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Orlando Furioso
投诉 阅读记录

第18章

XLVII

FairFlordelicewasshe,thestrangerdame;

ThathisownselftoBrandimartmoredear:

WhoinpursuitofhimtoPariscame。

Thatdamsel,after,tellsthecavalier,HowhateandstrifewereblownintoaflameBetweenGradassoandtheTartarpeer,ForRoland"sfaulchion;fierceGradasso"sprey,WhenslainincombatMandricardolay。

XLVIII

Byaccident,sostrangeandsad,distrust,Rinaldoisdistraughtwithceaselesswoe:

Hefeelshisheartdissolvewithinhisbreast,Asinthesundissolvestheflakeofsnow;

And,withunchangedresolve,uponthequestOfgoodOrlando,everywherewillgo;

Inhopes,ifhediscoverhim,tofindSomemeansofcureforhisdistemperedmind。

XLIV

Butsincehisbandalreadyhadhedight,(DidhimthehandofHeavenorFortunesway)

HefirsttoputtheSaracenstoflight,AndraisethesiegeofParis,willassay。

But(foritpromisedvantage)hetillnightTheassaultoftheircantonmentswilldelay,Tillthethirdwatchorfourth,whenheavysleepTheirsensesshallinLethe"swatersteep。

L

Hissquadroninthewoodheplaced,andthere,Ambushed,hemadethemliethedaylightthrough;

Butwhenthesun,leavingthisnetherairIndarkness,tohisancientnursewithdrew;

Andfanglessserpentnow,andgoat,andbear,Withotherbeasts,adornedtheheavensanew,Whichbythegreaterblazehadbeenconcealed,Rinaldomovedhissilenttroopafield。

LI

Amilean-endwithAquilantheprest,Gryphon,Alardo,andVivianofhisrace,GuidoandSansonetto,andtherest,Withoutwordspoken,andwithstealthypace。

TheMoorishguardtheyfindwithsleepopprest:

Theyslaughterall,norgrantonepaynimgrace;

And,eretheywerebyothersseenorheard,Intotheirmidmostcampthesquadronspurred。

LII

Atthefirstchargeonthatunchristenedband,Theirguardandsentries,takenbysurprise,SobrokenarebygoodRinaldo"sbrand,Nowightisleft,savehewhoslaughteredlies。

Theirfirstpostforced,thepaynimsunderstandNolaughingmatteristhelord"semprize;

For。sleepinganddismaid,theirnakedswarmsMakesmallresistancetosuchwarriors"arms。

LIII

TostrikemoredreadintotheMoorishfoe,MountAlban"schampion,leadingtheassault,Badebeathisdrumsandbadehisbuglesblow,Andwithloudechoingcrieshisnameexalt。

HespursBaiardo,thatisnothingslow;

Heclearstheloftybarriersatavault,Tramplingdownfoot,o"erturningcavalier,Andscattersboothandtentinhiscareer。

LIV

IsnonesoboldofallthatpaynimryButwhathisstiffenedhairstandsuponend,HearingMountAlban"sandRinaldo"scryFromearthintothestarryvaultascend。

HimthetwinhostsofSpainandAfricfly,Nortimeinloadingbaggageidlyspend;

Whowillnotwaitthatdeadlyfurymore,Whichtohaveprovedsodeeplyirksthemsore。

LV

Guidosucceeds;nolesstheirfoepursue,ThevaliantsonsofwarlikeOlivier,Alardo,Richardet,andtheothertwo;

Sansonet"sswordandhorseapathwayclear;

AndwellisproveduponthatpaynimcrewTheforceofVivianandofAldigier。

Thuseachbestirshimselflikevalorousknight,WhofollowsClermont"sbannertothefight。

LVI

SevenhundredmenwithgoodRinaldospeed,DrawnfromMountAlbanandthetownshipsnigh——NofiercererstobeyedAchilles"lead——

Enuredtosummerandtowintersky:

Sostouteachwarrioris,sogoodatneed,Ahundredwouldnotfromathousandfly;

And,betterthansomefamouscavaliers,Manyamidthatsquadroncouchtheirspears。

LVII

IfgoodRinaldogatherssmallsuppliesFromrentsorcities,whichhisruleobey,Sotheseheboundbywordsandcourtesies,Andsharingwhathehadwithhisarray,IsnonethateverfromhisservicebuysDeserterbythebribeofbetterpay。

OfMontalbanotheseareleftincare,Savepressingneeddemandstheiraidelsewhere。

LVIII

ThemnowinsuccourofKingCharleshestirred,Andleftwithlittleguardhiscitadel。

AmongtheAfricansthatsquadronspurred,Thatsquadron,ofwhosedoughtyfeatsItell,DoingbythemwhatwolfonwoollyherdDoeswhereGalesus"limpidwaterswell,Orlionbythebeardedgoatandrank,ThatfeedsonCinyphus"sbarbarousbank。

LIX

TidingstoCharlesRinaldohadconveyed,ThatheforPariswithhissquadronsteers,Toassail,bynight,thepaynimsillpurveyed;

Andreadyandinarmsthekingappears。

He,whenhishelpisneeded,comesinaid,Withallhispeerage,and,besidehispeers,BringsMonodantes"son,amidthatcrew,OfFlordelicetheloverchasteandtrue;

LX

WhombysuchlongandbysuchtediouswayShesoughtthroughouttherealmofFranceinvain;

Herebythecognizance,hisolddisplay,Afar,byherdistinguishedfromthetrain。

Atthefirstsightofherhequitsthefray,Andwearsasemblancelovingandhumane。

Hecliptherroundwithmanyafondcaress,Andkissedathousandtimes,orlittleless。

LXI

TodameanddamselinthatancientageTheytrustedmuch,that,intheirwanderingvein,Roved,unescorted,manyawearystage,Throughforeigncountriesandbyhillandplain;

Whomtheyreturningholdforfairandsage,Noroftheirfaithsuspicionentertain。

HereBrandimartbyFlordelicewastaughtHowRolandwandered,ofhiswitsdistraught。

LXII

HadhesuchstrangeandeviltidingsheardFromotherlips,hescarcehadthesebelieved:

ButcreditedfairFlordelice"sword,Fromwhommorewondrousthingshehadreceived,Northis,astoldbyother,sheaverred;

Thishadsheseen,andillcouldbedeceived;

ForwellasanysheOrlandoknows;

Andboththewhenandwherethatdamselshows。

LXIII

Shetellshimhowtheperilousbridge"sfloorFromcavalierskingRodomontdefends;

