XXVII.
“Homer a conqueror Agamemnon shows[6],
“And makes the Trojans seem of coward vein,
“And from the suitors, faithful to her vows,
“Penelope a thousand wrongs sustain:
“Yet—would’st thou I the secret should expose?—
“By contraries throughout the tale explain:
“That from the Trojan bands the Grecian ran;
“And deem Penelope a courtezan.
XXVIII.
“What fame Eliza, she so chaste of sprite,[7]
“On the other hand, has left behind her, hear!
“Who widely is a wanton baggage hight,
“Solely that she to Maro was not dear,
“Marvel not this should cause me sore despite,
“And if my speech diffusive should appear.
“Authors I love, and pay the debt I owe,
“Speaking their praise; an author I below[8]!
XXIX.
“There earned I, above all men, what no more
“Time nor yet Death from me shall take away;
“And it behoved our Lord, of whom I bore
“Such testimony, so my pains to pay.
“It grieves me much for them, on whom her door
“Courtesy closes on a stormy day;
“Who meagre, pale, and worn with hopeless suit,
“Knock night and day, and ever without fruit.
