第9章
XCVI
TheyscarcelytouchthegroundbeforetheygainTheirfeet，andnowthefierceassaultrenew，Withcutandthrust；whichnowwithshieldthetwainOrbladewardoff，andnowbyleapseschew。
Whetherthefoesstrikehome，orsmiteinvain，Blowsring，andechopartedaetherthrough。
Moreforcethoseshields，thosehelms，thosebreast-platesshowThananvilsunderneaththesoundingblow。
XCVII
Ifheavyfallsthesavagedamsel"sblade，Thatfallsnotlightlyofherwarlikefoe。
Equalthemeasureonetheotherpaid；
Andbothreceiveasmuchastheybestow。
Hewhowouldseetwodaringspiritsweighed，Toseektwofiercerneednofurthergo。
Nortoseekmoredexterityormight；
Forgreatercouldnotbeinmortalwight。
XCVIII
Thewomenwhohavesatelongtime，toviewThechampionswithsuchhorridstrokesoffend，NorsignoftroubleinthewarriorstrueBehold，noryetofweariness，commendThemwithjustpraises，astheworthiesttwoThatare，where"erthesea"swidearmsextend。
TheydeemtheseofmeretoilandlabourlongMustdie，savetheybestrongestofthestrong。
XCIX
Communingwithherself，Marphisasaid，“Thathemovednotbeforewaswellforme！
Whorisquedtohavebeennumberedwiththedead，Ifheatfirsthadjoinedhiscompany。
Since，asitis，IhardlycanmakeheadAgainsthisdeadlyblows。”ThiscolloquyShewithherselfmaintained，andwhileshespoke，Ceasednottoplyherswordwithcirclingstroke。
C
“"Twaswellforme，“theothercriedagain，“ThattoreposeIdidnotleavetheknight。
Inowfromhimdefendmyselfwithpain，Whoiso"erweariedwiththeformerfight:
Whathadhebeen，renewedinmightandmain，Ifhehadrestedtillto-morrow"slight?
RightfortunatewasI，asmancouldbe，Thatherefusedmyprofferedcourtesy！“
CI
Tillevetheystrove，nordidityetappearWhichhadthevantageofthedoubtfulfray:
Nor，withoutlight，couldeitherfoeseeclearNowtoavoidthefuriousblows；whendayWasdone，againthecourteouscavalierTohisillustriousopposite"gansay；
“Whatshallwedo，sinceill-timedshadesdescend，Whilewewithequalfortunethuscontend?“
CII
“Meseems，atleast，thattillto-morrow"smorn"Twerebetterthouprolongedthylife:norightHaveIthydoom，sirwarrior，toadjournBeyondthelimitsofonelittlenight。
NorwillIthatbymetheblamebebornThatthounolongershaltenjoythelight。
Withreasontothesex"scharge，bywhomThisplaceisgoverned，laythycrueldoom。”
CIII
“IfIlamenttheeandthycompany，HEknows，bywhomallhiddenthingsarespied。
Thouandthycomradesmayreposewithme，Forwhomthereisnosafeabodebeside:
SinceleaguedagainstyouinconspiracyAreallthosehusbandsbythyhandhavedied。
ForeveryvaliantwarriorofthemenSlaininthetourney，consortwasoften。
CIV
“Thescathetheyhaveto-dayreceivedfromthee，Wouldninetywomenwreakwithvengefulspite；
And，savethoutakemyhospitality，Exceptbythemtobeassailedthisnight。”——
“Itakethyprofferinsecurity，“
(RepliedMarphisa)，“thatthefaithsoplight，Andgoodnessofthyheart，willprovenoless，Thanarethycorporalstrengthandhardiness。
CV
“Butif，ashavingtokillme，thougrieve，Thouwellmaystgrieve，forreasonsopposite；
Norhastthoucausetolaugh，asIconceive，Norhithertohasfoundmeworstinfight。
Whetherthouwouldstdeferthefray，orleave，Orprosecutebythisorotherlight，Beholdmepromptthywishestofulfil；
Whereandwheneveritshallbethywill！“
CVI
Sobyconsentthecombatantsdivided，TillthedawnbrokefromGanges"streamanew；
Andsoremainedthequestionundecided，Whichwasthebetterchampionofthetwo，ToboththebrothersandtherestwhosidedUponthatpart，theliberallorddidsueWithcourteousprayer，thattillthecomingdayTheywouldbepleasedbeneathhisrooftostay。
CVII
Theyunsuspectingwiththeprayercomplied，AndbythecheerfulblazeoftorcheswhiteAroyaldomeascended，withtheirguide，Dividedintomanybowersandbright。
Thecombatantsremainasstupified，Onliftinguptheirvizors，atthesightOneoftheother；for(bywhatappears)
Thewarriorhardlynumberseighteenyears。
CVIII
Muchmarvelswithherselfthegentledame，Thatonesoyoungsowellshoulddoanddare。
Muchmarvelshe(hiswondermentthesame)
Whenhehersexagnizesbyherhair。
Questioningoneanotheroftheirname，Asspeedilyreplytheyouthfulpair。
Buthowwashighttheyouthfulcavalier，Awaittilltheensuingstraintohear。
CANTO20
ARGUMENT
Guidoandhisfromthatfoulhauntretire，WhileallAstolphochaseswithhishorn，Whotoallquartersofthetownsetsfire，Thenrovingsinglyroundtheworldisborne。
Marphisa，forGabrina"scause，inirePutsuponyoungZerbinoscatheandscorn，AndmakeshimguardianofGabrinafell，FromwhomhefirstlearnsnewsofIsabel。
I
GreatfearsthewomenofantiquityInarmsandhallowedartsaswellhavedone，AndoftheirworthyworksthememoryAndlustrethroughthisampleworldhasshone。
PraisedisCamilla，withHarpalice，Forthefaircoursewhichtheyinbattlerun。
CorinnaandSappho，famousfortheirlore，Shinetwoillustriouslight，tosetnomore。
II
Womenhavereachedthepinnacleofglory，Ineveryartbythemprofessed，wellseen；
Andwhosoeverturnstheleafofstory，Findsrecordofthem，neitherdimnormean。
Theevilinfluencewillbetransitory，Iflongdeprivedofsuchtheworldhadbeen；
Andenviousmen，andthosethatneverknewTheirworth，havehaplyhidtheirhonoursdue。
III
Tomeitplainlyseems，inthisourageOfwomensuchisthecelebrity，Thatitmayfurnishmattertothepage，Whencethisdispersedtofutureyearsshallbe；
Andyou，yeeviltongueswhichfoullyrage，Betiedtoyoureternalinfamy，Andwomen"spraisessoresplendentshow，Theyshall，bymuch，Marphisa"sworthoutgo。
IV
Toherreturningyetagain；thedameTohimwhoshowedtohersuchcourteouslore，Refusednottodisclosehermartialname，Sinceheagreedtotellthestylebebore。
Shequicklysatisfiedthewarrior"sclaim；
Tolearnhistitleshedesiredsosore。
“IamMarphisa，“theviragocried:
Allelsewasknown，asbruitedfarandwide。
V
Theother，since"twashistospeak，begunWithlongerpreamble:“Amidyourtrain，Sirs，itismybeliefthatthereisnoneButhasheardmentionofmyraceandstrain。
