THE ARGUMENT. BRADAMANT, deceived by Pinabello, finds herself in Merlin's cave, where she meets with Meliffa, who fhews to her, in vifion, all her defcendants that were to make a figure in hiftory. In this paffage the poet pays a compliment to the most illuftrious Italian families. Meliffa then inftructs Bradamant how to deliver Rogero from the caftle in which he was confined by Atlantes, and difmiffes her. THE THIRD BOOK OF ORLANDO FURIOSO. WH HAT power will teach me lofty words to find For the great fubject that inflames my mind? What power will lend my venturous muse a wing In tuneful lays my high conceits to fing? A vigour mightier far muft here be fhown 5 Than e'er my fwelling bofom yet has known: This Ver. 1. What power will teach-] This invocation of Ariofto, is apparently tranflated by Spenfer in his Fairy Queen: Who now fhall give unto me words and found Equal unto this haughty enterprize? Or who shall lend me wings, with which from ground And lift itself unto the highest skies? This verse my patron claims, which dares to trace Amidft th' illuftrious chiefs by fate defign'd With righteous government to bless mankind, O Phœbus! you, whofe eye the world furveys, Ne'er view'd a line like this, whose deathless praise, and war, fhall fill the lips of fame; In peace Whose blooming honours fhall endure the fame, (Or vain the light prophetic in my foul) 15 While Heaven, unchanging, whirls around the pole. To blazon all their virtues would require Not my weak lute, but that immortal lyre, The grateful praises of eternal Jove! More ample spirit than hitherto was wont Again Argument worthy of Moonian quill, 20 B. ii. C. x. O! should O! should you here the wifh'd-for aid impart, 25 But let the muse to him the story bend With murderous guile the damfel to have flain. 35 40 Ver. 39. But leave we him,] The ftory of Pinabello is continued, B. xx. ver. 803. Soon |