第14章

XXXIII

Whate"ershetouches，wallorrampiresteep，Goestotheground"where"erthemonsterwends，Eachfortressopens；neithercastle-keep，Norcityfromherrageitswealthdefends。

HonoursdivineaswellthatBeastwouldreap，Itseems(whilethebesottedrabblebends)

Andclaimwithal，astoitskeepinggiven，ThesacredkeyswhichopenHellandHeaven。

XXXIV

Approachingnext，isseenacavalier，Histemplescircledwithimperialbay；

Threeyouthswithhimincompanyappear，Withgoldenlilieswroughtintheirarray:

AlionseemsagainstthatmonsterdrearToissue，withthesamedeviceasthey:

Thenameoftheseareonthemarbleread，Someontheirskirt，somewrittenoverhead。

XXXV

OfthosewhosoagainstBeastadvance，Onetothehilthasinhislife-blooddyedHisfaulchion，FrancisstyledthefirstofFrance；

WithAustrianMaximilianathisside:

Inone，whogoreshisgulletwiththelance，TheemperorCharlesthefifthissignified:

HenrytheeighthofEnglandishehight，Whointhemonster"sbreastadarthaspight。

XXXVI

TheTENTH，inwriting，onhisbackdisplayedTheLion，whothatBeastisseentoholdBybothhisears，andhimsowellhasbayed，Thatthithertroopassistantsmanifold。

"Twouldseemtheworldallfearasidehaslaid；

And，inamendmentoftheirerrorsold，Thitherwardnoblestroop，butthesearefew；

AndsothathideousBeastthosehuntersslew。

XXXVII

Inwonderstoodlongtimethatwarliketrain，Desirous，asthestoriedworktheytraced，ToknowbyhandsofwhomthatBeastwasslain，Whichhadsomanysmilinglandsdefaced，Thenamesunknowntothem，thoughfiguredplainUponthemarblewhichthatfountaincased:

Theyoneanotherprayed，ifanyguessedThatstory，hewouldtellittotherest。

XXXVIII

VivianonMalagigiturnedhiseyes，Wholisteningstoodthiswhile，yetspakehenought。

“Withthee，“hecried，“totellthemeaninglies，Whoarethey，bywhosedartsandlancesdiesThatshouldstbywhatIseeinthisbetaught:

Thehideousmonster，thattobayisbrought?“——

AndMalagigi——“HithertotheirgloryNoauthorhasconsignedtolivingstory。

XXXIX

“Thechiefswhosenamesaregraveduponthestone，Notyethavemoveduponthisworldlystage；

Butwillwithinsevenhundredyearsbeknown，Tothegreathonourofafutureage。

WhattimekingArthurfilledtheBritishthrone，ThisfountainMerlinmade，enchantersage；

WhothingstocomeuponthemarblefairMadesculpturebyacunningartist"scare。

XL

“ThisBeast，whenweightsandmeasuresfirstwerefound，Cameoutofnetherhell；whenontheplain，Commonbefore，menfixedthelandmark"sbound，Andfashionedwrittenpactswithjealouspain；

Yetwalkednoteverywhere，atfirst，herround:

Unvisitedsheleftyetmanyareign:

Throughdiverseplacesinourtimeshewends；

Butthevilerabbleandthecrowdoffends。

XLI

“Fromthebeginningeventoourday，Ayehasthatmonstergrown，andayewillgrow；

Andtillmuchtimebepastwillgrowalway:

Wasnevermightier，norworsecauseofwoe。

ThatPython，oftthethemeofancientlay，Sopassingwonderfulandfierceinshow，Camenotbyhalfthisloathsomemonsternigh，Inallitsfoulnessanddeformity。

XLII

“Dreaddesolationshallitmake；norplaceWillunpollutedoruntaintedbe；

AndyouinthemysterioussculpturedtraceButlittleofitsfouliniquity。

Theworld，whenwearyofimploringgrace，Thoseworthypeers(whosenamesyousculpturedsee，Andwhichshallblazingcarbuncleoutshine)，Tosuccourinitsutmostneedcombine。

XLIII

“NooneshallmorethatcruelbeastmolestThanFrancis，whotherealmofFrancewillsteer，Whojustlyshallbeforwardinthisquest，Whomnoneshallgobeyond，whomfewshallpeerSinceheinsplendour，asinalltherest，Wantinginworth，willmanymakeappearWhowhilomperfectseemed；sofadeandyieldAlllessergloriestothesunrevealed。

XLIV

“Inthefirstyearofhissuccessfulreign，Thecrownyetillsecureuponhisfront，HethreadstheAlps，andmakestheirlabourvain，WhowouldagainsthisarmsmaintaintheMount。

Impelledbygenerousandbyjustdisdain，Theunavengedasyetisthataffront，WhichaFrencharmysufferedfromtheirrage，Whopouredfrombeast-cote，field，andpasturage:

XLV

“AndthenceshallintotherichLombardplainDescend，withalltheflowerofFrance，andsoShallbreaktheSwitzer，thathenceforthinvainWouldheuplifthishornagainstthefoe。

TothesorescandaloftheChurchandSpain，AndtotheFlorentine"smuchscatheandwoe，Byhimthatfamouscastleshallbequelled，Whichinexpugnablewhilerewasheld。

XLVI

“Inquellingithishonouredfaulchion，moreThanotherarms，availingshallbefound；

WhichfirstthatcruelBeasttodeathwillgore，Thefouldestroyerofeachcountryround:

ParforcewilleverystandardflybeforeThatconqueringfaulchion，orbecasttoground:

Nor，stormedbyit，willrampart，fosse，orwall，Securethecity，theysurround，fromfall。

XLVII

“Imbuedwitheverygenerousquality，Whichcaningreatcommanderbecombined，——PrudencelikehiswhowonThrasymenaeAndTrebbia"sfield，withCaesar"sdaringmind，AndAlexander"sfortune，himIsee；

Withoutwhichalldesignsaremistandwind；

Withal，sopassingliberal，IinnoneMarkhisexampleorhisparragon。”

XLVIII

SoMalagigitohiscomradessaid，AndmovedinthemdesiresomenametohearOfothers，whohadlaidthatmonsterdead，Whichtoslayothershadbeenusedwhilere。

AmongthefirstBernardo"snamewasread，MuchvauntedinthewritingoftheSeer:

Whosaid，“ThroughhimasknownasBibbienaAsherownneighbourFlorenceandSiena。

XLIX

“MoreforwardinthischaseshallnooneshowThanSigismond，thanLewis，andthanJohn；

Eachtothathideousbeastacruelfoe；

OneaGonzaga，oneofArragon，AndoneaSalviati:withthemgoFrancisGonzagaandFrederickhisson:

Brotherandson-in-law，theiraidafford；

OnechiefFerrara"s，oneUrbino"slord。

L

“Ofoneofthesetheson，SirGuidobald，Willnotbysire，orother，distancedbe:

WithOttobondeFlisco，SinibaldChasestheBeast，bothstrivingequally:

LewisdeGazoloitsneckhasgalledWithoneofthosekeendarts，Apollo"sfee，Givenwithhisbow，whattimeaswellhisglaive，Thegodofwar，togirdthatwarrior，gave。

LI

“TwoHerculesandtwoHippolytiOfEste，aHerculesandHippolyteOftheGonzagas"andtheMedici，Huntandfatiguethemonsterinhisflight:

NorJulianletshisgoodsonpasshimby；

NorboldFerranthisbrother；norlesswightIsAndrewDoria；norbyanyoneIsFrancisSforzainthechaseoutdone。

LII

“OfgoodAvalo"sgloriouslineagebred，Twochiefsthatmountainfortheirbearingshow，Which，hidinghim，fromdragon-feettohead，ThewickedTypheusseemstokeepbelow。

"Midthosecombined，tolaythemonsterdead，Shallnonemoreforwardthanthiscouplego:

HimFrancisofPescaranamesthetext；

Alphonso，hightofGuasto，isthenext。

LIII

“ButwhereleaveIGonsalvoFerrant，whoIsheldinsuchesteem，theprideofSpain?

SopraisedbyMalagigi，thathimfewEqualamongtheworthiesofthattrain。

William，surnamedofMonferrato，view"Midthosethathavethehideousmonsterslain:

Butthesearefewcomparedwithnumbersround，WhomthatdespiteousBeastshallkillorwound。”

LIV

Toconversegaythefriendsthemselvesaddrest，Andseemlypastimes，whentheirmealwasdone，Throughthehotnoontide，andfinecarpetsprest，"Midshrubs，bywhichthelimpidriverrun。

VivianandMalagigi，thattherestMightbemoretranquil，watchedwitharmouron；

Whenunaccompaniedtheysawadame，Whoquicklytowardstheirplaceofsheltercame；

LV

Hippalcashe；fromwhomwastornawayFrontino，thatgoodhorse，byRodomont:

Himhadshelongpursuedtheformerday，Andnowwithprayer，nowfollowedwithaffront。

Whichbootingnought，shehadretracedherway，ToseekRogerooutinAgrismont；

And，howIknownot，hearduponherround，HeherewithRichardettowouldbefound。

LVI

And，fortoherwellknownwasthatrepair，Usedbyheroften，sheherselfaddrestTowardsthefount，andinthatquarterfairFoundhim，andinwhatmanner，wasexprest；

Butlikeembassadress，who——wiseandware——

Betterthanwasenjoinedperformsahest，WhenRichardettoshebeheld，madeshowAsifshegoodRogerodidnotknow。

LVII

SheturnedherwhollytoSirRichardet，Asbounddirecttohim；and，onhisside，Hewhowellknewher，straightuproseandmet，Andaskedthatdamselwhitherwardshehied。

Hippalca，withhereyesyetredandwetFromherlongweeping，sighingdeeply，cried，Butcriedaloud，thatyoungRogero，nearThewarriorsheaddrest，hertalemighthear:

LVIII

“IfromMountAlbanwithacoursersped；

(Soyourgoodsisterhadcommandedme)

Ahorsemuchlovedbyher，andhighlybred；

Frontinoisycleptthatchargerfree；

AndhimImorethanthirtymileshadledTowardsMarseilles，whereshedesignedtobeWithinfewdays；byherenjoinedtowendThither，andherarrivalthereattend。

LIX

“Iinthesurebeliefpursuedmycourse，Wasnonesostoutofheart，ifIshouldsayHowSirRinaldo"ssisterownedthehorse，Hewouldpresumetotakethatsteedaway。

Butvainwasmydesign；forhimparforceASaracentookfrommeyesterday:

Nor，whentohimhismaster"snameIread，Willthatboldrobberrenderbackthesteed。

LX

“HimIto-dayandallthedaybeforeHaveprayed，andprayerandmenaceprovingvain，Ayecursinghimandexecratingsore，Haveleftatlittledistance；where，withpain，Bothtohiscourserandhimself，theMoor，Asbesthecan，acombatdoesmaintainAgainstaknight，whohimsohardhasprest，Itrustmyinjuryshallberedrest。”

LXI

AtthisRogero，leapingonhisfeet，Whoscarcelyhadenduredthewholetohear，ToRichardettoturned；and，asameetGuerdonforhisgooddeed，thecavalierDid，withbeseechingsinfinite，entreatTolethimsinglywiththatdamselsteer，Untilsheshowedthepaynim，whobyforceHadwrestedfromherhandsthatgoodlyhorse。

LXII

Richardet(thoughitseemsdiscourtesyToyieldtootherchampionthatemprize，Whichbyhimselfshouldterminatedbe)

YetwithRogero"searnestsuitcomplies；

Whotakesfarewellofthatgoodcompany，Andwiththedamselonherjourneyhies。

Andleavesthoseothers，whomhisfeatsconfound，Notmerelylostinwonder，butastoud。

LXIII

TohimHippalcasaid，whensheapartHaddrawnhimtosomedistancefromtherest，ShewasdispatchedbyherthatinherheartBoreofhisworththeimagesoimprest；——

Andadded，withoutusingfartherart，Allthatherladyhadtohimaddrest；

Andifshetoldanothertalewhilere，OfRichardettoshewastheninfear。

LXIV

SheaddedhowtheauthorofthatdeedHadalsosaidtoherwithmicklepride；

“BecauseIknowRogeroownsthesteed，MorewillinglyItakehimfromhisguide。

Ifhewouldrepossessthecourser，readTohimwhatIhavenodesiretohide，IamthatRodomont，whosemartialworthScattersitssplendourthroughthisampleearth。”

LXV

Listening，thevisageoftheyouthfulknightShowedwithwhatragehisheartwasinaflame，Aswellasthatthehorsewashisdelight；

Aswelluponaccountofwhenceitcame；

Andalsothat"twasreftinhisdespite；

Heseesdishonourwillensueandblame，SavehefromRodomontredeemstheprey，Andwithaduerevengethatwrongrepay。

LXVI

Withhim，withoutrepose，thedamselrides，Whowithhisfoewouldbringhimfronttofront；

Andthitherjournieswheretheroaddivides，Andonebranchcutstheplain，oneclimbsthemount，Andeitherpathwaytothatvalleyguides，WhereshehadnewlyleftKingRodomont，Themountaintrackwasshort，buttrodwithpain；

Thatotherlongerfar，butsmoothandplain。

LXVII

Hippalca"sardourtoretrievetheprey，AnduponRodomont"savengethewrong，Incitesthatmaidthemountaintoassay；

