LXXVI
Risesasuddenandahorridcry,Andaironeverysiderepeatsthescream;
Ashisscaredbandthefallingyouthdescry,Andissuingfromhiswoundsowideastream:
Disordered,theythecountinfuryply,And,raisedtocutorthrust,theirweaponsgleam。
Againstthatflowerofknights,theirfeatheredreeds,Athickersquadronyetintempestspeeds。
LXXVII
Withsoundlikethat,withwhichfromhillrepair,Orfromthechampaign\'sflatthehurryingswine,(IftheWolf,issuefromhisgrot,orBear,Descendingtothemountains\'lowerline,Somebristlyyounglingtakeawayandtear,Whowithloudsquealandgruntisheardtopine)
Camedrivingatthecountthebarbarousrout;
“Uponhim!“and“uponhim!“stilltheirshout。
LXXVIII
Atoncespears,shafts,andswords,hiscorsletboreBythousands,andasmanypiercehisshield。
Thisthreatensononeside,andthatbefore,Andthosetheponderousmacebehindhimwield。
Butheesteemsthecravenroutnomore。
He,whodidneveryettoterroryield,ThanhungryWolfintwilightmakesaccountTowhatthenumberoftheflockmaymount。
LXXIX
Heheldunsheathedthatthunderingswordinhand,Whichwithsomanyfoeshasheapedtheplain,Thathewhothinkstocounttheslaughteredband,Hasundertaken,hardemprizeandvain。
Theroadranred,ensanguinedbyhisbrand,Andscarcecapaciousofthemanyslain。
Forneithertargenorhead-piecegooddefends,WherefatalDurindana\'sbladedescends。
LXXX
Norsafetycottonvest,norclothssupply,Inthousandfoldsaboutthetemplesspread:
NoronlygroanandlamentationflyThroughair,butshoulder,arm,andseveredhead,DeathroamsthefieldinstrangevarietyOfhorridforms,andallinspiringdread;
Andsays,“ForhundredsofmyscythesmaystandHisDurindanainOrlando\'shand。”
LXXXI
Hisceaselessstrokesscarceonetheotherwait:
Speedilyallhisfoemenareinflight。
Andwhenbeforetheycameatfuriousrate,Theyhopedtoswallowquickthesingleknight。
Noneistherewho,inthatunhappystraight,Stopsforhiscomrade,flyingfromthefight。
Hereonemanspeedsafoot,onegallopsthere;
Nonestaystoquestioniftheroadbefair。
LXXXII
HismirrorValourboreabout,andhereEachblemishofthesoulwasseenconfest:
Nonelookedtherein,exceptanagedpeer,Whosebloodwaschilled,butcourageunreprest。
ThatdeathwerebetterdeemsthiscavalierThanlifeinflight,andindisgracepossest:
ImeanNoritia\'sking,wholayshislanceInrestagainstthepaladinofFrance;
LXXXIII
HebrokeitontheborderoftheshieldOftheintrepidcount,withstedfasthand,Who,bythestrokeunshaken,nothingreeled:
Andsmotetheking,inpassing,withhisbrand。
HimFortunesaved;forasOrlandowheeledTheblade,itturned,descending,inhishand。
Althoughan-edgeheguidesnotstillthesword,Stunnedfromhissaddlereelsthepaynimlord。
LXXXIV
Astoundedfromhissaddlereelstheking,NorhimOrlandoturnsabouttosee。
Hecuts,andcleaves,andslayshisfollowing;
Whoallbelievehimattheirbackstobe。
Asthroughthespaciousair,withtroubledwing,Thestarlingsfromthedaringmerlinflee;
So,ofthatbrokensquadron,scatteredround,Somefly,somedip,andsomefallflattoground。
LXXXV
HeceasednothisensanguinedbladetoswayTilllivingwightremainednotinhisview。
Orlandodoubtedtoresumehisway,Althoughthecountryallaboutheknew。
Doeshetherightorleft-handroadassay,Histhoughtsstillrovefromwhathisstepspursue,AndhetoseekthedamselisindreadThroughotherpaththanthatbywhichshefled。
LXXXVI
Throughwoodandfieldhiscourserdidhegoad,Ofteninquiringfortheroyaldame:
Besidehimself,hestrayedbesidehisroad,Andtothefootofrisingmountaincame,Whence(itwasnight-time)throughafissureglowedThedistantflickerofaquiveringflame。
Orlandototherockapproached,tospyIfthereAngelicaconcealedmightlie。
LXXXVII
Aswherelowjuniperso\'ershadeherlair,Orinthestubbleoftheopenlay,WhattimethehuntersseekthefearfulhareThroughtraversedwoods,andthroughuncertainway,——Lestperadventureshebehiddenthere,Theyeverybramble,everybushassay;
Evenso,wherehopethetoilingwarriorleads,Searchinghislady-love,Orlandospeeds。
LXXXVIII
Prickinginhastetowardsthatray,thecountArrivedwhereinthewoodthelightwasshed,Forth-streamingfromacreviceinthemount,Withinwhosewombaspaciousgrottospread;
Andthere,likewallorbank,discernedinfront,Ofthornsandunderwoodabristlybed,Tohidethegrotto\'sinmates,anddefendFromscatheorscorn,whichothersmightintend。
LXXXIX
Bydayithadbeenhiddenevermore;
Buttheclearflamebetrayedthehauntbynight。
Itsuseheguessed;butwouldtheplaceexplore,Andbettercertifyhimselfbysight。
WhenhewithouthadtiedhisBrigliador,Insilencetothegrottostoletheknight;
Threadingtheshrubs;norcallingforaguide,Enteredthepassageinthemountain\'sside。
XC
ByalongflightofstepswasthedescentIntothecave;where,intherockytomb,Buriedwerelivingfolk。Ofwideextent,Thegrotwaschiselledintovaultedroom;
Norwas,althoughitsentrancelittlelent,Alldaylightwantingtodispersethegloom:
Formuchwasfurnishedbyawindowdight,Withinanaturalfissureontheright。
XCI
Inthemidcave,besideafirewasseenAgentlemaidofpleasinglookandguise;
WhoseemedtoRolandlittlepastfifteen,Asfarasatfirstsighthemightsurmise。
WiththatsofairshemadetheruggedsceneSeeminthewarrior\'ssightaparadise。
Althoughthiswhilehereyeswithtearso\'erflow,Cleartokensofaheartoppressedwithwoe。
XCII
Anageddamewaswithher,andthepairWrangled,asoftentimesiswomen\'sway;
ButwhentheCountywasdescendingthere,Concludedthedisputeandwordyfray。
Orlandohastenstosalutethemfair(Asstillisduetowomankind)andtheyTowelcomehimriselightlyformtheirseat,Andwithbenignreturnthewarriorgreet。
XCIII
\'Tistrue,thatwhenthatsuddenvoicetheyhear,Somedealconfusedinlooktheyseemtobe,AtthesametimebeholdingthusappearSofierceawight,andharnessedcap-a-pee。
“Whatwight“(demandsAnglantes\'cavalier)
Sobarbarousis,andvoidofcourtesy,Thathekeepsburied,inthisruderepair,Afacesogentleandsopassingfair?“
XCIV
Withpainthevirgintothecountreplies,Asheinquiresofherunhappydoom,Insweetandbrokenaccents,whichbysighsImpelled,throughrowsofpearlandcoralcome:
Andbetweenroseandlily,fromhereyesTearsfallsofast,sheneedsmustswallowsome。
Inothercanto,sir,bepleasedtoattendTherest,forhere\'tistimemystrainshouldend。
CANTO13
ARGUMENT
TheCountOrlandoofthedamselblandWholovesZerbino,hearsthepiteouswoes。
NextputstodeaththefelonswithhishandWhopentherthere。DukeAymon\'sdaughtergoes,SeekingRogero,wheresolargeabandTheoldAtlantes\'magicwallsenclose。
Herheimpounds,deceivedbyfictionsnew。
Agramantrankshisarmyforreview。
I
Thoseancientcavaliersrighthappywere,Borninanage,when,inthegloomywood,Invalley,andincave,whereinthebear,Serpent,orlion,hidtheirsavagebrood,Theycouldfindthat,whichnowinpalacerareIshardlyfoundbyjudgesprovedandgood;
Women,towit,whointheirfreshestdaysOfbeautyworthilydeservethepraise。
II
AboveItoldyouhowagentlemaidOrlandohaddiscoveredunderground,Andasked,bywhomshethitherwasconveyed?
