In every part you see how Rome is woe, &c.
Stanza lv. line 1.
The assault of Rome by the constable Bourbon. “The kingdom” (il reame) in this canto, and others treating of Italian wars, means Naples.
Wherein the Syren’s body lies inurned.
Stanza lvi. line 8.
Naples, where Parthenope the syren was said to have been buried.
Lo! the imperial squadrons thither steer, &c.
Stanza lvii. line 1.
“He alludes here to the great naval engagement at Cape d’Orso, between the imperialists and the French, while Naples was besieged, when the French fleet was commanded by Philip Dorea, who held the place of Andrew Dorea, of whom so much is said in the 15th Book.”—H.
We have now gone the round of this most wearisome picture-gallery, and are about to escape into the open air. Ariosto has most grievously abused the privilege of poetical prophecy: in his other least successful flights there is some great redeeming grace: in these the beauties are so thinly scattered, that they hardly serve to lead us on to the conclusion.
Left Battus’ tomb behind him on the plain.
Stanza c. line 7.
“The city of Cyrene was built by Battus. Catullus says,
‘Et Batti veteris sacrum sepulchrum.’”
