XXXVI
“Andhetheconsorttowhomhewaswed,Herhemostusedtoblame,recalledtomind,And,forthestriplingtakentoherbed,Todeemthedamelessculpableinclined:
Lessofherselfthansexthefaultheread,Whichtoonemancouldneverbeconfined:
Andthought,ifinonetaintallwomenshared,Atleasthishadnotwithamonsterpaired。
XXXVII
“TothesameplaceJocundomadereturn,Atthesamehour,uponthefollowingday;
And,puttingonthekingtheself-samescorn,Againbeheldthatdwarfanddameatplay:
Andsouponthenextandfollowingmorn;
For——toconclude——theymadenoholiday:
Whileshe(whatmostJocundo\'swondermoved)
Thepigmyforhislittlelovereproved。
XXXVIII
“Oneday,amidtherest,theyouthsurveyedThedamedisorderedandopprestwithgloom;
Havingtwicesummoned,byherwaiting-maid,Thefavoureddwarf,whoyetdelayedtocome;
Athirdtimebytheladysent,shesaid:——
`Engagedatplay,Madonna,isthegroom,Nor,lestheloseadoit,hispaltrystake,Willthatdiscourteouschurlhisgameforsake。\'
XXXIX
“Atsuchstrangespectacle,theRomanknightCleareduphisbrow,hisvisageandhiseyes;
Hejocund,asinname,becameinsprite,Andchangedhistearsforsmiles;withalteredguise,Hewaxedruddy,gay,andplumpinplight,AndseemsacherubimofParadise。
Sothatsuchchangewithwondermentallsee,Brotherandking,androyalfamily。
XL
“IffromtheyouthAstolphowishedtoknowFromwhencethissuddenlightofcomfortcame,NolessJocundothisdesiredtoshow,Andtothekingsuchinjuryproclaim:
ButwilledthatlikehimselfheshouldforegoRevengeupontheauthorofthatshame。
Hence,thathemightdiscernherguilt,yetspare,HemadehimontheAgnusDeiswear。
XLI
“Hemadehimswearthathe,fornothingsaid,Orseen,whichmighttohimdispleasingbe,(Thoughhe,inwhatheshoulddiscover,readAnoutrageofferedtohismajesty,)
Would,noworever,vengehimonhishead:
Moreoverhimheboundtosecrecy;
Thattheilldoerne\'er,throughdeedorword,Mightguesshisinjuredkingthatcasehadheard。
XLII
“Themonarch,whotoeverythingbesideCouldbetterhavegivencredit,freelyswore:
TohimthecauseJocundosignified,Whyhehadmanydayslamentingsore;——
BecausehehadhisevilwifeespiedIntheembracesofaserjeantpoor;
Andvowedheshouldinfinehavediedofgrief,Ifheforlongertimehadlackedrelief。
XLIII
“Butthatwithinhishighness\'palacesaid,Hehadwitnessedwhathadmuchappeasedhiswoe;
For,iffoulshamehadfallenuponhishead,Atleasthewasnotsingle;sayingso,HetothatchinktheLombardmonarchled,Whospiedthemannikinofhideousshow。
(Lines7&8untranslatedbyRose)
XLIV
“Youmaybelieveheshamelessdeemedthatact,Withoutmyswearingit;he,atthesight,Itseemed,wouldgodistraught,——withfuryracked,Heagainsteverywallhisheadwouldsmite——
Wouldcryaloud——wouldbreakthesolemnpact,Yetkeptparforcethepromisehehadplight;
Andgulpedhisangerdownandbitterscorn;
Sinceontheholywaterhehadsworn。
XLV
“ThentoJocundo:`WhatremainstomeTodointhismisfortune,brother,speak;
SincevengeancewithmorenotedcrueltyThouwiltnotletmeonthesinnerswreak。\'
(Jocundoanswered)`Lettheseingratesbe;
Andtryweifallwomenareasweak;
AndifthewivesofotherscanbewonTodowhatothersbyourownhavedone。
XLVI
“`Bothfairandyouthful,measuredbythisscale,Noreasilyourequalsshallwefind;
Whatwomanbuttousshallstrikehersail,Ifeventotheuglythesearekind?
Atleast,ifneitheryouthnorgraceavail,Themoneymay,withwhichourbagsarelined;
NorwillIthatwehomewardmorereturn,Erethechiefspoilswefromathousandearn。
XLVII
“`Longabsence,seeingwithadistantpart,Conversewithdifferentwomen,oftallay,Asitwouldseem,thetroublesofaheart,WhereofLove\'sangrypassionsmaketheirprey。\'
ThekingispleasedtoheartheyouthimpartThiscounsel,norhisjourneywilldelay:
Thenceontheirroad,withbuttwosquiresbeside,HeandtheRomanknighttogetherride。
XLVIII
“DisguisedtheygothroughFranceandItaly,TheyFlandersnextandEnglandscower,andwhereAwomantheyoflovelyvisagespy,Ayefindthedamecomplaintwiththeirprayer。
Theyuponsomebestowwhatothersbuy,Andoftreplacedtheirsquanderedtreasuresare。
Ourtravellerstothewivesofmanysued,Andbyasmanyotherdameswerewooed。
XLIX
“Bysolidproofthosecomradesascertain,Heretarryingforamonth,andtherefortwo,ThattheirownwivesareofnootherveinThanthoseofothers,andaschastandtrue。
Aftersomeseason,weariedarethetwainWitheverrunningaftersomethingnew:
For,withoutriskofdeath,thusevermoreTheintrudersillcouldenterother\'sdoor。
L
“——\'TwerebesttofindagirlwhosenaturalbentAndfacetobothofusshouldpleasingbe;
Agirl,thatusincommonmightcontent,Norweinherfindcauseforjealousy;
AndwhereforewouldstthouthatIshouldlamentMorethanwithother,togohalveswiththee?\'
(ExclaimedAstolpho)`wellIknowisnone,Ofallthefemalesex,contentwithone。
LI
“`Onedamselthatinnoughtshallusconstrain,——Thenonly,whendisposedtopleasethefair——
Willweinpeaceandpleasureentertain,Norwe,abouther,havedisputeorcare。
Nor,deemI,shewithreasoncouldcomplain:
Foriftwofelltoeveryother\'sshare,Betterthanonemightshekeepfaithwithtwo;
Norhaplywesuchfrequentdiscordview。\'
LII
“Muchseemstheking\'sproposaltocontentTheRomanyouth;andthusitis,thetwain,ToexecuteAstolpho\'sprojectbent,Journeybymanyahillandmanyaplain;
Andfindatlast,wellfittingtheirintent,ThedaughterofapublicanofSpain,Ofpresenceandofmannersframedtowin;
WhosefatheratValenciakepthisinn。
LIII
Asyet,uponthebloomofspring,themaidWasafreshflowerthatscarcebegantoblow:
Hersirewithmanychildrenwaso\'erlaid,Andwastopovertyamortalfoe。
Hence\'tisaneasymattertopersuadeMinehosthisbuxomdaughtertoforego,Andletthem,wheretheywillthedamselbear;
Inthattotreatherwellthetravellersswear。
LIV
(Lines1-6untranslatedbyRose)
