s: Brought here by old Atlantes' magic came:


s: While these in the enchanted mansion lie,


s: That food be wanting not to knight or dame,


s: He has supplied the dome throughout so well,


s: That all the inmates there in plenty dwell.


s: Now of that ring so wondrous repossessed,


s: (Which, in her mouth, concealed the maid from view,


s: Preserved from spell when it the finger pressed,)


s: Whatever needed, viands, mare, and vest,


s: The damsel would have taken for her guide;


s: Not that, propitious to their wishes, she


s: (Averse from both) inclined to either side;


s: But, since her eastern journey was to be


s: Through town and city, scattered far and wide,


s: More trusty guides than these for such a round.


s: Now this, now that she sought with fruitless care,


s: Before she lit on either warrior's trace,


s: By city or by farm, now here, now there,


s: Fortune, at length, where caged with Roland are


s: Ferrau and Sacripant, directs her chase;


s: Noosed with strange witcheries by Atlantes hoar.


s: She enters, hidden from the enchanter's eyes,


s: And by the ring concealed, examines all;


s: Intent to seek her vainly through the Hall;


s: And with her image cheating both, descries


s: Which of the two to take, and long revolves


s: This in her doubtful thought, nor well resolves.


s: She knows not which with her will best accord,


s: The Count Orlando or Circassia's knight.


s: As of most powers, her would Rogero ward


s: But should she make the peer her guide, her lord,


s: She knew not if her champion she could slight,


s: If him she would depress with altered cheer,


s: Hence him alone she for her escort chose,


s: The ring she from her mouth withdraws, and shows


s: Her face, unveiled to the Circassian's eye:


s: She thought to him alone; but fierce Ferrau


s: Within the palace and without it strayed


s: And now, no longer by the enchantment stayed,


s: Each ran alike towards the dame, for she


s: Which old Atlantes' every scheme o'erthrew.


s: Helm on the head and corselet on the breast


s: Of both the knights, of whom I sing, was tied;


s: By night or day, since they into this rest


s: Had entered, never doffed and laid aside:


s: As well was armed, except with iron masque,


s: Ferrau, who wore not, nor would wear, a casque.


s: Till he had that erst wrested by the peer,


s: Sought in the brook; yet though the count was near,


s: Has not stretched forth his hand the prize to gain.


s: Could recognise the other knight while there.


s: Upon the enchanted dome lay such a spell,


s: That they from one another were concealed;


s: They doffed not, night nor day, the corselet's shell,


s: Not sword, nor even put aside the shield.


s: Saddled, with bridle hanging at the sell,


s: Their steeds were feeding, ready for the field,


s: With straw and barley heaped in plenteous store.


s: To stop the knights from mounting, who repair


s: To their good steeds, to chase the bright black eyes,


s: The fair vermillion cheeks and golden hair


s: Of the sweet damsel, who before them flies,


s: And goads to better speed her panting mare;


s: Ill pleased the three assembled to discern,


s: Though haply she had taken each in turn.


s: And when these from the magic palace she


s: Had ticed so far, that she no more supposed


s: The ring, which more than once from misery


s: Had rescued her, she 'twixt her lips enclosed,


s: Hence from their sight she vanished in a thought,


s: And left them wondering there, like men distraught.


s: Although she first the scheme had entertained


s: To guide her thither, where her father reigned,


s: King Galaphron, who ruled i' the farthest East,


s: And in an instant from her project ceased;


s: And deemed, without more debt to count or king,


s: In place of either knight sufficed the ring.


s: In haste, they through the forest, here and there,


s: So scorned of her, still gaze with stupid face;


s: Like questing hound which loses sight of hare


s: Or fox, of whom he late pursued the trace,


s: Into close thicket, ditch, or narrow lair,


s: Meantime their ways the wanton Indian queen


s: Observes, and at their wonder laughs unseen.


s: In the mid wood, where they the maid did lose,


s: Was but a single pathway, left or right;


s: Which they believed the damsel could not choose


s: But follow, when she vanished from their sight.


s: Ferrau halts not, and Roland fast pursues,


s: Nor Sacripant less plies the rowels bright.


s: Angelica, this while, retrains her steed,


s: And follows the three warriors with less speed.


s: When pricking thus they came to where the way


s: Was in the forest lost, with wood o'ergrown,


s: For print of recent footsteps, up and down,


s: The fierce Ferrau, who might have borne away


s: From all that ever proudest were, the crown,


s: Turned him about, and shouted "Whence are you?"


s: "Turn back or take another road, save here,


s: And -- "What more could he say, sir cavalier,"


s: And reel from spindle-staff the matted wool?"


s: Then turning to Ferrau,, "But that thine head,


s: If thy late words were ill or wisely said,


s: Thou should'st perceive, before we further fare."


s: To him Ferrau:  "For that which breeds no dread


s: In me, why should'st thou take such sovereign care?


s: What I have said unhelmed will I prove true,


s: "Oh!" (to Circassia's king cried Roland dread)


s: "Thy morion for this man let me entreat,


s: Till I have driven such folly from his head;


s: For never with like madness did I meet."


s: -- "Who then would be most fool?" the monarch said;


s: "But if indeed you deem the suit discreet,


s: Lend him thine own; nor shall I be less fit


s: Haply than thee to school his lack of wit."


s: -- "Fools, both of you!" (the fierce Ferrau replied)


s: You would not be without your casques of pride,


s: But know thus much, that I by vow am tied


s: To wear no helm, and thus my promise quite;


s: Roaming without, till that fine casque I win


s: -- "Then" (smiling, to the Spaniard said the count)


s: "With naked head, thou thinkest to repeat


s: By Agolant's bold son: but shouldst thou meet


s: The warrior whom thou seekest, front to front,


s: I warrant thou wouldst quake from head to feet;


s: Nor only wouldst forego the casque, but give


s: The knight thine other arms to let thee live."


s: -- "So oft have I had Roland on the hip,


s: And oft," (exclaimed the boaster) "heretofore;


s: What other arms, beside his helm, he wore;


s: And if I still have let the occasion slip,


s: -- We sometimes think of things unwished before:


s: Such wish I had not; I have now; and hope


s: And cried, "Foul miscreant, liar, marched with me,


s: Say, caitiff, in what country, when and where


s: Boast you to have obtained such victory?


s: To vaunt, and whom you distant deemed: now see


s: If you can take my helm, or I have might


s: To take your other arms in your despite.


s: "Nor I o'er you the smallest vantage wou'd."


s: And nigh as quickly bared his trenchant blade.


s: Ferrau stands close, and in such attitude,


s: (His courage not for what had chanced dismayed)


s: Covered with lifted shield and naked sword,


s: As might best shelter to his head afford.


s: 'Twas thus those warriors two, with faulchions bare,


s: Turning their ready steeds, began to wheel;


s: And where the armour thinnest was, and where


s: The meeting plates were joined, probed steel with steel;


s: More fitted to be matched in fierce appeal:


s: Equal their daring, equal was their might,


s: And safe alike from wound was either knight.


s: That fierce Ferrau was charmed is understood,


s: Save where the child, enclosed within the womb


s: Of the full mother, takes its early food;


s: And hence he ever, till the squalid tomb


s: Covered his manly face, wore harness good


s: (Such was his wont) the doubtful part to guard,


s: Of seven good plates of metal, tempered hard.


s: Unfenced beneath his feet, which evermore


s: By him were guarded with all care and art.


s: The rest than diamond dug from mountain hoar


s: More hard, unless report from truth depart;


s: And armed to battle either champion went,


s: Waxing more fierce and fell the combat rages,


s: Of fear and horror full, between the twain:


s: The fierce Ferrau such dreadful battle wages,


s: That stroke or thrust is never dealt in vain:


s: And loosens, breaks, or shatters, plate and chain.


s: Regards such fearful sight, and marks the two.


s: Closing in fight were seen, his horse did gore


s: Along the way by which he deemed that she


s: Had disappeared; and so that battle sore


s: Was witnessed 'twixt the struggling foes, by none,


s: This dread and direful combat, standing nigh;


s: What they would do when they perceived the wrong;


s: But, without thought to keep her plunder long.


s: But first she would upon the warrior play:


s: The helmet she took down with this intent


s: And in her bosom hid, and marked the fray:


s: Next thence, without a word to either went,


s: And from the scene of strife was far away


s: Ere either of the two had marked the feat;


s: So were they blinded by their angry heat.


s: But Ferrau, who first chanced the loss to see,


s: From Roland disengaged himself, and cried,


s: Treated by him, who late with us did ride!


s: What meed, which worthiest of the strife might be,


s: If this be stolen, the victor shall abide?"


s: Roland draws back, looks upward, and with ire,


s: Missing the noble casque, is all on fire:


s: That he the knight, who was with them before,


s: Had born away the prize: hence turned his steed.


s: And with the spur admonished Brigliador.


s: Ferrau, who from the field beheld him speed.


s: Followed him, and when Roland and the Moor


s: Arrived where tracks upon the herbage green


s: Of the Circassian and the maid were seen,


s: Went off, pursuing the Circassian's tread;


s: The Spaniard kept the path more nigh the mount,


s: Angelica, this while, has reached a fount,


s: By whose inviting shades no traveller hasted,


s: Nor ever left the chrystal wave untasted.


s: And thinking her the sacred ring will hide,


s: Then seeks the fittest sapling for her need,


s: Where, fastened to its trunk, her mare may feed.


s: Arrived, who had pursued her traces there:


s: Than she evanished clean, and spurred her mare:


s: The helm this while had dropt, but lay too wide


s: Towards her full of rapture sprang Ferrau.


s: At sleep's departure: toiling long and sore


s: He seeks the damsel there, 'twixt plant and plant,


s: Now can his wretched eyes behold her more.


s: Ferrau returned towards the sylvan fount,


s: Where lay on earth the helmet of the count.


s: This he soon recognised, for here he read


s: And from what champion took, and when and where.


s: With it the paynim armed his neck and head,


s: Who would not for his grief the prize forbear;


s: His grief for loss of her, conveyed from sight,


s: When in this goodly casque he was arrayed,


s: He deemed nought wanting to his full content,


s: Who like a flash of lightning came and went:


s: For her he searches every greenwood shade,


s: And when all hope of finding her is spent,


s: He for the vain pursuit no longer tarries,


s: But to the Spanish camp returns near Paris;


s: Tempering the grief which glowed within his breast,


s: For such sore disappointment, with the thought


s: That he was with Orlando's morion blest,


s: As sworn.  By good Anglante's count, when taught


s: That the false Saracen the prize possest,


s: Long time the Spanish knight was vainly sought;


s: Nor Roland took the helmet from his head,


s: Till he between two bridges laid him dead.


s: Speeds on her journey, but with troubled front;


s: Grieved for the helmet, in her haste foregone


s: "Choosing to do what I should least have done,"


s: (She said) "I took his helmet from the count.


s: This for his first desert I well bestow;


s: "With good intentions, as God knows, I wrought;


s: Though these an ill and different end produce;


s: And not that this foul Spaniard what he sought


s: Should gain, or I to his intent conduce."


s: For having robbed Orlando of his casque.


s: By what appeared to her the meetest way,


s: Moody and ill-content she eastward pressed;


s: Ofttimes concealed, sometimes in face of day,


s: As seemed most opportune and pleased her best.


s: She reached, where, sorely wounded in mid breast,


s: Between two dead companions on the ground,


s: The royal maid a bleeding stripling found.


