fumes that from the sable pitch arose, Not only what appeared to sight did stain; But even so searched the flesh beneath his clothes, He sought some cleansing stream, long sought in vain; But found at length a limpid rill, which rose Out of a living rock, within that wood, And bathed himself all over in the flood.

XLVIII.

Then backed the griffin-horse, and soared a flight Whereby to reach that mountain’s top he schemes; Which little distant, with its haughty height, From the moon’s circle good Astolpho deems; And, such desire to see it warms the knight, That he aspires to heaven, nor earth esteems. Through air so more and more the warrior strains, That he at last the mountain-summit gains.

XLIX.

Here sapphire, ruby, gold, and topaz glow, Pearl, jacinth, chrysolite and diamond lie, Which well might pass for natural flowers which blow, Catching their colour from that kindly sky. So green the grass! could we have such below, We should prefer it to our emerald’s dye. As fair the foliage of those pleasant bowers! Whose trees are ever filled with fruit and flowers.

L.

Warble the wanton birds in verdant brake, Azure, and red, and yellow, green and white. The quavering rivulet and quiet lake In limpid hue surpass the crystal bright. A breeze, which with one breath appears to shake, Aye, without fill or fall, the foliage light, To the quick air such lively motion lends, That Day’s oppressive noon in nought offends;

LI.

And this, mid fruit and flower and verdure there, Evermore stealing divers odours, went; And made of those mixt sweets a medley rare, Which filled the spirit with a calm content. In the mid plain arose a palace fair, Which seemed as if with living flames it brent. Such passing splendour and such glorious light Shot from those walls, beyond all usage bright.

LII.

Thither where those transparent walls appear, Which cover more than thirty miles in measure, At ease and slowly moved the cavalier, And viewed the lovely region at his leisure; And deemed—compared with this—that sad and drear, And seen by heaven and nature with displeasure, Was the foul world, wherein we dwell below: So jocund this, so sweet and fair in show!

LIII.

Astound with wonder, paused the adventurous knight, When to that shining palace he was nigh, For, than the carbuncle more crimson bright, It seemed one polished stone of sanguine dye. O mighty wonder! O Dædalian sleight! What fabric upon earth with this can vie? Let them henceforth be silent, that in story Exalt the world’s seven wonders to such glory!

LIV.

An elder, in the shining entrance-hall Of that glad house, towards Astolpho prest; Crimson his waistcoat was, and white his pall; Vermillion seemed the mantle, milk the vest: White was that ancient’s hair, and white withal The bushy beard descending to his breast; And from his reverend face such glory beamed, Of the elect of Paradise he seemed.

LV.

He, with glad visage, to the paladin, Who humbly from his sell had lighted, cries: “O gentle baron, that by will divine “Have soared to this terrestrial paradise! “Albeit nor you the cause of your design, “Nor you the scope of your desire surmise, “Believe, you not without high mystery steer “Hitherward, from your arctic hemisphere.

LVI.

“You for instruction, how to furnish aid “To Charles and to the Church in utmost need, “With me to counsel, hither are conveyed, “Who without counsel from such distance speed. “But, son, ascribe not you the journey made “To wit or worth; nor through your winged steed, “Nor through your virtuous bugle had ye thriven, “But that such helping grace from God was given.

LVII.

“We will discourse at better leisure more, “And you what must be done shall after hear; “But you, that, through long fast, must hunger sore, “First brace your strength with us, with genial cheer.” Continuing his discourse, that elder hoar Raised mighty wonder in the cavalier, When he avouched, as he his name disclosed, That he the holy gospel had composed;

LVIII.

He of our Lord so loved, the blessed John ; Of whom a speech among the brethren went, ‘He never should see death,’ and hence the Son Of God with this rebuke St. Peter shent; In saying, “What is it to thee, if one “Tarry on earth, till I anew be sent?” Albeit he said not that he should not die, That so he meant to say we plain descry.

LIX.

Translated thither, he found company, The patriarch Enoch, and the mighty seer Elias; nor as yet those sainted three Have seen corruption, but in garden, clear Of earth’s foul air, will joy eternity Of spring, till they angelic trumpets hear, Sounding through heaven and earth, proclaim aloud Christ’s second advent on the silvery cloud.