NotPontus，Aethiopia，Indalone，Withalltheirneighbouringrealms，butFranceandSpainWotwellofClermont，fromwhoseloinstheknightIssuedwhokilledAlmontesboldinfight，VI
“AndChiareilloandMambrinoslew，Andsackedtherealmwhoseroyalcrowntheywore。
Comeofthisblood，whereDanube"swaters，throughEighthornsortentomeettheEuxinepour，Metothefar-renownedDukeAymon，whoThitherastrangerroved，mymotherbore。
And"tisatwelvemonthnowsinceher，inquestOfmyFrenchkin，Ileftwithgriefopprest。
VII
“ButreachednotFrance，forsoutherntempest"sspiteImpelledmehither；lodgedinroyalbowerTenmonthsormore；for——miserablewight！——
Ireckoneverydayandeveryhour。
GuidotheSavageIbynameamhight，Illknownandscarcelyprovedinwarlikestower。
HereArgilonofMeliboeaI
Slewwithtenwarriorsinhiscompany。
VIII
“Conqueroraswellinotherfieldconfessed，Tenladiesarethepartnersofmybed:
Selectedatmychoice，whoarethebestAndfairestdamselsinthiskingdombred:
TheseIcommand，aswellasalltherest，Whooftheirfemalebandhavemademehead；
Andsowouldmakeanotherwhoinfight，Likeme，tenoppositestodeathwouldsmite。”
IX
SirGuidoisbesoughtofthemtosayWhythereappearsofewofthemalerace，AndtodeclareifwomentherebearswayO"ermen，asmeno"ertheminotherplace。
He:“Sincemyfortunehasbeenheretostay，Ioftentimeshaveheardrelatethecase；
Andnow(accordingtothestorytold)
Will，sinceitpleasesyou，thecauseunfold。
X
“When，aftertwentyyears，theGrecianhostReturnedfromTroy(tenyearshostilityThetownendured，tenwearyyearsweretostTheGreeks，detainedbyadversewindsatsea)，Theyfoundtheirwomenhad，forcomfortslost，Andpangsofabsence，learnedaremedy；
And，thattheymightnotfreezealoneinbed，Chosenyoungloversintheirhusbands"stead。
XI
“Withothers"childrenfilledtheGreciancrewTheirhousesfound，andbyconsentwaspastApardontotheirwomen；fortheyknewHowilltheycouldenduresolongafast。
Buttheadulterousissue，astheirdue，Toseektheirfortunesontheworldwerecast:
BecausethehusbandswouldnotsuffermoreThestriplingsshouldbenourishedfromtheirstore。
XII
“Someareexposed，andothersunderhandTheirkindlymothersshelterandmaintain:
Whiletheadults，inmanyavariousband，Somehere，sometheredispersed，theirlivinggain。
Armsarethetradeofsome，bysomearescannedLettersandarts；anothertillstheplain:
Oneservesincourt，byotherguidedgoTheherdaspleasesherwhorulesbelow。
XIII
“Aboydepartedwiththeyyouthfulpeers，WhowasofcruelClytemnestraborn；
Likelilyfresh(henumberedeighteenyears)
Orbloomingrose，new-gatheredfromthethorn。
Hehavingarmedabark，hispinnacesteersInsearchofplunder，o"erthebillowsborne。
Withhimahundredotheryouthsengage，PickedfromallGreece，andoftheirleader"sage。
XIV
“TheCretans，whohadbanishedinthatdayIdomeneusthetyrantoftheirland，Andtheirnewstatetostrengthenandupstay，Weregatheringarmsandlevyingmartialband，Phalantus"servicebytheirgoodlypayPurchased(sohighttheyouthwhosoughtthatstrand)，Andallthoseothersthathisfortunerun，WhotheDictaeancitygarrison。
XV
“AmidthehundredcitiesofoldCrete，WastheDictaeanthemostrichandbright；
Offairandamorousdamesthejoyousseat，Joyouswithfestivesportsfrommorntonight:
And(ashertownsmenayewerewonttogreetThestranger)withsuchhospitableriteTheywelcomedthese，itlittlelackedbuttheyGrantedthemo"ertheirhouseholdssovereignsway。
XVI
“Youthfulandpassingfairwereallthecrew，TheflowerofGreece，whoboldPhalantusled；
Sothatwiththosefairladiesatfirstview，Stealingtheirhearts，fullwellthestriplingssped。
Since，fairindeedasshow，theygoodandtrueLoversevincedthemselvesandboldinbed。
Andinfewdaystothemsogratefulproved，Abovealldearestthingstheywerebeloved。
XVII
“Afterthewarwasendedonaccord，ForwhichwerehiredPhalantusandhistrain，Andpaywithdrawn，norlongerbytheswordWasaughtwhichtheadventurousyouthcangain，Andthey，forthis，anewwouldgoaboard，TheunhappyCretanwomenmorecomplain，Andfullertearsonthisoccasionshed，Thatiftheirfatherslaybeforethemdead。
XVIII
“LongtimeandsorelyallthestriplingsboldWere，eachapart，bythemimploredtostay:
Whosincethefleetingyouthstheycannothold，Leavebrother，sire，andson，withthesetostray，OfjewelsandofweightysumsofgoldSpoilingtheirhouseholdseretheywendtheirway，Forsowellwastheplotconcealed，nowightThroughoutallCretewasprivytotheirflight。
XIX
“Sohappywasthehour，sofairthewind，WhenyoungPhalantuschosehistimetoflee，Theymanymileshadlefttheislebehind，EreCretelamentedhercalamity。
Next，uninhabitedbyhumankind，Thisshorereceivedthemwanderingo"erthesea。
"Twasheretheysettled，withtheplunderreft，Andbetterweighedtheissueoftheirtheft。
XX
“Withamorouspleasuresteemedthisplaceofrest，Fortendays，tothatrovingcompany:
But，asofthappensthatinyouthfulbreastAbundancebringswithitsatiety，Toquittheirwomen，withonewishpossest，Thebandresolvedtowintheirliberty；
ForneverburdendoessosoreoppressAswoman，whenherlovebreedsweariness。
XXI
“They，whoarecovetousofspoilandgain，Andill-bestedwithalinstipend，knowThatbettermeansarewantedtomaintainSomanyparamours，thanshaftandbow；
Andleavingthusalonethewretchedtrain，Thence，withtheirricheschargedtheadventurersgoForPuglia"spleasantland:therefoundednearThesea，Tarentum"scity，asIhear。
XXII
“ThewomenwhentheyfindthemselvesbetrayedOfloversbywhosefaiththeysetmoststore，Formanydaysremainsosoredismayed，Thattheyseemlifelessstatuesontheshore。
Butseeinglamentationsnothingaid，Andfruitlessarethemanytearstheypour，Begintomeditate，amidtheirpains，Whatremedyforsuchanillremains。
XXIII
