The Orlando Innamorato. Matteo Maria Boiardo

by the king. Accordingly we are told:

      Yet while his heart with smothered fury beats,

       He feigns to trifle with the cups and glasses:

       But, inly murmuring, to himself repeats

       "False, ribald crew! before to-morrow passes,

       "This arm shall prove if you can keep your seats;

       "Spawn of a nest of vipers, idiots, asses!

       "And well I wot to have you on the hip,

       "Unless my weapon swerve, or courser slip."