TheytoZattivacomeuponthedayThatfromValenciatheyhadbenttheirway。
LV
“ThetravellersfromtheirinntostreetandsquareAndplaces,publicanddivine,resort;
Who,wheresoevertheyhadmaderepair,Themselvesweresoaccustomedtodisport,Thegirliswiththevaletsleftincare,Whomakethebeds,andweariedhackneyssort:
Whileothersinthehostel-kitchendightThemealagainsttheirlords\'returnatnight。
LVI
“Asgroom,astriplinginthehostelplied,Whointheotherlandlord\'shousehadbeen:
He,fromherchildhoodatthedamsel\'sside,Hadjoyedherlove:they,withoutchangeofmien,Onmeeting,closelyoneanothereyed,Sinceeitherapprehendedtobeseen:
Butwhenalone——nowlefttogether——raisedTheireyelidsandononeanothergazed。
LVII
“Thestriplingaskedherwhitherwardtheysped,Andofthetwowhichclaimedherashisright;
This,pointbypoint,tohimFlammettaread;
Flammettashe,theGreekthatboywashight。
`——WhenIhadhopedthetimewascoming,\'saidTheGreek——`thatIshouldlivewiththee,mylight,Flammetta,thou,alas!artlosttome,NorknowIifImorethyfaceshallsee。
LVIII
“`ItothebitterdregsthecupmustdrainOfpromisedsweets;sincethouartothers\'prey。
\'Twasmydesign,havingwithmicklepainAndlaboursore,somemoneyputaway,WhichIhadhoardedoutoffrequentgainFrompartingguests,andfrommyyearlypay,ToseekagainValencia,anddemandTheefromthysireinlawfulwedlock\'sband。
LIX
“Thedamselshrugshershoulders,andcomplains;
And——thatheistoolate——isherreply。
TheGreeklamentsandsobs,andpartlyfeigns:
`——Wiltthou(heansweredher)thusletmedie?
Letme,atleast,exhalemyamorouspains!
Letme,butonce,inthineembracelie!
Foreverymomentinthypresencespent,Erethoudepart,willmakemediecontent。\'
LX
“Tohimthedamsel,fullofpity,cries:
`Believe,Icovetthisnolessthanthee;
Buthere,surroundedbysomanyeyes,Isneithertimenoropportunity。\'
`——Ifeelassured\'(toherthatyouthreplied)
`WereIbelovedbyyou,asyoubyme,ThisverynightyouwouldfindoutaplaceWhereintosolaceussomelittlespace。\'
LXI
(StanzaLXIuntranslatedbyRose)
LXII
“Shebadehimcome——whensheawhilehadthought——
Whenhebelievedthatallasleepwerelaid;
Andhowbyhimherchambershouldbesought,Andhowheshouldreturn,atfull,displaid。
Thecautiousstriplingdidashewastaught,And,whenhefoundallsilent,thithermade:
Hepushed,tillitgaveway,thechamber-door,And,upontiptoes,softlypacedthefloor。
LXIII-LXX
(StanzasLXIII-LXXuntranslatedbyRose)
LXXI
“Gazingononeanother,withsurprise,ThemonarchandJocundoareconfused;
NoreventohaveheardacasesurmiseOftwo,thateverthushadbeenabused:
Thenlaughedso,thattheysatewithwinkingeyes,Andopenmouth,andlungswhichbreathrefused;
And,weariedwiththemirthhertalehadbred,Fellbackwards,both,exhaustedonthebed。
LXXII
“Whentheyhadlaughedsoloudalaugh,thedewStoodintheireyes,andeachwithachingbreastRemained,thepairexclaimed:`WhatshallwedoInordernottobeawoman\'sjest?
Sincewe,withallourheed,betweenustwo,Couldnotpreservetheonebyuspossest,Ahusband,furnishedwithmoreeyesthanhair,Perforcemustbebetrayedwithallhiscare。
LXXIII
“`Athousand,beauteousall,havewefoundkind,Noroneofthosesomanyhasstoodfast。
Iftried,allwomenwebyproofshouldfindLikethese;butbetheexperimentourlast。
ThenwemaydeemourownnotworseinclinedThanarethewivesofothers,andaschaste:
And,iflikeothersweourowndiscern,Iholditbestthatwetothemreturn。\'
LXXIV
“Whentheyhavecometothisresolve,they,throughFlammetta,calltheyouthintotheirbower;
Andwiththegirlherleman,intheviewOfmany,gift,andaddafittingdower。
Theymount,andtotheeasttheirwaypursue,Accustomedwestwardhithertotoscower;
Totheirdesertedwivesagainrepair,Noroftheirafterdeedstakefarthercare。”
LXXV
Herepausedminehost;towhomoneverysideHisaudiencehadwithcarefulheedattended。
Rodomontlistened,norawordreplied,Untilthelandlord\'sstorywassuspended。
Then——“FullyIbelieve,“thatpaynimcried,“Thetaleofwomen\'sfraudswouldne\'erbeended;
NorcouldthatmaninanyvolumenoteThethousandthpart,whowouldtheirtreasonsquote。”
LXXVI
Ofsounderjudgement,\'midthatcompany,Therewasanelder,onemorewiseandbold;
Thatundefendedsothesextosee,Wasinlywroth,andcouldnolongerhold:
TotherelaterofthathistoryHeturned;and,“Manythingswehavebeentold“
(Exclaimedthatancient)“whereintruthisnone,Andofsuchmattersisthyfableone。
LXXVII
“HimIbelievenot,thattoldthistruthtoyou,Thoughinallelsehegospel-truthsexprest;
Aslessbyhisexperience,thanuntrueConceitrespectingwomenprepossest。
Themalicewhichhebearstooneortwo,Makeshimunjustlyhateandblametherest。
Butyoushallhearhim,ifhiswratho\'erblow,Yetgreaterpraisethanblameonthesebestow。
LXXVIII
“AndhealargerfieldforspeakingwellWillfind,thanblamingwomankindwithal;
Andofahundredworthyfamemaytell,Foronewhoseevildeedsforcensurecall。
Heshouldexaltthemanythatexcel,Culledfromthemultitude,notrailatall,IfotherwiseyourfriendValeriosaid,Hewasbywrath,andnotbyreason,led。
LXXIX-LXXXIII
(StanzasLXXIX-LXXXIIIuntranslatedbyRose)
LXXXIV
Soreasoning,thatjustelderandsincere,Withreadyinstances,supportshiscreed;
Showingtheremanywomenarewhone\'erSinnedagainstchastity,inwordordeed:
ButhimwithimpiousvisageandsevereThepaynimscared,illpleasedthetruthtoread。
Sothat,throughfear,hefurtherspeechforbore,Butchangednotthereforeaughthisformerlore。
LXXXV
Havingstoptfurtherquestioninthiswise,Thepaynimmonarchfromthetablerose:
Thenlayshimonhisbed,tillfromtheskiesTheduskyshadesdepart,andmorningglows:
ButspendsalargerpartofnightinsighsAthisliege-lady\'ssin,thaninrepose。
Rodomontthencedepartsatdawnofday,Resolvedbywatertopursuehisway。
LXXXVI
