s: Front and askance, the assailants smote, and low


s: On earth heads, arms, and severed shoulders lay,


s: Where'er the Christian squadrons were too slow


s: To free the path and break their close array.


s: Whoe'er has seen the passing tempest blow,


s: May so their course amid that host conceive.


s: Thank God that he had given them legs and feet,


s: And from the Child and damsel new defeat


s: Encounter, while with endlong course they flee:


s: Seeks vainly his predestined doom to shun.


s: The fox, together with her infant brood,


s: By one who dwells her ancient cavern nigh


s: Unearthed, and with a thousand blows pursued;


s: When from some unsuspected place, that foe


s: Has filled with fire and smoke the den below.


s: Marphisa and the Child, of danger clear,


s: Enter the paynim ramparts; and, with eyes


s: Upturned, the Saracens, with humble cheer,


s: Thank Heaven for the success of that emprize:


s: The meanest Moor a hundred Franks defies;


s: And 'tis resolved, without repose, again


s: To drench with Christian blood the thirsty plain.


s: Horns, drums, and shrilling clarions filled the skies;


s: And the wind ruffles, as it comes and goes,


s: The Germans and the warlike Bretons close;


s: Ranged on the other part, in martial wise,


s: Italians, English, French, were seen, and through


s: Those armies furious war blazed forth anew.


s: Gradasso's, so renowned for trophies won,


s: The martial maid, Marphisa's fearless front,


s: And might of Sacripant, excelled by none,


s: Made Charles upon Saint John and Denys call,


s: The unconquered daring and the wondrous might,


s: Sir, was not of a nature -- of a guise --


s: To be conceived, much less described aright:


s: The number slaughtered hence may you surmise!


s: What cruel blow King Charles sustained in fight!


s: Add to these warriors of illustrious name,


s: More than one Moor, with Ferrau, known to Fame.


s: Many through reckless haste were drowned in Seine,


s: For all too narrow was the bridge's floor,


s: An wished, like Icarus, for wings in vain,


s: Having grim death behind them and before,


s: Wounded beneath his better shoulder fled


s: The first, that other with a broken head.


s: Had faithful Brandimart thrown up the game,


s: If he had scaped alive so fierce a flame.


s: Brandimart does his best, and when 'tis done,


s: Yields to the storm: Thus Fortune, fickle dame,


s: From earth beneath the widow's outcry swells,


s: Mingled with elder's and with orphan's prayer,


s: Into the pure serene, where Michael dwells,


s: And to the blest archangel loudly tells,


s: His faithful English, French, and German train,


s: Whose slaughtered bodies overspread the plain.


s: Red blushed the blessed angel, who believed


s: And, in his anger, deemed himself deceived


s: To stir the Moors to strife, nor had obeyed;


s: Had rather in their eyes who marked the event,


s: Appeared throughout to thwart his high intent.


s: As servant faithful to his lord, and more


s: In love than memory strong, who finds that he


s: Has that forgotten which at his heart-core,


s: As precious as his life and soul should be,


s: He mend that fault, again his lord will see,


s: Where whilom he had Discord seen; and there


s: She taking huge delight those friers to view,


s: That at each other hurled their books of prayer.


s: His hand within her locks the archangel twists,


s: And deals her endless scathe with feet and fists.


s: Wherewith her back, and arms, and head he plies:


s: His mercy with loud voice the wretch bespoke,


s: And hugged that angel's knees with suppliant cries.


s: Michael suspends not the avenging stroke


s: Till hunted to the Moorish camp she flies,


s: Then thus: "Believe worse vengeance yet in store,


s: If I beyond these lines behold thee more."


s: Of suffering yet again such chastisement,


s: And, adding food to what she lit whilere,


s: The paynims pressed no more, the vantage theirs)


s: To him the seed of their dissensions show,


s: And what the bitter produce which it bears:


s: Who first in listed field his claim should stir.


s: Relates her case, and will conclude the fray


s: Which with the Tartar king she had begun,


s: Nor will she yield her place to any one,


s: But with loud instances maintains her right


s: With Mandricardo first to wage the fight.


s: To have the first possession of the field


s: No less renowned king Rodomont contended,


s: As having borne too long, though sore offended,


s: That Rodomont form him detained his horse,


s: Nor yet would meet him first in martial course.


s: The bearer of the white-winged bird to be;


s: And was so passing wood with wrath and spite,


s: That, if to this those others would agree,


s: He would at once those several quarrels fight;


s: And so those others would as well have done,


s: If Agramant's consent they could have won.


s: King Agramant, with prayer and kingly word,


s: Had willingly appeased that jarring crew;


s: But since the foes were deaf to all accord,


s: Nor would assent to peace or truce anew,


s: And, as the best resolve, at last decreed,


s: Each should by lot possess the listed mead.


s: Four lots the monarch bade prepare, which done,


s: In one, "Rogero and Rodomont" were read;


s: Next, as the fickle goddess, Fortune, led,


s: The lots are drawn, and in the first appear


s: The Tartar king and sovereign of Argier.


s: Were next; Rogero and Rodomont were third;


s: At bottom; whence the dame was deeply stirred;


s: Who knows the prowess of those two preferred


s: There lies a place, of Paris little wide,


s: Covering a mile or somewhat less, and round;


s: Which sword and fire had levelled with the ground.


s: In this place is prepared the listed mead,


s: Which palisades of little height inclose;


s: A square, of just proportions for that need,


s: With two capacious gates, as usage goes.


s: Those valiant knights, who will not balk their foes,


s: Beside the palisades, to left and right,


s: Facing each entrance, are pavilions pight.


s: In that, which looks towards the western sun,


s: In that which fronts the morning hemisphere,


s: Clothe with their hands, in Trojan plate and chain,


s: High on a throne of ample state appeared


s: Were Stordilane and all the chiefs, revered


s: Throughout the squadrons of the paynim race.


s: On mound or tree, above that level space.


s: Great was the throng, and round the palisade


s: On every side the eddying people swayed.


s: Were seated with the Queen of fair Castille


s: Queens, princesses, and dames of noble strain,


s: Was placed the daughter of King Stordilane:


s: Two costly vests -- one red, one green -- she wore;


s: But ill the first was dyed, and faded sore.


s: In dress succinct Marphisa sate; in plight


s: And her fair squadron in like garb arrayed.


s: Agramant's herald made proclaim, and said


s: In act or word, with either part to side.


s: The frequent crowd expects the double foe;


s: And often, in impatience, they complain,


s: And call those famous cavaliers too slow:


s: When from the Tartar's tent an angry strain


s: Is heard, and cries which multiply; sir, know


s: And puissant Tartar, who that question stirred,


s: And made the mighty tumult which has heard.


s: Sericane's monarch, having with his hand


s: Approached to gird him with that sovereign brand,


s: With which Orlando went adorned of yore.


s: Graved with the quartering that Almontes wore;


s: Which from that wretched man, beside a font,


s: He, seeing this, agnised it for the blade


s: So famous, which Anglantes' warrior bore,


s: For which he had the fairest fleet arrayed


s: Which ever put to sea from eastern shore;


s: And had Castille's rich kingdom overlaid,


s: And conquered fruitful France some years before;


s: And when and where and how, that faulchion bright;


s: Fierce battle for that sword with Brava's knight;


s: Who feigned himself of sober sense foregone,


s: Hoping that so he should conceal his fright:


s: -- "For I on him would ceaseless war have made,"


s: (He added) "while he kept the goodly blade."


s: Saying the Count, in yielding to his foe


s: That sword, the Beavers' known device had tried;


s: Who. followed closely by the hunter, know


s: Their fell pursuer covers nought beside.


s: Ere he had heard him out, -- "Nor I forego


s: That sword to thee nor any one," (replied


s: Gradasso, fierce,) "well earned by me, at cost


s: Of treasure, and of pain, and people lost.


s: "Some other faulchion for thyself purvey;


s: This will I have; nor deem my reasons new;


s: I make it mine where'er it meets my view.


s: With none to witness, thou, beside the way


s: Usurped that sword; I claim it as my due:


s: For this my scimeter shall reasons yield,


s: And we will try the cause in listed field.


s: "Prepare to win the sword before thou rear


s: That goodly blade against King Rodomont.


s: -- "No sweeter music ever soothes my ear"


s: (Replied the Tartar, as he raised his front)


s: "Than voice which champions me to martial field;


s: But see that his consent the Sarzan yield.


s: "Be thou the first; and, next on listed ground


s: Let Sarza's valiant lord the question try;


s: " -- Thou shalt not so the ordered lots confound,


s: Or break our compact (was Rogero's cry):


s: Either, first Rodomont shall take the field,


s: Or shall to me his right of battle yield.


s: That knight should win the arms he would assay,


s: Thou hast no title to my white-winged bird,


s: Save this from me thou first shalt bear away.


s: But since, forsooth, whilere I said the word,


s: I will not what I once pronounced unsay,


s: That mine shall be the second battle, so


s: That Argier's monarch first affront his foe.


s: Throughout, if partially confused by thee;


s: -- "Were one and the other Mars, for battle steeled,


s: "Nor one nor the other's might should make me waive


s: My title to that shield and goodly glaive";


s: With a clenched fist at him of Sericane,


s: And smites him with his right-hand in such wise,


s: As makes him quit his hold of Durindane.


s: And, while he looked not to the Tartar lord,


s: Found himself robbed of good Orlando's sword.


s: Which seems to flash with fire, at that disgrace;


s: And with more rage and pain his bosom beats,


s: In that 'twas offered in such public place.


s: To draw his scimeter, the king retreats,


s: "Come on in arms against me, both combined,


s: And be King Rodomont the third!" (he said)


s: "Come Spain and Afric and all human kind;


s: Ne'er will I turn." And he, at nought dismaid,


s: Embraced his shield, and, full of choler, stood


s: "Leave me the care," the fierce Gradasso cried,


s: -- "Not so, by Heaven!" Rogero wroth replied,


s: "For I this field claim justly as my due."


s: -- "Stand back!" and "stand thou back!" on either side


s: They shout; yet neither of the twain withdrew.


s: And thus among those three began a feud;


s: And thence some strange result would have ensued,


s: Who had well-nigh too dear the experience bought


s: Nor to accord the world had ever brought


s: Those knights, but that the worthy king of Spain


s: Came thither with renowned Troyano's heir;


s: Awed by whose sovereign presence all forbear.


s: The cause of their so burning strife display;


s: Next earnestly bestirred himself, and prayed


s: Gradasso that he would, in courteous way,


s: Concede the Trojan Hector's goodly blade


s: Wherein he should with Rodomont contend.


s: While royal Agramant would peace restore,


s: And now with this and now with that conferred,


s: From the other tent, between the Sarzan Moor


s: And Sacripant, another strife was heard.


s: To equip Sir Rodomont himself bestirred,


s: And he and Ferrau had that champion drest


s: And there had they arrived, where with his spume


s: The horse was making his rich bridle white:


s: King Sacripant, who plays the part of groom,


s: And has to bring afield the Sarzan knight,


s: Marks narrowly the courser's gear and shoes,


s: And sell and furniture throughout reviews;


s: And as his points and nimble parts, more near,


s: He, in this view, observes with better heed,


s: The youthful king, beyond all doubt, is clear


s: Whilom of such debates the fruitful seed;


s: And for whose loss, whilere he was so woe,


s: This from beneath him had Brunello borne


s: Angelica's rare ring, and Roland's horn,


s: With fierce Marphisa's blade, -- and on return


s: Assured 'twas no mistake, Circassia's chief


s: Turned him about to Rodomont, and cried:


s: This horse is mine; which might be certified


s: By them whose words would warrant well belief:


s: If it be questioned, I will make it plain,


s: And will, with sword in hand, the truth maintain.


