CXXXIV
SospakeZerbino,andlikegriefdisplaid,Inhisdespairingwordsandwofulmien,Forsuchanodiousacquisitionmade,Ashehadsufferedwhenhelosthisqueen。
Theagedwomannow,fromwhathesaid,ThoughshebeforeZerbinohadnotseen,Perceived\'twashimofwhom,inthethieves\'hold,IsabelofGalliciaersthadtold。
CXXXV
Ifyourememberwhatwassaidbefore,Thiswasthehagwho\'scapedoutofthecave,WhereIsabella,whohadwoundedsoreZerbino\'sheart,waslongdetainedaslave;
WhoofthadtoldhowshehernativeshoreHadleft,and,launchinguponocean\'swaveHerfrigate,hadbeenwreckedbywindandswellUpontherockyshallowsnearRochelle。
CXXXVI
AndshetoherZerbino\'sgoodlycheerAndgentlefeatureshadpourtrayedsowell,Thatthehaghearinghim,andnowmorenear,Letterhereyesuponhisvisagedwell,Discerneditwastheyouthforwhom,whilere,HadgrievedathearttheprisonedIsabel;
Whoselosssheinthecavernmoredeplored,Thanbeingcaptivetothemurderoushorde。
CXXXVII
Thebeldam,hearingwhatinrageandgriefZerbinovents,perceivestheyouthtobeDeceived,andcheatedbythefalsebeliefThatIsabelhadperishedinthesea;
Andthoughshemighthavegiventheprincerelief,Knowingthetruth,inherperversityWhatwouldhavemadehimjoyfulsheconcealed,Andonlywhatwouldcausehimgriefrevealed。
CXXXVIII
“Hear,youthataresoproud,“(thehagpursues)
“Andfloutmewithsuchinsolenceandscorn,YouwouldentreatmefairtohavethenewsIknowofherwhosetimelessdeathyoumourn;
ButtobestrangledwouldIratherchoose,Andbeintoathousandpiecestorn。
Whereasifyouhadmademekindercheer,Haplyfrommethesecretmightyouhear。”
CXXXIX
Asthedog\'srageisquicklyoverblown,Whofliestheapproachingrobbertoarrest,Ifthethiefprofferpieceofbreadorbone,Ofofferotherlurewhichlikeshimbest;
AsreadilyZerbinotothecroneHumbledhimself,andburnedtoknowtherest;
Who,inthehintsoftheoldwoman,readThatshehadnewsofherhemournedasdead。
CXL
Andwithmorewinningmientoherapplied,Andherdidsupplicate,entreat,conjure,Bymenandgods,thetruthnomoretohide,Didshebenignorevillotendure。
Thehardandpertinaciouscronereplied,“Noughtshaltthouhear,thycomforttoassure。
Isabelhasnotyieldedupherbreath,Butlivesalifeshewouldexchangefordeath。
CXLI
“She,sincethouheardestofherdestiny,Withinfewdays,hasfallenintothepowerOfmorethantwenty。Ifrestoredtothee,Thinknow,ifthouhasthopetocropherflower。”——
“Cursthag,howwellthoushapestthyhistory,Yetknowestitisfalse!HervirgindowerSecurefrombrutalwrong,wouldnoneinvade,Thoughinthepoweroftwentywerethemaid。”
CXLII
Questioningofthemaid,hewhenandwhereShesawher,vainlyaskedthebeldamhoar,Who,everrestivetoZerbino\'sprayer,Towhatshehadrehearsedwouldaddnomore。
Theprinceinthebeginningspokeherfair,Andnexttocutherthroatinfuryswore。
Butprayersandmenacesalikewereweak;
Norcouldhemakethehideousbeldamspeak。
CXLIII
AtlengthZerbinotohistonguegaverest,Sincespeakingtothewomanbootednought;
Scarcelyhisheartfoundroomwithinhisbreast,Suchdreadsuspicionhadherstorywrought。
HetofindIsabellawassopressed,Herinthemidstoffirehewouldhavesought;
ButcouldnothurrymorethanwasallowedByherhisconvoy,sincehesohadvowed。
CXLIV
Theyhence,bystrangeandsolitaryway,Rove,asthebeldamdoesherwillbetoken,Norclimbing,nordescendinghill,surveyEachother\'sface,noranywordisspoken。
ButwhenthesunuponthemiddledayHadturnedhisback,theirsilencefirstwasbrokenBycavalierencounteredintheirway:
Whatfollowedtheensuingstrainwillsay。
CANTO21
ARGUMENT
ZerbinoforGabrina,whoaheartOfaspappearstobear,contends。O\'erthrown,TheFlemingfallsupontheotherpart,Throughcauseofthatdespisedandodiouscrone,Hewoundedsore,andwrithingwiththesmart,Thebeldam\'streasontotheprincemakesknown,Whosescornandhatredhencederivenewforce。
TowardsloudcriesZerbinospurshishorse。
I
NocordIwellbelieveiswoundsotightRoundchest,nornailstheplanksofastlyhold,AsFaithenwrapsanhonourablespriteInitssecure,inextricable,fold;
NorholyFaith,itseems,exceptinwhiteWasmantledoverinthedaysofold;
Sobytheancientlimnereverpainted,Asbyonespeck,onesingleblemishtainted。
II
Faithshouldbekeptunbrokenevermore,Withoneorwithathousandmenunited;
Aswellifgiveningrotorforesthoar,Remotefromtownandhamlet,asifplightedAmidacrowdofwitnesses,beforeTribunal,andinactanddeedrecited:
Norneedsthesolemnsanctionofanoath:
Itissufficientthatwepledgeourtroth。
III
Andthismaintainsasitmaintainedshouldbe,IneachemprizetheScottishcavalier,Andgivesgoodproofofhisfidelity,Quittinghisroadwiththatoldcronetosteer;
Althoughthisbreedstheyouthsuchmisery,As\'twouldtohaveDiseaseitselfasnear,OrevenDeath;butwithhimheavierweighedThathisdesirethepromisehehadmade。
IV
OfhimItoldwhofeltatheartsuchload,Reflectingshebeneathhischargemustgo,Hespakenoword;andthusinsilentmodeBothfared:sosullenwasZerbino\'swoe。
Isaidhowvexedtheirsilence,astheyrode,Wasbroke,whenSolhishindmostwheelsdidshow,Byanadventurouserrantcavalier,Whoinmidpathwaymetthecroneandpeer。
V
Thehag,whotheapproachingwarriorknew,(HermonidesofHollandhewashight)
ThatboreuponafieldofsablehueAbarofvermeiltint,transverselydight,DidhumblynowtogoodZerbinosue,——Herprideabased,andlookofhaughtdespite——
