Orlando Furioso

第20章

CI

TootherTremizenheposts,wherebredAswellthepeopleareinMahound\'sstyle;

ForotherAethiopsthenhispinionsspread,Whichfacethefirst,andliebeyondtheNile。

BetweenCoalleeandDobadasped,BoundfortheNubiancity\'sroyalpile;

Threadingthetwo,where,rangedoneitherland,MoslemsandChristianswatch,witharmsinhand。

CII

InAethiopia\'srealmSenapusreigns,Whosesceptreisthecross;ofcitiesbrave,Ofmen,ofgoldpossest,andbroaddomains,WhichtheRedSea\'sextremestwaterslave。

Afaithwellnighlikeoursthatkingmaintains,Whichmanfromhisprimaevaldoommaysave。

Here,saveIerrinwhattheirritesrequire,Theswarthypeoplearebaptizedwithfire。

CIII

Astolpholightedinthespaciouscourt,IntendingontheNubiankingtowait。

Lessstrongthansumptuousisthewealthyfort,WhereintheroyalAethiopkeepshisstate,Thechainsthatservethedrawbridgetosupport,Thebolts,thebars,thehingesofthegate,AndfinallywhateverwebeholdHerewroughtiniron,thereiswroughtingold。

CIV

Highprizedwithal,albeititsoabound,Isthatbestmetal;lodgesbuiltinairWhichonallsidesthewealthypilesurround,Clearcolonnadeswithcrystalshaftsupbear。

Ofgreen,white,crimson,blueandyellowground,Afriezeextendsbelowthosegalleriesfair。

Hereatdueintervalsrichgemscombine,Andtopaz,sapphire,emerald,rubyshine。

CV

InwallandroofandpavementscatteredareFullmanyapearl,fullmanyacostlystone。

Herethrivesthebalm;theplantswereeverrare,Comparedwiththese,whichwereinJewrygrown,Themuskwhichwepossessfromthencewebear,Infinethoseproductsfromthisclimearebrought,Whichinourregionsaresoprizedandsought。

CVI

Thesoldan,kingoftheEgyptianland,Paystributetothissovereign,ashishead,Theysay,sincehavingNileathiscommandHemaydivertthestreamtootherbed。

Hence,withitsdistrictuponeitherhand,ForthwithmightCairolackitsdailybread。

SenapushimhisNubiantribesproclaim;

WePriestandPresterJohnthesovereignname。

CVII

OfallthoseAethiopmonarchs,beyondmeasure,Thefirstwasthis,forrichesandformight;

Buthewithallhispuissance,allhistreasure,Alas!hadmiserablylosthissight。

Andyetwasthisthemonarch\'sleastdispleasure;

Vexedbyadirerandaworsedespite;

Harassed,thoughrichestofthoseNubiankings,Byaperpetualhunger\'scruelstings。

CVIII

Whene\'ertoeatordrinkthewretchedmanPrepared,bythatresistlessneedpursued,Forthwith——infernalandavengingclan——

AppearedthemonstrousHarpies\'cravingbrood;

Which,armedwithbeakandtalons,overranVesselandboard,andpreyeduponthefood;

AndwhattheirwombssufficenottoreceiveFoulanddefiledtheloathsomemonstersleave。

CIX

Andthis,becauseupbornbysuchatideOffullblownhonours,inhisunripeage,Forheexcelledinheartandnerve,besideTherichesofhisroyalheritage,LikeLucifer,themonarchwaxedinpride,Andwaruponhismakerthoughttowage。

Hewithhishostagainstthemountainwent,WhereEgypt\'smightyriverfindsavent。

CX

Uponthishillwhichwell-nighkissedtheskies,Piercingtheclouds,thekinghadheardrecite,Wasseatedtheterrestrialparadise,Whereourfirstparentsflourishedindelight。

Withcamels,elephants,andfootmenhiesThitherthatking,confidinginhismight;

WithhugedesireifpeopledbethelandTobringitsnationsunderhiscommand。

CXI

Godmarredtherashemprise,andfromonhighSentdownanangel,whosedestroyingswordAhundredthousandofthatchivalrySlew,andtoendlessnightcondemnedtheirlord。

Emerging,next,fromhellishcaverns,flyThesehorridharpiesandassaulthisboard;

Whichstillpolluteorwastetheroyalmeat,Norleavethemonarchaughttodrinkoreat。

CXII

AndhimhadplungedinuttermostdespairOnethattohimerewhilehadprophesiedTheloathsomeHarpiesshouldhisdailyfareLeaveunpollutedonly,whenastrideOfwingedhorse,arrivingthroughtheair,Anarmedcavaliershouldbedescried。

And,forimpossibleappearsthething,Devoidofhoperemainsthemournfulking。

CXIII

NowthatwithwondermenthisfollowersspyTheEnglishcavaliersomakehisway,O\'ereverywall,o\'ereveryturrethigh,Someswiftlytothekingthenewsconvey。

Whocallstomindthatancientprophecy,Andheedlessofthestaff,hiswontedstay,Throughjoy,withoutstretchedarmsandtotteringfeet,Comesforth,theflyingcavaliertomeet。

CXIV

WithinthecastlecourtAstolphoflew,Andthere,withspaciouswheels,onearthdescended;

Theking,conductedbyhiscourtlycrew,Beforethewarriorknelt,witharmsextended,Andcried:“ThouangelsendofGod,thounewMessiah,iftoosoreIhaveoffended,Formercy,yet,bethinkthee,\'tisourbentTosin,andthinetopardonwhorepent。

CXV

“Knowingmysin,Iasknot,I,tobe——SuchgraceIdarenotask——restoredtolight;

ForwellIweensuchpowerresidesinthee,AsBeingacceptedinthyMaker\'ssight。

Letitsuffice,thatInolongersee,Norletmewithperpetualhungerfight。

Atleast,expeltheharpies\'loathsomehorde,Norletthemmorepollutemyravagedboard;

CXVI

“AndItobuildthee,inmyroyalhold,Aholytemple,madeofmarble,swear,Withallitsportalsanditsroofofgold,Anddecked,withinandout,withjewelsrare。

HereshallthymightymiraclebetoldInsculpture,andthynamethedomeshallbear。”

SospakethesightlesskingofNubia\'sreign,Andsoughttokissthestranger\'sfeetinvain。

CXVII

“Norangel“——goodAstolphomadereply——

“NornewMessiah,Ifromheavendescend;

NolessamortalandasinnerI,Tosuchhighgraceunworthytopretend。

ToslaythemonstersIallmeanswilltry,Ordrivethemfromtherealmwhichtheyoffend。

IfIshallprosper,bethypraisespaidToGodalone,whosentmetothineaid。

CXVIII

“OfferthesevowstoGod,tohimwelldue;

Tohimthychurchesbuild,thinealtarsrear。”