Forwithsuchcareforhisgoodhorse\'splight,Asisbecomingagoodcavalier,Thecourserfairandgood,madehisinspiteOfyoungRogeroandCircassia\'speer;
Seeinghe,fortwodays,thathorse\'smightHadtaxedtoohardlyinhislongcareer,——Aswellheforhiseaseembarkedthesteed,Astopursuehiswaywithbetterspeed。
LXXXVII
Hestraightmakeslaunchthevesselfromthemarge,Andbidsputforththeoarsfromeitherside:
Norbignordeeplyladen,she,atlarge,DescendstheSaone,transportedbythetide。
Careneverquitshim,thoughtheshiftingbargeThekingascend,ornimblehorsebestride:
Thisheencountersayeonproworpoop,Andbearsbehindhimonhiscourser\'scroup;
LXXXVIII
RatherwithinhisheadorheartalwaysCaresits;whenceeverycomfortiso\'erthrown:
Noremedythewretchedmansurveys,Inthathisenemiesareinthetown。
Fromothershopeisnone;sincetheywhoraiseThisfearfulwaragainsthim,arehisown:
Vextbythatcruelone,ayenightandday,Whomhemighthopetofindhisnaturalstay。
LXXXIX
RodomontnavigatesthedayandnightEnsuing,ayebyheavythoughtsopprest;
Norcanheeverbanishthedespite,SufferedfromKingandLady,fromhisbreast。
Theself-samegriefsateheavyonhisspriteAboardthebark,aswhenhissteedheprest。
Suchfirewasnotbywatertobedrowned,Norhehisnaturechangedbychangingground。
XC
Asthesickmanwhowithafevergrows,And,weakandweary,shiftshisplaceinvain,Whetherherightorlefthimselfbestows,Andhopesinturningsomerelieftogain,Findsneitheronthissidenorthatrepose,Buteverywhereencountersequalpain;
Thepaganmonarchsofoundsmallrelief,Bylandorwater,forhissecretgrief。
XCI
Rodomontbrookednomoreaboardtostay,Butbadethemlandhim,andbyLyonshied;
ByVienneandValencenexttookhisway,AndtherichbridgeinAvignondescried。
Fortheseandmore,which\'twixttheriverlayAndCeltiberianhillsuponthatside,(Theirs,fromthedaytheyconqueredthechampaigne)
ObeyedthekingsofAfricandofSpain。
XCII
TopasstoAfricstraight,thecavalierKepttotheright,towardsAcquamorta\'sshore,Andlightedonastreamandhamlet,dearToCeresandtoBacchus,whichthatMoorFoundquittedbythepeasants,intheirfear,Asoftenbythesoldierharriedsore。
Thebeachupononesidebroadoceanlaved,Andontheotheryellowharvestswaved。
XCIII
Here,newlybuiltuponahillock\'screst,AlittlechurchtheSaracenespied;
Abandonedbyitspriesthood,liketherest,Forwarwasflaminguponeveryside。
Rodomontofthisplacehimselfpossest;
Which,fromitssite,aswellaslyingwideOffields,fromwhencehetidingsloathedtohear,Sopleasedhim,heforitrenouncedArgier。
XCIV
HechangedhisschemeofseekingAfric\'sland,(Sothisfairspotseemedfitforhisbehoof!)
Andherehousedcarriages,andsteed,andband,Togetherwithhimself,beneathoneroof,Atfewleagues\'distance,didMontpelierstand,Andotherwealthytowns,notfaraloof。
Thevillagewasuponariver\'sside,Sothatitseveryneedmightbesupplied。
XCV
Herestanding,fullofthought,uponaday,(Suchwashiscommonwont)thepaynimspied,Advancingbyanarrowpath,whichlayThroughagreenmeadow,fromtheadverseside,Alovelydamsel,thatuponherwayWasbyabeardedmonkaccompanied;
Andthesebehindthemledalustysteed,Whoboreaburden,traptwithsableweed。
XCVI
Whothatattendantmonkanddamselwere,Andwhatthatburden,willtoyoubeclear,RememberingIsabellaisthefair,ChargedwiththecorseofherZerbinodear:
Ilefther,wherefromProvence,inthecareOfthatgoodsire,shebownedherselftosteer,Bywhompersuaded,hadtheladygivenTheremnantofhervirtuouslifetoheaven。
XCVII
Althoughinherpalefaceandtroubledguise,Thesorrowofthatdameismanifest,Althoughtwofountainsareherstreamingeyes,Andsobsayeissuefromherburningbreast,Andmorebesideofsufferingtestifies,Withwhataloadofgriefsheisopprest,Yet,inherfadedcheeksuchbeautiesmeet,LoveandtheGracestheremightfixtheirseat。
XCVIII
AssoonasheofSarzasawappearThebeauteousdame,helaidthethoughtasideOfhatredtothatgentleraceanddear,Bywhomalonetheworldisglorified;
AndbestbyIsabelthecavalierBelievedhisformerlovewouldbesupplied,Andonelovebyanotherbeeffaced,Asboltbyboltintimberisdisplaced。
XCIX
HerwiththekindestmienandmildesttoneThathecouldfashion,mettheSarzanknight;
Towhomthedamehereverythoughtmadeknown;
Andsaid,whenshewasquestionedofherplight,Shewouldwithholyworks——thisworldforgone——
SeekfavourinherHeavenlyFather\'ssight。
Loudlaughedthatgodlesspaynimatthethought,Whoeveryfaithandworshipheldatnought;
C
Andsaidthatshefromreasonwanderedwide,Andtermedherprojectsuddenandunsound;
Nordeemedherlesstoblamethanthosewhohide,Throughgreediness,theirtreasureunderground,Andkeepitfromtheuseofallbeside,Thoughhencenoprofittothemselvesredound。
Rightlywereprisonedlion,snake,andbear,Butillwhate\'erisinnocentandfair。
CI
Themonk,thattothistalkhaslentanear,Promptwithadvicethatmournfuldametostay,Andlestshequithercourse,preparedtosteerHisbark,likepractisedpilot,onherway,Asumptuoustable,richinspiritualcheer,Hadspeedilybestirredhimtoarray;
But,bornwitheviltaste,thatpaynimrudeNosoonertasted,thanheloathed,thefood。
CII
Andhavinginterruptedhiminvain,Norhavingpowertomakehimstinthislore,Thatpaynim,stirredtofury,brokethereinOfpatience,andassailedthepreacherhoar。
Buthaplywearisomemightseemthestrain,IfIuponthisthemedilatedmore:
SohereIclose,norwordswillidlyspend,Admonishedbythatancient\'sevilend。
CANTO29
ARGUMENT
Isabelmakesthepaynimtakeherhead,Ratherthanhehiswickedwillshouldgain;
Who,havinghisunhappyerrorread,Seekstoappeasehiswoundedspiritinvain。
Hebuildsabridge,andstripsthosethitherled;
ButfallsfromitwithRolandtheinsane;
Whothence,ofhimregardless,endlongspeeds,Andbytheroadachievesprodigiousdeeds。
I
Ofeebleandunstablemindsofmen!
