s: For iron smote the impassive skin in vain.


s: So had heaven's King preserved the count from scathe,


s: He would have been in peril on that day,


s: And might have learned was 'twas to cast away


s: His sword, and, weaponless, so play the bold.


s: The rustic troop retreated from the fray,


s: Orlando to a neighbouring township wends.


s: Since every one had left the place for dread,


s: No wight he found within it, small or great:


s: But here was homely food in plenty spread,


s: Victual, well sorting with the pastoral state.


s: Here, acorns undistinguishing from bread,


s: His hunger, he employed his hand and jaw


s: On what he first discovered, cooked or raw.


s: Thence, repossest with the desire to rove,


s: He, through the land, did man and beast pursue;


s: And scowering, in his phrensy, wood and grove,


s: Took sometimes goat or doe of dappled hue:


s: Often with bear and with wild boar he strove,


s: And with his naked hand the brutes o'erthrew;


s: Swallowed the prey with all its skin and hair.


s: Now right, now left, he wandered, far and wide,


s: Throughout all France, and reached a bridge one day;


s: Beneath which ran an ample water's tide,


s: Of steep and broken banks: a turret gray


s: Was builded by the spacious river's side,


s: Discerned, from far and near, and every way.


s: What here he did I shall relate elsewhere,


s: Who first must make the Scottish prince my care.


s: Zerbino paused some deal; then, in his rear,


s: Slowly his steed by the same path addrest,


s: Which had been taken by Anglantes' peer;


s: Nor two miles on his way, I think, had prest,


s: And by armed horseman watched on either side.


s: And Isabel, as soon, when nigh surveyed.


s: Like wolf, the guardian of a lamb was made:


s: To whom, of all his friends esteemed most true,


s: Would now, as ever, have approved his trust.


s: Even then how all had chanced, with punctual lore,


s: How in the pinnace she was saved, before


s: Odoric's assault; and next, how bandits bore


s: The two that had Sir Odoric in their ward,


s: And deemed he was her lover and her lord,


s: That pricked beside the lady, fair of hue.


s: More; that the bearings on his shield record


s: The honours of the stem from which he grew;


s: And found, as better they observed his cheer,


s: They had judged rightly of the cavalier.


s: Lighting, with open arms and hurried pace,


s: And, kneeling, with bare head, the prince embrace,


s: Where lord is clipt by one of less degree.


s: Charged, under Odoric, with the galley's care.


s: Almonio cried, "Since God is pleased in the end,


s: With this offender, whom with me you view.


s: Since she, who at his hands has suffered worst,


s: The story of his crimes will have rehearsed.


s: "How me that traitour duped thou hast not to learn,


s: Corebo, who would have avenged the scorn,


s: But that which followed, upon my return,


s: By her unseen or heard, she cannot know,


s: Aye watchful, if the trace I can explore


s: The place where they were left; look everywhere;


s: Nor sign of them perceive upon that strand,


s: Except some steps, new-printed on the sand.


s: "The steps I traced into the forest drear;


s: Nor far within the greenwood had I wound,


s: When guided by a noise which smote my ear,


s: I saw my comrade bleeding on the ground:


s: Of Odoric, and what hand had dealt his wound;


s: And thence departed, when the thing I knew,


s: Seeking the wretch these precipices through.


s: "Wide circling still I go, and through that day


s: Who had the ground about him dyed so red,


s: A grave would have required, and, more than bed


s: And succour of the leech, to make him sound,


s: Craved priest and friar to lay him in the ground.


s: "I had him to the neighbouring city brought,


s: And boarded with a friendly host; and there


s: Corebo's cure in little time was wrought,


s: Beneath an old chirurgeon's skilful care.


s: This finished, having arms and horses brought,


s: Find out the traitor, and to fight defy.


s: "The monarch's justice, who fair field and free


s: Oftener makes conquest where she listeth, light)


s: Worsted, and made a prisoner in the fight.


s: Alphonso, having heard his guilt confessed,


s: Bade me dispose of him as liked me best.


s: "Him would I neither loose, nor yet have slain,


s: But, as thou seest, in bonds to thee convey:


s: That whether he should be condemned to pain,


s: Or death, it should be thine his doom to say.


s: I, hearing thou wert with King Charlemagne,


s: Thither, in hope to find thee, took my way.


s: I thank my God, that thee upon this ground,


s: Where I least hoped to meet thee, I have found.


s: Of whom, by reason of that traitor fell,


s: I deemed thou never more should'st tidings know."


s: In silence prince Zerbino hears him tell


s: How foully such a goodly friendship ends.


s: Astounded for a while the prince stood by;


s: Wondering, that he who least should have offended,


s: Questioned the prisoner in the horsemen's hold,


s: The faithless man alighted, and down fell


s: Upon his bended knees, and answered: "Sir,


s: All people that on middle earth do dwell,


s: Through weakness of their nature, sin and err.


s: Of least desire, submits, without a blow;


s: That arms, but yields as well to stronger foe.


s: "Had I been charged some castle to maintain,


s: And, without contest, on the first assault,


s: Hoisted the banners of the hostile train,


s: -- For cowardice, or treason, fouler fault --


s: Thou might'st have justly closed the darksome vault;


s: I should not merit blame, but praise and meed.


s: I could but faith maintain as, girded sore,


s: The leaguered fort to keep her faith is used;


s: Even so, with all the sense, with all the lore


s: To o'ermastering assault was forced to bend."


s: (Though 'twere too tedious to recount his suit)


s: Him no light cause had stirred, but puissant goad.


s: -- If ever earnestness of prayer could boot


s: To melt a heart that with resentment glowed,


s: -- If e'er humility produced good fruit,


s: It well might here avail; since all that best


s: Moves a hard heart, Sir Odoric now exprest.


s: So long maintained between them, with the dew


s: And him to mercy towards the wretch inclined.


s: While Scotland's prince is doubting in such wise


s: To keep him captive, or to loose his chain;


s: Loud neighing, thitherward the palfrey hies


s: From which the Tartar king had stript the rein;


s: Nigh caused Zerbino's death, among them bore.


s: The horse, that had the others of that band


s: Heard at a distance, thither her conveyed.


s: Sore weeping came the old woman, and demand


s: For succour, in her trouble, vainly made.


s: Zerbino, when he saw her, raised his hand


s: To heaven, that had to him such grace displayed,


s: Giving him to decide that couple's fate;


s: The only two that had deserved his hate.


s: The wicked hag is kept, so bids the peer,


s: Now thought, and her as an example shew.


s: Next, 'twere far better, deemed the cavalier,


s: If to the vultures he her carcase threw:


s: He to his comrades turned him round, and said:


s: I, as I find his fault of Love was bred,


s: When on commanding Love the blame is thrown.


s: "Often has Love turned upside down a brain


s: Of sounder wit than that to him assigned,


s: And led to mischief of far deeper stain,


s: Than has so outraged us.  Let Odoric find


s: Of these should justly suffer, who was blind;


s: Blind when I gave him such a trust, nor saw


s: How easily the fire consumes the straw."


s: That thou a year shalt with the beldam stay,


s: But, roving or at rest, by night or day,


s: Against whoever threatens her with pain.


s: "I will, if so this woman shall command,


s: I will this while that thou all France's land,


s: From city shalt to city, wander through."


s: Well merits death, for his foul trespass due,


s: This is a pitfall for his feet to shape,


s: Which it will be rare fortune if he 'scape.


s: And wronged by her, have been so many more,


s: Not without strife by knight shall he be stayed,


s: Who was beneath his care the beldam hoar.


s: So, for their crimes, shall both alike be paid;


s: And he who wrongfully shall her defraud;


s: To keep the pact Zerbino makes him swear


s: That should he break his faith, and anywhere


s: Without more mercy, without time for prayer,


s: A cruel death shall wait him, as his fee.


s: Next by his comrades (so their lord commands)


s: Sir Odoric is unpinioned from his bands.


s: Which thus their so desired revenge prevent.


s: Thence, he disloyal to his prince and friend,


s: What these befel Sir Turpin has not said,


s: That hence they had not one day's journey wended,


s: When Odoric, to all pact, all faith, untrue,


s: For riddance of the pest to him commended,


s: And left her to a neighbouring elm suspended;


s: And in a year (the place he does not name)


s: And loath would be to lose the cavalier,


s: To his Scottish squadron of himself sends news,


s: Which for its captain well might stand in fear;


s: Nursed for the valorous Paladin, so sore


s: The Count had found, who in the duel tore


s: Him from his horse, together with the sell,


s: That he to Charles's camp, till the third day


s: Be ended, will not measure back his way.


s: This was the term for which Orlando said


s: He should wait him, who yet no faulchion wears;


s: Nor is there place the Count has visited,


s: But thither in his search Zerbino fares.


s: Last to those trees, upon whose bark was read


s: The ungrateful lady's writing, he repairs,


s: Little beside the road; and there finds all


s: In strange disorder, rock and water-fall.


s: Far off, he saw that something shining lay,


s: And spied Orlando's corslet on the ground;


s: And next his helm; but not that head-piece gay


s: He in the thicket heard a courser neigh,


s: And, lifting up his visage at the sound,


s: Saw Brigliadoro the green herbage browze,


s: With rein yet hanging at his saddle-bows.


s: For Durindane, he sought the greenwood, round,


s: Which separate from the scabbard met his view;


s: And next the surcoat, but in tatters, found;


s: That, in a hundred rags, the champaign strew.


s: Stood looking on, nor what to think they knew:


s: They of all matters else might think, besides


s: The fury which the wretched Count misguides.


s: Had but the lovers seen a drop of blood,


s: They might have well believed Orlando dead:


s: This while the pair, beside the neighbouring flood,


s: Beheld a shepherd coming, pale with dread.


s: His arms about the forest, tore his clothes,


s: Slew hinds, and caused a thousand other woes.


s: Questioned by good Zerbino, him the swain


s: Of all which there had chanced, informed aright.


s: Zerbino marvelled, and believed with pain,


s: Although the proofs were clear:  This as it might,


s: He from his horse dismounted on the plain,


s: Full of compassion, in afflicted plight;


s: And went about, collecting from the ground


s: The various relics which were scattered round.


s: Isabel lights as well; and, where they lie


s: Dispersed, the various arms uniting goes.


s: Lo!  them a damsel joins, who frequent sigh


s: Heaves from her heart, and doleful visage shows.


s: She mourns, and with such sorrow overflows;


s: I say 'twas Flordelice, who, bound in trace


s: Of her lost lover's footsteps, sought that place.


s: Without farewell, i' the court of Charlemagne:


s: Who there expected him six months or eight; --


s: And lastly, since he came not there again,


s: From sea to sea, had sought her absent mate,


s: Through Alpine and through Pyrenean chain:


s: In every place had sought the warrior, save


s: But, when Astolpho chased the wizard old,


s: To Paris he returned; but nought of this


s: As yet was known to faithful Flordelice.


s: To Flordelice were known the arms and sword


s: (Who, as I say, by chance so joined the twain),


s: She with her eyes the unhappy signs explored,


s: And she had heard the tidings of the swain,


s: Here prince Zerbino all the arms unites,


s: And hangs, like a fair trophy, on a pine.


s: And, to preserve them safe from errant knights,


s: Natives or foreigners, in one short line


s: Upon the sapling's verdant surface writes,


s: As he would say, `Let none this harness move,


s: Who cannot with its lord his prowess prove!'


