XXX.
‘Why have not I from you the same respect,
‘To which, for friendship past, you would pretend
‘From me; and I should bear you in effect,
‘If your hope stood more fair to gain its end?
‘No less than you, to wed her I expect;
‘And if your fortunes here my wealth transcend,
‘As favoured of the king as you, above
‘You, am I happy in his daughter’s love.’
XXXI.
‘Of what a strange mistake,’ (to him replied
The duke,) ‘your foolish passion is the root!
‘You think yourself beloved; I, on my side,
‘Believe the same; this try we by the fruit.
‘You of your own proceeding nothing hide,
‘And I will tell the secrets of my suit:
‘And let the man who proves least favoured, yield,
‘Provide himself elsewhere, and quit the field.
XXXII.
‘I am prepared, if such your wish, to swear
‘Nothing of what is told me to reveal;
‘And will that you assure me, for your share,
‘You shall what I recount as well conceal.’
“Uniting in the pact, the rival pair
“Their solemn vows upon the Bible seal:
“And when they had the mutual promise plighted,
“Ariodantes first his tale recited.
