s: Surely a precious thing, one worthy note,


s: Should thus be lost for ever from the earth,


s: Which might have pleased the eyes of many men.


s: What good should follow this, if this were done?


s: What harm, undone?  Deep harm to disobey,


s: Were it well to obey then, if a king demand


s: The King is sick, and knows not what he does.


s: Should be to aftertime, but empty breath


s: And rumours of a doubt?  But were this kept,


s: Stored in some treasure-house of mighty kings,


s: Some one might show it at a joust of arms,


s: Saying, "King Arthur's sword, Excalibur,


s: Wrought by the lonely maiden of the Lake.


s: Nine years she wrought it, sitting in the deeps


s: So might some old man speak in the aftertime


s: But now much honour and much fame were lost.'


s: So spake he, clouded with his own conceit,


s: And so strode back slow to the wounded King.


s: Then spoke King Arthur, breathing heavily:


s: 'What is it thou hast seen? or what hast heard?'


s: And the long ripple washing in the reeds.'


s: To whom replied King Arthur, much in wrath:


s: Unknightly, traitor-hearted!  Woe is me!


s: That bowed the will.  I see thee what thou art,


s: For thou, the latest-left of all my knights,


s: Thou wouldst betray me for the precious hilt;


s: Either from lust of gold, or like a girl


s: And the third time may prosper, get thee hence:


s: I will arise and slay thee with my hands.'


s: Then quickly rose Sir Bedivere, and ran,


s: And, leaping down the ridges lightly, plunged


s: Among the bulrush beds, and clutched the sword,


s: And strongly wheeled and threw it.  The great brand


s: Made lightnings in the splendour of the moon,


s: And flashing round and round, and whirled in an arch,


s: Shot like a streamer of the northern morn,


s: Seen where the moving isles of winter shock


s: By night, with noises of the Northern Sea.


s: So flashed and fell the brand Excalibur:


s: But ere he dipt the surface, rose an arm


s: Clothed in white samite, mystic, wonderful,


s: And caught him by the hilt, and brandished him


s: Three times, and drew him under in the mere.


s: Then spoke King Arthur, drawing thicker breath:


s: 'Now see I by thine eyes that this is done.


s: Speak out:  what is it thou hast heard, or seen?'


s: 'Sir King, I closed mine eyelids, lest the gems


s: Should blind my purpose, for I never saw,


s: Nor shall see, here or elsewhere, till I die,


s: Not though I live three lives of mortal men,


s: Then with both hands I flung him, wheeling him;


s: That caught him by the hilt, and brandished him


s: Three times, and drew him under in the mere.'


s: And answer made King Arthur, breathing hard:


s: 'My end draws nigh; 'tis time that I were gone.


s: Make broad thy shoulders to receive my weight,


s: My wound hath taken cold, and I shall die.'


s: So saying, from the pavement he half rose,


s: Slowly, with pain, reclining on his arm,


s: And looking wistfully with wide blue eyes


s: Remorsefully regarded through his tears,


s: And would have spoken, but he found not words;


s: Then took with care, and kneeling on one knee,


s: O'er both his shoulders drew the languid hands,


s: And rising bore him through the place of tombs.


s: But, as he walked, King Arthur panted hard,


s: Like one that feels a nightmare on his bed


s: When all the house is mute.  So sighed the King,


s: Muttering and murmuring at his ear, 'Quick, quick!


s: I fear it is too late, and I shall die.'


s: But the other swiftly strode from ridge to ridge,


s: Clothed with his breath, and looking, as he walked,


s: Before.  His own thought drove him like a goad.


s: Dry clashed his harness in the icy caves


s: And barren chasms, and all to left and right


s: The bare black cliff clanged round him, as he based


s: His feet on juts of slippery crag that rang


s: Sharp-smitten with the dint of armed heels--


s: And the long glories of the winter moon.


s: Then saw they how there hove a dusky barge,


s: Dark as a funeral scarf from stem to stern,


s: Beneath them; and descending they were ware


s: That all the decks were dense with stately forms,


s: Black-stoled, black-hooded, like a dream--by these


s: Three Queens with crowns of gold:  and from them rose


s: A cry that shivered to the tingling stars,


s: Of lamentation, like a wind that shrills


s: All night in a waste land, where no one comes,


s: Or hath come, since the making of the world.


s: Then murmured Arthur, 'Place me in the barge.'


s: So to the barge they came.  There those three Queens


s: Put forth their hands, and took the King, and wept.


s: But she, that rose the tallest of them all


s: And fairest, laid his head upon her lap,


s: And loosed the shattered casque, and chafed his hands,


s: And called him by his name, complaining loud,


s: And dropping bitter tears against a brow


s: Striped with dark blood:  for all his face was white


s: And colourless, and like the withered moon


s: Smote by the fresh beam of the springing east;


s: And all his greaves and cuisses dashed with drops


s: Of onset; and the light and lustrous curls--


s: That made his forehead like a rising sun


s: High from the dais-throne--were parched with dust;


s: Or, clotted into points and hanging loose,


s: Mixed with the knightly growth that fringed his lips.


s: So like a shattered column lay the King;


s: Not like that Arthur who, with lance in rest,


s: From spur to plume a star of tournament,


s: Shot through the lists at Camelot, and charged


s: Then loudly cried the bold Sir Bedivere:


s: 'Ah! my Lord Arthur, whither shall I go?


s: Where shall I hide my forehead and my eyes?


s: For now I see the true old times are dead,


s: When every morning brought a noble chance,


s: And every chance brought out a noble knight.


s: Such times have been not since the light that led


s: But now the whole Round Table is dissolved


s: And I, the last, go forth companionless,


s: And the days darken round me, and the years,


s: Among new men, strange faces, other minds.'


s: And slowly answered Arthur from the barge:


s: 'The old order changeth, yielding place to new,


s: Lest one good custom should corrupt the world.


s: Comfort thyself:  what comfort is in me?


s: I have lived my life, and that which I have done


s: May He within himself make pure! but thou,


s: If thou shouldst never see my face again,


s: Pray for my soul.  More things are wrought by prayer


s: Than this world dreams of.  Wherefore, let thy voice


s: Rise like a fountain for me night and day.


s: For what are men better than sheep or goats


s: That nourish a blind life within the brain,


s: If, knowing God, they lift not hands of prayer


s: Both for themselves and those who call them friend?


s: For so the whole round earth is every way


s: Bound by gold chains about the feet of God.


s: But now farewell.  I am going a long way


s: (For all my mind is clouded with a doubt)--


s: Where falls not hail, or rain, or any snow,


s: Deep-meadowed, happy, fair with orchard lawns


s: And bowery hollows crowned with summer sea,


s: Where I will heal me of my grievous wound.'


s: So said he, and the barge with oar and sail


s: Moved from the brink, like some full-breasted swan


s: That, fluting a wild carol ere her death,


s: Ruffles her pure cold plume, and takes the flood


s: With swarthy webs.  Long stood Sir Bedivere


s: Looked one black dot against the verge of dawn,


s: But when that moan had past for evermore,


s: The stillness of the dead world's winter dawn


s: Amazed him, and he groaned, 'The King is gone.'


s: And therewithal came on him the weird rhyme,


s: 'From the great deep to the great deep he goes.'


s: Whereat he slowly turned and slowly clomb


s: The last hard footstep of that iron crag;


s: Thence marked the black hull moving yet, and cried,


s: He comes again; but--if he come no more--


s: O me, be yon dark Queens in yon black boat,


s: Who shrieked and wailed, the three whereat we gazed


s: On that high day, when, clothed with living light,


s: They stood before his throne in silence, friends


s: Of Arthur, who should help him at his need?'


s: Then from the dawn it seemed there came, but faint


s: Sounds, as if some fair city were one voice


s: Thereat once more he moved about, and clomb


s: Even to the highest he could climb, and saw,


s: Straining his eyes beneath an arch of hand,


s: Or thought he saw, the speck that bare the King,


s: Down that long water opening on the deep


s: Somewhere far off, pass on and on, and go


s: From less to less and vanish into light.


s: And the new sun rose bringing the new year.


s: And loyal to thy land, as this to thee--


s: When, pale as yet, and fever-worn, the Prince


s: Who scarce had plucked his flickering life again


s: From halfway down the shadow of the grave,


s: Past with thee through thy people and their love,


s: And London rolled one tide of joy through all


s: Her trebled millions, and loud leagues of man


s: And welcome! witness, too, the silent cry,


s: The prayer of many a race and creed, and clime--


s: Thunderless lightnings striking under sea


s: From sunset and sunrise of all thy realm,


s: And that true North, whereof we lately heard


s: A strain to shame us 'keep you to yourselves;


s: So loyal is too costly! friends--your love


s: Is but a burthen:  loose the bond, and go.'


s: Is this the tone of empire? here the faith


s: That made us rulers? this, indeed, her voice


s: And meaning, whom the roar of Hougoumont


s: Left mightiest of all peoples under heaven?


s: What shock has fooled her since, that she should speak


s: So feebly? wealthier--wealthier--hour by hour!


s: The voice of Britain, or a sinking land,


s: Some third-rate isle half-lost among her seas?


s: There rang her voice, when the full city pealed


s: Thee and thy Prince!  The loyal to their crown


s: Are loyal to their own far sons, who love


s: Our ocean-empire with her boundless homes


s: For ever-broadening England, and her throne


s: In our vast Orient, and one isle, one isle,


s: That knows not her own greatness:  if she knows


s: And dreads it we are fallen. --But thou, my Queen,


s: Not for itself, but through thy living love


s: For one to whom I made it o'er his grave


s: New-old, and shadowing Sense at war with Soul,


s: Rather than that gray king, whose name, a ghost,


s: Streams like a cloud, man-shaped, from mountain peak,


s: And cleaves to cairn and cromlech still; or him


s: Of Geoffrey's book, or him of Malleor's, one


s: Touched by the adulterous finger of a time


s: That hovered between war and wantonness,


s: And crownings and dethronements:  take withal


s: Thy poet's blessing, and his trust that Heaven


s: Will blow the tempest in the distance back


s: From thine and ours:  for some are scared, who mark,


s: Waverings of every vane with every wind,


s: And wordy trucklings to the transient hour,


s: And fierce or careless looseners of the faith,


s: And Softness breeding scorn of simple life,


s: Or Cowardice, the child of lust for gold,


s: Or Labour, with a groan and not a voice,


s: Or Art with poisonous honey stolen from France,


s: And that which knows, but careful for itself,


s: And that which knows not, ruling that which knows


s: To its own harm:  the goal of this great world


s: Lies beyond sight:  yet--if our slowly-grown


s: And crowned Republic's crowning common-sense,


s: That saved her many times, not fail--their fears


s: Are morning shadows huger than the shapes


s: That cast them, not those gloomier which forego


s: The darkness of that battle in the West,


s: This work is a continuation of the "Orlando Innamorato" of Matteo


s: in 1494.  It begins more or less at the point where Boiardo left


s: This is a brief synopsis of Boiardo's work, omitting most of the


s: numerous digressions and incidental episodes associated with


s: To the court of King Charlemagne comes Angelica (daughter to the


s: king of Cathay, or India) and her brother Argalia.  Angelica is


s: the most beautiful woman any of the Peers have ever seen, and all


s: defeat Argalia in combat.  The two most stricken by her are


s: When Argalia falls to the heathen knight Ferrau, Angelica flees


s: -- with Orlando and Ranaldo in hot pursuit.  Along the way, both


s: Angelica and Ranaldo drink magic waters -- Angelica is filled


s: with a burning love for Ranaldo, but Ranaldo is now indifferent.