Where,onapompoussepulchre,theMoorHisprisoners"ravishedarmsandvestsuspends;

TellshowshesawOrlando,ragingsore,Dofearfuldeeds,andherrelationends,Describinghowthepaynimfellreversed,Tohisgreatperil,inthestreamimmersed。

LXIV

Brandimart,whotheCountrylovesasdearAsmancanloveabrother,friend,orson,DisposedtoseekOrlando,farandnear,Norpainnorperilintheadventureshun,TillsomethingforthecomfortofthatpeerBywizard"sorbyleech"sartbedone,Armedasheis,leapslightlyonhissteed,Andtakeshiswaybeneaththelady"slead。

LXV

ThitherwardwereOrlandoshehadspied,Incompanytheknightandladymade。

Theydailyposttilltothatbridgetheyride,WhichArgier"skingmaintained,inarmsarraid,Tohimtheguardtheircomingsignified;

Courserandarmshissquiresaswellconveyed;

AndBrandimartnosoonerisathandThanRodomontisarmedandathisstand。

LXVI

WithloftyvoicethesovereignofArgier,Assortingwithhismoodyrage,"gansay:

“——Whoe"erthouart,sirknight,andwhencesoe"er——

Broughtbymistakeofpurposeorofway,Lightfromthinehorseanddoffthywarlikegear,Todeckthissepulchre,eretheeIslay,Anofferingtoitslovelytenant"sspirit;

Andthouinthyforcedhomagehavenomerit。”

LXVII

Brandimart,atthepaynim"sprouddiscourse,Hisweaponintherest,foranswer,layed;

HegoodBatoldospurred,hisgentlehorse,Andatthechampionwithsuchfurymade,Asshowedthathe,forcourageandforforce,Withanywarriorintheworldhadweighed。

KingRodomontaswell,withrestedspear,Thunderedalongthebridge,infiercecareer。

LXVIII

Thepaynim"scourser,everusedtogoUponthatbridge"sfearfulpass,whereoneFellproneparforceintothestreambelow,Securelytothefierceencounterrun:

While,trembling,andirresoluteinshow,Thatothertotheunwontedcourseisgone。

Quiversthebridgebeneath,asitwouldsink:

Narrowthatpassageis,unfencedthebrink!

LXIX

Withheavyspears,thegrowthofforesthoar,Saplingsrough-hewn,thosemastersofthejust,Upontheperilousbridgeencounteringsore,Exchange,oneitherside,nogentlethrust。

Normuchtheirmightystrengthormanege-loreAvailsthesteeds;for,prostrateinthedust,Crumbleseachknightandchargerinmid-course;

Whelmedinonefate,theriderandhishorse。

LXX

Wheneithersteedwouldnimblyspringfromground,Asthespurgalledandgoredhisbleedingflank,Heonthatlittlebridgenofootingfound;

Foralltonarrowwasthescantyplank。

Hencebothfallheadlong,andthedeafeningsoundRe-echovaultedskiesandgrassybank。

Sorangourstream,whenfromtheheavenlysphereWashurledthesun"sill-fatedcharioteer。

LXXI

Withalltheirweight,downhurtledfromthesteep,Coursersandcavaliers,whosatethemwell;

Anddivedintotheriver"sdarksomedeep,Tosearchforbeauteousnymphinsecretcell。

NorthisthefirstnoryetthesecondleapWhichfromthebridgehadmadethatinfidel!

Who,oftenflounderinginitsoozybed,Wellinthesoundingsofthatstreamwasread。

LXXII

Hewhere"tishandandwhere"tissofterknows,Whereshallowisthewater,whereprofound:

Withbreastandflanksabovethewavesherose,AndBrandimartassailedonsaferground。

Brandimart,whirlingwiththecurrent,goes,Whilehissteed"sfeetthefaithlessbottompound。

He,withhislord,standsrootedinthemud,Withrisktobothofdrowningintheflood。

LXXIII

Whelmingthemupside-down,thewatersflow,Andplungethemintheriver"sdeepestbed;

Thehorseisuppermost,theknightbelow。

Fromthebridgelookshislady,sorebested,Andtearemploys,andprayer,andsuppliantvow:——

“Ah,Rodomont!forloveofher,whomdeadYeworship,donotdeedofsuchdespite!

Permitnot,sir,thedeathofsuchaknight。

LXXIV

“Ah!courteouslord!ife"eryoulovedwithal,Havepityuponmewholovethispeer;

Letitsufficethathebecomethythrall!

Forifthouonthisstonesuspendhisgear,Amidwhateverspoilsadornthewall,Thebestandworthiestwillhisspoilsappear。”

Sheended,andherprayersowelladdrest,Ittouched,thoughhardtomove,thepaynim"sbreast。

LXXV

Movedbyherwords,helentherloveraid,Sobyhiscourserinthestreamimmersed;

Andlargelydrank,albeitwithlittlethirst。

ButRodomontawhilehishelpdelayed,Andseizedthewarrior"sswordandhelmetfirst。

Himhalfexhaustedfromthestreamhedrew,Andprisonedwiththatothercaptivecrew。

LXXVI

Allhappinesswasinthatdamselspent,WhentakensheherBrandimartespied,Althoughtoseehimcaptivemorecontent,Thantobeholdhimperishinthetide。

Nonebutherselfsheblamesfortheevent,Whothitherwardhadbeenthechampion"sguide,Shehavingtothatfaithfulwarriorshown,HowatthebridgeOrlandoshehadknown。

LXXVII

Sheparts,andhasanewalreadyplannedThitherwithgoodRinaldotoresort;

WithGuido,Sansonetofdoughtyhand,OrothercavalierofPepin"scourt;

Somewarriorgoodbywaterandbyland,ThatwiththeSaracenwillwellassort。

Who,ifnostrongerthanherbaffledknight,Withbetterfortunemaymaintainthefight。

LXXVIII

Formanydaysthedamselvainlystrayed,EresheencounteredanyonewhoboreSemblanceofknight,thatmightaffordheraid,AndfreeherprisonedloverfromtheMoor;

Aftershelongandfruitlesssearchhadmade,Atlengthawarriorcrostherway,thatworeArichlyornamentedvest,whosegroundWithtrunksofcypresseswasbroideredround。

LXXIX

Whowasthatchampion,shallbesaidelsewhere;

ForItoParismustreturn,andshowHowMalagigiandRinaldoareVictoriouso"ertheroutedMoorishfoe。

