385 See here Francesco of Pescara fam'd, And there Alphonso see of Vasco nam'd. Of him would Malagigi gladly tell, Whom none, in this intrepid band, excel. With those who come the monster's blood to shed, Ver. 385. 395 Francesco of Pescara--] Marquis of Pescara, and son of Alphonso. He was a great commander, and prosperous in every undertaking, except at Ravenna, where, receiving many wounds, he was taken prisoner; but fortune from that time was ever favourable to him. To the study of arms he joined the embellishment of letters; and while prisoner with the French, addressed to his wife Victoria an elegant dialogue on love. At last, after many victories obtained over the French, his strength being wasted with fatigue, he died in the flower of his age, covered with laurels. Fornari. Ver. 386. Fornari. Ver. 387.Gonsalvo---] Gonsalvo Ferrantes was born at Cordova in Andalusia, of an ancient and noble family. By his assistance Ferdinando conquered the city of Granada, and the kingdom of Naples. He gained the title of Great, and at last died of a fever in the seventy-second year of his age, in the year 1515. Fornari, Ver. 391. William of Monserrato--- ] He means William the third marquis of Monserrato. He was rich in every accomplishment of mind and body, and gained many victories in France. He died in the flower of his age. Fornari. Beside the fount in bowery shades they lay, In shining steel, kept watch to guard the rest. : Him all the live-long day pursu'd the maid, Since there she heard (but how, remains untold) The place full well she knew, the ready way But as Love's prudent envoy, well indu'd 400 405 410 With cautious thought, whatever chance might fall, 415 She check'd her bridle, and her haste repell'd, And midst the warriors coldly passing by, On young Rogero cast a stranger's eye. And ask'd her whither bound, and whence she came. 420 425 Late, at your sister's charge, o'er hill and plain I led a generous courser by the rein, In the swift race, and fields of battle prov'd, But vain my thoughts have prov'd, since yester's sun A Pagan hand by force Frontino won; 430 435 410 Nor, when he heard his noble owner's name, Restor'd the courser, or allow'd the claim. With many a curse, with many a fruitless prayer, 445 She said; and scarcely thus her speech could close Ere, starting from his seat, Rogero rose, 450 And, turning swift to Richardetto, pray'd (The sole reward he ask'd for welcome aid But late bestow'd) that he alone might go, Ver. 431. Full thirty miles-] In the xxiiid Eook, Ariosto says ten miles only. Ver. 447. By one who seem'd, &c.] After Rodomont had taken Frontino from Hippalca, she followed him till he met Mandricardo, with whom she left him engaged in single combat; to which cir cumstance she here alludes. See Book xxiv. The haughty Saracen, whose lawless force Rogero heard, and by his features show'd 455 460 465 170 475 480 As sent from her whose deeds her truth had prov'd: To stain the name and honour of a knight; And shame were his, unless his arm with speed 485 From Rodomont redeem the generous steed, And on the Sarzan's head avenge th' ungentle deed. The dame Rogero led with eager pace, To bring him with the Sarzan face to face: 490 495 The lost Frontino, and revenge obtain. The king of Algiers, with the dwarf, the dame, These knights, who sought but late each other's life, 500 In friendship rode, descending to the plain, And reach'd the fountain where the noble train, 505 And though but rare appear'd the martial maid Soon as the Tartar had Marphisa seen, 515 And, in exchange for Doralis, bestow Her youthful beauties on his rival foe, As if the lover should such terms approve, To sell a mistress, or transfer a love! 520 |