LXXIV
Andcountry,sire,andbrethrentwobetrayed,Hopinghesotheladyshouldhavewon;
HowRisaopentothefoehelaid,Bywhomallscathewasonthosekinsmendone;
HowAgolant\'stwofurioussonsconveyedTheirmother,greatwithchild,andsixmonthsgone,Aboardahelmlessboat,andwithitscharge,Inwildestwinter,turnedadriftthebarge。
LXXV
ValiantMarphisa,withatranquilface,HeardyoungRogerothushistalepursue,AndjoyedtobedescendedofaraceWhichfromsofairafontitswatersdrew:
WhenceClermont,whencerenownedMongranatraceTheirnobleline,themartialdamselknew;
BlazonedthroughyearsandcenturiesbyFame,Unrivalled,both,inarmsofmightyname。
LXXVI
WhenafterwardsshefromherbrotherknewAgramant\'suncle,sire,andgrandsirefell,Intreacherouswise,thefirstRogeroslewAndbroughttocruelpassGalacielle,Marphisacouldnothearthestorythrough:
Tohimshecries,“Withpardon,whatyoutell,Brother,convictsyouoftoofoulawrong,Inleavingthusoursireunvengedsolong。
LXXVII
“Could\'stthounotinAlmontesandTroyane,Asdeadwhilere,yourthirstyfaulchionplant,Byyouthosemonarch\'schildrenmightbeslain。
Areyoualive,andlivesKingAgramant?
Neverwillyoueffacetheshamefulstain,Thatye,sooftenwronged,notonlygrantLifetothatking,butasyourlordobey;
Lodgeinhiscourt,andservehimforhispay?
LXXVIII
“HereheartilyinfaceofHeavenIvow,ThatChristmyfatherworshipped,toadore;
AndtillIvengemyparentsonthefoeTowearthisarmour,andIwilldeploreYourdeed,Rogero,anddeploreevennow,ThatyoushouldswellthesquadronsoftheMoor,OrotherfolloweroftheMoslemfaith,Saveswordinhand,andtothepaynim\'sscathe。”
LXXIX
Ah!howfairBradamantupliftsagainHervisageatthatspeech,rejoicedinsprite!
RogerosheexhortsinearnestveinTodoashisMarphisacounselsright;
AndbidshimseekthecampofCharlemagne,Andhavehimselfacknowledgedinhissight,Whosoreveresandlaudshisfather\'sworth,Heevendeemshimoneunmatchedonearth。
LXXX
Inthebeginningsoheshouldhavedone,(WarilyyoungRogeroanswermade,)
But,forthetalewasnotsofullyknown,Assince,thedeedhadbeentoolongdelaid。
Now,seeingitwasfierceTroyano\'ssonThathadbegirthimwiththeknightlyblade,He,asatraitor,wellmightbeabhorred,Ifheslewone,acceptedashislord。
LXXXI
But,astoBradamantwhilere,hecries,Hewillallmeasuresandallmeansassay,WherebysomefairoccasionmayariseToleavetheking;andhadtherebeendelay,Andhewhilerehaddoneinotherwise,SheontheTartarkingthefaultmustlay:
HowsorelyhandledthatredoubtedfoeHadlefthimintheirbattle,shemustknow;
LXXXII
Andshe,thateverydayhadsoughthisbed,Mustofthistruththefittestwitnessbe。
Muchuponthiswasanswered,muchwassaid,Betweenthosedamsels,whoatlastagree;
Andastheirlastresolve,lastcounselread,Heshouldrejointhepaynim\'sensignry,TillhefoundfairoccasiontoresortFromAgramant\'stoCharles\'sroyalcourt。
LXXXIII
ToBradamanttheboldMarphisacries:
“Lethimbegone,nordoubtamI,beforeManydayspass,willmanageinsuchwise,ThatAgramantshallbehislordnomore。”
Sosaysthemartialdamsel,norimpliesThesecretpurposewhichshehasinstore。
Makinghiscongeestothefriendlytwain,TojoinhiskingRogeroturnstherein。
LXXXIV
Whenacomplaintisheardfromvalleynear:
Allnowstandlistening,tothenoiseattent;
Andtothatplaintivevoiceinclinetheirear,Awoman\'s(as\'twouldseem)thatmakeslament。
ButIthisstrainwouldgladlyfinishhere,And,thatIfinishit,beyecontent:
ForbetterthingsIpromisetoreport,Ifyetohearanotherstrainresort。
CANTO37
ARGUMENT
Lamentandoutcryloudofsomethatmourn,AttractRogeroandthedamselstwo。
TheyfindUlania,withhermantleshornByMarganor,amidhermoaningcrew。
Uponthatfelonknight,forhisfoulscorn,AfiercerevengeMarphisatakes:anewStatutethatmaiddoesinthetownobtain,AndMarganorisbyUlaniaslain。
I
If,asinseekingothergifttogain,(ForNature,withoutstudy,yieldethnought)
Withmightydiligence,andmicklepain,Illustriouswomendayandnighthavewrought;
AndifwithgoodsuccessthefemaletrainToafairendnohomelytaskhavebrought,So——didtheyforsuchotherstudieswake——
Asmortalattributesimmortalmake;
II
And,iftheyofthemselvessufficientwereTheirpraisestoposteritytoshow,Norborrowedauthors\'aid,whosebosomsareWithenvyandwithhatecorrodedso,Thatofttheyhidethegoodtheymightdeclare,Andtellineveryplacewhatilltheyknow,Tosuchapitchwouldmountthefemalename,Ashaplyne\'erwasreachedbymanlyfame。
III
Tofurnishmutualaidisnotenow,Formanywhowouldlendeachotherlight。
Mendotheirbest,thatwomankindshouldshowWhateverfaultstheyhaveinopensight;
Wouldhinderthemofrisingfrombelow,Andsinkthemtothebottom,iftheymight;
Isaytheancients;asifglory,wonBywoman,dimmedtheirown,asmistthesun。
IV
Buthandsortonguene\'erhad,norhas,theskill,Doesvoiceorletteredpagethethoughtimpart,Thougheach,withallitspower,increasetheill,Diminishingthegoodwithallitsart,Sofemalefametostifle,butthatstillThehonourofthesexsurvivesinpart:
Yetreachethnotitspitch,norsuchitsflight,Butthat\'tisfarbelowitsnaturalheight。
