This is the inability to sustain heroic style at its ambitious level.

He frequently drops at the close of the octave stanza into a prosaic couplet, which has all the effect of bathos.

Instances are not far to seek:[69] Gia tal insegna acquisto l'avo, e poi La portar molti de'nipoti suoi.
* * * * * E a questi segni ed al crin raro e bianco Monstrava esser dagli anni oppresses e stanco.
* * * * * Fu qui vicin dal saggio Alchiso il Mago, Di far qualch'opra memorabil vago.
* * * * * Io son Rinaldo, Solo di servir voi bramoso e caldo.
[Footnote 68: _Rinaldo_, cantos x.

vii.] [Footnote 69: Canto i.

25, 31, 41, 64.] The reduplication of epithets, and the occasional use of long sonorous Latin words, which characterize Tasso's later manner, are also noticeable in these couplets.