XXX.
These things were carried closely by the dame
And youth, or if surmised, were never bruited;
For silence seldom was a cause for blame,
But oftener as a virtue well reputed[24].
By those shrewd courtiers, conscious of his claim,
Rogero is with proffers fair saluted:
Worshipped of all those inmates, who fulfil
In this the enamoured fay, Alcina’s, will.
XXXI.
No pleasure is omitted there; since they
Alike are prisoners in Love’s magic hall.
They change their raiment twice or thrice a day,
Now for this use, and now at other call.
’Tis often feast, and always holiday;
’Tis wrestling, tourney, pageant, bath, and ball.
Now underneath a hill by fountain cast,
They read the amorous lays of ages past:
XXXII.
Now by glad hill, or through the shady dale,
They hunt the fearful hare, and now they flush
With busy dog, sagacious of the trail,
Wild pheasant from the stubble-field or bush.
Now where green junipers perfume the gale,
Suspend the snare, or lime the fluttering thrush[25]:
And casting now for fish, with net or hook,
Disturb their secret haunts in pleasant brook.