V
NotonlyThomyrisandHarpalice,AndwhobroughtHector,whobroughtTurnusaid,Andwho,tobuildinLybiacrostthesea,ByTyrianandSidonianbandobeyed;
NotonlyfamedZenobia,onlysheWhoPersian,Indian,andAssyrianfrayed;
NotonlytheseandsomefewothersmeritTheirglory,thateternalfameinherit:
VI
Faithful,chaste,andbold,theworldhathseenInGreeceandRomenotonly,butwhere\'erTheSununfoldshisflowinglocks,betweenTheHesperidesandIndianhemisphere;
Whosegiftsandpraisehavesoextinguishedbeen,Wescarceofoneamidathousandhear;
AndthisbecausetheyintheirdayshavehadForchroniclers,menenvious,false,andbad。
VII
ButyethatprosperintheexerciseOfgoodlylabours,ayeyourwaypursue;
Norhalt,Owomen,inyourhighemprise,Forfearofnotreceivinghonourdue:
For,asnoughtgoodenduresbeneaththeskies,Soillenduresnomore;ifhithertoUnfriendlybythepoet\'spenandpage,Theynowbefriendyouinourbetterage。
VIII
ErewhileMarulloandPontanteforyouDeclared,and——sireandson——theStrozzitwain;
Capello,Bembo,andthatwriter,whoHasfashionedlikehimselfthecourtiertrain;
WithLewisAlamanni,andthosetwo,BelovedofMarsandMuses,oftheirstrainDescended,whothemightycityrule,WhichMinciusparts,andmoatswithmarshypool。
IX
Oneofthispair(besidesthat,ofhiswill,Hehonoursyou,anddoesyoucourtesies;
AndmakesParnassusandhighCynthus\'hillResoundyourpraise,andliftittotheskies)
Thelove,thefaith,andmind,unconqueredstill,Midthreatsofruin,whichinstedfastwiseTohimhisconstantIsabelhathshown,Renderyetmoreyourchampionthanhisown。
X
SothathenevermorewillweariedbeWithquickeninginhisverseyourhighrenown;
And,ifanothercensuresyou,thanhePromptertoarminyourdefenceisnone;
Norknight,inthiswideworld,morewillinglyLifeinthecauseofvirtuewouldlaydown:
Matteraswellforother\'spenhegives,Asinhisownanother\'sglorylives;
XI
Andwellhemerits,thatadamesoblest,(Blestwithallworth,whichinthisearthlyroundIsseeninthemwhodonthefemalevest,)
Tohimhathevermorebeenfaithfulfound;
OfasurepillarofpuretruthpossestInher,despisingFortune\'severywound。
Worthyofoneanotherarethetwain;
Norbettererewerepairedinwedlock\'schain。
XII
NewtrophiesheonOglio\'sbankhasshown;
Forhe,midbarkandcar,amidthegleamOffireandsword,suchgoodlyrhymeshathstrown,Asmaywithenvyswelltheneighbouringstream。
ByHerculesBentivoglionextisblownThenoblestrain,yourhonour\'snobletheme;
ReynetTrivulzioandGuidettimine,AndMolza,calledofPhoebusandtheNine。
XIII
There\'sHerculesoftheCarnuti,sonOfmyownduke,whospreadshiseveryplumeSoaringandsinging,likeharmoniousswan,Andeventoheavenupliftsyourname;withwhomThereismylordofGuasto,notaloneAthemeformanyanAthens,manyaRome;
Inhishighstrainhepromisesaswell,Yourpraisetoallposteritytotell。
XIV
Andbesidetheseandothersofourday,Whogaveyouonce,orgiveyounowrenown,Thisforyourselvesyemayyourselvespurvey:
Formany,layingsilkandsamplerdown,WiththemelodiousMuses,toallayTheirthirstatAganippe\'swell,havegone,Andstillaregoing;whosofairlyspeed,Thatwemoretheirsthantheyourlabourneed。
XV
IfIofthesewouldseparatelytell,Andrendergoodaccountandhonourdue,MorethanonepageIwiththeirpraiseshouldswell,Noroughtbesidewouldthisday\'scantoshew;
AndifonfiveorsixaloneIdwell,Imayoffendandangerallthecrew。
WhatthenshallIresolve?topassallby?
Orchoosebutonefromsuchacompany?
XVI
OnewillIchoose,andsuchwillchoose,thatsheAllenvyshallsowellhaveoverthrown,Nootherwomancanoffendbe,If,passingothers,herIpraisealone:
Norjoysthisonebutimmortality,Throughhersweetstyle(andbetterknowInone):
Butwhoishonouredinherspeechandpage,Shallburstthetomb,andlivethrougheveryage。
XVII
AsPhoebustohissilverysistershowsHisvisagemore,andlendsherbrighterfires,ThanVenus,Maja,ortostarthatglowsAlone,orcircleswiththeheavenlyquires;
SohewithsweetereloquencethanflowsFromotherlips,thatgentledameinspires;
Andgivesherwordsuchforce,asecondsunSeemsinourdaysitsgloriouscoursetorun。
XVIII
Midvictoriesborn,Victoriaishername,Wellnamed;andwhom(doessheadvanceorstay)
Triumphsandtrophiesevermoreproclaim,WhileVictoryheadsorfollowsherarray。
AnotherArtemisiaisthedame,RenownedforloveofherMausolus,yeaBysomuchgreater,asitismorebraveToraisethedead,thanlaytheminthegrave。
XIX
IfchasteLaodamia,Portiatrue,Evadne,Argia,Arria,andmanymoreMeritedpraise,becausethatgloriouscrewCovetedburialwiththeirlordsofyore,HowmuchmorefameistoVictoriadue?
ThatfromdullLethe,andtheriver\'sshore,Whichninetimeshemstheghosts,toupperlightHasdraggedherlord,indeathandfate\'sdespite。
XX
Ifthatloud-voicedMaeoniantrumpwhilereTheMacedoniangrudgedAchilles,how,FrancisPescara,Ounconqueredpeer,Wouldhebegrudgethee,werehelivingnow,Thatwife,sovirtuousandtotheesodear,Thywell-earnedglorythroughtheworldshouldblow;
Andthatthynamethroughhershouldsorebound,Thouneedstnotcraveaclearertrumpet\'ssound!
