The ladies left their measures at the sight, To meet the chiefs returning from the fight, 310 And each with open arms embraced her chosen knight. Amid the plain a spreading laurel stood, The grace and ornament of all the wood: That pleasing shade they sought, a soft retreat From sudden April showers, a shelter from the heat: Her leafy arms with such extent were spread. So near the clouds was her aspiring head, That hosts of birds, that wing the liquid air, Perch'd in the boughs, had nightly lodging there: And flocks of sheep beneath the shade from far 320 Might hear the rattling hail, and wintry war; From heaven's inclemency here found retreat, Enjoy'd the cool, and shunn'd the scorching heat: A hundred knights might there at ease abide; And every knight a lady by his side: The trunk itself such odours did bequeath, That a Moluccan[77] breeze to these was common breath. The lords and ladies here, approaching, paid Their homage, with a low obeisance made; And seem'd to venerate the sacred shade. 330 These rites perform'd, their pleasures they pursue, With song of love, and mix with measures new; Around the holy tree their dance they frame, And every champion leads his chosen dame. I cast my sight upon the farther field, And a fresh object of delight beheld: For from the region of the West I heard New music sound, and a new troop appear'd; Of knights and ladies mix'd, a jolly band, But all on foot they march'd, and hand in hand. 340