第12章
CIV
“AndyetIknowthesecharacters,“hecried,“OfwhichIhavesomanyreadandseen;
ByhermaythisMedorobebelied,Andme,she,figuredinthename,maymean。”
Feedingonsuchlikephantasies,besideTherealtruth,didsadOrlandoleanUpontheemptyhope,thoughillcontented,Whichhebyself-illusionshadfomented。
CV
Butstirredandayerekindledit,themoreThathetoquenchtheillsuspicionwrought,Liketheincautiousbird,byfowler"slore,Hamperedinnetorline;which,inthethoughtTofreeitstangledpinionsandtosoar,Bystruggling,isbutmoresecurelycaught。
Orlandopassesthither,whereamountainO"erhangsinguiseofarchthecrystalfountain。
CVI
Splay-footedivy,withitsmantlingspray,Andgaddingvine,thecavern"sentrycase;
WhereofteninthehottestnoonofdayThepairhadrested,lockedinfondembrace。
Withinthegrotto,andwithoutit,theyHadoftenerthaninanyotherplaceWithcharcoalorwithchalktheirnamespourtrayed,Orflourishedwiththeknife"sindentingblade。
CVII
HerefromhishorsethesorrowingCountylit,AndattheentranceofthegrotsurveyedAcloudofwords,whichseemedbutnewlywrit,AndwhichtheyoungMedoro"shandhadmade。
Onthegreatpleasurehehadknowninit,Thesentenceheinverseshadarrayed;
Whichinhistongue,Ideem,mightmakepretenceTopolishedphrase;andsuchinoursthesense。
CVIII
“Gayplants,greenherbage,rilloflimpidvein,And,gratefulwithcoolshade,thougloomycave,Whereoft,bymanywooedwithfruitlesspain,BeauteousAngelica,thechildofgraveKingGalaphron,withinmyarmshaslain;
Fortheconvenientharbourageyougave,I,poorMedoro,canbutinmylays,Asrecompence,foreversingyourpraise。
CIX
“Andanylovinglorddevoutlypray,Damselandcavalier,andeveryone,Whomchoiceorfortunehithershallconvey,Strangerornative,——tothiscrystalrun,Shade,cavernedrock,andgrass,andplants,tosay,BenignantbetoyouthefosteringsunAndmoon,andmaythechoirofnymphsprovide,Thatneverswainhisflockmayhitherguide!“
CX
InArabicwaswrittheblessingsaid,KnowntoOrlandoliketheLatintongue,Who,versedinmanylanguages,bestreadWasinthisspeech;whichoftentimesfromwrong,Andinjury,andshame,hadsavedhishead,WhattimeherovedtheSaracensamong。
Butlethimboastnotofitsformerboot,O"erbalancedbythepresentbitterfruit。
CXI
Threetimes,andfour,andsix,thelinesimprestUponthestonethatwretchperused,invainSeekinganothersensethanwasexprest,Andeversawthethingmoreclearandplain;
Andallthewhile,withinhistroubledbreast,Hefeltanicyhandhisheart-corestrain。
Withmindandeyesclosefastenedontheblock,Atlengthhestood,notdifferingfromtherock。
CXII
Thenwell-nighlostallfeeling;soapreyWhollywashetothato"ermasteringwoe。
Thisisapang,believetheexperiencedsayOfhimwhospeaks,whichdoesallgriefsoutgo。
Hispridehadfromhisforeheadpassedaway,Hischinhadfallenuponhisbreastbelow;
Norfoundhe,sogriefbarredeachnaturalvent,Moisturefortears,orutteranceforlament。
CXIII
Stiffedwithin,theimpetuoussorrowstays,Whichwouldtooquicklyissue;sotoabideWaterisseen,imprisonedinthevase,Whoseneckisnarrowandwhoseswelliswide;
Whattime,whenoneturnsuptheinvertedbase,Towardsthemouth,sohastesthehurryingtide,Andinthestreightencounterssuchastop,Itscarcelyworksapassage,dropbydrop。
CXIV
Hesomewhattohimselfreturned,andthoughtHowpossiblythethingmightbeuntrue:
Thesomeone(sohehoped,desired,andsoughtTothink)hisladywouldwithshamepursue;
OrwithsuchweightofjealouslyhadwroughtTowhelmhisreason,asshouldhimundo;
Andthathe,whosoe"erthethinghadplanned,Hadcounterfeitedpassingwellherhand。
CXV
Withsuchvainhopehesoughthimselftocheat,Andmannedsomedealhisspiritsandawoke;
ThenprestthefaithfulBrigliadoro"sseat,Asonthesun"sretreathissisterbroke。
Norfarthewarriorhadpursuedhisbeat,Ereeddyingfromaroofhesawthesmoke;
Heardnoiseofdogandkine,afarmespied,Andthitherwardinquestoflodginghied。
CXVI
Languid,helit,andlefthisBrigliadorToadiscreetattendant:oneundrestHislimbs,onedoffedthegoldenspurshewore,Andoneboreoff,toclean,hisironvest。
ThiswasthehomesteadwheretheyoungMedoreLaywounded,andwasheresupremelyblest。
Orlandohere,withotherfoodunfed,Havingsuptfullofsorrow,soughthisbed。
CXVII
Themorethewretchedsuffererseeksforease,Hefindsbutsomuchmoredistressandpain;
Whoeverywheretheloathedhand-writingsees,Onwall,anddoor,andwindow:hewouldfainQuestionhishostofthis,butholdshispeace,Because,insooth,hedreadstooclear,tooplainTomakethething,andthiswouldrathershrowd,Thatitmaylessoffendhim,withacloud。
CXVIII
Littleavailedthecounthisself-deceit;
Fortherewasonewhospakeofitunsought;
Thesheperd-swain,whotoallaytheheat,Withwhichhesawhisguestsotroubled,thought:
Thetalewhichhewaswontedtorepeat——Ofthetwolovers——toeachlistenertaught,Ahistorywhichmanylovedtohear,Henow,withoutreserve,"gantellthepeer。
CXIX
HowatAngelica"spersuasiveprayer,HetohisfarmhadcarriedyoungMedore,Grievouslywoundedwithanarrow;where,Inlittlespaceshehealedtheangrysore。
Butwhilesheexercisedthispiouscare,Loveinherhearttheladywoundedmore,Andkindledfromsmallsparksofierceafire,Sheburntallover,restlesswithdesire:
CXX
Northinkingsheofmightiestkingwasborn,Whoruledintheeast,norofherheritage,Forcedbytoopuissantlove,hadthoughtnoscornTobetheconsortofapoorfoot-page——
Hisstorydone,totheminproofwasborneThegem,which,inrewardforharbourage,Toherextendedinthatkindabode,Angelica,atparting,hadbestowed。
CXXI
Adeadlyaxewasthisunhappyclose,Which,atasinglestroke,loptoffthehead;
When,satiatewithinnumerableblows,ThatcruelhangmanLovehishatehadfed。
Orlandostudiedtoconcealhiswoes;