XXI
Ifallthatistotell,andallIfainWouldofthatladytell,Iwishedtounfold,Thoughlong,yetnotsolong,wouldbethestain,Butthatlargeportionwouldbeleftuntold,WhileatastandthestorywouldremainOffierceMarphisaandhercomradesbold;
TofollowwhomIpromisederst,ifyouWouldbutreturntohearmysonganew。
XXII
Now,beingheretolistentomysay,BecauseIwouldnotbreakmypromise,I
Untilmybetterleisure,willdelayHereverypraiseatlengthtocertify。
NotthatIthinksheneedsmyhumblelay,Whowithsuchtreasurecanherselfsupply:
Butsimplytoappaymysingleend,Thatgentledametohonourandcommend。
XXIII
Ladies,infineIsay,thateveryageWorthyofstory,manyadamesupplies;
Butthat,throughjealousauthors\'enviousrage,Unchronicledbyfame,eachmatrondies;
Butwillnomore;sinceinthehistoricpageYourvirtuesye,yourselves,immortalize。
Hadthosetwodamselsinthisartbeenread,Theireverywarlikedeedhadwiderspread。
XXIV
BradamantandMarphisawouldIsay,Whosebold,victoriousdeeds,inbattledone,Istrivetobringintothelightofday;
Butnineintenremaintomeunknown。
IwhatIknowrightwillinglydisplay;
Aswell,thatallfairactionsshouldbeshown,Aswellthat,gentleladies,IambentYewhomIloveandhonour,tocontent。
XXV
Assaid,inacttogoRogerostood;
And,havingtakenleave,thecavalierWithdrawshistrenchantfaulchionfromthewood,Whichholdsnomoretheweapon,aswhilere。
When,soundingloudamidthatsolitude,Acry,notdistantfar,arreststhepeer。
Thenthitherwardhewiththosedamselsmade,Prompt,if\'twereneeded,tobestowhisaid。
XXVI
Theyrodean-end;andlouderwaxedthesound,Andplainerweretheplaintivewordstheyheard:
WheninavalleytheythreewomenfoundMakingthatplaint,whoinstrangegarbappeared:
Fortothenavelwerethosethreeungowned,——Theircoatsbysomeuncourteousvarletsheared——
AndknowingnothowbettertodisguiseTheirshame,theysateonearth,anddarednotrise。
XXVII
AsVulcan\'sson,thatsprang(asitisversed)
Outofthedust,withoutamothermade,Whom——soMinervabade——AglaurosnursedWithsovereigncare,tooboldandcuriousmaid,Seatedincar,byhimconstructedfirstTohidehishideousfeet,waserstconveyed;
Sothatwhichneveristosightrevealed,Sitting,thosemournfuldamselskeptconcealed。
XXVIII
Atthatdishonestsightandshameful,glowsEachmartialdamsel\'svisage,overspreadWiththerichdyesofPaestum\'scrimsonrose,Whenvernalairstheirgentleinfluenceshed。
Bradamantmarkedthem;andthatoneofthoseWasUlany,thedamselquicklyread;
Ulany,thatwassentwithsolemntrainFromtheLOSTISLEtoroyalCharlemagne;
XXIX
Andrecognisedtheothertwonoless;
Fromthemshesaw,whenshesawUlany;
Butnowtoherdirectedheraddress。
Asthemosthonouredofthoseladiesthree,Demanding,whosofullofwickedness,Solawlesswasandsounmannerly,Thathethosesecretstothesightrevealed,WhichNature,asshecould,\'twouldseem,concealed。
XXX
Ulany,thatinBradamantdescried,——Knownbothbyvoiceandensignry——themaid,WhosomefewdaysbeforethoseknightsofprideWithhervictoriouslanceonearthhadlaid,How,inatownnotfarremote——replied——
Anevilrace,bypityneverswayed,Besidesthattheytheirraimentthushadshorn,Hadbeatthem,andhaddonethemotherscorn。
XXXI
Whatoftheshieldbecame,shecannotsay,Norknowsshethosethreemonarchs\'destiny,Whoguidedhersolonguponherway;
Ifkilled,orledintocaptivity;
Andsaysthatsheherselfhasta\'enherway,Albeittofarea-footsoreirksomebe,ToappealtoroyalCharlemagne,assuredByhimsuchoutragewillnotbeendured。
XXXII
Tohear,yetmoretosee,sofoulawrong,DisturbedtheChildanddamsels\'placidairAndbeauteousvisage,whoseboldheartsandstrongNolesscompassionatethanvaliantwere。
Theynow,allelseforgetting,erethetongueOfUlanyprefersdemand,orprayer,Thattheywouldvengethemontheircruelfoe,Inhastetowardsthefelon\'scastlego。
XXXIII
Withoneconstant,themaidsandcavalier,Bytheirgreatgoodnessmoved,fromplateandmailHadstripttheiruppervests,wellfittinggearThosemiserableladies\'shametoveil。
Bradamantsuffersnot,that,aswhilere,SadUlanyshalltrampbyhillanddale;
Butseatsheronherhorse\'scroup;sodoHercomradesbythoseotherdamselstwo。
XXXIV
TogentleBradamantUlaniashowedThenearestwaytoreachthecastleheight;
WhilecomfortBradamantonherbestowed,Promisingvengeanceforthatfouldespite。
Theyleavethevale,andbyacrookedroadAndlongascend,nowwheelingleft,nowright:
Nortillthesunishiddeninthesea,Upontheirwearywayreposethethree。
XXXV
Theytoahamletonthesummitwound,Scalingthemountain\'ssteepandruggedside;
Andsuchgoodshelterandgoodsupperfound,Ascouldbysuchrudequartersbesupplied。
Arrivingthere,theyturnedtheireyesaround,Andfullofwomeneveryplaceespied,Someold,someyoung;nor,midsolargeaclan,Appearedthevisageofasingleman。
XXXVI
NotmoreboldJasonwondered,andthetrainWhichsailedwithhim,thatArgonauticcrew,Seeingthosedamesthathadtheirhusbandsslain,Fathersandsonsandbrethren,——sothatthroughAllLemnos\'pleasantisle,byhillorplain,Ofmanlyvisagetheybeheldnottwo——
ThanhereRogero,andtherestwhogoWithgoodRogero,wonderatthisshow。
XXXVII
ThemartialdamselsbidforUlany,Andthosewhocamewithher,provideattire;
Andgownsthatevearefurnishedforthethree,Ifmeanerthantheirown,atleastentire。
TohimawomanofthatvillageryValiantRogerosummons,toinquireWherearethemen;inthathenonedescries;
Andthustohimthatvillagewifereplies:
XXXVIII
“Whathaplyistoyouawonderment,Thiscrowdofwomankind,wheremanisnone,Tousisgraveandgrievouspunishment,Who,banishedhere,livewofullyalone;
And,thatsuchexileusmaymoretorment,Fromthosesoloved,asbrother,father,son,Alongdivorceandcruelwesustain,Asourfelltyrantpleasestoordain。
XXXIX
“Senttotheseconfinesfromhisland,whichliesButtwoleaguesdistantthence,wherewewereborn,Usinthisplacethefellbarbariansties,Havingfirstdoneusmanyabrutalscorn;
AndhaswithdeathandallextremitiesThreatenedourkinsmenandourselvesforlorn,Iftheycomehither,orhehearsreportWeharbourthem,whenhithertheyresort。
XL
“Hetoournameissuchadeadlyfoe,HewillnothaveusnearerthanIshewed,Nowhaveusofourkinapproached,asthoughInfectionfromthefemalesexensued。
AlreadyhavethegreenwoodtreeslaidlowTheirleafyhonourstwice,andtwicerenewed,Sinceourlord\'sfurytosuchpitcharose,Nowisthereonehisphrensytooppose。
XLI