s: Eventually, Orlando and Ranaldo arrive at Angelica's castle.


s: Others also gather at Angelica's castle, including Agricane, King


s: Africa and Marfisa ("Marphisa" in Rose), an Asian warrior-Queen.


s: Except for Orlando and Ranaldo, all are heathen.


s: Meanwhile, France is threatened by heathen invaders.  Led by King


s: to obtain Orlando's sword, Durindana) and King Rodomonte of


s: Sarzia, a Holy War between Pagans and Christians ensues.


s: Ranaldo leaves Angelica's castle, and Angelica and a very


s: love-sick (but very chaste and proper) Orlando, set out for


s: France in search of him.  Again the same waters as before are


s: drunk from, but this time in reverse -- Ranaldo now burns for


s: Angelica, but Angelica is now indifferent.  Ranaldo and Orlando


s: now begin to fight over her, but King Charlemagne (fearing the


s: consequences if his two best knights kill each other in combat)


s: intervenes and promises Angelica to whichever of the two fights


s: the best against the heathen; he leaves her in the care of Duke


s: Namus.  Orlando and Ranaldo arrive in Paris just in time to


s: Namus' camp is overrun by the heathen.  Angelica escapes, with


s: Ranaldo in pursuit.  Also in pursuit is Ferrau, who (because he


s: had defeated Argalia) considers Angelica his.  It is at this


s: While the Orlando-Ranaldo-Angelica triangle is going on, the


s: stories of other knights and their loves are mixed in.  Most


s: important of these is that of the female knight Bradamante


s: (sister of Ranaldo), who falls in love with a very noble heathen


s: knight named Ruggiero ("Rogero" in Rose).  Ruggiero, who is said


s: to be a descendent of Alexander the Great and Hector, also falls


s: in love with Bradamante, but because they are fighting on


s: opposite sides it is felt that their love is hopeless.


s: Nevertheless, it is prophecised that they shall wed and found the


s: families of Medieval and Renaissance Italy (it is worth noting


s: that the Estes where the patrons of both Boiardo and Ariosto).


s: Opposed to this prophecy is Atlantes, an African wizard who seeks


s: the end of the poem, Ruggiero is imprisoned in Atlantes' castle.


s: However, Bradamante (who has decided to follow her heart) is in


s: pursuit of her love, and is not too far away.  It is the


s: Bradamante-Ruggiero story that eventually takes center stage in


s: Other characters of importance: Astolfo, a Peer and friend of


s: Orlando, who is kidnaped by the evil witch Morgana and her sister


s: heart of) the beautiful Fiordelisa ("Flordelice" in Rose).  All


s: play major or semi-major roles in the events of Ariosto's poem.


s: Flies in disorder through the greenwood shade.


s: Rinaldo's horse escapes: he, following, fights


s: Ferrau, the Spaniard, in a forest glade.


s: A second oath the haughty paynim plights,


s: And keeps it better than the first he made.


s: King Sacripant regains his long-lost treasure;


s: But good Rinaldo mars his promised pleasure.


s: And from those ancient days my story bring,


s: When Moors from Afric passed in hostile fleet,


s: And ravaged France, with Agramant their king,


s: Flushed with his youthful rage and furious heat,


s: Who on king Charles', the Roman emperor's head


s: Had vowed due vengeance for Troyano dead.


s: In the same strain of Roland will I tell


s: Things unattempted yet in prose or rhyme,


s: On whom strange madness and rank fury fell,


s: Nigh brought my feeble wit which fain would climb


s: And hourly wastes my sense, concede me skill


s: And strength my daring promise to fulfil.


s: Good seed of Hercules, give ear and deign,


s: Thou that this age's grace and splendour art,


s: Who tenders what he has with humble heart.


s: For though all hope to quit the score were vain,


s: My pen and pages may pay the debt in part;


s: Then, with no jealous eye my offering scan,


s: Nor scorn my gifts who give thee all I can.


s: And me, amid the worthiest shalt thou hear,


s: Whom I with fitting praise prepare to grace,


s: The ancient root of thine illustrious race.


s: Of him, if thou wilt lend a willing ear,


s: The worth and warlike feats I shall retrace;


s: So thou thy graver cares some little time


s: Postponing, lend thy leisure to my rhyme.


s: Raised countless trophies to that damsel gay,


s: Westward with her had measured back his way;


s: Where, nigh the Pyrenees, with many a band


s: Had camped his faithful host upon the plain.


s: To make King Agramant, for penance, smite


s: His cheek, and rash Marsilius rue the hour;


s: This, when all trained with lance and sword to fight,


s: That other when he pushed, in fell despite,


s: Against the realm of France Spain's martial flower.


s: 'Twas thus Orlando came where Charles was tented


s: In evil hour, and soon the deed repented.


s: For here was seized his dame of peerless charms,


s: (How often human judgment wanders wide)!


s: Whom in long warfare he had kept from harms,


s: From western climes to eastern shores her guide


s: In his own land, 'mid friends and kindred arms,


s: Now without contest severed from his side.


s: Fearing the mischief kindled by her eyes,


s: From him the prudent emperor reft the prize.


s: Alike the glowing breast of either swayed.


s: But Charles, who little liked such rivalry,


s: To abate the cause of quarrel, seized the fair,


s: Who in that conflict, on that fatal day,


s: With his good hand most gainful succour lent,


s: And slew most paynims in the martial fray.


s: But counter to his hopes the battle went,


s: And his thinned squadrons fled in disarray;


s: Namus, with other Christian captains taken,


s: There, lodged by Charles, that gentle bonnibel,


s: Ordained to be the valiant victor's meed,


s: Before the event had sprung into her sell,


s: And from the combat turned in time of need;


s: That fatal day against the Christian creed:


s: And, entering a thick wood, discovered near,


s: With shield upon his arm, in knightly wise,


s: Belted and mailed, his helmet on his head;


s: The knight more lightly through the forest hies


s: Than half-clothed churl to win the cloth of red.


s: But not from cruel snake more swiftly flies


s: The timid shepherdess, with startled tread,


s: When she the approaching knight on foot discerns.


s: This was that Paladin, good Aymon's seed,


s: And late Baiardo lost, his gallant steed,


s: Escaped by strange adventure from his hand.


s: As soon as seen, the maid who rode at speed


s: The warrior knew, and, while yet distant, scanned


s: Which long had held him fast in Cupid's snare.


s: The affrighted damsel turns her palfrey round,


s: And shakes the floating bridle in the wind;


s: Nor in her panic seeks to choose her ground,


s: Nor open grove prefers to thicket blind.


s: But reckless, pale and trembling, and astound,


s: Leaves to her horse the devious way to find.


s: He up and down the forest bore the dame,


s: Here stood the fierce Ferrau in grisly plight,


s: Begrimed with dust, and bathed with sweat and blood


s: Who lately had withdrawn him from the fight,


s: To rest and drink at that refreshing flood:


s: But there had tarried in his own despite,


s: Since bending from the bank, in hasty mood,


s: He dropped his helmet in the crystal tide,


s: And vainly to regain the treasure tried.


s: Thither at speed she drives, and evermore


s: And at the voice, upleaping on the shore,


s: And, pale as is her cheek, and troubled sore,


s: (Though many days no news of her had shown)


s: Courteous, and haply gifted with a breast


s: As bold, as if his brows in steel were dressed,


s: The succour which she sought he lent, and drew


s: His faulchion, and against Rinaldo pressed,


s: Who saw with little fear the champion true.


s: Not only each to each was known by sight,


s: But each had proved in arms his foeman's might.


s: Thus, as they are, on foot the warriors vie


s: In cruel strife, and blade to blade oppose;


s: No marvel plate or brittle mail should fly,


s: When anvils had not stood the deafening blows.


s: His feet; for while the knights in combat close,


s: Him vexed to utmost speed, with goading spurs,


s: By waste or wood the frighted damsel stirs.


s: After the two had struggled long to throw


s: Each other in the strife, and vainly still;


s: His opposite in force and knightly skill:


s: The first to parley with his Spanish foe


s: (As one within whose raging breast was pent


s: A reckless fire which struggled for a vent).


s: "Thou think'st," he said, "to injure me alone,


s: But know thou wilt thyself as much molest:


s: This raging heat has kindled in thy breast.


s: What were thy gain, and what the guerdon won,


s: Though I should yield my life, or stoop my crest;


s: If she shall never be thy glorious meed,


s: Who flies, while vainly we in battle bleed?


s: "Then how much better, since our stake's the same,


s: Thou, loving like myself, should'st mount and stay


s: To wait this battle's end, the lovely dame,


s: With naked faulchion to that peerless prey:


s: Else by long toil I see not what we gain


s: The peer's proposal pleased the paynim well.


s: And so their hot contention was foregone;


s: And such fair truce replaced that discord fell,


s: So mutual wrongs forgot and mischief done;


s: On foot the Spaniard left not Aymon's son;


s: But him to mount his courser's crupper prayed;


s: Rivals they were, to different faith were bred.


s: Not yet the weary warriors' wounds were cold --


s: Still smarting from those strokes so fell and dread.


s: Yet they together ride by waste and wold,


s: And, unsuspecting, devious dingle thread.


s: Them, while four spurs infest his foaming sides,


s: Their courser brings to where the way divides.


s: And now the warlike pair at fault, for they


s: Knew not by which she might her palfrey goad,


s: (Since both, without distinction, there survey


s: The recent print of hoofs on either road),


s: Commit the chase to fortune.  By this way


s: The paynim pricked, by that Rinaldo strode.


s: But fierce Ferrau, bewildered in the wood,


s: Found himself once again where late he stood.


s: Beside the water, where he stoop'd to drink,


s: And dropt the knightly helmet, -- to his cost,


s: Sunk in the stream; and since he could not think


s: Her to retrieve, who late his hopes had crossed.


s: He, where the treasure fell, descends the brink


s: Of that swift stream, and seeks the morion lost.


s: But the casque lies so bedded in the sands,


s: 'Twill ask no light endeavour at his hands.


s: A bough he severs from a neighbouring tree,


s: And shreds and shapes the branch into a pole:


s: With this he sounds the stream, and anxiously


s: Fathoms, and rakes, and ransacks shelf and hole.


s: While angered sore at heart, and restless, he


s: So lingered, where the troubled waters roll,


s: Breast-high, from the mid river rose upright,


s: Armed at all points he was, except his head,


s: The very casque, which in the river's bed


s: Ferrau sought vainly, toiling long and sore.


s: Upon the Spanish knight he frowned, and said:


s: "Thou traitor to thy word, thou perjured Moor,


s: Which, due to me long since, is justly mine?


s: "Remember, pagan, when thine arm laid low


s: Am I; -- thy word was plighted then to throw


s: The prize, and do my will in thy despite,


s: Grieve not at this, but rather grieve that thou


s: Art found a perjured traitor to thy vow.


s: "But if thou seek'st a helmet, be thy task


s: A noble prize were good Orlando's casque;


s: Make one of these, by force of arms, thine own.


s: And this good helm will fitly be bestowed


s: Where (such thy promise) it has long been owed."


s: Bristled the paynim's every hair at view


s: Of that grim shade, uprising from the tide,


s: And vanished was his fresh and healthful hue,


s: While on his lips the half-formed accents died.


s: (So was the warrior hight) that stream beside,


s: Thus his unknightly breach of promise blame,


s: He burned all over, flushed with rage and shame.


s: Nor having time his falsehood to excuse,


s: And knowing well how true the phantom's lore,


s: Stood speechless; such remorse the words infuse.