Andyetthemischiefgatheredforceandspread,Andwouldbreakoutparforceintearsandsighs,Wouldhe,orwouldbenot,frommouthandeyes。
CXXII
Whenhecangivethereintoragingwoe,Alone,byother"spresenceunreprest,Fromhisfulleyesthetearsdescendingflow,Inawidestream,andfloodhistroubledbreast。
"Midsobandgroan,hetossestoandfroAbouthiswearybed,insearchofrest;
Andvainlyshifting,harderthanarockAndsharperthananettlefounditsflock。
CXXIII
Amidthepressureofsuchcruelpain,Itpastintothewretchedsufferer"shead,Thatofttheungratefulladymusthavelain,Togetherwithherleman,onthatbed:
Norlessheloathedthecouchinhisdisdain,Norfromthedownupstartedwithlessdread,Thanchurl,who,whenabouttoclosehiseyes,Springsfromtheturf,ifheaserpentspies。
CXXIV
Inhim,forthwith,suchdeadlyhatredbreedThatbed,thathouse,thatswain,hewillnotstayTillthemornbreak,ortillthedawnsucceed,Whosetwilightgoesbeforeapproachingday。
Inhaste,Orlandotakeshisarmsandsteed,Andtothedeepestgreenwoodwendshisway。
And,whenassuredthatheistherealone,Givesutterancetohisgriefinshriekandgroan。
CXXV
Neverfromtears,neverfromsorrowing,Hepaused;norfoundhepeacebynightandday:
Hefledfromtown,inforestharbouring,Andintheopenaironhardearthlay。
Hemarvelledathimself,howsuchaspringOfwaterfromhiseyescouldstreamaway,Andbreathwasforsomanysobssupplied;
Andthusofttimes,amidhismourning,cried。
CXXVI
“Thesearenolongerrealtearswhichrise,AndwhichIscatterfromsofullavein。
Oftearsmyceaselesssorrowlackedsupplies;
Theystoptwhentomid-heightscarcerosemypain。
Thevitalmoisturerushingtomyeyes,Drivenbythefirewithinme,nowwouldgainAvent;anditisthiswhichIexpend,Andwhichmysorrowsandmylifewillend。
CXXVII
“No;these,whicharetheindexofmywoes,Thesearenotsighs,norsighsaresuch;theyfailAttimes,andhavetheirseasonofrepose:
Ifeel,mybreastcanneverlessexhaleItssorrow:Love,whowithhispinionsblowsThefireaboutmyheart,createsthisgale。
Love,bywhatmiracledoesthoucontrive,Itwastesnotinthefirethoukeep"stalive?
CXXVIII
“Iamnot——amnotwhatIseemtosight:
WhatRolandwasisdeadandunderground,Slainbythatmostungratefullady"sspite,Whosefaithlessnessinflictedsuchawound。
Dividedfromtheflesh,Iamhissprite,Whichinthishell,tormented,walksitsround,Tobe,butinitsshadowleftabove,Awarningtoallsuchasthrustinlove。”
CXXIX
Allnightabouttheforestrovedthecount,And,atthebreakofdailylight,wasbroughtByhisunhappyfortunetothefount,WherehisinscriptionyoungMedorowrought。
Toseehiswrongsinscribeduponthatmount,Inflamedhisfuryso,inhimwasnoughtButturnedtohatred,phrensy,rage,andspite;
Norpausedhemore,butbaredhisfaulchionbright;
CXXX
Cleftthroughthewriting;andthesolidblock,Intothesky,intinyfragmentssped。
Wowortheachsaplingandthecavernedrock,WhereMedoreandAngelicawereread!
Soscathed,thattheytoshepherdortoflockThenceforthshallneverfurnishshadeorbed。
Andthatsweetfountain,latesoclearandpure,Fromsuchtempestuouswrathwasillsecure。
CXXXI
Forheturf,stone,andtrunk,andshoot,andlop,Castwithoutceaseintothebeauteoussource;
Till,turbidfromthebottomtothetop,Neveragainwasclearthetroubledcourse。
Atlength,forlackofbreath,compelledtostop,(Whenheisbathedinsweat,andwastedforce,Servesnothisfurymore)hefalls,andliesUponthemead,and,gazingupward,sighs。
CXXXII
Weariedandwoe-begone,hefelltoground,Andturnedhiseyestowardheaven;norspakeheaught。
Norate,norslept,tillinhisdailyroundThegoldensunhadbrokenthrice,andsoughtHisrestanew;noreverceasedhiswoundTorankle,tillitmarredhissoberthought。
Atlength,impelledbyphrensy,thefourthday,Hefromhislimbstoreplateandmailaway。
CXXXIII
Herewashishelmet,therehisshieldbestowed;
Hisarmsfaroff;and,fartherthantherest,Hiscuirass;throughthegreenwoodwidewasstrowedAllhisgoodgear,infine;andnexthisvestHerent;and,inhisfury,nakedshowedHisshaggypaunch,andallhisbackandbreast。
And"ganthatphrensyact,sopassingdread,Ofstrangerfollynevershallbesaid。
CXXXIV
Sofiercehisrage,sofiercehisfurygrew,Thatallobscuredremainedthewarrior"ssprite;
Nor,forforgetfulness,hisswordhedrew,Orwonderousdeeds,Itrow,hadwroughttheknight:
Butneitherthis,norbill,noraxetohew,WasneededbyOrlando"speerlessmight。
Heofhisprowessgavehighproofsandfull,Whoatallpineuprootedatapull。
CXXXV
Hemanyothers,withaslittleletAsfennel,wall-wort-stem,ordill,up-tore;
Andilex,knottedoak,andfirupset,Andbeech,andmountain-ash,andelm-treehoar。
Hedidwhatfowler,erehespreadshisnet,Does,topreparethechampaigneforhislore,Bystubble,rush,andnettle-stalk;andbroke,Likethese,oldsturdytreesandstemsofoak。
CXXXVI
Theshepherdswains,whohearthetumultnigh,Leavingtheirflocksbeneaththegreenwoodtree,Someheresomethereacrosstheforesthie,Andhurrythither,all,thecausetosee——
ButIhavereachedsuchpoint,myhistory,IfIo"erpassthisbound,mayirksomebe;
AndImystorywilldelaytoend,Ratherthanbymytediousnessoffend。
CANTO24
ARGUMENT
Odorico"sandGabrina"sguiltrepaid,YouthfulZerbinosetsatlargethetrain;
HeindefenceofgoodOrlando"sblade,IsafterwardsbyMandricardoslain。
Isabelweeps;byRodomontismadeWarontheTartarking,andtruceagain,TosuccourAgramantandhisarray;
Whototheliliesarewell-nighaprey。
I
Lethimmakehastehisfeettodisengage,Norlimehiswings,whomLovehasmadeaprize;
Forlove,infine,isnoughtbutphrensiedrage,Byuniversalsuffrageofthewise:
AndalbeitsomemayshowthemselvesmoresageThanRoland,theybutsininotherguise。
For,whatprovesfollymorethanonthisshelf,Thus,foranother,todestroyoneself?