s: Is bowning him to climb his horse; when, lo!


s: He, at the trophied pine-tree's gorgeous show,


s: Beseeches him the cause of this to read;


s: Who lets him (as rehearsed) the story know.


s: When, without further pause, the paynim lord


s: Hastes gladly to the pine, and takes the sword.


s: "None can (he said) the action reprehend,


s: Nor first I make the faulchion mine today;


s: Has feigned him mad, and cast the sword away;


s: But if the champion so excuse his shame,


s: This is no cause I should forego my claim.


s: "Take it not thence," to him Zerbino cried,


s: "Nor think to make it thine without a fight:


s: If so thou tookest Hector's arms of pride,


s: By theft thou hadst them, rather than by right."


s: Without more parley spurred upon each side.


s: Well matched in soul and valour, either knight.


s: Nor yet well entered are the encountering foes.


s: (He shifts so quickly) is the Scottish lord.


s: Where'er the road best footing does afford.


s: And well it is that he should not forego


s: An inch of vantage; who, if once that sword


s: Smite him, will join the enamoured ghosts, which rove


s: Swine severed from his fellows, hunts him hard,


s: Till once the restless foe neglect his guard;


s: So, while the sword descends, or hangs on high,


s: How to save life and honour from surprise;


s: And keeps a wary eye, and smites and flies.


s: On the other side, where'er the foe is seen


s: To threaten stroke in vain, or make good,


s: He seems an Alpine wind, two hills between,


s: That in the month of March shakes leafy wood;


s: Which to the ground now bends the forest green.


s: Now whirls the broken boughs, at random strewed.


s: Although the prince wards many, in the end


s: One mighty stroke he cannot scape or fend.


s: In the end he cannot scape one downright blow,


s: Which enters, between sword and shield, his breast,


s: As perfect was the plate and corslet, so


s: Thick was the steel wherein his paunch was drest:


s: But the destructive weapon, falling low,


s: And cleft whate'er it swept in its descent,


s: And to the saddle-bow, through cuirass, went.


s: And, but that somewhat short the blow descends,


s: This scarce beyond the skin is scarified.


s: More than a span in length the wound extends;


s: To his feet descending, with a crimson line,


s: Stains the bright arms which on the warrior shine.


s: 'Tis so, I sometimes have been wont to view


s: The silver cloth, with ribbon red of hue;


s: From strength and greater daring, and from art;


s: For in the temper of his arms and might,


s: Too much the Tartar king excelled the knight.


s: The fearful stroke was mightier in show,


s: Than in effect, by which the Prince was prest;


s: So that poor Isabel, distraught with woe,


s: Felt her heart severed in her frozen breast.


s: The Scottish prince, all over in a glow,


s: And putting all his strength in either hand,


s: Smote full the Tartar's helmet with his brand.


s: Almost on his steed's neck the Tartar fell,


s: And, had the helmet been unfenced by spell,


s: The biting faulchion would have cleft his head.


s: The king, without delay, avenged him well,


s: "Nor I for you till other season," said,


s: "Will keep this gift"; and levelled at his crest,


s: Waits on his wit, wheels quickly to the right;


s: The trenchant sword, which smote the shield outright,


s: Shearing the sleeve beneath it, and the knight


s: Smote on his arm; and next the harness rended,


s: And even to the champion's thigh descended.


s: Zerbino, here and there, seeks every way


s: By which to wound, nor yet his end obtains;


s: For, while he smites upon that armour gay,


s: Not even a feeble dint the coat retains.


s: On the other hand, the Tartar in the fray


s: Such vantage o'er the Scottish prince obtains,


s: Him he has wounded in seven parts or eight,


s: And reft his shield and half his helmet's plate.


s: Fail, though he feels it not, as 't would appear;


s: Unharmed, the vigorous heart new force supplies


s: His lady, during this, whose crimson dyes


s: Where chased by dread, to Doralice drew near,


s: And for the love of Heaven, the damsel wooed


s: And ill-assured withal, how it would end,


s: And straight to truce and peace disposed her friend,


s: Was brought his vengeful anger to suspend;


s: And, wending where she willed, the Scottish lord


s: Left unachieved the adventure of the sword.


s: Fair Flordelice, who ill maintained descries


s: In secret garden, and so laments the prize


s: Foregone, she weeps for rage, and smite her front:


s: She would move Brandimart to this emprize;


s: And, should she find him, and the fact recount,


s: Weens, for short season will the Tartar foe


s: Seeking him morn and evening, but in vain,


s: So far the damsel pricked by hill and plain,


s: She reached the passage of a river, where


s: She saw the wretched count; but what befel


s: The Scottish prince, Zerbino, let me tell.


s: To him appeared, it past all other woes;


s: Though he could hardly sit upon his steed,


s: Though mighty loss of life-blood, which yet flows.


s: Now, when his anger and his heat secede,


s: After short interval, his anguish grows;


s: His anguish grows, with such impetuous pains,


s: He feels that life is ebbing from his veins.


s: For weakness can the prince no further hie,


s: And so beside a fount is forced to stay:


s: Him to assist the pitying maid would try,


s: But knows not what to do, not what to say.


s: For lack of comfort she beholds him die;


s: Where in this need she could resort to leech,


s: Whose succour she might purchase or beseech.


s: She, blaming Fortune, and the cruel sky,


s: Can only utter fond complaints and vain.


s: "Why sank I not in ocean, (was her cry,)


s: When first I reared my sail upon the main?"


s: Had fixt, as she bemoaned her, felt more pain


s: Than that enduring and strong anguish bred,


s: Through which the suffering youth was well-nigh dead.


s: "So be thou pleased, my heart," (Zerbino cried,)


s: "To love me yet, when I am dead and gone,


s: To end my days, this earthly journey done,


s: I cheerful, and content, and fully blest


s: Would die, since I should die upon thy breast.


s: "But since to abandon thee, to whom a prize


s: I know not, my sad fate compels, I swear,


s: By what enchained me first, that lovely hair;


s: My spirit, troubled and despairing, hies


s: Into hell's deep and gloomy bottom; where


s: Of all its woes the heaviest pain will be."


s: Her mournful face, which with her tears o'erflows,


s: Towards the sufferer, and her mouth conjoining


s: Rose gathered out of season, and which, pining


s: Fades where it on the shadowy hedgerow grows,


s: Exclaims, "Without me think not so, my heart,


s: On this your last, long, journey to depart.


s: "Of this, my heart, conceive not any fear,


s: For I will follow thee to heaven or hell;


s: It fits our souls together quit this sphere,


s: No sooner closed thine eyelids shall appear


s: Than either me internal grief will quell,


s: Or, has it not such power, I here protest,


s: I with this sword to-day will pierce my breast.


s: "I of our bodies cherish hope not light,


s: That they shall have a happier fate when dead:


s: Together to entomb them, may some wight,


s: She the poor remnants of his vital sprite


s: Went on collecting, as these words she said;


s: And while yet aught remains, with mournful lips,


s: The last faint breath of life devoutly sips.


s: 'Twas here his feeble voice Zerbino manned,


s: By that love witnessed, when thy father's land


s: Thou quittedst for my sake; and, if I may


s: That, with God's pleasure, thou live-out thy day;


s: That, well as man can love, have I loved thee.


s: "God haply will provide thee with good aid,


s: To free thee from each churlish deed I fear;


s: As, when in the dark cavern thou wast stayed,


s: He sent, to rescue thee, Anglante's peer;


s: So he (grammercy!) succoured thee dismaid


s: And, if thou must choose death, in place of worse,


s: Then only choose it, as a lesser curse."


s: I think not these last words of Scotland's knight


s: Were so exprest, that he was understood:


s: With these, he finished, like a feeble light,


s: Which needs supply of was, or other food.


s: -- Who is there, that has power to tell aright


s: When stiff, her loved Zerbino, with pale face,


s: And cold as ice, remained in her embrace.


s: On the ensanguined corse, in sorrow drowned,


s: The damsel throws herself, in her despair,


s: And shrieks so lout that wood and plain resound


s: For many miles about; nor does she spare


s: Bosom or cheek; but still, with cruel wound,


s: One and the other smites the afflicted fair;


s: And wrongs her curling lock of golden grain,


s: Aye calling on the well-loved youth in vain.


s: She with such rage, such fury, was possest,


s: That, in her transport, she Zerbino's glaive


s: Would easily have turned against her breast,


s: But that a hermit, from his neighbouring rest,


s: Accustomed oft to seek the fountain-wave,


s: His flagon at the cooling stream to fill,


s: The reverend father, who with natural sense


s: And, with ensamples fraught and eloquence,


s: Placing, from ancient Testament and new,


s: That save in God there was no true content,


s: And proved all other hope was transitory,


s: Fleeting, of little worth, and quickly spent;


s: He changed her ill and obstinate intent;


s: And made her, for the rest of life, desire


s: Not that she would her mighty love forbear,


s: For her dead lord, nor yet his relics slight;


s: These, did she halt or journey, every where


s: Would Isabel have with her, day and night.


s: The hermit therefore seconding her care,


s: Who, for his age, was sound and full of might,


s: They on his mournful horse Zerbino placed,


s: And traversed many a day that woodland waste.


s: Thus all alone with him that damsel bland


s: Thither, where in a cave, concealed from day,


s: Wisely would trust to prudence or to age.


s: He thought to bear her to Provence, where, near


s: They stowed his body in a chest of wood,


s: Made in a town by the way-side; and which


s: Was long and roomy, and well closed with pitch.


s: So, compassing a mighty round, they fare


s: Through wildest parts, for many and many a day;


s: They seek to hide themselves as best they may:


s: That with foul scorn and outrage bars their way;


s: Of whom you more in fitting time shall learn,


s: After the fight between the two was done,


s: To a cooling shade and river from the sun,


s: Letting the courser at his pleasure run,


s: Browsing the tender grass the pasture through:


s: But he reposed short time ere he descried


s: An errant knight descend the mountain's side.


s: Uplifted, knew; and showed him to her knight:


s: Unless the distance has deceived my sight.


s: To combat with thee, he descends the mount:


s: Now it behoves thee put forth all thy might.


s: To lose me, his betrothed, a mighty cross


s: The monarch deems, and comes to venge his loss."


s: As a good hawk, who duck or woodcock shy,


s: Partridge or pigeon, or such other prey,


s: Raises her head, and shows her blithe and gay;


s: Gladly his courser seized, bestrode the seat,


s: Reined him, and in the stirrups fixt his feet.


s: When the two hostile warriors were so near,


s: That words could be exchanged between the twain,


s: To threat with head and hand, in haughty strain,


s: That to repentance he will bring the peer


s: Who lightly for a pleasure, rash and vain,


s: Who dearly will the offered scorn requite.


s: To fright, who threatens me -- by words unscared.


s: With more delight than rest, which others prize,


s: The stirring battle; and who am prepared


s: My foeman in the lists or field to meet;


s: Armed or unarmed, on horse or on my feet."


s: They pass to outrage, shout, and ire, unsheath


s: The brand; and loudly smites each cruel foe;


s: Like winds, which scarce at first appear to breathe,


s: Next shake the oak and ash-tree as they blow;


s: Then to the skies upwhirl the dusty wreath,


s: And bear the storm abroad, o'er land and main,


s: By which the flocks in greenwood-holt are slain.


