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!