CANTO XI. I. THE early morn lets out the peeping day, Till light is quench'd, and Heav'n in seas hath flung The headlong day :-to th' hill the shepherd's throng, And Thirsil now began to end his task and song. II. "Who now, alas! shall teach my humble vein, Ah, thou dread Spirit! shed thy holy fire, Teach my low Muse thy fierce alarms to ring, Such as thou wert within the sacred breast Of that thrice famous poet, shepherd, king ; And taught'st his heart to frame his cantos, best Of all that e'er thy glorious work did sing : Or as those holy fishers once amongs Thou flamedst bright with sparkling parted tongues; And brought'st down Heav'n to Earth in those all conqu❜ring songs. V. These mighty Heroes, fill'd with justest rage Thither repairs the careful Intellect, With his fair spouse Voletta, heav'nly fair : . With both, their daughter; whose divine aspect, Though now sad damps of sorrow much impair, Yet through those clouds did shine so glorious bright, Yielding their captive hearts to that commanding light. But who may hope to paint such majesty, Or shadow well such beauty, such a face : Such beauteous face, unseen to mortal eye? Whose pow'rful looks, and more than mortal grace Love's self hath lov'd, leaving his heav'nly throne, With amorous sighs and many a lovely moan, (Whom all the world would woo) woo'd her his only one, VIII, Far be that boldness from thy humble swain, Fairest Eclecta, to describe thy beauty, And with unable skill thy glory stain, Which, ever he admires with humble duty ; But who to view such blaze of beauty longs, Go he to Sinai, th' holy groves amongs; Where that wise shepherd chants her in his song of songs. IX. The Island's King with sober countenance Aggrates the Knights, who thus his right defended; Himself, his state, his spouse, to them commended: He last delivers to their valiant hands; And her to thank the Knights, her champions, he commands. X. The God-like Maid awhile all silent stood, And down to th' earth let fall her humble eyes; While modest thoughts shot up the flaming blood, Which fir'd her scarlet cheek with rosy dyes; But soon to quench the heat, that lordly reigns, From her fair eye a show'r of crystal rains, Which with its silver streams, o'er-runs the beauteous plains. XI. As when the Sun in midst of summer's heat. Draws up thin vapours with his potent ray, And Heav'n's clear forehead now wipes off her former lowrs. At length, a little lifting up her eyes, A renting sigh way for her sorrow brake, Which from her heart'gan in her face to rise; And first in th' eye, then in the lip, thus spake; * i. e. Behaviour. 'Ab, gentle Knights, how may a simple Maid, But if my Princely Spouse do not delay By this the long-shut gate was open laid; Her looks, her worth, her goodly grace, and state, Pity whets just revenge, and love's fire kindles hate. Long at the gate the thoughtful Intellect Stay'd with his fearful queen and daughter fair; But when the Knights were past their dim aspect, They follow them with vows and many a prayer: At last they climb up to the castle's height; From which they view'd the deeds of ev'ry Knight And mark'd the doubtful end of this intestine fight. XVI. As when a youth bound for the Belgick war, Takes leave of friends upon the Kentish shore; Now are they parted, and he sail'd so far They see not now, and now are seen no more t 2 Yet far off viewing the white trembling sails, Mean time these champions march in fit array, With short delays whetting fierce rage and spite. Sound now, ye trumpets, sound alarums loud; Hark, how their clamours whet their anger proud! See, yonder are they met in midst of dusty cloud! XVIII. So oft the South with civil enmity Musters his wat❜ry forces 'gainst the West; At length the flame breaks from th' impris'ning cold With horrid noise tearing the limber mould: While down in liquid tears the broken vapours roll'd. XIX. First did that warlike Maid herself advance; And riding from amidst her company, About her helmet wav'd her mighty lance, Porneius* soon his ready spear addrest, And close advancing on his hasty beast, Bent his sharp-headed lance against her dainty breast. XX. In vain the broken staff sought entrance there, Where Love himself oft entrance sought in vain : |