LX.

The holy ancients to a chamber lead, With welcome kind, the adventurous cavalier; And in another then his flying steed Sufficiently with goodly forage cheer. Astolpho they with fruits of Eden feed, So rich, that in his judgment ’twould appear, In some sort might our parents be excused If, for such fruits, obedience they refused.

LXI.

When with that daily payment which man owes, Nature had been contented by the peer, As well of due refreshment as repose, (For all and every comfort found he here) And now Aurora left her ancient spouse, Not for his many years to her less dear, Rising from bed, Astolpho at his side The apostle, so beloved of God, espied.

LXII.

Much that not lawfully could here be shown, Taking him by the hand, to him he read. “To you, though come from France, may be unknown “What there hath happened,” next the apostle said; “Learn, your Orlando, for he hath foregone “The way wherein he was enjoined to tread, “Is visited of God, that ever shends “Him whom he loveth best, when he offends:

LXIII.

“He, your Orlando, at his birth endowed “With sovereign daring and with sovereign might, “On whom, beyond all usage, God bestowed “The grace, that weapon him should vainly smite, “Because he was selected from the crowd “To be defender of his Church’s right. “As he elected Sampson, called whilere “The Jew against the Philistine to cheer;

LXIV.

“He, your Orlando, for such gifts has made “Unto his heavenly Lord an ill return: “Who left his people, when most needing aid, “Then most abandoned to the heathens’ scorn. “Incestuous love for a fair paynim maid “Has blinded so that knight, of grace forlorn, “That twice and more in fell and impious strife “The count has sought his faithful cousin’s life.

LXV.

“Hence God hath made him mad, and, in this vein, “Belly, and breast, and naked flank expose; “And so diseased and troubled is his brain, “That none, and least himself, the champion knows. “Nebuchadnezzar whilom to such pain “God in his vengeance doomed, as story shows; “Sent, for seven years, of savage fury full, “To feed on grass and hay, like slavering bull.

LXVI.

“But yet, because the Christian paladine “Has sinned against his heavenly Maker less, “He only for three months, by will divine, “Is doomed to cleanse himself of his excess. “Nor yet with other scope did your design “Of wending hither the Redeemer bless, “But that through us the mode you should explore, “Orlando’s missing senses to restore.

LXVII.

“ ’Tis true to journey further ye will need, “And wholly must you leave this nether sphere; “To the moon’s circle you I have to lead, “Of all the planets to our world most near. “Because the medicine, that is fit to speed “Insane Orlando’s cure, is treasured here. “This night will we away, when over head “Her downward rays the silver moon shall shed.”

LXVIII.

In talk the blest apostle is diffuse On this and that, until the day is worn: But when the sun is sunk i’ the salt sea ooze, And overhead the moon uplifts her horn, A chariot is prepared, erewhile in use To scower the heavens, wherein of old was borne From Jewry’s misty mountains to the sky, Sainted Elias, rapt from mortal eye.

LXIX.

Four goodly coursers next, and redder far Than flame, to that fair chariot yokes the sire; Who, when the knight and he well seated are, Collects the reins; and heavenward they aspire. In airy circles swiftly rose the car, And reached the region of eternal fire; Whose heat the saint by miracle suspends, While through the parted air the pair ascends.

LXX.

The chariot, towering, threads the fiery sphere, And rises thence into the lunar reign. This, in its larger part they find as clear As polished steel, when undefiled by stain; And such it seems, or little less, when near, As what the limits of our earth contain: Such as our earth, the last of globes below, Including seas, which round about it flow.

LXXI.

Here doubly waxed the paladin’s surprize, To see that place so large, when viewed at hand; Resembling but a little hoop in size, When from the globe surveyed whereon we stand, And that he both his eyes behoved to strain, If he would view Earth’s circling seas and land; In that, by reason of the lack of light, Their images attained to little height.

LXXII.