Tocounttheflyerswereauselesscare,OrmanydrownedinStygianstreamsbelow。

ThedarknessrenderedTurpin"slabourvain,Whotaskedhimselftotellthepagansslain。

LXXX

KingAgramantinhispavilionlies,Fromhisfirstsleepawakenedbyaknight:

Hethatthekingwillbeaprisonercries,Savehewithspeedbetakehimselftoflight,ThemonarchlooksabouthimandespiesHispaynimbandsdispersedinpanicfright。

Naked,theyfarandneardesertthefield;

Nay,neverhalttosnatchthecoveringshield。

LXXXI

Uncounselledandconfused,thekingarrayedHisnakedlimbsinknightlyplateandchain,WhenthitherFalsiron,theSpaniard,madeGrandonio,Balugantes,andtheirtrain:

TheytotheMoorishkingtheriskdisplayedOfbeingtakeninthatpress,orslain;

Andvouchedifthenceheshouldinsafetyfare,HewellmightthankpropitiousFortune"scare。

LXXXII

Marsiliusso,Sobrinoso,theirfearExpress;so,oneandall,thefriendlyband;

TheywarnhimthatDestructionisasnearAsswiftMountAlban"slordisnighathand。

Andifagainstsofierceacavalier,Andsuchatroop,heseekstomakeastand,HeandhisfriendsinthatdisastrousstrifeWillsurelyforfeitlibertyorlife。

LXXXIII

ButhetoArlesandNarbonnemayretreat,Withsuchfewsquadronsashisruleobey:

Sinceeitheriswellfortified,andmeetThewarfaretomaintainaboveoneday;

Andhavingsavedhisperson,thedefeatMayvengeuponthefoe,bythisdelay:

Histroopsmayrallyquicklyinthatpost,AndroutinfineKingCharles"conqueringhost。

LXXXIV

Agramanttothoselords"opinionbent,Thoughthathardcounselhecouldillendure;

Asifsuppliedwithwings,towardsArleshewent,Byroadswhichofferedpassagemostsecure。

Besidesafeguides,muchfavouredhisintentHissettingout,whenallthingswereobscure。

ScapingthetoilsbygoodRinaldospread,Sometwentythousandofthepaynimsfled。

LXXXV

ThosewhomRinaldo,whomhisbrethrenslew,WhomOliviero"ssons,thevalianttwain,ThosewhowereslaughteredbyMountAlban"screw,——Thefiercesevenhundred,goodRinaldo"strain——

ThosewhomthevaliantSansoneto"erthrew,AndthosethatintheirflightweredrownedinSeine,Hewhowouldcount,mightcountaswellwhatflowersZephyrandFlorashed,midApril-showers。

LXXXVI

HereoneconjecturesMalagigiboreApartinthealarumofthatnight:

Notthathestainedthemeadwithpaynimgore,Norsplinteredheads;butthatthewizardwight,Infernalangels,byhismagiclore,CalledfromTartareancavernsintolight;

WhosemanyspearsandbannerswavingwideTwokingdomssuchasFrancehadscarcesupplied。

LXXXVII

Andwiththemsuchsonorousmetalbrayed,Somanydrumsandmartialnoisessounded;

Somanysteedsinthatencounterneighed;

Somanycries——withrushoffootconfounded——

Roseallabout,thathill,dale,wood,andglade,Fromdistantparts,thedeafeningdinrebounded;

AndstruckintotheMoorssuchsuddendread,Theyturnedandfromthefieldinpanicfled。

LXXXVIII

Theirkingforgetsno,howRogerolaySorewounded,andasyetinevilcase。

Him,withwhatcaretheycould,hemadeconveyFromthatdreadfield,onhorseofeasypace。

Bornetotheseabythesecurestway,Theyinabarkthesufferingwarriorplace,AndthencecommodiouslytoArlestransport;

Whithertheirwastedsquadronsmakeresort。

LXXXIX

ChasedbyRinaldoandKingCharlemagne,Ahundredthousand,orwellnigh,Iween,Bywood,bymountain,valley,andbyplain,FlyingthefuryoftheFranksareseen;

Morefindthepassageblocked,andwidelystainWithcrimsonwhatbeforewaswhiteandgreen。

NotsoGradasso"spuissanttroopswasspent,Whofartherfromthefieldhadpitchedhistent。

XC

Nay;whenhehearsitisMountAlban"sknightBywhomassailedthepaynimquartersare,Heinhisheartexults,withsuchdelight,Thathe,forveryjoy,leapshereandthere。

HethanksandlaudshisGod,whohimthatnightBlestwithsohighafortuneandsorare;

Hopingtowinthehorsewithoutapeer,Baiardo,fromtheChristiancavalier。

XCI

Gradassohaddesiredlongtimebefore(Ithinkyouwillhavereadthetaleelsewhere)

Tobackthatcourser,whichRinaldobore,AndDurindanabyhissidetowear:

HewithahundredthousandmenandmoreToFrance,withthisdesign,hadmaderepair;

Andhaderewhiletobloodyfightdefied,Evenforthatgoodsteed,MountAlban"spride。

XCII

Hencehadthatkingrepairedtothesea-shore,Theplaceassignedtoendtheirdiscordfell:

ButallwasmarredbyMalagigi"slore;

Who,cheatinggoodRinaldowithaspell,Toseathechampioninapinnacebore。

Tootediouswerethetaleatlengthtotell。

HenceevermoreGradassohadopined,Thegentlebaronwasofcravenkind。

XCIII

NowthatGradassolearnsMountAlban"speerIshe,thatstormsthecamp,inhugedelight,Armed,onAlfanaleapsthecavalier,Andthroughthepitchydarknessseekstheknight,O"erturningallwhocrosshisfiercecareer,HeleavesafflictedandinpiteousplightThebrokenbandsofAfricandofFrance。

All,foodalikeforhiswide-wastinglance。

XCIV

Heseeksthepaladin,nowherenowthere,Echoinghisnameasloudashecanshout;

Andthitherwardinclineshiscourser,whereThebodiesaremostthicklystrownabout。

Atlengthencounter,swordtosword,thepair,Forbrokenarealiketheirlancesstout;

Whichshiveringintheirhands,hadflownupright。

AndsmotethestarrychariotoftheNight。

XCV

WhenKingGradassorecognizedthefoe,Notbytheblazonedbearingofhisshield,ButbyBaiardo——bythathorridblow,Whichmadehimseemsolechampionofthefield,Hetoreproachtheknightwasnothingslow,Andofunworthyactionhimappealed;

Inthathehadnotkepthisgroundandday,Erewhileappointedforthefierceassay。

XCVI

“Belikethouhoped,“(saidheofSericane,)

