I
Highmindedlord!youractionsevermoreIhavewithreasonlauded,andstilllaud;
ThoughIwithstyleinapt,andrusticlore,Youoflargeportionofyourpraisedefraud:
But,ofyourmanyvirtues,onebeforeAllothersIwithheartandtongueapplaud,——That,ifeachmanagraciousaudiencefinds,Noeasyfaithyourequaljudgmentblinds。
II
Often,toshieldtheabsentonefromblame,Ihearyouthis,orother,thingadduce;
Orhimyoulet,atleast,anaudienceclaim,Wherestilloneearisopentoexcuse:
Andbeforedoomingmentoscaithandshame,Toseeandhearthemeverisyouruse;
Andereyoujudgeanother,manyaday,Andmonth,andyear,yoursentencetodelay。
III
HadNorandinebeenwithyourcareendued,WhathebyGryphondid,hehadnotdone。
Profitandfamehavefromyourruleaccrued:
AstainmoreblackthanpitchhecastuponHisname:throughhim,hispeoplewerepursuedAndputtodeathbyOlivero\'sson;
Whoattencutsorthrusts,infurymade,Somethirtydeadaboutthewaggonlaid。
IV
Whitherfeardrives,inrout,theothersall,Somescatteredhere,somethere,oneveryside,Fillroadandfield;togainthecity-wallSomestrive,andsmotheredinthemightytide,Oneonanother,inthegatewayfall。
Gryphon,allthoughtofpitylaidaside,Threatsnotnorspeaks,butwhirlshisswordabout,Wellvengingonthecrowdtheireveryflout。
V
Ofthosewhototheportalforemostfleed,Thereadiestofthecrowdtheirfeettoply,Part,moreintentupontheirproperneedThantheirfriends\'peril,raisethedraw-bridgehigh:
Part,weepingandwithdeathlikevisage,speed,Norturntheireyesbehindthemastheyfly:
While,throughtheamplecity,outcryloud,Andnoise,andtumultrisesfromthecrowd。
VI
TwonimbleGryphonseizes,midthetrain,Whentotheirwoethebridgeisraised;ofone,Uponthefieldthewarriorstrewsthebrain,Whichhebearsoutonahardgrindingstone;
Seizedbythebreast,theotherofthetwainOverthecity-wallbyhimisthrown,Fearchillsthetownsmen\'smarrow,whentheyspyThelucklesswretchdescendingfromthesky。
VII
Manytherewerewhofearedintheiralarms,Lesto\'erthewallSirGryphonwouldhavevaulted;
Norgreaterpanicseizeduponthoseswarms,Thanifthesoldanhadthetownassaulted。
Thesoundofrunningupanddown,ofarms,OfcryofMuezzins,onhighexalted;
Ofdrumsandtrumpets,heaven,\'twouldseem,rebounded,And,thattheworldwasbythenoiseconfounded。
VIII
ButIwilltoanothertimedelay,Whatchancedonthisoccasion,torecount。
\'TismeetIfollowCharlesuponhisway,HurryinginsearchoffuriousRodomont,Whodidthemonarch\'ssufferingpeopleslay。
Isaid,withhim,thedangertoaffront,WentNamus,Oliver,theDanishpeer,Avino,Avolio,OthoandBerlinghier。
IX
Eightlances\'shock,thateightsuchwarriorsguide,Whichallatonceagainstthekingtheyrest,Enduredthestoutandscalyserpent\'shide,InwhichthecruelMoorhislimbshaddrest。
Asabarquerightsitself,——thesheetuntied,Whichhelditssail,——bygrowingwindopprest;
SospeedilySirRodomontarose,Thoughahillhadbeenuprootedbytheblows。
X
RainierandGuido,Richard,Salomon,Ivan,Ughetto,Turpin,andthetwain——
Angiolin,Angelier——falseGanellon,AndMarkandMatthewfromSt。Michael\'splain,WiththeeightofwhomIspake,allsetuponThefoe,withEdwardandSirArimane;
WholeadingsuccoursfromtheEnglishshore,Hadlodgedtheminthetownshorttimebefore。
XI
Notso,well-keyedintothesolidstone,GroansuponAlpineheightthecastlegood,WhenbyrudeBoreas\'rageorEurus\'strown,Uptornareashandfirinmountainwood,AsgroansSirRodomont,withprideo\'erblown,Inflamedwithangerandwiththirstofblood:
And,asthethunderandthelightning\'sfireFlycoupled,suchhisvengeanceandhisire。
XII
Heathisheadtookaimwhostoodmostnigh;
Ughettowasthemiserablewight,Whomtotheteethheclove,andlefttodie;
Thoughofgoodtemperwashishelmetbright。
AswelltheothersmanystrokesletflyAthim,himself;whichallthewarriorsmite,Butharm(sohardthedragon\'shide)nomore,Thanneedlecanthesolidanvilscore。
XIII
Allthedefences,round,abandonedare,Theunpeopledcityisabandonedall;
For,wherethedangeristhegreater,thereThemanygivetheiraid,atCharles\'call:
Througheverystreettheyhurrytothesquare,Sinceflyingnoughtavails,fromworkandwall。
Theirbosomssothemonarch\'spresencewarms,Thateachagaintakescourage,eachtakesarms。
XIV
Aswhenwithintheclosely-fastenedcageOfanoldlioness,wellusedtofight,Anuntamedbullisprisoned,toengageThesavagemonster,forthemob\'sdelight;
Thecubs,whoseehimcrestinginhisrage,Androundthedenloud-bellowing,tothesightOfthehugebeast\'senormoushornsunused,Coweratadistance,timidandconfused;
XV
Butifthemotherspringathim,andhang,Fixinghercrueltusksintohisear,Herwhelpsaswellwillbloodtheirgreedyfang,And,boldinherdefence,assailthesteer:
Onebiteshispaunch,andonehisback:sosprangThatbanduponthepaynimcavalier。
Fromroofandwindow,andfromplacemorenigh,Pouredinaceaselessshower,theweaponsfly。
XVI
Ofcavaliersandfootmensuchthesqueeze,Thathardlycantheplacethepresscontain:
Theyclusterthereasthickasswarmingbees,Whothitherfromeachpassagetroopamain。
Sothat,weretheyunarmed,andwithmoreeaseThanstalksorturnipshecouldcleavethetrain,IllRodomontintwentydayswouldclearThegatheringcrowd,unitedfarandnear。
XVII
Unknowinghowhimselffromthencetofree,Thepaynimbythisgameisangeredsore,Wholittlethinsthegatheringrabblery,Stainingthegroundwiththousandsslainormore;
Andallthewhile,inhisextremity,Findsthathisbreathcomesthickerthanbefore;
Andseeshecannotpiercethehostileround,Unlesshethenceescapewhilestrongandsound。
XVIII
Themonarchrollsabouthishorrideyes,Andseesthatfoesalloutletsbarricade;
But,atthecostofcountlessenemies,Apathshallquicklybyhishandbemade。
WhereFurycallshim,lo!thefelonhies,Andbrandishesonhighhistrenchantblade,ToassailthenewlyenteredBritishband,WhichEdwardandSirArimancommand。
XIX
Hewhohasseenthefence,inwell-thongedsquare,(Againstwhosestakestheeddyingcrowdisborn)
Bywildbullbroken,thathashadtobear,Throughthelongday,dogs,blows,andceaselessscorn;
Whohuntsthescatteredpeoplehereandthere,Andthis,orthat,nowhoistsuponhishorn;
Lethimassuch,orfierceryet,account,Whenhebreaksforth,thecruelRodomont。
XX