II
Variousarelove"seffects;butfromonesourceAllissue,thoughtheyleadadifferentway。
Heis,as"twere,aforest,whereparforceWhoenteritsrecessgoastray;
Andhereandtherepursuetheirdeviouscourse:
Insum,toyouI,forconclusion,say;
Hewhogrowsoldinlove,besidesallpainWhichwaitssuchpassion,welldeservesachain。
III
Oneheremaywellreproachme:“Brother,thouSeestnotthyfaults,whilethoudostothersfit。”——
IanswerthatIseemineplainenow,Inthismylucidintervalofwit;
AndstriveandhopewithalIshallforegoThisdanceoffolly;butyetcannotquit,AsquicklyasIwould,thefaultsIown;
Formydiseasehasreachedtheverybone。
IV
Iintheothercantosaidbefore,Orlando,furiousandinsensatewight,Havingtornoffthearmsandvesthewore,Andcastawayfromhimhisfaulchionbright,Andup-torntrees,andmadetheforesthoarAndhollowcaveresound,androckyheight,Towardsthenoisesomeshepherds,onthatside,Theirheavysinsorevilplanetsguide。
V
Viewingthemadman"swonderousfeatsmorenear,Thefrightedbandofrusticsturnedandfled;
Butthey,intheirdisorder,knewnotwhere,Ashappensoftentimesinsuddendread。
Themadmaninathoughtisintheirrear,Seizesashepherd,andplucksoffhishead;
AndthisaseasilyasonemighttakeApplefromtree,orblossomfromthebrake。
VI
HebyonelegtheheavytrunkinairUpheaved,andmadeamacetheresttobray。
Astounded,uponearthhestretchedonepair,Whohaplymayawakeatthelastday。
Therest,whowellawakeatthelastday。
Therest,whowelladvisedandnimbleare,Atoncedesertthefieldandscouraway:
Norhadthemadmantheirpursuitdeferred,Hadhenotturnedalreadyontheirherd。
VII
Bysuchexampleswarned,therusticcrewAbandonedinthefieldspick,scythe,andplough,Andtotheroofofhouseandtempleflew,(Forillsecurewaselmorwillow"sbough,)
Fromhencethemaniac"shorridragetheyview;
Who,dealingkick,andbite,andscratch,andblow,Horsesandoxenslew,hishelplessprey;
Andwellthecourserranwho"scapedthatday。
VIII
Alreadymight"stthouhearhowloudlyringThehubbubandthedin,fromneighbouringfarms,Outcryandhorn,andrustictrumpeting;
Andfastersoundofbells;withvariousarmsBythousands,withspontoon,bow,spit,andsling。
Lo!fromthehillstheroughmilitiaswarms。
Asmanypeasantsfromthevalebelow,Tomakerudewaruponthemadmango,IX
Asbeatsthewaveuponthesalt-seashore,Sportiveatfirst,whichsouthernwindhasstirred,Whenthenext,biggerthanwhatwentbefore,Andbiggerthanthesecond,breaksthethird;
Andthevextwaterwaxesevermore,Andlouderonthebeachthesurfisheard:
Thecrowd,increasingso,thecountassail,Anddropfrommountainandascendfromdale。
X
Twicehetenpeasantsslaughteredinhismood,Who,charginghimindisarray,wereslain;
AndthisexperimentrightclearlyshowedTostandaloofwassafestforthetrain。
Wasnonewhofromhisbodycoulddrawblood;
Forironsmotetheimpassiveskininvain。
Sohadheaven"sKingpreservedthecountfromscathe,Tomakehimguardianofhisholyfaith。
XI
Hewouldhavebeeninperilonthatday,Hadhebeenmadeofvulnerablemould;
Andmighthavelearnedwas"twastocastawayHissword,and,weaponless,soplaythebold。
Therustictroopretreatedfromthefray,Seeingnostrokeuponthemadmantold。
Sincehimnootherenemyattends,Orlandotoaneighbouringtownshipwends。
XII
Sinceeveryonehadlefttheplacefordread,Nowighthefoundwithinit,smallorgreat:
Butherewashomelyfoodinplentyspread,Victual,wellsortingwiththepastoralstate。
Here,acornsundistinguishingfrombread,BytediousfastandfurydriventosateHishunger,heemployedhishandandjawOnwhathefirstdiscovered,cookedorraw。
XIII
Thence,repossestwiththedesiretorove,He,throughtheland,didmanandbeastpursue;
Andscowering,inhisphrensy,woodandgrove,Tooksometimesgoatordoeofdappledhue:
Oftenwithbearandwithwildboarhestrove,Andwithhisnakedhandthebruteso"erthrew;
Andgorgingoftentimesthesavagefare,Swallowedthepreywithallitsskinandhair。
XIV
Nowright,nowleft,hewandered,farandwide,ThroughoutallFrance,andreachedabridgeoneday;
Beneathwhichrananamplewater"stide,Ofsteepandbrokenbanks:aturretgrayWasbuildedbythespaciousriver"sside,Discerned,fromfarandnear,andeveryway。
WhatherehedidIshallrelateelsewhere,WhofirstmustmaketheScottishprincemycare。
XV
WhenRolandhaddepartedonhisquest,Zerbinopausedsomedeal;then,inhisrear,Slowlyhissteedbythesamepathaddrest,WhichhadbeentakenbyAnglantes"peer;
Nortwomilesonhisway,Ithink,hadprest,Whenhebeheldacaptivecavalier,Uponasorry,little,hackneytied,Andbyarmedhorsemanwatchedoneitherside。
XVI
Zerbinospeedilytheprisonerknew,AndIsabel,assoon,whennighsurveyed。
ThiswasSirOdoric,theBiscayan,who,Likewolf,theguardianofalambwasmade:
Towhom,ofallhisfriendsesteemedmosttrue,ZerbinoIsabellahadconveyed;
Hoping,onehithertobyhimfoundjust,Wouldnow,asever,haveapprovedhistrust。
XVII
Eventhenhowallhadchanced,withpunctuallore,WasIsabelrelatingtotheknight;
Howinthepinnaceshewassaved,beforeThebrokenvesselsankatseaoutright;
Odoric"sassault;andnext,howbanditsboreHertothecavern,inamountaindight。
NorIsabellayethertalehastold,Whenboundthemalefactortheybehold。
XVIII
ThetwothathadSirOdoricintheirward,TheroyaldamselIsabellaknew;
Anddeemedhewasherloverandherlord,Thatprickedbesidethelady,fairofhue。
More;thatthebearingsonhisshieldrecordThehonoursofthestemfromwhichhegrew;
Andfound,asbettertheyobservedhischeer,Theyhadjudgedrightlyofthecavalier。
XIX
Lighting,withopenarmsandhurriedpace,TheymaketowardsZerbinoeagerly,And,kneeling,withbarehead,theprinceembrace,Wherelordiscliptbyoneoflessdegree。
Zerbino,lookingeitherintheface,KnowsoneCoreboofBiscaytobe,AndSirAlmonio,hisco-mate;thepairCharged,underOdoric,withthegalley"scare。
XX
Almoniocried,“SinceGodispleasedintheend,Grammercy!Isabelshouldbewithyou;
