Chapter XXIV Of Orlando’s Rank and Virtue
No longer it becomes the heart to mourn
A hero of immortal joys possessed;
Of noble rank, and noble parents born,
For nobler deeds in heaven with glory blest.
To none inferior, thine was native worth;
Thy feet still tending to the temple’s bounds;
A glorious model to the wondering earth,
A faithful balsam to thy country’s wounds.
The Clergy’s refuge, and the Widow’s friend,
Bounteous to guests, and liberal to the poor;
To heaven thy parting steps may safely bend,
Whose works have opened wide salvation’s door.
Thy tongue the fount of heavenly eloquence,
That still would slake the thirst, and never pall,
Endowed with graceful wit, and manly sense,
Proclaimed thee common father, friend of all.
Blest Chief, farewell! but not the marbled urn
That holds thy ashes can thy soul contain:
Our wondering eyes to heaven above we turn,
Where thou for ever dost triumphant reign.