第13章
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  CX

  ButtofairDoraliceapproached,andsaidMarsilius,Agramant,andStordilane,Withinweakworks,withscantytroopstoaid,WereclosebeleagueredbytheChristiantrain。

  And,havingtoldhistale,thedamselprayed,Thatthisshetothewarriorswouldexplain;

  Andwouldaccordthepair,andtotheirpostDispatch,forrescueoftheMoorishhost。

  CXI

  Thelady,withboldheart,\'twixteitherfoeThrewherself,andexclaimed:“Iyoucommand,Bythelargeloveyouhearme,asIknow,Thatyoutobetterusereservethebrand;

  AndthatyouinstantlyinsuccourgoOfourhost,menacedbytheChristianband;

  Whichnow,besiegedwithinitscamp,attendsRuinorspeedysuccourfromitsfriends。

  CXII

  Themessengerrehearsed,whenshehaddone,Fullytheperilofthepaynimtrain;

  AndsaidthatheboreletterstothesonOfUlien,fromthesonofKingTroyane。

  Themessageended,everygrudgeforegone,\'Twasfinallyresolvedbetweenthetwain,Theyshouldconcludeatruce,andtillthedayTheMoorishsiegewasraised,theirstrifedelay。

  CXIII

  Intending,whenfromsiegetheirChivalryShallberelieved——theoneandtheotherknight——

  Nolongertoremainincompany,Butbandycruelwarwaswithfelldespite,UntildeterminedbytheirarmsshallbeTowhomtheroyaldamebelongsofright。

  Andshe,betweenwhosehandstheirsolemntrothTheyplighted,wassecurityforboth。

  CXIV

  DISCORD,athearingthis,impatientgrew;

  Withanytruceortreatyillcontent:

  Andthatsuchfairagreementshouldensue,PRIDE,whowaspresent,couldasillconsent:

  ButLOVEwasthere,morepuissantthanthetwo,Equalledofnoneinloftyhardiment;

  Andlaunchingfromhisbowhisshaftsofproof,Withthese,madePRIDEandDISCORDstandaloof。

  CXV

  Tokeepthetrucetherivalwarriorsswore;

  Sincesoitpleasedherwell,whoeitherswayed。

  Oneoftheircourserslacked:foronthemoorLifelessKingMandricardo\'shadbeenlaid:

  Hence,thither,ingoodtime,cameBrigliador,Who,feeding,bytheriver\'smarginstrayed。

  ButhereIfindmeatmycanto\'send;

  So,withyourlicence,shallthetalesuspend。

  CANTO25

  ARGUMENT

  RogeroRichardettofromthepainsOffirepreserves,doomedbyMarsiliusdead:

  HetoRogeroafterwardsexplainsFullythecausewhilehetodeathwasled。

  ThemmournfulAldigiernextentertains,Andwiththemtheensuingmorningsped,VivianandMalagigitosetfree;

  ToBertolagisoldforhireandfee。

  I

  Oh!mightyspringsofwarinyouthfulbreast,Impetuousforceoflove,andthirstofpraise!

  Noryetwhichmostavailsisknownaright:

  Foreachbyturnsitsoppositeoutweighs。

  Withinthebosomhereofeitherknight,Honour,besure,anddutystronglysways:

  Fortheamorousstrifebetweenthemisdelayed,TilltotheMoorishcamptheyfurnishaid。

  II

  Yetloveswaysmore;for,savethatthecommandWaslaiduponthembytheirladygay,Neitherwouldinthatbattlesheathethebrand,Tillhewascrownedwiththevictoriousbay;

  AndAgramantmightvainlywithhisband,Foreitherknight\'sexpectedsuccour,stay。

  ThenLoveisnotofevilnaturestill;——

  Hecanattimesdogood,ifoftenill。

  III

  \'Twasnow,suspendingalltheirhostilerage,Oneandtheotherpaynimcavalier,TheMoorishhostfromsiegetodisengage,ForParis,withthegentlelady,steer;

  Andwiththemgoesaswellthatdwarfishpage,WhotrackedthefootstepsoftheTartarpeer,Tillhehadbroughtthewarriorfronttofront,InpresencewiththejealousRodomont。

  IV

  Theyatameadarrived,where,indisport,Knightswerereposingbyastream,onepairDisarmed,anothercasquedinmartialsort;

  Andwiththemwasadameofvisagefair。

  OftheseinotherplaceIshallreport,Notnow;forfirstRogeroismycare,ThatgoodRogero,who,asIhaveshown,Intoawellthemagicshieldhadthrown。

  V

  HefromthatwellamileishardlygoneEreheacourierseesarriveatspeed,OfthosedispatchedbyKingTroyano\'ssonToknightswhomheawaitedinhisneed;

  FromhimRogerohearsthatsoforedoneByCharlesarethosewhoholdthepaynimcreed,Theywill,savequicklysuccouredinthestrife,Asquicklyforfeitlibertyandlife。

  VI

  Rogerostoodawhileinpensivecase,Whommanywarringthoughtsatonceopprest;

  ButneitherfittedwasthetimenorplaceTomakehischoice,orjudgewhatpromisedbest。

  Thecourierhedismist,andturnedhisfaceWhitherhewiththedamselwasaddrest;

  WhomayetheChildsohurriedonherway,Helefthernotamomentfordelay。

  VII

  Pursuingthencetheirancientroadagain,Theyreachedacity,withthewesteringsun;

  Which,inthemidstofFrance,fromCharlemagneMarsiliushadinthatlongwarfarewon:

  Northemtointerruptortodetain,Atdrawbridgeoratgate,wasanyone:

  Thoughinthefosse,androundthepalisade,Stoodmanymen,andpilesofarmswerelaid。

  VIII

  BecausethetroopaboutthatfortressseeAccompanyinghim,thewell-knowndame,TheytoRogeroleavethepassagefree,Norevenquestionhimfromwhencehecame。

  Reachingthesquare,ofevilcompanyHefindsitfull,andbrightwithruddyflame;

  And,inthemidst,ismanifesttoviewTheyouthcondemned,withfaceofpallidhue。

  IX

  Asonthestripling\'sfaceheturnshiseyes,Whichhangsdeclinedandwetwithfrequenttear,RogerothinksheBradamantdescries;

  Somuchtheyouthresemblesherincheer:

  MoresurethemoreintentlyheespiesHerfaceandshape:whenthusthecavalier:

  “OrthisisBradamant,orInomoreAmtheRogerowhichIwasbefore。

  X

  “Shehathadventuredwithtoodaringwill,Inrescueoftheyouthcondemnedtodie;

  And,fortheenterprisehadendedill,Haththerebeentaken,asIsee。Ah!whyWasshesohotherpurposetofulfil,Thatshemusthitherunattendedhie!——

