L
Orlandoshookhimself，andEngland\'sknight，Tenpacesoff，reversedupontheground；
YetloosednotBrandimart，whowithmoremightAndbetterholdhadclaspedthemadmanround。
ToOlivier，tooforwardinthatfight，Hedealtsofuriousandsofellawound，Withhisclenchedfist，thatpalethemarquisfell；
Andpurplestreamsfromeyesandnostrilswell；
LI
Andsavehismorionhadbeenmorethangood，BoldOlivierhadbreathedhislast，wholies，Sobatteredwithhisfall，itseemedhewou\'dBequeathhispartingsoultoparadise。
AstolphoandDudon，thatagainupstoodAlbeitswolnwereDudon\'sfaceandeyes
AndSansonet，whopliedsowellhissword，AllmadetogetheratAnglantes\'lord。
LII
DudonOrlandofrombehindembraced，Andwithhisfootthefuriouspeerwouldthrow:
Astolphoandothersseizehisarms；butwasteTheirstrengthinallattemptstoholdthefoe。
Hewhohasseenabull，bymastiffschasedThatgorehisbleedingears，infurylowe，Draggingthedogsthatbaithimthereandhere，Yetfromtheirtusksunabletogetclear；
LIII
Lethimimagine，soOrlandodrewAstolphoandthosebandedknightsalong。
MeanwhileupstartedOliviero，whoBythatfellfistycuffonearthwasflung；
And，seeingtheycouldillbyRolanddoThatsoughtbygoodAstolphoandhisthrong，Hemeditates，andcompasses，awayThefranticpaladinonearthtolay。
LIV
Hemanyahawsermadethemthitherbring，Andrunningknotsinthemhequicklytied；
Whichonthecount\'swaist，arms，andlegs，theyfling；
Andthen，amongthemselves，theendsdivide，Conveyedtothisorthatamidthering，CompassingRolanduponeveryside。
ThewarriorsthusOrlandoflungparforce，Asfarrierthrowsthestrugglingoxorhorse。
LV
Assoonasdown，theyalluponhimare，Andhandsandfeetmoretightlytheyconstrain:
Heshakeshimself，andplungeshereandthere；
Butallhiseffortsforreliefarevain。
Astolphobadethemhencetheprisonerbear；
Forhewouldhealhesaidthewarrior\'sbrain。
ShoulderedbysturdyDudonistheload，Andonthebeach\'sfurthestbrinkbestowed。
LVI
SeventimesAstolphomakesthemwashtheknight；
Andseventimesplungedbeneaththebrinehegoes。
Sothattheycleanseawaythescurfandblight，Whichtohisstupidlimbsandvisagegrows。
Thisdone，withherbs，forthatoccasiondight，Theystophismouth，wherewithhepuffsandblows。
For，savehisnostrils，wouldAstolpholeaveNopassagewhencethecountmightairreceive。
LVII
ValiantAstolphohadpreparedthevase，WhereinOrlando\'ssenseswerecontained，Andtohisnostrilsinsuchmodeconveys，That，drawing-inhisbreath，thecountydrainedThemysticcupwithal。Ohwondrouscase！
Theunsettledminditsancientseatregained；
And，initsgloriousreasonings，yetmoreclearAndlucidwaxedhiswisdomthanwhilere。
LVIII
Asone，thatseemsintroubledsleeptoseeAbominableshapes，ahorridcrew；
Monsterswhicharenot，andwhichcannotbe；
Orseemssomestrange，unlawfulthingtodo，Yetmarvelsathimself，fromslumberfree。
Whenhisrecoveredsensesplayhimtrue；
SogoodOrlando，whenheismadesound，Remainsyetfullofwonder，andastound。
LIX
Aldabelle\'sbrother，Monodantes\'son，Andhimthatonhisbrainsuchcurehadwrought，Hewonderingmarked，butwordhespaketonone；
Andwhenandhowhewasbroughtthither，thought。
Heturnedhisrestlesseyesnowupnowdown，Norwherehewaswithal，imaginedaught，Marvellingwhyhetherewasnakedcast，Andwhereforetethered，neckandheels，sofast。
LX
Thensaid，aserstSilenussaid——whenseen，Andtakensleepingthecaveofyore——
SOLVITEME，withvisagesoserene，Withlooksomuchlesswaywardthanbefore，Thathimtheyfromhisbondsdeliveredclean，Andraimenttothenakedwarriorbore；
Allcomfortingtheirfriend，withgriefopprestForthatdelusionwhichhadhimpossest。
LXI
Whentohisformerselfhewasrecovered，Ofwiserandofmanliermindthane\'er，Fromloveaswellwasfreedtheenamouredlord；
Andshe，sogentledeemed，sofairwhilere，AndbyrenownedOrlandosoadored，Didbuttohimaworthlessthingappear。
Whathethroughlovehadlost，toreacquireWashiswholestudy，washiswholedesire。
LXII
MeanwhileBardinotoldtoBrandimart，HowMonodantes，hisgoodsire，wasdead，And，onhisbrother，Gigliantes\'part，Tocallhimtohiskingdomhadhesped，Aswellasfromthoseisles，whichmostapartFromotherlands，ineasternseasarespread，Thatprince\'sfairinheritance；thanwhichWasnonemorepleasant，populous，orrich。
LXIII
Hesaid，midmanyreasonswhichheprest，Thathomewassweet，and——werethewarriorfainTotastethatsweet——heeverwoulddetestAwanderinglife；andBrandimartagainReplies，throughallthatwar，hewillnotrestFromservingRolandandKingCharlemagne；
Andafter，ifhelivestoseeitsend，Tohisownmattersbetterwillattend。
LXIV
Uponthefollowingday，forProvencesteerTheshippingunderDanishDudon\'scare；
WhenwiththedukeretiredAnglantes\'peer，Andheardthatlordthewarfare\'sstatedeclare:
ThenprestwithsiegeBiserta，farandnear，ButletgoodEngland\'sknightthehonourwearOfeveryvantage；whileAstolphostillInallwasguidedbyOrlando\'swill。
LXV
TheordertakentoattackthetownOfhugeBiserta，when，andonwhatside；
How，atthefirstassault，thewallsarewon，AndwithOrlandowhothepalmdivide，LamentnotthatInowshallleaveunshown，SinceforshorttimeIlaymytaleaside。
Inthemeanwhile，howfierceanoverthrowTheMoorsreceivedinFrance，bepleasedtoknow。
LXVI
WellnighabandonedwastheirroyallordInhisworstperil；fortoArlesagainHadgone，withmanyofthepaynimhorde，ThesageSobrinoandthekingofSpain；
Who，forthedeemedthelandunsafe，aboardTheirbarkssoughtrefuge，withanumeroustrain，Baronsandcavaliers，thatservedtheMoor；
Whomovedbytheirexampleputfromshore。
LXVII
YetroyalAgramantthefightmaintains；
Butwhenhecannolongermakeastand，Turnsfromthecombat，anddirectlystrainsForArles，notfarremote，uponthestrand。
HimRabicanpursues，withflowingreins，WhomAymon\'sdaughterdriveswithheelandhand。
Himwouldsheslay，throughwhomsooftencrost，ThatmartialmaidhadherRogerolost。
LXVIII
