LX.
The holy ancients to a chamber lead,
With welcome kind, the adventurous cavalier;
And in another then his flying steed
Sufficiently with goodly forage cheer.
Astolpho they with fruits of Eden feed,
So rich, that in his judgment ’twould appear,
In some sort might our parents be excused
If, for such fruits, obedience they refused.
LXI.
When with that daily payment which man owes,
Nature had been contented by the peer,
As well of due refreshment as repose,
(For all and every comfort found he here)
And now Aurora left her ancient spouse,
Not for his many years to her less dear,
Rising from bed, Astolpho at his side
The apostle, so beloved of God, espied.
LXII.
Much that not lawfully could here be shown,
Taking him by the hand, to him he read.
“To you, though come from France, may be unknown
“What there hath happened,” next the apostle said;
“Learn, your Orlando, for he hath foregone
“The way wherein he was enjoined to tread,
“Is visited of God, that ever shends
“Him whom he loveth best, when he offends:
