Of Britain, which was after England named.
Stanza xxvi. line 4.
This line is here in its proper place; but it is odd enough that Machiavel should have given this obvious piece of antiquarian lore in his Florentine History. The words in which it is expressed are (if I recollect rightly) the same in Machiavel’s prose and Ariosto’s verse.
Haul down their mainsail, &c.
Stanza xxix. line 2.
If Ariosto sometimes appears less exact in his description of naval matters than in other points, I am less inclined to attribute his supposed errors to the fear he is reported to have suffered on shipboard (considering that he had served by sea as well as by land), than to the alteration which has taken place in the construction and equipment of vessels since his time, the peculiar nature of an inland sea, and the modes of navigation which are suited to such vessels and such seas. Thus, the mainsail, hauled down, was, probably, an after sail, which will explain the manœuvre as facilitating the vessel’s wearing. The quick shiftings of the wind which follow are common characteristics of the Mediterranean.
Rogero was his valiant father’s name,
His mother was the child of Agolant.
Stanza xxxii. lines 3 and 4.
For the story of the father and mother, see the Orlando Innamorato.
The Alfana that the Indian monarch rode
The fairest was that ever man bestrode.
Stanza li. lines 7 and 8.
This was the favourite mare of Gradasso; for which also see the Innamorato passim.