Andhimremindedofthepromisemade,WhenherMarphisatohiscareconveyed。
VI
BecauseasfoetoherandherssheknewTheknighttheywereencountering,whohadslainHeronlybrotherandherfathertrue;
Andwasadvised,thetraitorwouldbefainByher,theremnantofherrace,todoWhathehadperpetratedonthetwain。
“Woman,whileguardedbymyarm(hesaid)
Iwillnotthoushouldstanydangerdread。”
VII
Asnearernow,thestrangerknightespiedThatface,whichwassohatefulinhissight,Withmenacingandsavagevoicehecried,“Eitherwithmepreparethyselftofight,Orarmtheenotonthatoldwoman\'sside,Whobymyhandshallperish,asisright。
Ifthoucontendestforher,thouartslain;
Forsuchtheirportioniswhowrongmaintain。”
VIII
HimyoungZerbinoansweredcourteously,Twassignofevilandungenerouswill,Andcorrespondednotwithchivalry,Thatheawomanshoulddesiretokill;
Yetiftheknightpersists,hewillnotflee——
Butbidshimwellconsiderfirsthowill\'Twouldsound,thathe,agentleknightandgood,Shouldwishtodiphishandinwoman\'sblood。
IX
Thisandyetmorehevainlysays;norstandTheyidlelong;fromwordtheypasstodeed;
AndhavingcompassedonthelevellandEnoughofground,encounteronthemead。
Notfiredinsomerejoicing,fromthehandDischarged,sofastthewhistlingrocketsspeed,AsthetwocoursersbearthecavaliersTohurtleinmidspacewithrestedspears。
X
HermonidesofHollandlevelledlow,Andfortheyouth\'sleftflankthestrokeintended;
Buthisweaklancewasshiveredbytheblow,AndlittletheopposingScotoffended:
Butvainwasnotthespear-thrustofhisfoe,Whoboredhisopposite\'sgoodshield,andrendedHisshoulder,bythelancepiercedthroughandthrough,AndgoodHermonidesoneartho\'erthrew。
XI
Thinkinghimslainwhoonlylayamazed,Bypityprest,Zerbinoleapttoground,Andfromhisdeathlikefacethevizorraised;
Andhe,aswakenedoutofsleepprofound,Insilence,harduponZerbinogazed;
Thencried,“Itdoesnotme,intruth,confound,TothinkthatIamoverthrownbythee,Whoseem\'stthefloweroferrantchivalry。
XII
“ButitwithreasongrievesmethisisdoneUponaccountofafalsewoman\'sspite;
WhosewickedcauseIknownotwhyyouown,Anofficeillaccordingwithyourmight:
AndwhentoyoutheoccasionshallbeknownWhichurgesmeherwickednesstoquite,Whene\'eryouthinkonit,youwillrepentHowshebyyouwassaved,andIwasshent。
XIII
“Andifenoughofbreath,althoughIfearThecontrary,isleftmetoexpoundHerevilactions,IshallmakeappearSheinallguilttransgresseseverybound。
Ihadabrotheronce:theyouthfulpeerSetoutfromHolland\'sisle,ournatalground,ToserveHeraclius,\'midhisknightsarrayed,WhothentheGrecianempire\'ssceptreswayed。
XIV
“Brotherinarmsandbosom-friendinstalledHerewashebyabaronofthatcourt,Who,inapleasantsite,andstronglywalled,OnServia\'sdistantfrontierhadafort。
ArgaeusheofwhomItellwascalled,Husbandofthatillhag,whominsuchsortHeloved,aspassedallmean,andmisbecameOneofhisworthandhonourablefame。
XV
“Butshe,morevolatilethanleaf,whenbreezeOfautumnmostitsnaturalmoisturedries,Andstripstheflutteringfoliagefromthetrees,Which,blownabout,beforeitsfuryflies,Changesherhumour,andherhusbandsees,Whomshesometimehadloved,withothereyes,AndinhereverywishandeverythoughtSchemeshowmybrother\'slovemaybestbebought。
XVI
“ButnotAcroceraunusfrontsthebrine,——Ill-famed——againstwhosebasethebillowheaves,NoragainstBoreasstandsthemountainpine,Thathasahundredtimesreneweditsleaves,AndtoweringhighonAlporApennine,Withitsfastroottherockasdeeplycleaves,SofirmlyastheyouthresiststhewillOfthatfoulwoman,sinkofeveryill。
XVII
“Now,asitoftbefallsacavalierWhoseeksandfindsadventure,highandlow,IthappenedthatmygentlebrothernearHiscomrade\'sfortwaswoundedbyafoe;
Whereoften,uninvitedbythepeer,Heguested,washishostwithhimorno;
Andthitherheresortedfromthefield,Theretoreposeuntilhiswoundswerehealed。
XVIII
“Whiletherehewoundedlay,uponsomeneedItchancedArgaeuswascompelledtoride。
Quicklythatwanton,fromhispresencefreed,Aswasheruse,mybrother\'sfealtytried。
Buthe,asoneunstainedinthoughtanddeed,Sofellagoadnolongerwouldabide;
Andtopreservehisfaith,asluresincreased,Ofmanyevilschosewhatseemedtheleast。
XIX
“Tobreakcommunionwiththecavalier,Tohim——ofmany——seemedthelightestill,Andgosofar,thatwantonshouldnothearMoreofhisname:thispurposetofulfilWashonester(thoughquittingonesodearWashard)thantocontentherevilwill,Ofherfoulwishestoherlordimpart,Whocherishedherasfondlyashisheart。
XX
“Andthoughyetsmartingwithhiswoundsandpined,Hedonshisarms,andfromthetowerdeparts;
Andwandersthencewithfirmandconstantmind,Ne\'ertoreturnagainintothoseparts。
Butnoughtavailedthepurposehedesigned;
HisprojectsFortunebaffledwithnewarts。
Thiswhile,behold!thecastellainreturned,Andbathedinbittertearsthewifediscerned。
XXI
“Andwithflushedface,andhairindisarray,Heasksofherwhathaddisturbedhermood;
Who,eresheinreplyawordwillsay,Isvainlymorethanoncetoanswerwooed;
AndallthewhileisthinkinginwhatwayTheknightcanbestwithvengeancebepursued。
Andwellitsuitedwithherficklevein,Lightlytochangeherloveintodisdain。
XXII
“`Ah!whyshouldIconceal(infineshecried)
Thefaultcommittedwhileyouwereaway?