s: Of those two infidels, unmatched in worth,


s: The valiant heart and strength, which thus exceed,


s: To such a warfare and such blows give birth,


s: As suits with warrior of so bold a seed.


s: At the loud sound and horrid, trembles earth,


s: When the swords cross; and to the stroke succeed


s: Quick sparks; or rather, flashing to the sky,


s: Bright flames by thousands and by thousands fly.


s: Without once gathering breath, without repose,


s: Striving, now here, now there, with deadly blows,


s: To rive the plate, or penetrate the mail.


s: Nor this one gains, nor the other ground foregoes;


s: Or, as too dearly sold they deem an inch,


s: Ne'er from their close and narrow circle flinch.


s: Mid thousand blows, so, with two-handed swing,


s: On his foe's forehead smote the Tartar knight,


s: Myriads of fiery balls and sparks of light.


s: The croupe, with head reversed, the Sarzan king


s: Now smote, as if deprived of all his might,


s: The stirrups lost; and in her sight, so well


s: Beloved, appeared about to quit the sell.


s: But as steel arbalest that's loaded sore,


s: By how much is the engine charged and strained,


s: Fury returns, its ancient bent regained,


s: And, in discharging its destructive store,


s: Inflicts worse evil than itself sustained;


s: And straight with double force the stroke repaid.


s: Where he was smit, the Tartar in return;


s: But cannot wound the Sarzan in the face,


s: Because his Trojan arms the weapon turn;


s: Yes so astounds, he leaves him not in case,


s: A second blow, still aiming at his head.


s: King Mandricardo's courser, who abhorred


s: The whistling of the steel which round him flew,


s: Saved, with sore mischief to himself, his lord;


s: In that he backed the faulchion to eschew:


s: Aimed at his master, not at him, the sword


s: Smote him across the head, and cleft it through.


s: No Trojan helm defends the wretched horse,


s: No more astound, slides down upon his feet,


s: And whirls his sword; to see his courser slain


s: He storms all over fired with angry heat.


s: Who stands as firm as rock which billows beat.


s: And so it happened, that the courser good


s: Fell in the charge, while fast the footman stood.


s: The African, who feels his horse give way,


s: The stirrups quits, and lightly from the sell


s: Is freed, and springs on earth: for the assay


s: Hence matched anew, stands either infidel.


s: Worse than before the battle boils, while they


s: With pride and anger, and with hatred swell,


s: About to close; but that, with flowing rein,


s: A messenger arrives, that from the Moor,


s: With many others, news through France conveyed;


s: Who word to simple knight and captain bore,


s: To join the troops, beneath their flags arrayed.


s: For he, the emperor, who the lilies wore,


s: Siege to their quarters had already laid;


s: And, save quick succour thither was addrest,


s: He read, their army's scathe was manifest.


s: By ensigns and by vest, the warlike pair,


s: But by the circling blades, and furious blows,


s: With which no other hands could wound the air;


s: Hence dared not 'twixt champions interpose,


s: But to fair Doralice approached, and said


s: Within weak works, with scanty troops to aid,


s: Were close beleaguered by the Christian train.


s: And, having told his tale, the damsel prayed,


s: That this she to the warriors would explain;


s: And would accord the pair, and to their post


s: Dispatch, for rescue of the Moorish host.


s: The lady, with bold heart, 'twixt either foe


s: Threw herself, and exclaimed:  "I you command,


s: By the large love you hear me, as I know,


s: That you to better use reserve the brand;


s: Of our host, menaced by the Christian band;


s: Which now, besieged within its camp, attends


s: Ruin or speedy succour from its friends.


s: The messenger rehearsed, when she had done,


s: And said that he bore letters to the son


s: The message ended, every grudge foregone,


s: 'Twas finally resolved between the twain,


s: They should conclude a truce, and till the day


s: The Moorish siege was raised, their strife delay.


s: Intending, when from siege their Chivalry


s: Shall be relieved -- the one and the other knight --


s: But bandy cruel war was with fell despite,


s: To whom the royal dame belongs of right.


s: And she, between whose hands their solemn troth


s: DISCORD, at hearing this, impatient grew;


s: And that such fair agreement should ensue,


s: PRIDE, who was present, could as ill consent:


s: But LOVE was there, more puissant than the two,


s: And launching from his bow his shafts of proof,


s: With these, made PRIDE and DISCORD stand aloof.


s: To keep the truce the rival warriors swore;


s: Since so it pleased her well, who either swayed.


s: One of their coursers lacked: for on the moor


s: Lifeless King Mandricardo's had been laid:


s: Hence, thither, in good time, came Brigliador,


s: Who, feeding, by the river's margin strayed.


s: So, with your licence, shall the tale suspend.


s: Of fire preserves, doomed by Marsilius dead:


s: Fully the cause while he to death was led.


s: Oh!  mighty springs of war in youthful breast,


s: Impetuous force of love, and thirst of praise!


s: Nor yet which most avails is known aright:


s: For each by turns its opposite outweighs.


s: Honour, be sure, and duty strongly sways:


s: For the amorous strife between them is delayed,


s: Till to the Moorish camp they furnish aid.


s: Yet love sways more; for, save that the command


s: Neither would in that battle sheathe the brand,


s: Till he was crowned with the victorious bay;


s: And Agramant might vainly with his band,


s: For either knight's expected succour, stay.


s: -- He can at times do good, if often ill.


s: 'Twas now, suspending all their hostile rage,


s: The Moorish host from siege to disengage,


s: And with them goes as well that dwarfish page,


s: Who tracked the footsteps of the Tartar peer,


s: Till he had brought the warrior front to front,


s: They at a mead arrived, where, in disport,


s: Knights were reposing by a stream, one pair


s: Disarmed, another casqued in martial sort;


s: And with them was a dame of visage fair.


s: Into a well the magic shield had thrown.


s: Of those dispatched by King Troyano's son


s: By Charles are those who hold the paynim creed,


s: They will, save quickly succoured in the strife,


s: Whom many warring thoughts at once opprest;


s: But neither fitted was the time nor place


s: To make his choice, or judge what promised best.


s: The courier he dismist, and turned his face


s: Whom aye the Child so hurried on her way,


s: Pursuing thence their ancient road again,


s: They reached a city, with the westering sun;


s: Which, in the midst of France, from Charlemagne


s: Though in the fosse, and round the palisade,


s: Stood many men, and piles of arms were laid.


s: Because the troop about that fortress see


s: Nor even question him from whence he came.


s: He finds it full, and bright with ruddy flame;


s: The youth condemned, with face of pallid hue.


s: As on the stripling's face he turns his eyes,


s: Which hangs declined and wet with frequent tear,


s: So much the youth resembles her in cheer:


s: Her face and shape: when thus the cavalier:


s: "She hath adventured with too daring will,


s: In rescue of the youth condemned to die;


s: Hath there been taken, as I see.  Ah!  why


s: -- But I thank Heaven, that hither have I made:


s: Since I am yet in time to lend her aid."


s: He drew his falchion without more delay,


s: (His lance was broken at the other town),


s: And, though the unarmed people making way,


s: Wounding flank, paunch, and bosom, bore them down.


s: He whirled his weapon, and, amid the array,


s: Smote some across the gullet, cheek, or crown.


s: The most with cloven limbs or broken head.


s: Swoop mid the crowd, and one surprise and rend,


s: The rest dispersing, leave their mate to die,


s: So scattering hadst thou seen the frighted throng,


s: When young Rogero pricked that crowd among.


s: Rogero smites the head from six or four,


s: Who in escaping from the field are slow.


s: And countless to the eyes and teeth below.


s: I grant no helmets on their heads they wore,


s: And, if fine helmets did their temples press,


s: His sword would cut as deep, or little less.


s: Such good Rogero's force and valour are,


s: Nor (whether home or foreign) beast more fell.


s: Haply with him the earthquake might compare,


s: Or haply the great devil -- not he of hell --


s: But he who is my lord's, who moves in fire,


s: And parts heaven, earth, and ocean in his ire.


s: Than one, and oftener two, upon the plain;


s: And four, at once, and even five he slew;


s: So that a hundred in a thought were slain.


s: As knife cuts curd, divides their plate and chain.


s: To deal Orlando death, that cruel blade.


s: But to have forged that falchion sorely rued,


s: What wreck, what ruin then must have ensued,


s: From this when wielded by such warrior's hand?


s: If e'er his mighty valour well was scanned,


s: 'Twas here; 'twas here employed; 'twas here displayed;


s: As hare from hound unslipt, that helpless train


s: And numberless were they who fled in fear.


s: Meanwhile the damsel had unloosed the chain


s: From the youth's hands, and him in martial gear


s: Was hastening, with what speed she might, to deck,


s: With sword in hand and shield about his neck.


s: He, who was angered sore, as best he cou'd,


s: And gave such signal proofs of hardihood,


s: As stamped him for a warrior good and true.


s: Had dipt his gilded wheels, what time the two,


s: When now Rogero and the stranger knight,


s: Clear of the city-gates, the champaigne reach,


s: The youth repays, with praises infinite,


s: Who him, although unknown, had sought to right,


s: At risk of life, and prays his name to teach


s: That he may know to whom his thanks he owed


s: The beauteous features and the beauteous cheer."


s: I of her well-known accents do not hear:


s: How has the maid so soon forgot my name?"


s: Rogero said, "You have I seen elsewhere;


s: Say it, yourself, if it returns to mind,


s: And, I beseech, your name as well declare:


s: Which I would gladly hear, in the desire


s: To know whom I have rescued from the fire."


s: " -- Me, it is possible you may have seen,


s: I know not when nor where (the youth replied);


s: For I too range the world, in armour sheen,


s: Seeking adventure strange on every side;


s: Who to her waist the knightly sword has tied;


s: Born with me at a birth; so like to view,


s: "You not first, second, or even fourth will be,


s: Who have in this their error had to learn;


s: From her (such our resemblance) can discern.


s: 'Tis true, this hair, which short and loose you see,


s: In many guise, and hers, with many a turn,


s: And in long tresses wound about her brow,


s: Wide difference made between us two till now.


s: "But since the day, that, wounded by a Moor


s: Cut short to the mid-ear her tresses bright,


s: Excepting sex and name, there is no more


s: One from the other to distinguish; hight


s: "And to displease you were I not afraid,


s: Which chanced from my resemblance to the maid;


s: He to whom nought more pleasing could be said,


s: And to whose ears there was no sweeter strain


s: Besought the stripling so, that he began.


s: "It so fell out, that as my sister through


s: The neighbouring wood pursued her path, a wound


s: Which her by chance without a helmet found.


s: And she was fain to trim the locks which grew


s: Clustering about the gash, to maker her sound


s: Of that ill cut which in her head she bore:


s: Hence, shorn, she wandered through the forest hoar.


s: Where, worn and troubled, she, in weary wise,


s: Lit from her courser and disarmed her front,


s: And, couched upon the greenwood, closed her eyes.


s: A tale more pleasing than what I recount


s: Thither repaired young Flordespine of Spain,


s: Who in that wood was hunting with her train.


s: "And, when she found my sister in the shade,


s: Covered, except her face, with martial gear,


s: -- In place of spindle, furnished with the blade --


s: The face and manly semblance she surveyed,


s: Till conquered was her heart: with courteous cheer


s: She wooed the maid to hunt with her, and past


s: "When now she had her, fearless of surprise,


s: By slow degrees, in words and amorous wise,


s: Showed her deep-wounded heart; with sighs of flame,


s: Breathed from her inmost breast, with burning eyes,


s: She spake her soul sick with desire; became


s: Now pale, now red; nor longer self-controlled,


s: Ravished a kiss, she waxed so passing bold.


