But by the first of them had Hubert fell, LV. 215 As thus the chiefs contend, a veil of clouds LVI. But now a chofen few the Duke felects, LVII. 220 Nor ftops, till Bergamo's white tents he fpies, 225 Deck'd with the radiance of afcending morn, And enters there, what time the fhepherds rife, And early huntsmen wind the frill-ton'd horp, 228 BOOK III. CANTO IX. The Argument. Black Dalga's wiles full timely do explore And falls to barb'rous Borgio's troops a prey. The council broken amidft panick fears. I. ALAS! that man, creation's glorious lord, II. In vain he boasts him of his ftrength and pow'r, 5 In vain the image of his Maker wears, If prone to evil in the dang'rous hour, He falls a prey to penitence and tears. III. ΤΟ Who that had seen young Goltho's force in fight, IV. 'To facrifice his worth at such a shrine, To wafte his hours in dalliance at her fide, 4 15 To call her Angel, Goddefs most divine, V. Yet he, forgetful of the counfel fage Which Ulfinore fo gen'roufly had giv'n, Attends on Dalga, thro' an unknown road, While the broad fun declin'd the fleep of heav'n. 20 Thro' winding mazy paths fometimes they past, Where all was deck'd for joy and am'rous play. VII. 25 Blithe as a bridegroom rushing to his love, The youth whom Ulfinore had first descry'd IX. Friend to Prince Ofwald, mortal hate he bore 30 35 X. Think not, my Love," faid he, "that hated race "Who with your houfe hold enmity fo great, "Shall e'er with me find favour, love, or grace, "But rather death and fure deftruétion meet. XI. "Yet let him hither come, and bring his gold, XII. "For when again he hither bends his course, XIII. 40 4-5 The counfel pleas'd; and when young Goltho came, Straight to her paramour the fraudful dame Dispatch'd the tidings, which his hafte require. And he as foon, by Jealoufy and Hate Infpir'd, and Malice, eldeft-born of Hell, 50 With two bold fquires that on his fortune wait, 55 XV. They leave Verona's lofty tow'rs behind, And follow eagerly their evil game With speed that seems t' outstrip the passing wind, And leaves behind them honour, truth, and fame. 60 XVI. Now had they pass'd the foreft's awful shade, Beheld the dome where Goltho, twice betray'd, XVII. 65 But ere they yet attain'd their deftin'd place, Aftolpho (fo the treach'rous youth we name) XIX. Yet questions with himself if these be foes, XX. Him Ulfinore well knowing, nothing spoke, That did in lucklefs hour his aid advance. 80 |