s: Then by Lanfusa's life the warrior swore,


s: From Aspramont, where bold Almontes paid


s: His life a forfeit to the Christian blade.


s: And this new vow discharged more faithfully


s: Than the vain promise which was whilom plight;


s: Was many days sore vexed and grieved in sprite;


s: Roved wheresoe'er he hoped to find the knight.


s: For far the warrior fared not, ere he spied,


s: Bounding across the path, his gallant steed,


s: And, "Stay, Bayardo mine," Rinaldo cried,


s: "Too cruel care the loss of thee does breed."


s: The horse for this returned not to his side,


s: Deaf to his prayer, but flew with better speed.


s: Through dreary woods and dark the damsel fled,


s: By rude unharboured heath and savage height,


s: While every leaf or spray that rustled, bred


s: (Of oak, or elm, or beech), such new affright,


s: She here and there her foaming palfrey sped


s: By strange and crooked paths with furious flight;


s: And at each shadow, seen in valley blind,


s: Who, mid the shelter of its native glade,


s: The bosom of its bleeding dam, dismayed,


s: Bounds, through the forest green in ceaseless fear


s: Of the destroying beast, from shade to shade,


s: And at each sapling touched, amid its pangs,


s: Believes itself between the monster's fangs,


s: One day and night, and half the following day,


s: The damsel wanders wide, nor whither knows;


s: Then enters a deep wood, whose branches play,


s: Moved lightly by the freshening breeze which blows.


s: Through this two clear and murmuring rivers stray:


s: Upon their banks a fresher herbage grows;


s: While the twin streams their passage slowly clear,


s: Make music with the stones, and please the ear.


s: Weening removed the way by which she wends,


s: A thousand miles from loathed Rinaldo's beat,


s: To rest herself a while the maid intends,


s: Wearied with that long flight and summer's heat.


s: She from her saddle 'mid spring flowers descends


s: And takes the bridle from her courser fleet.


s: And loose along the river lets him pass,


s: Roving the banks in search of lusty grass.


s: Gay with the flowering thorn and vermeil rose:


s: The tuft reflected in the stream which strays


s: Hollow within, and safe from vulgar gaze,


s: It seemed a place constructed for repose;


s: Pierced not the tangled screen, far less the sight.


s: Within soft moss and herbage form a bed;


s: And to delay and rest the traveller woo.


s: 'Twas there her limbs the weary damsel spread,


s: Her eye-balls bathed in slumber's balmy dew.


s: But little time had eased her drooping head,


s: Ere, as she weened, a courser's tramp she knew.


s: If friend or foe, she nothing comprehends,


s: (So hope and fear her doubting bosom tear)


s: And that adventure's issue mute attends,


s: And sits so motionless, so lost in care,


s: (His visage propt upon his arm) to sight


s: Changed into senseless stone appeared the knight.


s: Pensive, above an hour, with drooping head,


s: And then his piteous tale of sorrow said,


s: Or with his mournful wailings rent a stone.


s: And so he sighed and wept; like rivers flowed


s: His tears, his bosom like an Aetna glowed.


s: "Thought which now makes me burn, now freeze with hate,


s: Which gnaws my heart and rankles at its root!


s: What's left to me," he said, "arrived too late,


s: While one more favoured bears away the fruit?


s: Bare words and looks scarce cheered my hopeless state,


s: And the prime spoils reward another's suit.


s: Then since for me nor fruit nor blossom hangs,


s: Why should I longer pine in hopeless pangs?


s: Sheltered in garden on its native stock,


s: Which there in solitude and safe repose,


s: Blooms unapproached by sheperd or by flock.


s: For this earth teems, and freshening water flows,


s: And breeze and dewy dawn their sweets unlock:


s: With such the wistful youth his bosom dresses.


s: With such the enamored damsel braids her tresses.


s: "But wanton hands no sooner this displace


s: From the maternal stem, where it was grown,


s: It found with man or heaven; bloom, beauty, gone.


s: The damsel who should hold in higher place


s: Than light or life the flower which is her own,


s: Suffering the spoiler's hand to crop the prize,


s: Forfeits her worth in every other's eyes.


s: "And be she cheap with all except the wight


s: Ah! false and cruel Fortune! foul despite!


s: While others triumph, I am drown'd in woe.


s: And can it be that I such treasure slight?


s: A longer life, if I must cease to love."


s: And pour'd into the stream so many tears,


s: That Sacripant, oppressed with amorous cares.


s: Love is the source from which his troubles spring,


s: The sole occasion of his pains and fears;


s: He for her sake from Orient's farthest reign


s: Roved thither, where the sun descends to rest;


s: He after learned in France that Charlemagne


s: Secluded from that champion and the rest,


s: As a fit guerdon, mewed her for the knight


s: Who should protect the lilies best in fight.


s: The warrior in the field had been, and viewed,


s: Short time before, king Charlemagne's disgrace;


s: Nor of the damsel's footsteps found a trace.


s: And this is what the weeping monarch rued,


s: And this he so bewailed in doleful case:


s: Which might for pity stop the passing sun.


s: While Sacripant laments him in this plight,


s: Pours forth yet other plaints and piteous cries;


s: Should hear the youth lament him in such wise:


s: And thus a moment compassed what, without


s: Such chance, long ages had not brought about.


s: With deep attention, while the warrior weeps,


s: She marks the fashion of the grief and tears


s: And words of him, whose passion never sleeps;


s: Nor this the first confession which she hears.


s: But with his plaint her heart no measure keeps,


s: Cold as the column which the builder rears.


s: Like haughty maid, who holds herself above


s: The world, and deems none worthy of her love.


s: But her from harm amid those woods to keep,


s: The damsel weened she might his guidance need;


s: For the poor drowning caitiff, who, chin-deep,


s: Nor will she, if she let the occasion sleep,


s: Find escort that will stand her in such stead:


s: For she that king by long experience knew


s: But not the more for this the maid intends


s: To heal the mischief which her charms had wrought,


s: And for past ills to furnish glad amends


s: In that full bliss by pining lover sought.


s: To keep the king in play are all her ends,


s: His help by some device or fiction bought,


s: And having to her purpose taxed his daring,


s: To reassume as wont her haughty bearing.


s: And "Peace be with you," cried the youthful queen,


s: "And God preserve my honour in his care,


s: With such excessive bliss the son she mourned


s: As dead, lamented still with tears and sighs,


s: Since the thinned files without her boy returned.


s: -- Not such her rapture as the king's surprise


s: The lofty presence, cheeks of heavenly hue,


s: And lovely form which broke upon his view.


s: He, full of fond and eager passion, pressed


s: And she now clasped the warrior to her breast,


s: And now again the maid her thoughts addressed


s: And feels, with hope revived, her bosom beat


s: Shortly to repossess her sumptuous seat.


s: By her to seek the martial monarch's aid,


s: Who swayed the sceptre of that fair domain;


s: And told how oft Orlando's friendly blade


s: Had saved her from dishonour, death, and pain;


s: And how she so preserved her virgin flower


s: Haply the tale was true; yet will not seem


s: But Sacripant, who waked from worser dream,


s: Since love, who sees without one guiding gleam,


s: Spies in broad day but that which likes him best:


s: For one sign of the afflicted man's disease


s: Is to give ready faith to things which please.


s: "If good Anglante's lord the prize forbore,


s: Nor seized the fair occasion when he might,


s: I think not," said, apart, Circassa's knight.


s: "To quit such proffered good, and, to my shame,


s: Have but myself on after-thought to blame.


s: "No!  I will pluck the fresh and morning rose,


s: Which, should I tarry, may be overblown.


s: To woman, (this my own experience shows),


s: No deed more sweet or welcome can be done.


s: Then, whatsoever scorn the damsel shows,


s: Though she awhile may weep and make her moan,


s: I will, unchecked by anger, false or true,


s: Or sharp repulse, my bold design pursue."


s: This said, he for the soft assault prepares,


s: When a loud noise within the greenwood shade


s: And sore against his will the monarch stayed.


s: He donned his helm (his other arms he wears),


s: Aye wont to rove in steel, with belted blade,


s: Replaced the bridle on his courser fleet,


s: Grappled his lance, and sprang into his seat.


s: With the bold semblance of a valiant knight,


s: Behold a warrior threads the forest hoar.


s: The stranger's mantle was of snowy white,


s: And white alike the waving plume he wore.


s: Balked of his bliss, and full of fell despite,


s: And spurred his horse to meet him in mid space,


s: Him he defies to fight, approaching nigh,


s: And weens to make him stoop his haughty crest:


s: The other knight, whose worth I rate as high,


s: His warlike prowess puts to present test;


s: Cuts short his haughty threats and angry cry,


s: And spurs, and lays his levelled lance in rest.


s: In tempest wheels Circassia's valiant peer,


s: And at his foeman's head each aims his spear.


s: Not brindled bulls or tawny lions spring


s: As those two knights, the stranger and the king.


s: Their spears alike the opposing bucklers thrill:


s: The solid ground, at their encountering,


s: Trembles from fruitful vale to naked hill:


s: And well it was the mail in which they dressed


s: Their bodies was of proof, and saved the breast.


s: Nor swerved the chargers from their destined course;


s: Who met like rams, and butted head to head.


s: Well valued while alive, dropt short and dead:


s: The stranger's, too, fell senseless; but perforce


s: Was roused by rowel from his grassy bed.


s: That of the paynim king, extended straight,


s: Lay on his battered lord with all his weight.


s: Upright upon his steed, the knight unknown,


s: Who at the encounter horse and rider threw,


s: Deeming enough was in the conflict done,


s: Cares not the worthless warfare to renew;


s: But endlong by the readiest path is gone,


s: And measures, pricking frith and forest through,


s: A mile, or little less, in furious heat,


s: Ere the foiled Saracen regains his feet.


s: Who held the plough (the thunder storm o'erpast)


s: There, where the deafening bolt had beat him down,


s: Nigh his death-stricken cattle, wakes aghast,


s: And sees the distant pine without its crown,


s: Which he saw clad in leafy honours last;


s: So rose the paynim knight with troubled face,


s: He sighs and groans, yet not for mischief sore


s: Endured in wounded arm or foot which bled;


s: But for mere shame, and never such before


s: And if he rued his fall, it grieved him more


s: His dame should lift him from his courser dead.


s: He speechless had remained, I ween, if she


s: Had not his prisoned tongue and voice set free.


s: "Grieve not," she said, "sir monarch, for thy fall;


s: To whom more welcome had been forage, stall,


s: And rest, than further joust and jeopardy;


s: (Who shall no glory gain) for such is he


s: Who is the first to quit his ground, if aught


s: While she so seeks the Saracen to cheer,


s: On panting hackney! -- man and horse appear


s: With the long journey, weary and forlorn.


s: He questions Sacripant, approaching near,


s: Had he seen warrior pass, by whom were borne


s: A shield and crest of white; in search of whom


s: Through the wide forest pricked the weary groom.


s: King Sacripant made answer, "As you see,


s: He threw me here, and went but now his way:


s: Then tell the warrior's name, that I may be


s: Informed whose valour foiled me in the fray."


s: To him the groom, -- "That which you ask of me


s: Know that you were in combat prostrate laid


s: "Bold is the maid; but fairer yet than bold,


s: 'Twas Bradamant who marred what praise of old


s: Your prowess ever won with sword and mail."


s: This said, he spurred again, his story told,


s: And left him little gladdened by the tale.


s: He recks not what he says or does, for shame,


s: And his flushed visage kindles into flame.