s: "My sister was assured the huntress maid


s: Nor in that need could she afford her aid;


s: ` 'Tis better that I now dispel (she said)


s: The foolish thought she feeds, and that in me


s: "And she said well: for cravenhood it were


s: Befitting man of straw, not warrior true,


s: With whom so bright a lady deigned to pair,


s: So wonderous sweet and full of nectarous dew,


s: To clack like a poor cuckow to the fair,


s: Hanging his coward wing, when he should woo,


s: Shaping her speech to this in wary mode,


s: My sister that she was a damsel, showed;


s: Sought fame in battle-field, and near the sea,


s: To shield and spear enured from infancy.


s: A spark this quenched not; nor yet burned less bright


s: The enamoured damsel's kindled phantasy.


s: So deep had Love already driven his dart.


s: "Nor yet less fair to her my sister's face


s: Appeared, less fair her ways, less fair her guise;


s: Nor yet the heart returned into its place,


s: Which joyed itself within those dear-loved eyes.


s: Flordespine deems the damsel's iron case


s: To her desire some hope of  ease supplies;


s: And when she thinks she is indeed a maid,


s: Laments and sobs, with mighty woe downweighed.


s: "He who had marked her sorrow and lament,


s: That day, himself had sorrowed with the fair.


s: `What pains (she said) did ever wight torment,


s: So cruel, but that mine more cruel were?


s: The rose I well might gather from the thorn:


s: " `It 'twas thy pleasure, Love, to have me shent,


s: Because by glad estate thine anger stirred,


s: Thou with some torture might'st have been content


s: Nor ewe delights in ewe, nor hind in hind.


s: " `Tis only I, on earth, in air, or sea,


s: Who suffer at thy hands such cruel pain;


s: And this thou hast ordained, that I may be


s: The first and last example in thy reign.


s: Loved was Pasiphae's bull and Myrrha's sire;


s: But mine is madder than their worst desire.


s: " `Here female upon male had set her will;


s: Had hope; and, as I hear, was satisfied.


s: Others, in other mode, their want supplied.


s: But, had he flown to me, -- with all his skill,


s: For one too diligent hath wreathed these strings;


s: Even Nature's self, the puissantest of things.'


s: "So grieves the maid, so goads herself and wears,


s: And shows no haste her sorrowing to forego;


s: Sometimes her face, sometimes her tresses tears,


s: And levels at herself the vengeful blow.


s: And is constrained to hear the tale of woe,


s: She studies to divert, with fruitless pain,


s: The strange and mad desire; but speaks in vain.


s: "She, who requires assistance, not support,


s: Still more laments herself, with grief opprest.


s: By this the waning day was growing short,


s: For the low sun was crimsoning the west;


s: A fitting hour for those to seek a port,


s: Who would not in the wood set up their rest.


s: When to this city, near her sylvan haunt,


s: Where, but for you, by that ill squadron I


s: Had been compelled the cruel flame to face:


s: "Because perceiving vantage there was none


s: In the male cheer by which she was misled,


s: The damsel held it wise, reproach to shun,


s: Which might by any carping tongue be said.


s: And this the rather: that the ill, which one


s: Of the two garments in her mind had bred,


s: Now with the other which revealed the cheat,


s: She would assay to drive from her conceit.


s: "The ladies share one common bed that night,


s: Their bed the same, but different their repose.


s: One sleeps, one groans and weeps in piteous plight,


s: Because her wild desire more fiercely glows;


s: And on her wearied eyes should slumber light,


s: All is deceitful that brief slumber shows.


s: "As the sick man with burning thirst distrest,


s: If he should sleep, -- ere he that wish fulfil, --


s: In sleep, with images which glad her will.


s: Then from the empty dreams which crowd her brain,


s: She wakes, and, waking, finds the vision vain.


s: "What vows she vowed, how oft that night she prayed,


s: To all her gods and Mahound, in despair!


s: Would change, and give her other sex to wear.


s: But all the lady's vows were ill appaid,


s: And haply Heaven as well might mock the prayer;


s: Night fades, and Phoebus raises from the main


s: His yellow head, and lights the world again.


s: "On issueing from their bed when day is broken,


s: The wretched Flordespina's woes augment:


s: Anxious to scape from that embarrassment.


s: The princess a prime jennet, as a token,


s: Forced on my parting sister, when she went;


s: And gilded housings, and a surcoat brave,


s: Which her own hand had richly broidered, gave.


s: Then, weeping, to her castle made return.


s: So fast my sister pricked, she reached that day


s: Mount Alban; we who for her absence mourn,


s: Mother and brother, greet the martial may,


s: For hearing nought, we feared that she was dead,


s: And had remained in cruel doubt and dread.


s: "Unhelmed, we wondered at her hair, which passed


s: In braids about her brow, she whilom wore;


s: Nor less we wondered at the foreign cast


s: Of the embroidered surcoat which she wore:


s: And she to us rehearsed, from first to last,


s: How she was wounded in the wood, and how,


s: For cure, were shorn the tresses from her brow;


s: "And next how came on her, with labour spent,


s: -- As by the stream she slept -- that huntress bright;


s: And how, with all her false semblance well content,


s: She from the train withdrew her out of sight.


s: Untold; which touched with pity every wight;


s: Told how the maid had harboured her, and all


s: Which past, till she revisited her Hall.


s: To whose bewitching eyes and lovely mien


s: Yet her I would not make my fancy's queen;


s: For hopeless love is but a dream and shade:


s: Now I this proffered in such substance view,


s: Straitway the ancient flame breaks forth anew.


s: "Love, with this hope, constructs his subtle ties;


s: Who other threads for me would vainly weave.


s: 'Tis thus he took me, and explained the guise


s: In which I might the long-sought boon achieve.


s: For as the likeness others could deceive,


s: This haply might as well the maid ensnare.


s: Well knowing where the suit of armour lies


s: My sister doffed, I thither go at night;


s: Her armour and her steed to boot I take,


s: Nor stand expecting until daylight break.


s: "I rode all night -- Love served me as a guide --


s: To seek the home of beauteous Flordespine;


s: And there arrived, before in ocean's tide


s: The western sun had hid his orbit sheen.


s: To tell my coming to the youthful queen;


s: "For Bradamant the guests mistake me all,


s: -- As you yourself but now -- so much the more,


s: That I have both the courser and the pall


s: With which she left them but the day before.


s: She could not, for her life, more joy display.


s: "Her beauteous arms about my neck she throws,


s: And fondly clasping me, my mouth she kist.


s: Which Love directs, may well by you be wist.


s: "Then, ordering from her store a costly vest,


s: She spread it, and -- as I a woman were --


s: I gravely moved my eye-balls, nor confest,


s: My voice, which might discover the deceit,


s: I tuned so well that none perceived the cheat.


s: "Next to the hall, where dame and cavalier


s: Who make to us such court and goodly cheer,


s: Here oft I laughed at some, with secret jeer,


s: Who, knowing not the sex concealed below


s: Wooed me with wishful eyes in wanton way.


s: "When more advanced in now the festive night,


s: And the rich board -- board plenteously purveyed


s: With what in season was most exquisite --


s: Has been some time removed, the royal maid


s: The cause, which thither me anew conveyed:


s: "Damsels and dames withdrawn -- with all the rest --


s: Pages and chamberlains, when now we lay,


s: With kindled torches, counterfeiting day;


s: `Marvel not, lady,' (her I thus addrest,)


s: Thou shouldst not see me until Heaven knows when.


s: And next of my return, explained shall be.


s: I in thy service would have lived and died,


s: Nor would have been an hour away from thee:


s: But seeing how my stay increased thy woe,


s: By chance I from the beaten pathway strayed:


s: Where near me plaintive cries I hear resound,


s: To a lake of crystal I pursue the sound,


s: And, there, amid the waves, a naked maid


s: Caught on the fish-hook of a Faun, survey,


s: Who would devour alive his helpless prey.


s: " `Upon the losel, sword in hand, I ran,


s: -- `Me hast thou helped not vainly,' (she began)


s: And well shalt be rewarded -- with what prize


s: Thou canst demand -- for know I am a nymph,


s: And have my dwelling in this crystal lymph;


s: " `And power is mine to work portentous ends;


s: Shape to the scope to which my strength extends,


s: Charmed by my song the moon from Heaven descends;


s: Fire can I freeze, and harden liquid air;


s: And I at times have stopt the sun, and stirred


s: This earth beneath me by a simple word.'


s: O'er land or people to hold sovereign sway;


s: Nor greater strength nor valour would acquire,


s: Entreat the damsel she will show some way.


s: "Scarce my demand was made, before mine eye


s: Beneath the lymph engulphed that lady viewed:


s: Nor answered she my prayer, but, for reply,


s: Which has no sooner touched my face than I,


s: I see, I feel -- yet doubting what I scan --


s: (Stazas LXV - LXIX untranslated by Rose)


s: "The thing remained concealed between us two;


s: So that our bliss endured some months; at last


s: The tidings to the Spanish monarch past.


s: Thou that whilere preserved'st me from the crew,


s: Which me into the flames designed to cast,


s: By this mayst fully comprehend the rest;


s: But God alone can read my sorrowing breast."


s: Made the dark path they trod less irksome be.


s: Up a small height this while their journey lay,


s: Girded with cliff and cavern, drear to see.


s: Bristling with rocks, a steep and narrow way


s: Was to that rugged hill the stubborn key;


s: A town, called Agrismonte, crowned the steep,


s: Are witnesses of little worth and light.


s: -- This, as it may! -- strong, valiant, wise, and ware,


s: Liberal, humane, and courteous was the knight;


s: By night and day, kept faithful watch and ward.


s: And made Rogero for his sake good cheer;


s: But not with wonted welcome; -- inly moved --


s: For he, that day, ill-tidings had received,


s: And hence in heart and face the warrior grieved.


s: Of greeting: "Evil news are hither blown.


s: And costly spoils makes over to that crone;


s: Who will consign to him the brethren twain,


s: "These she, since Ferrau took them, aye has stayed


s: Till the discourteous and foul pact was made


s: With that false Maganzese of whom I tell;


s: 'Twixt Bayonne and a town of his, will sell


s: The price of the most precious blood in France.


s: And my power halts where my desire is strong.


s: The traitor will the knights, if rendered, slay;


s: And (as they him) displease in equal wise


s: Exclaims with mickle daring: "Be at ease;


s: I challenge for myself the whole emprize;


s: And, to set free your brethren, in my hand


s: More than a thousand shall avail this brand.


s: Me to the place where for the exchange they meet:


s: Their cries, who for that evil bargain threat."


s: He said; nor to one listener of the twain,


s: That had helped his actions, spake in vain.


s: The other heard him not, or heard at most


s: As we great talkers hear, who little do:


s: And told how him he from the fire withdrew;


s: And how he was assured, beyond his boast,


s: He would in time and place his prowess shew.


s: 'Twas now that better audience than before


s: Aldigier lent, and set by him great store;


s: And at the feast, where Plenty for the three


s: Emptied her horn, him honoured as his lord.


