NOTES TO CANTO XXXVI.
that art in wickedness outdone
By any Cyclops, any Lestrigon.
Stanza ix. lines 7 and 8.
Ariosto is usually most happy in the opening of his cantos; but this prelude, though there is one masterly touch in the picture, is not, I think, among his happiest. It is proverbially dangerous for the poet to handle cotemporary subjects, more especially in detail, for posterity will seldom sympathize with him in his exaggerated or distorted views. Thus Ariosto had no right to call the Sclavonian such foul names for the death of Cantelmo; which was after all an act of savage justice; for he was a deserter from the Venetian service to that of the duke of Ferrara.
and would fain
Wound horse or rider in the paunch or breast.
Stanza xxii. lines 1 and 2.
We have already seen that it was held uncourteous to wound the horse: but this reckless violence is consistent with Marphisa’s character. In the Innamorato, it is yet more extravagant; but, considering the liberties which Ariosto has taken with his other personages (as Astolpho), we may wonder that he has not softened it more.