Here other river, lake, and rich champaign Are seen, than those which are below descried; Here other valley, other hill and plain, With towns and cities of their own supplied; Which mansions of such mighty size contain, Such never he before or after spied. Here spacious holt and lonely forest lay, Where nymphs for ever chased the panting prey.

LXXIII.

He, that with other scope had thither soared, Pauses not all these wonders to peruse: But led by the disciple of our Lord, His way towards a spacious vale pursues; A place wherein is wonderfully stored Whatever on our earth below we lose. Collected there are all things whatsoe’er, Lost through time, chance, or our own folly, here.

LXXIV.

Nor here alone of realm and wealthy dower, O’er which aye turns the restless wheel, I say: I speak of what it is not in the power Of Fortune to bestow, or take away. Much fame is here, whereon Time and the Hour, Like wasting moth, in this our planet prey. Here countless vows, here prayers unnumbered lie, Made by us sinful men to God on high:

LXXV.

The lover’s tears and sighs; what time in pleasure And play we here unprofitably spend; To this; of ignorant men the eternal leisure, And vain designs, aye frustrate of their end. Empty desires so far exceed all measure, They o’er that valley’s better part extend. There wilt thou find, if thou wilt thither post, Whatever thou on earth beneath hast lost.

LXXVI.

He, passing by those heaps, on either hand, Of this and now of that the meaning sought; Formed of swollen bladders here a hill did stand, Whence he heard cries and tumults, as he thought. These were old crowns of the Assyrian land And Lydian—as that paladin was taught— Grecian and Persian, all of ancient fame; And now, alas! well-nigh without a name.

LXXVII.

Golden and silver hooks to sight succeed, Heaped in a mass, the gifts which courtiers bear, —Hoping thereby to purchase future meed— To greedy prince and patron; many a snare, Concealed in garlands, did the warrior heed, Who heard, these signs of adulation were; And in cicalas, which their lungs had burst, Saw fulsome lays by venal poets versed .

LXXVIII.

Loves of unhappy end in imagery Of gold or jewelled bands he saw exprest; Then eagles’ talons, the authority With which great lords their delegates invest: Bellows filled every nook, the fume and fee Wherein the favourites of kings are blest: Given to those Ganymedes that have their hour, And reft, when faded is their vernal flower.

LXXIX.

O’erturned, here ruined town and castle lies, With all their wealth: “The symbols” (said his guide) “Of treaties and of those conspiracies, “Which their conductors seemed so ill to hide.” Serpents with female faces, felonies Of coiners and of robbers, he descried; Next broken bottles saw of many sorts, The types of servitude in sorry courts.

LXXX.

He marks a mighty pool of porridge spilled, And asks what in that symbol should be read, And hears ’twas charity, by sick men willed For distribution, after they were dead. He passed a heap of flowers, that erst distilled Sweet savours, and now noisome odours shed; The gift (if it may lawfully be said) Which Constantine to good Sylvester made .

LXXXI.

A large provision, next, of twigs and lime —Your witcheries, O women!—he explored. The things he witnessed, to recount in rhyme Too tedious were; were myriads on record, To sum the remnant ill should I have time. ’Tis here that all infirmities are stored, Save only Madness, seen not here at all, Which dwells below, nor leaves this earthly ball.

LXXXII.

He turns him back, upon some days and deeds To look again, which he had lost of yore; But, save the interpreter the lesson reads, Would know them not, such different form they wore. He next saw that which man so little needs, —As it appears—none pray to Heaven for more; I speak of sense; whereof a lofty mount Alone surpast all else which I recount.

LXXXIII.

It was as ’twere a liquor soft and thin, Which, save well corked, would from the vase have drained; Laid up, and treasured various flasks within, Larger or lesser, to that use ordained. That largest was which of the paladin, Anglantes’ lord, the mighty sense contained; And from those others was discerned, since writ Upon the vessel was Orlando’s wit .

LXXXIV.

The names of those whose wits therein were pent He thus on all those other flasks espied. Much of his own, but with more wonderment, The sense of many others he descried, Who, he believed, no dram of theirs had spent; But here, by tokens clear was satisfied, That scantily therewith were they purveyed; So large the quantity he here surveyed.

