第24章

类别:其他 作者:Ludovico Ariosto字数:20469更新时间:18/12/20 10:53:49
L Orlandoshookhimself,andEngland\'sknight,Tenpacesoff,reversedupontheground; YetloosednotBrandimart,whowithmoremightAndbetterholdhadclaspedthemadmanround。 ToOlivier,tooforwardinthatfight,Hedealtsofuriousandsofellawound,Withhisclenchedfist,thatpalethemarquisfell; Andpurplestreamsfromeyesandnostrilswell; LI Andsavehismorionhadbeenmorethangood,BoldOlivierhadbreathedhislast,wholies,Sobatteredwithhisfall,itseemedhewou\'dBequeathhispartingsoultoparadise。 AstolphoandDudon,thatagainupstood(AlbeitswolnwereDudon\'sfaceandeyes) AndSansonet,whopliedsowellhissword,AllmadetogetheratAnglantes\'lord。 LII DudonOrlandofrombehindembraced,Andwithhisfootthefuriouspeerwouldthrow: Astolphoandothersseizehisarms;butwasteTheirstrengthinallattemptstoholdthefoe。 Hewhohasseenabull,bymastiffschasedThatgorehisbleedingears,infurylowe,Draggingthedogsthatbaithimthereandhere,Yetfromtheirtusksunabletogetclear; LIII Lethimimagine,soOrlandodrewAstolphoandthosebandedknightsalong。 MeanwhileupstartedOliviero,whoBythatfellfistycuffonearthwasflung; And,seeingtheycouldillbyRolanddoThatsoughtbygoodAstolphoandhisthrong,Hemeditates,andcompasses,awayThefranticpaladinonearthtolay。 LIV Hemanyahawsermadethemthitherbring,Andrunningknotsinthemhequicklytied; Whichonthecount\'swaist,arms,andlegs,theyfling; Andthen,amongthemselves,theendsdivide,Conveyedtothisorthatamidthering,CompassingRolanduponeveryside。 ThewarriorsthusOrlandoflungparforce,Asfarrierthrowsthestrugglingoxorhorse。 LV Assoonasdown,theyalluponhimare,Andhandsandfeetmoretightlytheyconstrain: Heshakeshimself,andplungeshereandthere; Butallhiseffortsforreliefarevain。 Astolphobadethemhencetheprisonerbear; Forhewouldheal(hesaid)thewarrior\'sbrain。 ShoulderedbysturdyDudonistheload,Andonthebeach\'sfurthestbrinkbestowed。 LVI SeventimesAstolphomakesthemwashtheknight; Andseventimesplungedbeneaththebrinehegoes。 Sothattheycleanseawaythescurfandblight,Whichtohisstupidlimbsandvisagegrows。 Thisdone,withherbs,forthatoccasiondight,Theystophismouth,wherewithhepuffsandblows。 For,savehisnostrils,wouldAstolpholeaveNopassagewhencethecountmightairreceive。 LVII ValiantAstolphohadpreparedthevase,WhereinOrlando\'ssenseswerecontained,Andtohisnostrilsinsuchmodeconveys,That,drawing-inhisbreath,thecountydrainedThemysticcupwithal。Ohwondrouscase! Theunsettledminditsancientseatregained; And,initsgloriousreasonings,yetmoreclearAndlucidwaxedhiswisdomthanwhilere。 LVIII Asone,thatseemsintroubledsleeptoseeAbominableshapes,ahorridcrew; Monsterswhicharenot,andwhichcannotbe; Orseemssomestrange,unlawfulthingtodo,Yetmarvelsathimself,fromslumberfree。 Whenhisrecoveredsensesplayhimtrue; SogoodOrlando,whenheismadesound,Remainsyetfullofwonder,andastound。 LIX Aldabelle\'sbrother,Monodantes\'son,Andhimthatonhisbrainsuchcurehadwrought,Hewonderingmarked,butwordhespaketonone; Andwhenandhowhewasbroughtthither,thought。 Heturnedhisrestlesseyesnowupnowdown,Norwherehewaswithal,imaginedaught,Marvellingwhyhetherewasnakedcast,Andwhereforetethered,neckandheels,sofast。 LX Thensaid,aserstSilenussaid——whenseen,Andtakensleepingthecaveofyore—— SOLVITEME,withvisagesoserene,Withlooksomuchlesswaywardthanbefore,Thathimtheyfromhisbondsdeliveredclean,Andraimenttothenakedwarriorbore; Allcomfortingtheirfriend,withgriefopprestForthatdelusionwhichhadhimpossest。 LXI Whentohisformerselfhewasrecovered,Ofwiserandofmanliermindthane\'er,Fromloveaswellwasfreedtheenamouredlord; Andshe,sogentledeemed,sofairwhilere,AndbyrenownedOrlandosoadored,Didbuttohimaworthlessthingappear。 Whathethroughlovehadlost,toreacquireWashiswholestudy,washiswholedesire。 LXII MeanwhileBardinotoldtoBrandimart,HowMonodantes,hisgoodsire,wasdead,And,onhisbrother,Gigliantes\'part,Tocallhimtohiskingdomhadhesped,Aswellasfromthoseisles,whichmostapartFromotherlands,ineasternseasarespread,Thatprince\'sfairinheritance;thanwhichWasnonemorepleasant,populous,orrich。 LXIII Hesaid,midmanyreasonswhichheprest,Thathomewassweet,and——werethewarriorfainTotastethatsweet——heeverwoulddetestAwanderinglife;andBrandimartagainReplies,throughallthatwar,hewillnotrestFromservingRolandandKingCharlemagne; Andafter,ifhelivestoseeitsend,Tohisownmattersbetterwillattend。 LXIV Uponthefollowingday,forProvencesteerTheshippingunderDanishDudon\'scare; WhenwiththedukeretiredAnglantes\'peer,Andheardthatlordthewarfare\'sstatedeclare: ThenprestwithsiegeBiserta,farandnear,ButletgoodEngland\'sknightthehonourwearOfeveryvantage;whileAstolphostillInallwasguidedbyOrlando\'swill。 LXV TheordertakentoattackthetownOfhugeBiserta,when,andonwhatside; How,atthefirstassault,thewallsarewon,AndwithOrlandowhothepalmdivide,LamentnotthatInowshallleaveunshown,SinceforshorttimeIlaymytaleaside。 Inthemeanwhile,howfierceanoverthrowTheMoorsreceivedinFrance,bepleasedtoknow。 LXVI WellnighabandonedwastheirroyallordInhisworstperil;fortoArlesagainHadgone,withmanyofthepaynimhorde,ThesageSobrinoandthekingofSpain; Who,forthedeemedthelandunsafe,aboardTheirbarkssoughtrefuge,withanumeroustrain,Baronsandcavaliers,thatservedtheMoor; Whomovedbytheirexampleputfromshore。 