XVIII.
“Driven landward, on the shore we safely light
“Who in the skiff embarked; while of our band
“The rest in the split vessel sink outright;
“Our goods sea-swallowed all. Upon the strand
“To eternal love, to goodness infinite,
“I offer up my thanks, with outstretched hand,
“That I was doomed not ’mid the watery roar
“To perish, nor behold Zerbino more.
XIX.
“Though I had left on shipboard matters rare,
“And precious in their nature, gem and vest,
“So I might hope Zerbino’s lot to share,
“I was content the sea should have the rest.
“No dwelling on the beach appears, nor there
“Is any pathway seen, by footsteps pressed;
“Only a hill, whose woody top is beat
“By ceaseless winds, the waters bathe its feet.
XX.
“Here the fell tyrant Love, aye prompt to range,
“And faithless to his every promise still,
“Who watches ever how he may derange
“And mar our every reasonable will,
“Converts, with woeful and disastrous change,
“My comfort to despair, my good to ill:
“For he, in whom Zerbino put his trust,
“Cooled in his loyal faith, and burned with lust.