Marphisabythesamedesirewasstirred，Whohadherthoughtsontardyvengeanceplaced，Forherdeadsire；andasshefiercelyspurred，Madeherhotcourserfeelhisrider\'shaste。
Butneithermartialmaid，amidthatherdOfflyingMoors，sowellthemonarchchased，Astoo\'ertakehiminhisswiftretreat，FirstintoArles，andthenaboardhisfleet。
LXIX
Astwofairgenerouspards，thatfromsomecragTogetherdart，andstretchacrosstheplain；
Whentheyperceivethatvigorousgoatorstag，Theirnimblequarry，ispursuedinvain，Asifashamedtheyinthatchasedidlag，Returnrepentantandinhighdisdain:
So，withasigh，returnthosedamselstwo，Whentheythepaynimkinginsafetyview:
LXX
Yetthereforehaltnot，butinfurygoAmidthatcrowd，whichflies，possestwithdread；
Feeling，nowhere，nowthere，ateveryblow，Manythatnevermoreupreartheirhead。
Toevilpasswasbroughtthebrokenfoe；
Forsafetywasnotevenforthemthatfled:
SinceAgramant，asureretreattogain，Badeshutthecity-gatewhichfacedtheplain；
LXXI
AndbadeonRhonebreakallthebridgesdown。
Unhappypeople，everheldascheap——Weighedwiththetyrant\'swantwhowearsacrown——
Asworthlessherdofgoatsorsillysheep！
Theseinthesea，thoseintheriverdrown；
Andthosewithbloodthethirstyfallowssteep。
TheFranksfewprisonersmade，andmanyslew；
Forransominthatbattlewasforfew。
LXXII
Ofthegreatmultitudeofeithertrain，Christenedorpaynim，killedinthatlastfight，Thoughinunequalpartsfor，oftheslain，ByfarmoreSaracenswerekilledinflight，Byhandsofthoseredoubteddamselstwain，Signseventothisdayremaininsight:
For，hardbyArles，wheresleepsthelazyRhone，Theplainwithrisingsepulchresisstrown。
LXXIII
MeanwhilehisheavyshipsofdeepestdraughtKingAgramanthadmadeputforthtosea，Leavingsomebarksinport——hislightestcraft——
Forthemthatwouldaboardhisnavyflee:
Hestaystwodays，whiletheythestragglerswaft，And，forthewindsarewildandcontrary，Onthethirdday，tosailhegivecommand，IntrusttomakereturntoAfrick\'sland。
LXXIV
RoyalMarsilius，inthatfatalhour，FearingthecostswillfalluponhisSpain，Andthattheclouds，whichbigwithtempestlower，Intheendwillburstuponhisfieldsandgrain，MakesforValentia；wherehetownandtowerBeginstofortifywithmicklepain；
Andforthatwarprepares，whichafterendsInthedestructionofhimselfandfriends。
LXXV
KingAgramanthissailsforAfrickbent:
Hisbarksill-armedandalmostemptygo；
Emptyofmen，butfullofdiscontent，Inthatthree-fourthshadperishedbythefoe。
Ascruelsome，asweakandproudsomeshentTheirking，andasstillhappensinlikewoe
Allhatehimprivily；but，fortheyfearHisfury，inhispresencemuteappear。
LXXVI
Yetsometimestwoorthreetheirlipsunclose，——Someknotoffriends，whereeachoneachrelies——
Andtheirpentcholerandtheirrageexpose:
YetAgramantbeneaththeillusionlies，Thateachwillloveandpityoverflows；
Andthisbefalls，becausehestillespiesFalsefaces，hearsbutvoicesthatapplaud，Andnoughtbutadulation，liesandfraud。
LXXVII
NotinBiserta\'sporthishosttolandWasthesagekingofAfrica\'sintent，WhohadsurenewsthatshorebyNubia\'sbandWasheld，buthesofaraboveitmeantTosteerhisMoorishsquadron，thatthestrandShouldnotbesteeporruggedfordescent:
Therewouldhedisembark，andthencewouldaidForthwithhispeople，brokenanddismaid。
LXXVIII
ButfavourednotbyhisfouldestinyWasthatintention，providentandwise；
Whichwilledthefleet，fromleavesofgreenwoodtree，Produceduponthebeachinwondrousguise，That，boundforFrance，nowploughedthefoamingsea，Shouldmeetthekingatnight；thatfromsurpriseInthatdark，dismalhour，amidhiscrewWorsepanicanddisordermightensue。
LXXIX
Notyettohimhavetidingsbeenconveyed，Thatsquadronsofsuchforcethebillowsplow:
Norwouldhehavebelievedinhimwhosaid，Ahundredbarkshadsprungfromonesmallbough；
AndhenceforAfricathekinghadweighed，Notfearingtoencounterhostileprow；
Norhashewatchmeninhistopstospy，Andmakereportofwhattheyhencedescry。
LXXX
`Twassothoseships，byEngland\'speersuppliedToDudon，mannedwithgoodandarmedcrew，WhichseethatMoorishfleetateventide，Andthatstrangearmamentforthwithpursue，Assailedthemunawares，and，far，andwide，Amongthosebarkstheirgrappling-ironsthrew，Andlinkedbychains，totheiropponentsclung，WhenknownforMoorsandfoemenbytheirtongue。
LXXXI
Inbearingdown，impelledbywindsthatblowPropitioustotheDanishchief\'sintent，Thoseweightyshipssoshockedthepaynimfoe，Thatmanyvesselstothebottomwent；
Then，taxingwitsandhands，toworkthemwoe，Themwithfire，sword，andstonestheChristiansshent；
Whichontheirshipsinsuchwideruinpour，Liketempestnevervexttheseabefore。
LXXXII
BoldDudon\'smen，towhomunwontedmightAnddaringwasimpartedfromonhigh，SincethehourwascomethepaynimstorequiteFormorethanoneilldeed，fromfarandnigh，TheMoorssopestilentlygallandsmite，Agramantfindsnoshelter；fromtheskyAbove，thickcloudsofwhistlingarrowsstrike；
Aroundgleamhookandhatchet，swordandpike。
LXXXIII
Thekinghearshugeandheavystonesdescend，Fromchargedmachineorthunderingenginesent，Which，falling，poopandprowandbroadsiderend，Openingtoraveningseasamightyvent；
Andmorethanallthefuriousfiresoffend，Firesthatarequicklykindled，slowlyspent，Thewretchedcrewswouldfainthatdangershun，Andeverintodirerperilrun。
LXXXIV
Oneheadlongplunged，pursuedbyfireandsword，Andperishedmidthewaters，onewhowroughtFasterwitharmsandfeet，hispassageoaredTootherbarque，alreadyoverfraught:
Butsherepulsedthewretchthatfainwouldboard；
Whosehand，whichtooimportunatelysoughtToclamber，graspedtheside，whilehisloptarmAndbodystainedthewavewithlife-bloodwarm。
LXXXV
Him，thattosavehislifei\'thewatersthought，Or，attheworst，toperishwithlesspain，Sinceswimmingprofitedthecaitiffnought，Andheperceivedhisstrengthandcouragedrain
Tothehungryfiresfromwhichtherefugesought，Thefearofdrowninghurriesbackagain:
Hegraspsaburningplank，andinthedreadOfdyingeitherdeath，bybothissped。