Howquicklyourintentionsfluctuate!
Allthoughtswelightlychange,butmostlywhenThesefromsomelover\'squarreltaketheirdate。
Butnow,sowrothIsawthatSaracenWithwoman,sooutrageousinhishate,Iweenednotonlyhewouldillassuage,Butnevermorewouldcalm,hisamorousrage。
II
Thatwhichherashlyutteredtoyourblame,Yegentledames,doessomyspiritgrieve,TillIhiserrorteachhim,tohisshame,Heshallnoquarteratmyhandsreceive;
SohimwithpenandpagewillIproclaim,That,whosoeverreadsme,shallbelieveHehadbetterheld——aye,betterbit,histongue,Thaneverhaveyoursexwithslanderstung。
III
ButthatinthisthewitlessinfidelSpakeasafool,theeventdemonstratesclear:
Evennow,withdaggerdrawn,thatpaynimfellInfuryonallwomenwhomsoe\'er。
NexthimsotouchedonelookofIsabel,Shequicklymadehisficklepurposeveer;
Forher,scarceseen,andtothatwarriorstrange,HewouldhisDoralicealreadychange;
IV
And,asnewlovethekingdidheatandgoad,Hemovedsomeargumentsofsmallavail,Toshakeherstedfastspirit,whichabodeWhollywithGod;buthe,hershieldandmail,Thathermit,lestshefromthebetterroadShouldwander,andherchasteintentionfail,Withstrongerargumentswithhimcontended,Andstill,asbesthecould,thedamedefended。
V
Theking,wholonghadtaxedhimselftobearThemonk\'sboldsermontohissoredispleasure,AndvainlybadehimtohiscellrepairAnew,withoutthatdamsel,athisleisure,Yetseeinghewouldstillhispatiencedare,Norpeacewithhimwouldkeep,noranymeasure,Uponthatpreacher\'schinhisright-handlaid,Andwhatsoe\'erhegrasped,asrudelyflayed。
VI
And(sohisfurywaxed)that,asitwereWithtongs,hegripedhisneck,andafterheHadwhirledhimonceortwiceaboutinair,Dismisthimformhishandtowardsthesea。
Isaynot——knownot,whatbefelhimthere:
Manytherumoursare,anddisagree。
Onesaysheburstuponarock\'srudebed,Andlayoneshapelessjelly,heelsandhead。
VII
Hefellintothesea,byoneissaid,Distantthreemilesandmore;and,inthatsound,Hehavingprayer,andAvevainlymade,Becauseheknewnothowtoswim,wasdrowned。
OthersreportaSaintbestowedhisaid,Anddraggedhimwithavisiblehandaground。
Whicheverbethereadingofthismystery,OfhimIspeaknofurtherinminehistory。
VIII
CruelKingRodomont,whenfromhissideHehadremovedthepratingeremite,Withvisagelessdisturbed,againappliedTothatsadlady,heartlesswithaffright;
And,inthelanguageusedbylovers,cried,Shewashisveryheart,hislife,hislight,Shewashiscomfort,andhisdearesthope;
Withallsuchwordsashavethatcommonscope。
IX
Andnow,sotemperateshowedthatinfidel,\'Twouldseemthathenoviolencedesigned,ThegentlesemblanceoffairIsabel,Enamouredhim,sotamedhishaughtymind;
And,thoughhemightthatgoodlykernelshell,Thepaynimwouldnotpassbeyondtherhind,Whothatitsfavourwouldbelost,believed,Unless\'twereasagiftfromherreceived;
X
AndbydegreessothoughttomouldthedameTohisdesires。SheinthatloneretreatAndsavage,opentohisevilaim,Andlikeamouse,beneathGrimalkin\'sfeet,Hadlieferfoundherselfi\'themidstofflame;
Andeverononethoughtherfancybeat:
Ifanymode,ifanyway,remainedToscapethatwilfulman,untouched,unstained。
XI
SadIsabellainhermindisbentToslayherselfwithherownhand,beforeThatfellbarbariancompasshisintent;
AndbethemeanstomakeherwrongsosoreThatcavalier,bycruelFortunespent,Withinherlovingarms,towhomshesworeWithmindtohimdevoted,histobe,VowingtoHeavenperpetualchastity。
XII
Sheseesthatpaynimmonarch\'spassionblindIncreasingstill,norwhattodosheknows;
Wellknowswhatfoulintentionisbehind,Whichsheisalltoofeebletooppose:
Yetmovingmanymattersinhermind,Findsoutatlastarefugeforherwoes,Andmeanstosaveherchastityfromshame,(HowIshallsay)withclearandlastingfame。
XIII
Shecrieduntothatpaynim,foultosee,Alreadythreateningherwithwordandact,Andnowdevoidofallthatcourtesy,Whichheinthebeginningdidenact,“Ifthouminehonourwiltensuretome,Beyondsuspicion,I,uponthispact,Willupontheebestowwhatshallo\'erpay,Bymuch,thathonourthouwouldsttakeaway。
XIV
“Forpleasure,whichenduressobriefaspace,Wherewiththisampleworlddoessoo\'errun,Rejectnotlightlyaperpetualgrace,Arealjoy,tobepostponedtonone。
OfwomeneverywhereofpleasingfaceAhundredandathousandmaybewon;