“Ifforthattimemyvengeancethoucouldstfly,Weshouldnotmeetinthiswideworldagain:

Butwearemet,thouseest,anew;andI,Besure,thoughthoushouldstseektheStygianreign,Orbefromearthtranslatedtothesky,Willhuntthee,savethatcourserthouforego,Beitthroughheavenaboveorhellbelow。

XCVII

“Dostthou,asmatchedwithmemistrustthyforce,(Andthatthouwertillpairedwasseenwhilere,)

Andmoreesteemestlifethanfame,acourseRemains,whichtheemayfromthyperilclear。

Andthou,ifthouinpeaceresignthehorse,May"stlive,iflifebedeemedsopassingdear;

Butliveafoot,unmeritingasteed,Thatdostbychivalrysuchfoulmisdeed。”

XCVIII

Guidothesavage,ashespake,wasnighWithRichardetto;andthewarliketwainBrandishedaliketheirtrenchantswordsonhigh,ToteachmorewittohimofSericane:

ButthemRinaldostoptwithsuddencry,Norbrookedthatheshouldinjurysustain。

“AmItooweak,“(hecried,)“withoutyouraid,Toanswerhimthatdaresmydeedsupbraid?“

XCIX

Thentothepaganthus:“Gradassohear,Andwiltthoulisten,thoushaltunderstand,AndIwillproveitmanifestandclear,Icametoseektheeoutuponthestrand;

AndafterwardsontheewillmadeappearThetruthofallIsaywitharmsinhand;

Knowthenthouliest,ife"erwithslanderousspeechThoutaxestmewithaughtinknighthood"sbreach。

C

“ButwarmlyIbeseechthee,thatbeforeThebattlebe,thoufullycomprehendMyjustexcuses,thatthoumay"stnomoreMeformyfailurewronglyreprehend:

NextforBaiardo,asagreedofyore,"Tismydesirethatweafootcontend;

Evenasordainedbythee,indesertplace,Aloneinknightlyduel,facetoface。”

CI

CourteouswasSericana"scavalier,(Forgenerousbosomsayesuchpractiseuse)

Andiscontenttolistentothepeer,Howhehisbreachofpromisewillexcuse。

Withhimheseekstheriverside,andhereInsimplewordswhatchancedRinaldoshews;

Formthetruehistoryremovestheveil,AndcitesallHeaventowitnesstohistale。

CII

NextcallsuponthesonofBuovo,whoIsofthathistoryinformedaright;

Andnow,frompointtopoint,relatesanew(Normorenorlessrehearsed)themagicsleight。

WhenthusRinaldo:“WhatIwarranttrueBywitness,Iwitharmsinsinglefight,Forbetterproof,willvouchuponthycrest,Bothnowandever,asitlikestheebest。”

CIII

ThekingofSericane,asloathtoleaveThesecondquarrelfortheformerbreach,Thoughdoubtfulhowthattaleheshouldreceive,TakesingoodparttheboldRinaldo"sspeech。

Not,asupontheformerbattle"seve,TheychoosetheirgroundonBarcellona"sbeach:

Butonthemornensuing,and,fastbyAneighbouringfountain,willthequestiontry。

CIV

ThitherRinaldowillthesteedconvey,Theretobeplacedincommon,"twixtthetwo。

IfgoodGradassotakehisfoeorslay,HewinsBaiardowithoutmoreado。

ButifGradassofailsinthataffray,——Shouldhebeslain,orelseformercysue,AprisonertoMountAlban"svaliantlord,Rinaldoshallpossessthevirtuoussword。

CV

Withmightymarvelandwithgreaterpain,ThepaladinfromFlordelice(asshown)

Hadheardhowtroubledwashiscousin"sbrain。

Andfromthedamsel"slipsaswellhadknownHowhehisarmshadscatteredontheplain;

Andheardthequarrelwhichfromthencehadgrown;

Infine,howKingGradassohadthebrand,WhichwonsuchthousandpalmsinRoland"shand。

CVI

Whentheysoagreed,GradassomadeThitherwhere,campedapart,hisservantslay,AlbeitwarmlybyRinaldoprayed,Hewouldwithhiminhispavillionstay。

Thepaynimkinginarmourwasarrayed,Andsothepaladin,bybreakofday;

Andtothedestinedfountcameeitherlord,Thefieldofcombatforthehorseandsword。

CVII

ItseemedRinaldo"sfriendswereallinfear,Anddreadedmuch,beforeitwasbegun,TheissueofthefighttheircavalierShouldwageagainstGradasso,onetoone。

Muchforce,muchdaring,andmuchskillappearInthatfierceking;andsinceofMilo"ssonThegoodlyswordwastohisgirdletied,AllcheekslookedpaleuponRinaldo"sside;

CVIII

AndMalagigi,morethanalltherest,Soredoubtedtheeventwhichwouldensue,HewillinglyhimselfwouldhaveaddrestTodisappointthedestinedfightanew;

Butfearsifhethatdeadlystrifearrest,Rinaldo"sutterenmitytorue,Yetwrothwithhimuponthatotherscore,Whenheconveyedthewarriorfromtheshore。

CIX

Letothersnourishidlegriefandfears!

Rinaldowendsafieldsecureandgay,Hopingthatshame,whichtotheknightappearsToofoultobeendured,towipeaway:

SothatofAltafogliaandPoictiers,Hemayforeversilencethemis-say。

Boldly,andinhisheartsecuretowinThatbattle"shonour,wendsthepaladin。

CX

Whennowfromeithersidethosewarriorsmeet,Nighatthesametimeatthefountain-side,Soinallpointsthepaireachothergreet,Withcountenance,sokind,sosatisfied,"TwouldseembykindredandbyfriendshipsweetRinaldoandGradassowereallied。

Buthowtheyafterclosedinfierceaffray,Itillanotherseasonshalldelay。

CANTO32

ARGUMENT

ToherthatdoesforherRogerostay,Tidingsarebroughtwhichirkthedamselsore,ThatfairMarphisacausedtheyouth"sdelay;

Shebenttoslayher,grievingevermore,Departs,andovertakes,upontheway,Ullaniawiththethreekingswhorodebefore。

Thesesheo"ercomes,andhado"ercomethatmaid,Butthatanevillawshedisobeyed。

I

IrecollectthatIwasboundtosing(Ipromisedso,butitescapedmymind)