s: After the woeful warrior long had thought


s: And found a woman his defeat had wrought,


s: For thinking but increased the monarch's pain,


s: He climbed the other horse, nor spake he aught;


s: Upon the croup bestowed that damsel sweet,


s: Two miles they had not rode before they hear


s: The sweeping woods which spread about them, sound


s: With such loud crash and trample, far and near,


s: The forest seemed to tremble all around;


s: With housings wrought in gold and richly bound;


s: Who clears the bush and stream, with furious force


s: "Unless the misty air," the damsel cries,


s: "And boughs deceive my sight, yon noble steed


s: And parts the wood with such impetuous speed.


s: -- Yes, 'tis Bayardo's self I recognize.


s: How well the courser understands our need!


s: Two riders ill a foundered jade would bear,


s: But hither speeds the horse to end that care."


s: The bold Circassian lighted, and applied


s: His hand to seize him by the flowing rein,


s: Who, swiftly turning, with his heels replied,


s: For he like lightning wheeled upon the plain.


s: Woe to the king! but that he leaps aside,


s: For should he smite, he would not lash in vain.


s: Such are his bone and sinew, that the shock


s: Of his good heels had split a metal rock.


s: With gentle blandishment and humble mood;


s: As the dog greets his lord with frolic glee,


s: Whom, some short season past, he had not viewed.


s: Albracca, where her hands prepared his food,


s: What time the damsel loved Rinaldo bold;


s: Rinaldo, then ungrateful, stern, and cold.


s: With her left hand she takes him by the bit,


s: And with the other pats his sides and chest:


s: While the good steed (so marvellous his wit),


s: Lamb-like, obeyed the damsel and caressed.


s: Meantime the king, who sees the moment fit,


s: Leapt up, and with his knees the courser pressed.


s: While on the palfrey, eased of half his weight,


s: The lady left the croup, and gained the seat.


s: Then, as at hazard, she directs her sight,


s: And glows with sudden anger and despite;


s: Her more than life esteems the youthful knight,


s: While she from him, like crane from falcon, flies.


s: Time was the lady sighed, her passion slighted;


s: 'Tis now Rinaldo loves, as ill requited.


s: And this effect two different fountains wrought,


s: Whose wonderous waters different moods inspire.


s: Both spring in Arden, with rare virtue fraught:


s: This fills the heart with amorous desire:


s: Who taste that other fountain are untaught


s: Their love, and change for ice their former fire.


s: Rinaldo drank the first, and vainly sighs;


s: Mixed with such secret bane the waters glide,


s: Which amorous care convert to sudden hate;


s: Than on her laughing eyes deep darkness sate:


s: And with sad mien and trembling voice she cried


s: To Sacripant, and prayed him not to wait


s: The near approach of the detested knight,


s: But through the wood with her pursue his flight.


s: That thou should'st hold my valour cheap, and not


s: Sufficient to make yonder champion flee?


s: And that dread night I singly stood for thee?


s: That night when I, though naked, was thy shield


s: Against King Agrican and all his field?"


s: She answers not, and knows not in her fear


s: What 'tis she does; Rinaldo is too nigh:


s: Threats the bold Saracen with angry cry,


s: As soon as the known steed and damsel dear,


s: Whose charms such flame had kindled, meet his eye.


s: But what ensued between the haughty pair


s: A hermit parts, by means of hollow sprite,


s: The two redoubted rivals' dangerous play;


s: Rinaldo goes where Love and Hope invite,


s: But is dispatched by Charles another way;


s: Between desires has been thy favourite feat?


s: Why does it please thee so, perfidious lord,


s: Two hearts should with a different measure beat?


s: Thou wilt not let me take the certain ford,


s: Dragging me where the stream is deep and fleet.


s: While she who hates, respect and love inspires.


s: Thou to Rinaldo show'st the damsel fair,


s: While he seems hideous to that gentle dame;


s: And he, who when the lady's pride and care,


s: Paid back with deepest hate her amorous flame,


s: Now pines, himself, the victim of despair,


s: Scorned in his turn, and his reward the same.


s: By the changed damsel in such sort abhorred,


s: She would choose death before that hated lord.


s: He to the Pagan cries: "Forego thy theft,


s: And down, false felon, from that pilfer'd steed;


s: And he who seeks it dearly pays the deed.


s: More -- I shall take from thee yon lovely weft;


s: To leave thee such a prize were foul misdeed;


s: And horse and maid, whose worth outstrips belief,


s: Were ill, methinks, relinquished to a thief."


s: "Thou liest," the haughty Saracen retorts,


s: As proud, and burning with as fierce a flame,


s: "A thief thyself, if Fame the truth reports:


s: But let good deeds decide our dubious claim,


s: With whom the steed or damsel fair assorts:


s: Best proved by valiant deeds: though, for the dame,


s: That nothing is so precious, I with thee


s: (Search the wide world throughout) may well agree."


s: As two fierce dogs will somtimes stand at gaze,


s: Whom hate or other springs of strife inspire,


s: And grind their teeth, while each his foe surveys


s: With sidelong glance and eyes more red than fire,


s: Then either falls to bites, and hoarsely bays,


s: While their stiff bristles stand on end with ire:


s: So from reproach and menace to the sword


s: Pass Sacripant and Clermont's angry lord.


s: Thus kindling into wrath the knights engage:


s: Small gain to this; for inexperienced page


s: Would better rein his charger in the course.


s: For such Baiardo's sense, he will not wage


s: War with his master, or put out his force.


s: For voice, nor hand, nor manage, will he stir,


s: He, when the king would urge him, takes the rest,


s: Or, when he curbs him, runs in giddy rings;


s: And drops his head beneath his spreading chest,


s: And plays his spine, and runs an-end and flings.


s: Sees 'tis no time to tame the beast, and springs,


s: With one hand on the pummel, to the ground;


s: Clear of the restless courser at a bound.


s: As soon as Sacripant, with well-timed leap,


s: You may believe the battle does not sleep


s: Between those champions, matched in heart and deed.


s: Their sounding blades such changeful measure keep,


s: The hammer-strokes of Vulcan with less speed


s: Descend in that dim cavern, where he heats,


s: And Jove's red thunders on his anvil beats.


s: Sometimes they lunge, then feign the thrust and parry:


s: Deep masters of the desperate game they play;


s: Or rise upon the furious stroke, and carry


s: Their swords aloft, or stoop and stand at bay.


s: Again they close, again exhausted tarry;


s: Now hide, now show themselves, and now give way,


s: And where one knight an inch of ground has granted,


s: His foeman's foot upon that inch is planted.


s: When, lo!  Rinaldo, now impatient grown,


s: Strikes full at Sacripant with lifted blade;


s: And he puts forth his buckler made of bone,


s: And well with strong and stubborn steel inlaid:


s: Though passing thick, Fusberta cleaves it: groan


s: Greenwood, and covert close, and sunny glade.


s: The paynim's arm rings senseless with the blow,


s: And steel and bone, like ice, in shivers go.


s: When the fair damsel saw, with timid eye,


s: Such ruin follow from the faulchion's sway,


s: She, like the criminal, whose doom is nigh,


s: Changed her fair countenance through sore dismay,


s: And deemed that little time was left to fly


s: If she would not be that Rinaldo's prey,


s: So turned her horse into the gloomy chase,


s: And drove him through rough path and tangled ally


s: And oftentimes bent back her bloodless face,


s: And saw Rinaldo from each thicket sally.


s: Nor flying long had urged the frantic race,


s: And his long beard descended on his breast.


s: And on an ass was mounted, slow and sure;


s: Had conscience more precise or passing pure.


s: Though in his arteries time had stilled the rage


s: Of blood, and spake him feeble and demure,


s: The lady prayed that kindly friar, that he


s: Would straight conduct her to some haven near,


s: For that she from the land of France might flee,


s: Ceased not to soothe the gentle damsel's fear.


s: And with the promise of deliverance, shook


s: His pocket, and drew forth a secret book.


s: This opened, quick and mighty marvel wrought;


s: Before a spirit, by his bidding brought,


s: Waits his command in likeness of a page:


s: He, by the magic writ constrained and taught,


s: Hastes where the warriors face to face engage,


s: In the cool shade -- but not in cool disport --


s: And steps between, and stops their battle short.


s: "In courtesy," he cried, "let either show


s: What his foe's death to either can avail,


s: And what the guerdon conquest will bestow


s: If Roland, though he has not struck a blow,


s: Or snapt in fight a single link of mail,


s: Who has engaged you in this bitter fray.


s: Pricking to Paris with that lady bright;


s: Riding, in merry mood, with laugh and jeer,


s: And mocking at your fierce and fruitless fight.


s: Sure it were better, while they yet are near,


s: To follow peer and damsel in their flight:


s: For should he once in Paris place his prize


s: The lady never more shall meet your eyes."


s: You might have seen those angry cavaliers


s: Change at the demon's tale for rage and shame;


s: And curse themselves as wanting eyes and ears,


s: To let their rival cheat them of the dame.


s: Towards his horse the good Rinaldo steers,


s: Breathing forth piteous sighs which seem of flame;


s: And, if he joins Orlando -- ere they part --


s: Swears in his fury he will have his heart.


s: So, passing where the prompt Bayardo stood,


s: Leaps on his back, and leaves, as swift as wind,


s: Without farewell, his rival in the wood;


s: The goaded charger, in his heat of blood,


s: Forces whate'er his eager course confined,


s: Ditch, river, tangled thorn, or marble block;


s: He swims the river, and he clears the rock.


s: Let it not, sir, sound strangely in your ear


s: So long and vainly followed far and near;


s: Had not in vice lured on the following peer,


s: But fled before his cherished lord, that he


s: Might guide him whither went the gentle dame,


s: For whom, as he had heard, he nursed a flame.


s: From the pavilion winged her rapid flight,


s: His saddle lightened of Mount Alban's knight;


s: Matched with a baron of no meaner might;


s: And chased the maid by woods, and floods, and strands,


s: In hopes to place her in the warrior's hands.


s: And, with desire to bring him to the maid,


s: Gallopped before him still with rampant play;


s: But would not let his master mount, afraid


s: That he might make him take another way.


s: Twice brought him to his unexpected prey;


s: Twice foiled in his endeavour: once by bold


s: Now good Bayardo had believed the tiding


s: Of that fair damsel, which produced the accord;


s: And in the devil's cunning tale confiding,


s: And pushing still his courser Paris-ward!


s: Though he fly fast, the champion's wishes go


s: Faster; and wind itself had seemed too slow.


s: At night Rinaldo rests his steed, with pain


s: To meet Anglante's lord he burned so sore;


s: And lent such credit to the tidings vain


s: Of the false courier of that wizard hoar:


s: And that day and the next, with flowing rein,


s: His eyes; where Charlemagne had taken post,


s: With the sad remnant of his broken host.


s: He, for he fears the Afric king's pursuit,


s: And sap and siege, upon his vassals calls


s: And cleanse their ditches, and repair their walls.


s: And what may best annoy the foes, and suit


s: For safety, without more delay forestalls;


s: Of arms in tented field, though lately shamed;


s: And send Rinaldo to the neighbouring state


s: Of Britain, which was after England named.


s: Ill liked the Paladin to cross the strait;


s: Not that the people or the land he blamed,


s: But that King Charles was sudden; nor a day


s: Would grant the valiant envoy for delay.


s: Whose charms his heart had ravished from his breast.


s: Yet, in obediance to the christian king,


s: To Calais the good envoy wends with speed,


s: And the same day embarks himself and steed.


