XIX. He once aspir'd to Rhodalinda's charms, And sought in fighting fields, by glorious arms, XX. He came with Hurgonil;---the rest in vain XXI But leave we Gondibert consulting these, Goltho, who late had to the palace come, Revolving Dalga's beauties in his mind, And when he heard the prince's will declar'd Black Delga's house he sought, nor sought in vain, Nor could he long her wish'd appearance wait; 80 90 So ready did the fair deceiver deign To give him welcome at her open gate... And much enquir'd she of his health and weal, And flames which in most constant bosoms burn. 100 Nor wanted fit excuse for the same flaw Which (as she pleads) her tongue from truth had bound. XXVII. "I own," said she, (and tears her words succeed) "That not my mother, but a wealthy youth "Found entrance here, whose acts my anguish breed, "And for whose sake you must suspect my truth. XXVIII. + "The wretch once sought me for his wedded wife, XXIX. 110 "Sprung from one stock, he bears our ancient name, "And since by vile devices hath he wrought "To our paternal fiefs to lay his claim, "And by his bribes a cruel sentence bought. "All that my mother or myself did hold, "The Cruel law hath to this fiend convey'd, "And thence his desp'rate suit hath render'd bold, 65 Against a widow and an artless maid. XXXI. "So if his visits I refuse, he swears "To chase us from our ancient lov'd abode, "To give us up to poverty and fears, "And seize on all that Fortune hath bestow'd. "No other way, alas! for me remains,“ XXXIII. Geltho is touch'd;---he swears to plead her cause With royal Aribert, whose just award Might stand between her and the rigid laws, 'XXXIV. And now they hasten from the crowded town To rural seats, with Nature's bounty fair But that the good and virtuous Ulfinore, (Friend of his heart, tho' rival of his love) 120 130 Disguis'd attends him at the fatal door, Their parting sees, and follows where they move. 140 But turn we where the royal bride awaits, And long expectant, courts the slow-pac'd hours, XXXVII. And these, at length, the Duke's approach declare, With purple streamers waving in the air, XXXVIII. Straight to the temple haste the busy throng; XXXIX. Now sunk the sun;---with solemn pace and slow XL. 150 These thro' the gloom fling forth a lengthen'd blaze, And on the distant walls and turrets bright Shines like the new-ris'n moon, with trembling rays, Piercing the sable veil of dusky Night. 160 XLI. The trumpets speak: the minstrelsy reply; XLII. And still on Gondibert the people call; XLII. While he, far distant, in unhappy plight, XLIV. 170 Ev'n where joy revell'd high without control, ag'd the loud tempest, which their clamours drown'd, The livid lightnings flash from either pole, And roaring thunders rend the blue profound. XLV. Amid this storm which prodigies enhanc'd, XLVI. Of dreadful deeds he told, and dangers near, |