ForthoughIitfromalltheworldshouldhide,Thiswouldmyconsciencetomyselfbewray。
Thesoul,whichiswithsecretevildyed,Doeswithsuchpenitenceitsfaultappay,AseverycorporalsufferanceexceedsThatthoucouldstdealmeformyevildeeds;
XXIII
“`Ifevilbethedeed,whendoneparforce。
But,beitwhatitmay,themischiefknow;
Then,withmyswordfromthispollutedcorse,Delivered,letmyspotlessspiritgo;
Andquenchthesewretchedeyes,whichinremorse,I,ifIlived,onearthmusteverthrow,Astheleastpenanceofsofoulablame,And,lookonwhomtheymay,mustblushforshame。
XXIV
“`Myhonourhasbeenruinedbythymate,Whotothisbodyviolencehasdone,AndfearinglestIalltotheerelate,Withoutfarewellthegracelesschurlisgone。\'
ShebythisstorymadeherhusbandhateTheyouth,thanwhombeforewasdearernone。
Argaeuscreditsall,withoutdelayArmshim,and,breathingvengeance,postsaway。
XXV
“Inknowledgeofthatcountrynottoseek,Heovertooktheknightinlittlespace;
Formypoorbrother,yetdiseasedandweak,Rode,unsuspicious,ataneasypace;
Argaeus,eagerhisrevengetowreak,Assailedhimstraightinasequesteredplace。
Mybrotherwouldexcusehimifhemight,Buthisindignanthostinsistsonfight。
XXVI
“Thisonewassoundandfullofnewdisdain,Thatweakandfriendly,asayewonttobe:
MybrotherwasillfittedtosustainHisalteredcomrade\'snew-bornenmity。
Philander,thenunmeritingsuchpain,(Sowasthestriplingnamed,describedbyme)
NotgiftedwiththepowertoundergoSuchfierceassault,wastakenbythefoe。
XXVII
“`Forbidit,Heaven!IshouldbeledastraySobyjustwrathandthyiniquity,(TohimArgaeuscried)astheetoslay,Wholovedtheeonce,andcertesthoulovedstme,Thoughintheendthouilldidstthisdisplay,IyetdesirethisampleworldmayseeThat,measuredbymydeeds,IrankaboveThyselfinhateashighlyasinlove。
XXVIII
“`InothermodeshallIchastisethedeed,Thanspillingmoreofthineillblood。\'Thepeer,Thissaid,commandshisfollowers,onasteed,Ofverdantboughscomposedtoplaceabier,Andwiththeknighthalf-lifelesshomewardspeed,Andinatowerenclosethecavalier;
Theredoomstheguiltlessstriplingtoremain,Andsufferprisonment\'sperpetualpain。
XXIX
“YetnothingbuthisformerlibertyThencetodepartwaswantingtotheknight;
Inalltherest,asoneatlargeandfree,Heordered,andwasstillobeyedaright。
ButthatilldameherformerphantasyPursuingeverwithunweariedsprite,Havingthekeys,repairednigheverydayTothecloseturretwheretheprisonerlay。
XXX
“Andevermoremybrothersheassailed,Andwithmoreboldnessprestherformersuit。
`Markwhattotheefidelityavailed!\'
(Shecries)`whichallmereperfidyrepute。
Withwhattriumphantjoyshaltthoubehailed!
Whatnoblespoilsarethine,whathappyfruit!
Ohwhataworthyguerdonisthymeed!
Brandedbyallmenforatraitor\'sdeed!
XXXI
“`Howwellthoumightsthavegiven,andwithoutstainOfthineownhonour,whatIsoughtofthee!
NowofsorigorousmoodtheworthygainHaveandenjoy。InclosecaptivityThouart;noreverhopetobreakthychain,Unlessthousoftenthyobduracy。
But,ifcompliant,IameancanframeTorendertheethylibertyandfame。\'
XXXII
“`No,no;havethounohope,\'(repliedtheknight,)
`Thatmytruefaithshalleverchange,althoughItthusshouldhappenthat,againstallright,Ishouldsohardasentenceundergo。
Lettheworldblame。EnoughthatinHISsight——Whoseesandjudgeseverythingbelow,AndinHISgracedivinemyfamecanclear——
Myinnocenceunsulliedshallappear。
XXXIII
“`DoesnotArgaeusdeemenoughtostyMeinhisprison,lethimtakeawayThisnoisomelife。NoryetmayHeavendenyItsmeed,thoughilltheworldmyworkappay。
Andyethewhocondemnsmemay,whenI
Ampartedfromthistenementofclay,Perceivethathehaswrongedmeintheend,Andshallbewailwhendeadhisfaithfulfriend。\'
XXXIV
“ThusoftentimesthatshamelesswomanprestThegoodPhilander,butobtainednofruit。
Nursingherblinddesires,whichknewnotrestInseekingwhatherwickedlovemayboot,Sheheroldvices,inherinmostbreast,Ransacksforwhatmaybesttheoccasionsuit,Andsiftsthemall:then,havingoverrunAthousandevilthoughts,resolvedonone。
XXXV
“SixmonthsshewaitedereagainshesoughtTheprisoner\'stower,asshewaswontbefore:
FromwhichthesadPhilanderhopedandthoughtThatlovetohimthedamenolongerbore。
Lo!Fortuneforheranoccasionwrought,(Toevildeedpropitiousevermore)
Togiveeffect,withmemorableill,Toherirrationalandevilwill。
XXXVI
“ThehusbandhadanancientfeudwithoneWhowasbynameMorandohightthefair;
WhoevenwithinthefortwouldoftenrunInitslord\'sabsence;buttheknight\'srepairAtthewidedistanceoftenmileswouldshun,Washeassuredthecastellainwasthere:
Whonow,tolurehimthither,bruitedhowHeforJerusalemwasboundbyvow。
XXXVII
“Saidhewouldgo;andwent。ThuseachwhospiesHisoutset,ofhisjourneyspreadsthefame:
Norhe,whoonlyonhiswiferelies,Trustsanywithhispurposebutthedame,Andhomereturnedwhenduskywaxedtheskies;
Norever,saveatevening,thithercame;
Andwithchangedensigns,atthedawnofday,Unseenofany,alwayswenthisway。
XXXVIII
“Henowonthisside,nowontheotherside,RovedroundhiscastlebuttoascertainIfcredulousMorando,whotorideThitherwaswonted,wouldreturnagain。
Alldayheintheforestusedtohide,And,whenhesawthesunbeneaththemain,Cametothetower,and,throughasecretgate,Wasthereadmittedbyhisfaithlessmate。
XXXIX
“Thuseveryone,excepthisconsortill,Argaeusmanymilesawaysuppose:
She,when\'tistimehererrandtofulfil,Hatchingnewmischief,tomybrothergoes。
Oftearsshehasareadyshoweratwill,Whichfromhereyesintoherbosomflows,`——WhereshallIsuccourfind,nowneededmost,Sothatmyhonourbenotwhollylost,XL
“`And,withmyown,myweddedlord\'s?\'(shecries;)
`Ishouldfeelnoalarm,ifhewerehere。
ThouknowstMorando,knowifdeitiesOrmenheinArgaeus\'absencefear。
Heatthistimetriesallextremities;
NorservanthaveIbutbythreatorprayerHehimtofurtherhisdesirehasswayed;
NorknowIwhithertorecurforaid。
XLI
“`Ofmylord\'sabsencehearingthereport,Andthathewouldnotquicklyhomewardfare,Hehadtheinsolencewithinmycourt,Uponnootherpretexttorepair;
Who,weremyabsentlordwithinhisfort,Soboldadeernotonlywouldnotdare,Butwouldnotdeemhimselfsecurewithal,ByHeaven!atthreemiles\'distancefromhiswall。
XLII
“`Andwhatheerstbymessengerhadsought,Frommeto-dayhassuedforfacetoface;
AndinsuchmannerthatlongtimeIthoughtDishonourmusthavefollowedanddisgrace;
AndifIhadnothumblyhimbesought,Andfeignedtoyieldtohimwithreadygrace,Hehaplywouldhaveravishedthatbyforce,Whichheexpectstowinbymildercourse。
XLIII
