LIV.
An elder, in the shining entrance-hall
Of that glad house, towards Astolpho prest;
Crimson his waistcoat was, and white his pall;
Vermillion seemed the mantle, milk the vest:
White was that ancient’s hair, and white withal
The bushy beard descending to his breast;
And from his reverend face such glory beamed,
Of the elect of Paradise he seemed.
LV.
He, with glad visage, to the paladin,
Who humbly from his sell had lighted, cries:
“O gentle baron, that by will divine
“Have soared to this terrestrial paradise!
“Albeit nor you the cause of your design,
“Nor you the scope of your desire surmise,
“Believe, you not without high mystery steer[10]
“Hitherward, from your arctic hemisphere.
LVI.
“You for instruction, how to furnish aid
“To Charles and to the Church in utmost need,
“With me to counsel, hither are conveyed,
“Who without counsel from such distance speed.
“But, son, ascribe not you the journey made
“To wit or worth; nor through your winged steed,
“Nor through your virtuous bugle had ye thriven,
“But that such helping grace from God was given.