  ButIthankHeaven,thathitherhaveImade:

  SinceIamyetintimetolendheraid。”

  XI

  Hedrewhisfalchionwithoutmoredelay,Hislancewasbrokenattheothertown,And,thoughtheunarmedpeoplemakingway,Woundingflank,paunch,andbosom,borethemdown。

  Hewhirledhisweapon,and,amidthearray,Smotesomeacrossthegullet,cheek,orcrown。

  Screaming,thedissipatedrabblefled;

  Themostwithclovenlimbsorbrokenhead。

  XII

  Aswhileatfeed,infullsecurity,Atroopoffowlalongthemarishwend,IfsuddenlyafalconfromtheskySwoopmidthecrowd,andonesurpriseandrend,Therestdispersing,leavetheirmatetodie,Andonlytotheirownescapeattend;

  Soscatteringhadstthouseenthefrightedthrong,WhenyoungRogeroprickedthatcrowdamong。

  XIII

  Rogerosmitestheheadfromsixorfour,Whoinescapingfromthefieldareslow。

  Hetothebreastdividesasmanymore,Andcountlesstotheeyesandteethbelow。

  Igrantnohelmetsontheirheadstheywore,Buttherewereshiningironcapsenow;

  And,iffinehelmetsdidtheirtemplespress,Hisswordwouldcutasdeep,orlittleless。

  XIV

  SuchgoodRogero\'sforceandvalourare,Asnevernow-a-daysinwarriordwell;

  Noryetinrampantlion,norinbear,Norwhetherhomeorforeignbeastmorefell。

  Haplywithhimtheearthquakemightcompare,Orhaplythegreatdevil——notheofhell——

  Buthewhoismylord\'s,whomovesinfire,Andpartsheaven,earth,andoceaninhisire。

  XV

  Ateverystrokeheneverlesso\'erthrewThanone,andoftenertwo,upontheplain;

  Andfour,atonce,andevenfiveheslew;

  Sothatahundredinathoughtwereslain。

  TheswordRogerofromhisgirdledrewAsknifecutscurd,dividestheirplateandchain。

  FalerinainOrgagna\'sgardenmade,TodealOrlandodeath,thatcruelblade。

  XVI

  Buttohaveforgedthatfalchionsorelyrued,Whosawhergardenwastedbythebrand。

  Whatwreck,whatruinthenmusthaveensued,Fromthiswhenwieldedbysuchwarrior\'shand?

  Ife\'erRogeroforce,e\'erfuryshewed,Ife\'erhismightyvalourwellwasscanned,\'Twashere;\'twashereemployed;\'twasheredisplayed;

  Inthedesiretogivehisladyaid。

  XVII

  Asharefromhoundunslipt,thathelplesstrainDefendsitselfagainstthecavalier。

  Manylaydeaduponthecumberedplain,Andnumberlessweretheywhofledinfear。

  MeanwhilethedamselhadunloosedthechainFromtheyouth\'shands,andhiminmartialgearWashastening,withwhatspeedshemight,todeck,Withswordinhandandshieldabouthisneck。

  XVIII

  He,whowasangeredsore,asbesthecou\'d,Soughttoavengehimofthatevilcrew;

  Andgavesuchsignalproofsofhardihood,Asstampedhimforawarriorgoodandtrue。

  ThesunalreadyinthewesternfloodHaddipthisgildedwheels,whattimethetwo,ValiantRogeroandhisyoungcompeer,Victoriousissued,ofthecityclear。

  XIX

  WhennowRogeroandthestrangerknight,Clearofthecity-gates,thechampaignereach,Theyouthrepays,withpraisesinfinite,Rogeroinkindmodeandcunningspeech,Whohim,althoughunknown,hadsoughttoright,Atriskoflife,andprayshisnametoteachThathemayknowtowhomhisthanksheowedForsuchamightybenefitbestowed。

  XX

  “ThevisageofBradamantIsee,Thebeauteousfeaturesandthebeauteouscheer。”

  Rogerosaid;“andyetthesuavityIofherwell-knownaccentsdonothear:

  NorsuchreturnofthanksappearstobeInplacetowardsherfaithfulcavalier。

  Andifinverysoothitisthesame,Howhasthemaidsosoonforgotmyname?“

  XXI

  Inwarywise,intentthetruthtofind,Rogerosaid,“YouhaveIseenelsewhere;

  Andhaveagain,andyetagain,divined,YetknowInot,norcanrememberwhere。

  Sayit,yourself,ifitreturnstomind,And,Ibeseech,yournameaswelldeclare:

  WhichIwouldgladlyhear,inthedesireToknowwhomIhaverescuedfromthefire。”

  XXII

  “——Me,itispossibleyoumayhaveseen,Iknownotwhennorwheretheyouthreplied;

  ForItoorangetheworld,inarmoursheen,Seekingadventurestrangeoneveryside;

  Orhaplyitasistermayhavebeen,Whotoherwaisttheknightlyswordhastied;

  Bornwithmeatabirth;soliketoview,Thefamilydiscernsnotwhoiswho。

  XXIII

  “Younotfirst,second,orevenfourthwillbe,Whohaveinthistheirerrorhadtolearn;

  Norfather,brother,norevenmothermeFromhersuchourresemblancecandiscern。

  \'Tistrue,thishair,whichshortandlooseyousee,Inmanyguise,andhers,withmanyaturn,Andinlongtresseswoundaboutherbrow,Widedifferencemadebetweenustwotillnow。

  XXIV

  “Butsincetheday,that,woundedbyaMoorIntheheadastorytedioustorecite

  Aholyman,tohealthedamsel\'ssore,Cutshorttothemid-earhertressesbright,Exceptingsexandname,thereisnomoreOnefromtheothertodistinguish;hightIRichardettoam,Bradamantshe;

  Rinaldo\'sbrotherandhissisterwe。

  XXV

  “AndtodispleaseyouwereInotafraid,YouwithawonderwouldIentertain,Whichchancedfrommyresemblancetothemaid;

  Beguninpleasure,finishinginpain。”

  Hetowhomnoughtmorepleasingcouldbesaid,AndtowhoseearstherewasnosweeterstrainThatwhatinsomesortonhisladyran,Besoughtthestriplingso,thathebegan。

  XXVI

  “Itsofellout,thatasmysisterthroughTheneighbouringwoodpursuedherpath,awoundWasdealtthedamselbyapaynimcrew,Whichherbychancewithoutahelmetfound。

  AndshewasfaintotrimthelockswhichgrewClusteringaboutthegash,tomakerhersoundOfthatillcutwhichinherheadshebore:

  Hence,shorn,shewanderedthroughtheforesthoar。

  XXVII

  “Ranging,shewanderedtoashadyfont;