s: And there, in scorn of cautious pilot's skill


s: (Such his impatience to regain his home),


s: Launched on the doubtful sea, which boded ill,


s: And rolled its heavy billows, white with foam.


s: The wind, enraged that he opposed his will,


s: Stirred up the waves; and, 'mid the gathering gloom,


s: So the loud storm and tempest's fury grew,


s: That topmast-high the flashing waters flew.


s: Haul down the mainsail, and attempt to wear;


s: And would put back in panic to the port,


s: Whence, in ill hour, they loosed with little care.


s: -- "Not so," exclaims the wind, and stops them short,


s: "So poor a penance will not pay the dare."


s: And when they fain would veer, with fiercer roar


s: Pelts back their reeling prow and blusters more.


s: Starboard and larboard bears the fitful gale,


s: And never for a thought its ire assuages;


s: While the strained vessel drives with humble sail


s: Before the billows, as the tempest rages.


s: Must leave awhile the Paladin, who wages


s: A weary warfare with the wind and flood;


s: I speak of that famed damsel, by whose spear


s: O'erthrown, King Sacripant on earth was flung;


s: From Beatrix and good Duke Aymon sprung.


s: By daring deeds and puissance no less dear


s: To Charlemagne and France: Since proved among


s: The first, her prowess, tried by many a test,


s: Equal to good Rinaldo's shone confessed.


s: Disdained not on the Child her love to plant,


s: Though cruel Fortune, ill their wishes meeting,


s: Had granted to the pair a single greeting.


s: Alone thenceforth she sought her lover (he


s: Was named of him to whom he owed his birth),


s: Of thousands, trusting in her single worth.


s: Traversed a wood, and that wood past, a mountain;


s: And stopt at length beside a lovely fountain.


s: Through a delicious mead the fountain-rill,


s: By ancient trees o'ershaded, glides away;


s: And him whose ear its pleasing murmurs fill,


s: Invites to drink, and on its banks to stay;


s: As first the damsel thither turns her eyes,


s: And on the bank, which gaudy flowers displayed,


s: His horse beneath a spreading beech is laid,


s: And from a bough the shield and helmet gleam.


s: While his moist eyes, and sad and downcast air,


s: Urged by the passion lodged in every breast,


s: Of others' cares, the gentle maid addressed


s: The knight, and sought the occasion of his woe.


s: And he to her his secret grief confessed,


s: Won by her gentle speech and courteous show,


s: And by that gallant bearing, which at sight,


s: "Fair sir, a band of horse and foot," he said,


s: "I brought to Charlemagne; and thither pressed,


s: Where he an ambush for Marsilius spread,


s: Whose charms with fervid love had fired my breast.


s: When, as we journey by Rhone's current, I


s: "The robber, whether he were man or shade,


s: As soon as he beheld my dear-loved maid,


s: Like falcon, who, descending, aims its blow,


s: Sank in a thought and rose; and soaring, laid


s: Hands on his prize, and snatched her from below.


s: So quick the rape, that all appeared a dream,


s: Until I heard in air the damsel's scream.


s: "The ravening kite so swoops and plunders, when


s: Hovering above the shelterd yard, she spies


s: Who vainly dins the thief with after cries.


s: I cannot reach the mountain-robber's den,


s: Compassed with cliffs, or follow one who flies.


s: Besides, way-foundered is my weary steed,


s: Who 'mid these rocks has wasted wind and speed.


s: "But I, like one who from his bleeding side


s: Would liefer far have seen his heart out-torn,


s: Left my good squadrons masterless, to ride


s: Along the cliffs, and passes least forlorn;


s: And took the way (love served me for a guide)


s: Where it appeared the ruthless thief had born,


s: What time he snatched my hope and peace away.


s: "Six days I rode, from morn to setting sun,


s: By horrid cliff, by bottom dark and drear;


s: And giddy precipice, where path was none,


s: Nor sign, nor vestiges of man were near.


s: Where caverned mountains and rude cliffs appear;


s: Where in the middle rose a rugged block,


s: "From far it shone like flame, and seemed not dight


s: More wonderful the work, more fair to sight


s: The walls appeared, as I approached more nigh.


s: I, after, learned that it was built by sprite


s: Whom potent fumes had raised and sorcery:


s: Who on this rock its towers of steel did fix,


s: Case-hardened in the stream and fire of Styx.


s: "Each polished turret shines with such a ray


s: That it defies the mouldering rust and rain:


s: The robber scours the country night and day,


s: Nothing is safe which he would bear away;


s: Pursued with curses and with threats in vain.


s: There (fruitless every hope to foil his art)


s: The felon keeps my love, oh! say my heart.


s: Her prison on that cliff's aerial crest?


s: Like the she-fox, who hears her offspring cry,


s: Standing beneath the ravening eagle's nest;


s: And since she has not wings to rise and fly,


s: Runs round the rugged rock with hopeless quest.


s: "While I so lingered where those rocks aspire,


s: I saw a dwarf guide two of goodly strain;


s: Both barons bold, and fearful in their ire:


s: The next, of youthful vigour, was a knight,


s: Prized in the Moorish court, Rogero hight.


s: "The dwarf exclaimed, `These champions will assay


s: Their force with him who dwells on yonder steep,


s: Spurs the winged courser from his mountain-keep.'


s: `Pity, fair sirs, the cruel loss I weep,


s: And, as I trust, yon daring spoiler slain,


s: "Then how my love was ravished I make known,


s: Vouching with bitter tears my deep distress.


s: They proffer aid, and down the path of stone


s: Which winds about the craggy mountain, press.


s: Look on, and pray to God for their success.


s: Extends a little plain, two bow-shots long.


s: "Arrived beneath the craggy keep, the two


s: Contend which warrior shall begin the fight.


s: When, whether the first lot Gradasso drew,


s: And the rock rang and fortress on the height;


s: And, lo! apparelled for the fearful course,


s: "Upwards, by little and by little, springs


s: The winged courser, as the pilgrim crane


s: Finds not at first his balance and his wings,


s: Running and scarcely rising from the plain;


s: But when the flock is launched and scattered, flings


s: His pinions to the wind, and soars amain.


s: So straight the necromancer's upward flight,


s: The eagle scarce attempts so bold a height.


s: "When it seems fit, he wheels his courser round,


s: Who shuts his wings, and falling from the sky,


s: Shoots like a well trained falcon to the ground,


s: Who sees the quarry, duck or pigeon, fly:


s: So, through the parting air, with whizzing sound,


s: With rested lance, he darted from on high;


s: And while Gradasso scarcely marks the foe


s: He hears him swooping near, and feels the blow.


s: "The wizard on Gradasso breaks his spear,


s: He wounds the empty air, with fury vain.


s: This in the feathered monster breeds no fear;


s: Who to a distance shifts, and swoops again.


s: While that encounter made the Alfana rear,


s: Thrown back upon her haunches, on the plain.


s: The Alfana that the Indian monarch rode,


s: "Up to the starry sphere with swift ascent


s: The wizard soars, then pounces from the sky,


s: And strikes the young Rogero, who, intent


s: Beneath the wizard's blow the warrior bent,


s: Which made some deal his generous courser ply;


s: And when to smite the shifting foe he turned,


s: Him in the sky, and out of reach discerned.


s: On forehead, bosom, back, or flanks, between;


s: While he the warrior's empty blows eschews,


s: Shifting so quickly that he scarce is seen.


s: Now this, now that, the wizard seems to choose,


s: The monster makes such spacious rings and clean,


s: While the enchanter so deceives the knights,


s: They view him not, and know not whence he smites.


s: "Between the two on earth and him o' the sky,


s: Until that hour the warfare lasted there,


s: Which, spreading wide its veil of dusky dye,


s: Throughout the world, discolours all things fair.


s: So strange it seems, so passing Nature's law.


s: He, the celestial warrior, bore his shield;


s: I know not, and its lucid orb concealed.


s: Since this no sooner blazes in his face,


s: Than his foe tumbles dazzled on the field;


s: And while he, like a lifeless body, lies,


s: Becomes the necromancer's helpless prize.


s: "LIke carbuncle, the magic buckler blazed,


s: No glare was ever seen which shone so bright:


s: Nor could the warriors choose but fall, amazed


s: And blinded by the clear and dazzling light.


s: I, too, that from a distant mountain gazed,


s: Fell senseless; and when I regained my sight,


s: After long time, saw neither knights nor page,


s: Nor aught beside a dark and empty stage.


s: "This while the fell enchanter, I supposed,


s: Dragged both the warriors to his prison-cell;


s: And by strange virtue of the shield disclosed,


s: I from my hope and they from freedom fell:


s: And thus I to the turrets, which enclosed


s: My heart, departing, bade a last farewell.


s: Now sum my griefs, and say if love combine


s: Other distress or grief to match with mine."


s: The knight relapsed into his first disease,


s: He, where the blood ran foul through all degrees,


s: Nor played a simple part among the base,


s: Passing in vice the villains of his race.


s: With aspect changing still, the beauteous dame


s: Hears what the mournful Maganzese narrates;


s: Her radiant face with eager joy dilates.


s: Nor finds she, though twice told, the story stale;


s: But makes him oft repeat and piece his tale.


s: And, after, when she deemed that all was clear,


s: Cried to the knight, "Repose upon my say.


s: Straight wend me to the keep, sir cavalier,


s: Nor shalt thou grudge thy labour and thy care,


s: If envious Fortune do but play me fair."


s: The knight replied, "Then nought to me remains


s: And sure 'tis little loss to lose my pains,


s: Where every thing is lost I prize below.


s: But you would climb yon cliffs, and for your gains


s: Whate'er betide you, blame yourself alone;


s: You go forewarned to meet a fate foreshown."


s: So said, the cavalier remounts his horse,


s: And serves the gallant damsel as a guide;


s: When lo! a messenger, in furious course,


s: Called to the dame to stay, and rode and cried.


s: This was the post who told Circassa's lord


s: What valiant hand had stretched him on the sward.


s: The courier, who so plied his restless heel,


s: News of Narbonne and of Montpelier bore:


s: How both had raised the standard of Castile,


s: And how Marseilles' disheartened men appeal


s: To her, who should protect her straightened shore;


s: And how, through him, her citizens demand


s: Counsel and comfort at their captain's hand.


s: This goodly town, with many miles of plain,


s: Which lie 'twixt Var and Rhone, upon the sea,


s: Still wont with wonder on the tented plain


s: The prowess of that valiant maid to see.


s: Rode from Marseilles to ask the lady's aid.


s: Whether or not she should the call obey,


s: The youthful damsel doubts some little space;


s: Strong in one balance Fame and Duty weigh,


s: But softer thoughts both Fame and Duty chase:


s: And she, at length, resolved the emprize to assay,


s: And free Rogero from the enchanted place:


s: Or, should her valour in the adventure fail,


s: Would with the cherished lover share his jail.


s: And did with such excuse that post appay,


s: Then turned the bridle to resume her way


s: Since of that line he knows the damsel gay,


s: For 'twixt Maganza's and old Clermont's line


s: And oft in civil blood their hands embrued.


s: And hence some treason to this gentle dame


s: In his foul heart, the wicked County brewed;


s: Or, as the first occasion served, would stray


s: Out of the road, and leave her by the way.


s: And so the traitor's troubled fancy rack


s: Fear, doubt, and his own native, rancorous mood,


s: Where a rough mountain reared its shaggy back,


s: Whose stony peak above the forest stood;


s: Dogging his footsteps through the thicket blind.


