XXVII.
“Heard him relate, how in that fortilage
“From that good knight should spring, who, ’twould appear,
“Guards it so well, he scorns the fires that rage,
“Even to the Pharo, naming far and near,
“Then, or within short space, and in that age,
“(And named the week and day, as well as year,)
“A noble warrior, unexcelled in worth
“By other, that has yet appeared on earth.
XXVIII.
“Nereus less fair[17], Achilles was less strong,
“Less was Ulysses famed for daring feat;
“Nestor, that knew so much and lived so long,
“Less prudent; nimble Ladas was less fleet;
“Less liberal and less prompt to pardon wrong,
“Cæsar, whose praises ancient tales repeat.
“So that, compared with him, in Ischia born,
“Each might appear of vaunted virtues shorn;
XXIX.
“And if illustrious Crete rejoiced of old
“In giving birth to Cœlus’ godlike heir;
“If Thebes in Hercules and Bacchus bold,
“If Delos boasted of her heavenly pair,
“Nought should as well this happy isle withhold
“From lifting high her glorious head in air,
“When that great marquis shall in her be born,
“Whom with its every grace shall Heaven adorn.
