LX.
So with the lady’s leave the volume closed,
Whose precepts to her will the spirits bent.
And they, where Merlin’s ancient bones reposed,
From the first cavern disappearing, went.
Then Bradamant her eager lips unclosed,
Since the divine enchantress gave consent;
“And who,” she cried, “that pair of sorrowing mien,
“Alphonso and Hippolitus between?
LXI.
“Sighing, those youths advanced amid the show,
“Their brows with shame and sorrow overcast,
“With downward look, and gait subdued and slow:
“I saw the brothers shun them as they passed.”
Melissa heard the dame with signs of woe,
And thus, with streaming eyes, exclaim’d at last:
“Ah! luckless youths[41], with vain illusions fed,
“Whither by wicked men’s bad counsel led!
LXII.
“O, worthy seed of Hercules the good,
“Let not their guilt beyond thy love prevail;
“Alas! the wretched pair are of thy blood,
“So may prevailing pity turn the scale!”
And in a sad and softer tone pursued,
“I will not further press the painful tale.
“Chew on fair fancy’s food: Nor deem unmeet
“I will not with a bitter chase the sweet.
