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y at will Create himself a day, in thy despite. Nor only marvellous the gems; the skill Of the artificer and substance bright So well contend for mastery, of the two, 'Tis hard to judge where preference is due. LXI On arches raised, whereon the firmament Seemed to repose as props, so fair in show Are lovely gardens, and of such extent, As even would be hard to have below. Clustering 'twixt lucid tower or battlement, Green odoriferous shrubs are seen to grow, Which through the summer and the winter shoot, And teem with beauteous blossom and ripe fruit. LXII Never in any place such goodly tree Is grown, except within these gardens fine; Or rose, or violet of like quality, Lilies, or amaranth, or jessamine. Elsewhere it seems as if foredoomed to be Born with one sun, to live and to decline, Upon its widowed stalk the blossom dies, Subject to all the changes of the skies. LXIII But here the verdure still is permanent, Still permanent the eternal blossoms are; Not that kind nature, in her government, So nicely tempers here the genial air, But that, unneeding any influence lent By planet, Logistilla's zeal and care Ever keep fast (what may appear a thing Impossible) her own perpetual spring. LXIV That such a gentle lord had sought her rest, Did much the prudent Logistilla please, And she commanded he should be carest, And all should seek to do him courtesies. Sometime had Sir Astolpho been her guest, Whom with a joyful heart Rogero sees. There in few days resorted all the crew, Changed by Melissa to their shapes anew. LXV When they a day or more their weariness Had eased, Rogero sought the prudent fay; With him the duke Astolpho, who no less Desired to measure back his western way. Melissa was for both embassadress, And for the warlike pair, with humble say To favour, warn and help them, prayed the dame; So that they might return from whence they came. LXVI "I" (said the fay) "will think upon this need, And in two days the pair will expedite." Then thought how good Rogero she should speed. And afterwards how aid the English knight. She wills the first shall, on the griffin steed, To the Aquitanian shores direct his flight; But first will fashion for the flying-horse A bit, to guide him and restrain his course. LXVII She shows him what to do, if he on high Would make
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