Pursuingnowmytale,Itell,howdrownedIngrief(herspeechbymanyasobdelayed),Thedamselfair,insweetandsoftestsound,Summingthemwithwhatbrevityshemight,HerillsrecountedtoAnglantes\'knight。
III
“ThoughIamsure,“shesaid,“Ocavalier,TosufferpunishmentforwhatIsay;
BecauseIknow,tohimwhopensmehere,Thiswomanquicklywillthefactdisplay;
Iwouldnotbutthoushouldstthestoryhear——
Andletmywretchedlifetheforfeitpay!
Forwhatcanwaitmebetterthanthathe,Mygaoler,shouldonedaymydeathdecree?
IV
“Lo!IamIsabel,whooncewasstyledThedaughterofGallicia\'shaplessking:
Isaidarightwhowas;butnowthechild(Nolongerhis)ofcareandsuffering:
ThefaultofLove,bywhomIwasbeguiled;
ForagainsthimalonethischargeIbring。
Whosweetly,atthefirst,ourwishapplauds,Andweavesinsecretbutdeceitandfrauds。
V
“WhilomIlived,contentinFortune\'ssmile,Rich,blameless,fair,andyoung;tosadreverseCondemned,Inowamwretched,poor,andvile,Andinworsecase,ifanyyetbeworse。
Butitisfitting,ItotheethiswhileFromtheirfirstrootmytroublesshouldrehearse。
Anditwillsootheme,thoughoftheeIborrowNohelp,thatthoucompassionatemysorrow。
VI
“MyfatherinhiscityofBayonne,(To-daywillbetwelvemonths)atourneydight;
Hence,ledbyspreadingrumourtoourtown,Tojoust,fromdifferentlandscamemanyaknight;
Midthese(wasithismanifestrenown,Orwasitlovewhichsodeceivedmysight)
PraiseinmyeyesaloneZerbinowon,WhowasthemightykingofScotland\'sson。
VII
“WhenhimIafterinthefieldespied,Performingwondrousfeatsofchivalry,IwassurprisedbyLove,ereIdescriedThatfreedominmyLove,sorashaguide,Ilaythisunctiontomyphantasy,Thatnounseemlyplacemyheartpossest,Fixedontheworthiestintheworldandbest。
VIII
“Inbeautyandinvalour\'sboastaboveThoseotherlordstheScottishprincestoodhigh。
Heshowedme,and,Ithink,beboremelove,AndleftnolessanardentflamethanI。
Norlackedthereonewhodidbetweenusmove,Tospeakourcommonwishesfrequently,Socouldwestillinheartandmindunite,Althoughdisjoinedfromoneanother\'ssight。
IX
“Hence,whenconcludedwasthefestalshow,AndtohishomeZerbinowasreturned,Ifthouknow\'stwhatislove,thouwellmay\'stknowHownightanddayIforthewarrioryearned;
Andwasassured,nolessonhimdidpreyTheflame,thatinhisconstantbosomburned。
He,saveawaytohavemewithhim,noughtForsolaceofhisrestlesspassionsought。
X
“Fordifferentfaithforbadehim(onmysideIwasasaracen,aChristianhe)
Toaskmeofmyfatherasabride,Bystealthhepurposedtoelopewithme。
Amidgreenfields,ourwealthytownbeside,Ihadagarden,seatedbythesea,Uponthepleasantshore;fromwhencetheeyeMightoceanandthehillsaboutdescry。
XI
“AfittingplacetoeffectwhatdifferentcreedAndlawforbadeus,heesteemedthissite,Andshowedtheordertakenforthedeed,Whichwastomakeourfuturelife\'sdelight;
Andhow,nearSantaMartha,forourneed,Abarkwaswitharm\'dmeninambushdight,UnderSirOdoricofBiscay\'scommand;
Aleaderhe,approvedbyseaandland!
