XLVIII.
“This is that goodly knight, whose praise you heard
“When rugged Ischia’s island I displayed,
“Of whom sage Merlin, with prophetic word,
“To Pharamond such mighty matters said;
“Whose birth should to that season be deferred,
“When more than ever such a champion’s aid,
“Against the barbarous enemy’s attack,
“Vext Italy, and Church, and Empire lack.
XLIX.
“He in his cousin of Pescara’s rear,
“—Prosper Colonna, chief of that emprize—
“Makes the rude Switzer pay Bicocca dear[29],
“Paid by the Frenchman in yet dearer wise.
“Behold where France prepares for fresh career,
“And to repair her many losses tries.
“Behold one host on Lombardy descend!
“Behold that other against Naples wend!
L.
“But she, that moves us like the dust which flies
“Before the restless wind, which whirls it round,
“Lifts it aloft awhile, and from the skies
“Blows back anew the rising cloud to ground,
“To a hundred thousand swells, in Francis’ eyes,
“The soldiers who Pavia’s walls surround.
“The monarch sees but that which he commands,
“Nor marks how wax or waste his leaguering bands.