Atonecross-blowfifteenortwentyfoesHehews,asmanyleaveswithoutabead,Atcrossordownright-stroke;asifherowsTrashesinvineyardorinwillow-bed,Atlastallsmearedwithbloodthepaynimgoes,Safefromtheplace,whichhehasheapedwithdead;
Andwheresoe\'erheturnshissteps,areleftHeads,arms,andothermembers,maimedandcleft。
XXI
Hefromthesquareretiresinsuchamode,Nonecanperceivethatdangerhimappals;
But,duringthis,whatwerethesafestroad,Bywhichtosally,hetothoughtrecals。
HecomesatlasttowheretheriverflowedBelowtheisle,andpastwithoutthewalls。
Indaringmenatarmsandmobincrease,Whopresshimsore,norlethimpartinpeace。
XXII
Asthehigh-couragedbeast,whomhuntersstartInthewildNomadeorMassilianchace,Who,eveninflying,showshisnobleheart,Andthreateningseekshislairwithsluggishpace;
Fromthatstrangewoodofsword,andspear,anddart,TurnsRodomont,withactionnothingbase;
Andstillimpededbythegallingfoe,Makesfortheriverwithlongstepsandslow。
XXIII
Heturnedupontherabble-routwhobayedBehindhim,thriceormore,byangerdriven,Andstainedanewhisfalchion,bywhosebladeMorethanahundreddeadlywoundsweregiven。
Butreason,finally,hisfurystayedBeforethebloodycarnagestanktoheaven;
Andhe,withbettercounsel,fromthesideCasthimselfdownintoSeine\'sfoamingtide。
XXIV
Athwartthecurrentswam,witharmsandall,Asifbycorksupborn,thecavalier。
ThoughthouAntaeusbred\'st,andHannibal,OAfrica!thouneverbred\'sthispeer!——
Whennowacrossthestream,withoutthewall,Heturned,andsawtheroyaltownappear,——Tohavetraversedallthecitymovedhisire,Leavingitundestroyedbyswordorfire;
XXV
Andhimsosorelyangerstungandpride,Thitherhethoughtasecondtimetogo;
Andfromhisinmostbosomgroanedandsighed,Norwoulddepartuntilhelaiditlow。
Buthesawonealongtheriver-sideApproach,whomadehimrageandhateforego;
Straitshallyouhearwho\'twas,approachedtheking,ButfirstIhavetosayofotherthing。
XXVI
IhaveofhaughtyDiscordnowtosay,TowhomthearchangelMichaelgavecommand,ToheattoenmityandfierceaffrayThebestofAgramant\'sbesiegingband。
Shewentthateveningfromtheabbeygray,Hertaskcommittingtoanother\'shand;——
LeftittoFraudtofeed,tillherreturn,Thewar,andmakethefiresshekindledburn;
XXVII
Andshebelieved,thatshewithgreaterpowerShouldgo,didPridewithheraswellrepair;
Andshe(forallwereguestedinonebower)
Insearchofherhadlittlewaytofare。
Pridewentwithher;but,thatinhallortower,Avicartooherchargemightdulybear,Sheforthosedayssheabsentthoughttobe,ForherlieutenantleftHypocrisy。
XXVIII
TheimplacableDiscordwent,andwiththedame,(Companionoftheenterprise,wasPride)
Uponherroad;andfoundthat,bythesame,Wasjourneyingtothepaynimcamp,beside,ComfortlessJealousy,withwhomtherecameAlittledwarf,attendingasaguide;
WhoersthadbeensentforwardwithadviceToSarza\'sking,bybeauteousDoralice。
XXIX
WhenshefellintoMandricardo\'shand,(Ihavebeforerecountedwhenandwhere)
Shehadinsecretgiventhedwarfcommand,Hetothekingshouldwiththetidingsfare;
BywhomshehopednotvainlywouldbescannedThetalehermessengerwaschargedtobear,Butwonderousdeedsbedoneforherrelief,Withsadandsignalvengeanceonthethief。
XXX
Jealousyhadthatlittledwarfespied,Andkennedthereasonofhismissiontoo,Andjoinedhim,journeyingwithhimsidebyside,Deemingthatshethereinapartmightdo。
Discord,withpleasure,Jealousydecried,Butwithmorejoy,whenshetheoccasionknewWhichthitherbroughtthedame,whomuch(shewist)
Mightinthetaskshehadinhandassist。
XXXI
OfmeanstoembroiltheSarzanandthesonOfAgrican,shedeemsherselfpossest。
Acertainmodetoenragethesetwoiswon;
Andothermeansmayworkupontherest。
Shethitherwiththedwarfishpageisgone,WherethefiercePaganinhisclutchhadprestProudParis,andtheyreachedtheriverstrand,Exactlyasthefelonswamtoland。
XXXII
AssoonastheredoubtedRodomontKnewinthedwarfthecourierofhisdame,Heallhisrageextinguished,clearedhisfront,Andfelthiscouragebrightenintoflame。
Allelsehedeemsthecouriermayrecount,Savethatawighthadwroughthimscaithandshame,Andcries(encounteringhimwithchearfulbrow)
“Howfaresourlady?withersentartthou?“
XXXIII
“NorminenorthinethatladywillIsay,Whoisanother\'sthrall,“thedwarfreplied。
“We,onourroad,encounteredyesterdayAknight,whoseizedandboreawaythebride。”
Jealousy,uponthis,tookuptheplay,And,coldasasp,embracedtheking:herguidePursuedhistale,relatinghowthetrain,Theirmistresstaken,byonemanwereslain。
XXXIV
Herflintandsteel,fellDiscord,ashesaid,Tookforth,andsomewhilehammeredonthestone。
Pride,underneath,thereadytinderspread,Andthequickfirewasinamomentblown:
Thisonthepaynim\'ssoulsofiercelyfed,Hecouldnotfindarestingplace:\'midgroanAndsobhestorms,withhorridfaceandeye,Whichthreattheelementsandamplesky。
XXXV
Astigerrages,whoinvaindescendsIntoherden,andfindsherselfalone,And,circlingallthecavern,comprehends,Atlast,thatherbelovedyoungaregone;
Toire,toragelikehershiswrathextends:
Nornightthekingregards,norrock,norstone,Norstream:——NorlengthofwaynorstormarrestThespeedwithwhichheontheplundererprest。
XXXVI
Soraging,tothepigmydwarfwhoboreThenews,exclaimedtheking,“Nowhenceaway!“
Norhorsehewaits,norcarriage,nor,beforeDeparting,deignstohisawordtosay。
Hehurrieswithsuchspeed,thatnotwithmoreThelizarddartsatnoonacrosstheway。
Horsehadhenone,butbehewhosehemight,Wouldmakehisownthefirstwhichcameinsight。
XXXVII
Discordatthis,whoreadhissecretthought,Exclaimed,asshelookedsmilinglyonPride,Throughherhetoacoursershouldbebrought,Bywhichnewcauseofstrifeshouldbesupplied;
And,thatbyhimnoothermightbecaught,Shefromhispathwouldkeepallsteedsbeside;
Andknewalreadywheretheprizetoseek——
ButherIleave,againofCharlestospeak。
XXXVIII
When,ontheSaracen\'sdeparture,spent,AboutKingCharles,wastheconsumingflame,Herangedhistroopsanew:somewarriorswentTostrengthenfeeblepostswhichsuccoursclaim;
TherestagainsttheSaracensaresent,Togivethefoecheckmateandendthegame;
AndfromSt。German\'stoSaintVictor\'sgates,Hepoursthehost,whichonhissignalwaits。
XXXIX