Butnonebesideme,orfewothers,liveWhocanbestowtheboonwhichIcangive。
XV
“Iknow,andonmywayaherbdidview,AndnearlyknowwhereIonthiscouldlight,Which,beingboiledwithivyandwithrue,Overafirewithwoodofcypressdight,Andsqueezed,whentakenfromthecaldron,throughInnocenthands,affordsajuiceofmight,Wherewithwhoeverthricehisbodylaves,Destructivesteelorfiresecurelybraves。
XVI
“Ifthricetherewithhebathehimself,Isay,Hisfleshnoweaponforamonthshallscore:
HeonceamonthmusttohisbodylayMineunction,foritsvirtuelastsnotmore:
ThisliquorcanImake,andwillto-day,Andthouto-dayshaltalsoprovemylore:
Andwell,Itrust,thoushaltmoregratefulbe,ThanwereallEuropewonto-daybythee。
XVII
“Inguerdonforthispresent,IrequestThatthoutomeuponthyfaithwiltswear,ThouneverwiltmychastitymolestInwordordeed。”Sospakethatdamselfair;
AndRodomontwhoheard,againreprestHisevilwill:forsohelongedtobearAcharmedlife,thatreadilyhemoreThanIsabelofhimdemandedswore;
XVIII
Andwillmaintainhispromise,tillthefactVouchedofthatwondrouswatershallappear;
Andforcehimself,meanwhile,todonoact,Toshownosignofviolence;butthepeerResolveshewillnotafterkeepthepact,AsonewhoholdsnotGodorsaintinfear;
Andtothatking,regardlessofhisoath,AlllyingAfricyieldsinbreachoftroth。
XIX
Argier\'sperfidiouskingtoIsabelMorethanathousandtimesassuranceswore,IncasethatwaterrenderedhimwhatfellAchillesandwhatCygnuswereofyore。
She,ayebybeetlingcliffanddarksomedell,Awayfromcityandfromfarm,astoreOfherbscollected,northiswhilee\'erAbandonedbythepaynimcavalier。
XX
Whenherbsenowbytheminmanyabeat,Withorwithouttheirroots,collectedwere,Atalatehour,thetwaintotheirretreatBetookthem;and,throughoutnight\'sremnant,there,ThatparagonofcontinencedidheatWhatsimplesshehadculled,withmicklecare,WhiletothosemysteriesandhereverydeedThepagan,presentstill,gavecuriousheed;
XXI
Who,wearingoutthewearynightinsport,——Heandthosefollowersthatwithhimremained——
Hadsufferedthirstinsuchagrievoussort,Fromthefiercefireinthatsmallcavecontained,Thatdrinkinground,inmeasurefullorshort,OfGraecianwinetwobarrelshadtheydrained;
AbootywhichthosesquireswhoservedtheMoor,Fromtravellersseizedadayortwobefore。
XXII
ToArgier\'swarlikeking,unusedtowine,(Cursed,andforbiddenbyhislaw,esteemed)
Theliquor,tastedonce,appeareddivine,Sweeterthannectarorthanmannaseemed:
He,quaffinglargely,nowofIshmael\'slineThesoberusedeservingcensuredeemed。
Sofasttheircupswiththatgoodwinetheyfill,Eachreveller\'sheadiswhirlinglikeamill。
XXIII
MeanwhilethatladyfromthefiredoesliftThepot,whereinshecookedthoseherbs,andcriesToRodomont:“InproofInotadriftHavelaunchedthewordsIspake,inrandomguise,——Bythat,whichcanthetruthformfalsehoodsift,Experience,whichcanmakethefoolishwise,Evennowthethingshalltothyselfbeshown,Notonanother\'sbody,butmyown。
XXIV
“Ifirstwilltrialmake“(thatladysaid)
“Ofthischoiceliquorwithrarevirtueblest;
LesthaplythoushouldstharbouranydreadThatmortalpoisonformtheseherbsbeprest。
WiththiswillIanointmyself,fromheadDownwardsbelowthenakedneckandbreast。
Thenproveonmethyfaulchionandthinearm,Andproveifonecansmite,theotherharm。”
XXV
Shewashed,assaid,andgladlydiddeclineHernecktothatunthinkingpagan\'sbrand;
Unthinking,andperhapso\'ercomebywine,Whichneitherhelm,normail,norshieldwithstand,Thatbrutishmanbelievedher,and,insignOffaith,sostruckwithcruelsteelandhand,Thatherfairhead,erewhileLove\'splaceofrest,Heseveredfromthesnowyneckandbreast。
XXVI
Thismadethreebounds,andthenceinaccentsclearWasheardavoicewhichspakeZerbino\'sname,Tofollowwhom,escapingSarza\'speer,Sorareawaywastakenbythedame。
Spirit!whichnoblydidstesteemmoredearThyplightedfaith,andchasteandholyname,(Thingshardlyknown,andforeigntoourtime)
Thanthineownlifeandthineownbloomingprime!
XXVII
Departinpeace,Ospiritblestandfair!——
Sohadmyversespower!asevermoreIwouldassay,withallthathappycare,Whichsoadornsandpointspoeticlore!
And,asrenownedshouldbethystoryrare,Thousandsandthousandsoflongyearsandmore!——
Departinpeacetoradiantrealmsabove,Andleavetoearththeexampleofthylove!