s: Have for these some few days together gone,


s: To lend him for to-day; since well I see,


s: That not without him could the fight be done;


s: Acknowledged mine, and furnished as a loan:


s: Otherwise hope not for that horse, save first


s: Me, on this quarrel, thou in combat worst."


s: The furious king of Argier, that in pride


s: Surpassed all knights that ever girt the sword,


s: Whose paragon, for heart and prowess tried,


s: Thyself, to me should utter such a word,


s: He should deem quickly, from its bitter fruit,


s: He from his birth would better have been mute.


s: "But, for that fellowship in which we went,


s: Such patience and forbearance am content,


s: Until thou shalt have witnessed the event


s: That thou shalt humbly say, `The courser take.' "


s: Fierce and enraged, replied Circassia's peer,


s: "To play the churl with thee is courteous deed,


s: But I to thee repeat more plain and clear,


s: Thou ill wouldst aught design against that steed,


s: This I prohibit thee, and, should it need,


s: With thee for this would battle, tooth and nail."


s: From words to blows; and through their mickle ire,


s: Fierce battle was inflamed, and blazed more high


s: Than ever lightly-kindled straw took fire.


s: Sacripant neither plate nor mail attire:


s: Yet so in fence is skilled that nimble lord,


s: He seems all over sheltered by his sword.


s: No greater were the daring and the might


s: (Though infinite) which Rodomont displaid


s: Than the precaution and the nimble sleight


s: Which the Circassian summoned to his aid:


s: No mill-wheel ever turns with swifter flight


s: The circling stone by which the grain is brayed,


s: Than Sacripant at need moves foot or hand,


s: And shifts now here, now there his restless stand.


s: They with drawn swords the twain asunder bore;


s: This was the tumult which was heard whilere


s: In the other tent, what time they laboured sore,


s: This while some voice to Agramant the news


s: Reports aright, that Ulien's might seed,


s: With Sacripant, Circassia's king, pursues


s: A fierce and furious quarrel for the steed.


s: Exclaims to King Marsilius: "Take thou heed


s: That no worse evil mid these knights betide,


s: Some deal, at his approaching sovereign's view;


s: The Moorish monarch; of the furious two,


s: He with grave voice and royal mien inquired


s: What cause of strife such deadly discord blew;


s: And having searched their quarrel to the root,


s: Would fain accord them; but with little fruit.


s: Circassia's monarch would not, on his side,


s: Longer his horse to Argier's lord allow,


s: Returned for answer: "Neither Heaven nor thou


s: What I with this good hand can make mine own."


s: The king bade Sacripant explain his right,


s: And how that horse was taken from him sought;


s: And this from first to last Circassia's knight


s: Rehearsed, and reddened as the tale he taught,


s: Relating to the king the robber's sleight;


s: Who had surprised him overwhelmed with thought,


s: Upon four spears his courser's saddle stayed,


s: And from beneath the naked horse conveyed.


s: Marphisa, whom these cries, mid others, bring,


s: When of the robbery of the horse advised,


s: How on that day her faulchion was surprised;


s: And when that courser (which equipt with wing


s: Appeared when flying her) she recognized;


s: And recognized as well -- at first unknown --


s: The valiant king who filled Circassia's throne.


s: The others who stood round her, wont to hear


s: 'Gan turn towards that wretch, and made appear


s: By open signs they knew him for the Cheat.


s: Now questions this, now that, who all accord


s: In saying 'twas Brunello stole her sword;


s: Nor she from instant vengeance will forbear,


s: For this, as well as other shame and scorn


s: She on her road had from that caitiff born.


s: A squire laced on her helmet, at her hest;


s: She wore the remnant of her armour sheen;


s: Nor without martial cuirass on her breast,


s: Find I, that she ten times was ever seen,


s: Even from the day when first that iron vest


s: Braced on her limbs the passing-valiant queen:


s: With helm on head, where, mid the highest rows,


s: Brunello sits among the first, she goes.


s: Him by mid breast Marphisa griped amain,


s: And lifted up the losel from the ground;


s: The pullet, in her talons circled round;


s: And bore him where the sons of King Troyane


s: Heard the two knights their jarring claims propound.


s: Aye weeps, and mercy of that maid demands.


s: For pity now, and now for succour, cried,


s: So loud was heard, that of that ample rout


s: He gathered round himself the pressing tide.


s: "This thief (said she), thy vassal, will I slay,


s: And with this hand of mine will knot the cord


s: He stole this courser, he purloined my sword.


s: Amiss, let him stand forth and speak the word;


s: For I on him will prove, before thine eyes,


s: I have done right, and who gainsays me, lies.


s: I have till such a time of strife delayed


s: My vengeance, when such famous knights contend,


s: For three days shall the wretch's doom be stayed;


s: In the mean time let him who would defend


s: That caitiff, come himself, or send him aid.


s: For afterwards, if none the deed prevent,


s: His carcass shall a thousand birds content.


s: "I hence to yonder tower, which distant nigh


s: Three leagues, o'erlooks a little copse, repair,


s: Rescue the thief, let him come thither; I


s: Wait the approach of his defenders there."


s: Thus she; and thither quickly wends her ways


s: Held on the pommel grappled by his hair,


s: The caitiff weeps, and shrieking in despair,


s: On all in whom he hopes, for succour cries.


s: He sees no way through these perplexities;


s: In such a guise, yet grieved the monarch more.


s: Not that he loved the losel or esteemed,


s: Rather to him some time had borne despite;


s: And often had to hand the caitiff schemed,


s: Since he had forfeited the ring of might.


s: But here his honour touched the monarch deemed,


s: So that his visage reddened at the slight:


s: He would, in person, follow her at speed,


s: And to his utmost power avenge the deed.


s: Him from the quest endeavoured to dissuade,


s: Rather than honour, would pursue his name.


s: Small profit and much peril would succeed


s: From any fight he should with her maintain,


s: (And he advised him) as the better deed,


s: To leave that wretched caitiff to his pain;


s: To free him, from that nod he should refrain.


s: In that the monarch would do ill to force


s: Even-handed Justice from her destined course.


s: "Thou to the fierce Marphisa may'st apply


s: To leave his trial (he pursued) to thee,


s: And to suspend him from the gallows-tree:


s: And even should the maid thy prayer deny,


s: And rather than that she desert thy side,


s: Let her hang him and every thief beside."


s: To King Sobrino's counsel sage and staid;


s: Nor scathed he, nor let scathe, that martial maid,


s: Neither endured that any her should pray;


s: And heaven knows with what courage he obeyed


s: That wise advice, to calm such ruder strife


s: And quarrel, as throughout his camp were rife.


s: At this mad Discord laughed, no more in fear


s: And scowered the place of combat there and here,


s: Nor could stand still, for pleasure at the view.


s: Pride gamboled and rejoiced with her compeer,


s: And on the fire fresh food and fuel threw,


s: Knew the glad sign of conquest in that cry.


s: Paris-town rocked, and turbid ran the flood


s: Of Seine at that loud voice, that horrid roar;


s: Beasts left their caverns in that forest hoar.


s: And Blois, and Arles, and Rouen's distant shore,


s: Rhine, Rhone, and Saone, and Garonne, heard the pest;


s: Scared mothers hugged their children to their breast.


s: Five have set up their rest, resolved to be


s: The first their different quarrels to conclude:


s: That ill Apollo's self could judge the feud.


s: The king began -- the strife which had ensued,


s: King Agramant oft moved, between the pair,


s: Now here now there, to bring them to accord;


s: Now there now here, admonishing that pair,


s: Like faithful brother and like righteous lord:


s: But when he found that neither would forbear,


s: The cause of strife, in favour of his foe,


s: As his best lore, at length the monarch said,


s: And to obey his sentence both were fain;


s: That he who was by her preferred, should wed


s: The beauteous daughter of King Stordilane:


s: And that what was established on his head


s: Should not be changed, to either's loss or gain.


s: The compromise was liked on either side,


s: Since either hoped she would for him decide.


s: The mighty king of Sarza, who long space


s: (Who had preferred that sovereign to such grace


s: Believed, when she past sentence on the case,


s: She must pronounce what would ensure his bliss.


s: But all the Moorish host with him believed.


s: All know what exploits wrought by him had been


s: For her in joust and war; they all unsound


s: And weak King Mandricardo's judgment ween;


s: But he, who oft was with her on their round,


s: And oftener private with the youthful queen,


s: What time the tell-tale sun was under ground,


s: He, knowing well how sure he was to speed,


s: Laughed at the silly rabble's idle creed.


s: Between his hands, and next the suitors twain


s: Before that damsel go, that on the sward


s: Fixing her downcast eyes, in modest vein,


s: Avows her preference of the Tartar lord;


s: At which sore wondering stand the paynim train;


s: He cannot raise his visage from the ground.


s: But wonted anger chasing shame which dyed


s: The Sarzan's face all over, he arraigned


s: The damsel's sentence, of the faulchion, tied


s: About his manly waist, the handle strained,


s: And in the king's and others' hearing cried:


s: "By this the question shall be lost or gained;


s: And not by faithless woman's fickle thought,


s: Which thither still inclines, where least it ought."


s: Exclaims, "And be it as it pleases thee."


s: So that ere yet the vessel made the shore


s: Unploughed remained a mighty space of sea;


s: But that this king reproved the Sarzan sore,


s: And made the moody Sarzan strike his sail.


s: Branded with double scorn, before those peers,


s: There will no more the monarch of Algiers


s: Abide, but of his band -- a large array --


s: Two serjeants only for his service takes,


s: And with that pair the paynim camp forsakes.


s: His heifer, nor can longer warfare wage,


s: Seeks out the greenwood-holt and stream most lone,


s: Or sands at distance from his pasturage;


s: There ceases not, in sun or shade to moan;


s: Yet not for that exhales his amorous rage:


s: So parts, constrained his lady to forego,


s: The king of Argier, overwhelmed with woe.


s: And had already donned his warlike gear,


s: Followed not Rodomont, but turned his rein,


s: Within close barriers, for Orlando's sword.


s: He sorely grieves; but, when he shall that fight


s: Have done, resolves he will regain the steed;


s: But Sacripant, whom, like the youthful knight,


s: No quarrels in the Moor's pursuit impede,


s: Upon the Sarzan's footsteps quickly prest;


s: And would have quickly joined him that was gone,


s: But for the chance of an adventure rare;


s: Which him detained until the day was done,


s: And made him lose the track of Ulien's heir:


s: And who without his help had perished there,


s: The warrior drowning in that water found,


s: And stemmed the stream and dragged the dame aground.


s: When afterwards he would remount the sell,


s: From him his restless charger broke astray,


s: Who fled before his lord till evening fell,


s: Nor lightly did the king that courser stay.