“SomelayingtheiropinionsnowbeforeTheothers，deemthattoreturntoCreteIsintheirsadestatethewiserlore，Throwingthemselvesatsireandhusband"sfeet，Thaninthosewilds，andonthatdesertshore，Topineofwant。Anothertrooprepeat，TheyshouldesteemitwereaworthiernotionTocastthemselvesintotheneighbouringocean；
XXIV
“Andlighterill，iftheyasharlotswentAbouttheworld，——beggarsorslavestobe，Thanofferupthemselvesforpunishment，Wellmeritedbytheiriniquity。
Suchandlikeschemestheunhappydamespresent，Eachharderthantheother。Finally，OneOronteaamidtheseupstood，WhodrewheroriginfromMinos"blood。
XXV
“YoungestandfairestofthecrewbetrayedShewas，andwariest，andwholeasthaderred，WhotoPhalantus"armshadcomeamaid，Andleftforhimherfather:sheinword，Aswellasinakindlingface，displayedHowmuchwithgenerouswrathherheartwasstirred；
Then，reprobatingalladvisedbefore，Spake；andadoptedsawherbetterlore。
XXVI
“Shewouldnotleavethelandtheywereupon，Whosesoilwasfruitful，andwhoseairwassane，Throughoutwhichmanylimpidriversran，Shadedwithwoods，andforthemostpartplain；
Withcreekandport，wherestrangerbarkcouldshunFoulwindorstorm，whichvexedtheneighbouringmain，ThatmightfromAfricorfromEgyptbringVictualorothernecessarything。
XXVII
“Forvengeance(sheopined)theythereshouldstayUponman"ssex，whichhadsosoreoffended。
ShewilledeachbarkandcrewwhichtothatbayForshelterfromtheangrytempestwended，Theyshould，withoutremorse，burn，sack，andslay，Normercybetoanyoneextended。
Suchwasthelady"smotion，suchthecourseAdopted；andthestatuteputinforce。
XXVIII
“Thewomen，whentheyseethechangingheavenTurbidwithtempest，hurrytothestrand，WithsavageOrontea，bywhomgivenWasthefelllaw，theruleroftheland；
AndofallbarksintotheirhavendrivenMakehavocdreadwithfireandmurderousbrand，Leavingnomanalive，whomaydiffuseUponthissideorthatthedismalnews。
XXIX
“"Twasthuswiththemalesexatenmity，Someyearsthelonelywomenlivedforlorn:
ThenfoundthathurtfultothemselveswouldbeThescheme，savechanged；foriffromthemwerebornNonetoperpetuatetheirempery，Theidlelawwouldsoonbeheldinscorn，Andfailtogetherwiththefruitfulreign，Whichtheyhadhopedeternalshouldremain。
XXX
“Sothatsomedealitsrigourtheyallay，Andinfouryears，ofallwhomaderepairThither，bychanceconductedtothisbay，Choseouttenvigorouscavaliersandfair；
ThatforenduranceintheamorousplayAgainstthosehundreddamesgoodchampionswere:
Ahundredthey；and，ofthechosenmen，Ahusbandwasassignedtoeveryten。
XXXI
“Erethis，toofeebletoabidethetest，Manyaoneonscaffoldlosthishead。
Nowthesetenwarriorssoapprovedthebest，Weremadepartakersoftheirruleandbed；
Firstswearingatthesovereignladies"hest，Thatthey，ifotherstothatportareled，Nomercyshalltoanyoneafford，Butoneandallwillputthemtothesword。
XXXII
“Toswell，andnexttochild，andthencetofearThewomenturnedtoteemingwivesbeganLesttheyintimesomanymalesshouldbearAsmightinvadethesovereigntytheyplan，AndthatthegovernmenttheyholdsodearMightfinallyfromthemreverttoman。
Andso，whilethesearechildrenyet，takemeasure，Theynevershallrebelagainsttheirpleasure。
XXXIII
“Thatthemalesexmaynotusurpthesway，Itisenactedbythestatutefell，Eachmothershouldoneboypreserve，andslayTheothers，orabroadexchangeorsell。
Forthis，theythesetovariouspartsconvey，Andtothebearersofthechildrentell，Totruckthegirlsforboysinforeignlands，Ornot，atleast，returnwithemptyhands。
XXXIV
“Norbythewomenonepreservedwouldbe，Iftheywithoutthemcouldtheracemaintain。
Suchalltheirmercy，alltheclemencyThelawaccordsfortheirs，notothers"gain。
Thedamesallotherssentenceequally；
Andtemperbutinthistheirstatute"spain，That，notaswastheirformerpractice，theyAllintheirragepromiscuouslyslay。
XXXV
“Didtenortwentypersons，oryetmore，Arrive，theywereimprisonedandputby；
AndeverydayoneonlyfromthestoreOfvictimswasbroughtoutbylottodie，InfanebyOronteabuilt，beforeAnaltarraisedtoVengeance；andtoplyAsheadsman，anddispatchedtheunhappymen，Onewasbylotselectedfromtheten。
XXXVI
“Tothatfoulmurderousshorebychancedidfare，Afterlongyearselapsed，ayouthfulwight，WhosefatherssprungfromgoodAlcideswere，Andhe，ofproofinarms，Elbaniohight；
Therewasheseized，ofperilscarceaware，Asunsuspectingsuchafouldespite:
And，closelyguarded，intoprisonflung，Keptforlikecruelusetherestamong。
XXXVII
“Adornedwitheveryfairaccomplishment，Ofpleasingfaceandmannerswasthepeer，Andofaspeechsosweetandeloquent，Himthedeafaddermighthavestopttohear；
SothatofhimtoAlexandriawentTidingsasofapreciousthingandrare。
Shewasthedaughterofthatmatronbold，QueenOrontea，thatyetlived，thoughold。
XXXVIII
“YetOrontealived，whileofthatshoreTheothersettlersallweredeadandgone；
AndnowtentimesasmanysuchormoreHadintostrengthandgreatercreditgrown。
Norfortenforges，oftenclosed，instoreHavetheill-furnishedbandmorefilesthanone；
AndthetenchampionshaveaswellthecareTowelcomeshrewdlyallwhothitherfare。
XXXIX
“YoungAlexandria，whothebloomingpeerBurnedtobeholdsopraisedoneverypart，Thespecialpleasurehimtoseeandhear，Wonfromhermother；and，abouttopartFromhim，discoversthatthecavalierRemainsthemasterofhertorturedheart；
Findsherselfbound，andthat"tisvaintostir，——Acaptivemadebyherownprisoner。
XL
“`Ipity，"(saidElbanio)"ladyfair，Wasinthiscruelregionknown，asthroughAllothercountriesnearordistant，whereThewanderingsunshedslightandcolouringhue，Ibyyourbeauty"skindlycharmsshoulddare(Whichmakeeachgentlespiritboundtoyou)
Tobegmylife；whichalways，atyourwill，ShouldIbereadyforyourlovetospill。
XLI
“`ButsincedeprivedofallhumanityArehumanbosomsinthiscruelland，Ishallnotnowrequestmylifeofthee，(Forfruitlesswould，Iknow，bethedemand)
But，whetheragoodknightorbadIbe，Askbutlikesuchtodiewitharmsinhand，Andnotasonecondemnedtopenalpain；