LXXXV.

Some waste on love, some seeking honour, lose Their wits, some, scowering seas, for merchandise, Some, that on wealthy lords their hope repose, And some, befooled by silly sorceries; These upon pictures, upon jewels those; These on whatever else they highest prize. Astrologers’ and sophists’ wits mid these, And many a poet’s too, Astolpho sees.

LXXXVI.

Since his consent the apostle signified Who wrote the obscure Apocalypse, his own He took, and only to his nose applied, When (it appeared) it to its place was gone; And henceforth, has Sir Turpin certified, That long time sagely lived king Otho’s son; Till other error (as he says) again Deprived the gentle baron of his brain.

LXXXVII.

The fullest vessel and of amplest round Which held the wit Orlando erst possessed, Astolpho took; nor this so light he found, As it appeared, when piled among the rest. Before, from those bright spheres, now earthward bound, His course is to our lower orb addressed, Him to a spacious palace, by whose side A river ran, conducts his holy guide.

LXXXVIII.

Filled full of fleeces all its chambers were, Of wool, silk, linen, cotton, in their hue, Of diverse dyes and colours, foul and fair. Yarns to her reel from all those fleeces drew, In the outer porch, a dame of hoary hair. On summer-day thus village wife we view, When the new silk is reeled, its filmy twine Wind from the worm, and soak the slender line.

LXXXIX.

A second dame replaced the work when done With other; and one bore it off elsewhere; A third selected from the fleeces spun, And mingled by that second, foul from fair. “What is this labour?” said the peer to John; And the disciple answered Otho’s heir, “Know that the Parcse are those ancient wives, “That in this fashion spin your feeble lives.

XC.

“As long as one fleece lasts, life in such wise “Endureth, nor outlasts it by a thought. “For Death and Nature have their watchful eyes “On the hour when each should to his end be brought. “The choicest threads are culled for Paradise, “And, after, for its ornament are wrought; “And fashioned from the strands of foulest show “Are galling fetters for the damned below.”

XCI.

On all the fleeces that erewhile were laid Upon the reel, and culled for other care, The names were graved on little plates, which made Of silver, or of gold, or iron, were, These piled in many heaps he next surveyed; Whence an old man some skins was seen to bear, Who, seemingly unwearied, hurried sore, His restless way retracing evermore.

XCII.

That elder is so nimble and so prest, That he seems born to run; he bears away Out of those heaps by lapfulls in his vest The tickets that the different names display, Wherefore and whither he his steps addrest, To you I shall in other canto say, If you, in sign of pleasure, will attend, With that kind audience ye are wont to lend.

NOTES TO CANTO XXXIV.

O fierce and hungry harpies, that on blind And erring Italy so full have fed!

Stanza i. lines 1 and 2.

It is strange that this prophecy (as yet, alas! in operation) should have been interpreted in any other way than as referring to the war and waste wrought by the transalpine nations in Italy; yet (as Mr. Hoole observes) another explanation of the poet’s meaning has been given by the majority of Italian commentators.

Zethes and Calais .

Stanza iii. line 4.

Who drove the harpies from the table of Phineus, a blind king of Thrace; the story in Ovid which suggested that in the text.

Lydia, the child of Lydia’s king, am I .

Stanza xi. line 1.

It was natural enough for Ariosto to take his idea of hell rather from Boccaccio than from Dante; but Lydia’s story is certainly but a bad imitation of that of Theodore and Honoria.

Yet lower down, harsh Anaxareté .

Stanza xii. line 1.

“Anaxarete was a girl of Salamis, who so arrogantly despised the addresses of Iphis, a youth of ignoble birth, that the lover hung himself at her door. She saw this sad spectacle without emotion, and was changed into a stone.”— Classical Dixtionary .— Ovid’s Met.

And him that vexed of old the Latian reign .

Stanza xiv. line 4.

Æneas.

As the lute’s music on the lumpish ass .

Stanza xix. line 8.

Asinus ad lyram.

And, in despite of all, their sovereign slew, &c .

Stanza xxxv. line 5.

