LVII.
“His deeds adorn his race, as from his car
“The glorious sun illumes the subject earth
“More than the silver moon or lesser star;
“So far all others he transcends in worth.
“I see this captain, ill bested for war,
“Go forth afflicted, and return in mirth:
“Backed by few foot, and fewer cavaliers[39],
“He homeward barks, and fifteen gallies steers.
LVIII.
“Two Sigismonds, the first, the second, see;
“To these Alphonso’s five good sons succeed;
“Whose glories spread o’er seas and land shall be.
“The first shall wed a maid of France’s seed.
“This is the second Hercules; and he[40],
“(That you may know their every name and deed),
“Hippolitus; who with the light shall shine,
“Of his wise uncle, gilding all his line.
LIX.
“Francis the third comes next; the other two
“Alphonsos both;—but yet again I say,
“Thy line through all its branches to pursue,
“Fair virgin, would too long protract thy stay;
“And Phœbus, many times, to mortal view,
“Would quench and light again the lamp of day.
“Then, with thy leave, ’tis time the pageant cease,
“And I dismiss the shades and hold my peace.”
