XLV.
“Lo! other Francis[28] who his grandsire’s vein
“Inherits, not his generous name alone!
“Who by the Church’s favour will regain
“—The Gaul expelled—a land which was his own.
“France too returns, but keeps a tighter rein,
“Nor over Italy, as wont, has flown:
“For Mantua’s noble duke the foe shall stay,
“And, at Ticino’s passage, bar his way.
XLVI.
“Though on his cheek youth’s blossoms scarce appear,
“Worthy immortal glory, Frederick shines;
“And well that praise deserves, since by his spear,
“But more by care and skill, Pavia’s lines
“Against the French defends that cavalier,
“And frustrates the sea-lion’s[1] bold designs.
“You see two marquises, Italia’s boast,
“And both, alike the terror of our host.
XLVII.
“Both of one blood and of one nest they are;
“The foremost is the bold Alphonso’s seed,
“Whom, led by that false black into the snare,
“You late beheld in purple torrent bleed.
“You see defeated by his counsel ware,
“How oft the Franks from Italy recede.
“The next, of visage so benign and bright,
“Is lord of Guasto and Alphonso hight;
- ↑ Venice.