“`Ipromise,notdesigningtocomply,Forvoidiscontractmadeinfear;aloneFromhisillpurposewouldIputhimby,Andwhathethenparforcewouldelsehavedone。
Sostandsthecase:thesingleremedyLiesinyourself:myhonourelseisgone,AndthatofmyArgaeus;whichasdear,Ormoreso,thanyourownyouvowedwhilere。
XLIV
“`Ifyourefuseme,Ishallsay,youshowThatyouhavenotthefaithwhichyoupretended,Butthatincrueltyyousaidmeno,Whenvainlyweremytearsonyouexpended,AndnowiseforArgaeus\'sake,althoughWiththispretextyouhaveyourselfdefended。
Ourlovesbadbeenconcealedandfreefromblame;
ButhereIstandexposedtocertainshame。\'
XLV
“`Tomesuchprefaceneedsnot(saidanewThegoodPhilander),boundbyamityTomyArgaeusstill;thypleasureshew:
IwhatIeverwaswillbe,andI,AlthoughfromhimIbearsuchillundue,Accusehimnot;forhimwouldIdefyEvendeathitself;andlettheworld,alliedWithmyilldestiny,againstmeside!\'
XLVI
“Theimpiouswomananswered,`\'TismywillThouslayhimwhowoulddousfouldespite;
Norapprehendtoencounteranyill:
ForIthecertainmeanwilltellaright。
Hewillreturn,hispurposetofulfil,Atthethirdhour,whendarkestisthenight;
And,atapreconcertedsignalmade,Bewithoutnoisebymewithinconveyed。
XLVII
“`LetitnotirktheetoawaitthepeerWithinmychamber,wherenolightwillbe;
TillIshallmakehimdoffhiswarlikegear,And,almostnaked,yieldhimuptothee。\'
SodidhiswifeintothatquicksandsteerHerhaplesshusband(itappearstome)
Ifwifesherightlycouldbecalled;morefellAndcruelthanafurysprungfromhell。
XLVIII
“Shedrewmybrotherforth,thatguiltynight,Withhisgoodarmsinhand,andhimagainSecretedinthechamberwithoutlight,Tillthithercamethewretchedcastellain。
Asitwasordered,allfelloutaright,Forseldomilldesignisschemedinvain。
SofellArgaeusbyPhilander\'ssword,WhoforMorandotookthecastle\'slord。
XLIX
“Oneblowdividedheadandneck;fornoughtWasthereofhelm,thewarriortodefend。
WithoutastrugglewasArgaeusbroughtTohisunhappylife\'sdisastrousend,Andhewhoslewhimneverhadsuchthought,Northiswouldhavebelieved:toaidhisfriendIntent,(strangechance!)hewroughthiminthatblowTheworstthatcouldbedonebymortalfoe。
L
“Whennow,unknown,onearthArgaeuslay,MybrothertoGabrinagavetheblade,(Sowasshenamed)wholivedbuttobetray。
She,whodiscoveryhadtillthendelayed,WillsthatPhilanderwithalightsurveyThemanwhomheonearthhaslifelesslaid,Andshe,withtheassistanceofthelight,ShowshimArgaeusinthemurderedwight。
LI
“Andthreatens,savehewithdesirescomplyTowhichherbosomhadbeenlongaprey,WhathewouldbeunabletodenyShetotheassembledhouseholdwilldisplay,Andheliketraitorandassassindie,Uponhertale,inignominiousway:
Andmindshimfameisnottobedespised,Albeitsolittlelifebyhimbeprized。
LII
“Philanderstoodoppressedwithgriefandfear,Whenhismistaketohimthewomanshowed,Andtohaveslainherinhiswrathwentnear,Andlongbedoubted,sohischolerglowed;
And,butthatReasonwhisperedinhisearThathewasinanenemy\'sabode,Forlackoffaulchioninhisemptysheath,Hewouldhavetornherpiece-mealwithhisteeth。
LIII
“AssometimesvesselbytwowindswhichblowFromdifferentpointsisvextuponthemain,Andnowonespeedsthebarkan-end,andnowAnothersquallimpelsherbackagain;
Stillonherpoopassailed,oronherprow,Tillshebeforethestrongestfliesamain:
Philander,sodistraughtbytwodesigns,Takeswhathepregnantwithleastillopines。
LIV
“ReasondemonstrateswithwhatperilfraughtHiscase,notmorewithdeaththanlastingstain,Ifinthecastlewerethatmurdertaught;
Noranytimehashetosifthisbrain。
Willheornillhe,inconclusionnoughtIslefthimbutthebittercuptodrain。
Thusinhistroubledheartprevailingmore,Hisfearhisresolutionoverbore。
LV
“Thefearofshamefulpunishment\'spursuitMadehimwithmanyprotestationsswearTograntineverythingGabrina\'ssuit,Iffromthefortilagetheysafelyfare。
Soplucksthatimpiousdame,parforce,thefruitOfherdesires,andthenceretreatthepair。
ThushomeagaintheyoungPhilandercame,Leavingbehindhimapollutedname;
LVI
“AnddeeplygraveninhisbosomboreTheimageofhisfriendsorashlyslain;
Bythistopurchase,tohistormentsore,AProgne,aMedea;impiousgain!——
Andbuthisknightlyfaith,andoathsheswore,Weretohisfuryasacurbingrein,Fromhimwhensafeshewouldhavemetherfate;
Butlivedsubjectedtohisbitteresthate。
LVII
“Thenceforthhenevermorewasseentosmile:
Allhisdiscoursewassad,andstillensuedSobsfromhisbreast;afflictedinthestyleOfvextOrestes,whenheinhismoodHadslainhismotherandAegysthusvile;
Byvengefulfuriesforthedeedpursued。
Tillbrokenbytheceaselessgriefhefed,Hesickenedandbetookhimselftobed。
LVIII
“Nowintheharlot,whenshehaddiscernedThisothersetbyhersolittlestore,TheformeramorousflamewasquicklyturnedIntodespiteousrageandhatredsore;
NorwithlesswrathshetowardsmybrotherburnedThanforArgaeusshehadfeltbefore;
Andshedisposedherself,intreasonsversed,Toslayhersecondhusbandlikethefirst。
LIX
“Ofadeceitfulleechshemadeassay,Wellfittedfortheworkshehadinhand,WhobetterknewwhatdeadlypoisonsslayThanhetheforceofhealingsyrupscanned;
AndpromisedhimhisservicetorepayWitharewardexceedinghisdemand,Whenheshould,withsomedrinkofdeadlymight,Ofherdetestedhusbandridhersight。
LX
“Inpresenceofmyselfandmorebeside,Thewickedelder,withhisdeadlydole,Approachingmyunhappybrother,cried,`Itwasasovereigndrinktomakehimwhole。\'
ButhereanewdeviceGabrinatried,And,erethesicklymancouldtastethebowl,Toridherofaccompliceinthedeed,Ortodefraudhimofhispromisedmeed;
LXI
“Seizedonhishand,theinstanthepresentedThepoisontomybrother。`Illmyfear,(Exclaimedthedame)byyouwouldberesented,ExcitedforaspouseIholdsodear。
I,thatthebeveragehasnotbeenfermentedWithevildrugandpoisonous,willbeclear;
NordeemitmeetthatyoutohimconveyTheprofferedbowl,unlessyoutakethesay。\'
LXII
“Inwhatconditionthinkyou,sir,remainedThewretchedelderbyhisfearsopprest?
Thusbythewoman\'ssuddennessconstrained,Hehadnotimeforthinkingwhatwerebest。
He,lestmoredoubtofhimbeentertained,Tastesofthechalice,atGabrina\'shest;
Andthesickman,emboldenedso,drinksupAlltheremainderofthepoisonedcup。
LXIII
“AsthetrainedhawkofcrookedtalonwhoClutchesthepartridge,whenabouttoeat,Isbythedog,shedeemshercomradetrue,O\'ertakenanddefraudedofthemeat;
Soonillgainintent,theleech,inlieuOftheexpectedaid,receiveddefeat。
Hear,thus,whatsovereignwickednesswilldare,Andbelikefateeachgreedymiscreant\'sshare!
