XXX.
“Sage Merlin said—and oft renewed that say—
‘He was reserved to flourish in an age,
‘When most opprest the Roman empire lay,
‘That he might free that holy heritage:
‘But as some deeds of his I must display
‘Hereafter, these I will not now presage.’
“So spake that wizard, and renewed the story,
“Which told of Charlemagne’s predestined glory.
XXXI.
‘Lewis,’ (so learned Merlin said,) ‘is woe
‘To have brought to Italy King Charlemagne,
‘Whom he called in to harass, not o’erthrow
‘That ancient rival of his goodly reign;
‘At his return declares himself his foe,
‘And, leagued with Venice, would the king detain.
‘Behold that valiant monarch couch his spear,
‘And in his foes’ despite a passage clear.
XXXII.
‘But his new kingdom leaving to his band,
‘Far other destiny awaits that throng:
‘For, with the Mantuan’s friendly succour manned,
‘Gonsalvo to the war returns so strong,
‘He leaves not in few months, by sea or land,
‘One living head, his slaughtered troops among.
‘But then, because of one by treason spent,
‘In him appears the joy of triumph shent.’”
