Alphonso speaks of the poem which Tasso has just completed, and points to the crown which he wears. Then follow some of the unkindest words which a secretary of state could possibly bestow on the occasion.
"Antonio.—You solve a riddle for me. Entering here
I saw to my surprise two crowned.
[Looking towards the bust of Ariosto.
"Tasso. I wish
Thou could'st as plainly as thou see'st my honours,
Behold the oppress'd and downcast spirit within.
"Antonio—I have long known that in his recompenses
Alphonso is immoderate; 'tis thine
To prove to-day what all who serve the prince
Have learn'd, or will."
Antonio then launches into an eloquent eulogium upon the other crowned one—upon Ariosto—which has for its object as well to dash the pride of the living, as to do homage to the dead. He adds, with a most cruel ambiguity,