LXIII.
“Soon as to-morrow’s sun shall gild the skies
“With his first light, myself the way will show
“To where the wizard knight Rogero sties;
“And built with polished steel the ramparts glow:
“So long as through deep woods thy journey lies
“Till, at the sea arrived, I shall bestow
“Such new instructions for the future way,
“That thou no more shalt need Melissa’s stay.”
LXIV.
All night the maid reposes in the cave,
And the best part in talk with Merlin spends;
While with persuasive voice the wizard grave
To her Rogero’s honest love commends;
Till from the vault goes forth that virgin brave,
As through the sky the rising sun ascends,
By path, long space obscure on either side,
The weïrd woman still her faithful guide.
LXV.
They gain a hidden glen, which heights inclose,
And mountains inaccessible to man:
And they all day toil on, without repose,
Where precipices frowned and torrents ran.
And (what may some diversion interpose)
Sweet subjects of discourse together scan,
In conference, which best might make appear
The rugged road less dismal and severe.
