Doom'd long his fate uncertain to attend, LXXI. Far had he stray'd adown the winding track, LXXII. These by the bloody Borgio's captains led, The youths must perish, or be captive made. LXXIII. And they had perish'd, while with desp'rate force LXXIV. These to the Brescian camp the chiefs convey'd, Where they in heavy chains were laid, LXXV. But turn we now where Aribert awaits Th' uncertain issue of disastrous war, Debating sage with senetorial care. 280 293 302 LXXVI. For on that dreadful night the news was spread, LXVVII. For thro' all Lombardy was Morcar known LXXVIII. But still more oft' the town's beleagur'd wall LXXIX. 310 Nor age nor sex their boiling rage would spare, LXXX. Now well dissembling with a chosen few. Advancing Gondibert's rich standard high. LXXXI. For this he deem'd would soon admittance gain, 320 Thus stratagem for once might force supply, And Hubert's hopes with wish'd success be crown'd. LXXXII. The chief once enter'd 'midst the busy throng, LXXXIII. But while he thus insidious wiles prepares, LXXXIV. Yet the wise captive meeting art with art, Which may against his foes' strong arms provide: LXXXV. For this too carelessly the guards attend, On one devoted to their master's cause, 330 And while they slightly watch this new-made friend, LXXXVI. Tho' not so safe he took his speedy flight But that the foe his sly desertion found, 340 Whose troops pursu'd him thro' the shades of night, 1 LXXXVII. But yet the fugitive the city gains, Tells all the snares the wily foe had laid, LXXXVIII. Now the scar'd priests the rites prepar'd surcease: LXXXIX. 350 While the grave old, and those whose rev'rend place, XC. There awful met beneath their monarch's eye, Weighs all advice that from their counsels springs. 360 XCI. Thus in Verona pass the gloomy hours, While tempests roar, and thunders rend the sky, While dreaded earthquakes shake the nodding tow'rs, And all the bulwarks tremble from on high. XCII. At length, while in debate the senate sate, Volume 11. P That seem'd as if Verona's final fate Hung on the peal that rent the wounded air. XCII. A peal so loud, that the rude tempest's noise XCIV. Straight rise the peers, confusion fills the hall, While each to learn the dreadful news essays. XCV. Of these strange tidings, and the stranger deeds And still what further change to all succeeds, 3 And what grave words or bloody swords decide: 380 XCVI. These in another Canto shall be shown, But here our steeds awhile we mean to rein, Like those of Sol, who leave his ev'ning throne, 384 |