Mylord,IveryclearlycomprehendIshoulddelivertidings,nothingnew,IfIshouldnowinformyouwhyIwendWiththisoffender,whomwithmeyouview。
Sinceshe,whoathishandshassufferedworst,Thestoryofhiscrimeswillhaverehearsed。
XXI
“Howmethattraitourdupedthouhastnottolearn,Whattimeheridhimselfofme,norhowCorebo,whowouldhaveavengedthescorn,Intendedtothedamsel,waslaidlow;
Butthatwhichfollowed,uponmyreturn,Byherunseenorheard,shecannotknow,Soastotheethestorytohavetold;
ThesequelofitthenwillIunfold。
XXII
“Iseawardfromthecity,withastoreOfnags,collectedinahurry,fare;
Ayewatchful,ifthetraceIcanexploreOfthoseleftfarbehindme;IrepairThitherward;Iarriveupontheshore,Theplacewheretheywereleft;lookeverywhere;
Norsignofthemperceiveuponthatstrand,Exceptsomesteps,new-printedonthesand。
XXIII
“ThestepsItracedintotheforestdrear;
NorfarwithinthegreenwoodhadIwound,Whenguidedbyanoisewhichsmotemyear,Isawmycomradebleedingontheground:
OfIsabelIaskedthecavalier,OfOdoric,andwhathandhaddealthiswound;
Andthencedeparted,whenthethingIknew,Seekingthewretchtheseprecipicesthrough。
XXIV
“WidecirclingstillIgo,andthroughthatdayIfindnoothersignofhimthatfled;
AtlengthreturntowhereCorebolay,Whohadthegroundabouthimdyedsored,Thathe,hadImadelittlemoredelay,Agravewouldhaverequired,and,morethanbedAndsuccouroftheleech,tomakehimsound,Cravedpriestandfriartolayhimintheground。
XXV
“Ihadhimtotheneighbouringcitybrought,Andboardedwithafriendlyhost;andthereCorebo"scureinlittletimewaswrought,Beneathanoldchirurgeon"sskilfulcare。
Thisfinished,havingarmsandhorsesbrought,WethencetogethertothecourtrepairOfKingAlphonsoofBiscay;whereI
Findoutthetraitor,andtofightdefy。
XXVI
“Themonarch"sjustice,whofairfieldandfreeAllowedusfortheduel,andmyright,AndDestinytoboot(forDestinyOftenermakesconquestwhereshelisteth,light)
Sobackedmyarms,thatfelonwasbymeWorsted,andmadeaprisonerinthefight。
Alphonso,havingheardhisguiltconfessed,Bademedisposeofhimaslikedmebest。
XXVII
“HimwouldIneitherloose,noryethaveslain,But,asthouseest,inbondstotheeconvey:
Thatwhetherheshouldbecondemnedtopain,Ordeath,itshouldbethinehisdoomtosay。
I,hearingthouwertwithKingCharlemagne,Thither,inhopetofindthee,tookmyway。
IthankmyGod,thattheeuponthisground,WhereIleasthopedtomeetthee,Ihavefound。
XXVIII
“AswellIrenderthanks,thatIsabelIseerestoredtothee,Iknownothow,Ofwhom,byreasonofthattraitorfell,Ideemedthounevermoreshould"sttidingsknow。”
InsilenceprinceZerbinohearshimtellHisstory,gazinguponOdoric"sbrow,Inpity,morethanhate,asheperpendsHowfoullysuchagoodlyfriendshipends。
XXIX
AfterAlmoniohadhistalesuspended,Astoundedforawhiletheprincestoodby;
Wondering,thathewholeastshouldhaveoffended,Hadhimrequitedwithsuchtreachery:
But,hislongfitofadmirationended,Wakingfromhisamazementwithasigh,Questionedtheprisonerinthehorsemen"shold,Itthatwastruethecavalierhadtold。
XXX
Thefaithlessmanalighted,anddownfellUponhisbendedknees,andanswered:“Sir,Allpeoplethatonmiddleearthdodwell,Throughweaknessoftheirnature,sinanderr。
OnethingalonedistinguishesthewellAndevildoer;this,ateverystirOfleastdesire,submits,withoutablow;
Thatarms,butyieldsaswelltostrongerfoe。
XXXI
“HadIbeenchargedsomecastletomaintain,And,withoutcontest,onthefirstassault,Hoistedthebannersofthehostiletrain,——Forcowardice,ortreason,foulerfault——
Uponmyeyes(awelldeservedpain)
Thoumight"sthavejustlyclosedthedarksomevault;
But,yieldingtosuperiorforce,IreadIshouldnotmeritblame,butpraiseandmeed。
XXXII
“Thestrongeristheenemy,themoreEasilyisthevanquishedsideexcused:
Icouldbutfaithmaintainas,girdedsore,Theleagueredforttokeepherfaithisused;
Evenso,withallthesense,withalltheloreBysovereignwisdomintomeinfused,ThisIessayedtokeep;butintheend,Too"ermasteringassaultwasforcedtobend。”
XXXIII
SosaidSirOdoric;andaftershowed(Though"tweretootedioustorecounthissuit)
Himnolightcausehadstirred,butpuissantgoad——
IfeverearnestnessofprayercouldbootTomeltaheartthatwithresentmentglowed,——Ife"erhumilityproducedgoodfruit,Itwellmighthereavail;sinceallthatbestMovesahardheart,SirOdoricnowexprest。
XXXIV
Whetherornotovengesuchinfamy,YouthfulZerbinodoubted:thereviewOffaithlessOdorico"streacheryMovedhimtodeaththefelontopursue;
TherecollectionoftheamitySolongmaintainedbetweenthem,withthedewOfpitycooledthefuryinhismind,Andhimtomercytowardsthewretchinclined。
XXXV
WhileScotland"sprinceisdoubtinginsuchwiseTokeephimcaptive,ortoloosehischain;
Ortoremovehimfrombeforehiseyes,Bydoominghimtodie,orliveinpain;
Loudneighing,thitherwardthepalfreyhiesFromwhichtheTartarkinghadstripttherein;
Andtheoldharridan,whohadbeforeNighcausedZerbino"sdeath,amongthembore。
XXXVI
Thehorse,thathadtheothersofthatbandHeardatadistance,thitherherconveyed。
Soreweepingcametheoldwoman,anddemandForsuccour,inhertrouble,vainlymade。
Zerbino,whenhesawher,raisedhishandToheaven,thathadtohimsuchgracedisplayed,Givinghimtodecidethatcouple"sfate;
Theonlytwothathaddeservedhishate。
XXXVII
Thewickedhagiskept,sobidsthepeer,Untilheisdeterminedwhattodo:
HetocutoffhernoseandeitherearNowthought,andherasanexampleshew。
Next,"twerefarbetter,deemedthecavalier,Iftothevultureshehercarcasethrew:
Hediversepunishmentsawhilerevolved,Andthusthewarriorfinallyresolved。
XXXVIII
Hetohiscomradesturnedhimround,andsaid:
“ToletthetraitourliveIamcontent,Who,iffullgracehehasnotmerited,Yetmeritsnottobesofoullyshent。
I,asIfindhisfaultofLovewasbred,Togivehimlifeandlibertyconsent;
Andeasilyweallexcusesown,WhenoncommandingLovetheblameisthrown。
XXXIX