LXXXVI
Thisvainlytothesearesorts，whomspearOrhatchet，brandishedcloseathand，dismay；
Forstoneorarrowfollowinginhisrear，Permitthecraventomakelittleway。
Buthaply，whileityetdelightsyourear，\'Twerewellandwiselydonetoendmylay，RatherthanharpuponthethemesolongAstoannoyyouwithatedioussong。
CANTO40
ARGUMENT
ToflytheroyalAgramantisfain，AndseesBisertaburningfaraway；
ButlandingfindstheroyalSericane，Whoofhisfaithgivesgoodlywarrant；theyDefyOrlando，backedbychampionstwain；
WhomboldGradassofirmlytruststoslay。
Forsevenkings\'sake，fastprisonerstotheirfoes，RogeroandtheDaneexchangerudeblows。
I
Thediversechancesofthatsea-fightdread，Heretorehearsewouldtakeawearywhile；
Andtodiscoursetoyouuponthishead，GreatsonofHercules，weretoSamos\'isleTocarryearthenvessels，as\'tissaid，ToAthensowls，andcrocodilestheNile。
Inthat，mylord，bywhatisvouchedtome，Suchthingsyousaw，suchthingsmadeotherssee。
II
Yourfaithfulpeoplegazedonalongshow，Thatnightandday，whereintheycrowdedstood，Asinatheatre，andhemmedonPoTwixtfireandsword，thehostilenaviesviewed。
Whatoutcriesmaybeheard，whatsoundsofwoe，Howriversmayrunredwithhumanblood，Insuchlikecombat，inhowmanyamodeMendie，yousaw，andyoutomanyshowed。
III
Isawnot，I，whowascompelledtocourse，Evermorechangingnags，sixdaysbefore，ToRome，inheatandhaste，somehelpfulforceOfhimourmightypastortoimplore。
But，after，needwasnoneoffootorhorse，Forsothelion\'sbeakandclawsyoutore，FromthatdayuntothisIhearnotsaidThathemoretroubleinyourlandhasbread。
IV
ButTrotto，presentatthisvictory，Afranio，Moro，Albert，Hannibal，Zerbinat，Bagno，theAriostosthree，Assuredmeofthemightyfeatwithal，Certifiedafterbythatensignry，Suspendedfromtheholytemple\'swall，Andfifteengalleysatourriver-side，WhichwithathousandcaptivebarksIspied。
V
Hethatthosewrecksandblazingfiresdiscerned，Andsuchsoreslaughter，underdifferentshows，Which——vengingusforhallandpalaceburned——
Whilebarkremained，ragedwideamongthefoes，MightalsodeemhowAfrick\'speoplemourned，WithAgramant，middiversedeathsandwoes，Onthatdarknight，whentheredoutedDaneAssaultedinmidseatheMoorishtrain。
VI
\'Twasnight，norgleamwasanywheredescried，Whenfirstthefleetsinfuriousstrifewereblended；
Butwhenlitsulphur，pitchandtarfromsideAndpoopandprowintotheskyascended，Andthedestructivewild-fire，scatteredwide，Feduponshipandshallopilldefended，ThethingsaboutthemalldescriedsoclearThatnightwaschangedtoday，as\'twouldappear。
VII
HenceAgramant，thatbythedarkdeceived，Hadratednotsohighthefoes\'array，Nortoencountersuchaforcebelieved，Butwould，if\'twereopposed，atlastgiveway，Whenthatwidedarknesscleared，andheperceivedWhatleastheweeneduponthefirstaffray
Thattwiceasmanyweretheshipshefought，AshisownMoorishbarks，tookotherthought。
VIII
Intoaboathewithsomefewdescends，Brigliadorandsomepreciousthings，toflee；
Andso，twixtshipandship，insilencewends，Untilhefindshimselfinsafersea，Farfromhisown；whomfieryDudonshends，Reducedtosadandsoreextremity；
Themsteeldestroys，firesburn，andwatersdrown；
Whilehe，thatmightyslaughter\'scause，isflown。
IX
Agramantflies，andwithhimoldSobrine，Agramantgrievinghehadnotbelieved，Whattimethatsageforesawwitheyedivine，Andtoldthewoewherewithheisaggrieved。
Butturnmetothevaliantpaladine，Who，beforeotheraidcanbereceived，CounselsthedukeBisertatodestroy；
ThatitnomoremayChristianFranceannoy。
X
Andhenceinpublicorderwasitsaid，Thecampshouldtoitsarmsthethirddaystand；
Forthis，itwaswithmanybarksbested；
ForallwereplacednotattheDane\'scommand。
ThatfleettheworthySansonettoled，Asgoodawarriorhebyseaasland
Whichamileofftheport，andoverightBiserta，nowwasanchoredbytheknight。
XI
Orlandoandtheduke，likeChristianstrue，WhichdarenodangerwithoutGodforguide，Thatfastandprayerbemadetheirarmythrough，Ordainbyproclamationtobecried；
Andthatuponthethirdday，whentheyviewThesignal，allshallbownthem，farandwide，Biserta\'sroyalcitytoattack，Whichthey，whentaken，doomtofireandsack。
XII
Andso，whennowdevoutlyhavebeendoneVigilandvow，andholyprayerandfast，Kin，friends，andthosetooneanotherknown，Togetherfeast；who，whenwithgladrepastTheirwastedbodieswererefreshed，begunToembraceandweep；andactsandspeechespast，Uponthebanquet\'sclose，amidthosecrewsSuchasbestfriends，abouttosever，use。
XIII
TheholypriestswithinBiserta\'swall，Praywiththeirgrievingpeople，andintears，Ayebeattheirbosoms，andforsuccourcallUpontheirMahomet，whonothinghears。
Whatvigils，offerings，andwhatgiftswithalWerepromisedsilently，amidtheirfears！
Whattemples，statues，imageswerevowed，Inmemoryoftheirbitterwoes，aloud！
XIV
And，whenthecadihathhisblessingsaid，Thepeoplearmsandtotheramparthies。
AsyetreposinginherTithon\'sbedAurorawas，andduskyweretheskies；
Whentotheirposts，theirseveraltroopstohead，HereSansonetto，thereAstolphoflies。
AndwhentheyhearOrlando\'ssignalblownAssaultwithfuriousforceBiserta\'stown。
XV
Washedbythesea，upontwoquarters，wereThecitywalls，twostoodonthedryshore，Ofaconstructionexcellentandrare，Whereinwasseentheworkofdaysofyore:
Ofotherbulwarkswasthetownnighbare；
ForsinceBranzardotherethesceptrebore；
Fewmasonsatcommand，andlittlespaceThatmonarchhadtofortifytheplace。
XVI
TheNubiankingischargedbyEngland\'speer，WithslingandarrowsotheMoorstogall，Thatnoneupontheworksshalldareappear；
Andthat，protectedbytheceaselessfallOfstoneanddart，insafetycavalierAndfootmanmayapproachtheverywall；
Wholoaded，somewithplank，withrock-stonesome，Andsomewithbeam，orweightierburden，come。
XVII
ThisandthatotherthingtheNubiansbore，Andbydegreesfilled-upthatchannelwide，Whosewaterswerecutoffthedaybefore，Sothatinmanypartstheoozewasspied。