XXVIII
HiseyesfromheavendidtheCreatorbend,Atthestupendousandunequalledfeat,Andsaid:“Itheeabovethatdamecommend。
WhosedeathdroveTarquinfromhisroyalseat;
AndItoregisteralawintend,\'Midthosewhichageschangenotastheyfleet,Which——Iattesttheinviolableriver——
Unchangedthroughfuturetimes,shalllastforever。
XXIX
“Iwillthatall,ineveryfutureage,Whobearthyname,beblestwithgeniushigh;
Becourteous,gentle,beautiful,andsage,Andtotherealpitchofhonourfly。
ThattotheirglorythehistoricpageTheymaywithworthyargumentsupply;
SothatforayeParnassus\'hillandwellShallringwithIsabelandIsabel。”
XXX
SospaketheSire;andclearedtheambientair,Andhushedbeyonditswonttheheavingmain。
Tothethirdheavenherchastesoulmaderepair,AndinZerbino\'sarmswaslockedagain。
Onearth,withshameandsorrowforhisshare,ThatsecondBreusesanspitydidremain;
Who,whendigestedwasthemaddeningbowl,Lamentedsorehiserror,sadatsoul。
XXXI
Thatplacated,orinsomecontent,ThesaintedsoulofIsabelmightbe;
That,iftodeaththatdamselhehadshent,Hemightatleastrevivehermemory,He,asameanstocompasshisintent,Wouldturnintoatombthatchurch,whereheInhabited,andwheresheburiedlies;
Toyoushallberelatedinwhatwise。
XXXII
Inallpartsroundaboutthischosensite,Forloveorfear,hemaster-masonsfound;
And,makingfullsixthousandmenunite,Striptoftheirheavystonesthemountainsround,Andraisedafabricninetyyardsinheight,Fromitsextremestsummittotheground;
Andhewithinitswallsthechurchenclosed;
Whereinentombedtheloverstwainreposed。
XXXIII
ThisnearlyimitatesthatpilebesideOldTyber\'sstream,byAdrianbuilt;andnighThesepulchre,willheatowerprovide,Whereinhepurposessometimetolie。
Anarrowbridge,andonlytwoyardswide,Heflungacrossthestreamwhichrolledfastby。
Long,butsoscantyisthatbridge,withpainThenarrowpasstwocourserscancontain;
XXXIV
Twocoursers,thatabreasthavethithermade,Orelse,encountering,onthatcausewaymeet:
Noranywherewasledgeorbarricade,Tostaythehorses\'sfall,wholosthisfeet。
Hewillsthatbridge\'stollbedearlypaidByChristianorbyMoor,whopasshisseat;
Forwithathousandtrophies,arms,andvest,Thatdamsel\'stombisdestinedtobedrest。
XXXV
Withintendays,orshortertime,wasplacedThebridge,whosearchacrossthestreamwasdight;
ButnotthatpileandtowerwithequalhasteWeresoconductedtotheirdestinedheight。
Yetwasthelastsohigh,asentrypacedItstop,who,whensoeveranyknightApproachedthebridge,waswonthislordtowarn,Soundingasignalonhisbugle-horn。
XXXVI
Whereathearmed,andissuedforthestower,Nowupononeandnowtheotherside:
Forwhenawarriorprickedtowardsthetower,Himfromtheadversebankthatkingdefied:
Thebridgeaffordsthefieldtheirsteedsmustscour;
And,shouldonebutalittleswerveaside,(Perilunparalleled!)thehorsewillgoIntothedeepanddangerousstreambelow。
XXXVII
Thepaganhadimagined,asapain,That,riskingofttotumbleinthecourse,Head-firstintothatstream,wherehemustdrainHugedraughtsofwaterinhisfall,parforce,Hewouldassoilandcleansehimfromthatstain,Whereofexcessinwinehadbeenthesource;
Asifwhatillwinepromptstodoorsay,Water,aswellaswine,couldwashaway。
XXXVIII
Soonthitherwardflockedmanyacavalier;
Somewhopursuedthebeatenroadandplain;
Sinceforway-faringmen,whosouthwardsteer,NostraighterlayforItalyorSpain:
Theircourageandtheirhonour,heldmoredearThanlife,excitedothersofthetrain;
Andall,wheretheyhadhopedthemeedofstrife,Hadlosttheirarms,andmanyarmsandlife。
XXXIX
Ifthoseheconquersareofpaganstrain,Heiscontenttotaketheirarmsandvest:
AndofthosefirstarrivedthetitlesplainArewritten,andtheirarmssuspendedrest。
Butheinprisonpensthechristenedtrain,(\'Twouldseem)tobetoArgier\'srealmaddrest。
NotyetwasbroughtthatbuildingtoaheadWhenthitherwardthecrazedOrlandosped。
XL
ItchancedOrlando,inhisfuriousmood,Camethitherwherethatfoamingriverran;
WhereRodomontbesidethemightyfloodWashurryingonhiswork;noryetweredoneThetowerandtomb,thebridge,scarcefinished,stood:
Here——savehiscasquewasopen——Ulien\'ssonSteeledcap-a-pee,stoodreadyarmedforfight,WhentothebridgeapproachedAnglantes\'knight。
XLI
Orlandorunningthushiswildcareer,Thebarriertops,ando\'erthebridgewouldfly,ButsullenRodomont,withtroubledcheer,Afoot,ashethattowerisstandingnigh,Forhedisdainstobrandishswordorspear,Shoutstohimfromafarwiththreateningcry,“Halt!thouintrusivechurlandindiscreet,Rash,meddling,saucyvillain,staythyfeet!
XLII
“Onlyforlordandcavalierwasmade,Andnotforthee,dullslave,thatbridgewasmeant。”
TothisnoheedinsaneOrlandopaid,But,fixtuponhispurpose,forwardwent。
“ThismadmanmustIschool,“thepaynimsaid,AndwasapproachingwiththefellintentHimintothatdeeprivertodispatch,Nordeeminginsuchfoetofindhismatch。
XLIII
Thiswhile,agentledamselsoughttheplaceThattowardsthatbridgeacrosstheriverrode,Richlyarraidandbeautifulofface,Whosagereserveinherdemeanorshowed。
\'Tisshethat,ofherBrandimartinchase,(Ifyouremember,sir,)througheveryroadAndplaceherloverseeksinanxiouswise,ExceptingParis,wherethewarriorlies。
XLIV
WhenFlordelicethatbridgeandtowerwasnear,(Sowasbynamethewanderingdamselhight)
GrapplingwithRolandstoodtheSarzanpeer,Andwouldintothatriverpitchtheknight。
She,conversantwithBrava\'scavalier,Themiserablecountyknewaright;
AndmightymarvelinthatdameitraisedToseehimrove,anakedmanandcrazed。
XLV
Shestopt,theissueofthatstrifetoknow,Whereinthosetwosopuissantwarriorsvied。
Hisoppositebymightandmaintothrow,Intothestreameachdoughtychampiontried。
“Howcanafoolsuchmightyprowessshow?“
Betweenhisteeth,thefuriouspaynimcried。
And,shiftinghereandthere,wasseentostrain,Brimfullofpride,andanger,anddisdain。
XLVI
Thishandandnowthatotherheputsout,Totakenewhold,wherehehisvantagespies;
