XXXVI.
The host reproved himself, while so he said,
And pieced his tale, as having left untold
Things first in order; next to them displayed
A royal castle by its warder sold.
A prisoner by the faithless Switzer made,
He shows the lord who hired him with his gold[20]:
Which double treason, without couching lance,
Has given the victory to the king of France.
XXXVII.
That warder then shows Cæsar Borgia, grown
Puissant in Italy[21], through this king’s grace;
For all Rome’s peerage, and all lords that own
Her sway, he into exile seems to chase:
Then shows the king, that will the saw take down,
And papal acorns in Bologna place[22]:
Then Genoa’s burghers, by this monarch broke[23],
And rebel city stooping to his yoke.
XXXVIII.
“You see,” (pursues that warder,) “how with dead
“Covered is Ghiâradada’s green champaign[24].
“It seems each city opes her gates through dread;
“And Venice scarce her freedom can maintain.
“You see he suffers not the Church’s head,
“Passing the narrow confines of Romagne,
“Modena from Ferrara’s duke to reave;
“Who would not to that prince a remnant leave.