LXIV
“Thispastanddone,theleechwouldhomewardspeed,Thathe,tocounteractthepestheboreWithinhisbowels,inthisfearfulneed,Mightusesomesecretofhiscunninglore;
Butthisthewickeddamewouldnotconcede,ForbiddinghimtoissuethencebeforeHispatient\'sstomachshouldthejuicedigest,Anditsrestoringpowerbemanifest。
LXV
“Noprayerwillmove,norofferedpricewillbuyThewoman\'sleavetolethimthencedepart。
Thedesperatemanwhosawthatdeathwasnigh,Andsuretofollow,quicklychangedhispart;
Andtoldthestorytothestanders-by;
Norcouldshecoveritwithallherart。
Thuswhathewonttodobymanyaone,Thatgoodlydoctorbyhimselfhasdone;
LXVI
“Andfollowswithhissoulmybrothertrue,Thathence,alreadyfreed,wasgonebefore。
We,theassistants,thatthematterknewFromtheoldmanwholingeredlittlemore,Tookthatabominablemonster,whoMorecruelwasthanbeastinforesthoar,And,prisonedinadarksomeplace,reservedToperishinthefire,asshedeserved。”
LXVII
SosaidHermonides,andhadpursuedHistale,andtoldhowshefromprisonfled;
Butsufferedfromhiswoundapangsoshrewd,Hefellreverseduponhisgrassybed。
Meanwhiletwosquires,whoservedhiminthewood,Arusticbierofsturdybranchesspread。
Theirmasteruponthistheservantslay,Whocouldnotthencebeborneinotherway。
LXVIII
Zerbino,inexcuse,assuredthepeer,Hegrievedsogoodaknighttohaveoffended;
But,aswasstilltheuseofcavalier,Hadguardedherwhoinhisguidancewended;
Norhadheelsepreservedhishonourclear:
Forwhenthedamewastohiscarecommended,HertodefendhispromisehehadplightFromallmen,totheutmostofhismight。
LXIX
He,ifhemight,isanythingbeside,Wouldreadilyassisthiminhisneed——
Hisonlywish,(thecavalierreplied,)
Was,hemightbefromillGabrinafreed,Erehimsomemightymischiefshouldbetide,Offuturepenitencethebitterseed。
Gabrinakeepsonearthherdowncasteye;
Forillthesimpletruthadmitsreply。
LXX
Zerbinothence,uponthepromisedway,Withtheoldwomaninhisescort,went,Andinlycursedherallthelivelongday,Thatinhercausethatbaronhehadshent。
Andhavingheardtheknightherguiltdisplay,Whowasinstructedinherevilbent,He——ifbeforehehadheratdespite——
Soloathedher,shewaspoisontohissight。
LXXI
WellreadinyoungZerbino\'shate,thedameWouldnotbyhiminmalicebeoutdone,Norbatedhimaninch,butinthatgameOfdeadlyhatredsethimtwoforone。
HerfacewaswiththevenominaflameWherewithherswellingbosomoverrun。
\'TwasthusinsuchconcordasIsay,Thesethroughtheancientwoodpursuedtheirway。
LXXII
When,lo!asitisnownigheventide,Theyamixtsoundofblowsandoutcrieshear,Whichseemasignofbattlefiercelyplied,And(asthedeafeningnoisedemonstrates)near。
Tomarkwhatthismightbe,towardsthatsideWhencecamethetumult,movedtheScottishpeer;
NorisinfollowinghimGabrinaslow:
Whatchancedinothercantoyoushallknow。
CANTO22
ARGUMENT
Atlantes\'magictowersAstolphowightDestroys,andfreeshisthrallsfromprison-cell。
BradamantfindsRogero,whoinfightO\'erthrowsfourbaronsfromthewarlikesell,WhenontheirwaytosaveanerrantknightDoomedtodevouringfire:thefourwhofellForimpiousPinnabelmaintainedthestrife,Whom,after,Bradamantdeprivesoflife。
I
Yecourteousdames,andtoyourloversdear,Youthatarewithonesinglelovecontent;
Though,\'midsomanyandmany,itisclearRightfewofyouareofsuchconstantbent;
BenotdispleasedatwhatIsaidwhilere,WhenIsobitterlyGabrinashent,NorifIyetexpendsomeotherverseIncensureofthebeldam\'smindperverse。
II
Suchwasshe;andIhidenotwhatistrue;
SowasenjoinedmeforataskbyoneWhosewillislaw;thereforeishonourdueToconstantheartthroughoutmystorydone。
HewhobetrayedhismastertotheJewForthirtypence,norPeterwronged,norJohn,NorlessrenownedisHypermnestra\'sfame,Forhersomanywickedsisters\'shame。
III
ForoneIdaretocensureinmylays,ForsothestorywillswhichIrecite,Ontheotherhand,ahundredwillIpraise,Andmaketheirvirtuedimthesun\'sfairlight;
ButturningtothevariouspileIraise,(Gramercy!deartomany)oftheknightOfScotlandIwastelling,whohard-byHadheard,aswasrehearsed,apiercingcry。
IV
Heentered,\'twixttwohills,anarrowway,Fromwhencewasheardthecry;norfarhadhied,Eretoavalehecameshutoutfromday,Wherehebeforehimadeadknightespied。
WhoIshalltell;butfirstImustawayFromFrance,intheLevanttowanderwide,TillIthepaladinAstolphofind,Whowestwardhadhiscoursefromthenceinclined。
V
Iinthecruelcityleftthepeer,Whence,withtheformidablebugle\'sroar,Hehadchasedtheunfaithfulpeopleintheirfear,Andhaspreservedhimselffromperilsore;
AndwiththesoundhadmadehiscomradesrearThensail,andflywithnotedscornthatshore。
Nowfollowinghim,Isay,thewarriortookTheArmenianroad,andsothatlandforsook。
VI
He,aftersomefewdays,inNatolyFindshimself,andtowardsBrusagoeshisways;
Hencewending,onthehithersideo\'thesea,MakesThrace;throughHungarybytheDanubelaysHiscourse,andashishorsehadwingstoflee,TraversesinlesstimethantwentydaysBoththeMoravianandBohemianline;
ThreadedFranconianext,andcrosttheRhine。
VII
ToAix-la-Chapellethence,throughArden\'swood,CameandembarkedupontheFlemishstrand。
Tosea,withsouthernbreezehisvesselstood;
And,sothefavouringwindhercanvasfanned,Thathe,atlittledistance,AlbionviewedBynoon,anddisembarkeduponherland。
Hebackedhishorse,andsotherowelsplied,InLondonhearrivedbyeven-tide。
VIII
Here,learningafterwardsthatOthooldHaslainformanymonthsinParis-town,AndthatanewnigheverybaronboldHasafterhisrenownedexampledone,HestraightwaydoesforFrancehissailsunfold,AndtothemouthofThamesagainisgone。
Whenceissuingforth,withallhiscanvasspread,ForCalaishedirectsthegalley\'shead。
IX
Abreezewhich,fromthestarboardblowinglight,HadtemptedforthAstolpho\'sbarktosea,Bylittleandbylittle,waxedinmight,Andsoatlastobtainsthemastery,Thepilotisconstrainedtoveeroutright,Lestbythebillowsswampthisfrigatebe,Andhe,departingfromhisfirstdesign,Keepsthebarkstraightbeforethecrestingbrine。
X
Nowtotheright,nowtotheotherhand,Spedbythetempest,throughthefoamingmain,Thevesselran;shetookthehappylandAtlastnighRouen;andforthwith,inchainAndplateAstolphocased,andgirtwithbrand,BadeputthesaddleuponRabicane;
Departedthence,and(whatavailedhimmoreThanthousandsarmed)withhimhisbuglebore;
XI
Andtraversingaforest,atthefeetOfafairhill,arrivedbesideafont,Whattimethesheepforegoeshisgrassymeat,Pennedinthecabinorthehollowmount;
And,overcomebyfeverishthirstandheat,Liftedtheweightymorionfromhisfront;
Tetheredhiscourserinthethickestwood,And,withintenttodrink,approachedtheflood。
XII
HislipshehadnotwettedinitsbedBeforeayouthfulrustic,ambushednear,Sprangfromacopse,backedRabican,andfledWiththegoodcourserofthecavalier。
Astolphohearsthenoiseandliftshishead,And,whenheseeshismightylosssoclear,Satiate,althoughhehadnotdrunk,upstarts,Andaftertheyoungchurlinfurydarts。
XIII
ThatrobberdidnotletthecourserstrainAtspeed,orhehadfromthewarriorshot;
Butlooseningnowandtighteningnowtherein,Fledatagalloporasteadytrot。
Fromthedeepforestissuedforththetwain,Afterlonground,andreachedinfinethespotWheresomanyillustriouslordswereshent:
Worseprisonerstheythanifinprisonpent!