HetheseatSaintMarcellus\'gate,wherelay,Outstretchedalargecircumferenceofplain,Badeoneanotherwait,inonearray,Toreuniteagainstthepaynimtrain。
Inflamingeveryonetosmiteandslay,Inguise,thatforarecordshouldremain,HemadethevarioustroopsfallinbelowTheirbanners,andthebattle-signalblow。
XL
Agramanthasremountedinhissell,Whilethisisdoinginhisfoe\'sdespite,AndwiththestriplingwholovedIsabel,Iswagingperilousandfearfulfight。
LurcaniowithSobrinostrivesaswell;
Rinaldoatroopencounters,whomtheknight,WithValourandwithFortuneforhisguide,Charges,andbreaks,androutsoneveryside。
XLI
Whilesothebattlestands,kingCharlemagneFallsontherearguardofthepaynimfoe,WhereboldMarsiliushaltstheflowerofSpain,Andformsthehost,hisroyalflagbelow。
OnthesekingCharlemagneimpelshistrain,Who,footwithhorsetoflank,againstthemgo。
Whilesothedeafeningdrumandtrumpetsounds,\'Twouldseemthespaciousworldthedinrebounds。
XLII
TheSaracenicsquadronshadbegunTobend,andallthearmyoftheMoorHadturned,disordered,broken,andundone,Nevertobearrayedorralliedmore,ButthatGrandoniostood,andFalsiron,Triedoftentimesingreaterillbefore,WithSerpentineandBalugantesproud,AndtherenownedFerrau,whocriedaloud:
XLIII
“Ovaliantmen,“he——“Ocompanions,“cries,“Obrethren,stand,andyetyourplacemaintain;
Likecobweb-threadsourcruelenemiesWillfindtheirworks,ifweourpartsustain。
WhatthisdayFortuneofferstooureyes,Ifnowweconquer,seethepraise,thegain!——
Ifconquered,seetheutterlossandshameWhichwillforeverwaituponyourname!“
XLIV
Heinthistimeamightylancehadspanned,AndspurredatonceagainstSirBerlinghier,WhoArgaliffaguidedwithhishand,Andbrokehishelmet\'sfrontalwiththespear,Casthimonearth,andwiththecruelbrandUnhorsedperhapseightotherwarriorsnear。
Hismightystrokesdischarging,ateachblow,Heeverlaidatleastonehorsemanlow。
XLV
Inotherpart,Rinaldo,inhismood,HasslainmoreenemiesthanIcansay,Beforethewarlikeknightnoorderstood;
Youmighthaveseentheamplecampgiveway。
NolessZerbinoandLurcaniogoodDodeeds,whichwillbetoldineveryday;
This,withathrust,hasboldBalastroslain,ThatFinaduro\'shelmhascleftintwain。
XLVI
ThefirstwasoftheAlzerbanarmyhead,RuledbyTardoccosomeshorttimebefore;
TheotheronethevaliantsquadronsledOfSaphi,andMorocco,andZamor。
“Where,\'midthepaynims,“mighttomebesaid,“Isknightwhoseswordcancleaveorlancecangore?“
ButstepbystepIgo,andasIwindMyway,leavenonewhomeritspraisebehind。
XLVII
Zumara\'skingisnotforgottenhere,Dardinel,whoSirDulphinofthemount,Claudeofthewood,andHubert,withthespear,(OfMirfordhe)andEliodiddismount,And,withthefaulchion,Stamford\'scavalier,SirAnselm,RaymondandSirPinnamontFromLondon-town;thoughvaliantwerethetwain;
Twostunned,onewounded,thefourothersslain。
XLVIII
Yetwillhissquadronnotsofirmlystand,Maugrethevalourwhichhisdeedsdisplay,Sofirmly,astowaittheChristianband,Innumberless,butsteadierinarray,Moreusedtojoustandmanageofthebrand,Andallthingsappertainingtothegray。
SettaandMoroccoturned,and,seizedwithdread,ZumaraandCanaries\'islesmenfled。
XLIX
ButfasterthantherestAlzerbaflies,WhomDardinelopposed,andnowwithsoreReproach,andnowwithprayerhemoves,andtriesWhatbesthedeemstheircouragemayrestore。
“IfgoodAlmonteshasdeserved,“hecries,“Thatyoushouldbyhismemorysetsuchstore,Nowshallbeseen——beseen,ifyouwillme,Hisson,abandoninsuchjeopardy。
L
“Forsakeofmygreenyouth,Iprayyoustand,Thatyouthwhereonyourhopeswerewonttofeed,Andsuffernotthat,scatteredbythebrand,ToAfricabelostournobleseed。
Saveyouunitedgo,besurethelandIsshutagainstyou,wheresoe\'eryouspeed。
Toohighawalltoclimbismountain-steep,Theyawningseaaditchtoowidetoleap。
LI
“Farbetter\'tistoperishthantobeTornbythesedogs,orlieattheircontrol。
Sincevainiseveryotherremedy,Wait,friends,forloveofHeaven,theadvancingshoal:
Theyarenotgiftedwithmorelivesthanwe;
Havebutonepairofhands,havebutonesoul。”
Sosaying,theboldyouth,amidthecrewOfenemies,theEarlofHuntleyslew。
LII
Almontes\'memory,throughtheMoorishbands,Makeseverybosomwithsuchardourglow,Theydeem\'tisbettertousearmsandhandsInfight,thanturntheirbacksuponthefoe。
TallerthanallWilliamofBurnwichstands,AnEnglishman,whomDardinelbringslow,Andequalswiththerest;thensmitesupon,Andcleaves,theheadofCornishAramon。
LIII
DownfellthisAramon,andtoaffordHimsuccour,thitherwardhisbrothermade;
ButfromtheshoulderhimZumara\'slordClefttothefork,withhisdescendingblade;
NextBogiodeVergalla\'sbellygored,Andfromhisdebtabsolved(theforfeitpaid)
Whotoreturnwithinsixmonths,iflifeWeregrantedhim,hadpromisedtohiswife。
LIV
LurcanionextmetDardinello\'seye;
HeuponearthDorchinohadlaidlow,Piercedthroughthethroat,andhaplessGardonighClefttotheteeth;athim,asalltooslow,HefromAltheusvainlyseekstofly,WhomashisheartLurcanioloves,ablowUponhisheadbehindtheScotchmanspeeds;
And。slaughteredbythestroke,thewarriorbleeds。
LV
Dardinel,toavengehim,tookaspear,And,shouldhelaythefierceLurcaniodead,VowedtohisMahomet,ifhecouldhear,Themosqueshouldhavehisemptyarms;thissaid,Rangingthefieldinhaste,thatcavalierHeintheflank,withthrustsofullanddread,Encountered,thatitwentthrougheitherside:
Andhetohistostripthebaroncried。
LVI
Frommeitsurewereneedlesstodemand,IfAriodantes,whenhisbrotherfell,Wasgrieved;ifhewithhisavenginghandAmongthedamnedwouldsendSirDardinell;
ButallaccessthecirclingtroopswithstandAndbar,nolessbaptizedthaninfidel:
Yetwouldhevengehimself,andwithhisblade,Nowhere,nowthere,anopenpassagemade。
LVII
Hecharges,chases,breaks,andoverthrowsWhoevercrosshimonthecrowdedplain;
AndDardinello,whohisobjectknows,Wouldfainthewishcontent;buthimthetrainImpedesaswell,whichroundabouthimflows,Andrendersayehiseverypurposevain。
IfoneonallsidesthinstheMoorishrank,TheotherslaysScot,Englishman,andFrank。
LVIII
Fortunestillblockedtheirpaththroughouttheday,Sothattheymetnot,\'midthatchivalry,Andkeptoneasamightierchampion\'sprey;
Forrarelymanescapeshisdestiny。
BeholdthegoodRinaldoturnsthatway!