Bywhich(assaid)thejourneywaslesslong:

WhileMandricardo，Rodomont，andtheyOfwhomIerstmadementioninmysong，Thateasiertrackacrossthelevelhold；

AndthusencounternotRogerobold。

LXVIII

UntilKingAgramantshallsuccouredbe，Suspendedistheirquarrel(inwhatwiseYouknow)，andinthechampions"companyDoralice，causeofalltheirdiscord，hies。

Nowheartheupshotofthishistory！

Theirwaydirectlybythatfountainlies，BesidewhosemarginareinpastimemetMarphisaandAldigierandRichardet。

LXIX

Marphisahad，athercompanions"prayer，Cloathedherinfemaleornamentsandvest，Ofthose，whichbyMaganza"straitourwereLatetoLanfusa，infulltrust，addrest；

And，thoughtheappearanceofthatmaidwasrareWithouthercorslet，casqueandalltherest，——Attheirentreaty，theseforoncelaiddown——

Shedeignedtoseemamaidanddonnedthegown。

LXX

AssoonasMandricardosawherface，Intrustthat，couldhewinherinaffray，Hewouldthatmaid，inrecompenseandplaceOfDoralice，toRodomontconvey；

AsifLovetraffickedinsuchcontractsbase，Andlovercouldhisladychangeaway，Noryetwithreasonattheeventbepained，Ifheinlosingoneanothergained。

LXXI

Hencewithadamseltoprovidethepeer，Thathehimselftheothermayretain；

Deemingherworthyanycavalier，Hewouldbyforceofarmsthemaidobtain；

And，asifhecouldsuddenlyholddearThismaidasthat，onhimbestowthegain；

Andallofthose，whomheaboutherspied，Forthwithtojoustandsinglefightdefied。

LXXII

VivianandMalagigi(whoweredightInarms，asguardandsuretyfortherest，)

Oneandtheotherchampion——promptforfight，Roselightlyfromtheherbagewhichtheyprest，Deemingtheyhadtojoustwitheitherknight；

ButRodomont，whocamenotonthisquest，Nomotionmadeasheacoursewouldrun；

Sothattheyhadtotourneybutwithone。

LXXIII

SirVivianisthefirstwhomoveshishorse，Withmightyheart，andlayshisweaponlow；

Andhe，thatTartarking，renownedforforce，Withgreaterpuissancemeetsthecomingfoe。

HislanceeachwarriorlevelsinthecourseWherehebeststruststoplantthefuriousblow。

VainlySirVivian"sspearthecasqueoffends；

Northrowsthatpaynimknight，norevenbends。

LXXIV

ThatTartar"sharderweaponmakestheshieldOfVivian，attheironset，flylikegrass；

And，tumblingfromhissaddleonthefield，Extendsthechampionamidflowersandgrass。

TorunhischanceSirMalagigi，steeled，Didtohisbrother"ssuccourquicklypass；

But(suchthatwarrior"shurrytobenear)

Ratheraccompanied，thanvengedthepeer。

LXXV

TheotherofthosebrethrenarmedbeforeHiscousin，andhadbackedhiscourserwight；

And，havingfirstdefied，encounteredsore，Spurringwithflowingrein，thestrangerknight。

AgainstthetemperedhelmthatpaganworeSoundedtheblow，aninchbelowthesight:

Heaven-highthetruncheonflew，infragmentsbroke，Butthestoutpaganwincednotforthestroke。

LXXVI

Himontheleftsidesmotethatpaynimpeer，And(fortheblowwaswithhugeforcedesigned)

Littlehisshield，andlesshisirongear，Availed，whichopenedliketheyieldingrhind:

Theweaponpiercedhisshoulder；AldigierNowrightnowleftuponhishorseinclined；

Thenhim，"midgrassandflowers，hiscomradesview，Witharmsofcrimson，faceofpallid，hue。

LXXVII

NextRichardettocomes，andfortheblowIntended，levelssuchamightylance，Heshowedhimself，ashewaswonttoshow，WorthytobeapaladinofFrance；

Andhasstampedsignsofthisuponthefoe。

Ifhehadwarredonhimwithequalchance；

Butprostraterolled，encumberedbyhissteed；

Norfellthecourserthroughhislord"smisdeed。

LXXVIII

Whenknightappearednotontheotherside，Whoshouldinjoustthepaynimkingaffront，Hethoughtthedamselwashisprize，andhiedThither，whereshewasseatedbythefount。

And——“Lady，youaremine，“theTartarcried，“Saveotherchampioninyoursuccourmount；

Norcanyoumakedenialorexcuse，Sincesuchtherightofwarandcommonuse。”

LXXIX

Marphisaraisedherfacewithhaughtycheer，Andansweredhim:“Thyjudgmentwandersfar；

Iwillconcedethysentencewouldbeclear，ConcludingIamthinebyrightofwar，IfeitherweremylordorcavalierOfthose，bytheeunhorsedinbloodyjar:

NortheirsamI，norother"s，butmyown，Whowinsme，winsmefrommyselfalone。

LXXX

“Itoowithlanceandsworddodoughtydeed，Andmorethanonegoodknightonearthhavelaid——

Giveme，“shecried，“myarmourandmysteed。”

Andreadilyhersquiresthathestobeyed:

Theninherwaistcoatstood，offlowingweedDespoiled，withwell-knitfromandcharmsdisplayed；

Andinallpoints(suchstrengthsheshewedandgrace)

ResembledheavenlyMars，exceptherface。

LXXXI

Thedamseldonnedhersword，whenarmedallo"er，Andonhercourserleaptwithnimblespring；

And，rightandleft，shemadehim，thriceormorePoisedonhishaunches，turninnarrowring。

And，levellingthesturdylanceshebore，Defied，andnextassailed，theTartarking。

SocombatingwithPeleus"son，ofyore，PenthesilaeawarredonTrojanshore。

LXXXII

Likebrittlecrystal，inthatproudcareer，Theweaponsattheresttopieceswent；

Yetneitherofthosewarriors，"twouldappear，Backwardsoneinchattheirencounterbent。

Marphisa，whowouldwillinglybeclearWhatofacloserfightwouldbetheevent，Foranewcombatwiththepaynimlord，Wheeled，toattackthatwarriorwiththesword。

LXXXIII

ThatTartarcursedtheelementsandsky，Whenherhesawremaininginhersell；

Andshe，whothoughttomakehisbucklerfly，Cursedheavenasloudlyasthatinfidel。

Alreadyweretheirfaulchionsraisedonhigh，Whichontheenchantedarmslikehammersfell:

Enchantedarmsbothcombatantsenclose，Nevermoreneededbythosedeadlyfoes。

LXXXIV

Soperfectarethechampions"plateandchain，Theythrustorcutofspearorfaulchionstay；

Sothatthetwothebattlemightmaintain，Throughoutthisandthroughoutanotherday:

ButRodomontleapsinbetweenthetwain，AndtaxesMandricardowithdelay；

Crying，“Ifbattlehereistobedone，Finishwethatwhichweto-daybegun。

LXXXV

“Wemadeatruce，thouknowest，uponpactOffurnishingourbaffledforcesaid；

NorfoeinjoustorfightcanbeattackedByuswithjusticetillthisdebtbepaid。”

ThentoMarphisaheinreverentactAddressedhimself，andofthatcouriersaid；

Andnextrecountedtothemartialdame，HowseekingaidforAgramanthecame。

LXXXVI

NextpraysnotonlywiththatTartarknightShewillabandonordeferthefray；

Butthat，Troyano"svaliantsontoright，Shewill，togetherwiththem，wendherway；

Bywhichherwarlikefameahigherflight，Moreeasilymay，eventoheaven，assay，Thaninaquarrelofsuchpaltryguise，Whichoffershindrancetosuchfairemprize。

LXXXVII

Marphisa，whohadevermoreinthoughtToprovethepaladinsofCharles，andwhoToFrancewasoverlandandoceanbrought，Fromclimesodistant，withnootherview，ThanbyherownexperiencetobetaughtIftheirfar-spreadrenownwerefalseortrue，Resolvedtogetherwiththetrooptospeed，Assoonasshehadheardtheirmonarch"sneed。

LXXXVIII

MeanwhileRogero，withthatguidingmay，Hadvainlybytheruggedpathwaysped；

WhothatkingRodomontanotherwayHadtaken，whenhereachedthemountain，read；

Andthinking，thathewasnotfaraway，Andtheroadstraighttowardsthatfountainled，TrottinginhastebehindtheSarzanhied，Wherehenewprintsuponthepathespied。

LXXXIX

HippalcahetoMontAlbanoprayed，Towend，whichdistantoneday"sjourneylies；

Becausetoseekanewthatfountain-glade，Wouldbetowanderintoowideaguise。

Andthatsheneednotdoubtwithal，hesaid，Butthathewouldretrievetheravishedprize。

And，weresheinMountAlban——orwhere"er——

Vowedshethetidingsspeedilyshouldhear，XC

Andgavethelettertothatmaidtobear，Which，writbyhim，heinhisbosomwore，Andaddedmanymatters，withtheprayer，Shewouldexcusehimbyherfriendlylore。

Hippalcainhermemoryfixt，withcare，Thewhole；tookleave，andturnedherhorseoncemore:

NorceasedthatfaithfulmessengertorideTillsheMountAlbanreachedatevening-tide。

XCI

Rogerofollowedfastthepaynimknight，Trackedo"erthelevelbythosefootstepsnew，Butovertookhimnot，tillhegotsight，Besidethefount，ofMandricardotoo。

Alreadyeitherhadhispromiseplight，Henoughtunknowntohiscompeerwoulddo，Tilltheyhadsuccourtothathostconveyed，OnwhichKingCharleshisyokehadnearlylaid。

XCII

Arrived，RogeroknewFrontinogay，And，throughthatcourser，knewtheknightastride；

Andonhislancewithbendingshoulderlay，AndinfiercetonetheAfricandefied。

JobwasoutdonebyRodomontthatday，Inthatthekingsubduedhishaughtypride，AndthefellfightwhichhehadeverusedToseekwitheveryinstance，herefused。

XCII

Thefirstdaythisandlast，thate"erinfightKingRodomontrefusedhisparttobear！

Buthisdesireappearedtohimsoright，Insuccourofhissovereigntorepair；

ThatifhehadbelievedheclutchedtheknightFasterthannimbleleopardgripesthehare，Henotsofarhispurposewouldforego，Asonhispreytowasteapassingblow。

XCIV

Add，thatheknowsRogeroisthepeerWhohimforgoodFrontinonowassails；——

Sofamous，thatnoothercavalierLikehimsucheminenceofgloryscales；——

Theman，ofwhomhegladlywouldbeclear，Byproof，howmuchinbattleheavails:

Yetshunsthecombat，profferedonhispart；

Somuchhismonarch"ssiegehasheatheart。

XCV

Threehundredmiles，athousand，wouldheride，——Wereitnotso——topurchasesuchaffray；

Buthe，ifhimAchilleshaddefied，HaddonenootherwisethanasIsay；

SodeeplydidthecoveringasheshideThatfirebeneath，whosefurystifledlay:

Hetoldwhyherefusedthestrife；andprayed，AswellRogerothedesigntoaid。

XCVI

Addingthathe，indoingso，woulddoWhattohislordafaithfulvassalowes；

Still，whenthesiegewasraised，mighttheyrenewAndterminatetheirdeadlystrifebyblows。

TohimRogerocried，“ThefightwithyouIfreelywilldefer，tillfromhisfoesKingAgramantberescuedbythesword；

ProvidedfirstFrontinoberestored。

XCVII

“WouldyouthatIdelaytoprovebydeed，Thatyouhaveactedinunworthysort，——Nordid，likevaliantman，totakemysteedThusfromawoman——tillwemeetatcourt，RendermemyFrontinoback，orread，Uponnootherground，willIsupportThatbattleshallnotbebetweenustwo；

Norwillaccordanhouroftrucetoyou。”

XCVIII

WhileofthatAfricanhesodemandsFrontino，orhimthreatswithinstantfray；

Andeitherstilltheother"sclaimwithstands，Northisthesteedwillgrant，northatdelay；

KingMandricardostirs，ontheotherhand，Anotherstrife；whoseesthatensigngayRogeroonhisshieldwaswonttowear，Thebirdwhichreignso"erotherfowlsofair。

XCIX

Heboreonazurefieldthateaglewhite，ThebeauteousensignoftheTrojanthrong:

Suchgloriousbearingshowedthatyouthfulknight，BecausehedrewhislinefromHectorstrong。

ButMandricardoknewnotofthisright，Norwouldendure——anddeemedacryingwrong，ThatanyotherbuthimselfshouldwieldFamedHector"sargenteagleonhisshield。

C

KingMandricardoislikeblazonworeThebirdofIde，whichboreoffGanymede:

Howinthecastleperilousofyore，Hegainedthatnobleensignforhismeed，——ThatenterprizeIween，withmattermore，Youbearinmind，andhow，forhisgooddeed，Thefairygaveithimwithallthegear，ErstgivenbyVulcantotheTrojanpeer。

CI

TheTartarandRogerohadbeforeEngagedinbattle，onlyonthisquest，Dividedbywhataccident，myloreRecitesnot，asalreadymanifest:

Norhadtillnowthoseknightsencounteredmore:

WhenMandricardoseesthatbirdimprestOntheChild"sshield，heshoutswiththreateningcryToyoungRogero:“Takemyprouddefy！“

CII

“Audaciousman，mineensigndo"stthouwear，Northisto-dayforthefirsttime，issaid；

Andthink"stthou，madman，Iwilltheeforbear，BecauseforoncetosparetheeIwasled?