Discoursingso,togetherwendthetwo,\'Midbaronsbold,thatkingandcavalier。

TheNubianprincecommandsthemenialcrewForthwithtobringthehospitablecheer;

Andhopesthatnowthefoul,rapaciousband,Willnotdaresnatchthevictualfromhishand。

CXIX

ForthwithasolemnbanquettheyprepareWithinthegorgeouspalaceoftheking。

Seatedalonehereguestandsovereignare,Andtheattendanttrooptheviandsbring。

Behold!awhizzingsoundisheardinair,Whichechoeswiththebeatofsavagewing。

Behold!thebandofharpiesthitherflies,Luredbythescentofvictualfromtheskies。

CXX

Allbearafemalefaceofpalliddye,Andseveninnumberarethehorridband;

Emaciatedwithhunger,lean,anddry;

Foulerthandeath;thepinionstheyexpandRagged,andhuge,andshapelesstotheeye;

Thetaloncrook\'d;rapaciousisthehand;

Fetidandlargethepaunch;inmanyafold,Likesnake\'s,theirlongandknottedtailsarerolled。

CXXI

Thefowlsareheardinair;thenswoopsamainThecoveywellnighinthatinstant,rendsThefood,o\'erturnsthevessels,andarainOfnoisomeordureontheboarddescends。

Tostoptheirnostrilskinganddukearefain;

Suchaninsufferablestenchoffends。

Againstthegreedybirds,aswrathexcites,Astolphowithhisbrandishedfaulchionsmites。

CXXII

Atcrouporcollarnowheaimshisblow,Nowstrikesatneckorpinion;butonall,Asifhesmoteuponabagoftow,Thestrokeswithouteffectandlanguidfall。

Thiswhilenordishnorgoblettheyforego;

Norvoidthoseraveningfowlstheregalhall,Tilltheyhavefeastedfull,andleftthefoodWasteorpollutedbytheirrapinerude。

CXXIII

ThatkinghadfirmlyhopedthecavalierWouldfromhisroyalseattheharpiesscare。

Henow,thathopeforegone,withnoughttocheer,Laments,andsighs,andgroansinhisdespair。

Ofhisgoodhornremembershimthepeer,Whoseclangourshelpfulayeinperilare,AnddeemshisbuglewerethefittestmeanTofreethemonarchfromthosebirdsunclean;

CXXIV

Andfirsttofilltheirears,tokingandtrain,Withmeltedwax,Astolphogivescommand;

ThateveryonewhohearsthedeafeningstrainMaynotinpanicterrorflytheland。

Hetakesthereins,hiscourserbacksagain,Graspstheenchantedbugleinhishand;

AndtothesewernextsignstohavetheboardAnewwithhospitablevictualstored。

CXXV

Themeatshetoanopengalleybears,Andotherbanquetspreadsonotherground。

Behold,aswont,theharpy-squadappears;

Astolphoquicklyliftsthebugle\'sround;

And(forunguardedaretheirharassedears)

Theharpiesarenotproofagainstthesound;

Interrorformtheroyaldometheyspeed,Normeatnoraughtbesidethemonstersheed。

CXXVI

Afterthemspursinhastethevaliantpeer:

Andonthewingedcourserforthisflown,Leavingbeneathhim,inhisswiftcareer,Theroyalcastleandthecrowdedtown;

Thebugleeverpealing,farandnear。

Theharpiesflytowardthetorridzone;

NorlightuntiltheyreachthatloftiestmountainWheresprings,ifanywhere,Nile\'ssecretfountain。

CXXVII

Almostatthataerialmountain\'sfeet,Deepunderearth,extendsagloomycell。

Thesurestpassforhim,astheyrepeat,Thatwouldatanytimedescendtohell。

Hitherthepredatorytroopretreat,Asasaferefugefromthedeafeningyell。

Asfar,andfartherthanCocytus\'shoreDescending,tillthathornisheardnomore。

CXXVIII

Atthatdarkhellishinlet,whichawayOpenstohimwhowouldabandonlight,Theterrifyingbugleceasedtobray;——

Thecourserfurledhiswingsandstopthisflight。

But,ereAstolphofurtherIconvey,——Nottodepartfrommyaccustomedrite——

Sinceonallsidesthepaperoverflows,Ishallconcludemycantoandrepose。

CANTO34

ARGUMENT

IntheinfernalpitAstolphohearsOfLydia\'swoe,bysmokewell-nighopprest。

Hemountsanew,andhimhiscourserbearsTotheterrestrialparadiseaddrest。

ByJohnadvisedinall,toheavenhesteers;

Ofsomeofhislostsensehererepossest,Orlando\'swastedwitaswellhetakes,SeestheFatesspintheirthreads,andearthwardmakes。

I

Ofierceandhungryharpies,thatonblindAnderringItalysofullhavefed!

Whom,forthescourgeofancientsinsdesigned,HaplyjustHeaventoeveryboardhassped。

Innocentchildren,piousmothers,pinedWithhunger,die,andseetheirdailybread,——Theorphan\'sandthewidow\'sscantyfood——

Feedforasinglefeastthatfilthybrood。

II

Toofoulafaultwashis,whodiduncloseThatcavelongshut,andmadethepassagefree,Fromwhencethatgreediness,thatfiltharose,OurItaly\'sinfectiondoomedtobe。

Thenwasgoodlifeextinguished,andreposeSobanished,thatwithstrifeandpoverty,Withfearandtrouble,isshestillperplext,Andshallformanyafutureyearbevext:

III

Tillshehersonshasshakenbythehair,AndfromLethaeanslothtoliferestored;

Exclaiming,“Willnoneimitatethatpair,ZethesandCalais,withavengingswordRescuefromclawsandstenchourgoodlyfare,Andcleanseandgladanewthegenialboard。

AstheykingPhineusfromthosefowlsreleased,AndEngland\'speerrestoredtheNubian\'sfeast?“

IV

Huntingthosehideousbirds,thatcavalierAyescaredthemwiththebugle\'shorridsound;

Tillatthemountain-cavehislongcareerHeclosed,andranthemonstroustrooptoground:

Attentivetotheventheheldhisear,Andinthattroubledcavernheardrebound,Weepingandwailing,andeternalyell;

Proofcertainthatitsentranceledtohell。

V

Astolphodoubtsifhewithinshallwend,Andseethosewretchedonesexpelledfromday;

Intothecentralpitofearthdescend,Andtheinfernalgulfsaroundsurvey。

“WhyshouldIfear,thatonmyhorndependForcertainsuccour?“(didthewarriorsay)

“SatanandPlutosowillIconfound,Anddrivebeforemetheirthree-headedhound。”

VI

Hespeedilyhiswingedhorseforsook;

(Himtoasaplingnearathandheties)

Thecavernenterednext;butfirsthetookHishorn,whereontheknightinallrelies。

Notfarhasheadvancedbeforeasmoke,Obscureandfoul,offendshisnoseandeyes。

Rankerthanpitchandsulphuristhestench,YetnotthereatdoesgoodAstolphoblench。

VII

Butashemoredescendsintothatlair,Somuchhefindsthesmokeandvapourworse;