“ForhehasspreadsuchpassingfearamongThepeople,deathcancausenoworseaffright;
Inthat,besidehisnaturalloveofwrong,Heisendowedwithmorethanhumanmight。
Hethanahundredothermenmorestrong,Inbodyisofagiganticheight:
Norushisvassalshemolestsalone;
Butworsebyhimtostrangerdameisdone。
XLII
“Ifyourownhonour,sir,andofthosethree,Beneathyourcharge,toyouinaughtisdear,\'Twillsafer,usefuller,andbetterbeToleavethisroad,andbyanothersteer。
Thisleadsyoutohistower,describedbyme,ToprovethesavageusethatcruelpeerHasthereestablished,totheshameandwoeOfdameorcavalier,whothithergo。
XLIII
“Thiscastellainortyrant,Marganor(Sonamethefelonknight)thanwhommorefellNerowasnot,norotherheretofore,Ifotherbe,whoseactionsFamedothswell,Thirstsforman\'sblood,butthirstsforwoman\'smoreThanwolfforbloodoflambs;andbidsexpelWithshameallfemales,that,inevilhour,Theirfortunehasconductedtohistower。”
XLIV
Howinthatimpiousmansuchfurygrew,AskedyoungRogeroandthosedamselstwain,Andprayedshewouldincourtesypursue,Yea,ratherfromthefirsthertaleexplain。
“Thatcastle\'slord,fierce,andinhumane,Yetforawhilehiswickedheartconcealed,Norwhathewassosuddenlyrevealed。
XLV
“Forinthelifetimeofhissons,apairThatdifferedmuchfromthepaternalstyle,(Sincetheythestrangerloved;andloatherswereOfcrueltyandotheractionsvile)
Flourishedthecourtesiesandgoodcustomsthere,Andthereweregentledeedsperformedthiswhile:
For。albeitavariciouswasthesire,Henevercrossedtheyouthsintheirdesire。
XLVI
“ThecavaliersanddameswhojourneyedbyThatcastle,theresowellwereentertained,Thattheydeparted,bythecourtesyOfthosetwokindlybrotherswhollygained。
IntheholyordersoffairchivalryAliketheyouthfulpairhadbeenordained。
Cylanderone,Tanacrohighttheother;
Bold,andofroyalmieneachmartialbrother;
XLVII
“Andtrulywere,andwouldhavebeenalwayWorthyofeverypraiseandfame,withalHadtheynotyieldedupthemselvesapreyTothatuncurbeddesire,whichLovewecall;
BywhichtheywereseducedfromtherightwayIntofoulError\'scrookedmaze;andallThegoodthatbythosebrethrenhadbeenwrought,Waxed,inamoment,rank,corruptandnaught。
XLVIII
“Itchanced,thatintheirfather\'sfortilage,AknightoftheGreekemperor\'scourtdidlie;
Withhimhisladywas;ofmannerssage;
Norfairercouldbecravedbywishfuleye:
ForherCylanderfeltsuchamorousrage,Hedeemed,saveheenjoyedher,heshoulddie;
Hedeemedthat,whentheladyshoulddepart,Hissoulaswellwouldfromhisbodypart:
XLIX
“And,forheknew\'twasuselesstoentreat,Devisedtomakeherhisbyforceofhand;
Armed,andinsilence,nearhisfather\'sseat,Wheremustpassknightandlady,tookhisstand。
Throughnaturaldaringandthroughamorousheat,Hewithtoolittlethoughtthematterplanned;
Sothat,whenhebeheldtheknightadvance,Heissued,toassailhim,lancetolance。
L
“Tooverthrowhim,atfirstshockhethought,Andtowindameandpalminthecareer;
ButthatGreekknight,inwarlikestrifewell-taught,Shivered,likeglass,hisbreastplatewiththespear。
Thebittertidingstothesirewerebrought,Whobadebearhomethestriplingonabier:
He,findinghewasdead,loudmourningmade,Andhiminearth,besidehisfathers,layed。
LI
“YetharbourageandwelcomeasbeforeHadhewhosoughtit;neithermorenorless:
BecauseTanacroinhiscourteousloreEqualledhisbrotherasingentleness。
Thitherthatveryyear,fromforeignshore,Abaronandhiswifetheirstepsaddress:
Amarvelheofvalour,andasfairAscouldbesaid,isshe,anddebonnair。
LII
“Nofairerwasthedamethanchasteandright,Andwelldeservingeverypraise;thepeerDerivedofgenerousstock,andboldinfight,Aseverchampion,ofwhosefamewehear;
And\'tiswellfitting,thatsuchvaliantwightShouldjoyathingsoexcellentanddear,Olindrohe,thelordofLungavilla,Andshe,hisladywife,ycleptDrusilla。
LIII
“NolessforhertheyoungTanacroglows,ThanforthatotherburnedCylandersore;
WhobroughterewhiletosadandbittercloseThewickedlovehetothatladybore。
Theholy,hospitablelawshechoseToviolatenolessthanhe,beforeHewouldendure,thathim,withvenomedsting,Hisnewdesiretocrueldeathshouldbring。
LIV
“Buthe,becausehehasbeforehiseyesTheexampleofhiselderbrotherslain,Thinkstobearofftheladyinsuchwise,ThatboldOlindrocannotvengethestain。
Straightspentinhim,notsimplyweakened,liesThevirtue,wontTancarotosustainAbovethatfloodofvice,inwhoseprofoundAndmirywatersMarganorlaydrowned。
LV
“Thatnight,heindeepsilencebadearrayAscoreofarmedmen;andnextconveyedIntosomecaverns,borderingontheway,Anddistantfromthetower,hisambuscade。
Theroadswerebroken,andthefollowingdayOlindrofromallsideswasoverlaid;
And,thoughhemadeabravedefenceandlong,Ofwifeandlifewasplunderedbythatthrong。
LVI
“Olindroslain,theyledhisladyfairAcaptivethence,o\'erwhelmedwithsorrowso,Thatsherefusedtolive,andmadeherprayer,Tanacro,asagrace,woulddeathbestow:
Resolvedtodie,sheleapt,inherdespair,Fromahighbankintoavalebelow;
Butdeathwastothewretcheddamerefused;
Wholaywithshatteredheadandsorelybruised。
LVII
“ShecouldnottothecastlebeconveyedInotherguisethanborneuponabier:
Her(soTanacrobids)promptleechesaid;
Becausehewillnotloseapreysodear;
AndwhiletocureDrusillatheyessayed,Busiedabouttheirspousalswasthepeer:
Inthatsochastealadyandsofair,Awife\'sandnotaleman\'snameshouldwear。
LVIII
“Hehadnootherthought,nootheraim,Noothercare,norspakebesideofought;
Sawhehadwrongedher,andtookalltheblame,And,ashecould,toamendhiserrorwrought:
Butallwasvain;themorehelovedthedame,Themorebetoappeaseherangersought,Somuchmorewasherhate;somuchmorewill,Somuchmorethirsthadshethatyouthtokill。
LIX
“Yethatredblindednotherjudgmentso,Butwhatthedamecouldclearlycomprehend,Thatshe,ifshewouldstrikethepurposedblow,Mustfeign,andsecretsnaresforhimextend。
Andherdesirebeneathanothershow(WhichisbuthowTanacrotooffend)
Mustmask;andmakehimthink,thatoverblownIsherfirstlove,andturnedtohimalone。
LX
“Herfacespeakspeace;whilevengeanceinwardlyHerheartdemands,andbuttothisattends:
Shemanythingsrevolves,accepts,putsby;
Or,asofdoubtfulissue,somesuspends。
Deemingshecan,ifsheresolvestodie,Compassherscheme,withthisresolvesheends;
AndbetterhowcansheexpendherbreathThaninavengingdearOlindro\'sdeath?