“OftenhasLoveturnedupsidedownabrainOfsounderwitthanthattohimassigned,Andledtomischiefoffardeeperstain,Thanhassooutragedus。LetOdoricfindPardonhisoffences;IthepainOftheseshouldjustlysuffer,whowasblind;
BlindwhenIgavehimsuchatrust,norsawHoweasilythefireconsumesthestraw。”
XL
“ThengazinguponOdoric,"gansay:
“ThisisthepenanceIenjointothee;
Thatthouayearshaltwiththebeldamstay,Noreverleavethiswhilehercompany;
But,rovingoratrest,bynightorday,Shaltneverforanhourwithoutherbe;
AndhershallevenuntodeathmaintainAgainstwhoeverthreatensherwithpain。
XLI
“Iwill,ifsothiswomanshallcommand,Withwhosoe"erhebe,thoubattledo。
IwillthiswhilethatthouallFrance"sland,Fromcityshalttocity,wanderthrough。”
Sosayshe:forasOdoricathishandWellmeritsdeath,forhisfoultrespassdue,Thisisapitfallforhisfeettoshape,Whichitwillberarefortuneifhe"scape。
XLII
Somanywomen,manymenbetrayed,Andwrongedbyher,havebeensomanymore,Notwithoutstrifebyknightshallhebestayed,Whowasbeneathhiscarethebeldamhoar。
So,fortheircrimes,shallbothalikebepaid;
Sheforherevilactionsdonebefore,Andhewhowrongfullyshallherdefraud;
Norfarcangobeforehefindsanend。
XLIII
TokeepthepactZerbinomakeshimswearAmightyoath,underthispenalty,Thatshouldhebreakhisfaith,andanywhereIntohispresenceledbyfortunebe,Withoutmoremercy,withouttimeforprayer,Acrueldeathshallwaithim,ashisfee。
Nextbyhiscomrades(sotheirlordcommands)
SirOdoricisunpinionedfromhisbands。
XLIV
Corebofreesthetraitorintheend,Almonioyielding,yetasillcontent:
FormuchZerbino"smerciesbothoffend,Whichthustheirsodesiredrevengeprevent。
Thence,hedisloyaltohisprinceandfriend,Incompanywiththatcurstwomanwent。
WhatthesebefelSirTurpinhasnotsaid,ButmoreIonceinotherauthorread。
XLV
Thisauthorvouches(Ideclarenotwho)
Thathencetheyhadnotoneday"sjourneywended,WhenOdoric,toallpact,allfaith,untrue,Forriddanceofthepesttohimcommended,AboutGabrina"sneckahalterthrew,Andlefthertoaneighbouringelmsuspended;
Andinayear(theplacehedoesnotname)
Almoniobythetraitordidthesame。
XLVI
Zerbino,whothePaladinpursues,Andloathwouldbetolosethecavalier,TohisScottishsquadronofhimselfsendsnews,Whichforitscaptainwellmightstandinfear;
Almoniosends,andmanymattersshews,Toolongatfulltoberecitedhere;
Almoniosends,Corebonext;norstayedOtherwithhim,besidestheroyalmaid。
XLVII
SomightyistheloveZerbinobore,NorlessthanhisthelovewhichIsabelNursedforthevalorousPaladin,sosoreHelongedtoknowifthatboldinfidelTheCounthadfound,whointhedueltoreHimfromhishorse,togetherwiththesell,ThathetoCharles"scamp,tillthethirddayBeended,willnotmeasurebackhisway。
XLVIII
ThiswasthetermforwhichOrlandosaidHeshouldwaithim,whoyetnofaulchionwears;
NoristhereplacetheCounthasvisited,ButthitherinhissearchZerbinofares。
Lasttothosetrees,uponwhosebarkwasreadTheungratefullady"swriting,herepairs,Littlebesidetheroad;andtherefindsallInstrangedisorder,rockandwater-fall。
XLIX
Faroff,hesawthatsomethingshininglay,AndspiedOrlando"scorsletontheground;
Andnexthishelm;butnotthathead-piecegayWhichwhilomAfricanAlmontescrowned:
Heinthethicketheardacourserneigh,And,liftinguphisvisageatthesound,SawBrigliadorothegreenherbagebrowze,Withreinyethangingathissaddle-bows。
L
ForDurindane,hesoughtthegreenwood,round,Whichseparatefromthescabbardmethisview;
Andnextthesurcoat,butintatters,found;
That,inahundredrags,thechampaignstrew。
ZerbinoandIsabel,ingriefprofound,Stoodlookingon,norwhattothinktheyknew:
Theyofallmatterselsemightthink,besidesThefurywhichthewretchedCountmisguides。
LI
Hadbuttheloversseenadropofblood,TheymighthavewellbelievedOrlandodead:
Thiswhilethepair,besidetheneighbouringflood,Beheldashepherdcoming,palewithdread。
Hejustbefore,asonarockhestood,Hadseenthewretch"sfury;howheshedHisarmsabouttheforest,torehisclothes,Slewhinds,andcausedathousandotherwoes。
LII
QuestionedbygoodZerbino,himtheswainOfallwhichtherehadchanced,informedaright。
Zerbinomarvelled,andbelievedwithpain,Althoughtheproofswereclear:Thisasitmight,Hefromhishorsedismountedontheplain,Fullofcompassion,inafflictedplight;
Andwentabout,collectingfromthegroundThevariousrelicswhichwerescatteredround。
LIII
Isabellightsaswell;and,wheretheylieDispersed,thevariousarmsunitinggoes。
Lo!themadamseljoins,whofrequentsighHeavesfromherheart,anddolefulvisageshows。
Ifanyaskmewhothedame,andwhyShemourns,andwithsuchsorrowoverflows;
Isay"twasFlordelice,who,boundintraceOfherlostlover"sfootsteps,soughtthatplace。
LIV
HerBrandimarthadleftdisconsolateWithoutfarewell,i"thecourtofCharlemagne:
Whothereexpectedhimsixmonthsoreight;——
Andlastly,sincehecamenotthereagain,Fromseatosea,hadsoughtherabsentmate,ThroughAlpineandthroughPyreneanchain:
Ineveryplacehadsoughtthewarrior,saveWithinthepalaceofAtlantes"grave。
LV
Ifshehadbeeninthatenchantedhold,ShemightbeforehaveseenthecavalierWanderingwithBradamant,Rogerobold,GradassoandFerrauandBrava"speer。
But,whenAstolphochasedthewizardold,Withtheloudbugle,horribletohear,ToParishereturned;butnoughtofthisAsyetwasknowntofaithfulFlordelice。
LVI
ToFlordelicewereknownthearmsandsword(Who,asIsay,bychancesojoinedthetwain),AndBrigliadoro,leftwithouthislord,Yetbearingatthesaddle-bowhisrein:
Shewithhereyestheunhappysignsexplored,Andshehadheardthetidingsoftheswain,Whohadalikerelated,howheviewedOrlandorunningfrantic,inhismood。
LVII
HereprinceZerbinoallthearmsunites,Andhangs,likeafairtrophy,onapine。
And,topreservethemsafefromerrantknights,Nativesorforeigners,inoneshortlineUponthesapling"sverdantsurfacewrites,ORLANDO"SARMS,KINGCHARLES"SPALADINE。
Ashewouldsay,`Letnonethisharnessmove,Whocannotwithitslordhisprowessprove!"