s: Shall speak, who first have many things to say;


s: Give for long space a rhyme; thence called away


s: By good Anglante's prince, who wills, before


s: I of those others tell, I should display


s: The labours and the troubles he sustained,


s: Pursuing the great good he never gained.


s: At the first city, whither he was brought


s: (Because to go concealed he had good care),


s: He a new helmet donned; but took no thought


s: What was the head-piece he designed to bear.


s: Imports, if hard or soft its temper were.


s: Orlando, covered thus, pursues the quest,


s: Nor him day, night, or rain, or sun arrest.


s: Dan Phoebus drew his dripping steeds, and high


s: And low, still scattering yellow flowers and red,


s: Aurora stained the heavens with various dye,


s: And Stars had cast their veils about their head,


s: Two squadrons he encountered; one an old


s: King of Noritia, whilom fierce and bold.


s: The next beneath the standard was enrolled


s: Alzirdo he by those who knew him, hight:


s: Cantoned throughout the winter months had lain,


s: All lodged nigh town or hamlet on the plain.


s: Spent in attacking Paris' walls in vain,


s: Since he, beside the host that with him came,


s: And that of Spain which followed to the fight


s: For all from Paris he to Arles's stream,


s: With part of Gascony, some straggling tower


s: Excepted, had reduced beneath his power.


s: The quivering brook, as warmer breezes blew,


s: Beginning now from ice its waves to free,


s: And the fresh-springing grass and foliage new,


s: To cloathe again the field and greenwood tree,


s: To be in time at that full muster, where


s: Each squadron, good or bad, was to be scanned


s: Orlando thus by chance encountered there,


s: Who, as his usage was, went seeking her,


s: By whom he had been made Love's prisoner.


s: Alzirdo, as the approaching count he eyes,


s: Who in this world for valour has no peer,


s: With such a haughty front, and in such guise,


s: The God of war would less in arms appear,


s: The features known before astounded spies,


s: The fierce, disdainful glance and furious cheer;


s: And him esteems a knight of prowess high,


s: Which, fondly, he too sore desires to try.


s: Arrogant, young, and of redoubted force,


s: Alzirdo was, and prized for dauntless mind;


s: Who bent to joust pricked forth his foaming horse,


s: Met by Anglante's prince in middle course,


s: Who pierced his heart as they encountering joined.


s: Frighted, the lightened courser scoured the plain,


s: And air on every side repeats the scream;


s: As his scared band the falling youth descry,


s: And issuing from his wound so wide a stream:


s: And, raised to cut or thrust, their weapons gleam.


s: Against that flower of knights, their feathered reeds,


s: A thicker squadron yet in tempest speeds.


s: With sound like that, with which from hill repair,


s: Or from the champaign's flat the hurrying swine,


s: (If the Wolf, issue from his grot, or Bear,


s: Descending to the mountains' lower line,


s: Some bristly youngling take away and tear,


s: Who with loud squeal and grunt is heard to pine)


s: Came driving at the count the barbarous rout;


s: "Upon him!" and "upon him!" still their shout.


s: At once spears, shafts, and swords, his corslet bore


s: By thousands, and as many pierce his shield.


s: This threatens on one side, and that before,


s: And those the ponderous mace behind him wield.


s: Than hungry Wolf in twilight makes account


s: To what the number of the flock may mount.


s: He held unsheathed that thundering sword in hand,


s: Which with so many foes has heaped the plain,


s: That he who thinks to count the slaughtered band,


s: The road ran red, ensanguined by his brand,


s: For neither targe nor head-piece good defends,


s: Nor safety cotton vest, nor cloths supply,


s: In thousand folds about the temples spread:


s: Through air, but shoulder, arm, and severed head,


s: Death roams the field in strange variety


s: Of horrid forms, and all inspiring dread;


s: And says, "For hundreds of my scythes may stand


s: His ceaseless strokes scarce one the other wait:


s: And when before they came at furious rate,


s: They hoped to swallow quick the single knight.


s: None is there who, in that unhappy straight,


s: Stops for his comrade, flying from the fight.


s: Here one man speeds afoot, one gallops there;


s: None stays to question if the road be fair.


s: Each blemish of the soul was seen confest:


s: None looked therein, except an aged peer,


s: Whose blood was chilled, but courage unreprest.


s: That death were better deems this cavalier


s: Than life in flight, and in disgrace possest:


s: I mean Noritia's king, who lays his lance


s: Of the intrepid count, with stedfast hand,


s: Who, by the stroke unshaken, nothing reeled:


s: And smote the king, in passing, with his brand.


s: Him Fortune saved; for as Orlando wheeled


s: The blade, it turned, descending, in his hand.


s: Although an-edge he guides not still the sword,


s: Stunned from his saddle reels the paynim lord.


s: Astounded from his saddle reels the king,


s: He cuts, and cleaves, and slays his following;


s: Who all believe him at their backs to be.


s: As through the spacious air, with troubled wing,


s: The starlings from the daring merlin flee;


s: So, of that broken squadron, scattered round,


s: Some fly, some dip, and some fall flat to ground.


s: He ceased not his ensanguined blade to sway


s: Till living wight remained not in his view.


s: Does he the right or left-hand road assay,


s: His thoughts still rove from what his steps pursue,


s: Through other path than that by which she fled.


s: Through wood and field his courser did he goad,


s: Beside himself, he strayed beside his road,


s: And to the foot of rising mountain came,


s: Whence (it was night-time) through a fissure glowed


s: The distant flicker of a quivering flame.


s: As where low junipers o'er shade her lair,


s: What time the hunters seek the fearful hare


s: Through traversed woods, and through uncertain way,


s: -- Lest peradventure she be hidden there,


s: Even so, where hope the toiling warrior leads,


s: Searching his lady-love, Orlando speeds.


s: Pricking in haste towards that ray, the count


s: Arrived where in the wood the light was shed,


s: Forth-streaming from a crevice in the mount,


s: Within whose womb a spacious grotto spread;


s: And there, like wall or bank, discerned in front,


s: To hide the grotto's inmates, and defend


s: From scathe or scorn, which others might intend.


s: But the clear flame betrayed the haunt by night.


s: Its use he guessed; but would the place explore,


s: When he without had tied his Brigliador,


s: In silence to the grotto stole the knight;


s: Threading the shrubs; nor calling for a guide,


s: Entered the passage in the mountain's side.


s: By a long flight of steps was the descent


s: Into the cave; where, in the rocky tomb,


s: Buried were living folk.  Of wide extent,


s: The grot was chiselled into vaulted room;


s: Nor was, although its entrance little lent,


s: All daylight wanting to disperse the gloom:


s: For much was furnished by a window dight,


s: A gentle maid of pleasing look and guise;


s: Who seemed to Roland little past fifteen,


s: As far as at first sight he might surmise.


s: With that so fair she made the rugged scene


s: Although this while her eyes with tears o'erflow,


s: Clear tokens of a heart oppressed with woe.


s: But when the County was descending there,


s: To welcome him rise lightly form their seat,


s: And with benign return the warrior greet.


s: 'Tis true, that when that sudden voice they hear,


s: Somedeal confused in look they seem to be,


s: So fierce a wight, and harnessed cap-a-pee.


s: "What wight" (demands Anglantes' cavalier)


s: That he keeps buried, in this rude repair,


s: With pain the virgin to the count replies,


s: In sweet and broken accents, which by sighs


s: Impelled, through rows of pearl and coral come:


s: And between rose and lily, from her eyes


s: Tears fall so fast, she needs must swallow some.


s: In other canto, sir, be pleased to attend


s: The rest, for here 'tis time my strain should end.


s: Who loves Zerbino, hears the piteous woes.


s: Next puts to death the felons with his hand


s: Who pent her there.  Duke Aymon's daughter goes,


s: Her he impounds, deceived by fictions new.


s: Those ancient cavaliers right happy were,


s: Born in an age, when, in the gloomy wood,


s: In valley, and in cave, wherein the bear,


s: Serpent, or lion, hid their savage brood,


s: They could find that, which now in palace rare


s: Is hardly found by judges proved and good;


s: Women, to wit, who in their freshest days


s: And asked, by whom she thither was conveyed?


s: Pursuing now my tale, I tell, how drowned


s: In grief (her speech by many a sob delayed),


s: The damsel fair, in sweet and softest sound,


s: Summing them with what brevity she might,


s: Her ills recounted to Anglantes' knight.


s: "Though I am sure," she said, "O cavalier,


s: Because I know, to him who pens me here,


s: This woman quickly will the fact display;


s: I would not but thou shouldst the story hear.


s: -- And let my wretched life the forfeit pay!


s: For what can wait me better than that he,


s: My gaoler, should one day my death decree?


s: The daughter of Gallicia's hapless king:


s: I said aright who was; but now the child


s: The fault of Love, by whom I was beguiled;


s: For against him alone this charge I bring.


s: Who sweetly, at the first, our wish applauds,


s: And weaves in secret but deceit and frauds.


s: "Whilom I lived, content in Fortune's smile,


s: Rich, blameless, fair, and young; to sad reverse


s: Condemned, I now am wretched, poor, and vile,


s: From their first root my troubles should rehearse.


s: And it will soothe me, though of thee I borrow


s: No help, that thou compassionate my sorrow.


s: (To-day will be twelve months) a tourney dight;


s: Hence, led by spreading rumour to our town,


s: To joust, from different lands came many a knight;


s: Or was it love which so deceived my sight)


s: Who was the mighty king of Scotland's son.


s: That freedom in my Love, so rash a guide,


s: That no unseemly place my heart possest,


s: Fixed on the worthiest in the world and best.


s: Those other lords the Scottish prince stood high.


s: He showed me, and, I think, be bore me love,


s: And left no less an ardent flame than I.


s: Nor lacked there one who did between us move,


s: So could we still in heart and mind unite,


s: Although disjoined from one another's sight.


s: "Hence, when concluded was the festal show,


s: If thou know'st what is love, thou well may'st know


s: How night and day I for the warrior yearned;


s: And was assured, no less on him did prey


s: The flame, that in his constant bosom burned.


s: He, save a way to have me with him, nought


s: For solace of his restless passion sought.


s: "For different faith forbade him (on my side


s: By stealth he purposed to elope with me.


s: Amid green fields, our wealthy town beside,


s: Upon the pleasant shore; from whence the eye


s: "A fitting place to effect what different creed


s: And law forbade us, he esteemed this site,


s: And showed the order taken for the deed,


s: Which was to make our future life's delight;


s: And how, near Santa Martha, for our need,


s: A bark was with arm'd men in ambush dight,


s: In succour of the king of France, in lieu


s: This Odoric for the purpose he would send;


s: Chosen, of all his faithful friends and true,


s: As his most faithful and his truest friend:


s: And such had been, if benefits could bind


s: And goodly deeds the friendship of mankind.


s: "At the time fixed to bear me thence away,


s: This chief would anchor on the destined ground.


s: -- And thus it was arrived the wished for day,


s: Of valiant men, by land and sea renowned,


s: In the near river from his bark descends,


s: And thence in silence to my garden wends.


s: "To the pitched bark with me his party sped,


s: Some of the house, disarmed and naked, fled,


s: And some were slain; while of the helpless band,


s: "Scarcely was Mongia by our galley doubled,


s: Ere a squall took us on the larboard side,


s: Which round about the clear horizon troubled,


s: And stirred and tost heaven-high the foaming tide.