ButsincenormenacenoryetcounselareOfforcetodrivethisfollyfromthyhead，ItshallappearhowmuchithadbeenbestFortheeforthwithtohaveobeyedmyhest。”

CIII

“Asfire，whereondry，heatedwoodisstrown，Rousedbyalittlepuff，atonceascends，SoburnsRogero"swrath，tofuryblown，Bythefirstwordwithwhichthatkingoffends。

“Thouthinkest，“heexclaims，“tobearmedown，Becausehisknightaswellwithmecontends:

ButlearnthatIcanwininfightingfieldFromhimthehorse，fromtheegoodHector"sshield。

CIV

“Yetoncebefore——norisitlongago——

Twixtusinbattlewasthisquestiontried:

ButIthatdayrestrainedthemurderousblow，Becausethouhadstnofaulchionatthyside。

Theseshallbedeeds，thatstrifewasbutashow；

Andillthisargentbirdshalltheebetide；

Thisistheancientbearingofmyline；

Tisthouusurpestwhatbyrightismine。”

CV——

“Sayrather，thouusurpestminefromme“；

CriedMandricardo；andthatfaulchiondrew，Whichlately，underneaththegreenwoodtree，Orlandofromhishandinfurythrew。

TheChild，whocouldnotaughtbutcourteousbe，(Suchwashisgentlenature)attheviewOfMandricardo，withhisfaulchiondrawn，Letfallhisreadylanceuponthelawn；

CVI

Andatthesametime，strainedhisgoodlysword；

Andbetterbracedthecoveringshieldhewore:

But"twixtthosecombatantsleaptArgier"slord，AndquickMarphisaspurredthepairbefore；

Andonethisfoe，theotherthatimplored，Andbothbesought，thattheywouldstrivenomore。

KingRodomontcomplainstheTartarknightHasviolatedtwicethecompactplight。

CVII

First，inbeliefheshouldMarphisagain，Hemorethanoncehadjoustedforthatfair；

NowtobearoffRogero"sensignfain，HeforkingAgramantshowslittlecare——

“Ifthus“(saidRodomont)“youfaithmaintain，Tofinishourowncombatbetterwere，AcauseofstrifemorefittingandmoredueThaneitherofthepleasmaintainedbyyou。

CVIII

“Onthisconditionwasthetreatyplight，Andtheaccordbetweenusnowinforce；

WhenIwiththeeshallhaveperformedthefight，Inextshallanswerhimaboutthehorse:

Youthenwithhim，ifyousurvive，yourrightShalltotheshieldmaintaininwarlikecourse。

ButIsuchworkshallgiveyou，Iconceive，AswillsmalllabourforRogeroleave。”

CIX——

“Thebargainwhichthouhopestthoushaltnothave，“

(KingMandricardoansweredRodomont)

“Iwillaccordtheemorethanthoudo"stcrave，Andtrusttomaketheesweatfromfeettofront。

Andtobestowonothers，muchshallsave，Aswaterneverfailsinplenteousfont；

AndforRogeroandathousandmore，Andalltheworldbesidereserveastore。”

CX

Theirfurywaxed，andangrierwordsensued，Nowuponthisandnowuponthatside。

WithRodomontandwiththeChildatfeud，FierceMandricardobothatoncedefied。

Rogero，notendowedwithsufferingmood，Wouldhearnomoreofpeace，butvengeancecried。

NowhereMarphisahurried，andnowthere，Butcouldnotsinglysuchanillrepair。

CXI

Aspeasant，whenariversapsitsmounds，Andseekingventtheoozingwatersdrop，Hasteningtoshutthestreamwithinitsbounds，Andsavehispasturesandexpectedcrop，Damsrightandleft；yethimthestreamconfounds:

For，ifheherethesinkingruinprop，Therehebeholdstherottendykegiveout，Andfromthickseamstherestlesswaterspout，CXII

So，whiletheTartarandRogerorage，AndRodomont，inhurly-burlyfray，Foreachofthesewouldfiercestbattlewage，Andwouldoutgohisfearsinthatassay，Marphisaseekstheirfurytoassuage，Andstrives，andtimeandtroublethrowsaway；

Forasshemakesoneknightfromstriferetire，Sheseestheothersre-engagewithire。

CXIII

Marphisa，toappeasethewarriorsbent，Exclaimed，“Sirs，listentomybetterlore；

Agoodremembrance"tis，allargumentToleaveuntilweAgramantrestore。

Ifeachisonhisowndesignintent，WithMandricardowillIstriveoncemore；

Andfainwouldsee，accordingtohisword，Ifhecanconquermewithspearandsword。

CXIV

“Butif，toaidoursovereign，dutycall，Himletusaid，norcivildiscordbreed。”——

“Toground，throughme，suchprojectshallnotfall，“

Rogerosaid，“soherestoremysteed。

Lethimresignthathorse，or——onceforall。

Isayagain——tohisdefencetakeheed。

Ieitherheremypartingbreathwillyield，Oronmycourserwillreturnafield。”

CXV——

“TwerenotsoeasytoobtainthisquestAs"twerethatother，“Rodomontreplied；

Andthuspursued:“Iuntotheeprotest，Ifanyevilshallourkingbetide，Thineisthefaultnotmine；forIamprestTodowhate"erisfitting，onmyside。”

SmallheedtothatprotestRogeropaid，Andstungbyfury，gripedhistrenchantblade。

CXVI

OnArgier"skinghesprang，likesavageboar，Encounteringhimwithshoulderandwithshield；

Andhimdisorderedanddistrestsosore，Thatwithonestirrup"sloss，themonarchreeled——

“Rogero，“Mandricardocried，“giveo"er，Orelsewithmedividethebattle-field“；

Andstruck，thissaid，withworsethanfelonspite，Uponthemorionofthatyouthfulknight。

CXVII

Eventohiscourser"sneckRogerobends；

Nor，whenhewould，himselfcanrear；

BecausetheswordofUlien"ssondescendsAswellupontheyouthfulcavalier；

And，butthatadamanthisfacedefends，Acrossthecheekshistemperedhelmwouldsheer。

TheChild，inanguish，openseitherhand；

Andthisthebridledropsandthatthebrand。

CXVIII

Himo"erthefieldhiscourserbearsaway；

Onearththefaulchionlies，whichheletgo:

Marphisa(withRogero"sthroughthatday，Comradeinarms)appearedlikefiretoglow，Enraged，thattwooneknightshouldoverlay；

And，asmagnanimousandstout，forfoeSingledKingMandricardoout，andsped，Withallhermight，strokeuponhishead。

