And judge of Guido the Bolognian's piece Which, lend Taurello credit, rivals Greece-- Angels, with aureoles like golden quoits Pitched home, applauding Ecelin's exploits. For elegance, he strung the angelot, [Sidenote: With the appropriate graces of such.] Made rhymes thereto; for prowess, clove he not Tiso, last siege, from crest to crupper? Why Detail you thus a varied mastery But to show how Taurello, on the watch For men, to read their hearts and thereby catch Their capabilities and purposes, Displayed himself so far as displayed these: While our Sordello only cared to know About men as a means whereby he'd show Himself, and men had much or little worth According as they kept in or drew forth That self; the other's choicest instruments Surmised him shallow. Meantime, malcontents Dropped off, town after town grew wiser. "How Change the world's face?" asked people; "as 't is now It has been, will be ever: very fine Subjecting things profane to things divine, In talk! This contumacy will fatigue The vigilance of Este and the League! The Ghibellins gain on us!"--as it happed. Old Azzo and old Boniface, entrapped By Ponte Alto, both in one month's space Slept at Verona: either left a brace Of sons--but, three years after, either's pair Lost Guglielm and Aldobrand its heir: Azzo remained and Richard--all the stay Of Este and Saint Boniface, at bay [Sidenote: But Ecelin, he set in front, falling,] As 't were. Then, either Ecelin grew old Or his brain altered--not o' the proper mould For new appliances--his old palm-stock Endured no influx of strange strengths. He'd rock As in a drunkenness, or chuckle low As proud of the completeness of his woe, Then weep real tears;--now make some mad onslaught On Este, heedless of the lesson taught So painfully,--now cringe for peace, sue peace At price of past gain, bar of fresh increase To the fortunes of Romano. Up at last Rose Este, down Romano sank as fast. And men remarked these freaks of peace and war Happened while Salinguerra was afar: Whence every friend besought him, all in vain, To use his old adherent's wits again. Not he!--"who had advisers in his sons, Could plot himself, nor needed any one's Advice." 'T was Adelaide's remaining stanch Prevented his destruction root and branch Forthwith; but when she died, doom fell, for gay He made alliances, gave lands away To whom it pleased accept them, and withdrew Forever from the world. Taurello, who Was summoned to the convent, then refused A word at the wicket, patience thus abused, Promptly threw off alike his imbecile Ally's yoke, and his own frank, foolish smile. Soon a few movements of the happier sort Changed matters, put himself in men's report