Anditappearshecannofurtherfare;

Nay,backwardmustretracehiswayparforce。

Lo!something(whatheknowsnot)heinairEspies,thatseemsinmotion,likeacorse,UponwhosewastedformlongtimehadbeatThewinter\'srainandsummersscorchingheat。

VIII

Inthatdimcavernwassolittlelight,——Yea,well-nighmightbesaidthatlightwasnone——

NoughtseesorcomprehendstheEnglishknightWhatwaversso,abovethatvapourdun:

Forsurerproof,astrokeortwowouldsmiteWithhisgoodfaulchionOtho\'svaliantson:

Thendeemedthatdukeitwasaspirit,whomHeseemedtostrikeamidthemistygloom。

IX

Whenhimamelancholyvoiceaddressed;

“Ah!withoutharmingother,downwardwend。

Mebuttoosorethesablefumesmolest,Whichhitherformthehellishfiresascend。”

Thereattheduke,amazed,hisstepsreprest,Andtothespiritcried:“SomayHeavensendArespitefromthevapoursthatexhale,Asthoushaltdeigntotellthymournfultale!

X

“Andtobeknownonearthshouldstthoubefain,TheewillIsatisfy。”Tohimthesprite:

Sosweetitseemstome,infameagainThustoreturnintothegloriouslight,Myhugedesiresuchfavourtoobtain,Forcesmywordsfrommeinmydespite,Constrainingmetotellthethingsyeseek;

Though\'tisannoyanceandfatiguetospeak。

XI

“Lydia,thechildofLydia\'sking,amI,Toproudestateandprincelyhonoursborn,CondemnedbyrighteousdoomofGodonhighInmurkysmokeeternallytomourn:

Becauseakindlylover\'sconstancyI,whileIlived,repaidwithspiteandscorn。

Withcountlessothersswarmthesegrotsbelow,Forthesamesin,condemnedtothesamewoe。

XII

“Yetlowerdown,harshAnaxareteSuffersworsepainwherethickerfumesarise;

Heavenchangedherfleshtostone,andheretobeTormented,herafflictedspiritsties:

Inthatunmovedshe,hunginair,couldseeAlovervestbyherbarbarities。

HereDaphnelearnshowrashlyshehaddoneInhavinggivenApollosucharun。”

XIII

“OfhostsofingratewomeninthiscellConfined,itwouldbetedioustorecite,If,onebyone,Iupontheseshoulddwell;

Somany,theiramountisinfinite。

\'Twouldbemoretediousofthementotell,Whosebaseingratitudeduepainsrequite;

Andwhom,inamoredismalprisonpent,Smokeblinds,andeverlastingfirestorment。

XIV

“Sincetobeliefsoftwomanismoreprone,Hethatdeceivesher,meritsheavierpain;

ToTheseusandtoJasonthisisknown,AndhimthatvexedofoldtheLatianreign,AndhimthatofhisbrotherAbsalonErewhileprovokedthepestilentdisdain,BecauseofThamar;countlessisthehordeOfthosewholeftawifeorweddedlord。

XV

“But,ratherofmystatethantheirstoshew,Andsinwhichbroughtmehither:——Iwasfair,Butsomuchhaughtierwasthanfairofhue,IknownotifIeverequalledwere:

Norwhichwasmostexcessiveofthetwo,Myprideofbeauty,couldtotheedeclare。

Thoughitiscertain,PridebuttookitsriseInthatrarelovelinesswhichpleasedalleyes。

XVI

“TherelivedaThracianknight,forwarlikeskillAndprowess,uponearthwithoutapeer;

Who,voicedbymanyaworthywitnessstill,Thepraisesofmymatchlesscharmsdidhear。

Sothat,offorethoughtandhisownfreewill,Fixedallhisloveonmethatcavalier;

WeeningthiswifethatI,uponmypart,Shouldforhisvalourdulyprizehisheart。

XVII

“HecametoLydia,andbyfastertieWasfetteredatmysight;andthereenrolledAmidmyroyalfather\'schivalry,Inmicklefameincreasedthatbaronbold。

Hisfeatsofmanyasort,andvalourhighWouldmakeataletootedioustobetold;

Withwhathisboundlessmerithaddeserved,Ifamoregratefulmasterhehadserved。

XVIII

“Pamphylia,Caria,andCilicia\'sreign,Throughhim,myfatherbroughtbeneathhissway,Whonevermoveda-fieldhismartialtrain,Butwhenthatwarriorpointedouttheway:

He,whenhedeemedhehaddeservedsuchgain,PressedclosetheLydianking,uponaday,Andcravedmefromthemonarchashiswife,Asmeedofallthatbootymadeinstrife。

XIX

“Rejectedofthemonarchwasthepeer,Whowasresolvedhischildshouldhighlywed;

Nothimwhowasasimplecavalier;

Who,savingvalour,waswithnoughtbested。

Foronmyfather,bentongainandgearAndavarice,ofallvicethefountain-head,Mannersandmeritforaslittlepass,Asthelute\'smusiconthelumpishass。

XX

“Alcestes,heofwhomIspeak(sohightThatwarrior),whenheseeshissuitdenied,Repulsedbyone,bywhomhehadmostrightTothinkthatheshouldmostbegratified,Craveshisdischarge,andthreatenshethisslightWillmaketheLydianmonarchdearabide。

TheArmenian,anoldrivalofmysire,Andmortalfor,hesoughtwiththisdesire;

XXI

“Andsothemonarchurged,hemadehimrearHisbanner,andattackmysire;and,throughHisfamousfeats,thatThraciancavalierWasnamedthecaptainoftheinvadingcrew。

FortheArmeniansovereign,farandnear,Allthings(sosaidtheknight)hewouldsubdue;

Butclaimingashisshare,whenallwaswon,Mysovereignbeautiesfortheservicedone。

XXII

“IilltoyouthemischiefcouldexpressAlcestesdidusinthatwar;o\'erthrownByhimfourarmieswere,andheinlessThanoneshorttwelvemonthleftusneithertown,Nottower,saveone,wherecliffsforbadeaccess:

\'Twasheremysire,amidthoseofhisownWhommostheloved,tookrefuge,inhisneed,Withallthewealthhecouldcollectwithspeed。

XXIII

“Usinthisfortilagetheknightattacked,Andshortlytosuchdesperationdrave,Thatgladlywouldthekinghavemadeapact,Toyieldmeforhisconsort,yeahisslave,Withhalfourrealm,ifcertainbythatactHimselffromeveryotherlosstosave;

Rightsureheotherwiseshouldforfeitall,And,after,dieinbonds,acaptivethrall。

XXIV

“Beforethishappened,totryeverywayOfremedytheLydiankingwasbent;