NowwithinRoland\'slegs,andnowwithout,Lockshisrightfootorleft,inskilfulwise;
Andthusresembles,inthatwrestlingbout,Thestupidbear,whoinhisfurytriesThetree,fromwhencehetumbled,too\'erthrow;
Deemingitsoleoccasionofhiswoe。
XLVII
Roland,whosebetterwitwaslostwithal,Iknownowhere,andwhousedforcealone;
Thatutmostforce,towhichthisearthlyballHaplyaffordsfewparagons,ornone,Lethimselfbackwardsinthatstrugglefall,EmbracingashestoodwithUlien\'sson。
Togetherinthefoamingstreamtheysank;
Highflashedthewave,andgroanedtheechoingbank。
XLVIII
Quicklythestreamasunderborethepair。
Rolandwasnaked,andlikefishcouldswim,Hereshothisfeet,hisarmsextendedthere,Andgainedthebank;nor,whenuponthebrim,HaltedtomarkifhisadventurewereAchievedwithpraiseorshame:ineviltrim,Thepagan,byhisarmsimpededsore,Withheavierpainandtrouble,toiledashore。
XLIX
AlongthebridgewhichspannedthatfoamingtideDidFlordelicemeantimesecurelypace,And,havingvainlysoughtoneverysideBrandimart\'sbearing,sincenorironcaseNorvestofhissheanywhereespied,Shehopedtofindtheknightinotherplace。
Butherereturnweofthecounttotell,Wholeftbehindhimstream,bridgetower,andcell。
L
\'TwerephrensyofhiseveryfranticfeatTopromisetherelation,onebyone;
Somanyandmany,——shouldItheserepeat,Iknownotwhenmystorywouldbedone。
Yetsomeofhisnotoriousdeeds,andmeetFormentioninmysong,willImakeknown:
NorwillInotthatwondrousonerecount,NearThoulouse,onthePyrenaeanMount。
LI
Muchcountryhadbeentraversedbytheknight,Urgedbythefuriousragewhichhimmisguides:
AtlasthereachedthehillwhoseboundaryheightArragoneseandneighbouringFrankdivides。
Thitherdirectingayehiscourseoutright,Wherethedescendingsunhisvisagehides,Hereachedapathupontheruggedsteep,Whichoverhungavalleydarkanddeep。
LII
HerehebychanceencounteredinmidroadTwoyouths,thatwoodmenwere,anddrovebeforeAnassalongthatpathway,withaloadOflogs;they,markingwellwhatscantystoreOfbraininpoorOrlando\'sheadwasstowed,Calledtotheapproachingknight,andthreatenedsore;
Biddinghimstandaside,orelsegoback,Nortotheirhindranceblockthecommontrack。
LIII
TothisaddressOrlandoanswerednought,Savethathisfoothetotheirbeastapplied,Smoteinmid-breast,which,withthatvigourfraught,——Thatforceexceedingeveryforcebeside——
Tosthimsohight,thatthebeholdersthoughtItwasabirdinairwhichtheydescried。
Theassuponamountain-summitfell,Whichroseaboveamilebeyondthatdell。
LIV
Uponthoseyouthsnextsprangthefuriousknight。
Withbetterluckthanwit,onewoodmanshearFromthattallcliff,twicethirtyyardsinheight,Casthimselfheadlongdownwardinhisfear:
Himamoistpatchofbrambles,inhisflight,Received;and,amidgrassandbushes,here,Fromothermischiefsafe,thestriplinglit,Andforsomescratchesinhisfacewasquit。
LV
Thatothertoajuttingfragmentclung,Whosotogainthehighersteepwouldstrive;
Becausehehopes,ifoncethosecragsamong,Tokeephimfromthatfoolhemaycontrive;
ButbythefeetOrlando,erehesprung,Seizedhim,whowillnotleavethewretchalive;
Andstretchingthemaswideashecouldstrain,Sostretchedhisarms,herenthispreyintwain。
LVI
EveninsuchmodeasoftenwedescryFalconerbyheronorbypullerdo;
Whoseentrailsheplucksout,tosatisfyMerlinorfalconthatthegamepursue。
Howhappywasthatothernottodie!
Whorisquedhisneckinthatdeepbottom,whoRehearsedthetalesooften,Turpinheard,Andhandeddowntousthewondrousword。
LVII
Theseandmoremarvelsdoesthecount,whobendsHisstepsacrossthatmountaintotheplain;
And,seekinglongapath,atlengthdescendsTowardsthesouth,uponthelandofSpain。
Hiswayalongthebeachheafterwends,NearArragon,besidetherumblingmain,And,everpromptedbyhisphrensyrank,Willmakehimselfadwellingonthebank,LVIII
Wherehesomedealmayshunthenoontideray,Withdryandpowderysea-sandcoveredo\'er;
Andhere,whilesoemployed,upontheirwayArrivesAngelicawithherMedore,Who,asyouhavebeentoldinformerlay,Hadfromthehillsdescendedonthatshore。
Withinayardorlessapproachedthefair,Ereyetsheofhispresencewasaware。
LIX
Sodifferentfromhimselfwashetosight,NoughtofOrlandosheinhimsurveyed:
For,fromthetimethatragepossesthissprite,Hehadgonenakedforthinsunandshade。
HadhebeenbornonhotSyene\'ssite,OrsandswhereworshipistoAmmonpaid,Ornighthosehills,whenceNile\'sfullwatersspin,Orlandohadnotborneadingierskin。
LX
Nighburiedintheirsocketsarehiseyes,Spareinhisvisage,andasdryasbone:
Dishevelledishishairinwoefulwise,Withfrightfulbeardhischeekisovergrown:
Nosoonerisheseen,thanbackwardfliesAngelica,who,tremblingsore,isflown:
Sheshriekingloud,alltremblinganddismaid,Betakeshertoheryouthfulguideforaid。
LXI
WhencrazedOrlandowasofheraware,Toseizethedamselheupspranginhaste;
Sopleasedthewretchedcounthervisagefair,Soquicklywashismoodinflamed:effacedInhimallancientrecollectionsare,Howshebyhimwaswhilomservedandgraced。
Behindherspeechthecountandhuntsthatdame,Asquestingdogpursuesthesylvangame。
LXII
Theyouth,thatseeshimchasehislovewhofled,Hiscourserspurs,andinpursuitisgone。
Withnakedfaulchionafterhimhesped,AndcutandthrustatRolandasherun。
Hefromhisshouldershopedtocleavehishead,Butfoundthemadman\'sskinashardasbone;
Yea,harderfarthansteel,nortobeharmed;
SogoodOrlandoathisbirthwascharmed。
LXIII
WhenonhisbackOrlandofelthimbeat,Heturned,andturningonhisyouthfulfoe,Smotewithclenchedfist,andforcewhichnoughtcanmeet,——Smoteonhishorse\'shead,afearfulblow;
And,withskullsmashedlikeglass,thatcourserfleetWasbythemadman\'sfuriousstrokelaidlow。
InthesamebreathOrlandoturnedanew,Andchasedthedamselthatbeforehimflew。
LXIV
AtspeedAngelicaimpelledhermare。
Andwhiptandspurredherevermore;whomslowShewouldesteem,albeitthatpalfreywereYetfasterthanashaftdismistfrombow:
Herringshethoughtupon,andthisthefairPlacedinhermouth;norfaileditsvirtuenow;
Forputtingitbetweenherlips,likelightExtinguishedbyapuff,shepastfromsight。
LXV
Wasitthroughfear,orwasshe,whileshestriptThisfromherfinger,shakeninherseat;
Orwasitrather,thatherpalfreytript,(ForneitherthisnorthatIsurelyweet)
Angelica,while\'twixtherlipsshesliptThevirtuousring,andhidhervisagesweet,Herstirrupslost;and,tumblingformthesell,Reverseduponthesandthatladyfell。
LXVI
Ifbuttwoinchesshorthadfallenhisprey,UponherwouldhavepouncedOrlandonear;
Whowouldhavecrushedherinhisfuriousway,ButthatkindFortunesavedherfromthepeer。
LetherbyothertheftherselfpurveyWithotherpalfrey,asshedidwhilere;
Forneverwillshehavethiscoursermore,WhochasedbyswiftOrlandoscourstheshore。
LXVII
Doubtnotthatsheanotherwillprovide;
AndfollowweinmadOrlando\'srear;
Whoserageandfurynevermoresubside,WroththatAngelicashoulddisappear:
Afterthatbeastalongthesandshehied,Ayegainingonthemareinthiscareer。
Now,nowhetouchesher,andlo!ThemaneHegrasps,andnowsecuresherbytherein。
LXVIII
OrlandoseizesherwiththatdelightThatothermanmightseizeadamselfair;
Thebitandbridleheadjustsaright,Springsonherback,ando\'erthesea-beachbareFormanymilesimpelsthepalfrey\'sflight,Withoutreposeorpause,nowhere,nowthere:
Noreversellorbridlebedisplaced,Norlethergrassorhearteningforagetaste。
LXIX
Asinthiscoursetoo\'erleapaditchhesought,Headoverheels,shewithherriderwent:
Norharmedwashe,norfeltthattumblearight;
Butshe,withshoulderslipt,layfoullyshent。
LonghowtobearherthenceOrlandothought,Andintheenduponhisshouldershent。
Hefromthebottomclimbed,thusloadedsore,Andcarriedherthreebow-shots\'lengthandmore。
LXX
Next,forhefeltthatweighttooirksomegrow,Heputherdown,toleadherbytherein;
Whofollowedhimwithlimpinggaitandslow,“Comeon,“Orlandocried,andcriedinvain;
And,couldthepalfreyatagallopgo,Thisillwouldsatisfyhismoodinsane。
Thehalterfromherheadhelastunloosed,Wherewithherhindoff-footthemadmannoosed。
LXXI
\'Tisthushecomfortsanddragsonthatmare,Thatshemayfollowwithmoreease,soled;
Whowhilesdespoiledofflesh,andwhilesofhair,Isscathedbystoneswhichthatillroado\'erspread。
Atlengththemisusedbeast,withwearandtearOftheruderocks,andsufferingsore,liesdead。
Orlandonoughttheslaughteredmareregards,Noranywisehisheadlongcourseretards。
LXXII
Todragthatpalfreyceasedhenot,thoughdead,Continuingstillhiscoursetowardsthewest,Andallthiswhilesackedhamlet,farm,andstead,Wheneverhebyhungerwasdistrest;
Andayetogluthimselfwithmeat,andbread,Andfruit,heeveryonebyforceopprest。
Onebyhishandwasslain,onefoullyshent;
Seldomhestopt,andeveronwardwent。
LXXIII
Asmuch,orlittleless,woulddotheknightByhisownlove,didnotthatdamselhide;
Becausethewretchdiscernsnotblackfromwhite,Andharmswherehewouldhelp。AcursebetideThewonder-workingring,andekethewightWhogaveittothatlady,fullorpride!
SinceRoland,butforthis,wouldvengethescornHeandathousandmorefromherhadborne。
LXXIV
WouldthatofherOrlandowerepossest,Andofallwomenthatareaboveground!
Foroneandallareingratesatthebest,Norisinallanounceofgoodnessfound。
ButitismeetIletmyhearerrestEremystrainedchordsreturnafalteringsound,Andthathemaylesstediousdeemtherhyme,Defermystorytillanothertime。
CANTO30
ARGUMENT
GreatfeatsachieveOrlandobytheway。
TheTartarkingisbyRogeroslain:
ForwhomfairBradamant,hisspouse,doesstay,ButFateforbade,thathewhowoundedlayToherhisplightedpromiseshouldmaintain。
Heafterboldlywiththebrethrenmade,TheirlordRinaldoinhisneedtoaid。
I
WhenReason,givingwaytoheatofblood,Herselffromhastycholerilldefends,And,hurriedonbyblindandfuriousmood,Wewiththetongueorhandmolestourfriends,Thoughtheoffenceis,after,weptandrued,Thepenancewhichwepayispooramends。
Alas!IsorrowandlamentinvainForwhatIsaidinotherangrystrain。
II
ButlikesickmanamI,who,sorebested,Sufferingwithpatiencemanyandmanyaday,Whenagainstpainhecannomoremakehead,Yieldstohisrage,andcurses;paingiveway,Andwithittheimpetuouswrathisfled,Whichmovedhisreadytonguesuchilltosay;
Andheislefthiswillfulragetorue,Butcannotthatwhichhehasdoneundo。
III
WellhopeI,fromyoursovereigncourtesy,Yourpardon,sinceIcraveit,ladiesbright;
Youwillexcuse,ifmovedbymadness,I
Raveinmypassion;letyourcensurelightOnfoe,whotreatsmesodespiteously,Icouldnotbereducedtoworserplight;
Whopromptswhatsorerepentsme:HeavenaboveKnowshowshewrongsme,knowshowwellIlove。
IV
NolessbesidemyselfthanBrava\'speerAndI,norlessmypardonshouldobtain;
He,whobymeadormountain,farornear,HadscoweredlargeportionofthelandofSpain,Draggingthatjennetinhiswildcareer,Deadasshewas,behindhimbytherein;
But,whereariverjoinedthesea,parforceAbandonedonthebankhermangledcorse。
V
Andhe,whocouldlikeanyotterswim,Leaptinandroseuponthefurtherside。
Behold!amountedshepherdatthebrimArrived,hishorsetowaterinthetide;
NorwhenhesawOrlandocoming,himEschewed,whomnakedandalonehespied——
“MyjennetforthyhackneywereIfainTobarter,“criedthemadmantotheswain:
VI
“HerwillIshowthee,ifthouwilt;whodeadUpontheriver\'sothermarginfell;
Atleisuremay\'stthouhavehercured,“(hesaid)
“AndofnootherfaulthaveItotell。
Givemethyhackney,withsomebootinstead:
Prythee,dismountthee,forhelikesmewell。”
Thepeasant,laughing,answerednotaword,Butleftthefoolandprickedtowardstheford。
VII
“Hearestthounot?hola!Iwantthysteed,“
(CriedRoland)andadvancedwithwrathfulcheer。
Asolidstaffandknotted,forhisneed,Thatshepherdhad,wherewithhesmotethepeer;
Whoseviolenceandireallboundsexceed,Whoseemswithaltowaxmorefiercethane\'er:
Acuffhelevelsatthatrustic\'shead,Andsplitsthesolidbone,andlayshimdead。