s: At last he caught him; but no more could spell


s: Where he had wandered from the beaten way:


s: Two hundred miles he roved, 'twist hill and plain,


s: And fought by him, to his discomfit sore,


s: And how he lost his courser, how was taken,


s: With what disdain and with what anger shaken,


s: Against his liege and love, the Sarzan Moor


s: Forth from the Saracen cantonments sped,


s: He fills the kindling air with sighs that burn;


s: With him from hollow rock is heard to mourn:


s: "O female mind!  how lightly ebbs and flows


s: Your fickle mood," (he cries,) "aye prone to turn!


s: Lost, wretched man, who trusts you to his scathe!


s: "Neither my love nor length of servitude,


s: Though by a thousand proofs to you made clear,


s: Had power even so to fix your faithless mood,


s: That you at least so lightly should not veer:


s: Nor for your conduct cause can I declare,


s: Produced thee to the world, thou wicked sex,


s: To be to man a plague, a chastening rod;


s: Happy, wert thou not present to perplex.


s: So bear and ravening wolf the forest vex;


s: Wasp, fly, and gad-fly buzz in liquid air,


s: And the rich grain lies tangled with the tare.


s: "Why has not bounteous Nature willed that man


s: Should be produced without the aid of thee,


s: But she directs not all by certain plan;


s: "Yet be not therefore proud and full of scorn


s: Women, because man issues from your seed;


s: And the fair lily springs from loathsome weed.


s: Despiteous, proud, importunate, and lorn


s: Of love, of faith, of counsel, rash in deed,


s: With that, ungrateful, cruel and perverse,


s: And born to be the world's eternal curse!"


s: These plaints and countless others to the wind


s: Poured forth the paynim knight, to fury stirred;


s: Now easing in low tone his troubled mind,


s: And now in sounds which were at distance heard,


s: Where one or two perchance are evil found.


s: Though none for whom I hitherto have sighed


s: -- Of those so many -- have kept faith with me,


s: Many there are, and have been more beside


s: My fortune wills that I should be their prey.


s: Yet will I make such search before I die,


s: Rather before my hair shall wax more white,


s: Shall say, "That one has kept her promise plight."


s: And should not the event my trust belie,


s: Will with unwearied pain her praise rehearse


s: With pen and ink and voice, in prose and verse.


s: Against his sovereign lord than lady swayed,


s: And who of reason thus o'erpast the bound,


s: Would fain behold that monarch's kingdom drowned


s: With such a tempest, with such scathe o'erlaid,


s: As should in Africk every house aggrieve,


s: Nor one stone standing on another leave.


s: And would that from his realm, in want and woe,


s: That through his means the monarch, brought thus low,


s: His fathers' ancient seat might reascend:


s: And thus he might the fruit of fealty show,


s: And make his sovereign see, a real friend


s: Was aye to be preferred in wrong or right,


s: Although the world against him should unite;


s: And thus the Saracen pours forth his moan,


s: With rage against his liege and love possest;


s: And on his way is by long journeys gone,


s: The following day or next, upon the Saone


s: He finds himself, who has his course addrest


s: Towards the coast of Provence, with design


s: To his African domain to cross the brine.


s: From bank to bank the stream was covered o'er


s: With boat of little burden, which conveyed,


s: Victual, from many places round purveyed:


s: Since even from Paris to the pleasant shore


s: And -- fronting Spain -- whate'er of level land


s: The victual, disembarked from loaded barge,


s: Was laid on sumpter-horse or ready wain;


s: And sent, with escort to protect the charge,


s: Where barges could not come; about the plain,


s: Fat herds were feeding on the double marge,


s: Brought thither from the march of either reign;


s: And, by the river-side, at close of day,


s: In different homesteads lodged, the drovers lay.


s: Here listened to a village-landlord's prayer,


s: -- His courser stalled -- the board with plenteous fare


s: Is heaped, and Corsic wine and Grecian flows;


s: For, in all else a Moor, the Sarzan drank


s: And kindlier mien, the landlord honour paid;


s: In his guest's lofty presence saw pourtrayed.


s: Had scarce his heart within him, which had strayed


s: To her -- whilere his own -- in his despite;


s: Mine host, most diligent in his vocation


s: Of all the trade who throughout France were known,


s: (In that he had, 'mid strange and hostile nation,


s: And every chance of warfare, kept his own)


s: -- Prompt to assist him in his occupation,


s: Some of his kin had called; whereof was none


s: Who dared before the warrior speak of aught,


s: Seeing that paynim mute and lost in thought.


s: From thought to thought the Sarzan's fancy flies,


s: Himself removed from thence a mighty space,


s: Who sits so bent, and with such downcast eyes,


s: Next, after silence long, and many sighs,


s: As if deep slumber had but then given place,


s: His spirits he recalls, his eyelids raises,


s: Then silence broke, and with a milder air,


s: And visage somewhat less disturbed, applied


s: To him, the host, and those by-standers there,


s: And landlord and attendants, -- that all were,


s: He asked what each conceited of his spouse,


s: And if he deemed her faithful to her vows.


s: Except mine host, those others were agreed


s: That chaste and good their consorts they believed.


s: -- "Think each man as he will, but well I read,"


s: (The landlord said,) "You fondly are deceived:


s: Your rash replies to one conclusion lead,


s: That you are all of common sense bereaved;


s: And so too must believe this noble knight,


s: Unless he would persuade us black is white.


s: "Because, as single is that precious bird


s: The phoenix, and on earth there is but one,


s: Each hopes alike to be that wight preferred,


s: The victor who that single palm has won.


s: -- How is it possible that what can fall


s: "Erewhile I made the same mistake as you,


s: And that more dames than one were virtuous thought,


s: For my good fortune, to this inn was brought,


s: So ably schooled, he better wisdom taught.


s: Valerio was the name that stranger bore;


s: Was known to him, with all their cunning lore.


s: And from his own, was ready with such store,


s: Could make pretension, whether rich or poor;


s: And that, if one appeared of purer strain,


s: 'Twas that she better hid her wanton vein.


s: (Whereof a third is from my memory gone)


s: It could not be more firmly graved in stone:


s: And what I thought and think, would be professed


s: Who heard; and, Sir -- if pleased to lend an ear --


s: To their confusion yon that tale shall hear."


s: "What could'st thou offer which could better please


s: At present" (made reply the paynim knight)


s: "Than sample, chosen from thine histories,


s: Which hits the opinion that I hold, aright?


s: That I may hear thee speak with better ease


s: Sit so, that I may have thee in my sight."


s: What to King Rodomont the landlord told.


s: Then journeys homeward; but that infidel


s: Finds by the way a place he holds more dear.


s: A friar impedes, who with that damsel wends,


s: Ladies, and all of you that ladies prize,


s: Afford not, for the love of heaven, an ear


s: To this, the landlord's tale, replete with lies,


s: In shame and scorn of womankind; though ne'er


s: Was praise or fame conveyed in that which flies


s: From such a caitiff's tongue; and still we hear


s: The sottish rabble all things rashly brand,


s: And question most what least they understand.


s: Omit this canto, and -- the tale untold --


s: Besides, that never did my tongue withhold


s: To you I by a thousand proofs have shown,


s: Vouching I am, and can but be, your own.


s: Let him who will, three leaves or four pass-by,


s: Nor read a line; or let him, who will read,


s: As of a tale or fiction, make his creed.


s: And that a place was yielded him, o'eright


s: "Astolpho that the Lombard sceptre swayed,


s: Who was King Monacho, his brother's heir,


s: By nature with such graces was purveyed,


s: Few e'er with him in beauty could compare:


s: Such scarce Apelles' pencil had pourtrayed,


s: Zeuxis', or worthier yet, if worthier were:


s: Beauteous he was, and so by all was deemed,


s: But far more beauteous he himself esteemed.


s: "He not so much rejoiced that he in height


s: And that, for riches, subjects, and for might,


s: Of all the neighbouring kings he was the best,


s: He beauty was throughout the world confest.


s: This pleased the monarch, who the praise conferred,


s: As that wherein he most delighted, heard.


s: The beauties of his hand, now of his cheer,


s: And, questioned by that monarch, on a day,


s: "Faustus to him replied: `By what I see,


s: Few are there that in beauty rival thee;


s: Who hitherto had thought the palm his own;


s: And such a longing seized the Lombard king


s: To know that youth whose praises so were blown,


s: He prest, till Faustus promised him to bring


s: The brother praised by him, before his throne,


s: Though 'twould be much if thither he repaired,


s: (The courier added) and the cause declared:


s: "Because the youth had ne'er been known to measure,


s: In all his life, a single pace from Rome;


s: But, on what Fortune gave him, lived at leisure,


s: Nor had diminished nor encreased the treasure,


s: Wherewith his father had endowed that home;


s: No other will but hers the husband knew:


s: Yet at his sovereign's hest he would repair


s: To seek the stripling, and his utmost do.


s: The suit with offers and with gifts was crowned,


s: Which for that youth's refusal left no ground.


s: "Faustus set forth, and, after few days' ride,


s: Reached Rome, and his paternal mansion gained:


s: There with entreaties so the brother plied,


s: He to that journey his consent obtained;


s: And wrought so well (though difficult to guide)


s: Silent even young Jocundo's wife remained;


s: He showing her what good would thence ensue,


s: Besides what gratitude would be her due.


s: And servingmen meanwhile purveys and steeds;


s: For beauty borrows grace from glorious weeds.


s: Aye weeping, to her lord the lady reads;


s: So long an absence, and not die with pain.


s: "For the mere thought produced such misery,


s: It seemed from her was ravished her heart's core.


s: -- `Alas! my love (Jocundo cried) let be


s: Thy sorrows' -- weeping with her evermore --


s: `So may this journey prosper!  as to thee


s: Will I return ere yet two months are o'er;


s: Nor by a day o'erpass the term prescribed,


s: Though me the king with half his kingdom bribed.'


s: "This brought his troubled consort small content:


s: She that the period was too distant said,


s: And that 'twould be a mighty wonderment,


s: If her, at his return, he found not dead.


s: The grief which, day and night, her bosom rent,


s: Was such, that lady neither slept nor fed:


s: He to his brother's wishes had consented.


s: "She from her neck unloosed a costly chain


s: That a gemmed cross and holy reliques bore;


s: Which one, a pilgrim of Bohemia's reign,


s: And hence was made that dying pilgrim's heir:


s: This she undoes, and gives her lord to wear;


s: "And round his neck entreats him, for her sake,


s: That chain in memory of herself to wind:


s: Her gift the husband is well pleased to take;


s: Not that a token needs his love to bind:


s: For neither time, nor absence, e'er will shake,


s: Her memory, which, rooted fast and deep,


s: He still has kept, and after death will keep.


s: "The night before that morning streaked the sky,


s: Fixt for his journey, to his sore dismay,


s: Her husband deemed that in his arms would die


s: The wife from whom he was to wend his way.


s: She slumbered not: to her a last goodbye


s: He bade, while yet it lacked an hour of day,


s: Mounted his nag, and on his journey sped;


s: While his afflicted spouse returned to bed.


s: Which he beneath his pillow had bestowed,


s: And, through forgetfulness, had left behind.


s: `Alas! (the youth bethought him) in what mode


s: So that from this my consort shall not deem


s: "He pondered an excuse; then weened' twould be


s: And there at the first inn set-up your rest;


s: " `No other but myself my need could do.


s: Doubt not but I shall speedily be back.'