XIV
OnRabican,whowiththewindmightrace,Thevillainsped,withintheenchanter\'swon。
Impededbyhisshieldandironcase,ParforceAstolphofarbehindhimrun;
Yettherearrivesaswell,buteverytraceOfwhatthewarriorhadpursuedisgone。
HeneitherRabicannorthiefcanmeet,Andvainlyrollshiseyesandplieshisfeet。
XV
Heplieshisfeet,andsearchesstillinvainThroughoutthehouse,hall,bower,orgalleriedrows:
Yetlaboursevermore,withfruitlesspainAndcare,tofindthetreacherouschurl;norknowsWherehecanhavesecretedRabicane,Whoeveryotheranimaloutgoes:
Andvainlysearchesalldaythedomeabout,Above,below,withinit,andwithout。
XVI
He,weariedandconfusedwithwanderingwide,Perceivedtheplacewasbyenchantmentwrought,Andofthebookhecarriedathisside,ByLogistillagiveninIndia,thought;
Bestowed,shouldnewenchantmenthimbetide,Thatneedfulsuccourmightthereinbesought。
Hetotheindexturns,andquicklyseesWhatpagesshowtheproperremedies。
XVII
I\'thebook,ofthatenchantedhouseatlargeWaswritten,andinthiswastaughtthewayTofoiltheenchanter,andtosetatlargeThedifferentprisoners,subjecttohissway。
Oftheseillusionsandthesefraudsincharge,Aspiritpentbeneaththethresholdlay;
Andthestoneraisedwhichkepthimfastbelow,Withhimthepalaceintosmokewouldgo。
XVIII
AstolphowithdesiretobringtoendAnenterprisesopassingfair,delaysNomore,buttothetaskhisforcedoesbend,Andprovehowmuchtheheavymarbleweighs。
AsoldAtlantesseestheknightintendTobringtoscornhisartandevilways,Suspiciousoftheillwhichmayensue,Hemovestoassailhimwithenchantmentsnew。
XIX
He,withhisspellsandshapesofdevilishkind,Makesthedukedifferentfromhiswontappear;
Tooneagiant,andtooneahind,Tootheranill-visagedcavalier;
Each,intheformwhichinthethicketblindThefalseenchanterwore,beholdsthepeer。
Sothattheyall,withpurposetohavebackWhatthemagiciantook,thedukeattack。
XX
TheChild,Gradasso,Iroldo,Bradamant,Prasildo,Brandimart,andmanymore,All,cheatedbythisnewillusion,pantToslaytheEnglishbaron,angeredsore;
Butheabasedtheirprideandhaughtyvaunt,Whostraightbethoughthimofthehornbebore。
Butforthesuccourofitsechodread,They,withoutfail,hadlaidAstolphodead。
XXI
ButhenosoonerhasthebuglewoundAndpouredahorridlarum,thaninguiseOfpigeonsatthemusquet\'sscaringsound,Thetroopofcavaliersaffrightedflies。
Nolessthenecromancerstartsastound,Nolesshefromhisdeninpanichies;
Troubledandpale,andhurryingevermoreTilloutofhearingofthehorridroarXXII
Thewarderfled;withhimhisprisonedtrain,Andmanysteedsaswellarefledandgone;
(Thesemorethanropeisneededtorestrain)
Whoaftertheirastoundedmastersrun,Scaredbythesound;norcatnormouseremain,Whoseemtohearinit,“Layon,layon。”
Rabicanwiththeresthadbrokehisbands,ButthathefellintoAstolpho\'shands。
XXIII
He,havingchasedtheenchanterMooraway,Upraisedtheheavythresholdfromtheground;
Beneathwhich,figuresandmorematterslay,ThatIomit;desiroustoconfoundThespellwhichdidthemagicdomeupstay,Thedukemadehavockofwhate\'erhefound,Ashimthebookhecarriedtaughttodo:
Andintomistandsmokeallpastfromview。
XXIV
TherehefoundfastenedbyagoldenchainRogero\'sfamouscourser,himIsayGivenbythewizard,thattothedomainOffalseAlcinahimhemightconvey:
Onwhich,equiptwithLogistilla\'srein,ToFranceRogerohadretracedhisway,AndhadfromIndtoEnglandroundedallTheright-handsideoftheterrestrialball。
XXV
IknownotifyourecollecthowtiedToatreeRogerolefthisrein,thedayGalaphron\'snakeddaughterfromhissideVanished,andhimdidwiththatscornappay。
Thecourser,tohiswonderwhoespied,Returnedtohimwhomhewasusedtoobey;
Beneaththeoldenchanter\'scaretodwell,Andstayedwithhimtillbrokenwasthespell。
XXVI
AtnoughtAstolphocouldmorejoyousbeThanthis;ofallthingsfortunatethebest:
InthatthehippogryphsohappilyOfferedhimself;thathemightscowertherest,(Asmuchhecoveted)oflandandsea,Andinfewdaystheampleworldinvest。
Himwellheknew,howfitforhisbehoof;
Forofhisfeatshehadelsewheremadeproof。
XXVII
HimhethatdayinIndiaproved,whenspedHewasbysageMelissa,fromthereignOfthatillwomanwhohim,sorebested,Hadchangedfrommantomyrtleontheplain;
HadmarkedandnotedhowhisgiddyheadWasformedbyLogistillatotherein;
AndsawhowwellinstructedbyhercareRogerowas,toguidehimeverywhere。
XXVIII
Mindedtotakethehippogryph,heflungThesaddleonhim,whichlaynear,andbittedThesteed,bychoosing,allthereinsamong,Thispartorthat,untilhismouthwasfitted:
Forinthatplaceweremanybridleshung,Belongingtothecourserswhichflitted。
Andnowalone,intentuponhisflight,ThethoughtofRabicanedetainedtheknight。
XXIX
GoodcausehehadtolovethatRabicane,Forbetterhorsewasnottorunwithlance,AndhimhadhefromtheremotestreignOfIndiariddenevenintoFrance:
Aftermuchthought,hetosomefriendwouldfainPresenthim,ratherthanso,lefttochance,Abandontherethecourser,asaprey,Tothefirststrangerwhoshouldpassthatway。
XXX
HestooduponthewatchifhecouldviewSomehunterintheforest,orsomehind,Towhomhemightcommitthecharge,andwhoMighttosomecityleadthehorsebehind。
HewaitedallthatdayandtillthenewHaddawned,when,whilethetwilightyetwasblind,Hethoughthesaw,asheexpectingstood,Acavalierapproachingthroughthewood。
XXXI
Butitbehovesthat,eretherestIsay,IBradamantandgoodRogerofind。
Afterthehornhadceased,and,faraway,Thebeauteouspairhadleftthedomebehind,Rogerolooked,andknewwhattillthatdayHehadseennot,byAtlantesrenderedblind。
Atlanteshadeffectedbyhispower,Theyshouldnotknoweachothertillthathour。
XXXII
RogerolooksonBradamant,andsheLooksonRogeroinprofoundsurpriseThatforsomanydaysthatwitcheryHadsoobscurredheralteredmindandeyes。
Rejoiced,Rogeroclaspshisladyfree,Crimsoningwithdeeperthantherose\'sdyes,Andhisfairlove\'sfirstblossoms,whileheclipsThegentledamsel,gathersfromherlips。
XXXIII
Athousandtimestheytheirembracerenew,Andcloselyeachisbytheotherprest;
Whilesodelightedarethoseloverstwo,Theirjoysareillcontainedwithintheirbreast。