s: Here they conclude they can the brethren free


s: Without more succour from their gaoler's ward.


s: This while Sleep seized on lord and family,


s: To him the thoughts, which evermore molest,


s: And, rankling in his bosom, banish rest.


s: Will he dishonour.  What a ceaseless smart


s: Will scorn inflict, what shame will him appay,


s: If he against his sovereign lord take part?


s: Oh!  what foul cowardice, how foul a crime


s: That true religion had the stripling swayed


s: But now, when needed was the warrior's aid


s: From siege the Moorish monarch to relieve,


s: That Fear and Baseness had more largely weighed,


s: In his designs, would every one believe,


s: This thought makes good Rogero's bosom bleed.


s: Nor less to quit his Queen, her leave unsought,


s: Now this and now that care upon him wrought;


s: Which diversely his doubtful heart incline:


s: The unhappy lover fruitlessly had thought


s: To find her at the abode of Flordespine;


s: He next bethinks him of the promise plight


s: Deems her gone thither, and that 'twill excite


s: Her wonderment himself not there to see.


s: Could he at least a message send or write,


s: That he with reason might not censured be,


s: But was departing hence, and nothing said!


s: He, having thought on many things, in the end


s: Resolves on writing what behoves; and, though


s: He knows not how his letter he shall send,


s: This hinders not; he thinks that, as they wend,


s: Chance in his way some faithful Post may throw;


s: Nor more delays: up leaps the restless knight,


s: And calls for pen and paper, ink and light.


s: That which is needed, in obedience meet,


s: Aldigier's valets bring, a careful band,


s: The youth begins to write; and, first, to greet


s: Next tells how Agramant has sent to entreat,


s: And, save he quickly to his comfort goes,


s: Must needs be slain or taken by his foes.


s: Then adds, his sovereign being so bested,


s: And praying him for succour in his pain,


s: She must perceive what blame upon his head


s: Would light, if Agramant applied in vain;


s: 'Tis fitting he should keep him with stain;


s: Between aught foul and her to passing pure.


s: And if he erst a name, renowned and clear,


s: Had laboured to procure by actions fair,


s: And having gained it thus, he held it dear,


s: -- If this had sought to keep -- with greater care


s: He kept it now, -- and with a miser's fear


s: Guarded the treasure she with him would share;


s: Who, though distinct in body and in limb,


s: When wedded, ought to be one soul with him;


s: And, as he erst by word, he now explained


s: For which he was to serve his king constrained,


s: He would in deed a Christian be ordained,


s: Her afterwards in wedlock would require.


s: "I would," he said, "relieve, with your good will,


s: My king, besieged by Charlemagne's array,


s: That the misjudging rabble, prone to ill,


s: Might never, to my shame and scandal, say:


s: Waited upon his sovereign, night and day,


s: And now that Fortune to King Charles is fled,


s: Has with that conquering lord his ensign spread.'


s: Meanwhile, to justify my change of creed,


s: Then wholly yours for life, in all things, rest."


s: Rogero is such words his thoughts exposed,


s: Which never could by me be fully showed;


s: And added more, nor from his task reposed,


s: And sealed it, and within his bosom stowed;


s: In hopes to meet next morning by the way


s: One who might covertly that writ convey.


s: When he had closed the sheet, that amorous knight


s: His eyelids closed as well, and rest ensued:


s: For Slumber came and steeped his wearied might


s: With Lethe's water; and he slept till -- white


s: And red -- a rain of flowers the horizon strewed,


s: Painting the joyous east with colours gay;


s: When from her golden dwelling broke the day:


s: And when the greenwood birds 'gan, far and wide,


s: Greet the returning light with gladsome strain,


s: Sir Aldigier (who wished to be the guide,


s: Upon that journey, of the warlike twain,


s: Who would in succour of those brethren ride,


s: Was first upon his feet; and either peer


s: Issues as well from bed, when him they hear.


s: When clad and thoroughly in arms arrayed --


s: But these, by love for those two brethren swayed,


s: Stood out against his prayer, more stiff than stone,


s: Nor would consent that he should wend alone.


s: True to the time and place of change, they hie


s: Exposed to fierce Apollo's heat; in reach,


s: Nor tapering cypress, ash, nor spreading beech:


s: But naked gravel with low shrubs discerned,


s: Undelved by mattock and by share unturned.


s: Those three adventurous warriors halted where


s: A path went through the uncultivated plain,


s: Who, flourished o'er with gold, wore plate and chain,


s: And on green field that beauteous bird and rare,


s: Which longer than an age extends its reign.


s: No more, my lord: for at my canto's close


s: I find myself arrived, and crave repose.


s: Of mighty matters, sculptured in a font,


s: And forthwith battle follows fierce and fell.


s: Discord goes scattering quarrel and affront


s: Amid the crew: but whither, forced by spell,


s: The Tartar king, and Sarzan, turn their steeds.


s: Who worshipt virtue, and not worldly gear.


s: To whom aught else but sordid gain is dear;


s: But they who real goodness make their care,


s: In this frail life are worthy to be blest,


s: -- Held glorious and immortal when at rest.


s: Bradamant well would deathless praise inherit,


s: Who nor in wealth nor empire took delight;


s: But in Rogero's worth, excelling spirit,


s: For this did good Duke Aymon's daughter merit


s: To be beloved of such a valorous knight;


s: Who, what might be for miracles received,


s: He, with those two of Clermont, as whilere


s: Was gone, to give the prisoned brethren aid:


s: Of haughty look approaching had surveyed,


s: Who bore that noble bird, by fiery birth


s: When those three of that warrior were espied,


s: Poised on the wing, as if about to smite,


s: He fain by proof their prowess would have tried,


s: And if their semblance tallied with their might.


s: "Is there, among you, one," the stranger cried,


s: "Will prove upon me, which is best in fight,


s: With lance or sword, till one to ground be cast,


s: While in the sell his foe is seated fast?"


s: " -- I, at your choice," said Aldigier, "were fain


s: To flourish faulchion, or to tilt with spear;


s: But this with feat, which, if you here remain,


s: Yourself may witness, so would interfere,


s: That for the present parley time with pain


s: Six hundred men, or more, we here attend,


s: With whom we must to-day in arms contend.


s: "Two of our own to rescue from their foes,


s: And free from chains, us Love and Pity sway."


s: He to that stranger next the reason shows


s: Why thus in steel their bodies they array.


s: "So just is the excuse which you oppose,"


s: -- He answered -- "that I ill should this gainsay,


s: That seldom upon earth will find their peers.


s: "With you a lance or two I would have crost


s: To prove how great your prowess in the field;


s: But, since 'tis shown me at another's cost,


s: Forego the joust, and to your reasons yield.


s: Warmly I pray your leave against that host,


s: To join with your good arms this helm and shield;


s: And hope, if suffered of your band to be,


s: No worthless comrade shall you find in me."


s: Some one, meseems, may crave the stranger's name,


s: Who thus the champions on their road delayed,


s: And so to partnership in arms laid claim


s: With those three warriors, for the strife arrayed:


s: SHE -- style no more a man that martial dame --


s: The task to bear about, against his will,


s: The two of Clermont and their bold compeer


s: Gladly received her succour in their cause,


s: And shown the others, after little pause,


s: Which by the wavering wind was blown about,


s: And round about it ranged a numerous rout.


s: And when, now nearer, the advancing crew


s: Were better marked in Moorish habit stoled,


s: For Saracens the stranger band they knew;


s: I' the middle of that troop, the prisoners, who


s: Marphisa cries, "Why is the feast delayed,


s: When lo!  the guests are here, for whom we stayed?"


s: -- "Not all," Rogero said, "Of the array


s: And we. to grace it more, use every art:


s: Yet they can now but little more delay."


s: While thus they parley, they from other part


s: Descry the treacherous Maganzese advance;


s: And laden mules beneath their convoy go,


s: Bearing vest, gold, and other costly gear.


s: On the other side, mid faulchion, spear, and bow,


s: Approached the captive two with doleful cheer,


s: Who found themselves awaited by the foe;


s: As with the Moorish captain he conferred.


s: Nor Buovo's nor Duke Aymon's valiant son


s: Can hold, when that false Maganzese they view;


s: Against him both with rested lances run:


s: He falls the victim of those furious two,


s: Through belly and through pummel pierced by one,


s: And by the other, in mid visage, through


s: His bleeding cheeks: may like disastrous fate


s: At this, nor waited other trumpet-strain;


s: Nor broke her lance in her impetuous course,


s: Till in succession three had prest the plain.


s: A mark well worthy fierce Rogero's force,


s: The paynim leader in a thought is slain;


s: And with him, pierced by the same weapon, go


s: 'Twas hence a foul mistake the assaulted made;


s: It caused their utter loss, and ruined all:


s: They of Maganza deemed themselves betrayed


s: By the infidels, upon their leader's fall:


s: On the other side, so charged with hostile blade,


s: The Moors those Maganzese assassins call;


s: And, with fierce slaughter, either angry horde


s: 'Gan bend bow, and brandish lance and sword.


s: Rogero, charging this, or the other band,


s: Slays ten or twenty, shifting his career;


s: Are slaughtered and extinguished, there and here:


s: Before it vanish cuirass, helms and shields,


s: As the dry wood to fire in forest yields.


s: Or heard, -- what time the wasps divided are,


s: Mustering their swarms for mischief in mid air, --


s: The greedy swallow swoop amid that brood,


s: To mangle and devour, and kill, and tear,


s: Varied the dance between those squadrons twain;


s: For, heedless of the Moors, each cavalier


s: Had but an eye to false Maganza's train.


s: Much courage added to much might and main;


s: And these were now redoubled by the spite,


s: Which against false Maganza warmed the knight.


s: This cause made him who in his fury shared,


s: He, without pause, each trusty helmet pared


s: With his good blade, or crushed it like the shell


s: Of brittle egg: and who would not have dared --


s: Would not have shown a Hector's worth as well,


s: Having two such companions in the stower,


s: Of warlike wights the very choice and flower?


s: Marphisa, waging all the while the fight,


s: And as she marked their rivalry in might,


s: At times believed that Paladin was Mars,


s: Who left his heaven to mix in mortal wars.


s: She marvels at the champion's horrid blows;


s: She marvels how in vain they never fell.


s: Like paper, not like stubborn plate and shell.


s: Whom into equal parts those strokes divide,


s: Half dropt on this, and half on the other side.


s: With the same downright stroke, he overbore


s: The horse and rider, bleeding in the dust;


s: The heads of others from their shoulders bore,


s: And parted from the hips the bleeding bust.


s: And -- but I doubt who hears me might distrust


s: What of a seeming falsehood bears the impress --


s: I would say more; but I parforce say less.


s: Good Turpin, he who knows that he tells true,


s: And leaves men to believe what they think right,


s: Says of Rogero wondrous things, which you


s: Hearing related, would as falsehoods slight.


s: Thus, with Marphisa matched, that hostile crew


s: Appears like ice, and she like burning light.


s: That she had marked his valour with surprise.


s: Who seemed the contrary, in arms arrayed;


s: The pair ensued, by whom with cruel blade


s: Most deadly signs of prowess should be shown,


s: Mid that vile herd, on sinew, flesh and bone.


s: To rout each hostile squadron, filled with dread,


s: Sufficed the soul and valour of the four;


s: Nor better arms remained for them who fled


s: Than the sharp goads which on their heels they wore.