Ofasuspicion,fraughtwithsufferingToBradamantofmoredispleasingkind,AndmadebykeenerandmorevenomedstingThancausedthatotherwound,wherewithshepined,Which,hearingRichardethisnewsimpart,Hadpiercedherbreastandpreyeduponherheart。

II

SowasIboundtosing,butIbegunAnothersong,Rinaldocrossedmyway,AndthenthosedeedsbysavageGuidodone,Keptmeemployedandcausednosmalldelay;

AndsofromsubjectItosubjectrun,ThatIforgotofBradamanttosay。

Inowremember,andwilltellyou,ereYouofRinaldoorGradassohear。

III

Butitbehoves,eremoreofthesebesaid,IshouldawhileofAgramantdiscourse,Whohadfromthatnight"sragingfireconveyedToArles,theremnantofhisscatteredforce:

Sincetounitehistroops,andfurnishaidAndvictual,"twasaplaceofmuchresource,Seateduponariver,nightheshore,WithSpaininfrontandAfricabefore。

IV

Withhorseandfoot,ofgoodorevilsort,MarsiliusthroughoutSpaintheirlossrepairs;

AndeacharmedbackinBarcellona"sport,Furnishedthroughloveorfear,forseaprepares。

TheMoortocouncildailycallshiscourt;

Norcarenorcostthewatchfulmonarchspares:

Meanwhilesoretaxesandrepeatedcess,AllAfrica"so"erburdenedtownsoppress。

V

HeoffersRodomont,iftohissideHewillreturn,butoffershiminvain,RenownedAlmontes"daughter,asabride;

Hiscousinshe,herportionOran"sreign。

Heluresnotfromhisbridgethatknightofpride,Whohassomanysells,suchplateandchainCollectedthere,fromcavalierso"erthrown,Asservetohidethemonumentalstone。

VI

Marphisawouldnotsuchacoursepursue:

Nay,theredoubteddamselhearingsaidThatAgramant,subduedbyCharles"screw,——Hischoicestwarriorstaken,chased,ordead——

InArleswasshelteredwithhisbrokenfew,Thither,unbiddenbythemonarch,sped,Prompttoassisthimwithherfriendlyblade;

Andprofferedpurseandpersoninhisaid。

VII

AsafreegifttohimthemartialfairBrunellobore,norhadshedonehimwrong。

He,fortendaysandnights,toswinginair,Hadsorelyfeared,fromloftygallowshung:

ButseeinghimunhelpedbyforceorprayerOfanyoneamidthepaynimthrong,ShethoughtfoulscorntostainhergeneroushandsWithsuchbaseblood,andloosedthelosel"sbands。

VIII

Shepardonedeveryancientinjury,AndhimtoAgramantinArlesconveyed。

WellmayyoufancywithwhatjoyandgleeThemonarchgreetedherwhobroughthimaid;

HeinBrunello"sfatewillsallshallseeInwhatesteemheholdsthatwarlikemaid;

ForheinearnestdoesuponherfoeWhatfierceMarphisamenacedbutinshow。

IX

Thehangmanhunghiscorpseindesertfield,Thecravingvultureandthecrowtofeed。

Rogero,thaterewhilehadbeenhisshield,Andfromthenoosethatcaitiffwouldhavefreed,Heaven"sjusticewilled,nowlaywithwoundunhealed,Norcouldassistthecraveninhisneed;

Andwhenthenewswereknown,theknotwastied;

SothatBrunello,unassisted,died。

X

ThiswhiledoesgooddukeAymon"sdaughtermourn,Becausethosetwentydayssoslowlytrail:——

Whichtermelapsed——Rogeroshouldreturn,Andbereceivedintoherchurch"spale。

TimehaltsnotmorewithhimtoforeignbourneExiled,withprisonerpentinnoisomejail,Pinesthepoorwretchforlibertyandlight,Orhislovedland,desiredandgladsomesight!

XI

Ayesickwithhopedeferred,theexpectingmaid,ThatPhoebus"steedswerefounderedonewhiledeemed;

Thenthathiswheelswereoutofframe,sostayed,Beyondthewontedterm,hischariotseemed。

YetlongerthanthatdaywhenFaithdelayedThesun,whichontherighteousHebrewbeamed,OrthanthatnightAlcideswasconceived,Sheeverydayandeverynightbelieved。

XII

Howoftofdormouse,badger,orofbear,Theheavyslumberwouldshefainpartake!

Forshethattimeinsleepwouldwasteandwear;

Norsuchprolongedreposedesiredtobreak;

Norwishedthedamselanysoundtohear,UntilRogero"svoiceshouldherawake:

Butnotaloneisthisbeyondherpower;

Shecannotclosehereyesonesinglehour。

XIII

Shehereandthere,throughoutthelivelongnight,Tossesandturns,noreverfindsrepose;

Andstill,impatientforthedawnoflight,Fromtimetotimeshetoherwindowgoes,ToseeifTithon"sspousethelilywhiteYetscattersmingledwiththecrimsonrose。

Norlessdesiresthedamsel,when"tismorn,Toseethegoldenstarstheheavenadorn。

XIV

When,savingsomefourdays,thetermwasended,Appointedfortheyouthfulwarrior"sstay,She,fullofhope,themessengerattendedFromhourtohour,thatshouldarrive,andsay,“BeholdRogerocomes“;andoftascendedAturret,fromwhosetopshemightsurveyGaychampaign,wood,and,midthewideexpanse,Aportionoftheroad,thatledtoFrance。

XV

Whenshiningarmsatdistancesheperceives,Oranythingthatspeaksacavalier,"TisherdesiredRogero,shebelieves;

Andherfaireyesandbrowsareseentoclear。

Iffootman,orunarmed,themaidconceives,Itisacourierfromtheyouthfulpeer;

And,thoughfallaciouseveryhopeshefeeds,Anotherandanotherayesucceeds。

XVI

Andthenshearms,andwillthewarriormeet;

Andfromthehilldescendsintotheplain:

Shefindshimnot,andtoMontalban"sseatHopeshebyotherroadhiswayhasta"en。

Inthedesign,wherewithshemovedherfeetFromthence,shetoherfortreturnsinvain;

Norfindshimherenorthere;meanwhileexpiredTheperiodwhoseapproachshesodesired。

XVII——

Theperiodsoprefixto"erpastbyone,Bytwo,three,six,byeight,bytwentydays——

Sheseeingnotherspouse,andtidingsnoneReceivingoftheyouth,laments"ganraise,Whichhadfromsnake-hairedFuriespitywon,InthosedarkrealmsthatRhadamanthussways。

Shesmotehereyesdivine,andbosomsfair;

Sherentthetressesofhergoldenhair。

XVIII

“Canitbetrue?“——(shecried)——“ShallIbefainTofollowone,thatstrivestohideandfly?

