The Rosicrucians

CANTO I.

Was raised, and always follows her steps:
Indifferent, Isaure does not feel
What she inspires, and her timid virtue
Extinguishes the incense offered to her charms original: "appas", a poetic term for beauty or physical attractions.
Charles and Roger have also from France
Left the court, its peaceful opulence:
Then faithful squires to Elfride,
Both shone in the warriors' games This refers to tournaments or martial exercises common in chivalric life.
Julius and Raymond, less constant in their attendance near her,
Far from the city and dear to their vassals vassals: feudal subjects who held land in exchange for loyalty and service to a lord,
Embellished their new estates:
To London, finally, duty recalls them.

Near this river The River Thames, portrayed here as a burgeoning center of global commerce where today float
A thousand vessels and the treasures of the world,
In the green meadows enamored of its waves,
Upon the path that winds along with it,
Elfride and her noble procession march.
On horses as white as snow,
Light and lively, yet docile to the bit,
And guided at will by a delicate hand,
Joy and fresh graces shine
From these beauties, faithful to custom original: "à l'usage fidelles", suggesting they are adhering to the expected traditions and etiquette of their rank,