  Where,wornandtroubled,she,inwearywise,Litfromhercourseranddisarmedherfront,And,coucheduponthegreenwood,closedhereyes。

  AtalemorepleasingthanwhatIrecountInstorythereisnone,Iwellsurmise:

  ThitherrepairedyoungFlordespineofSpain,Whointhatwoodwashuntingwithhertrain。

  XXVIII

  “And,whenshefoundmysisterintheshade,Covered,exceptherface,withmartialgear,——Inplaceofspindle,furnishedwiththeblade——

  Believedthatshebeheldacavalier:

  Thefaceandmanlysemblanceshesurveyed,Tillconqueredwasherheart:withcourteouscheerShewooedthemaidtohuntwithher,andpastWithheraloneintothatholdatlast。

  XXIX

  “Whennowshehadher,fearlessofsurprise,Safeinasolitaryplace,thatdame,Byslowdegrees,inwordsandamorouswise,Showedherdeep-woundedheart;withsighsofflame,Breathedfromherinmostbreast,withburningeyes,Shespakehersoulsickwithdesire;becameNowpale,nowred;norlongerself-controlled,Ravishedakiss,shewaxedsopassingbold。

  XXX

  “MysisterwasassuredthehuntressmaidFalselyconceitedheramantobe;

  Norinthatneedcouldsheaffordheraid;

  Andfoundherselfinsoreperplexity。

  `\'TisbetterthatInowdispelshesaid

  Thefoolishthoughtshefeeds,andthatinmeThedamselshouldagentlewomanscan,Ratherthantakemeforacravenman。\'

  XXXI

  “Andshesaidwell:forcravenhooditwereBefittingmanofstraw,notwarriortrue,Withwhomsobrightaladydeignedtopair,Sowonderoussweetandfullofnectarousdew,Toclacklikeapoorcuckowtothefair,Hanginghiscowardwing,whenheshouldwoo,Shapingherspeechtothisinwarymode,Mysisterthatshewasadamsel,showed;

  XXXII

  “That,likeCamillaandlikeHyppolite,Soughtfameinbattle-field,andnearthesea,InAfric,inArzilla,sawthelight;

  Toshieldandspearenuredfrominfancy。

  Asparkthisquenchednot;noryetburnedlessbrightTheenamoureddamsel\'skindledphantasy。

  Tootardycamethesalvetoeasethesmart:

  SodeephadLovealreadydrivenhisdart。

  XXXIII

  “Noryetlessfairtohermysister\'sfaceAppeared,lessfairherways,lessfairherguise;

  Noryettheheartreturnedintoitsplace,Whichjoyeditselfwithinthosedear-lovedeyes。

  Flordespinedeemsthedamsel\'sironcaseToherdesiresomehopeofeasesupplies;

  Andwhenshethinkssheisindeedamaid,Lamentsandsobs,withmightywoedownweighed。

  XXXIV

  “Hewhohadmarkedhersorrowandlament,Thatday,himselfhadsorrowedwiththefair。

  `Whatpainsshesaiddideverwighttorment,Socruel,butthatminemorecruelwere?

  Ineednottoaccomplishmyintent,Inotherlove,impureorpure,despair;

  TheroseIwellmightgatherfromthethorn:

  Mylongingonlyisofhopeforlorn。

  XXXV

  “`It\'twasthypleasure,Love,tohavemeshent,Becausebygladestatethineangerstirred,Thouwithsometorturemight\'sthavebeencontentOnotherloversused;butneverwordHaveIfoundwrittenofafemalebentOnloveoffemale,midmankindorherd。

  Womantowoman\'sbeautystillisblind;

  Norewedelightsinewe,norhindinhind。

  XXXVI

  “`TisonlyI,onearth,inair,orsea,Whosufferatthyhandssuchcruelpain;

  Andthisthouhastordained,thatImaybeThefirstandlastexampleinthyreign。

  FoullydidNinus\'wifeandimpiouslyForherownsonapassionentertain;

  LovedwasPasiphae\'sbullandMyrrha\'ssire;

  Butmineismadderthantheirworstdesire。

  XXXVII

  “`Herefemaleuponmalehadsetherwill;

  Hadhope;and,asIhear,wassatisfied。

  Pasiphaethewoodencowdidfill:

  Others,inothermode,theirwantsupplied。

  But,hadheflowntome,——withallhisskill,DanDaedalushadnotthenooseuntied:

  Foronetoodiligenthathwreathedthesestrings;

  EvenNature\'sself,thepuissantestofthings。\'

  XXXVIII

  “Sogrievesthemaid,sogoadsherselfandwears,Andshowsnohastehersorrowingtoforego;

  Sometimesherface,sometimeshertressestears,Andlevelsatherselfthevengefulblow。

  Inpity,Bradamantthesorrowshares,Andisconstrainedtohearthetaleofwoe,Shestudiestodivert,withfruitlesspain,Thestrangeandmaddesire;butspeaksinvain。

  XXXIX

  “She,whorequiresassistance,notsupport,Stillmorelamentsherself,withgriefopprest。

  Bythisthewaningdaywasgrowingshort,Forthelowsunwascrimsoningthewest;

  Afittinghourforthosetoseekaport,Whowouldnotinthewoodsetuptheirrest。

  Whentothiscity,nearhersylvanhaunt,YoungFlordespineinvitedBradament。

  XL

  “Mysistertherequestcouldilldeny;

  Andsotheycametogethertotheplace,Where,butforyou,bythatillsquadronI

  Hadbeencompelledthecruelflametoface:

  ThereFlordespinamadeherfamilyCaressanddomysisternosmallgrace;

  And,havinginafemalerobearraid,Pastheronallbeholdersforamaid。

  XLI

  “BecauseperceivingvantagetherewasnoneInthemalecheerbywhichshewasmisled,Thedamselhelditwise,reproachtoshun,Whichmightbyanycarpingtonguebesaid。

  Andthistherather:thattheill,whichoneOfthetwogarmentsinhermindhadbred,Nowwiththeotherwhichrevealedthecheat,Shewouldassaytodrivefromherconceit。

  XLII

  “Theladiesshareonecommonbedthatnight,Theirbedthesame,butdifferenttheirrepose。

  Onesleeps,onegroansandweepsinpiteousplight,Becauseherwilddesiremorefiercelyglows;

  Andonherweariedeyesshouldslumberlight,Allisdeceitfulthatbriefslumbershows。

  Toheritseems,asifrelentingHeavenAbettersextoBradamantisgiven。

  XLIII

  “Asthesickmanwithburningthirstdistrest,Ifheshouldsleep,——erehethatwishfulfil,——

  Ayeinhistroubled,interruptedrest,Remembershimofeveryonce-seenrill:

  Soisthedamsel\'sfancystillpossest,Insleep,withimageswhichgladherwill。

  Thenfromtheemptydreamswhichcrowdherbrain,Shewakes,and,waking,findsthevisionvain。

  XLIV

  “Whatvowsshevowed,howoftthatnightsheprayed,ToallhergodsandMahound,indespair!——

  Thatthey,byopenmiracle,themaidWouldchange,andgiveherothersextowear。

  Butallthelady\'svowswereillappaid,AndhaplyHeavenaswellmightmocktheprayer;

  Nightfades,andPhoebusraisesfromthemainHisyellowhead,andlightstheworldagain。

  XLV

  “Onissueingfromtheirbedwhendayisbroken,ThewretchedFlordespina\'swoesaugment:

  ForofdepartingBradamanthadspoken,Anxioustoscapefromthatembarrassment。

  Theprincessaprimejennet,asatoken,Forcedonmypartingsister,whenshewent;

  Andgildedhousings,andasurcoatbrave,Whichherownhandhadrichlybroidered,gave。

  XLVI

  “HerFlordespineaccompaniedsomeway,Then,weeping,tohercastlemadereturn。

  Sofastmysisterpricked,shereachedthatdayMountAlban;wewhoforherabsencemourn,Motherandbrother,greetthemartialmay,Andherarrivalwithmuchjoydiscern:

  Forhearingnought,wefearedthatshewasdead,Andhadremainedincrueldoubtanddread。

  XLVII

  “Unhelmed,wewonderedatherhair,whichpassedInbraidsaboutherbrow,shewhilomwore;

  NorlesswewonderedattheforeigncastOftheembroideredsurcoatwhichshewore:

  Andshetousrehearsed,fromfirsttolast,ThestoryIwastellingyoubefore;

  Howshewaswoundedinthewood,andhow,Forcure,wereshornthetressesfromherbrow;

  XLVIII

  “Andnexthowcameonher,withlabourspent,——Asbythestreamsheslept——thathuntressbright;

  Andhow,withallherfalsesemblancewellcontent,Shefromthetrainwithdrewheroutofsight。

  NorleftsheanythingofherlamentUntold;whichtouchedwithpityeverywight;

  Toldhowthemaidhadharbouredher,andallWhichpast,tillsherevisitedherHall。

  XLIX

  “OfFlordespineIknew:andIhadseenInSaragossaandinFrancethemaid;

  TowhosebewitchingeyesandlovelymienMyyouthfulappetitehadoftenstrayed:

  YetherIwouldnotmakemyfancy\'squeen;

  Forhopelessloveisbutadreamandshade:

  NowIthisprofferedinsuchsubstanceview,Straitwaytheancientflamebreaksforthanew。

  L

  “Love,withthishope,constructshissubtleties;

  Whootherthreadsformewouldvainlyweave。

  \'Tisthushetookme,andexplainedtheguiseInwhichImightthelong-soughtboonachieve。

  Easyitwerethedamseltosurprise;

  Forasthelikenessotherscoulddeceive,WhichItoBradamant,mysister,bear,Thishaplymightaswellthemaidensnare。

  LI

  “WhetherIspeedorno,Iholditwise,Ayetopursuewhatevergivedelight。

  Iwithnootherofmyplandevise,Noranyseektocounselmearight。

  WellknowingwherethesuitofarmourliesMysisterdoffed,Ithithergoatnight;

  HerarmourandhersteedtobootItake,Norstandexpectinguntildaylightbreak。

  LII

  “Irodeallnight——Loveservedmeasaguide——

  ToseekthehomeofbeauteousFlordespine;

  Andtherearrived,beforeinocean\'stideThewesternsunhadhidhisorbitsheen。

  AhappymanwashewhofastesthiedTotellmycomingtotheyouthfulqueen;

  Expectingfromthatlady,forhispain,Favourandgoodlyguerdontoobtain。

  LIII

  “ForBradamanttheguestsmistakemeall,——Asyouyourselfbutnow——somuchthemore,ThatIhaveboththecourserandthepallWithwhichsheleftthembutthedaybefore。

  Flordespinecomesatlittleinterval,Withsuchfestivityandcourteouslore,Andwithaface,sojocundandsogay,Shecouldnot,forherlife,morejoydisplay。

  LIV

  “Herbeauteousarmsaboutmyneckshethrows,Andfondlyclaspingme,mymouthshekist。

  Iftomyinmostheartthearrowgoes,WhichLovedirects,maywellbyyoubewist。

  SheleadsmetoherchamberofreposeInhaste,notsuffersotherstoassistIntakingoffmypanoplyofsteel;

  Disarmingmeherselffromheadtoheel。

  LV

  “Then,orderingfromherstoreacostlyvest,Shespreadit,and——asIawomanwere——

  Theladymeinthatrichgarmentdrest,Andinagoldennetconfinedmyhair。

  Igravelymovedmyeye-balls,norconfest,Bygestureorbylook,thesexIbear。

  Myvoice,whichmightdiscoverthedeceit,Itunedsowellthatnoneperceivedthecheat。

  LVI

  “Nexttothehall,wheredameandcavalierIncrowdsaregathered,weunitedgo;

  Whomaketoussuchcourtandgoodlycheer,Asmentoqueenorhigh-bornladyshow。

  HereoftIlaughedatsome,withsecretjeer,Who,knowingnotthesexconcealedbelowMyflowingrobeoffemininearray,Wooedmewithwishfuleyesinwantonway。

  LVII

  “Whenmoreadvancedinnowthefestivenight,Andtherichboard——boardplenteouslypurveyedWithwhatinseasonwasmostexquisite——

  Hasbeensometimeremoved,theroyalmaidExpectsnottillIofmyselfreciteThecause,whichthithermeanewconveyed:

  Byherowncourtesyandkindnessled,Thatladypraysmetopartakeherbed。

  LVIII

  “Damselsanddameswithdrawn——withalltherest——

  Pagesandchamberlains,whennowwelay,Oneandtheother,inourbedundrest,Withkindledtorches,counterfeitingday;

  `Marvelnot,lady,\'herIthusaddrest,

  `ThatIreturnaftersuchshortdelay;

  For,haply,thouimagined,thatagainThoushouldstnotseemeuntilHeavenknowswhen。

  LIX

  “`ThereasonIdepartedfromthyside,Andnextofmyreturn,explainedshallbe。

  CouldIuntothyfeverhaveapplied,Bylongersojournhere,aremedy,Iinthyservicewouldhavelivedanddied,Norwouldhavebeenanhourawayfromthee:

  Butseeinghowmystayincreasedthywoe,I,whocoulddonobetter,fixedtogo。

  LX

  “`IntothemiddleofawoodprofoundBychanceIfromthebeatenpathwaystrayed:

  WherenearmeplaintivecriesIhearresound,Asofawomanwhointreatedaid。

  ToalakeofcrystalIpursuethesound,And,there,amidthewaves,anakedmaidCaughtonthefish-hookofaFaun,survey,Whowoulddevouralivehishelplessprey。

  LXI

  “`Uponthelosel,swordinhand,Iran,And,forIcouldnotaidinotherwise,Bereftoflifethatevilfisherman。

  Sheinaninstanttothewaterflies——

  `Mehastthouhelpednotvainly,\'shebegan

  Andwellshaltberewarded——withwhatprizeThoucanstdemand——forknowIamanymph,Andhavemydwellinginthiscrystallymph;

  LXII

  “`Andpowerisminetoworkportentousends;

  NatureandElementsIforce:thyprayerShapetothescopetowhichmystrengthextends,Andleaveitssatisfactiontomycare。

  CharmedbymysongthemoonfromHeavendescends;

  FirecanIfreeze,andhardenliquidair;

  AndIattimeshavestoptthesun,andstirredThisearthbeneathmebyasimpleword。\'

  LXIII

  “TreasureIcovetnot,noryetaspireO\'erlandorpeopletoholdsovereignsway;

  Norgreaterstrengthnorvalourwouldacquire,Norfameineverywarfarebearaway;

  Butonlytoaccomplishthydesire,Entreatthedamselshewillshowsomeway。

  NoronenorothermethodIforestall;

  Buttoherchoicereferme,allinall。

  LXIV

  “Scarcemydemandwasmade,beforemineeyeBeneaththelymphengulphedthatladyviewed:

  Noransweredshemyprayer,but,forreply,Mewiththeenchantedelementbedewed;

  WhichhasnosoonertouchedmyfacethanI,Iknownothow,amutterlytransmewed:

  Isee,Ifeel——yetdoubtingwhatIscan——

  Feel,Iamchangedfromwomanintoman。

  LXV-LXIX

  StazasLXV-LXIXuntranslatedbyRose

  LXX

  “Thethingremainedconcealedbetweenustwo;

  Sothatourblissenduredsomemonths;atlastWewereespied;and,asIsorelyrue,ThetidingstotheSpanishmonarchpast。

  Thouthatwhilerepreserved\'stmefromthecrew,Whichmeintotheflamesdesignedtocast,Bythismaystfullycomprehendtherest;

  ButGodalonecanreadmysorrowingbreast。”

  LXXI

  SoRichardettospake,andbyhissayMadethedarkpaththeytrodlessirksomebe。

  Upasmallheightthiswhiletheirjourneylay,Girdedwithcliffandcavern,dreartosee。

  Bristlingwithrocks,asteepandnarrowwayWastothatruggedhillthestubbornkey;

  Atown,calledAgrismonte,crownedthesteep,WhichAldigierofClermonthadinkeep。

  LXXII

  BastardofBuovo,brothertothepair,SirVivianandSirMalagigihight:

  WhohimGerardo\'slawfulsondeclare,Arewitnessesoflittleworthandlight——

  This,asitmay!——strong,valiant,wise,andware,Liberal,humane,andcourteouswastheknight;

  Andonthefortressofitsabsentlord,Bynightandday,keptfaithfulwatchandward。

  LXXIII

  HiscousinRichardetto,asbehoved,WascourteouslyreceivedbyAldigier;

  Whohimasdearlyasabrotherloved,AndmadeRogeroforhissakegoodcheer;

  Butnotwithwontedwelcome;——inlymoved——

  Heevenworeavisagesadanddrear:

  Forhe,thatday,ill-tidingshadreceived,Andhenceinheartandfacethewarriorgrieved。

  LXXIV

  ToRichardettoheexclaims,insteadOfgreeting:“Evilnewsarehitherblown。

  Byasuremessenger,to-dayIreadThatfaithlessBertolagiofBayonne,WithbarbarousLanfusahasagreed,Andcostlyspoilsmakesovertothatcrone;

  Whowillconsigntohimthebrethrentwain,ThyMalagigiandthyViviane;

  LXXV

  “Theseshe,sinceFerrautookthem,ayehasstayedImprisonedinadarkandevilcell;

  TillthediscourteousandfoulpactwasmadeWiththatfalseMaganzeseofwhomItell;

  Andthemto-morrow,toaplaceconveyed\'TwixtBayonneandatownofhis,willsellTohim,whowillbepresent,toadvanceThepriceofthemostpreciousbloodinFrance。

  LXXVI

  “One,atagallop,evennow,toreportTidingstoourRinaldoofthewrong,Isent;burfearthathecanillresortTohimintime,thejourneyissolong。

  MenhaveInottosallyfrommyfort;

  Andmypowerhaltswheremydesireisstrong。

  Thetraitorwilltheknights,ifrendered,slay;

  NorknowIwhattodonorwhattosay。”

  LXXVII

  SirRichardettotheillnewsdisplease,AndastheyhimdispleaseinequalwiseRogero;who,whensilentbothhesees,Norableanycounseltodevise,Exclaimswithmickledaring:“Beatease;

  Ichallengeformyselfthewholeemprize;

  And,tosetfreeyourbrethren,inmyhandMorethanathousandshallavailthisbrand。

  LXXVIII

  “Iasknotmen,Iasknotaid;myspearIs,Ibelieve,sufficienttothefeat。

  IonlyaskofyouaguidetosteerMetotheplacewherefortheexchangetheymeet:

  IeveninthisplacewillmakeyouhearTheircries,whoforthatevilbargainthreat。”

  Hesaid;nortoonelistenerofthetwain,Thathadhelpedhisactions,spakeinvain。

  LXXIX

  Theotherheardhimnot,orheardatmostAswegreattalkershear,wholittledo:

  ButRichardettotookasidetheirhostAndtoldhowhimhefromthefirewithdrew;

  Andhowhewasassured,beyondhisboast,Hewouldintimeandplacehisprowessshew。

  \'TwasnowthatbetteraudiencethanbeforeAldigierlent,andsetbyhimgreatstore;

  LXXX

  Andatthefeast,wherePlentyforthethreeEmptiedherhorn,himhonouredashislord。

  HeretheyconcludetheycanthebrethrenfreeWithoutmoresuccourfromtheirgaoler\'sward。

  ThiswhileSleepseizedonlordandfamily,SaveyoungRogero:noreposeaffordTohimthethoughts,whichevermoremolest,And,ranklinginhisbosom,banishrest。

  LXXXI

  ThesiegeofAgramant,tohimthatdayToldbythemessenger,hehasatheart。

  HewelldiscernsthateveryleastdelayWillhedishonour。WhataceaselesssmartWillscorninflict,whatshamewillhimappay,Ifheagainsthissovereignlordtakepart?

  Oh!whatfoulcowardice,howfoulacrimeHisbaptismwillappearatsuchatime!