XII
“Unableinhispersonthistodo,ForbyhisfatherhewasforcedtowendInsuccourofthekingofFrance,inlieuThisOdoricforthepurposehewouldsend;
Chosen,ofallhisfaithfulfriendsandtrue,Ashismostfaithfulandhistruestfriend:
Andsuchhadbeen,ifbenefitscouldbindAndgoodlydeedsthefriendshipofmankind。
XIII
“Atthetimefixedtobearmethenceaway,Thischiefwouldanchoronthedestinedground——
Andthusitwasarrivedthewishedforday,ThenIofthemwasinmygardenfound。
SirOdoric,atnight,withfairarrayOfvaliantmen,bylandandsearenowned,Inthenearriverfromhisbarkdescends,Andthenceinsilencetomygardenwends。
XIV
“Tothepitchedbarkwithmehispartysped,Beforethecityknewwhatwasathand;
Someofthehouse,disarmedandnaked,fled,Andsomewereslain;whileofthehelplessband,Withme,anotherpartwascaptiveled。
SowasIseveredfrommynativeland,HopinginbriefZerbinotopossess,Icannottelltheewithwhathappiness。
XV
“ScarcelywasMongiabyourgalleydoubled,Ereasqualltookusonthelarboardside,Whichroundabouttheclearhorizontroubled,Andstirredandtostheaven-highthefoamingtide。
Smotewithanorth-westwind,next,oceanbubbled,Whichonherotherbeamthevesselplied:
Thisevermoreincreases,withsuchforce,Starboardorlarboard,bootsnotwhichourcourse。
XVI
“Itsteadsnottostrikesail,norlashthemast,Loweredonthegang-board,norourcastlesfell;
Thebark,inourdespite,ishurriedfastTowardsthepointedrocksaboutRochelle:
SaveHe,above,assistusatthelast,Thecruelstormwillusashoreimpel;
DriventhitherbyillwindwithmightierspeedThaneverbow-stringgavetowhistlingreed。
XVII
“OurperilwelldoestheBiscayannote,Andtrieswhatoftenhasanevilend;
Lowersdownthegalley\'sskiff,and,whenafloat,Descendsintoit,andmakesmedescend:
Twofollow,andatroopwouldthrongtheboat,Didnotthefirstpreventthem,anddefendTheentrancewiththeirnakedfaulchions;weSevertheropeforthwith,andputtosea。
XVIII
“Drivenlandward,ontheshorewesafelylightWhointheskiffembarked;whileofourbandTherestinthesplitvesselsinkoutright;
Ourgoodssea-swallowedall。UponthestrandToEternalLove,ToGoodnessInfinite,Iofferupmythanks,withoutstretchedhand,ThatIwasdoomednot\'midthewateryroarToperish,norbeholdZerbinomore。
XIX
“ThoughIhadleftonshipboardmattersrare,Andpreciousintheirnature,gemandvest,SoImighthopeZerbino\'slottoshare,Iwascontenttheseashouldhavetherest。
Nodwellingonthebeachappears,northereIsanypathwayseen,byfootstepspressed;
Onlyahill,whosewoodytopisbeatByceaselesswinds,thewatersbatheitsfeet。
XX
“HerethefelltyrantLove,ayeprompttorange,Andfaithlesstohiseverypromisestill,WhowatcheseverhowhemayderangeAndmaroureveryreasonablewill,Converts,withwoefulanddisastrouschange,Mycomforttodespair,mygoodtoill:
Forhe,inwhomZerbinoputhistrust,Cooledinhisloyalfaith,andburnedwithlust。
XXI
“Whetherhehisdesirehadnursedatsea,Andhadnotdaredexhibititbefore;
Orthatitsprungfromopportunity,Suggestedbythatsolitaryshore;
Withoutmorepause,inthatlonedesert,heWouldsatehisgreedypassion;butforboreTillheofonecouldridhim,ofthetwain,Whointheboatwithushadscapedthemain。
XXII
“AmanofScotlandhe,Almoniohight,WhotoZerbinoseemedgreatfaithtobear;
Andasaperfectwarriorbytheknight,Praised,whentoOdoricgiven,histrusttoshare:
Tohim(theSpaniardsaid)itwereaslightIfIuntoRochelleafootshouldfare;
Andprayed,thathebeforewouldthitherspeed,Andforwardthencesomehackney,formyneed。
XXIII
“Almonio,whointhissuspectsnoill,Forthwith,beforeourparty,wendshiswayTothetown,hiddenbythewoodedhill,Andwhichnotmorethansixmilesdistantlay。
TotheotherfinallyhiswickedwillSirOdorictookcouragetodisplay;
Aswellbecausehecouldnotridhimthence,Asthatinhimhehadgreatconfidence。
XXIV
“Hethatremainedwithus,ofwhomIsaidBefore,CorebowasofBilbaohight,WhowithhimunderthesameroofwasbredFrominfancy,andtheungratefulwightDeemedthatthethoughtheharbouredinhishead,Hecouldimpartinsafetytotheknight,Whowouldprefer,neglectedofhistrust,Thepleasureofhisfriendtowhatwasjust。
XXV
“NotwithouthighdisdainCoreboheard(Whokindandcourteouswas)theBiscayneer,Andtermedhimtraitor;andbydeedandwordWithstoodthepurposeofhisfoulcompeer。
Thismightywrathineitherwarriorstirred;
Insignwhereoftheirnakedbrandstheyrear。
Atsightoftheirdrawnswords,inpanic,I
Turnshortlythroughthegloomywoodtofly。
XXVI
“SirOdoricinwarwelltaughtandbred,Gainedinfewblowssuchvantageinthefray,HeleftCoreboonthefieldfordead,And,followinginmysteps,pursuedmyway。
Lovelenttohim(unlessIammisled)
Pinions,thathemightovertakehisprey;
Andmanyaprayerandglozingflatterytaught,WherewithItocompliancemightbewrought。
XXVII
“Butallinvain,forIwasfixedandbent,Ratherthansatehisilldesire,todie。
Whenmenacehadbyhimbeenvainlyspent,Andeveryprayerandeveryflattery,Hewouldbyopenforcehiswillcontent;
NorbootsitaughtthatIentreatiestry;——
Ofhislord\'sfaithinhimthewretchremind,AndhowmyselfItohishandsresigned。
XXVIII
“WhenIperceivedthatfruitlesswasmyprayer,AndthatIcouldnothopeforotheraid;
Forheassailedmelikeafamishedbear,WithhandsandfeetIfierceresistancemade,Ashemorebrutalwaxed,andpluckedhishair,Andwithmyteethandnailshisvisageflayed:
ThiswhileIventsuchlamentablecries,Theclamourechoestothestarryskies。
XXIX
“Weretheybychanceconducted,ormyshriek,Whichmighthavewellbeenheardaleaguearound,(Or,wasittheywerewonttheshoretoseek,Whenanyvesselsplitorranaground)
Isawacrowdappearuponthepeak,Which,totheseadescending,towardsuswound。
ThemtheBiscayansay,andatthesightAbandonedhisdesign,andturnedtoflight。
XXX
“Thisrabble,sir,againstthattreacherousmanComestomyaid;butinsuchguise,thatI
Thehomelysaw,offallingfromthepanIntothefirebeneath,butverify。
\'TistruesolostIwasnot,northatclanAccursedwithmindsofsuchiniquity,Thattheytoviolatemypersonsought;
Thoughnothinggoodorvirtuousonthemwrought:
XXXI
“Butthattheyknew,formepreservedamaid,AsyetIam,theyhigherpricemightcrave。
Eightmonthsarepast,thenintharrived,since,stayedBythem,aliveIlanguishinthisgrave。
AllhopeislostofmyZerbino\'said:
ForfromtheirspeechIgather,asaslave,Iambarteredtoamerchantforhisgold;
BywhomItothesultanshallbesold。”
XXXII
Thegentledamselsohertalepursues,WhilesobsandsighsoftinterposingbreakHersoftangelicvoice,whichmightinfuseCompassionintoasp,orvenomedsnake。
Whattimeshesoherpiteousgriefrenews,Orhaplydoesherbitteranguishslake,Sometwentymenthegloomycavernfill;
Thisarmedwithhunting-spear,andthatwithbill。
XXXIII
Withsquintinglookanddark,andbutoneeye,Theleaderofthetroop,ofbrutishcheerWashe,theforemostofthecompany;
Byablowblinded,whichfromnosetoearHadclefthisjaw:whenhedidsodescrySeatedbesidethemaid,thatcavalier,Heturnedaboutandsaid:“Lo!inthenetAnotherbirdforwhomitwasnotset!“
XXXIV
ThentotheCountycried:“IneverknewAmanmoreopportunemywantstostead;
IknownotwhetheranyonetoyouPerchancemayhaveannouncedmypressingneedOfsuchfairarms,——oryouconjecturedtrue,——
Aswellasofthatgoodlysableweed。
YouverilyarrivedinseasonareMyneeds(pursuedthelosel)torepair。”
XXXV
Withbittersmile,upstartingonhisfeet,Orlandototheruffianmadereply:
“Thouatapriceatwhichnochapmantreat,Unmarkedinmerchant\'sbooks,thesearmsshaltbuy。”
Withthathesnatchedabrand,which,fullofheatAndsmoke,wassmoulderinginthechimneynigh,Threwit,andsmotebychancetheknavehalfblind,Wherewiththenosethemeetingbrowsconfined。
XXXVI
Thebranddischargedbyhim,hiteitherbrow,Butmostseverelyontheleftdidsmite;
Forthatillfeatureperishedbytheblow,Whichwasthethief\'ssoleministeroflight。
Noristhestrokecontenttoblindthefoe;
Unsated,saveitregisterhisspriteAmongthosedamnedsouls,whomCharonkeeps,Withtheircompanions,plungedinboilingdeeps。
XXXVII
Aspacioustableinmidcavernstood,Twopalmsinthickness,initsfiguresquare;
Proptononehuge,illfashionedfoodandrude,Whichheldthethiefandallwhoharbouredthere。
EvenwithsuchfreedomashisdartofwoodWemarkthenimbleSpaniardlaunchthroughair,TheheavytableRolandseizedandthrew,Where,crowdedclosetogether,stoodthecrew。
XXXVIII
Onehadhisbellycrushed,andonehisbreast;
Anotherheadorarm,orlegandthigh。
Whencesomewereslainoutright,andmaimedtherest,Whilehewhowasleastinjuredsoughttofly。
\'Tissosometimes,withheavystoneoppressed,Aknotofslimysnakesisseentolie,Withbatteredheadsandloinswhere,winterdone,Theylicktheirscales,rejoicinginthesun。
XXXIX
Icouldnotsaywhatmischiefstheseoffend;
Onedies,andonedepartswithoutitstail;
Anothercrippledcannotmovean-end,Andwrigglingwreathesitslengthwithoutavail:
Whilethis,whommorepropitioussaintsbefriend,Safethroughthegrassdragsoffitsslimytrail。
Direwasthestroke;yetshouldnowonderbreed,SincegoodOrlando\'sarmachievedthedeed。
XL
Thosewhomtheboardhadlittlemaimedornought,(Turpinsaystherewereseven)incravenwise,Theirsafetyintheirfeet,yetvainly,sought;
Fortothecavern\'sdoorOrlandohies。
Andhavingthemwithoutresistancecaught,Fastwitharopetheirhandsbehindthemties;
Arope,whichinthecavernontheground,Convenientforhispurposehehadfound。
XLI
Heafterdragsthemboundwithoutthecave,Whereanoldservice-treeitsshadowthrows。
Orlandolopsthebrancheswithhisglaive,Andhangsthethieves,abanquetforthecrows:
Norchainandcrookforsuchadeeddidcrave:
Forreadyhooksthetreeitselfbestows,Topurgetheworld;wherebythechinup-hung,These,onthebranches,boldOrlandostrung。
XLII
Theancientwoman,theassassin\'sfriend,Escapeswhensheperceivesthatallaredead,And,threadingthatgreenlabyrinthwithoutend,Laments,andplucksthehairfromoffherhead,Byfearimpelled,throughpathswhichsoreoffendHerfeet,tillshe,besideariver\'sbed,Encounterswithawarrior:buttosayWhowasthestrangerchampionIdelay;
XLIII
Andturntoher,whotothecountapplied,Prayinghewouldnotleavehertherealone,Andvowedtofollowwhitherhewouldguide。
Orlandoherconsolesincourteoustone:
Andthence,when,withawreathofrosestiedAboutherbrows,androbedinpurplegown,OnwontedjourneywhiteAurorastarts,ThepaladinwithIsabeldeparts。
XLIV
WithoutencounteringaughtthatmightappearWorthyofnote,theywendedmanyaday;
Andfinallythetwainacavalier,Asprisonerled,encounteredbytheway。
Whoshallbetold;but,taletoyouasdearNowcallsmefromthebeatenpathaway;——
OfAymon\'sdaughter,——whomIleftabove,Languidandlostinallthepainsoflove。
XLV
Thebeauteousladywhodesiresinvain,Rogeroshouldnothisreturndelay,LiesinMarseilles,fromwhencethepaynimtrainSheharasses,nigheachreturningday;
(Whattimetheyrobbingaye,byhillandplain,ScowerfruitfulLanguedocandProvencegay)
AndthetruedutyexecutesarightOfasageleaderandavaliantknight。
XLVI
Thetimelongpast,she,lyinginthatplace,HadhopedthatherRogerowouldappear,She,notbeholdinghiminallthatspace,Ofmanyevilchanceslivedinfear。
Oneday,midothersthatherwoefulcaseTheladyweptalone,toherdrewnearThedame,whowiththathealingringmadesoundThebosomranklingwithAlcina\'swound。
XLVII
Whenhershesaw,withoutherlovereturned,(Suchtimeelapsed,hermissionincomplete),Soretrembling,faint,andpale,herheartsoyearned,Shescarcehadstrengthtostanduponherfeet。
Buttheenchantresskind,whenshediscernedHerfear,advancedwithsmilesthemaidtomeet;
AndtoconsolehersuchgladvisageworeAsmessengerwhojoyfultidingsbore。
XLVIII
“FearnotforthyRogero:heiswellAndsafe(shecried),andeverworshipsthee,Aswonted;butthyfoe,thatwizardfell,Himyetagaindeprivesofliberty。
Anditbehovestheenowtoclimbthesell,Would\'stthouposseshim,andtofollowme;
Forifthouwendestwithme,IwillleadWhither,bytheeRogeroshallbefreed。”
XLIX
Andnextpursued,relatingtoherallThefraudsandmagicofAtlanteshoar,Thatwearingherfairface,whoseemedthethrallOfanillgiant,himhadthroughthedoorOfgold,enticedintotheenchantedhall,Andafterdisappeared,theyouthbefore;