s: Smote with a north-west wind, next, ocean bubbled,


s: Which on her other beam the vessel plied:


s: This evermore increases, with such force,


s: Starboard or larboard, boots not which our course.


s: "It steads not to strike sail, nor lash the mast,


s: Lowered on the gang-board, nor our castles fell;


s: The bark, in our despite, is hurried fast


s: Towards the pointed rocks about Rochelle:


s: Driven thither by ill wind with mightier speed


s: Than ever bow-string gave to whistling reed.


s: Lowers down the galley's skiff, and, when afloat,


s: Two follow, and a troop would throng the boat,


s: Did not the first prevent them, and defend


s: The entrance with their naked faulchions; we


s: Sever the rope forthwith, and put to sea.


s: "Driven landward, on the shore we safely light


s: Who in the skiff embarked; while of our band


s: The rest in the split vessel sink outright;


s: Our goods sea-swallowed all.  Upon the strand


s: I offer up my thanks, with outstretched hand,


s: That I was doomed not 'mid the watery roar


s: "Though I had left on shipboard matters rare,


s: And precious in their nature, gem and vest,


s: I was content the sea should have the rest.


s: No dwelling on the beach appears, nor there


s: Is any pathway seen, by footsteps pressed;


s: By ceaseless winds, the waters bathe its feet.


s: "Here the fell tyrant Love, aye prompt to range,


s: And faithless to his every promise still,


s: Converts, with woeful and disastrous change,


s: Cooled in his loyal faith, and burned with lust.


s: "Whether he his desire had nursed at sea,


s: Without more pause, in that lone desert, he


s: Would sate his greedy passion; but forbore


s: Till he of one could rid him, of the twain,


s: Who in the boat with us had scaped the main.


s: Who to Zerbino seemed great faith to bear;


s: Praised, when to Odoric given, his trust to share:


s: To him (the Spaniard said) it were a slight


s: And prayed, that he before would thither speed,


s: And forward thence some hackney, for my need.


s: Forthwith, before our party, wends his way


s: And which not more than six miles distant lay.


s: As well because he could not rid him thence,


s: "He that remained with us, of whom I said


s: Who with him under the same roof was bred


s: Deemed that the thought he harboured in his head,


s: He could impart in safety to the knight,


s: Who would prefer, neglected of his trust,


s: The pleasure of his friend to what was just.


s: (Who kind and courteous was) the Biscayneer,


s: And termed him traitor; and by deed and word


s: Withstood the purpose of his foul compeer.


s: This mighty wrath in either warrior stirred;


s: In sign whereof their naked brands they rear.


s: At sight of their drawn swords, in panic, I


s: Turn shortly through the gloomy wood to fly.


s: "Sir Odoric in war well taught and bred,


s: Gained in few blows such vantage in the fray,


s: And, following in my steps, pursued my way.


s: Pinions, that he might overtake his prey;


s: And many a prayer and glozing flattery taught,


s: Wherewith I to compliance might be wrought.


s: "But all in vain, for I was fixed and bent,


s: Rather than sate his ill desire, to die.


s: When menace had by him been vainly spent,


s: He would by open force his will content;


s: Nor boots it aught that I entreaties try; --


s: Of his lord's faith in him the wretch remind,


s: "When I perceived that fruitless was my prayer,


s: And that I could not hope for other aid;


s: For he assailed me like a famished bear,


s: With hands and feet I fierce resistance made,


s: As he more brutal waxed, and plucked his hair,


s: And with my teeth and nails his visage flayed:


s: This while I vent such lamentable cries,


s: "Were they by chance conducted, or my shriek,


s: Which might have well been heard a league around,


s: (Or, was it they were wont the shore to seek,


s: Which, to the sea descending, towards us wound.


s: Abandoned his design, and turned to flight.


s: "This rabble, sir, against that treacherous man


s: Comes to my aid; but in such guise, that I


s: 'Tis true so lost I was not, nor that clan


s: Though nothing good or virtuous on them wrought:


s: "But that they knew, for me preserved a maid,


s: As yet I am, they higher price might crave.


s: Eight months are past, the ninth arrived, since, stayed


s: By them, alive I languish in this grave.


s: For from their speech I gather, as a slave,


s: I am bartered to a merchant for his gold;


s: While sobs and sighs oft interposing break


s: Her soft angelic voice, which might infuse


s: What time she so her piteous grief renews,


s: This armed with hunting-spear, and that with bill.


s: With squinting look and dark, and but one eye,


s: The leader of the troop, of brutish cheer


s: By a blow blinded, which from nose to ear


s: Had cleft his jaw: when he did so descry


s: He turned about and said: "Lo! in the net


s: Perchance may have announced my pressing need


s: Of such fair arms, -- or you conjectured true, --


s: My needs (pursued the losel) to repair."


s: With bitter smile, upstarting on his feet,


s: "Thou at a price at which no chapman treat,


s: Unmarked in merchant's books, these arms shalt buy."


s: With that he snatched a brand, which, full of heat


s: And smoke, was smouldering in the chimney nigh,


s: Threw it, and smote by chance the knave half blind,


s: Where with the nose the meeting brows confined.


s: The brand discharged by him, hit either brow,


s: But most severely on the left did smite;


s: For that ill feature perished by the blow,


s: Which was the thief's sole minister of light.


s: Nor is the stroke content to blind the foe;


s: Among those damned souls, whom Charon keeps,


s: With their companions, plunged in boiling deeps.


s: Two palms in thickness, in its figure square;


s: Propt on one huge, ill fashioned food and rude,


s: Which held the thief and all who harboured there.


s: Even with such freedom as his dart of wood


s: We mark the nimble Spaniard launch through air,


s: The heavy table Roland seized and threw,


s: Where, crowded close together, stood the crew.


s: One had his belly crushed, and one his breast;


s: Whence some were slain outright, and maimed the rest,


s: While he who was least injured sought to fly.


s: 'Tis so sometimes, with heavy stone oppressed,


s: With battered heads and loins where, winter done,


s: They lick their scales, rejoicing in the sun.


s: I could not say what mischiefs these offend;


s: One dies, and one departs without its tail;


s: And wriggling wreathes its length without avail:


s: While this, whom more propitious saints befriend,


s: Safe through the grass drags off its slimy trail.


s: Dire was the stroke; yet should no wonder breed,


s: Since good Orlando's arm achieved the deed.


s: Those whom the board had little maimed or nought,


s: (Turpin says there were seven) in craven wise,


s: Their safety in their feet, yet vainly, sought;


s: And having them without resistance caught,


s: Fast with a rope their hands behind them ties;


s: A rope, which in the cavern on the ground,


s: Convenient for his purpose he had found.


s: He after drags them bound without the cave,


s: Where an old service-tree its shadow throws.


s: Orlando lops the branches with his glaive,


s: And hangs the thieves, a banquet for the crows:


s: Nor chain and crook for such a deed did crave:


s: For ready hooks the tree itself bestows,


s: To purge the world; where by the chin up-hung,


s: These, on the branches, bold Orlando strung.


s: The ancient woman, the assassin's friend,


s: Escapes when she perceives that all are dead,


s: And, threading that green labyrinth without end,


s: Laments, and plucks the hair from off her head,


s: By fear impelled, through paths which sore offend


s: Her feet, till she, beside a river's bed,


s: And turn to her, who to the count applied,


s: Praying he would not leave her there alone,


s: And vowed to follow whither he would guide.


s: And thence, when, with a wreath of roses tied


s: About her brows, and robed in purple gown,


s: Without encountering aught that might appear


s: As prisoner led, encountered by the way.


s: Who shall be told; but, tale to you as dear


s: -- Of Aymon's daughter, -- whom I left above,


s: Languid and lost in all the pains of love.


s: Lies in Marseilles, from whence the paynim train


s: (What time they robbing aye, by hill and plain,


s: Scower fruitful Languedoc and Provence gay)


s: The time long past, she, lying in that place,


s: She, not beholding him in all that space,


s: One day, mid others that her woeful case


s: The dame, who with that healing ring made sound


s: When her she saw, without her love returned,


s: (Such time elapsed, her mission incomplete),


s: Sore trembling, faint, and pale, her heart so yearned,


s: She scarce had strength to stand upon her feet.


s: But the enchantress kind, when she discerned


s: Her fear, advanced with smiles the maid to meet;


s: And to console her such glad visage wore


s: And safe (she cried), and ever worships thee,


s: As wonted; but thy foe, that wizard fell,


s: And it behoves thee now to climb the sell,


s: Would'st thou posses him, and to follow me;


s: For if thou wendest with me, I will lead


s: Whither, by thee Rogero shall be freed."


s: That wearing her fair face, who seemed the thrall


s: Of an ill giant, him had through the door


s: Of gold, enticed into the enchanted hall,


s: And after disappeared, the youth before;


s: And told how dames and cavaliers he cheats


s: Who thither make resort, with like deceits.


s: Seeing the sage, all think they see a squire,


s: Whatever is each several wight's desire:


s: Since to our scope our wishes never tend.


s: Hence searching every where, themselves they tire


s: With labour sore, and frustrate of their end;


s: And cannot, (so Desire and Hope deceive),


s: Without the missing good, that palace leave.


s: "As soon as thou (pursued the dame) art near


s: The place where he has built the magic seat,


s: And every look, Atlantes thee shall meet,


s: As suffering from some stronger arm defeat;


s: That thou may'st aid him in the peril feigned,


s: And thus among those others be detained.


s: "To the end thou may'st escape his ambush, where


s: Have fallen; though he Rogero seem, beware


s: To lend him faith, who will demand thine aid:


s: Nor, when the sage presents himself, forbear


s: To take his worthless life with lifted blade.


s: But him who works thee still such cruel woe.


s: "Hard will it seem to slay, full well I know,


s: But, for truth is not in the lying show,


s: Trust not to sight where magic blears the eye.


s: To change not when the traitorous foe is nigh:


s: The valorous maid with the intent to slay


s: The false enchanter, on her plan decides,


s: Snatches her arms, and follows on her way


s: And thus, by fruitful field or forest gray,


s: Her by forced journeys that enchantress guides;


s: And studies to beguile their weary course


s: Ever, as best she may, with sweet discourse:


s: Which might be grateful to the damsel's ear,


s: (A race of demigods) in prince and peer.


s: Of the eternal gods who rule our sphere,


s: "Oh! my best guide." exclaimed the damsel bold


s: To the weird-woman that to aid her came,


s: "As thou hast many years before foretold


s: The praise and virtues of some noble dame,


s: If from my lineage any such shall rise."


s: "Chaste dames of thee descended I survey,


s: Mothers of those who wear imperial crown,


s: And mighty kings; the column and the stay


s: Of glorious realms and houses of renown.


s: And as thy sons will shine in arms, so they


s: Will no less fame deserve in female gown,


s: With piety and sovereign prudence graced,


s: "And if at length, I should relate to thee


s: The praise of all who from thy root ascend,


s: Too long my tale would hold, nor do I see


s: Whom I could pass, where all to fame pretend.


s: Will choose, because my tale may have an end.


s: Why was not in the cave thy wish made known,


s: Where I their shadows might as well have shown?