s: And he who had no steed, here learned, dismayed,


s: How wretched is the poor foot-soldier's trade.


s: The conqueror's prize remained both field and prey;


s: Nor was there footman left nor muleteer;


s: The Moor took this, Maganza took that way;


s: One leaves the prisoners, and one leaves the gear.


s: With visage glad, and yet with heart more gay,


s: Nor were less diligent to free from chains


s: The prisoned pages, and unload the wains.


s: Wrought into different vessels, with a store


s: Embroidered round about with choicest lore,


s: And suit of Flemish tapestry, framed to line


s: Royal apartments, wrought with silk and ore --


s: -- They, 'mid more costly things in plenty spread --


s: Discovered flasks of wine, and meat and bread.


s: When now the conquering troop their temples bare,


s: All see they have received a damsel's aid,


s: Known by her curling locks of golden hair,


s: And delicate and beauteous face displayed:


s: Her the knights honoured much, and to declare


s: Her name, so well deserving glory, prayed;


s: Nor she, that ever was of courteous mood


s: Among her friends, their instances withstood.


s: With viewing her they cannot sate their eyes,


s: She speaks but with the Child, but him descries;


s: None prizes, values none, 'twould seem, beside.


s: Meanwhile that ready spread a banquet lies,


s: This they had served about a neighbouring fountain,


s: Screened from the sun by an o'ershadowing mountain.


s: This spring was one of those four fountains rare,


s: Of those in France produced by Merlin's sleight;


s: Encompassed round about with marble fair,


s: Shining and polished, and then milk more white.


s: There in the stone choice figures chisseled were,


s: By that magician's godlike labour dight;


s: Save voice was wanting, these you might have thought


s: Were living and with nerve and spirit fraught.


s: Here, to appearance, from the forest prest


s: With teeth of wolf, an ass's head and crest,


s: A carcass with long famine lean and dry,


s: And lion's claws; a fox in all the rest:


s: Which seemed to ravage France and Italy,


s: And Spain and England's desolated strands,


s: The beast the low and those of proudest port


s: Had slain or maimed throughout this earthly ball;


s: Yea, fiercest seemed on those of noble sort,


s: Sovereign and satrap, prince and peer, to fall;


s: For it had slaughtered Pope and Cardinal:


s: Had filled St. Peter's beauteous seat with scathe,


s: And brought foul scandal on the HOLY FAITH.


s: Whate'er she touches, wall or rampire steep,


s: Goes to the ground' where'er the monster wends,


s: Each fortress opens; neither castle-keep,


s: Nor city from her rage its wealth defends.


s: Honours divine as well that Beast would reap,


s: It seems (while the besotted rabble bends)


s: And claim withal, as to its keeping given,


s: The sacred keys which open Hell and Heaven.


s: Three youths with him in company appear,


s: With golden lilies wrought in their array:


s: The name of these are on the marble read,


s: Some on their skirt, some written overhead.


s: One to the hilt has in his life-blood dyed


s: His faulchion, Francis styled the first of France;


s: In one, who gores his gullet with the lance,


s: The emperor Charles the fifth is signified:


s: Henry the eighth of England is he hight,


s: Who in the monster's breast a dart has pight.


s: The TENTH, in writing, on his back displayed


s: The Lion, who that Beast is seen to hold


s: By both his ears, and him so well has bayed,


s: 'Twould seem the world all fear aside has laid;


s: Thitherward nobles troop, but these are few;


s: And so that hideous Beast those hunters slew.


s: In wonder stood long time that warlike train,


s: Desirous, as the storied work they traced,


s: To know by hands of whom that Beast was slain,


s: Which had so many smiling lands defaced,


s: The names unknown to them, though figured plain


s: Upon the marble which that fountain cased:


s: That story, he would tell it to the rest.


s: Who listening stood this while, yet spake he nought.


s: "With thee," he cried, "to tell the meaning lies,


s: Who are they, by whose darts and lances dies


s: That shouldst by what I see in this be taught:


s: The hideous monster, that to bay is brought?"


s: -- And Malagigi -- "Hitherto their glory


s: No author has consigned to living story.


s: "The chiefs whose names are graved upon the stone,


s: Not yet have moved upon this worldly stage;


s: But will within seven hundred years be known,


s: What time king Arthur filled the British throne,


s: This fountain Merlin made, enchanter sage;


s: Made sculpture by a cunning artist's care.


s: "This Beast, when weights and measures first were found,


s: Came out of nether hell; when on the plain,


s: Common before, men fixed the landmark's bound,


s: And fashioned written pacts with jealous pain;


s: Yet walked not every where, at first, her round:


s: Through diverse places in our time she wends;


s: But the vile rabble and the crowd offends.


s: Aye has that monster grown, and aye will grow;


s: And till much time be past will grow alway:


s: Was never mightier, nor worse cause of woe.


s: That Python, oft the theme of ancient lay,


s: So passing wonderful and fierce in show,


s: Came not by half this loathsome monster nigh,


s: "Dread desolation shall it make; nor place


s: And you in the mysterious sculptured trace


s: The world, when weary of imploring grace,


s: Those worthy peers (whose names you sculptured see,


s: And which shall blazing carbuncle outshine),


s: "No one shall more that cruel beast molest


s: Than Francis, who the realm of France will steer,


s: Who justly shall be forward in this quest,


s: Whom none shall go beyond, whom few shall peer


s: Since he in splendour, as in all the rest,


s: Who whilom perfect seemed; so fade and yield


s: "In the first year of his successful reign,


s: The crown yet ill secure upon his front,


s: He threads the Alps, and makes their labour vain,


s: Who would against his arms maintain the Mount.


s: Impelled by generous and by just disdain,


s: Which a French army suffered from their rage,


s: Who poured from beast-cote, field, and pasturage:


s: "And thence shall into the rich Lombard plain


s: Descend, with all the flower of France, and so


s: Shall break the Switzer, that henceforth in vain


s: Would he uplift his horn against the foe.


s: To the sore scandal of the Church and Spain,


s: And to the Florentine's much scathe and woe,


s: By him that famous castle shall be quelled,


s: "In quelling it his honoured faulchion, more


s: Than other arms, availing shall be found;


s: Which first that cruel Beast to death will gore,


s: The foul destroyer of each country round:


s: That conquering faulchion, or be cast to ground:


s: Nor, stormed by it, will rampart, fosse, or wall,


s: Secure the city, they surround, from fall.


s: Which can in great commander be combined,


s: -- Prudence like his who won Thrasymenae


s: And Trebbia's field, with Caesar's daring mind,


s: Without which all designs are mist and wind;


s: And moved in them desire some name to hear


s: Of others, who had laid that monster dead,


s: Which to slay others had been used whilere.


s: Among the first Bernardo's name was read,


s: Much vaunted in the writing of the Seer:


s: Who said, "Through him as known as Bibbiena


s: As her own neighbour Florence and Siena.


s: "More forward in this chase shall no one show


s: Than Sigismond, than Lewis, and than John;


s: Brother and son-in-law, their aid afford;


s: "Of one of these the son, Sir Guidobald,


s: Will not by sire, or other, distanced be:


s: Chases the Beast, both striving equally:


s: With one of those keen darts, Apollo's fee,


s: Given with his bow, what time as well his glaive,


s: The god of war, to gird that warrior, gave.


s: Hunt and fatigue the monster in his flight:


s: Nor Julian lets his good son pass him by;


s: Nor bold Ferrant his brother; nor less wight


s: Two chiefs that mountain for their bearing show,


s: Which, hiding him, from dragon-feet to head,


s: 'Mid those combined, to lay the monster dead,


s: Shall none more forward than this couple go:


s: "But where leave I Gonsalvo Ferrant, who


s: Is held in such esteem, the pride of Spain?


s: 'Mid those that have the hideous monster slain:


s: But these are few compared with numbers round,


s: Whom that despiteous Beast shall kill or wound."


s: To converse gay the friends themselves addrest,


s: And seemly pastimes, when their meal was done,


s: Through the hot noontide, and fine carpets prest,


s: 'Mid shrubs, by which the limpid river run.


s: Might be more tranquil, watched with armour on;


s: Who quickly towards their place of shelter came;


s: Him had she long pursued the former day,


s: And now with prayer, now followed with affront.


s: Which booting nought, she had retraced her way,


s: And, how I know not, heard upon her round,


s: He here with Richardetto would be found.


s: And, for to her well known was that repair,


s: Towards the fount, and in that quarter fair


s: Found him, and in what manner, was exprest;


s: But like embassadress, who -- wise and ware --


s: Better than was enjoined performs a hest,


s: As bound direct to him; and, on his side,


s: He who well knew her, straight uprose and met,


s: And asked that damsel whitherward she hied.


s: From her long weeping, sighing deeply, cried,


s: But cried aloud, that young Rogero, near


s: The warrior she addrest, her tale might hear:


s: "I from Mount Alban with a courser sped;


s: A horse much loved by her, and highly bred;


s: And him I more than thirty miles had led


s: Towards Marseilles, where she designed to be


s: Within few days; by her enjoined to wend


s: "I in the sure belief pursued my course,


s: Was none so stout of heart, if I should say


s: How Sir Rinaldo's sister owned the horse,


s: He would presume to take that steed away.


s: But vain was my design; for him parforce


s: Nor, when to him his master's name I read,


s: Will that bold robber render back the steed.


s: Have prayed, and prayer and menace proving vain,


s: Have left at little distance; where, with pain,


s: Both to his courser and himself, the Moor,


s: Against a knight, who him so hard has prest,


s: Who scarcely had endured the whole to hear,


s: To let him singly with that damsel steer,


s: Until she showed the paynim, who by force


s: Had wrested from her hands that goodly horse.


s: To yield to other champion that emprize,


s: Yet with Rogero's earnest suit complies;


s: Who takes farewell of that good company,


s: And with the damsel on her journey hies.


s: And leaves those others, whom his feats confound,


s: Had drawn him to some distance from the rest,


s: She was dispatched by her that in her heart


s: -- And added, without using farther art,


s: More willingly I take him from his guide.


s: Scatters its splendour through this ample earth."


s: Listening, the visage of the youthful knight


s: Showed with what rage his heart was in a flame,


s: As well as that the horse was his delight;


s: And also that 'twas reft in his despite;


s: And with a due revenge that wrong repay.


s: With him, without repose, the damsel rides,


s: Who with his foe would bring him front to front;


s: And thither journies where the road divides,


s: And one branch cuts the plain, one climbs the mount,


s: And either pathway to that valley guides,


s: The mountain track was short, but trod with pain;


s: That other longer far, but smooth and plain.


s: Incites that maid the mountain to assay;


s: By which (as said) the journey was less long:


s: That easier track across the level hold;


s: Suspended is their quarrel (in what wise


s: You know), and in the champions' company


s: Doralice, cause of all their discord, hies.


s: Their way directly by that fountain lies,


s: Marphisa had, at her companions' prayer,


s: Cloathed her in female ornaments and vest,


s: Of those, which by Maganza's traitour were


s: Late to Lanfusa, in full trust, addrest;


s: And, though the appearance of that maid was rare


s: Without her corslet, casque and all the rest,


s: -- At their entreaty, these for once laid down --


s: She deigned to seem a maid and donned the gown.