s: -- No servant took he, but, with an adieu,


s: Jocundo, at a trot, wheeled round his hack,


s: And when that cavalier the stream was through,


s: The rising sun 'gan chase the dusky rack.


s: At home he lighted, sought his bed, and found


s: The consort he had quitted sleeping sound.


s: "He, without saying aught, the curtains drew,


s: And, what he least believed, within espied;


s: For he beneath the quilt, his consort true


s: And chaste, saw sleeping at a stripling's side.


s: Nourished by him, and come of humble strain.


s: "To imagine his distress and wonderment,


s: And, like this wretch, the cruel proof receive:


s: By anger stirred, it was his first intent


s: To draw his sword, and both of life bereave;


s: But love, which spite himself, he entertained


s: For that ungrateful woman, him restrained.


s: This ribald Love, who left him not the force


s: To wake her, lest to know her guilt surveyed,


s: Should in his consort's bosom move remorse.


s: As best he could, he forth in silence made,


s: The stair descended, and regained his horse.


s: Goaded by Love, he goads his steed again,


s: And ere they reach their inn rejoins his train.


s: "His change of mien to all was manifest;


s: All saw his heart was heavy; yet not one,


s: Mid these, in any sort, the reason guessed,


s: Nor read the secret woe which caused his moan;


s: All thought he had to Rome his steps addrest,


s: Woe to the town, surnamed of horns, had gone.


s: That Love has caused the mischief all surmise,


s: Though none of them conjectures in what wise.


s: "His brother weened he was in grief immersed


s: For other reason, inly chafed and cursed,


s: -- That she was but too well accompanied.


s: Meanwhile, with swelling lips and forehead pursed,


s: The ground that melancholy stripling eyed.


s: Ill cheered him, witless what had caused his grief.


s: "He for his sore an evil salve had found,


s: And, where he should retire, encreased his woes;


s: Who, with the mention of his wife, that wound


s: Inflamed and opened, which he sought to close.


s: He rests not night nor day, in sorrow drowned;


s: Ne'er to return; and (whilom of such fame)


s: His lovely visage seems no more the same.


s: "His eye-balls seem deep-buried in his head,


s: His nose seems grown -- his cheeks are pined so sore --


s: Nor even remains (his beauty so is fled)


s: Such fever burns him, of his sorrow bred,


s: He halts on Arbia's and on Arno's shore;


s: And, if a charm is left, 'tis faded soon,


s: And withered like a rose-bud plucked at noon.


s: "Besides that Faustus sorrowed to descry


s: Him so bested; worse cause for sorrowing


s: Before Astolpho; he was pledged to bring


s: One that was fairest deemed in every eye,


s: Who must appear the foulest to that king;


s: "Not that forthwith he lets the youth be seen,


s: Lest him the king of little wit arraign;


s: He first by his dispatches lets him ween,


s: That thither he Jocundo brings with pain:


s: Saying, that of his beauteous air and mien


s: Some secret cause of grief had been the bane,


s: So that he seemed not what he was before.


s: "Glad was the monarch, of his coming taught,


s: Since in the universal world was nought,


s: Nor was the Lombard's king displeased in ought


s: Though, but for his misfortune, it was clear,


s: He his superior would have been or peer.


s: And every hour, the stranger youth he sees,


s: While still his thoughts to his ill consort stray,


s: "Above his chambers, on the upper floor,


s: Nearest the roof, there was an ancient hall:


s: Pastime and company, the stripling gall,)


s: Sad thoughts some newer cause of grief recall.


s: He here (who would believe the story?) found


s: "At that hall's farther end, more feebly lighted,


s: (For windows ever closed shut out the day)


s: There laid his eye, and saw, what he had slighted


s: He hears it not, but this himself descries;


s: "He of the Queen's apartment here was sight,


s: Her choicest and her priviest chamber, where


s: Save he most faithful was esteemed: he there,


s: As he was peeping, saw an uncouth fight;


s: A dwarf was wrestling with the royal fair;


s: And such that champion's skill, though undergrown,


s: He in the strife his opposite had thrown.


s: Himself, awhile of sober sense bereaved;


s: And sure it was no dream, his sight believed.


s: -- `A scorned and crooked monster,' (then he cried,)


s: `Is, as her conqueror, by a dame received,


s: Wife of the comeliest, of the curtiest wight,


s: And greatest monarch; Oh!  what appetite!'


s: Her he most used to blame, recalled to mind,


s: And, for the stripling taken to her bed,


s: To deem the dame less culpable inclined:


s: Less of herself than sex the fault he read,


s: Which to one man could never be confined:


s: And thought, if in one taint all women shared,


s: At least his had not with a monster paired.


s: At the same hour, upon the following day;


s: And, putting on the king the self-same scorn,


s: Again beheld that dwarf and dame at play:


s: And so upon the next and following morn;


s: For -- to conclude -- they made no holiday:


s: While she (what most Jocundo's wonder moved)


s: "One day, amid the rest, the youth surveyed


s: The dame disordered and opprest with gloom;


s: Having twice summoned, by her waiting-maid,


s: The favoured dwarf, who yet delayed to come;


s: A third time by the lady sent, she said:


s: -- `Engaged at play, Madonna, is the groom,


s: Nor, lest he lose a doit, his paltry stake,


s: Will that discourteous churl his game forsake.'


s: "At such strange spectacle, the Roman knight


s: Cleared up his brow, his visage and his eyes;


s: He jocund, as in name, became in sprite,


s: And changed his tears for smiles; with altered guise,


s: He waxed ruddy, gay, and plump in plight,


s: So that such change with wonderment all see,


s: "If from the youth Astolpho wished to know


s: From whence this sudden light of comfort came,


s: But willed that like himself he should forego


s: Hence, that he might discern her guilt, yet spare,


s: "He made him swear that he, for nothing said,


s: Or seen, which might to him displeasing be,


s: (Though he, in what he should discover, read


s: Would, now or ever, venge him on his head:


s: That the ill doer ne'er, through deed or word,


s: Might guess his injured king that case had heard.


s: Could better have given credit, freely swore:


s: And vowed he should in fine have died of grief,


s: If he for longer time had lacked relief.


s: "But that within his highness' palace said,


s: He had witnessed what had much appeased his woe;


s: For, if foul shame had fallen upon his head,


s: "You may believe he shameless deemed that act,


s: Without my swearing it; he, at the sight,


s: It seemed, would go distraught, -- with fury racked,


s: He against every wall his head would smite --


s: Would cry aloud -- would break the solemn pact,


s: Yet kept parforce the promise he had plight;


s: And gulped his anger down and bitter scorn;


s: To do in this misfortune, brother, speak;


s: Thou wilt not let me on the sinners wreak.'


s: (Jocundo answered) `Let these ingrates be;


s: " `Both fair and youthful, measured by this scale,


s: What woman but to us shall strike her sail,


s: At least, if neither youth nor grace avail,


s: The money may, with which our bags are lined;


s: Nor will I that we homeward more return,


s: Ere the chief spoils we from a thousand earn.


s: " `Long absence, seeing with a distant part,


s: Converse with different women, oft allay,


s: As it would seem, the troubles of a heart,


s: Whereof Love's angry passions make their prey.'


s: The king is pleased to hear the youth impart


s: This counsel, nor his journey will delay:


s: Thence on their road, with but two squires beside,


s: "Disguised they go through France and Italy,


s: They Flanders next and England scower, and where


s: Aye find the dame complaint with their prayer.


s: And oft replaced their squandered treasures are.


s: Our travellers to the wives of many sued,


s: "By solid proof those comrades ascertain,


s: Here tarrying for a month, and there for two,


s: That their own wives are of no other vein


s: Than those of others, and as chast and true.


s: After some season, wearied are the twain


s: For, without risk of death, thus evermore


s: The intruders ill could enter other's door.


s: "-- 'Twere best to find a girl whose natural bent


s: And face to both of us should pleasing be;


s: A girl, that us in common might content,


s: And wherefore wouldst thou that I should lament


s: More than with other, to go halves with thee?'


s: (Exclaimed Astolpho) `well I know is none,


s: Of all the female sex, content with one.


s: " `One damsel that in nought shall us constrain,


s: -- Then only, when disposed to please the fair --


s: Will we in peace and pleasure entertain,


s: Nor we, about her, have dispute or care.


s: Nor, deem I, she with reason could complain:


s: Better than one might she keep faith with two;


s: Nor haply we such frequent discord view.'


s: "Much seems the king's proposal to content


s: The Roman youth; and thus it is, the twain,


s: Journey by many a hill and many a plain;


s: And find at last, well fitting their intent,


s: Of presence and of manners framed to win;


s: As yet, upon the bloom of spring, the maid


s: Was a fresh flower that scarce began to blow:


s: Her sire with many children was o'erlaid,


s: And let them, where they will the damsel bear;


s: In that to treat her well the travellers swear.


s: That from Valencia they had bent their way.


s: "The travellers from their inn to street and square


s: Themselves were so accustomed to disport,


s: The girl is with the valets left in care,


s: Who make the beds, and wearied hackneys sort:


s: While others in the hostel-kitchen dight


s: The meal against their lords' return at night.


s: "As groom, a stripling in the hostel plied,


s: Who in the other landlord's house had been:


s: He, from her childhood at the damsel's side,


s: Had joyed her love: they, without change of mien,


s: But when alone -- now left together -- raised


s: "The stripling asked her whitherward they sped,


s: And of the two which claimed her as his right;


s: This, point by point, to him Flammetta read;


s: Flammetta she, the Greek that boy was hight.


s: ` -- When I had hoped the time was coming,' said


s: The Greek -- `that I should live with thee, my light,


s: Nor know I if I more thy face shall see.


s: " `I to the bitter dregs the cup must drain


s: Of promised sweets; since thou art others' prey.


s: 'Twas my design, having with mickle pain


s: Which I had hoarded out of frequent gain


s: From parting guests, and from my yearly pay,


s: Thee from thy sire in lawful wedlock's band.


s: "The damsel shrugs her shoulders, and complains;


s: And -- that he is too late -- is her reply.


s: The Greek laments and sobs, and partly feigns:


s: ` -- Wilt thou (he answered her) thus let me die?


s: Let me, at least, exhale my amorous pains!


s: Ere thou depart, will make me die content.'


s: "To him the damsel, full of pity, cries:


s: `Believe, I covet this no less than thee;


s: ` -- I feel assured' (to her that youth replied)


s: This very night you would find out a place


s: Wherein to solace us some little space.'


s: "She bade him come -- when she awhile had thought --


s: When he believed that all asleep were laid;


s: And how by him her chamber should be sought,


s: And how he should return, at full, displaid.


s: The cautious stripling did as he was taught,


s: And, when he found all silent, thither made:


s: He pushed, till it gave way, the chamber-door,


s: And, upon tiptoes, softly paced the floor.


s: (Stanzas LXIII - LXX untranslated by Rose)


s: Then laughed so, that they sate with winking eyes,


s: And open mouth, and lungs which breath refused;


s: And, wearied with the mirth her tale had bred,


s: Fell backwards, both, exhausted on the bed.


s: "When they had laughed so loud a laugh, the dew


s: Stood in their eyes, and each with aching breast


s: Remained, the pair exclaimed: `What shall we do


s: Since we, with all our heed, between us two,


s: Could not preserve the one by us possest,


s: A husband, furnished with more eyes than hair,


s: Perforce must be betrayed with all his care.


