Or call up him that left half told
The story of Cambuscan bold,
Of Camball, and of Algarsife,
And who had Canace to wife,
That owned the virtuous ring and glass,
And of the wondrous horse of brass,
On which the Tartar king did ride;
And if aught else great bards beside
In sage and solemn tunes have sung
Of tourneys and of trophies hung,
Of forests, and enchantments drear,
Where more is meant than meets the ear.

In this passage from "Il Penseroso," Milton yearns for stories that delve beneath their surface narrative to reveal deeper truths. He calls upon the spirit of Chaucer, who began the tale of Cambuscan but left it unfinished, to complete the story of enchantment and mystery. Milton's request is not simply for the continuation of the narrative but for the uncovering of the hidden layers within it. He appreciates the "virtuous ring and glass" and the "wondrous horse of brass"—symbols and artifacts that hold more than mere fantasy and marvel. This desire reflects a relationship with literature that reaches beyond entertainment, seeking wisdom and insight. It underscores the power of poetic imagination to convey profound meanings that are not immediately obvious, emphasizing the importance of interpretation and contemplation in the experience of art.