XXI.
He shows them next (but after interval,
’Twould seem, of many and many an age, not years)
How, “through the Alps, a captain out of Gaul,
“To war upon the great Viscontis, steers[13];
“And seems to straiten Alexandria’s wall,
“Girt with his forces, foot and cavaliers:
“A garrison within, an ambuscade
“Without the works, the warlike duke has laid;
XXII.
“And the French host, decoyed in cunning wise
“Thither where the surrounding toils are spread,
“Conducted on that evil enterprise
“By Armagnac, the Gallic squadron’s head,
“Slaughtered throughout the spacious champaign lies,
“Or is to Alexandria captive led:
“While, swoln not more with water than with blood,
“Tanarus purples wide Po’s ample flood.”
XXIII.
Successively that castellain displayed
One hight of Marca[14], of the Anjouites three.
How “Marsi, Daunians, Salentines,” (he said)
“And Bruci, these shall oft molest, you see:
“Yet not by Frank or Latian’s friendly aid
“Shall one delivered from destruction be.
“Lo! from the realm, as oft as they attack,
“Alphonso and Gonsalvo beat them back.