s: "To hear of one of thy famed race prepare,


s: Whom liberal studies and good works engage;


s: Of whom, I know not well, if she more fair


s: May be entitled, or more chaste and sage;


s: It stands on Mincius' bank, in other age


s: Shall gild the town, of Ocnus' mother hight,


s: With her own glorious rays by day and night;


s: "Where, with her worthiest consort she will strain,


s: Which best shall prize the virtues' goodly train,


s: ('Tis said), from Gauls delivered Italy,


s: 'Twill be replied.  Penelope the chaste,


s: As such, was not beneath Ulysses placed.


s: "Great things and many thus I sum in few


s: Of this brave dame, and others leave behind:


s: Which when I from the vulgar herd withdrew,


s: Sage Merlin from the hollow stone divined.


s: For I should leave old Typhis out of view,


s: If on such sea I launched before the wind:


s: And with this finish my prophetic strain,


s: -- All blessings on her head the skies will rain.


s: Whose fortunes well shall with her name accord;


s: Who, while she lives, not only shall not miss


s: What good the heavens to those below afford,


s: But make, with her, partaker of her bliss,


s: First among wealthy dukes, her cherished lord;


s: Who shall, when she from hence receives her call,


s: "Viscontis' serpents will be held in dread,


s: And Moro and Sforza, while this dame shall be,


s: From Ind to hills, which to a double sea


s: Will with the Insubri into slavery fall;


s: And men shall sovereign wisdom fortune call.


s: "Other the same illustrious name will bear,


s: And who will flourish many years before.


s: Pannonia's garland one of these shall wear.


s: When she shall be released from earthly care,


s: Men will among the blessed saints adore;


s: With incense will approach the dame divine,


s: For 'twere too much (as said before) to sound


s: Their fame: though each might well deserve, that high


s: Heroic trump should in her praise be wound.


s: And Constances and more reserve; who found,


s: Illustrious houses with supporting hand.


s: "Thy race, which shall all else in this excel,


s: In the rare fortune of its women thrives;


s: Nor of its daughters' honour more I tell


s: And that thou may'st take note of this as well,


s: Which Merlin said of thy descendents' lives,


s: "Of good Richarda first shall be my strain,


s: Of fortune: (that which oft awaits the good)


s: Exiles, and cheated of their father's reign,


s: She shall behold the children of her blood


s: Wandering into the clutches of their foe;


s: Yet find at last a quittance for her woe.


s: "Nor sprung from the ancient root of Aragon,


s: Than whom more prudent or more chaste is none,


s: Shall with the goodly race of princes swell,


s: Which will be grafted on thy happy tree.


s: What of the fruitful stepchild shall I say,


s: And fortune, that like youthful plant will shoot,


s: Which into yielding soil has struck its root.


s: "As tin by silver, brass by gold, as Corn-


s: Poppy beside the deeply-crimsoning rose,


s: Of light, stained glass by gem that richly glows,


s: Each hitherto distinguished matron shows;


s: For beauty and for prudence claiming place,


s: And all praise-worthy excellence and grace.


s: Which shall distinguished her alive or dead,


s: Is that by her shall be, through kingly ways,


s: Who thus the seeds of worth in early days,


s: To bloom in council and in camp, will shed.


s: For long wine's savour lingers in the wood


s: "Nor the step-daughter of this noble dame,


s: Will I, Renata, hight of France, forget,


s: Of Louis born, twelfth monarch of his name,


s: And Bretagne's pride; all virtues ever yet


s: Bestowed on woman, since the ruddy flame


s: Has warmed, or water had the power to wet,


s: Or overhead the circling heavens have rolled,


s: " 'Twere long to tell of Alda de Sansogna,


s: Or more, with whose renown the world shall ring,


s: To speak whose separate praise with fitting lore,


s: The king enchantress at full ease had told,


s: And oft and oft rehearsed, amid the rede,


s: Where stood the mansion of Atlantes old,


s: Nor would approach the magic dome more nigh,


s: Lest her the false magician should espy.


s: (Counsel she had a thousand times bestowed)


s: Then left, Nor Bradamant through greenwood shade


s: More than two miles in narrow path had rode,


s: She saw a knight, who like Rogero showed,


s: So closely pressed, and labouring sore for breath,


s: That he appeared well nigh reduced to death.


s: When she beheld him in such perilous strait,


s: She quickly lost the faith she nourished late,


s: And with unheard of hate and wrong, her foe


s: Would by her hand destroy who loves him so.


s: Aye present to my heart, is now to sight?


s: Whom e'er shall I agnize or view aright?


s: Why should I other's judgment deem more true


s: Than the belief that's warranted by sight?


s: Even without eyes, and by my heart alone,


s: If he were near or distant, would be shown."


s: While so the damsel thinks, a voice she hears,


s: Which, like Rogero's, seems for aid to cry;


s: At the same time, the worsted knight appears


s: While at full speed the goaded courser clears


s: Nor paused the dame, in following them who sought


s: His life, till to the enchanted palace brought.


s: Of which no sooner has she past the door,


s: Each crooked way or straight her feet explore


s: Nor rests she night or day, so strong the lore


s: She (though they still encounter and confer)


s: But leave we Bradamant, nor grieve, O ye


s: Who hear, that she is prisoned by the spell,


s: Since her in fitting time I shall set free,


s: So it appears that, in the things I tell,


s: The wider here and there my story ranges,


s: It will be found less tedious for its changes.


s: Meseems that I have many threads to clear


s: And therefore be ye not displeased to hear


s: How, all dislodged, the squadrons of the Moor,


s: Threatening the golden lines loud, appear


s: Willing to know the numbers of his host.


s: For besides horse and foot, in the campaign


s: Sore thinned, whose numbers were to be supplied,


s: Had many captains, and those good, of Spain,


s: And thus the nations, and the various train,


s: To fill the squadrons ravaged by the sword,


s: In those fierce battles and those conflicts dread,


s: This to his Spain, to his Africa that lord,


s: Sent to recruit, where well their files they fed;


s: Under their proper captains, ranged and led.


s: I, with your leave, till other strain, delay


s: Two squadrons lack of those which muster under


s: Hence furious Mandricardo, full of wonder


s: And envy, seeks the count by hill and plain:


s: Next joys himself with Doralice; such plunder,


s: Aided by heaven, his valiant arms obtain.


s: Rinaldo comes, with the angel-guide before,


s: In many a fierce assault and conflict dread,


s: 'Twixt Spain and Afric and their Gallic foe,


s: Countless had been the slain, whose bodies fed


s: The ravening eagle, wolf, and greedy crow;


s: But though the Franks had worse in warfare sped,


s: Forced all the champaigne country to forego,


s: This had the paynims purchased at the cost


s: Of more good princes and bold barons lost.


s: Small ground was left them triumphs to prepare;


s: May modern things with ancient deeds compare,


s: The battle, whose illustrious palm may be


s: At whose remembrance sad Ravenna trembles,


s: And aye shall weep her loss, this field resembles.


s: When the Calesians and the Picards yielding,


s: You, with your valiant arms their squadrons shielding,


s: Stormed the almost victorious flags of Spain;


s: And those bold youths their trenchant weapons wielding,


s: Through parted squadrons, followed in your train;


s: Who on that day deserved you should accord,


s: For honoured gifts, the gilded spur and sword.


s: You, with such glorious hearts, who were not slow


s: To follow, nor far off, the gorgeous oak


s: Seized, and shook down the golden acorns so,


s: And so the red and yellow truncheon broke,


s: And the fair lily, rescued from its stroke;


s: Another wreath may round your temples bloom,


s: In that Fabricius you preserved to Rome.


s: Rome's mighty column, by your valiant hand


s: Taken and kept entire, more praise has shed


s: Of all who flocked to fat Ravenna's land,


s: When vain was lance or cannon's thundering car.


s: This dear-bought victory brought more relief


s: Than joy, by its event too much outweighed,


s: The loss of that French captain and our chief,


s: Whom dead we on the fatal field surveyed;


s: And swallowed in one storm, for further grief,


s: For safeguard of their own, or neighbouring lands,


s: Had poured through, frozen Alps their friendly bands.


s: Our present safety, and life held in fear,


s: That saved us from the wintry tempest drear,


s: Which would have whelmed us from Jove's angry sky.


s: But ill can we rejoice, while yet the tear


s: Who weeping and attired in sable, vents,


s: Throughout all grieving France, her loud laments.


s: 'Tis meet King Lewis should find new supplies


s: Of chiefs by whom his troops may be arrayed,


s: Who for the lilies' honour shall chastise


s: The hands which so rapaciously have preyed;


s: Who brethren, black and white, in shameful wise,


s: Have outraged, sister, mother, wife, and maid,


s: And cast on earth Christ's sacrament divine,


s: With the intent to thieve his silver shrine.


s: Hadst thou not made resistance to thy foe,


s: And thou been warned by Brescia's fate, than so


s: With thine, and to thy bands example be,


s: And tell what ills such license still has bred,


s: As the illustrious King of France has need


s: So the two kings who Spain and Afric lead,


s: Resolve their bands should muster on the mead,


s: From winter lodgings moved and various post;


s: That they may furnish, as their wants demand,


s: Passing it troop by troop their army scan.


s: The Catalonians, who their captain vaunt


s: And next, without their monarch Fulvirant,


s: Erst killed by good Rinaldo, comes the clan


s: Of bold Navarre; whose guideless band to steer


s: The Algarbi governed by Grandonio wheel.


s: Brings up with him the power of Less Castile.


s: Where through green banks the Betis winds its way.


s: After each other, next their forces stirred;


s: This in Grenada, that in Lisbon crowned;


s: Larbino had Lisbon ruled, whose golden round


s: Who erst with Sinnagon's broad banner spread,


s: Marched, and the multitude who drink and lave


s: The household-troops which guard Marsilius' state,


s: And in this force, well-sheathed in mail and plate,


s: Had both condemned to dwell in foreign lands,


s: Who, when dethroned, had to Marsilius' court


s: (There hospitably harboured) made resort.


s: Unsheath, and march; of whom I shall endite,


s: When it is time, their prowess to recite.


s: When so had filed the warlike host of Spain


s: Appeared King Oran with his martial train,


s: Who might almost a giant's stature vaunt;


s: Next they who weep their Martasino, slain


s: That woman triumphs in their monarch spent.


s: Marmonda's men next past the royal Moor,


s: And this unguided band, like that before,


s: As well as the fourth troop, a captain needs.


s: Of chiefs, he feigns a choice, and thinks; next speeds


s: Where needing, the unordered troops to guide.


s: With cloudy countenance and drooping head;


s: Who since he in the wooded mountain-chain


s: (Nigh where Atlantes dwelt), to her he led,


s: Fair Bradamant, had lost the virtuous ring,


s: Had lived in the displeasure of his king;


s: Who fastened to a stem had found him there,


s: He from the gallows-tree had swung in air:


s: Already fastened was the noose, and near


s: The caitiff's fate, when at the many's prayer


s: The king bade loose him; but reprieving, swore,


s: For his first fault to hang, offending more.


s: Thus, not without a cause, Brunello pined,


s: And showed a mournful face, and hung his head.


s: Next Farurantes; to whose care consigned,


s: Maurina's valiant horse and footmen tread.


s: Since Agramant the crown and staff of gold,


s: Once Pinador's, had given to him to hold.


s: The first beneath their ancient captains wend;


s: Are given to Corineus, the sovereign's friend.


s: So (late Tanphirion's) Almonsilla's crew,


s: And Cosca comes in charge of Balinfront.


