The roof. Now fury grows, and thirst of blood: Dreadful, with bristled mane, the lion stood: The tiger crouching near, with fiery eyes, And waving tail, marks out his trembling prize. The herd, and mock'd them with disdainful smile, Much marvell'd at that sight the noble youth: Doubt fill'd his mind. But now the shield of truth, With his neglected armour, thrown aside, Lay useless; while Alcina, like a bride, Soft blooming, breathing love, and fond desire, Shot through each trembling nerve resistless fire. Flew swiftly by. Yet not without allay The bliss, while often in the lonely hour The angel Conscience on his ear would pour His warning, and with forceful touch pourtray'd Melissa's bower, and his deserted maid. Such musings fill'd his mind, when, lo, it chanc'd His eye upon the lofty chamber glanc'd, Where, all deform'd with rust, in order'd files Stood rang'd of many a luckless knight the spoils. Anxious he sought his own. Not yet by time grown dim, And soon their light, attracts his sight. Eager he springs to seize. With shrieks and cries The palace rings, and all around him rise Terrific forms, which clubs and lances wield, And crowd to thwart, and drive him from the shield. He, rouz'd by hope, their threats and force disdains; Presses undaunted on, and the bright prize obtains. Th' illusion fled. No more, with wanton wing, Light zephyrs fling around the balmy spring; And that fair dame, with vice polluted breast, His new purg'd eyes, and chasten'd thoughts detest; Then in the shield's clear mirror he surveys The savage beastly crew. The shield displays Forms once in human semblance cast, defac'd Mov'd at the sight, he sheds some pitying tears, . Then, joyful at the danger 'scap'd, he fares And prudence by experience firmer made. END OF THE FIFTH CANTO. |