LXVII YetroyalAgramantthefightmaintains; Butwhenhecannolongermakeastand,Turnsfromthecombat,anddirectlystrainsForArles,notfarremote,uponthestrand。 HimRabicanpursues,withflowingreins,WhomAymon\'sdaughterdriveswithheelandhand。 Himwouldsheslay,throughwhomsooftencrost,ThatmartialmaidhadherRogerolost。 LXVIII Marphisabythesamedesirewasstirred,Whohadherthoughtsontardyvengeanceplaced,Forherdeadsire;andasshefiercelyspurred,Madeherhotcourserfeelhisrider\'shaste。 Butneithermartialmaid,amidthatherdOfflyingMoors,sowellthemonarchchased,Astoo\'ertakehiminhisswiftretreat,FirstintoArles,andthenaboardhisfleet。 LXIX Astwofairgenerouspards,thatfromsomecragTogetherdart,andstretchacrosstheplain; Whentheyperceivethatvigorousgoatorstag,Theirnimblequarry,ispursuedinvain,Asifashamedtheyinthatchasedidlag,Returnrepentantandinhighdisdain: So,withasigh,returnthosedamselstwo,Whentheythepaynimkinginsafetyview: LXX Yetthereforehaltnot,butinfurygoAmidthatcrowd,whichflies,possestwithdread; Feeling,nowhere,nowthere,ateveryblow,Manythatnevermoreupreartheirhead。 Toevilpasswasbroughtthebrokenfoe; Forsafetywasnotevenforthemthatfled: SinceAgramant,asureretreattogain,Badeshutthecity-gatewhichfacedtheplain; LXXI AndbadeonRhonebreakallthebridgesdown。 Unhappypeople,everheldascheap——Weighedwiththetyrant\'swantwhowearsacrown—— Asworthlessherdofgoatsorsillysheep! Theseinthesea,thoseintheriverdrown; Andthosewithbloodthethirstyfallowssteep。 TheFranksfewprisonersmade,andmanyslew; Forransominthatbattlewasforfew。 LXXII Ofthegreatmultitudeofeithertrain,Christenedorpaynim,killedinthatlastfight,Thoughinunequalparts(for,oftheslain,ByfarmoreSaracenswerekilledinflight,Byhandsofthoseredoubteddamselstwain),Signseventothisdayremaininsight: For,hardbyArles,wheresleepsthelazyRhone,Theplainwithrisingsepulchresisstrown。 LXXIII MeanwhilehisheavyshipsofdeepestdraughtKingAgramanthadmadeputforthtosea,Leavingsomebarksinport——hislightestcraft—— Forthemthatwouldaboardhisnavyflee: Hestaystwodays,whiletheythestragglerswaft,And,forthewindsarewildandcontrary,Onthethirdday,tosailhegivecommand,IntrusttomakereturntoAfrick\'sland。 LXXIV RoyalMarsilius,inthatfatalhour,FearingthecostswillfalluponhisSpain,Andthattheclouds,whichbigwithtempestlower,Intheendwillburstuponhisfieldsandgrain,MakesforValentia;wherehetownandtowerBeginstofortifywithmicklepain; Andforthatwarprepares,whichafterendsInthedestructionofhimselfandfriends。 LXXV KingAgramanthissailsforAfrickbent: Hisbarksill-armedandalmostemptygo; Emptyofmen,butfullofdiscontent,Inthatthree-fourthshadperishedbythefoe。 Ascruelsome,asweakandproudsomeshentTheirking,and(asstillhappensinlikewoe) Allhatehimprivily;but,fortheyfearHisfury,inhispresencemuteappear。 LXXVI Yetsometimestwoorthreetheirlipsunclose,——Someknotoffriends,whereeachoneachrelies—— Andtheirpentcholerandtheirrageexpose: YetAgramantbeneaththeillusionlies,Thateachwillloveandpityoverflows; Andthisbefalls,becausehestillespiesFalsefaces,hearsbutvoicesthatapplaud,Andnoughtbutadulation,liesandfraud。 LXXVII NotinBiserta\'sporthishosttolandWasthesagekingofAfrica\'sintent,WhohadsurenewsthatshorebyNubia\'sbandWasheld,buthesofaraboveitmeantTosteerhisMoorishsquadron,thatthestrandShouldnotbesteeporruggedfordescent: Therewouldhedisembark,andthencewouldaidForthwithhispeople,brokenanddismaid。 LXXVIII ButfavourednotbyhisfouldestinyWasthatintention,providentandwise; Whichwilledthefleet,fromleavesofgreenwoodtree,Produceduponthebeachinwondrousguise,That,boundforFrance,nowploughedthefoamingsea,Shouldmeetthekingatnight;thatfromsurpriseInthatdark,dismalhour,amidhiscrewWorsepanicanddisordermightensue。 LXXIX Notyettohimhavetidingsbeenconveyed,Thatsquadronsofsuchforcethebillowsplow: Norwouldhehavebelievedinhimwhosaid,Ahundredbarkshadsprungfromonesmallbough; AndhenceforAfricathekinghadweighed,Notfearingtoencounterhostileprow; Norhashewatchmeninhistopstospy,Andmakereportofwhattheyhencedescry。 LXXX `Twassothoseships,byEngland\'speersuppliedToDudon,mannedwithgoodandarmedcrew,WhichseethatMoorishfleetateventide,Andthatstrangearmamentforthwithpursue,Assailedthemunawares,and,far,andwide,Amongthosebarkstheirgrappling-ironsthrew,Andlinkedbychains,totheiropponentsclung,WhenknownforMoorsandfoemenbytheirtongue。 LXXXI Inbearingdown,impelledbywindsthatblowPropitioustotheDanishchief\'sintent,Thoseweightyshipssoshockedthepaynimfoe,Thatmanyvesselstothebottomwent; Then,taxingwitsandhands,toworkthemwoe,Themwithfire,sword,andstonestheChristiansshent; Whichontheirshipsinsuchwideruinpour,Liketempestnevervexttheseabefore。 LXXXII BoldDudon\'smen,towhomunwontedmightAnddaringwasimpartedfromonhigh,(SincethehourwascomethepaynimstorequiteFormorethanoneilldeed,)fromfarandnigh,TheMoorssopestilentlygallandsmite,Agramantfindsnoshelter;fromtheskyAbove,thickcloudsofwhistlingarrowsstrike; Aroundgleamhookandhatchet,swordandpike。 LXXXIII Thekinghearshugeandheavystonesdescend,Fromchargedmachineorthunderingenginesent,Which,falling,poopandprowandbroadsiderend,Openingtoraveningseasamightyvent; Andmorethanallthefuriousfiresoffend,Firesthatarequicklykindled,slowlyspent,Thewretchedcrewswouldfainthatdangershun,Andeverintodirerperilrun。 LXXXIV Oneheadlongplunged,pursuedbyfireandsword,Andperishedmidthewaters,onewhowroughtFasterwitharmsandfeet,hispassageoaredTootherbarque,alreadyoverfraught: Butsherepulsedthewretchthatfainwouldboard; Whosehand,whichtooimportunatelysoughtToclamber,graspedtheside,whilehisloptarmAndbodystainedthewavewithlife-bloodwarm。 LXXXV Him,thattosavehislifei\'thewatersthought,Or,attheworst,toperishwithlesspain,(Sinceswimmingprofitedthecaitiffnought,Andheperceivedhisstrengthandcouragedrain) Tothehungryfiresfromwhichtherefugesought,Thefearofdrowninghurriesbackagain: Hegraspsaburningplank,andinthedreadOfdyingeitherdeath,bybothissped。 LXXXVI Thisvainlytothesearesorts,whomspearOrhatchet,brandishedcloseathand,dismay; Forstoneorarrowfollowinginhisrear,Permitthecraventomakelittleway。 Buthaply,whileityetdelightsyourear,\'Twerewellandwiselydonetoendmylay,RatherthanharpuponthethemesolongAstoannoyyouwithatedioussong。 CANTO40 ARGUMENT ToflytheroyalAgramantisfain,AndseesBisertaburningfaraway; ButlandingfindstheroyalSericane,Whoofhisfaithgivesgoodlywarrant;theyDefyOrlando,backedbychampionstwain; WhomboldGradassofirmlytruststoslay。 Forsevenkings\'sake,fastprisonerstotheirfoes,RogeroandtheDaneexchangerudeblows。 I Thediversechancesofthatsea-fightdread,Heretorehearsewouldtakeawearywhile; Andtodiscoursetoyouuponthishead,GreatsonofHercules,weretoSamos\'isleTocarryearthenvessels,as\'tissaid,ToAthensowls,andcrocodilestheNile。 Inthat,mylord,bywhatisvouchedtome,Suchthingsyousaw,suchthingsmadeotherssee。 II Yourfaithfulpeoplegazedonalongshow,Thatnightandday,whereintheycrowdedstood,Asinatheatre,andhemmedonPoTwixtfireandsword,thehostilenaviesviewed。 Whatoutcriesmaybeheard,whatsoundsofwoe,Howriversmayrunredwithhumanblood,Insuchlikecombat,inhowmanyamodeMendie,yousaw,andyoutomanyshowed。 III Isawnot,I,whowascompelledtocourse,Evermorechangingnags,sixdaysbefore,ToRome,inheatandhaste,somehelpfulforceOfhimourmightypastortoimplore。 But,after,needwasnoneoffootorhorse,Forsothelion\'sbeakandclawsyoutore,FromthatdayuntothisIhearnotsaidThathemoretroubleinyourlandhasbread。 IV ButTrotto,presentatthisvictory,Afranio,Moro,Albert,Hannibal,Zerbinat,Bagno,theAriostosthree,Assuredmeofthemightyfeatwithal,Certifiedafterbythatensignry,Suspendedfromtheholytemple\'swall,Andfifteengalleysatourriver-side,WhichwithathousandcaptivebarksIspied。 V Hethatthosewrecksandblazingfiresdiscerned,Andsuchsoreslaughter,underdifferentshows,Which——vengingusforhallandpalaceburned—— Whilebarkremained,ragedwideamongthefoes,MightalsodeemhowAfrick\'speoplemourned,WithAgramant,middiversedeathsandwoes,Onthatdarknight,whentheredoutedDaneAssaultedinmidseatheMoorishtrain。 VI \'Twasnight,norgleamwasanywheredescried,Whenfirstthefleetsinfuriousstrifewereblended; Butwhenlitsulphur,pitchandtarfromsideAndpoopandprowintotheskyascended,Andthedestructivewild-fire,scatteredwide,Feduponshipandshallopilldefended,ThethingsaboutthemalldescriedsoclearThatnightwaschangedtoday,as\'twouldappear。 VII HenceAgramant,thatbythedarkdeceived,Hadratednotsohighthefoes\'array,Nortoencountersuchaforcebelieved,Butwould,if\'twereopposed,atlastgiveway,Whenthatwidedarknesscleared,andheperceived(Whatleastheweeneduponthefirstaffray) Thattwiceasmanyweretheshipshefought,AshisownMoorishbarks,tookotherthought。 VIII Intoaboathewithsomefewdescends,Brigliadorandsomepreciousthings,toflee; Andso,twixtshipandship,insilencewends,Untilhefindshimselfinsafersea,Farfromhisown;whomfieryDudonshends,Reducedtosadandsoreextremity; Themsteeldestroys,firesburn,andwatersdrown; Whilehe,thatmightyslaughter\'scause,isflown。 IX Agramantflies,andwithhimoldSobrine,Agramantgrievinghehadnotbelieved,Whattimethatsageforesawwitheyedivine,Andtoldthewoewherewithheisaggrieved。 Butturnmetothevaliantpaladine,Who,beforeotheraidcanbereceived,CounselsthedukeBisertatodestroy; ThatitnomoremayChristianFranceannoy。 X Andhenceinpublicorderwasitsaid,Thecampshouldtoitsarmsthethirddaystand; Forthis,itwaswithmanybarksbested; ForallwereplacednotattheDane\'scommand。 ThatfleettheworthySansonettoled,(Asgoodawarriorhebyseaasland) Whichamileofftheport,andoverightBiserta,nowwasanchoredbytheknight。 XI Orlandoandtheduke,likeChristianstrue,WhichdarenodangerwithoutGodforguide,Thatfastandprayerbemadetheirarmythrough,Ordainbyproclamationtobecried; Andthatuponthethirdday,whentheyviewThesignal,allshallbownthem,farandwide,Biserta\'sroyalcitytoattack,Whichthey,whentaken,doomtofireandsack。 XII Andso,whennowdevoutlyhavebeendoneVigilandvow,andholyprayerandfast,Kin,friends,andthosetooneanotherknown,Togetherfeast;who,whenwithgladrepastTheirwastedbodieswererefreshed,begunToembraceandweep;andactsandspeechespast,Uponthebanquet\'sclose,amidthosecrewsSuchasbestfriends,abouttosever,use。 XIII TheholypriestswithinBiserta\'swall,Praywiththeirgrievingpeople,andintears,Ayebeattheirbosoms,andforsuccourcallUpontheirMahomet,whonothinghears。 Whatvigils,offerings,andwhatgiftswithalWerepromisedsilently,amidtheirfears! Whattemples,statues,imageswerevowed,Inmemoryoftheirbitterwoes,aloud! XIV And,whenthecadihathhisblessingsaid,Thepeoplearmsandtotheramparthies。 AsyetreposinginherTithon\'sbedAurorawas,andduskyweretheskies; Whentotheirposts,theirseveraltroopstohead,HereSansonetto,thereAstolphoflies。 AndwhentheyhearOrlando\'ssignalblownAssaultwithfuriousforceBiserta\'stown。 XV Washedbythesea,upontwoquarters,wereThecitywalls,twostoodonthedryshore,Ofaconstructionexcellentandrare,Whereinwasseentheworkofdaysofyore: Ofotherbulwarkswasthetownnighbare; ForsinceBranzardotherethesceptrebore; Fewmasonsatcommand,andlittlespaceThatmonarchhadtofortifytheplace。 XVI TheNubiankingischargedbyEngland\'speer,WithslingandarrowsotheMoorstogall,Thatnoneupontheworksshalldareappear; Andthat,protectedbytheceaselessfallOfstoneanddart,insafetycavalierAndfootmanmayapproachtheverywall; Wholoaded,somewithplank,withrock-stonesome,Andsomewithbeam,orweightierburden,come。 XVII ThisandthatotherthingtheNubiansbore,Andbydegreesfilled-upthatchannelwide,Whosewaterswerecutoffthedaybefore,Sothatinmanypartstheoozewasspied。 Filledistheditchinhastefromshoretoshore,Andformsaleveltothefurtherside。 Cheeringthefootmenontheworkstomount,StandOlivier,Astolpho,andtheCount。 XVIII TheNubianuponhopeofgainintent,Impatientofdelay,norheedinghowWithpressingperilstheywerecompassed,wentProtectedbytheshelteringboarandsow。 Withbatteringram,andotherinstrument,Tobreakthegateandmaketheturretbow,Speedilytothecitywalltheypost,Norunprovidedfindthepaynimhost。 XIX Forsteel,andfire,androof,andturretthere,InguiseoftempestontheNubiansfell,Whichplankandbeamfromthosedreadenginestear,Madeforannoyanceoftheinfidel。 Intheillbeginning,andwhiledimtheair,Muchinjurythechristenedhostbefell; Butwhenthesunfromhisrichmansionbreaks,FortunethefactionoftheMoorforsakes。 XX Theassaultisreinforcedoneveryside,ByCountOrlando,bothbyseaandland: Thefleet,withSansonettoforitsguide,Enteredtheharbour,andapproachedthestrand; Andsorelytheywithvariousenginesplied,Witharrowsandwithslings,thepaynimband; Andsenttheassailantsscaling-ladder,spear,Andnavalstores,andeveryneedfulgear。 XXI Orlando,Oliviero,Brandimart,Andhe,inairsodaringheretofore,Dofierceandfuriousbattleonthatpart,Whichliesthefurthestinlandfromtheshore: EachleadsaportionofthoseAethiopsswart,Orderedinequalbandsbeneaththefour,Whoatthewalls,thegateways,orelsewhere,Allgiveofprowessshiningproofsandrare。 XXII Sobettercouldbeseeneachwarrior\'sclaim,Thatinconfusedincombatthereandhere。 Whoofrewardisworthy,whoofshame,Toathousandandtowatchfuleyesisclear。 Draggeduponwheelsaretowersofwoodenframe,Andotherswell-trainedelephantsuprear,Whichsoo\'ertoptheturretsofthefoe,Thosebulwarksstandamightyspacebelow。 XXIII Brandimarttothewallsaladderbrought,Climbed,andtoclimbwithaltootherscried: Manysucceed,withboldassurancefraught,Fornonecanfearbeneathsogoodaguide: Norwasthereonewhomarked,noronewhothoughtOfmarking,ifsuchweightitwouldabide。 Brandimartonly,onthefoesintent,Clamberedandfought,andgraspedabattlement。 XXIV Hereclangwithhandandfootthedaringknight,Sprangontheembattledwall,andwhirledhissword; And,showingmickletokensofhismight,Thepaynimscharged,o\'erthrew,heweddownandgored: Butallatonce,o\'erburthenedwiththatweight,Theladderbreaksbeneaththeassailinghorde; And,savingBrandimart,theChristiansallIntotheditchwithheadlongruinfall。 XXV Notthereforeblenchedthevaliantcavalier,Northoughtheofretreat,albeitwasnoneOfhisownbandthatfollowedinhisrear; Althoughhewasamarkforallthetown。 Ofmanyprayed,thewarriorwouldnothearTheprayertoturn;butmidthefoesleaptdown; Isay,intothecitytookaleap,Wherethetown-wallwasthirtycubitsdeep。 XXVI He,withoutanyharmonthehardground,Asifonfeathersoronstraw,didlight; And,likeclothshredandshorn,thepaynimsroundInfuryshredsandshearsthevaliantknight。 Nowspringsonthese,nowthose,withvigorousbound; Andtheseandthosebetakethemselvestoflight。 Theythatwithouthaveseentheleaphemade,Toolatetosavehimdeemallhumanaid。 XXVII Throughoutthesquadronsadeeprumourflew,Amurmurandawhisper,thereandhere,Frommouthtomouth,theFamebymotiongrew,Andtoldandmagnifiedthetaleoffear: Foruponmanyquartersstormedthatcrew,WheregoodOrlandowas,whereOlivier,WhereOtho\'sson,sheflewonpinionslight,Noreverpauseduponhernimbleflight。 XXVIII Thosewarriors,andOrlandomostofall,WholoveandprizethegentleBrandimart,Hearing,shouldtheydefyuponthatcall,Theywouldfromsorenownedacomradepart,Theirscaling-laddersplant,andmountthewallWithrivalry,whichshowsthekinglyheart; Whocarryallsuchterrorintheirlook,That,attheverysight,theirfoemenshook。 XXIX Asonloudocean,lashedbyboisterousgaleThebillowstherashbarkassault,andstill—— Nowthreateningpoop,nowthreateningprow——assail,And,intheirrageandfury,fainwouldfill; Thepilotsighsandgroans,dismaidandpale,——Hethatshouldaid,andhasnotheartorskill—— Atlengthasurgethepinnacesweepsandswallows,Andwaveonwaveinlongsuccessionfollows; XXX Thuswhenthosewinthewall,theyleaveaspaceSowide,thatwhobeneaththeirconductgo,Safelymayfollowthem;foratitsbase,Athousandladdershavebeenrearedbelow。 Meanwhilethebatteringrams,inmanyaplace,Havebreachedthatwall,andwithsuchmightyblow,Theboldassailantcan,frommanyapart,BearsuccourtothegallantBrandimart。 XXXI Evenwiththatragewherewiththestreamthatreigns,Thekingofrivers——whenhebreakshismound,AndmakeshimselfawaythroughMantuanplains—— Thegreasyfurrowsandgladharvests,round,And,withthesheepcotes,flock,anddogsandswainsBearsoff,inhiso\'erwhelmingwatersdrowned; Overtheelm\'shightopthefishesglide,Wherefowlserewhiletheirnimblepinionsplied; XXXII Evenwiththatragerushedintheimpetuousband,Wheremanybreachesinthewallwerewrought,Toslaywithburningtorchandtrenchantbrand,Thatpeople,whichtoevilpasswerebrought。 Murderandrapinethere,andviolenthandDiptdeepinbloodandplunder,inathought,Destroythatsumptuousandtriumphanttown,WhichofallAfrickworetheroyalcrown。 XXXIII Filledwithdeadbodiesofthepaynimhorde,Bloodissuedfromsomanyagapingwound,AfoulerfossewasformedandworsetofordThangirdlestheinfernalcityround。 Fromhousetohousethefireinfurypoured; Mosque,portico,andpalace,wenttoground; Andspoiledandemptymansionswiththeclang,Ofbeatenbreast,andgroanandoutcryrang。 XXXIV Thevictors,ladenwiththeirmightyprey,Fromthatunhappycity\'sgatesaregone,Onewithfairvase,andonewithricharray,Orsilverplatefromancientaltarwon。 Themotherthis,thatborethechildaway; Rapesandathousandevilthingsweredone。 Ofmuch,andwhattheycannothinder,hearRenownedOrlandoandfairEngland\'speer。 XXXV ByOlivier,amidthatslaughterwide,FellBucifaroofthepaynimband; And——everyhopeandcomfortcastaside—— Branzardoslewhimselfwithhisownbrand; Piercedwiththreewoundswhereofheshortlydied,FolvowastakenbyAstolpho\'shand; Themonarchsthree,intrustedtowhosecareAgramant\'sAfricandominionswere。 XXXVI Agramant,whohadleftwithoutaguideHisfleetthiswhile,andwithSobrinofled,WeptoverhisBisertawhenhespiedThosefiresthatontheroyalcityfed。 Whennearernowthekingwascertified,Howinthatcruelstrifehistownhadsped,Hethoughtofdying,andhimselfhadslain,ButthatSobrino\'swordshisarmrestrain。 XXXVII “Whatvictory,mylord,“(Sobrinocries) “CouldbetterthanthydeaththeChristiancheer,WhencehemighthopetojoyinquietwiseFairAfrica,fromallannoyanceclear? Thybeingyetalivethishopedenies; Henceshallheevermorehavecauseforfear。 Forwellthefoemanknows,savethouartgone,HeforshorttimewillfillthineAfrickthrone。 XXXVIII “ThysubjectsbythydeathdeprivedwillbeOfhope,theonlygoodtheyhaveinstore,Thou,ifthouliv\'st,Itrust,shaltsetusfree,Redeemfromtrouble,andtojoyrestore。 Captivesforever,ifthoudiest,arewe; Africkistributaryevermore。 Althoughnotforthyself,yetnottogiveMyliege,annoyancetothyfollowers,live。 XXXIX “Thesoldan,hethyneighbour,willbewon,Surelywithmenandmoneytheetoaid: ByhimwithevileyeKingPepin\'sson,SostronginAfrica,willbesurveyed。 AlleffortstorestoretheetothythroneByNorandine,thykinsman,willbemade。 Turk,PersianandArmenian,Arab,Mede,Ifprayed,willallassisttheeinthyneed。” XL Insuchandsuchlikewords,withwaryart,Withhopeofquicklywinningbackhisreign,Sobrinosoothedtheking,whileinhisheartHeotherthoughtperchancedidentertain。 Wellknowshetowhatpass,whatevilmartThatlordisbrought;howoftensighsinvain,Whoe\'erforegoesthesceptrewhichheswayed,Andtobarbarianshathrecourseforaid。 XLI Jugurtha,martialHannibal,andmoreInancienttimes,goodproofofthisafford: Inourownera,Lewis,highttheMoor,DeliveredintootherLewis\'ward。 Yourbrother,DukeAlphonso,wiserloreLearnedfromtheirfate;——Ispeaktoyou,mylord—— Wontthemasverymadmentodecry,Thatmoreonothersthanthemselvesrely; XLII Andthereforeaye,throughoutthatwarfaredrearWagedbythepontiff,inhisfiercedisdain,AlbeituponhisfeeblepowersthepeerCouldilldepend,thoughfromItalianplainWasdriventhefriendthataidedhimwhilere,AndbythefoepossessedwasNaples\'reign,Heagainstmenace,againstpromisesteeled,Ne\'ertoanotherwouldhisdukedomyield。 XLIII EastwardKingAgramanthadturnedhisprow; Andseawardsteeredhisbark,ofAfrickwide; Whenfromthelandawickedwind\'ganblow,Andtookthereelingvesselononeside: Themaster,seatedatthehelm,hisbrowRaisedtowardsheaven,andtothemonarchcried: “Iseesofellandfierceatempestform,Ourpinnacecannotfacethepeltingstorm。 XLIV “Ifyou,mylords,willlistentomylore,Anisleisonourleft-hand;andtomeItseemsthatitwerewelltomakethatshoreTilloverblownthetempest\'sfurybe。” TohisadviceassentstheroyalMoor,Andmakesthelarboardland,fromperilfree; Which,forthesailor\'sweal,whentempestsrise,\'TwixtVulcan\'sloftyforgeandAfricklies。 XLV Withjuniperandmyrtleovergrown,Ofhabitationsisthatisletbare; Apleasingsolitude;andwherealoneHarbourwildstagandroebuck,deerandhare; And,savetofishermen,islittleknown,ThatoftentimesontheshornbramblesthereHangtheirmoistnets;meanwhile,untroubledsleepThescalyfishesintheirquietdeep。 XLVI Hereothervessel,shelteredfromthemain,Theyfound,bytempesttostuponthatland,WhichhadconveyedthekingofSericaneErewhilefromArles;ononeandtheotherhand,Inreverentwiseandworthyofthetwain,Thosevaliantkingsembraceduponthestrand: Forfriendsthemonarchswere,andlatebeforeThewallsofParis,armstogetherbore。 XLVII WithmuchdispleasureSericana\'sknightHeardbyKingAgramanthisgriefsdisplaid; Thenhimconsoled,andinhiscausetofight,Likecourteousking,thekindlyoffermade: Butbrookednat,thattoEgypt\'speople,lightAndlackingfaith,heshouldresortforaid。 “Thatthitheritisperiloustowend,Exiles(hesaid)arewarnedbyPompey\'send。 XLVIII “AndforSenapus\'AethiopiancrewHavecomebeneathAstolpho,asyeshow,TowrestyourfruitfulAfricafromyou,Andburntandlaidherchiefestcitylow。 AndwiththeirsquadronsisOrlando,whoWaswanderingvoidofwit,shortwhileago,Thefittestcureforall,wherebytoscapeOutofthistroubleI,meseems,canshape。 XLIX “I,foryourlove,willundertakethequest,TheCountinsinglecombattoappear; Hevainlywould,Iwot,withmecontest,Ifwhollymadeofcopperorofsteel。 IratetheChristianchurch,wereheatrest,Aswolfrateslambs,whenhungeringforhismeal。 NexthaveIthoughthowoftheNubianband——Abriefandeasytask——tofreeyourland。 L “IwillmakeotherNubians,theythatholdAnotherfaith,dividedbyNile\'scourse,AndArabsandMacrobians(richingoldAndmenarethese,andthoseinherdsofhorse),Chaldaean,Perse,andmanymore,controlledBymygoodsceptre,insuchmightyforce,WillmakethemwarupontheNubians\'reign,Thosereaversshallnotinyourlandremain。” LI Gradasso\'ssecondofferseemedtobeMostopportunetoKingTroyano\'sson; Andmuchheblestthechancesofthesea,Whichhimuponthatdesertislehadthrown: Yetwouldnotuponanypactagree,——Nay,nottorepossessBiserta\'stown—— Gradassoshouldforhiminfightcontend; Deemingtoosorehishonour\'twoudoffend。 LII “IfRolandistobedefied,moredueThebattleistome(thatkingreplies) Iampreparedforit;andletGoddoHiswillbyme,ingoodorevilwise。” “——Followmymode;anothermodeandnew,Whichcomesintomymind“(Gradassocries),“LetbothofustogetherwagethisfightAgainstOrlandoandanotherknight。” LIII “Sonotleftout,Icarenot,ifIbeThefirstorlast(saidAgramant):IknowInarmsnobettercanIfindthanthee,ThoughIshouldseekacomrade,highorlow,Andwhat(Sobrinocried)becomesofme? Ishouldbemoreexpertifoldinshow; Andevermoreinperilitisgood,ForceshouldhaveCounselinhisneighbourhood。” LIV Strickeninyears,yetvigorouswasthesage,Andwellhadprovedhimselfwithswordandspear; Andsaid,hefoundhimselfingrayoldage,Suchasingreenandsuppleyouthwhilere。 Theyownhisclaim,andforanembassageForthwithacourierfind,thenbidhimsteerForAfrica,wherecampedtheChristianslie,AndCountOrlandoontheirpartdefy; LV Withequalnumberofarmedknightstobe,Matchinghisfoes,onLampedosa\'sshore; Whereonallquartersthatcircumfluentsea,Bywhichtheyareinisled,isheardtoroar。 Thepaynimmessengerunceasingly,Likeoneinneedfulhaste,usedsailandoar,TillhefoundRolandinBiserta,whereThehostbeneathhiseyetheirplundershare。 LVI FromthosethreemonarchstothecavalierTheinvitationwasinpublictold; SopleasingtoAnglante\'svaliantpeer,Totheheraldhewasliberalofhisgold: FromhiscompanionshadheheardwhilereThatDurindanewasinGradasso\'shold: Hence,toretrievethatfaulchionfromthefoe,ToIndiahadtheCountresolvedtogo: LVII Deemingheshouldnotfindthatkingelsewhere,Who,soheheard,hadsailedfromtheFrenchshore。 Anearerplaceisofferednow;andthereHehopesGradassoshallhisprizerestore; MovedalsobyAlmontes\'buglerare,Toacceptthechallengewhichtheheraldbore; NorlessbyBrigliadoro;sinceheknewInAgramant\'spossessionwerethetwo。 LVIII HechoseforhiscompanionsinthefightThefaithfulBrandimartandOlivier: Wellhasheprovedtheoneandtheother\'smight; Knowshealiketobothispassingdear。 GoodhorsesandgoodarmourseekstheknightAndgoodlyswordsandlances,farandnear,Forhimandhis;meseemstoyouisknownHownoneofthosethreewarriorshadhisown。 LIX Orlando(asIofthavecertified) Infury,hishadscatteredwideandfar; Rodomonttooktheothers\',whichbesideTheriver,lockedinthathighturretare。 FewthroughoutAfricacouldtheyprovide; AswellbecausetoFrance,inthatlongwar,KingAgramanthadbornawaythebest,AsbecauseAfricabutfewpossest。 LX Whatcouldbehadofarmour,rustedo\'erAndbrownwithage,Orlandobidsunite; Meanwhilewithhiscompanionsontheshore,Hewalks,discoursingonthefuturefight。 Sowanderingfromtheircampthreemilesandmore,Itchancedthat,turningtowardstheseatheirsight,Underfullsailapproaching,theydescriedAhelmlessbarque,withnoughthercoursetoguide。 LXI She,withoutpilot,withoutcrew,alone,Aswindandfortuneorderedit,wasbound: Thevesselnearedtheshore,withsailsfull-blown,Furrowingthewaves,untilshetooktheground。 Butereofthesethreewarriorsmorebeshown,ThelovewherewithItotheChildambound,Tohisstorybringsmeback,andbidsrecordWhatpast\'twixthimandClermont\'swarlikelord。 LXII Ispakeofthatgoodpairofwarriors,whoHadbothretreatedfromthemartialfray,Beholdingpactandtreatybrokenthrough,Andeverytroopandbandindisarray。 Whichleadertohisoathwasfirstuntrue,Andwasoccasionofsuchevil,theyStudytolearnofallthepassingtrain; KingAgramantortheEmperorCharlemagne。 LXIII MeanwhileaservantoftheChild\'s,athand,——Faithful,expertandwarywasthewight,Norintheshockofeitherfuriousband,Hadeverofhiswarlikelordlostsight—— ToboldRogeroborehishorseandbrand,Thathemightaidhiscomradesnowinflight。 Rogerobackedthesteedandgraspedthesword; Butnotinbattlemixedthatmartiallord。 LXIV Thencehedeparted;buthefirstrenewedHiscompactwithMontalban\'sknight——thatsoHisAgramantconvincedofperjurystood—— Himandhisevilsecthewouldforego。 ThatdaynofurtherfeatsofhardihoodRogerowillperformagainstthefoe: HebutdemandsofallthatmakeforArles,Whofirstbrokefaith,KingAgramantorCharles? LXV Fromallhehearsrepeated,farandnear,ThatAgramanthadbrokethepromiseplight: Helovesthatking,andfromhissidetoveer,Forthis,believeswouldbenoerrorlight。 TheMoorswerebrokeandscattered(thiswhilereHasbeenrehearsed)andfromthegiddyheightOfHERrevolvingwheelweredownwardhurled,Whoatherpleasurerollsthisnetherworld。 LXVI Rogeropondersifheshouldremain,Orrathershouldhissovereignlordattend: LoveforhisladyfitshimwithareinAndbit,whichletshimnottoAfrickwend; Wheelshim,andtoacountercourseagainSpurshim,andthreatshisrestivemoodtoshend,Savehemaintainsthetreaty,andthetrothPledgedtothepaladinwithsolemnoath。 LXVII Awakeful,stingingcare,ontheothersideScourgesandgoadsnolessthecavalier; Lest,ifhenowfromAgramantdivide,Heshouldbetaxedwithbasenessorwithfear。 Ifmanydeemitwellheshouldabide,Tomanyandmanyitwouldillappear: Manywouldsay,thatoathsunbindingare,Which\'tisunlawfulandunjusttoswear。 LXVIII HeallthatdayandtheensuingnightRemainsalone,andsothefollowingday; Foreversiftinginhisdoubtfulsprite,Ifitbebettertodepartorstay: LastlyforAgramantdecidestheknight; TohiminAfrickwillhewendhisway: Movedbyhisloveforhisliege-ladysore,Butmovedbyhonourandbydutymore。 LXIX HemadeforArles,whereyethehopedwouldrideThefleetwhichhimtoAfricamightbear; Norintheportnoroffingshipsespied,NorSaracenssavedeadbeheldhethere。 ForAgramanthadswepttheroadsteadwide,Andburntwhatvesselsinthehavenwere。 Rogerotakestheroad,whenhishopefails,Alongthesea-beatshoretowardMarseilles。 LXX Uponsomeboathehopedtolayhishand,Whichhimforloveorforceshouldthenceconvey。 AlreadyOgier\'ssonhadmadetheland,Withthebarbarians\'fleet,hiscaptiveprey。 YoucouldnottherehavecastagrainofsandBetweenthosevessels;mooredcloselylayThemightysquadronstothatharbourbrought,Withconquerorsthese,andthosewithprisonersfraught。 LXXI ThevesselsoftheMoorthatwerenotmadeThefoodoffireandwateronthatnight(Savingsomefewthatfled)wereallconveyedSafetoMarseillesbythevictoriousknightSevenofthosekings,thatMoorishsceptresswayed,Who,havingseentheirsquadronputtoflight,Withtheirsevenshipshadyieldedtothefoe,Stoodmuteandweeping,overwhelmedwithwoe。 LXXII Dudonhadissuedforthupondryland,BenttofindCharlemagnethatveryday; AndoftheMoorishspoilandcaptivebandMadeintriumphalpompalongdisplay。 Theprisonersallwererangeduponthestrand,AndroundthemstoodtheirNubianvictorsgay; Who,shoutinginhispraise,withloudacclaim,MadeallthatregionringwithDudon\'sname。 LXXIII Rogero,whenfromfartheshipshespied,BelievedtheywerethefleetofAgramant,And,toknowfurther,prickedhiscourser\'sside; Then,nearer,midthoseknightsofmicklevaunt,Nasamon\'skingaprisonerhedesired,Agricalt,Bambirago,Farurant,Balastro,Manilardo,andRimedont; Whostoodwithweepingeyesanddroopingfront。 LXXIV IntheirunhappystatetoleavethatcrewTheChild,wholovedthosemonarchs,cannotbear; Thatuselessistheemptyhandheknew; Thatwhereforceisnot,littleprofitsprayer。 Hecouchedhislance,theirkeeperoverthrew,Thenprovedhiswontedmightwithfaulchionbare; AndinamomentstretcheduponthestrandAboveahundredoftheNubianband。 LXXV ThenoiseSirDudonhears,theslaughterspies,Butknowsnotwhothestrangercavalier: Hemarkshow,puttorout,hispeopleflies; Withanguish,withlamentandmightyfear; Quicklyforcourser,shield,andhelmetcries,(Bosom,andarms,andthighs,weremailedwhilere) Leapsonhishorse,nor——havingseizedhislance—— ForgetsheisapaladinofFrance。 LXXVI Hecalledoneveryonetostandaside,Andwiththegallingspurhiscourserprest; Meanwhileahundredotherfoeshavedied,Andfilledwithhopewaseveryprisoner\'sbreast; AndasRogeroholyDudonspiedApproachonhorseback,(footmenweretherest,) Esteeminghimtheirhead,hechargedtheknight,Impelledbyhugedesiretoprovehismight。 LXXVII Already,onhispart,hadmovedtheDane; ButwhenhesawtheChildwithoutaspear,Heflangisownfarfromhim,indisdainTotakesuchvantageofthecavalier。 AdmiringatSirDudon\'scourteousvein,“Beliehimselfhecannot,“saidthepeer,“AndofthoseperfectwarriorsmustbeoneThatasthepaladinsofFranceareknown。 LXXVIII “IfImywillcancompass,heshallshewHisname,tome,erefurtherdeedbedone。” Hemadedemand;andinthestrangerknewDudon,theDanishOgier\'svaliantson: HefromRogeroclaimedanequaldue,AndfromtheChildascourteousanswerwon—— Theirnamesoneithersideannounced——thefoesAbolddefiancespeak,andcometoblows。 LXXIX BoldDudonhadwithhimthatironmace,Whichwonhimdeathlessfameinmanyafight: WherewithheprovedhimfullyoftheraceOfthatgoodDanishwarrior,famedformight。 Thatbestoffaulchions,whichthroughironcaseOfcuirassorofcasquewaswonttobite,YouthfulRogerofromthescabbardsnatched,AndwiththemartialDanehisvalourmatched。 LXXX ButforthegentleyouthwaseverwilledTooffendhislady-lovetheleasthecould,Andknewheshouldoffendher,ifhespilled,Inthatdisastrousbattle,Dudon\'sblood(WellinthelineageofFrenchhousesskilledHewistofBeatrice\'ssisterhood,——Bradamant\'smothershe——withArmelline,ThemotheroftheDanishpaladine)。 LXXXI Hethereforeneverthrustinthataffray,Andrarelysmoteanedgeonplateandchain。 Nowwardingoffthemace,nowgivingway,Beforethefallofthatdescendingbane。 TurpinbelievesitinRogerolaySirDudoninfewsword-strokestohaveslain。 YetneverwhentheDanehisguardforegoes,Saveonthefaulchion\'sflatdescendtheblows。 LXXXII Theflatasfeatlyastheedgeheplies,Ofthatgoodfaulchionforgedofstubborngrain; And,atstrangeblindman\'sbluff,inwearywise,HammersonDudonwithsuchmightandmain,Heoftendazzlessothewarrior\'seyes,Thathardlyhehissaddlecanmaintain。 Buttowinbetteraudienceformyrhyme,MycantoIdefertoothertime。 CANTO41 ARGUMENT HisprisonerstotheChildtheDanishpeerConsigns,who,homewardbound,arewreckedatsea; Byswimmingheescapes,andasincereAndfaithfulservantnowofChristishe。 MeanwhileboldBrandimart,andOlivier,AndRolandfiercelychargethehostilethree。 Sobrinoisleftwoundedinthestrife; GradassoandAgramantdeprivedoflife。 I Theodourwhichwell-fashionedbearorhair,OfthatwhichfindanddaintyraimentsteepsOfgentlestripling,orofdamselfair,——Whooftenloveawakens,assheweeps—— Ifitoozeforthandscenttheambientair,Andwhichformanyadayitsvirtuekeeps,Wellshows,bymanifesteffectsandsure,Howperfectwasitsfirstperfumeandpure。 II ThedrinkthattohiscostgoodIcarusdrewOfyorehissun-burnedsicklementocheer,Andwhich(\'tissaid)luredCeltsandBoithroughOurAlpinehills,untouchedbytoilwhilere,Wellshowsthatcordialwasthedraught,whennew; Sinceitpreservesitsvirtuethroughtheyear。 Thetreetowhichitswintryfoliagecleaves,Wellshowsthatverdantwereitsspringtideleaves。 III Thefamouslineage,forsomanyyearsOfcourtesythegreatandlastinglight,Whichever,brighteningasitburns,appearsToshineandflamemoreclearlytothesight,WellprovesthesireofEste\'snoblepeersMust,amidmortals,haveshoneforthasbrightInallfairgiftswhichraisementothesky,Asthegladsunmidglitteringorbsonhigh。 IV Asinhiseveryotherfeatexprest,Rogero\'svaliantmindandcourteousloreWereshowedbytokensclearandmanifest,Andhishighmindednessshonemoreandmore;—— SotowardtheDanethosevirtuesstoodconfest,Withwhom(asIrehearsedtoyoubefore) Hehadbeliedhismightystrengthandbreath; Forpitylothtoputthatlordtodeath。 V TheDanishwarriorwaswellcertified,Nowishtoslayhimhadtheyouthfulknight,Whosparedhimnow,whenopenwashisside; Now,whensoweariedhenomorecouldsmite。 Whenfinallyheknew,andplaindescriedRogeroscrupledtoputforthhismight,Ifwithlessvigourandlessprowesssteeled,Atleastincourtesyhewouldnotyield。 VI “Pardi,sir,makewepeace;“(hesaid)“successInthiscontentioncannotfalltome—— Cannotbemine;forImyselfconfessConqueredandcaptivetothycourtesy。” TohimRogeroanswered,“AndnolessIcovetpeace,than\'tisdesiredbythee。 Butthisuponcondition,thatthosesevenArefreedfrombondage,andtomearegiven。” VII WiththatheshowedthosesevenwhereofIspake,Boundandwithdroopingheads,asadarray; Adding,hemusttohimnohindrancemake,WhowouldthosekingstoAfricaconvey。 AndDudonthusallowedtheChildtotakeThoseseven,andhimallowedtobearawayAbarkaswell;whatlikeshimbesthechooses,Amidthosevessels,andforAfricklooses。 VIII Heloosesbarkandsail;andinboldwiseTrustingtheficklewind,toseawardstood。 Atfirstonherduecoursethevesselflies,Andfillsthepilotfullofhardihood。 Thebeachretreats,andfromthesailors\'eyesSofades,theseaappearsashorelessflood。 Uponthedarkeningoftheday,thewindDisplaysitsfickleandperfidiouskind。 IX Itshiftsfrompooptobeam,frombeamtoprow,Andeventhereshortseasondothremain: Thereelingshipconfoundsthepilot;nowStruckfore,nowaft,nowonherbeamagain。 Threateningthebillowsrise,withhaughtybrow,AndNeptune\'swhiteherdlowsabovethemain。 Asmanydeathsappeartodauntthatrout,Aswaveswhichbeattheirtroubledbarkabout。 X Nowblowsthewindinfront,andnowinrear,Anddrivesthiswavean-end,thatotherback; Othersthereelingvessel\'ssideo\'erpeer; Andeverybillowthreatensequalwrack。 Thepilotsighs,confusedandpalewithfear; Vainlyhecallsaloudtoshiftthetack,Tostrikeorjibetheyard;andwithhishand,Signstothecrewthethinghewouldcommand。 XI Butsoundorsignallittleboots;theeyeSeesnotamidthedimandrainynight; Thevoiceunheardascendsintothesky,—— Thesky,whichwithalouderlarumsmiteThetroubledsailors\'universalcry,Androarofwaters,whichtogetherfight。 Unheardiseveryhest,above,below,Starboardorlarboard,uponpooporprow。 XII Inthestrainedtacklesoundsahollowroar,Whereinthestrugglingwinditsfurybreaks; Theforkedlightningflashesevermore,Withfearfulthunderheaven\'swideconcaveshakes。 Onetotherudderruns,onegraspsanoar; Eachtohisseveralofficehimbetakes。 Onewillmakefast,anotherwillletgo; Waterintothewaterothersthrow。 XIII Lo!howlinghorribly,thesoundingblast,WhichBoreasinhissuddenfuryblows,Scourgeswithtatteredsailthereelingmast: Almostashighasheaventhewaterflows: Theoarsarebroken;andsofellandfastThattempestpelts,theprowtoleewardgoes; Andtheungovernedvessel\'sbatteredsideIsundefendedfromthefoamingtide。 XIV Fallenonherstarboardside,onherbeamends,Abouttoturnkeeluppermost,shelies。 Meanwhile,hissoultoHeaveneachrecommends,Surerthansuretosink,withpiteouscries。 ScatheuponscathemaliciousFortunesends,Andwhenonewoeisweathered,othersrise。 O\'erstrained,thevesselsplits;andthroughherseamsInmanyapartthehostilewaterstreams。 XV AfierceassaultandcruelcoildothkeepUponallsidesthatwintrytempestfell。 Nowtotheirsightsohighthebillowsleap,Itseemsthatthesetoheavenabovewouldswell; Now,plungingwiththewave,theysinksodeep,Thattheyappeartospythegulfsofhell。 Smallhopethereisornone:withfaulteringbreathTheygazeuponinevitabledeath。 XVI Onadespiteoussea,thatlivelongnight,Theydrifted,asthewindinfuryblew。 ThefuriouswindthatwiththedawninglightShouldhaveabated,gatheredforceanew。 Lo!abarerock,ahead,appearsinsight,Whichvainlywouldthewretchedbandeschew; Whomtowardsthatcliff,intheirdespite,impelTheragingtempestandtheroaringswell。 XVII Threetimesandfourthepale-facedpilotwroughtThetillerwithavigorouspushtosway; Andforthebarkasurerpassagesought: Butthewavessnaptandborethehelmaway。 Tolower,oreasethebellyingcanvasaughtThesailorshadnopower;nortimehadtheyTomendthatill,orcounselwhatwasbest; Forthemtoohardthemortalperilprest。