s: For the worst ribald in that ample host,


s: Succeeded next.  I think not, 'mid that show,


s: The bannered camp a firmer troop could boast


s: Than that which followed in Sobrino's care;


s: Nor Saracen than him more wise and ware.


s: (His vassals) serve, the sovereign of Algiers,


s: Brought up a band of foot and cavaliers:


s: Whom, when the cloudy sun his rays withdrew


s: Beneath the Centaur and the Goat, his spears


s: There to recruit, was sent to the Afric shore


s: By Agramant, returned three days before.


s: Of all the chiefs who Moorish squadrons led;


s: More of the puissant warrior stands in dread


s: Than of King Agramant and all the train,


s: Which he, or the renowned Marsilius head;


s: Than others, hatred to our faith he bore.


s: Prusion is the Alvaracchia's king: below


s: Is ranged.  I wot not, I, if owl or crow,


s: Or other bird ill-omened, which from tower


s: Or tree croaks future evil, did foreshow


s: Was fixed in heaven, when on the following day


s: Either should perish in this deadly fray.


s: Were wanting to complete the paynim host;


s: But in the martial muster sign was none,


s: Nor tale, nor tiding of the squadrons lost;


s: What kept the slothful warriors from their post,


s: When of King Tremisene's a squire was brought


s: Before him, who at large the mischief taught;


s: -- Who taught how Manilardo was laid low,


s: -- "Sir," said the bearer of the news, "the foe


s: Who slew our troop, would all thy camp have slain,


s: If thine assembled host had been more slow


s: Than me, who, as it was, escaped with pain.


s: This man slays horse and foot, as in the cote,


s: The wolf makes easy waste of sheep and goat."


s: Where the bold Africans their standards plant,


s: Nor was there in the west, or whole Levant,


s: A knight, with heart or prowess gifted more.


s: Renowned he was for many a glorious quest


s: Atchieved, and through the world his fame was blown.


s: Worth in the Syrian fairy's castle shown:


s: Where mail, which cased the Trojan Hector's breast


s: A thousand years before, he made his own.


s: And finished that adventure, strange and fell;


s: A story which breeds terror but to tell.


s: When the squire told his news amid that show


s: Of troops, was present Agrican's bold son,


s: Who raised his daring face, resolved to go


s: And find the warrior who the deed had done;


s: But the design he hatched, forebore to show;


s: Or fearing lest, should he reveal his thought,


s: The quest by other champion might be sought.


s: And bearings, which the valiant stranger wore;


s: Who answered that he went without a crest,


s: And sable shield and sable surcoat bore.


s: -- And, sir, 'twas true; for so was Roland drest;


s: For as he mourned within, so he without,


s: The symbols of his grief would bear about.


s: Whose legs and mane were sable; he was bred


s: Between a Friesland mare and nag of Spain.


s: King Mandricardo, armed from foot to head,


s: Leapt on the steed and galloped o'er the plain,


s: And swore upon the camp to turn his back


s: Till he should find the champion clad in black.


s: Whom good Orlando's arm had put to flight;


s: Who in the rout had perished in their sight;


s: Is yet pourtrayed the sad and craven sprite:


s: -- Yet, through the fear endured, they far and nigh,


s: Nor he long was had rode, ere he descried


s: But which the wonderous feats well testified,


s: Now on this hand, now that, the dead he eyed,


s: Measured their wounds, and turned their bodies o'er;


s: Moved by strange envy of the knight whose hand


s: Had strown the champaign with the slaughtered band.


s: As wolf or mastiff-dog, who comes the last


s: Where the remains of slaughtered bullock lie,


s: And finds but horn and bones, where rich repast


s: Had fed the ravening hound and vulture night,


s: Glares vainly on the scull, unsmacked; so passed


s: The barbarous Tartar king those bodies by;


s: And grudged, lamenting, like the hungry beast,


s: To have come too late for such a sumptuous feast.


s: That day, and half the next, in search he strayed


s: Of him who wore the sable vest and shield.


s: When lo! he saw a mead, o'ertopt with shade,


s: Where a deep river wound about the field,


s: With narrow space between the turns it made,


s: Where'er from side to side the water wheeled.


s: Even such a spot as this with circling waves


s: Where this deep stream was fordable, he scanned


s: And these the paynim questioned who had manned,


s: With such a troop, and to what end, the shore?


s: Moved by his lordly air, and arms he wore,


s: Which showed him an illustrious cavalier.


s: "In charge" (he said) "we of the daughter go


s: Of him our king, who fills Granada's throne,


s: To fame the tidings are as yet  unknown.


s: Is heard, shall bring her where her father keeps


s: I' the Spanish camp; meanwhile the lady sleeps."


s: He who for scorn had daffed the world aside,


s: Those horsemen to defend the royal bride,


s: Committed by their sovereign to their care.


s: "The maid, by what I hear, is fair" (he cried).


s: "Fain would I now be certified, how fair:


s: "Thou needs art raving mad," replied in few


s: The chief, -- nor more.  But with his lance in rest,


s: And with the levelled spear transfixed his breast.


s: For the point pierced the yielding corslet through,


s: And lifeless he, perforce, the champaign prest.


s: Who weaponless without the spear remained.


s: Now sword nor club the warlike Tartar bore,


s: Since, when the Trojan Hector's plate and chain


s: He gained, because the faulchion lacked, he swore


s: (To this obliged), nor swore the king in vain,


s: That save he won the blade Orlando wore,


s: He would no other grasp, -- that Durindane.


s: Which Roland bears, and Hector bore of old.


s: Great is the Tartar monarch's daring, those


s: He pricks, with levelled lance, among his foes,


s: Shouting, in fury, -- "Who shall bar my way?" --


s: Round and about him suddenly they close;


s: These draw the faulchion, and those others lay


s: Before his lance was broke upon the crew.


s: When this he saw was broke, the truncheon sound


s: And yet entire, he took, both hands between,


s: And with so many bodies strewed the ground,


s: And as with that jaw bone, by hazard found,


s: Crushed helm and shield; and often side by side,


s: Slain by the truncheon, horse and rider died.


s: In running to their death the wretches vie,


s: Nor cease because their comrades perish near:


s: Than death itself, does to the troop appear.


s: They grudge to forfeit precious life, and lie


s: Crushed by the fragment of a broken spear;


s: And think foul scorn beneath the pounding stake


s: Strangely to die the death of frog or snake.


s: But after they at their expense had read


s: And near two thirds were now already dead,


s: As if with what was his the vanquished fled,


s: Ill bore that any, from the murderous strife


s: Of that scared rabble, should escape with life.


s: As in the well-dried fen or stubble-land,


s: Short time the stalk endures, or stridulous reed,


s: Against the flames, which careful rustic's hand


s: Scatters when Boreas blows the fires to feed;


s: What time they take, and by the north-wind fanned.


s: Crackle and snap, and through the furrow speed;


s: King Mandricardo's kindled wrath oppose.


s: When afterwards he marks the entrance free,


s: He, following prints (which had been recently


s: Marked on the mead), proceeds, amid the swell


s: If she as beauteous were as what they tell.


s: He wound his way 'mid corpses, where the wave,


s: Winding from side to side, a passage gave:


s: Who, at the root of an old ash tree laid,


s: Bemoaned her: fast her lamentations came.


s: And tears, like plenteous vein of water, strayed


s: Who, (so it from her lovely face appeared,)


s: For others mourned, while for herself she feared.


s: Her fear increased when she approaching spied


s: Him foul with blood, and marked his felon cheer;


s: And piercing shrieks the very sky divide


s: Raised by herself and followers, in their fear.


s: Came ancient men and matrons in her train,


s: And maids, the fairest of Granada's reign.


s: Where amid tears (in laughter what were she?)


s: He knows not if in heaven or earth he be;


s: Than yielding up himself a thrall to her,


s: (He knows not why) who was his prisoner.


s: Yet not so far his courtesy he strained,


s: That he would lose his labour's fruit, although


s: The royal damsel showed, who sorely plained,


s: Such grief as women in despair can show.


s: To turn to sovereign joy her present woe,


s: Would wholly bear her off; whom having placed


s: He dames, maids, ancient men, and others, who


s: Kindly dismissed, their journey to pursue;


s: Of guide, of handmaid will the office do,


s: To serve her in her every need prepared.


s: The wrong, with tears and sighs withdrew the band,


s: Saying, "How woe-begone will be her sire,


s: What grief will be the bridegroom's!  what his ire!


s: How dread the vengeance of that cavalier!


s: When so the lady's needs such help require.


s: To save the illustrious blood of Stordilane,


s: Ere the thief bears her farther hence, from stain?"


s: The Tartar, joying in the prize possest,


s: Which he by chance and valour won and wore;


s: Seemed not to have the haste he had before,


s: And stopp'd and loitered, where he whilom prest;


s: To find some fitting shelter; with desire,


s: Doralice he consoled this while, whose eyes


s: And cheek were wetted with the frequent tear,


s: And many matters feigned and flattering lies;


s: -- How, known by fame, he long had held her dear,


s: And how his country and glad realm, whose size


s: Shamed others, praised for grandeur far and near,


s: He quitted, not for sight of France or Spain;


s: But to behold that cheek of lovely grain.


s: By riches, -- who with me in wealth can vie.


s: By courage, -- I to-day (I ween) have proved


s: These words, and many others on his part,


s: Love frames and dictates to the Tartar knight,


s: Which sweetly tend to cheer the afflicted heart


s: Of the unhappy maid, disturbed with fright.


s: By these fear first was laid, and next the smart


s: Sheathed of that woe, which had nigh pierced her sprite;


s: And with more patience thence the maid began


s: To hear, and her new lover's reasons scan.


s: Next much more affable, with courteous lore


s: Seasoning her answers to his suit, replies;


s: Nor looking at the king, sometimes forbore


s: The paynim thence, whom Love had smote before,


s: Not hopeful now, but certain, of his prize,


s: Deemed that the lovely damsel would not still,


s: As late, be found rebellious to his will.


s: Which so rejoiced his soul, so satisfied;


s: And being near the time, when to their bield,


s: Warned by the chilly night, all creatures hied,


s: Seeing the sun now low and half concealed,


s: Until he heard reed-pipe and whistle sound,


s: And next saw farm and cabin smoking round.


s: Pastoral lodgings were the dwellings near,


s: Less formed for show, than for conveniency;


s: The herdsman welcomed with such courtesy,


s: That both were pleasured by his kindly cheer.


s: What afterwards was done at close of day


s: So leave to each, at pleasure, to award.


s: But as they rose the following morn more gay,


s: It would appear they were of fair accord:


s: And on the swain who them such honour showed,


s: Her thanks at parting Doralice bestowed.


s: Thence from one place to the other wandering, they


s: Which to the sea in silence winds its way,


s: And ill could be pronounced to stand or flow,


s: So clear and limpid, that the cheerful day,


s: With nought to intercept it, pierced below.


s: They found two warriors and a damsel laid.


s: Now lofty Fancy, which one course to run


s: Permits not, calls me hence in sudden wise;


s: And thither I return, where paynims stun


s: Fair France with hosile din and angry cries,


s: And boastful Rodomont, with vengeful doom,


s: Gives Paris to the flames, and levels Rome.


s: Tidings had reached the Moorish sovereign's ear


s: That the English had already passed the sea;


s: Assured they in the storm will never thrive,


s: Unless 'tis made before the aids arrive.