Orlikebrutebeastinsacrificebeslain。"
XLII
“Thegentlemaid，hereyebedimmedwithtear，Inpityforthehaplessyouth，replied:
`ThoughthislandbemorecruelandsevereThananyothercountry，farandwide，EachwomanisnotaMedaeahereAsthouwouldstmakeher；and，ifallbesideWereofsuchevilkind，inmealoneShouldanexceptiontotherestbeknown。
XLIII
“`AndthoughI，likesomanyhere，ofyoreWasfullofevildeedsandcruelty，Icanwellsay，IneverhadbeforeAfittingsubjectformyclemency。
ButfiercerwereIthanatiger，moreHardweremyheartthandiamonds，ifinmeAllhardnessdidnotvanishandgiveplaceBeforeyourcourage，gentleness，andgrace。
XLIV
“`Ah！werethecruelstatutelesssevereAgainstthestrangertotheseshoresconveyed！
SoshouldInotesteemmydeathtoodearAransomforthyworthierlifewerepaid。
Butnoneisheresogreat，sircavalier，Norofsuchpuissanceastolendtheeaid；
Andwhatthouaskest，thoughascantygrace，Weredifficulttocompassinthisplace。
XLV
“`AndyetwillIendeavourtoobtainForthee，beforethouperish，thiscontent；
Thoughmuch，Ifear，"twillbutaugmentthypain。
Andtheeprotracteddeathbutmoretorment。"
`SoIthetenencounter，"(saidagainElbanio)，`Iatheart，amconfidentMyselftosave，andenemiestoslay；
Thoughmadeofironwerethewholearray。"
XLVI
“TothistheyouthfulAlexandrianoughtMadeanswer，savingwithapiteoussigh；
Andfromtheconferenceabosombrought，Goredwithdeepwounds，beyondallremedy。
ToOronteasherepaired，andwroughtOnhertowillthestriplingshouldnotdie，ShouldhedisplaysuchcourageandsuchskillAswithhissinglehandthetentokill。
XLVII
“QueenOronteastraightwaybadeuniteHercouncil，andbespoketheassembledband:
`ItstillbehovesusplacetheprowestwightWhomwecanfind，toguardourportsandstrand。
And，todiscoverwhomtotakeorslight，"Tisfittingthatweprovethewarrior"shand；
Lest，toourloss，theelectionmadebewrong，Andweenthronetheweakandslaythestrong。
XLVIII
“`Ideemitfit，ifyouthecounselshownDeemfitaswell，infuturetoordain，ThateachuponourcoastbyFortunethrown，Beforeheinthetempleshallbeslain，Shallhavethechoice，insteadofthis，aloneBattleagainsttenotherstomaintain；
Andifheconquer，shalltheportdefendWithothercomrades，pardonedtothatend。
XLIX
“`Isaythis，sincetostriveagainstourten，Itseems，thatoneimprisonedherewilldare:
Who，ifhestandsagainstsomanymen，ByHeaven，deservesthatweshouldhearhisprayer；
Butifherashlyboastshimself，againAsworthilyduethepunishmentshouldbear。"
HereOronteaceased；ontheotherside，Tohertheoldestofthedamesreplied。
L
“`Theleadingcause，forwhichtoentertainThisintercoursewithmenwefirstagreed，Wasnotbecausewe，todefendthisreign，Oftheirassistancestoodinanyneed；
ForwehaveskillandcouragetomaintainThisofourselves，andforce，withal，tospeed。
WouldthatwecouldinallaswellavailWithouttheirsuccour，norsuccessionfail！
LI
“`Butsincethismaynotbe，wesomehavemade(Thesefew)partakersofourcompany；
That，tentoone，webenotoverlaid；
Northeypossessthemofthesovereignty。
Notthatweforprotectionneedtheiraid，Butsimplytoincreaseandmultiply。
Thanbetheirpowerstothissolefearaddressed，Andbetheysluggards，idlefortherest。
LII
“`TokeepamongussuchapuissantwightOurfirstdesignwouldrenderwhollyvain。
Ifonecansinglyslaytenmeninfight，Howmanywomencanhenotrestrain?
Ifourtenchampionshadpossessedsuchmight，Theythefirstdaywouldhaveusurpedthereign。
ToarmahandmorepowerfulthanyourownIsanillmethodtomaintainthethrone。
LIII
“`Reflectwithal，thatifyourprisonerspeedSothathekilltenchampionsinthefray，Ahundredwomen"scry，whoselordswillbleedBeneathhisfalchion，shallyourearsdismay。
Lethimnot"scapebysuchamurderousdeed；
But，ifhewould，propoundsomeotherway——
Yetifheofthosetensupplytheplace，Andpleaseahundredwomen，granthimgrace。"
LIV
“ThiswassevereArtemia"ssentiment，(Sowasshenamed)andhadhercounselweighed，Elbaniotothetemplehadbeensent，Toperishbythesacrificialblade。
ButOrontea，willingtocontentHerdaughter，tothematronanswermade；
Andurgedsomanyreasons，andsowrought，Theyieldingsenategrantedwhatsheought。
LV
“Elbanio"sbeauty(forsofairtoviewNeverwasanycavalierbeside)
Sostronglyworksupontheyouthfulcrew，Whichinthatcouncilsitthestatetoguide，ThattheopinionoftheolderfewThatlikeArtemiathink，issetaside；
AndlittlelacksbutthattheassembledraceAbsolveElbaniobyespecialgrace。
LVI
“Topardonhiminfinethedamesagreed:
But，afterslayinghishalf-score，andwhenHeinthenextassaultaswellshouldspeech，Notwithahundredwomen，butwithten；
And，furnishedtohiswishwitharmsandsteed，Nextdayhewasreleasedfromdungeon-den，Andsinglywithtenwarriorsmatchedinplain，Whobyhisarmsuccessivelywereslain。
LVII
“Hetonewproofwasputthefollowingnight，Againsttendamselsnakedandalone；
Whensosuccessfulwasthestripling"smight，Hetookthe"sayofallthetroop，andwonSuchgracewithOrontea，thattheknightWasbythedameadoptedforherson；
AndfromherAlexandriahadtowife，Withthosewhomhehadprovedinamorousstrife。
LVIII
“AndhimsheleftwithAlexandria，heirTothisfamedcity，whichfromherwashight，Soheandallwhohissuccessorswere，Shouldguardthelawwhichwilled，whateverwight，Conductedhitherbyhiscruelstar，Uponthismiserablelanddidlight，Shouldhavehischoicetoperishbytheknife，Orsinglywithtenfoescontendtostrife。
LIX
“Andifheshoulddispatchthemenbyday，Atnightshouldprovehimwiththefemalecrew；
AndifsofortunatethatinthisplayHeprovedagaintheconqueror，he，asdue，Thefemaleband，asprinceandguide，shouldsway，Andhistenconsortsathischoicerenew:
Andreignwiththem，tillothershouldarriveOfstouterhand，andhimoflifedeprive。
LX
“TheyfortwothousandyearsnighpastawayThisusagehavemaintained，andyetmaintainTheimpiousrite；andrarelypassesdayButstrangerwightisslaughteredinthefane。
