VI.
“Between the king of rivers’ horns[2],” (he cries,)
“Stands what is now a small and humble town.
“Before it runs the Po, behind it lies
“A misty pool of marsh; this—looking down
“The stream of future years—I recognize
“First of Italian cities of renown;
“Not only famed for wall and palace rare,
“But noble ways of life and studies fair.
VII.
“Such exaltation, reached so suddenly,
“Is not fortuitous nor wrought in vain;
“But that it may his worthy cradle be,
“Whereof I speak, shall so the heavens ordain.
“For where men look for fruit they graff the tree,
“And study still the rising plant to train;
“And artist uses to refine the gold
“Designed by him the precious gem to hold.
VIII.
“Nor ever, in terrestrial realm, so fine
“And fair a raiment spirit did invest,
“And rarely soul so great from realms divine
“Has been, or will be, thitherward addrest,
“As that whereof the eternal has design
“To fashion good Hippolytus of Este:
“Hippolytus of Este shall he be hight,
“On whom so rich a gift of God shall light.