That,forthisonenorefugetheremightbe。
Lo!goodRinaldocomes:himFortuneguides,AndforhisswordKingDardinelprovides。
LIX
ButhereenoughforthisonewhileisshownOftheirillustriousdoingsinthewest;
\'TistimeIseekSirGryphon,andmakeknownHowhe,withfuryburninginhisbreast,Thatrabble-routhadbrokeandoverthrown,Struckwithmorefearthanevermenpossest。
ThitherspeedsNorandineonthatalarm,Andforhisguardaboveathousandarm。
LX
KingNorandine,girtwithpeerandknight,Seeingoneverysidethepeoplefly,Ridestothegates,withsquadrondulydight,Andathishesttheportalsopenfly。
MeanwhileSirGryphon,havingputtoflightTheweakandworthlessrabblefarandnigh,Thescornedarms(tokeephimfromthattrain),Suchastheywere,tookupanddonnedagain。
LXI
Andnighatemplestronglywalled,androundWhosebaseamoatforitsprotectiongoes,Uponalittlebridgetakesuphisground,Thathimhisenemiesmaynotenclose。
Lo!loudlyshouting,andwiththreateningsound,Amightysquadronthroughthegatewayflows。
ThevaliantGryphonchangesnothisplace,Andshowshowsmallhisfearbyactandface。
LXII
Butwhen,approachingnear,hesawtheband,Hesalliedforthtomeetthembytheway;
Andwieldingstillhisswordineitherhand,Madecruelhavocintheclosearray。
Thenonthenarrowbridgeresumedhisstand,Northerehishuntersonlyheldatbay:
Anewhesallied,andreturnedanew,Ayeleavingbloodysignswhenhewithdrew。
LXIII
Fore-strokeandbackhedeals,andonthegroundHorsemenandfooto\'erthrowsoneveryside:
Thiswhiletheamplemobtheknightsurround,Andmoreandmorethewarfarerageswide。
AtlengthSirGryphonfearsheshallbedrowned,(Sowaxedtheirnumbers)intheincreasingtide;
Andhurtintheleftshoulder,throughhismail,Andthigh,hiswindaswellbeginstofail。
LXIV
ButValour,whosooftbefriendsherown,MakeshimfindgraceinNorandino\'seyes;
Who,whilealarmed,hehurriesthere,o\'erthrownSomanymen,suchheapsofdeadespies,Whileheviewswounds,whichHector\'shandaloneHeweenscoulddeal,——tohimalltestifiesThathehadputanundeservedshameUponacavalierofmightyname。
LXV
Nextseeinghimmorenear,whosefalchion\'ssweepHaddealtsuchdeathsamidhischivalry,Andraisedabouthimselfthathorridheap,Andstainedthewaterwiththatbloodydye,HethoughtthathebeheldHoratiuskeep,Singly,thebridgeagainstallTuscany;
Andvext,andanxioustoremovethestain,Recalledhismen,andthatwithlittlepain。
LXVI
And,liftinghisbarehand,insignaffied,Fromancienttimes,oftreatyandoftruce,Repentinghim,hetoSirGryphoncried,“Itgrievesmesorely,andIcannotchooseButownmysin:letcounselswhichmisguide,Andmyownlittlewit,suchfaultexcuse。
WhatbythevilestknightIthoughttodo,Itothebestonearthhavedoneinyou。
LXVII
“AndthoughthebitterinjuriesandshameThathavetotheethroughignorancebeendone,Areequalled,andallcancelledbythyfame,Andmerged,intruth,inglorythouhastwon;
Whateversatisfactionthoucanstclaim,Withinmypowerorknowledge,countupon,WhenIknowhowatonementmaybemade,Bycity,castle,orbymoneypaid。
LXVIII
“Demandofmethiskingdom\'smoiety,Andfromthisdaythouitspossessorart,Sincenotalonethyworthdeservesthisfee,Butmerits,Iwiththisshouldgivemyheart;
Then,pledgeoffaithandlastinglove,tome,Inthemeanwhile,thyfriendlyhandimpart。”
Sosaying,fromhishorsethekingdescended,AndtowardsGryphonhisright-handextended。
LXIX
Whenhebeheldthemonarch\'salteredcheer,Whobenttoclasphisneck,towardshimpaced,Hisswordandrancourlaidaside,thepeerHimhumblyunderneaththehipsembraced。
KingNorandine,whosawthesanguinesmearOfhistwowounds,badeseekaleechinhaste;
AndbadethemsoftlywiththeknightresortTowardsthetown,andlodgehiminhiscourt。
LXX
Here,wounded,heremainedsomedaysbeforeHecouldbeararms:buthim,inthedesignOfseekingoutSirAquilantoncemore,AndgoodAstolpho,leftinPalestine,Iquit;theyvainlydidhispathexplore,AfterSirGryphonlefttheholyshrine,ThroughSolymaineveryplaceofnote,Andmany,fromtheHolyLandremote。
LXXI
OneandtheotherarealiketoseekIntheinquirywheretheknightmayuse;
Buttheyencounterwiththepilgrim-Greek,WhooffalseOrigillagivesthemnews;
Relating,asofherhehapstospeak,ThattowardsAntiochsheherwaypursues,Byanewlemanofthatcitycharmed,Whoherwithfierceandsuddenflamehadwarmed。
LXXII
Aquilantaskedhim,ifhehadpossestSirGryphonofthenewstothemconveyed,Who,hearingthathehad,surmisedtherest,——
Wherehewasgone,andbywhatmotiveswayed:
HefollowedOrigille,wasmanifest,AndhadinquestofherforAntiochmade,Totakeherfromhisrival,andwithviewOnhimsomememorablescathetodo。
LXXIII
AquilantbrookednotGryphonsuchafeat,Withouthim,andalone,shouldthusassay,Andtookhisarmourandpursuedhisbeat;
ButfirstbesoughtthedukehewoulddelayTovisitFranceandhispaternalseat,TillhefromAntiochmeasuredbackhisway。
AtJoppaheembarks,whodeemsbyseaThebetterandsecurerwaytobe。
LXXIV
Fromthesouth-eastup-sprungsostrongabreeze,AndwhichforGryphon\'sgalleyblewsoright,ThatthethirddayheTyre\'sfamedcitysees,AndlesserJoppaquicksucceedstosight。
ByZibellottoandBarutiflees,(Cyprustolarboardleft)thegalleylight;
FromTripolitoTortosashapesherway,AndsotoLizzaandLajazzo\'sbay。
LXXV
Fromthence,towardstheeastthepilotveeredHerreadytiller,prompthiscoursetoscan;
AndstraightwayforthewideOrontessteered,Andwatchedhistime,andfortheharbourran。
Aquilant,whenhisbarkthemarginneared,Badelowerthebridge,andissued,horseandman,Itarmour,andalongtheriverwended,Up-stream,tillhehiswayatAntiochended。
LXXVI
ToinformhimselfofthatMartanobent;
AndheardthathetoAntiochwasaddrest,WithOrigilla,whereatournamentWastobesolemnizedbyroyalhest。
TotrackwhomAquilantwassointent,AssuredthatGryphonhadpursuedhisquest,HeAntiochleftagainthatveryday,Butnotbyseaagainwouldtakehisway。
LXXVII
HetowardsLidiaandLarissagoes,——AtrichAleppomakesalongerstay。
God,tomakeplainthathe,evenhere,bestowsOnevilandongoodtheirfittingpay,Ataleague\'sdistancefromMamuga,throwsMartanointheavengingbrother\'sway,Martanotravellingwiththetourney\'sprize,Displayedbeforehishorseinshowywise。
LXXVIII
SirAquilantbelieved,atthefirstshow,HisbrotherheinvileMartanospied。
Forarmsandvest,morewhitethanvirginsnow,Thecowardinthewarrior\'ssightbelied,Andsprangtowardshim,withthatjoyful“Oh!“
Bywhichdelightiseversignified;
Butchangedhislookandtone,when,nearerbroughtHeseesthatheisnotthewighthesought:
LXXIX
Andthroughthatevilwoman\'streachery,DeemedGryphonmurderedbythecavalier;
And,“Tellme,“heexclaimed,“thou,whomustbeTraitorandthief——bothwritteninthycheer——
Whencearethesearms?andwhereforedoItheeViewonthecourserofmybrotherdear?