s: He, when he saw himself within the brake,


s: And to the dame -- " 'Twere better that we make


s: For shelter ere the gathering darkness grow;


s: And, yonder mountain past, (save I mistake)


s: Do you expect me then, while from the peak


s: So said, he pushed his courser up the height


s: Revolving, as he went, some scheme or sleight


s: Its sides descended thirty yards and more,


s: Worked smooth, and at the bottom was a door.


s: From thence a light shone out on every side,


s: Fair Bradamant pursued her faithless guide,


s: Suspended there, and pondering on her doom:


s: Fearing lest she might lose him in the wood.


s: When her approach the County's first intent


s: Made vain, the wily traitor sought to mend


s: His toils, and some new stratagem invent


s: To rid her thence, or bring her to her end.


s: And so to meet the approaching lady went,


s: And showed the cave, and prayed her to ascend;


s: Who, by her lovely semblance and rich vest,


s: But melancholy, weeping, and distressed,


s: And that when he towards the entrance pressed,


s: To learn who that unhappy maid might be,


s: The beauteous Bradamant, who was more bold


s: To help the maid, imprisoned in that hold,


s: Sought but the means to try the deep descent.


s: Then, looking round, descried an elm-tree old,


s: Which furnished present means for her intent:


s: And from the tree, with boughs and foliage stored,


s: Lopt a long branch, and shaped it with her sword.


s: The severed end she to the count commended,


s: Then, grasping it, hung down that entrance steep.


s: With her feet foremost, by her arms suspended:


s: When asking if she had the skill to leap,


s: The traitor, with a laugh, his hands extended.


s: And plunged his helpless prey into the deep.


s: "And thus," exclaimed the ruffian, "might I speed


s: With thee each sucker of thy cursed seed!"


s: The stout elm-bough so long her weight upstayed,


s: That, though it split and splintered where it fell,


s: It broked her fall, and saved the gentle maid.


s: Some while astounded there the lady lay,


s: Restored to sense, the beauteous Bradamant


s: And hears from her of many a famous plant


s: And warrior, who shall issue from her womb.


s: Of old Atlantes, learns how from the groom,


s: Brunello hight, his virtuous ring to take;


s: And thus the knight's and others' fetters break.


s: Who will vouchsafe me voice that shall ascend


s: As high as I would raise my noble theme?


s: Who will afford befitting words, and lend


s: Wings to my verse, to soar the pitch I scheme?


s: Since fiercer fire for such illustrious end,


s: Than what was wont, may well my song beseem.


s: Which sings the sires from whom his lineage grew.


s: Than whose fair line, 'mid those by heavenly grace


s: You see not, Phoebus, in your daily race,


s: One that in peace or war doth fairer show;


s: Nor lineage that hath longer kept its place;


s: And still shall keep it, if the lights which glow


s: While the blue heaven shall turn about the pole.


s: But should I seek at full its worth to blaze,


s: Not mine were needful, but that noble lyre


s: Which sounded at your touch the thunderer's praise,


s: What time the giants sank in penal fire.


s: Yet should you instruments, more fit to raise


s: All labour and all thought will I combine,


s: To shape and shadow forth the great design.


s: Till when, this chisel may suffice to scale


s: The stone, and give my lines a right direction;


s: To bring the stubborn labour to perfection.


s: Of hawberk, shield, and helm, were small protection:


s: Who hopes the damsel's death, whose fall he sees.


s: The wily traitor thought that damsel sweet


s: Had perished on the darksome cavern's floor,


s: And with pale visages hurried his retreat


s: From that, through him contaminated door.


s: And, thence returning, clomb into his seat:


s: Then, like one who a wicked spirit bore,


s: Bore off with him the warlike virgin's steed.


s: Leave we sometime the wretch who, while he layed


s: Snares for another, wrought his proper doom;


s: Who had nigh found at once her death and tomb.


s: She, after rising from the rock, dismayed


s: At her shrewd fall, and gazing through the gloom,


s: Beheld and passed that inner door, which gave


s: Entrance to other and more spacious cave.


s: Fashioned in form of church, and large and square;


s: The flame of a clear-burning lamp ascended


s: Before the central altar; and the glare,


s: Shone through the gate, and lit the cave without.


s: Touched with the sanctifying thoughts which wait


s: She prays with eager lips, and heart elate,


s: And, kneeling, hears a secret wicket grate


s: In the opposing wall; whence, face to face,


s: A woman issuing forth, the maid addresses,


s: Barefoot, ungirt, and with dishevelled tresses.


s: "O generous Bradamant," the matron cried,


s: "Know thine arrival in this hallowed hold


s: Thou to this cave shouldst come by path untried,


s: Which covers the renowned magician's mould.


s: To tell what is the heavens' pronounced decree.


s: Which Merlin, that enchanter sage, did make:


s: Thou may'st have heard how that magician brave


s: Which holds his bones; where, for that lady's sake,


s: His limbs (for such her will) the wizard spread.


s: Living he laid him there, and lies there dead.


s: "Yet lives the spirit of immortal strain;


s: Lodged in the enchanter's corpse, till to the skies


s: The trumpet call it, or to endless pain,


s: As it with dove or raven's wing shall rise.


s: Yet lives the voice, and thou shalt hear how plain


s: From its sepulchral case of marble cries:


s: Since this has still the past and future taught


s: To every wight that has its counsel sought.


s: "Long days have passed since I from distant land


s: Merlin to me the truth should better clear;


s: And having compassed the design I planned,


s: A month beyond, for thee, have tarried here;


s: Since Merlin, still with certain knowledge summing


s: Events, prefixed this moment for thy coming."


s: The daughter of Duke Aymon stood aghast,


s: And silent listened to the speech; while she


s: Knew not, sore marvelling at all that passed,


s: At length, with modest brow, and eyes down cast,


s: Replied (like one that was all modesty),


s: "And is this wrought for me? and have I merit


s: Worthy the workings of prophetic spirit?"


s: And full of joy the adventure strange pursues,


s: Moving with ready haste behind the dame,


s: Who brings her to the sepulchre which mews


s: The bones and spirit, erst of Merlin's name.


s: The tomb, of hardest stone which masons use,


s: Shone smooth and lucid, and as red as flame.


s: So that although no sun-beam pierced the gloom,


s: Its splendour lit the subterraneous room.


s: O certain stones, to shine like torch i' the dark,


s: Or whether force of spell or fumigation,


s: (A guess that seems to come more near the mark)


s: Or sign made under mystic constellation,


s: The blaze that came from the sepulchral ark


s: Discovered sculpture, colour, gems, and gilding,


s: And whatsoever else adorned the building.


s: Lifter her foot, and trod the secret cave,


s: When the live spirit, in clear tones that thrill,


s: Addressed the martial virgin from the grave;


s: "May Fortune, chaste and noble maid, fulfil


s: Thine every wish!" exclaimed the wizard brave.


s: "Since from thy womb a princely race shall spring,


s: Whose name through Italy and earth shall ring.


s: "The noble blood derived from ancient Troy,


s: Mingling in thee its two most glorious streams,


s: Shall be the ornament, and flower, and joy


s: Of every lineage on which Phoebus beams,


s: Where genial stars lend warmth, or cold annoy,


s: Where Indus, Tagus, Nile, or Danube gleams;


s: Shall marquises, counts, dukes and Caesers shine.


s: "Captains and cavaliers shall spring from thee,


s: Who both by knightly lance and prudent lore,


s: Her ancient praise and fame in arms restore;


s: And in her realms just lords shall seated be,


s: Who with their government, benign and sage,


s: Shall re-create on earth the golden age.


s: "Then, that the will of Heaven be duly brought


s: To a fair end through thee, in fitting date,


s: Which from the first to bless thy love has wrought,


s: Let nothing interpose to break that thought,


s: But boldly tread the path perscribed by fate;


s: Nor let aught stay thee till the thief be thrown


s: By thy good lance, who keeps thee from thine own."


s: Here Merlin ceased, that for the solemn feat


s: Melissa might prepare with fitting spell,


s: The heirs who her illustrious race should swell.


s: Hence many sprites she chose; but from what seat


s: Evoked, I know not, or if called from hell;


s: And gathered in one place (so bade the dame),


s: In various garb and guise the shadows came.


s: This done, into the church she called the maid,


s: Where she had drawn a magic ring, as wide


s: As might contain the damsel, prostrate laid;


s: And on her head, lest spirit should invade,


s: So bade her hold her peace, and stand and look,


s: Then read, and schooled the demons from her book.


s: Lo! forth of that first cave what countless swarm


s: But, when they would the magic rampart storm,


s: Finds the way barred as if by fosse or mound;


s: Then back the rabble turns of various form;


s: And when it thrice with bending march has wound


s: Where stands that beauteous urn, the wizard's grave.


s: "To tell at large the puissant acts and worth,


s: And name of each who, figured in a sprite,


s: Is present to our eyes before his birth,"


s: "To tell the deeds which they shall act on earth,


s: Were labour not to finish with the night.


s: Hence I shall call few worthies of thy line,


s: As time and fair occasion shall combine.


s: "See yonder first-born of thy noble breed,


s: Who well reflects thy fair and joyous face;


s: He, first of thine and of Rogero's seed,


s: In him behold who shall distain the mead,


s: And his good sword with blood of Pontier base;


s: The mighty wrong chastised, and traitor's guilt,


s: By whom his princely father's blood was spilt.


s: "By him King Desiderius shall be pressed,


s: The valiant leader of the Lombard horde:


s: For this imperial Charles shall make him lord.


s: Hubert, thy grandson, comes behind; the best


s: Who shall defend the church from barbarous foes,


s: And more than once assure her safe repose.


s: "Alberto next, unconquered captain, see,


s: Whose trophies shall so many fanes array.


s: Hugh, the bold son, is with the sire, and he


s: Shall conquer Milan, and the snakes display.


s: Azo, that next approaching form shall be,


s: And, his good brother dead, the Insubri sway.


s: He, thwarting with just cause their ill design,


s: Shall thrash the Romans' pride who overbear;


s: Shall from their hands the sovereign pontiff take,


s: With the third Otho, and their leaguer break.


s: "See Fulke, who to his brother will convey


s: All his Italian birth-right, and command


s: From his fair home, in Almayn's northern land.


s: There he the house of Saxony shall stay,


s: This in his mother's right he shall possess,


s: And with his progeny maintain and bless.


s: "More famed for courtesy than warlike deed,


s: And, lo!  the father walkes between his heirs.


s: By Parma's walls I see the Germans bleed,


s: Their second Henry quelled; such trophy bears


s: The one renowned in story's future page:


s: The next shall wed Matilda, chaste and sage.


s: "His virtues shall deserve so fair a flower,


s: (And in his age, I wot, no common grace)


s: With that descendent of first Henry's race.


s: Pledge of Bertoldo's wedded love, and chase


s: Fierce Frederick Barbarossa's hireling bands,


s: Saving the church from his rapacious hands.


s: With its fair fields; and two great chiefs this while


s: (One wears the papal, one the imperial crown),


s: Were task too long; as long to tell each deed


s: "See Fulke and Obyson, more Azos, Hughs!


s: Both Henrys! -- mark the father and his boy.


s: Two Guelphs: the first fair Umbria's land subdues,


s: Behold the princely phantom that ensues,


s: Shall turn fair Italy's long grief to joy;


s: By whom shall Ezelin be quelled and slain.


s: Who shall be deemed by men a child of hell.


s: And work such evil, thinning with the sword


s: And this fifth Azo shall to scathe and shame


s: Put Frederick, second Caeser of the name.


s: "He, with his better sceptre well contented,


s: Shall rule the city, seated by the streams,


s: Where Phoebus to his plaintive lyre lamented


s: The son, ill-trusted with the father's beams;


s: Where Cygnus spread his pinions, and the scented


s: To him such honour shall the church decree;


s: Fit guerdon of his works, and valour's fee.


s: "But does no laurel for his brother twine,


s: To Rome (when Otho, with the Ghibelline,


s: Into the troubled capital strikes fear),


s: Their shame, and sack the cities far and near;


s: Then hopeless to relieve the sacred hold,


s: Sue to the neighbouring Florentine for gold:


s: "And trust a noble brother to his hands,


s: Boasting no dearer pledge, the pact to bind:


s: And next, victorious o'er the German bands,


s: Give his triumphant ensigns to the wind:


s: To the afflicted church restore her lands,


s: And take due vengeance of Celano's kind.


s: Then die, cut off in manhood's early flower,


s: And all the cities which 'twixt Tronto are,


s: And green Isauro's stream, from mount to main;


s: With other heritage, more rich and rare,


s: Greatness of mind, and faith without a strain.


s: All else is Fortune's in this mortal state;


s: But Virtue soars beyond her love and hate.


s: "In good Rinaldo equal worth shall shine,


s: Dark Fate and Fortune wreck not in their ire.


s: Alas!  from Naples in this distant shrine,


s: Naples, where he is hostage for his sire,


s: His dirge is heard: A stripling of thy race,


s: Young Obyson, shall fill his grandsire's place.


s: Gay Reggio, joined to Modena's bold land.


s: And his redoubted valour lend such light,


s: Sixth of the name, his Azo rears upright


s: Fair Adria's fief to him in dower shall bring


s: The child of second Charles, Sicilia's king.


s: "Behold in yonder friendly group agreed.


s: But we may pass them by, for better speed,


s: Faenza conquered, and their feats and fame;


s: Which gives her title to the neighbouring main:


s: "And that fair town, whose produce is the rose,


s: The rose which gives it name in Grecian speech:


s: That, too, which fishy marshes round enclose,


s: And Po's two currents threat with double breach;


s: Whose townsmen loath the lazy calm's repose,


s: And pray that stormy waves may lash the beach.


s: I pass, mid towns and towers, a countless store,


s: The willing people shall elect their lord;


s: He who shall laugh to scorn the civil rage


s: Whose infantine delight shall be to wage


s: The mimic fight, and sweat with spear and sword:


s: And through the discipline such nurture yields,


s: Shall flourish as the flower of martial fields.


s: "By him rebellious plans are overthrown,


s: And turned upon the rash contriver's head;


s: That vainly shall the cunning toils be spread.


s: To the third Otho this too late is known,


s: Who shall by him be spoiled in sudden strife,


s: Of his possessions and his wretched life.


s: "And still the fair dominion shall increase,


s: And without wrong its spreading bounds augment;


s: Nor its glad subjects violate the peace,


s: And hence its wealth and welfare shall not cease;


s: To let it flourish (such his heavenly love!)


s: While the celestial spheres revolve above.


s: "Lo!  Lionel!  lo!  Borse great and kind!


s: First duke of thy fair race, his realm's delight;


s: Who reigns secure, and shall more triumphs find


s: In peace, than warlike princes win in fight.


s: Who struggling Fury's hands shall tie behind


s: Her back, and prison Mars, removed from sight.


s: His fair endeavours bent to bless and stay


s: The people, that his sovereign rule obey.


s: "Lo!  Hercules, who may reproach his neighbour,


s: With foot half burnt, and halting gait and slow,


s: He saved his troops from fatal overthrow;


s: Not that, for guerdon of his glorious labour,


s: He should distress and vex him as a foe;


s: Chased into Barco.  It were hard to say,


s: If most he shine in peace or martial fray.


s: "Lucania, Puglia, and Calabria's strand,


s: Shall with the rumour of his prowess ring:


s: Where he shall strive in duel, hand to hand,


s: And gain the praise of Catalonia's king.


s: Him, with the wisest captains of the land


s: His worth shall class; such fame his actions bring;


s: And he the fief shall win like valiant knight,


s: Which thirty years before was his of right.


s: The greatest subjects to their lord can owe;


s: Not that he moves her from a marsh, to set


s: Her stones, where Ceres' fruitful treasures grow.


s: Nor that he shall enlarge her bounds, nor yet


s: That he shall fence her walls against the foe;


s: And beautifies her streets and goodly squares;


s: "Not that he keeps his lordship well defended


s: From the winged lions' claws and fierce attacks;


s: Nor that, when Gallic ravage is extended,


s: Unharassed, and ungalled by toll or tax.


s: Not for these blessings I recount, and more


s: His grateful realm shall Hercules adore;


s: "So much as that from him shall spring a pair


s: Of brothers, leagued no less by love than blood;


s: Who shall be all that Leda's children were;


s: His fellow to redeem from Stygian flood,


s: So each of these would gladly spend his breath,


s: And for his brother brave perpetual death.


s: "In these two princes' excellent affection,


s: Than if their noble town, for its protection,


s: Were girded twice by Vulcan's works of steel.


s: Justice, with knowledge and with love, shall deal,


s: Astrea shall appear returned from heaven,


s: To this low earth to varying seasons given.


s: "Well is it that his wisdom shines as bright


s: As his good sire's, nor is his valour less;


s: Since here usurping Venice arms for fight,


s: And her full troops his scanty numbers press,


s: There she (I know not if more justly hight


s: Mother or stepmother) brings new distress;


s: But, if a mother, scarce to him more mild


s: "This chief, what time soever he shall go


s: Forth with his faithful crew, by night or day,


s: By water or by land, will shame the foe,


s: And this too late Romagna's sons shall know.


s: Led against former friends in bloody fray,


s: Who shall bedew the campaign with their blood,


s: "This shall the Spaniard know, to his dismay,


s: 'Mid the same bounds, whom papal gold shall gain,


s: With cruel rage, her hapless Castellain,


s: His crime, the town retrieved, and victor slain:


s: Is left alive, to bear the news to Rome.


s: " 'Tis he, who with his counsel and his lance,


s: Shall win the honours of Romagna's plain,


s: The victory over Julius, leagued with Spain.


s: Paunch-deep in human blood shall steeds advance


s: In that fierce strife, and struggle through the slain,


s: 'Mid crowded fields, which scarce a grace supply,


s: Where Greek, Italian, Frank, and Spaniard die.


s: "Lo!  who in priestly vesture clad, is crowned


s: With purple hat, conferred in hallowed dome!


s: 'Tis he, the wise, the liberal, the renowned


s: Whose actions shall in every region sound,


s: Where'er the honoured muse shall find a home:


s: "His deeds adorn his race, as from his car


s: The glorious sun illumes the subject earth


s: More than the silver moon or lesser star;


s: So far all others he transcends in worth.


s: Go forth afflicted, and return in mirth:


s: Backed by few foot, and fewer cavaliers,


s: He homeward barks, and fifteen gallies steers.


s: "Two Sigismonds, the first, the second, see;


s: To these Alphonso's five good sons succeed;


s: Whose glories spread o'er seas and land shall be.


s: The first shall wed a maid of France's seed.


s: (That you may know their every name and deed),


s: Hippolitus; who with the light shall shine,


s: Of his wise uncle, gilding all his line.


s: "Francis the third comes next; the other two


s: Thy line through all its branches to pursue,


s: Fair virgin, would too long protract thy stay;


s: And Phoebus, many times, to mortal view,


s: Would quench and light again the lamp of day.


s: Then, with thy leave, 'tis time the pageant cease,


s: And I dismiss the shades and hold my peace."


s: So with the lady's leave the volume closed,


s: Whose precepts to her will the spirits bent.


s: And they, where Merlin's ancient bones reposed,


s: From the first cavern disappearing, went.


s: Since the divine enchantress gave consent;


s: "And who," she cried, "that pair of sorrowing mien,


s: "Sighing, those youths advanced amid the show,


s: Their brows with shame and sorrow overcast,


s: With downward look, and gait subdued and slow:


s: I saw the brothers shun them as they passed."


s: Melissa heard the dame with signs of woe,


s: And thus, with streaming eyes, exclaim'd at last:


s: "Ah! luckless youths, with vain illusions fed,


s: Whither by wicked men's bad counsel led!


s: Let not their guilt beyond thy love prevail;


s: Alas!  the wretched pair are of thy blood,


s: So many prevailing pity turn the scale!"


s: "I will not further press the painful tale.


s: Chew on fair fancy's food: Nor deem unmeet


s: I will not with a bitter chase the sweet.


s: "Soon as to-morrow's sun shall gild the skies


s: With his first light, myself the way will show


s: To where the wizard knight Rogero sties;


s: And built with polished steel the ramparts glow:


s: So long as through deep woods thy journey lies,


s: Till, at the sea arrived, I shall bestow


s: Such new instructions for the future way,


s: That thou no more shalt need Melissa's stay."


s: And the best part in talk with Merlin spends;


s: While with persuasive voice the wizard grave


s: Till from the vault goes forth that virgin brave,


s: As through the sky the rising sun ascends,


s: By path, long space obscure on either side,


s: The weird woman still her faithful guide.


s: They gain a hidden glen, which heights inclose,


s: And they all day toil on, without repose,


s: Where precipices frowned and torrents ran.


s: Sweet subjects of discourse together scan,


s: In conference, which best might make appear


s: Of these the greater portion served to guide


s: (Such the wise woman's scope) the warlike dame;


s: And teach by what device might be untied


s: Rogero's gyves, if stedfast were her flame.


s: "If thou wert Mars himself, or Pallas," cried


s: The sage Melissa, "though with thee there came


s: More than King Charles or Agramant command,


s: Against the wizard foe thou could'st not stand.


s: "Besides that it is walled about with steel,


s: Besides that his swift horse is taught to wheel,


s: He bears a mortal shield of power to seal,


s: As soon as 'tis exposed, the dazzled eye;


s: And so invades each sense, the splendour shed,


s: That he who sees the blaze remains as dead.


s: "And lest to shut thine eyes, thou should'st suppose


s: Might serve, contending with the wizard knight;


s: How would'st thou know, when both in combat close,


s: When he strikes home, or when eschews the fight?


s: But to escape the blaze which blinds his foes,


s: And render vain each necromantic sleight,


s: Have here a speedy mean which cannot miss;


s: Nor can the world afford a way but this.


s: Thieved from an Indian queen by subtle guiles,


s: Consigned, who now precedes us by few miles;


s: Brunello he.  Who wears the gift shall bring


s: To nought all sorceries and magic wiles.


s: In thefts and cheats Brunello is as well


s: Instructed, as the sage in charm and spell.


s: As now I tell thee, by his king is sent,


s: And of this ring, well proved in like event,


s: And to his lord such promise did impart,


s: Who has Rogero's presence most at heart.


s: And his enchanted cage, prepare to hear.


s: Three days along the shingle shalt thou go,


s: Beside the sea, whose waves will soon appear;


s: Thee the third day shall to a hostel bring,


s: Where he shall come who bears the virtuous ring.


s: "That thou may'st recognise the man, in height


s: Less than six palms, observe one at this inn


s: Of black and curly hair, the dwarfish wight!


s: Beard overgrown about the cheek and chin;


s: With shaggy brow, swoln eyes, and cloudy sight,


s: A nose close flattened, and a sallow skin;


s: To this, that I may make my sketch complete,


s: Succinctly clad, like courier, goes the cheat.


