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；
Andforunguardedaretheirharassedears
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！somethingwhatheknowsnotheinairEspies，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，heofwhomIspeaksohightThatwarrior，whenheseeshissuitdenied，Repulsedbyone，bywhomhehadmostrightTothinkthatheshouldmostbegratified，Craveshisdischarge，andthreatenshethisslightWillmaketheLydianmonarchdearabide。
TheArmenian，anoldrivalofmysire，Andmortalfor，hesoughtwiththisdesire；
XXI
“Andsothemonarchurged，hemadehimrearHisbanner，andattackmysire；and，throughHisfamousfeats，thatThraciancavalierWasnamedthecaptainoftheinvadingcrew。
FortheArmeniansovereign，farandnear，Allthingssosaidtheknighthewouldsubdue；
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——
Hewouldnothearofthisthemonarchsaid，WithcheerswithfuryswolennorwouldrefrainFrompressingLydia\'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，Besidespoilgivenheconqueredwithhishost，——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，Ashidingmurderoushate，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；
Thegiftifitmaylawfullybesaid
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，Whenitappearedittoitsplacewasgone；
Andhenceforth，hasSirTurpincertified，ThatlongtimesagelylivedkingOtho\'sson；
TillothererrorashesaysagainDeprivedthegentlebaronofhisbrain。
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。