s: " `A thousand, beauteous all, have we found kind,


s: Nor one of those so many has stood fast.


s: If tried, all women we by proof should find


s: Like these; but be the experiment our last.


s: Then we may deem our own not worse inclined


s: Than are the wives of others, and as chaste:


s: "When they have come to this resolve, they, through


s: Flammetta, call the youth into their bower;


s: And with the girl her leman, in the view


s: They mount, and to the east their way pursue,


s: Nor of their after deeds take farther care."


s: Here paused mine host; to whom on every side


s: His audience had with careful heed attended.


s: Until the landlord's story was suspended.


s: Then -- "Fully I believe," that paynim cried,


s: "The tale of women's frauds would ne'er be ended;


s: The thousandth part, who would their treasons quote."


s: Of sounder judgement, 'mid that company,


s: There was an elder, one more wise and bold;


s: Was inly wroth, and could no longer hold:


s: He turned; and, "Many things we have been told"


s: (Exclaimed that ancient) "wherein truth is none,


s: "Him I believe not, that told this truth to you,


s: Though in all else he gospel-truths exprest;


s: The malice which he bears to one or two,


s: Makes him unjustly hate and blame the rest.


s: But you shall hear him, if his wrath o'erblow,


s: Yet greater praise than blame on these bestow.


s: "And he a larger field for speaking well


s: Will find, than blaming womankind withal;


s: For one whose evil deeds for censure call.


s: Culled from the multitude, not rail at all,


s: He was by wrath, and not by reason, led.


s: (Stanzas LXXIX - LXXXIII untranslated by Rose)


s: So reasoning, that just elder and sincere,


s: With ready instances, supports his creed;


s: Sinned against chastity, in word or deed:


s: The paynim scared, ill pleased the truth to read.


s: So that, through fear, he further speech forbore,


s: But changed not therefore aught his former lore.


s: Having stopt further question in this wise,


s: Then lays him on his bed, till from the skies


s: The dusky shades depart, and morning glows:


s: But spends a larger part of night in sighs


s: At his liege-lady's sin, than in repose.


s: For with such care for his good horse's plight,


s: The courser fair and good, made his in spite


s: Seeing he, for two days, that horse's might


s: Had taxed too hardly in his long career,


s: -- As well he for his ease embarked the steed,


s: He straight makes launch the vessel from the marge,


s: And bids put forth the oars from either side:


s: Nor big nor deeply laden, she, at large,


s: Descends the Saone, transported by the tide.


s: Care never quits him, though the shifting barge


s: The king ascend, or nimble horse bestride:


s: And bears behind him on his courser's croup;


s: Care sits; whence every comfort is o'erthrown:


s: From others hope is none; since they who raise


s: This fearful war against him, are his own:


s: Vext by that cruel one, aye night and day,


s: Whom he might hope to find his natural stay.


s: Suffered from King and Lady, from his breast.


s: The self-same grief sate heavy on his sprite


s: Aboard the bark, as when his steed he prest.


s: Such fire was not by water to be drowned,


s: Nor he his nature changed by changing ground.


s: And, weak and weary, shifts his place in vain,


s: Whether he right or left himself bestows,


s: And hopes in turning some relief to gain,


s: Finds neither on this side nor that repose,


s: The pagan monarch so found small relief,


s: Rodomont brooked no more aboard to stay,


s: But bade them land him, and by Lyons hied;


s: By Vienne and Valence next took his way,


s: And the rich bridge in Avignon descried.


s: For these and more, which 'twixt the river lay


s: (Theirs, from the day they conquered the champaigne)


s: Kept to the right, towards Acquamorta's shore,


s: And lighted on a stream and hamlet, dear


s: To Ceres and to Bacchus, which that Moor


s: Found quitted by the peasants, in their fear,


s: The beach upon one side broad ocean laved,


s: Here, newly built upon a hillock's crest,


s: Abandoned by its priesthood, like the rest,


s: Which, from its site, as well as lying wide


s: Of fields, from whence he tidings loathed to hear,


s: So pleased him, he for it renounced Argier.


s: He changed his scheme of seeking Afric's land,


s: (So this fair spot seemed fit for his behoof!)


s: And here housed carriages, and steed, and band,


s: Together with himself, beneath one roof,


s: At few leagues' distance, did Montpelier stand,


s: So that its every need might be supplied.


s: Here standing, full of thought, upon a day,


s: (Such was his common wont) the paynim spied,


s: Through a green meadow, from the adverse side,


s: And these behind them led a lusty steed,


s: Who bore a burden, trapt with sable weed.


s: Who that attendant monk and damsel were,


s: And what that burden, will to you be clear,


s: Charged with the corse of her Zerbino dear:


s: I left her, where from Provence, in the care


s: Of that good sire, she bowned herself to steer,


s: The remnant of her virtuous life to heaven.


s: Although in her pale face and troubled guise,


s: Although two fountains are her streaming eyes,


s: And sobs aye issue from her burning breast,


s: With what a load of grief she is opprest,


s: Yet, in her faded cheek such beauties meet,


s: Love and the Graces there might fix their seat.


s: The beauteous dame, he laid the thought aside


s: Believed his former love would be supplied,


s: Her with the kindest mien and mildest tone


s: That he could fashion, met the Sarzan knight;


s: To whom the dame her every thought made known;


s: And said, when she was questioned of her plight,


s: She would with holy works -- this world forgone --


s: Seek favour in her Heavenly Father's sight.


s: Loud laughed that godless paynim at the thought,


s: Who every faith and worship held at nought;


s: And said that she from reason wandered wide,


s: And termed her project sudden and unsound;


s: Nor deemed her less to blame than those who hide,


s: Through greediness, their treasure under ground,


s: Though hence no profit to themselves redound.


s: Rightly were prisoned lion, snake, and bear,


s: The monk, that to this talk has lent an ear,


s: Prompt with advice that mournful dame to stay,


s: And lest she quit her course, prepared to steer


s: His bark, like practised pilot, on her way,


s: A sumptuous table, rich in spiritual cheer,


s: But, born with evil taste, that paynim rude


s: No sooner tasted, than he loathed, the food.


s: Nor having power to make him stint his lore,


s: That paynim, stirred to fury, broke the rein


s: Of patience, and assailed the preacher hoar.


s: But haply wearisome might seem the strain,


s: So here I close, nor words will idly spend,


s: Rather than he his wicked will should gain;


s: Seeks to appease his wounded spirit in vain.


s: He builds a bridge, and strips those thither led;


s: Who thence, of him regardless, endlong speeds,


s: And by the road achieves prodigious deeds.


s: All thoughts we lightly change, but mostly when


s: These from some lover's quarrel take their date.


s: But never more would calm, his amorous rage.


s: That which he rashly uttered to your blame,


s: Ye gentle dames, does so my spirit grieve,


s: Till I his error teach him, to his shame,


s: He shall no quarter at my hands receive;


s: So him with pen and page will I proclaim,


s: He had better held -- aye, better bit, his tongue,


s: Than ever have your sex with slander stung.


s: Spake as a fool, the event demonstrates clear:


s: Even now, with dagger drawn, that paynim fell


s: She quickly made his fickle purpose veer;


s: For her, scarce seen, and to that warrior strange,


s: And, as new love the king did heat and goad,


s: To shake her stedfast spirit, which abode


s: Wholly with God; but he, her shield and mail,


s: That hermit, lest she from the better road


s: Should wander, and her chaste intention fail,


s: With stronger arguments with him contended,


s: And still, as best he could, the dame defended.


s: The king, who long had taxed himself to bear


s: The monk's bold sermon to his sore displeasure,


s: Anew, without that damsel, at his leisure,


s: Yet seeing he would still his patience dare,


s: Nor peace with him would keep, nor any measure,


s: Upon that preacher's chin his right-hand laid,


s: And whatsoe'er he grasped, as rudely flayed.


s: And (so his fury waxed) that, as it were


s: With tongs, he griped his neck, and after he


s: Had whirled him once or twice about in air,


s: Dismist him form his hand towards the sea.


s: I say not -- know not, what befel him there:


s: One says he burst upon a rock's rude bed,


s: And lay one shapeless jelly, heels and head.


s: Distant three miles and more; and, in that sound,


s: Because he knew not how to swim, was drowned.


s: And dragged him with a visible hand aground.


s: Whichever be the reading of this mystery,


s: Of him I speak no further in mine history.


s: With visage less disturbed, again applied


s: To that sad lady, heartless with affright;


s: And, in the language used by lovers, cried,


s: She was his very heart, his life, his light,


s: She was his comfort, and his dearest hope;


s: With all such words as have that common scope.


s: And now, so temperate showed that infidel,


s: 'Twould seem that he no violence designed,


s: Enamoured him, so tamed his haughty mind;


s: And, though he might that goodly kernel shell,


s: The paynim would not pass beyond the rhind,


s: Who that its favour would be lost, believed,


s: Unless 'twere as a gift from her received;


s: And by degrees so thought to mould the dame


s: To his desires.  She in that lone retreat


s: And like a mouse, beneath Grimalkin's feet,


s: Had liefer found herself i' the midst of flame;


s: To scape that wilful man, untouched, unstained.


s: To slay herself with her own hand, before


s: And be the means to make her wrong so sore


s: Within her loving arms, to whom she swore


s: She sees that paynim monarch's passion blind


s: Increasing still, nor what to do she knows;


s: Well knows what foul intention is behind,


s: Finds out at last a refuge for her woes,


s: And means to save her chastity from shame,


s: (How I shall say) with clear and lasting fame.


s: She cried unto that paynim, foul to see,


s: Already threatening her with word and act,


s: Will upon thee bestow what shall o'erpay,


s: By much, that honour thou wouldst take away.


s: "For pleasure, which endures so brief a space,


s: Wherewith this ample world does so o'errun,


s: Who can bestow the boon which I can give.


s: And nearly know where I on this could light,


s: Which, being boiled with ivy and with rue,


s: And squeezed, when taken from the caldron, through


s: Innocent hands, affords a juice of might,


s: Wherewith whoever thrice his body laves,


s: Destructive steel or fire securely braves.


s: "If thrice therewith he bathe himself, I say,


s: His flesh no weapon for a month shall score:


s: Mine unction, for its virtue lasts not more:


s: This liquor can I make, and will to-day,


s: And thou to-day shalt also prove my lore:


s: And well, I trust, thou shalt more grateful be,


s: Than were all Europe won to-day by thee.


s: That thou to me upon thy faith wilt swear,


s: In word or deed."  So spake that damsel fair;


s: And will maintain his promise, till the fact


s: Vouched of that wondrous water shall appear;


s: And force himself, meanwhile, to do no act,


s: To show no sign of violence; but the peer


s: Resolves he will not after keep the pact,


s: As one who holds not God or saint in fear;


s: And to that king, regardless of his oath,


s: All lying Afric yields in breach of troth.


s: More than a thousand times assurance swore,


s: In case that water rendered him what fell


s: She, aye by beetling cliff and darksome dell,


s: With or without their roots, collected were,


s: At a late hour, the twain to their retreat


s: Betook them; and, throughout night's remnant, there,


s: What simples she had culled, with mickle care,


s: While to those mysteries and her every deed


s: The pagan, present still, gave curious heed;


s: Who, wearing out the weary night in sport,


s: -- He and those followers that with him remained --


s: Had suffered thirst in such a grievous sort,


s: From the fierce fire in that small cave contained,


s: That drinking round, in measure full or short,


s: Of Graecian wine two barrels had they drained;


s: A booty which those squires who served the Moor,


s: From travellers seized a day or two before.