Filledistheditchinhastefromshoretoshore，Andformsaleveltothefurtherside。
Cheeringthefootmenontheworkstomount，StandOlivier，Astolpho，andtheCount。
XVIII
TheNubianuponhopeofgainintent，Impatientofdelay，norheedinghowWithpressingperilstheywerecompassed，wentProtectedbytheshelteringboarandsow。
Withbatteringram，andotherinstrument，Tobreakthegateandmaketheturretbow，Speedilytothecitywalltheypost，Norunprovidedfindthepaynimhost。
XIX
Forsteel，andfire，androof，andturretthere，InguiseoftempestontheNubiansfell，Whichplankandbeamfromthosedreadenginestear，Madeforannoyanceoftheinfidel。
Intheillbeginning，andwhiledimtheair，Muchinjurythechristenedhostbefell；
Butwhenthesunfromhisrichmansionbreaks，FortunethefactionoftheMoorforsakes。
XX
Theassaultisreinforcedoneveryside，ByCountOrlando，bothbyseaandland:
Thefleet，withSansonettoforitsguide，Enteredtheharbour，andapproachedthestrand；
Andsorelytheywithvariousenginesplied，Witharrowsandwithslings，thepaynimband；
Andsenttheassailantsscaling-ladder，spear，Andnavalstores，andeveryneedfulgear。
XXI
Orlando，Oliviero，Brandimart，Andhe，inairsodaringheretofore，Dofierceandfuriousbattleonthatpart，Whichliesthefurthestinlandfromtheshore:
EachleadsaportionofthoseAethiopsswart，Orderedinequalbandsbeneaththefour，Whoatthewalls，thegateways，orelsewhere，Allgiveofprowessshiningproofsandrare。
XXII
Sobettercouldbeseeneachwarrior\'sclaim，Thatinconfusedincombatthereandhere。
Whoofrewardisworthy，whoofshame，Toathousandandtowatchfuleyesisclear。
Draggeduponwheelsaretowersofwoodenframe，Andotherswell-trainedelephantsuprear，Whichsoo\'ertoptheturretsofthefoe，Thosebulwarksstandamightyspacebelow。
XXIII
Brandimarttothewallsaladderbrought，Climbed，andtoclimbwithaltootherscried:
Manysucceed，withboldassurancefraught，Fornonecanfearbeneathsogoodaguide:
Norwasthereonewhomarked，noronewhothoughtOfmarking，ifsuchweightitwouldabide。
Brandimartonly，onthefoesintent，Clamberedandfought，andgraspedabattlement。
XXIV
Hereclangwithhandandfootthedaringknight，Sprangontheembattledwall，andwhirledhissword；
And，showingmickletokensofhismight，Thepaynimscharged，o\'erthrew，heweddownandgored:
Butallatonce，o\'erburthenedwiththatweight，Theladderbreaksbeneaththeassailinghorde；
And，savingBrandimart，theChristiansallIntotheditchwithheadlongruinfall。
XXV
Notthereforeblenchedthevaliantcavalier，Northoughtheofretreat，albeitwasnoneOfhisownbandthatfollowedinhisrear；
Althoughhewasamarkforallthetown。
Ofmanyprayed，thewarriorwouldnothearTheprayertoturn；butmidthefoesleaptdown；
Isay，intothecitytookaleap，Wherethetown-wallwasthirtycubitsdeep。
XXVI
He，withoutanyharmonthehardground，Asifonfeathersoronstraw，didlight；
And，likeclothshredandshorn，thepaynimsroundInfuryshredsandshearsthevaliantknight。
Nowspringsonthese，nowthose，withvigorousbound；
Andtheseandthosebetakethemselvestoflight。
Theythatwithouthaveseentheleaphemade，Toolatetosavehimdeemallhumanaid。
XXVII
Throughoutthesquadronsadeeprumourflew，Amurmurandawhisper，thereandhere，Frommouthtomouth，theFamebymotiongrew，Andtoldandmagnifiedthetaleoffear:
Foruponmanyquartersstormedthatcrew，WheregoodOrlandowas，whereOlivier，WhereOtho\'sson，sheflewonpinionslight，Noreverpauseduponhernimbleflight。
XXVIII
Thosewarriors，andOrlandomostofall，WholoveandprizethegentleBrandimart，Hearing，shouldtheydefyuponthatcall，Theywouldfromsorenownedacomradepart，Theirscaling-laddersplant，andmountthewallWithrivalry，whichshowsthekinglyheart；
Whocarryallsuchterrorintheirlook，That，attheverysight，theirfoemenshook。
XXIX
Asonloudocean，lashedbyboisterousgaleThebillowstherashbarkassault，andstill——
Nowthreateningpoop，nowthreateningprow——assail，And，intheirrageandfury，fainwouldfill；
Thepilotsighsandgroans，dismaidandpale，——Hethatshouldaid，andhasnotheartorskill——
Atlengthasurgethepinnacesweepsandswallows，Andwaveonwaveinlongsuccessionfollows；
XXX
Thuswhenthosewinthewall，theyleaveaspaceSowide，thatwhobeneaththeirconductgo，Safelymayfollowthem；foratitsbase，Athousandladdershavebeenrearedbelow。
Meanwhilethebatteringrams，inmanyaplace，Havebreachedthatwall，andwithsuchmightyblow，Theboldassailantcan，frommanyapart，BearsuccourtothegallantBrandimart。
XXXI
Evenwiththatragewherewiththestreamthatreigns，Thekingofrivers——whenhebreakshismound，AndmakeshimselfawaythroughMantuanplains——
Thegreasyfurrowsandgladharvests，round，And，withthesheepcotes，flock，anddogsandswainsBearsoff，inhiso\'erwhelmingwatersdrowned；
Overtheelm\'shightopthefishesglide，Wherefowlserewhiletheirnimblepinionsplied；
XXXII
Evenwiththatragerushedintheimpetuousband，Wheremanybreachesinthewallwerewrought，Toslaywithburningtorchandtrenchantbrand，Thatpeople，whichtoevilpasswerebrought。
Murderandrapinethere，andviolenthandDiptdeepinbloodandplunder，inathought，Destroythatsumptuousandtriumphanttown，WhichofallAfrickworetheroyalcrown。
XXXIII
Filledwithdeadbodiesofthepaynimhorde，Bloodissuedfromsomanyagapingwound，AfoulerfossewasformedandworsetofordThangirdlestheinfernalcityround。
Fromhousetohousethefireinfurypoured；
Mosque，portico，andpalace，wenttoground；
Andspoiledandemptymansionswiththeclang，Ofbeatenbreast，andgroanandoutcryrang。
XXXIV
Thevictors，ladenwiththeirmightyprey，Fromthatunhappycity\'sgatesaregone，Onewithfairvase，andonewithricharray，Orsilverplatefromancientaltarwon。
Themotherthis，thatborethechildaway；
Rapesandathousandevilthingsweredone。
Ofmuch，andwhattheycannothinder，hearRenownedOrlandoandfairEngland\'speer。
XXXV
