No other choice Belphegor now had got,

Than—try himself the hymeneal knot.

In Florence he beheld a certain fair,

With charming face and smart engaging air;

Of noble birth, but puffed with empty pride;

Some marks of virtue, though not much beside.

For Roderick was asked this lofty dame;

The father said Honesta* (such her name)

Had many eligible offers found;

But, 'mong the num'rous band that hovered round,