AndtoldhowdamesandcavaliershecheatsWhothithermakeresort,withlikedeceits。
L
Seeingthesage,allthinktheyseeasquire,Companion,lady-love,orabsentfriend;
Whateveriseachseveralwight\'sdesire:
Sincetoourscopeourwishesnevertend。
Hencesearchingeverywhere,themselvestheytireWithlaboursore,andfrustrateoftheirend;
Andcannot,(soDesireandHopedeceive),Withoutthemissinggood,thatpalaceleave。
LI
“Assoonasthou(pursuedthedame)artnearTheplacewherehehasbuiltthemagicseat,ResemblingthyRogeroinhischeerAndeverylook,Atlantestheeshallmeet,AndmakehimselfbyhisillartappearAssufferingfromsomestrongerarmdefeat;
Thatthoumay\'staidhimintheperilfeigned,Andthusamongthoseothersbedetained。
LII
“Totheendthoumay\'stescapehisambush,whereSomanyandsomany,thusbetrayed,Havefallen;thoughheRogeroseem,bewareTolendhimfaith,whowilldemandthineaid:
Nor,whenthesagepresentshimself,forbearTotakehisworthlesslifewithliftedblade。
NorthinktoslayRogerowiththeblow,Buthimwhoworkstheestillsuchcruelwoe。
LIII
“Hardwillitseemtoslay,fullwellIknow,Thewight,inwhomRogeroyoudescry:
But,fortruthisnotinthelyingshow,Trustnottosightwheremagicblearstheeye。
Fix,erewithmeyoutotheforestgo,Tochangenotwhenthetraitorousfoeisnigh:
FornevershallwithyouRogerowive,Ifweaklyyouthewizardleavealive。”
LIV
ThevalorousmaidwiththeintenttoslayThefalseenchanter,onherplandecides,Snatchesherarms,andfollowsonherwayMelissasage,inwhomshesoconfides,Andthus,byfruitfulfieldorforestgray,Herbyforcedjourneysthatenchantressguides;
AndstudiestobeguiletheirwearycourseEver,asbestshemay,withsweetdiscourse:
LV
AndasthefairesttopicofallthoseWhichmightbegratefultothedamsel\'sear,HerfutureoffspringandRogero\'schose(Araceofdemigods)inprinceandpeer。
ForasMelissaallthesecretsknowsOftheeternalgodswhoruleoursphere,ThegoodenchantresscandiscoverallWhichshouldinmanyageshencebefall。
LVI
“Oh!mybestguide。”exclaimedthedamselboldTotheweird-womanthattoaidhercame,“AsthouhastmanyyearsbeforeforetoldMenwhoshallglorifymyraceandname,SonowIpraythee,lady,tounfoldThepraiseandvirtuesofsomenobledame,Iffrommylineageanysuchshallrise。”
TowhomMelissacourteouslyreplies:
LVII
“ChastedamesoftheedescendedIsurvey,Mothersofthosewhowearimperialcrown,Andmightykings;thecolumnandthestayOfgloriousrealmsandhousesofrenown。
Andasthysonswillshineinarms,sotheyWillnolessfamedeserveinfemalegown,Withpietyandsovereignprudencegraced,Andnoblehearts,incomparablychaste。
LVIII
“Andifatlength,IshouldrelatetotheeThepraiseofallwhofromthyrootascend,Toolongmytalewouldhold,nordoIseeWhomIcouldpass,wherealltofamepretend。
ButfromathousandIsometwoorthreeWillchoose,becausemytalemayhaveanend。
Whywasnotinthecavethywishmadeknown,WhereItheirshadowsmightaswellhaveshown?
LIX
“Tohearofoneofthyfamedraceprepare,Whomliberalstudiesandgoodworksengage;
Ofwhom,Iknownotwell,ifshemorefairMaybeentitled,ormorechasteandsage;
Thenoble-mindedIsabel,who,whereItstandsonMincius\'bank,inotherageShallgildthetown,ofOcnus\'motherhight,Withherowngloriousraysbydayandnight;
LX
“Where,withherworthiestconsortshewillstrain,Inhonouredandinsplendidrivalry,Whichbestshallprizethevirtues\'goodlytrain,Andwidestopethegatestocourtesy。
IfhebyTaro,andinNaples\'reign,(\'Tissaid),fromGaulsdeliveredItaly,\'Twillbereplied。Penelopethechaste,Assuch,wasnotbeneathUlyssesplaced。
LXI
“GreatthingsandmanythusIsuminfewOfthisbravedame,andothersleavebehind:
WhichwhenIfromthevulgarherdwithdrew,SageMerlinfromthehollowstonedivined。
ForIshouldleaveoldTyphisoutofview,IfonsuchseaIlaunchedbeforethewind:
Andwiththisfinishmypropheticstrain,——Allblessingsonherheadtheskieswillrain。
LXII
“WithhershallbehersisterBeatrice,Whosefortuneswellshallwithhernameaccord;
Who,whileshelives,notonlyshallnotmissWhatgoodtheheavenstothosebelowafford,Butmake,withher,partakerofherbliss,Firstamongwealthydukes,hercherishedlord;
Whoshall,whenshefromhencereceiveshercall,Intothelowestdepthofmiseryfall。
LXIII
“Viscontis\'serpentswillbeheldindread,AndMoroandSforza,whilethisdameshallbe,FromHyperboreansnowstobillowsred;
FromIndtohills,whichtoadoubleseaAffordapassage;and,theladydead,TothesoremischiefofallItaly,WillwiththeInsubriintoslaveryfall;
Andmenshallsovereignwisdomfortunecall。
LXIV
“Otherthesameillustriousnamewillbear,Andwhowillflourishmanyyearsbefore。
Pannonia\'sgarlandoneoftheseshallwear。
AnothermatronontheAusonianshore,Whensheshallbereleasedfromearthlycare,Menwillamongtheblessedsaintsadore;
Withincensewillapproachthedamedivine,Andhangwithvotiveimageshershrine。
LXV
“TheothersIshallpassinsilenceby,For\'tweretoomuch(assaidbefore)tosoundTheirfame:thougheachmightwelldeserve,thathighHeroictrumpshouldinherpraisebewound。
HencetheBiancasandLucretiasI
AndConstancesandmorereserve;whofound,Orelserepair,uponItalianland,Illustrioushouseswithsupportinghand。
LXVI
“Thyrace,whichshallallelseinthisexcel,Intherarefortuneofitswomenthrives;
Norofitsdaughters\'honourmoreItellThanoftheloftyvirtueofitswives:
Andthatthoumay\'sttakenoteofthisaswell,WhichMerlinsaidofthydescendents\'lives,(HaplythatIthestorymightnarrate)
ThisInolittlecovettorelate。
LXVII
“OfgoodRichardafirstshallbemystrain,Mirrorofchastityandfortitude,Who,young,remainsawidow,indisdainOffortune:(thatwhichoftawaitsthegood)
Exiles,andcheatedoftheirfather\'sreign,SheshallbeholdthechildrenofherbloodWanderingintotheclutchesoftheirfoe;
Yetfindatlastaquittanceforherwoe。
LXVIII
“NorsprungfromtheancientrootofAragon,Iofthegorgeousqueenwillsilentbe;
Thanwhommoreprudentormorechasteisnone,RenownedinGreekorLatinhistory;
