IX.
“The royal Arthur, by whom nought was done
“Without the ripe advice of Merlin sage,
“(Merlin, I say, the Devil’s mighty son,
“Well versed in what should chance in future age,)
“Knowing through him, to Pharamond made known,
“He would in many woes his host engage,
“Entering that region, which, with rugged mound,
“Apennine parts, and Alp and sea surround.
X.
“To him sage Merlin shows, that well nigh all
“Those other monarchs that in France will reign,
“By murderous steel will see their people fall,
“Consumed by famine, or by fever slain;
“And that short joy, long sorrow, profit small,
“And boundless ill shall recompense their pain;
“Since vainly will the lily seek to shoot
“In the Italian fields its withered root.
XI.
“King Pharamond so trusted to the seer,
“That he resolved to turn his arms elsewhere;
“And Merlin, who beheld with sight as clear
“The things to be, as things that whilom were,
“’Tis said, was brought by magic art to rear
“The painted chamber at the monarch’s prayer;
“Wherein whatever deeds the Franks shall do,
“As if already done, are plain to view.
