Azo the second, he who next repairs!
Stanza xxix. line 2.
“Azzo II. had sons Bertoldo and Albertazzo, who resisted Henry II.; in opposition to whom, Rodolph, Duke of Saxony, was chosen. A pitched battle was fought between the rivals, in which Henry was driven out of Italy. On the side of Rodolph was Bertoldo, who figures in the text for his services on that occasion. The marriage of Matilda to his brother Albertazzo, on which the poet dwells with satisfaction, did not justify in its effects the triumph with which he seems to regard it; as it was dissolved on account of scruples respecting relationship, entertained by Matilda.”
Such is the information I extract from the old commentators, who appear, however, to have accommodated facts to Ariosto’s statements, which are here, I believe, irreconcilable with real history.
Rinaldo shall succeed him in his power.
Stanza xxx. line 5.
Rinaldo, son of the fourth Marquis of Este, fought against the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, and Octavian, the anti-pope, in favour of Alexander III.
Another Azo rules Verona’s town.
Stanza xxxi. line 1.
This Azzo was elected Podesta of Verona.
See Fulke and Obyson, more Azos, Hughs!
Stanza xxxii. line 1.
I have preferred English names, or even French, as approaching nearer to our associations, wherever no ridicule attached to
