s: Where in long weariness and fearful doubt,


s: The townsmen keep their watch by night and day.


s: The fields they have abandoned all about,


s: Which to the suppliant's prayer made this reply:


s: `That it behoved them find a damsel, who


s: Will keep the damsel, not disturb them more:


s: If not, another they must still present,


s: That of the damsels held most fair of face,


s: Till one should in the Godhead's sight find grace.


s: The first and all those others slain, who fed,


s: All a devouring orc, that kept his place


s: Beside the port, what time into the main


s: Were the old tale of Proteus' false or true,


s: (For this, in sooth, I know not who can read)


s: With such a clause was kept by that foul crew


s: The savage, ancient statute, which decreed


s: That woman's flesh the ravening monster, who


s: For this came every day to land, should feed.


s: In every place, 'tis here a greater still.


s: O wretched maids!  whom 'mid that barbarous rout


s: Ill-fortune on that wretched shore has tost!


s: Who for the stranger damsel prowl about,


s: In that the more they slaughter from without,


s: They less the number of their own exhaust.


s: But since not always wind and waves convey


s: Like plunder, upon every strand they prey.


s: With frigate and with galley wont to roam,


s: And other sort of barks they range the sea,


s: From far, or from their isle's vicinity,


s: These bought by gold, and those by flattery:


s: And, plundered from the different lands they scower,


s: Crowd with their captives dungeon-cell and tower.


s: Keeping that region close aboard, to explore


s: The island's lonely bank, a gallery creeps;


s: Where, amid stubs upon the grassy shore,


s: To wood and water there the sailor's moor,


s: And from the bark, for this, a party leaps;


s: And there that matchless flower of earthly charms


s: Oh!  prize too dear, oh!  too illustrious prey!


s: Oh!  cruel Fortune!  who believed thy sway


s: Was of such passing power in things below?


s: That thou shouldst make a hideous monster's prey


s: Brought with half Scythia's people from the gates


s: Of Caucasus, in Ind, to find their fates.


s: Preferred before his honour and his crown,


s: The beauty which made Roland, Brava's vaunt,


s: Sully his wholesome judgment and renown,


s: The beauty which had moved the wide Levant,


s: And awed, and turned its kingdom upside down,


s: Oppressed with heavy sleep upon the shore,


s: The lovely virgin, ere awake, they chain:


s: With her, the enchanter friar the pirates bore


s: On board their ship, a sad, afflicted train.


s: This done, they hoisted up their sail once more,


s: Where, till the lot shall of their prey dispose,


s: But such her matchless beauty's power, the maid


s: And while they damsels from without purveyed,


s: The damsel to the monstrous orc they bring,


s: Who shall relate the anguish, the lament


s: And outcry which against the welkin knock?


s: I marvel that the sea-shore was not rent,


s: When she was placed upon the rugged block,


s: Where, chained and void of help, the punishment


s: Of loathsome death awaits her on the rock.


s: This will not I, so sorrow moves me, say,


s: Which makes me turn my rhymes another way;


s: To find a verse of less lugubrious strain,


s: For not the squalid snake of mottled stain,


s: Nor wild and whelpless tiger, angered more,


s: Creeps 'twixt the Red and the Atlantic shore,


s: Could see the grisly sight, and choose but moan


s: Was gone to Paris-town to seek the maid,


s: Duped by a post, dispatched from Stygian shade,


s: They would have tracked her heavenly footsteps through


s: A thousand deaths, to bear the damsel aid.


s: But had the warriors of her peril known.


s: So far removed, for what would that have done?


s: This while round Paris-walls the leaguer lay


s: Of famed Troyano's son's besieging band,


s: That it nigh fell into the foeman's hand;


s: The wrath of Heaven, whose waters drenched the land,


s: That day had perished by the Moorish lance


s: The holy empire and great name of France.


s: The great Creator turned his eyes, and stayed


s: His help, than whose there is no better aid!


s: Well the religious king, to whom 'twas given,


s: Knew that the saving succour was from Heaven.


s: All night long counsel of his weary bed,


s: Vexed with a ceaseless care, Orlando sought;


s: Now here, now there, the restless fancy sped,


s: Now turned, now seized, but never held the thought:


s: As when, from sun or nightly planet shed,


s: Clear water has the quivering radiance caught,


s: The flashes through the spacious mansion fly,


s: With reaching leap, right, left, and low, and high.


s: She rather ne'er was banished from his breast;


s: And fanned the secret fire, which through the day


s: (Now kindled into flame) had seemed at rest;


s: Or farthest Ind, had journeyed to the west;


s: There lost: Of whom he had discerned no token


s: Since Charles's power near Bordeaux-town was broken.


s: This in Orlando moved great grief, and he


s: "My heart," he said, "oh! how unworthily


s: I bore myself!  and out, alas!  what pain,


s: (When night and day I might have dwelt with thee,


s: Since this thou didst not in thy grace disdain.)


s: To have let them place thee in old Namus' hand!


s: "Might I not have excused myself? -- The king


s: Had not perchance gainsaid my better right --


s: Who would have taken thee in my despite?


s: Why not have armed, and rather let them wring


s: My heart out of my breast?  But not the might


s: Of Charles or all his host, had they been tried,


s: Could have availed to tear thee from my side.


s: "Oh!  had he placed her but in strong repair,


s: Guarded in some good fort, or Paris-town!


s: -- Since he would trust her to Duke Namus' care,


s: That he should lose her in this way, alone


s: Sorts with my wish. -- Who would have kept the fair


s: Like me, that would for her to death have gone?


s: Have kept her better than my heart or sight:


s: Who should and could, yet did not what I might.


s: "Without me, my sweet life, beshrew me, where


s: Art thou bestowed, so beautiful and young!


s: As some lost lamb, what time the daylight fair


s: Shuts in, remains the wildering woods among,


s: And goes about lamenting here and there,


s: Hoping to warn the shepherd with her tongue;


s: Till the wolf hear from far the mournful strain,


s: And the sad shepherd weep for her in vain.


s: "My hope, where are thou, where?  In doleful wise


s: Dost thou, perchance, yet rove thy lonely round?


s: Art thou, indeed, to ravening wolf a prize,


s: Without thy faithful Roland's succour found?


s: And is the flower, which, with the deities,


s: Me, in mid heaven had placed, which, not to wound,


s: (So reverent was my love) thy feelings chaste,


s: I kept untouched, alas!  now plucked and waste?


s: "If this fair flower be plucked, oh, misery!  oh,


s: Despair!  what more is left me but to die?


s: Rather than this, thy wretched suppliant try.


s: If this be true, these hands the fatal blow


s: Mixing his plaint with bitter tears and sighs,


s: So to himself the grieved Orlando cries.


s: Creatures restored their weary spirits; laid


s: These upon stones and upon feathers those,


s: Or greensward, in the beech or myrtle's shade:


s: But scarcely did thine eyes, Orlando close,


s: So on thy mind tormenting fancies preyed.


s: Nor would the vexing thoughts which bred annoy,


s: Let thee in peace that fleeting sleep enjoy.


s: Which Love's own hand had tinged with native red;


s: And those two stars of pure transparency,


s: With which he in Love's toils his fancy fed:


s: Of those bright eyes, and that bright face, I say,


s: Which from his breast had torn his heart away.


s: But, lo!  this time a mighty tempest rose,


s: And wasted flowers, and trees uptore and rent.


s: Not with the rage with which this whirlwind blows,


s: Joust warring winds, north, south, and east, unpent.


s: It seemed, as if in search of covering shade,


s: He, vainly wandering, through a desert strayed.


s: Meanwhile the unhappy lover lost the dame


s: In that dim air, nor how he lost her, weets;


s: And, roving far and near, her beauteous name


s: Through every sounding wood and plain repeats.


s: And while, "Oh wretched me!" is his exclaim,


s: "Who has to poison changed my promised sweets?"


s: Thither, whence comes the sound, he swiftly hies,


s: And toils, now here, now there, with labour sore:


s: Oh!  what tormenting grief, to think his eyes


s: -- Lo!  other voice from other quarter cries --


s: "Hope not on earth to enjoy the blessing more."


s: Himself in tears of bitter sorrow drowned.


s: When fear, or when desire disturbs our rest,


s: The thought of her, exposed to shame and pain,


s: He, thundering, leaped from bed, and with what chain


s: And plate behoved, his limbs all over dressed;


s: Took Brigliadoro from the stall he filled,


s: Nor any squire attendant's service willed.


s: The old and honoured ensign he foregoes,


s: His ancient bearing, quartered red and white.


s: Perhaps as suited to his mournful plight,


s: Whom he had slain in fight some time before.


s: And faithful comrade Brandimart, whom he


s: But when, with golden tresses streaming-free,


s: The sun from rich Tithonus' inn withdrew,


s: And chased the shades, and cleared the humid air,


s: The king perceived Orlando was not there.


s: To Charles, to his displeasure, were conveyed


s: News that his nephew had withdrawn at night,


s: When most he lacked his presence and his aid;


s: Nor could he curb his choler at the flight,


s: But that with foul reproach he overlaid,


s: And sorely threatened the departed knight,


s: By him so foul a fault should be repented,


s: Save he, returning home, his wrath prevented.


s: Nor would Orlando's faithful Brandimart,


s: Who loved him as himself, behind him stay;


s: Whether to bring him back he in his heart


s: Hoped, or of him ill brooked injurious say:


s: And scarce, in his impatience to depart,


s: Lest she should hinder his design, of this


s: Endowed with manners, grace, and beauteous cheer,


s: And took no leave, it was because the peer


s: But that befel him after, as he strayed,


s: Which him beyond his own intent delayed.


s: Well nigh a month, and nought of him discerns,


s: Sallies without a guide or faithful train,


s: And many a country seeks for him in vain;


s: No more I now shall tell you of these two,


s: More bent Anglantes' champion to pursue;


s: So changed, drew nigh the gate; and there the peer


s: Approached a captain of the guard, when he;


s: "I am the County," whispered in his ear,


s: And (the bridge quickly lowered, and passage free


s: At his commandment) by the way most near


s: Went straight towards the foe: but what befell


s: Him next, the canto which ensues shall tell.


s: Her plighted spouse, that ere he makes repair


s: Further, he gives her hope to venge the abuse:


s: He does so, and departs; and with his spouse


s: What cannot, when he has a heart possess'd


s: This false and cruel traitor Love?  since he


s: Can banish from Orlando's faithful breast


s: Wise, full of all regards, and of the blest


s: And glorious church the champion wont to be,


s: Now, little for himself or uncle, driven


s: By a vain love, he cares, and less for heaven.


s: I have like partner in my vice: for still


s: To seek my good I too am faint and slow,


s: The count departs, disguised in sable show,


s: Nor for so many friends, with froward will,


s: Deserted cares; and comes where on the plain


s: Are camped the hosts of Afric and of Spain;


s: Rather uncamped: for, in less troops or more,


s: Rains under shed and tree had driven the band.


s: Here ten, there twenty, seven or eight, or four,


s: Each sleeps, oppressed with toil and wearied sore;


s: This stretched on earth, that propped upon his hand:


s: They sleep, and many might the count have slain,


s: Esteems it were to smite a sleeping foe.


s: Now this he seeks, and now that other place;


s: Sighing, to him he paints her form and show;


s: Then prays him that for courtesy, he where


s: The damsel is, will reach him to repair.


s: And when the day its shining light displayed,


s: He wholly searched the Moorish army through.


s: That other tongues beside the French he knew;


s: He sojourns there three days, the camp to see;


s: Still seeking nought beside: next up and down,


s: Spies; nor surveys the realm of France alone;


s: Roves from Provence to Brittany's domain,


s: And from the Picards to the bounds of Spain.


s: Is stript from trembling plant, whose limbs are shown


s: Of all their mantling foliage dispossess'd


s: And in close flights the swarming birds are flown,


s: This he pursues the livelong winter through,


s: Nor quits when gladsome spring returns anew.


s: As (such his wont) from land to land he goes,


s: Which to the neighbouring sea in quiet flows.


s: But, swoln with mountain rain and melted snows,


s: Then thundered, white with foam and flashing-spray:


s: Its brim, and burst the bridge, and passage stopt.


s: The paladin this bank and the other eyed,


s: Since neither fish nor fowl, if from his side


s: He could gain footing on the adverse shore;


s: When, with a damsel in the poop, he spied


s: She steered, as if she would approach the strand;


s: But would not let her shallop make the land.


s: Steered not to land; as haply with suspicion


s: To put him o'er the stream; and she: "No knight


s: He shall his faith and promise duly plight,


s: "So that if thou on that other shore to land


s: Promise me, ere the month which is at hand"


s: (The damsel so pursued her speech) "expire,


s: That thou wilt join the Hibernian monarch's hand,


s: By ocean's circling waves, the cruellest.


s: "Know, beyond Ireland, in the briny flood,


s: (Such is their law), in search of plunder hies;


s: And all the women that it takes, for food


s: Which every day to shore for this does speed,


s: And finds new wife or maid whereon to feed:


s: "For of these merchant still and Corsair sell


s: A large supply, and most of those most fair.


s: Reckoning one slain a-day, you thus may well


s: Compute what wives and maids have perished there.


s: Be you contented with this band to wend,


s: To hear the whole Orlando scarce could bear,


s: Ere to be first in that emprize he swore,


s: Hence first induced to think, and next to fear,


s: Since he so long the missing maid pursues,


s: Breaking his every scheme, this phantasy


s: That will all speed to that fell island he


s: In which, embarking on his quest, the count


s: Put forth, and cleared that night St. Michael's Mount.


s: Breac and Landriglier past on the left hand,


s: Orlando's vessel skims the Breton shore;


s: Then shapes her course towards the chalky strand,


s: Whence England's isle the name of Albion bore:


s: But the south wind, which had her canvas fanned,


s: Shifts to north-west, and freshening, blows so sore,


s: The mariners are fain to strike all sail,


s: And wear and scud before the boisterous gale.


s: A distance traversed in four days, in one


s: Backwards the ceaseless wind the frigate bore;


s: The helmsman kept the sea, lest she should run


s: Aground, and break like glass upon the shore.


s: The wind upon the fifth day changed its tune,


s: So loud and furious through the other four;


s: And let, without more strife, the vessel gain


s: A port, where Antwerp's river met the main.


s: As soon as harboured there in shattered plight,


s: Of that fair stream, descends upon the shore,


s: As his gray hairs may warrant him, a wight


s: Stricken in years; who, full of courteous lore,


s: Turns to the county, after greetings due,


s: And prays him, on a damsel's part, `that he


s: To her would think not irksome to repair;


s: And sweetness, he would find, as well as fair;


s: Should to his bark resort, to seek him there,


s: Nor prove less pliant than had been before


s: All the knights errant, who had sought that shore:


s: That had refused to parlay with the maid,


s: But issued from the bark with hurried pace,


s: And, in all kind and courteous usage bred,


s: A lady found, if face may grief declare,


s: And sable cloth, with which (a mournful show)


s: Chamber, and hall, and gallery, furnished were;


s: "The daughter of the Count of Holland," (cried


s: Though not his only offspring (for beside


s: Myself two brothers were) to him so dear,


s: A duke by chance was guested at our court;


s: "The Duke of Zealand, meaning for Biscay;


s: With purpose there to war upon the Moor;


s: His youth and beauty, then in manhood's May,


s: Made me, with little strife, his easy prey:


s: Persuaded by his outward cheer yet more,


s: I thought, and think, and still shall think, the peer


s: Loved me, and loves me yet with heart sincere.


s: "Those days, whenas the wind was contrary,


s: (Which fair for me, if foul for others blew)


s: This while, we oftentimes held colloquy,


s: When, to be given with solemn right and due,


s: For such the name my faithful lover bore,


s: When Friesland's king, whose realm is from our own


s: No further than this stream from Ocean's shore,


s: Arbantes hight (the monarch had no more),


s: To Holland sent the worthiest of his land,


s: Nor though I had the power, would Love allow


s: (The treaty, well on foot, to overthrow,


s: And nigh concluded) with afflicted sprite,


s: My very life-blood, than in Friesland wed.


s: "My gracious father, he who took but pleasure


s: In what pleased me, nor would my will constrain;


s: Marking my grief, broke off the intended measure,


s: At this proud Friesland's sovereign such displeasure


s: Conceived, and entertained such high disdain,


s: In which my kin were slaughtered to a man.


s: "Besides, that both his puissance and his might


s: Are such, as in our age are matched of few,


s: Such is in evil deeds his cunning sleight,


s: He laughs to scorn what wit and force can do.


s: Strange arms he bears, unknown to any wight,


s: Save him, of the ancient nations or the new:


s: A hollow iron, two yards long, whose small


s: "He, where 'tis closed behind, in the iron round,


s: Touches with fire a vent, discerned with pain;


s: In guise that skilful surgeon tries his ground,


s: Where need requires that he should breathe a vein.


s: Whence flies the bullet with such deafening sound,


s: That bolt and lightening from the hollow cane


s: Appear to dart, and like the passing thunder,


s: Burn what they smite, beat-down or rend asunder.


s: With this device, my gentle brethren slain;


s: The first the shot in our first battle slew,


s: Reaching his heart, through broken plate and chain;


s: Was flying from the fatal field in vain.


s: The ball his shoulder from a distance tore


s: Behind, and issued from his breast before.


s: The only fortress which he still possessed,


s: What lacked, as this or that occasion pressed,


s: And by the traytour struck between the eyes.


s: "And I remaining, sire and brethren dead,


s: The isle of Holland's only heir, the king


s: I peace and quiet to my state might bring,


s: Would I (when I before would not accord)


s: To him and all his kindred, by whose spite


s: My sire and both my brothers slaughtered were,


s: My country sacked and waste, as that the knight


s: I would not wrong, to whom I fealty sware,


s: That me to wedlock man should woo in vain,


s: Till he to Holland should return from Spain.


s: "For one ill-born, a hundred yet behind,


s: Will bear (replied) to hazard all content,


s: -- Slain, burnt alive, to let them to the wind


s: Scatter my ashes, rather than consent. --


s: My people seek to move my stedfast mind,


s: By prayer and by protest, from this intent;


s: "When in my fixt and firm resolve they read,


s: That prayer and protest are alike in vain;


s: My town and me, with Friesland's king agreed,


s: Surrendered, as they vowed, my vassal train.


s: My life to scape from him, reflection made,


s: That, save I first avenged myself, all woe


s: Endured, would be by this regret outweighed.


s: -- Long time I muse, and to my misery know,


s: To win his grace, and have him for my sire.


s: But more approved for truth, as followers, who


s: Had with myself grown up; the brothers two


s: So wholly bound to me, they would have thought


s: My safety with their lives was cheaply bought.


s: "To them I tell my project, and the pair


s: Of brethren promise me their faithful aid:


s: I sent, and that with me in Holland stayed.


s: Now, while both foreigners and natives were,


s: Of Friesland's kingdom, to our nuptials prayed,


s: "Since on the issue of the earliest fray,


s: When in the rout one hapless brother fell,


s: While he toils sore his squadron to array,


s: Proud Friesland's arms our wretched remnant quell.


s: Bireno, who knew nought of this, had weighed,


s: And with his barks put forth to bring us aid.


s: "These tidings told to Friesland's monarch, he


s: Confiding to his son the wedding's care,


s: And (so chance willed) burns, sinks, or routs them there,


s: This while I to the amorous youth am wed,


s: Who, when the sun sought his, would seek my bed.


s: "Behind the curtains, I had hid the tried


s: Who moved not till the bridegroom he descried,


s: But raised a hatchet, and so well applied


s: Behind the stripling's head the ponderous blade,


s: Of speech and life it reft him; I, who note


s: The deed, leap lightly up and cut his throat.


s: "As falls the bullock upon shamble-sill,


s: Thus fell the ill-starred stripling, in despite


s: So was the impious king of Friesland hight


s: And, in my state to found a better right;


s: In wedlock wished to join me with his son,


s: "Ere new disturbance interrupt the deed,


s: Taking what costliest was and lightest weighed,


s: Drops from a window, where with boat purveyed


s: His brother, watchful of our motions, stayed:


s: We dip the oar, we loose the sail, and driven


s: By both, escape, as was the will of Heaven.


s: If Friesland's king more sorrowed for his son,


s: Or raged at me: he there arrived, the day


s: Ensuing, where the dreadful deed was done,


s: Proud he returned, both he and his array,


s: And thought to feast and nuptials he was bound,


s: But in his home all grief and darkness found.


s: Towards me, torment the father day and night;


s: But as lamenting will not raise the dead,


s: And vengeance is a vent for smothered spite;


s: That portion of his thoughts, which should have led


s: The king, to ease by sighs his troubled sprite,


s: Now willingly takes counsel with his hate,


s: "All known or said to by my friends, or who


s: Were friends of those that, chosen from my train,


s: Their goods and chattels burnt, were doomed or slain:


s: No other trouble could inflict such pain;


s: But that he, saving him in malice, thought


s: He had a net wherewith I might be caught.


s: Granting a year his purpose to complete;


s: Condemned to privy death, till then delayed,


s: Save in that time, through force or through deceit,


s: He by his friends' and kindred's utmost aid,


s: "What for his safety could be done, behold,


s: Short of my own destruction, had been tried.


s: Six towns I had in Flanders: these I sold,


s: And (great or small the produce set aside)


s: That it to tempt his guards might be applied;


s: The rest of it dispensed to move and arm


s: Germans or English, to the miscreant's harm.


s: "My agents, whether they their trust betrayed,


s: Or that they could in truth perform no more,


s: Me with vain words instead of help have paid,


s: And scorn me, having drained my scanty store:


s: And now the term is nigh expired, when aid,


s: My cherished spouse from torture and the grave.


s: "Through him, from me was my dominion rent;


s: Through him, my father and my brethren slain;


s: Through him, the little treasure left me, spent


s: (What served alone existence to sustain)


s: "If nothing more be left me then to try,


s: Than his with this my wretched life to buy,


s: This life I gladly will lay down: one fear


s: Me, when his prey, the tyrant will not cheat.


s: "I fear, when I shall be in captive plight,


s: Like perjured king, and full of foul despite,


s: "The occasion now that I confer with you,


s: And tell my case to all who seek the land,


s: Both lords and knights, is with the single view,


s: That when before the cruel king I stand,


s: Nor, after I am killed, the duke be slain.


s: When I shall be to Friesland given, have prayed;


s: But so he promise, that the exchange agreed


s: Shall be between us in such manner made,


s: That from his bonds Bireno shall be freed


s: When I am to the monarch's hands conveyed:


s: Thus I, when I am slain, shall die content,


s: Who to my spouse shall life by death have lent.


s: "Not to this day have chanced upon a wight


s: That if the king refuse to loose the knight,


s: (So feared those weapons!) I shall taken be.


s: So feared those weapons, upon every hand!


s: Which, howsoever thick, no plates withstand.


s: "Now, if as strong Herculean port and bold


s: Appear to vouch, such worth to you belong;


s: Is in your power, should he intend me wrong;


s: Since I shall fear not, in your convoy strong,


s: When you are with me, that my lord, though I


s: Be after slain, shall by his order die."


s: Here her discourse, wherewith were interposed


s: Loud sobs, the lady ceased, and silent stood:


s: Orlando, when her lips the damsel closed,


s: Whose ready will ne'er halts in doing good,


s: But plights his solemn word, that better aid


s: She should from him receive than that she prayed.


s: 'Tis not his scheme to place her in the hand


s: He will save both the lovers, if his brand


s: Embarked that very day, they put from land


s: With a clear sky and prosperous wind to speed.


s: The county hastes in his impatient heat,


s: Eager to reach that isle, the monster's seat.


s: Through the still deeps, on this or the other side,


s: The skipper veered his canvas to the wind:


s: This isle, and that of Zealand, they descried,


s: One seen before, and one shut in behind.


s: The third day, from the harboured vessel's side,


s: In Holland, Roland disembarks, not joined


s: By the complaining dame; whom to descend


s: He will not till she hear that tyrant's end.


s: Armed at all points, the county passed ashore,


s: Borne on a horse 'twixt brown and black, the breed


s: Of Denmark, but in Flanders nurtured, more


s: Esteemed for weight and puissance than for speed:


s: That but Bayardo could with him compare.


s: Orlando fares to Dordrecht, where he views


s: A numerous squadron, which the gate maintain;


s: As that before they had received the news,


s: That out of Zealand, backed with armed train,


s: Bade bear a message, `that an errant knight


s: Oh him would prove himself, with sword and spear;


s: But would lay down this pact before the fight: --


s: Her who Arbantes slew, he, as his right,


s: Should have, that, at the cavalier's command,


s: `And willed the king should on his side agree,


s: But he, who knightly worth or courteous lore


s: Had never known, directs his whole intent


s: The count by treacherous fraud to circumvent.


s: He hopes as well, if he the warrior slay,


s: To have the dame, whom, so aggrieved, he hates,


s: If in the knight's disposal, and the say


s: Of that strange knight, the footman well relates.


s: Hence thirty men dispatched by other way


s: Than to the portal led, where Roland waits;


s: He all this while had made his guard delay


s: The knight with words, till horse and foot he spied


s: Arrived, where he this ambuscade did lay;


s: When from the gate he with as many hied:


s: As is the practised hunter's wonted way,


s: To circle wood and beasts on every side:


s: 'Tis thus the king bars every path which lies


s: Free for the warrior's flight, with armed train:


s: Would have, and lightly hopes his end to gain;


s: Nor for the earthly thunderbolt applies,


s: Which here he deems would serve his purpose ill,


s: Where he desires to take and not to kill.


s: Wisely preserves alive the game first caught,


s: That by the call-bird and his cheating play,


s: More may within the circling net be brought;


s: But Roland would not be so lightly bought;


s: Like them by the first toil that springs betrayed;


s: And quickly forced the circle which was made.


s: Where he perceives the assailants thickest stand,


s: He rests his lance, and sticks in his career


s: Of paste; till six he of the circling band


s: A seventh left out, who by the push is slain,


s: Since the clogged weapon can no more contain.


s: By cautious archer, practised in his lore,


s: Smote and transfixed the one the other nigh;


s: From barb to feathers full, allowed to lie.


s: And to close combat with his faulchion sprung.


s: The lance now broke, his sword the warrior drew,


s: That sword which never yet was drawn in vain,


s: And still with cut or thrust some soldier slew;


s: Now horse, now footman of the tyrant's train.


s: And, ever where he dealt a stroke, changed blue,


s: Yellow, green, white and black, to crimson stain.


s: Cymosco grieves, when most his need require,


s: Not to have now his hollow cane and fire;


s: And with loud voice and menacing command


s: Bids these be brought, but ill his followers hear;


s: For those who have found safety of his band,


s: He, when he sees them fly on either hand,


s: Would fly as well from that dread cavalier;


s: Makes for the gate, and would the drawbridge lift,


s: The monarch turns his back, and leaves the knight


s: Lord of the drawbridge and of either gate.


s: Thanks to his swifter steed, the rest in flight


s: (Intent the felon, not his band, to smite)


s: But his slow horse seems restive; while the king's,


s: More nimble, flies as if equipt with wings.


s: From street to street, before the count he made;


s: And vanished clean; but after little stay,


s: Came with new arms, with tube and fire purveyed;


s: Which, at his hest, this while his men convey.


s: His foe, as hunter watches for his prey,


s: In forest, with armed dogs and spear, attending


s: The boar in fury from the hill descending,


s: Who rends the branch and overthrows the stone;


s: And wheresoe'er he turns his haughty front,


s: Appears (so loud the deafening crash and groan)


s: Touches the hole, and fires upon the knight.


s: Behind, the weapon flames in lightning's guise,


s: And vents the thunder from before; the ground


s: Shakes under foot and city wall; the skies


s: The burning bolt with sudden fury flies,


s: Not sparing aught which in its course is found.


s: Hissing and whizzing through the skies it went;


s: But smote not, to the assassin's foul intent.


s: Or trembling heart, like leaf which flutters still,


s: Made hand and arm together flinch and quail;


s: The church so soon her champion should bewail;


s: The glancing stroke his courser's belly tore,


s: Outstretched on earth, from thence to rise no more.


s: To earth fall horse and rider: this the knight


s: Scarce touched; the other thundering pressed the plain:


s: For the first rose so ready and so light,


s: He from the fall seemed breath and force to gain.


s: Rose from the sand with prouder might and main;


s: So when Orlando touched the ground, to view


s: He rose with doubled force and vigour new.


s: He who has seen the thunder, from on high,


s: Discharged by Jove with such a horrid sound,


s: Descend where nitre, coal, and sulphur lie,


s: Which scarce has reached -- but touched it, ere the sky


s: Is in a flame, as well as burning ground,


s: Firm walls are split, and solid marbles riven,


s: And flying stones cast up as high as heaven;


s: Let him imagine, when from earth he sprung,


s: Who moved in mode to frighten Mars among


s: The Gods, so fierce and horrid was his cheer.


s: At this dismay'd, the King of Friesland stung


s: His horse, and turned his rein, to fly the peer:


s: Faster than arrow flies from bended bow:


s: And, what before he could not, when possest


s: His speed outgoes all thought in every breast,


s: Exceeds all credence, save in those who view.


s: The tyrant shortly joined, he on the crest


s: Smote at his head so well, he cleft it through;


s: Sent it, to shake its last on earth below.


s: Was heard to rise, and other crash of brands,


s: From troop, who, thither in his guidance bound,


s: Followed Bireno's cousin from his lands:


s: Who, since the unguarded gates he open found,


s: Into the city's heart had poured his bands;


s: Where the bold paladin had struck such fear,


s: He without let might scour it far and near.


s: In rout the people fly, who cannot guess


s: Who these may be, or what the foes demand:


s: But, when this man and that by speech and dress


s: Carte blanche they proffer, and the chief address,


s: Bidding him range them under his command;


s: Against the Frieslanders to lend him aid,


s: Who have their duke in loathsome prison stayed.


s: To Friesland's king that people hatred bore


s: With all his following: who their ancient lord


s: Had put to death, and who by them yet more,


s: As friend of both, the parties to accord:


s: By whom, so joined, no Frieslander was left


s: They would not wait to seek the dungeon-key,


s: But breaking-down the gate, their entrance made;


s: And grateful thanks the service done repaid.


s: Thence they, together with large company,


s: Went where Olympia in her vessel stayed:


s: To whom that island's crown belonged of right.


s: She who had thither good Orlando brought,


s: Not hoping that he would have thriven so well;


s: -- Enough for her, if by her misery bought,


s: Her spouse were rescued from the tyrant's cell! --


s: Her, full of love and loyal homage, sought


s: The people one and all:  Twere long to tell


s: How she caressed Bireno, he the maid, --


s: What thanks both lovers to the county paid.


s: The people, throned in her paternal reign,


s: Replace the injured dame, and fealty swear:


s: Love with eternal knot had linked the fair,


s: Conferred: He, called away by other care,


s: Left in the cousin's guardian care this while


s: His fortresses, and all the subject isle.


s: Since he to visit Zealand's duchy planned,


s: And thence, upon the king of Friesland's land,


s: Would try his fortune (as he said), for he


s: Which seemed of fair success the warranty,


s: The daughter of the king: who here forsaken,


s: With many others had been prisoner taken.


s: To a younger brother, her, the duke pretends,


s: To be conjoined in wedlock, he conveyed.


s: Save to that engine, found amid the plunder,


s: Which in all points I said resembled thunder.


s: What he had taken, of the prize possest;


s: But with design to cast the weapon where


s: It never more should living wight molest;


s: Bore off as well, the powder and the ball.


s: And thus, when of the tidesway he was clear,


s: And in the deepest sea his bark descried,


s: Of either shore on this or the other side,


s: He seized the tube, and said: "That cavalier


s: May never vail through thee his knightly pride,


s: Down with thee to the darkest deep below!


s: The ruin of this world through thee has planned!


s: To hell, from whence thou came, I render thee."


s: So said, he cast away the weapon: fanned


s: Meanwhile, with flowing sheet, his frigate goes,


s: By wind, which for the cruel island blows.


s: Such was the paladin's desire to explore


s: Whom he prefers the united world before,


s: Nor can an hour of life without her bear.


s: He fears, if he set foot on Ireland's shore,


s: Some other chance may interrupt him there:


s: Will make, nor on the coast that's opposite.


s: But let him go, the naked archer's sport,


s: Sore smitten in the heart! -- ere I indite


s: 'Twould grieve that bridal should without us be.


s: Sumptuous and fair the bridal there is made;


s: But neither yet so sumptuous nor so fair


s: But 'tis not my design you should repair


s: The feast will be, of which be it my care,


s: If you to hear that other strain resort.


s: Who leaves one night Olympia on the shore.


s: Yet proved, of all the constant hearts and true,


s: Or sorrow faithful found, a famous crew,


s: To Olympia I would give the first degree


s: I well may say that hers no tale is told


s: And this she by so many proofs and clear,


s: No woman's faith more certain could appear


s: To man, though he her open heart explored:


s: And if fair truth such spirits should endear,


s: Himself, I say, should kind Olympia love.


s: Who so made Europe and wide Asia grieve,


s: Or fairer yet, if one more fair there be;


s: But rather that quit her the light should leave,


s: And what is sweet to taste, touch, hear, and see,


s: And life and fame, and all beside; if aught


s: More precious can in truth be styled, or thought.


s: With faith like hers, and still with truth unmoved,


s: Veered not his shifting sail another way;


s: Or ingrate for such service -- cruel proved


s: For such fair love and faith, I now will say;


s: And you with lips comprest and eye-brows bent,


s: Shall listen to the tale for wonderment;


s: And when you shall have heard the impiety,


s: Which of such passing goodness was the meed,


s: And let none make a lover's word her creed.


s: Mindless that God does all things hear and see,


s: Heaps promises and vows, aye prompt to swear,


s: Which afterwards all winds disperse in air.


s: After these lovers have the greedy thirst


s: Appeased, with which their fevered palates glow.


s: Their prayers and tears to credit be more slow.


s: Cheaply, dear ladies mine, is wisdom bought


s: By those who wit at other's cost are taught.


s: Of those in the first flower of youth beware,


s: Whose visage is so soft and smooth to sight:


s: For past, as soon as bred, their fancies are;


s: In heat and cold, on shore, or mountain-height;


s: Nor, when 'tis taken, more esteems the prize;


s: And only hurries after that which flies.


s: Such is the practise of these striplings who,


s: What time you treat them with austerity,


s: Love and revere you, and such homage do,


s: As those who pay their service faithfully;


s: From mistresses shall servants grieve to be;


s: And mourn to see the fickle love they owed,


s: From you diverted, and elsewhere bestowed.


s: I not for this (for that were wrong) opine


s: That you should cease to love; for you, without


s: Would be, that has no prop to wind about.


s: But the first down I pray you to decline,


s: To make your choice the riper fruits among,


s: Nor yet to gather what too long has hung.


s: A daughter they have found (above was said)


s: Of the proud king who ruled the Friesland state;


s: And he to talk his palate deemed would be,


s: The gentle damsel had not past fourteen,


s: Was beautiful and fresh, and like a rose,


s: When this first opening from its bud is seen,


s: And with the vernal sun expands and grows.


s: Were little; with less blaze lit tinder glows,


s: And to his marrow burned; when, weeping sore


s: He saw her bathed in ceaseless tears deplore:


s: And, as cold water, on the cauldron shed,


s: Shops short the bubbling wave, which boiled before;


s: Within his breast, extinguished by a new.


s: He loathes her so, he ill endures her sight;


s: And, if his hope he long deferred, will die:


s: His fond desire, so feigns the wary knight,


s: He seems, and but her pleasure to explore.


s: Who cannot but caress her, there are none


s: Since to raise up and comfort in distress


s: Whom Fortune's wheel beats down in changeful run,


s: Was never blamed; with glory oftener paid;


s: -- So much the more, a young -- a harmless maid.


s: Is human judgment, dimmed by clouds obscure!


s: Already stooping to their oars, the train


s: Have loosed his vessel from the port secure,


s: And with the duke and his companions steer


s: For Zealand through the deep, with meery cheer.


s: Are left astern, and now descried no more;


s: Since to shun Friesland they to larboard hawl.


s: And keep their course more nigh the Scottish shore:


s: And drive three days the open sea before:


s: Upon the third, when now, near eventide,


s: As soon as they were harboured in a hight,


s: Olympia landed and the board was spread;


s: She there contented, with the faithless knight,


s: Thence, with Bireno, where a tent was pight


s: In pleasant place, repaired, and went to bed.


s: The others of their train returned abroad,


s: And rested in their ship, in haven moored.


s: The fear and late sea sorrow, which had weighed


s: So long upon the dame and broke her rest,


s: The finding herself safe in greenwood shade


s: Removed from noise, and, for her tranquil breast


s: No further thoughts, no further cares molest,


s: No sheltered bear or dormouse sleeps more sound.


s: The lover false, who, hatching treason lies,


s: Stole from his bed in silence, when he knew


s: She slept: his clothes he in a bundle ties,


s: Then issuing forth from the pavilion hies,


s: As if on new-born wings, towards his crew;


s: Who, roused, unmoor without a cry, as he


s: Commands, and loosen thence and put to sea.


s: Behind the land was left; and there to pine


s: Till from her gilded wheels the frosty rhine


s: And the old woe, beside the tumbling brine,


s: Lamenting, halcyons mournful descant sung;


s: When she, 'twixt sleep and waking, made a strain


s: She no one found: the dame her arm withdrew;


s: She tried again, yet no one found; she spread


s: Both arms, now here, now there, and sought anew;


s: Fear banished sleep; she oped her eyes: in view


s: Was nothing: she no more her widowed bed


s: Would keep, but from the couch in fury sprung,


s: And headlong forth from the pavilion flung.


s: And seaward ran, her visage tearing sore,


s: Presaging, and now certain of her plight:


s: She beat her bosom, and her tresses tore,


s: And looked (the moon was shining) if she might


s: Nor, save the shore, was any thing in sight.


s: She calls Bireno, and the caverns round,


s: Pitying her grief, Bireno's name rebound.


s: On the far shore there rose a rock; below


s: Scooped by the breaker's beating frequently:


s: The cliff was hollowed underneath, in show


s: Sprang up the frowning crest impetuously,


s: And, at a distance, stretched by favouring gale,


s: Thence saw her cruel lord's departing sail.


s: Saw it, or seemed to see: for ill her eyes,


s: Things through the air, yet dim and hazy, view.


s: She falls, all-trembling, on the ground, and lies


s: With face than snow more cold and white in hue:


s: But when she has again found strength to rise,


s: Guiding her voice towards the bark which flew,


s: Calling with all her might, the unhappy dame


s: Calls often on her cruel consort's name.


s: "Without its freight," she cried, "thy ship does float.


s: -- Where, cruel, dost thou fly so swiftly? -- Me


s: Receive as well: -- small hinderance to thy boat,


s: Which bears my spirit, would my body be."


s: Signed to the frigate to return to land.


s: But the loud wind which, sweeping ocean, bears


s: The faithless stripling's sail across the deep,


s: Bears off as well the shriek, and moan, and prayers


s: Thrice, cruel to herself, the dame prepares


s: From the high rock amid the waves to leap.


s: But from the water lifts at length her sight,


s: And there returns where she had passed the night.


s: Stretched on the bed, upon her face she lay,


s: Bathing it with her tears.  "Last night in thee


s: Together two found shelter," did she say;


s: That I was born!  What here remains to me


s: To do?  What can be done? -- Alone, betrayed --


s: "Nor man I see, nor see I work, which shows


s: See ship, in which (a refuge from my woes),


s: Embarking, I from hence may hope to fly.


s: Here shall I starve; nor any one to close


s: Save wolf perchance, who roves this wood, a tomb


s: Or tiger, from beneath the greenwood tree,


s: Or other beast with teeth and claws: but how


s: O cruel beast, a fouler death than thou?


s: Enough for them to slay me once!  while I


s: Am made by thee a thousand deaths to die.


s: "But grant, e'en now, some skipper hither fare,


s: Torture, and dearth, and every horrid way


s: Of death; to Holland shall he take me, where


s: Or take me to the land where I was born,


s: If this thou hast from me by treachery torn?


s: "Thou, with pretence, from me my state didst wrest


s: And quickly of my land thy troops possest,


s: To assure the rule unto thyself.  Shall I


s: Return to Flanders where I sold the rest,


s: Though little, upon which I lived, to buy


s: Thee needful succour and from prison bear?


s: Wretch, whither shall I go? -- I know not where.


s: "Can I to Friesland go, where I to reign


s: As queen was called, and this for thee forewent;


s: Where both my brethren and my sire were slain,


s: And every other good from me was rent? --


s: Thee would I not, thou ingrate, with my pain


s: Reproach, not therefore deal thee punishment:


s: Now, see the meed thou dost for this bestow!


s: "Oh!  may I but escape the wild corsair,


s: Rather than this may lion, wolf, or bear,


s: Me with his claws and rushes rend and tear,


s: And lock by lock the scattered tresses rends.


s: She to the shore's extremest verge anew,


s: Tossing her head, with hair dishevelled, run;


s: And seemed like maid beside herself, and who


s: Was by ten fiends possessed, instead of one;


s: Fixed on a stone she gazed upon the sea,


s: Nor less than real stone seemed stone to be.


s: But let her grieve till my return.  To show


s: Takes by the shore: the burning sunbeams play


s: Boils the white sand; while heated with the ray,


s: But that the arms he wears are all on fire.


s: While to the warrior thirst and labour sore,


s: Still toiling through that heavy sand, as he


s: Which rose beside the beach, amid the sea,


s: He found three ladies of Alcina's court,


s: As such distinguished by their dress and port.


s: The ladies joyed the cool in great delight;


s: About them various wines in vessels were,


s: Fast by, and sporting with the ripple there,


s: Lay, waiting on their needs, a pinnace light,


s: Until a breeze should fill her sail anew:


s: For then no breath upon the waters blew.


s: They, who beheld along the shifting sand


s: And saw thirst figured on his lips, and scanned


s: His troubled visage, all with sweat besprent,


s: He would not show his heart so deeply bent,


s: But that he in the cool and grateful shade


s: Would rest his weary limbs, beside them laid.'


s: To hold the stirrup one approaching near,


s: With foaming wine, which raised his thirst the more;


s: He lent, who weened if he his way forbore


s: For anything, each lett would time supply


s: Touched with the fiery spark, blaze suddenly;


s: Not so loud ocean raves, when the obscure


s: Whirlwind descends and camps in middle sea,


s: As viewing thus the knight proceed secure


s: Scorns them, who yet believe they beauteous are,


s: Kindled the third of those three damsels fair.


s: As loud as she could raise her voice, she said,


s: "Thou art not gentle, nor art thou a knight;


s: And hast from other arms and horse conveyed:


s: Which never could be thine by better right.


s: So be thy theft, if well I guess, appaid


s: By death, which this may worthily requite!


s: Foul thief, churl, haughty ingrate, may I thee


s: Burned, gibbeted, or cut in quarters see!"


s: Beside all these and more injurious cries,


s: Which the proud damsel at the warrior throws,


s: Though to her taunts Rogero nought replies,


s: Who weens small fame from such a contest flows;


s: She with her sisters to the frigate hies,


s: Which waits them, and aboard the tender goes;


s: And plying fast her oars, pursues the knight


s: Along the sandy beach, still kept in sight.


s: On him with threat and curse she ever cried;


s: Whose tongue collected still fresh cause for blame.


s: Meanwhile, where to the lovelier fairy's side


s: The passage lay across a straight, he came;


s: Put from the other shore with punctual aim,


s: As if forewarned and well prepared, the seer


s: The ferryman put forth the Child to meet,


s: To bear him to a better shore rejoicing: he


s: Appeared as all benign and all discreet,


s: Aboard the bark, and passed the quiet sea,


s: Discoursing with that ancient pilot, fraught


s: With wisdom, and by long experience taught.


s: He praised Rogero much, that he had fled


s: To him the dame had given the chalice dread,


s: Which feed and nourish hearts they never cloy.


s: "Her shall you, struck with wonderment, revere,"


s: (He said), "when first you shall behold the fay;


s: In this her love from other differs; fear


s: In hers Desire demands not aught beside,


s: And with the blessing seen is satisfied.


s: "You shall in nobler studies be professed,


s: Tutored by her, than bath and costly fare,


s: Song, dance, and perfumes; as how fashioned best,


s: Your thoughts may tower more high than hawks in air;


s: So speaking, and yet distant from the shore,


s: To the safe bank approached the pilot hoar.


s: When he beholds forth-issuing from the strand,


s: A fleet of ships, which all towards him steer.


s: With these came wronged Alcina, with a band


s: Or repossess the thing she held so dear.


s: Love, no light cause, incites the dame aggrieved,


s: And hence she made her followers ply the oar


s: Till the white foam on either bank was shed


s: The deafening noise and din o'er sea and shore,


s: "Now -- now, Rogero, bare the magic shield,


s: Or in the strife be slain, or basely yield":


s: So saying, seized the pouch, wherein was dight


s: The buckler, and the covering torn aside,


s: The enchanted splendor, flashing far and wide,


s: They from their vessels drop amazed and blind,


s: Tumbling from prow before, and poop behind.


s: And backwards rang the castle larum-bell,


s: Whence speedy succours to the haven came.


s: The artillery rained like storm, whose fury fell


s: On all who would Rogero scathe and shame:


s: So that such aid was brought him in the strife,


s: As saved the warrior's liberty and life.


s: Four ladies are arrived upon the strand,


s: Leagued with the valiant Anrondica stand


s: More than the others, 'mid the foremost placed,


s: Conspicuous flames.  Forth issues from the fort


s: A matchless host, and files towards the port.


s: Beneath the castle, safe from wind and swell,


s: Of many ships and stout, a squadron lay;


s: Which, in the harbour, at a sound from bell, --


s: A word, were fit for action, night or day;


s: And thus by land and sea was battle, fell


s: And furious, waged on part of either fay:


s: Whence was Alcina's realm turned upside down,


s: Of which she had usurped her sister's crown.


s: Is different from what was hoped before!


s: As thought, her lover flying from her shore,


s: But out of ships, even now so numberless,


s: From all her vessels, to the flames a prey,


s: But with one bark escaped the wretched fay.


s: Routed and taken, burnt or sunk, remains


s: To have lost Rogero, sorrow more profound


s: Wakes in her breast than all her other pains;


s: And she in bitter tears for ever drowned,


s: Of the Child's loss by night and day complains;


s: And bent to end her woes, with many a sigh,


s: The sun shall burn, or heaven preserve their stile,


s: Or Clotho had been moved to cut her thread,


s: Touched by such grief; or, as on funeral pile


s: Fair Dido, she beneath the steel had bled;


s: Or, haply, like the gorgeous Queen of Nile,


s: In mortal slumber would have closed her eye:


s: But fairies cannot at their pleasure die.


s: He turned his back upon the waters blue,


s: Giving God thanks for all with pious lore;


s: And on dry ground now landed, made repair


s: Than this a stronger or more bright in show


s: Or after, viewed; with stones the ramparts glow


s: More rich than carbuncle or diamond bright.


s: We of like gems discourse not here below,


s: And he who would their nature read aright


s: Must thither speed: none such elsewhere, I ween,


s: Except perhaps in heaven above, are seen.


s: O'er every other sort of gem, confessed,


s: His vices and his virtues see expressed.


s: Nor yet by wrongful censure be depressed.


s: And by the knowledge of himself grows wise.


s: Their rays, which imitate the sunshine, fill


s: All round about with such a flood of light,


s: That he who has them, Phoebus, may at will


s: So well contend for mastery, of the two,


s: 'Tis hard to judge where preference is due.


s: Seemed to repose as props, so fair in show


s: Clustering 'twixt lucid tower or battlement,


s: Green odoriferous shrubs are seen to grow,


s: Which through the summer and the winter shoot,


s: And teem with beauteous blossom and ripe fruit.


s: Is grown, except within these gardens fine;


s: Elsewhere it seems as if foredoomed to be


s: Born with one sun, to live and to decline,


s: Upon its widowed stalk the blossom dies,


s: Subject to all the changes of the skies.


s: But here the verdure still is permanent,


s: Still permanent the eternal blossoms are;


s: Not that kind nature, in her government,


s: That such a gentle lord had sought her rest,


s: And all should seek to do him courtesies.


s: Sometime had Sir Astolpho been her guest,


s: There in few days resorted all the crew,


s: Changed by Melissa to their shapes anew.


s: Had eased, Rogero sought the prudent fay;


s: Desired to measure back his western way.


s: And for the warlike pair, with humble say


s: To favour, warn and help them, prayed the dame;


s: So that they might return from whence they came.


s: "I" (said the fay) "will think upon this need,


s: And in two days the pair will expedite."


s: Then thought how good Rogero she should speed.


s: And afterwards how aid the English knight.


s: She wills the first shall, on the griffin steed,


s: To the Aquitanian shores direct his flight;


s: But first will fashion for the flying-horse


s: A bit, to guide him and restrain his course.


s: Would make him soar, or down to earth would bring,


s: And what, would he in circles make him fly,


s: Or swiftly speed, or pause upon the wing.


s: And all that skilful horsemen use to try


s: Upon plain ground, beneath her tutoring,


s: Rogero learned in air, and gained dominion


s: Over the griffin-steed of soaring pinion.


s: I first of him, who on his journey fared


s: Of the English knight, who spent more time and pain


s: Seeking the friendly court of Charlemagne.


s: Takes not the way he took in his despite,


s: When him above the sea the courser bore,


s: And seldom was the land beneath in sight.


s: But taught to make him beat his wings and soar,


s: Here, there, as liked him best, with docile flight,


s: As Magi erst, who Herod's snare eschewed.


s: Borne hither, good Rogero, leaving Spain,


s: Had sought, in level line, the Indian lands,


s: Where they are watered by the Eastern main;


s: Where the two fairies strove with hostile bands.


s: Than that where Aeolus his train commands;


s: Circling the world beneath him like the sun.


s: Passing the great Quinsay beheld; in air


s: Left on the right; and thence did ever bear


s: From the north Scythians to the Hyrcanian main:


s: So reached Sarmatia's distant land; and, where


s: Russ, Prussian, he and Pomeranian spied.


s: Although the Child by every wish was pressed


s: With taste of roving round the world possest,


s: He had seen; and Polacks, Germans, and the rest


s: Should in his wide extended circuit see,


s: And came at last to England's farthest strand.


s: Yet think not, sir, that in so long a flight,


s: Who lodges, housed in tavern every night,


s: As best as can, through his capacious ring.


s: So nights and days he passes: such delight


s: Prospects to him of land and ocean bring.


s: Arrived one morn nigh London-town, he stopt;


s: And over Thames the flying courser dropt.


s: Saw troops of men at arms, and footmen spread;


s: Who, to the drum and trumpet marching by,


s: To have been sent by Charlemagne, and made


s: His envoy to these parts in search of aid.


s: Of that fair host was made without the town,


s: And of a knight the occasion sought to know;


s: But from the griffin-horse first lighted down:


s: And he who courteous was, informed him how


s: Of kingdoms holding of the British crown,


s: English, Scotch, Irish, and the Islands nigh,


s: Those many banners were, upreared on high:


s: Of arms, the troops would file towards the strand,


s: Where vessels anchored in the harbour lay,


s: "The French beseiged, rejoice in this array,


s: And hope (he said) deliverance through the band.


s: "Lo!  where yon mighty banner planted stands,


s: Which pards and flower-de-luces does unfold,


s: That our great captain to the wind expands,


s: Under whose ensign are the rest enrolled:


s: The warrior's name, renowned throughout these lands,


s: Lancaster's duke, and nephew to the king,


s: Valiant in war, and wise in counselling.


s: "That next the royal gonfalon, which stirred


s: By fluttering wind, is borne towards the mount,


s: Which on green field, three pinions of a bird


s: Bears agent, speaks Sir Richard, Warwick's count.


s: The Duke of Gloucester's blazon is the third,


s: The Duke of Clarence shows a torch, and he


s: Is Duke of York who bears that verdant tree.


s: You see a lance into three pieces broke;


s: Pembroke's a griffin; underneath a yoke;


s: In Essex's, conjoined, two snakes are shown:


s: The Duke of Suffolk; and Northumbria's Earl


s: Whose banner bears a foundering bark!  In sight


s: The next, is Berkeley's noble Marquis; near


s: Are March and Richmond's Earls: the first on white


s: Shows a cleft mount; a palm the second peer;


s: A pine amid the waves the latter knight.


s: The next of Dorset and Southampton's town,


s: Are earls; this bears a car, and that a crown.


s: "The valiant Raymond, Earl of Devon, bears


s: The hawk, which spreads her wings above her nest;


s: While or and sable he of Worcester wears:


s: Derby's a dog, a bear is Oxford's crest.


s: There, as his badge, a cross of chrystal rears


s: Bath's wealthy prelate, camped among the rest.


s: The broken seat on dusky field, next scan,


s: The men at arms and mounted archers there.


s: The fighting footmen, twice as many are.


s: Those ensigns yellow, brown, and green, survey,


s: And that striped blue and black.  The foot repair


s: Each to his separate flag where these are spread;


s: By Godfrey, Henry, Hermant, Edward, led.


s: "The first is the Duke of Buckingham; and he,


s: In those who yonder lodge, the English see


s: Camped eastward; and now westward turn your eye,


s: Where you shall thirty thousand Scots, a crew


s: Led by their monarch's son, Zerbino, view.


s: Which has a sword of silver in its hold.


s: There camps his son: of all his following


s: Is none so beauteous: nature broke the mould


s: And valour shines.  The Duke of Rothsay he!


s: "Behold the Earl of Huntley's flag display


s: Who neither duke, nor count, nor marquis hight,


s: Is in his savage country first of right.


s: "The Duke of Strathforth shows the bird, who strains


s: His daring eyes to keep the sun in view;


s: The Earl Lurcanio, that in Angus reigns,


s: A bull, whose flanks are torn by deerhounds two.


s: See there the Duke of Albany, who stains


s: His ensign's field with colours white and blue.


s: The Earl of Buchan next his banner bears,


s: "Herman, the lord of Forbes, conducts that band,


s: And stripes his gonfalon with black and white;


s: Who on a field of green displays a light.


s: Into two squadrons ordered for the fight.


s: Kildare's redoubted earl commands the first;


s: Lord Desmond leads the next, in mountains nursed.


s: "A burning pine by Kildare is displayed;


s: By Desmond on white field a crimson bend.


s: Nor only England, Scotland, Ireland, aid


s: King Charlemagne; but to assist him wend


s: The Swede and Norse, and succours are conveyed


s: From Thule, and the farthest Iceland's end.


s: All lands that round them lie, in fine, increase


s: "Issued from cavern and from forest brown,


s: They sixteen thousand are, or little less;


s: With hair, like beasts.  Lo!  yonder, where they press


s: Such Moray's flag, the savage squadron's head,


s: Who means with Moorish blood to paint it red."


s: Whose bands to succour ravaged France prepare,


s: And notes and talks of ensigns they display,


s: And names of British lords, to him repair


s: His courser, single of its kind, or rare:


s: All thither hasten, wondering and astound,


s: And compassing the warrior, form a round.


s: So that to raise more wonder in the train.


s: And to make better sport, as him they eyed,


s: And lightly with the rowels touched his side:


s: He towards heaven, uprising, soared amain,


s: Having from end to end the English force


s: So viewed, he next for Ireland shaped his course;


s: The goodly, sainted elder made the cave,


s: In which men cleansed from all offences are;


s: Such mercy there, it seems, is found to save.


s: Thence o'er that sea he spurred, through yielding air,


s: Whose briny waves the lesser Britain lave;


s: In passing, to the rock with fetters tied;


s: Bound to the naked rock upon the strand,


s: In the isle of tears; for the isle of tears was hight,


s: That which was peopled by the inhuman band,


s: So passing fierce and full of foul despite;


s: Cruized with their scattered fleet by day or night;


s: There but that morning bound in cruel wise;


s: The orc, that measureless sea-monster, hies,


s: How on the beach the maid became the prize


s: Who found her sleeping near the enchanter hoar,


s: Who her had thither brought by magic lore.


s: Upon the sea-beat shore, as bare to view


s: As nature did at first her work compose.


s: Not even a veil she had, to shade the hue


s: Which mingled in her lovely members meet,


s: Her would Rogero have some statue deemed


s: Which to the rugged rock so fastened seemed


s: By the industrious sculptor's cunning care,


s: But that he saw distinct a tear which streamed


s: Stand on her budding paps beneath in dew,


s: And that her golden hair dishevelled flew.


s: And as he fastened his on her fair eyes,


s: At once, and ill he can from tears refrain:


s: And in soft tone he to the damsel cries,


s: (When he has checked his flying courser's rein)


s: With which Love's faithful servants fettered are,


s: What wretch has had the cruelty to wound


s: And gall those snowy hands with livid stain,


s: Thus painfully with griding fetters bound?"


s: At this she cannot choose but show like grain,


s: Of crimson spreading on an ivory ground;


s: Knowing those secret beauties are espied,


s: Which, howsoever lovely, shame would hide;


s: And gladly with her hands her face would hood,


s: Were they not fastened to the rugged stone:


s: But with her tears (for this at least she could)


s: Bedewed it, and essayed to hold it down.


s: Sobbing some while the lovely damsel stood;


s: Then loosed her tongue and spake in feeble tone;


s: By a loud noise which in the sea was heard.


s: Lo!  and behold!  the unmeasured-beast appears,


s: Half surging and half hidden, in such sort


s: As sped by roaring wind long carack steers


s: From north or south, towards her destined port.


s: Half dead the lady is through fear endured,


s: Carries his lance, and beats, with downright blow,


s: The monstrous orc.  What this resembled best,


s: But a huge, writhing mass, I do not know;


s: Save in the head, with eyes and teeth of sow.


s: His forehead, 'twixt the eyes, Rogero smites,


s: But as on steel or rock the weapon lights.


s: When he perceives the first of no avail,


s: The knight returns to deal a better blow;


s: The orc, who sees the shifting shadow sail


s: In furious heat, deserts his sure regale


s: On shore, to follow that deceitful show:


s: And rolls and reels behind it, as it fleets.


s: Rogero drops, and oft the stroke repeats.


s: As eagle, that amid her downward flight,


s: Surveys amid the grass a snake unrolled,


s: Or where she smoothes upon a sunny height,


s: Her ruffled plumage, and her scales of gold,


s: Assails it not where prompt with poisonous bite


s: To hiss and creep; but with securer hold


s: Gripes it behind, and either pinion clangs,


s: Lest it should turn and wound her with its fangs;


s: With lance or faulchion where the tushes grow,


s: But aims that 'twixt the ears his blow may light;


s: And still in time descends or soars upright,


s: And shifts his course, to cheat the veering foe:


s: Can never cleave the hard and rugged rock.


s: With suchlike warfare is the mastiff vext


s: By the bold fly in August's time of dust,


s: This full of yellow spikes and that of must;


s: For ever by the circling plague perplext,


s: Whose sting into his eyes or snout is thrust:


s: And oft the dog's dry teeth are heard to fall;


s: But reaching once the foe, he pays for all.


s: With his huge tail the troubled waves so sore


s: The monster beats, that they ascend heaven-high;


s: And the knight knows not if he swim, or soar


s: And oft were fain to find himself ashore:


s: For, if long time the spray so thickly fly,


s: He fears it so will bathe his hippogryph,


s: That he shall vainly covet gourd or skiff.


s: He then new counsel took, and 'twas the best,


s: And lifting from his shield the covering vest,


s: To dazzle with the light his blasted view.


s: Landward towards the rock-chained maid he pressed,


s: Mischance should follow, slipt the ring, which brought


s: The enchantment of the magic shield to nought.


s: I say the ring, which Bradamant, to free


s: And which, to snatch him from Alcina, she


s: Feared lest the buckler's light should be impaired,


s: And willed as well those beauteous eyes should be


s: Pressing beneath his paunch full half the sea,


s: Now to the shore the monstrous whale repaired:


s: He in the monster's eyes the radiance throws,


s: Which works as it was wont in other time.


s: In stream, which mountaineer disturbs with lime;


s: The orc, reversed among the foam and slime.


s: Still beats, but cannot find the way to wound.


s: This while the lady begs him not to bray


s: Longer the monster's rugged scale in vain.


s: "For heaven's sake turn and loose me" (did she say,


s: Still weeping) "ere the orc awake again.


s: Bear me with thee, and drown me in mid-way.


s: Let me not this foul monster's food remain."


s: By her just plaint Rogero moved, forebore,


s: Untied the maid, and raised her from the shore.


s: Upon the beach the courser plants his feet,


s: While on the croup behind him sate the fair;


s: Who of his banquet so the monster cheat;


s: Rogero turns and with thick kisses plies


s: The lady's snowy breast and sparkling eyes.


s: Proposed, for compassing the whole of Spain:


s: But stopt his courser on the neighbouring shore


s: Where lesser Britain runs into the main.


s: Upon the bank there rose an oakwood hoar,


s: Where Philomel for ever seemed to plain;


s: I' the middle was a meadow with a fountain,


s: 'Twas here the wishful knight first checked the rein,


s: And dropping in the meadow, made his steed


s: Furl, yet not shut so close, his wings again,


s: As he had spread them wide for better speed.


s: Down lights Rogero, and forbears with pain


s: From other leap; but this his arms impede:


s: And he must doff them would he slake the fire.


s: Now here, now there, confused by different throng,


s: For where he loosed one knot, he fastened two.


s: But, sir, too long continued is this song,


s: When it may better please, my tedious rhyme.


s: Where the fell orc so many damsels slew;


s: Olympia frees, and spoils the beast of life:


s: Will oft suffice to stop courageous horse;


s: 'Tis seldom Reason's bit will serve to steer


s: Desire, or turn him from his furious course,


s: When pleasure is in reach: like headstrong bear,


s: Whom from the honeyed meal 'tis ill to force,


s: If once he scent the tempting mess, or sup


s: A drop, which hangs upon the luscious cup.


s: That gentle maid, there naked in his hold,


s: In the lone forest, and secure from sight?


s: Of Bradamant he thinks not, who controlled


s: His bosom erst: and foolish were the knight,


s: Warmed by whose youthful beauties, the severe


s: Xenocrates would not have been more chaste.


s: The impatient Child had dropt both shield and spear,


s: And hurrying now his other arms uncased;


s: When, casting down her eyes in shame and fear,


s: The virtuous ring upon her finger placed,


s: This is the ring she carried into France,


s: When thither first the damsel took her way;


s: With her the brother, bearer of the lance,


s: With this she Malagigi's spells and trance


s: Made vain by Merlin's stair; and on a day


s: Orlando freed, with many knights and good,


s: With this passed viewless from the turret-cell,


s: Where her that bad old man had mewed; but why


s: Recount its different wonders, if as well


s: Brunello took: since where she had been crost


s: By Fortune, till her native realm was lost.


s: Now that she this upon her hand surveys,


s: She is so full of pleasure and surprise,


s: She doubts it is a dream, and, in amaze,


s: Then softly to her mouth the hoop conveys,


s: And, quicker than the flash which cleaves the skies,


s: From bold Rogero's sight her beauty shrowds,


s: As disappears the sun, concealed in clouds.


s: Yet still Rogero gazed like wight distraught,


s: And hurried here and there with fruitless speed:


s: But when he had recalled the ring to thought,


s: Foiled and astounded, cursed his little heed.


s: And now the vanished lady, whom he sought,


s: Of that ungrateful and discourteous deed


s: Accusing stood, wherewith she had repaid,


s: (Unfitting recompense) his generous aid.


s: "Ungrateful damsel!  and is this the pay


s: You render for the service done?" (said he)


s: "Why rather would you steal my ring away


s: I, and my shield and courser, yours shall be;


s: So you no more conceal your beauteous cheer.


s: Cruel, though answering not, I know you hear."


s: So saying, like one blind, with bootless care,


s: Feeling his way about the fount he strayed.


s: Hoping in this to have embraced the maid!


s: Meanwhile, now far removed, the flying fair


s: Had halted not, till to a cave conveyed.


s: Formed in a mountain was that harbour rude;


s: Spacious, and for her need supplied with food.


s: 'Twas here an aged herdsman, one who tended


s: A numerous troop of mares, had made his won:


s: These, seeking pasture, through the valley wended,


s: Where the green grass was fed by freshening run:


s: While stalls on either side the cave, defended


s: His charge from the oppressive noon-tide sun;


s: Unseen of prying eyes, prolonged her stay;


s: And about evening, when refreshed with rest


s: And food, she deemed her course she might renew;


s: In certain rustic weeds her body dressed:


s: How different from those robes of red, or blue,


s: Green, yellow, purple, her accustomed vest,


s: So various in its fashion, shape, and hue!


s: But that she looked the fair and noble dame.


s: Then Phillis' and Neaera's praise forbear,


s: 'Twas here the beauteous lady took a mare,


s: Which liked her best, of all that herd's increase.


s: Then, and then first conceived the thought, again


s: To seek in the Levant her antient reign.


s: Long space in hope the maid might re-appear,


s: Awakened from his foolish dream at last,


s: And found she was not nigh, and did not hear.


s: Then to remount his griffin-courser cast,


s: But, having slipt his bit, the winged horse


s: Had towered and soared in air a freer course.


s: To his first ill addition grave and sore


s: Was to have lost the bird of rapid wing,


s: Which he no better than the mockery bore


s: Put on him by the maid; but deeper sting


s: Than this or that, implants, and pains him more,


s: The thought of having lost the precious ring;


s: Not for its power so much, esteemed above


s: Its worth, as given him by his lady love.


s: Afflicted beyond measure, he, with shield


s: Cast on his shoulder, and new-cased in mail,


s: Left the sea-side, and through a grassy field


s: Pursued his way, towards a spacious vale:


s: Where he beheld a path, by wood concealed,


s: Nor far had wound the closest shades within,


s: He heard a din, and fearful clashing sound


s: Of arms, and hurrying on with eager pace


s: 'Twixt tree and tree, two furious champions found,


s: Waging fierce fight in close and straightened place:


s: Who to each other (warring on what ground


s: I know not) neither showed regard nor grace.


s: Covered with shield and sword, one, leaping, sped


s: Now here now there, and thus himself defended,


s: Should fall, with which the giant still offended: --


s: On the field lay his horse, already dead.


s: Rogero paused, and to the strife attended:


s: And straight his wishes leant towards the knight,


s: Whom he would fain see conqueror in the fight:


s: Yet not for this would lend the champion aid,


s: But to behold the cruel strife stood nigh.


s: Upon the lesser warrior's casque, and by


s: The mighty blow the knight was overlaid:


s: To deal the foe his death, his helm untied,


s: So that the warrior's face Rogero spied.


s: Towards whom, to deal her death, the giant hies:


s: So that, advancing with his sword in air,


s: But he, who will not wait for new alarm,


s: Takes the half-lifeless lady in his arm,


s: And on his shoulder flings and bears away;


s: As sometimes wolf a little lamb will bear,


s: Pigeon, or such-like bird, through liquid air.


s: Who sees how needed is his succour there.


s: But with such strides the giant scours the plain,


s: Him with his eyes the knight pursues with pain.


s: Kept a close path which widened still, and they


s: Piercing that forest, issued forth to view


s: And this had in the deepest bottom drowned,


s: That never more the mischief might be found.


s: But with small boot: for the impious enemy


s: Of human nature, taught the bolt to frame,


s: After the shaft, which darting from the sky


s: Pierces the cloud and comes to ground in flame,


s: With the apple, hardly wrought more scathe and shame,


s: Some deal before, or in our grandsires' day,


s: Where hidden it had lain a mighty space,


s: Was fished and born amid the German race;


s: Who, by one proof and the other, taught to know


s: Its powers, and he who plots for our disgrace,


s: And these the bronze in hollow mould expand,


s: First in the furnace melted by the blast:


s: Others the iron bore, and small or grand,


s: Fashion the various tube they pierce or cast.


s: And bombard, gun, according to its frame,


s: I hear (all names the inventor has bestowed);


s: Which splits or shivers steel and stone outright,


s: And, where the bullet passes, makes a road.


s: -- Down to the sword, restore thy weapons bright,


s: Sad soldier, to the forge, a useless load;


s: Who without these, I wot, shalt touch no pay.


s: Didst thou find place within the human heart?


s: Through thee is martial glory lost, through thee


s: The trade of arms became a worthless art:


s: That the base often plays the better part.


s: Through thee no more shall gallantry, no more


s: Shall valour prove their prowess as of yore.


s: Through thee, alas!  are dead, or have to die,


s: Afflicting most, has drowned the world in tears,


s: And worst, of nature's impious and malign,


s: Who did this hateful engine first design:


s: The sin for ever, God has doomed to hell


s: That cursed soul, amid the unhappy crew,


s: Beside the accursed Judas there to dwell.


s: But no less slow than eager was the knight:


s: The winds appear, which still his course delay;


s: Who, whether blowing on the left or right,


s: His bark makes little speed; and, spent outright,


s: The breeze which wafts her sometimes dies away,


s: Or blows so foul, that he is fain to steer


s: It was the will of Heaven that he, before


s: The King of Ireland, should not reach the land,


s: The he with greater ease upon that shore


s: Might act what shortly you shall understand.


s: "Make for the isle.  Now" (said he) "may'st thou moor,"


s: (Thus issuing to the pilot his command),


s: "And give me for my need the skiff; for I


s: "The biggest cable that thou hast aboard,


s: Thou shalt perceive why thus my boat is stored,


s: If I but meet that monster of the brine."


s: He bade them lower the pinnace overboard,


s: With all things that befitted his design:


s: His arms he left behind, except his blade,


s: Home to his breast the count pulls either oar,


s: With the island at his back, to which he wends,


s: In guise that, crawling up the sandy shore,


s: The crooked crab from sea or marsh ascends.


s: (His orb as yet half-seen, half-hid from sight)


s: Not without stirring jealous Tithon's spite.


s: As vigorous hand might serve to cast a stone,


s: He knew not if he heard, or did not hear


s: A cry, so faint and feeble was the moan.


s: When, turning to the left, the cavalier,


s: A dame whose feet were wetted by the tide.


s: Holds down her face, he ill can her discern:


s: Both sculls he pulls amain, and nears the shore,


s: With keen desire more certain news to learn:


s: But now the winding beach is heard to roar,


s: And wood and cave the mighty noise return;


s: The billows swell, and, lo!  the beast!  who pressed,


s: And nigh concealed the sea beneath his breast.


s: As cloud from humid vale is seen to rise,


s: Pregnant with rain and storm, which seems withal


s: To extinguished day, and charged with deeper dyes


s: Than night, to spread throughout this earthly ball,


s: So swims the beast, who so much occupies


s: Waves roar: collected in himself, the peer


s: Looks proudly on, unchanged in heart and cheer.


s: Moved quickly to perform the feat he planned;


s: And, for he would the damsel's harm prevent,


s: And would with that assail the beast at hand,


s: Between her and the orc the boat he sent,


s: Leaving within the sheath his idle brand,


s: And waits the foe with constant heart and bold.


s: As soon as him the monster has descried,


s: And skiff at little interval, his throat


s: The fish, to swallow him, expands so wide,


s: That horse and horseman through his jaws might float.


s: Plunged, and engulphed the parted teeth betwixt,


s: His anchor in the tongue and palate fixt;


s: So that the monster could no longer drop


s: Or raise his horrid jaws, which this extends.


s: 'Tis thus who digs the mine is wont to prop


s: The ground, and where he works the roof suspends,


s: But by a leap could reach the highest crook.


s: That the fell beast his mouth no more can close,


s: Unsheathes his sword, and, in that cave obscure,


s: Deals here and there, now thrusts, now trenchant blows.


s: The assailants, can defend her from her foes,


s: The monster, harassed by the war within,


s: Now floats the monstrous beast, o'ercome with pain,


s: Whose scaly flanks upon the waves expand;


s: Scowers at the bottom, and stirs up the sand.


s: The cavalier swims forth, and makes for land.


s: He leaves the anchor fastened in his tongue,


s: And grasps the rope which from the anchor hung.


s: So swimming till the island is attained,


s: With this towards the rock Orlando speeds:


s: He hawls the anchor home (a footing gained),


s: Pricked by whose double fluke, the monster bleeds.


s: The labouring orc to follow is constrained,


s: Dragged by that force which every force exceeds;


s: Than at ten turns the circling windlass heaves.


s: As a wild bull, about whose horn is wound


s: The unexpected noose, leaps here and there,


s: When he has felt the cord, and turns him round,


s: And rolls and rises, yet slips not the snare;


s: So from his pleasant seat and ancient bound,


s: Dragged by that arm and rope he cannot tear,


s: With thousands of strange wheels and thousand slides,


s: The monster follows where the cable guides.


s: This the red sea with reason would be hight


s: To-day, such streams of blood have changed its hue;


s: And where the monster lashed it in his spite,


s: The eye its bottom through the waves might view.


s: And now he splashed the sky, and dimmed the light


s: Of the clear sun, so high the water flew.


s: The noise re-echoing round, the distant shore


s: And wood and hill rebound the deafening roar.


s: Forth from his grotto aged Proteus hies,


s: And mounts above the surface at the sound;


s: From the orc, and drag the monstrous fish to ground,


s: His scattered flock forgot, o'er ocean flies;


s: While so the din increases, that, astound,


s: Neptune bids yoke his dolphins, and that day


s: With Melicerta on her shoulders, weeping


s: The Glauci, Tritons, and their fellows, leaping


s: They know not whither, speed, some here, some there.


s: Orlando draws to land, the billows sweeping,


s: That horrid fish, but might his labour spare:


s: For, with the torment worn, and travel sore,


s: The brute, exhausted, died, ere dragged ashore.


s: Of the islanders had trooped no petty throng,


s: To witness that strange fight, who by a vain


s: And said that this would be another wrong


s: Make him his herds pour forth upon the strand,


s: And with the whole old warfare vex the land;


s: And that it better were to sue for peace,


s: First from the injured god, lest worse ensue;


s: And Proteus from his cruel hate would cease,


s: If they into the sea the offender threw.


s: As torch to torch gives fire, and lights increase,


s: Until the flame is spread the country through,


s: Even so from heart to heart the fury spread,


s: Which in the waves would doom Orlando dead.


s: These, armed with sling or bow, upon the shore,


s: And these supplied with spear or sword descend;


s: And on each side, behind him and before,


s: Distant and near, as best they can, offend.


s: The peer, who sees that mischief they intend,


s: In vengeance for the cruel monster slain,


s: Whence he had glory hoped, and praise to gain.


s: Little to heed the dogs in crowded fair,


s: Nor even at their yelps to turn his head,


s: The clamour of the churls assembled there


s: Who knew that he the rout which threatened death,


s: Had power to scatter at a single breath:


s: And speedily he made them yield him place,


s: When turned on them, he grasped his trenchant blade.


s: Misjudging of his worth, the foolish race


s: Deemed that he would have short resistance made;


s: Since him they saw no covering buckler brace,


s: But knew not that, from head to foot, a skin


s: More hard than diamond cased the Paladin.


s: The knight by others can; at half a score


s: Of blows in all he thirty killed; by few


s: He passed that measure, if the strokes were more:


s: The naked lady, having cleared the shore,


s: When other larum sounds, and other cries


s: The barbarous islanders, upon that hand,


s: The men of Ireland, without let or fray,


s: Had poured from many quarters on the strand:


s: The inhabitants, through all the wasted land;


s: And, was it justice moved, or cruel rage,


s: In part that in the little place are few,


s: And that those few without a purpose are.


s: 'Mid sack and fire, the wasted country through,


s: The walls are upon earth in ruin spread,


s: And shriek and ruin had concerned him nought,


s: Where she was placed, to feed the monster brought.


s: He looks, and known to him the dame appears,


s: And more appears, when nigher her he sought:


s: Olympia, whose faith reaped so ill a meed.


s: Wretched Olympia; whom, beside the scorn


s: Which Love put on her, Fortune too pursued,


s: Who sent the corsairs fell, which her had born


s: Landward; but, for the damsel naked stood,


s: Not only nought she to the warrior said,


s: But dared not raise her eyes, and dropt her head.


s: Was with her consort left as could be said:


s: "I know not (cried the weeping dame) if I


s: Have thanks to render thee for death delayed,


s: Or should lament me that, through means of thee,


s: "I have to thank thee that from death, too dread


s: And monstrous, thy good arm deliverance gave;


s: Which would have been too monstrous, had I fed


s: The beast, and in his belly found a grave:


s: But cannot thank thee that I am not dead,


s: Since death alone can me from misery save,


s: Well shall I thank thee for that wished relief,


s: Next she related, with loud sobs and sighs,


s: How her false spouse betrayed her as she lay


s: Asleep, and how of pirates made the prize,


s: They bore her from the desert isle away.


s: And, as she spake, she turned her in the guise


s: Of Dian, framed by artists, who pourtray


s: Her carved or painted, as in liquid font


s: For, as she can, her waist she hides, and breast,


s: More liberal of flowing flank and reins.


s: To cover her, delivered from her chains:


s: O'er Ireland's people, who had understood


s: How lifeless lay the monster of the flood;


s: And, swimming, how, amid the watery roar,


s: Had fix'd, and so had dragged him to the shore,


s: As men against the current track a boat.


s: This while Oberto comes; who, if his lore,


s: Who told the tale, were true, desires to note;


s: Was dripping, and with water foul and gore;


s: With gore, that from the orc, emerged to light,


s: He for the country knew the stranger knight


s: As he perused his face; so much the more,


s: That he had thought when told the tidings, none


s: Save Roland could such mighty fear have done;


s: Had been in France, and for the crown, his right


s: Upon his father's death, had crossed the sea


s: The year before.  So often he the knight


s: Had seen, and had with him held colloquy,


s: Their times of meeting had been infinite.


s: He doffed his casque, with festive welcome pressed


s: Towards the count, and clasped him to the breast.


s: The king, than is the king that champion true.


s: After with friendly cheer and equal glee


s: Had once or twice embraced the noble two,


s: Which had been done the youthful dame, and who


s: Had done it, -- false Bireno -- that among


s: All men should least have sought to do her wrong.


s: To him he told the many proofs and clear


s: By which the dame's affection had been tried;


s: Had lost, and would in fine for him have died.


s: And how he this could warrant, and appear


s: To vouch for much, as witness on her side.


s: While thus to him her griefs Orlando showed,


s: The lady's shining eyes with tears o'erflowed.


s: Her face was such as sometimes in the spring


s: We see a doubtful sky, when on the plain


s: His cloudy veil, looks out amid the rain.


s: And as the nightingale then loves to sing


s: From branch of verdant stem her dulcet strain,


s: So in her beauteous tears his pinions bright


s: Love bathes, rejoicing in the chrystal light.


s: The stripling heats his golden arrow's head


s: At her bright eyes, then slacks the weapon's glow


s: In streams, which falls between white flowers and red;


s: And, the shaft tempered, strongly draws his bow,


s: And roves at him, o'er whom no shield is spread,


s: Who, gazing on her tresses, eyes, and brow,


s: Feels that his heart is pierced, he knows not how.


s: Olympia's beauties are of those most rare,


s: Nor is the forehead's beauteous curve alone


s: Excellent, and her eyes and cheeks and hair,


s: Mouth, nose, and throat, and shoulders; but, so down


s: Parts which are wont to be concealed by gown,


s: Are such, as haply should be placed before


s: Whate'er this ample world contains in store.


s: In whiteness they surpassed unsullied snow,


s: Smooth ivory to the touch: above were seen


s: Two rounding paps, like new-pressed milk in show,


s: Fresh-taken from its crate of rushes green;


s: The space betwixt was like the valley low,


s: Which oftentimes we see small hills between,


s: Sweet in its season, and now such as when


s: Winter with snows has newly filled the glen.


s: The swelling hips and haunches' symmetry,


s: The waist more clear than mirror's polished grain,


s: Relate, which she to hide desired in vain.


s: To sum the beauteous whole, from head to feet,


s: In her all loveliness is found complete.


s: In ancient days before the Phrygian swain,


s: By how much heavenly Venus had prevailed


s: I know not, though her rivals strove in vain.


s: Nor haply had the youth for Sparta sailed,


s: But said:  "With Menelaus let Helen rest!


s: No other prize I seek, of this possest";


s: Zeuxis in days of old his work projected,


s: And hence so many naked dames collected;


s: Some separate charm from this or that selected,


s: He from no other model need have wrought.


s: Since joined in her were all the charms he sought.


s: Naked that beauteous form; for sure it were


s: He never could have been so stern of mood,


s: As to have left her on that desert lair.


s: That Ireland's king was fired I well conclude,


s: Nor hid the flame that he within him bare.


s: He strives to comfort her, and hope instill,


s: That future good shall end her present ill.


s: And vows till she is to her state restored,


s: Achieved upon her perjured, traitor lord,


s: Waged with all means that Ireland can afford;


s: And this with all his speed.  He, up and down,


s: Meantime bids seek for female vest and gown.


s: Now will it need to send in search of vest


s: Beyond the savage island's narrow bound,


s: Since thither every day in such came dressed,


s: Some dame, to feed the beast, from countries round.


s: Nor long his followers there pursued the quest,


s: Ere many they of various fashions found.


s: So was Olympia clothed; while sad of mood


s: Was he, not so to clothe her as he wou'd.


s: But never silk so choice or gold so fine


s: Though on his task be spent time, toil, and care,


s: Nor Lemnos' god, nor Pallas' art divine,


s: Form raiment worthy of those limbs so fair,


s: To see that love so kindled by the dame,


s: Who not alone rejoiced that such a shame


s: But, that in the design on which he came,


s: He should be freed from grave impediment.


s: But, were his lady there, to lend her aid.


s: To him, that there she was not, soon was clear,


s: But clear it was not if she had been there,


s: Or no; since of those islesmen, far and near,


s: One was not left the tidings to declare.


s: The following day they from the haven steer,


s: From whence to France the warrior's passage lies.


s: Scarcely a day in Ireland's realm he spends:


s: And for no prayers his purposed end forbore:


s: Love, that in quest of his liege-lady sends


s: The knight upon this track, permits no more.


s: To the Irish monarch, who to serve her swore:


s: Although this needed not; since he was bent


s: More than behoved, her wishes to content:


s: And (league with England's kind and Scotland's made)


s: In Holland and in Friesland left no land


s: To the false duke, so rapid was the raid.


s: And to rebel against that lord's command


s: His Zealand stirred; nor he the war delayed,


s: And her of countess makes a puissant queen.


s: Who furrows , night and day, the billows green,


s: And strikes his sails in the same harbour, where


s: They to the wind erewhile unfurled had been


s: And leaves behind him winds and briny deeps.


s: The remnant of the winter, he with shield


s: And spear achieved things worthy to be shown,


s: I ween; but these were then so well concealed,


s: It is no fault of mine they are not blown;


s: Prompter to do, than make his prowess known.


s: Nor e'er was bruited action of the knight,


s: Save when some faithful witness was in sight.


s: That winter's remnant he so passed that feat


s: Which Phryxus bore, the sun illumed the sphere,


s: Brought back with him again the blooming year,


s: The wondrous deeds Orlando did in stower,


s: Appeared with the new grass and dainty flower.


s: From plain to hill, from champaign flat to shore,


s: Oppressed with grief and pain the County fares,


s: When a long cry, entering a forest hoar,


s: -- A load lamenting smites upon his ears.


s: He grasps his brand and spurs his courser sore,


s: And swiftly pricks toward the sound he hears.


s: What chanced, and may be heard in future lay.


s: And comes where old Atlantes, by his sleight


s: Had raised a dome, Rogero there to stay.


s: Here too Rogero comes; where getting sight


s: Of his lost love, the County strives in fray


s: With fierce Ferrau, and, after slaughter fell


s: Ceres, when from the Idaean dame in haste


s: On his bolt-smitten flanks, is doomed to bear,


s: Her girl she found not, on that pathless waste,


s: By her late quitted, having rent her hair,


s: And marked cheeks, eyes, and breast, with livid signs,


s: At the end of her lament tore up two pines,


s: And lit at Vulcan's fire the double brand,


s: And, afterwards, with one in either hand,


s: Drawn by two dragons, in her chariot went,


s: Searching the forest, hill, and level land,


s: Field, valley, running stream, or water pent,


s: The land and sea; and having searched the shell


s: The sovereign power possessed no less than will,


s: Ransacked, and wood and field, and pool and rill,


s: Heaven, and Oblivion's bottom: but since he


s: Had not, his pressing purpose to fulfil,


s: Her dragon and her car, the unwearied knight


s: Pursued the missing maid as best he might.


s: Through France he sought her, and will seek her through


s: And thence through the Castiles, both old and new,


s: While bold Orlando has this plan in view,


s: He hears, or thinks he hears, a voice complain:


s: He forward spurs, and sees on mighty steed


s: Sore grieving, and across the pommel laid;


s: She weeps and struggles, and the semblance wears


s: To him, as he surveys the youthful maid,


s: She, for whom, night and day, with ceaseless pain,


s: Inside and out, he France had searched in vain.


s: Beholds, borne off in such afflicted cheer,


s: Calls back with horrid voice the cavalier;


s: Calls back the cavalier, and threats in vain,


s: And Brigliadoro drives with flowing rein.


s: That felon stops not, nor to him replies,


s: On his great gain intent, his glorious prey;


s: And with such swiftness through the greenwood hies,


s: The one pursues while him the other flies,


s: And with lament resounds the thicket gray.


s: Of various marbles, wrought with subtle care,


s: Is the proud palace.  He who fast in hold


s: Sore pricking, enters at a gate of gold.


s: Backed by Orlando, angry knight and bold.


s: Entering, around Orlando turns his eyes,


s: He suddenly dismounts, and thundering fares


s: Through the inmost palace, seeking still his foe,


s: And here and there in restless rage repairs,


s: Till he has seen each bower, each galleried row;


s: With the same purpose he ascends the stairs,


s: Having first vainly searched each room below.


s: Nor spends less labour, on his task intent,


s: Above, than he beneath had vainly spent.


s: Here beds are seen adorned with silk and gold;


s: Nor of partition aught is spied or wall:


s: For these, and floor beneath, throughout that hold,


s: Now here, now there, returns Orlando bold,


s: Nor yet can glad his eyes, in bower or hall,


s: Or the foul thief by whom she was conveyed.


s: This while, as here and there in fruitless pain


s: He moves, oppressed with thought and trouble sore,


s: Ferrau, he finds, with Sacripant and more;


s: Above, that building, and beneath explore,


s: And as they wander, curse with one accord


s: The malice of the castle's viewless lord.


s: And upon him some charge of robbery lay:


s: One knight complains that he has stolen his steed,


s: And thus within the enchanted cage they stay,


s: Nor can depart; while in the palace pent,


s: Many have weeks and months together spent.


s: Roland, when he round that strange dome had paced


s: Four times or six, still vainly seeking, said


s: Within himself, at last, "I here might waste


s: My time and trouble, still in vain delayed,


s: While haply her the robber whom I chased


s: Has far away, through other gate conveyed."


s: So thinking, from the house he issued out


s: Into the mead which girt the dome about.


s: While Roland wanders round the sylvan Hall,


s: Still holding close his visage to the ground,


s: Can, right or left, upon the turf be found,


s: He from a neighbouring window hears a call,


s: And looks, and thinks he hears that voice's sound,


s: And thinks he sees the visage by which he


s: Was so estranged from what he wont to be.


s: "Help, help!" entreating cries, and weeping sore,


s: "More than for life and soul, alas!  of thee


s: Then shall it in my Roland's presence be


s: Ravished by this foul robber?  Oh! before


s: Let me from your own hand my death receive!"


s: These words repeated once, and yet again,


s: Made Roland through each chamber, far and near,


s: Return with passion, and with utmost pain;


s: But tempered with high hope.  Sometimes the peer


s: Stopt in his search and heard a voice complain,


s: The restless warrior stand, it sounds from there,


s: And calls for help he knows not whence nor where,


s: When through a gloomy path, upon his steed,


s: Following the giant and the dame who fled,


s: He from the wood had issued on the mead;


s: I say that he arrived where Roland dread


s: The giant through the golden portal passed,


s: The threshold, he through court and gallery spies;


s: And vainly glances here and there his eyes.


s: He up and down returns with labour sore,


s: Has hid himself and dame in space so brief.


s: After four times or five he so had wound


s: Above, below, through bower and gallery fair,


s: He yet returned, and, having nothing found,


s: Searched even to the space beneath the stair.


s: At length, in hope they in the woodlands round


s: Might be, he sallied; but the voice, which there


s: Roland recalled, did him no less recall,


s: And made as well return within the Hall.


s: One voice, one shape, which to Anglantes' peer


s: He spake, of those who through the palace strayed.


s: Seemed that which each had singly most at heart.


s: Which the renowned Atlantes had composed,


s: That in this toil, this pleasing pain, might dwell


s: So long Rogero, by these walls enclosed,


s: From him should pass away  the influence fell,


s: -- Influence which him to early death exposed.


s: Though vain his magic tower of steel, and vain


s: For valour, and in France had greatest fame,


s: That by their hands Rogero might not die,