LVIII
Zerbinohavingdonethepiousdeed,Isbowninghimtoclimbhishorse;when,lo!
TheTartarkingarrivesuponthemead。
He,atthetrophiedpine-tree"sgorgeousshow,Beseecheshimthecauseofthistoread;
Wholetshim(asrehearsed)thestoryknow。
When,withoutfurtherpause,thepaynimlordHastesgladlytothepine,andtakesthesword。
LIX
“Nonecan(hesaid)theactionreprehend,NorfirstImakethefaulchionminetoday;
AndtoitsjustpossessionIpretendWhere"erIfindit,beitwhereitmay。
Orlando,thisnotdaringtodefend,Hasfeignedhimmad,andcasttheswordaway;
Butifthechampionsoexcusehisshame,ThisisnocauseIshouldforegomyclaim。
LX
“Takeitnotthence,“tohimZerbinocried,“Northinktomakeitthinewithoutafight:
IfsothoutookestHector"sarmsofpride,Bytheftthouhadstthem,ratherthanbyright。”
Withoutmoreparleyspurreduponeachside。
Wellmatchedinsoulandvalour,eitherknight。
Alreadyechoedareathousandblows;
Noryetwellenteredaretheencounteringfoes。
LXI
InscapingDurindane,aflameinshow(Heshiftssoquickly)istheScottishlord。
Heleapsabouthiscourserlikeadoe,Where"ertheroadbestfootingdoesafford。
AndwellitisthatheshouldnotforegoAninchofvantage;who,ifoncethatswordSmitehim,willjointheenamouredghosts,whichroveAmidthemazesofthemyrtlegrove。
LXII
Astheswift-footeddog,whodoesespySwineseveredfromhisfellows,huntshimhard,Andcirclesroundabout;butheliesbyTilloncetherestlessfoeneglecthisguard;
So,whilethesworddescends,orhangsonhigh,Zerbinostands,attentivehowtoward,Howtosavelifeandhonourfromsurprise;
Andkeepsawaryeye,andsmitesandflies。
LXIII
Ontheotherside,where"erthefoeisseenTothreatenstrokeinvain,ormakegood,HeseemsanAlpinewind,twohillsbetween,ThatinthemonthofMarchshakesleafywood;
Whichtothegroundnowbendstheforestgreen。
Nowwhirlsthebrokenboughs,atrandomstrewed。
Althoughtheprincewardsmany,intheendOnemightystrokehecannotscapeorfend。
LXIV
Intheendhecannotscapeonedownrightblow,Whichenters,betweenswordandshield,hisbreast,Asperfectwastheplateandcorslet,soThickwasthesteelwhereinhispaunchwasdrest:
Butthedestructiveweapon,fallinglow,Equallyopenedeitherironvest;
Andcleftwhate"eritsweptinitsdescent,Andtothesaddle-bow,throughcuirass,went。
LXV
And,butthatsomewhatshorttheblowdescends,ItwouldZerbinolikeacanedivide;
Buthimsolittleinthequickoffends,Thisscarcebeyondtheskinisscarified。
Morethanaspaninlengththewoundextends;
Oflittledepth:ofbloodatepidtideTohisfeetdescending,withacrimsonline,Stainsthebrightarmswhichonthewarriorshine。
LXVI
"Tisso,IsometimeshavebeenwonttoviewAhand,morewhitethanalabaster,partThesilvercloth,withribbonredofhue;
AhandIoftenfeeldividemyheart。
HerelittlevantageyoungZerbinodrewFromstrengthandgreaterdaring,andfromart;
Forinthetemperofhisarmsandmight,ToomuchtheTartarkingexcelledtheknight。
LXVII
Thefearfulstrokewasmightierinshow,Thanineffect,bywhichthePrincewasprest;
SothatpoorIsabel,distraughtwithwoe,Feltherheartseveredinherfrozenbreast。
TheScottishprince,alloverinaglow,Withangerandresentmentwaspossest,Andputtingallhisstrengthineitherhand,SmotefulltheTartar"shelmetwithhisbrand。
LXVIII
Almostonhissteed"snecktheTartarfell,BentbytheweightyblowZerbinosped;
And,hadthehelmetbeenunfencedbyspell,Thebitingfaulchionwouldhaveclefthishead。
Theking,withoutdelay,avengedhimwell,“NorIforyoutillotherseason,“said,“Willkeepthisgift“;andlevelledathiscrest,HopingtopartZerbinotothechest。
LXIX
Zerbino,onthewatch,whoseeagereyeWaitsonhiswit,wheelsquicklytotheright;
Butnotwithalsoquickly,astoflyThetrenchantsword,whichsmotetheshieldoutright,Andcleftfromtoptobottomequally;
Shearingthesleevebeneathit,andtheknightSmoteonhisarm;andnexttheharnessrended,Andeventothechampion"sthighdescended。
LXX
Zerbino,hereandthere,seekseverywayBywhichtowound,noryethisendobtains;
For,whilehesmitesuponthatarmourgay,Notevenafeebledintthecoatretains。
Ontheotherhand,theTartarinthefraySuchvantageo"ertheScottishprinceobtains,Himhehaswoundedinsevenpartsoreight,Andrefthisshieldandhalfhishelmet"splate。
LXXI
Heeverwasteshisblood;hisenergiesFail,thoughhefeelsitnot,as"twouldappear;
Unharmed,thevigorousheartnewforcesuppliesTotheweakbodyofthecavalier。
Hislady,duringthis,whosecrimsondyesWherechasedbydread,toDoralicedrewnear,AndfortheloveofHeaven,thedamselwooedTostopthatevilanddisastrousfeud。
LXXII
Doralice,whoascourteouswasasfair,Andill-assuredwithal,howitwouldend,WillinglygrantedIsabella"sprayer,Andstraighttotruceandpeacedisposedherfriend,AswellZerbino,bytheother"scare,Wasbroughthisvengefulangertosuspend;
And,wendingwhereshewilled,theScottishlordLeftunachievedtheadventureofthesword。
LXXIII
FairFlordelice,whoillmaintaineddescriesThegoodlyswordoftheunhappycount,Insecretgarden,andsolamentstheprizeForegone,sheweepsforrage,andsmiteherfront:
ShewouldmoveBrandimarttothisemprize;
And,shouldshefindhim,andthefactrecount,Weens,forshortseasonwilltheTartarfoeExultingintheravishedfaulchiongo。
LXXIV
Seekinghimmornandevening,butinvain,FlordeliceafterBrandimartdidfare;
Andwidelywanderedfromhim,whoagainAlreadyhadtoParismaderepair。
Sofarthedamselprickedbyhillandplain,Shereachedthepassageofariver,whereShesawthewretchedcount;butwhatbefelTheScottishprince,Zerbino,letmetell。
LXXV
FortoleaveDurindanasuchmisdeedTohimappeared,itpastallotherwoes;