Norwhosofortunateacoursewillrun,Afterthat,bydivineelection,sheShallwiththegoodlyraceofprincesswell,Alphonso,Hyppolite,andIsabel。
LXIX
“TheprudentEleanouristhis:asprayWhichwillbegraftedonthyhappytree。
WhatofthefruitfulstepchildshallIsay,WhoinsuccessionnexttoherIsee,LucretiaBorgia?who,fromdaytoday,Shallwaxinbeauty,virtue,chastity,Andfortune,thatlikeyouthfulplantwillshoot,Whichintoyieldingsoilhasstruckitsroot。
LXX
“Astinbysilver,brassbygold,asCorn-
Poppybesidethedeeply-crimsoningrose,Willowbylaurelevergreen,asshornOflight,stainedglassbygemthatrichlyglows,——SobythisdameIhonouryetunborn,Eachhithertodistinguishedmatronshows;
Forbeautyandforprudenceclaimingplace,Andallpraise-worthyexcellenceandgrace。
LXXI
“Andaboveeveryothernoblepraise,Whichshalldistinguishedheraliveordead,Isthatbyhershallbe,throughkinglyways,HerHerculesandotherchildrenled;
Whothustheseedsofworthinearlydays,Tobloomincouncilandincamp,willshed。
Forlongwine\'ssavourlingersinthewoodOfthenewvessel,whetherbadorgood。
LXXII
“Northestep-daughterofthisnobledame,WillI,Renata,hightofFrance,forget,OfLouisborn,twelfthmonarchofhisname,AndBretagne\'spride;allvirtueseveryetBestowedonwoman,sincetheruddyflameHaswarmed,orwaterhadthepowertowet,Oroverheadthecirclingheavenshaverolled,UnitedinRenataIbehold。
LXXIII
“\'TwerelongtotellofAldadeSansogna,OrofCelano\'scountessinthisstring,OrBlancheMaria,stiledofCatalonia;
Orher,thedaughterofSicilia\'sking,OrofthebeauteousLippadeBologna,Ormore,withwhoserenowntheworldshallring,Tospeakwhoseseparatepraisewithfittinglore,Weretoattemptaseawithoutashore。”
LXXIV
WhenofthelargerportionofherseedThekingenchantressatfulleasehadtold,Andoftandoftrehearsed,amidtherede,WhatartsRogerotothewizard\'sholdHaddrawn,MelissahaltednearthemeadWherestoodthemansionofAtlantesold,Norwouldapproachthemagicdomemorenigh,Lestherthefalsemagicianshouldespy。
LXXV
Andyetagainadvisedthemartialmaid,(Counselshehadathousandtimesbestowed)
Thenleft,NorBradamantthroughgreenwoodshadeMorethantwomilesinnarrowpathhadrode,Before,bytwofiercegiantsoverlaid,Shesawaknight,wholikeRogeroshowed,Socloselypressed,andlabouringsoreforbreath,Thatheappearedwellnighreducedtodeath。
LXXVI
Whenshebeheldhiminsuchperilousstrait,WhoofRogeroallthetokenswore,Shequicklylostthefaithshenourishedlate,Quicklyhereveryfairdesignforbore。
SheweensMelissabearsRogerohate,Forsomenewinjuryunheardbefore:
Andwithunheardofhateandwrong,herfoeWouldbyherhanddestroywholoveshimso。
LXXVII
Shecried,“AndisnotthisRogero,whoAyepresenttomyheart,isnowtosight?
If\'tisnothimwhomIagnizeandview。
Whome\'ershallIagnizeorviewaright?
WhyshouldIother\'sjudgmentdeemmoretrueThanthebeliefthat\'swarrantedbysight?
Evenwithouteyes,andbymyheartalone,Ifhewerenearordistant,wouldbeshown。”
LXXVIII
Whilesothedamselthinks,avoiceshehears,Which,likeRogero\'s,seemsforaidtocry;
Atthesametime,theworstedknightappearsToslackthebridleandtherowelsply:
WhileatfullspeedthegoadedcourserclearsHisground,pursuedbyeitherenemy。
Norpausedthedame,infollowingthemwhosoughtHislife,tilltotheenchantedpalacebrought。
LXXIX
Ofwhichnosoonerhasshepastthedoor,Thansheischeatedbythecommonshow。
EachcrookedwayorstraightherfeetexploreWithinitandwithout,above,below;
Norrestsshenightorday,sostrongtheloreOftheenchanter,whohasorderedso,She(thoughtheystillencounterandconfer)
KnowsnotRogero,norRogeroher。
LXXX
ButleaveweBradamant,norgrieve,OyeWhohear,thatsheisprisonedbythespell,SinceherinfittingtimeIshallsetfree,AndgoodRogero,fromthedomeaswell,Astasteisquickenedbyvariety,Soitappearsthat,inthethingsItell,Thewiderhereandtheremystoryranges,Itwillbefoundlesstediousforitschanges。
LXXXI
MeseemsthatIhavemanythreadstoclearInthegreatwebIlabourevermore;
AndthereforebeyenotdispleasedtohearHow,alldislodged,thesquadronsoftheMoor,Threateningthegoldenlinesloud,appearInarms,theroyalAgramantbefore:
Whobidsforareviewhisarmypost,Willingtoknowthenumbersofhishost。
LXXXII
Forbesideshorseandfoot,inthecampaignSorethinned,whosenumbersweretobesupplied,Hadmanycaptains,andthosegood,ofSpain,OfLibya,andofAethiopia,died;
Andthusthenations,andthevarioustrain,Wanderedwithoutaruleroraguide。
Togivetoeachitsheadandorderdue,Theamplecampismusteredinreview。
LXXXIII
Tofillthesquadronsravagedbythesword,Inthosefiercebattlesandthoseconflictsdread,ThistohisSpain,tohisAfricathatlord,Senttorecruit,wherewelltheirfilestheyfed;
AndnextdistributedthepaynimhordeUndertheirpropercaptains,rangedandled。
I,withyourleave,tillotherstrain,delayTheorderofthemustertodisplay。
CANTO14
ARGUMENT
TwosquadronslackofthosewhichmusterunderKingAgramant,bysingleRolandslain;
HencefuriousMandricardo,fullofwonderAndenvy,seeksthecountbyhillandplain:
NextjoyshimselfwithDoralice;suchplunder,Aidedbyheaven,hisvaliantarmsobtain。
Rinaldocomes,withtheangel-guidebefore,ToParis,nowassaultedbytheMoor。
I
Inmanyafierceassaultandconflictdread,\'TwixtSpainandAfricandtheirGallicfoe,Countlesshadbeentheslain,whosebodiesfedTheraveningeagle,wolf,andgreedycrow;
ButthoughtheFrankshadworseinwarfaresped,Forcedallthechampaignecountrytoforego,ThishadthepaynimspurchasedatthecostOfmoregoodprincesandboldbaronslost。
II
Sobloodywasthepriceofvictory,Smallgroundwasleftthemtriumphstoprepare;
Andif,unconqueredDukeAlphonso,weMaymodernthingswithancientdeedscompare,Thebattle,whoseillustriouspalmmaybeWellworthilyassignedtoyoutowear,AtwhoseremembrancesadRavennatrembles,Andayeshallweepherloss,thisfieldresembles。
III
WhentheCalesiansandthePicardsyielding,AndtroopsofNormandyandAquitaine,You,withyourvaliantarmstheirsquadronsshielding,StormedthealmostvictoriousflagsofSpain;