Esteemamanthathasmeindisdain?

Prayhimthatneverhearsmysuppliantcry?

Sufferwhohatesmeo"ermyhearttoreign?

Onethathisloftyvirtuesholdssohigh,"Twereneedsomeheaven-borngoddessshoulddescendFromrealmsabove,hisstubbornhearttobend?

XIX

“Proudyouth!heknowsmyworshipandmylove,Normewillhaveforloverorforslave。

ThecruelstriplingknowswhatpangsIprove,YetwillnotaidmetillIaminmygrave。

Norletmetellmysorrows,lesttheymoveHimhisperverseandevilwilltowave;

Shunningmelikemalignantasp,thatfearsTochangehismood,ifhethecharmerhears。

XX

“Ah!Love,arrestthiswightwhorunssofree,Outstrippingmyslowfeet,ormeinstallIntheconditionwhencethoutookestme,SuchasIwas,erethineorother"sthrall——

Alas!howvainthehope!thatthoushouldstbeEvertopitymovedbysuppliantcall,Whosport,yeafeedandlive,instreamsthatriseFromthedistractedlover"sbrimmingeyes。

XXI

“But,woeisme,alas!and,whatcanI

Savemyirrationaldesirelament?

Whichmakesmesoarapitchsopassinghigh,Ireacharegion,wheremyplumesarebrent;

Then,unsustained,fallheadlongfromthesky;

Norendsmywoe;onotherflightintent,AgainIimpmywings,againIsoar;

Toflameandfall,tormentedevermore。

XXII

“Yea;ratherofmyselfshouldIcomplain,Thanthedesire,towhichIbaredmybreastWherebywasReasonhuntedfromherreign,Andallmypowersbystrongerforceopprest。

Thusbornefrombadtoworse,withoutarein,Icannottheunbridledbeastarrest;

WhomakesmeseeItodestructionhaste,ThatImorebitternessindeathmaytaste。

XXIII

“Yet,ah!whyblamemyself?WhereinhaveI

Everoffended,saveinlovingthee?

WhatwonderwasitthenthatsuddenlyAwoman"sfeeblesenseopprestshouldbe?

Whyfenceandguardmyself,lestbearinghigh,Wisewords,andbeautyrareshouldpleasureme?

MostwretchedisthemortalthatwouldshunTolookuponthevisageofthesun。

XXIV

“Besidesthatmemydestinyentrained,Words,worthycredence,movedmemuch,thatdrewApictureofrarehappiness,ordainedAsmeedofthisfairunlesstoensue。

Ifthesepersuasivewordswerefalseandfeigned,IffamousMerlin"scounselwasuntrue,WrathatthewizardmayIwellprofess;

ButcannotthereforeloveRogeroless。

XXV

“BothMerlinandMelissahaveIneedToblame,andshallforeverblamethetwain,That,toexhibitsuckersofmyseed,Conjuredupspiritsfrominfernalreign,Whowiththisemptyhopemyfancyfeed,Meinperpetualbondagetodetain。

NorothercauseforthiscanIsuppose,Savethattheygrudgemesafeandsweetrepose。”

XXVI

Sorrowthemaidsowhollyoccupies,Roomhasshenoneforcomfortorforrest。

Yet,maugreheraffliction,Hopewillrise,Andformalodgementinherharassedbreast;

Andtothedamsel"smemorystillsuppliesRogero"spartingwordstoheraddrest;

Somakesher,inallseemingfacts"despite,Awaitfromhourtohourtheyouthfulknight。

XXVII

Foramonth"sspacebeyondthosetwentydaysThishopeaffordsfairBradamantcontent:

HencesorrownotonhersoheavyweighsAsitwouldelseherharassedsoulhaveshent。

She,onedaythatalongtheroadshestrays,BywhichsheofttomeetRogerowent,Hearstidings,thatofHope——lastcomfortleft——

(Likeeveryothergood)herbreastbereft。

XXVIII

Boundhomewardfromthehostilecamp,wherelayKingAgramant,shemetaGasconknight,Aprisonertothosepaynims,fromtheday,ThatfoughtnighPariswasthefamousfight。

Thedamselpresthimallheknewtosay:

Thentothepointshecovetsledtheknight:

AsksofRogero,onthatthemeabides,Listenstothat,notaughtinquiresbesides。

XXIX

Ofhimafullaccountdidheafford,Aswellacquaintedwiththecourt;hesaidHow,matchedwithMandricardo,strovethatlord,Andlayedthemartialkingincombatdead。

Andhow,sorewoundedbytheTartar"ssword,Aboveamonththestriplingkepthisbed:

Andhadthestrangerherebutclosedhisnews,Wellmighthistalethemissingknightexcuse。

XXX

ButthensubjoinstheGasconcavalierHowintheMoorishcampadamsellies,BynameMarphisahight,ofbeauteouscheer,Boldandasskilledinarmsofeveryguise,WholovesRogeroandtohimisdear;

Andthenthehostsorarelysunderedspies,Thateveryone,throughoutthepaynimtrain,Deemsthatbetrothedinwedlockarethetwain。

XXXI

Andhope,whenhealedshallbetheyouthfulknight,Themarriageofthoseloverswillsucceed;

(Forsure)withpleasureandsinceredelight,Thosetidingspaynimprinceandmonarchread:

Since,knowingeither"ssuperhumanmight,Theyaugur,fromtheirloinswillspringabreed,Inlittleseason,whichshallpassinworthThemightiestracethateverwasonearth。

XXXII

Whatherehearsed,theGasconknightbelieved,Norwithoutcausebelievedthenewshebore,ArumouruniversallyreceivedAndbruitedthroughthesquadronsoftheMoor;

WhohadthatnotionoftheirloveconceivedFromsignsofkindnesswitnessedevermore。

For——goodorbad——thoughfromonemouthitflows,Fametoaboundlesstorrentquicklygrows。

XXXIII

ThatshewithhimhadbroughtthePaynimaid,Andne"erwasseenwithoutthecavalier,Thefirstfoundationoftherumourlayed:

Butwhatconfirmedthatfameineveryear,Was,thatshe,havingfromthecampconveyedThethiefBrunello(asIsangwhilere)

AsifalonetoseeRogerobrought,Hadtothecampreturned,uncalled,unsought。

XXXIV

Shesolelytothecamphadta"enherway,Tovisithimthatonasick-bedsmarted;