Ifhe，Elbanio-like，tenfoesassay，(Andsuchsometimesisfound)heoftisslainInthefirstcharge:nor，inathousand，oneTheotherfeat，ofwhichIspake，hasdone，LXI
“Yetsometherearehavedoneit，thoughsofew，Theymaybenumberedonthefingers；oneOfthevictoriouscavaliers，butwhoReignedwithhistenshorttime，wasArgilon:
For，smotebyme，whomillwindhitherblew，Theknighttohiseternalrestisgone。
WouldIwithhimthatdayhadfilledagrave，Ratherthaninsuchscornsurviveaslave！
LXII
“Foramorouspleasures，laughter，game，andplay，Whichevermoredelighttheyouthfulbreast；
Thegem，thepurplegarment，richarray，Andinhiscityplacebeforetherest。
Little，byHeaven，thewretchedmanappayWhoofhislibertyisdispossest:
AndnottohavethepowertoleavethisshoreTomeseemsshamefulservitudeandsore。
LXIII
“ToknowIwearawaylife"sgloriousspringInsucheffeminateandslothfulleisureIstomytroubledheartaconstantsting，Andtakesawaythetasteofeverypleasure。
Famebearsmykindred"spraiseonoutstretchedwing，Eventotheskies；andhaplyequalmeasureIofthegloriesofmybloodmightshareIfIunitedwithmybrethrenwere。
LXIV
“MethinksmyfatedoessuchinjuriousdeedByme，condemnedtoservitudesobase，AshewhoturnstograssthegeneroussteedTorunamidtheherdofmeanerrace，Becauseunfitforwarorworthiermeed，Throughblemish，ordiseaseofsightorpace。
Norhopingbutbydeath，alas！toflySovileaservice，Idesiretodie。”
LXV
HereGuidoceasedtoaddressthemartialpeers，Andcursedwithaltheday，inhighdisdain，Thatheachievedo"erdamesandcavaliersThedoublevictorywhichbestowedthatreign。
Astolphohideshisname，andsilenthears，UntiltohimbymanyasignisplainThatthisSirGuidois，ashehadsaid，TheissueofhiskinsmanAymon"sbed。
LXVI
Thencried:“TheEnglishduke，Astolpho，I
Thycousinam，“andclipthimroundthewaist，Andinakindlyactofcourtesy，Notwithoutweeping，kisthimandembraced。
Then，“Kinsmandear，thybirthtocertifyNobettersignthymothercouldhaveplacedAboutthyneck。Enough！thatswordofthine，Andcourage，vouchtheeofourvaliantline。”
LXVII
Guido，whogladlywouldinotherplaceSonearakinhavewelcomed，indismayBeholdshimhereandwithamournfulface；
Knowing，ifhehimselfsurvivesthefray，Astolphowillbedoomedtoslaverybase，Hisfatedeferredbuttillthefollowingday；
Andheshallperish，ifthedukeisfree:
Sothatone"sgoodtheother"sillshallbe。
LXVIII
Hegrieves，aswell，theothercavaliersShouldthroughhismeansforevercaptivebe；
Nor，thatheshould，ifslain，thosemartialpeersDeliverbyhisdeathfromslavery。
SinceifMarphisafromonequicksandclearsThetroop，yetthesefromotherfailstofree，Shewillhavewonthevictoryinvain；
Fortheywillbeenslaved，andshebeslain。
LXIX
Ontheotherhand，thestripling"sage，inMayOfyouth，withcourtesyandvalourfraught，Uponthemaidandcomradeswithsuchsway，Touchingtheirbreastswithloveandpity，wroughtThattheyoffreedom，forwhichhemustpayTheforfeitofhislife，nighloathedthethought；
AndifMarphisahimperforcemustkill，Sheisresolvedaswellherselftospill。
LXX
“Jointhouwithus，“shetoSirGuidocried，“Andwefromhencewillsally。”——“FromwithinThesewallstosally“——GuidoonhissideAnswered，“Ne"erhope:Withmeyouloseorwin。”
“——Ifearnot，I，“themartialmaidreplied，“ToexecutewhateverIbegin；
NorknowwhatcansecurerpathaffordThanthatwhichIshallopenwithmysword。
LXXI
“SuchproofofthyfairprowesshaveImade，WiththeeIeveryenterprisewoulddare。
To-morrowwhenaboutthepalisadeThecrowdsassembledinthecircusare，Letusoneverysidethemobinvade，Whethertheyflyorfordefenceprepare；
Thengivethetowntofire，andontheirbedOfearthtowolfandvultureleavethedead。”
LXXII
He:“ReadyshaltthoufindmeinthestrifeTofollowtheeorperishatthyside:
Butletushopenottoescapewithlife。
Enough，isvengeancesomedealsatisfiedEredeath；forofttenthousand，maidandwife，Iintheplacehavewitnessed；and，outside，Asmanycastle，wallandport，defend。
NorknowIcertainwayfromhencetowend。”
LXXIII
“Andweretheremore(Marphisamadereply)
ThanXerxesled，oursquadronstooppose，MorethanthoserebelspiritsfromtheskyCastouttodwellamidperpetualwoes，Allinonedayshouldbythisweapondie，Wertthouwithme，atleast，notwithmyfoes。”
Toheragain，“Noprojectbutmustfail，(SirGuidosaid)Iknow，savethisavail。”
LXXIV
“Thisonlyuscansave，shoulditsucceed；
This，whichbutnowrememberedIshallteach。
TodamesaloneourlawstherightconcedeTosally，orsetfootuponthebeach，AndhencetooneofmineinthisourneedMustIcommitmyself，andaidbeseech；
Whoseloveforme，byperfectfriendshiptied，Hasoftbybetterproofthanthisbeentried。
LXXV
“NolessthanmewouldshedesirethatI
Should"scapefromslavery，soshewentwithme；
Andthat，withoutherrival"scompany，Sheofmylotshouldsolepartakerbe。
Shebarkorpinnace，intheharbournigh，Shallbid，whileyet"tisdark，prepareforsea；
Whichshallawaityoursailors，riggedandyareForsailing，whentheythithershallrepair。
LXXVI
“Behindme，inasolidbandcomprest，Yemerchants，marinersandwarriors，who，Driventothiscity，havesetupyourrestBeneaththisroof(forwhichmythanksaredue)——
Youhavetoforceyourwaywithstedfastbreast，Ifadversariesinterruptourcrew。
"TisthusIhope，bysuccourofthesword，Toclearapassagethroughthecruelhorde。”
LXXVII
“Doasthouwilt，“Marphisamadereply，“Iofescapeamconfidentwithal:
Andlikelier"twerethatbymyhandshoulddieThemartialrace，encompassedbythiswall，Thananyoneshouldeverseemefly，Orguessbyothersignthatfearsappall。
Iwouldmypassageforceinopenday，Andshamefulinmysightwereotherway。
LXXVIII
“IwotifIwereforawomanknown，HonourandplacefromwomenImightclaim，Heregladlyentertained，andclassedasoneHaplyamongtheirchiefsofhighestfame:
ButprivilegeorfavourwillInoneUnsharedbythosewithwhomIhithercame。
Toobaseitwere，didIdepartorfreeRemain，toleavetherestinslavery。”
LXXIX