Sayismybrotherslaughteredoralive?
Howdidstthouhimofhorseandarmsdeprive?“
LXXX
WhenOrigillehearshim,inaffrightSheturnsherpalfrey,andforflightprepares:
ButAquilant,morequick,inherdespite,Arreststhetraitress,ereshefurtherfares。
Attheloudthreatsofthatallfuriousknight,Bywhomhesowastakenunawares,Martan\'turnspaleandtrembleslikealeaf,Norhowtoactoranswerknowsthethief。
LXXXI
Aquilantthunderedstill,and,tohisdread,Afalchion,pointedathisgullet,shewed,Andsworewithangrymenaces,theheadFromhimandOrigilleshouldbehewed,Saveinallpointstheverytruthbesaid。
Awhileonthisill-starredMartanochewed,RevolvingstillwhatpretexthemighttryTolessenhisgravefault,thenmadereply:
LXXXII
“Know,sir,youseemysisterinthisdame,Andoneofgoodandvirtuousparentsborn,Thoughshehaslatelyledalifeofshame,AndbeenbyGryphonfoullybroughttoscorn;
And,forIloathedsuchblotuponourname,YetweenedthatshecouldillbyforcebetornFromsuchapuissantwight,IlaidaschemeHerbyaddressandcunningtoredeem。
LXXXIII
“WithherIplannedthemeans,whoinherbreastNursedthedesireabetterlifetoprove,Thatshe,whenGryphonwasretiredtorest,Insilencefromthewarriorshouldremove。
Thisdone:lestheshouldfollowonourquest,Andsoundothewebwevainlywove,Himwedeprivedofhorseandarm,andweArehithercometogether,asyousee。”
LXXXIV
Hiscunningmighthaveprovedofgoodavail,ForAquilantbelievedhimeasily;
And,saveintakingGryphon\'shorseandmail,Hetotheknighthaddonenoinjury;
Butthathewroughtsohighthespecioustale,Asmanifestedplainly,\'twasalie。
Inall\'twasperfect,savethathethedameHadforhissistervouchedwithwhomhecame。
LXXXV
AquilanthadinAntiochchancedtoknowShewashisconcubine,——wellcertifiedOfthisbymany,——andinfuriousglowExclaimed;“Thoufalsestrobber,thouhastlied!“
Anddealt,withthat,therecreantsuchablow,Hedrovetwogrindersdownhisthroat;thentied(NotsoughtMartanowithhisfoetocope)
Thecaitiff\'sarmsbehindhimwitharope。
LXXXVI
And,thoughsheforexcusetriedmanywiles,DidthusaswellbyOrigilleuntrue;
AndtillhereachedDamascus\'loftypiles,Thembytown,street,orfarm,behindhimdrew:
Andwillathousandtimesathousandmiles,Withsorrowandwithsuffering,dragthetwo,Tillhehisbrotherfind;who,athispleasure,Mayvengeancetotheguiltycouplemeasure。
LXXXVII
SirAquilantmadesquiresandbeastsaswellReturnwithhim,andtoDamascuscame;
AndheardRenown,throughoutthecity,swell,Plyingheramplewings,SirGryphon\'sname。
Here,greatandlittle——everyone,couldtell\'Twashethatinthetourneywonsuchfame,Andhad,byonethatilldeservedhistrust,Beencheatedofthehonoursofthejust。
LXXXVIII
Pointinghimouttooneanother\'ssight,ThehostilepeopleallMartanobayed;
“Andisnotthis(theycried)thatribaldwightWhoinanother\'sspoilshimselfarrayed,Andwhothevalourofasleepingknight,Withhisownshameandinfamyo\'erlaid?