ByOlivier，amidthatslaughterwide，FellBucifaroofthepaynimband；
And——everyhopeandcomfortcastaside——
Branzardoslewhimselfwithhisownbrand；
Piercedwiththreewoundswhereofheshortlydied，FolvowastakenbyAstolpho\'shand；
Themonarchsthree，intrustedtowhosecareAgramant\'sAfricandominionswere。
XXXVI
Agramant，whohadleftwithoutaguideHisfleetthiswhile，andwithSobrinofled，WeptoverhisBisertawhenhespiedThosefiresthatontheroyalcityfed。
Whennearernowthekingwascertified，Howinthatcruelstrifehistownhadsped，Hethoughtofdying，andhimselfhadslain，ButthatSobrino\'swordshisarmrestrain。
XXXVII
“Whatvictory，mylord，“Sobrinocries
“CouldbetterthanthydeaththeChristiancheer，WhencehemighthopetojoyinquietwiseFairAfrica，fromallannoyanceclear?
Thybeingyetalivethishopedenies；
Henceshallheevermorehavecauseforfear。
Forwellthefoemanknows，savethouartgone，HeforshorttimewillfillthineAfrickthrone。
XXXVIII
“ThysubjectsbythydeathdeprivedwillbeOfhope，theonlygoodtheyhaveinstore，Thou，ifthouliv\'st，Itrust，shaltsetusfree，Redeemfromtrouble，andtojoyrestore。
Captivesforever，ifthoudiest，arewe；
Africkistributaryevermore。
Althoughnotforthyself，yetnottogiveMyliege，annoyancetothyfollowers，live。
XXXIX
“Thesoldan，hethyneighbour，willbewon，Surelywithmenandmoneytheetoaid:
ByhimwithevileyeKingPepin\'sson，SostronginAfrica，willbesurveyed。
AlleffortstorestoretheetothythroneByNorandine，thykinsman，willbemade。
Turk，PersianandArmenian，Arab，Mede，Ifprayed，willallassisttheeinthyneed。”
XL
Insuchandsuchlikewords，withwaryart，Withhopeofquicklywinningbackhisreign，Sobrinosoothedtheking，whileinhisheartHeotherthoughtperchancedidentertain。
Wellknowshetowhatpass，whatevilmartThatlordisbrought；howoftensighsinvain，Whoe\'erforegoesthesceptrewhichheswayed，Andtobarbarianshathrecourseforaid。
XLI
Jugurtha，martialHannibal，andmoreInancienttimes，goodproofofthisafford:
Inourownera，Lewis，highttheMoor，DeliveredintootherLewis\'ward。
Yourbrother，DukeAlphonso，wiserloreLearnedfromtheirfate；——Ispeaktoyou，mylord——
Wontthemasverymadmentodecry，Thatmoreonothersthanthemselvesrely；
XLII
Andthereforeaye，throughoutthatwarfaredrearWagedbythepontiff，inhisfiercedisdain，AlbeituponhisfeeblepowersthepeerCouldilldepend，thoughfromItalianplainWasdriventhefriendthataidedhimwhilere，AndbythefoepossessedwasNaples\'reign，Heagainstmenace，againstpromisesteeled，Ne\'ertoanotherwouldhisdukedomyield。
XLIII
EastwardKingAgramanthadturnedhisprow；
Andseawardsteeredhisbark，ofAfrickwide；
Whenfromthelandawickedwind\'ganblow，Andtookthereelingvesselononeside:
Themaster，seatedatthehelm，hisbrowRaisedtowardsheaven，andtothemonarchcried:
“Iseesofellandfierceatempestform，Ourpinnacecannotfacethepeltingstorm。
XLIV
“Ifyou，mylords，willlistentomylore，Anisleisonourleft-hand；andtomeItseemsthatitwerewelltomakethatshoreTilloverblownthetempest\'sfurybe。”
TohisadviceassentstheroyalMoor，Andmakesthelarboardland，fromperilfree；
Which，forthesailor\'sweal，whentempestsrise，\'TwixtVulcan\'sloftyforgeandAfricklies。
XLV
Withjuniperandmyrtleovergrown，Ofhabitationsisthatisletbare；
Apleasingsolitude；andwherealoneHarbourwildstagandroebuck，deerandhare；
And，savetofishermen，islittleknown，ThatoftentimesontheshornbramblesthereHangtheirmoistnets；meanwhile，untroubledsleepThescalyfishesintheirquietdeep。
XLVI
Hereothervessel，shelteredfromthemain，Theyfound，bytempesttostuponthatland，WhichhadconveyedthekingofSericaneErewhilefromArles；ononeandtheotherhand，Inreverentwiseandworthyofthetwain，Thosevaliantkingsembraceduponthestrand:
Forfriendsthemonarchswere，andlatebeforeThewallsofParis，armstogetherbore。
XLVII
WithmuchdispleasureSericana\'sknightHeardbyKingAgramanthisgriefsdisplaid；
Thenhimconsoled，andinhiscausetofight，Likecourteousking，thekindlyoffermade:
Butbrookednat，thattoEgypt\'speople，lightAndlackingfaith，heshouldresortforaid。
“Thatthitheritisperiloustowend，ExileshesaidarewarnedbyPompey\'send。
XLVIII
“AndforSenapus\'AethiopiancrewHavecomebeneathAstolpho，asyeshow，TowrestyourfruitfulAfricafromyou，Andburntandlaidherchiefestcitylow。
AndwiththeirsquadronsisOrlando，whoWaswanderingvoidofwit，shortwhileago，Thefittestcureforall，wherebytoscapeOutofthistroubleI，meseems，canshape。
XLIX
“I，foryourlove，willundertakethequest，TheCountinsinglecombattoappear；
Hevainlywould，Iwot，withmecontest，Ifwhollymadeofcopperorofsteel。
IratetheChristianchurch，wereheatrest，Aswolfrateslambs，whenhungeringforhismeal。
NexthaveIthoughthowoftheNubianband——Abriefandeasytask——tofreeyourland。
L
“IwillmakeotherNubians，theythatholdAnotherfaith，dividedbyNile\'scourse，AndArabsandMacrobiansrichingoldAndmenarethese，andthoseinherdsofhorse，Chaldaean，Perse，andmanymore，controlledBymygoodsceptre，insuchmightyforce，WillmakethemwarupontheNubians\'reign，Thosereaversshallnotinyourlandremain。”
LI
Gradasso\'ssecondofferseemedtobeMostopportunetoKingTroyano\'sson；
Andmuchheblestthechancesofthesea，Whichhimuponthatdesertislehadthrown:
Yetwouldnotuponanypactagree，——Nay，nottorepossessBiserta\'stown——
Gradassoshouldforhiminfightcontend；
Deemingtoosorehishonour\'twoudoffend。
LII
“IfRolandistobedefied，moredueThebattleistomethatkingreplies
Iampreparedforit；andletGoddoHiswillbyme，ingoodorevilwise。”
“——Followmymode；anothermodeandnew，Whichcomesintomymind“Gradassocries，“LetbothofustogetherwagethisfightAgainstOrlandoandanotherknight。”
LIII
“Sonotleftout，Icarenot，ifIbeThefirstorlastsaidAgramant:IknowInarmsnobettercanIfindthanthee，ThoughIshouldseekacomrade，highorlow，AndwhatSobrinocriedbecomesofme?