Noroncealone;butoftenallthedayTherepassedthatmaid,andbutatevedeparted:

Whogaveyetgreatercauseofhertosay,That——knownasonesohaughtyandhard-hearted,Whoalltheworlddespised——shenowwasgrownBenignandhumbletotheChildalone。

XXXV

WhenBradamanttheGascon"sstoryheard,Thatladysufferedsuchtormentingpain,Suchcruelwoeherinmostbosomstirred,Fromfallingshepreservedherselfwithpain。

Sheturnedhercourserround,withoutaword,Inflamedwithjealousyandfiercedisdain:

Fromherallhopethewretcheddamselspurns,Andtoherchamberbreathingwrathreturns。

XXXVI

Turnedonherface,herbodyonthebed,Armedassheis,th4egrievingdamselthrows,Andthatthesadlamentbysorrowbred,Maybeunheardofany,bitestheclothes;

Andso,repeatingwhatthestrangersaid,Tosuchapitcherhersmotheredanguishgrows,Herplaintsnolongerabletorestrain,Soventsthemaidparforceherpiteouspain:

XXXVII

“Whoevercanbetrusted?woeisme!

Allfalseandcruelwellmaybeesteemed,Ifthou,Rogero,falseandcruelbe,ThatIsopiousandsofaithfuldeemed。

Whatfoulandfelonact,whattreachery,Waseveryetbytragicpoetdreamed,Butwillfallshortofthine,ifthouwiltsetThesumofmydesert,againstthydebts?

XXXVIII

“Wherefore,Rogero,sincenocavalierMatestheeinbeauteousformanddaringfeat,Sincethouinmatchlessvalourhastnopeer,Andnonewiththeeingentlenesscompete,Whycannotwe,"midgodlikegiftsandclear,Allowtheetruth,thygracestocomplete?

Thepraiseofspotlesstruthtotheeallow,Towhichallothervirtuesyieldandbow?

XXXIX

“Knowestthounot,withoutit,worthlessareAllgentlebearingandallmartialmight?

Asthereisnothing,howsoeverfair,Thatcanbeseenwithouttheaidoflight。

Easilymightestthouamaidensnare,Lordasthouwas,andidolinhersight。

Herwiththyhoniedwordsthoumight"sthavewon,Todeemthatcoldanddarksomewasthesun。

XL

“Cruel,whatsincantroublethee,ifthouDo"stnothermurderwholovedtheerepent?

Ifheldsolightlybeabreachofvow——

Beneathwhatburdenwillthyheartbebent?

Whattreatmentwillthineadversaryknow,Ifonewholoveslikemethousotorment?

Justiceisnoneinheaven,Iwellmaysay,IfHeavenitsvengeanceformywrongsdelay。

XLI

“IfofallhumansinsofdeepestdyeBefellingratitude;ifdoomedtosmartForthis,thefairestangeloftheskyWasbanishedintofoulanddarksomepart;

Ifmightysinsformightyvengeancecry,Wheredueatonementcleansesnottheheart;

Bewarelestthoubeneathsuchvengeancegroan,Ingrate!thatwouldestnotthysinatone。

XLII

“CruelRogero,Ioftheft,besideAllothersins,mayjustlytheearraign。

Thatthoumyhearthasravishedformmyside,——OfthisoffenceIwillnot,Icomplain——

But,havingmadeitmine,thatthoudefiedAllright,andtookawaythygiftagain。

Restoreit;wellthouknow"stwhatpainsrequiteHissin,whokeepswhatisanother"sright。

XLIII

“Thouhastleftme,Rogero;theetoleave,Alas!Ineitherwillnorpowerpossess。

ButwillandpowerhaveImylifetoreave,Toscapefromthiso"erwhelmingwretchedness。

TodieatstrifewiththeealoneIgrieve:

For,hadthegodssopleasedmylottobless,Astorequiremylife,whenlovedofthee,Neversowelcomehadbeendeathtome。”

XLIV

Resolvedtodie,"twassothedamselcried;

Andstartingfromherbed,bypassionwarmed,Toherleftbreasthernakedswordapplied;

Thenrecollectedshewaswhollyarmed。

MeanwhileherbetterSpirit,atherside,Withthesepersuasivewordsherfurycharmed:

“Olady,borntosuchillustriousname!

Would"stthouconcludethylifewithsuchfoulshame?

XLV

“Wereitnotbettertothefieldtogo,Whereayethybreathwithglorymaybespent?

There,shouldRogerochancetolaytheelow,Hetohaveslaintheehaplymayrepent;

But,shouldhisfaulchiondealthemortalblow,Whatdeathcouldeveryieldtheemorecontent?

Reasonitwerethoushould"stbyhimbeslain,Whodoomstheelivingtosuchpassingpain。

XLVI

“HaplyofthatMarphisa,too,beforeThoudie,thouyetmaydeadlyvengeancetake,WhowithdishonestloveandtreacherousloreDidthybelovedRogero"sfealtyshake。”

ThisseemedtopleasethemournfulladymoreThanherfirstthought;andsheforthwithbademakeAmantleforherarms,whichshouldimplyHerdesperationanddesiretodie。

XLVII

ThevestisofthatcolourwhichisspiedInleaf,whengrayandyellowareatstrife;

Whenitisgatheredfromthebranch,ordriedIsthegreenblood,thatwasit"sparent"slife。

Embroideredisthesurcoat"soutersideWithstemsofcypresswhichdisdaintheknife;

Whichshootnot,whenbybitingsteellaidlow。

Ahabitwellaccordingwithherwoe。

XLVIII

ShetookthecourserthatwaswonttobearAstolpho,andwithhimthelanceofgold,Bywhosesoletouchunhorsedallchampionswere。

NeedlessanewIdeemittounfoldWhybyAstolphogiven,andwhenandwhere,Orhowthatspearobtainedthewarriorbold。

Theladytookthelance,butnothingguessedOfthestupendousvirtueitpossessed。

XLIX

Withoutattendants,withoutsquire,alone,Thehilldescendingbythenearestway,TowardParisisthemournfuldamselgone,WherecampederewhiletheMoorishforceslay;

Foryettoherthetidingswereunknown,ThatgoodRinaldoandhisboldarrayHadraised,withCharles"andMalagigi"said,ThesiegethepaynimshadtoParislaid。

L——

Cadurci,andCahorscityleftbehind——

Bradamantseesthemountain,farandnear,WhenceDordogne"swaterstothevalleywind;

AndMontferrant"sandClermont"stowersappear:

Whenshe,aladyfair,ofsemblancekind,Beholds,bythatsameroad,towardshersteer。

Threeknightswerenigh,and——atthepommelhung——

Abucklerfromthedamsel"ssaddleswung。

LI

BeforetheladyandbehindherrideMoresquiresandmaids,anumerouscompany。

FairBradamantofonethatpastbesideDemandedwhothestrangerdamemightbe?