CXIX

Rodomonto"ertheplainpursueshisman——

Anotherstroke，andhehaslostthehorse！

ButRichardettodrives，andVivian，BetweentheChildandpayniminthatcourse。

ThiswarrioratthekingofArgierran，AndfromRogeroseveredhimbyforce；

That(itwasVivian)inRogero"shand，Nowfromtheblowrecovered，placedhisbrand。

CXX

AssoonastohimselftheChildreturns，AndisbyVivianarmedwithswordagain，Tovengetheinjurythatstriplingburns，AndrunsatRodomontwithflowingrein，Likelion，whomabulluponhishornsHaslifted，thoughhefeelsthiswhilenopain，Sohimhisheatofblood，disdain，andire，Tovengethatcrueloutragegoadandfire。

CXXI

Rogerostormsuponthepaynim"screst；

And，couldthatknightrecoverhisownbrand，Whichbyfoulfelony(aserstexprest)

Wasravishedfromtheyouthfulwarrior"shand，IwellbelievethatthedescendingpestRodomont"sironcasquewillillwithstand；

ThatcasquewhichBabel"skingbadeforge，whosoughtTowaronHeaveninhispresumptuousthought。

CXXII

Discord，believingnothingcouldensueButstir，andstrife，andcombatonthathead；

Andthattherewasnoplace，amidthecrew，Fortruceortreaty，tohersistersaid，Thatshe，herwell-belovedmonkstoview，Mightnowagainwithhersecurelytread。

Letthemdepart；andmarkwewhereinfrontRogerohassorewoundedRodomont。

CXXIII

Rogero"sblowwaslevelledwithsuchspite，ThatthisuponFrontino"scruppermadeThehelmetandtheshellofironsmite，InwhichthatSaracenhislimbsarrayed；

Andhe，threetimesorfour，toleftandright，——Asifabouttofall——head-foremost，swayed；

Andwouldhavelostwithalhistrustybrand，Butthatthehiltwasfastenedtohishand。

CXXIV

MarphisahaskingMandricardoprestMeanwhile，andmakeshimsweatbreast，front，andface；

AndheMarphisahasassoredistrest:

Butsuchgoodplateseachvaliantbosomcase，Impassableiseitherironvest；

Andbothhavehithertomaintainedtheirplace。

But，ataturnhermartialcoursermade，MarphisaneededyoungRogero"said。

CXXV

Marphisa"smartialsteed，inturningshort，Whereafirmfootingthatsoftmeaddenied，Onthemoistsurfaceslipt，andinsuchsort，Thathefell，helpless，onhisbetterside；

And，asheroseinhasteandlackedsupport，AthwartbyfuriousBrigliadorwasplied；

Onwhichthepaynim，littlecourteous，came；

Sothathefellanewbeneaththedame。

CXXVI

Rogero，whenMarphisaonthegroundHesawunhorsed，deferrednomorehisaid；

Whoforthatdeedhadleisure；since，astound，Rodomontfarawayhadbeenconveyed:

HesmotethemorionwhichthatTartarcrowned；

And，cleftlikestalk，hisheadonearthhadlaid，HadhehistrustyBalisardaborn，OrMandricardootherhelmetworn。

CXXVII

Rodomont，ofhissensesrepossest，Turnedroundthiswhile，andRichardettospied；

Andrecollectinghow，whenlatedistrest，HetoRogerosuccourhadsupplied，Quicklyagainstthatyouthfulwarriorprest；

Whoanillguerdonwouldfromhimabide，DidMalagiginothismalicethwartWithothermagicandwithmickleart。

CXXVIII

SageMalagigiversedineverysleightWhichbythewisestwizardcanbedone；

Althoughhisbookhehasnot，bywhosemight，Heinhiscoursecanstopthepassingsun；

Theconjurationrecollectsandrite，Bywhichhetamestherebelfiends；andoneBidsenterintoDoralice"ssteed，Whomhetofurystingsandheadlongspeed。

CXXIX

Intothatgentlepalfrey"sform，whoboreThebeauteousdaughterofKingStordilane，SirVivian"sbrother，simplybyhislore，Madepassanangelofthedarkdomain；

Andthegoodhorse，whonevermovedbefore，Exceptindueobediencetotherein，Nowtookaleap，possestbythatillsprite，Thirtyfeetlongandsixteenfeetinheight。

CXXX

Itwasamightyleap，yetnotsowideAstomakeanyridervoidthesell。

Seeingherselfsohighinair，loudcried，(Yieldingherselffordead)thatbonnibel。

Herpalfrey，withtheDaemonforhisguide，Afterhisleap，runs，goadedbythespell(Themaidstillscreaming)suchafuriouscourse，Anarrowhadnotreachedtheflyinghorse。

CXXXI

Atthefirsthearingofthatvoice，thesonOfUlien，onhispart，thestrifesuspended；

Andthither，wherethefuriouspalfreyrun，Swiftlyinsuccouroftheladywended。

NolesswasbytheTartarmonarchdone；

WhoneitherChildnordamselmoreoffended；

Butwithoutcravingtime，ortruce，orpeace，PursuedKingRodomontandDoralice。

CXXXII

Marphisarosemeanwhile，tofurystirred；

And，withdisdainalloverinaglow，Thoughttoaccomplishherrevenge，anderred:

Forattoogreatadistancewasthefoe。

Rogero，whobeheldthewardeferred，Ratherlikelionroaredthansighed:wellknowThosetwotheircourserstheyshouldvainlygore，FollowingFrontinoandgoodBrigliador。

CXXXIII

RogerowillnothalttillherenewAndendtheunfinishedcombatforthehorse；

MarphisawillnotquitthatTartar，whoWilltohersatisfactionprovehisforce。

ToleavetheirquarrelinsuchguisethetwoEsteemfoulscandal；astheirbettercourse，Inchaseofthoseoffendingknightstofare，Istheconclusionofthatvaliantpair。

CXXXIV

Theyinthepaynimcampwillfindeachfoe，Ifthembeforetheyfindnotontheirway；

Whomthitherbound，toraisethesiegetheyknow，EreCharlemagnebringallbeneathhissway。

SothitherwardthetwaindirectlygoWherethese，theydeem，willbetheircertainprey。

YetnotsorudelythenceRogerobroke，Butthathefirstwithhiscompanionspoke。

CXXXV

ThitherreturnsRogero，whereapartIshe，thebrotherofhisladyfair；

Andvowshimselfhisfriend，withgenerousheart，Ingoodorevilfortune，everywhere。

Himheimplores——andframeshisspeechwithart——

Hehissaluteswilltohissisterbear；

Andthissowell，hemovesbythatrequestNodoubtinhim，noranyoftherest。

CXXXVI

OfMalagigiheandVivianeNexttakesfarewellandwoundedAldigier；

TheirservicesnolessthatkindlytwainProffer，aseverdebtorstothepeer。

MarphisatoseekParisissofain，Thatpartingsheforgetsherfriendstocheer；

ButMalagigiandVivian，inpursuit，Follow，andfromafarthatmaidsalute；

CXXXVII

AndsoSirRichardetaswell:butlowOnearthliesAldigier，andtheremustrest。

ThetwofirstchampionstowardsParisgo，Andthetwoothersnextpursuethatquest。

Inothercanto，Sir，IhopetoshowOfwondrousandofsuperhumangest，WroughttothedamageoftheChristianking，BythosetwocouplesofwhoseworthIsing。