  LXXXII

  ThattruereligionhadthestriplingswayedMenmightatanyothertimeconceive:

  Butnow,whenneededwasthewarrior\'saidFromsiegetheMoorishmonarchtorelieve,ThatFearandBasenesshadmorelargelyweighed,Inhisdesigns,wouldeveryonebelieve,Thatanypreferenceofabettercreed:

  ThisthoughtmakesgoodRogero\'sbosombleed。

  LXXXIII

  NorlesstoquithisQueen,herleaveunsought,DidwithRogero\'sothergriefscombine:

  Nowthisandnowthatcareuponhimwrought;

  Whichdiverselyhisdoubtfulheartincline:

  TheunhappyloverfruitlesslyhadthoughtTofindherattheabodeofFlordespine;

  Whithertogetherwentastoldwhilere

  TosuccourRichardetto,maidandpeer。

  LXXXIV

  HenextbethinkshimofthepromiseplightTomeetatVallombrosa\'ssanctuary,Deemshergonethither,andthat\'twillexciteHerwondermenthimselfnottheretosee。

  Couldheatleastamessagesendorwrite,Thathewithreasonmightnotcensuredbe,Becausenotonlyhehaddisobeyed,Butwasdepartinghence,andnothingsaid!

  LXXXV

  He,havingthoughtonmanythings,intheendResolvesonwritingwhatbehoves;and,thoughHeknowsnothowhisletterheshallsend,Intheassuranceitwillsafelygo,Thishindersnot;hethinksthat,astheywend,ChanceinhiswaysomefaithfulPostmaythrow;

  Normoredelays:upleapstherestlessknight,Andcallsforpenandpaper,inkandlight。

  LXXXVI

  Thatwhichisneeded,inobediencemeet,Aldigier\'svaletsbring,acarefulband,Theyouthbeginstowrite;and,first,togreetThemaid,aswontedcourtesiesdemand;

  NexttellshowAgramanthassenttoentreat,Inhisdispatches,succourathishand;

  And,savehequicklytohiscomfortgoes,Mustneedsbeslainortakenbyhisfoes。

  LXXXVII

  Thenadds,hissovereignbeingsobested,Andprayinghimforsuccourinhispain,ShemustperceivewhatblameuponhisheadWouldlight,ifAgramantappliedinvain;

  And,sincewithherheisabouttowed,\'Tisfittingheshouldkeephimwithstain;

  ForillhedeemsaunioncouldendureBetweenaughtfoulandhertopassingpure。

  LXXXVIII

  Andifheerstaname,renownedandclear,Hadlabouredtoprocurebyactionsfair,Andhavinggaineditthus,hehelditdear,——Ifthishadsoughttokeep——withgreatercareHekeptitnow,——andwithamiser\'sfearGuardedthetreasureshewithhimwouldshare;

  Who,thoughdistinctinbodyandinlimb,Whenwedded,oughttobeonesoulwithhim;

  LXXXIX

  And,asheerstbyword,henowexplainedAnewbywriting,thattheperiodo\'er,Forwhichhewastoservehiskingconstrained,Unlessitwerehislottodiebefore,HewouldindeedaChristianbeordained,Asinresolvehehadbeenevermore;

  Andofherkin,Rinaldoandhersire,Herafterwardsinwedlockwouldrequire。

  XC

  “Iwould,“hesaid,“relieve,withyourgoodwill,Myking,besiegedbyCharlemagne\'sarray,Thatthemisjudgingrabble,pronetoill,Mightnever,tomyshameandscandal,say:

  Rogero,infairwindandweather,stillWaiteduponhissovereign,nightandday,AndnowthatFortunetoKingCharlesisfled,Haswiththatconqueringlordhisensignspread。\'

  XCI

  “Ififteendaysortwentyask,thatI

  Yetonceagainmaytoourarmyspeed;

  Sothat,bymefromleagueringenemyTheAfricancantonmentsmaybefreed:

  Iwillsomefitandjustoccasionspy,Meanwhile,tojustifymychangeofcreed,Iformyhonourmakethissolerequest;

  Thenwhollyyoursforlife,inallthings,rest。”

  XCII

  Rogeroissuchwordshisthoughtsexposed,Whichnevercouldbymebefullyshowed;

  Andaddedmore,norfromhistaskreposed,Untilthecrowdedpaperoverflowed:

  Henexttheletterfoldedandenclosed,Andsealedit,andwithinhisbosomstowed;

  InhopestomeetnextmorningbythewayOnewhomightcovertlythatwritconvey。

  XCIII

  Whenhehadclosedthesheet,thatamorousknightHiseyelidsclosedaswell,andrestensued:

  ForSlumbercameandsteepedhisweariedmightInbalmymoisture,fromabranchimbuedWithLethe\'swater;andheslepttill——whiteAndred——arainofflowersthehorizonstrewed,Paintingthejoyouseastwithcoloursgay;

  Whenfromhergoldendwellingbroketheday:

  XCIV

  Andwhenthegreenwoodbirds\'gan,farandwide,Greetthereturninglightwithgladsomestrain,SirAldigierwhowishedtobetheguide,Uponthatjourney,ofthewarliketwain,Whowouldinsuccourofthosebrethrenride,TorescuethemfromBertolagi\'schain

  Wasfirstuponhisfeet;andeitherpeerIssuesaswellfrombed,whenhimtheyhear。

  XCV

  Whencladandthoroughlyinarmsarrayed——

  Rogerowiththecousinstookhisway,HavingthatpairalreadywarmlyprayedTheadventureonhimselfalonetolay:

  Butthese,byloveforthosetwobrethrenswayed,Anddeemingitdiscourtesytoobey,Stoodoutagainsthisprayer,morestiffthanstone,Norwouldconsentthatheshouldwendalone。

  XCVI

  Truetothetimeandplaceofchange,theyhieWhitherSirAldigier\'sadvicesteach;

  AndtheresurveyanamplebandwholieExposedtofierceApollo\'sheat;inreach,Normyrtle-treenorlaureltheydescry,Nortaperingcypress,ash,norspreadingbeech:

  Butnakedgravelwithlowshrubsdiscerned,Undelvedbymattockandbyshareunturned。

  XCVII

  ThosethreeadventurouswarriorshaltedwhereApathwentthroughtheuncultivatedplain,Andsawaknightarriveuponthelair,Who,flourishedo\'erwithgold,woreplateandchain,Andongreenfieldthatbeauteousbirdandrare,Whichlongerthananageextendsitsreign。

  Nomore,mylord:foratmycanto\'scloseIfindmyselfarrived,andcraverepose。

  CANTO26

  ARGUMENT

  Ofmightymatters,sculpturedinafont,DoesMalagigitohiscomradestell:

