LVII.
Doralice he consoled this while, whose eyes
And cheek were wetted with the frequent tear,
And many matters feigned and flattering lies;
‘—How, known by fame, he long had held her dear,
‘And how his country and glad realm, whose size
‘Shamed others, praised for grandeur far and near,
‘He quitted, not for sight of France or Spain;
‘But to behold that cheek of lovely grain.’
LVIII.
“If a man merits love by loving, I
“Yours by my love deserve; if it is won
“By birth,—who boasts a genealogy
“Like me, the puissant Agricano’s son?
“By riches,—who with me in wealth can vie,
“That in dominion yield to God alone?
“By courage,—I to-day (I ween) have proved
“That I for courage merit to be loved.”
LIX.
These words, and many others on his part,
Love frames and dictates to the Tartar knight,
Which sweetly tend to cheer the afflicted heart
Of the unhappy maid, disturbed with fright.
By these fear first was laid, and next the smart
Sheathed of that woe, which had nigh pierced her sprite;
And with more patience thence the maid began
To hear, and her new lover’s reasons scan.