ThesespeechesbyMarphisamade，andmore，ShowedthatwhatonlyhadrestrainedherarmWastherespectshetothesafetyboreOfthecompanionswhomherwrathmightharm；
BythisalonewithheldformtakingsoreAndsignalvengeanceonthefemaleswarm。
AndhencesheleftinGuido"scaretoshapeWhatseemedthefittestmeansfortheirescape。
LXXX
SirGuidospeaksthatnightwithAlery(Sothemostfaithfulofhiswiveswashight)
Norneedslongprayertomakethedameagree，Disposedalreadytoobeytheknight。
Shetakesashipandarmsthebarkforsea，Stowedwithherrichestchattelsfortheirflight；
Feigningdesign，assoonasdawnensues，Tosailwithhercompanionsonacruise。
LXXXI
SheintoGuido"spalacehadbeforeBidswordandspearandshieldandcuirassbear；
Withtheintenttofurnishfromthisstore，Merchantsandsailorsthathalfnakedwere。
Somewatch，andsomereposeuponthefloor，Andrestandguardamongeachothershare；
Oftmarking，stillwithharnessontheirbacks，Ifruddyyetwithlighttheorientwax。
LXXXII
Notyetfromearth"shardvisagehasthesunLiftedherveilofdimanddingydye；
ScarcelyLycaon"schild，herfurrowdone，Hasturnedaboutherploughshareinthesky；
WhentothetheatrethewomenrunWhowouldthefearfulbattle"sendespy，Asswarmingbeesupontheirthresholdcluster，Whobentonchangeofrealminspringtidemuster。
LXXXIII
Withwarliketrumpet，drum，andsoundofhorn，Thepeoplemakethelandandwelkinroar；
Summoningthustheirchieftaintoreturn，Andendofunfinishedwarfare。Coveredo"erWitharmsstandAquilantandGryphonstern，AndtheredoubteddukefromEngland"sshore。
Marphisa，Dudo，Sansonet，andallTheknightsorfootmenharbouredinthathall。
LXXXIV
HencetodescendtowardstheseaorportThewayacrosstheplaceofcombatlies；
Norwasthereotherpassage，longorshort。
SirGuidosotohiscompanionscries:
Andhavingceasedhiscomradestoexhort，Todotheirbestsetforthinsilentwise，Andintheplaceappeared，amidthethrong，Headofasquadaboveahundredstrong。
LXXXV
TowardtheothergateSirGuidowent，Hurryinghisband，but，gatheredfarandnighThemightymultitude，forayeintentTosmite，andcladinarms，whentheydescryThecomradeswhomheleads，perceivehisbent，Andtrulydeemheisabouttofly。
Allinathoughtbetakethemtotheirbows，Andattheportalparttheknightoppose。
LXXXVI
SirGuidoandthecavalierswhogoBeneaththatchampion"sguidance，andbeforeTheothersboldMarphisa，werenotslowTostrike，andlabouredhardtoforcethedoor。
Butsuchastormofdartsfromreadybow，Dealingonallsidesdeathorwoundingsore，Wasrainedinfuryonthetroopforlorn，Theyfearedatlasttoencounterskaithandscorn。
LXXXVII
Ofproofthecorsletwaseachwarriorwore，Whowithoutthiswouldhavehadworsetofear:
Sansonnet"shorsewasslain，andthatwhichboreMarphisa:tohimselftheEnglishpeerExclaimed，“WhywaitIlonger?AsifmoreMyhorncouldeversuccourmethanhere。
Sincetheswordsteadsnot，IwillmakeassayIfwithmybugleIcancleartheway。”
LXXXVIII
Ashewascustomedinextremity，Hetohismouthappliedthebugle"sround；
Thewideworldseemedtotremble，earthandsky，Asheinairdischargedthehorridsound。
Suchterrorsmotethedames，thatbenttofly，Whenintheirearsthedeafeninghornwaswound，Notonlytheythegateunguardedleft，Butfromthecircusreeled，ofwitbereft。
LXXXIX
Asfamily，awakedinsuddenwise，Leapsfromthewindowsandfromloftyheight，Perilinglifeandlimb，wheninsurpriseTheysee，nownear，thefire"sencirclinglight，Whichhad，whileslumbersealedtheirheavyeyes，Bylittleandbylittlewaxedatnight:
Recklessoflife，thuseach，impelledbydread，Atsoundofthatappallingbuglefled。
XC
Above，below，andhereandthere，theroutRiseinconfusionandattempttofly。
Atonce，aboveathousandswarmaboutEachentrance，toeachother"slett，andlieInheaps:fromwindowthese，orstagewithout，Leapheadlong；inthepressthesesmothereddie。
Brokenismanyanarm，andmanyahead；
Andoneliescrippled，andanotherdead。
XCI
Amidthemightyruinwhichensued，Criespiercetheveryheavensoneverypart。
Where"erthesoundisheard，themultitude，Inpanicatthedeafeningecho，start。
WhenyouaretoldthatwithouthardihoodAppeartherabble，andoffeebleheart，Thisneednotmoreyourmarvel；forbynatureThehareisevermoreatimidcreature。
XCII
ButofMarphisawhatwillbeyourthought，AndGuidolatesofurious?——ofthetwoYoungsonsofOlivier，thatlatelywroughtSuchdeedsinhonouroftheirlineage?whoLatelyahundredthousandheldasnought，Andnow，deprivedofcourage，baselyflew，Asring-dovesflutterandasconeysfly，Whohearsomemightynoiseresoundingnigh。
XCIII
Forsotofriendasstranger，noxiousareThepowersthatintheenchantedhornreside。
Sansonet，Guido，follow，withthepairOrbrethrenbold，Marphisaterrified。
Norflying，cantheytosuchdistancefare，Butthattheirearsaredinned。OneverysideAstolpho，onhisfoamingcourserborne，Lendslouderbreathtohisenchantedhorn。
XCIV
Onesoughtthesea，andonethemountain-top，Onefledthehideherselfinforesthoar；
Andthis，whoturnednotoncenormadeastop，Notfortendaysherheadlongflightforbore:
Thesefromthebridgeinthatdreadmomentdrop，Nevertoclimbtheriver"smarginmore。
Sotemple，houseandsquareandstreetweredrained，Thatnighunpeopledthewidetownremained。
XCV
Marphisa，Guido，andthebrethrentwo，WithSansonetto，paleandtrembling，hieTowardsthesea，andbehindthesethecrewOffrightedmarinersandmerchantsfly；
And"twixttheforts，inbark，preparedwithviewTotheirescape，discoverAlery；
Whoinsorehastereceivesthewarriorspale，Andbidsthemplytheiroarsandmakeallsail。
XCVI
ThedukewithinandoutthetownhadbearFromthesurroundinghillstothesea-side，Andofitspeopleemptiedeverystreet。
Allflybeforethedeafeningsound，andhide:
Manyinpanic，seekingaretreat，Lurk，insomeplaceobscureandfilthystied；
Many，notknowingwhithertorepair，Plungeintheneighbouringsea，andperishthere。
XCVII
Thedukearrives，seekingthefriendlyband，Whomhehadhopedtofinduponthequay；