  OnthemcomeMandricardoandRodomont,Andforthwithbattlefollowsfierceandfell。

  DiscordgoesscatteringquarrelandaffrontAmidthecrew:butwhither,forcedbyspell,FairDoraliceuponherpalfreyspeeds,TheTartarking,andSarzan,turntheirsteeds。

  I

  Informeragescourteousladieswere,Whoworshiptvirtue,andnotworldlygear。

  Womeninthisdegenerateagearerare,Towhomaughtelsebutsordidgainisdear;

  Buttheywhorealgoodnessmaketheircare,Norwiththeavariciousmanysteer,Inthisfraillifeareworthytobeblest,——Heldgloriousandimmortalwhenatrest。

  II

  Bradamantwellwoulddeathlesspraiseinherit,Whonorinwealthnorempiretookdelight;

  ButinRogero\'sworth,excellingspirit,Inhisunboundedgentlesse;andarightForthisdidgoodDukeAymon\'sdaughtermeritTobebelovedofsuchavalorousknight;

  Who,whatmightbeformiraclesreceived,Infutureages,forhersakeachieved。

  III

  He,withthosetwoofClermont,aswhilereToyouIintheformercantosaid,IsaywithRichardetandAldigier,Wasgone,togivetheprisonedbrethrenaid:

  Itold,aswellhowtheyacavalierOfhaughtylookapproachinghadsurveyed,Whoborethatnoblebird,byfierybirthRenewed,andeversingleuponearth。

  IV

  Whenthosethreeofthatwarriorwereespied,Poisedonthewing,asifabouttosmite,Hefainbyprooftheirprowesswouldhavetried,Andiftheirsemblancetalliedwiththeirmight。

  “Isthere,amongyou,one,“thestrangercried,“Willproveuponme,whichisbestinfight,Withlanceorsword,tillonetogroundbecast,Whileinthesellhisfoeisseatedfast?“

  V

  “——I,atyourchoice,“saidAldigier,“werefainToflourishfaulchion,ortotiltwithspear;

  Butthiswithfeat,which,ifyouhereremain,Yourselfmaywitness,sowouldinterfere,ThatforthepresentparleytimewithpainSuffices,andyetlessforthecareer。

  Sixhundredmen,ormore,wehereattend,Withwhomwemustto-dayinarmscontend。

  VI

  “Twoofourowntorescuefromtheirfoes,Andfreefromchains,usLoveandPitysway。”

  HetothatstrangernextthereasonshowsWhythusinsteeltheirbodiestheyarray。

  “Sojustistheexcusewhichyouoppose,“——

  Heanswered——“thatIillshouldthisgainsay,AndholdyousurelyforthreecavaliersThatseldomuponearthwillfindtheirpeers。

  VII

  “WithyoualanceortwoIwouldhavecrostToprovehowgreatyourprowessinthefield;

  But,since\'tisshownmeatanother\'scost,Foregothejoust,andtoyourreasonsyield。

  WarmlyIprayyourleaveagainstthathost,Tojoinwithyourgoodarmsthishelmandshield;

  Andhope,ifsufferedofyourbandtobe,Noworthlesscomradeshallyoufindinme。”

  VIII

  Someone,meseems,maycravethestranger\'sname,Whothusthechampionsontheirroaddelayed,AndsotopartnershipinarmslaidclaimWiththosethreewarriors,forthestrifearrayed:

  SHE——stylenomoreamanthatmartialdame——

  Marphisawas;thatonZerbinolaidThetasktobearabout,againsthiswill,RibaldGabrina,pronetoeveryill。

  IX

  ThetwoofClermontandtheirboldcompeerGladlyreceivedhersuccourintheircause,Whomcertestheybelievedacavalier,Andnotadamsel,andnotwhatshewas。

  AbannerwasespiedbyAldigierAndshowntheothers,afterlittlepause,Whichbythewaveringwindwasblownabout,Androundaboutitrangedanumerousrout。

  X

  Andwhen,nownearer,theadvancingcrewWerebettermarkedinMoorishhabitstoled,ForSaracensthestrangerbandtheyknew;

  Andtheyupontwosorryjadesbehold,I\'themiddleofthattroop,theprisoners,whoWeretothefalseMaganzatobesold。

  Marphisacries,“Whyisthefeastdelayed,Whenlo!theguestsarehere,forwhomwestayed?“

  XI——

  “Notall,“Rogerosaid,“OfthearrayInvited,lacksasyetanumerouspart:

  Asolemnfestivalisheldto-day,Andwe。tograceitmore,useeveryart:

  Yettheycannowbutlittlemoredelay。”

  Whilethustheyparley,theyfromotherpartDescrythetreacherousMaganzeseadvance;

  Soallwasreadytobeginthedance。

  XII

  TheyofMaganzafromonequartersteer,Andladenmulesbeneaththeirconvoygo,Bearingvest,gold,andothercostlygear。

  Ontheotherside,midfaulchion,spear,andbow,Approachedthecaptivetwowithdolefulcheer,Whofoundthemselvesawaitedbythefoe;

  AndfalseandimpiousBertolagiheard,AswiththeMoorishcaptainheconferred。

  XIII

  NorBuovo\'snorDukeAymon\'svaliantsonCanhold,whenthatfalseMaganzesetheyview;

  Againsthimbothwithrestedlancesrun:

  Hefallsthevictimofthosefurioustwo,Throughbellyandthroughpummelpiercedbyone,Andbytheother,inmidvisage,throughHisbleedingcheeks:maylikedisastrousfateO\'erwhelmallevildoers,soonorlate!

  XIV

  MarphisawithRogeromovedherhorseAtthis,norwaitedothertrumpet-strain;

  Norbrokeherlanceinherimpetuouscourse,Tillinsuccessionthreehadpresttheplain。

  AmarkwellworthyfierceRogero\'sforce,Thepaynimleaderinathoughtisslain;

  Andwithhim,piercedbythesameweapon,goTwootherstothegloomyrealmsbelow。

  XV

  \'Twashenceafoulmistaketheassaultedmade;

  Itcausedtheirutterloss,andruinedall:

  TheyofMaganzadeemedthemselvesbetrayedBytheinfidels,upontheirleader\'sfall:

  Ontheotherside,sochargedwithhostileblade,TheMoorsthoseMaganzeseassassinscall;

  And,withfierceslaughter,eitherangryhorde\'Ganbendbow,andbrandishlanceandsword。

  XVI

  Rogero,chargingthis,ortheotherband,Slaystenortwenty,shiftinghiscareer;

  Nofewerbythewarlikedamsel\'shandAreslaughteredandextinguished,thereandhere:

  AsmanymenasfeelthemurderousbrandArefromthesaddleseentodisappear:

  Beforeitvanishcuirass,helmsandshields,Asthedrywoodtofireinforestyields。

  XVII

  Ifeveryouremembertohaveviewed,Orheard,——whattimethewaspsdividedare,Andallthewingedcollegeisatfeud,Musteringtheirswarmsformischiefinmidair,——

  Thegreedyswallowswoopamidthatbrood,Tomangleanddevour,andkill,andtear,Youmustimagineso,oneitherpartTheboldRogeroandMarphisadart。

  XVIII

  NotsoSirRichardetandAldigier,Variedthedancebetweenthosesquadronstwain;

  For,heedlessoftheMoors,eachcavalierHadbutaneyetofalseMaganza\'strain。

  ThebrotherofRinaldo,Charles\'speer,Muchcourageaddedtomuchmightandmain;

  Andthesewerenowredoubledbythespite,WhichagainstfalseMaganzawarmedtheknight。

  XIX

  Thiscausemadehimwhoinhisfuryshared,GoodBuovo\'sbastard,seemsalionfell;

  He,withoutpause,eachtrustyhelmetparedWithhisgoodblade,orcrusheditliketheshellOfbrittleegg:andwhowouldnothavedared——

  WouldnothaveshownaHector\'sworthaswell,Havingtwosuchcompanionsinthestower,Ofwarlikewightstheverychoiceandflower?

  XX

  Marphisa,wagingallthewhilethefight,Onhercompanionsoftenturnedtogaze,Andasshemarkedtheirrivalryinmight,Admiring,uponallbestowedherpraise;

  ButwhensheonRogerofixedhersight,Deemedhimunparalleled;andinamaze,AttimesbelievedthatPaladinwasMars,Wholefthisheaventomixinmortalwars。

  XXI

  Shemarvelsatthechampion\'shorridblows;

  Shemarvelshowinvaintheyneverfell。

  Theiron,smitbyBalisardashowsLikepaper,notlikestubbornplateandshell。

  Topieceshelmandsolidcorsletgoes,Andmenaresevered,eventothesell;

  Whomintoequalpartsthosestrokesdivide,Halfdroptonthis,andhalfontheotherside。

  XXII

  Withthesamedownrightstroke,heoverboreThehorseandrider,bleedinginthedust;

  Theheadsofothersfromtheirshouldersbore,Andpartedfromthehipsthebleedingbust。

  Heoftenatablowcleftfiveandmore;

  And——butIdoubtwhohearsmemightdistrustWhatofaseemingfalsehoodbearstheimpress——

  Iwouldsaymore;butIparforcesayless。

  XXIII

  GoodTurpin,hewhoknowsthathetellstrue,Andleavesmentobelievewhattheythinkright,SaysofRogerowondrousthings,whichyouHearingrelated,wouldasfalsehoodsslight。

  Thus,withMarphisamatched,thathostilecrewAppearslikeice,andshelikeburninglight。

  NorherRogerowithlessmarveleyes,Thatshehadmarkedhisvalourwithsurprise。

  XXIV

  AsshehadMarsinboldRogeroseen,PerhapsBellonahehaddeemedthemaid,Ifforawomanhehadknownthatqueen,Whoseemedthecontrary,inarmsarrayed;

  AndhaplyemulationhadbetweenThepairensued,bywhomwithcruelbladeMostdeadlysignsofprowessshouldbeshown,Midthatvileherd,onsinew,fleshandbone。

  XXV

  Torouteachhostilesquadron,filledwithdread,Sufficedthesoulandvalourofthefour;

  NorbetterarmsremainedforthemwhofledThanthesharpgoadswhichontheirheelstheywore。

  Happywashewithcourserwellbested!

  Bytrotorambletheysetlittlestore;

  Andhewhohadnosteed,herelearned,dismayed,Howwretchedisthepoorfoot-soldier\'strade。

  XXVI

  Theconqueror\'sprizeremainedbothfieldandprey;

  Norwastherefootmanleftnormuleteer;

  TheMoortookthis,Maganzatookthatway;

  Oneleavestheprisoners,andoneleavesthegear。

  Withvisageglad,andyetwithheartmoregay,Thefourunitedeachcaptivecavalier;

  NorwerelessdiligenttofreefromchainsTheprisonedpages,andunloadthewains。

  XXVII

  Besidesgoodquantityofsilverfine,Wroughtintodifferentvessels,withastoreOffemininearray,offairdesign,Embroideredroundaboutwithchoicestlore,AndsuitofFlemishtapestry,framedtolineRoyalapartments,wroughtwithsilkandore——

  They,\'midmorecostlythingsinplentyspread——

  Discoveredflasksofwine,andmeatandbread。

  XXVIII

  Whennowtheconqueringtrooptheirtemplesbare,Allseetheyhavereceivedadamsel\'said,Knownbyhercurlinglocksofgoldenhair,Anddelicateandbeauteousfacedisplayed:

  Hertheknightshonouredmuch,andtodeclareHername,sowelldeservingglory,prayed;

  Norshe,thateverwasofcourteousmoodAmongherfriends,theirinstanceswithstood。

  XXIX

  Withviewinghertheycannotsatetheireyes,Whointhebattlesuchhadherespied,ShespeaksbutwiththeChild,buthimdescries;

  Noneprizes,valuesnone,\'twouldseem,beside。

  Meanwhilethatreadyspreadabanquetlies,Tothemisbytheservantsnotified。

  Thistheyhadservedaboutaneighbouringfountain,Screenedfromthesunbyano\'ershadowingmountain。

  XXX

  Thisspringwasoneofthosefourfountainsrare,OfthoseinFranceproducedbyMerlin\'ssleight;

  Encompassedroundaboutwithmarblefair,Shiningandpolished,andthenmilkmorewhite。

  Thereinthestonechoicefigureschisseledwere,Bythatmagician\'sgodlikelabourdight;

  Savevoicewaswanting,theseyoumighthavethoughtWerelivingandwithnerveandspiritfraught。

  XXXI

  Here,toappearance,fromtheforestprestAcruelBeastandhideoustotheeye,Withteethofwolf,anass\'sheadandcrest,Acarcasswithlongfamineleananddry,Andlion\'sclaws;afoxinalltherest:

  WhichseemedtoravageFranceandItaly,AndSpainandEngland\'sdesolatedstrands,EuropeandAsia,andinfinealllands。

  XXXII

  ThebeastthelowandthoseofproudestportHadslainormaimedthroughoutthisearthlyball;

  Yea,fiercestseemedonthoseofnoblesort,Sovereignandsatrap,princeandpeer,tofall;

  AndmademosthavocintheRomancourt;

  ForithadslaughteredPopeandCardinal:

  HadfilledSt。Peter\'sbeauteousseatwithscathe,AndbroughtfoulscandalontheHOLYFAITH。

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