Andthither,whereAlcestes\'armylay,Me,thefirstcauseofallthemischief,sent。

ToyieldmypersontohimasapreyIwithintentiontoAlcesteswent;

TobidhimtakewhatportionofourreignHepleased,andpacifyhisfiercedisdain。

XXV

“Whenofmycomingthatgoodknightdoesknow,Meheencounterspaleandtremblingsore:

\'Twouldseemavanquishedman\'saprisoner\'sbrow,He,ratherthanavictor\'ssemblance,bore。

Iwhoperceiveheloves,addressnotnowThewarriorasIwasresolvedbefore。

MyvantageIdescry,andshiftmyground,Tofitthestatewhereinthatknightwasfound。

XXVI

“Tocursethewarrior\'spassionIbegun,Andofhiscryingcrueltycomplained,Sincefoullybymyfatherhadhedone,Andmewouldhavebyviolenceconstrained;

Whowithmoregracemypersonwouldhavewon,Norwaitedmanydays,hadhemaintainedHiscourseofcourtship,asbegunwhilere。

Tokingandallofussopassingdear;

XXVII

“AndifthehonestsuithehopedtogainHadbeenatfirstrejectedbymysire,\'Twas,hewassomedealofachurlishvein,Noreveryieldedtoafirstdesire;

Heshouldnottherefore,restivetotherein,Havelefthisgoodlytask,soprompttoire;

Sure,passingayefromgoodtobetterdeed,Inlittletimetowinthewished-formeed;

XXVIII

“Andifmyfatherwouldnothavebeenwon,TohimIwouldsoearnestlyhaveprayed,Thathemylovershouldhavemadehisson;

Nay,hadmyroyalsiremysuitgainsayed,ForhiminsecretthatIwouldhavedone,Wherewithheshouldhavedeemedhimselfappaid:

Butsince,itseemed,heothermeansdesigned,NevertolovehimhadIfixedmymind;

XXIX

“And,thoughIsoughthim,atmyfather\'shest,Andpiousloveforhimhadbeenmyguide,Hemightbesure,notlongshouldbepossestTheblissthatI,inmydespite,supplied;

FortheredbloodshouldissuefrommybreastAssoonashisillwillwassatisfiedOnthismywretchedperson,whichaloneHesobybrutalforceshouldmakehisown。

XXX

“Withthese,andwordslikethese,Imovedthepeer,WhenIsuchpuissanceinmyselfespied;

Andhimsocontritemade,indesertdrear,Wasneverseenasaintmoremortified。

BeforemyfeetthedolefulcavalierFelldown,andsnatchedaponiardfromhisside;

Which,heprotested,Iparforceshouldtake,Andforsofoulasinmyvengeanceslake。

XXXI

“TopushmymightyvictorytoanendIscheme,whenhimIseeinsuchdistress,AndgivehimhopeshemayevenyetpretendThatIdeservedlyhisloveshouldbless,Ifhehisancienterrorwillamend,Willofhisrealmmyfatherrepossess,AndwillinfuturetimedeservemycharmsByloveandservice,notbyforceofarms。

XXXII

“Sopromisedhetodo;andsetmefree,Andletme,asIcame,untouched,depart;

Noreventokissmylipsheventured;seeIfheisyokedsecurely,ifhisheartLovehaswelltouchedwiththedesireofme,Ifheforhimneedfeatherotherdart!

HeseekstheArmenian,whybypactshouldtakeWhateverspoiltheconqueringarmiesmake;

XXXIII

“Andhim,asbesthemight,wouldfainpersuadeToleavetoLydia\'smonarchhisdomain,Uponwhosewastedlandshishosthadpreyed,AndrestcontentwithhisArmenianreign——

Hewouldnothearofthis(themonarchsaid,Withcheerswithfuryswolen)norwouldrefrainFrompressingLydia\'skingwitharmedband,Solongashepossessedapalmofland;

XXXIV

“Andiftheknight,whenavilewomansues,Hispurposeshift,lethimtheevilbear:

Hewillnot,forthewarrior\'sasking,loseWhathehashardlyconqueredinayear。

Alcestestothekinghissuitrenews,Andnextcomplains,thatherejectshisprayer。

AtlengththeThracianfires,andthreatenshigh,Byloveorforcethemonarchshallcomply。

XXXV

“Sokindlingangerwaxedbetweenthetwo,Iturgedthemfromillwordstoworserdeed:

UponthekinghisswordAlcestesdrew;

Thoughthousandsaidthemonarchinhisneed,And,indespiteofall,theirsovereignslew;

AndmadethatdayaswelltheArmenianbleed,BackedbytheThracians\'andCilicians\'aidAndotherfollowers,bythewarriorpaid。

XXXVI

“Hisconquesthepursued,and,athiscost,Withoutexpensetous,inlessthanoneShortmonth,thekingdombymyfatherlostRestored;and,torepairthemischiefdone,(Besidespoilgiven)heconqueredwithhishost,——Taxingortakingwhathisarmshadwon——

ArmeniaandCappadociawhichconfine;

AndscoweredHyrcaniatothedistantbrine。

XXXVII

“Himnottogreetwithtriumphs,buttoslay,Returningfromthatwarfare,weintend;

But,fearingfailure,ourdesigndelayInthatwefindtoomanyhimbefriend。

Feedinghimayewithhopefromdaytoday,IfortheThracianwarriorlovepretend:

ButfirstdeclaremywillthatheopposeAndprovehisvalouronourotherfoes;

XXXVIII

“Andhim,nowsole,nowillaccompanied,OnstrangeandperilousemprizeIspeed;

Whereinathousandknightsmightwellhavedied;

Butallthingshappilywithhimsucceed:

ForVictorywaseveronhisside;

Andoftwithhorridfoesofmonstrousbreed,WithGiantsandwithLestrigons,whobroughtDamageinourdomains,thewarriorfought。

XXXIX

NorJuno,norEurystheus,insuchchaseEverrenownedAlcidesvextsosore,InErymanth,Nemaea,Lerna,Thrace,Aetolia,Africa,byTyber\'sshore,ByEbro\'ssunnybank,orotherplace,As(hidingmurderoushate,whileIimplore)

Iexercisemyloverstillinstrife,Withthesamefelldesignuponhislife。

XL

“Unabletoachievemyfirstintent,Ionaschemeofnolessmischieffall:

Throughme,alldeemedhisfriendsbyhimareshent,Whothusbringdownonhimthehateofall。

TheThracianleadernevermorecontentThantoobey,whateverbethecall,Isatmybiddingeverprompttosmite,Withoutregardingwhoorwhatthewight。

XLI

“WhenIperceivethat,throughthewarrior\'smean,Extinguishedismyfather\'severyfoe;

And,conqueredbyhimself,thatknightisseen——Friendless,throughus——Inowthemasqueforego;