s: To Argier's warlike king, unused to wine,


s: (Cursed, and forbidden by his law, esteemed)


s: The liquor, tasted once, appeared divine,


s: Sweeter than nectar or than manna seemed:


s: He, quaffing largely, now of Ishmael's line


s: So fast their cups with that good wine they fill,


s: Each reveller's head is whirling like a mill.


s: Meanwhile that lady from the fire does lift


s: The pot, wherein she cooked those herbs, and cries


s: Have launched the words I spake, in random guise,


s: -- By that, which can the truth form falsehood sift,


s: Experience, which can make the foolish wise,


s: Even now the thing shall to thyself be shown,


s: "I first will trial make" (that lady said)


s: "Of this choice liquor with rare virtue blest;


s: Lest haply thou shouldst harbour any dread


s: That mortal poison form these herbs be prest.


s: With this will I anoint myself, from head


s: Downwards below the naked neck and breast.


s: Then prove on me thy faulchion and thine arm,


s: And prove if one can smite, the other harm."


s: She washed, as said, and gladly did decline


s: Her neck to that unthinking pagan's brand;


s: Unthinking, and perhaps o'ercome by wine,


s: Which neither helm, nor mail, nor shield withstand,


s: That brutish man believed her, and, in sign


s: Of faith, so struck with cruel steel and hand,


s: That her fair head, erewhile Love's place of rest,


s: He severed from the snowy neck and breast.


s: This made three bounds, and thence in accents clear


s: Was heard a voice which spake Zerbino's name,


s: Spirit!  which nobly didst esteem more dear


s: Thy plighted faith, and chaste and holy name,


s: (Things hardly known, and foreign to our time)


s: Than thine own life and thine own blooming prime!


s: Depart in peace, O spirit blest and fair!


s: I would assay, with all that happy care,


s: And, as renowned should be thy story rare,


s: Thousands and thousands of long years and more!


s: -- Depart in peace to radiant realms above,


s: And leave to earth the example of thy love!


s: His eyes from heaven did the Creator bend,


s: And said: "I thee above that dame commend.


s: Whose death drove Tarquin from his royal seat;


s: 'Mid those which ages change not as they fleet,


s: Which -- I attest the inviolable river --


s: Unchanged through future times, shall last for ever.


s: Who bear thy name, be blest with genius high;


s: Be courteous, gentle, beautiful, and sage,


s: So that for aye Parnassus' hill and well


s: So spake the Sire; and cleared the ambient air,


s: And hushed beyond its wont the heaving main.


s: To the third heaven her chaste soul made repair,


s: On earth, with shame and sorrow for his share,


s: That second Breuse sans pity did remain;


s: Who, when digested was the maddening bowl,


s: That, if to death that damsel he had shent,


s: Would turn into a tomb that church, where he


s: In all parts round about this chosen site,


s: For love or fear, he master-masons found;


s: And, making full six thousand men unite,


s: Stript of their heavy stones the mountains round,


s: And raised a fabric ninety yards in height,


s: From its extremest summit to the ground;


s: And he within its walls the church enclosed;


s: Wherein entombed the lovers twain reposed.


s: Old Tyber's stream, by Adrian built; and nigh


s: A narrow bridge, and only two yards wide,


s: He flung across the stream which rolled fast by.


s: Long, but so scanty is that bridge, with pain


s: The narrow pass two coursers can contain;


s: Two coursers, that abreast have thither made,


s: Or else, encountering, on that causeway meet:


s: To stay the horses's fall, who lost his feet.


s: He wills that bridge's toll be dearly paid


s: By Christian or by Moor, who pass his seat;


s: For with a thousand trophies, arms, and vest,


s: That damsel's tomb is destined to be drest.


s: Within ten days, or shorter time, was placed


s: The bridge, whose arch across the stream was dight;


s: But not that pile and tower with equal haste


s: Were so conducted to their destined height.


s: Yet was the last so high, a sentry paced


s: Approached the bridge, was wont his lord to warn,


s: Whereat he armed, and issued for the stower,


s: For when a warrior pricked towards the tower,


s: Him from the adverse bank that king defied:


s: The bridge affords the field their steeds must scour;


s: And, should one but a little swerve aside,


s: Into the deep and dangerous stream below.


s: That, risking oft to tumble in the course,


s: Head-first into that stream, where he must drain


s: Huge draughts of water in his fall, parforce,


s: He would assoil and cleanse him from that stain,


s: Whereof excess in wine had been the source;


s: As if what ill wine prompts to do or say,


s: Water, as well as wine, could wash away.


s: Soon thitherward flocked many a cavalier;


s: Some who pursued the beaten road and plain;


s: Since for way-faring men, who southward steer,


s: Their courage and their honour, held more dear


s: And all, where they had hoped the meed of strife,


s: Had lost their arms, and many arms and life.


s: If those he conquers are of pagan strain,


s: He is content to take their arms and vest:


s: And of those first arrived the titles plain


s: Are written, and their arms suspended rest.


s: But he in prison pens the christened train,


s: ('Twould seem) to be to Argier's realm addrest.


s: Not yet was brought that building to a head


s: When thitherward the crazed Orlando sped.


s: It chanced Orlando, in his furious mood,


s: Came thither where that foaming river ran;


s: Was hurrying on his work; nor yet were done


s: The tower and tomb, the bridge, scarce finished, stood:


s: Here -- save his casque was open -- Ulien's son


s: Steeled cap-a-pee, stood ready armed for fight,


s: When to the bridge approached Anglantes' knight.


s: The barrier tops, and o'er the bridge would fly,


s: But sullen Rodomont, with troubled cheer,


s: Afoot, as he that tower is standing nigh,


s: For he disdains to brandish sword or spear,


s: Shouts to him from afar with threatening cry,


s: "Halt!  thou intrusive churl and indiscreet,


s: Rash, meddling, saucy villain, stay thy feet!


s: And not for thee, dull slave, that bridge was meant."


s: But, fixt upon his purpose, forward went.


s: "This madman must I school," the paynim said,


s: And was approaching with the fell intent


s: Nor deeming in such foe to find his match.


s: This while, a gentle damsel sought the place


s: That towards that bridge across the river rode,


s: Who sage reserve in her demeanor showed.


s: 'Tis she that, of her Brandimart in chase,


s: (If you remember, sir,) through every road


s: And place her lover seeks in anxious wise,


s: Excepting Paris, where the warrior lies.


s: When Flordelice that bridge and tower was near,


s: (So was by name the wandering damsel hight)


s: Grappling with Roland stood the Sarzan peer,


s: And would into that river pitch the knight.


s: And mighty marvel in that dame it raised


s: To see him rove, a naked man and crazed.


s: She stopt, the issue of that strife to know,


s: Wherein those two so puissant warriors vied.


s: His opposite by might and main to throw,


s: Into the stream each doughty champion tried.


s: "How can a fool such mighty prowess show?"


s: Between his teeth, the furious paynim cried.


s: And, shifting here and there, was seen to strain,


s: Brimfull of pride, and anger, and disdain.


s: This hand and now that other he puts out,


s: To take new hold, where he his vantage spies;


s: Now within Roland's legs, and now without,


s: Locks his right foot or left, in skilful wise;


s: And thus resembles, in that wrestling bout,


s: The tree, from whence he tumbled, to o'erthrow;


s: Roland, whose better wit was lost withal,


s: I know no where, and who used force alone;


s: That utmost force, to which this earthly ball


s: Let himself backwards in that struggle fall,


s: Together in the foaming stream they sank;


s: High flashed the wave, and groaned the echoing bank.


s: Quickly the stream asunder bore the pair.


s: Roland was naked, and like fish could swim,


s: Here shot his feet, his arms extended there,


s: And gained the bank; nor, when upon the brim,


s: Achieved with praise or shame: in evil trim,


s: With heavier pain and trouble, toiled ashore.


s: Along the bridge which spanned that foaming tide


s: Brandimart's bearing, since nor iron case


s: She hoped to find the knight in other place.


s: But here return we of the count to tell,


s: Who left behind him stream, bridge tower, and cell.


s: 'Twere phrensy of his every frantic feat


s: So many and many, -- should I these repeat,


s: Yet some of his notorious deeds, and meet


s: For mention in my song, will I make known:


s: Nor will I not that wondrous one recount,


s: Much country had been traversed by the knight,


s: Urged by the furious rage which him misguides:


s: At last he reached the hill whose boundary height


s: Arragonese and neighbouring Frank divides.


s: Thither directing aye his course outright,


s: Where the descending sun his visage hides,


s: He reached a path upon the rugged steep,


s: Here he by chance encountered in mid road


s: Two youths, that wood men were, and drove before


s: Of logs; they, marking well what scanty store


s: Of brain in poor Orlando's head was stowed,


s: Called to the approaching knight, and threatened sore;


s: Bidding him stand aside, or else go back,


s: Nor to their hindrance block the common track.


s: To this address Orlando answered nought,


s: Save that his foot he to their beast applied,


s: Smote in mid-breast, which, with that vigour fraught,


s: -- That force exceeding every force beside --


s: Tost him so hight, that the beholders thought


s: It was a bird in air which they descried.


s: Which rose above a mile beyond that dell.


s: Upon those youths next sprang the furious knight.


s: With better luck than wit, one woodman shear


s: From that tall cliff, twice thirty yards in height,


s: Cast himself headlong downward in his fear:


s: Him a moist patch of brambles, in his flight,


s: Received; and, amid grass and bushes, here,


s: From other mischief safe, the stripling lit,


s: And for some scratches in his face was quit.


s: Who so to gain the higher steep would strive;


s: Because he hopes, if once those crags among,


s: To keep him from that fool he may contrive;


s: Seized him, who will not leave the wretch alive;


s: And stretching them as wide as he could strain,


s: So stretched his arms, he rent his prey in twain.


s: Whose entrails he plucks out, to satisfy


s: Who risqued his neck in that deep bottom, who


s: Rehearsed the tale so often, Turpin heard,


s: And handed down to us the wondrous word.


s: These and more marvels does the count, who bends


s: His steps across that mountain to the plain;


s: And, seeking long a path, at length descends


s: Towards the south, upon the land of Spain.


s: Will make himself a dwelling on the bank,


s: Where he somedeal may shun the noontide ray,


s: With dry and powdery sea-sand covered o'er;


s: And here, while so employed, upon their way


s: Who, as you have been told in former lay,


s: Had from the hills descended on that shore.


s: Within a yard or less approached the fair,


s: So different from himself was he to sight,


s: For, from the time that rage possest his sprite,


s: He had gone naked forth in sun and shade.


s: Or sands where worship is to Ammon paid,


s: Or nigh those hills, whence Nile's full waters spin,


s: Nigh buried in their sockets are his eyes,


s: Spare in his visage, and as dry as bone:


s: With frightful beard his cheek is overgrown:


s: No sooner is he seen, than backward flies


s: Angelica, who, trembling sore, is flown:


s: She shrieking loud, all trembling and dismaid,


s: Betakes her to her youthful guide for aid.