Andthoseboldyouthstheirtrenchantweaponswielding,Throughpartedsquadrons,followedinyourtrain;
Whoonthatdaydeservedyoushouldaccord,Forhonouredgifts,thegildedspurandsword。
IV
You,withsuchglorioushearts,whowerenotslowTofollow,norfaroff,thegorgeousoakSeized,andshookdownthegoldenacornsso,Andsotheredandyellowtruncheonbroke,Thatwetoyouourfestivelaurelsowe,Andthefairlily,rescuedfromitsstroke;
Anotherwreathmayroundyourtemplesbloom,InthatFabriciusyoupreservedtoRome。
V
Rome\'smightycolumn,byyourvalianthandTakenandkeptentire,morepraisehasshedOnyou,thanifthepredatorybandHadroutedbyyoursinglevalourbled,OfallwhoflockedtofatRavenna\'sland,Ormasterless,withoutabannerfled,OfArragon,Castile,orofNavarre;
Whenvainwaslanceorcannon\'sthunderingcar。
VI
Thisdear-boughtvictorybroughtmorereliefThanjoy,byitseventtoomuchoutweighed,ThelossofthatFrenchcaptainandourchief,Whomdeadweonthefatalfieldsurveyed;
Andswallowedinonestorm,forfurthergrief,Somanygloriousprinces,who,arrayedForsafeguardoftheirown,orneighbouringlands,Hadpouredthrough,frozenAlpstheirfriendlybands。
VII
Ourpresentsafety,andlifeheldinfear,Weseeassuredusbythisvictory,Thatsavedusfromthewintrytempestdrear,WhichwouldhavewhelmedusfromJove\'sangrysky。
Butillcanwerejoice,whileyetthetearIsstandinginfullmanyawidow\'seye,Whoweepingandattiredinsable,vents,ThroughoutallgrievingFrance,herloudlaments。
VIII
\'TismeetKingLewisshouldfindnewsuppliesOfchiefsbywhomhistroopsmaybearrayed,Whoforthelilies\'honourshallchastiseThehandswhichsorapaciouslyhavepreyed;
Whobrethren,blackandwhite,inshamefulwise,Haveoutraged,sister,mother,wife,andmaid,AndcastonearthChrist\'ssacramentdivine,Withtheintenttothievehissilvershrine。
IX
Hadstthounotmaderesistancetothyfoe,Better,Ravenna,haditbeenforthee,AndthoubeenwarnedbyBrescia\'sfate,thansoThineshouldFaenzawarnandRimini。
OLewis,bidgoodoldTrivulziogoWiththine,andtothybandsexamplebe,Andtellwhatillssuchlicensestillhasbred,HeapingourampleItalywithdead。
X
AstheillustriousKingofFrancehasneedOfcaptainstosupplyhisleaderslost,SothetwokingswhoSpainandAfriclead,Togivenewordertothedoublehost,Resolvetheirbandsshouldmusteronthemead,Fromwinterlodgingsmovedandvariouspost;
Thattheymayfurnish,astheirwantsdemand,Aguideandgovernmenttoeveryband。
XI
Marsiliusfirst,andafterAgramant,Passingittroopbytrooptheirarmyscan。
TheCatalonians,whotheircaptainvauntInDoriphoebus,musterinthevan;
Andnext,withouttheirmonarchFulvirant,ErstkilledbygoodRinaldo,comestheclanOfboldNavarre;whoseguidelessbandtosteerTheKingofSpainappointsSirIsolier。
XII
WithBalugantesLeon\'sracecomeson,TheAlgarbigovernedbyGrandoniowheel。
ThebrotherofMarsilius,Falsiron,BringsupwithhimthepowerofLessCastile。
TheyfollowMadarasso\'sgonfalon,WhohaveleftMalagaandfairSeville,\'TwixtfruitfulCordovaandCadiz-bay,WherethroughgreenbankstheBetiswindsitsway。
XIII
Stordilane,Tessira,andBaricond,Aftereachother,nexttheirforcesstirred;
ThisinGrenada,thatinLisboncrowned;
Majorcawasobedienttothethird。
LarbinohadLisbonruled,whosegoldenroundWasathisdeathonTessiraconferred;
Hiskinsmanhe:GalliciacameinguideOrSerpentine,whoMericoldsupplied。
XIV
TheyofToledoandofCalatrave,WhoerstwithSinnagon\'sbroadbannerspread,Marched,andthemultitudewhodrinkandlaveTheirlimbsinchrystalGuadiana\'sbed,Camethither,underMatalistabrave;
BeneathBianzardin,theircommonhead,Astorga,Salamanca,Placenza,WithAvila,Zamorra,andPalenza。
XV
Thehousehold-troopswhichguardMarsilius\'state,AndSaragossa\'smen,Ferraucommands;
Andinthisforce,well-sheathedinmailandplate,BoldMalgarineandBalinvernostands;
MorgantandMalzarise,whomcommonfateHadbothcondemnedtodwellinforeignlands,Who,whendethroned,hadtoMarsilius\'court(Therehospitablyharboured)maderesort。
XVI
Follicon,KindMarsilius\'bastard,hiesWithvaliantDoricont;amidthishorde,Bavartes,Analard,andArgalise,AndArchidantes,theSaguntinelord。
Here,Malagur,inreadycunningwise,AndAmmirantandLanghirantheswordUnsheath,andmarch;ofwhomIshallendite,Whenitistime,theirprowesstorecite。
XVII
WhensohadfiledthewarlikehostofSpainInfairreviewbeforeKingAgramant,AppearedKingOranwithhismartialtrain,Whomightalmostagiant\'sstaturevaunt;
NexttheywhoweeptheirMartasino,slainBytheavengingswordofBradamant,KingoftheGaramantes,andlamentThatwomantriumphsintheirmonarchspent。
XVIII
Marmonda\'smennextpasttheroyalMoor,WholeftArgostodeadonGasconmeads;
Andthisunguidedband,likethatbefore,Aswellasthefourthtroop,acaptainneeds。
AlthoughKingAgramanthaslittlestoreOfchiefs,hefeignsachoice,andthinks;nextspeedsBuraldo,Ormida,andArganiotried,Whereneeding,theunorderedtroopstoguide。
XIX
HegiveArganiochargeofLibicane,WhoweptthesableDudrinassodead。
BrunelloguidesthemenofTingitane,Withcloudycountenanceanddroopinghead;
Whosinceheinthewoodedmountain-chain(NighwhereAtlantesdwelt),toherheled,FairBradamant,hadlostthevirtuousring,Hadlivedinthedispleasureofhisking;
XX
AndbutthatFerrau\'sbrotherIsolier,Whofastenedtoastemhadfoundhimthere,MadetoKingAgramantthetruthappear,Hefromthegallows-treehadswunginair:
Alreadyfastenedwasthenoose,andnearThecaitiff\'sfate,whenatthemany\'sprayerThekingbadeloosehim;butreprieving,swore,Forhisfirstfaulttohang,offendingmore。
XXI
Thus,notwithoutacause,Brunellopined,Andshowedamournfulface,andhunghishead。
NextFarurantes;towhosecareconsigned,Maurina\'svalianthorseandfootmentread。
Thenew-madekingLibaniocomesbehind,BywhomareConstatina\'speopleled:
SinceAgramantthecrownandstaffofgold,OncePinador\'s,hadgiventohimtohold。
XXII
Hesperia\'speoplecomewithSoridan,WithDorilonthemenofSettaride;