Andthisthewomanofungratefulmood,Whoaidsthewickedandbetraysthegood?“
LXXXIX
Othersexclaimed,“Howfittinglycombined,Markedwithonestamp,andofoneracearethey!“
Someloudlycursedthem,andsomeravedbehind,Whileothersshouted,“Hang,burn,quarter,slay!“
Thethrongtoviewthemprest,withfuryblind,Andtothesquarebeforethemmadeitsway。
Themonarchofthetidingswasadvised,Andtheseaboveanotherkingdomprized。
XC
AttendedwithfewsquirestheSyrianking,Asthenhechancedtobe,cameforthwithspeed,AndwithSirAquilantencountering,WhoGryphonhadavengedwithworthydeed,Himhonouredwithfaircheer,andhomewouldbring,Andinhispalacelodged,asfittingmeed;
Havingtheprisonedpair,withhisconsent,Firstinthebottomofaturretpent。
XCI
Thithertheygo,whereGryphonfromhisbedHasnotasyet,sincehewaswounded,stirred;
Whoathisbrother\'scomingwaxesred,Surmisingwellheofhiscasehasheard:
AndafterAquilanthissayhadsaid,Andhimsomedealreproached,thethreeconferredAstowhatpenancetothewickedtwo,Sofallenintotheirhands,wasjustlydue。
XCII
\'TisAquilant\'s,\'tisNorandino\'swillAthousandtorturesshalltheirguerdonbe:
ButGryphon,whothedamealonecanillExcuse,entreatsforbothimpunity;
Andmanymattersurgeswithmuchskill。
Butwellisanswered:and\'tisruled,tofleaMartano\'sbodywiththehangman\'sscourge,Andonlyshortofdeathhispenanceurge。
XCIII
Boundisthewretch,butnot\'midgrassandflower,Whoselimbsbeneaththehangman\'slashesburnAllthenextmorn:theyprisoninthetowerOrigille,tillLucinashallreturn;
TowhomthecounsellinglordsreservethepowerTospeakthewoman\'ssentence,mildorstern。
Harboured,tillGryphoncanbeararms,atcourt,Aquilantfleetsthetimeinfairdisport。
XCIV
ThevaliantNorandinocouldnotchoose(Madebysucherrortemperateandwise),Butfullofpenitenceandsorrow,muse,Withdowncastspirit,andinmournfulguise,Onhavingbidhismenaknightmisuse,Whomallshouldworthilyrewardandprize;
Sothathe,nightandmorning,inhisthought,Howtocontenttheinjuredwarriorsought。
XCV
Andhedetermined,inthepublicsightO\'thecity,guiltyofthatinjury,WithallsuchhonourastoperfectknightCouldbyapuissantmonarchrenderedbe,Himwiththegloriousguerdontorequite,Whichhadbeenravishedbysuchtreachery:
Andhence,withinamonth,proclaimedtheintentToholdanothersolemntournament。
XCVI
ForwhichhemadewhatstatelypreparationWaspossibletomakebyscepteredking。
HenceFamedivulgedtheroyalproclamationThroughoutallSyria\'sland,withnimblewing,PhoeniciaandPalestine;tilltherelationOfthisingoodAstolpho\'searsdidring;
Who,withthelordwhoruledthatlandintrust,Resolvedhewouldbepresentatthejust。
XCVII
ForarenownedandvaliantcavalierHasthetruehistoryvaunted,Sansonnet,ByRolandchristened,Charles(Isaid),thepeerOvertheHolyLandasrulerset:
Hewiththeduketakesuphisload,tosteerThither,whereRumourspeaksthechampionsmet。
Sothathisears,onallsidesinthejourney,ArefilledwithtidingsofDamascus\'tourney。
XCVIII
Thitherthetwaintheirwaythosecountriesthrough,Byeasystagesandbyslow,addrest,ThatfreshuponthedayofjoustthetwoMightinDamascus-townsetuptheirrest。
Whenatthemeetingofcross-waystheyviewAperson,who,inmovementandinvest,Appearstobeaman,butisamaid;
Andmarvellouslyfierce,inmartialraid。
XCIX
Marphisawasthewarlikevirgin\'sname,Andsuchherworth,sheoftwithnakedbrandHadpressedOrlandosoreinmartialgame,AndhimwhohadMountAlbanincommand;
Andever,nightandday,thearmeddameScowered,hereandthere,byhillandplain,theland;
Hopingwitherrantcavaliertomeet,Andwinimmortalfamebygloriousfeat。
C
WhenSansonnettoandtheEnglishknightSheseesapproachingher,inwarlikeweed,Whoseemtwovaliantwarriorsinhersight,Asoflargebone,andnervedfordoughtydeed,Onthemshefainwouldprovehermartialmight,Andtodefythepairhasmovedhersteed。
When,eyeingthetwowarriors,nowmorenear,Marphisarecognizedthedukeandpeer。
CI
Hispleasingwaysshedidinmindretrace,WhenarmsinfarCataywithherheboreCalledhimbyname,norwouldinironcase;
Retainherhand,upraisedthecasqueshewore,Andhim,advanced,tomeetwithgladembrace,Though,ofalllivingdamesandthoseofyore,Theproudest,she;norwithlesscourteousmienThepaladinsalutesthemartialqueen。
CII
Theyquestionedoneanotheroftheirway;
Andwhenthedukehassaid(whofirstreplied)
ThatheDamascusseeks,wheretoassayTheirvirtuousdeeds,allknightsofvalourtriedTheSyriankinginvites,inmartialplay,——
TheboldMarphisa,athishearingcried,(Evertoproveherwarlikeprowessbent)
“Iwillbewithyouatthistournament。”
CIII
TohavesuchacomradeeithercavalierIsmuchrejoiced。TheytoDamascusgo,Andinasuburb,ofthecityclear,Arelodged,uponthedaybeforetheshow;
And,tillheragedlover,oncesodear,Auroraroused,theirhumbleroofbelow,IngreatereasethewearywarriorsrestedThanhadtheybeenincostlypalaceguested。
CIV
AndwhentheclearandlucidsunagainItsshininggloriesallabroadhadspread,Thebeauteousladyarmed,andwarriorstwain,Havingfirstcourierstothecitysped,Who,when\'twastime,reportedtothetrain,That,toseetruncheonssplitincontestdread,KingNorandinehadcomeintothesquareInwhichthecruelgamesappointedwere。
CV
Straighttothecityridethemartialband,And,throughthehigh-street,tothecrowdedplace;
Where,waitingfortheroyalsignal,stand,Rangedhereandthere,theknightsofgentlerace。
Theguerdonsdestinedtotheconqueror\'shand,Inthatday\'stourney,wereatuckandmaceRichlyadorned,and,withthem,suchasteedAstothewinninglordwerefittingmeed。
CVI
Norandine,surethat,inthemartialgame,Bothprizesdestinedfortheconqueringknight,Aswellasoneandtheothertourney\'sfame,MustbeobtainedbyGryphon,namedthewhite,Togivehimallthatvaliantmancouldclaim,Norcouldhegivethewarriorless,withright,Thearmour,guerdonofthisfinalcoursePlacedwiththetuckandmaceandnoblehorse。
CVII
ThearmswhichintheformerjoustthedueOfvaliantGryphonwere,whoallhadgained,(Withevilprofit,bythewretchuntrue,Martan\'usurped,whoGryphon\'sbearingfeigned)
TobehunguponhighinpublicviewWiththerich-flourishedtuck,thekingordained,AndfastenedatthesaddleofthesteedThemace,thatGryphonmightwineithermeed。
CVIII
ButfromeffectingwhathehadintendedHewaspreventedbythewarlikemaid;
Wholateintothecrowdedsquarehadwended,WithSansonnetandEngland\'sdukearrayed,SeeingthearmsofwhichIspokesuspended,Shestraightagnizedtheharnessshesurveyed,Oncehers,anddeartoher;asmattersareEsteemedbyusasexcellentandrare;