s: In trust that, could he win her in affray,


s: He would that maid, in recompense and place


s: As if Love trafficked in such contracts base,


s: Nor yet with reason at the event be pained,


s: Hence with a damsel to provide the peer,


s: He would by force of arms the maid obtain;


s: This maid as that, on him bestow the gain;


s: And all of those, whom he about her spied,


s: Forthwith to joust and single fight defied.


s: In arms, as guard and surety for the rest,)


s: One and the other champion -- prompt for fight,


s: Rose lightly from the herbage which they prest,


s: Deeming they had to joust with either knight;


s: But Rodomont, who came not on this quest,


s: No motion made as he a course would run;


s: So that they had to tourney but with one.


s: Sir Vivian is the first who moves his horse,


s: With mighty heart, and lays his weapon low;


s: And he, that Tartar king, renowned for force,


s: With greater puissance meets the coming foe.


s: His lance each warrior levels in the course


s: Where he bests trusts to plant the furious blow.


s: Vainly Sir Vivian's spear the casque offends;


s: Nor throws that paynim knight, nor even bends.


s: That Tartar's harder weapon makes the shield


s: Of Vivian, at their onset, fly like grass;


s: And, tumbling from his saddle on the field,


s: Extends the champion amid flowers and grass.


s: To run his chance Sir Malagigi, steeled,


s: Did to his brother's succour quickly pass;


s: But (such that warrior's hurry to be near)


s: Rather accompanied, than venged the peer.


s: The other of those brethren armed before


s: His cousin, and had backed his courser wight;


s: And, having first defied, encountered sore,


s: Spurring with flowing rein, the stranger knight.


s: Against the tempered helm that pagan wore


s: Sounded the blow, an inch below the sight:


s: Heaven-high the truncheon flew, in fragments broke,


s: But the stout pagan winced not for the stroke.


s: Him on the left side smote that paynim peer,


s: And (for the blow was with huge force designed)


s: Little his shield, and less his iron gear,


s: Availed, which opened like the yielding rhind:


s: The weapon pierced his shoulder; Aldigier


s: Now right now left upon his horse inclined;


s: Then him, 'mid grass and flowers, his comrades view,


s: With arms of crimson, face of pallid, hue.


s: Next Richardetto comes, and for the blow


s: He showed himself, as he was wont to show,


s: And has stamped signs of this upon the foe.


s: If he had warred on him with equal chance;


s: But prostrate rolled, encumbered by his steed;


s: Nor fell the courser through his lord's misdeed.


s: When knight appeared not on the other side,


s: Who should in joust the paynim king affront,


s: He thought the damsel was his prize, and hied


s: Thither, where she was seated by the fount.


s: And -- "Lady, you are mine," the Tartar cried,


s: "Save other champion in your succour mount;


s: Since such the right of war and common use."


s: Marphisa raised her face with haughty cheer,


s: And answered him:  "Thy judgment wanders far;


s: I will concede thy sentence would be clear,


s: Of those, by thee unhorsed in bloody jar:


s: Nor theirs am I, nor other's, but my own,


s: "I too with lance and sword do doughty deed,


s: And more than one good knight on earth have laid.


s: -- Give me," she cried, "my armour and my steed."


s: And readily her squires that hest obeyed:


s: Then in her waistcoat stood, of flowing weed


s: Despoiled, with well-knit from and charms displayed;


s: And in all points (such strength she shewed and grace)


s: Resembled heavenly Mars, except her face.


s: The damsel donned her sword, when armed all o'er,


s: And on her courser leapt with nimble spring;


s: And, right and left, she made him, thrice or more


s: Poised on his haunches, turn in narrow ring.


s: And, levelling the sturdy lance she bore,


s: Defied, and next assailed, the Tartar king.


s: Like brittle crystal, in that proud career,


s: Yet neither of those warriors, 'twould appear,


s: Backwards one inch at their encounter bent.


s: What of a closer fight would be the event,


s: Wheeled, to attack that warrior with the sword.


s: That Tartar cursed the elements and sky,


s: And she, who thought to make his buckler fly,


s: Cursed heaven as loudly as that infidel.


s: Already were their faulchions raised on high,


s: Which on the enchanted arms like hammers fell:


s: So perfect are the champions' plate and chain,


s: They thrust or cut of spear or faulchion stay;


s: So that the two the battle might maintain,


s: Throughout this and throughout another day:


s: But Rodomont leaps in between the twain,


s: "We made a truce, thou knowest, upon pact


s: Nor foe in joust or fight can be attacked


s: By us with justice till this debt be paid."


s: Addressed himself, and of that courier said;


s: Next prays not only with that Tartar knight


s: But that, Troyano's valiant son to right,


s: She will, together with them, wend her way;


s: By which her warlike fame a higher flight,


s: Which offers hindrance to such fair emprize.


s: To prove the paladins of Charles, and who


s: To France was over land and ocean brought,


s: From clime so distant, with no other view,


s: If their far-spread renown were false or true,


s: Resolved together with the troop to speed,


s: As soon as she had heard their monarch's need.


s: Meanwhile Rogero, with that guiding may,


s: Had taken, when he reached the mountain, read;


s: And the road straight towards that fountain led,


s: Trotting in haste behind the Sarzan hied,


s: Where he new prints upon the path espied.


s: To wend, which distant one day's journey lies;


s: Because to seek anew that fountain-glade,


s: And that she need not doubt withal, he said,


s: But that he would retrieve the ravished prize.


s: And, were she in Mount Alban -- or where'er --


s: Vowed she the tidings speedily should hear,


s: And gave the letter to that maid to bear,


s: Which, writ by him, he in his bosom wore,


s: And added many matters, with the prayer,


s: She would excuse him by her friendly lore.


s: The whole; took leave, and turned her horse once more:


s: Nor ceased that faithful messenger to ride


s: Till she Mount Alban reached at evening-tide.


s: Tracked o'er the level by those footsteps new,


s: But overtook him not, till he got sight,


s: He nought unknown to his compeer would do,


s: Till they had succour to that host conveyed,


s: On which King Charles his yoke had nearly laid.


s: And, through that courser, knew the knight astride;


s: And on his lance with bending shoulder lay,


s: In that the king subdued his haughty pride,


s: And the fell fight which he had ever used


s: To seek with every instance, he refused.


s: The first day this and last, that e'er in fight


s: But his desire appeared to him so right,


s: That if he had believed he clutched the knight


s: Faster than nimble leopard gripes the hare,


s: -- The man, of whom he gladly would be clear,


s: Yet shuns the combat, proffered on his part;


s: So much his monarch's siege has he at heart.


s: Three hundred miles, a thousand, would he ride,


s: -- Were it not so -- to purchase such affray;


s: That fire beneath, whose fury stifled lay:


s: He told why he refused the strife; and prayed,


s: What to his lord a faithful vassal owes;


s: Still, when the siege was raised, might they renew


s: And terminate their deadly strife by blows.


s: To him Rogero cried, "The fight with you


s: "Would you that I delay to prove by deed,


s: -- Nor did, like valiant man, to take my steed


s: Thus from a woman -- till we meet at court,


s: That battle shall not be between us two;


s: Nor will accord an hour of truce to you."


s: Frontino, or him threats with instant fray;


s: And either still the other's claim withstands,


s: Nor this the steed will grant, nor that delay;


s: King Mandricardo stirs, on the other hand,


s: Another strife; who sees that ensign gay


s: The bird which reigns o'er other fowls of air.


s: He bore on azure field that eagle white,


s: The beauteous ensign of the Trojan throng:


s: Such glorious bearing showed that youthful knight,


s: Because he drew his line from Hector strong.


s: Nor would endure -- and deemed a crying wrong,


s: Famed Hector's argent eagle on his shield.


s: The bird of Ide, which bore off Ganymede:


s: He gained that noble ensign for his meed,


s: -- That enterprize I ween, with matter more,


s: You bear in mind, and how, for his good deed,


s: The fairy gave it him with all the gear,


s: Erst given by Vulcan to the Trojan peer.


s: Nor had till now those knights encountered more:


s: On the Child's shield, he shouts with threatening cry


s: "Audacious man, mine ensign do'st thou wear,


s: Nor this to-day for the first time, is said;


s: And think'st thou, madman, I will thee forbear,


s: Because for once to spare thee I was led?


s: But since nor menace nor yet counsel are


s: Of force to drive this folly from thy head,


s: It shall appear how much it had been best


s: For thee forthwith to have obeyed my hest."


s: "As fire, whereon dry, heated wood is strown,


s: Roused by a little puff, at once ascends,


s: By the first word with which that king offends.


s: "Thou thinkest," he exclaims, "to bear me down,


s: Because his knight as well with me contends:


s: But learn that I can win in fighting field


s: From him the horse, from thee good Hector's shield.


s: "Yet once before -- nor is it long ago --


s: Twixt us in battle was this question tried:


s: But I that day restrained the murderous blow,


s: Because thou hadst no faulchion at thy side.


s: These shall be deeds, that strife was but a show;


s: And ill this argent bird shall thee betide;


s: Tis thou usurpest what by right is mine."


s: -- "Say rather, thou usurpest mine from me";


s: Cried Mandricardo; and that faulchion drew,


s: Which lately, underneath the greenwood tree,


s: The Child, who could not aught but courteous be,


s: (Such was his gentle nature) at the view


s: Of Mandricardo, with his faulchion drawn,


s: And at the same time, strained his goodly sword;


s: And better braced the covering shield he wore:


s: But 'twixt those combatants leapt Argier's lord,


s: And quick Marphisa spurred the pair before;


s: And one this foe, the other that implored,


s: And both besought, that they would strive no more.


s: King Rodomont complains the Tartar knight


s: First, in belief he should Marphisa gain,


s: He more than once had jousted for that fair;


s: -- "If thus" (said Rodomont) "you faith maintain,


s: A cause of strife more fitting and more due


s: Than either of the pleas maintained by you.


s: "On this condition was the treaty plight,


s: When I with thee shall have performed the fight,


s: I next shall answer him about the horse:


s: You then with him, if you survive, your right


s: Shall to the shield maintain in warlike course.


s: But I such work shall give you, I conceive,


s: -- "The bargain which thou hopest thou shalt not have,"


s: "I will accord thee more than thou do'st crave,


s: And trust to make thee sweat from feet to front.


s: And to bestow on others, much shall save,


s: And all the world beside reserve a store."


s: Their fury waxed, and angrier words ensued,


s: With Rodomont and with the Child at feud,


s: Rogero, not endowed with suffering mood,


s: Would hear no more of peace, but vengeance cried.


s: Now here Marphisa hurried, and now there,


s: But could not singly such an ill repair.


s: As peasant, when a river saps its mounds,


s: And seeking vent the oozing waters drop,


s: Hastening to shut the stream within its bounds,


s: And save his pastures and expected crop,


s: Dams right and left; yet him the stream confounds:


s: And from thick seams the restless water spout,


s: For each of these would fiercest battle wage,


s: And would outgo his fears in that assay,


s: And strives, and time and trouble throws away;


s: For as she makes one knight from strife retire,


s: Exclaimed, "Sirs, listen to my better lore;


s: With Mandricardo will I strive once more;


s: And fain would see, according to his word,


s: If he can conquer me with spear and sword.


s: "But if, to aid our sovereign, duty call,


s: Him let us aid, nor civil discord breed."


s: -- "To ground, through me, such project shall not fall,"


s: Let him resign that horse, or -- once for all.