Nothing is more striking in the story of the middle ages than the domineering insolence frequently displaid by the captains of hired adventurers in the courts of the princes who entertained them. This incident is not therefore so extravagant as it at first sight appears.

Nor Juno, nor Eurystheus, in such chase .

Stanza xxxix. line 1.

Nec vero Alcides tantum telluris obivit, Fixerit æripidem cervam licet, aut Erymanthi Pacârit nemora. Virgil .

For pain which fits my sin, dark fumes now stain .

Stanza xliii. line 5.

Harrington observes, that Lydia’s punishment was an imitation of that to which one of the later Roman emperors condemned a courtier who had taken bribes, and deceived the giver by empty promises: “Fumo pereat qui fumum vendidit.”

Believe, you not without high mystery steer, &c .

Stanza lv. line 7.

It is impossible for the reader who is most incredulous as to allegory not to suspect a mystic meaning in many parts of this canto, in the lines, where we are told that the smoke had not alone outwardly stained Astolpho, but had searched even beneath his clothes in his long search for a fountain in order to cleanse himself preparatory to his journey to Paradise—in his desire to reach heaven—his contempt of earth—and finally his accomplishment of his object through intensity of aspiration. But something more on this head will be found in the following note.

He of our Lord so loved, the blessed John, &c .

Stanza lviii. line 1.

This introduction of St. John, which to us must appear so indecent and extravagant, will probably be attributed by many to the character of the nation, or to that of the religion, to which Ariosto belonged. For myself, I ascribe it simply to the character of his age, and my reason for so doing is, that Harrington, an Englishman and a protestant, in commenting upon this passage, expresses neither scandal nor surprise; and indeed would seem to have considered it as an edifying allegory. I extract his observations, not only in confirmation of what I have stated, but because his interpretation of the significance of colours is probably in accordance with the doctrines of his age (however strange some of his conjectures are, or may appear to be, to the modern reader), as well as that his sentiments and opinions as a courtier (if a courtier can be said to have opinions) may be supposed to savour of those of his royal mistress and godmother; and must in this point be deemed interesting as well as curious.

“Concerning the historie of this booke, I have quoted some briefly by the side, and some is so plaine it expounds it selfe; onely I mean to ad a word or two what I have read, concerning that which is here delivered by mine author, about the assumption of St. John. First, how far the scripture toucheth the same in the gospell, everie one knoweth, and how upon the speech of our Saviour (if I will he tary till I come, what is that to thee) it was noised among the Disciples, that that Disciple should never see death. After this, as others of good credit have delivered, St. John lived till he was an hundred yeare old, and then made himselfe a tombe, and entered thereinto alive, in presence of many, and on the sodaine, a light shone all about the place, and tooke the tombe for the time quite from their sights; but the light being gone, the coffin was found empty, and the body of that saint was no more seene upon the earth; whereupon it was certainly thought that he was taken up into heaven or Paradise, as Enoch and Elias were. Though this of St. John be not recorded in the Scripture (nor no more is the assumption of the blessed Virgin), and consequently, no man is bound to believe it as an article of our creed: yet for mine owne opinion, I thinke it may be verie true; and I would in such cases beleeve a great deale more then I need, rather then any thing lesse then I ought; for the one (if it be a sinne) is surely pardonable, but the other doubtless is very damnable. But I will briefly note the allegoric that is meant hereby.

“First, whereas Astolfo washeth himself in a christall well of clear water before he can fly up to Paradise, it signifieth, that after a man shall, by remorse and devout consideration, weigh and behold the filthinesse of his sinne, he must then wash himselfe with the cleare spring water of prayer and repentance; and then, and not before, he may mount to Paradise; which may here be understood the comfortable peace of conscience, the only true Paradise of this world. And whereas Astolfo commeth to St. John (whose name signifieth grace) to receive, by his helpe, Orlando’s lost witts, for so it is set downe that that was the secret cause why he was guided thither, though unawares to himself: thereby it is to be understood, that no hope nor means is left for any man that hath lost his wit with following the vanities and pleasures of this world (as diverse carelesse Christians do, in forgetting and omitting their duties to God, which is the verie highest point of follie); I say, there is no meane for them to recover their wit againe, but onely by the help of this St. John, that is this, grace of God, which can miraculously restore it againe.

