The Beginning of the Story - Page 25 of 25

385   I sealed a letter, sent it through
A trusted man to take to you.
You came in soon – to fall into
The clutch of Adolph turned untrue.

386   The scoundrel fearing soon to find
You marching home with troops aligned,
Wrote you to come alone, and signed
With Father's name and seal combined.

387   On learning this, I grieved and fain
To please my heart, would have it slain;
But came Menander and his train,
And soon Albania was reta'en.

388   I think it was Menander who
Received the note I'd sent to you;
Soon as Albania came to view,
With wolfish fury, he tore through.

389   Now helpless, Adolph did invite
Another traitor's aid... That night,
They bore me off, fleeing the site,
I to my saddle bound up tight.

390   And here – ah, threatening he became,
My virtue he would stain to shame,
When swift – from whre? – an arrow came
The wicked Adolph's breast its aim.

391   Flerida broke in: Reaching here,
A maiden's voice came to my ear;
I felt she as in pain of fear,
And this, my heart could scarcely bear.

392   I searched about, and came upon
Your struggle with this vicious one,
Incensed, I drew my bow; anon,
My arrow shot, his life was done.

393   Scarce had she ended, when abreast
Menander comes, with troops in quest
Of Adolph... Then, O joy thrice blest,
When on his friend, his glances rest!

394   They'd left Aetolia recently,
And their first cry was, full of glee,
Long live the king of Albany! ^[28]
And Princess Laura, long live she!

395   They went back to their kingdom where
Aladdin had Flerida fair
Were christened – and this loving pair,
Like the first couple, married were.

396   Famed Sultan Ali Adab died
And Aladdin then homeward hied;
Florante became king; his bride,
Beloved Laura, at his side.

397   And under this new monarch's reign,
Peace o'er the kingdom spread again.
To plenty did the poor attain;
To happiness, theose once in pain.

398   They raised their hands to heav'n; expressed
Thanks for the gifts their land possessed.
The royal pair thought but the best;
Their people were with kindness blest.

399   They went through life harmonious, aye,
Until Elysium ^[29] bade them nigh...
Cease, Muse; and unto Celia fly;
Seek her out, bringing her my cry!