s: "Thy conversation with this man shall turn


s: Upon enchantment, spell, and mystic pact;


s: And thou shalt, in thy talk, appear to yearn


s: To prove the wizard's strength, as is the fact.


s: But, lady, let him not thy knowledge learn


s: Of his good ring, which mars all magic act:


s: He shall propose to bring thee as a guide


s: To the tall castle, whither thou would'st ride.


s: "Follow him close, and viewing (for a sign),


s: Now near, the fortress of the enchanter hoar;


s: Let no false pity there thy mind incline


s: Give him his death; but let him not divine


s: Thy thought, nor grant him respite; for before


s: Thine eyes, concealed by it, the caitiff slips


s: If once he place the ring between his lips."


s: Discoursing thus, they came upon the sea


s: Where Garonne near fair Bordeaux meets the tide;


s: Some natural tears they drop and then divide.


s: Duke Aymon's child, who slumbers not till she


s: Release her knight, holds on till even-tide:


s: 'Twas then the damsel at a hostel rested,


s: The maid Brunello knows as soon as found


s: (So was his image on her mind impressed),


s: And asks him whence he came, and whither bound;


s: And he replies and lies, as he is pressed.


s: The dame, who is forewarned, and knows her ground,


s: Feigns too as well as he, and lies her best:


s: And changes sex and sect, and name and land,


s: And her quick eye oft glances at his hand;


s: Oft glances at his resless hand, in fear


s: That he might undetected make some prize;


s: Nor ever lets the knave approach too near,


s: Well knowing his condition: In this guise


s: The couple stand together, when they hear


s: A sudden sound:  but what that sound implies


s: I, sir, shall tell hereafter with its cause;


s: But first shall break my song with fitting pause.


s: Foiled by the ring, and young Rogero freed,


s: Who soars in air till he appears a speck,


s: He who had followed Love's imperious lead,


s: And saves Genevra, doomed to stake and brand.


s: Though an ill mind appear in simulation,


s: And, for the most, such quality offends;


s: 'Tis plain that this in many a situation


s: And save from blame, and danger, and vexation;


s: Since we converse not always with our friends,


s: In this, less clear than clouded, mortal life,


s: Beset with snares, and full of envious strife.


s: A real friend, through various chances sought,


s: Keeping no watch upon our wandering thought;


s: What should the young Rogero's lady kind


s: Do with Brunello, not sincere, but fraught


s: With treasons manifold, and false and tainted,


s: As by the good enchantress truly painted?


s: She feigns as well with that deceitful scout;


s: (Fitting with him the father of all lies)


s: Watches his thievish hands in fear and doubt;


s: When lo!  a mighty noise is heard without!


s: "O mighty mother!  king of heaven!" she cries,


s: "What thing is this I hear?" and quickly springs


s: Towards the place from whence the larum rings,


s: Where, one to door, and one to window slips,


s: With eyes upturned and gazing at the sky,


s: And there the lady views, with wondering eye,


s: What she had scarce believed from other's lips,


s: A feathered courser, sailing through the rack,


s: Broad were his pinions, and of various hue;


s: Seated between, a knight the saddle pressed,


s: Clad in steel arms, which wide their radiance threw,


s: His wonderous course directed to the west:


s: There dropt among the mountains lost to view.


s: And this was, as that host informed his guest,


s: (And true the tale) a sorcerer, who made


s: Now farther, now more near, his frequent raid.


s: "He, sometimes towering, soars into the skies;


s: Then seems, descending, but to skim the ground:


s: And of all beauteous women makes a prize,


s: Who, to their mischief, in these parts are found.


s: Hence, whether in their own or other's eyes,


s: Esteemed as fair, the wretched damsels round,


s: (And all in fact the felon plunders) hine;


s: The necromancer keeps, the work of spell."


s: (The host relates) "of steel, so fair and bright,


s: All nature cannot match the wonderous shell.


s: There many cavaliers, to prove their might,


s: Have gone, but none returned the tale to tell.


s: So that I doubt, fair sir, the thief enthralls


s: Or slays whoever in the encounter falls."


s: The watchful maid attends to every thing,


s: Glad at her heart, and trusting to complete


s: (What she shall compass by the virtuous ring)


s: The downfall of the enchanter and his seat.


s: Then to the host -- "A guide I pray thee bring,


s: Who better knows than me the thief's retreat.


s: So burns my heart. (nor can I choose but go)


s: To strive in battle with this wizard foe."


s: "It shall not need," exclaimed the dwarfish Moor,


s: "For I, myself, will serve you as a guide;


s: Who have the road set down, with other lore,


s: So that you shall rejoice with me to ride."


s: He meant the ring, but further hint forbore;


s: And she to him -- "Your guidance gives me pleasure."


s: Meaning by this she hoped to win his treasure.


s: What useful was to say, she said, and what


s: Might hurt her with the Saracen, concealed.


s: Well suited to her ends, the host had got


s: A palfrey, fitting for the road or field.


s: She bought the steed, and as Aurora shot


s: Her rosy rays, rode forth with spear and shield:


s: And maid and courier through a valley wind,


s: From wood to wood, from mount to mountain hoar,


s: They clomb a summit, which in cloudless sky


s: Discovers France and Spain, and either shore.


s: Then through a rugged path and painful wended,


s: Which thence into a lowly vale descended.


s: A rock from that deep valley's centre springs;


s: Bright walls of steel about its summit go:


s: And this as high that airy summit flings,


s: As it leaves all the neighbouring cliffs below.


s: He may not scale the height who has not wings,


s: And vainly would each painful toil bestow.


s: "Lo!  where his prisoners!"  Sir Brunello cries,


s: "Ladies and cavaliers, the enchanter sties."


s: Scarped smooth upon four parts, the mountain bare


s: Seemed fashioned with the plumb, by builder's skill


s: Which furnished man the means to climb the hill.


s: The castle seemed the very nest and lair


s: Of animal, supplied with plume and quill.


s: And here the damsel knows 'tis time to slay


s: But deems it foul, with blood of man to stain


s: Unarmed and of so base a sort, her brand;


s: For well, without his death, she may obtain


s: The costly ring; and so suspends her hand.


s: Brunello, off his guard, with little pain,


s: She seized, and strongly bound with girding band:


s: Then to a lofty fir made fast the string;


s: But from his finger first withdrew the ring.


s: Neither by tears, nor groans, nor sound of woe,


s: To move the stedfast maid the dwarf had power:


s: She down the rugged hill descended slow,


s: Until she reached the plain beneath the tower.


s: Then gave her bugle breath, the keep below,


s: To call the castled wizard to the stower:


s: And when the sound was finished, threatening cried,


s: And called him to the combat and defied.


s: Not long within his gate the enchanter stayed,


s: After he heard the voice and bugle ring.


s: Against the foe, who seemed a man, arrayed


s: In arms, with him the horse is on the wing.


s: But his appearance well consoled the maid,


s: Who, with small cause for fear, beheld him bring


s: Nor mace, nor rested lance, nor bitting sword,


s: Wherewith the corselet might be bruised or gored.


s: On his left arm alone his shield he took,


s: Covered all o'er with silk of crimson hue;


s: Whence, as the enchanter read, strange wonder grew:


s: For often times, to sight, the lance he shook;


s: And flinching eyelids could not hide the view;


s: With tuck or mace he seemed to smite the foe:


s: But sate aloof and had not struck a blow.


s: But natural was the steed the wizard pressed;


s: Hight hippogryph.  In wings and beak and crest,


s: Formed like his sire, as in the feet before;


s: But like the mare, his dam, in all the rest.


s: Such on Riphaean hills, though rarely found,


s: Are bred, beyond the frozen ocean's bound.


s: Drawn by enchantment from his distant lair,


s: The wizard thought but how to tame the foal;


s: All shifts of manege, course and caracole;


s: He with such labour wrought.  This only real,


s: Where all the rest was hollow and ideal.


s: This truth by him with fictions was combined,


s: Whose sleight passed red for yellow, black for white:


s: But all his vain enchantments could not blind


s: The maid, whose virtuous ring assured her sight:


s: Yet she her blows discharges at the wind;


s: And spurring here and there prolongs the fight.


s: So drove or wheeled her steed, and smote at nought,


s: And practised all she had before been taught.


s: When she sometime had fought upon her horse,


s: She from the courser on her feet descends:


s: To compass and more freely put in force,


s: As by the enchantress schooled, her wily ends.


s: The wizard, to display his last resource,


s: Unweeting the defence, towards her wends.


s: He bares the shield, secure to blind his foe,


s: And by the magic light, astonished, throw.


s: The shield might have been shown at first, nor he


s: But that he loved some master-stroke to see,


s: Achieved by lance or sword in single fray.


s: As with the captive mouse, in sportive glee,


s: Till waxing wroth, or weary of her prize,


s: She bites, and at a snap the prisoner dies.


s: To cat and mouse, in battles fought before,


s: For, with the ring, the maid against him goes;


s: Firm and attentive still, and watching sore,


s: And as she sees him bare the wondrous shield,


s: Closes her eyes and falls upon the field.


s: Not that the shining metal could offend,


s: As wont those others, from its cover freed;


s: The vain enchanter from his wondrous steed.


s: Had laid her head, than wheeling widely round,


s: The flying courser pitched upon the ground.


s: Already cased again, the shield was hung,


s: He lights and seeks her, who like wolf among


s: The bushes, couched in thicket, waits the roe;


s: She without more delay from ambush sprung,


s: As he drew near, and grappled fast the foe.


s: That wretched man, the volume by whose aid


s: He all his battles fought, on earth had laid:


s: And ran to bind her with a chain, which he,


s: Girt round about him for such a purpose, wore;


s: Mastered and bound than those subdued before.


s: Excused with reason, if he strove not more.


s: For fearful were the odds between that bold


s: And puissant maid, and warrior weak and old!


s: She lifts her conquering hand; but in mid space,


s: When she beholds his visage, stops the blow,


s: She sees in him, her prowess has laid low,


s: Whose hair and wrinkles speak him, to her guess,


s: Of years six score and ten, or little less.


s: "Kill me, for love of God!" (afflicted sore,


s: The old enchanter full of wrath did cry).


s: Averse to kill, than he was bent to die.


s: The tower he in that savage place designed,


s: "Nor I, by malice moved, alas!  poor wight,"


s: "Built the fair castle on the rocky height,


s: Nor yet for rapine ply the robber's trade;


s: From danger sore and death, by love was swayed;


s: Who, as the skies foreshow, in little season,


s: Is doomed to die a Christian, and by treason.


s: "The sun beholds not 'twixt the poles, a Child


s: By love of fame and evil stars beguiled,


s: Him, in my eyes, than son esteemed more dear,


s: I seek to snatch from France and peril near.


s: Rogero's dungeon, safely harboured there;


s: And dames and knights, and more of high degree,


s: Have to this tower conveyed, his lot to share,


s: That with such partners of his prison pent,


s: He might the loss of freedom less lament.


s: "Save they should seek to break their dungeon's bound,


s: I grant my inmates every other pleasure.


s: Search its four quarters, in this keep I treasure;


s: (Whatever heart can wish or tongue can sound)


s: Cates, brave attire, game, sport, or mirthful measure.


s: My field well sown, I well had reaped my grain.


s: But that thy coming makes my labour vain.


s: "Ah!  then unless thy heart less beauteous be


s: Than thy sweet face, mar not my pious care;


s: Take my steel buckler, this I give to thee,


s: And take that horse, which flies so fast in air,


s: One or two captive friends, the rest forbear --


s: Or (for I crave but this) release them all,