“In the description o St. John’s apparell,

‘His gowne was white, but yet his jacket red, The tone was snow, the tother looked as bloode,’ &c.

By the red is signified charitie, which burneth with zeale and ferventnesse of love; by the white is meant virginitie and pureness of life.”

As for the rest of this canto; I shall make no observations on beauties and extravagancies which stand in too high relief to require attention to be directed to them; but I will remark upon the whole of it, that none exhibits more wonderful proofs of Ariosto’s powers. He had previously, as it appeared, sounded every chord of satire, and his command of his instrument may be well illustrated by the invective against women, which he has put into the mouth of Rodomont in canto xxvii, and the mode in which he has softened it into a sort of minor key, on taking up the song himself. Here, however, we have a new and more exquisite specimen of his powers. Is he not the only writer, with the exception of Aristophanes (whom I might almost say he could not have read), who has carried poetry into satire? for I cannot characterise the marvellous eloquence of Juvenal by that denomination, considering poetry according to its strict and more metaphysical definition.

The fleeces, “the sisters three, and such branches of learning,” (to speak in Launcelot Gobbo’s vein), which succeed the satire, may clearly be traced to Pythagorean or Platonic doctrines, very fashionable in Italy in Ariosto’s sera. But more of this hereafter.

And in cicalas, which their lungs had burst, Saw fulsome lays by venal poets versed .

Stanza lxxvii. lines 7 and 8.

The common symbol in Italian poetry. As an example, the author of the Malmantile racquistato opens his poem with this invocation:

O Musa che ti metti al sol di state Sopra un palo, a cantar con si gran lena, Che d’ogni intorno assordi le brigate, E finalmente scoppi per la schiena, &c.

O pole-perched Muse that art of wind sound, With whose loud song the sunny fields are ringing, So that thou deafenest all the country round, Till finally thou burst thyself with singing, &c.

The gift ( if it may lawfully be said ), Which Constantine to good Sylvester made .

Stanza lxxx. lines 7 and 8.

I have before observed that Ariosto, like Dante, was DO papist, though a Roman catholic.

Layout 2

THE ORLANDO FURIOSO.

CANTO XXXV.

ARGUMENT.

The apostle praises authors to the peer.

Duke Aymon’s martial daughter in affray,

Conquers the giant monarch of Argièr,

And of the good Frontino makes a prey.

She next from Arles defies her cavalier,

And, while he marvels who would him assay,

Grandonio and Ferrau she with her hand

And Serpentine unhorses on the strand.

THE ORLANDO FURIOSO.

CANTO XXXV.

I.

Madonna, who will scale the high ascent Of heaven, to me my judgment to restore, Which, since from your bright eyes the weapon went, That pierced my heart, is wasting evermore? Yet will not I such mighty loss lament, So that it drain no faster than before; But—ebbing further—I should fear to be Such as Orlando is described by me.

II.

To have anew that judgment, through the skies, I deem there is no need for me to fly To the moon’s circle, or to Paradise; For, I believe, mine is not lodged so high. On your bright visage, on your beauteous eyes, Alabastrine neck, and paps of ivory, Wander my wits, and I with busy lip, If I may have them back, these fain would sip.

III.

Astolpho wandered through that palace wide, Observing all the future lives around: When those already woven he had spied Upon the fatal wheel for finish wound, He a fair fleece discerned that far outvied Fine gold, whose wondrous lustre jewels ground, Could these into a thread be drawn by art, Would never equal by the thousandth part.

IV.

The beauteous fleece he saw with wondrous glee Equalled by none amid that countless store; And when and whose such glorious life should be, Longed sore to know. “This,” (said the apostle hoar, Concealing nothing of its history,) “Shall have existence twenty years before, “Dating from the incarnate word , the year “Shall marked by men with M and D appear ;

V.