LXI
“Sheshowedherselfalljoyful,onherpart,Andfeignedthatshedesiredthosenuptialssore;
Noronlyshowedanunreluctantheart;
Butalldelayandhindranceoverbore。
Paintedandtiredabovetherestwithart,\'Twouldseem,sheofherhusbandthinksnomore:
But\'tisherwill,thatinhercountry\'swiseTanacroshalltheirweddingsolemnize。
LXII
“Thecustomhowsoeverwasnottrue,Whichashercountry\'suseshecertified;
But,becauseneverthoughtwithinhergrewWhichshecouldspendonanythingbeside,Afalsehoodshedevised,whencehopeshedrewOfkillinghimbywhomherhusbanddied;
AndtoldTanacro——andthemannersaid——
Howinhercountry\'sfashionshewouldwed。
LXIII
“`Thewidowthatahusband\'sbedascends,Eresheapproachthebridegroom(saidthatfair)
Thespiritofthedead,whomsheoffends,Mustsoothewithsolemnoffice,massandprayer;
Intheholytemplemakingheramends,Whereherfirsthusband\'sbonesentombedare——
Thatsacrificeperformed——tobindtheirvowsThenuptialringthebridegroomgivesthespouse。
LXIV
“`Buttheholypriest,whilethisshallbeabout,Uponwine,thitherforthatpurposesped,Hisorisons,appropriateanddevout,Blessingwithaltheliquor,shallhavesaid;
Thenfromtheflaskintoacuppourout,Andgivetheblessedwinetothemthatwed。
But\'tisthespouse\'sparttotakethecup;
Andfirstthatvessel\'scordialbeveragesup。\'
LXV
“Theunsuspectingyouth,whotakesnoheedWhatnuptials,orderedinherwise,import,Atherownpleasurebidsthedameproceed,Sothatshecuthistermsofwaitingshort;
NordoesthemiserablestriplingreadShewouldavengeOlindrointhatsort;
Andononeobjectissosoreintent,Heseesbutthat,onthataloneisbent。
LXVI
“Anancientwoman,seizedwithherwhilere,Andleft,withal,obeyedDrusilla,whoThatbeldamcalledandwhisperedinherear,Soasthatnonebesidecouldhearthetwo——
Apoisonofquickpowerformeprepare,Suchas,Iknow,thouknowesthowtobrew;
Andbottleit;forIhavefoundawayThetraitoroussonofMarganortoslay;
LXVII
“`Andmeandtheenolesscansave,\'(shesaid,)
`Andthisatbetterleisurewillexplain。\'
Thewomanwentherways,thepotionmade,Andtothepalacebentherstepsagain:
AflaskofCandiansweetwineshepurveyed,WherewithDrusillasheathedthatdeadlybane;
Andkeptthebeverageforthenuptialday;
Fornowhadceasedallhindranceanddelay。
LXVIII
“Onthefixtdaysheseeksthetemple,dightWithpreciousjewelsandwithgoodlygear;
Whereherlord\'stomb,befittingsuchaknight,Builtbyherorder,twofairpillarsrear。
Theholyofficethere,withsolemnrite,Issung,whichmenandwomentrooptohear;
And——gay,beyondhisusage——withhisheir,Begirtbyfriends,SirMarganoristhere。
LXIX
“Whentheholyobsequiesatlastwereo\'er,Andbythepriestwasblestthepoisoneddraught,HeintoafairgoldencupdidpourThewine,asbyDrusillahadbeentaught,Shedrankwhatsortedwithhersex;normoreThanwouldeffectthepurposewhichshesought:
Thentothebridegroom,withajocundeye,Handedthedraught,whodrainedthegobletdry。
LXX
“Thecupreturned——Tanacro,blitheandgay,OpenedhisarmsDrusillatoembrace。
Thenalteredwashersweetandwinningway,Andtoatempestthatlongcalmgaveplace。
Shethrusthimback,shemotionedhimaway;
Sheseemedtokindleinhereyesandface;
Andtotheyouth,withbrokenvoiceanddread,——`Traitor,standoff,\'——thefuriousladysaid;——
LXXI
“`Shaltthouthenjoyandsolacehavefromme,Itearsfromthee,andpunishmentandwoe?
Nowtheseminehandsshallmakeanendofthee。
This,ifthouknow\'stitnot,forpoisonknow。
MuchgrieveIthatthoushould\'sttoohonouredbeBytheexecutionerwhodealstheblow;
Should\'stdieadeathtooeasy:sinceIwot,Fortheetooshamefulhandorpainisnot。
LXXII
“`Inseeingthisthydeath,itgivesmepain,Mysacrificeshouldbecompletedill;
ForcouldIdobytheeasIwerefain,Nothingshouldlackthatpurposetofulfill。
Maymysweetconsortnottheworkdisdain,Andfortheimperfectdeedacceptthewill!
That,withoutpowertocompasswhatIwould,IhavebeenfaintoslaytheeasIcould!