CIX
Though,asahindrance,sheupontheroadHadleftthearms,when,toretrievehersword,Shefromhershouldersslipttheponderousload,AndchasedBrunello,worthyofthecord。
Moretorelatewerelabourillbestowed,Ideem,norfurtherofthetalerecord。
Enoughforme,byyou\'tisunderstood,Howhereshefoundanewherarmourgood。
CX
Youshalltakewithyou,whenbymanifestAndcertaintokenstheybyherwereknown,She,fornoearthlything,theironvestAndweaponsforadaywouldhaveforegone。
ShethinksnotifthismodeorthatbebestTohavethem,anxioustoregainherown;
Butt\'wardsthearmswithhandextendedhies,Andwithoutmoreregardtakesdowntheprize。
CXI
Andthrowingsomeonearth,itchancedthatmoreThanwasherownsheinherhurrytook。
TheSyrianking,whowasoffendedsore,Raisedwaragainstherwithasinglelook。
Forillthewronghisangeredpeoplebore,And,toavengehim,lanceandfalchionshook;
Rememberingnot,onotherday,howdearTheypaidforscathingerrantcavalier。
CXII
Nowishfulchildmorejoyfully,\'midallTheflowersofspring-tide,yellow,blue,andred,Findsitself,noratconcertoratballDamebeauteousandadorned,than\'midthetreadOfwarlikesteeds,anddinofarms,andfallOfdarts,andpushofspears——wherebloodisshed,Anddeathisdealt,inthetumultuousthrong,——
SHEfindsherselfbeyondallcredencestrong。
CXIII
Shespurredhercourser,andwithlanceinrest,Imperiousatthefoolishrabblemade,And——throughtheneckimpaledorthroughthebreast,——
Somepierced,someprostrateattheencounterlayed。
Nextthisorthatshewiththefalchionprest;
Theheadfromonesheseveredwiththeblade,Andfromthatothercleft:anothersank,Shortofrightarmorleft,orpiercedinflank。
CXIV
BoldSansonnettoandAstolphonear,Whohad,withher,theirlimbsinharnessdight,Thoughtheyforotherendinarmsappear,Seeingthemaidandcrowdengagedinfight,Firstlowerthehelmet\'svizor,nextthespear,Andwiththeirlanceschargethemoboutright:
Thenbaretheirfalchions,and,amidthecrew,Apassagewiththetrenchantweaponshew。
CXV
Theerrantcavalierswhotothatstage,Tojoust,fromdifferentlandshadmaderesort,Seeingthemwarfarewithsuchfurywage,Andintomourningchangedtheexpectedsport,BecauseallknewnotwhathadmovedtherageOftheinfuriatepeopleinthatsort,Norwhattheinsultofferedtotheking,Suspendedstoodindoubtandwondering。
CXVI
Ofthese,somewillthecrowdedrabble\'sband(Toolaterepentantofthefeat)befriend:
Those,favouringnotthenativesofthelandMorethantheforeigners,topartthemwend。
Othersmorewary,withtheirreinsinhand,Sitwatchinghowthemischiefistoend。
GryphonandAquilantareofthethrongWhichhurryforwardtoavengethewrong。
CXVII
ThepairofwarlikebrethrenwitnessingThemonarch\'sdrunkeneyeswithvenomfraught,AndhavingheardfrommanyintheringTheoccasionwhichthefuriousstrifehadwrought,HimselfnowhitlessinjuredthanthekingOfSyria\'sland,offendedGryphonthought。
Eachknight,inhaste,suppliedhimselfwithspear,Andthunderingvengeancedroveinfullcareer。
CXVIII
OnRabican,prickedforthbeforehishand,ValiantAstolpho,fromtheotherbound,Withtheenchantedlanceofgoldinhand,WhichatthefirstencounterboretogroundWhatknightshesmotewithit;andonthesandLaidGryphonfirst;nextAquilanthefound,Andscarcelytouchedtheborderofhisshield,Erehereversedthewarrioronthefield。
CXIX
FromloftysaddleSansonneto\'erthrew,Famousforpriceandprowess,manyaknight。
Totheoutletofthesquarethemobwithdrew;
Themonarchragedwithangeranddespite。
Meanwhile,ofthefirstcuirassandthenewPossest,aswellaseitherhelmetbright,Marphisa,whensheallinflightdiscerned,Conquerortowardshersuburb-innreturned。
CXX
SansonnetandAstolphoarenotslowInfollowingt\'wardsthegatethemartialmaid,(Themobdividingalltoletthemgo)
Andhaltwhentheyhavereachedthebarricade。
GryphonandAquilant,whosawwithwoeThemselvesonearthatoneencounterlaid,Theirdroopingheads,opprestwithshame,decline,NordareappearbeforeKingNorandine。
CXXI
Seizingtheirsteedsandmounting,eithersonOfOlivertoseektheirfoemenwent:
WithmanyofhisvassalstooisgoneTheking;ondeathorvengeanceallintent。
Thefoolishrabblecry,“Layon,layon。”
Andstandatdistanceandawaittheevent。
GryphonarrivedwherethethreefriendshadgainedAbridge,andfacingroundthepostmaintained。
CXXII
He,atthefirstapproach,Astolphoknew,Forstillthesamedevicehadbeenhiswear,EvenfromthedayhecharmedOrriloslew,Hishorse,hisarmsthesame:himnotwithcareSirGryphonhadremarked,norstedfastview,Whenlatehejoustedwithhiminthesquare:
Heknowshimhereandgreets;nextprayshimshowWhothecompanionsarethatwithhimgo;
CXXIII
Andwhytheyhadthosearms,withoutthefearOfSyria\'sking,pulleddown,andtohisslight。
OfhischampionsEngland\'scavalier,SirGryphoncourteouslyinformedaright。
Butlittleofthosearms,pursuedthepeer,Heknew,whichweretheoccasionofthefight;
But(forhethitherwithMarphisacameAndSansonnet)hadarmedtoaidthedame。
CXXIV
WhileheandGryphonstoodincolloquy,Aquilantcame,andknewAstolphogood,Whomheheardspeakingwithhisbrothernigh,And,thoughofevilpurpose,changedhismood。
OfNorandine\'stroopedmany,thesetospy;
Butcamenotnighthewarriorswheretheystood:
Andseeingtheminconference,stoodclear,Listening,insilence,andintenttohear。
CXXV
SomeonewhohearsMarphisaholdisthere,Famed,throughtheworld,formatchlessbravery,Hiscourserturns,andbidsthekinghavecare,SavehewouldlosehisSyrianchivalry,Tosnatchhiscourt,beforeallslaughteredare,FromthehandofDeathandofTisiphone:
Forthat\'twasverilyMarphisa,whoHadborneawaythearmsinpublicview。
CXXVI
AsNorandineistoldthatnameofdread,ThroughtheLevantsofearedoneveryside,WhosementionmadethehaironmanyaheadBristle,thoughshewasoftendistantwide。
Hefearstheillmayhappenwhichissaid,Unlessagainstthemischiefheprovide;
Andhencehismeiny,whohavechangedtheirireAlreadyintofear,hebidsretire。
CXXVII
ThesonsofOliver,ontheotherhand,WithSansonnettoandtheEnglishknight,SosupplicateMarphisa,sheherbrandPutsup,andterminatesthecruelfight;
Andtothemonarchnext,amidhisbrand,Cries,proudly,“Sir,IknownotbywhatrightThouwouldstthisarmour,notthineown,presentTohimwhoconquersinthytournament。
CXXVIII
“Minearethesearms,whichI,uponaday,LeftontheroadwhichleadsfromArmeny,Because,parforcea-foot,IsoughttostayArobber,whohadsoreoffendedme。
