them. For this reason I have changed Obizzo[1] (accented as a dactyl in Italian) into its French equivalent.
Two Guelphs: the first fair Umbria’s land subdues.
Stanza xxxii. line 3.
The Lords of Este, siding with the Guelphs, received from the church the duchy of Spoleto.
I speak of the fifth Azo of thy strain.
Stanza xxxii. line 7.
By whom Ezzelino, nick-named the son of the devil, on account of his monstrous cruelties, was defeated, wounded, and taken. But I believe the poet is not justified in killing him by the hand of Azzo, as he is supposed to have committed suicide. Authors are not agreed about the manner in which he effected it.
Shall rule the city, seated by the streams.
Stanza xxxiv. line 2.
Ferrara.—I need hardly add that the Po was the supposed scene of Phaeton’s catastrophe, the transformation of his sisters into poplars or larches weeping amber, and of Cygnus into a swan.
But does no laurel for his brother twine,
Aldobrandino, &c.
Stanza xxxv. lines 1 and 2.
Aldobrandino of Este, and first Marquis of Ferrara, obliged Otho IV. to retire into Germany, who had made war on Pope
- ↑ Besides this word, meaning, in its ordinary acceptation howitzer, I recollect but one more violation of what may be called the rule of position in Italian. This is in polizza: whence our policy of insurance, &c.