Thoughhecouldhardlysituponhissteed,Thoughmightylossoflife-blood,whichyetflows。
Now,whenhisangerandhisheatsecede,Aftershortinterval,hisanguishgrows;
Hisanguishgrows,withsuchimpetuouspains,Hefeelsthatlifeisebbingfromhisveins。
LXXVI
Forweaknesscantheprincenofurtherhie,Andsobesideafountisforcedtostay:
Himtoassistthepityingmaidwouldtry,Butknowsnotwhattodo,notwhattosay。
Forlackofcomfortshebeholdshimdie;
Sinceeverycityistoofaraway,Whereinthisneedshecouldresorttoleech,Whosesuccourshemightpurchaseorbeseech。
LXXVII
She,blamingFortune,andthecruelsky,Canonlyutterfondcomplaintsandvain。
“WhysankInotinocean,(washercry,)
WhenfirstIrearedmysailuponthemain?“
Zerbino,whoonherhislanguideyeHadfixt,asshebemoanedher,feltmorepainThanthatenduringandstronganguishbred,Throughwhichthesufferingyouthwaswell-nighdead。
LXXVIII
“Sobethoupleased,myheart,“(Zerbinocried,)
“Tolovemeyet,whenIamdeadandgone,Astoabandontheewithoutaguide,Andnottodie,distressesmealone。
FordiditmeinplacesecurebetideToendmydays,thisearthlyjourneydone,Icheerful,andcontent,andfullyblestWoulddie,sinceIshoulddieuponthybreast。
LXXIX
“Butsincetoabandonthee,towhomaprizeIknownot,mysadfatecompels,Iswear,MyIsabella,bythatmouth,thoseeyes,Bywhatenchainedmefirst,thatlovelyhair;
Myspirit,troubledanddespairing,hiesIntohell"sdeepandgloomybottom;whereTothink,thouwertabandonedsobyme,Ofallitswoestheheaviestpainwillbe。”
LXXX
AtthisthesorrowingIsabel,decliningHermournfulface,whichwithhertearso"erflows,Towardsthesufferer,andhermouthconjoiningToherZerbino"s,languidasarose;
Rosegatheredoutofseason,andwhich,piningFadeswhereitontheshadowyhedgerowgrows,Exclaims,“Withoutmethinknotso,myheart,Onthisyourlast,long,journeytodepart。
LXXXI
“Ofthis,myheart,conceivenotanyfear,ForIwillfollowtheetoheavenorhell;
Itfitsoursoulstogetherquitthissphere,Togethergo,forayetogetherdwell。
NosoonerclosedthineeyelidsshallappearThaneithermeinternalgriefwillquell,Or,hasitnotsuchpower,Ihereprotest,Iwiththisswordto-daywillpiercemybreast。
LXXXII
“Iofourbodiescherishhopenotlight,Thattheyshallhaveahappierfatewhendead:
Togethertoentombthem,maysomewight,Haplybypitymoved,behitherled。”
ShethepoorremnantsofhisvitalspriteWentoncollecting,asthesewordsshesaid;
Andwhileyetaughtremains,withmournfullips,Thelastfaintbreathoflifedevoutlysips。
LXXXIII
"TwasherehisfeeblevoiceZerbinomanned,Crying。“Mydeity,Ibegandpray,Bythatlovewitnessed,whenthyfather"slandThouquittedstformysake;and,ifImayInanythingcommandthee,Icommand,That,withGod"spleasure,thoulive-outthyday;
Noreverbanishfromthymemory,That,wellasmancanlove,haveIlovedthee。
LXXXIV
“Godhaplywillprovidetheewithgoodaid,TofreetheefromeachchurlishdeedIfear;
As,wheninthedarkcavernthouwaststayed,Hesent,torescuethee,Anglante"speer;
Sohe(grammercy!)succouredtheedismaidAtsea,andfromthewickedBiscayneer。
And,ifthoumustchoosedeath,inplaceofworse,Thenonlychooseit,asalessercurse。”
LXXXV
IthinknottheselastwordsofScotland"sknightWeresoexprest,thathewasunderstood:
Withthese,hefinished,likeafeeblelight,Whichneedssupplyofwas,orotherfood——
Whoisthere,thathaspowertotellarightThegentleIsabella"sdolefulmood?
Whenstiff,herlovedZerbino,withpaleface,Andcoldasice,remainedinherembrace。
LXXXVI
Ontheensanguinedcorse,insorrowdrowned,Thedamselthrowsherself,inherdespair,AndshriekssoloutthatwoodandplainresoundFormanymilesabout;nordoesshespareBosomorcheek;butstill,withcruelwound,Oneandtheothersmitestheafflictedfair;
Andwrongshercurlinglockofgoldengrain,Ayecallingonthewell-lovedyouthinvain。
LXXXVII
Shewithsuchrage,suchfury,waspossest,That,inhertransport,sheZerbino"sglaiveWouldeasilyhaveturnedagainstherbreast,Illkeepingthecommandherlovergave;
Butthatahermit,fromhisneighbouringrest,Accustomedofttoseekthefountain-wave,Hisflagonatthecoolingstreamtofill,Opposedhimtothedamsel"sevilwill。
LXXXVIII
Thereverendfather,whowithnaturalsenseAbundantgoodnesshappilycombined,And,withensamplesfraughtandeloquence,Wasfullofcharitytowardsmankind,Withefficaciousreasonsherdidfence,AndtoenduranceIsabelinclined;
Placing,fromancientTestamentandnew,Women,asinamirror,forherview。
LXXXIX
Theholymannextmadethedamselsee,ThatsaveinGodtherewasnotruecontent,Andprovedallotherhopewastransitory,Fleeting,oflittleworth,andquicklyspent;
Andurgedwithalsoearnestlyhisplea,Hechangedherillandobstinateintent;
Andmadeher,fortherestoflife,desireTolivedevotedtoherheavenlysire。
XC
Notthatshewouldhermightyloveforbear,Forherdeadlord,noryethisrelicsslight;
These,didshehaltorjourney,everywhereWouldIsabelhavewithher,dayandnight。
Thehermitthereforesecondinghercare,Who,forhisage,wassoundandfullofmight,TheyonhismournfulhorseZerbinoplaced,Andtraversedmanyadaythatwoodlandwaste。
XCI
ThecautiouselderwouldnotbearawayThusallalonewithhimthatdamselblandThither,whereinacave,concealedfromday,Hissolitarycellhardbydidstand:
Withinhimselfexclaiming:“IconveyWithperilfireandfuelinonehand。”
NorinsuchboldexperimentsthesageWiselywouldtrusttoprudenceortoage。
XCII
HethoughttobearhertoProvence,where,nearThecityofMarseillesaboroughstood,Whichhadasumptuousmonastery;hereOfladieswasaholysisterhood;
And,hithertotransportthecavalier,Theystowedhisbodyinachestofwood,Madeinatownbytheway-side;andwhichWaslongandroomy,andwellclosedwithpitch。