s: And plank and beam, and hurdle's twisted mail,


s: For different uses, at the king's command;


s: And bridge and boat; and, what might more avail


s: Than all the rest, a first and second band


s: For the assault (so bids the monarch) form;


s: Who will himself go forth with them that storm.


s: By priest and friar of orders black and gray,


s: And white, bade celebrate mass-rite and prayer;


s: And those who had confessed, a fair array,


s: And from the Stygian demons rescued were,


s: As if they were the ensuing day to fall.


s: At the high church, he, girt with paladine


s: And preachers of the word, and barons brave,


s: And there with folded hands and face supine,


s: Exclaimed, "O Lord! although my sins be grave,


s: Permit not, that, in this their utmost need,


s: Thy people suffer for their king's misdeed!


s: "And if that they should suffer is thy will,


s: And that they should due penance undergo,


s: So that thine enemies deal not the blow.


s: For, when 'tis given him in his wrath to kill


s: Us who are deemed thy friends, the paynim foe,


s: That thou art without power to save, will cry,


s: Because thou lett'st thy faithful people die:


s: "And, for one faithless found, against thy sway


s: A hundred shall throughout the world rebel;


s: So that false Babel's law will have its way,


s: And thus thy blessed faith put down and quell.


s: Defend thy suffering people, who are they


s: That purged thy tomb from heathen hounds and fell.


s: And many times and oft, by foes offended,


s: Thy holy church and vicars have defended.


s: "That our deserts unfitting are to place


s: I' the scale against our mighty debt, I know;


s: Our sinful lives; but if thou shouldst bestow


s: In aid, the gift of they redeeming grace,


s: The account is quit and balanced, that we owe;


s: Nor can we of thy succour, Lord, despair,


s: While we in mind thy saving mercy bear."


s: In humbleness of heart and deep contrition;


s: And added other prayers withal, and vowed


s: What fitted his great needs and high condition.


s: For his good genius hears the king's petition,


s: Best of the seraphs he; who spreads his wings,


s: And to the Saviour's feet this offering brings.


s: Infinite other prayers as well preferred,


s: Were, by like couriers, to the Godhead's ear


s: So borne; which when the blessed spirits heard,


s: They all together gazed, with pitying cheer,


s: On their eternal, loving Lord, and, stirred


s: With one desire, besought that he would hear


s: The just petition, to his ears conveyed,


s: Of this his Christian people, seeking aid.


s: Was never sought by faithful heart, an eye,


s: Full of compassion, raised; and from the train


s: Waved Michael, and to the arch-angel:  "Hie,


s: To seek the Christian host that crost the main,


s: And lately furled their sails in Picardy:


s: These so conduct to Paris, that their tramp


s: And noise be heard not in the hostile camp.


s: "Find Silence first, and bid him, on my part,


s: On this emprize attend thee, at thy side:


s: Since he for such a quest, with happiest art


s: Will know what is most fitting to provide.


s: Next, where she sojourns, instantly impart


s: To Discord my command, that she, supplied


s: With steel and tinder, 'mid the paynims go,


s: And fire and flame in their encampment blow;


s: "And throughout those among them, who are said


s: To be the mightiest, spread such strife, that they


s: Together may contend, and that some dead


s: Remain, some hurt, some taken in the fray;


s: And some to leave the camp, by wrath, be led;


s: So that they yield their sovereign little stay."


s: But swoops descending from the starry skies.


s: Where'er the angel Michael turns his wing,


s: The clouds are scattered and the sky turns bright;


s: As we see summer lightning gleam at night.


s: This while the courier of the heavenly king


s: Thinks, on his way, where he may best alight,


s: With the intent to find that foe to speech,


s: To whom he first his high behest would teach.


s: Upon the thought the posting angel brooded,


s: Where he, for whom he sought was used to dwell,


s: Who after thinking much, at last concluded


s: Him he should find in church or convent cell;


s: Where social speech is in such mode excluded,


s: That SILENCE, where the cloistered brethren swell


s: Their anthems, where they sleep, and where they sit


s: At meat; and everywhere in fine is writ.


s: Weening that he shall find him here, he plies


s: With greater speed his plumes of gilded scale,


s: And deems as well that Peace, here guested, lies,


s: But finds he is deceived in his surmise,


s: As soon as he has past the cloister's pale.


s: Here Silence is not; nor ('tis said) is found


s: Longer, except in writing, on this ground.


s: Nor here he Love, nor here he Peace surveys,


s: Here dwelt they once; but 'twas in ancient days;


s: Chased hence by Avarice, Anger, Gluttony,


s: Pride, Envy, Sloth, and Cruelty.  In amaze


s: Even her, to whom the eternal Sire as well,


s: Having found Silence, bade him to repair.


s: Where she was harboured with the damned, must fare,


s: And now discerned her in this other hell


s: (Who would believe it?) amid mass and prayer.


s: Strange Michael thought to see her there enshrined,


s: Whom he believed he must go far to find.


s: Unequal strips and many formed the gown,


s: Which, opening with her walk, or wind that blew,


s: Now showed, now hid her; for they were unsown.


s: Her hair appeared to be at strife; in hue


s: Like silver and like gold, and black and brown;


s: Part in a tress, in riband part comprest,


s: Some on her shoulders flowed, some on her breast.


s: And hearings, in her hands and bosom bore,


s: Weapons, from which the substance of the poor


s: Her Michael calls to him, and give command


s: That she among the strongest paynims go;


s: He next from her of Silence makes demand,


s: As one who from one land to the other hied,


s: Kindling and scattering fire on either side.


s: "But oft have heard him mentioned, and for shrewd


s: But Fraud, who makes one of this multitude,


s: I think, can furnish news of him to thee,


s: And" (pointing with her finger) "that is she."


s: With pleasing mien, grave walk, and decent vest,


s: Fraud rolled her eye-balls humbly in her head;


s: And such benign and modest speech possest,


s: Foul was she and deformed, in all the rest;


s: But with a mantle long and widely spread,


s: Concealed her hideous parts; and evermore


s: Beneath the stole a poisoned dagger wore.


s: What way in search of Silence to pursue:


s: Who said; "He with the Virtues once was scanned


s: Nor dwelt elsewhere; aye guested by the crew


s: When abbeys and when convent-cells were new;


s: And whilom in the schools long time did pass,


s: "But those philosophers and saints of yore


s: Extinguished, who had been his former stay,


s: Changing his life, at night with lovers, bore


s: Thieves company, and sinned in every way:


s: He oftentimes consorts with Treason; further,


s: I even have beheld him leagued with Murther.


s: "With coiners him you oftentimes may see


s: Harbour in some obscure and close repair.


s: To light on him would be a fortune rare:


s: Yet have I hope to point him out to thee;


s: If to Sleep's house thou wilt at midnight fare,


s: Him wilt thou surely find; for to repose


s: Though Fraud was alway wont to deal in lies,


s: So like the simple truth appears her say,


s: The angel yields the tale belief; and flies


s: Tempers his speed, and schemes withal in wise


s: To finish at the appointed time his way,


s: That at the house of Sleep (the mansion blind


s: Full well he knew) this Silence he may find.


s: Removed from village and from city's reach.


s: By two fair hills o'ershadowed is the dale,


s: And full of ancient fir and sturdy beech.


s: Conveys the cheerful daylight: for no breach


s: The rays can make through boughs spread thickly round;


s: And it is here a cave runs under ground.


s: Here widely wandering, ivy-suckers creep,


s: Harboured within this grot lies heavy Sleep,


s: Ease, corpulent and gross, upon this side,


s: Upon that, Sloth, on earth has made her seat;


s: Who cannot go, and hardly keeps her feet.


s: Nor message hears or bears, and from that ground


s: While Silence plays the scout and walks his round,


s: Equipt with shoes of felt and mantle brown,


s: And motions from a distance all who meet


s: Him on his circuit, from the dim retreat.


s: And, " 'Tis God's bidding" (whispers in his ear)


s: Brought in his sovereign's aid, to Paris steer:


s: That not a Saracen their cry shall hear;


s: Ere he from Fame of their arrival know."


s: Than signing with his head that he obeyed:


s: (And took his post behind the heavenly guide)


s: The angel moved those bands of valour tried,


s: And short to them a tedious distance made:


s: Whom he to Paris safe transports; while none


s: Silence the advancing troop kept skirting round,


s: In front, and flank, and rear of the array;


s: Above the band he spread a mist profound,


s: And everywhere beside 'twas lightsome day;


s: Nor through the impeding fog the shrilling sound


s: Of horn was heard, without, or trumpet's bray.


s: He next the hostile paynims went to find,


s: And with I know not what made deaf and blind.


s: While with such haste his band Rinaldo led,


s: That him an angel well might seem to guide,


s: And in such silence moved, that nought was said


s: Throughout fair Paris' suburbs, and beside


s: The foss, and underneath the walls; that day


s: He who the Moorish monarch's force would tell,


s: Which Charlemagne this day will have to meet,


s: The trees upon its back, or waves that beat


s: (What time the troubled waters highest swell)


s: The furtive works of lovers Heaven espies.


s: The larum-bells, loud-sounding through the air,


s: Stricken with frequent blows, the town affray;


s: Movement of lips and hands upraised to pray


s: Are seen: if treasure seemed to God so fair


s: As to our foolish thoughts, upon this day


s: In that they were reserved for such a woe;


s: But the bold youths who, valiant and robust,


s: Small thought upon the approaching ills bestow,


s: Scorning their elders' counsel, here and there


s: King, duke, and marquis, count and chivalry,


s: On Charlemagne to lower the bridges cry.


s: He witnesses with joy their martial beat,


s: But to permit their sally deems not meet.


s: The advance of the barbarians to impede:


s: For this would ill suffice a numerous host,


s: To that he was content that few should speed.


s: Some worked at the machines, some wild-fire tost,


s: All ranged according to the separate need.


s: Charles, never in one place, with restless care


s: Provides defence and succour every where.


s: I' the midst -- the heart of France, more justly say.


s: A stream flows into it, and forth again;


s: But first, the passing waters, as they stray,


s: The other two (three separate quarters note).


s: Within the river girds, without the moat.


s: The town, whose walls for miles in circuit run,


s: Might well have been attacked from many a side;


s: Nor willingly his scattered troops divide,


s: Westward beyond the stream Troyano's son


s: Retired, from thence the assailing bands to guide.


s: Behind, but what was his, as far as Spain.


s: Where'er the walls of Paris wound about,


s: Large ammunition had king Charles purveyed;


s: And had within trench, drain, and casemate made:


s: And where the river entered and went out,


s: Had thickest chains across the channel laid.


s: But most of all, his prudent cares appear


s: Where there is greatest cause for present fear.


s: With eyes of Argus, Pepin's valiant son,


s: Where Agramant was bent to storm foresaw,


s: And every thing forestalled, ere yet begun


s: And what beside he out of Spain had led,


s: Marsilius was in arms, their valiant head.


s: With Oran's giant king, to swell the train:


s: Six cubits is the prince, from head to feet.


s: Than these men move their arms? for in his heat


s: King Rodomont exclaims, blaspheming sore,


s: Nor can contain his furious spirit more.


s: As swarming to assail the pastoral bowl,


s: With sound of stridulous wing, through summer sky,


s: Or relics of a feast, their luscious dole,


s: As starlings to the vineyard's crimsoning pole


s: With the ripe clusters charged, -- heaven's concave high


s: Filling, as they advanced, with noise and shout,


s: Fast hurried to the storm the Moorish rout.