LXXIII
“`Andthatdeservedpunishment,whichI
Cannot,asIdesire,ontheebestow,Ihopethysoulshallhave;hopetobenigh,Toseetheesuffer,intherealmsofwoe。\'
Herturbideyesthenraisingtothesky,Withjoyousfacealloverinaglow,(Shecried)`Olindro,takethisvictim\'slife,Withthegoodwillofthineavengingwife;
LXXIV
“`Andofourlordformethegraceobtain,Tobethisdayinparadisewiththee,Ifhereply,nonecomethtoyourreign,Withoutdesert;saysuchIbringwithme,Whothisfellimpiousmonster,inhisfane,Offer,asmyfirst-fruits;andwhatcanbeAgreatermeritthantohavesupprestSuchloathsomeandabominablepest?\'
LXXV
“Herlife,togetherwithherspeech,wasspent;
And,evendead,herfaceappearedtoglowWithjoy,athavingdealtsuchpunishmentTohim,thatlaidhercherishedhusbandlow。
IffierceTanacro\'sspiritdidprevent,Offollowhers,Iwissnot;but,Itrow,Prevented,foronhimthatvenomrankYetfasterwrought,becausehedeeperdrank。
LXXVI
“Marganor,whobeheldhisonlysonFallandexpire,hisoutstretchedarmsbetween,WellnighhadwithTanacrodied,o\'erthrownBythatsosuddengriefandunforeseen。
Twosonshehad,andnowwasleftalone;
Broughttothatpasshebytwowiveshadbeen;
ThiswasthecauseonespenthisvitalbreathWithherownhand,thatdealttheotherdeath。
LXXVII
“Love,pity,sorrow,anger,anddesireOfdeathandvengeance,alltogetherrendAndrackthechildlessandunhappysire,Whogroanslikesea,whenwindandwavescontend:
Towardsthedame,withvengefulthoughtsafire,Hegoes,butseesthatlifeisatanend;
And,goadedbyhisrageandhatredhot,Seekstooffendhercorsethatfeelsitnot。
LXXVIII
“Asserpent,bythepointedspearpinneddown,Fixeshisteethinit,withfruitlessspire;
Orasthemastiffrunstowardsastone,Whichhasbeenflungbysomewayfaringwight,Andgnawsitinhisrage,norwillbegoneUntilhevengehimself;\'tissotheknight,Thananymastiff,anyserpent,worseOffendsDrusilla\'scoldandlifelesscorse。
LXXIX
“And,forheventethnot,norslakeshismood,Byfoulabuseuponthecarcasedone,Amongthewomen,alargemultitude,Hesprings,andthereshowsmercyuntonone。
Mownarewewithhisimpioussword,asstrewedIsgrasswithscythe,whendriedbysummersun。
Thereisno\'scape;forstraightwaysofourtrainArefullahundredmaimed,andthirtyslain。
LXXX
“Heofhisvassalsissoheldindread,Thereisnomanwhodarestolifthiseyes:
Thewomenwiththemeanersortarefled,Andwhosoevercan,thetempleflies。
Hisfriendsagainstthefuriousfitmakehead,Atlast,withkindconstraintandsuppliantcries;
And,leavingeverythingintearsbelow,Himinhiscastleontherockbestow。
LXXXI
“Hiswrathenduringstill,tosendawayThewretchdeterminesallthefemaleband:
Inthat,hiswillusutterlytoslayHispeopleandhisfriends,withprayer,withstand;
Andhebidspunish,onthatveryday,Anorderforusalltoleavehisland;
Placedsuchhispleasuresontheseconfines:woeTothemthatnearertohiscastlego!
LXXXII
“Thushusbandsfromtheirwivesdividedare,Mothersfromsons:ifhithertoresort,Despitethatorder,anyoneshoulddare,Letnoneknowthis,whomightthedeedreport!
ForsorelymulctedforthetransgressionwereMany,andmanyslainincruelsort。
Astatuteforhistownnextmadethepeer:
Offoulerlawweneitherreadnorhear。
LXXXIII
“Itwills,allwomenfoundwithinthevale,(Forthitherevenyetwillsomedescend,)
Hismenwithrodsshallontheshoulderswhale,Andintoexilefromthosecountriessend;
Butfirsttheirgownsshallclip,andpartsunveilThatdecencyandnaturalshameoffend;
AndifwithescortofanarmedknightAnywendthither,theyareslainoutright。
LXXXIV
“Thosethatanarmedwarrior\'sescorthave,Bythisillman,topietyafoe,Aredraggedasvictimstohischildren\'sgrave,Wherehisownhandinflictsthemurderousblow。
Striptignominiouslyofarmour,glaive,Andsteed,theirchampionstohisprisonsgo;
Andthiscanhecompel;for,nightandday,Athousandmenthetyrant\'shestobey。
LXXXV
“AndIwilladd,moreover,\'tishiswill,Doeshefreeanyone,hefirstshallswearUpontheholywafer,thathestillTowoman,whilehelives,willhatredbear。
IfthentheseladiesandyourselftospillSeemgoodtoyou,toyonderwallsrepair;
Andputtoproofwithal,ifprowessmoreOrcrueltyprevailsinMarganor。”
LXXXVI
Sosaying,inthosemaidsofmartialmightFirstshesuchpitymovedandthendisdain,Thatthey(haditbeendayinsteadofnight)
Wouldthenhavegoneagainstthatcastellain。
Thererestthetroop;andwhenAurora\'slightServesasasignaltothestarrytrain,Thattheyshouldallbeforethesunrecede,Theydonthecuirassandremountthesteed:
LXXXVII
Andnow,inacttogo,thatcompanyBehindthemhearthestonyroadresoundWithalongtrample,whenthosewarlikethreeLookdownthevaleandrolltheireyesaround;
Andtheyfromthence,astone\'s-throwdistant,seeAtroop,whichthroughanarrowpathwaywound:
Ascoretheyareperhapsinnumber,whoOnhorseback,oronfoot,theirwaypursue。
LXXXVIII
Theywiththemonahorseawomanhaul,(Whomstrickensoreinyearshervisageshows,)
InguisewhereinsomedolefulcriminalCondemnedtogallows,fire,orprisongoes;
Who,notwithstandingthatwideinterval,Isbyherfeaturesknown,aswellasclothes:
Theyofthevillage,midthecavalcade,KnowherforfairDrusilla\'schambermaid。
LXXXIX
Thechamberwench,madeprisonerwithhisprize,Bytherapaciousstripling,asIshewed,Whobeingtrustedwiththatillemprize,Thepoisoneddraughtoffouleffecthadbrewed。
FromtheotherssheandthosesolemnitesHadkeptaway,suspectingwhatensued:
Yea,thiswhile,fromthatlordshiphadshefled,Wheresheinsafetyhopedtohideherhead。
XC
Newsbeingaftertoherfoemanbrought,ThatsheretiredinOstericchelay,He,withintenttoburnthewoman,soughtTohaveherinhispowerbyeveryway;
AndfinallyunhappyAvarice,boughtBycostlypresents,andbyprofferedpay,Wroughtonalord,assureduponwhoselandsThebeldamlived,toputherinhishands。
XCI
HeonasumpterhorsetheprisonersentToConstance-town,likemerchandiseaddrest;
FastenedandboundinmannertopreventTheuseofspeech,andprisonedinachest。
Fromwhencethatrabble,hisillinstrument,Whohasallpitybanishedfromhisbreast,Hadhitherbroughther,thathisimpiousrageThatcruelmanmightonthehagassuage。
XCII