Ishouldbemoreexpertifoldinshow；
Andevermoreinperilitisgood，ForceshouldhaveCounselinhisneighbourhood。”
LIV
Strickeninyears，yetvigorouswasthesage，Andwellhadprovedhimselfwithswordandspear；
Andsaid，hefoundhimselfingrayoldage，Suchasingreenandsuppleyouthwhilere。
Theyownhisclaim，andforanembassageForthwithacourierfind，thenbidhimsteerForAfrica，wherecampedtheChristianslie，AndCountOrlandoontheirpartdefy；
LV
Withequalnumberofarmedknightstobe，Matchinghisfoes，onLampedosa\'sshore；
Whereonallquartersthatcircumfluentsea，Bywhichtheyareinisled，isheardtoroar。
Thepaynimmessengerunceasingly，Likeoneinneedfulhaste，usedsailandoar，TillhefoundRolandinBiserta，whereThehostbeneathhiseyetheirplundershare。
LVI
FromthosethreemonarchstothecavalierTheinvitationwasinpublictold；
SopleasingtoAnglante\'svaliantpeer，Totheheraldhewasliberalofhisgold:
FromhiscompanionshadheheardwhilereThatDurindanewasinGradasso\'shold:
Hence，toretrievethatfaulchionfromthefoe，ToIndiahadtheCountresolvedtogo:
LVII
Deemingheshouldnotfindthatkingelsewhere，Who，soheheard，hadsailedfromtheFrenchshore。
Anearerplaceisofferednow；andthereHehopesGradassoshallhisprizerestore；
MovedalsobyAlmontes\'buglerare，Toacceptthechallengewhichtheheraldbore；
NorlessbyBrigliadoro；sinceheknewInAgramant\'spossessionwerethetwo。
LVIII
HechoseforhiscompanionsinthefightThefaithfulBrandimartandOlivier:
Wellhasheprovedtheoneandtheother\'smight；
Knowshealiketobothispassingdear。
GoodhorsesandgoodarmourseekstheknightAndgoodlyswordsandlances，farandnear，Forhimandhis；meseemstoyouisknownHownoneofthosethreewarriorshadhisown。
LIX
OrlandoasIofthavecertified
Infury，hishadscatteredwideandfar；
Rodomonttooktheothers\'，whichbesideTheriver，lockedinthathighturretare。
FewthroughoutAfricacouldtheyprovide；
AswellbecausetoFrance，inthatlongwar，KingAgramanthadbornawaythebest，AsbecauseAfricabutfewpossest。
LX
Whatcouldbehadofarmour，rustedo\'erAndbrownwithage，Orlandobidsunite；
Meanwhilewithhiscompanionsontheshore，Hewalks，discoursingonthefuturefight。
Sowanderingfromtheircampthreemilesandmore，Itchancedthat，turningtowardstheseatheirsight，Underfullsailapproaching，theydescriedAhelmlessbarque，withnoughthercoursetoguide。
LXI
She，withoutpilot，withoutcrew，alone，Aswindandfortuneorderedit，wasbound:
Thevesselnearedtheshore，withsailsfull-blown，Furrowingthewaves，untilshetooktheground。
Butereofthesethreewarriorsmorebeshown，ThelovewherewithItotheChildambound，Tohisstorybringsmeback，andbidsrecordWhatpast\'twixthimandClermont\'swarlikelord。
LXII
Ispakeofthatgoodpairofwarriors，whoHadbothretreatedfromthemartialfray，Beholdingpactandtreatybrokenthrough，Andeverytroopandbandindisarray。
Whichleadertohisoathwasfirstuntrue，Andwasoccasionofsuchevil，theyStudytolearnofallthepassingtrain；
KingAgramantortheEmperorCharlemagne。
LXIII
MeanwhileaservantoftheChild\'s，athand，——Faithful，expertandwarywasthewight，Norintheshockofeitherfuriousband，Hadeverofhiswarlikelordlostsight——
ToboldRogeroborehishorseandbrand，Thathemightaidhiscomradesnowinflight。
Rogerobackedthesteedandgraspedthesword；
Butnotinbattlemixedthatmartiallord。
LXIV
Thencehedeparted；buthefirstrenewedHiscompactwithMontalban\'sknight——thatsoHisAgramantconvincedofperjurystood——
Himandhisevilsecthewouldforego。
ThatdaynofurtherfeatsofhardihoodRogerowillperformagainstthefoe:
HebutdemandsofallthatmakeforArles，Whofirstbrokefaith，KingAgramantorCharles?