s: Upon their walls the Christians in array,


s: With lance, sword, axe, and wild-fire tost,


s: The assaulted city guard without dismay,


s: And little reck the proud barbarian's boast:


s: Nor when death snatches this or that away,


s: Return, amid a storm of strokes and blows.


s: But mighty masses and whole bulwarks fall,


s: And top of tower, huge piece of bastion,


s: And with much toil disrupted, solid wall;


s: While streams of boiling water pouring down,


s: Insufferably the advancing paynims gall:


s: Of helmet, makes its way, and blinds the sight.


s: Then how much more the mist of lime-dust fine!


s: Then how the emptied vessel, burning sore


s: With nitre, sulphur, pitch, and turpentine!


s: Which, wreathed about with flaming tresses, shine.


s: These at the foemen scaled, upon all hands,


s: Form cruel garlands for the paynim bands.


s: Meanwhile, up to the walls the second crew


s: Fierce Sarza's king was driven, accompanied


s: It seems, will Setta's valiant monarch hide:


s: With these, that men their martial worth may know.


s: With crimson Rodomont his banner stains,


s: Who, bitted by a maid, to curb and reins


s: His savage mouth disdains not to unclose.


s: In her who curbs him with the bit and string,


s: Related, and from whom, and in what wise.


s: Even she it was, whom Sarza's monarch more


s: Loved than his realm, -- beyond his very eyes:


s: And valour showed for her and courteous lore,


s: Not knowing yet she was another's prize.


s: If he had, -- then, -- then, first, -- the story known,


s: Even what he did that day, he would have done.


s: At once the foes a thousand ladders rear.


s: Against the wall by the assailants shored,


s: Two mannered each round; the second, in the rear,


s: Urged on by the first; the third the second gored.


s: One mounts the wall through valour, one through fear,


s: And all attempt perforce the dangerous ford;


s: Or smites the wretched laggard who delays.


s: 'Tis thus, 'mid fire and ruin, all assay


s: Themselves, some safer passage seek, where they


s: Will have least pain and peril to endure.


s: To wend, except by what is least secure;


s: And in that desperate case, where others made


s: Their offerings, cursed the god to whom they prayed.


s: He in a cuirass, hard and strong, was drest;


s: Which erst secured the manly back and breast


s: Who hoped the rule of heaven from God to wrest,


s: And him would from his golden dome have split.


s: Perfect, and for this end alone, were made


s: Helmet and shield as well as trenchant blade.


s: Proud and untamed; and who would not forbear


s: To scale the lofty firmament till night,


s: Could he in this wide world descry the stair.


s: He stood not, he, to mark the bulwark's plight


s: Nor if the fosse of certain bottom were.


s: He past, ran, -- rather flew across the moat,


s: Plunging in filth and water to his throat.


s: Dripping and foul with water and with weeds,


s: 'Mid fire and stone, and arbalests, and bows,


s: On drives the chief; as through the marshy reeds,


s: Who makes large day-light wheresoe'er he speeds,


s: Parting the sedge with breast and tusk and nose.


s: The paynim, safe in buckler lifted high,


s: Scorns not the wall alone, but braves the sky.


s: Rodomont has no sooner gained the shore,


s: Within the city walls, a bridge that bore


s: (Roomy and large) king Charles's Christian bands.


s: Here many a scull is riven, here men take more


s: Than monkish tonsure at the warrior's hands:


s: Heads fly and arms; and to the ditch a flood


s: Runs streaming from the wall of crimson blood.


s: He drops the shield; and with two-handed sway


s: Wielding his sword, duke Arnulph he offends.


s: Who came from whence, into the briny bay,


s: The advancing flame, the wretch his life defends.


s: He his last shudder gives, and tumbles dead;


s: Cleft downwards, a full palm from neck and head.


s: At one back-stroke sir Spineloccio true,


s: The narrow place and thickly-swarming crew


s: Make the wide-circling blow so fully tell.


s: The first half Flemings were, the residue


s: Are Normans, who the list of slaughter swell.


s: To breast divides, and thence to paunch below.


s: Down from the wall Andropono and Moschine


s: He cast into the ditch: a priest the first;


s: Drained, at a draught, whole runlets in his thirst;


s: Like viper's blood or venom: now immersed


s: In this, he perishes amid that slaughter;


s: And, what breeds most affliction, dies by water.


s: Arnold of Thoulouse through the breast before;


s: And Claud, pour forth their ghosts in reeking gore.


s: And Walter next; of Paris are the four --


s: With others, that by me unmentioned fall,


s: Who cannot tell the name and land of all.


s: The ladders lift, and many places scale.


s: Here the Parisians make no further head,


s: Who find their first defense of small avail


s: Full well they know that danger more to dread


s: Because between the wall and second mound


s: A fosse descends, wide, horrid, and profound.


s: Besides, that ours, with those upon the height,


s: War from below, like valiant men and stout,


s: New files succeed to those who fall in fight,


s: Where, on the interior summit, stand the rout,


s: Who gall with lances, and a whistling flight


s: Many of whom, I ween, that post would shun,


s: But he still heartened some, and chid the rest,


s: And forced them forward to their sore alarm.


s: One paynim's head he cleft, and other's breast,


s: Who turned about to fly; and of the swarm


s: Some shoved and pushed and to the encounter prest,


s: Close-grappled by the collar, hair, or arm:


s: And downwards from the wall such numbers threw,


s: The ditch was all to narrow for the crew.


s: While so the foes descend, or rather fling


s: And thence by many ladders try to spring


s: Upraised his weight, and vaulted clean across,


s: Loaded with all his arms, the yawning fosse.


s: The moat of thirty feet, not less, he cleared,


s: As dexterously as leaps the greyhound fleet,


s: Nor at his lighting louder noise was heard


s: Than if he had worn felt beneath his feet.


s: He now of this, now that, the mantle sheared;


s: Or rather of soft rind their arms had been:


s: So matchless was his force and sword so keen!


s: This while, not idle, those of ours had laid


s: Snares in the inner moat, a well-charged mine:


s: Where broom and thick fascines, all over paid


s: With swarthy pitch, in plenty intertwine.


s: Though they from bank to bank that hollow line,


s: Filling the bottom well-nigh to the brink;


s: And countless vessels the defenders sink.


s: Charged with salt-petre, oil, or sulphur pale,


s: One and the other, or with such like gear;


s: While ours, intent the paynims that assail


s: The town, should pay their daring folly dear,


s: (Who from the ditch on different parts would scale


s: The inner bulwark's platform) when they hear


s: The appointed signal which their comrades raise,


s: Set, at fit points, the wildfire in a blaze.


s: For that the moat was full from side to side,


s: And mounted to such height, they well-nigh dried


s: Dimmed every glimpse of light, and hid the sun:


s: A fearful crash, with a continued sound,


s: Like a long peal of thunder, shook the ground.


s: Of deep lament, and yell and shriek, which came


s: Perishing through their furious leader's blame,


s: Was heard, as in strange concord, to agree


s: With the fierce crackling of the murderous flame.


s: No more of this, no more! -- Here, sir, I close


s: My canto, hoarse, and needing short repose.


s: Round about Paris every where are spread


s: The assailing hosts of Africa and Spain.


s: Binds first Caligorantes with his chain;


s: Next from Orrilo's trunk divides the head;


s: With whom Sir Aquilant had warred in vain,


s: And Gryphon bold: next Sansonet discerns,


s: Though Conquest fruit of skill or fortune be,


s: Is to a chief less honour wont to bring;


s: Who, saving from all harm his own, without


s: Loss to his followers, puts the foe to rout.


s: You, sir, earned worthy praise, when you o'erbore


s: Did by him, where he guarded either shore


s: That I, though yet again I heard him roar,


s: If you were present, should my fear forego.


s: How fields are fitly won was then made plain;


s: For we were rescued, and your foemen slain.


s: This was the Paynim little skilled to do,


s: One and all perished in the burning fosse.


s: The mighty gulf had not contained the crew,


s: But that, devouring those who sought to cross,


s: Them into dust the flame reduced, that room


s: Might be for all within the crowded tomb.


s: Of twenty thousand warriors thither sent,


s: Died nineteen thousand in the fiery pit;


s: Who to the fosse descended, ill content;


s: But so their leader willed, of little wit:


s: Extinguished amid such a blaze, and spent


s: By the devouring flame the Christians lit.


s: For he to the inner bank, by foes possest,


s: Across the ditch had vaulted wonderously:


s: It sure had been his last assault.  His eye


s: He turns, and when the wild-fires, which infest


s: The infernal vale, he sees ascend so high,


s: And hears his people's moan and dying screams,


s: With imprecations dread he Heaven blasphemes.


s: This while a band King Agramant had brought,


s: For while the cruel battle here was fought,


s: Wherein so many sufferers met their fate,


s: With fitting guard.  Upon the monarch wait


s: King Bambirago, 'mid his knights of price,


s: The wealthy monarch of the blessed isles;


s: Of Fez, where a perpetual summer smiles;


s: Well-armed and tried; and others 'mid their files,


s: Naked, and base, whose hearts in martial fields


s: Had found no shelter from a thousand shields.


s: But all things counter to the hopes ensue


s: Of Lombards, French, and Germans, without end;


s: Who, every one, in presence of his lord,


s: Who signs to me from far, and prays that I


s: 'Tis time that I should measure back my way


s: Who, in long exile, loathing more to stay,


s: Burnt with desire to tread his native shore;


s: As hopes to him had given the sober fay,


s: She with all care would send the warrior back


s: -- A better galley never ploughed the sea;


s: That good Andronica, with squadron stout,


s: And chaste Sophrosina, with him shall be,


s: Till to the Arabian Sea, beneath their care,


s: By Scyth and Indian she prefers the peer


s: Should coast, and by the Nabataean reign;


s: Content he, after such a round, should veer


s: Rather than for that Boreal palace steer,


s: Where angry winds aye vex the rude domain:


s: So ill, at seasons, favoured by the sun,


s: That there, for months together, light is none.


s: With counsel as to things too long to say;


s: And that he might no more by charms be stayed


s: In place from whence he could not wend his way,


s: Him with a useful book and fair purveyed,


s: And ever for her love to wear it prayed.


s: How man should guard himself from magic cheats


s: The book instructed, which the fay bestowed;


s: At the end or the beginning, where it treats


s: All other gifts excelled, to her he owed;


s: This was a horn, which made whatever wight


s: Should hear its clang betake himself to flight.


s: I say, the horn is of such horrid sound,


s: That, wheresoe'er 'tis heard, all fly for fear;


s: Nor in the world is one of heart so sound


s: That would not fly, should he the bugle hear.


s: Wind, thunder, and the shock which rives the ground,


s: Come not, in aught, the hideous clangour near.


s: With thanks did the good Englishman receive


s: The gift, and of the fairy took his leave.


s: Quitting the port and smoother waves, they stand


s: To sea, with favouring wind which blows astern;


s: And (coasting) round the rich and populous land


s: Opening a thousand isles on either hand,


s: Scattered about that sea, till they discern


s: The land of Thomas; here the pilot veers


s: His ready tiller, and more northward steers.


s: Marks, as he coasts, the wealthy land at ease.


