[72] It is plain that Shakspeare borrowed from this source the similar incident in his “As you Like it.” The names of characters in the play, Orlando, Oliver, Rowland indicate the same thing.
[73] See their story in “King Arthur and His Knights.”
[74] This is a poetical description of a phenomenon which is said to be really exhibited in the strait of Messina, between Sicily and Calabria. It is called Fata Morgana, or Mirage.
[75] This prophecy is introduced by Ariosto in this place to compliment the noble house of Este, the princes of his native state, the dukedom of Ferrara.
PROVERBIAL EXPRESSIONS
No. 1. Page [39].
Materiem superabat opus.—Ovid.
The workmanship surpassed the material.