_And fast beside these trickled softly downe. A gentle stream, &c._
Compare the following stanza in the continuation of the _Orlando Innamorato_, by Nilcolo degli Agostinti, Lib. iv, C. 9.
"Ivi è un mormorio assai soave, e basso, Che ogniun che l'ode lo fa addornientare, L'acqua, ch'io dissi gia per entro un sasso E parea che dicesse nel sonare. Vatti riposa, ormai sei stanco, e lasso, E gli augeletti, che s'udian cantare, Ne la dolce armonia par che ogn'un dica, Deh vien, e dormi ne la piaggia, aprica,"
Spenser's obligations to this poem seem to have escaped the notice of his commentators. J.C. WALKER.
[042] The oak was dedicated to Jupiter, and the poplar to Hercules.
[043] _Sicker_, surely; Chaucer spells it _siker_.
[048] Cato being present on one occasion at the floral games, the people out of respect to him, forbore to call for the usual exposures; when informed of this he withdrew, that the spectators might not be deprived of their usual entertainment.
[049] What is the reason that an easterly wind is every where unwholesome and disagreeable? I am not sufficiently scientific to answer this question. Pope takes care to notice the fitness of the easterly wind for the _Cave of Spleen_.
No cheerful breeze this sullen region knows, The dreaded east is all the wind that blows.
[050] One sweet scene of early pleasures in my native land I have commemorated in the following sonnet:--
Romantic ruin! who could gaze on thee Untouched by tender thoughts, and glimmering dreams Of long-departed years? Lo! nature seems Accordant with thy silent majesty! The far blue hills--the smooth reposing sea-- The lonely forest--the meandering streams-- The farewell summer sun, whose mellowed beams Illume thine ivied halls, and tinge each tree, Whose green arms round thee cling--the balmy air-- The stainless vault above, that cloud or storm 'Tis hard to deem will ever more deform-- The season's countless graces,--all appear To thy calm glory ministrant, and form A scene to peace and meditation dear!
[051] "I was ever more disposed," says Hume, "to see the favourable than the unfavourable side of things; _a turn of mind which it is more happy to possess, than to be born to an estate of ten thousand a year_."