Heturnsandgazesroundthedesertstrand，Andnoneisthere——directsalongthebayHiseyes，andnow，fardistantfromtheland，Beholdsthepartingfrigateunderway。
Sothatthepaladin，forhisescape——
Thevesselgone——mustotherprojectshape。
XCVIII
Lethimdepart！norletittroubleyouThathesolongaroadmustbeatalone；
Where，neverwithoutfear，manjourneysthroughWildpaynimcountries:dangeristherenone，Butwhathewithhisbuglemayeschew，WhosedreadeffecttheEnglishdukehasshown；
Andlethislatecompanionsbeourcare，Whotremblingtothebeachhadmaderepair。
XCIX
TheyfromthatcruelandensanguinedgroundToseaward，underalltheircanvas，bore；
Andhavinggainedsuchoffing，thatthesoundOfthatalarminghornwasheardnomore，Unwontedshameinflictedsuchawound，Thatallafaceofburningcrimsonwore。
Onedaresnoteyetheother，andtheystandWithdowncastlooks，amuteandmournfulband。
C
Fixedonhiscourse，thepilotpassesbyCyprusandRhodes，andploughstheAegeansea:
Beholdsahundredislandsfromhimfly，AndMalea"sfearfulheadland；fannedbyfreeAndconstantwind，seesvanishfromtheeyeTheGreekMorea；roundingSicily，IntotheTuscanseahisfrigateveers，And，coastingItaly"sfairregion，steers:
CI
LastrisesLuna，wherehisfamilyIswaitinghisreturn，thepatronhoarGivesthankstoGodathavingpassedtheseaWithoutmoreharm，andmakesthewell-knownshore。
Here，offeringpassagetotheircompany，Theyfindamaster，readytounmoorForFrance，andthatsamedayhispinnaceclimb；
ThencewaftedtoMarseillesinlittletime。
CII
TherewasnotBradamant，whousedtoswayTheland，andhadthatcityinhercare，Andwho(ifpresentthere)tomakesomestayWouldhavecompelledthembyhercourteousprayer。
Theydisembarked；andthatsamehourawayDidboldMarphisaataventurefare；
BiddingadieutosalvageGuido"swife，Andtothefour，hercomradesinthestrife:
CIII
SayingshedeemsunfittingforaknightTofareinlikegreatfellowship；thatsoThestarlingsandthedovesinflockunite，Andeverybeastwhofears——thestaganddoe；
Buthawkandeagle，thatinother"smightPutnottheirtrust，foreversinglygo；
Andlion，bear，andtyger，roamalone，Whofearnoprowessgreaterthantheirown。
CIV
Butnonewithheropine，and，inthelackOfacompanion，singlymustshefare，Sothen，aloneandfriendless，sheatrackUncouthpursues，andthroughawoodedlair。
GryphonthewhiteandAquilanttheblackTakeroadmorebeatenwiththeotherpair；
Andonthefollowingdayacastlesee，Withinwhichtheyareharbouredcourteously。
CV
CourteouslyI，inoutwardshow，wouldsay；
Forsoonthecontrarywasmadeappear。
Sincehe，thecastellain，whowithdisplayOfkindnessshelteredthemandcourteouscheer，ThenightensuingtookthemastheylayCouchedintheirbeds，secureandvoidoffear。
Norfromthesnarewouldhehisprisonersloose，Tilltheyhadsworntoobserveaneviluse。
CVI
ButIwillfirstpursuethemartialmaid，Eremoreofthese，fairsir，Ishallproclaim。
BeyondtheDurence，Rhone，andSaoneshestrayed，Andtothefootofsunnymountaincame；
Andthereapproachinginblackgownarrayed，Besideatorrent，sawanancientdame；
Whowithlongjourneyweak，andweariedsore，Appeared，butpinedbymelancholymore。
CVII
ThiswasthebeldamwhohadwonttoplyServingtherobbersinthecavernedmount；
WhithersternJusticesent(thattheymightdieBythatgoodpaladin)Anglante"scount。
Theagedharridan，forcausewhichI
Toyoushallinanotherplacerecount，Nowmanydaysbypathobscurehadflown，Stillfearinglesthervisageshouldbeknown。
CVIII
ThesemblancenowofforeigncavalierSheinMarphisasaw，inarmsandvest；
Andhenceshefliesnother，thoughwonttofear，(Asbeingnativesofthatland)therest；——
Nay，withsecurityandopencheer，Stopsatthefordthedamseltoarrest:
Stopsattheford——wherethatoldbeldammeetsMarphisa，andwithfairencountergreets。
CIX
Andnextimploredthemaid，sheofhergraceWouldbearheronthecroupetotheothershore。
Marphisa，whowascomeofgentlerace，Thehagwithheracrossthetorrentbore；
Andiscontenttobear，tillshecanplaceInasecurerroadthebeldamhoar，Clearofaspaciousmarish:asitsendTheyseeacavaliertowardsthemwend。
CX
Inshiningarmourandinfairarray，ThewarriorrodeonsaddlerichlywroughtTowardstheriver，anduponhiswayWithhimasinglesquireanddamselbrought。
Ofpassingbeautywastheladygay，Butlittlepleasingwashersemblancehaught；
Alloverblownwithinsolenceandpride，Worthythecavalierwhowasherguide。
CXI
HeofMaganzawasacount，whoboreTheladywithhim(Pinabellohight):
ThesamewhoBradamant，somemonthsbefore，Hadplungedintoahollowcaveinspite。
Thosemanysobs，thoseburningsighsandsore，Thosetearswhichhadnighquenchedthewarrior"ssight，——
Allforthedamselwere，nowathisside；
Andthenbythatfalsenecromancerstied。
CXII
ButwhenthemagictoweruponthehillWasrazed，thedwellingofAtlanteshoar，Andeveryonewasfreetoroveatwill，ThroughBradamant"sgooddeedandvirtuouslore，Thedamsel，whohadbeencompliantstillWiththedesiresofPinabelbefore，Rejoinedhim，andnowjourneyinginaroundWithhim，fromcastlewastocastlebound。
CXIII
Aswantonandill-customed，whenshespiesMarphisa"sagedchargeapproachingnear，Shecannotreinhersaucytongue，butpliesHere，inherpetulance，withlaughandjeer。
Marphisahaught，unwontinanywiseOutragefromwhatsoeverparttohear，Makesanswertothedame，inangrytone，Thathandsomerthanhershedeemsthecrone。
CXIV
AndthatshethiswouldproveuponherknightWithpactthatshemightstripthebonnibellOfgownandpalfrey，if，o"erthrowninfight，Herchampionfromhisgoodlycourserfell——
InsilencetohaveoverpasttheslightWouldhavebeensinandshameinPinabel，Whoforshortanswerseizedhisshieldandspear，Andwheeled，anddroveatherinfiercecareer。
CXV
Marphisagraspedamightylance，andthrust，Encounteringhim，atPinabello"seyes；
Andstretchedhimsoastoundedinthedust，Thatmotionlessanhourthewarriorlies。
