XXIV

'To-day we purpose, aye, this hour we mount

      To spur three leagues towards the Apennine;

Come down, we pray thee, ere the hot sun count

      His dewy rosary on the eglantine.'

Lorenzo, courteously as he was wont,

      Bow'd a fair greeting to these serpents' whine;

And went in haste, to get in readiness,

With belt, and spur, and bracing huntsman's dress.