WhatI,fromhim,beneathaflatteringmien,Hadhithertoconcealed,Iplainlyshow;——

Whatdeepanddeadlyhatebybosomfired,AndthatIbuttoworkhisdeathdesired。

XLII

“Then,thinkingifsuchcourseIshouldpursue,Thatpublicshamewouldstillthedeedattend,(Formentoowellmyobligationsknew,Andwouldbepromptmycrueltytoshend。)

Meseemedenoughtodrivehimfrommyview,Sothatheshouldnomoremyeyesoffend:

NorwouldImoreaddressorseethepeer,Norletterwouldreceiveormessagehear。

XLIII

“ThismyingratitudeinhimsuchpainAtlengthproduced,thatmasteredbyhiswoe,Afterentreatingmercylonginvain,Hesickenedsoreandsankbeneaththeblow。

Forpainwhichfitsmysin,darkfumesnowstainMycheek,andwithsaltrheummineeyeso\'erflow。

ThusineternaltormentshallIdwell;

Forsavingmercyhelpethnotinhell。”

XLIV

SincewretchedLydiaspakenomore,thepeerWouldfaindiscernifmoreintormentlay;

But,thosefalseingrates\'curse,thedarknessdrearSowaxedbeforehim,andobscuredtheway,Thatnotoneinchadvancedthecavalier;

Nay,backparforcereturnsthatwarrior;nay,Himselffromthatincreasingsmoketosave,Makesforthemouthofthedisastrouscave。

XLV

ThemotionofhisquicklyshiftingfeetMoresavoursofarunthanwalkortrot。

Thusmountingtheascentinswiftretreat,Astolphoseestheoutletofthegrot;

Where,throughthedarknessofthatdismalseatAndthosefoulfumes,adawnofdaylightshot;

Hefromthecavern,sorelypainedandpined,Issuesatlast,andleavesthesmokebehind;

XLVI

Andnexttobarthewayagainstthatband,Whosegreedybelliessoforvictualcrave,Picksstones,andtreeslayslevelwithhisbrand,Whichchargedwithpepperoramomumwave;

Andwhatmightseemahedge,withbusyhand,Asbesthecan,constructsbeforethecave;

Andsosucceedsinblockingthatrepair,Theharpiesshallnomorerevisitair。

XLVII

WhileinthatcaveAstolphodidremain,Thefumesthatfromthesablepitcharose,Notonlywhatappearedtosightdidstain;

Butevensosearchedthefleshbeneathhisclothes,Hesoughtsomecleansingstream,longsoughtinvain;

Butfoundatlengthalimpidtill,whichroseOutofalivingrock,withinthatwood,Andbathedhimselfalloverintheflood。

XLVIII

Thenbackedthegriffin-horse,andsoaredaflightWherebytoreachthatmountain\'stopheschemes,Whichlittledistant,withitshaughtyheight,Fromthemoon\'scirclegoodAstolphodeems;

And,suchdesiretoseeitwarmstheknight,Thatheaspirestoheaven,norearthesteems。

Throughairsomoreandmorethewarriorstrains,Thatheatlastthemountain-summitgains。

XLIX

Heresapphire,ruby,gold,andtopazglow,Pearl,jacinth,chrysoliteanddiamondlie,Whichwellmightpassfornaturalflowerswhichblow,Catchingtheircolourfromthatkindlysky。

Sogreenthegrass!couldwehavesuchbelow,Weshouldpreferittoouremerald\'sdye。

Asfairthefoliageofthosepleasantbowers!

Whosetreesareeverfilledwithfruitandflowers。

L

Warblethewantonbirdsinverdantbrake,Azure,andred,andyellow,greenandwhite。

ThequaveringrivuletandquietlakeInlimpidhuesurpassthecrystalbright。

Abreeze,whichwithonebreathappearstoshake,Aye,withoutfillorfall,thefoliagelight,Tothequickairsuchlivelymotionlends,ThatDay\'soppressivenooninnoughtoffends;

LI

Andthis,midfruitandflowerandverdurethere,Evermorestealingdiversodours,went;

Andmadeofthosemixtsweetsamedleyrare,Whichfilledthespiritwithacalmcontent。

Inthemidplainaroseapalacefair,Whichseemedasifwithlivingflamesitbrent。

SuchpassingsplendourandsuchgloriouslightShotfromthosewalls,beyondallusagebright。

LII

Thitherwherethosetransparentwallsappear,Whichcovermorethanthirtymilesinmeasure,Ateaseandslowlymovedthecavalier,Andviewedthelovelyregionathisleisure;

Anddeemed——comparedwiththis——thatsadanddrear,Andseenbyheavenandnaturewithdispleasure,Wasthefoulworld,whereinwedwellbelow:

Sojocundthis,sosweetandfairinshow!

LIII

Astoundwithwonder,pausedtheadventurousknight,Whentothatshiningpalacehewasnigh,For,thanthecarbunclemorecrimsonbright,Itseemedonepolishedstoneofsanguinedye。

Omightywonder!ODaedaliansleight!

Whatfabricuponearthwiththiscanvie?

Letthemhenceforthbesilent,thatinstoryExalttheworld\'ssevenwonderstosuchglory!

LIV

Anelder,intheshiningentrance-hallOfthatgladhouse,towardsAstolphoprest;

Crimsonhiswaistcoatwas,andwhitehispall;

Vermillionseemedthemantle,milkthevest:

Whitewasthatancient\'shair,andwhitewithalThebushybearddescendingtohisbreast;

Andfromhisreverendfacesuchglorybeamed,OftheelectofParadiseheseemed。

LV

He,withgladvisage,tothepaladin,Whohumbly,fromhissellhadlighted,cries:

“Ogentlebaron,thatbywilldivineHavesoaredtothisterrestrialparadise!

Albeitnoryouthecauseofyourdesign,Noryouthescopeofyourdesiresurmise,Believe,younotwithouthighmysterysteerHitherward,fromyourarctichemisphere。

LVI

“Youforinstruction,howtofurnishaidToCharlesandtotheChurchinutmostneed,Withmetocounsel,hitherareconveyed,Whowithoutcounselfromsuchdistancespeed。

But,son,ascribenotyouthejourneymadeTowitorworth;northroughyourwingedsteed,Northroughyourvirtuousbuglehadyethriven,ButthatsuchhelpinggracefromGodwasgiven。

LVII

“Wewilldiscourseatbetterleisuremore,Andyouwhatmustbedoneshallafterhear;

Butyouthat,throughlongfast,musthungersore,Firstbraceyourstrengthwithus,withgenialcheer。”

Continuinghisdiscourse,thatelderhoarRaisedmightywonderinthecavalier,Whenheavouched,ashehisnamedisclosed,ThatheTHEHOLYGOSPEL,hadcomposed;

LVIII

HeofourLordsoloved,theblessedJohn;

Ofwhomaspeechamongthebrethrenwent,Henevershouldseedeath,andhencetheSonOfGodwiththisrebukeSt。Petershent;