“And, as for splendor and for substance fair, “This fleece shall have no like or equal, so “Shall the blest age wherein it shall appear “Be singular in this our world below; “Because all graces, excellent and rare, “Which Nature or which Study can bestow, “Or bounteous Fortune upon men can shower, “Shall be its certain and eternal dower.

VI.

“Between the king of rivers’ horns ,” (he cries,) “Stands what is now a small and humble town. “Before it runs the Po, behind it lies “A misty pool of marsh; this—looking down “The stream of future years—I recognize “First of Italian cities of renown; “Not only famed for wall and palace rare, “But noble ways of life and studies fair.

VII.

“Such exaltation, reached so suddenly, “Is not fortuitous nor wrought in vain; “But that it may his worthy cradle be, “Whereof I speak, shall so the heavens ordain. “For where men look for fruit they graff the tree, “And study still the rising plant to train; “And artist uses to refine the gold “Designed by him the precious gem to hold.

VIII.

“Nor ever, in terrestrial realm, so fine “And fair a raiment spirit did invest, “And rarely soul so great from realms divine “Has been, or will be, thitherward addrest, “As that whereof the eternal has design “To fashion good Hippolytus of Este: “Hippolytus of Este shall he be hight, “On whom so rich a gift of God shall light.

IX.

“All those fair graces, that, on many spent, “Would have served many wholly to array, “Are all united for his ornament, “Of whom thou hast entreated me to say. “To prop the arts, the virtues is he sent; “And should I seek his merits to display, “So long a time would last my tedious strain, “Orlando might expect his wits in vain.”

X.

’Twas so Christ’s servant with the cavalier Discoursed; they having satisfied their view With sight of that fair mansion, far and near, That whence conveyed were human lives, the two Issued upon the stream, whose waves appear Turbid with sand and of discoloured hue; And found that ancient man upon the shore, Who names, engraved on metal, thither bore.

XI.

I know not if you recollect; of him I speak, whose story I erewhile suspended, Ancient of visage, and so swift of limb, That faster far than forest stag he wended. With names he filled his mantle to the brim, Aye thinned the pile, but ne’er his labour ended; And in that stream, hight Lethe, next bestowed, Yea, rather cast away, his costly load.

XII.

I say, that when upon the river side Arrives that ancient, of his store profuse, He all those names into the turbid tide Discharges, as he shakes his mantle loose. A countless shoal, they in the stream subside; Nor henceforth are they fit for any use; And, out of mighty myriads, hardly one Is saved of those which waves and sand o’errun.

XIII.

Along that river and around it fly Vile crows and ravening vultures, and a crew Of choughs, and more, that with discordant cry And deafening din their airy flight pursue; And to the prey all hurry, when from high Those ample riches they so scattered view; And with their beak or talon seize the prey: Yet little distance they their prize convey.

XIV.

When they would raise themselves in upward flight, They have not strength the burden to sustain; So that parforce in Lethe’s water light The worthy names, which lasting praise should gain. Two swans there are amid those birds, as white, My lord, as is your banner’s snowy grain ; Who catch what names they can, and evermore With these return securely to the shore.

XV.

Thus, counter to that ancient’s will malign, Who them to the devouring river dooms, Some names are rescued by the birds benign; Wasteful Oblivion all the rest consumes. Now swim about the stream those swans divine, Now beat the buxom air with nimble plumes, Till, near that impious river’s bank, they gain A hill, and on that hill a hallowed fane.

XVI.

To Immortality ’tis sacred; there A lovely nymph, that from the hill descends, To the Lethean river makes repair; Takes from those swans their burden, and suspends The names about an image, raised in air Upon a shaft, which in mid fane ascends; There consecrates and fixes them so fast, That all throughout eternity shall last.

XVII.

Of that old sire, and why he would dispense Idly, all those fair names, as ’twould appear, And of the birds and holy place, from whence The nymph was to the river seen to steer, The solemn mystery, and the secret sense, Astolpho, marvelling, desired to hear; And prayed the man of God would these unfold, Who to the warrior thus their meaning told.

XVIII.