LXV
Fromallhehearsrepeated，farandnear，ThatAgramanthadbrokethepromiseplight:
Helovesthatking，andfromhissidetoveer，Forthis，believeswouldbenoerrorlight。
TheMoorswerebrokeandscatteredthiswhilereHasbeenrehearsedandfromthegiddyheightOfHERrevolvingwheelweredownwardhurled，Whoatherpleasurerollsthisnetherworld。
LXVI
Rogeropondersifheshouldremain，Orrathershouldhissovereignlordattend:
LoveforhisladyfitshimwithareinAndbit，whichletshimnottoAfrickwend；
Wheelshim，andtoacountercourseagainSpurshim，andthreatshisrestivemoodtoshend，Savehemaintainsthetreaty，andthetrothPledgedtothepaladinwithsolemnoath。
LXVII
Awakeful，stingingcare，ontheothersideScourgesandgoadsnolessthecavalier；
Lest，ifhenowfromAgramantdivide，Heshouldbetaxedwithbasenessorwithfear。
Ifmanydeemitwellheshouldabide，Tomanyandmanyitwouldillappear:
Manywouldsay，thatoathsunbindingare，Which\'tisunlawfulandunjusttoswear。
LXVIII
HeallthatdayandtheensuingnightRemainsalone，andsothefollowingday；
Foreversiftinginhisdoubtfulsprite，Ifitbebettertodepartorstay:
LastlyforAgramantdecidestheknight；
TohiminAfrickwillhewendhisway:
Movedbyhisloveforhisliege-ladysore，Butmovedbyhonourandbydutymore。
LXIX
HemadeforArles，whereyethehopedwouldrideThefleetwhichhimtoAfricamightbear；
Norintheportnoroffingshipsespied，NorSaracenssavedeadbeheldhethere。
ForAgramanthadswepttheroadsteadwide，Andburntwhatvesselsinthehavenwere。
Rogerotakestheroad，whenhishopefails，Alongthesea-beatshoretowardMarseilles。
LXX
Uponsomeboathehopedtolayhishand，Whichhimforloveorforceshouldthenceconvey。
AlreadyOgier\'ssonhadmadetheland，Withthebarbarians\'fleet，hiscaptiveprey。
YoucouldnottherehavecastagrainofsandBetweenthosevessels；mooredcloselylayThemightysquadronstothatharbourbrought，Withconquerorsthese，andthosewithprisonersfraught。
LXXI
ThevesselsoftheMoorthatwerenotmadeThefoodoffireandwateronthatnightSavingsomefewthatfledwereallconveyedSafetoMarseillesbythevictoriousknightSevenofthosekings，thatMoorishsceptresswayed，Who，havingseentheirsquadronputtoflight，Withtheirsevenshipshadyieldedtothefoe，Stoodmuteandweeping，overwhelmedwithwoe。
LXXII
Dudonhadissuedforthupondryland，BenttofindCharlemagnethatveryday；
AndoftheMoorishspoilandcaptivebandMadeintriumphalpompalongdisplay。
Theprisonersallwererangeduponthestrand，AndroundthemstoodtheirNubianvictorsgay；
Who，shoutinginhispraise，withloudacclaim，MadeallthatregionringwithDudon\'sname。
LXXIII
Rogero，whenfromfartheshipshespied，BelievedtheywerethefleetofAgramant，And，toknowfurther，prickedhiscourser\'sside；
Then，nearer，midthoseknightsofmicklevaunt，Nasamon\'skingaprisonerhedesired，Agricalt，Bambirago，Farurant，Balastro，Manilardo，andRimedont；
Whostoodwithweepingeyesanddroopingfront。
LXXIV
IntheirunhappystatetoleavethatcrewTheChild，wholovedthosemonarchs，cannotbear；
Thatuselessistheemptyhandheknew；
Thatwhereforceisnot，littleprofitsprayer。
Hecouchedhislance，theirkeeperoverthrew，Thenprovedhiswontedmightwithfaulchionbare；
AndinamomentstretcheduponthestrandAboveahundredoftheNubianband。
LXXV
ThenoiseSirDudonhears，theslaughterspies，Butknowsnotwhothestrangercavalier:
Hemarkshow，puttorout，hispeopleflies；
Withanguish，withlamentandmightyfear；
Quicklyforcourser，shield，andhelmetcries，Bosom，andarms，andthighs，weremailedwhilere
Leapsonhishorse，nor——havingseizedhislance——
ForgetsheisapaladinofFrance。
LXXVI
Hecalledoneveryonetostandaside，Andwiththegallingspurhiscourserprest；
Meanwhileahundredotherfoeshavedied，Andfilledwithhopewaseveryprisoner\'sbreast；
AndasRogeroholyDudonspiedApproachonhorseback，footmenweretherest，
Esteeminghimtheirhead，hechargedtheknight，Impelledbyhugedesiretoprovehismight。
LXXVII
Already，onhispart，hadmovedtheDane；
ButwhenhesawtheChildwithoutaspear，Heflangisownfarfromhim，indisdainTotakesuchvantageofthecavalier。
AdmiringatSirDudon\'scourteousvein，“Beliehimselfhecannot，“saidthepeer，“AndofthoseperfectwarriorsmustbeoneThatasthepaladinsofFranceareknown。
LXXVIII
“IfImywillcancompass，heshallshewHisname，tome，erefurtherdeedbedone。”
Hemadedemand；andinthestrangerknewDudon，theDanishOgier\'svaliantson:
HefromRogeroclaimedanequaldue，AndfromtheChildascourteousanswerwon——
Theirnamesoneithersideannounced——thefoesAbolddefiancespeak，andcometoblows。
LXXIX
BoldDudonhadwithhimthatironmace，Whichwonhimdeathlessfameinmanyafight:
WherewithheprovedhimfullyoftheraceOfthatgoodDanishwarrior，famedformight。
Thatbestoffaulchions，whichthroughironcaseOfcuirassorofcasquewaswonttobite，YouthfulRogerofromthescabbardsnatched，AndwiththemartialDanehisvalourmatched。
LXXX
ButforthegentleyouthwaseverwilledTooffendhislady-lovetheleasthecould，Andknewheshouldoffendher，ifhespilled，Inthatdisastrousbattle，Dudon\'sbloodWellinthelineageofFrenchhousesskilledHewistofBeatrice\'ssisterhood，——Bradamant\'smothershe——withArmelline，ThemotheroftheDanishpaladine。
LXXXI
Hethereforeneverthrustinthataffray，Andrarelysmoteanedgeonplateandchain。
Nowwardingoffthemace，nowgivingway，Beforethefallofthatdescendingbane。
TurpinbelievesitinRogerolaySirDudoninfewsword-strokestohaveslain。
YetneverwhentheDanehisguardforegoes，Saveonthefaulchion\'sflatdescendtheblows。
LXXXII
Theflatasfeatlyastheedgeheplies，Ofthatgoodfaulchionforgedofstubborngrain；
And，atstrangeblindman\'sbluff，inwearywise，HammersonDudonwithsuchmightandmain，Heoftendazzlessothewarrior\'seyes，Thathardlyhehissaddlecanmaintain。
Buttowinbetteraudienceformyrhyme，MycantoIdefertoothertime。
CANTO41