s: To seize the damsel he upsprang in haste;


s: So pleased the wretched count her visage fair,


s: So quickly was his mood inflamed: effaced


s: How she by him was whilom served and graced.


s: Behind her speech the count and hunts that dame,


s: As questing dog pursues the sylvan game.


s: The youth, that sees him chase his love who fled,


s: His courser spurs, and in pursuit is gone.


s: He from his shoulders hoped to cleave his head,


s: But found the madman's skin as hard as bone;


s: Yea, harder far than steel, nor to be harmed;


s: So good Orlando at his birth was charmed.


s: He turned, and turning on his youthful foe,


s: Smote with clenched fist, and force which nought can meet,


s: -- Smote on his horse's head, a fearful blow;


s: And, with skull smashed like glass, that courser fleet


s: Was by the madman's furious stroke laid low.


s: And chased the damsel that before him flew.


s: And whipt and spurred her evermore; whom slow


s: She would esteem, albeit that palfrey were


s: Yet faster than a shaft dismist from bow:


s: Her ring she thought upon, and this the fair


s: Placed in her mouth; nor failed its virtue now;


s: For putting it between her lips, like light


s: Extinguished by a puff, she past from sight.


s: Was it through fear, or was she, while she stript


s: This from her finger, shaken in her seat;


s: Or was it rather, that her palfrey tript,


s: (For neither this nor that I surely weet)


s: Angelica, while 'twixt her lips she slipt


s: The virtuous ring, and hid her visage sweet,


s: Her stirrups lost; and, tumbling form the sell,


s: If but two inches short had fallen his prey,


s: Upon her would have pounced Orlando near;


s: Who would have crushed her in his furious way,


s: But that kind Fortune saved her from the peer.


s: For never will she have this courser more,


s: Who chased by swift Orlando scours the shore.


s: Doubt not that she another will provide;


s: After that beast along the sands he hied,


s: Now, now he touches her, and lo!  The mane


s: He grasps, and now secures her by the rein.


s: That other man might seize a damsel fair;


s: Springs on her back, and o'er the sea-beach bare


s: For many miles impels the palfrey's flight,


s: Without repose or pause, now here, now there:


s: Nor let her grass or heartening forage taste.


s: As in this course to o'erleap a ditch he sought,


s: Head over heels, she with her rider went:


s: Nor harmed was he, nor felt that tumble aright;


s: But she, with shoulder slipt, lay foully shent.


s: Long how to bear her thence Orlando thought,


s: He from the bottom climbed, thus loaded sore,


s: And carried her three bow-shots' length and more.


s: Next, for he felt that weight too irksome grow,


s: He put her down, to lead her by the rein;


s: Who followed him with limping gait and slow,


s: "Come on," Orlando cried, and cried in vain;


s: The halter from her head he last unloosed,


s: Wherewith her hind off-foot the madman noosed.


s: 'Tis thus he comforts and drags on that mare,


s: That she may follow with more ease, so led;


s: Who whiles despoiled of flesh, and whiles of hair,


s: Is scathed by stones which that ill road o'erspread.


s: At length the misused beast, with wear and tear


s: Of the rude rocks, and suffering sore, lies dead.


s: Orlando nought the slaughtered mare regards,


s: To drag that palfrey ceased he not, though dead,


s: Continuing still his course towards the west,


s: And all this while sacked hamlet, farm, and stead,


s: And aye to glut himself with meat, and bread,


s: And fruit, he every one by force opprest.


s: One by his hand was slain, one foully shent;


s: As much, or little less, would do the knight


s: By his own love, did not that damsel hide;


s: Because the wretch discerns not black from white,


s: And harms where he would help.  A curse betide


s: The wonder-working ring, and eke the wight


s: Who gave it to that lady, full or pride!


s: Since Roland, but for this, would venge the scorn


s: He and a thousand more from her had borne.


s: For one and all are ingrates at the best,


s: Nor is in all an ounce of goodness found.


s: Ere my strained chords return a faltering sound,


s: And that he may less tedious deem the rhyme,


s: For whom fair Bradamant, his spouse, does stay,


s: But Fate forbade, that he who wounded lay


s: To her his plighted promise should maintain.


s: When Reason, giving way to heat of blood,


s: And, hurried on by blind and furious mood,


s: We with the tongue or hand molest our friends,


s: Though the offence is, after, wept and rued,


s: The penance which we pay is poor amends.


s: But like sick man am I, who, sore bested,


s: Suffering with patience many and many a day,


s: When against pain he can no more make head,


s: Yields to his rage, and curses; pain give way,


s: And with it the impetuous wrath is fled,


s: Which moved his ready tongue such ill to say;


s: Well hope I, from your sovereign courtesy,


s: Your pardon, since I crave it, ladies bright;


s: Rave in my passion; let your censure light


s: I could not be reduced to worser plight;


s: Who prompts what sore repents me: Heaven above


s: Knows how she wrongs me, knows how well I love.


s: And I, nor less my pardon should obtain;


s: He, who by mead or mountain, far or near,


s: Had scowered large portion of the land of Spain,


s: Dragging that jennet in his wild career,


s: Dead as she was, behind him by the rein;


s: But, where a river joined the sea, parforce


s: Abandoned on the bank her mangled corse.


s: Leapt in and rose upon the further side.


s: Arrived, his horse to water in the tide;


s: Eschewed, whom naked and alone he spied.


s: -- "My jennet for thy hackney were I fain


s: To barter," cried the madman to the swain:


s: "Her will I show thee, if thou wilt; who dead


s: At leisure may'st thou have her cured," (he said)


s: Give me thy hackney, with some boot instead:


s: Prythee, dismount thee, for he likes me well."


s: The peasant, laughing, answered not a word,


s: But left the fool and pricked towards the ford.


s: "Hearest thou not?  hola!  I want thy steed,"


s: (Cried Roland) and advanced with wrathful cheer.


s: A solid staff and knotted, for his need,


s: That shepherd had, wherewith he smote the peer;


s: Whose violence and ire all bounds exceed,


s: Who seems withal to wax more fierce than e'er:


s: And splits the solid bone, and lays him dead.


s: Then leaping on his horse, by different way


s: The country scowers, to make more spoil and wrack:


s: That palfrey never more tastes corn or hay;


s: So that few days exhaust the famished hack.


s: But not afoot does fierce Orlando stray,


s: Who will not, while he lives, conveyance lack.


s: -- Their masters slain -- he presses for his needs.


s: Did mightier scathe than he had done elsewhere;


s: For now -- besides that the infuriate peer


s: Of all its people left the country bare,


s: Nor (such the ravage) could another year


s: The desperate havoc of the fool repair --


s: Sacked was a third of that unhappy town.


s: Is in Gibraltar's bay, or (if you please)


s: Say Gibletar's; for either way 'tis hight;


s: Here, loosening from the land, a boat he sees


s: Filled with a party, and for pleasure dight:


s: Which, for their solace, to the morning gale,


s: Upon that summer sea, had spread their sail.


s: "Hoah!  the boat!  put back!" the count 'gan cry,


s: Who was in mind to go aboard their barge:


s: But vainly on their ears his clamours die:


s: For of such freight none willingly take charge.


s: As swiftly as a swallow cleaves the sky,


s: Furrowing the foamy wave the boat goes large.


s: Orlando urges on, with straightening knee,


s: And whip and spur, his horse towards the sea.


s: He plunged into the waves, at last, parforce;


s: For vainly would he shun the waters green.


s: Bathed are knees, paunch, and croup, till of that horse


s: Scarcely the head above the wave is seen:


s: Let him not hope to measure back his course,


s: While smitten with the whip his ears between.


s: Woe worth him!  he must founder by the way,


s: Nor poops nor prows does Roland more descry,


s: For all have launched their shallops, which are wide


s: Of that dry shore; while from his level eye


s: Their hulls the tall and shifting surges hide.


s: He spurs his horse amid the billows high,


s: Wholly resolved to reach the farther side.


s: The courser ends his swim and life in fine,


s: Drained of his strength, and drenched brimfull of brine.


s: He sinks, and would with him draw down his load;


s: But that himself the madman's arms upbear:


s: With sinewy arms and either palm he rowed,


s: And puffed and blew the brine before; the air


s: Breathed softly, and the water gently flowed;


s: And well was needed weather more than fair:


s: Whelmed by the waxing tide Orlando dies.


s: But Fortune, that of madmen is the guide,


s: Him from the water drew near Ceuta's shore,


s: Upon that beach, and of those walls as wide


s: As twice an archer's hand could shoot at score.


s: Until he came where on the sea-beat strand


s: Encamped a host of blacks, a countless band.


s: To speak of him occasion will come round.


s: Who scaped, in time, from him of wit unsound,


s: Was with good bark and better weather bound;


s: Perchance some voice in happier verse may sing.


s: The beauty, left in Europe without peer,


s: Since fair Angelica from hence had wended,


s: King Mandricardo, proud that in his right


s: Since others with him other points dispute.


s: By young Rogero claimed, that eagle white


s: But cannot make the valiant Child refrain


s: From claiming Hector's buckler as his due;


s: Nor yet Gradasso move the sword to lend,


s: 'Till this, or till that, quarrel have an end.


s: His shield be braced, nor will Gradasso bear


s: That save against himself the Tartar knight


s: Should wield the sword Orlando used to wear


s: "See we, in fine, on whom the chance will light


s: (Cries Agramant) and further words forbear.


s: How Fortune rules the matter let us see,


s: And choose him that of her shall chosen be.


s: "And -- would ye do what most would me delight,


s: You shall by casting lots decide your right:


s: The other, shall upon two quarrels fight:


s: So he who wins, on his companion's score


s: Shall win as well as on his own; and who


s: Deem there is little difference, rather none;


s: In arms will make his martial prowess known,


s: Descend on him whom Heaven is pleased to own!


s: Upon the vanquished knight no blame shall fall,


s: That he whose lot first issued, the assay


s: Should undertake for both in listed mead.


s: Thus in two scrolls, inscribed in the same way,


s: Their names are writ as destined to succeed.


s: Which much they shake and topsy turvy turn.


s: Thereon Rogero's name the assistants knew;


s: -- Gradasso's left behind -- I cannot tell


s: That in the strife his champion may succeed;


s: And teaches every sleight he has assaid:


s: -- How best to manage sword and shield at need --


s: -- What strokes are feints, and what with vantage made --


s: And when he should tempt Fortune, when eschew --


s: Reminds him, one by one, in long review.


s: After the drawing lots and king's award,


s: What of the day remained the champions spent


s: The people, greedy for the fight, toward


s: With wending thither ere the dawn of light,


s: Upon the place of combat watch all night.


s: Those goodly champions' contest for the prize,


s: A crowd which neither sees nor comprehends


s: Other than that which is before its eyes.


s: But they who know what boots and what offends,


s: -- Marsilius and Sobrino, and the wise --


s: Censure the fight, and monarch that affords


s: A field of combat to those martial lords.


s: Since they, to combat against Charlemagne,


s: Than of ten thousand more, amid which crew


s: They scarce would find one champion good and true.


s: Agramant recognized this truth; but thought


s: That ill his royal word could be repealed;


s: That they the right, conferred by him, would yield:


s: More; that the question was a thing of nought,


s: Nor worthy to be tried in martial field;


s: And prayed them -- would they not obey his hest


s: At least somewhile, to let their quarrel rest.