“There moves no leaf beneath, thou hast to know, “But here above some sign thereof we trace ; “Since all, in Heaven above or Earth below, “Must correspond, though with a different face. “That ancient, with his sweeping beard of snow, “By nought impeded and so swift of pace, “Works the same end and purpose in our clime, “As are on earth below performed by Time.

XIX.

“The life of man its final close attains, “When on the wheel is wound the fatal twine; “There fame, and here above the murk remains; “For both would be immortal and divine, “But for that bearded sire’s unwearied pains, “And his below, that for their wreck combine. “One drowns them, as thou seest, mid sand and surges, “And one in long forgetfulness immerges.

XX.

“And even, as here above, the raven, daw, “Vulture, and divers other birds of air, “All from the turbid water seek to draw “The names, which in their sight appear most fair; “Even thus below, pimps, flatterers, men of straw, “Buffoons, informers, minions, all who there “Flourish in courts, and in far better guise “And better odour, than the good and wise;

XXI.

“And by the crowd are gentle courtiers hight, “Because they imitate the ass and swine: “When the just Parcæ or (to speak aright) “Venus and Bacchus cut their master’s twine, “—These base and sluggish dullards, whom I cite— “Born but to blow themselves with bread and wine, “In their vile mouths awhile such names convey, “Then drop the load, which is Oblivion’s prey.

XXII.

“But as the joyful swans, that, singing sweet, “Convey the medals safely to the fane, “So they whose praises poets well repeat, “Are rescued from oblivion, direr pain “Than death. O Princes, wary and discreet, “That wisely tread in Cæsar’s steps, and gain “Authors for friends! They, doubt it not, shall save “Your noble names from Lethe’s lazy wave.

XXIII.

“Rare as those gentle swans are poets too, “That well the poet’s name have merited, “As well because it is Heaven’s will, that few “Great rulers should the paths of glory tread, “As through foul fault of sordid lordlings, who “Let sacred Genius beg his daily bread; “Who putting down the Virtues, raise the tribe “Of Vices, and the liberal arts proscribe.

XXIV.

“Believe it, that these ignorant men should be “Blind and deprived of judgment, is God’s doom; “Who makes them loathe the light of poetry, “That envious Death may wholly them consume. “Besides that Song can quicken and set free “Him that is prisoned in the darksome tomb, “Though foul his name, if Cirrha him befriend . “Its savour myrrh and spikenard shall transcend.

XXV.

“Æneas not so pious, nor of arm “So strong Achilles, Hector not so bold, “Was, as ’tis famed; and mid the nameless swarm, “Thousands and thousands higher rank might hold: “But gift of palace and of plenteous farm, “Bestowed by heirs of them, whose deeds they told, “Have moved the poet with his honoured hand, “To place them upon Glory’s highest stand.

XXVI.

“Augustus not so holy and benign “Was as great Virgil’s trumpet sounds his name. “Because he savoured the harmonious line, “His foul proscription passes without blame. “That Nero was unjust would none divine, “Nor haply would he suffer in his fame, “Though Heaven and Earth were hostile, had he known “The means to make the tuneful tribe his own.

XXVII.

“Homer a conqueror Agamemnon shows , “And makes the Trojans seem of coward vein, “And from the suitors, faithful to her vows, “Penelope a thousand wrongs sustain: “Yet—would’st thou I the secret should expose?— “By contraries throughout the tale explain: “That from the Trojan bands the Grecian ran; “And deem Penelope a courtezan.

XXVIII.

“What fame Eliza, she so chaste of sprite, “On the other hand, has left behind her, hear! “Who widely is a wanton baggage hight, “Solely that she to Maro was not dear, “Marvel not this should cause me sore despite, “And if my speech diffusive should appear. “Authors I love, and pay the debt I owe, “Speaking their praise; an author I below !

XXIX.

“There earned I, above all men, what no more “Time nor yet Death from me shall take away; “And it behoved our Lord, of whom I bore “Such testimony, so my pains to pay. “It grieves me much for them, on whom her door “Courtesy closes on a stormy day; “Who meagre, pale, and worn with hopeless suit, “Knock night and day, and ever without fruit.