TheNasamonianstroopwithPulian,AndAgricaltesisAmmonia\'sguide。
Malabuphersoruleso\'erFezzan\'sclan,AndFinaduroleadsthebandsuppliedBytheCanaryIslandsandMorocco:
BalastrofillstheplaceofkingTardocco。
XXIII
NextMulgaandArzilla\'slegionstwo。
Thefirstbeneaththeirancientcaptainswend;
Thesecondtroopwithoutaleader,whoAregiventoCorineus,thesovereign\'sfriend。
So(lateTanphirion\'s)Almonsilla\'screw,ToanewmonarchinCaichusbend。
GoetuliaisbestowedonRhimedont,AndCoscacomesinchargeofBalinfront。
XXIV
RuledbyClarindo,Bolga\'speoplego,WhofillsthevaliantMirabaldo\'spost:
HimBaliverso,whomI\'dhaveyouknowFortheworstribaldinthatamplehost,Succeedednext。Ithinknot,\'midthatshow,ThebanneredcampafirmertroopcouldboastThanthatwhichfollowedinSobrino\'scare;
NorSaracenthanhimmorewiseandware。
XXV
Gualciottodead,Bellamarina\'screw,(Hisvassals)serve,thesovereignofAlgiers,KingRodomont,ofSarza;thatanewBroughtupabandoffootandcavaliers:
Whom,whenthecloudysunhisrayswithdrewBeneaththeCentaurandtheGoat,hisspearsTheretorecruit,wassenttotheAfricshoreByAgramant,returnedthreedaysbefore。
XXVI
TherewasnoSaracenofbolderstrain,OfallthechiefswhoMoorishsquadronsled;
AndParis-town(noristheterrorvain)
MoreofthepuissantwarriorstandsindreadThanofKingAgramantandallthetrain,Whichhe,ortherenownedMarsiliushead;
Andamidallthatmightymuster,moreThanothers,hatredtoourfaithhebore。
XXVII
PrusionistheAlvaracchia\'sking:belowKingDardinello\'sflagZumara\'spowerIsranged。Iwotnot,I,ifowlorcrow,Orotherbirdill-omened,whichfromtowerOrtreecroaksfutureevil,didforeshowTooneortotheother,thatthehourWasfixedinheaven,whenonthefollowingdayEithershouldperishinthisdeadlyfray。
XXVIII
Noritia\'smenandTremisene\'saloneWerewantingtocompletethepaynimhost;
Butinthemartialmustersignwasnone,Nortale,nortidingofthesquadronslost;
TowonderingAgramantalikeunknown,Whatkepttheslothfulwarriorsfromtheirpost,WhenofKingTremisene\'sasquirewasbroughtBeforehim,whoatlargethemischieftaught;
XXIX——
WhotaughthowManilardowaslaidlow,Alzirdo,andmanyothers,ontheplain——
“Sir,“saidthebearerofthenews,“thefoeWhoslewourtroop,wouldallthycamphaveslain,IfthineassembledhosthadbeenmoreslowThanme,who,asitwas,escapedwithpain。
Thismanslayshorseandfoot,asinthecote,Thewolfmakeseasywasteofsheepandgoat。”
XXX
WheretheboldAfricanstheirstandardsplant,Awarriorhadarrivedsomedaysbefore;
Norwasthereinthewest,orwholeLevant,Aknight,withheartorprowessgiftedmore。
TohimmuchgracewasdonebyAgramant,AssuccessorofAgrican,whoworeThecrownofTartary,awarriorwight;
ThesonthefamousMandricardohight。
XXXI
RenownedhewasformanyagloriousquestAtchieved,andthroughtheworldhisfamewasblown。
ButhimhadglorifiedabovetherestWorthintheSyrianfairy\'scastleshown:
Wheremail,whichcasedtheTrojanHector\'sbreastAthousandyearsbefore,hemadehisown。
Andfinishedthatadventure,strangeandfell;
Astorywhichbreedsterrorbuttotell。
XXXII
WhenthesquiretoldhisnewsamidthatshowOftroops,waspresentAgrican\'sboldson,Whoraisedhisdaringface,resolvedtogoAndfindthewarriorwhothedeedhaddone;
Butthedesignhehatched,foreboretoshow;
Asmakingsmallaccountofanyone,Orfearinglest,shouldherevealhisthought,Thequestbyotherchampionmightbesought。
XXXIII
HeofthesquiredemandedwhatthevestAndbearings,whichthevaliantstrangerwore;
Whoansweredthathewentwithoutacrest,Andsableshieldandsablesurcoatbore——
And,sir,\'twastrue;forsowasRolanddrest;
Theolddevicerenouncedhehadbefore:
Forashemournedwithin,sohewithout,Thesymbolsofhisgriefwouldbearabout。
XXXIV
MarsiliushadtoMandricardosped,Asgift,acourserofachestnutstain,Whoselegsandmaneweresable;hewasbredBetweenaFrieslandmareandnagofSpain。
KingMandricardo,armedfromfoottohead,Leaptonthesteedandgallopedo\'ertheplain,AndsworeuponthecamptoturnhisbackTillheshouldfindthechampioncladinblack。
XXXV
ThekingencountersmanyofthecrewWhomgoodOrlando\'sarmhadputtoflight;
Andsomeason,andsomeabrotherrue,Whointherouthadperishedintheirsight;
Andinthecoward\'scheekofpallidhueIsyetpourtrayedthesadandcravensprite:——
Yet,throughthefearendured,theyfarandnigh,Pallid,andsilent,andinsensatefly。
XXXVI
Norhelongwashadrode,erehedescriedApassing-cruelspectacleandsore;
Butwhichthewonderousfeatswelltestified,ThatwererecountedAgramantbefore。
Nowonthishand,nowthat,thedeadheeyed,Measuredtheirwounds,andturnedtheirbodieso\'er;
MovedbystrangeenvyoftheknightwhosehandHadstrownthechampaignwiththeslaughteredband。
XXXVII
Aswolformastiff-dog,whocomesthelastWheretheremainsofslaughteredbullocklie,Andfindsbuthornandbones,whererichrepastHadfedtheraveninghoundandvulturenight,Glaresvainlyonthescull,unsmacked;sopassedThebarbarousTartarkingthosebodiesby;
Andgrudged,lamenting,likethehungrybeast,Tohavecometoolateforsuchasumptuousfeast。
XXXVIII
Thatday,andhalfthenext,insearchhestrayedOfhimwhoworethesablevestandshield。
Whenlo!hesawamead,o\'ertoptwithshade,Whereadeepriverwoundaboutthefield,Withnarrowspacebetweentheturnsitmade,Where\'erfromsidetosidethewaterwheeled。
EvensuchaspotasthiswithcirclingwavesBelowOtricolitheTyberlaves。
XXXIX
Wherethisdeepstreamwasfordable,hescannedAcrowdofcavaliersthatarmourbore:
Andthesethepaynimquestionedwhohadmanned,Withsuchatroop,andtowhatend,theshore?
Tohimrepliedthecaptainoftheband,Movedbyhislordlyair,andarmshewore,Glitteringwithgoldandjewels,——costlygear,Whichshowedhimanillustriouscavalier。
XL
“Incharge“(hesaid)“weofthedaughtergoOfhimourking,whofillsGranada\'sthrone,EspousedbyRodomontofSarza,thoughTofamethetidingsareasyetunknown。
Andwe,departingwhenthesunislow,Andthecicalahushed,whichnowaloneIsheard,shallbringherwhereherfatherkeepsI\'theSpanishcamp;meanwhiletheladysleeps。”