Deludedbyenchantments,muchtheyrueThatwhiletheywerewithinthewizard\'srest,Theyshouldnote\'erhaveoneanotherknown,Andhavesomanyhappydaysforegone。
XXXIV
ThegentleBradamant,whowasi\'theveinTograntwhateverprudentvirginmight,Tosolaceherdesiringlover\'spain,Sothatherhonourshouldreceivenoslight;——
Ifthelastfruitsheofherlovewouldgain,Norfindhereverstubborn,badetheknight,HerofDukeAymonthroughfairmeandemand;
Butbebaptizedbeforeheclaimedherhand。
XXXV
Rogerogood,whonotalonetobeAChristianfortheloveofherwerefain,Ashisgoodsirehadbeen,andancientlyHisgrandsireandhiswholeillustriousstrain,ButforherpleasurewouldimmediatelyResignwhateverdidofliferemain,Says,“Inotonly,if\'tisthydesire,Willbebaptizedbywater,butbyfire。”
XXXVI
Thenonhiswaytobebaptizedhehied,Thathemightnextespousethemartialmay,WithBradamant;whoservedhimasaguideToVallombrosa\'sfane,anabbeygray,Rich,fair,norlessreligious,andbeside,Courteoustowhosoeverpassedthatway;
Andtheyencountered,issuingfromthechase,Awoman,withapassingwofulface。
XXXVII
Rogero,asstillcourteous,stillhumaneToall,butwomanmost,whenhediscernedHerdaintyvisagefurrowedbyarainOflovelytears,sorepitiedher,andburnedWiththedesiretoknowhergrievouspain;
Andhavingtothemournfulladyturned,Besoughther,afterfairsalute,toshowWhatcausehadmadehereyesthusoverflow。
XXXVIII
Andshe,upliftingtheirmoistraysandbright,MostkindlytotheinquiringChildreplied;
Andofthecauseofherunhappyplight,Him,sincehesoughtit,fullysatisfied。
“Thouhasttounderstand,Ogentleknight,Myvisageissobathedwithtears,“shecried,“InpitytoayouthcondemnedtodieThisveryday,withinatownhardby。
XXXIX
“Lovingagentleladyandagay,ThedaughterofMarsilius,kingofSpain,Andfeigning,veiledinfemininearray,Themodestrollofeyeandgirlishstrain,Withhereachnighttheamorousstriplinglay,Noranyhadsuspicionofthetwain:
Butnoughtsohiddenis,butsearchingeyeInthelongrunthesecretwillespy。
XL
“Onefirstperceivedit,andthenspokewithtwo,Thosetwowithmore,tilltotheking\'twassaid;
OfwhombutyesterdayafollowertrueGaveordertosurprisethepairinbed,Andinthecitadeltheprisonersnew,Toseparatedungeonsinthatfortressled;
NorthinkIthatenoughofdayremainsTosavetheloverfromhiscruelpains。
XLI
“Ifled,nottobeholdsuchcruelty,Fortheyalivethewretchedyouthwillburn;
NorthinkIaughtcouldmoreafflictingbeThansuchfairstripling\'stormenttodiscern,OrthathereafterthingcanpleasuremeSomuch,butthatitwilltotroubleturn,IfmemoryretracethecruelflameWhichpreyeduponhisfairanddaintyframe。”
XLII
Toucheddeeply,Bradamanthisdangerhears,Inheartsoretroubledatthestoryshown;
Asanxiousforthelover,itappears,Asifhewereabrotherofherown:
Norcerteswhollycauselessareherfears,Asinanafterversewillbemadeknown,Then,toRogero:“Himtokeepfromharms,Meseemsweworthilyshouldturnourarms。”
XLIII
Andtothatmelancholydamselsaid:
“Placeusbutoncewithinthewalls,andI,Sothattheyouthbenotalreadydead,Willbeyourwarrantthatheshallnotdie。”
Rogero,whothekindlybosomreadOfBradamant,stillfullofpiety,FelthimselfbutalloverwithdesireTosnatchtheunhappystriplingfromthefire。
XLIV
Andtothemaid,whosetroubledfaceapearsBathedwithabrinyflood,“Whywaitwe?——needIshereofspeedysuccour,notoftears。
Doyoubutwheretheyouthisprisonedlead;
Himfromathousandswords,athousandspears,Wevowtosave;soitbedonewithspeed。
Buthasteyou,lesttootardybeouraid,Andhebeburnt,whichsuccourisdelayed。”
XLV
ThehaughtysemblanceandtheloftysayOfthese,whowithsuchwondrousdaringglowed,Thathope,whichlonghadceasedtobeherstay,Againuponthegrievingdamebestowed:
But,forshelessthedistanceofthewayDreaded,thaninterruptionoftheroad,Lestthey,throughthis,shouldtakethatpathinvain,Thedamselstoodsuspendedandinpain。
XLVI
Thensaid:“IftotheplaceourjourneylayBythehighroad,whichisbothstraightandplain,Thatweintimemightreachit,Ishouldsay,Beforethefirewaslit;butwemuststrainBypathsofoulandcrooked,thatadayToreachthecitywouldsufficewithpain;
Andwhen,alas!wethithershallhavesped,Ifearthatweshallfindthestriplingdead。”
XLVII
“Andwhereforetakewenotthewaymostnear?“
Rogeroanswers;andthedamereplies,“Becausefastbywhereweourcourseshouldsteer,AcastleoftheCountofPoictierslies:
WherePinnabelfordameandcavalierDid,threedayspast,ashamefullawdevise;
Thanwhommoreworthlesslivingwightisnone,TheCountAnselmod\'Altaripa\'sson。
XLVIII
“NocavalierorladybythatrestWithoutsomenotedscornandinjurygoes;
Bothoftheircoursersherearedispossest,Andknighthisarmsanddamehergownforegoes。
Nobettercavalierslaylanceinrest,NorhaveforyearsinFranceagainsttheirfoes,Thanfour,whoforSirPinnabelhaveplightTheirpromisetomaintainthecastle\'sright。
XLIX
“Whencefirstarosetheusage,whichbeganButthreedayssince,younow,sirknight,shallhear;
Andshallthecause,ifrightorevil,scan,Whichmovedthebandedcavalierstoswear。
SoillaladyhastheCastellan,Sowayward,thatsheiswithoutapeer:
Who,onaday,aswiththecountshewent,Iknownotwhither,byaknightwasshent。
L
“Thisknight,asfloutedbythatbonnibel,Forcarryingonhiscroupanancientdame,EncounteredwithherchampionPinnabel,Ofoverweeningprideandlittlefame:
Himheo\'erturned,madealightaswell,Andputhertotheproof,ifsoundorlame;——
Leftheronfoot,andhadthatwomanoldInthedismounteddamsel\'sgarmentstoled。
LI
“She,whoremainedonfoot,infelldespite,Greedyofvengeance,andathirstforill,LeaguedwiththefaithlessPinnabel,awightAllevilprompttofurtherandfulfil,Sayssheshallneverrestbydaynornight,Noreverknowahappyhour,untilAthousandknightsanddamesaredispossestOfcourser,andofarmour,andofvest。
LII
“FourpuissantknightsarrivedthatverydayIthappened,ataplaceofhis,andwhoHadallofthemfromregionsfarawayComelatelytothoseparts:somanytrueAndvaliantwarriors,skilledinmartialplay,Ouragehasseennot。Thesethegoodlycrew:
Guidothesavage,butastriplingyet,Gryphon,andAquilant,andSansonet!