Marphisa，nowvictoriousinthejust，GaveorderstostripoffthegloriousguiseAndornamentswherewiththemaidwasdrest，Andwiththespoilsherancientcroneinvest；
CXVI
Andwilledthatsheshoulddontheyouthfulweed，Bedizenedatthehaughtydamsel"scost；
AndtookawayaswellthegoodlysteedWhichherhadthitherborne，and——benttopostOnheroldtrack——withherthehagwillspeed，Whoseemsmosthideouswhenadornedthemost。
Threedaysthetediousroadthecouplebeat，Withoutadventureneedfultorepeat。
CXVII
Onthefourthdaytheymetacavalier，Whocameinfurygallopingalone。
Ifyouthestranger"snamedesiretohear，Itellyou"twasZerbino，aking"sson，Ofbeautyandofworthexamplerare，Nowgrievedandangered，asunvengedofone，Whoagreatactofcourtesy，whichfainThewarriorwouldhavedone，hadrenderedvain。
CXVIII
VainlytheyoungZerbino，throughtheglade，Hadchasedthatmanofhis，whothisdespiteHaddonehim，whohimselfsowellconveyedAwayandtooksuch"vantageinhisflight，Sohidbywoodandmist，whichoverlaidThehorizonandbedimmedthemorning-light，ThatheescapedZerbino"sgrasp，andlayConcealeduntilhiswrathwaspastaway。
CXIX
Zerbinolaughedparforce，whenhedescriedThatbeldam"sface，thoughhewasfullofrage；
Fortooill-sortedseemedhervestofprideWithherfoulvisage，moredeformedbyage；
AndtotheproudMarphisa，athersideTheprince，exclaimed，“Sirwarrior，youaresage，Inhavingchosendamselofasort，Whomnone，Iween，willgrudgeyoushouldescort。”
CXX
OlderthanSibylseemedthebeldamhoar，(Asfarasfromherwrinklesonemightguess)，Andintheyouthfulornamentsshewore，Lookedlikeanapewhichmeninmockerydress；
Andnowappearsmorefoul，asangeredsore，Whilerageandwrathherkindledeyesexpress。
FornonecandoawomanworsedespiteThantoproclaimheroldandfoultosight。
CXXI
Tohavesportofhim——asshehad——anairOfwraththemaidassumeduponherpart，Andtotheprince，“ByHeaven，morepassingfairIsthismyladythanthoucourteousart，“
Exclaimedinanswer；“thoughIamawareWhatthouhastutteredcomesnotfromthyheart。
Thouwiltnotownherbeauty；adevicePutontomasquethysovereigncowardice。
CXXII
“AndofwhatstampwouldbethatcavalierWhofoundsuchfairandyouthfuldamealone，Withoutprotection，intheforestdrear，Norsoughttomakethelovelywefthisown?“——
“Sowellshesortswiththee，“repliedthepeer，“`Twereillthatshewereclaimedbyanyone:
NorIofherwouldtheeinanywiseDeprive；Godresttheemerrywiththyprize！
CXXIII
“Butwouldthouprovewhatismychivalry，OnothergroundItothywishincline；
YetdeemmenotofsuchperversityAstotiltwiththeeforthisprizeofthine。
Orfairorfoul，letherremainthyfee；
Iwouldnot，I，suchamitydisjoin。
Wellareyepaired，andsafelywouldIswearThatthouasvaliantartassheisfair。”
CXXIV
TohimMarphisa，“ThouinthydespiteShalttrytobearfrommethedameaway。
IwillnotsufferthatsofairasightThoushouldstbehold，norseektogaintheprey。”
Tohertheprince，“IknownotwhereforewightShouldsufferpainandperilinaffray，Strivingforvictory，where，forhispains，Thevictorlosses，andthevanquishedgains。”
CXXV
“Ifthisconditionpleasenot，othercourseWhichillthoucanstrefuse，Iofferthee，“
(Marphisacried):“IfthoushaltmeunhorseInthisourtourney，sheremainswithme:
ButifIwin，Igivehertheeparforce。
Thenprovewenowwhoshallwithoutherbe。
Premised，ifloser，thoushaltbeherguide，Whereveritmaypleasethedametoride。”
CXXVI
“Andbeitso，“Zerbinocried，andwheeledSwiftlyhisfoamingcourserfortheshock，Andrisinginhisstirrupsscoweredthefield，Firminhisseat，andsmote，withlevelledstock，Forsureraim，thedamselinmid-shield；
Butshesatestedfastasametalrock，Andatthewarrior"smorionthrustsowell，Shecleanout-borehimsenselessfromthesell。
CXXVII
Muchgrievedtheprince，towhominotherfrayThelikemisfortunehadnotchancedbefore，Whohadunhorsedsomethousandsinhisday:
Nowshamed，hethoughtforever。Troubledsore，Andmutelongspaceuponthegroundhelay，And，when"twasrecollected，grievedthemore，Thathehadpromised，andthathewasbound，Toaccompanythehagwhere"ershewound。
CXXVIII
Turningabouttohimthevictoresscried，Laughing，“ThisladyItotheepresent，Andthemorebeautyisinherdescried，ThemorethatsheisthineIamcontent，Nowinmyplaceherchampionandherguide。
Butdonotthouthyplightedfaithrepent，Sothatthoufail，aspromised，toattendThedame，wherevershemaypleasetowend。”
CXXIX
Withoutawaitinganswer，tocareerShespurredherhorse，andvanishedinthewood。
Zerbino，deemingheracavalier，Criedtothecrone，“BywhomamIsubdued?“
And，knowing"twouldbepoisontohisear，Andthatitwouldinflamehisangeredblood，Sheinreply，“Itwasadamsel"sblowWhichfromthyloftysaddlelaidtheelow。
CXXX
“She，forhermatchlessforce，deservedlyUsurpsfromcavaliertheswordandlance；
AndevenfromtheeastiscometotryHerstrengthagainstthepaladinsofFrance。”
Notonlywashischeekofcrimsondye，SuchshameZerbinofeltashismischance，Littlewaswanting(sohisblushesspread)
Butallthearmsheworehadglowedasred。
CXXXI
Hemounts，andblameshimselfinangrywise，Inthathehadnobetterkepthisseat。
Withinherselfthebeldamlaughs，andtriesTheScottishwarriormoretostingandheat。
Tohimforpromisedconvoysheapplies；
Andhe，whoknowsthatthereisnoretreat，Standsliketiredcourser，whoinpensivefit，Hangsdownhisears，controlledbyspurandbit。
CXXXII
And，sighingdeeply，cries，inhisdespair，“FellFortune，withwhatchangedostthourepayMyloss！shewhowasfairestofthefair，Whoshouldbemine，bytheeissnatchedaway！
AndthinkestthoutheeviltorepairWithherwhomthouhastgiventomethisday?
Ratherthanmakelikeillexchange，lesscrossItweretoundergoatotalloss。
CXXXIII
“Her，whoforvirtueandforbeauteousformWasneverequalled，norwilleverbe，Thouontherockshastwrecked，inwintrystorm，Asfoodforfowlsandfishesofthesea；
Andherwhoshouldhavefedtheearth-bredwormPreservedbeyondherdate，sometenorscoreOfyears，toharassandtormentmemore。”