Note 107 — FABLES.
Reading edition
Edward Fairfax, natural son of Sir Thomas Fairfax of Denton in Yorkshire, translated Tasso's celebrated poem, stanza for stanza, with equal elegance and fidelity. His version, entitled "Godfrey of Bulloigne, or the Recovery of Jerusalem," was first published in 1600. Collins has paid the original author and translator the following singular compliment:
"How have I sate, while piped the pensive wind, To hear thy harp by British Fairfax strung; Prevailing poet, whose undoubting mind Believed the magic wonders that he sung." Ode on Highland Superstitions.