LIII
“Thematthefortilage,ofwhichItold,SirPinnabelreceivedwithsemblancefair,NextseizedtheensuingnightthewarriorsboldInbed,norloosed,tillhehadmadethemswearThat(hesuchperiodfixt)theyinhisholdShouldbehisfaithfulchampionsforayearAndmonth;andofhishorseandarmsdepriveWhatevercavaliershouldtherearrive。
LIV
“AndanydamselwhomthestrangerboreWithhim,dismount,andstripherofhervest。
So,thussurprised,thewarlikeprisonersswore;
Sowereconstrainedtoobservethecruelhest,Thoughgrievedandtroubled:noragainstthefour,Itseems,cananyjoust,butvailshiscrest。
Knightinfinitehavecome,butoneandall,AfootandwithoutarmshaveleftthatHall。
LV
“Theirorderis,whofromthecastlehies,Thefirstbylot,shallmeetthefoealone,ButifhefindachampionofsuchguiseAskeepsthesell,whilehehimselfisthrown,Therestmustundertaketheenterprise,Eventothedeath,againstthatsingleone,Rangedinaband。Ifsucheachsingleknight,Imaginetheassembledwarriors\'might!
LVI
“Norstandsitwithourhaste,whichalldelay,Allletforbids,thatyoubesidethattowerBeforcedtostopandmingleinthefray:
Forgrantthatyoubeconquerorsinthestower,(Andasyourpresencewarrantswell,youmay,)
\'Tisnotathingconcludedinanhour。
Andifalldayhewaitoursuccour,I
Muchfearthestriplinginthefirewilldie。”
LVII
“Regardwenotthishindranceofourquest,“
Rogerocried,“Butdowewhatwemay!
LetHIMwhorulestheheavensordaintherest,OrFortune,ifheleaveitinhersway;
ToyoushallbythisjoustbemanifestIfwecanaidtheyouth;forwhomto-dayTheyonagroundsocauselessandsoslight,Asyoutousrehearsed,thefirewilllight。”
LVIII
Rogeroceased;andinthenearestwayThedamselputthepairwithoutreply:
Northesebeyondthreemileshadfared,whentheyReachedbridgeandgate,theplaceofforfeitry,Ofhorseandarmsandfemininearray,Withperilsoreoflife。Onturrethigh,Uponfirstsightofthem,asentinelBeattwiceuponthecastle\'slarum-bell。
LIX
Andlo,ineagerhurryfromthegateAneldertrottingonhackneymade!
Andheapproachingcried,“Await,await!——
Hola!halt,sirs,forhereafineispaid:
AndItoyoutheusageshallrelate,Ifthishasnottoyoubeforebeensaid。”
AndtothethreeforthwithbegantotellTheuseestablishedtherebyPinnabel。
LX
Henextproceeds,ashehadwontbeforeTocounselothererrantcavalier。
“Unrobethelady,“(saidtheelderhoar,)
“Mysons,andleaveyoursteedsandmartialgeer;
Norputyourselvesinperil,andwithfourSuchmatchlesschampionshazardthecareer。
Clothes,arms,andcourserseverywherearerife;
Butnottoberepairedislossoflife。”
LXI
“——Nomore!“(Rogerosaid)“Nomore!forI
Amwellinformedofall,andhitherspeedWiththeintention,herebyprooftotryIf,whatmyhearthasvouched,Iamindeed。
ForsignorthreatIyieldnotpanoply,IfnoughtbesideIhear,norvestnorsteed。
Andthismycomrade,Iassurelyknow,Theseformerewordsaslittlewillforego。
LXII
“Butletmefacetoface,byHeaven,espyThosewhowouldtakemyhorseandarmsaway;
Forwehaveyetbeyondthathilltohie,Andlittletimecanhereaffordtostay。”
“Beholdtheman,“thatancientmadereply,“Clearofthebridge!“——Nordidinthismissay;
Forthenceawarriorpricked,who,powderedo\'erWithsnowyflowers,acrimsonsurcoatwore。
LXIII
Bradamantforlongtimewithearnestprayer,ForcourtesythegoodRogeroprest,Toletherfromhissellthewarriorbear,Whowithwhiteflowershadpurfledo\'erhisvest。
Butmovedhimnot;andtoRogero\'sshareMustleave,anddoherself,whatlikedhimbest。
Hewilledthewholeemprizehisownshouldbe,AndBradamantshouldstandaparttosee。
LXIV
TheChilddemandedofthatelder,whoWashethatfromthegatefirsttookhisway,Andhe,“\'TisSansonet;ofcrimsonhue,Iknowhissurcoat,withwhiteflowersgay。”
Withoutawordexchanged,thewarliketwoDividetheground,andshortisthedelay。
Fortheyagainsteachother,levellinglowTheirspears,andhurryingsoretheircoursers,go。
LXV
Thiswhilehadissuedfromthefortressnear,Withmanyfootmengirt,SirPinnabel,Allreadytodespoilthecavalier,Whointhewarlikejoustshouldvoidissell。
AtoneanotherspurredinboldcareerTheknights,withtheirhugelancesrestedwell。
Uptothepointsnighequalwaseachstick,Ofstubbornnativeoak,andtwopalmsthick。