Insaying,“Whatisittothee,ifoneTarryonearth,tillIanewbesent?“

Albeithesaidnotthatheshouldnotdie,Thatsohemeanttosayweplaindescry。

LIX

Translatedthither,hefoundcompany,ThepatriarchEnoch,andthemightyseerElias;norasyetthosesaintedthreeHaveseencorruption,butingarden,clearOfearth\'sfoulair,willjoyeternityOfspring,tilltheyangelictrumpetshear,Soundingthroughheavenandearth,proclaimaloudChrist\'ssecondadventonthesilverycloud。

LX

Theholyancientstoachamberlead,Withwelcomekind,theadventurouscavalier;

AndinanotherthenhisflyingsteedSufficientlywithgoodlyforagecheer。

AstolphotheywithfruitsofEdenfeed,Sorich,thatinhisjudgment\'twouldappear,InsomesortmightourparentsbeexcusedIf,forsuchfruits,obediencetheyrefused。

LXI

Whenwiththatdailypaymentwhichmanowes,Naturehadbeencontentedbythepeer,Aswellofduerefreshmentasrepose,(Forallandeverycomfortfoundhehere)

AndnowAuroraleftherancientspouse,Notforhismanyyearstoherlessdear,Risingfrombed,AstolphoathissideTheapostle,sobelovedofGod,espied。

LXII

Muchthatnotlawfullycouldherebeshown,Takinghimbythehand,tohimheread。

“Toyou,thoughcomefromFrance,maybeunknownWhattherehathhappened,“nexttheapostlesaid;

“Learn,yourOrlando,forhehathforegoneThewaywhereinhewasenjoinedtotread,IsvisitedofGod,thatevershendsHimwhomhelovethbest,whenheoffends:

LXIII

“He,yourOrlando,athisbirthendowedWithsovereigndaringandwithsovereignmight,Onwhom,beyondallusage,GodbestowedThegrace,thatweaponhimshouldvainlysmite,BecausehewasselectedfromthecrowdTobedefenderofhisChurch\'sright。

AsheelectedSampson,calledwhilereTheJewagainstthePhilistinetocheer;

LXIV

“He,yourOrlando,forsuchgiftshasmadeUntohisheavenlyLordanillreturn:

Wholefthispeople,whenmostneedingaid,Thenmostabandonedtotheheathens\'scorn。

IncestuousloveforafairpaynimmaidHadblindedsothatknight,ofgraceforlorn,ThattwiceandmoreinfellandimpiousstrifeThecounthassoughthisfaithfulcousin\'slife。

LXV

“HenceGodhathmadehimmad,and,inthisvein,Belly,andbreast,andnakedfleshexpose;

Andsodiseasedandtroubledishisbrain,Thatnone,andleasthimself,thechampionknows,NebuchadnezzarwhilomtosuchpainGodinhisvengeancedoomed,asstoryshows;

Sent,forsevenyears,ofsavagefuryfull,Tofeedongrassandhay,likeslaveringbull。

LXVI

“Butyet,becausetheChristianpaladineHassinnedagainsthisheavenlyMakerless,Heonlyforthreemonths,bywilldivine,Isdoomedtocleansehimselfofhisexcess。

NoryetwithotherscopedidyourdesignOfwendinghithertheRedeemerbless,Butthatthroughusthemodeyoushouldexplore,Orlando\'smissingsensestorestore。

LXVII

“`Tistruetojourneyfurtheryewillneed,Andwhollymustyouleavethisnethersphere;

Tothemoon\'scircleyouIhavetolead,Ofalltheplanetstoourworldmostnear,Becausethemedicine,thatisfittospeedInsaneOrlando\'scure,istreasuredhere。

Thisnightwillweaway,whenoverheadHerdownwardraysthesilvermoonshallshed。”

LXVIII

IntalktheblestapostleisdiffuseOnthisandthat,untilthedayisworn:

Butwhenthesunissunki\'thesaltseaooze,Andoverheadthemoonupliftsherhorn,Achariotisprepared,erewhileinuseToscowertheheavens,whereinofoldwasborneFromJewry\'smistymountainstothesky,SaintedElias,raptfrommortaleye。

LXIX

Fourgoodlycoursersnext,andredderfarThanflame,tothatfairchariotyokesthesire;

Who,whentheknightandhewellseatedare,Collectsthereins;andheavenwardtheyaspire。

Inairycirclesswiftlyrosethecar,Andreachedtheregionofeternalfire;

Whoseheatthesaintbymiraclesuspends,Whilethroughthepartedairthepairascends。

LXX

Thechariot,towering,threadsthefierysphere,Andrisesthenceintothelunarreign。

This,initslargerparttheyfindasclearAspolishedsteel,whenundefiledbystain;

Andsuchitseems,orlittleless,whennear,Aswhatthelimitsofourearthcontain:

Suchasourearth,thelastofglobesbelow,Includingseas,whichroundaboutitflow。

LXXI

Heredoublywaxedthepaladin\'ssurprize,Toseethatplacesolarge,whenviewedathand;

Resemblingthatalittlehoopinsize,Whenfromtheglobesurveyedwhereonwestand,Andthathebothhiseyesbehovedtostrain,IfhewouldviewEarth\'scirclingseasandland;

Inthat,byreasonofthelackoflight,Theirimagesattainedtolittleheight。

LXXII

Hereotherriver,lake,andrichchampaignAreseen,thanthosewhicharebelowdescried;

Hereothervalley,otherhillandplain,Withtownsandcitiesoftheirownsupplied;

Whichmansionsofsuchmightysizecontain,Suchneverhebeforeofafterspied。

Herespaciousholdandlonelyforestlay,Wherenymphsforeverchasedthepantingprey。

LXXIII

He,thatwithotherscopehadthithersoared,Pausesnotallthesewondertoperuse:

ButledbythediscipleofourLord,Hiswaytowardsaspaciousvalepursues;

AplacewhereiniswonderfullystoredWhateveronourearthbelowwelose。

Collectedthereareallthingswhatsoe\'er,Lostthroughtime,chance,orourownfolly,here。

LXXIV

Norherealoneofrealmandwealthydower,O\'erwhichayeturnstherestlesswheel,Isay:

IspeakofwhatitisnotinthepowerOfFortunetobestow,ortakeaway。

Muchfameishere,whereonTimeandtheHour,Likewastingmoth,inthisourplanetprey。

Herecountlessvows,hereprayersunnumberedlie,MadebyussinfulmentoGodonhigh:

LXXV

Thelover\'stearsandsighs;whattimeinpleasureAndplaywehereunprofitablyspend;

Tothis,ofignorantmentheeternalleisure,Andvaindesigns,ayefrustrateoftheirend。

Emptydesiressofarexceedallmeasure,Theyo\'erthatvalley\'sbetterpartextend。

Therewiltthoufind,ifthouwiltthitherpost,Whateverthouonearthbeneathhastlost。

LXXVI

He,passingbythoseheaps,oneitherhand,Ofthisandnowofthatthemeaningsought;