ARGUMENT
HisprisonerstotheChildtheDanishpeerConsigns，who，homewardbound，arewreckedatsea；
Byswimmingheescapes，andasincereAndfaithfulservantnowofChristishe。
MeanwhileboldBrandimart，andOlivier，AndRolandfiercelychargethehostilethree。
Sobrinoisleftwoundedinthestrife；
GradassoandAgramantdeprivedoflife。
I
Theodourwhichwell-fashionedbearorhair，OfthatwhichfindanddaintyraimentsteepsOfgentlestripling，orofdamselfair，——Whooftenloveawakens，assheweeps——
Ifitoozeforthandscenttheambientair，Andwhichformanyadayitsvirtuekeeps，Wellshows，bymanifesteffectsandsure，Howperfectwasitsfirstperfumeandpure。
II
ThedrinkthattohiscostgoodIcarusdrewOfyorehissun-burnedsicklementocheer，Andwhich\'tissaidluredCeltsandBoithroughOurAlpinehills，untouchedbytoilwhilere，Wellshowsthatcordialwasthedraught，whennew；
Sinceitpreservesitsvirtuethroughtheyear。
Thetreetowhichitswintryfoliagecleaves，Wellshowsthatverdantwereitsspringtideleaves。
III
Thefamouslineage，forsomanyyearsOfcourtesythegreatandlastinglight，Whichever，brighteningasitburns，appearsToshineandflamemoreclearlytothesight，WellprovesthesireofEste\'snoblepeersMust，amidmortals，haveshoneforthasbrightInallfairgiftswhichraisementothesky，Asthegladsunmidglitteringorbsonhigh。
IV
Asinhiseveryotherfeatexprest，Rogero\'svaliantmindandcourteousloreWereshowedbytokensclearandmanifest，Andhishighmindednessshonemoreandmore；——
SotowardtheDanethosevirtuesstoodconfest，WithwhomasIrehearsedtoyoubefore
Hehadbeliedhismightystrengthandbreath；
Forpitylothtoputthatlordtodeath。
V
TheDanishwarriorwaswellcertified，Nowishtoslayhimhadtheyouthfulknight，Whosparedhimnow，whenopenwashisside；
Now，whensoweariedhenomorecouldsmite。
Whenfinallyheknew，andplaindescriedRogeroscrupledtoputforthhismight，Ifwithlessvigourandlessprowesssteeled，Atleastincourtesyhewouldnotyield。
VI
“Pardi，sir，makewepeace；“hesaid“successInthiscontentioncannotfalltome——
Cannotbemine；forImyselfconfessConqueredandcaptivetothycourtesy。”
TohimRogeroanswered，“AndnolessIcovetpeace，than\'tisdesiredbythee。
Butthisuponcondition，thatthosesevenArefreedfrombondage，andtomearegiven。”
VII
WiththatheshowedthosesevenwhereofIspake，Boundandwithdroopingheads，asadarray；
Adding，hemusttohimnohindrancemake，WhowouldthosekingstoAfricaconvey。
AndDudonthusallowedtheChildtotakeThoseseven，andhimallowedtobearawayAbarkaswell；whatlikeshimbesthechooses，Amidthosevessels，andforAfricklooses。
VIII
Heloosesbarkandsail；andinboldwiseTrustingtheficklewind，toseawardstood。
Atfirstonherduecoursethevesselflies，Andfillsthepilotfullofhardihood。
Thebeachretreats，andfromthesailors\'eyesSofades，theseaappearsashorelessflood。
Uponthedarkeningoftheday，thewindDisplaysitsfickleandperfidiouskind。
IX
Itshiftsfrompooptobeam，frombeamtoprow，Andeventhereshortseasondothremain:
Thereelingshipconfoundsthepilot；nowStruckfore，nowaft，nowonherbeamagain。
Threateningthebillowsrise，withhaughtybrow，AndNeptune\'swhiteherdlowsabovethemain。
Asmanydeathsappeartodauntthatrout，Aswaveswhichbeattheirtroubledbarkabout。
X
Nowblowsthewindinfront，andnowinrear，Anddrivesthiswavean-end，thatotherback；
Othersthereelingvessel\'ssideo\'erpeer；
Andeverybillowthreatensequalwrack。
Thepilotsighs，confusedandpalewithfear；
Vainlyhecallsaloudtoshiftthetack，Tostrikeorjibetheyard；andwithhishand，Signstothecrewthethinghewouldcommand。
XI
Butsoundorsignallittleboots；theeyeSeesnotamidthedimandrainynight；
Thevoiceunheardascendsintothesky，——
Thesky，whichwithalouderlarumsmiteThetroubledsailors\'universalcry，Androarofwaters，whichtogetherfight。
Unheardiseveryhest，above，below，Starboardorlarboard，uponpooporprow。
XII
Inthestrainedtacklesoundsahollowroar，Whereinthestrugglingwinditsfurybreaks；
Theforkedlightningflashesevermore，Withfearfulthunderheaven\'swideconcaveshakes。
Onetotherudderruns，onegraspsanoar；
Eachtohisseveralofficehimbetakes。
Onewillmakefast，anotherwillletgo；
Waterintothewaterothersthrow。
XIII
Lo！howlinghorribly，thesoundingblast，WhichBoreasinhissuddenfuryblows，Scourgeswithtatteredsailthereelingmast:
Almostashighasheaventhewaterflows:
Theoarsarebroken；andsofellandfastThattempestpelts，theprowtoleewardgoes；
Andtheungovernedvessel\'sbatteredsideIsundefendedfromthefoamingtide。
XIV
Fallenonherstarboardside，onherbeamends，Abouttoturnkeeluppermost，shelies。
Meanwhile，hissoultoHeaveneachrecommends，Surerthansuretosink，withpiteouscries。
ScatheuponscathemaliciousFortunesends，Andwhenonewoeisweathered，othersrise。
O\'erstrained，thevesselsplits；andthroughherseamsInmanyapartthehostilewaterstreams。
XV
AfierceassaultandcruelcoildothkeepUponallsidesthatwintrytempestfell。
Nowtotheirsightsohighthebillowsleap，Itseemsthatthesetoheavenabovewouldswell；
Now，plungingwiththewave，theysinksodeep，Thattheyappeartospythegulfsofhell。
Smallhopethereisornone:withfaulteringbreathTheygazeuponinevitabledeath。
XVI
Onadespiteoussea，thatlivelongnight，Theydrifted，asthewindinfuryblew。
ThefuriouswindthatwiththedawninglightShouldhaveabated，gatheredforceanew。
Lo！abarerock，ahead，appearsinsight，Whichvainlywouldthewretchedbandeschew；
Whomtowardsthatcliff，intheirdespite，impelTheragingtempestandtheroaringswell。
XVII
Threetimesandfourthepale-facedpilotwroughtThetillerwithavigorouspushtosway；
Andforthebarkasurerpassagesought:
Butthewavessnaptandborethehelmaway。
Tolower，oreasethebellyingcanvasaughtThesailorshadnopower；nortimehadtheyTomendthatill，orcounselwhatwasbest；
Forthemtoohardthemortalperilprest。