ARGUMENT.
In the infernal pit Astolpho hears
Of Lydia’s woe, by smoke well-nigh opprest.
He mounts anew, and him his courser bears
To the terrestrial paradise addrest.
By John advised in all, to heaven he steers;
Of some of his lost sense here repossest,
Orlando’s wasted wit as well he takes,
Sees the Fates spin their threads, and earth-ward makes.