LUPERCIO LEONARDO DE ARGENSOLA. ARGENSOLA, LUPERCIO LEONARDO de. A notable Spanish poet; born at Barbastro, Aragon, Dec. 14, 1559; died at Naples in March, 1613. Brother of the preceding. His three tragedies, "Isabella,” "Alexandra," and "Phyllis," brought him fame while still a young man; but his forte was lyric poetry, in which he won distinction. His ballads and songs are notable for vigor of thought and richness of pictorial fancy. Some of his "Sonnets" are masterpieces; and his "Epistles," both in substance and form, are models of that species of composition. MARY MAGDALEN. (Translation of Bryant.) BLESSED, yet sinful one, and broken-hearted! Thou weepest days of innocence departed, Thou weepest, and thy tears have power to move The greatest of thy follies is forgiven, Even for the least of all the tears that shine Thou didst kneel down to Him who came from heaven, It is not much that to the fragrant blossom Nor that, upon the wintry desert's bosom, The harvest should rise plenteous, and the swain VOL. I.-30 But come and see the bleak and barren mountains Thick to their top with roses; come and see Leaves on the dry, dead tree: The perished plant, set out by living fountains, Grows fruitful, and its beauteous branches rise Forever towards the skies. BEGONE, DULL CARE BEGONE, dull care! I prithee begone from me: Thou and I can never agree. Long while thou hast been tarrying here, Too much care Will make a young man gray; Will turn an old man to clay: For I hold it is the wisest thing Hence, dull care! I'll none of thy company; Thou art no pair for me. We'll hunt the wild boar through the wold, So merrily pass the day; And then at night, o'er a cheerful bowl, We'll drive dull care away. Anonymous. LUDOVICO ARIOSTO. ARIOSTO, LUDOVICO, an Italian poet; born at Reggio, September 8, 1474; died at Ferrara, June 6, 1533. He was of a noble family, and early displayed a high poetic capacity. He entered the service of the Cardinal Ippolito d'Este, brother of Alfonso, Duke of Ferrara, by whom he was sent on important embassies to the Court of the warlike Pope Julius II. When the papal forces, in conjunction with those of Venice, were sent against Ferrara, Ariosto bore a prominent part in the defence of his adopted city. Cardinal Ippolito took offence at Ariosto, in 1518, because he declined to go with him to Hungary, and dismissed him from his service. Ariosto soon afterward entered the service of Duke Alfonso, in whose favor and confidence he rose high, and showed marked capacity when made Governor of the Province of Graffagnana, which was in a disturbed condition. Returning to Ferrara, Ariosto was employed by the Duke to direct the dramatic representations there, and a magnificent theatre was constructed after designs suggested by the poet. This theatre was burned in 1532. The works of Ariosto include comedies, satires, sonnets, and other writings. But his principal work is the romantic epic "Orlando Furioso," a sort of continuation of Bojardo's "Orlando Inamorato." This poem was orginally published in 1516, but was considerably enlarged in later editions, the last of which appeared in 1532, a year before the death of the author, and has been many times reprinted. The poem became very popular in Italy, and is recognized as the greatest work of the kind in any language. THE ENCHANTRESS ALCINA. (From "Orlando Furioso.") HER shape is of such perfect symmetry, As best to feign the industrious painter knows, Like ivory smooth, the forehead gay and round |