Formedofswollenbladdershereahilldidstand,Whenceheheardcriesandtumults,ashethought。

ThesewereoldcrownsoftheAssyrianlandAndLydian——asthatpaladinwastaught——

GrecianandPersian,allofancientfame;

Andnow,alas!well-nighwithoutaname。

LXXVII

Goldenandsilverhookstosightsucceed,Heapedinamass,thegiftswhichcourtiersbear,——Hopingtherebytopurchasefuturemeed——

Togreedyprinceandpatron;manyasnare,Concealedingarlands,didthewarriorheed,Whoheard,thesesignsofadulationwere;

Andincicalas,whichtheirlungshadburst,Sawfulsomelaysbyvenalpoetsversed。

LXXVIII

LovesofunhappyendinimageryOfgoldorjewelledbandshesawexprest;

Theneagles\'talons,theauthorityWithwhichgreatlordstheirdelegatesinvest:

Bellowsfilledeverynook,thefumeandfeeWhereinthefavouritesofkingsareblest:

GiventothoseGanymedesthathavetheirhour,Andreft,whenfadedistheirvernalflower。

LXXIX

O\'erturned,hereruinedtownandcastlelies,Withalltheirwealth:“Thesymbols“(saidhisguide)

“Oftreatiesandofthoseconspiracies,Whichtheirconductorsseemedsoilltohide。”

Serpentswithfemalefaces,feloniesOfcoinersandofrobbers,hedescried;

Nextbrokenbottlessawofmanysorts,Thetypesofservitudeinsorrycourts。

LXXX

Hemarksmightypoolofporridgespilled,Andaskswhatinthatsymbolshouldberead,Andhears\'twascharity,bysickmenwilledFordistribution,aftertheyweredead。

Hepassedaheapofflowers,thaterstdistilledSweetsavours,andnownoisomeodoursshed;

Thegift(ifitmaylawfullybesaid)

WhichConstantinetogoodSylvestermade。

LXXXI

Alargeprovision,next,oftwigsandlime——Yourwitcheries,Owomen!——heexplored。

Thethingshewitnessed,torecountinrhymeTootediouswere;weremyriadsonrecord,TosumtheremnantillshouldIhavetime。

\'Tisherethatallinfirmitiesarestored,SaveonlyMadness,seennothereatall,Whichdwellsbelow,norleavesthisearthlyball。

LXXXII

Heturnshimback,uponsomedaysanddeedsTolookagain,whichhehadlostofyore;

But,savetheinterpreterthelessonreads,Wouldknowthemnot,suchdifferentformtheywore。

Henextsawthatwhichmansolittleneeds,——Asitappears——nonepraytoHeavenformore;

Ispeakofsense,whereofaloftymountAlonesurpastallelsewhichIrecount。

LXXXIII

Itwasas\'twerealiquorsoftandthin,Which,savewellcorked,wouldfromthevasehavedrained;

Laidup,andtreasuredvariousflaskswithin,Largerorlesser,tothatuseordained。

Thatlargestwaswhichofthepaladin,Anglantes\'lord,themightysensecontained;

Andfromthoseotherswasdiscerned,sincewritUponthevesselwasORLANDO\'SWIT。

LXXXIV

ThenamesofthosewhosewitsthereinwerepentHethusonallthoseotherflasksespied。

Muchofhisown,butwithmorewonderment,Thesenseofmanyothershedescried,Who,hebelieved,nodramoftheirshadspent;

Buthere,bytokensclearwassatisfied,Thatscantilytherewithweretheypurveyed;

Solargethequantityheheresurveyed。

LXXXV

Somewasteonlove,someseekinghonour,loseTheirwits,some,scoweringseas,formerchandise,Some,thatonwealthylordstheirhoperepose,Andsome,befooledbysillysorceries;

Theseuponpictures,uponjewelsthose;

Theseonwhateverelsetheyhighestprize。

Astrologers\'andsophists\'witsmidthese,Andmanyapoet\'stoo,Astolphosees。

LXXXVI

SincehisconsenttheapostlesignifiedWhowrotetheobscureApocalypse,hisownHetook,andonlytohisnoseapplied,When(itappeared)ittoitsplacewasgone;

Andhenceforth,hasSirTurpincertified,ThatlongtimesagelylivedkingOtho\'sson;

Tillothererror(ashesays)againDeprivedthegentlebaronofhisbrain。

LXXXVII

ThefullestvesselandofamplestroundWhichheldthewitOrlandoerstpossessed,Astolphotook;northissolighthefound,Asitappeared,whenpiledamongtherest。

Before,fromthosebrightspheres,nowearthwardbound,Hiscourseistoourlowerorbaddressed,Himtoaspaciouspalace,bywhosesideAriverran,conductshisholyguide。

LXXXVIII

Filledfulloffleecesallitschamberswere,Ofwool,silk,linen,cotton,intheirhue,Ofdiversedyesandcolours,foulandfair。

Yarnstoherreelfromallthosefleecesdrew,Intheouterporch,adameofhoaryhair。

Onsummer-daythusvillagewifeweview,Whenthenewsilkisreeled,itsfilmytwineWindfromtheworm,andsoaktheslenderline。

LXXXIX

AseconddamereplacedtheworkwhendoneWithother;andoneboreitoffelsewhere;

Athirdselectedfromthefleecesspun,Andmingledbythatsecond,foulfromfair。

“Whatisthislabour?“saidthepeertoJohn;

AndthediscipleansweredOtho\'sheir,“KnowthattheParcaearethoseancientwives,Thatinthisfashionspinyourfeeblelives。

XC

“Aslongasonefleecelasts,lifeinsuchwiseEndureth,noroutlastsitbyathought。

ForDeathandNaturehavetheirwatchfuleyesOnthehourwheneachshouldtohisendbebrought。

ThechoicestthreadsareculledforParadise,And,after,foritsornamentsarewrought;

AndfashionedfromthestrandsoffoulestshowAregallingfettersforthedamnedbelow。”

XCI

OnallthefleecesthaterewhilewerelaidUponthereel,andculledforothercare,Thenamesweregravedonlittleplates,whichmadeOfsilver,orofgold,oriron,were,Thesepiledinmanyheapshenextsurveyed;

Whenceanoldmansomeskinswasseentobear,Who,seeminglyunwearied,hurriedsore,Hisrestlesswayretracingevermore。

XCII

Thatelderissonimbleandsoprest,Thatheseemsborntorun;hebearsawayOutofthoseheapsbylapfullsinhisvestTheticketsthatthedifferentnamesdisplay。

Whereforeandwhitherhehisstepsaddrest,ToyouIshallinothercantosay,Ifyou,insignofpleasure,willattend,Withthatkindaudienceyearewonttolend。

CANTO35

ARGUMENT

Theapostlepraisesauthorstothepeer。

DukeAymon\'smartialdaughterinaffray,ConquersthegiantmonarchofArgier,AndofthegoodFrontinomakesaprey。

ShenextfromArlesdefieshercavalier,And,whilehemarvelswhowouldhimassay,GrandonioandFerraushewithherhandAndSerpentineunhorsesonthestrand。

I

Madonna,whowillscalethehighascentOfheaven,tomemyjudgmenttorestore,Which,sincefromyourbrighteyestheweaponwent,Thatpiercedmyheart,iswastingevermore?

