XXXIX.
“This lord to his dominion shall unite
“Gay Reggio, joined to Modena’s bold land.
“And his redoubted valour lend such light,
“The willing people call him to command.
“Sixth of the name, his Azo rears upright[23]
“The church’s banner in his noble hand:
“Fair Adria’s fief to him in dower shall bring
“The child of second Charles, Sicilia’s king.
XL.
“Behold in yonder friendly group agreed,
“Many fair princes of illustrious name;
“Obyson, Albert famed for pious deed,
“Aldobrandino, Nicholas the lame[24].
“But we may pass them by, for better speed,
“Faenza conquered, and their feats and fame;
“With Adria (better held and surer gain)
“Which gives her title to the neighbouring main:
XLI.
“And that fair town, whose produce is the rose[25],
“The rose which gives it name in Grecian speech:
“That, too, which fishy marshes round enclose[26],
“And Po’s two currents threat with double breach;
“Whose townsmen loath the lazy calm’s repose,
“And pray that stormy waves may lash the beach.
“I pass, mid towns and towers, a countless store,
“Argenta, Lugo, and a thousand more.
