LXXII.
“That thou may’st recognise the man, in height
“Less than six palms, observe one at this inn
“Of black and curly hair the dwarfish wight!
“Beard overgrown about the cheek and chin;
“With shaggy brow, swoln eyes, and cloudy sight,
“A nose close flattened, and a sallow skin;
“To this, that I may make my sketch complete,
“Succinctly clad, like courier, goes the cheat.
LXXIII.
“Thy conversation with this man shall turn
“Upon enchantment, spell, and mystic pact;
“And thou shalt, in thy talk, appear to yearn
“To prove the wizard’s strength, as is the fact.
“But, lady, let him not thy knowledge learn
“Of his good ring, which mars all magic act:
“He shall propose to bring thee as a guide
“To the tall castle, whither thou would’st ride.
LXXIV.
“Follow him close, and viewing (for a sign),
“Now near, the fortress of the enchanter hoar;
“Let no false pity there thy mind incline
“To stay the execution of my lore.
“Give him his death; but let him not divine
“Thy thought, nor grant him respite; for before
“Thine eyes, concealed by it, the caitiff slips
“If once he place the ring between his lips.”