XCIII
So,compassingamightyround,theyfareThroughwildestparts,formanyandmanyaday;
Because,thewarextendingeverywhere,Theyseektohidethemselvesasbesttheymay:
Atlengthacavalierarreststhepair,Thatwithfoulscornandoutragebarstheirway;
Ofwhomyoumoreinfittingtimeshalllearn,ButtotheTartarkingInowreturn。
XCIV
Afterthefightbetweenthetwowasdone,Alreadytoldbyme,thekingwithdrewToacoolingshadeandriverfromthesun,Hishorse"sreinsandsaddletoundo;
Lettingthecourserathispleasurerun,Browsingthetendergrassthepasturethrough:
ButhereposedshorttimeerehedescriedAnerrantknightdescendthemountain"sside。
XCV
HimDoralice,assoonashehisfrontUplifted,knew;andshowedhimtoherknight:
Saying:“Behold!thehaughtyRodomont,Unlessthedistancehasdeceivedmysight。
Tocombatwiththee,hedescendsthemount:
Nowitbehovestheeputforthallthymight。
Toloseme,hisbetrothed,amightycrossThemonarchdeems,andcomestovengehisloss。”
XCVI
Asagoodhawk,whoduckorwoodcockshy,Partridgeorpigeon,orsuchotherprey,Seeingtowardsherfromadistancefly,Raisesherhead,andshowsherblitheandgay;
SoMandricardo,insecurityOfcrushingRodomontinthataffray,Gladlyhiscourserseized,bestrodetheseat,Reinedhim,andinthestirrupsfixthisfeet。
XCVII
Whenthetwohostilewarriorsweresonear,Thatwordscouldbeexchangedbetweenthetwain,LoudlybeganthemonarchofArgierTothreatwithheadandhand,inhaughtystrain,ThattorepentancehewillbringthepeerWholightlyforapleasure,rashandvain,HadscruplednothisangertoexciteWhodearlywilltheofferedscornrequite。
XCVIII
WhenMandricardo:“HebutvainlytriesTofright,whothreatensme——bywordsunscared。
Woman,orchild,orhimheterrifies,Witlessofwarfare;notme,whoregardWithmoredelightthanrest,whichothersprize,Thestirringbattle;andwhoampreparedMyfoemaninthelistsorfieldtomeet;
Armedorunarmed,onhorseoronmyfeet。”
XCIX
Theypasstooutrage,shout,andire,unsheathThebrand;andloudlysmiteseachcruelfoe;
Likewinds,whichscarceatfirstappeartobreathe,Nextshaketheoakandash-treeastheyblow;
Thentotheskiesupwhirlthedustywreath,Thenlevelforests,andlayhouseslow,Andbearthestormabroad,o"erlandandmain,Bywhichtheflocksingreenwood-holtareslain。
C
Ofthosetwoinfidels,unmatchedinworth,Thevaliantheartandstrength,whichthusexceed,Tosuchawarfareandsuchblowsgivebirth,Assuitswithwarriorofsoboldaseed。
Attheloudsoundandhorrid,tremblesearth,Whentheswordscross;andtothestrokesucceedQuicksparks;orrather,flashingtothesky,Brightflamesbythousandsandbythousandsfly。
CI
Withoutoncegatheringbreath,withoutrepose,Thechampionsoneanotherstillassail;
Striving,nowhere,nowthere,withdeadlyblows,Torivetheplate,orpenetratethemail。
Northisonegains,northeothergroundforegoes;
But,asifgirdedinbyfosseorpale,Or,astoodearlysoldtheydeemaninch,Ne"erfromtheircloseandnarrowcircleflinch。
CII
Midthousandblows,so,withtwo-handedswing,Onhisfoe"sforeheadsmotetheTartarknight,Hemadehimsee,revolvinginaring,Myriadsoffieryballsandsparksoflight。
Thecroupe,withheadreversed,theSarzankingNowsmote,asifdeprivedofallhismight,Thestirrupslost;andinhersight,sowellBeloved,appearedabouttoquitthesell。
CIII
Butassteelarbalestthat"sloadedsore,Byhowmuchistheenginechargedandstrained,Byleverorbycrane,withsomuchmoreFuryreturns,itsancientbentregained,And,indischargingitsdestructivestore,Inflictsworseevilthanitselfsustained;
SorosethatAfricanwithreadyblade,Andstraightwithdoubleforcethestrokerepaid。
CIV
Rodomontsmites,andintheveryplaceWherehewassmit,theTartarinreturn;
ButcannotwoundtheSarzanintheface,BecausehisTrojanarmstheweaponturn;
Yessoastounds,heleaveshimnotincase,Ifitbemornoreveningtodiscern。
Rodomontstoptnot,butinfuryspedAsecondblow,stillaimingathishead。
CV
KingMandricardo"scourser,whoabhorredThewhistlingofthesteelwhichroundhimflew,Saved,withsoremischieftohimself,hislord;
Inthathebackedthefaulchiontoeschew:
Aimedathismaster,notathim,theswordSmotehimacrossthehead,andcleftitthrough。
NoTrojanhelmdefendsthewretchedhorse,LikeMandricardo,andhediesparforce。
CVI
Hefalls,andMandricardoontheplainNomoreastound,slidesdownuponhisfeet,Andwhirlshissword;toseehiscourserslainHestormsalloverfiredwithangryheat。
AthimtheSarzanmonarchdrivesamain;
Whostandsasfirmasrockwhichbillowsbeat。
Andsoithappened,thatthecoursergoodFellinthecharge,whilefastthefootmanstood。
CVII
TheAfrican,whofeelshishorsegiveway,Thestirrupsquits,andlightlyfromthesellIsfreed,andspringsonearth:fortheassayHencematchedanew,standseitherinfidel。
Worsethanbeforethebattleboils,whiletheyWithprideandanger,andwithhatredswell,Abouttoclose;butthat,withflowingrein,Amessengerarrivestopartthetwain。
CVIII
Amessengerarrives,thatfromtheMoor,Withmanyothers,newsthroughFranceconveyed;
Whowordtosimpleknightandcaptainbore,Tojointhetroops,beneaththeirflagsarrayed。
Forhe,theemperor,whothelilieswore,Siegetotheirquartershadalreadylaid;
And,savequicksuccourthitherwasaddrest,Heread,theirarmy"sscathewasmanifest。
CIX
TheMoorishmessengernotonlyknows,Byensignsandbyvest,thewarlikepair,Butbythecirclingblades,andfuriousblows,Withwhichnootherhandscouldwoundtheair;
Hencedarednot"twixtchampionsinterpose,NordeemedhisordersanassurancewereFromsuchimpetuousfury,northesaw,Whichsaysembassadorsaresafebylaw: