s: O'er the wide land of Gaul the warrior flew


s: From Pyrenees to Rhine, from sea to sea.


s: He westward to the mountains turned aside,


s: Which France's fertile land from Spain divide.


s: -- They who beheld, sore wondering at the sight --


s: Then, leaves he Tarragon behind him far,


s: Nor city on sea-shore, nor inland plain,


s: Is unexplored throughout the realm of Spain.


s: Beneath him Cadiz and the strait he spied,


s: Where whilom good Alcides closed the way;


s: Above the sea that severs it from Spain.


s: Which from all cities bear away the crown,


s: No palm or parsley wreath, but crown of gold;


s: Capys, Alzerba's isle, the warrior bold,


s: 'Twixt Atlas' shaggy ridges and the shore,


s: He viewed each regions in his spacious round;


s: In Albajada, reached the Nubian's bound;


s: Left Battus' tomb behind him on the plain,


s: As well the people are in Mahound's style;


s: For other Aethiops then his pinions spread,


s: Which face the first, and lie beyond the Nile.


s: Threading the two, where, ranged on either land,


s: Moslems and Christians watch, with arms in hand.


s: Whose sceptre is the cross; of cities brave,


s: Of men, of gold possest, and broad domains,


s: Which the Red Sea's extremest waters lave.


s: A faith well nigh like ours that king maintains,


s: Which man from his primaeval doom may save.


s: Here, save I err in what their rites require,


s: The swarthy people are baptized with fire.


s: Less strong than sumptuous is the wealthy fort,


s: Wherein the royal Aethiop keeps his state,


s: The chains that serve the drawbridge to support,


s: The bolts, the bars, the hinges of the gate,


s: Herewrought in iron, there is wrought in gold.


s: High prized withal, albeit it so abound,


s: Which on all sides the wealthy pile surround,


s: Clear colonnades with crystal shafts upbear.


s: Of green, white, crimson, blue and yellow ground,


s: A frieze extends below those galleries fair.


s: Here at due intervals rich gems combine,


s: And topaz, sapphire, emerald, ruby shine.


s: In wall and roof and pavement scattered are


s: Full many a pearl, full many a costly stone.


s: Here thrives the balm; the plants were ever rare,


s: The musk which we possess from thence we bear,


s: In fine those products from this clime are brought,


s: Which in our regions are so prized and sought.


s: Pays tribute to this sovereign, as his head,


s: They say, since having Nile at his command


s: Hence, with its district upon either hand,


s: Forthwith might Cairo lack its daily bread.


s: We Priest and Prester John the sovereign name.


s: Of all those Aethiop monarchs, beyond measure,


s: The first was this, for riches and for might;


s: But he with all his puissance, all his treasure,


s: And yet was this the monarch's least displeasure;


s: Harassed, though richest of those Nubian kings,


s: Whene'er to eat or drink the wretched man


s: Prepared, by that resistless need pursued,


s: Forthwith -- infernal and avenging clan --


s: Appeared the monstrous Harpies' craving brood;


s: Which, armed with beak and talons, overran


s: Vessel and board, and preyed upon the food;


s: And what their wombs suffice not to receive


s: Foul and defiled the loathsome monsters leave.


s: Of full blown honours, in his unripe age,


s: For he excelled in heart and nerve, beside


s: Like Lucifer, the monarch waxed in pride,


s: He with his host against the mountain went,


s: Upon this hill which well-nigh kissed the skies,


s: Piercing the clouds, the king had heard recite,


s: Where our first parents flourished in delight.


s: With camels, elephants, and footmen hies


s: Thither that king, confiding in his might;


s: God marred the rash emprise, and from on high


s: Sent down an angel, whose destroying sword


s: Slew, and to endless night condemned their lord.


s: Emerging, next, from hellish caverns, fly


s: These horrid harpies and assault his board;


s: Which still pollute or waste the royal meat,


s: Nor leave the monarch aught to drink or eat.


s: And him had plunged in uttermost despair


s: The loathsome Harpies should his daily fare


s: Of winged horse, arriving through the air,


s: Devoid of hope remains the mournful king.


s: Now that with wonderment his followers spy


s: O'er every wall, o'er every turret high,


s: Some swiftly to the king the news convey.


s: Who calls to mind that ancient prophecy,


s: And heedless of the staff, his wonted stay,


s: Through joy, with outstretched arms and tottering feet,


s: Comes forth, the flying cavalier to meet.


s: And there, with spacious wheels, on earth descended;


s: The king, conducted by his courtly crew,


s: Before the warrior knelt, with arms extended,


s: And cried: "Thou angel send of God, thou new


s: For mercy, yet, bethink thee, 'tis our bent


s: -- Such grace I dare not ask -- restored to light;


s: For well I ween such power resides in thee,


s: At least, expel the harpies' loathsome horde,


s: Nor let them more pollute my ravaged board;


s: With all its portals and its roof of gold,


s: In sculpture, and thy name the dome shall bear."


s: So spake the sightless king of Nubia's reign,


s: And sought to kiss the stranger's feet in vain.


s: "Nor angel" -- good Astolpho made reply --


s: "Nor new Messiah, I from heaven descend;


s: To slay the monsters I all means will try,


s: Or drive them from the realm which they offend.


s: "Offer these vows to God, to him well due;


s: To him thy churches build, thine altars rear."


s: 'Mid barons bold, that king and cavalier.


s: The Nubian prince commands the menial crew


s: Forthwith to bring the hospitable cheer;


s: And hopes that now the foul, rapacious band,


s: Will not dare snatch the victual from his hand.


s: Seated alone here guest and sovereign are,


s: And the attendant troop the viands bring.


s: Behold!  a whizzing sound is heard in air,


s: Which echoes with the beat of savage wing.


s: Behold!  the band of harpies thither flies,


s: Lured by the scent of victual from the skies.


s: And seven in number are the horrid band;


s: Fouler than death; the pinions they expand


s: Ragged, and huge, and shapeless to the eye;


s: The talon crook'd; rapacious is the hand;


s: Fetid and large the paunch; in many a fold,


s: Like snake's, their long and knotted tails are rolled.


s: The fowls are heard in air; then swoops amain


s: The covey well nigh in that instant, rends


s: The food, o'erturns the vessels, and a rain


s: Of noisome ordure on the board descends.


s: To stop their nostrils king and duke are fain;


s: Against the greedy birds, as wrath excites,


s: Astolpho with his brandished faulchion smites.


s: At croup or collar now he aims his blow,


s: Now strikes at neck or pinion; but on all,


s: The strokes without effect and languid fall.


s: This while nor dish nor goblet they forego;


s: Nor void those ravening fowls the regal hall,


s: Till they have feasted full, and left the food


s: Would from his royal seat the harpies scare.


s: He now, that hope foregone, with nought to cheer,


s: Laments, and sighs, and groans in his despair.


s: Of his good horn remembers him the peer,


s: Whose clangours helpful aye in peril are,


s: And deems his bugle were the fittest mean


s: To free the monarch from those birds unclean;


s: And first to fill their ears, to king and train,


s: With melted wax, Astolpho gives command;


s: That every one who hears the deafening strain


s: He takes the reins, his courser backs again,


s: And to the sewer next signs to have the board


s: And other banquet spreads on other ground.


s: Behold, as wont, the harpy-squad appears;


s: Astolpho quickly lifts the bugle's round;


s: And (for unguarded are their harassed ears)


s: The harpies are not proof against the sound;


s: In terror form the royal dome they speed,


s: Nor meat nor aught beside the monsters heed.


s: After them spurs in haste the valiant peer:


s: And on the winged courser forth is flown,


s: Leaving beneath him, in his swift career,


s: Nor light until they reach that loftiest mountain


s: Where springs, if anywhere, Nile's secret fountain.


s: Deep under earth, extends a gloomy cell.


s: The surest pass for him, as they repeat,


s: As a safe refuge from the deafening yell.


s: Descending, till that horn is heard no more.


s: -- The courser furled his wings and stopt his flight.


s: -- Not to depart from my accustomed rite --


s: Of Lydia's woe, by smoke well-nigh opprest.


s: He mounts anew, and him his courser bears


s: By John advised in all, to heaven he steers;


s: Of some of his lost sense here repossest,


s: Sees the Fates spin their threads, and earthward makes.


s: O fierce and hungry harpies, that on blind


s: Whom, for the scourge of ancient sins designed,


s: Haply just Heaven to every board has sped.


s: With hunger, die, and see their daily bread,


s: -- The orphan's and the widow's scanty food --


s: Feed for a single feast that filthy brood.


s: Too foul a fault was his, who did unclose


s: That cave long shut, and made the passage free,


s: From whence that greediness, that filth arose,


s: Then was good life extinguished, and repose


s: So banished, that with strife and poverty,


s: With fear and trouble, is she still perplext,


s: And shall for many a future year be vext:


s: Till she her sons has shaken by the hair,


s: And from Lethaean sloth to life restored;


s: Exclaiming, "Will none imitate that pair,


s: Rescue from claws and stench our goodly fare,


s: And cleanse and glad anew the genial board.


s: As they king Phineus from those fowls released,


s: And England's peer restored the Nubian's feast?"


s: Hunting those hideous birds, that cavalier


s: Aye scared them with the bugle's horrid sound;


s: Till at the mountain-cave his long career


s: He closed, and ran the monstrous troop to ground:


s: And in that troubled cavern heard rebound,


s: Proof certain that its entrance led to hell.


s: Astolpho doubts if he within shall wend,


s: And see those wretched ones expelled from day;


s: "Why should I fear, that on my horn depend


s: For certain succour?" (did the warrior say)


s: And drive before me their three-headed hound."


s: The cavern entered next; but first he took


s: His horn, whereon the knight in all relies.


s: Obscure and foul, offends his nose and eyes.


s: Ranker than pitch and sulphur is the stench,


s: Yet not thereat does good Astolpho blench.


s: So much he finds the smoke and vapour worse;


s: Nay, backward must retrace his way parforce.


s: Lo!  something (what he knows not) he in air


s: Espies, that seems in motion, like a corse,


s: Upon whose wasted form long time had beat


s: The winter's rain and summers scorching heat.


s: -- Yea, well-nigh might be said that light was none --


s: Nought sees or comprehends the English knight


s: For surer proof, a stroke or two would smite


s: With his good faulchion Otho's valiant son:


s: Then deemed that duke it was a spirit, whom


s: He seemed to strike amid the misty gloom.


s: "Ah! without harming other, downward wend.


s: Which hither form the hellish fires ascend."


s: Thereat the duke, amazed, his steps represt,


s: And to the spirit cried: "So may Heaven send


s: As thou shalt deign to tell thy mournful tale!


s: "And to be known on earth shouldst thou be fain,


s: Thee will I satisfy."  To him the sprite:


s: Constraining me to tell the things ye seek;


s: Though 'tis annoyance and fatigue to speak.


s: "Lydia, the child of Lydia's king, am I,


s: To proud estate and princely honours born,


s: Condemned by righteous doom of God on high


s: I, while I lived, repaid with spite and scorn.


s: With countless others swarm these grots below,


s: For the same sin, condemned to the same woe.


s: Suffers worse pain where thicker fumes arise;


s: Heaven changed her flesh to stone, and here to be


s: In that unmoved she, hung in air, could see


s: Here Daphne learns how rashly she had done


s: Confined, it would be tedious to recite,


s: If, one by one, I upon these should dwell;


s: 'Twould be more tedious of the men to tell,


s: Whose base ingratitude due pains requite;


s: Smoke blinds, and everlasting fires torment.


s: "Since to belief soft woman is more prone,


s: He that deceives her, merits heavier pain;


s: And him that vexed of old the Latian reign,


s: Erewhile provoked the pestilent disdain,


s: Because of Thamar; countless is the horde


s: Of those who left a wife or wedded lord.


s: "But, rather of my state than theirs to shew,


s: And sin which brought me hither: -- I was fair,


s: But so much haughtier was than fair of hue,


s: Nor which was most excessive of the two,


s: My pride of beauty, could to thee declare.


s: Though it is certain, Pride but took its rise


s: In that rare loveliness which pleased all eyes.


s: "There lived a Thracian knight, for warlike skill


s: Who, voiced by many a worthy witness still,


s: The praises of my matchless charms did hear.


s: So that, of forethought and his own free will,


s: Should for his valour duly prize his heart.


s: Was fettered at my sight; and there enrolled


s: In mickle fame increased that baron bold.


s: His feats of many a sort, and valour high


s: Would make a tale too tedious to be told;


s: With what his boundless merit had deserved,


s: If a more grateful master he had served.


s: Through him, my father brought beneath his sway,


s: Who never moved a-field his martial train,


s: But when that warrior pointed out the way:


s: He, when he deemed he had deserved such gain,


s: Pressed close the Lydian king, upon a day,


s: And craved me from the monarch as his wife,


s: As meed of all that booty made in strife.


s: Who was resolved his child should highly wed;


s: Who, saving valour, was with nought bested.


s: And avarice, of all vice the fountain-head,


s: That warrior), when he sees his suit denied,


s: Repulsed by one, by whom he had most right


s: To think that he should most be gratified,


s: Craves his discharge, and threatens he this slight


s: Will make the Lydian monarch dear abide.


s: And mortal for, he sought with this desire;


s: "And so the monarch urged, he made him rear


s: His banner, and attack my sire; and, through


s: His famous feats, that Thracian cavalier


s: Was named the captain of the invading crew.


s: For the Armenian sovereign, far and near,


s: All things (so said the knight) he would subdue;


s: But claiming as his share, when all was won,


s: My sovereign beauties for the service done.


s: "I ill to you the mischief could express


s: Than one short twelvemonth left us neither town,


s: Not tower, save one, where cliffs forbade access:


s: 'Twas here my sire, amid those of his own


s: Whom most he loved, took refuge, in his need,


s: With all the wealth he could collect with speed.


s: "Us in this fortilage the knight attacked,


s: That gladly would the king have made a pact,


s: To yield me for his consort, yea his slave,


s: With half our realm, if certain by that act


s: Right sure he otherwise should forfeit all,


s: And, after, die in bonds, a captive thrall.


s: Me, the first cause of all the mischief, sent.


s: To bid him take what portion of our reign


s: He pleased, and pacify his fierce disdain.


s: "When of my coming that good knight does know,


s: Me he encounters pale and trembling sore:


s: 'Twould seem a vanquished man's a prisoner's brow,


s: He, rather than a victor's semblance, bore.


s: I who perceive he loves, address not now


s: My vantage I descry, and shift my ground,


s: To fit the state wherein that knight was found.


s: "To curse the warrior's passion I begun,


s: And me would have by violence constrained;


s: Who with more grace my person would have won,


s: His course of courtship, as begun whilere.


s: "And if the honest suit he hoped to gain


s: 'Twas, he was somedeal of a churlish vein,


s: He should not therefore, restive to the rein,


s: Have left his goodly task, so prompt to ire;


s: Sure, passing aye from good to better deed,


s: In little time to win the wished-for meed;


s: "And if my father would not have been won,


s: To him I would so earnestly have prayed,


s: That he my lover should have made his son;


s: Nay, had my royal sire my suit gainsayed,


s: For him in secret that I would have done,


s: Wherewith he should have deemed himself appaid:


s: But since, it seemed, he other means designed,


s: "And, though I sought him, at my father's hest,


s: And pious love for him had been my guide,


s: He might be sure, not long should be possest


s: The bliss that I, in my despite, supplied;


s: For the red blood should issue from my breast


s: He so by brutal force should make his own.


s: "With these, and words like these, I moved the peer,


s: And him so contrite made, in desert drear,


s: Fell down, and snatched a poniard from his side;


s: Which, he protested, I parforce should take,


s: And for so foul a sin my vengeance slake.


s: I scheme, when him I see in such distress,


s: And give him hopes he may even yet pretend


s: That I deservedly his love should bless,


s: And will in future time deserve my charms


s: By love and service, not by force of arms.


s: And let me, as I came, untouched, depart;


s: Nor even to kiss my lips he ventured; see


s: Love has well touched with the desire of me,


s: He seeks the Armenian, why by pact should take


s: Whatever spoil the conquering armies make;


s: "And him, as best he might, would fain persuade


s: Upon whose wasted lands his host had preyed,


s: And rest content with his Armenian reign.


s: -- He would not hear of this (the monarch said,


s: With cheers with fury swolen) nor would refrain


s: From pressing Lydia's king with armed band,


s: "And if the knight, when a vile woman sues,


s: His purpose shift, let him the evil bear:


s: He will not, for the warrior's asking, lose


s: And next complains, that he rejects his prayer.


s: At length the Thracian fires, and threatens high,


s: By love or force the monarch shall comply.


s: "So kindling anger waxed between the two,


s: It urged them from ill words to worser deed:


s: Though thousands aid the monarch in his need,


s: And, in despite of all, their sovereign slew;


s: And made that day as well the Armenian bleed,


s: And other followers, by the warrior paid.


s: "His conquest he pursued, and, at his cost,


s: Short month, the kingdom by my father lost


s: Restored; and, to repair the mischief done,


s: (Beside spoil given) he conquered with his host,


s: -- Taxing or taking what his arms had won --


s: And scowered Hyrcania to the distant brine.


s: "Him not to greet with triumphs, but to slay,


s: Feeding him aye with hope from day to day,


s: I for the Thracian warrior love pretend:


s: But first declare my will that he oppose


s: "And him, now sole, now ill accompanied,


s: On strange and perilous emprize I speed;


s: Wherein a thousand knights might well have died;


s: But all things happily with him succeed:


s: And oft with horrid foes of monstrous breed,


s: With Giants and with Lestrigons, who brought


s: Damage in our domains, the warrior fought.


s: As (hiding murderous hate, while I implore)


s: With the same fell design upon his life.


s: Through me, all deemed his friends by him are shent,


s: Who thus bring down on him the hate of all.


s: Without regarding who or what the wight.


s: "When I perceive that, through the warrior's mean,


s: And, conquered by himself, that knight is seen


s: -- Friendless, through us -- I now the masque forego;


s: What I, from him, beneath a flattering mien,


s: -- What deep and deadly hate by bosom fired,


s: And that I but to work his death desired.


s: "Then, thinking if such course I should pursue,


s: That public shame would still the deed attend,


s: And would be prompt my cruelty to shend.)


s: Meseemed enough to drive him from my view,


s: So that he should no more my eyes offend:


s: Nor would I more address or see the peer,


s: Nor letter would receive or message hear.


s: At length produced, that mastered by his woe,


s: He sickened sore and sank beneath the blow.


s: For pain which fits my sin, dark fumes now stain


s: My cheek, and with salt rheum mine eyes o'erflow.


s: Since wretched Lydia spake no more, the peer


s: Would fain discern if more in torment lay;


s: But, those false ingrates' curse, the darkness drear


s: So waxed before him, and obscured the way,


s: That not one inch advanced the cavalier;


s: Nay, back parforce returns that warrior; nay,


s: Himself from that increasing smoke to save,


s: Makes for the mouth of the disastrous cave.


s: More savours of a run than walk or trot.


s: Thus mounting the ascent in swift retreat,


s: Where, through the darkness of that dismal seat


s: And those foul fumes, a dawn of daylight shot;


s: He from the cavern, sorely pained and pined,


s: Issues at last, and leaves the smoke behind;


s: And next to bar the way against that band,


s: Whose greedy bellies so for victual crave,


s: Picks stones, and trees lays level with his brand,


s: Which charged with pepper or amomum wave;


s: And what might seem a hedge, with busy hand,


s: As best he can, constructs before the cave;


s: And so succeeds in blocking that repair,


s: The fumes that from the sable pitch arose,


s: Not only what appeared to sight did stain;


s: But even so searched the flesh beneath his clothes,


s: He sought some cleansing stream, long sought in vain;


s: But found at length a limpid till, which rose


s: And bathed himself all over in the flood.


s: Then backed the griffin-horse, and soared a flight


s: Whereby to reach that mountain's top he schemes,


s: Which little distant, with its haughty height,


s: From the moon's circle good Astolpho deems;


s: And, such desire to see it warms the knight,


s: That he aspires to heaven, nor earth esteems.


s: Through air so more and more the warrior strains,


s: That he at last the mountain-summit gains.


s: Here sapphire, ruby, gold, and topaz glow,


s: Pearl, jacinth, chrysolite and diamond lie,


s: Which well might pass for natural flowers which blow,


s: Catching their colour from that kindly sky.


s: So green the grass!  could we have such below,


s: We should prefer it to our emerald's dye.


s: As fair the foliage of those pleasant bowers!


s: Whose trees are ever filled with fruit and flowers.


s: Warble the wanton birds in verdant brake,


s: Azure, and red, and yellow, green and white.


s: In limpid hue surpass the crystal bright.


s: A breeze, which with one breath appears to shake,


s: Aye, without fill or fall, the foliage light,


s: To the quick air such lively motion lends,


s: That Day's oppressive noon in nought offends;


s: And this, mid fruit and flower and verdure there,


s: And made of those mixt sweets a medley rare,


s: Which filled the spirit with a calm content.


s: Which seemed as if with living flames it brent.


s: Such passing splendour and such glorious light


s: Shot from those walls, beyond all usage bright.


s: Thither where those transparent walls appear,


s: Which cover more than thirty miles in measure,


s: And viewed the lovely region at his leisure;


s: And deemed -- compared with this -- that sad and drear,


s: And seen by heaven and nature with displeasure,


s: Was the foul world, wherein we dwell below:


s: So jocund this, so sweet and fair in show!


s: Astound with wonder, paused the adventurous knight,


s: When to that shining palace he was nigh,


s: For, than the carbuncle more crimson bright,


s: It seemed one polished stone of sanguine dye.


s: What fabric upon earth with this can vie?


s: Let them henceforth be silent, that in story


s: Exalt the world's seven wonders to such glory!


s: Of that glad house, towards Astolpho prest;


s: Crimson his waistcoat was, and white his pall;


s: Vermillion seemed the mantle, milk the vest:


s: White was that ancient's hair, and white withal


s: The bushy beard descending to his breast;


s: And from his reverend face such glory beamed,


s: Who humbly, from his sell had lighted, cries:


s: Have soared to this terrestrial paradise!


s: Albeit nor you the cause of your design,


s: Nor you the scope of your desire surmise,


s: Believe, you not without high mystery steer


s: Hitherward, from your arctic hemisphere.


s: "You for instruction, how to furnish aid


s: To Charles and to the Church in utmost need,


s: With me to counsel, hither are conveyed,


s: Who without counsel from such distance speed.


s: But, son, ascribe not you the journey made


s: To wit or worth; nor through your winged steed,


s: Nor through your virtuous bugle had ye thriven,


s: But that such helping grace from God was given.


s: "We will discourse at better leisure more,


s: And you what must be done shall after hear;


s: But you that, through long fast, must hunger sore,


s: First brace your strength with us, with genial cheer."


s: Continuing his discourse, that elder hoar


s: When he avouched, as he his name disclosed,


s: He of our Lord so loved, the blessed John;


s: Of whom a speech among the brethren went,


s: He never should see death, and hence the Son


s: Of God with this rebuke St. Peter shent;


s: Albeit he said not that he should not die,


s: That so he meant to say we plain descry.


s: The patriarch Enoch, and the mighty seer


s: Have seen corruption, but in garden, clear


s: Of spring, till they angelic trumpets hear,


s: Sounding through heaven and earth, proclaim aloud


s: Christ's second advent on the silvery cloud.


s: With welcome kind, the adventurous cavalier;


s: So rich, that in his judgment 'twould appear,


s: In some sort might our parents be excused


s: If, for such fruits, obedience they refused.


s: When with that daily payment which man owes,


s: (For all and every comfort found he here)


s: Not for his many years to her less dear,


s: Much that not lawfully could here be shown,


s: "To you, though come from France, may be unknown


s: What there hath happened," next the apostle said;


s: "Learn, your Orlando, for he hath foregone


s: The way wherein he was enjoined to tread,


s: Him whom he loveth best, when he offends:


s: With sovereign daring and with sovereign might,


s: The grace, that weapon him should vainly smite,


s: "He, your Orlando, for such gifts has made


s: Who left his people, when most needing aid,


s: Then most abandoned to the heathens' scorn.


s: Had blinded so that knight, of grace forlorn,


s: That twice and more in fell and impious strife


s: The count has sought his faithful cousin's life.


s: "Hence God hath made him mad, and, in this vein,


s: Belly, and breast, and naked flesh expose;


s: And so diseased and troubled is his brain,


s: That none, and least himself, the champion knows,


s: God in his vengeance doomed, as story shows;


s: Sent, for seven years, of savage fury full,


s: To feed on grass and hay, like slavering bull.


s: "But yet, because the Christian paladine


s: Has sinned against his heavenly Maker less,


s: He only for three months, by will divine,


s: Is doomed to cleanse himself of his excess.


s: Nor yet with other scope did your design


s: But that through us the mode you should explore,


s: " `Tis true to journey further ye will need,


s: And wholly must you leave this nether sphere;


s: To the moon's circle you I have to lead,


s: Of all the planets to our world most near,


s: Because the medicine, that is fit to speed


s: Her downward rays the silver moon shall shed."


s: On this and that, until the day is worn:


s: But when the sun is sunk i' the salt sea ooze,


s: To scower the heavens, wherein of old was borne


s: Four goodly coursers next, and redder far


s: Than flame, to that fair chariot yokes the sire;


s: Who, when the knight and he well seated are,


s: Collects the reins; and heavenward they aspire.


s: Whose heat the saint by miracle suspends,


s: While through the parted air the pair ascends.


s: The chariot, towering, threads the fiery sphere,


s: This, in its larger part they find as clear


s: As polished steel, when undefiled by stain;


s: And such it seems, or little less, when near,


s: As what the limits of our earth contain:


s: Such as our earth, the last of globes below,


s: Including seas, which round about it flow.


s: Here doubly waxed the paladin's surprize,


s: To see that place so large, when viewed at hand;


s: When from the globe surveyed whereon we stand,


s: And that he both his eyes behoved to strain,


s: If he would view Earth's circling seas and land;


s: In that, by reason of the lack of light,


s: Here other river, lake, and rich champaign


s: Are seen, than those which are below descried;


s: Here other valley, other hill and plain,


s: With towns and cities of their own supplied;


s: Which mansions of such mighty size contain,


s: Here spacious hold and lonely forest lay,


s: Where nymphs for ever chased the panting prey.


s: He, that with other scope had thither soared,


s: His way towards a spacious vale pursues;


s: Collected there are all things whatsoe'er,


s: Lost through time, chance, or our own folly, here.


s: Nor here alone of realm and wealthy dower,


s: O'er which aye turns the restless wheel, I say:


s: Much fame is here, whereon Time and the Hour,


s: Like wasting moth, in this our planet prey.


s: Here countless vows, here prayers unnumbered lie,


s: The lover's tears and sighs; what time in pleasure


s: To this, of ignorant men the eternal leisure,


s: And vain designs, aye frustrate of their end.


s: Empty desires so far exceed all measure,


s: They o'er that valley's better part extend.


s: There wilt thou find, if thou wilt thither post,


s: Whatever thou on earth beneath hast lost.


s: He, passing by those heaps, on either hand,


s: Of this and now of that the meaning sought;


s: Formed of swollen bladders here a hill did stand,


s: Whence he heard cries and tumults, as he thought.


s: These were old crowns of the Assyrian land


s: And Lydian -- as that paladin was taught --


s: Grecian and Persian, all of ancient fame;


s: And now, alas!  well-nigh without a name.


s: Golden and silver hooks to sight succeed,


s: Heaped in a mass, the gifts which courtiers bear,


s: -- Hoping thereby to purchase future meed --


s: To greedy prince and patron; many a snare,


s: Concealed in garlands, did the warrior heed,


s: Who heard, these signs of adulation were;


s: And in cicalas, which their lungs had burst,


s: With which great lords their delegates invest:


s: Bellows filled every nook, the fume and fee


s: Wherein the favourites of kings are blest:


s: Given to those Ganymedes that have their hour,


s: And reft, when faded is their vernal flower.


s: O'erturned, here ruined town and castle lies,


s: With all their wealth: "The symbols" (said his guide)


s: Which their conductors seemed so ill to hide."


s: He marks mighty pool of porridge spilled,


s: And asks what in that symbol should be read,


s: And hears 'twas charity, by sick men willed


s: He passed a heap of flowers, that erst distilled


s: Sweet savours, and now noisome odours shed;


s: Which Constantine to good Sylvester made.


s: A large provision, next, of twigs and lime


s: -- Your witcheries, O women! -- he explored.


s: The things he witnessed, to recount in rhyme


s: Too tedious were; were myriads on record,


s: To sum the remnant ill should I have time.


s: 'Tis here that all infirmities are stored,


s: Save only Madness, seen not here at all,


s: Which dwells below, nor leaves this earthly ball.


s: He turns him back, upon some days and deeds


s: To look again, which he had lost of yore;


s: But, save the interpreter the lesson reads,


s: Would know them not, such different form they wore.


s: He next saw that which man so little needs,


s: -- As it appears -- none pray to Heaven for more;


s: It was as 'twere a liquor soft and thin,


s: Which, save well corked, would from the vase have drained;


s: Laid up, and treasured various flasks within,


s: Anglantes' lord, the mighty sense contained;


s: And from those others was discerned, since writ


s: The names of those whose wits therein were pent


s: He thus on all those other flasks espied.


s: Much of his own, but with more wonderment,


s: Who, he believed, no dram of theirs had spent;


s: But here, by tokens clear was satisfied,


s: That scantily therewith were they purveyed;


s: Some waste on love, some seeking honour, lose


s: Their wits, some, scowering seas, for merchandise,


s: Some, that on wealthy lords their hope repose,


s: These on whatever else they highest prize.


s: Astrologers' and sophists' wits mid these,


s: Who wrote the obscure Apocalypse, his own


s: When (it appeared) it to its place was gone;


s: And henceforth, has Sir Turpin certified,


s: That long time sagely lived king Otho's son;


s: Which held the wit Orlando erst possessed,


s: Astolpho took; nor this so light he found,


s: As it appeared, when piled among the rest.


s: Before, from those bright spheres, now earthward bound,


s: His course is to our lower orb addressed,


s: Filled full of fleeces all its chambers were,


s: Of wool, silk, linen, cotton, in their hue,


s: Of diverse dyes and colours, foul and fair.


s: Yarns to her reel from all those fleeces drew,


s: In the outer porch, a dame of hoary hair.


s: On summer-day thus village wife we view,


s: When the new silk is reeled, its filmy twine


s: Wind from the worm, and soak the slender line.


s: A second dame replaced the work when done


s: With other; and one bore it off elsewhere;


s: And mingled by that second, foul from fair.


s: "What is this labour?" said the peer to John;


s: "Know that the Parcae are those ancient wives,


s: That in this fashion spin your feeble lives.


s: "As long as one fleece lasts, life in such wise


s: For Death and Nature have their watchful eyes


s: On the hour when each should to his end be brought.


s: The choicest threads are culled for Paradise,


s: And, after, for its ornaments are wrought;


s: And fashioned from the strands of foulest show


s: Are galling fetters for the damned below."


s: On all the fleeces that erewhile were laid


s: Upon the reel, and culled for other care,


s: The names were graved on little plates, which made


s: These piled in many heaps he next surveyed;


s: Whence an old man some skins was seen to bear,


s: That he seems born to run; he bears away


s: Out of those heaps by lapfulls in his vest


s: The tickets that the different names display.


s: Wherefore and whither he his steps addrest,


s: If you, in sign of pleasure, will attend,


s: With that kind audience ye are wont to lend.


s: The apostle praises authors to the peer.


s: Duke Aymon's martial daughter in affray,


s: She next from Arles defies her cavalier,


s: And, while he marvels who would him assay,


s: Of heaven, to me my judgment to restore,


s: Which, since from your bright eyes the weapon went,


s: That pierced my heart, is wasting evermore?


s: But -- ebbing further -- I should fear to be


s: To have anew that judgment, through the skies,


s: For, I believe, mine is not lodged so high.


s: On your bright visage, on your beauteous eyes,


s: If I may have them back, these fain would sip.


s: Astolpho wandered through that palace wide,


s: He a fair fleece discerned that far outvied


s: Could these into a thread be drawn by art,


s: Would never equal by the thousandth part.


s: The beauteous fleece he saw with wondrous glee


s: Equalled by none amid that countless store;


s: And when and whose such glorious life should be,


s: Longed sore to know.  "This," (said the apostle hoar,


s: "Shall have existence twenty years before,


s: Dating from THE INCARNATE WORD, the year


s: Shall marked my men with M and D appear;


s: "And, as for splendor and for substance fair,


s: This fleece shall have no like or equal, so


s: Shall the blest age wherein it shall appear


s: Or bounteous Fortune upon men can shower,


s: "Between the king of rivers' horns," (he cries,)


s: "Stands what is now a small and humble town.


s: A misty pool of marsh; this -- looking down


s: The stream of future years -- I recognize


s: Not only famed for wall and palace rare,


s: But noble ways of life and studies fair.


s: Whereof I speak, shall so the heaven ordain.


s: For where men look for fruit they graff the tree,


s: And study still the rising plant to train;


s: Designed by him the precious gem to hold.


s: "Nor ever, in terrestrial realm, so fine


s: And rarely soul so great from realms divine


s: Has been, or will be, thitherward addrest,


s: On whom so rich a gift of God shall light.


s: "All those fair graces, that, on many spent,


s: To prop the arts, the virtues is he sent;


s: And should I seek his merits to display,


s: So long a time would last my tedious strain,


s: 'Twas so Christ's servant with the cavalier


s: Discoursed; they having satisfied their view


s: With sight of that fair mansion, far and near,


s: That whence conveyed were human lives, the two


s: Issued upon the stream, whose waves appear


s: Turbid with sand and of discoloured hue;


s: And found that ancient man upon the shore,


s: Who names, engraved on metal, thither bore.


s: I speak, whose story I erewhile suspended,


s: Ancient of visage, and so swift of limb,


s: That faster far than forest stag he wended.


s: With names he filled his mantle to the brim,


s: Aye thinned the pile, but ne'er his labour ended;


s: And in that stream, hight Lethe, next bestowed,


s: Arrives that ancient, of his store profuse,


s: Discharges, as he shakes his mantle loose.


s: A countless shoal, they in the stream subside;


s: Nor henceforth are they fit for any use;


s: Is saved of those which waves and sand o'errun.


s: Vile crows and ravening vultures, and a crew


s: Of choughs, and more, that with discordant cry


s: And deafening din their airy flight pursue;


s: And to the prey all hurry, when from high


s: Those ample riches they so scattered view;


s: And with their beak or talon seize the prey:


s: Yet little distance they their prize convey.


s: When they would raise themselves in upward flight,


s: They have not strength the burden to sustain;


s: The worthy names, which lasting praise should gain.


s: Two swans there are amid those birds, as white,


s: My lord, as is your banner's snowy grain;


s: Who catch what names they can, and evermore


s: With these return securely to the shore.


s: Thus, counter to that ancient's will malign,


s: Some names are rescued by the birds benign;


s: Wasteful Oblivion all the rest consumes.


s: Now swim about the stream those swans divine,


s: Now beat the buxom air with nimble plumes,


s: Till, near that impious river's bank, they gain


s: A hill, and on that hill a hallowed fane.


s: A lovely nymph, that from the hill descends,


s: Takes from those swans their burden, and suspends


s: Upon a shaft, which in mid fane ascends;


s: There consecrates and fixes them so fast,


s: That all throughout eternity shall last.


s: Of that old sire, and why he would dispense


s: Idly, all those fair names, as 'twould appear,


s: And of the birds and holy place, from whence


s: The nymph was to the river seen to steer,


s: The solemn mystery, and the secret sense,


s: And prayed the man of God would these unfold,


s: Who to the warrior thus their meaning told.


s: "There moves no leaf beneath, thou hast to know,


s: But here above some sign thereof we trace;


s: Since all, in Heaven above or Earth below,


s: Must correspond, though with a different face.


s: That ancient, with his sweeping beard of snow,


s: Works the same end and purpose in our clime,


s: As are on earth below performed by Time.


s: "The life of man its final close attains,


s: When on the wheel is wound the fatal twine;


s: There fame, and here above the mark remains;


s: But for that bearded sire's unwearied pains,


s: And his below, that for their wreck combine.


s: One drowns them, as thou seest, mid sand and surges.


s: "And even, as here above, the raven, daw,


s: The names, which in their sight appear most fair;


s: Even thus below, pimps, flatterers, men of straw,


s: Buffoons, informers, minions, all who there


s: Flourish in courts, and in far better guise


s: And better odour, than the good and wise;


s: "And by the crowd are gentle courtiers hight,


s: When the just Parcae or (to speak aright)


s: Venus and Bacchus cut their master's twine,


s: -- These base and sluggish dullards, whom I cite --


s: Born but to blow themselves with bread and wine,


s: In their vile mouths awhile such names convey,


s: Then drop the load, which is Oblivion's prey.


s: "But as the joyful swans, that, singing sweet,


s: So they whose praises poets well repeat,


s: Than death.  O Princes, wary and discreet,


s: That wisely tread in Caesar's steps, and gain


s: Authors for friends!  They, doubt it not, shall save


s: Your noble names from Lethe's laxy wave.


s: "Rare as those gentle swans are poets too,


s: As well because it is Heaven's will, that few


s: Great rulers should the paths of glory tread,


s: As through foul fault of sordid lordlings, who


s: Who putting down the Virtues, raise the tribe


s: Of Vices, and the liberal arts proscribe.


s: "Believe it, that these ignorant men should be


s: Blind and deprived of judgment, is God's doom;


s: Who makes them loathe the light of poetry,


s: That envious Death may wholly them consume.


s: Besides that Song can quicken and set free


s: Him that is prisoned in the darkness tomb,


s: Though foul his name, if Cirrha him befriend.


s: Its savour myrrh and spikenard shall transcend.


s: Was, as 'tis famed; and mid the nameless swarm,


s: Thousands and thousands higher rank might hold:


s: But gift of palace and of plenteous farm,


s: Bestowed by heirs of them, whose deeds they told,


s: Have moved the poet with his honoured hand,


s: To place them upon Glory's highest stand.


s: Was as great Virgil's trumpet sounds his name,


s: Because he savoured the harmonious line.


s: His foul proscription passes without blame.


s: Though Heaven and Earth were hostile, had he known


s: The means to make the tuneful tribe his own.


s: And makes the Trojan seem of coward vein,


s: And from the suitors, faithful to her vows,


s: Yet -- would'st thou I the secret should expose? --


s: By contraries throughout the tale explain:


s: That from the Trojan bands the Grecian ran;


s: "What fame Eliza, she so chaste of sprite,


s: On the other hand, has left behind her, hear!


s: Marvel not this should cause me sore despite,


s: And if my speech diffusive should appear.


s: Speaking their praise; an author I below!


s: "There earned I, above all men, what no more


s: Time nor yet Death from me shall take away;


s: It grieves me much for them, on whom her door


s: Who meagre, pale, and worn with hopeless suit,


s: Knock night and day, and ever without fruit.


s: Henceforth with that apostle let the peer


s: As far as 'tis from heaven to earth; for here


s: I left her where, successively o'erthrown,


s: Three kings she quickly upon earth had strown;


s: Heard tidings of Rinaldo's victory blown;


s: And how in Arles the vanquished paynim lay.


s: -- Sure, her Rogero with the king is gone --


s: Towards fair Provence, whither (as she hears)


s: King Charlemagne pursues, her way she steers.


s: She towards Provence, by the nearest road,


s: So journeying, met a maid of mournful air;


s: Who, though her cheeks with tears were overflowed,


s: She was it, so transfixed with Love's keen goad,


s: Who sighed for Monodante's valiant heir,


s: Who at the bridge had left her lord a thrall,


s: When with King Rodomont he tried a fall.


s: She sought one of an otter's nimbleness,


s: So fierce, that she that champion -- to redress


s: Her wrongs -- might match against the paynim peer.


s: To that fair dame, as comfortless, drew near,


s: Flordelice marked the maid, that, in her sight,


s: Appeared a warrior fitted for her needs;


s: And of the bridge and river 'gan recite,


s: Where Argier's mighty king the road impedes;


s: And how he had gone nigh to slay her knight;


s: Not that more doughty were the monarch's deeds;


s: In that streight bridge and foaming river found.


s: "Are you (she said) so daring and so kind,


s: Venge me of him that has my lord confined,


s: And makes me wander thus, opprest with woe,


s: For love of Heaven; or teach me where to find


s: At least a knight who can resist the foe,


s: And of such skill that little boot shall bring


s: "Besides that so you shall achieve an end,


s: The faithfullest of lovers far and near.


s: Knoweth not these, may well be said to be


s: One without ears to hear or eyes to see."


s: The high-minded maid, to whom aye welcome are


s: May hope a great and glorious name to bear,


s: Straight to the paynim's bridge resolves to hie;


s: And now so much the more -- as in despair --


s: Wends willingly, although it were to die:


s: In that she, ever with herself at strife,


s: The hard and dread adventure, passing by


s: Causes beside that move me, most that you


s: Which I, in sooth, hear warranted of few;


s: That he is constant; for i'faith I swear,


s: I well believed all lovers perjured were."


s: With these last words a sigh that damsel drew,


s: A sigh which issued from her heart; then said:


s: "Go we"; and, with the following sun, those two


s: At the deep stream arrived and bridge of dread:


s: -- Seen of the guard, that on his bugle blew


s: A warning blast, when strangers thither sped --


s: The pagan arms him, girds his goodly brand,


s: And takes upon the bridge his wonted stand;


s: And as the maid appears in martial scale,


s: The moody monarch threatens her to slay,


s: Fair Bradamant who knew the piteous tale,


s: Replied in answer to that paynim haught.


s: "Wherefore, O brutish man, for your misdeed


s: 'Tis fitting to appease her you should bleed;


s: You killed her, and to all the deed is known.


s: Of those so many, by your lance o'erthrown,


s: Your armour should the blest oblation be,


s: And you the choicest victim, slain by me;


s: "And dearer shall the gift be from my hand;


s: Nor save to venge her have I sought this strand;


s: But first, 'tis good some pact we understand,


s: Before we prove our prowess with the spear:


s: You shall do by me, if o'erthrown, what you


s: By other prisoners have been wont to do.


s: "But if, as I believe and trust, you fall,


s: I will your horse and armour have (she cried),


s: And taking down all others from the wall,


s: Hang on the tomb alone those arms of pride;


s: And will that you release each warlike thrall."


s: -- "The pact is just (King Rodomont replied),


s: But those, my prisoners, are not here confined,


s: And therefore cannot be to you consigned.


s: "These have I sent into mine Africk reign;


s: But this I promise thee, and pledge my fay;


s: If, by strange fortune, thou thy seat maintain,


s: Delivered, all, shall be the captive train,


s: 'Should do what thou, if conqueror, may'st command.


s: "But art thou undermost, as fitter were,


s: And, as thou surely wilt be, I from thee


s: Not therefore will thy forfeit armour tear,


s: Nor shall thy name inscribed, as vanquished, be.


s: To thy bright face, bright eyes, and beauteous hair,


s: All breathing love and grace, the victory


s: Then stoop to love me, as thou hatest now.


s: "To fall by me thou needest not disdain;


s: I with such strength, such nerve am fortified."


s: Somedeal she smiled; but smiled in bitter vein;


s: Savouring of anger more than aught beside.


s: She spake not to that haughty man again,


s: To the bridge-end returned the damsel, plied


s: Her courser with the rowels, couched her spear,


s: King Rodomont prepares his course to run;


s: Comes on at speed; and with such mighty sound


s: Echoes that bridge, the thundering noise might stun


s: The ears of many distant from the ground.


s: The golden lance its wonted work has done;


s: For that fierce Moor, in tourney so renowned,


s: This from the saddle lifts, in air suspends,


s: Then headlong on the narrow bridge extends.


s: Scarce for her horse the martial damsel can


s: Find space to pass, when she has thrown her foe;


s: And little lacked, and mighty risque she ran


s: But, born of wind and flame, good Rabican


s: So dextrous was, and could so lightly go,


s: And could have paced upon a faulchion's edge.


s: The damsel wheeled, towards the cavalier


s: Returned, and him bespoke in sportive way;


s: Amazed, that woman him on earth should lay.


s: He cannot, or he will not speak; and lies


s: Silent and sad, he raised himself from ground,


s: And when he some few paces thence had gone,


s: His shield unbraced and helm and mail unbound,


s: He flung against the tomb; and thence, alone,


s: Afoot the moody monarch left that ground:


s: Yet not till he had given command to one


s: (Of his four squires was he) to do his hest


s: He parts; and save that in a caverned cell


s: He dwelt, no further news of him were known:


s: And having thence removed all plate and shell


s: Wherewith (as by the writing it was shown)


s: The cavaliers of Charles their limbs had drest,


s: She moved not, nor let other move, the rest.


s: Who, bound in search of good Orlando, were


s: Thither conducted by the road most near.


s: And sent by that proud paynim to Argier:


s: These warriors' arms the martial maid bade lower


s: From that fair tomb, and stored them in the tower.


s: All others, taken from the paynim train,


s: Bradamant left suspended from the stone;


s: Mid these a king's, that idly and in vain,


s: I say his arms, that ruled Circassia's reign;


s: Who, after wandering long, by date and down,


s: And lightly went his way, of arms bereft.


s: Stript of his armour and afoot, did part


s: That paynim monarch from the bridge of dread;


s: Those other knights that in his faith were bred:


s: But to his camp to wend he had no heart,


s: For there he was ashamed to show his head:


s: Since, in such fashion, thither to return


s: After his boasts, had been too foul a scorn.


s: Yet still with new desire the warrior burned


s: To seek her, fixed alone in his heart's core;


s: And such the monarch's chance, he quickly learned


s: (I cannot tell you who the tidings bore)


s: She was towards her native land returned.


s: Hence, as Love spurs and goads him evermore,


s: He bowns him straight her footsteps to pursue:


s: How she had freed that passage from the foe,


s: To mournful Flordelice the martial maid,


s: She that still held her weeping visage low,


s: Turned her, and courteously that lady prayed


s: "To Arles, where camp the paynims, would I ride.


s: "Which bark (I hope) and fitting company,


s: Once more rejoin my husband and my lord;


s: All means and measures there resolved to try,


s: That may release him from his jailer's ward;


s: Others, and others yet, I mean to move."


s: For some part of the road, I offer thee,


s: Till we have sight of Arles; then to repair


s: Thither, will pray you, for the love of me,


s: Whose glorious name is spread o'er land and sea,


s: And render to that knight this goodly horse,


s: Whence the proud Moor was flung in martial course.


s: "Say thus, from point to point, `A cavalier


s: That would in combat prove his chivalry,


s: And to the world at large would fain make clear


s: Thy breach of faith with him, that thou may'st be


s: Gave me this horse, that I might give it thee.


s: He bids thee promptly mail and corslet dight,


s: And wait him, who with thee will wage the fight.'


s: "Say this and nought beside, and would he hear


s: My name, declare that 'tis to thee unknown."


s: With wonted kindness cried that dame, "I ne'er


s: In spending life itself, not words alone,


s: Should weary in your service; since whilere


s: You would in my behalf as much have done."


s: Her Aymon's daughter thanked in courteous strain,


s: And to her hand consigned Frontino's rein.


s: Through long days' journey, by that river-shore,


s: Till they see Arles, and hear the hollow roar.


s: Of billows breaking on the sea-beach bare.


s: The furthest barrier, stops the martial fair;


s: To furnish Flordelice what time might need


s: She forward rode, within the enclosure sped,


s: And o'er the bridge and through the gateway wended,


s: And (furnished with a guide, who thither led)


s: To young Rogero's inn; and there descended.


s: She to the Child, as bid, her message said,


s: And gave the courser, to her care commended:


s: Then (for she waits not for an answer) speeds


s: To his perplexing thoughts, and cannot see


s: Who should defy him, who that message send,


s: Who thus as faithless him should reprehend,


s: On Bradamant the knight's suspicions fall.


s: To think 'twas Rodomont the youthful peer


s: And wherefore even from him he this should hear,


s: Knows not of one, that has him at despite.


s: Meanwhile Dordona's lady craved the field;


s: And loud that martial damsel's bugle pealed.


s: The news, that one craved battle on the plain.


s: Serpentine stood by chance before the two,


s: And gained their leave to don his plate and chain,


s: And vowed to take that haughty man; the crew


s: Nor child nor elder was there, but he pressed


s: To see which champion should bestir him best.


s: In beauteous arms and costly surcoat drest,


s: The ground he at the first encounter prest;


s: As if equipt with wings, his courser fled.


s: Exclaiming: "Mount, and bid your monarch send


s: A knight that better can with me contend."


s: The Moorish king, that on the rampart's height


s: Stood, with a mighty following, next the plain,


s: Marking the joust, much marvelled at the sight


s: "He takes him not, although he may of right,"


s: He cries i' the hearing of the paynim train.


s: Serpentine comes, and, as the maid commands,


s: The second for that fell encounter stood,


s: Such favour had his suit obtained whilere.


s: "To thee thy courtesy shall do no good,"


s: He threats, "for if unhorsed in the career


s: A prisoner to my lord shalt thou be led:


s: But, if I fight as wonted, thou art dead."


s: Should make me so forget my courteous vein,


s: But that aforehand I should caution thee


s: Ere on hard earth thy bones shall battered be.


s: Go tell thy king no champion of thy grain


s: I seek, but hither come to crave the fight


s: With warrior that is worthy of my might."


s: Bradamant's sharp and stinging answer stirred


s: So that, without the power to speak a word,


s: He wheeled his courser, filled with rage and shame;


s: Wheeling as well, at that proud paynim spurred


s: Her horse with levelled lance the warlike dame.


s: As the charmed weapon smites Grandonio's shield,


s: With heels in air, he tumbles on the field.


s: To him the high-minded damsel gave his horse,


s: And said, "Yet was this fate to thee foreshown,


s: Instead of craving thus the knightly course,


s: Better mine embassy wouldst thou have done.


s: Some other knight, that equals me in force,


s: I pray thee bid the Moorish king send down,


s: Champions like thee, untried in martial feat."


s: They on the walls, that know not who the peer


s: That in the joust so well maintains his seat,


s: That often make them shake in fiercest heat.


s: The third encounter craved Lanfusa's son,


s: And cried, "Not that I better hope to fare,


s: But that to warriors who this course have run,


s: My fall may furnish an excuse more fair."


s: Next, with all arms that martial jousters don,


s: Clothed him, and of a hundred steeds that were


s: Ready for service, kept in lordly stall,


s: For speed and action chose the best of all.


s: He bowned him for the tournay, on his side


s: But first saluted her and she the knight.


s: "If 'tis allowed to ask," (the lady cried,)


s: Who rarely hid himself form living wight.


s: "Ye will I not refuse," (subjoined the dame)


s: -- "And who?" the Spaniard said; -- the maid replied,


s: "Rogero"; and pronounced the word with pain.


s: And, in so saying, her fair face was dyed


s: To prove how justly famed his might and main.


s: But with that gentle youth to try a fall."


s: Ferrau replied, "Assured I first must be


s: Which of us two is schooled in warfare best,


s: If what has chanced to many, falls on me,


s: Hither, when I return, shall be addrest,


s: With whom you so desire to break a spear."


s: Discoursing all this while, the martial maid


s: Spake with her beavor up, without disguise:


s: Ferrau, as that fair visage he surveyed,


s: Perceived he was half vanquished by its eyes.


s: And, though he should not harm me with his lance,


s: I am already quelled by that sweet glance."


s: They take their ground, and to the encounter ride,


s: And, like those others, Ferrau goes to ground;


s: His courser Bradamant retained, and cried,


s: "Return, and keep thy word with me as bound."


s: Shamed, he returned, and by his monarch's side,


s: Among his peers, the young Rogero found;


s: And let the stripling know the stranger knight,


s: Without the walls, defied him to the fight.


s: Nigh sure of victory, with transport glows,


s: And bids his followers bring his plate and mail;


s: Nor having seen beneath those heavy blows


s: The rest dismounted, makes his spirit quail.


s: But how he armed, how sallied, what befell


s: That knight, in other canto will I tell.


s: While with the fierce Marphisa at despite


s: Duke Aymon's daughter wages fierce affray,


s: With other war disturbs their great delight


s: Marphisa bold; but when that martial may


s: Has for her brother recognized the peer,


s: They end their every strife with joyous cheer.


s: Where'er they be, all hearts of gentle strain


s: Still cannot choose but courtesy pursue;


s: For they from nature and from habit gain


s: What they henceforth can never more undo.


s: Alike the heart that is of churlish vein,


s: Where'er it be, its evil kind will shew.


s: Nature inclines to ill, through all her range,


s: And use is second nature, hard to change.


s: Virtues but seldom seen with us; while we


s: Of evil ways, on all sides, see and hear.


s: Won from the foe, and with his captive gear


s: Adorned our temples; and his galleys bore,


s: Laden with prey, to your paternal shore;


s: All the inhuman deeds which wrought by hand


s: That evermore the praise of justice bear,)


s: Were practised by that foul and evil band


s: Which on our farms and pleasant places fell.


s: Though a foul vengeance in that blow was meant


s: Mainly at you, who being at Caesar's side,


s: When Padua by his leaguering host was pent,


s: 'Twas known, that oft, through you, was turned aside


s: More than one ravening flame, and oft was spent


s: The fire, in fane and village blazing wide:


s: What time the destined mischief ye withstood,


s: This will I pass, nor their so many more


s: Discourteous and despiteous doings tell,


s: Save one alone, whereat from rock-stone hoar


s: Whene'er the tale is told warm tears might well.


s: Thither, my lord, where, under omens fell,


s: Abandoning their barks, had made retreat.


s: Fire to the banded fleet of Greece applied,


s: Urged by too sovereign ardour, side by side,


s: Spurring before all others in their mood,


s: And prick so far, the second 'scaped with pain,


s: And on the foremost closed the opposing train.


s: Feruffine 'scaped, the good Cantelmo left,


s: What counsel, Sora's duke, was thine, what heart,


s: When thy bold son thou saw'st, of helm bereft,


s: Amid a thousand swords, when -- dragged apart --


s: Thou saw'st his young head from his shoulders cleft,


s: A shipboard, on a plank?  I, on my part,


s: Marvel, that seeing but the murder done,


s: Slew thee not, as the faulchion slew thy son.


s: Cruel Sclavonian!  say, whence hast thou brought


s: Thy ways of warfare?  By what Scythian rite


s: To slay the helpless prisoner is it taught,


s: Who yields his arms, nor fends himself in fight?


s: Was it a crime he for his country fought?


s: Ill upon thee the sun bestows his light.


s: Remorseless aera, which hast filled the page


s: With Atreus', Tantalus', Thyestes' rage!


s: Barbarian!  thou madest shorter by the head


s: The boldest of his age, on whom did beam


s: The sun 'twixt pole and pole, 'twixt Indus' bed


s: And where he sinks in Ocean's western stream;


s: Whose years and beauty might have pity bred


s: Not thee; that art in wickedness outdone


s: I ween, mid warriors in the days of yore,


s: No such example was; they all, in field,


s: Were full of gentleness and courteous lore,


s: Nor against conquered foe their bosom steeled.


s: To harm the knights whom, smitten on the shield,


s: Her lance unhorsed; but for the vanquished crew


s: Detained their steeds, that they might mount anew.


s: Their coursers had replaced each baffled knight.


s: And bade his arms be brought; now while in view


s: Of Agramant he donned the plate and chain,


s: Those lords the former question moved anew;


s: Who was the knight, that on the martial plain


s: The manage of the lance so quaintly knew?


s: And of Ferrau, who spake with him whilere,


s: Craved, if to him was known that cavalier.


s: "Be ye assured," to them Ferrau replied,


s: Rinaldo's youthful brother seemed the knight.


s: But since his doughty valour I have tried,


s: And wot not such is Richardetto's might,


s: Resembles much in mien that martial peer.


s: "The damsel equals well, so Rumour tells,


s: Measured by that which I have seen to-day."


s: Hearing him, while upon her praise he dwells,


s: As the sky reddens with the morning ray,


s: Rogero's face is flushed with crimson hue,


s: And his heart throbs, nor knows he what to do.


s: Stung, at these tidings, by the amorous dart --


s: And strait, together with the burning smart,


s: Shoots through his bones a chill, produced by fear;


s: Fear, that new wrath had stifled in her heart


s: That mighty love, wherewith she burned whilere.


s: Confused he stands, irresolute and slow,


s: Now fierce Marphisa, who was there, and prest


s: By huge desire to meet the stranger wight,


s: And armed withal (for, save in iron vest,


s: Her seldom would you find by day or night).


s: Fearing to lose the honour of the fight,


s: If first that champion with the stranger vies;


s: Thinks to prevent the youth and win the prize.


s: She leapt upon her horse, and thither hied


s: Where Aymon's daughter on the listed plain,


s: Would make her prisoner, and but schemed to guide


s: Her lance in mode the stripling least to pain.


s: And on her gallant helm a phoenix wears.


s: Whether the maid would publish, in her pride,


s: That she was single in the world, for might;


s: That she would live, exempt from bridal rite.


s: Her closely Aymon's martial daughter eyed;


s: When seeing not those features, her delight,


s: She craves the damsel's name before they move,


s: And hears that it is she who joys her love:


s: Or rather she, that gentle lady thought,


s: Had joyed her love; and whom she hated so,


s: Her to Death's door her anger would have brought,


s: Unless she venged her sorrow on the foe.


s: She wheeled her courser round, with fury fraught,


s: Than with the lance to pierce her in mid breast,


s: Parforce to ground must go the royal maid,


s: To prove it hard or soft the listed plain,


s: Scarce was she thrown, before her trenchant blade


s: She bared, and hurried to avenge the stain.


s: Cried Aymon's daughter, no less proud of heart,


s: "What art thou doing?  Thou my prisoner art."


s: "Though I have courtesy for others, none"


s: (She said) "from me, Marphisa, shalt thou find.


s: To pride and every churlishness inclined."


s: Marphisa, at these words, was heard to groan,


s: As roars in some sea-rock the prisoned wind.


s: She screamed an answer; but its sense was drowned


s: (Such rage confused that damsel) in the sound.


s: She whirls this while her faulchion, and would fain


s: Wound horse or rider in the paunch or breast;


s: But Aymon's watchful daughter turns the rein;


s: And on one side her courser leaps; possest


s: With furious anger and with fierce disdain,


s: And hardly touched the damsel, ere, astound,


s: Marphisa fell, reversed upon the ground.


s: Scarce down, Marphisa started from the plain,


s: Intent fell mischief with her sword to do,


s: Bradamant couched her golden spear again,


s: Yet Bradamant, though blest with might and main,


s: As to have flung the maid in every just,


s: But that such power was in the lance's thrust.


s: This while some knights (some knights upon our side,


s: Towards the field of strife, which did divide


s: The squadrons, here and there, of either foe


s: -- Not half a league of one another wide --


s: Seeing their knight such mighty prowess show;


s: Their knight, but whom no otherwise they knew


s: Than as a warrior of the Christian crew.


s: For due defence would every means provide,


s: Forth from the ramparts, at the monarch's call.


s: Balked of the battle by Marphisa's haste.


s: The enamoured youth, with beating heart, intent,


s: Stood by, the issue of the just to view.


s: -- At the beginning I would say -- when, bent


s: On mischief, fiercely closed the furious two:


s: But when that duel's turn the stripling eyes,


s: He stands amazed and stupid with surprize;


s: And when he saw unfinished was the fight,


s: At the first onset, like the justs whilere,


s: Misdoubting some strange accident, in sprite,


s: Sore vexed, this while remained the cavalier.


s: To either maid wished well that youthful knight;


s: For both were loved, but not alike were dear.


s: For this the stripling's love was fury, fire;


s: For that 'twas rather fondness than desire.


s: Victory with King Charles's knight abide,


s: Break in between and turn their arms aside;


s: Advance, and both divisions come to blows.


s: On this side and that other, rings the alarm,


s: Which in those camps is sounded every day,


s: Bidding the unmounted mount, the unarmed arm,


s: And all their standards seek, without delay,


s: Where, under separate flags, the squadrons swarm,


s: More than one shrilling trump is heard to bray;


s: And as their rattling notes the riders call,


s: Rousing the foot, beat drum and ataball.


s: As fierce as thought could think, 'twixt either host


s: The daring damsel, fair Dordona's boast,


s: Sore vexed and troubled, that in the affray


s: She cannot compass what she covets most,


s: -- Marphisa with avenging steel to slay, --


s: Now here, not there, amid the medley flies,


s: Hoping to see the youth for whom she sighs.


s: By the eagle argent on the shield of blue


s: With eyes and thought intent, she stops to view


s: The warrior's manly shoulders and his breast,


s: Fair face and movements full of graceful shew;


s: And then the maid, with mickle spite possest,


s: Thinking another joys the stripling's love,


s: Thus speaks, as sovereign rage and fury move.


s: "Shall then another kiss those lips so bright


s: And sweet, if those fair lips are lost to me?


s: For it not mine, no other's shalt thou be.


s: I with this hand will slay myself and thee,


s: That if I lose thee here, at least in hell


s: "If thou slay'st me, there is good reason, I


s: The comfort too of vengeance should obtain;


s: The death of him that causes death ordain;


s: I him who seeks my life, alas!  shall spill,


s: Thou her that loves and worships thee wouldst kill.


s: "My hand, why hast thou not the hardiment


s: That me so many times to death has shent,


s: Under the faith of love, in peaceful show;


s: Him, who to take my life can now consent,


s: Dare, valiant heart, this impious man to slay,


s: And let his death my thousand deaths appay!"


s: So said, she spurred at him amid the throng;


s: But, first -- "Defend thee, false Rogero!" -- cried.


s: "No more, if I have power, in spoil and wrong,


s: Done to a virgin heart, shalt thou take pride."


s: Hearing that voice the hostile ranks among,


s: He deems -- and truly deems -- he hears his bride;


s: Whose voice the youth remembers in such wise,


s: Weening that him she in that speech would blame,


s: For having broke their pact; and -- with design,


s: The occasion of his failure to proclaim, --


s: But she, with vizor closed, already came,


s: Raging and grieved, intent, with vengeful hand,


s: To fling the youth; nor haply upon sand.


s: Fixed himself firmly in his arms and seat,


s: He rests his lance, but holds the stave suspended,


s: So that it shall not harm her when they meet,


s: She that to smite and pierce the Child intended,


s: Pitiless, and inflamed with furious heat,


s: Has not the courage, when she sees him near,


s: To fling, or do him outrage with the spear.


s: Void of effect, 'tis thus their lances go;


s: And it is well; since Love with burning dart,


s: Tilting this while at one and the other foe,


s: Has lanced the enamoured warriors in mid-heart.


s: And mighty deeds achieved, which fame will earn,


s: While overhead the circling heavens shall turn.


s: To her Rogero, circling, threads his way,


s: And says: "Unless I speak with you I die.


s: Hear me, for love of heaven! -- what done I done,


s: Alas!  that ever mine approach ye shun?"


s: As when soft southern breezes are unpent,


s: Which with a tepid breath from seaward blow,


s: The snows dissolve, and torrents find a vent,


s: And ice, so hard erewhile, is seen to flow;


s: At those entreaties, at that brief lament,


s: Rinaldo's sister's heart is softened so;


s: Forthwith compassionate and pious grown;


s: Which anger fain had made more hard than stone.


s: Would she not, could she not, she nought replied,


s: As she could wend from that embattled train;


s: Then to a sheltered valley turned aside,


s: Whose saplings of one stamp appeared to view.


s: Within that thicket, of white marble wrought,


s: And he that makes enquiry, here is taught


s: In few brief verses who therein is laid.


s: But of those lines, methinks, took little thought,


s: During this space was seated on her steed,


s: And sought again the valiant champion, who


s: At the first onset cast her on the mead;


s: And saw, how from the mingling host withdrew


s: Rogero, after that strange knight to speed;


s: Nor deemed the youth pursued in love; she thought


s: He but to end their strife and quarrel sought.


s: She pricks her horse behind the two, and gains,


s: Well nigh as soon as they, that valley; how


s: Who lives and loves, untaught by me, may know:


s: Beholding her whence all her sorrows flow.


s: Who shall persuade the damsel but that love


s: For young Rogero brings her to that grove?


s: -- "Perfidious, was it not enough (she said)


s: That I should know thy perfidy from fame,


s: But must the witness of thy guilt be made?


s: I wot, to drive me from thee is thine aim;


s: Will die; but strive, in yielding up my breath,


s: She too shall die, the occasion of my death."


s: Angrier than venomed viper, with a bound,


s: And plants so well the spear, that she, astound,


s: Fell backward on the champaigne in such guise,


s: Nigh half her helm was buried in the ground:


s: Nay, did her best the encounter to withstand;


s: Yet with her helmed head she smote the sand.


s: She has no mind again with lance to thrust,


s: But thinks her head to sever from the bust,


s: Where it half buried lies, with murderous blow:


s: Away the enchanted lance that damsel flings,


s: Unsheathes the sword, and from her courser springs.


s: She finds Marphisa, with such fierce disdain


s: She hears in vain exclaim, in vain entreat,


s: Rogero, who beholds their strife with pain.


s: So blinded are the pair with spite and rage,


s: That they with desperate fury battle wage.


s: At half-sword's engage the struggling foes;


s: And -- such their stubborn mood -- with shortened brand


s: They still approach, and now so fiercely close,


s: They cannot choose but grapple, hand to hand.


s: Her sword, no longer needful, each foregoes;


s: And either now new means of mischief planned.


s: But supplicates the twain with little fruit.


s: The youth prepared by force to part the two;


s: Their poniards snatched away, and on the ground,


s: Beneath a cypress-tree, the daggers threw.


s: When they no weapons have wherewith to wound,


s: With prayer and threat, he interferes anew:


s: But vainly; for, since better weapons lack,


s: Each other they with fists and feet attack.


s: Rogero ceased not from his task; he caught,


s: By hand or arm, the fiercely struggling pair,


s: Till to the utmost pitch of fury wrought


s: The fell Marphisa's angry passions were.


s: She, that this ample world esteemed at nought,


s: Of the Child's friendship had no further care.


s: Plucked from the foe, she ran to seize her sword,


s: And fastened next upon that youthful lord.


s: "Like a discourteous man and churl ye do,


s: A deed (she cried) this hand shall make ye rue,


s: Which I intend, shall vanquished both."  The knight


s: With gentle speech; but full of such despite


s: He found her, and inflamed with such disdain,


s: All parley was a waste of time and pain.


s: At last his faulchion young Rogero drew;


s: For ire as well had flushed that cavalier:


s: Witnessed, which ever so rejoiced the view,


s: To Bradamant, when, through their strife displaced,


s: Every suspicion from her breast is chased.


s: The duel of those champions stood apart.


s: She deemed Rogero, for his strength and art:


s: 'Tis true, that for a while the youthful knight


s: Against that damsel put not forth his might.


s: He knew the virtues of that weapon well,


s: Such proof thereof the knight erewhile had made.


s: Where'er it falls parforce is every spell


s: Annulled, or by its stronger virtue stayed.


s: Upon its edge or point, but still the blade


s: Descended flat: he long this rule observes;


s: Yet once he from his patient purpose swerves.


s: Meaning to cleave the brainpan of her foe:


s: He raised the buckler to defend his head,


s: And the sword smote upon its bird of snow,


s: Nor broke nor bruised the shield, by spell bested;


s: Nor aught but Hector's mail the sword had stopt,


s: Whose furious blow would his left arm have lopt;


s: Whereat designed to strike the savage fair.


s: Scarce his left arm can good Rogero rear;


s: Can scarce the shield and blazoned bird upbear.


s: All pity he casts off, and 'twould appear


s: As in his eyes a lighted torch did glare.


s: As hard as he can smite, he smites; and woe


s: To thee, Marphisa, if he plants the blow!


s: That faulchion swerves against a cypress-stock,


s: In such close-serried ranks the saplings rise,


s: As this the mountain and the plain that lies


s: Beneath it, with a furious earthquake rock;


s: A voice, that every mortal voice exceeds.


s: The horrid voice exclaims, "Your quarrel leave;


s: That brother should of life his sister reave,


s: Or sister by her brother's hand be slain.


s: And first together saw the light of day.


s: Whose brothers, having, by unrighteous doom,


s: Of your unhappy sire deprived that fair,


s: Not heeding that she carried in her womb


s: Ye, who yet suckers of their lineage are,


s: "But Fortune, that had destined you whilere,


s: Your mother to that lonely shore did steer,


s: Where, having given you birth, that spirit dear


s: So Heaven had willed, and such your destiny!


s: As could be given upon that desert sand.


s: And bear to Mount Carena from the strand;


s: And make a lioness leave whelps and cave,


s: And issue from the wood, with semblance bland.


s: Ye, twice ten months, with mickle fondness bred,


s: And journey through the country, (as you can


s: Those robbers thee, Marphisa, bore away:


s: While young Rogero 'scaped, who better ran.


s: Bereaved of thee, they woful loss I wept,


s: And with more watchful care thy brother kept.


s: While yet he was alive, thou best dost know.


s: I the fixed stars had heard of thee foretell,


s: That thou shouldst perish by a treacherous foe


s: In Christian land; and still their influence fell


s: Nor having power in fine thy will to guide,


s: "But here, before my death, for in this glade


s: I knew thou should'st with bold Marphisa fight,


s: I with huge stones, amassed by hellish aid,


s: And I to Charon with loud outcries said;


s: I would not he should hence convey my sprite,


s: Till here, prepared in deadly fray to strive,


s: Waited thy coming in these beauteous groves;


s: But me to quit the cheerful realms of day,


s: And seek the darksome cloisters it behoves."


s: Here ceased the voice; which in the Child amazed


s: And those two damsels mighty marvel raised.


s: Who now embrace, nor move her jealous spleen,


s: That with the love of young Rogero glows;


s: And citing what, and when, and where had been


s: Their childish deeds, as they to memory rose,


s: In summing up past times, more sure they hold


s: The things whereof the wizard's spirit told.


s: Turned to firm love the hate they bore whilere.


s: When, as a sign of peace, and discord chased,


s: They, at his bidding, tenderly embraced.


s: To say what sire was theirs, and what their strain;


s: And how he died; by banded foes opprest,


s: Or at close barriers, was the warrior slain?


s: To drown their mother in the stormy main?


s: Through famous Hector's line," (Rogero said,)


s: From fierce Ulysses and the toils he spread,


s: Who, after long and wide sea-wandering, gained


s: The warrior's heirs, who after a long run


s: Of successors, departed thence and dwelled


s: Famed king and emperor, who that list have swelled,


s: In Rome and other part has filled the throne;


s: And from Constantius and good Constantine,


s: Stretched to the son of Pepin, is their line.


s: Who filled our fruitful mother with his seed;


s: As thou Atlantes may'st have heard proclaim.


s: Shalt thou hear blazed abroad by sounding Fame."


s: Of Agolant's inroad next the stripling told,


s: In feats of arms, that king accompanied;


s: And how, in fine, she for Rogero sighed;


s: And for his love against her sire rebelled;


s: And was baptized, and was Rogero's bride;


s: And how a traitor loved (him Bertram name)


s: His brother's wife with an incestuous flame;


s: And country, sire, and brethren two betrayed,


s: By whom all scathe was on those kinsmen done;


s: Their mother, great with child, and six months gone,


s: Aboard a helmless boat, and with its charge,


s: In wildest winter, turned adrift the barge.


s: Heard young Rogero thus his tale pursue,


s: Which from so fair a font its waters drew:


s: Whence Clermont, whence renowned Mongrana trace


s: Their noble line, the martial damsel knew;


s: Blazoned through years and centuries by Fame,


s: Unrivalled, both, in arms of mighty name.


s: When afterwards she from her brother knew


s: Agramant's uncle, sire, and grandsire fell,


s: In treacherous wise, the first Rogero slew


s: Marphisa could not hear the story through:


s: To him she cries, "With pardon, what you tell,


s: Brother, convicts you of too foul a wrong,


s: In leaving thus our sire unvenged so long.


s: "Could'st thou not in Almontes and Troyane,


s: As dead whilere, your thirsty faulchion plant,


s: By you those monarch's children might be slain.


s: Never will you efface the shameful stain,


s: That ye, so often wronged, not only grant


s: Life to that king, but as your lord obey;


s: Lodge in his court, and serve him for his pay?


s: That Christ my father worshipped, to adore;


s: Your deed, Rogero, and deplore even now,


s: That you should swell the squadrons of the Moor,


s: Save sword in hand, and to the paynim's scathe."


s: Her visage at that speech, rejoiced in sprite!


s: And bids him seek the camp of Charlemagne,


s: And have himself acknowledged in his sight,


s: Who so reveres and lauds his father's worth,


s: He even deems him one unmatched on earth.


s: In the beginning so he should have done,


s: But, for the tale was not so fully known,


s: As since, the deed had been too long delaid.


s: That had begirt him with the knightly blade,


s: He, as a traitor, well might be abhorred,


s: He will all measures and all means assay,


s: To leave the king; and had there been delay,


s: She on the Tartar king the fault must lay:


s: Had left him in their battle, she must know;


s: And she, that every day had sought his bed,


s: Must of this truth the fittest witness be.


s: Much upon this was answered, much was said,


s: Between those damsels, who at last agree;


s: And as their last resolve, last counsel read,


s: From Agramant's to Charles's royal court.


s: Many days pass, will manage in such wise,


s: That Agramant shall be his lord no more."


s: The secret purpose which she has in store.


s: Making his congees to the friendly twain,


s: When a complaint is heard from valley near:


s: All now stand listening, to the noise attent;


s: And to that plaintive voice incline their ear,


s: A woman's (as 'twould seem) that makes lament.


s: But I this strain would gladly finish here,


s: Lament and outcry loud of some that mourn,


s: Upon that felon knight, for his foul scorn,


s: Statute that maid does in the town obtain,


s: (For Nature, without study, yieldeth nought)


s: Illustrious women day and night have wrought;


s: And if with good success the female train


s: To a fair end no homely task have brought,


s: So -- did they for such other studies wake --


s: And, if they of themselves sufficient were


s: Nor borrowed authors' aid, whose bosoms are


s: That oft they hide the good they might declare,


s: And tell in every place what ill they know,


s: To such a pitch would mount the female name,


s: As haply ne'er was reached by manly fame.


s: For many who would lend each other light.


s: Men do their best, that womankind should show


s: Whatever faults they have in open sight;


s: And sink them to the bottom, if they might;


s: By woman, dimmed their own, as mist the sun.


s: But hands or tongue ne'er had, nor has, the skill,


s: Does voice or lettered page the thought impart,


s: Though each, with all its power, increase the ill,


s: So female fame to stifle, but that still


s: Yet reacheth not its pitch, nor such its flight,


s: But that 'tis far below its natural height.


s: And who brought Hector, who brought Turnus aid,


s: And who, to build in Lybia crost the sea,


s: Who Persian, Indian, and Assyrian frayed;


s: Not only these and some few others merit


s: Faithful, chaste, and bold, the world hath seen


s: In Greece and Rome not only, but where'er


s: The Sun unfolds his flowing locks, between


s: Whose gifts and praise have so extinguished been,


s: And this because they in their days have had


s: For chroniclers, men envious, false, and bad.


s: Nor halt, O women, in your high emprise,


s: For, as nought good endures beneath the skies,


s: They now befriend you in our better age.


s: Declared, and -- sire and son -- the Strozzi twain;


s: Has fashioned like himself the courtier train;


s: Beloved of Mars and Muses, of their strain


s: Which Mincius parts, and moats with marshy pool.


s: One of this pair (besides that, of his will,


s: He honours you, and does you courtesies;


s: And makes Parnassus and high Cynthus' hill


s: Resound your praise, and lift it to the skies)


s: The love, the faith, and mind, unconquered still,


s: Mid threats of ruin, which in stedfast wise


s: Render yet more your champion than his own.


s: With quickening in his verse your high renown;


s: Prompter to arm in your defence is none;


s: Nor knight, in this wide world, more willingly


s: Life in the cause of virtue would lay down:


s: Matter as well for other's pen he gives,


s: And well he merits, that a dame so blest,


s: (Blest with all worth, which in this earthly round


s: Is seen in them who don the female vest,)


s: To him hath evermore been faithful found;


s: In her, despising Fortune's every wound.


s: Nor better ere were paired in wedlock's chain.


s: New trophies he on Oglio's bank has shown;


s: For he, mid bark and car, amid the gleam


s: Of fire and sword, such goodly rhymes hath strown,


s: As may with envy swell the neighbouring stream.


s: The noble strain, your honour's noble theme;


s: And Molza, called of Phoebus and the Nine.


s: Of my own duke, who spreads his every plume


s: Soaring and singing, like harmonious swan,


s: And even to heaven uplifts your name; with whom


s: A theme for many an Athens, many a Rome;


s: Who gave you once, or give you now renown,


s: This for yourselves ye may yourselves purvey:


s: Their thirst at Aganippe's well, have gone,


s: And still are going; who so fairly speed,


s: That we more theirs than they our labour need.


s: More than one page I with their praise should swell,


s: Nor ought beside would this day's canto shew;


s: What then shall I resolve? to pass all by?


s: One will I choose, and such will choose, that she


s: Through her sweet style (and better know I none):


s: But who is honoured in her speech and page,


s: Shall burst the tomb, and live through every age.


s: His visage more, and lends her brighter fires,


s: Alone, or circles with the heavenly quires;


s: From other lips, that gentle dame inspires;


s: And gives her word such force, a second sun


s: Seems in our days its glorious course to run.


s: Mid victories born, Victoria is her name,


s: Well named; and whom (does she advance or stay)


s: Triumphs and trophies evermore proclaim,


s: While Victory heads or follows her array.


s: To raise the dead, than lay them in the grave.


s: Merited praise, because that glorious crew


s: Coveted burial with their lords of yore,


s: That from dull Lethe, and the river's shore,


s: Which nine times hems the ghosts, to upper light


s: Has dragged her lord, in death and fate's despite.


s: If that loud-voiced Maeonian trump whilere


s: Would he begrudge thee, were he living now,


s: That wife, so virtuous and to thee so dear,


s: Thy well-earned glory through the world should blow;


s: And that thy name through her should so rebound,


s: Thou needst not crave a clearer trumpet's sound!


s: Would of that lady tell, I wished to unfold,


s: Though long, yet not so long, would be the stain,


s: But that large portion would be left untold,


s: Of fierce Marphisa and her comrades bold;


s: Not that I think she needs my humble lay,


s: Who with such treasure can herself supply:


s: But that, through jealous authors' envious rage,


s: But will no more; since in the historic page


s: Your virtues ye, yourselves, immortalize.


s: Had those two damsels in this art been read,


s: Their every warlike deed had wider spread.


s: Whose bold, victorious deeds, in battle done,


s: I strive to bring into the light of day;


s: As well, that all fair actions should be shown,


s: Withdraws his trenchant faulchion from the wood,


s: Which holds no more the weapon, as whilere.


s: A cry, not distant far, arrests the peer.


s: Then thitherward he with those damsels made,


s: Prompt, if 'twere needed, to bestow his aid.


s: They rode an-end; and louder waxed the sound,


s: And plainer were the plaintive words they heard:


s: Making that plaint, who in strange garb appeared:


s: For to the navel were those three ungowned,


s: -- Their coats by some uncourteous varlet sheared --


s: Their shame, they sate on earth, and dared not rise.


s: As Vulcan's son, that sprang (as it is versed)


s: Whom -- so Minerva bade -- Aglauros nursed


s: With sovereign care, too bold and curious maid,


s: To hide his hideous feet, was erst conveyed;


s: So that which never is to sight revealed,


s: Sitting, those mournful damsels kept concealed.


s: At that dishonest sight and shameful, glows


s: Each martial damsel's visage, overspread


s: With the rich dyes of Paestum's crimson rose,


s: When vernal airs their gentle influence shed.


s: Bradamant marked them; and that one of those


s: From the LOST ISLE to royal Charlemagne;


s: As the most honoured of those ladies three,


s: That he those secrets to the sight revealed,


s: Which Nature, as she could, 'twould seem, concealed.


s: -- Known both by voice and ensignry -- the maid,


s: Who some few days before those knights of pride


s: With her victorious lance on earth had laid,


s: How, in a town not far remote -- replied --


s: Besides that they their raiment thus had shorn,


s: Had beat them, and had done them other scorn.


s: What of the shield became, she cannot say,


s: Nor knows she those three monarchs' destiny,


s: And says that she herself has ta'en her way,


s: By him such outrage will not be endured.


s: To hear, yet more to see, so foul a wrong,


s: Disturbed the Child and damsels' placid air


s: And beauteous visage, whose bold hearts and strong


s: No less compassionate than valiant were.


s: They now, all else forgetting, ere the tongue


s: That they would venge them on their cruel foe,


s: With one constant, the maids and cavalier,


s: By their great goodness moved, from plate and mail


s: Had stript their upper vests, well fitting gear


s: Bradamant suffers not, that, as whilere,


s: But seats her on her horse's croup; so do


s: Her comrades by those other damsels two.


s: The nearest way to reach the castle height;


s: While comfort Bradamant on her bestowed,


s: Promising vengeance for that foul despite.


s: They leave the vale, and by a crooked road


s: And long ascend, now wheeling left, now right:


s: Scaling the mountain's steep and rugged side;


s: And such good shelter and good supper found,


s: As could by such rude quarters be supplied.


s: Arriving there, they turned their eyes around,


s: Some old, some young; nor, mid so large a clan,


s: Not more bold Jason wondered, and the train


s: Which sailed with him, that Argonautic crew,


s: Seeing those dames that had their husbands slain,


s: Fathers and sons and brethren, -- so that through


s: All Lemnos' pleasant isle, by hill or plain,


s: And those who came with her, provide attire;


s: And gowns that eve are furnished for the three,


s: If meaner than their own, at least entire.


s: Where are the men; in that he none descries;


s: And thus to him that village wife replies:


s: This crowd of womankind, where man is none,


s: And, that such exile us may more torment,


s: From those so loved, as brother, father, son,


s: "Sent to these confines from his land, which lies


s: But two leagues distant thence, where we were born,


s: Us in this place the fell barbarian sties,


s: Having first done us many a brutal scorn;


s: Threatened our kinsmen and ourselves forlorn,


s: We harbour them, when hither they resort.


s: He will not have us nearer than I shewed,


s: Now have us of our kin approached, as though


s: Already have the greenwood trees laid low


s: Their leafy honours twice, and twice renewed,


s: Since our lord's fury to such pitch arose,


s: "For he has spread such passing fear among


s: The people, death can cause no worse affright;


s: In that, beside his natural love of wrong,


s: He is endowed with more than human might.


s: He than a hundred other men more strong,


s: But worse by him to stranger dame is done.


s: "If your own honour, sir, and of those three,


s: Beneath your charge, to you in aught is dear,


s: To leave this road, and by another steer.


s: This leads you to his tower, described by me,


s: Has there established, to the shame and woe


s: (So name the felon knight) than whom more fell


s: If other be, whose actions Fame doth swell,


s: Thirsts for man's blood, but thirsts for woman's more


s: Than wolf for blood of lambs; and bids expel


s: With shame all females, that, in evil hour,


s: Their fortune has conducted to his tower."


s: Asked young Rogero and those damsels twain,


s: And prayed she would in courtesy pursue,


s: Yea, rather from the first her tale explain.


s: "That castle's lord, fierce, and inhumane,


s: Yet for a while his wicked heart concealed,


s: "For in the lifetime of his sons, a pair


s: That differed much from the paternal style,


s: (Since they the stranger loved; and loathers were


s: Flourished the courtesies and good customs there,


s: And there were gentle deeds performed this while:


s: He never crossed the youths in their desire.


s: "The cavaliers and dames who journeyed by


s: That castle, there so well were entertained,


s: Of those two kindly brothers wholly gained.


s: Alike the youthful pair had been ordained.


s: Bold, and of royal mien each martial brother;


s: "And truly were, and would have been alway


s: Had they not yielded up themselves a prey


s: To that uncurbed desire, which Love we call;


s: By which they were seduced from the right way


s: The good that by those brethren had been wrought,


s: Waxed, in a moment, rank, corrupt and naught.


s: "It chanced, that in their father's fortilage,


s: A knight of the Greek emperor's court did lie;


s: Nor fairer could be craved by wishful eye:


s: For her Cylander felt such amorous rage,


s: He deemed, save he enjoyed her, he should die;


s: He deemed that, when the lady should depart,


s: His soul as well would from his body part:


s: "And, for he knew 'twas useless to entreat,


s: Devised to make her his by force of hand;


s: Armed, and in silence, near his father's seat,


s: Where must pass knight and lady, took his stand.


s: Through natural daring and through amorous heat,


s: He with too little thought the matter planned;


s: So that, when he beheld the knight advance,


s: He issued, to assail him, lance to lance.


s: "To overthrow him, at first shock he thought,


s: But that Greek knight, in warlike strife well-taught,


s: Shivered, like glass, his breastplate with the spear.


s: The bitter tidings to the sire were brought,


s: Who bade bear home the stripling on a bier:


s: He, finding he was dead, loud mourning made,


s: And him in earth, beside his fathers, layed.


s: Had he who sought it; neither more nor less:


s: Thither that very year, from foreign shore,


s: A baron and his wife their steps address:


s: As could be said, is she, and debonnair.


s: "No fairer was the dame than chaste and right,


s: And well deserving every praise; the peer


s: Derived of generous stock, and bold in fight,


s: As ever champion, of whose fame we hear;


s: And 'tis well fitting, that such valiant wight


s: Should joy a thing so excellent and dear,


s: And she, his lady wife, yclept Drusilla.


s: "No less for her the young Tanacro glows,


s: Than for that other burned Cylander sore;


s: Who brought erewhile to sad and bitter close


s: He would endure, that him, with venomed sting,


s: His new desire to cruel death should bring.


s: Thinks to bear off the lady in such wise,


s: That bold Olindro cannot venge the stain.


s: Straight spent in him, not simply weakened, lies


s: Above that flood of vice, in whose profound


s: "That night, he in deep silence bade array


s: Into some caverns, bordering on the way,


s: And distant from the tower, his ambuscade.


s: The roads were broken, and the following day


s: And, though he made a brave defence and long,


s: Of wife and life was plundered by that throng.


s: A captive thence, o'erwhelmed with sorrow so,


s: That she refused to live, and made her prayer,


s: Tanacro, as a grace, would death bestow:


s: Resolved to die, she leapt, in her despair,


s: But death was to the wretched dame refused;


s: Who lay with shattered head and sorely bruised.


s: "She could not to the castle be conveyed


s: Her (so Tanacro bids) prompt leeches aid;


s: Because he will not lose a prey so dear;


s: And while to cure Drusilla they essayed,


s: Busied about their spousals was the peer:


s: A wife's and not a leman's name should wear.


s: No other care, nor spake beside of ought;


s: Saw he had wronged her, and took all the blame,


s: And, as he could, to amend his error wrought:


s: But all was vain; the more he loved the dame,


s: The more be to appease her anger sought,


s: So much more was her hate; so much more will,


s: So much more thirst had she that youth to kill.


s: "Yet hatred blinded not her judgment so,


s: But what the dame could clearly comprehend,


s: That she, if she would strike the purposed blow,


s: Must feign, and secret snares for him extend.


s: Must mask; and make him think, that overblown


s: Is her first love, and turned to him alone.


s: "Her face speaks peace; while vengeance inwardly


s: Her heart demands, and but to this attends:


s: She many things revolves, accepts, puts by;


s: Or, as of doubtful issue, some suspends.


s: Deeming she can, if she resolves to die,


s: Compass her scheme, with this resolve she ends;


s: And better how can she expend her breath


s: "She showed herself all joyful, on her part,


s: And feigned that she desired those nuptials sore;


s: Painted and tired above the rest with art,


s: 'Twould seem, she of her husband thinks no more:


s: But 'tis her will, that in her country's wise


s: Which as her country's use she certified;


s: But, because never thought within her grew


s: Which she could spend on any thing beside,


s: A falsehood she devised, whence hope she drew


s: Of killing him by whom her husband died;


s: And told Tanacro -- and the manner said --


s: How in her country's fashion she would wed.


s: " `The widow that a husband's bed ascends,


s: Ere she approach the bridegroom (said that fair)


s: The spirit of the dead, whom she offends,


s: Must soothe with solemn office, mass and prayer;


s: Where her first husband's bones entombed are.


s: -- That sacrifice performed -- to bind their vows


s: The nuptial ring the bridegroom gives the spouse.


s: " `But the holy priest, while this shall be about,


s: Upon wine, thither for that purpose sped,


s: Blessing withal the liquor, shall have said;


s: Then from the flask into a cup pour out,


s: And give the blessed wine to them that wed.


s: But 'tis the spouse's part to take the cup;


s: And first that vessel's cordial beverage sup.'


s: "The unsuspecting youth, who takes no heed


s: What nuptials, ordered in her wise, import,


s: At her own pleasure bids the dame proceed,


s: So that she cut his terms of waiting short;


s: He sees but that, on that alone is bent.


s: "An ancient woman, seized with her whilere,


s: That beldam called and whispered in her ear,


s: So as that none beside could hear the two --


s: Such as, I know, thou knowest how to brew;