Thetruthofthismyensignmaydisplay。
Whichhereisseen,ifitbeknowntothee。”
Withthatsheontheplatewhichsheathedthebreast(Cleftinthreeplaces)showedacrownimprest。
CXXIX
“TomethisanArmenianmerchantgave,\'Tistrue,“repliedtheking,“somedaysago;
Andhadyouraisedyourvoice,thearmstocrave,Youshouldhavehadthem,whetheryoursorno。
For,notwithstandingItoGryphongaveThearmour,Isowellhisnatureknow,Hefreelywouldresignthegiftheearned,Thatitbymetoyoumightbereturned。
CXXX
“YourallegationneedsnottopersuadeThesearmsareyours——thattheyyourimpressbear;
Yourwordsufficesme,bymemoreweighedThanallthatotherwitnesscoulddeclare。
TograntthemyoursisbutatributepaidToVirtue,worthybetterprizetowear。
Nowhavethearms,andletusmakeaccord;
Andletsomefairergifttheknightreward。”
CXXXI
Gryphon,wholittlehadthosearmsatheart,Butmuchtosatisfythekingwasbent,Replied:“Yourecompenseenoughimpart,Teachingmehowyourwishestocontent。”——
“Hereismyhonourallatsake,“apart,“Meseemeth,“saidMarphisa,andforewentHerclaimforGryphon\'ssake,withcourteouscheer;
And,ashisgift,infinereceivedthegear。
CXXXII
Tothecity,theirrejoicingstorenew,Inloveandpeacetheymeasuredbacktheirway。
Nextcamethejoust,ofwhichthehonourdue,AndprizewasSansonnet\'s;sincefromthefrayAbstainedAstolphoandthebrethrentwo,AndboldMarphisa,bestofthatarray,Likefaithfulfriendsandgoodcompanions;fainThatSansonnetthetourney\'smeedshouldgain。
CXXXIII
EightdaysorteninjoyandtriumphdwellTheknightswithNorandine;butwithsuchstrongDesireofFrancethewarriors\'bosomsswell,Whichwillnotletthemthencebeabsentlong,Theytaketheirleave。Marphisa,whoaswellThitherwouldgo,departsthetroopamong。
Marphisahadlongtime,withswordandlance,DesiredtoprovethepaladinsofFrance;
CXXXIV
Andmakeexperiment,iftheyindeedSuchworthasisbyRumourvoiceddisplay。
Sansonnetleavesanother,inhisstead,ThecityofJerusalemtosway,Andnowthesefive,inchosensquadronspeed,Whohavefewpeersinprowess,ontheirway。
DismistbyNorandine,toTripoliTheywend,andtotheneighbouringhavenhie。
CXXXV
Andthereacarackfind,abouttosteerForwesterncountries,takinginherstore:
They,withthepatron,forthemselvesandgear,Andhorses,makeaccord;aseamanhoarOfLunahe:theheavens,onallsidesclear,Vouchmanydays\'fairweather。FromtheshoreTheyloose,withskyserene,andeverysailOftheyarevesselstretchedbyfavouringgale。
CXXXVI
TheislandoftheamorousdeityBreatheduponthemanair,inherfirstport,Whichnotalonetomandoesinjury,Butmouldersiron,andherelifeisshort;——
Amarshthecause,——andNaturecertainlyWrongsFamagosta,poisoning,insuchsort,ThatcitywithConstantia\'sfenmalign,ToalltherestofCyprussobenign。
CXXXVII
Thenoxiousscentsthatfromthemarishspring,Aftershortsojournthere,compeltheirflight。
Thebarquetoasouth-eastereverywingExtends,andcirclesCyprustotheright,MakesPaphos\'islandnext,and,anchoring,Thecrewandwarriorsonthebeachalight;
Thosetoshipmerchandize,andthese,atleisure,ToviewthelaughinglandofLoveandPleasure。
CXXXVIII
Inlandsixmilesorsevenfromthence,awayScales,withaneasyrise,apleasanthill;
Whichmyrtle,orange,cedar-tree,andbay,Andotherperfumedplantsbythousandsfill;
Thyme,marjoram,crocus,rose,andlilygayFromodoriferousleafsuchsweetsdistill,Thattheywhosailtheseathefragrancebland,Scentineachgenialgalewhichblowsfromland。
CXXXIX
Afruitfulrill,bylimpidfountainfed,Waters,allroundabout,thefertilespace。
ThelandofVenustrulymaybesaidThatpassingjoyousanddelightfulplace:
Foreverymaidandwife,whothereisbred,Isthroughtheworldbeside,unmatchedingrace:
AndVenuswills,tilltheirlasthourbetolled,ThatLoveshouldwarmtheirbosoms,youngandold。
CXL
\'TwasheretheyheardthesamewhichtheybeforeOftheorcandofLucina,ersthadheardInSyria;howshetoreturnoncemoreInNicosia,toherlordprepared。
Thence(afairwindnowblowingfromtheshore)
HisbarkforseathereadyPatroncleared,Hawleduphisanchor,westwardturnedtheheadOfthegoodship,andallhiscanvasspread。
CXLI
Tothenorthwind,whichblewupontheirright,Stretchingtoseaward,theytheirsailsuntie:
Whenlo!asouth-south-wester,whichseemedlight,Inthebeginning,whilethesunwashigh,Andafterwardsincreasedinforcet\'wardsnight,Raiseduptheseaagainstthemmountainshigh;
Withsuchdreadflashes,andloudpealsofthunder,AsHeaven,toswallowallinfire,wouldsunder。
CXLII
Thecloudstheirgloomyveilabovethemstrain,Norsuffersunorstartocheertheview。
Abovethewelkinroared,beneaththemain;
Oneverysidethewindandtempestgrew;
Which,withsharppiercingcoldandblindingrain,Afflictedsorethemiserablecrew。
Whileayedescendingnight,withdeepershade,Thevextandfearfulbillowsoverlayed。
CXLIII
Thesailors,inthiswarofwindandflood,Wereprompttomanifesttheirvauntedart。
Oneblowingthroughtheshrillingwhistlestood,Andwiththesignaltaughttheresttheirpart。
Oneclearsthebestboweranchor:oneisgoodTolower,thisothertohawlhomeorstartThebraces;onefromdeckthelumbercast,Andthissecuredthetiller,thatthemast。
CXLIV
Thecruelwindincreasedthroughoutthenight,Whichgrewmoredismalandmoredarkthanhell。
ThewaryPatronstoodtoseaoutright,Wherehebelievedlessbrokenwastheswell;
Andturnedhisprowtomeet,withreadysleight,Thebuffetsofthedreadfulwaveswhichfell;
Neverwithoutsomehope,thatatday-breakThestormmightlull,orelseitsfuryslake。
CXLV
Itlullsnot,noritsfuryslakes,butgrownWilder,showsworsebyday,——ifthisbeday,Whichbutbyreckoningofthehoursisknown,Andnotbyanycheeringlightorray。
Now,withmorefear(hisweakerhopeo\'erthrown)。
ThesorrowingPatrontothewindgivesway,Heveershisbarquebeforethecruelgale,Andscowersthefoamingseawithhumblesail。
CXLVI
WhileFortuneontheseaannoysthiscrew,Shegrantsthoseotherssmallreposebyland,ThoseleftinFrance,whooneanotherslew,——
ThemenofEnglandandthepaynimband。
TheseboldRinaldobrokeandoverthrew;
Nortroopsnorbannersspreadbeforehimstand:
Ispeakofhim,whohisBaiardofleetHadspurredthegallantDardineltomeet。
CXLVII
Theshield,ofwhichAlmontes\'sonwasvain,Thatofthequarters,goodRinaldospied;
Anddeemedhimbold,andofavaliantstrain,WhowithOrlando\'sensigndaredtoride。
Approachingnearer,thisappearedmoreplain,Whenheapsofslaughteredmenheroundhimeyed。
“Betteritwere,“hecried,“tooverthrowThisevilplant,beforeitshootandgrow。”