CANTO27

ARGUMENT

BygoodRogeroandthosepaynimsthreeDefeated，CharlemagnetoParisflies。

Alreadyall，throughouttheirchivalry，Aremadwithspiteandhatred；jarsarise，Andstrife；andmeanstostilltheirenmityTheirsovereignisunabletodevise。

FromhimdepartsthemonarchofArgier，Whoisrejectedofhisladydear。

I

AwomanforthemostpartreasonsbestUponasuddenmotion，anduntaught；

Forwiththatspecialgracethesexisblest，"Midthosesomanygifts，wherewith"tisfraught；

Butman，ofalessnimblewitpossest，Isillatcounsel，save，withsoberthought，Heruminatesthereon，contenttospendCare，timeandtroubletomaturehisend。

II

Thatseemedgoodcounsel，butwasillindeedOfMalagigi"s，asbeforewassaid；

AlbeithesorescuedinhisneedHiscousinRichardet，withoddso"erlaid，WhenfromthepaynimmonarchshimhefreedByreadydemon，whohishestobeyed；

Forsureheneverdeemedtheyshouldbeborne，WheretheywouldworktheChristianarmyscorn。

III

Hadhesomelittleprizeforcounselstayed，(Wewiththesamesuccessmaywellsuppose)

Hetohiscousinmighthavefurnishedaid，YetbroughtnotontheChristianhosttheirfoes:

Thatevilspritehemightaswellhavemade，Him，whoembodiedinthepalfreygoes，Eastwardorwest，sofarthatladybear，ThatFranceshouldhearnofurtherofthepair。

IV

Sothetwolovers，followingherwhoflies，TootherplacethanParismightbebrought:

ButthiscalamitywasasurpriseOnMalagigi，throughhislittlethought；

Andfiendishmalice，banishedfromtheskies，Whicheverbloodandfireandravagesought，GuidedthembythatwaytoCharles"disaster；

Lefttohischoicebyhim，thewizardmaster。

V

ThewaywardfiendwhomakesthatpalfreyrampBearsoffthefrightedDoraliceamain；

Norrivernoryetyawningditch，orswamp，Wood，rock，orruggedcliff，thesteedrestrain；

Till，traversingtheFrenchandEnglishcamp，Andothersquadronsofthemingledtrain，BeneaththeholyflagofChristarraid，HetoGranada"skingthefairconveyed。

VI

TheSarzanandtheTartarthefirstdayThatroyaldamselalongwhilepursue；

Becauseherdistantformtheyyetsurvey；

Butfinallytheylosethatlady"sview；

When，likealyme-dog，whomthehunterslayOnhareorroebuck"strail，thevalianttwoFollowuponhertrack，norhalt，tilltoldThatsheisharbouredinherfather"shold。

VII

Guardthyself，Charles:for，lo！againsttheeblownIssuchastorm，thatInorefugesee:

Northeseredoubtedmonarchscomealone，ButthoseofSericaneandCircassy；

WhileFortune，whowouldprobetheetothebone，Hastakenthosetwoshiningstarsfromthee，Whokepttheebytheirwisdomandtheirlight；

Andthouremainestblindandwraptinnight。

VIII

"TisofthevaliantcousinsIwouldspeak:

Ofthese，Orlandoofhiswitbereft，Naked，insunorshower，byplainorpeak，Wandersabouttheworld，ahelplessweft；

Andhe，inwisdomlittlelesstoseek，Rinaldo，inthyperiltheehasleft；

And，forinParis-townsheisnotfound，InsearchofhisAngelicaisbound。

IX

Acunning，oldenchanterhimdeceived，Asintheoutletofmytalewassaid:

Deludedbyaphantom，hebelievedAngelicawaswithOrlandofled；

Andhencewithjealousy，atheart，aggrieved(Loverne"ersufferedworse)toParissped；

Whencehe，assoonasheappearedatcourt，Bychance，wasnamedtoBritaintoresort。

X

Now，thefieldwon，whereinwithmicklefameHedroveKingAgramanthisworksbehind，ToParisyetagainthewarriorcame，Searchedconvent，tower，andhouse，and，saveconfined"Twixtsolidwallsorcolumnsbethedame，Herwilltherestlessloversurelyfind:

NorhernoryetOrlandohedescries，Soforthinthedesiretoseekthemhies。

XI

HertoAnglantesortoBravabrought，HedeemedtheCountenjoyedinmirthandplay；

Andvainly，hereandthere，thatdamselsought，Norherenorthere，descriedthelong-soughtprey。

ToParisherepairedagain，inthoughtThepaladinreturningtowaylay；

BecausehedeemedhecouldnotroveatlargeWithoutthatTown，butonsomespecialcharge。

XII

Withinhetakesadayortwo"srepose；

And，whenhefindsOrlandocomesnotthere，AgaintoBravaandAnglantesgoesInquiringtidingsoftheroyalfair；

Nor，whethermorningdawnsornoontideglows，——Nornightnorday——hiswearysteeddoesspare；

Noronce——buttwiceahundredtimes——hasrunTheselfsamecourse，bylightofmoonorsun。

XIII

Buttheancientfoe，deludedbywhosesay，TotheforbiddenfruitEveraisedherhand，TurnedhiswaneyesonCharlemagneoneday，WhenhethegoodRinaldoabsentscanned；

AndseeingwhatfoulroutanddisarrayMightatthattimebegiventoCharles"sband，OfalltheSaracensthechoiceandflowerMarshalledinarmsagainsttheChristianpower。

XIV

KingSacripantandKingGradasso(whoWhilerecompanionshipinwarhadmade，WhenfromAtlantes"palacefledthetwo)

Togethertounitetheirarms，inaidOfroyalAgramant"sbeleagueredcrew，Andwherethroughunknownlandsthewarriorshied，Madesmooththeway，andservedthemasaguide。

XV

ThitheranotherfiendthatruthlessfoeBadeRodomontandMandricardobearThroughways，bywhichhiscomradewasnotslowWiththeaffrightedDoralicetofare:

Athird，lesttheytheirenterprizeforego，RogeroandMarphisahasincare:

Buttheirconductorjourneysnotsofast；

Andhencethatmartialpairarrivesthelast。

XVI

Laterbyhalfanhour，againsttheirfoes，Somatched，RogeroandMarphisaspeed；

Becausethesableangel，whohisblowsAimedatthebandsthatheldtheChristiancreed，Provided，thatthecontestwhicharoseAboutthathorse，hisworkshouldnotimpede；

Whichhadagainbeenkindled，hadthetwain，RodomontandRogero，metagain。

XVII

ThefirstfourrideuntilthemselvestheyfindWherethebesiegersandbesiegedtheyview；

Andseethebannersshakinginthewind，Andthecantonmentsofthosearmiestwo。

Heretheyshortcounseltook，andnextopined，InspiteofCharlemagne"sbeleagueringcrew，Tocarryspeedysuccourtotheirliege，AndrescueroyalAgramantfromsiege。

XVIII

WherethickestcampedlayCharles"shost，theyspurred，ClosingtheirfilesagainsttheChristianfoe。

“AfricandSpain！“istheassailants"word，WhomatallpointstheFranksforpaynimsknow——

“Toarms，toarms！“throughouttheircampisheard:

ButfirstisfelttheMoorishsabre"sblow:

Evenontherear-guardfallsthevengefulstroke，Notchargedalone，butrouted，beatandbroke。

XIX

TheChristianhostthroughoutisoverthrown，Andhowtheyknownot，intumultuouswise；

AndthatitisawontedinsultdoneBySwitzerorbyGascon，somesurmise；

But——sincethereasonistomostunknown——

Eachseveralnationtoitsstandardflies，Thistothedrum，thattothetrumpet"ssound，Andshriekandshoutfromearthtoheavenredound。

XX

AllarmedisCharlemagne，excepthishead，And，girtwithpaladins，hisfaithfulstay，ArriveddemandingwhatalarmhasbredDisorderinhishostanddisarray；

Andstoptwithmenacethisorthatwhofled，Andmanyfugitives，upontheirway，Somewithmaimedface，breast，arm，orhand，espied，Andsomewithheadorthroatwithlife-blooddyed。

XXI

Advancing，heonearthsawmanymore，Orratherinalakeofcrimsonlaid，Horriblywelteringintheirowndarkgore，Beyondtheleech"sandmagician"said；

Andbustsdisseveredfromtheheadstheybore，Andlegsandarms——acruelshow——surveyed；

And，fromthefirstcantonmentstothelast，Sawslaughteredmenonallsidesashepast。

XXII

Wherethesmallbandadvancesinsuchwise，Deservingwelleternalpraisetogain，Vouchingtheirdeeds，along-drawnfurrowlies，Asignalrecordoftheirmightandmain。

Hisarmy"scruelslaughter，withsurprise，Angerandrage，isviewedbyCharlemagne。

Sohewhoseshatteredwallshavefeltitsforce，Throughouthismansiontracksthelightning"scourse。

XXIII

NottotherampartsofthepaynimcrewOfAgramantasyethadpiercedthisaid，When，onthefurtherside，theseothertwo，RogeroandMarphisa，thithermade。

When，onceortwice，thatworthypairaviewHavetakenoftheground，andhavesurveyedThereadiestwayassistancetoafford，Theyswiftlymoveinsuccouroftheirlord。

XXIV

Aswhenwesparktoloadedmineapply，Throughthelongfurrow，filledwithsablegrain，Sofastthefuriouswildfiredarts，thateyePursuestheprogressoftheflashwithpain；

Andasdireruinfollows，andfromhigh，Theloosenedrockandsolidbastionrain，SoboldRogeroandMarphisarushTobattle，sotheChristiansquadronscrush。

XXV

Frontandaskance，theassailantssmote，andlowOnearthheads，arms，andseveredshoulderslay，Where"ertheChristiansquadronsweretooslowTofreethepathandbreaktheirclosearray。

Whoe"erhasseenthepassingtempestblow，Andofthehillorvalley，initsway，Oneportionravageandanotherleave，Maysotheircourseamidthathostconceive。

XXVI

Manywhohadescapedbyquickretreat，Rodomontandthoseotherfuriousthree，ThankGodthathehadgiventhemlegsandfeet，Wherewithtoflyfromthatcalamity；

AndfromtheChildanddamselnewdefeatEncounter，whilewithendlongcoursetheyflee:

Asman，nomatterifhestandsorrun，Seeksvainlyhispredestineddoomtoshun。

XXVII

Who"scapeoneperil，intootherfly，Andpaythepenaltyoffleshandblood；

So，bytheteethofdog，iswonttodieThefox，togetherwithherinfantbrood，ByonewhodwellsherancientcavernnighUnearthed，andwithathousandblowspursued；

Whenfromsomeunsuspectedplace，thatfoeHasfilledwithfireandsmokethedenbelow。

XXVIII

MarphisaandtheChild，ofdangerclear，Enterthepaynimramparts；and，witheyesUpturned，theSaracens，withhumblecheer，ThankHeavenforthesuccessofthatemprize:

Thepaladinsnolongeraretheirfear；

ThemeanestMoorahundredFranksdefies；

And"tisresolved，withoutrepose，againTodrenchwithChristianbloodthethirstyplain。

XXIX

Atonceaformidablelarumrose；

Horns，drums，andshrillingclarionsfilledtheskies；

Andthewindruffles，asitcomesandgoes，Bannerandgonfalonofvariousdyes。

TheGermansandthewarlikeBretonsclose；

Rangedontheotherpart，inmartialwise，Italians，English，French，wereseen，andthroughThosearmiesfuriouswarblazedforthanew。

XXX

TheforceoftheredoubtedRodomont，AndthatofAgrican"sinfuriateson，ThatofRogero，valiant"scopiousfont，Gradasso"s，sorenownedfortrophieswon，Themartialmaid，Marphisa"sfearlessfront，AndmightofSacripant，excelledbynone，MadeCharlesuponSaintJohnandDenyscall，AndflyforsheltertohisPariswall。

XXXI

OffierceMarphisaandherboldalliesTheunconquereddaringandthewondrousmight，Sir，wasnotofanature——ofaguise——

Tobeconceived，muchlessdescribedaright:

Thenumberslaughteredhencemayyousurmise！

WhatcruelblowKingCharlessustainedinfight！

Addtothesewarriorsofillustriousname，MorethanoneMoor，withFerrau，knowntoFame。

XXXII

ManythroughrecklesshasteweredrownedinSeine，Foralltoonarrowwasthebridge"sfloor，Anwished，likeIcarus，forwingsinvain，Havinggrimdeathbehindthemandbefore，SaveOliver，andOgierhighttheDane，ThepaladinsareprisonerstotheMoor:

WoundedbeneathhisbettershoulderfledThefirst，thatotherwithabrokenhead。