s: Five or six months would they the strife delay,


s: Or more or less, till Charles defeated were,


s: And stript of mantle, crown, and royal sway.


s: But each, though he would willingly forbear,


s: Stood out against the Moorish monarch's prayer:


s: Since either deemed he would be foully shent


s: Who to this treaty first should yield consent.


s: But more than king, than all, who sought in vain


s: The beauteous daughter of King Stordilane


s: Besought him he would do what all would fain


s: -- Lamenting her, as through the cavalier,


s: "Alas!  and what (exclaims she) can I find


s: If aye, by this or that desire inclined,


s: You don your harness to affront new foes?


s: What boots it to restore my harassed mind


s: That I behold one fearful quarrel's close,


s: Against one champion moved for love of me,


s: "Woe worth me!  I was proud, with little right,


s: For he should in the fierce and dangerous fight


s: Peril his life, who now, I see to clear,


s: Upon a ground of strife so passing light,


s: With the same risk prepares to couch the spear.


s: You, more than love for me, to strife impels


s: The natural rage, wherewith your bosom swells.


s: "But if the love you force yourself to show,


s: Be in good earnest, that which you profess,


s: By this I pray you, by that chastening woe


s: Which does my spirit, does my heart oppress,


s: Be not concerned, because the bird of snow


s: Rogero, pictured on his shield, possess.


s: I know not wherefore you should joy or grieve


s: That he the blazoned buckler bear or leave.


s: Small guerdon will be bought with mickle pain


s: But if your fortune shifts on listed plain,


s: She whom you hold not captive by her hair,


s: You cause an evil with such mischief fraught,


s: My heart is broken at the simple thought.


s: And you esteem a painted bird more high,


s: At least for my life's sake esteem yours dear;


s: For one without the other shall not die.


s: With you, prepared for life or death am I:


s: Yet would I fain not die so ill content,


s: Accompanying words with tears and sighs,


s: In such, or such like speech she him did pray,


s: Throughout that livelong night, in piteous wise,


s: Those sweet tears, glittering in their humid ray,


s: And that sweet moan, from lips more deeply dyed


s: Than crimson rose, himself in tears, replied.


s: "Alack!  my dearest life!  take thou no dread,


s: Alack!  for love of Heaven!  of thing so light:


s: For if (to my sole harm) with banners spread,


s: Their following of the Frank or paynim rite


s: This need not cause you matter for affright.


s: What poor account you make of me is clear


s: If this one, sole, Rogero breeds such fear.


s: Of knights, with a spear's truncheon overthrown,


s: I singly cleared the field, an armed band.


s: Though to his shame and sorrow this he own,


s: With hundreds -- yea and more -- from far and nigh


s: Made prisoners at that fearful pass whilere,


s: From prison on the selfsame day set free.


s: At the great feat which I performed that day;


s: Greater than if the squadrons of the Moor


s: Me, onto to one, with scathe or scorn appay?


s: And me shall now this young Rogero scare,


s: When Hector's sword and Hector's arms I wear?


s: "Ah!  as I might have won you from my foe,


s: You would have well foreseen Rogero's end.


s: For heaven's sake dry your tears, nor by such woe


s: And learn, 'tis Honour pricks me to the field,


s: And not an argent bird and blazoned shield."


s: So said he; and with reasons passing good


s: To him that dame replied, with saddest face;


s: Nor only would have changed his sullen mood,


s: But would have moved a pillar from its place.


s: She would the champion quickly have subdued,


s: Though she was gowned, he locked in iron case;


s: Ushering aye the sun -- no sooner stirred,


s: That rightfully he bore Jove's beauteous bird,


s: To cut the quarrel short, and lest delay


s: Where round the palisade the people close,


s: When that loud sound is by the Tartar heard,


s: Which the proud warrior to the strife defies,


s: From bed upspringing, "Arms," the monarch cries,


s: And shows a visage with such fury stirred,


s: The Tartar arms himself in haste; with pain


s: The wonted service of his squires he tarries:


s: This done, he springs upon the steed amain,


s: Erewhile the champion's who defended Paris;


s: And him with speed towards the listed plain,


s: Fixt for that fierce assay, the courser carries.


s: Even then the king and barons thither made,


s: So that the strife was little time delaid.


s: Put on and laced the shining helmets were,


s: And given to either champion was the spear:


s: Quickly the trumpet's blast was heard in air,


s: Whose signal blanched a thousand cheeks with fear.


s: Levelled those cavaliers their lances bear,


s: Spurring their warlike steeds to the career,


s: And, in mid champaign, meet with such a shock,


s: That Earth appears to rive and Heaven to rock.


s: From this side and from that, the eagle flew,


s: Which Jove in air was wonted to sustain;


s: So hurtled, but with plumes of different hue,


s: Well warranted the warriors' might and main,


s: And worse than that encounter had withstood:


s: So towers resist the wind, so rocks the flood.


s: Upwent the splinters, broke in the career;


s: For two or three fell flaming from on high,


s: Which had ascended to the starry sphere.


s: The knights unsheathed their faulchions from the thigh,


s: And, like those who were little moved by fear,


s: For new encounter wheeled, and, man to man,


s: They, pointing at the vizors' sight, attacked,


s: Nor with their faulchions at the steeds took aim,


s: Since in that quarrel they are nought to blame.


s: Those err, nor know the usage, why by pact


s: Deem they were bound their horses not to maim:


s: Without pact made, 'twas reckoned a misdeed,


s: They level at the vizor, which is double,


s: And yet resists such mighty blows with pain.


s: The champions evermore their strokes redouble


s: Faster than pattering hail, which mars the grain,


s: And bruises branch and leaf, and stalk and stubble,


s: And cheats the hopes of the expecting swain.


s: To you is known the force of either brand,


s: And known the force of either warrior's hand.


s: But yet no stroke well worthy of their might


s: Those peers have dealt, so cautious are the twain.


s: The Tartar's faulchion was the first to bite,


s: By which was good Rogero well nigh slain.


s: By one of those fell blows which either knight


s: So well could plant, his shield was cleft in twain;


s: Beneath, his cuirass opened to the stroke,


s: And to the quick the cruel weapon broke.


s: The assistants' hearts were frozen at the blow,


s: On whom the many's favor, well they know,


s: And then (had Fortune ordered matters so,


s: As the most part desired they should befall)


s: Taken had been the Tartar king or slain;


s: So had that blow offended all the train.


s: I think that blow was by some angel stayed,


s: He dealt a stroke more terrible than e'er.


s: As Mandricardo's head he aims his blade,


s: And such his haste, he less my blame deserves,


s: If slanting from the mark his faulchion swerves.


s: Had Balisarda smote him full, though crowned


s: With Hector's helm, the enchantment had been vain.


s: So reels the Tartar, by that stroke astound,


s: He from the bristle-hand lets go the rein:


s: Thrice with his head he threats to smite the ground,


s: While his unguided courser scowers the plain;


s: That Brigliadoro, whom by name you know,


s: Yet, for his change of master, full of woe.


s: Raged Mandricardo, rallying from that blow,


s: Which had deprived of sense the astonied knight;


s: As much, yea more, his valour and his might.


s: With sword uplifted high for the assault.


s: Poised in his stirrups stood the Tartar lord,


s: And aiming at his foeman's casque, believed


s: He with the stroke of his descending sword


s: Rogero to the bosom should have cleaved;


s: But from that youth, yet quicker in his ward,


s: A wound beneath his arm the king received,


s: Which made wide daylight in the stubborn mail,


s: That clothed the better armpit with its scale.


s: Out sprang the tepid blood of crimson stain;


s: Hence Mandricardo's arm did vigour lack,


s: Yet on the croup the stripling tumbled back,


s: Closing his eyelids, through excess of pain;


s: Had a worse helmet clothed the warrior's brow.


s: For this he pauses not, but spurs amain,


s: And Mandricardo smites in the right side.


s: Here little boots the texture of the chain,


s: And the well wealded metal's temper tried,


s: Against that sword, which never falls in vain,


s: But that against it nothing should avail,


s: Whate'er that sword takes-in it shears outright,


s: And in the Tartar's side inflicts a wound:


s: He curses Heaven and raves in such despite,


s: Less horribly the boisterous billows sound.


s: He now prepares to put forth all his might:


s: The shield, with argent bird and azure ground,


s: He hurls, with rage transported, from his hand,


s: And grasps with right and left his trenchant brand.


s: "Marry," (Rogero cried,) "it needs no more


s: To prove your title to that ensign vain,


s: Which now you cast away, and cleft before;


s: Nor can you more your right in it maintain."


s: So saying, he parforce must prove how sore


s: Which smites his front, and with such weight withal,


s: A mountain lighter than that sword would fall.


s: If cleft his vizor through the midst; 'twas well


s: That from the sight diverged the trenchant blade,


s: Which on the saddle's plated pommel fell;


s: Nor yet its double steel the faulchion stayed:


s: It reached his armour (like soft wax, the shell


s: Oped, and the skirts wherewith 'twas overlaid)


s: And trenched upon his thigh a grievous wound;


s: So that 'twas long ere he again waxed sound.


s: Their arms had crimsoned in a double drain:


s: Hence diversly the people guessed, which peer


s: Would have the better of the warlike twain:


s: With that keen sword, so many a champion's bane:


s: Whence Mandricardo had his buckler cast.


s: He the left side of his good cuirass gored,


s: Which a full palm above the flank he bored;


s: The blazoned buckler, and its bird of snow,


s: And yield, together with these seeds of strife,


s: -- Dearer than sword and shield -- his precious life.


s: The sword -- for little period his -- he plies,


s: And good Rogero's vizor would have split.


s: But that he stopt the stroke in wary wise,


s: And broke its force and vigour ere it lit;


s: Its force and vigour broke: for he, below


s: The better arm, first smote his Tartar foe.


s: Smit was the Child by Mandricardo's hand,


s: At the same moment he that monarch slew:


s: And good steel cap beneath it; inches two,


s: Lies buried in the head the trenchant brand,


s: The solid bone and sinew severed through.


s: And from his head a stream of life-blood burst.


s: Rogero was the first who went to ground,


s: Nigh every one of those who waited round


s: Weened he the prize and vaunt had borne away.


s: So, erred his Doralice, that oft was drowned


s: In tears, and often clad in smiles that day:


s: She thanked her God, with hands to Heaven extended,


s: That in such wise the fearful fight had ended.


s: The live man living and the dead man slain,


s: The favourers of those knights, with change of cheer,


s: Some weep and some rejoice, an altered train.


s: King, lord, and every worthiest cavalier


s: Crowd round Rogero, who has risen with pain.


s: And do him grace and honour without end.


s: That which he utters in his heart; among


s: Other than what he vouches with his tongue.


s: And -- were his destiny or chance to blame --


s: Curses whiche'er produced Rogero's name.


s: From Agramant?  that not without his aid


s: Would have unrolled his ensigns the wind;


s: Who had to move from Africk been afraid,


s: Nor would have trusted in his host combined.


s: To him incline as well the female train,


s: Who for the land of France had left their own,


s: And Doralice, herself, although she moan,


s: And for her lover, cold and pale, complain,


s: Save by the griding curb of shame represt,


s: Her voice, perchance, had added to the rest.


s: For such his manners, such his merits are,


s: That not to play the widow's lovelorn part,


s: Though he did well alive, what could be done


s: 'Tis fitting she provide herself with one