VI.

Not fairer opened in Alcina’s isle Upon Ruggiero’s wild, enchanted view The magic garden, mightiest wings the while Furled the aërial steed on which he flew. Not fairer that to which Armida drew The Christian Knight whom fatal toils ensnared, Where side by side the fruit and blossoms grew, The bough green apples with the golden shared, And the full ripened with the nascent fig compared.