XXXVI.
“When Ariodantes had, with honest mind,
“Told what reward he hoped should quit his pain,
“False Polinesso, who before designed
“To make Geneura hateful to her swain,
“Began—‘Alas! you yet are far behind
‘My hopes, and shall confess your own are vain;
‘And say, as I the root shall manifest
‘Of my good fortune, I alone am blest.
XXXVII.
‘With you Geneura feigns, nor pays nor prizes
‘Your passion, which with hopes and words is fed;
‘And, more than this, your foolish love despises:
‘And this to me the damsel oft has said,
‘Of hers I am assured; of no surmises,
‘Vain, worthless words, or idle promise bred.
‘And I to you the fact in trust reveal,
‘Though this I should in better faith conceal.
XXXVIII.
‘There passes not a month, but in that space
‘Three nights, four, six, and often ten, the fair
‘Receives me with that joy in her embrace,
‘Which seems to second so the warmth we share.
‘This you may witness, and shall judge the case;
‘If empty hopes can with my bliss compare.
‘Then since my happier fortune is above
‘Your wishes, yield, and seek another love.’