Astheflood,swolnwithVesulo\'sthicksnows,Thefartherthatitfoamsuponitsway,And,withTicinoandLambra,seawardgoes,Ada,andotherstreamsthattributepay,Somuchmorehaughtyandimpetuousflows;
Rogeroso,themorehehearsdisplayMarganor\'sguilt,andsothatgentlepairOfdamselsfilledwithfiercercholerare。
XCIII
Themwithsuchhatred,themwithsuchdisdainAgainstthewretchsomanycrimesincense,Thattheywillpunishhim,despitethetrainOrarmedmenarraidinhisdefence:
Butspeedydeathappearstookindapain,Andinsufficientforsuchfouloffence。
Bettertheydeem,midpangsprolongedandslow,Heallthebitternessofdeathshouldknow。
XCIV
Butfirst\'tisrightthatwomantounchain,Shewhomthehangman-crewtodeathescort;
AndthequickrowelandtheloosenedreinMadethequickcoursersmakethatlabourshort。
NeverhadthoseassaultedtosustainEncounterofsofellandfierceasort;
Whohelditforagrace,withlossofshield,Harnessandcaptivedame,toquitthefield;
XCV
Evenasthewolf,who,ladenwithhisprey,Ishomewardtohissecretcavernbound,And,whenhedeemsthatsafestistheway,Beholdsitcrostbyhunterandbyhound,Flingsdownhisload,andswiftlydartsaway,Wheremosto\'ergrownwithbrushwoodistheground。
Norquickerarethatbandtovoidthevale,Thanthoseboldthreearequickertoassail。
XCVI
Notonlytheythedameandmartialgear,Butmanyhorsestheyaswellforsook;
And,asthesurestrefugeintheirfear,Castthemselvesdownfrombankandcavernednook:
Whichpleasedthedamselsandtheyouthfulpeer;
Whothreeofthoseforsakenhorsestook,Tomountthosethree,whom,throughthedaybefore,Upontheircroupsthethreegoodcoursersbore。
XCVII
Thence,lightenedthus,theirwaytheythitherbend,Wherethatdespiteous,shameful,lordshiplies;
Resolvedthebeldamintheirbandshallwend,ToseeDrusillavenged;invaindeniesThatwoman,whomisdoubtstheadventure\'send,Andgrieves,andshrieks,andweepsinpiteouswise:
ForflingingheruponFrontino\'scroup,Rogerobearsheroffamidthetroop。
XCVIII
Theyreachedasummit,andfromthenceespiedAtownwithmanyhouses,largeandrich;
Withnoughttostopthewayonanyside,Asneithercompassedroundbywallorditch。
Arockwasinthemiddle,fortifiedWithatalltower,uponitstopmostpitch。
Fearlesslythitherprickedthewarriors,whoMarganor\'smansioninthatfortressknew。
XCIX
AssoonasinthetownthatcavalcadeArrived,somefootmen,whokeptwatchandward,Behindthosewarriorsclosedabarricade;
Whilethat,before,theyfoundalreadybarred。
Andlo!SirMarganor,withmenarraid,Somefoot,somehorsemen!armedwasalltheguard;
Whotothestrangers,infewwords,butbold,Thewickedcustomofhislordshiptold。
C
Marphisa,whohadplannedthethingwhilereWithAymon\'sdaughterandtheyouthfulknight,Foranswer,spurredagainstthecavalier;
And,valiantasshewasandfullofmight,Notputtingintherestherpuissantspear,Orbaringthatgoodsword,sofamedinfight,Sosmotehimwithherfistuponthehead,Thatonhishorse\'sneckhefellhalfdead。
CI
ThemaidofFranceiswithMarphisagone,NorintherearitseenRogero\'screst;
Whowiththosetwohiscoursesobravelyrun,That,thoughhislanceheraisednotfromtherest,Sixmenheslew;transfixedthepaunchofone,Another\'shead,offourtheneckorbreast;
I\'thesixthhebrokeit,whominflighthespeared:
Itpiercedhisspineandathispapsappeared。
CII
Asmanyasaretouched,somanylieOnearth,byBradamant\'sgoldlanceo\'erthrown;
Sheseemsabolt,dismistformburningsky,Which,initsfury,shiversandbeatsdownWhateveritencounters,farandnigh。
Someflytoplain,orcastlefromthetown,Otherstoshelteringchurchandhouserepair;
Andnone,savedead,areseeninstreetorsquare。
CIII
MeanwhilethehandsofMarganor,behindHisback,thefierceMarphisahadmadefast,AndtoDrusilla\'smaidthewretchconsigned,Wellpleasedthatsuchacareonherwascast。
Toburnthetown\'twasafterwardsdesigned,Saveitrepentedofitserrorspast,RepealedthestatuteMarganorhadmade,Andanewlaw,imposedbyher,obeyed。
CIV
Suchendtocompassisnohardassay;
For,besidesfearinglestMarphisayearnToexecutemorevengeance,——lestshesay,——Sheoneandallwillslaughterandwillburn,——
ThetownsmenallwereadvisedtotheswayAndcruelstatuteofthattyrantstern;
Butdid,asothersmostlydo,thatbestObeythemasterwhomtheymostdetest。
CV
Sincenonedarestrustanother,norhiswill,——Outofsuspicion——tohiscomradesbreak,Theylethimbanishone,anotherkill,Fromthishissubstance,thathishonourtake。
ButtheheartcriestoHeaven,thathereisstill,TillGodandsaintsatlengthtovengeancewake:
Who,albeittheyduepunishmentsuspend,Bymightypainthelongdelayamend。
CVI
Therabble,fullofrageandenmity,Nowseeksthewretchwithwordanddeedtogrieve;
As,itissaid,allstripthefallentree,Whichfromitsrootsandwintrywindsupheave:
Letrulersinhissadexamplesee,Illdoersintheendshallillreceive。
ToviewfellMarganor\'sdisastrousfall,Fitpenanceforhissins,pleasedgreatandsmall。
CVII
Many,ofwhomthesisterhadbeenslain,Themother,orthedaughter,orthewife,Seekingnomoretheirrebelwrathtorein,Hurry,withtheirownhandstotakehislife;
AndyoungRogeroandthedamselstwainCanscarcedefendthefeloninthatstrife;
Whomthoseillustriousthreehaddoomedtodie,Midtrouble,fear,andlengthenedagony。
CVIII
Tothehag,whoboresuchhatredtothatwight,Aswomantoanenemycanbear,Theygivetheirprisonernaked,boundsotight,Hewillnotatoneshakethecordagetear;
Andshe,herpainsandsorrowtorequite,Crimsonsthewretch\'sbody,hereandthere,Withasharpgoad,which,midthatvillageband,Apeasantchurlhadputintoherhand。
CIX
Norshethecouriermaid,northeythatrideWithher,ayemindfulhowtheyhadbeenshent,Nowlettheirhandshangidlebytheirside;
Nolessthanthatoldcroneonvengeancebent:
Suchwastheirfiercedesire,itnullifiedThepowertoharm;butragemusthaveitsvent。,Himonewithstones,anotherwithhernails,Thiswithherteeth,withneedlesthat,assails。
CX
Astorrentonewhilefoamsinhaughtytide,Whenfedwithmightyrainormeltedsnow;
And,rendingformthemountain\'sruggedsideTree,rock,andcropandfield,thewatersgo:
ThencomesaseasonwhenitscrestedprideIsvanished,anditsvigourwastedso,Achild,awoman,everywheremaytread,Andoftendry-shodcross,itsruggedbed。
