LI.
“In these two princes’ excellent affection,
“Their happy lieges more assurance feel,
“Than if their noble town, for its protection,
“Were girded twice by Vulcan’s works of steel.
“And so Alphonso in his good direction,
“Justice, with knowledge and with love, shall deal,
“Astrea shall appear returned from heaven,
“To this low earth to varying seasons given.
LII.
“Well is it that his wisdom shines as bright
“As his good sire’s, nor is his valour less;
“Since here usurping Venice arms for fight,
“And her full troops his scanty numbers press,
“There she (I know not if more justly hight[35]
“Mother or stepmother) brings new distress;
“But, if a mother, scarce to him more mild
“Than Progne or Medea to her child.
LIII.
“This chief, what time soever he shall go
“Forth with his faithful crew, by night or day,
“By water or by land, will shame the foe,
“With memorable rout and disarray;
“And this too late Romagna’s sons shall know.
“Led against former friends in bloody fray,
“Who shall bedew the campaign with their blood,
“By Santern, Po, and Zaniolus’ flood.