YetwillnotIsuchmightylosslament,Sothatitdrainnofasterthanbefore;

But——ebbingfurther——IshouldfeartobeSuchasOrlandoisdescribedbyme。

II

Tohaveanewthatjudgment,throughtheskies,IdeemthereisnoneedformetoflyTothemoon\'scircle,ortoParadise;

For,Ibelieve,mineisnotlodgedsohigh。

Onyourbrightvisage,onyourbeauteouseyes,Alabastrineneck,andpapsofivory,Wandermywits,andIwithbusylip,IfImayhavethemback,thesefainwouldsip。

III

Astolphowanderedthroughthatpalacewide,Observingalthefuturelivesaround:

WhenthosealreadywovenhehadspiedUponthefatalwheelforfinishwound,HeafairfleecediscernedthatfaroutviedFinegold,whosewondrouslustrejewelsground,Couldtheseintoathreadbedrawnbyart,Wouldneverequalbythethousandthpart。

IV

ThebeauteousfleecehesawwithwondrousgleeEqualledbynoneamidthatcountlessstore;

Andwhenandwhosesuchgloriouslifeshouldbe,Longedsoretoknow。“This,“(saidtheapostlehoar,Concealingnothingofitshistory,)

“Shallhaveexistencetwentyyearsbefore,DatingfromTHEINCARNATEWORD,theyearShallmarkedmymenwithMandDappear;

V

“And,asforsplendorandforsubstancefair,Thisfleeceshallhavenolikeorequal,soShalltheblestagewhereinitshallappearBesingularinthisourworldbelow;

Becauseallgraces,excellentandrare,WhichNatureorwhichStudycanbestow,OrbounteousFortuneuponmencanshower,Shallbeitscertainandeternaldower。

VI

“Betweenthekingofrivers\'horns,“(hecries,)

“Standswhatisnowasmallandhumbletown。

BeforeitrunsthePo,behinditliesAmistypoolofmarsh;this——lookingdownThestreamoffutureyears——IrecognizeFirstofItaliancitiesofrenown;

Notonlyfamedforwallandpalacerare,Butnoblewaysoflifeandstudiesfair。

VII

“Suchexaltation,reachedsosuddenly,Isnotfortuitousnorwroughtinvain;

Butthatismayhisworthycradlebe,WhereofIspeak,shallsotheheavenordain。

Forwheremenlookforfruittheygraffthetree,Andstudystilltherisingplanttotrain;

AndartistusestorefinethegoldDesignedbyhimthepreciousgemtohold。

VIII

“Norever,interrestrialrealm,sofineAndfairaraimentspiritdidinvest,AndrarelysoulsogreatfromrealmsdivineHasbeen,orwillbe,thitherwardaddrest,AsthatwhereofTHEETERNALhaddesignTofashiongoodHippolytusofEste:

HippolytusofEsteshallhebehight,OnwhomsorichagiftofGodshalllight。

IX

“Allthosefairgraces,that,onmanyspent,Wouldhaveservedmanywhollytoarray,Areallunitedforhisornament,Ofwhomthouhastentreatedmetosay。

Topropthearts,thevirtuesishesent;

AndshouldIseekhismeritstodisplay,Solongatimewouldlastmytediousstrain,Orlandomightexpecthiswitsinvain。”

X

\'TwassoChrist\'sservantwiththecavalierDiscoursed;theyhavingsatisfiedtheirviewWithsightofthatfairmansion,farandnear,Thatwhenceconveyedwerehumanlives,thetwoIssueduponthestream,whosewavesappearTurbidwithsandandofdiscolouredhue;

Andfoundthatancientmanupontheshore,Whonames,engravedonmetal,thitherbore。

XI

Iknownotifyourecollect;ofhimIspeak,whosestoryIerewhilesuspended,Ancientofvisage,andsoswiftoflimb,Thatfasterfarthanforeststaghewended。

Withnameshefilledhismantletothebrim,Ayethinnedthepile,butne\'erhislabourended;

Andinthatstream,hightLethe,nextbestowed,Yea,rathercastaway,hiscostlyload。

XII

Isay,thatwhenupontheriversideArrivesthatancient,ofhisstoreprofuse,HeallthosenamesintotheturbidtideDischarges,asheshakeshismantleloose。

Acountlessshoal,theyinthestreamsubside;

Norhencefortharetheyfitforanyuse;

And,outofmightymyriads,hardlyoneIssavedofthosewhichwavesandsando\'errun。

XIII

AlongthatriverandarounditflyVilecrowsandraveningvultures,andacrewOfchoughs,andmore,thatwithdiscordantcryAnddeafeningdintheirairyflightpursue;

Andtothepreyallhurry,whenfromhighThoseamplerichestheysoscatteredview;

Andwiththeirbeakortalonseizetheprey:

Yetlittledistancetheytheirprizeconvey。

XIV

Whentheywouldraisethemselvesinupwardflight,Theyhavenotstrengththeburdentosustain;

SothatparforceinLethe\'swaterlightTheworthynames,whichlastingpraiseshouldgain。

Twoswansthereareamidthosebirds,aswhite,Mylord,asisyourbanner\'ssnowygrain;

Whocatchwhatnamestheycan,andevermoreWiththesereturnsecurelytotheshore。

XV

Thus,countertothatancient\'swillmalign,Whothemtothedevouringriverdooms,Somenamesarerescuedbythebirdsbenign;

WastefulOblivionalltherestconsumes。

Nowswimaboutthestreamthoseswansdivine,Nowbeatthebuxomairwithnimbleplumes,Till,nearthatimpiousriver\'sbank,theygainAhill,andonthathillahallowedfane。

XVI

ToImmortality\'tissacred;thereAlovelynymph,thatfromthehilldescends,TotheLetheanrivermakesrepair;

Takesfromthoseswanstheirburden,andsuspendsThenamesaboutanimage,raisedinairUponashaft,whichinmidfaneascends;

Thereconsecratesandfixesthemsofast,Thatallthroughouteternityshalllast。

XVII

Ofthatoldsire,andwhyhewoulddispenseIdly,allthosefairnames,as\'twouldappear,Andofthebirdsandholyplace,fromwhenceThenymphwastotheriverseentosteer,Thesolemnmystery,andthesecretsense,Astolpho,marvelling,desiredtohear;

AndprayedthemanofGodwouldtheseunfold,Whotothewarriorthustheirmeaningtold。

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