CXI
SoMarganorwhilereeachboundandbournMadetremble,whereso\'erhisnamewasheard:
Nowoneiscometobruisethetyrant\'shorn;
Andnowhisprowessissolittlefeared,Thateventhelittlechildrenworkhimscorn:
Somepluckhishairandotherspluckhisbeard。
ThenceyoungRogeroandthedamselstwainTowardshisrock-builtcastleturntherein。
CXII
Thiswithoutcontestitspossessorsyield,Andtherichgoodspreservedinthatrepair。
Thesethefriendspartlyspoiled,andpartlydealedToUlanyandthatattendantpair。
Withthem,recoveredwasthegoldenshield,Andthosethreemonarchsthatwereprisonedthere;
Who,withoutarms,afoot,towardsthatholdHadwended,asmeseemswhilerewastold。
CXIII
ForfromthedaythattheywereoverthrownByBradamant,afoot,theyevermore,Unarmed,incompanywithherhadgone,Thathithercamefromhersodistantshore。
Iknownot,I,ifitwasbetterdoneOrworse,byher,thattheytheirarmsforbore;
Worse,touchingherdefence;butbetterfar,Iftheywerelosersinthedoubtfulwar。
CXIV
Forshewouldhavebeendragged,——likeothers,whomArmedmenhadthitherbroughtbeneaththeirguide,(Unhappywomen)tothebrothers\'tomb,——
Andbythesacrificeknifehavedied。
Death,sure,isworse,andmoredisastrousdoomThanshowingthatwhichmodestywouldhide;
Andtheywhocantoforceascribetheblame,Extinguishthisandeveryothershame。
CXV
Beforetheyhencedepart,themartialtwainAssembletheinhabitants,toswear,TheytotheirwivestheruleofthatdomainWillleave,aswellaseveryothercare;
Andthattheywillchastise,withheavypain,Whoevertoopposethislawshalldare——
Infine,man\'sprivileges,whatsoe\'er,Theyswear,shallbeconferredonwomanhere:
CXVI
ThenmakethempromisenevertobestowHarbourageonwhosoeverthithersped,Footmanorcavalier,norevenallowAnybeneatharooftohidehishead,UnlesshesworebyGodandsaints,orvowYetstrongermade——ifstrongercouldbesaid——
Thathethesex\'scausewouldayedefend,Foetotheirfoes,andwoman\'sfaithfulfriend;
CXVII
And,ifhethenwerewived,oreverwere——Soonerorlater——linkedinnuptialnoose,Stilltohiswifehewouldallegiancebear,Nore\'ercompliancewithherwillrefuse。
Marphisasays,withintheyear,shethereWillbe,anderethetreestheirfoliagelose;
And,saveshefindherstatuteineffect,Thatboroughfireandruinmayexpect。
CXVIII
Norhencetheypartillfromthefilthyplace,Whereinitlay,Drusilla\'scorseisborne;
Herwithherlordtheyinatombencase,And,withwhatmeansthetownsupplies,adorn。
Drusilla\'sancientwoman,inthisspace,Marganor\'sbodywithhergoadhastorn。
Whoonlygrievesshehasnotwindenow,Norespitetohistorturetoallow。
CXIX
Besideachurch,themartialdamselstwainBeholdapillar,standinginthesquare;
WhereonthewickedlordofthedomainHadgravedthatmadandcruellaw;thepair,Inimitation,hishelm,plate,andchain,Andshield,inguiseoftrophyfastenthere;
AndafterwardsuponthepillartraceThatlawtheyhadenactedfortheplace。
CXX
Withinthetownthetroopsetuptheirrest,Untilthelawisgraved,ofdifferentframeFromthatbeforeuponthestoneimprest,Whicheverywomandoom\'dtodeathandshame。
Withtheintentiontoreplacehervest,HerefromthatbanddividestheIslandickdame;
Whodeems,atcourt\'twereshamefultoappear,Unlessadornedandmantledaswhilere。
CXXI
HereUlanyremained,andinherpowerRemainedthewickedtyrantMarganor:
She,lestheanyhow,inevilhour,Shouldbreakhisbondsandinjuredamselmore,Madehim,oneday,leapheadlongfromatower,Whonevertooksostillaleapbefore。
Nomoreofherandhers!IofthecrewThatjourneytowardArles,thetalepursue。
CXXII
Throughoutallthatandthesucceedingday,Tilltheforenoon,proceedthosebandedfriends;
And,wherethemain-roadbranches,andonewayTowardsthecamp,toArlestheothertends,Againembracethelovers,andoftsayAlastfarewell,whichevermoreoffends。
Thedamselsseekthecamp;toArlesisgoneRogero;andmycantoIhavedone。
CANTO38
ARGUMENT
ToArlestheChild,toCharlesMarphisawends,Tobebaptized,withBradamantforguide。
Astolphofromtheholyrealmdescends;
ThroughwhomwithsighttheNubianissupplied:
Agramant\'slandhewithhistroopoffends;
ButheisofhisAfrickrealmsowide,WithCharleshebargains,that,oneitherside,Twoknightsbystrifetheirquarrelshoulddecide。
I
Yecourteousladies,whountomystrainKindaudiencelend——Ireaditinyourcheer——
ThatgoodRogeroshoulddepartagainSosuddenly,fromherthatheldhimdear,Displeasesye,andscarceinflictslesspainThanthatwhichBradamantenduredwhilere:
Ireadyoualsoargue,tohisshame,Thatfeeblyburnedinhimtheamorousflame。
II
Iffromhersideforothercausehadgone,Againstthatlady\'swill,theyouthfullord;
ThoughinthehopemoretreasuretohavewonThanswelledrichCroesus\'orrichCrassus\'hoard,Itooshoulddeemthedart,byCupidthrown,Hadnottheheart-coreofRogerogored。
Forsuchasovereignjoy,aprizesohighNosilverandnogoldcouldeverbuy。
III
YettopreserveourhonournotaloneDeservesexcuse,italsomeritspraise:
Thistopreserve,Isay,whentohavedoneInotherwise,mightshameandscandalraise;
AndhadfairBradamantreluctanceshown,Andobstinatelyinterposeddelays,This,asacertainsign,hadservedtoproveThatlady\'slittlewitorlittlelove。
IV
Forifhislife,whomgentlewomanloves,Asherownlifeshevalues,orbefore;
(IspeakofoneatwhomyoungCupidrovesWitharrowswhichbeneaththemantlegore)
HishonourtohispleasureitbehovesThatwomantoprefer,bysomuchmore,Asmanbeyondhislifehishonourtreasures,Esteemedbyhimaboveallotherpleasures。
V
HisdutygoodRogerosatisfied,Followingtheroyallordwithwhomhecame;
Forhavingnofaircausetoquithisside,HecouldnotleavethePaynimwithoutshame;
And,ifhissirehadbyAlmontesdied,Inthis,KingAgramantwasnottoblame;
Whoforhisparents\'everypastoffenceHadmadeRogeromightyrecompense。
VI
HewillperformhisdutytorepairTohisliege-lord;sodidthatmartialmaid;
Whohadnotwithreiteratedprayer(Assoshemighthavedone)Rogerostayed。
ThestriplingmayappaythewarlikefairInotherseason,ifnotnowappaid;
ButtwicetwohundredyearswillnotatoneThecryingsinofhonouronceforegone。