s: Within my power or knowledge, count upon,


s: And from this day thou its possessor art,


s: Since not alone thy worth deserves this fee,


s: But merits, I with this should give my heart;


s: Then, pledge of faith and lasting love, to me,


s: In the meanwhile, thy friendly hand impart."


s: So saying, from his horse the king descended,


s: And towards Gryphon his right-hand extended.


s: When he beheld the monarch's altered cheer,


s: Who bent to clasp his neck, towards him paced,


s: His sword and rancour laid aside, the peer


s: Him humbly underneath the hips embraced.


s: King Norandine, who saw the sanguine smear


s: Of his two wounds, bade seek a leech in haste;


s: And bade them softly with the knight resort


s: Towards the town, and lodge him in his court.


s: Here, wounded, he remained some days before


s: He could bear arms: but him, in the design


s: I quit; they vainly did his path explore,


s: In the inquiry where the knight may use;


s: But they encounter with the pilgrim-Greek,


s: That towards Antioch she her way pursues,


s: Who her with fierce and sudden flame had warmed.


s: Sir Gryphon of the news to them conveyed,


s: Who, hearing that he had, surmised the rest, --


s: Where he was gone, and by what motive swayed:


s: And had in quest of her for Antioch made,


s: To take her from his rival, and with view


s: Aquilant brooked not Gryphon such a feat,


s: Without him, and alone, should thus assay,


s: And took his armour and pursued his beat;


s: But first besought the duke he would delay


s: Till he from Antioch measured back his way.


s: From the south-east up-sprung so strong a breeze,


s: And which for Gryphon's galley blew so right,


s: That the third day he Tyre's famed city sees,


s: And lesser Joppa quick succeeds to sight.


s: (Cyprus to larboard left) the galley light;


s: From thence, towards the east the pilot veered


s: Her ready tiller, prompt his course to scan;


s: And straightway for the wide Orontes steered,


s: And watched his time, and for the harbour ran.


s: Aquilant, when his bark the margin neared,


s: Bade lower the bridge, and issued, horse and man,


s: Up-stream, till he his way at Antioch ended.


s: And heard that he to Antioch was addrest,


s: Assured that Gryphon had pursued his quest,


s: But not by sea again would take his way.


s: God, to make plain that he, even here, bestows


s: At a league's distance from Mamuga, throws


s: Martano travelling with the tourney's prize,


s: Displayed before his horse in showy wise.


s: Sir Aquilant believed, at the first show,


s: For arms and vest, more white than virgin snow,


s: The coward in the warrior's sight belied,


s: And sprang towards him, with that joyful "Oh!"


s: But changed his look and tone, when, nearer brought


s: He sees that he is not the wight he sought:


s: And through that evil woman's treachery,


s: Deemed Gryphon murdered by the cavalier;


s: And, "Tell me," he exclaimed, "thou, who must be


s: Traitor and thief -- both written in thy cheer --


s: Whence are these arms?  and wherefore do I thee


s: How didst thou him of horse and arms deprive?"


s: She turns her palfrey, and for flight prepares:


s: But Aquilant, more quick, in her despite,


s: Arrests the traitress, ere she further fares.


s: At the loud threats of that all furious knight,


s: Martan' turns pale and trembles like a leaf,


s: Nor how to act or answer knows the thief.


s: Aquilant thundered still, and, to his dread,


s: A falchion, pointed at his gullet, shewed,


s: Save in all points the very truth be said.


s: Awhile on this ill-starred Martano chewed,


s: Revolving still what pretext he might try


s: To lessen his grave fault, then made reply:


s: "Know, sir, you see my sister in this dame,


s: And one of good and virtuous parents born,


s: Though she has lately led a life of shame,


s: And been by Gryphon foully brought to scorn;


s: And, for I loathed such blot upon our name,


s: Yet weened that she could ill by force be torn


s: From such a puissant wight, I laid a scheme


s: "With her I planned the means, who in her breast


s: Nursed the desire a better life to prove,


s: That she, when Gryphon was retired to rest,


s: In silence from the warrior should remove.


s: This done: lest he should follow on our quest,


s: Him we deprived of horse and arm, and we


s: His cunning might have proved of good avail,


s: And, save in taking Gryphon's horse and mail,


s: But that he wrought so high the specious tale,


s: In all 'twas perfect, save that he the dame


s: Had for his sister vouched with whom he came.


s: She was his concubine, -- well certified


s: Exclaimed; "Thou falsest robber, thou hast lied!"


s: And dealt, with that, the recreant such a blow,


s: He drove two grinders down his throat; then tied


s: (Not sought Martano with his foe to cope)


s: The caitiff's arms behind him with a rope.


s: And, though she for excuse tried many wiles,


s: And till he reached Damascus' lofty piles,


s: Them by town, street, or farm, behind him drew:


s: And will a thousand times a thousand miles,


s: With sorrow and with suffering, drag the two,


s: Till he his brother find; who, at his pleasure,


s: May vengeance to the guilty couple measure.


s: Sir Aquilant made squires and beasts as well


s: And heard Renown, throughout the city, swell,


s: Plying her ample wings, Sir Gryphon's name.


s: Here, great and little -- every one, could tell


s: 'Twas he that in the tourney won such fame,


s: And had, by one that ill deserved his trust,


s: Been cheated of the honours of the just.


s: Pointing him out to one another's sight,


s: "And is not this (they cried) that ribald wight


s: Who in another's spoils himself arrayed,


s: And who the valour of a sleeping knight,


s: Who aids the wicked and betrays the good?"


s: Others exclaimed, "How fittingly combined,


s: Marked with one stamp, and of one race are they!"


s: Some loudly cursed them, and some raved behind,


s: While others shouted, "Hang, burn, quarter, slay!"


s: The throng to view them prest, with fury blind,


s: And to the square before them made its way.


s: Attended with few squires the Syrian king,


s: As then he chanced to be, came forth with speed,


s: Who Gryphon had avenged with worthy deed,


s: Him honoured with fair cheer, and home would bring,


s: And in his palace lodged, as fitting meed;


s: Having the prisoned pair, with his consent,


s: Thither they go, where Gryphon from his bed


s: Has not as yet, since he was wounded, stirred;


s: Surmising well he of his case has heard:


s: And him somedeal reproached, the three conferred


s: So fallen into their hands, was justly due.


s: A thousand tortures shall their guerdon be:


s: But well is answered: and 'tis ruled, to flea


s: Martano's body with the hangman's scourge,


s: And only short of death his penance urge.


s: Bound is the wretch, but not 'mid grass and flower,


s: Whose limbs beneath the hangman's lashes burn


s: All the next morn: they prison in the tower


s: To whom the counselling lords reserve the power


s: To speak the woman's sentence, mild or stern.


s: Harboured, till Gryphon can bear arms, at court,


s: Aquilant fleets the time in fair disport.


s: (Made by such error temperate and wise),


s: With downcast spirit, and in mournful guise,


s: Whom all should worthily reward and prize;


s: So that he, night and morning, in his thought,


s: How to content the injured warrior sought.


s: With all such honour as to perfect knight


s: Could by a puissant monarch rendered be,


s: Him with the glorious guerdon to requite,


s: Which had been ravished by such treachery:


s: And hence, within a month, proclaimed the intent


s: For which he made what stately preparation


s: Hence Fame divulged the royal proclamation


s: Throughout all Syria's land, with nimble wing,


s: Phoenicia and Palestine; till the relation


s: Of this in good Astolpho's ears did ring;


s: Who, with the lord who ruled that land in trust,


s: Resolved he would be present at the just.


s: Has the true history vaunted, Sansonnet,


s: By Roland christened, Charles (I said), the peer


s: He with the duke takes up his load, to steer


s: Thither, where Rumour speaks the champions met.


s: So that his ears, on all sides in the journey,


s: Are filled with tidings of Damascus' tourney.


s: Thither the twain their way those countries through,


s: That fresh upon the day of joust the two


s: Might in Damascus-town set up their rest.


s: When at the meeting of cross-ways they view


s: And marvellously fierce, in martial raid.


s: And such her worth, she oft with naked brand


s: Had pressed Orlando sore in martial game,


s: Scowered, here and there, by hill and plain, the land;


s: She sees approaching her, in warlike weed,


s: Who seem two valiant warriors in her sight,


s: As of large bone, and nerved for doughty deed,


s: On them she fain would prove her martial might,


s: And to defy the pair has moved her steed.


s: When, eyeing the two warriors, now more near,


s: His pleasing ways she did in mind retrace,


s: Called him by name, nor would in iron case;


s: Retain her hand, upraised the casque she wore,


s: And him, advanced, to meet with glad embrace,


s: Though, of all living dames and those of yore,


s: The proudest, she; nor with less courteous mien


s: They questioned one another of their way;


s: And when the duke has said (who first replied)


s: Their virtuous deeds, all knights of valour tried


s: The Syrian king invites, in martial play, --


s: The bold Marphisa, at his hearing cried,


s: (Ever to prove her warlike prowess bent)


s: "I will be with you at this tournament."


s: Are lodged, upon the day before the show;


s: In greater ease the weary warriors rested


s: Than had they been in costly palace guested.


s: Its shining glories all abroad had spread,


s: The beauteous lady armed, and warriors twain,


s: Who, when 'twas time, reported to the train,


s: That, to see truncheons split in contest dread,


s: In which the cruel games appointed were.


s: Straight to the city ride the martial band,


s: And, through the high-street, to the crowded place;


s: Where, waiting for the royal signal, stand,


s: Ranged here and there, the knights of gentle race.


s: The guerdons destined to the conqueror's hand,


s: In that day's tourney, were a tuck and mace


s: Richly adorned, and, with them, such a steed


s: As to the winning lord were fitting meed.


s: Norandine, sure that, in the martial game,


s: Both prizes destined for the conquering knight,


s: As well as one and the other tourney's fame,


s: Must be obtained by Gryphon, named the white,


s: To give him all that valiant man could claim,


s: Nor could he give the warrior less, with right,


s: The armour, guerdon of this final course


s: Placed with the tuck and mace and noble horse.


s: The arms which in the former joust the due


s: Of valiant Gryphon were, who all had gained,


s: (With evil profit, by the wretch untrue,


s: Martan' usurped, who Gryphon's bearing feigned)


s: With the rich-flourished tuck, the king ordained,


s: The mace, that Gryphon might win either meed.


s: Who late into the crowded square had wended,


s: With Sansonnet and England's duke arrayed,


s: Seeing the arms of which I spoke suspended,


s: She straight agnized the harness she surveyed,


s: Once hers, and dear to her; as matters are


s: Though, as a hindrance, she upon the road


s: Had left the arms, when, to retrieve her sword,


s: She from her shoulders slipt the ponderous load,


s: And chased Brunello, worthy of the cord.


s: More to relate were labour ill bestowed,


s: How here she found anew her armour good.


s: You shall take with you, when by manifest


s: And certain tokens they by her were known,


s: She, for no earthly thing, the iron vest


s: And weapons for a day would have foregone.


s: She thinks not if this mode or that be best


s: To have them, anxious to regain her own;


s: But t'wards the arms with hand extended hies,


s: And without more regard takes down the prize.


s: And throwing some on earth, it chanced that more


s: Raised war against her with a single look.


s: For ill the wrong his angered people bore,


s: And, to avenge him, lance and falchion shook;


s: No wishful child more joyfully, 'mid all


s: The flowers of spring-tide, yellow, blue, and red,


s: Dame beauteous and adorned, than 'mid the tread


s: Of warlike steeds, and din of arms, and fall


s: Of darts, and push of spears. -- where blood is shed,


s: And death is dealt, in the tumultuous throng, --


s: SHE finds herself beyond all credence strong.


s: She spurred her courser, and with lance in rest,


s: And -- through the neck impaled or through the breast, --


s: Some pierced, some prostrate at the encounter layed.


s: Next this or that she with the falchion prest;


s: The head from one she severed with the blade,


s: And from that other cleft: another sank,


s: Short of right arm or left, or pierced in flank.


s: Who had, with her, their limbs in harness dight,


s: Though they for other end in arms appear,


s: Seeing the maid and crowd engaged in fight,


s: First lower the helmet's vizor, next the spear,


s: And with their lances charge the mob outright:


s: Then bare their falchions, and, amid the crew,


s: A passage with the trenchant weapons hew.


s: To joust, from different lands had made resort,


s: Seeing them warfare with such fury wage,


s: And into mourning changed the expected sport,


s: Because all knew not what had moved the rage


s: Nor what the insult offered to the king,


s: Of these, some will the crowded rabble's band


s: (Too late repentant of the feat) befriend:


s: Those, favouring not the natives of the land


s: More than the foreigners, to part them wend.


s: Others more wary, with their reins in hand,


s: Sit watching how the mischief is to end.


s: Which hurry forward to avenge the wrong.


s: The monarch's drunken eyes with venom fraught,


s: The occasion which the furious strife had wrought,


s: Himself no whit less injured than the king


s: Of Syria's land, offended Gryphon thought.


s: Each knight, in haste, supplied himself with spear,


s: And thundering vengeance drove in full career.


s: On Rabican, pricked forth before his hand,


s: With the enchanted lance of gold in hand,


s: Which at the first encounter bore to ground


s: What knights he smote with it; and on the sand


s: Laid Gryphon first; next Aquilant he found,


s: And scarcely touched the border of his shield,


s: Ere he reversed the warrior on the field.


s: Famous for price and prowess, many a knight.


s: To the outlet of the square the mob withdrew;


s: The monarch raged with anger and despite.


s: Meanwhile, of the first cuirass and the new


s: Possest, as well as either helmet bright,


s: Marphisa, when she all in flight discerned,


s: Conqueror towards her suburb-inn returned.


s: In following t'wards the gate the martial maid,


s: And halt when they have reached the barricade.


s: Themselves on earth at one encounter laid,


s: Their drooping heads, opprest with shame, decline,


s: Seizing their steeds and mounting, either son


s: The king; on death or vengeance all intent.


s: The foolish rabble cry, "Lay on, lay on."


s: And stand at distance and await the event.


s: Gryphon arrived where the three friends had gained


s: A bridge, and facing round the post maintained.


s: He, at the first approach, Astolpho knew,


s: For still the same device had been his wear,


s: Even from the day he charmed Orrilo slew,


s: His horse, his arms the same: him not with care


s: Sir Gryphon had remarked, nor stedfast view,


s: When late he jousted with him in the square:


s: He knows him here and greets; next prays him show


s: Who the companions are that with him go;


s: And why they had those arms, without the fear


s: Of Syria's king, pulled down, and to his slight.


s: Sir Gryphon courteously informed aright.


s: But little of those arms, pursued the peer,


s: He knew, which were the occasion of the fight;


s: And Sansonnet) had armed to aid the dame.


s: Whom he heard speaking with his brother nigh,


s: And, though of evil purpose, changed his mood.


s: Of Norandine's trooped many, these to spy;


s: But came not nigh the warriors where they stood:


s: And seeing them in conference, stood clear,


s: Listening, in silence, and intent to hear.


s: Some one who hears Marphisa hold is there,


s: Famed, through the world, for matchless bravery,


s: His courser turns, and bids the king have care,


s: To snatch his court, before all slaughtered are,


s: From the hand of Death and of Tisiphone:


s: As Norandine is told that name of dread,


s: Through the Levant so feared on every side,


s: Whose mention made the hair on many a head


s: Bristle, though she was often distant wide.


s: He fears the ill may happen which is said,


s: And hence his meiny, who have changed their ire


s: With Sansonnetto and the English knight,


s: Puts up, and terminates the cruel fight;


s: And to the monarch next, amid his brand,


s: Cries, proudly, "Sir, I know not by what right


s: Thou wouldst this armour, not thine own, present


s: "Mine are these arms, which I, upon a day,


s: Left on the road which leads from Armeny,


s: Because, parforce a-foot, I sought to stay


s: The truth of this my ensign may display.


s: Which here is seen, if it be known to thee."


s: With that she on the plate which sheathed the breast


s: (Cleft in three places) showed a crown imprest.


s: 'Tis true," replied the king, "some days ago;


s: And had you raised your voice, the arms to crave,


s: You should have had them, whether yours or no.


s: He freely would resign the gift he earned,


s: These arms are yours -- that they your impress bear;


s: Your word suffices me, by me more weighed


s: Than all that other witness could declare.


s: To grant them yours is but a tribute paid


s: Now have the arms, and let us make accord;


s: And let some fairer gift the knight reward."


s: Gryphon, who little had those arms at heart,


s: Teaching me how your wishes to content."


s: -- "Here is my honour all at sake," apart,


s: "Meseemeth," said Marphisa, and forewent


s: Her claim for Gryphon's sake, with courteous cheer;


s: And, as his gift, in fine received the gear.


s: In love and peace they measured back their way.


s: Next came the joust, of which the honour due,


s: And prize was Sansonnet's; since from the fray


s: Abstained Astolpho and the brethren two,


s: Like faithful friends and good companions; fain


s: That Sansonnet the tourney's meed should gain.


s: Eight days or ten in joy and triumph dwell


s: The knights with Norandine; but with such strong


s: Desire of France the warriors' bosoms swell,


s: Which will not let them thence be absent long,


s: They take their leave.  Marphisa, who as well


s: Thither would go, departs the troop among.


s: Marphisa had long time, with sword and lance,


s: Desired to prove the paladins of France;


s: Such worth as is by Rumour voiced display.


s: And now these five, in chosen squadron speed,


s: Who have few peers in prowess, on their way.


s: They wend, and to the neighbouring haven hie.


s: For western countries, taking in her store:


s: They, with the patron, for themselves and gear,


s: Of Luna he: the heavens, on all sides clear,


s: Vouch many days' fair weather.  From the shore


s: They loose, with sky serene, and every sail


s: Of the yare vessel stretched by favouring gale.


s: Breathed upon them an air, in her first port,


s: But moulders iron, and here life is short;


s: -- A marsh the cause, -- and Nature certainly


s: Wrongs Famagosta, poisoning, in such sort,


s: The noxious scents that from the marish spring,


s: After short sojourn there, compel their flight.


s: Extends, and circles Cyprus to the right,


s: Makes Paphos' island next, and, anchoring,


s: The crew and warriors on the beach alight;


s: Those to ship merchandize, and these, at leisure,


s: To view the laughing land of Love and Pleasure.


s: Inland six miles or seven from thence, a way


s: Scales, with an easy rise, a pleasant hill;


s: Which myrtle, orange, cedar-tree, and bay,


s: And other perfumed plants by thousands fill;


s: Thyme, marjoram, crocus, rose, and lily gay


s: From odoriferous leaf such sweets distill,


s: That they who sail the sea the fragrance bland,


s: Scent in each genial gale which blows from land.


s: A fruitful rill, by limpid fountain fed,


s: Waters, all round about, the fertile space.


s: That passing joyous and delightful place:


s: For every maid and wife, who there is bred,


s: Is through the world beside, unmatched in grace:


s: And Venus wills, till their last hour be tolled,


s: That Love should warm their bosoms, young and old.


s: 'Twas here they heard the same which they before


s: Of the orc and of Lucina, erst had heard


s: Thence (a fair wind now blowing from the shore)


s: His bark for sea the ready Patron cleared,


s: Hawled up his anchor, westward turned the head


s: Of the good ship, and all his canvas spread.


s: To the north wind, which blew upon their right,


s: Stretching to seaward, they their sails untie:


s: When lo! a south-south-wester, which seemed light,


s: In the beginning, while the sun was high,


s: And afterwards increased in force t'wards night,


s: Raised up the sea against them mountains high;


s: With such dread flashes, and loud peals of thunder,


s: As Heaven, to swallow all in fire, would sunder.


s: The clouds their gloomy veil above them strain,


s: Nor suffer sun or star to cheer the view.


s: Above the welkin roared, beneath the main;


s: On every side the wind and tempest grew;


s: Which, with sharp piercing cold and blinding rain,


s: While aye descending night, with deeper shade,


s: The sailors, in this war of wind and flood,


s: Were prompt to manifest their vaunted art.


s: One blowing through the shrilling whistle stood,


s: And with the signal taught the rest their part.


s: One clears the best bower anchor: one is good


s: To lower, this other to hawl home or start


s: The braces; one from deck the lumber cast,


s: And this secured the tiller, that the mast.


s: The cruel wind increased throughout the night,


s: Which grew more dismal and more dark than hell.


s: Where he believed less broken was the swell;


s: And turned his prow to meet, with ready sleight,


s: The buffets of the dreadful waves which fell;


s: Never without some hope, that at day-break


s: The storm might lull, or else its fury slake.


s: It lulls not, nor its fury slakes, but grown


s: Wilder, shows worse by day, -- if this be day,


s: Which but by reckoning of the hours is known,


s: Now, with more fear (his weaker hope o'erthrown).


s: The sorrowing Patron to the wind gives way,


s: He veers his barque before the cruel gale,


s: And scowers the foaming sea with humble sail.


s: While Fortune on the sea annoys this crew,


s: She grants those others small repose by land,


s: Those left in France, who one another slew, --


s: Nor troops nor banners spread before him stand:


s: Had spurred the gallant Dardinel to meet.


s: The shield, of which Almontes' son was vain,


s: That of the quarters, good Rinaldo spied;


s: And deemed him bold, and of a valiant strain,


s: Who with Orlando's ensign dared to ride.


s: Approaching nearer, this appeared more plain,


s: When heaps of slaughtered men he round him eyed.


s: "Better it were," he cried, "to overthrow


s: This evil plant, before it shoot and grow."


s: Each to retreat betook him, where the peer


s: His face directed, and large passage made.


s: Nor less the Saracens than faithful, clear


s: The way, so reverenced is Fusberta's blade.


s: Saw none, nor he to chase his prey delayed.


s: To whom, "He cast upon thee mickle care,


s: Poor child, who of that buckler left thee heir.


s: "I seek thee out to prove (if thou attend


s: My coming) how thou keep'st the red and white,


s: For thou, save this from me thou canst defend,


s: Canst ill defend it from Orlando's might."


s: To him the king: "Now clearly comprehend,


s: And I more honour hope than trouble dread


s: From my paternal quartering, white and red.


s: "Have thou no hope to make me fly, or yield


s: To thee my quarters, though a child I be;


s: My life shalt thou take from me, if my shield;


s: -- This as it may! -- shall none, in fighting field,


s: So said, and grasping in his hand the sword,


s: The youthful king assailed Mount Alban's lord.


s: Upon all parts, a freezing fear goes through


s: The heart blood of each trembling paynim nigh,


s: When they amazed the fierce Rinaldo view;


s: Who charged the monarch with such enmity,


s: To stings of love, should in a meadow spy.


s: The Moor smote first, but fruitless was his task,


s: Who beat in vain upon Mambrino's casque.


s: Rinaldo smiled, and said: "I'd have thee know


s: If I am better skilled to find the vein."


s: He spurs, and lets with that the bridle go,


s: And a thrust pushes with such might and main,


s: -- A thrust against the bosom of his foe,


s: That at his back the blade appears again.


s: Forth issued blood and soul, and from his sell


s: Lifeless and cold the reeling body fell.


s: Which levelled by the passing ploughshare lies;


s: In garden droops its head in piteous wise:


s: So past, his visage losing all its dyes;


s: So passed from life; and perished with their king,


s: The heart and hope of all his following.


s: As waters will sometime their course delay,


s: Stagnant, and penned in pool by human skill,


s: Fall, and with mighty noise the country fill:


s: 'Twas so the Africans, who had some stay,


s: Fled here and there, dismayed on every side,


s: When they him hurtling form his sell descried.


s: Letting the flyers fly, of those who stand


s: Firm in their place, Rinaldo breaks the array;


s: Who ranks well nigh Rinaldo on that day.


s: O'erturns, all rivals in the glorious fray.


s: Well Charles and Oliver their parts have done,


s: In peril were the Moors, that none again


s: Should visit Heatheness, that day opprest:


s: But that the wise and wary king of Spain,


s: Gathered, and from the field bore off the rest:


s: To sit down with his loss he better gain


s: Esteemed, that here to hazard purse and vest:


s: Better some remnant of the host to save,


s: Than bid whole squadrons stand and find a grave.


s: He bids forthwith the Moorish ensigns be


s: Borne to the camp, which fosse and rampart span.


s: Who will no little praise that day deserve,


s: If he his person and his place preserve.


s: That king, who deemed himself in desperate case,


s: Heard that Marsilius had contrived to place


s: And faced about his banners and bade beat


s: Throughout his broken squadrons a retreat.


s: But the best portion neither signal knew,


s: Nor listened to the drum or trumpet's sound.


s: So scared, so crowded is the wretched crew,


s: That many in Seine's neighbouring stream are drowned,


s: (With him Sobrino) scowers the squadrons round;


s: And with them every leader good combines


s: To bring the routed host within their lines.


s: But nought by sovereign or Sobrino done,


s: Who, toiling, them with prayer or menace stirred,


s: To march, where their ill-followed flags are gone.


s: Can bring (I say not all) not even a third.


s: Slaughtered or put to flight are two for one


s: Who 'scapes, -- nor he unharmed: among that herd,


s: Wounded is this behind, and that before,


s: And wearied, one and all, and harassed sore.


s: And even within their lines, in panic sore,


s: They by the Christian bands are held in chase;


s: Was made there, for provisioning the place.


s: Would grapple Fortune, when she turned her face,


s: But that dark night upon the field descended,


s: And hushed all earthly matters and suspended:


s: Was moved to pity for the works he made.


s: The blood in torrents ran the country through,


s: Flooding the roads: while on the champaign laid


s: Were eighty thousand of the paynim crew,


s: Cut off that day by the destroying blade:


s: Last trooped from caverns, at the midnight hour,


s: Villain and wolf to spoil them and devour.


s: King Charles returns no more within the town,


s: The Moor's cantonments, and bids up and down,


s: And round, high-piled and frequent watch-fires light.


s: Rampart and mine, and all things requisite;


s: Visits his outposts and his guards alarms,


s: Nor all the livelong night puts off his arms.


s: That livelong night the foes, throughout their tents,


s: As insecure and with their scathe deprest,


s: Poured tears, and uttered murmurs and laments;


s: But, as they could, their sounds of woe supprest.


s: One grief for slaughtered friends or kindred vents;


s: Some are by sorrows of their own distrest,


s: Tremble at mischief which they deem in store.


s: Of constant love, is worthy to be known:


s: Medoro and Cloridan were named the pair;


s: Who, whether Fortune pleased to smile or frown,


s: And late with him to France had crost the sea.


s: Of nimble frame and strong was Cloridane,


s: Throughout his life a follower of the chase.


s: A cheek of white, suffused with crimson grain,


s: Nor bound on that emprize, 'mid all the train,


s: Crisp hair he had of gold, and jet-black eyes:


s: And seemed an angel lighted from the skies.


s: These two were posted on a rampart's height,


s: With more to guard the encampment from surprise,


s: When 'mid the equal intervals, at night,


s: Medoro gazed on heaven with sleepy eyes.


s: In all his talk, the stripling, woful wight,


s: Here cannot choose, but of his lord devise,


s: Him, left unhonoured on the field, deplore.


s: Then, turning to his mate, cries: "Cloridane,


s: Should lie, unworthy food for wolf or crow!


s: This life of mine, for favours so immense


s: Go forth, and seek him out among the slain;


s: And haply God may will that none shall spy


s: Where Charles's camp lies hushed.  Do thou remain;


s: That, if my death be written in the sky,


s: Thou may'st the deed be able to explain.


s: The world, through Fame, my loving heart may weet."


s: Such heart, such love, and such fair loyalty;


s: And fain would make the youth his though forego,


s: Whom he held passing dear; but fruitlessly


s: Would move his stedfast purpose; for such woe


s: Seeing that nought would bend him, nought would move,


s: "In such a glorious act myself will prove;


s: What other thing is left me, here above,


s: With thee in arms is better, on the plain,


s: Than afterwards of grief, should'st thou be slain."


s: And thus resolved, disposing in their place


s: Their guard's relief, depart the youthful pair,


s: Leave fosse and palisade, and, in small space,


s: Are among ours, who watch with little care:


s: Who, for they little fear the paynim race,


s: Slumber with fires extinguished everywhere.


s: 'Mid carriages and arms, they lie supine


s: Up to the eyes, immersed in sleep and wine.


s: This troop, by whom my master's blood was shed,


s: Watch everywhere about, with ears and eyes.


s: I offer here to make thee with my sword."


s: So said he, and his talk cut quickly short,


s: Coming where learned Alpheus slumbered nigh;


s: Who had the year before sought Charles's court,


s: Well versed; but now in art found small-support,


s: He had foreseen, that he his long-drawn life


s: Has pierced his weasand with the pointed sword.


s: Nor gave the wretches time to say a word.


s: And Time had of their names effaced record.


s: One who securely sleeps between two steeds.


s: Next came the warrior where, with limbs outspread,


s: Pillowed on barrel, lay the wretched Gryll:


s: This he had drained, and undisturbed by dread,


s: Hoped to enjoy a peaceful sleep and still.


s: Blood issues from the tap-hole, with a rill


s: Of wine; and he, well drenched with many a can,


s: Dreams that he drinks, dispatched by Cloridan.


s: A Greek and German, at two thrusts he gored,


s: Who in the air had past large part of night


s: With dice and goblet; blest it at that board


s: They still had watched, till, clothed in amber light,


s: The radiant sun had traversed Indus' ford!


s: Whom wasting famine had made lean and spare,


s: Devours and rends, and swallows, and lays dead


s: The feeble flock, which at his mercy are;


s: So, in their sleep, the cruel paynim bled


s: Our host, and made wide slaughter everywhere:


s: Nor blunted was the young Medoro's sword,


s: But he disdained to smite the ignoble horde.


s: He to Labretto's duke, leaving those dead,


s: Had come, who slumbered with a gentle mate,


s: Each clasping each so closely in their bed,


s: That air between them could not penetrate.


s: Oh!  blessed way of death!  oh!  happy fate!


s: For 'tis my trust, that as their bodies, so


s: Their souls embracing to their bourne shall go.


s: His brother, sons to the earl of Flanders they:


s: To whom has bearings (each to arms was new)


s: Charles had the lilies given; because that day


s: With crimsoned staves, returning from the fray;


s: And them with lands in Flanders vowed to glad;


s: Rearing the insidious blade, the pair are near


s: The place, where round King Charles' pavilion


s: Guarding the side that each is camped upon.


s: When in good time the paynims backward steer,


s: And sheathe their swords, the impious slaughter done;


s: But they must light on one who does not slumber.


s: And though they might escape well charged with prey,


s: To save themselves they think sufficient gain.


s: Where, in the field, 'mid bow and falchion, lay,


s: And shield and spear, in pool of purple stain,


s: Wealthy and poor, the king and vassal's corse,


s: Which heaped the plain where roved these comrades sworn,


s: Might well have rendered vain their faithful care


s: Amid the mighty piles, till break of morn,


s: Had not the moon, at young Medoro's prayer,


s: Out of a gloomy cloud put forth her horn.


s: Towards the moon, and thus devoutly cries:


s: Have styled as of a triple form, and who


s: Thy sovereign beauty dost in heaven, and hell,


s: And earth, in many forms reveal; and through


s: The greenwood holt, of beast and monster fell,


s: -- A huntress bold -- the flying steps pursue,


s: Who did, alive, thy holy studies prize."


s: At the youth's prayer from parted cloud outshone


s: She circled in her naked arms: with tent,


s: Seen in that gleam, and hill and plain's extent.


s: With these Mount Martyr and Mount Levy's height,


s: This on the left, and that upon the right.


s: The silvery splendor glistened yet more clear,


s: There where renowned Almontes' son lay dead.


s: Faithful Medoro mourned his master dear,


s: Who well agnized the quartering white and red,


s: With visage bathed in many a bitter tear


s: (For he a rill from either eyelid shed),


s: And piteous act and moan, that might have whist


s: The winds, his melancholy plaint to list;


s: But with a voice supprest: not that he aught


s: Regards if any one the noise should hear,


s: Because he of his life takes any thought;


s: Of which loathed burden he would fain be clear;


s: But, lest his being heard should bring to nought


s: The pious purpose which has brought them here.


s: The youths the king upon their shoulders stowed;


s: And so between themselves divide the load.


s: Hurrying their steps, they hastened, as they might,


s: Under the cherished burden they conveyed;


s: And now approaching was the lord of light,


s: To sweep from heaven the stars, from earth the shade.


s: When good Zerbino, he, whose valiant sprite


s: Was ne'er in time of need by sleep down-weighed,


s: From chasing Moors all night, his homeward way


s: He has with him some horsemen in his train,


s: Expecting thus some spoil or prize to gain,


s: They, every one, towards that quarter hie.


s: "Brother, behoves us," cried young Cloridane,


s: "To cast away the load we bear, and fly:


s: For 'twere a foolish thought (might well be said)


s: To lose two living men, to save one dead:


s: And dropt the burden, weening his Medore


s: But that poor boy, who loved his master more,


s: His shoulders to the weight, alone, applied;


s: Cloridan hurrying with all haste before,


s: Who, did he know his danger, him to save


s: A thousand deaths, instead of one, would brave.


s: Those horsemen, with intent to make the two


s: Yield themselves prisoners to their band, or die,


s: Some here, some there, disperse the champaign through,


s: The captain, little distant from his crew,


s: Is keener than the rest the chase to ply;


s: And, when he sees them hurrying in such guise,


s: Of old an ancient forest clothed that lair,


s: Of salvage beasts alone the wild repair,


s: And, like a labyrinth, full of narrow ways:


s: Here from the boughs such shelter hope the pair


s: As may conceal them well from hostile gaze.


s: But him I shall expect who loves the rhyme,


s: Is healed, and weds, and bears her to Catay.


s: At length Marphisa, with the chosen band,


s: After long suffering, makes Laiazzi's bay.


s: Which impious women rule with civil sway,


s: And lodges her and hers at full of night.


s: Who on the top of Fortune's wheel is seated;


s: Since he, by true and faithless friends, with show


s: Of equal faith, in glad estate is greeted.


s: The flattering multitude is turned and fleeted!


s: While he who loves his master from his heart,


s: Even after death performs his faithful part.


s: Were the heart seen as is the outward cheer,


s: He who at court is held in sovereign grace,


s: With parts reversed, would fill each other's place;


s: The humble man the greater would appear,


s: And he, now first, be hindmost in the race.


s: The youth who loved his lord, alive or dead.


s: To save himself, pursued the youth forlorn;


s: But all his schemes were marred by the delay


s: Of that sore weight upon his shoulders born.


s: The place he knew not, and mistook the way,


s: And hid himself again in sheltering thorn.


s: Secure and distant was his mate, that through


s: The greenwood shade with lighter shoulders flew.


s: But when he marked the absence of Medore,


s: It seemed as if his heart was left behind.


s: "Ah!  how was I so negligent," (the Moor


s: Exclaimed) "so far beside myself, and blind,


s: That I, Medoro, should without thee fare,


s: Nor know when I deserted thee or where?"


s: Plunging into the maze with hurried pace;


s: And thither, whence he lately issued, steers,


s: And, desperate, of death returns in trace.


s: Cries and the tread of steeds this while he hears,


s: And word and the tread of foemen, as in chase:


s: Disarmed, on foot, 'mid many horse, alone.


s: A hundred horsemen who the youth surround,


s: Zerbino leads, and bids his followers seize


s: The stripling: like a top, the boy turns round


s: And keeps him as he can: among the trees,


s: Behind oak, elm, beech, ash, he takes his ground,


s: Nor from the cherished load his shoulders frees.


s: Wearied, at length, the burden he bestowed


s: Upon the grass, and stalked about his load.


s: With whom close warfare Alpine hunters wage,


s: And growls in mingled sound of love and rage,


s: To unsheath her claws, and blood her tushes bare,


s: Would natural hate and wrath the beast engage;


s: Love softens her, and bids from strife retire,


s: And for her offspring watch, amid her ire.


s: But who would not for death this being forego,


s: Until more foes than one should lifeless lie,


s: Fits, and directs it with so true an eye,


s: The feathered weapon bores a Scotchman's brain,


s: And lays the warrior dead upon the plain.


s: Turned thither, whence was shot the murderous reed;


s: Meanwhile he launched another from his stand,


s: That a new foe might by the weapon bleed,


s: Whom (while he made of this and that demand,


s: And loudly questioned who had done the deed)


s: The arrow reached -- transfixed the wretch's throat,


s: And cut his question short in middle note.


s: Zerbino, captain of those horse, no more


s: Can at the piteous sight his wrath refrain;


s: In furious heat, he springs upon Medore,


s: Exclaiming, "Thou of this shalt bear the pain."


s: Enwreaths, and drags him to himself amain;


s: But, as his eyes that beauteous face survey,


s: Takes pity on the boy, and does not slay.


s: To him the stripling turns, with suppliant cry,


s: And, "By thy God, sir knight," exclaims, "I pray,


s: That I in earth my honoured king may lay:


s: This for the love of life, believe me, say.


s: So much, no longer, space of life I crave.


s: "And if you needs must feed the beast and bird,


s: Like Theban Creon, let their worst be done


s: Upon these limbs; so that by me interred


s: In earth be those of good Almontes' son."


s: Medoro thus his suit, with grace, preferred,


s: And words -- to move a mountain, and so won


s: Upon Zerbino's mood, to kindness turned,


s: This while, a churlish horseman of the band,


s: Who little deference for his lord confest,


s: The unhappy suppliant in his dainty breast.


s: Was deeply stirred, the rather that, opprest


s: And livid with the blow the churl had sped,


s: So grieved Zerbino, with such wrath was stung,


s: "Not unavenged shalt thou remain," he cries;


s: But he his vantage marks, and, from among


s: The warriors, in a moment slips and flies.


s: Of young Medoro's fall, springs forth to fight;


s: And casts away his bow, and, 'mid the band


s: Of foemen, whirls his falchion, in desire


s: Rather of death, than hoping that his hand


s: May snatch a vengeance equal to his ire.


s: Tinged with his blood, and ready to expire,


s: And feeling he the sword no more can guide,


s: The Scots pursue their chief, who pricks before,


s: Through the deep wood, inspired by high disdain,


s: When he has left the one and the other Moor,


s: This dead, that scarce alive, upon the plain.


s: There for a mighty space lay young Medore,


s: Spouting his life-blood from so large a vein,


s: He would have perished, but that thither made


s: A stranger, as it chanced, who lent him aid.


s: By chance arrived a damsel at the place,


s: Who was (though mean and rustic was her wear)


s: Of royal presence and of beauteous face,


s: That you will hardly recognise the fair.


s: The lofty daughter of Catay's great khan.


s: The ring Brunello had from her conveyed,


s: So waxed in stubborn pride and haught disdain,


s: She seemed to scorn this ample world, and strayed


s: Alone, and held as cheap each living swain,


s: Although, amid the best, by Fame arrayed:


s: That good Rinaldo she had loved of yore;


s: And that to look so low she had consented,


s: (As by such choice dishonoured) grieved her sore.


s: Love, hearing this, such arrogance resented,


s: And would the damsel's pride endure no more.


s: Where young Medoro lay he took his stand,


s: And waited her, with bow and shaft in hand.


s: Nigh hurt to death in that disastrous fray,


s: Who for his king, that there unsheltered lies,


s: More sad than for his own misfortune lay,


s: Touched was her haughty heart, once hard and curst,


s: And more when he his piteous tale rehearsed.


s: (Since it appears such studies in that part


s: Worthy of praise and fame are held to be,


s: And, as an heir-loom, sires to sons impart,


s: Disposed herself to work with simples' juice,


s: Till she in him should healthier life produce;


s: And recollects a herb had caught her sight


s: I know not; fraught with virtue to restrain


s: The crimson blood forth-welling, and of might


s: To sheathe each perilous and piercing pain,


s: She found it near, and having pulled the weed,


s: Who was on horseback passing through the wood.


s: Strayed from the lowing herd, the rustic wight


s: A heifer, missing for two days, pursued.


s: Him she with her conducted, where the might


s: Of the faint youth was ebbing with his blood:


s: Which had the ground about so deeply dyed,


s: Life was nigh wasted with the gushing tide.


s: She hastened 'twixt two stones the herb to pound,


s: Then took it, and the healing juice exprest:


s: With this did she foment the stripling's wound,


s: And, even to the hips, his waist and breast;


s: And (with such virtue was the salve endued)


s: It stanched his life-blood, and his strength renewed;


s: That he could mount the horse the swain conveyed;


s: But good Medoro would not leave the plain


s: Till he in earth had seen his master laid.


s: And after followed whither pleased the maid,


s: Beneath the courteous shepherd's humble shed.


s: Nor would the damsel quit the lowly pile


s: (So she esteemed the youth) till he was sound;


s: Such pity first she felt, when him erewhile


s: She saw outstretched and bleeding on the ground.


s: Touched by his mien and manners next, a file


s: She felt corrode her heart with secret wound;


s: She felt corrode her heart, and with desire,


s: By little and by little warmed, took fire.


s: The shepherd dwelt, between two mountains hoar,


s: In goodly cabin, in the greenwood shade,


s: With wife and children; and, short time before,


s: The brent-new shed had builded in the glade.


s: Here of his griesly wound the youthful Moor


s: Than young Medoro's, suffered at her heart.


s: A wound far wider and which deeper lies,


s: Now in her heart she feels, from viewless bow;


s: Which from the boy's fair hair and beauteous eyes


s: Had the winged archer dealt: a sudden glow


s: She feels, and still the flames increasing rise;


s: Yet less she heeds her own than other's woe:


s: -- Heeds not herself, and only to content


s: Her ill but festered and increased the more


s: The stripling's wounds were seen to heal and close:


s: The youth grew lusty, while she suffered sore,


s: And, with new fever parched, now burnt, now froze:


s: Exposed, in sunny place, to scorching ray.


s: Must help herself, nor yet delay the aid.


s: Deemed 'twas no time to wait till she was prayed.


s: With tongue as bold as eyes, petition made,


s: To sheathe the suffering of that cruel blow.


s: Say what your valour has availed to you!


s: Say what your honour boots, what goodly fee


s: With which she ever graced ye, -- old or new, --


s: As some poor recompense, desert, or guerdon,


s: For having born so long so sore a burden!


s: Oh! couldst thou yet again to life return,


s: In that she whilom thee was wont to spurn,


s: With sharp repulse and insolent disdain.


s: Unsung, who wrought a thousand feats in vain


s: For this ungrateful fair, what pain 'twould be


s: Could you within his arms the damsel see!


s: To pluck, as yet untouched, the virgin rose,


s: Was none so blest as in that garden's close


s: Yet to have set his venturous foot before.


s: Somedeal to veil -- to gild -- the matter o'er.


s: Young Love was bridesman there the tie to bless,


s: And for brideswoman stood the shepherdess.


s: The couple made their wedding as they might;


s: And there above a month, in tranquil guise,


s: Save for the youth the lady has no eyes,


s: Nor with his looks can satisfy her sight.


s: Nor yet of hanging on his neck can tire,


s: Of feel she can content her fond desire.


s: The beauteous boy is with her night and day,


s: Does she untent herself, or keep the shed.


s: Morning or eve they to some meadow stray,


s: Now to this bank, and to that other led:


s: With Dido, when the tempest raged above,


s: The faithful witness to their secret love.


s: Amid such pleasures, where, with tree o'ergrown,


s: Ran stream, or bubbling fountain's wave did spin,


s: On bark or rock, if yielding were the stone,


s: The knife was straight at work or ready pin.


s: And there, without, in thousand places lone,


s: When she believed they had prolonged their stay


s: And with its crown Medoro's head entwine.


s: With costly gems, in witness and in sign


s: And which the damsel for long time had worn.


s: This Morgue bestowed; and from captivity


s: The youth (restored to Monodantes grave,


s: His ancient sire, through Roland's chivalry)


s: Roland, a lover, deigned the gorgeous fee


s: The present to his queen, of whom I say.


s: But that it costly is and wrought with care,


s: That never more esteemed was matter rare:


s: This she was suffered, in THE ISLE OF TEARS,


s: When, naked, to the whale exposed for food


s: Served by them in their cabin, from the day


s: She there was lodged, with such fidelity,


s: Unfastened from her arm the bracelet gay,


s: Departing hence the lovers climb the side


s: Of hills, which fertile France from Spain divide.


s: Until some goodly ship should make her boun


s: To loose for the Levant: as so the twain


s: Those mountains -- they behold the subject main;


s: And keeping on their left the beach below,


s: But, ere they there arrive, a crazed wight


s: Who is bedaubed like swine, in filthy plight,


s: And smeared with mud, face, reins, and bosom o'er'


s: Swiftly assails the stranger at the door;


s: Who, death before their eyes, the vext Levant


s: Traverse, and ill resist the boisterous swell.


s: While aye more passing proud and arrogant,


s: Waxes in rage and threat the tempest fell.


s: And now three days the angry gale has blown,


s: Waves lifted by the waxing tempest start


s: Castle and flooring, and, if yet there be


s: Here, pricking out their course upon the chart,


s: This one beneath the poop, beneath the prow


s: That other, stands to watch the ebbing sand;


s: And (each half-glass run out) returns to know


s: What way the ship has made, and towards what land.


s: Thence all to speak their different thoughts, below,


s: To midships make resort, with chart in hand;


s: There where the mariners, assembled all,


s: Are met in council, at the master's call.


s: Among the shoals" -- and by his reckoning, nigh


s: Where shipwrecked, for the most part, vessels lie.


s: Whose coast makes many patrons weep and sigh."


s: According to their judgment, all suggest


s: Their treasons, each with equal dread opprest.


s: More spitefully the wind on the third day


s: Blows, and the sea more yeasty billows rears:


s: The fore-mast by the first is borne away,


s: The rudder by the last, with him who steers.


s: Better than steel that man will bide the assay,


s: -- Of marble breast -- who has not now his fears.


s: Denied not but that day she felt alarms.


s: Meanwhile, above the sea and near the sky,


s: The bark is tost, with shattered plank and boom;


s: From which the crew had cut, in her distress,


s: They bale and chest and all their heavy lumber


s: Cast overboard, from poop, and prow, and side;


s: Of merchandize, to feed the greedy tide.


s: Rendered, by whom the spouting pumps were plied.


s: This in the hold bestirs himself, where'er


s: Planks opened by the beating sea appear.


s: They in this trouble, in this woe, remained


s: For full four days; and helpless was their plight,


s: But them with hope of clearer sky sustained


s: The wished appearance of St. Elmo's light,


s: Which (every spar was gone) descending glowed


s: Upon a boat, which in the prow was stowed.


s: When, flaming, they the beauteous light surveyed,


s: All those aboard kneeled down in humble guise,


s: And Heaven for peace and for smooth water prayed,


s: With trembling voices and with watery eyes.


s: Nor longer waxed the storm, which had dismayed,


s: North-wester or cross-wind no longer reigns;


s: But tyrant of the sea the south remains.


s: This on the sea remained so passing strong,


s: And from its sable mouth so fiercely blew,


s: And bore with it so swift a stream and strong


s: Of the vext waters, that it hurried through


s: Their tumbling waves the shattered bark along,


s: And sore the patron feared, to the world's brink


s: It would transport his bark, or wreck or sink.


s: Who bids them cast out spars, and veer away


s: A line which holds this float, and as they flee,


s: So, by two-thirds, their furious course delay.


s: From him whose lights upon the gunwale play.


s: This saves the vessel, haply else undone;


s: And makes her through the sea securely run.


s: That they can from the vessel's deck survey


s: Two castles, which the port within command.


s: Pale turns the patron's visage with dismay,


s: When he perceives what  is the neighbouring land,


s: Who will not to the port for shelter hie,


s: They cannot fly, nor yet can keep the sea;


s: For mast and yards are gone, and by the stroke


s: Loosened is plank, and beam and timber broke:


s: And certain death to make the port would be,


s: For each is made a slave, or sentenced dead,


s: Sore dangerous 'twas to doubt; lest hostile band


s: Should sally from the puissant town in sight,


s: With armed barks, and upon theirs lay hand,


s: In evil case for sea, and worse for fight.


s: What time the patron knows not what command


s: To give, of him inquires the English knight


s: What kept his mind suspended in that sort,


s: And why at first he had not made the port.


s: Which, by their ancient law, enslave or slew


s: All those whom Fortune to this kingdom bore;


s: That in the lists ten champions overbore,


s: And having this achieved, the following night


s: In bed should with ten damsels take delight.


s: And if he brings to end the former feat,


s: But afterwards the next unfinished leaves,


s: They kill him, and as slaves his following treat,


s: Condemned to delve their land or keep their beeves.


s: -- If for the first and second labour meet --


s: Not for himself; who there must stay and wed


s: So strange a custom of the neighbouring strand


s: Next Aquilant, and he, his brother dear,


s: Arrive: to them the patron who from land


s: Aye keeps aloof, explains the cause of fear,


s: And cries: "I liefer in the sea would choke,


s: Than here of servitude endure the yoke."


s: With hers, who deemed that safer was the shore


s: Than sea, which raging round them, far and wide,


s: Than a hundred thousand swords dismayed them more.


s: Them little this, or other place alarms,


s: So that they have but power to wield their arms.


s: But boldest is of these the English peer;


s: Knowing how soon his horn will clear the strand,


s: When the scared foe its pealing sound shall hear.


s: To put into the neighbouring port this band


s: Desires, and are at strife with those who fear.


s: And they who are the strongest, in such sort


s: Compel the patron, that he makes the port.


s: Already when their bark was first espied


s: They had observed a galley, well supplied


s: With practised mariners and numerous crew


s: (While them uncertain counsels did divide)


s: Make for their wretched ship, the billows through:


s: Her lofty prow to their short stern and low


s: These lash, and into port the vessel tow.


s: They thitherward were worked with warp and oar,


s: Rather than with assistance of the sail;


s: Since to lay starboard course or larboard more,


s: No means were left them by the cruel gale.


s: Again their rugged rhind the champions wore,


s: Girding the faithful falchion with the mail,


s: Like a half-moon, projected from the beach,


s: More than four miles about, the city's port;


s: Six hundred paces deep; and crowning each


s: On every side, secure from storm or breach,


s: (Save only from the south, a safe resort)


s: No sooner there the harboured ship was seen


s: (The news had spread already through the land)


s: Than thitherward, with martial garb and mien,


s: Six thousand women trooped, with bow in hand;


s: And, to remove all hope of flight, between


s: And with strong chains and barks the port enclosed;


s: Which ever, for that use, they kept disposed.


s: Made call the patron out, and bade him say,


s: If they their lives were willing to lay down;


s: Or were content beneath the yoke to stay,


s: -- One of two evils they must choose, -- be slain,


s: Or captives, one and all, must there remain.


s: " 'Tis true, if one so bold and of such might


s: Be found amid your crew," (the matron said),


s: "That he ten men of ours engage in fight,


s: And, after, with ten women, in one night,


s: Suffice to play the husband's part in bed,


s: He shall remain our sovereign, and shall sway


s: The land, and you may homeward wend your way.


s: "And at your choice to stay shall also be,


s: Whether a part or all, but with this pact,


s: That he who here would stay and would be free,


s: Can with ten dames the husband's part enact.


s: But if your chosen warrior fall or flee,


s: Or for the second function have not breath,


s: To slavery you we doom, and him to death."


s: At what she deemed the cavaliers would start,


s: The beldam found them bold; for to compete


s: With those they should engage, and play their part


s: The champions hoped alike in either feat.


s: Nor failed renowned Marphisa's valiant heart,


s: Secure, where nature had her aid denied,


s: The want should with the falchion be supplied.


s: The dames at pleasure may their prowess try,


s: And shall in lists and bed allow them bold.


s: The lashings from the vessels they untie,


s: The skipper heaves the warp, and bids lay hold,


s: And lowers the bridge; o'er which, in warlike weed,


s: The expectant cavaliers their coursers lead.


s: These through the middle of the city go,


s: And see the damsels, as they forward fare,


s: Ride through the streets, succinct, in haughty show,


s: And arm, in guise of warriors, in the square.


s: Nor to gird sword, nor fasten spur below,


s: Excepting, as I said, the ten; to follow


s: The ancient usage which those women hallow.


s: To ply the distaff, broider, card and sow,


s: Some chained, another labour to complete,


s: Are tasked, to keep their cattle, or to plough.


s: Few are the males; and scarce the warriors ken,


s: Who in their common cause on listed ground,


s: Should slay the ten, with whom they were to vie,


s: And in the other field ten others wound,


s: And would be, in the second joust at eve,


s: But with the others she, the martial maid,


s: Will run her risque; and 'tis her destiny.


s: "I will lay down this life," the damsel said,


s: But this" -- with that she pointed to the blade


s: Which she had girt -- "is your security,


s: I will all tangles in such manner loose,


s: "I will not henceforth stranger shall complain,


s: So long as the world lasts, of this repair."


s: So said the maid, nor could the friendly train


s: Take from her what had fallen to her share.


s: Then, -- either every thing to lose, or gain


s: Their liberty, -- to her they leave the care.


s: With stubborn plate and mail all over steeled,


s: Ready for cruel fight, she takes the field.


s: With steps, which serve as seats in rising rows;


s: Which for nought else is used, except the chase,


s: Tourney, or wrestling match, or such-like shows.


s: Four gates of solid bronze the rabble flows


s: On pieballed horse Marphisa entered, -- spread


s: Were circles dappling all about his hair, --


s: And beauteous points, and haughty gait and air.


s: Out of a thousand coursers which he fed,


s: Him, as the best, and biggest, and most rare,


s: King Norandino chose, and, decked with brave


s: Through the south gate, from the mid-day, the plain


s: Before she heard approaching trumpet-strain


s: Peal through the lists in shrilling notes and strong;


s: And, looking next towards the northern wain,


s: These, as their leader, pricked a cavalier,


s: On a large courser came the leading foe,


s: Which was, excepting the near foot behind


s: And forehead, darker than was ever crow:


s: His foot and forehead with some white were signed.


s: The horseman did his horse's colours show


s: In his own dress; and hence might be divined,


s: He, as the mournful hue o'erpowered the clear,


s: Was less inclined to smile, than mournful tear.


s: At once their spears in rest nine warriors laid,


s: When the trump sounded, in the hostile train,


s: But he in black no sign of jousting made,


s: Better he deemed the law were disobeyed,


s: Than that his courtesy should suffer stain.


s: The knight retires apart, and sits to view


s: What against nine one single lance can do.


s: Of smooth and balanced pace, the damsel's horse


s: To the encounter her with swiftness bore;


s: Who poised a lance so massive in the course,


s: It would have been an overweight for four.


s: She, disembarking, as of greatest force,


s: At her fierce semblance when in motion, quail


s: A thousand hearts, a thousand looks grow pale.


s: As might surprise, if naked were the breast:


s: She pierced the cuirass and the mail below;


s: But first a buckler, solid and well prest,


s: Was seen the steel, so well was it addrest.


s: Speared on her lance she left him on the plain,


s: And at the others drove with flowing rein;


s: And so she shocked the second of the crew,


s: From sell and life, with broken spine, the two


s: She drove at once.  So fell the overthrow,


s: And with such weight she charged the warriors through!


s: So serried was the battle of the foe! --


s: The squadrons, as that band Marphisa strowed.


s: Many good spears were broken on the dame,


s: When revellers play the chace's merry game,


s: So hard the temper of her corslet's mail,


s: The strokes aye harmless on the breast-plate fall,


s: Whose steel was heated in the fires of hell,


s: At the end of the career, she checked her steed,


s: Wheeled him about, and for a little stayed;


s: And then against the others drove at speed,


s: Broke them, and to the handle dyed her blade.


s: Here shorn of arms, and there of head, they bleed;


s: And other in such manner cleft the maid,


s: That breast, and head, and arms together fell,


s: With such just measure him she cleaves, I say,


s: Where the two haunches and the ribs confine:


s: And leaves him a half figure, in such way


s: Which supplicants from far and near enshrine,


s: In thanks for mercy shown, and to bestow


s: And overtook the wretch, and cleft (before


s: He the mid square had won) his collar through,


s: So clean, no surgeon ever pieced it more.


s: She was secure, that never more would foe


s: The cavalier this while had stood aside,


s: Since, with so many against one to ride,


s: Had seemed to him advantage four and base;


s: Pricked forth against the martial maid, to show


s: 'Twas courtesy, not fear, had made him slow.


s: He, signing with his right hand, made appear


s: That he would speak ere their career was run,


s: Nor thinking that beneath such manly cheer


s: "I wot thou needs must be, sir cavalier,


s: Sore wearied with such mighty slaughter done;


s: More than thou art, it were discourtesy.


s: "To thee, to rest until to-morrow's light,


s: No honour 'twere to-day to prove my might


s: On thee, whom weak and overwrought I read."


s: -- "Arms are not new to me, nor listed fight;


s: Nor does fatigue so short a toil succeed,"


s: Hope to prove this upon thee, to thy cost.


s: 'Twere very shame to spend it all in ease."


s: -- "Oh!  were I (he replied) so sure to appay


s: My heart with everything which best would please,


s: As thine I shall appay in this! -- but see,


s: That ere thou thinkest, daylight fail not thee."


s: Two spears, say rather heavy booms, they bear.


s: And the other takes himself: the martial pair


s: Wait but till other blast the joust declare.


s: Lo!  earth and air and sea the noise rebound,


s: As they prick forth, at the first trumpet's sound!


s: Nor breath was drawn, amid the observant crew:


s: Which should be conqueror of the warlike two.


s: Marphisa the black champion from his sell,


s: Levels her lance; and the black champion, bent


s: To slay Marphisa, spurs with like intent.


s: Both lances, made of willow thin and dry,


s: Rather than stout and stubborn oak, appeared;


s: So splintered even to the rest, they fly:


s: While with such force the encountering steeds careered,


s: It seemed, as with a scythe-blade equally


s: The hams of either courser had been sheared.


s: Alike both fall; but voiding quick the seat,


s: The nimble riders start upon their feet.


s: Marphisa in her life, with certain wound,


s: And never had herself been borne to ground;


s: Yet quitted now the saddle, as was said.


s: But nigh beside herself, remained the maid.


s: Unwont to be unhorsed, appeared his fall.


s: They scarcely touch the ground before they gain


s: Their feet, and now the fierce assault renew,


s: With cut and thrust; which now with shield the twain


s: Or blade ward off, and now by leaps eschew.


s: Whether the foes strike home, or smite in vain,


s: Blows ring, and echo parted aether through.


s: More force those shields, those helms, those breast-plates show


s: Than anvils underneath the sounding blow.


s: If heavy falls the savage damsel's blade,


s: That falls not lightly of her warlike foe.


s: And both receive as much as they bestow.


s: He who would see two daring spirits weighed,


s: For greater could not be in mortal wight.


s: The women who have sate long time, to view


s: The champions with such horrid strokes offend,


s: Nor sign of trouble in the warriors true


s: Them with just praises, as the worthiest two


s: That are, where'er the sea's wide arms extend.


s: They deem these of mere toil and labour long


s: Must die, save they be strongest of the strong.


s: "That he moved not before was well for me!


s: Who risqued to have been numbered with the dead,


s: Against his deadly blows."  This colloquy


s: She with herself maintained, and while she spoke,


s: Ceased not to ply her sword with circling stroke.


s: " 'Twas well for me," the other cried again,


s: "That to repose I did not leave the knight.


s: Who is o'erwearied with the former fight:


s: What had he been, renewed in might and main,


s: If he had rested till to-morrow's light?


s: Till eve they strove, nor did it yet appear


s: Which had the vantage of the doubtful fray:


s: Nor, without light, could either foe see clear


s: Now to avoid the furious blows; when day


s: "What shall we do, since ill-timed shades descend,


s: While we with equal fortune thus contend?"


s: "Meseems, at least, that till to-morrow's morn


s: 'Twere better thou prolonged thy life: no right


s: Have I thy doom, sir warrior, to adjourn


s: That thou no longer shalt enjoy the light.


s: With reason to the sex's charge, by whom


s: This place is governed, lay thy cruel doom."


s: HE knows, by whom all hidden things are spied.


s: Thou and thy comrades may repose with me,


s: Are all those husbands by thy hand have died.


s: Slain in the tourney, consort was of ten.


s: "The scathe they have to-day received from thee,


s: Would ninety women wreak with vengeful spite;


s: Except by them to be assailed this night."


s: (Replied Marphisa), "that the faith so plight,


s: And goodness of thy heart, will prove no less,


s: Than are thy corporal strength and hardiness.


s: "But if, as having to kill me, thou grieve,


s: Thou well mayst grieve, for reasons opposite;


s: Nor hast thou cause to laugh, as I conceive,


s: Nor hitherto has found me worst in fight.


s: Whether thou wouldst defer the fray, or leave,


s: Where and whenever it shall be thy will!"


s: Till the dawn broke from Ganges' stream anew;


s: Which was the better champion of the two,


s: To both the brothers and the rest who sided


s: Upon that part, the liberal lord did sue


s: With courteous prayer, that till the coming day


s: They would be pleased beneath his roof to stay.


s: They unsuspecting with the prayer complied,


s: And by the cheerful blaze of torches white


s: A royal dome ascended, with their guide,


s: On lifting up their vizors, at the sight


s: The warrior hardly numbers eighteen years.


s: Much marvels with herself the gentle dame,


s: That one so young so well should do and dare.


s: Much marvels he (his wonderment the same)


s: But how was hight the youthful cavalier,


s: Guido and his from that foul haunt retire,


s: While all Astolpho chases with his horn,


s: Who to all quarters of the town sets fire,


s: Then roving singly round the world is borne.


s: Puts upon young Zerbino scathe and scorn,


s: From whom he first learns news of Isabel.


s: In arms and hallowed arts as well have done,


s: And lustre through this ample world has shone.


s: For the fair course which they in battle run.


s: Corinna and Sappho, famous for their lore,


s: Shine two illustrious light, to set no more.


s: Women have reached the pinnacle of glory,


s: In every art by them professed, well seen;


s: Finds record of them, neither dim nor mean.


s: If long deprived of such the world had been;


s: And envious men, and those that never knew


s: Their worth, have haply hid their honours due.


s: Whence this dispersed to future years shall be;


s: And you, ye evil tongues which foully rage,


s: And women's praises so resplendent show,


s: They shall, by much, Marphisa's worth outgo.


s: To him who showed to her such courteous lore,


s: Refused not to disclose her martial name,


s: Since he agreed to tell the style be bore.


s: She quickly satisfied the warrior's claim;


s: All else was known, as bruited far and wide.


s: The other, since 'twas his to speak, begun


s: Sirs, it is my belief that there is none


s: But has heard mention of my race and strain.


s: With all their neighbouring realms, but France and Spain


s: Wot well of Clermont, from whose loins the knight


s: Issued who killed Almontes bold in fight,


s: And sacked the realm whose royal crown they wore.


s: Come of this blood, where Danube's waters, through


s: Eight horns or ten to meet the Euxine pour,


s: Thither a stranger roved, my mother bore.


s: And 'tis a twelvemonth now since her, in quest


s: Of my French kin, I left with grief opprest.


s: "But reached not France, for southern tempest's spite


s: Impelled me hither; lodged in royal bower


s: Ten months or more; for -- miserable wight! --


s: Ill known and scarcely proved in warlike stower.


s: "Conqueror as well in other field confessed,


s: And fairest damsels in this kingdom bred:


s: These I command, as well as all the rest,


s: Who of their female band have made me head;


s: Like me, ten opposites to death would smite."


s: Why there appear so few of the male race,


s: O'er men, as men o'er them in other place.


s: He: "Since my fortune has been here to stay,


s: I oftentimes have heard relate the case;


s: Will, since it pleases you, the cause unfold.


s: "When, after twenty years, the Grecian host


s: The town endured, ten weary years were tost


s: The Greeks, detained by adverse winds at sea),


s: They found their women had, for comforts lost,


s: And, that they might not freeze alone in bed,


s: Chosen young lovers in their husbands' stead.


s: "With others' children filled the Grecian crew


s: Their houses found, and by consent was past


s: How ill they could endure so long a fast.


s: To seek their fortunes on the world were cast:


s: Because the husbands would not suffer more


s: The striplings should be nourished from their store.


s: Their kindly mothers shelter and maintain:


s: While the adults, in many a various band,


s: Some here, some there dispersed, their living gain.


s: Arms are the trade of some, by some are scanned


s: Letters and arts; another tills the plain:


s: The herd as pleases her who rules below.


s: "A boy departed with they youthful peers,


s: Like lily fresh (he numbered eighteen years)


s: Or blooming rose, new-gathered from the thorn.


s: He having armed a bark, his pinnace steers


s: In search of plunder, o'er the billows borne.


s: Picked from all Greece, and of their leader's age.


s: "The Cretans, who had banished in that day


s: And their new state to strengthen and upstay,


s: Were gathering arms and levying martial band,


s: Purchased (so hight the youth who sought that strand),


s: And all those others that his fortune run,


s: Was the Dictaean the most rich and bright;


s: Of fair and amorous dames the joyous seat,


s: Joyous with festive sports from morn to night:


s: And (as her townsmen aye were wont to greet


s: They welcomed these, it little lacked but they


s: Granted them o'er their households sovereign sway.


s: "Youthful and passing fair were all the crew,


s: The flower of Greece, who bold Phalantus led;


s: So that with those fair ladies at first view,


s: Stealing their hearts, full well the striplings sped.


s: Since, fair in deed as show, they good and true


s: Lovers evinced themselves and bold in bed.


s: And in few days to them so grateful proved,


s: Above all dearest things they were beloved.


s: For which were hired Phalantus and his train,


s: And pay withdrawn, nor longer by the sword


s: Was aught which the adventurous youth can gain,


s: And they, for this, anew would go aboard,


s: That if their fathers lay before them dead.


s: "Long time and sorely all the striplings bold


s: Were, each apart, by them implored to stay:


s: Who since the fleeting youths they cannot hold,


s: Leave brother, sire, and son, with these to stray,


s: Spoiling their households ere they wend their way,


s: For so well was the plot concealed, no wight


s: Throughout all Crete was privy to their flight.


s: "So happy was the hour, so fair the wind,


s: When young Phalantus chose his time to flee,


s: They many miles had left the isle behind,


s: This shore received them wandering o'er the sea.


s: 'Twas here they settled, with the plunder reft,


s: And better weighed the issue of their theft.


s: "With amorous pleasures teemed this place of rest,


s: But, as oft happens that in youthful breast


s: To quit their women, with one wish possest,


s: As woman, when her love breeds weariness.


s: "They, who are covetous of spoil and gain,


s: That better means are wanted to maintain


s: And leaving thus alone the wretched train,


s: Thence, with their riches charged the adventurers go


s: For Puglia's pleasant land: there founded near


s: "The women when they find themselves betrayed


s: Of lovers by whose faith they set most store,


s: That they seem lifeless statues on the shore.


s: And fruitless are the many tears they pour,


s: The others, deem that to return to Crete


s: Throwing themselves at sire and husband's feet,


s: Than in those wilds, and on that desert shore,


s: They should esteem it were a worthier notion


s: To cast themselves into the neighbouring ocean;


s: "And lighter ill, if they as harlots went


s: About the world, -- beggars or slaves to be,


s: Than offer up themselves for punishment,


s: Such and like schemes the unhappy dames present,


s: "Youngest and fairest of the crew betrayed


s: She was, and wariest, and who least had erred,


s: And left for him her father: she in word,


s: As well as in a kindling face, displayed


s: How much with generous wrath her heart was stirred;


s: "She would not leave the land they were upon,


s: Whose soil was fruitful, and whose air was sane,


s: Throughout which many limpid rivers ran,


s: Shaded with woods, and for the most part plain;


s: With creek and port, where stranger bark could shun


s: Foul wind or storm, which vexed the neighbouring main,


s: "For vengeance (she opined) they there should stay


s: Upon man's sex, which had so sore offended.


s: She willed each bark and crew which to that bay


s: For shelter from the angry tempest wended,


s: They should, without remorse, burn, sack, and slay,


s: Such was the lady's motion, such the course


s: "The women, when they see the changing heaven


s: Turbid with tempest, hurry to the strand,


s: Was the fell law, the ruler of the land;


s: And of all barks into their haven driven


s: Make havoc dread with fire and murderous brand,


s: " 'Twas thus with the male sex at enmity,


s: Some years the lonely women lived forlorn:


s: Then found that hurtful to themselves would be


s: The scheme, save changed; for if from them were born


s: The idle law would soon be held in scorn,


s: And fail together with the fruitful reign,


s: Which they had hoped eternal should remain.


s: "So that some deal its rigour they allay,


s: And in four years, of all who made repair


s: Thither, by chance conducted to this bay,


s: Chose out ten vigorous cavaliers and fair;


s: Against those hundred dames good champions were:


s: "Ere this, too feeble to abide the test,


s: Now these ten warriors so approved the best,


s: Were made partakers of their rule and bed;


s: First swearing at the sovereign ladies' hest,


s: That they, if others to that port are led,


s: But one and all will put them to the sword.


s: "To swell, and next to child, and thence to fear


s: Lest they in time so many males should bear


s: As might invade the sovereignty they plan,


s: And that the government they hold so dear


s: And so, while these are children yet, take measure,


s: They never shall rebel against their pleasure.


s: "That the male sex may not usurp the sway,


s: Each mother should one boy preserve, and slay


s: For this, they these to various parts convey,


s: And to the bearers of the children tell,


s: To truck the girls for boys in foreign lands,


s: Or not, at least, return with empty hands.


s: "Nor by the women one preserved would be,


s: If they without them could the race maintain.


s: The law accords for theirs, not others' gain.


s: And temper but in this their statute's pain,


s: That, not as was their former practice, they


s: "Did ten or twenty persons, or yet more,


s: Arrive, they were imprisoned and put by;


s: Of victims was brought out by lot to die,


s: An altar raised to Vengeance; and to ply


s: As headsman, and dispatched the unhappy men,


s: "To that foul murderous shore by chance did fare,


s: After long years elapsed, a youthful wight,


s: Whose fathers sprung from good Alcides were,


s: And he, of proof in arms, Elbanio hight;


s: There was he seized, of peril scarce aware,


s: And, closely guarded, into prison flung,


s: "Adorned with every fair accomplishment,


s: Of pleasing face and manners was the peer,


s: Him the deaf adder might have stopt to hear;


s: Tidings as of a precious thing and rare.


s: She was the daughter of that matron bold,


s: Queen Orontea, that yet lived, though old.


s: The other settlers all were dead and gone;


s: Had into strength and greater credit grown.


s: Nor for ten forges, often closed, in store


s: Have the ill-furnished band more files than one;


s: And the ten champions have as well the care


s: To welcome shrewdly all who thither fare.


s: "Young Alexandria, who the blooming peer


s: Burned to behold so praised on every part,


s: The special pleasure him to see and hear,


s: Remains the master of her tortured heart;


s: Finds herself bound, and that 'tis vain to stir,


s: Was in this cruel region known, as through


s: All other countries near or distant, where


s: The wandering sun sheds light and colouring hue,


s: I by your beauty's kindly charms should dare


s: (Which make each gentle spirit bound to you)


s: To beg my life; which always, at your will,


s: Should I be ready for your love to spill.


s: I shall not now request my life of thee,


s: (For fruitless would, I know, be the demand)


s: Ask but like such to die with arms in hand,


s: Or like brute beast in sacrifice be slain.'


s: "The gentle maid, her eye bedimmed with tear,


s: `Though this land be more cruel and severe


s: As thou wouldst make her; and, if all beside


s: Should an exception to the rest be known.


s: " `And though I, like so many here, of yore


s: Hard were my heart than diamonds, if in me


s: All hardness did not vanish and give place


s: Before your courage, gentleness, and grace.


s: " `Ah!  were the cruel statute less severe


s: Against the stranger to these shores conveyed!


s: So should I not esteem my death too dear


s: A ransom for thy worthier life were paid.


s: But none is here so great, sir cavalier,


s: Nor of such puissance as to lend thee aid;


s: And what thou askest, though a scanty grace,


s: Were difficult to compass in this place.


s: For thee, before thou perish, this content;


s: Though much, I fear, 'twill but augment thy pain.


s: And thee protracted death but more torment.'


s: Though made of iron were the whole array.'


s: Made answer, saving with a piteous sigh;


s: And from the conference a bosom brought,


s: Gored with deep wounds, beyond all remedy.


s: On her to will the stripling should not die,


s: Should he display such courage and such skill


s: As with his single hand the ten to kill.


s: Her council, and bespoke the assembled band:


s: `It still behoves us place the prowest wight


s: Whom we can find, to guard our ports and strand.


s: And, to discover whom to take or slight,


s: 'Tis fitting that we prove the warrior's hand;


s: Lest, to our loss, the election made be wrong,


s: And we enthrone the weak and slay the strong.


s: " `I deem it fit, if you the counsel shown


s: That each upon our coast by Fortune thrown,


s: Shall have the choice, instead of this, alone


s: And if he conquer, shall the port defend


s: With other comrades, pardoned to that end.


s: " `I say this, since to strive against our ten,


s: It seems, that one imprisoned here will dare:


s: By Heaven, deserves that we should hear his prayer;


s: As worthily due the punishment should bear.'


s: " `The leading cause, for which to entertain


s: This intercourse with men we first agreed,


s: Was not because we, to defend this reign,


s: For we have skill and courage to maintain


s: This of ourselves, and force, withal, to speed.


s: Would that we could in all as well avail


s: Without their succour, nor succession fail!


s: " `But since this may not be, we some have made


s: Nor they possess them of the sovereignty.


s: Not that we for protection need their aid,


s: Than be their powers to this sole fear addressed,


s: And be they sluggards, idle for the rest.


s: " `To keep among us such a puissant wight


s: Our first design would render wholly vain.


s: If one can singly slay ten men in fight,


s: If our ten champions had possessed such might,


s: They the first day would have usurped the reign.


s: To arm a hand more powerful than your own


s: Is an ill method to maintain the throne.


s: " `Reflect withal, that if your prisoner speed


s: So that he kill ten champions in the fray,


s: A hundred women's cry, whose lords will bleed


s: Beneath his falchion, shall your ears dismay.


s: Let him not 'scape by such a murderous deed;


s: But, if he would, propound some other way.


s: -- Yet if he of those ten supply the place,


s: And please a hundred women, grant him grace.'


s: (So was she named) and had her counsel weighed,


s: Her daughter, to the matron answer made;


s: And urged so many reasons, and so wrought,


s: The yielding senate granted what she ought.


s: So strongly works upon the youthful crew,


s: Which in that council sit the state to guide,


s: And little lacks but that the assembled race


s: "To pardon him in fine the dames agreed:


s: But, after slaying his half-score, and when


s: He in the next assault as well should speech,


s: And, furnished to his wish with arms and steed,


s: Next day he was released from dungeon-den,


s: And singly with ten warriors matched in plain,


s: "He to new proof was put the following night,


s: When so successful was the stripling's might,


s: He took the 'say of all the troop, and won


s: Such grace with Orontea, that the knight


s: With those whom he had proved in amorous strife.


s: To this famed city, which from her was hight,


s: Should guard the law which willed, whatever wight,


s: Should have his choice to perish by the knife,


s: Or singly with ten foes contend to strife.


s: "And if he should dispatch the men by day,


s: At night should prove him with the female crew;


s: He proved again the conqueror, he, as due,


s: The female band, as prince and guide, should sway,


s: And his ten consorts at his choice renew:


s: And reign with them, till other should arrive


s: Of stouter hand, and him of life deprive.


s: "They for two thousand years nigh past away


s: This usage have maintained, and yet maintain


s: But stranger wight is slaughtered in the fane.


s: (And such sometimes is found) he oft is slain


s: In the first charge: nor, in a thousand, one


s: The other feat, of which I spake, has done,


s: "Yet some there are have done it, though so few,


s: They may be numbered on the fingers; one


s: Reigned with his ten short time, was Argilon:


s: For, smote by me, whom ill wind hither blew,


s: Would I with him that day had filled a grave,


s: Rather than in such scorn survive a slave!


s: "For amorous pleasures, laughter, game, and play,


s: Which evermore delight the youthful breast;


s: The gem, the purple garment, rich array,


s: Little, by Heaven, the wretched man appay


s: And not to have the power to leave this shore


s: To me seems shameful servitude and sore.


s: "To know I wear away life's glorious spring


s: Is to my troubled heart a constant sting,


s: And takes away the taste of every pleasure.


s: Fame bears my kindred's praise on outstretched wing,


s: Even to the skies; and haply equal measure


s: I of the glories of my blood might share


s: "Methinks my fate does such injurious deed


s: As he who turns to grass the generous steed


s: Through blemish, or disease of sight or pace.


s: Here Guido ceased to address the martial peers,


s: And cursed withal the day, in high disdain,


s: That he achieved o'er dames and cavaliers


s: The double victory which bestowed that reign.


s: Astolpho hides his name, and silent hears,


s: Then cried: "The English duke, Astolpho, I


s: Thy cousin am," and clipt him round the waist,


s: Not without weeping, kist him and embraced.


s: Then, "Kinsman dear, thy birth to certify


s: No better sign thy mother could have placed


s: About thy neck.  Enough!  that sword of thine,


s: And courage, vouch thee of our valiant line."


s: Beholds him here and with a mournful face;


s: Knowing, if he himself survives the fray,


s: Astolpho will be doomed to slavery base,


s: His fate deferred but till the following day;


s: And he shall perish, if the duke is free:


s: So that one's good the other's ill shall be.


s: He grieves, as well, the other cavaliers


s: Should through his means for ever captive be;


s: Nor, that he should, if slain, those martial peers


s: Since if Marphisa from one quicksand clears


s: The troop, yet these from other fails to free,


s: For they will be enslaved, and she be slain.


s: On the other hand, the stripling's age, in May


s: Of youth, with courtesy and valour fraught,


s: Upon the maid and comrades with such sway,


s: Touching their breasts with love and pity, wrought


s: That they of freedom, for which he must pay


s: The forfeit of his life, nigh loathed the thought;


s: She is resolved as well herself to spill.


s: "Join thou with us," she to Sir Guido cried,


s: "And we from hence will sally." -- "From within


s: These walls to sally" -- Guido on his side


s: Answered, "Ne'er hope: With me you lose or win."


s: "-- I fear not, I," the martial maid replied,


s: Than that which I shall open with my sword.


s: "Such proof of thy fair prowess have I made,


s: With thee I every enterprise would dare.


s: Whether they fly or for defence prepare;


s: Then give the town to fire, and on their bed


s: Of earth to wolf and vulture leave the dead."


s: He: "Ready shalt thou find me in the strife


s: But let us hope not to escape with life.


s: Ere death; for oft ten thousand, maid and wife,


s: I in the place have witnessed; and, outside,


s: Nor know I certain way from hence to wend."


s: "And were there more (Marphisa made reply)


s: Than Xerxes led, our squadrons to oppose,


s: More than those rebel spirits from the sky


s: All in one day should by this weapon die,


s: Wert thou with me, at least, not with my foes."


s: To her again, "No project but must fail,


s: (Sir Guido said) I know, save this avail."


s: "This only us can save, should it succeed;


s: This, which but now remembered I shall teach.


s: To dames alone our laws the right concede


s: And hence to one of mine in this our need


s: Whose love for me, by perfect friendship tied,


s: Has oft by better proof than this been tried.


s: "No less than me would she desire that I


s: Should 'scape from slavery, so she went with me;


s: She bark or pinnace, in the harbour nigh,


s: Shall bid, while yet 'tis dark, prepare for sea;


s: Which shall await your sailors, rigged and yare


s: For sailing, when they thither shall repair.


s: Ye merchants, mariners and warriors, who,


s: Driven to this city, have set up your rest


s: Beneath this roof (for which my thanks are due)


s: -- You have to force your way with stedfast breast,


s: 'Tis thus I hope, by succour of the sword,


s: To clear a passage through the cruel horde."


s: And likelier 'twere that by my hand should die


s: The martial race, encompassed by this wall,


s: Or guess by other sign that fears appall.


s: And shameful in my sight were other way.


s: Honour and place from women I might claim,


s: Here gladly entertained, and classed as one


s: Haply among their chiefs of highest fame:


s: Unshared by those with whom I hither came.


s: These speeches by Marphisa made, and more,


s: Showed that what only had restrained her arm


s: Of the companions whom her wrath might harm;


s: And signal vengeance on the female swarm.


s: And hence she left in Guido's care to shape


s: What seemed the fittest means for their escape.


s: (So the most faithful of his wives was hight)


s: Nor needs long prayer to make the dame agree,


s: She takes a ship and arms the bark for sea,


s: Stowed with her richest chattels for their flight;


s: Feigning design, as soon as dawn ensues,


s: To sail with her companions on a cruise.


s: Bid sword and spear and shield and cuirass bear;


s: With the intent to furnish from this store,


s: Merchants and sailors that half naked were.


s: Some watch, and some repose upon the floor,


s: And rest and guard among each other share;


s: Oft marking, still with harness on their backs,


s: Not yet from earth's hard visage has the sun


s: Scarcely Lycaon's child, her furrow done,


s: Has turned about her ploughshare in the sky;


s: Who would the fearful battle's end espy,


s: As swarming bees upon their threshold cluster,


s: Who bent on change of realm in springtide muster.


s: With warlike trumpet, drum, and sound of horn,


s: The people make the land and welkin roar;


s: Summoning thus their chieftain to return,


s: And end of unfinished warfare.  Covered o'er


s: With arms stand Aquilant and Gryphon stern,


s: And the redoubted duke from England's shore.


s: The knights or footmen harboured in that hall.


s: Hence to descend towards the sea or port


s: The way across the place of combat lies;


s: Nor was there other passage, long or short.


s: And having ceased his comrades to exhort,


s: To do their best set forth in silent wise,


s: And in the place appeared, amid the throng,


s: Hurrying his band, but, gathered far and nigh


s: To smite, and clad in arms, when they descry


s: The comrades whom he leads, perceive his bent,


s: All in a thought betake them to their bows,


s: And at the portal part the knight oppose.


s: Beneath that champion's guidance, and before


s: To strike, and laboured hard to force the door.


s: But such a storm of darts from ready bow,


s: Dealing on all sides death or wounding sore,


s: Was rained in fury on the troop forlorn,


s: They feared at last to encounter skaith and scorn.


s: Of proof the corslet was each warrior wore,


s: Who without this would have had worse to fear:


s: Sansonnet's horse was slain, and that which bore


s: Exclaimed, "Why wait I longer?  As if more


s: My horn could ever succour me than here.


s: Since the sword steads not, I will make assay


s: He to his mouth applied the bugle's round;


s: The wide world seemed to tremble, earth and sky,


s: As he in air discharged the horrid sound.


s: Such terror smote the dames, that bent to fly,


s: When in their ears the deafening horn was wound,


s: But from the circus reeled, of wit bereft.


s: Leaps from the windows and from lofty height,


s: Periling life and limb, when in surprise


s: They see, now near, the fire's encircling light,


s: Which had, while slumber sealed their heavy eyes,


s: Reckless of life, thus each, impelled by dread,


s: Above, below, and here and there, the rout


s: Each entrance, to each other's lett, and lie


s: In heaps: from window these, or stage without,


s: Leap headlong; in the press these smothered die.


s: And one lies crippled, and another dead.


s: Cries pierce the very heavens on every part.


s: Where'er the sound is heard, the multitude,


s: When you are told that without hardihood


s: This need not more your marvel; for by nature


s: But of Marphisa what will be your thought,


s: And Guido late so furious? -- of the two


s: Young sons of Olivier, that lately wrought


s: Such deeds in honour of their lineage?  who


s: Lately a hundred thousand held as nought,


s: And now, deprived of courage, basely flew,


s: As ring-doves flutter and as coneys fly,


s: Who hear some mighty noise resounding nigh.


s: For so to friend as stranger, noxious are


s: The powers that in the enchanted horn reside.


s: Nor flying, can they to such distance fare,


s: But that their ears are dinned.  On every side


s: Lends louder breath to his enchanted horn.


s: One sought the sea, and one the mountain-top,


s: One fled the hide herself in forest hoar;


s: And this, who turned not once nor made a stop,


s: Not for ten days her headlong flight forbore:


s: These from the bridge in that dread moment drop,


s: So temple, house and square and street were drained,


s: That nigh unpeopled the wide town remained.


s: With Sansonetto, pale and trembling, hie


s: Towards the sea, and behind these the crew


s: And 'twixt the forts, in bark, prepared with view


s: Who in sore haste receives the warriors pale,


s: And bids them ply their oars and make all sail.


s: The duke within and out the town had bear


s: From the surrounding hills to the sea-side,


s: All fly before the deafening sound, and hide:


s: Lurk, in some place obscure and filthy stied;


s: Plunge in the neighbouring sea, and perish there.


s: The duke arrives, seeking the friendly band,


s: Whom he had hoped to find upon the quay;


s: He turns and gazes round the desert strand,


s: And none is there -- directs along the bay


s: His eyes, and now, far distant from the land,


s: The vessel gone -- must other project shape.


s: Where, never without fear, man journeys through


s: Wild paynim countries: danger is there none,


s: Whose dread effect the English duke has shown;


s: And let his late companions be our care,


s: Who trembling to the beach had made repair.


s: They from that cruel and ensanguined ground


s: To seaward, under all their canvas, bore;


s: And having gained such offing, that the sound


s: Of that alarming horn was heard no more,


s: That all a face of burning crimson wore.


s: One dares not eye the other, and they stand


s: With downcast looks, a mute and mournful band.


s: Fixed on his course, the pilot passes by


s: Cyprus and Rhodes, and ploughs the Aegean sea:


s: And Malea's fearful headland; fanned by free


s: And constant wind, sees vanish from the eye


s: And, coasting Italy's fair region, steers:


s: Gives thanks to God at having passed the sea


s: Without more harm, and makes the well-known shore.


s: Here, offering passage to their company,


s: For France, and that same day his pinnace climb;


s: Thence wafted to Marseilles in little time.


s: There was not Bradamant, who used to sway


s: The land, and had that city in her care,


s: And who (if present there) to make some stay


s: Would have compelled them by her courteous prayer.


s: They disembarked; and that same hour away


s: And to the four, her comrades in the strife:


s: To fare in like great fellowship; that so


s: The starlings and the doves in flock unite,


s: And every beast who fears -- the stag and doe;


s: But hawk and eagle, that in other's might


s: Put not their trust, for ever singly go;


s: Who fear no prowess greater than their own.


s: But none with her opine, and, in the lack


s: So then, alone and friendless, she a track


s: Uncouth pursues, and through a wooded lair.


s: Gryphon the white and Aquilant the black


s: Take road more beaten with the other pair;


s: Within which they are harboured courteously.


s: Courteously I, in outward show, would say;


s: Since he, the castellain, who with display


s: Of kindness sheltered them and courteous cheer,


s: Couched in their beds, secure and void of fear.


s: Nor from the snare would he his prisoners loose,


s: Till they had sworn to observe an evil use.


s: But I will first pursue the martial maid,


s: Ere more of these, fair sir, I shall proclaim.


s: Beyond the Durence, Rhone, and Saone she strayed,


s: And there approaching in black gown arrayed,


s: Who with long journey weak, and wearied sore,


s: Serving the robbers in the caverned mount;


s: Whither stern Justice sent (that they might die


s: Now many days by path obscure had flown,


s: Still fearing lest her visage should be known.


s: And hence she flies not her, though wont to fear,


s: (As being natives of that land) the rest;


s: Stops at the ford -- where that old beldam meets


s: Marphisa, and with fair encounter greets.


s: And next implored the maid, she of her grace


s: Would bear her on the croupe to the other shore.


s: The hag with her across the torrent bore;


s: And is content to bear, till she can place


s: The warrior rode on saddle richly wrought


s: With him a single squire and damsel brought.


s: But little pleasing was her semblance haught;


s: The same who Bradamant, some months before,


s: Had plunged into a hollow cave in spite.


s: Those many sobs, those burning sighs and sore,


s: Those tears which had nigh quenched the warrior's sight, --


s: All for the damsel were, now at his side;


s: And then by that false necromancer stied.


s: Was razed, the dwelling of Atlantes hoar,


s: Through Bradamant's good deed and virtuous lore,


s: The damsel, who had been compliant still


s: Rejoined him, and now journeying in a round


s: With him, from castle was to castle bound.


s: As wanton and ill-customed, when she spies


s: Marphisa's aged charge approaching near,


s: She cannot rein her saucy tongue, but plies