s: Nigh skirting now the golden Chersonese;


s: The frith which chafes against its double shore;


s: Makes distant Cochin, and with favouring wind


s: Scouring at large broad ocean, with a guide


s: Named from the westering sun, of this our sphere,


s: Bark, which with oars or canvas stemmed the tide,


s: -- And could a wight, who loosed from Indian strand,


s: Reach France or Britain, without touching land.


s: "Know that this earth is girt about with seas,


s: Whether the circling waters boil or freeze:


s: But, since the Aethiops' land before us lies,


s: Across his waters, some one has supposed


s: "Hence bark from this Levant of Ind is none


s: Which weighs, to shape her course for Europe's shore;


s: Weening (its limits of such length appear)


s: "But in the course of circling years I view


s: From farthest lands which catch the western ray,


s: Pass the far sign, from whence, on his return,


s: The sun moves hither, leaving Capricorn;


s: "And find the limit of this length of land,


s: Who, scouring in their frigates every strand,


s: Pass Ind and Arab isles, or Persian through:


s: The banks, which stout Alcides cleft in two,


s: To seek new lands and new creations run.


s: "The imperial flags and holy cross I know,


s: Fixed on the verdant shore; see some upon


s: The shattered barks keep guard, and others go


s: A-field, by whom new countries will be won;


s: And see all, wheresoe'er the warriors wend,


s: To the fifth Charles' triumphant captains bend.


s: "That this way should be hidden was God's will


s: Of old, and ere 'twas known long time should run;


s: In that he would subject the world to one,


s: The justest and most fraught with prudent lore


s: On the left bank of Rhine a monarch bred;


s: Of all whose goodly deeds are heard or read.


s: Rather restored to life, long seeming dead;


s: By him shall be recalled from banishment.


s: "For such desert, Heaven's bounty not alone


s: Designs he should the imperial garland bear, --


s: Augustus', Trajan's, Mark's, Severus', crown;


s: But that of every farthest land should wear,


s: Which here and there extends, as yet unknown,


s: Yielding no passage to the sun and year;


s: And wills that in his time Christ's scattered sheep


s: Should be one flock, beneath one Shepherd's keep.


s: "And that this be accomplished with more ease,


s: Shall heavenly Providence to him supply.


s: I mark Hernando Cortez bring, 'mid these,


s: This third, who shall the laurel win and hold;


s: As a good horse before the rest will dart,


s: And first attain the goal, though last to start.


s: "I see such faith, such valour in the deeds


s: Of young Alphonso (such his name) confest,


s: His sixth and twentieth year, -- at Caesar's hest,


s: (A mighty trust) the imperial army leads:


s: Of his fair empire saves, but may the world


s: Reduce, with ensigns by this chief unfurled.


s: "As with these captains, where the way by land


s: Is free, he spreads the ancient empire's sway,


s: So on the sea, which severs Europe's strand


s: When with good Doria linked in friendly band,


s: Victorious he shall prove in every fray.


s: This is that Andrew Doria who will sweep


s: From pirates, on all sides, your midland deep.


s: "Pompey, though he chased rovers everywhere,


s: Was not his peer; for ill the thievish brood


s: Vanquished by him, in puissance, could compare


s: With the most mighty realm that ever stood.


s: With his own forces purge the briny flood:


s: Quake at his name, from Calpe to the Nile.


s: "Beneath the faith, beneath the warrantry


s: To which this captain clears the monarch's way;


s: But on his country, not himself, that fee


s: Shall he bestow, which is his labour's pay;


s: And beg her freedom, where himself perchance


s: Another would to sovereign rule advance.


s: "The pious love he bears his native land


s: Which Julius ever won on Afric's strand,


s: Or in thine isle, France, Thessaly, or Spain.


s: Nor great Octavius does more praise command,


s: With equal arms: in that the wrong outweighs


s: -- Done to their native land -- their every praise.


s: "Let these, and every other wight who tries


s: To subject a free country, blush for shame,


s: Nor dare in face of man to lift his eyes,


s: Where he hears Andrew Doria's honoured name!


s: To him I see Charles other meed supplies;


s: For he beside his leaders' common claim,


s: Bestows upon the chief the sumptuous state,


s: Whence Norman bands their power in Puglia date.


s: Shall Charles display, still liberal of his store;


s: In his emprizes have not spared their gore.


s: Him to bestow a town, -- a realm -- I see,


s: And on all such as have good service done,


s: Than in new kingdom and new empire won."


s: Thus of the victories, by land and main,


s: Which, when long course of years shall be complete,


s: Charles' worthy captains for their lord will gain,


s: This while, now loosening, tightening now, the rein


s: On the eastern winds, which blow upon their feet,


s: Making this serve or that, her comrade stands;


s: While the blasts rise or sink as she commands.


s: This while they saw, as for their port they made,


s: How wide the Persian sea extends to sight;


s: Whence in few days the squadron was conveyed


s: Nigh the famed gulf from ancient Magi hight;


s: Here they found harbourage; and here were stayed


s: Their wandering barks, which stern to shore were dight.


s: The duke by land continued hence his path.


s: He pricks through many a field and forest blind,


s: By many a vale and many a mountain gray;


s: Where robbers, now before and now behind,


s: Oft threat the peer by night or open day;


s: And other savage monsters cross his way:


s: Than these are scared and scattered by the sound.


s: Through Araby the blest he fares, where grow


s: Thickets of myrrh, and gums odorous ooze,


s: Where the sole phoenix makes her nest, although


s: The world is all before her where to choose;


s: And to the avenging sea which whelmed the foe


s: In which King Pharaoh and his host were lost:


s: From whence he to the land of heroes crost.


s: Upon that horse which has no earthly peer,


s: And moves so lightly, that the soft sand shows


s: Who prints not grass, prints not the driven snows,


s: -- Who dry-shod would the briny billows clear,


s: And strains so nimbly in the course, he wind


s: And thunderbolt and arrow leaves behind: --


s: From a close union of the wind and flame,


s: And, nourished not by hay or heartening corn,


s: Following, where Nile received that river, came;


s: Towards him saw a pinnace swiftly drive.


s: With snowy beard descending to mid breast;


s: "My son, unless thou loathest life, (he cried)


s: And wouldst that Death to-day thy course arrest,


s: Content thee in my bark to cross the water;


s: For yonder path conducts thee straight to slaughter.


s: "Within six miles, no further, shalt thou light


s: (Pursued the hermit) on the bloody seat,


s: Where dwells a giant, horrible to sight,


s: Would vainly hope with life to make retreat;


s: For some the felon quarters, some he flays,


s: And some he swallows quick, and some he slays.


s: Takes pleasure in a net, by cunning hands


s: Contrived, which near his mansion he extends;


s: So well concealed beneath the crumbling sands,


s: Nought of the subtle mischief understands;


s: And so the giant scares him with his cries,


s: That he within the toils in terror flies;


s: "Whom with loud laughter, to his seat hard by


s: And knight and damsel views with equal eye,


s: And for his prisoners' worth has little care.


s: Then, having sucked their brains and life-blood dry,


s: Casts forth their bones upon the desert lair;


s: And round about his griesly palace pins,


s: For horrid ornament, their bloody skins.


s: "Take this, -- my son, oh!  take this other way,


s: Which thee will to the sea in safety guide."


s: "I thank thee, holy father, for thy say,


s: Far dearer than my life.  To the other side


s: Me vainly dost thou move to pass the wave;


s: Rather for this I seek the giant's cave.


s: "I with dishonour life to flight may owe;


s: But worse than death loath thus to save my head.


s: Is I my blood shall with the others shed:


s: Secure for thousands shall I make the ways;


s: So that the greater good the risque o'erpays.


s: -- "Go then in peace," (the other said). "my son,


s: And to thy succour, form among the blest,


s: May God dispatch the Archangel Michael down."


s: -- And him, with that, the simple hermit blest.


s: Astolpho pricks along Nile's rosy strand,


s: More in his horn confiding than his brand.


s: Window or battlements was not, whence strung


s: Might not be seen some wretched prisoner hung.


s: As in hill-farm or castle, fenced with moat,


s: The hunter, mindful what his dangers were,


s: And horrid paws and monstrous head of bear;


s: So showed the giant those of greatest note,


s: Who, thither brought, had perished in his snare.


s: The bones of countless others wide were spread,


s: And every ditch with human blood was red.


s: (For so was the  despiteous monster hight);


s: Who decked his house with corpses, as for state


s: Some theirs with cloth of gold and scarlet dight.


s: He scarce contained himself for joy, so great


s: His pleasure, when the duke appeared in sight;


s: For 'twas two months complete, a third was near,


s: Towards the marish, where green rushes grow,


s: He hastes, intending from that covert blind


s: The sand, the griesly giant had designed;


s: As others trapt he had been wont to see,


s: He stopt his courser, not without great heed,


s: Lest he into the covert snare might tide,


s: Forewarned of this by the good hermit's rede.


s: Here to his horn for succour he applied,


s: Nor failed its wonted virtue in this need:


s: It smote the giant's heart with such affright,


s: That he turned back, and homeward fled outright.


s: Astolpho blew, still watchful of surprise,


s: Weening to see the engine sprung: fast flew


s: The giant, -- as if heart as well as eyes


s: The thief had lost, -- nor whitherward he knew:


s: Such is his fear, he kens not as he flies,


s: He runs into the net, which closing round,


s: Hampers the wretch, and drags him to the ground.


s: Fall bodily, drives thither at full speed,


s: Secure himself, and, bent -- to make him pay


s: The price of slaughtered thousands -- quits his steed.


s: Yet after, deems a helpless wight to slay


s: No valour were, but rather foul misdeed:


s: For him, arms, neck, and feet, so closely tied,


s: He could not shake himself, the warrior spied.


s: With subtle thread of steel had Vulcan wrought


s: The net of old, and with such cunning pain,


s: He, who to break its weakest mesh had sought,


s: Would have bestowed his time and toil in vain.


s: It was with this he Mars and Venus caught,


s: Who, hands and feet, were fettered by the chain:


s: Nor did the jealous husband weave the thread


s: For aught, but to surprise that pair in bed.


s: Mercury from the smith conveyed the prize,


s: Wanting to take young Chloris in the snare;


s: At rise of sun, through fields of liquid air,


s: And from her gathered garment, through the skies,


s: Scatters the violet, rose, and lily fair.


s: He for this nymph his toils so deftly set,


s: One day, in air he took her with the net.


s: The nymph (it seems) was taken as she flew,


s: Where the great Aethiop river meets the brine:


s: The net was treasured in Canopus, through


s: After three thousand years, Caligorant drew


s: The sacred relict from the palace divine:


s: Whence with the net the impious thief returned,


s: Who robbed the temple and the city burned,


s: He fixed it here, beneath the sandy plain,


s: In mode, that all the travellers whom he chased


s: Ran into it, and the engine was with pain


s: Touched, ere it arms, and feet, and neck embraced.


s: From this the good Astolpho took a chain,


s: And with the gyve his hands behind him laced:


s: His arms and breast he swaddled in such guise,


s: He could not loose himself; then let him rise.


s: (For he was turned more gentle than a maid)


s: Astolpho, as a show, the thief would bring,


s: By city, borough-town, and farm conveyed;


s: The net as well; than which no quainter thing


s: On him, like sumpter-nag he laid the load,


s: In triumph led, behind him, on his road.


s: Him helm and shield he gives alike to bear,


s: Gladdening the fearful pilgrim every where,