s: I say again -- to his defence take heed.


s: I either here my parting breath will yield,


s: -- "Twere not so easy to obtain this quest


s: As 'twere that other," Rodomont replied;


s: Thine is the fault not mine; for I am prest


s: And stung by fury, griped his trenchant blade.


s: On Argier's king he sprang, like savage boar,


s: Encountering him with shoulder and with shield;


s: And him disordered and distrest so sore,


s: That with one stirrup's loss, the monarch reeled.


s: -- "Rogero," Mandricardo cried, "give o'er,


s: Or else with me divide the battle-field";


s: And struck, this said, with worse than felon spite,


s: Upon the morion of that youthful knight.


s: Even to his courser's neck Rogero bends;


s: Because the sword of Ulien's son descends


s: Across the cheeks his tempered helm would sheer.


s: The Child, in anguish, opens either hand;


s: And this the bridle drops and that the brand.


s: Him o'er the field his courser bears away;


s: On earth the faulchion lies, which he let go:


s: Marphisa (with Rogero's through that day,


s: Comrade in arms) appeared like fire to glow,


s: Enraged, that two one knight should overlay;


s: With all her might, stroke upon his head.


s: Rodomont o'er the plain pursues his man.


s: -- Another stroke, and he has lost the horse!


s: Between the Child and paynim in that course.


s: Now from the blow recovered, placed his brand.


s: As soon as to himself the Child returns,


s: And is by Vivian armed with sword again,


s: To venge the injury that stripling burns,


s: Has lifted, though he feels this while no pain,


s: So him his heat of blood, disdain, and ire,


s: To venge that cruel outrage goad and fire.


s: And, could that knight recover his own brand,


s: Was ravished from the youthful warrior's hand,


s: Rodomont's iron casque will ill withstand;


s: That casque which Babel's king bade forge, who sought


s: To war on Heaven in his presumptuous thought.


s: But stir, and strife, and combat on that head;


s: And that there was no place, amid the crew,


s: For truce or treaty, to her sister said,


s: That she, her well-beloved monks to view,


s: Might now again with her securely tread.


s: Let them depart; and mark we where in front


s: Rogero's blow was levelled with such spite,


s: In which that Saracen his limbs arrayed;


s: And he, three times or four, to left and right,


s: -- As if about to fall -- head-foremost, swayed;


s: And would have lost withal his trusty brand,


s: But that the hilt was fastened to his hand.


s: Meanwhile, and makes him sweat breast, front, and face;


s: But such good plates each valiant bosom case,


s: And both have hitherto maintained their place.


s: But, at a turn her martial courser made,


s: Marphisa's martial steed, in turning short,


s: Where a firm footing that soft mead denied,


s: On the moist surface slipt, and in such sort,


s: That he fell, helpless, on his better side;


s: And, as he rose in haste and lacked support,


s: Athwart by furious Brigliador was plied;


s: On which the paynim, little courteous, came;


s: He saw unhorsed, deferred no more his aid;


s: Who for that deed had leisure; since, astound,


s: He smote the morion which that Tartar crowned;


s: And, cleft like stalk, his head on earth had laid,


s: Turned round this while, and Richardetto spied;


s: And recollecting how, when late distrest,


s: Quickly against that youthful warrior prest;


s: Who an ill guerdon would from him abide,


s: Although his book he has not, by whose might,


s: He in his course can stop the passing sun;


s: By which he tames the rebel fiends; and one


s: Whom he to fury stings and headlong speed.


s: Into that gentle palfrey's form, who bore


s: The beauteous daughter of King Stordilane,


s: Sir Vivian's brother, simply by his lore,


s: And the good horse, who never moved before,


s: Now took a leap, possest by that ill sprite,


s: Thirty feet long and sixteen feet in height.


s: Seeing herself so high in air, loud cried,


s: (Yielding herself for dead) that bonnibel.


s: Her palfrey, with the Daemon for his guide,


s: After his leap, runs, goaded by the spell


s: (The maid still screaming) such a furious course,


s: An arrow had not reached the flying horse.


s: At the first hearing of that voice, the son


s: Of Ulien, on his part, the strife suspended;


s: And thither, where the furious palfrey run,


s: Who neither Child nor damsel more offended;


s: But without craving time, or truce, or peace,


s: Marphisa rose meanwhile, to fury stirred;


s: Thought to accomplish her revenge, and erred:


s: For at too great a distance was the foe.


s: Rather like lion roared than sighed: well know


s: Those two their coursers they should vainly gore,


s: And end the unfinished combat for the horse;


s: Will to her satisfaction prove his force.


s: To leave their quarrel in such guise the two


s: Esteem foul scandal; as their better course,


s: In chase of those offending knights to fare,


s: They in the paynim camp will find each foe,


s: If them before they find not on their way;


s: Whom thither bound, to raise the siege they know,


s: Ere Charlemagne bring all beneath his sway.


s: Where these, they deem, will be their certain prey.


s: But that he first with his companion spoke.


s: And vows himself his friend, with generous heart,


s: Him he implores -- and frames his speech with art --


s: And this so well, he moves by that request


s: Next takes farewell and wounded Aldigier;


s: Their services no less that kindly twain


s: That parting she forgets her friends to cheer;


s: On earth lies Aldigier, and there must rest.


s: The two first champions towards Paris go,


s: And the two others next pursue that quest.


s: Wrought to the damage of the Christian king,


s: By those two couples of whose worth I sing.


s: Are mad with spite and hatred; jars arise,


s: And strife; and means to still their enmity


s: For with that special grace the sex is blest,


s: 'Mid those so many gifts, wherewith 'tis fraught;


s: Is ill at counsel, save, with sober thought,


s: Care, time and trouble to mature his end.


s: That seemed good counsel, but was ill indeed


s: His cousin Richardet, with odds o'erlaid,


s: When from the paynim monarchs him he freed


s: For sure he never deemed they should be borne,


s: Where they would work the Christian army scorn.


s: Had he some little prize for counsel stayed,


s: (We with the same success may well suppose)


s: He to his cousin might have furnished aid,


s: Yet brought not on the Christian host their foes:


s: That evil sprite he might as well have made,


s: Eastward or west, so far that lady bear,


s: That France should hear no further of the pair.


s: So the two lovers, following her who flies,


s: To other place than Paris might be brought:


s: On Malagigi, through his little thought;


s: And fiendish malice, banished from the skies,


s: Which ever blood and fire and ravage sought,


s: Guided them by that way to Charles' disaster;


s: Left to his choice by him, the wizard master.


s: The wayward fiend who makes that palfrey ramp


s: Nor river nor yet yawning ditch, or swamp,


s: Wood, rock, or rugged cliff, the steed restrain;


s: Till, traversing the French and English camp,


s: And other squadrons of the mingled train,


s: Because her distant form they yet survey;


s: When, like a lyme-dog, whom the hunters lay


s: On hare or roebuck's trail, the valiant two


s: Follow upon her track, nor halt, till told


s: That she is harboured in her father's hold.


s: Guard thyself, Charles: for, lo! against thee blown


s: Nor these redoubted monarchs come alone,


s: While Fortune, who would probe thee to the bone,


s: Has taken those two shining stars from thee,


s: Who kept thee by their wisdom and their light;


s: And thou remainest blind and wrapt in night.


s: 'Tis of the valiant cousins I would speak:


s: Naked, in sun or shower, by plain or peak,


s: Wanders about the world, a helpless weft;


s: And, for in Paris-town she is not found,


s: And hence with jealousy, at heart, aggrieved


s: (Lover ne'er suffered worse) to Paris sped;


s: Whence he, as soon as he appeared at court,


s: By chance, was named to Britain to resort.


s: Now, the field won, wherein with mickle fame


s: He drove King Agramant his works behind,


s: Searched convent, tower, and house, and, save confined


s: 'Twixt solid walls or columns be the dame,


s: Her will the restless lover surely find:


s: So forth in the desire to seek them hies.


s: He deemed the Count enjoyed in mirth and play;


s: And vainly, here and there, that damsel sought,


s: Nor here nor there, descried the long-sought prey.


s: Because he deemed he could not rove at large


s: Without that Town, but on some special charge.


s: And, when he finds Orlando comes not there,


s: Nor, whether morning dawns or noontide glows,


s: -- Nor night nor day -- his weary steed does spare;


s: Nor once -- but twice a hundred times -- has run


s: The selfsame course, by light of moon or sun.


s: But the ancient foe, deluded by whose say,


s: To the forbidden fruit Eve raised her hand,


s: Turned his wan eyes on Charlemagne one day,


s: When he the good Rinaldo absent scanned;


s: Might at that time be given to Charles's band,


s: Of all the Saracens the choice and flower


s: Marshalled in arms against the Christian power.


s: When from Atlantes' palace fled the two)


s: And where through unknown lands the warriors hied,


s: Made smooth the way, and served them as a guide.


s: Through ways, by which his comrade was not slow


s: A third, lest they their enterprize forego,


s: But their conductor journeys not so fast;


s: And hence that martial pair arrives the last.


s: Later by half an hour, against their foes,


s: Aimed at the bands that held the Christian creed,


s: About that horse, his work should not impede;


s: Which had again been kindled, had the twain,


s: The first four ride until themselves they find


s: Where the besiegers and besieged they view;


s: And see the banners shaking in the wind,


s: And the cantonments of those armies two.


s: Here they short counsel took, and next opined,


s: In spite of Charlemagne's beleaguering crew,


s: Where thickest camped lay Charles's host, they spurred,


s: Closing their files against the Christian foe.


s: "Afric and Spain!" is the assailants' word,


s: Whom at all points the Franks for paynims know.


s: -- "To arms, to arms!" throughout their camp is heard:


s: But first is felt the Moorish sabre's blow:


s: Even on the rear-guard falls the vengeful stroke,


s: Not charged alone, but routed, beat and broke.


s: The Christian host throughout is overthrown,


s: And how they know not, in tumultuous wise;


s: But -- since the reason is to most unknown --


s: Each several nation to its standard flies,


s: This to the drum, that to the trumpet's sound,


s: And shriek and shout from earth to heaven redound.


s: All armed is Charlemagne, except his head,


s: And, girt with paladins, his faithful stay,


s: And stopt with menace this or that who fled,


s: Some with maimed face, breast, arm, or hand, espied,


s: And some with head or throat with life-blood dyed.


s: Horribly weltering in their own dark gore,


s: And busts dissevered from the heads they bore,


s: And legs and arms -- a cruel show -- surveyed;


s: And, from the first cantonments to the last,


s: Saw slaughtered men on all sides as he past.


s: Where the small band advances in such wise,


s: Vouching their deeds, a long-drawn furrow lies,


s: A signal record of their might and main.


s: His army's cruel slaughter, with surprise,


s: Anger and rage, is viewed by Charlemagne.


s: So he whose shattered walls have felt its force,


s: Throughout his mansion tracks the lightning's course.


s: Of Agramant as yet had pierced this aid,


s: When, on the further side, these other two,


s: When, once or twice, that worthy pair a view


s: Have taken of the ground, and have surveyed


s: They swiftly move in succour of their lord.


s: Through the long furrow, filled with sable grain,


s: So fast the furious wildfire darts, that eye


s: Pursues the progress of the flash with pain;


s: And as dire ruin follows, and from high,


s: The loosened rock and solid bastion rain,


s: To battle, so the Christian squadrons crush.