XXIV.
“Besides that me my destiny entrained[1],
“Words, worthy credence, moved me much, that drew
“A picture of rare happiness, ordained
“As meed of this fair union to ensue.
“If these persuasive words were false and feigned,
“If famous Merlin’s counsel was untrue,
“Wrath at the wizard may I well profess;
“But cannot therefore love Rogero less.
XXV.
“Both Merlin and Melissa have I need
“To blame, and shall for ever blame the twain,
“That, to exhibit suckers of my seed,
“Conjured up spirits from infernal reign,
“Who with this empty hope my fancy feed,
“Me in perpetual bondage to detain.
“Nor other cause for this can I suppose,
“Save that they grudge me safe and sweet repose.”
XXVI.
Sorrow the maid so wholly occupies,
Room has she none for comfort or for rest.
Yet, maugre her affliction, Hope will rise,
And form a lodgement in her harassed breast;
And to the damsel’s memory still supplies
Rogero’s parting words to her addrest;
So makes her, in all seeming facts’ despite,
Await from hour to hour the youthful knight.