“ThatladytothekingofFrance“(repliedThesquire)“issentuponanembassyFromTHELOSTISLE,whichliesmidseasthatrollTheirrestlesswavesbeyondthenorthernpole。

LII

“SomeTHELOSTISLE,someIcelandcallthereignWhereofaroyalladyfillsthethrone;

Whosecharms(beforethosecharmsallbeautieswane)

AresuchasHeavenhaddealttoheralone。

TheshieldyouseeshesendstoCharlemagne,Butwiththepactandpurposeplainlyshown,Heshouldconferitontheknight,whoseworthIs,inhisjudgment,fairestuponearth。

LIII

“She,asshedeemsherself(anditistrueSheisthefairestofallwomankind),Acavalier,thatshouldinheartandthewSurpassallotherwarriors,fainwouldfind;

Resolved,shouldherahundredthousandwoo,Noneshallunfixthepurposeofhermind;——

Buthe,heldworthiestbytheworld"saccord,Aloneshallbeherloverandherlord。

LIV

“InFrance,inroyalCharles"sfamouscourt,Thedamselhopestofindthecavalier,WhoinathousandfeatsofhighreportHasshownthatheexcelseachpuissantpeer。

Allthreearemonarchywhothedameescort,Andwhattheirkingdomsyeaswellshallhear。

OneSwedenrules,oneGothland,Norwayone;

Surpastinmartialpraisebyfewornone。

LV

“Thesethree,whosekingdomsatsomedistancelie,YettheleastdistantliefromtheLOSTISLE,(Becausefewmarinersitsshoredescry,Aslittleknown,thatislandsotheystyle),Wooedandyetwooherforawife,andvieInvalour,and,towinthelady"ssmile,Illustriousdeedshavedone,whichFameshallsound,WhileHeavenshallcircleinitswontedround。

LVI

“Yetshenotthesewillwed,norcavalierThatdoesnot,asshedeems,allelseexcell——

`LightlyIholdyourproofofvalourhere,"

(Thosenorthernmonarchswasshewonttotell)

`Andif,likesunamidthestars,onepeerOutshineshisfellows,himIhonourwell:

Butthereforeholdhimnot,infiercealarms,Oflivingmenthebravestknightatarms。

LVII

“`ToCharlemagne,whomIesteemandholdAswisestamongreigningkings,bymeShallbedispatchedacostlyshieldofgold,Onpactandoncondition,thatitbeBestowedonhim,deemedboldestofthebold,Amidthemartialranksofchivalry。

ServesthekingCharlemagneorotherlord,Iwillbegovernedbythatking"saward。

LVIII

“`IfwhenKingCharlesthebucklershallreceiveAndgivetoonesostout,thatbestamongAllothershethatwarriorshallbelieve,Dotheytohisorothercourtbelong。

FormethegoldenbucklershallretrieveOneofyouthree,inhisownvirtuestrong;

Myeveryloveandthoughtshallhepossess;

HimformyspouseandlordwillIconfess。"

LIX

“Movedbythesestirringspeeches,hitherhieFromthatwide-distantsea,thosemonarchsbold,Resolvedtowinthebuckler,ortodieBeneathhishandwhohasthatshieldofgold。”

Bradamantpondersmuchthesquire"sreply:

Hegivehishorsethehead——hisstorytold——

Andplieshimsowithrestlessheelandhand,Heovertakesthedamsel"sdistantband。

LX

Afterhimgallopsnot,norhurriesought,Bradamant,whopursuesherroadatease:

MuchevermoreevolvinginherthoughtThingsthatmaychance,shefinallyforeseesThatthroughthebucklerbythatdamselbrought,Willfollowstrifeandboundlessenmities,AmidkingCharles"speerageandtherest,Ifwiththatshieldheshallrewardthebest。

LXI

Thisgrievedthedamsel"sheart,butfaraboveThatgrief,theformerfearherhearddidgoad;

ThatyoungRogerohadwithdrawnhisloveFromher,andonthewarlikequeenbestowed。

Soburiedinthethoughtswherewithshestrove,WasBradamant,sheheedednorherroad,Nortookshecarewhere,atthecloseoflight,Tofindbefittingshelterforthenight。

LXII

Aswhenfromsquall,orotherchance,abargeDrivesfromtheriver-side,wherelateitlay,Undernomarinerorpilot"scharge,Thewindsandwavesatwilltransporttheirprey;

SoRabicanwithBradamant,atlarge,——ShemusingonRogero——wendshisway。

Forthence,bymanymiles,wasdistantwideThatmindwhichshouldhercourser"sbridleguide。

LXIII

Sheraisedhereyesatlast,andsawthesunHadturnedhisbackonBocchus"towersandwall;

Then,likeacormorant,hisjourneydone,Intohisnurse"slapbeheldhimfall,BeyondMarocco;andforhertorunTotree,forshelterfromtherisingsquall,Hadbeenafoolishthought;fornow"ganblowAblusteringwind,whichthreatenedrainorsnow。

LXIV

TobetterspeedfairBradamantarousedHercourser,yetbutlittlewaydidride,Whenwithhisflock,whichonthechampaignbrowsed,Leavingthefields,ashepherdsheespied。

Tohimwhere,wellorill,shemightbehoused,——Withmanyinstancesthemaidapplied——

Forneverhousecouldsuchillshelteryield,Butthatinrain"twereworsetolodgeafield。

LXV

Tohertheshepherdsaid,“IknowofnoneWheretoIcoulddirectyou,nearathand。

Atleastsixleaguesaredistantall,butone,NamedTRISTRAM"STOWER,throughouttheneighbouringland。

Butnottoallmenisthedoorundone;

Foritbehovesthatthey,withlanceinhand,Achievetheirfootingfirstandthedefend,Whotobelodgedwithinitswallspretend。

LXVI

“Ifthereberoomwithin,tostrangerknightThecastellaingiveskindlywelcomethere:

Butisalodgingclaimedbyotherwight,Tojoustwithallnewcomersmakeshimswear:

Ifnone,heneednotmove;butarmsandfightHemustwhatstrangerthithershallrepair;

Andhethatworsthiswarlikearmsshallply,Mustwanderforthbeneaththenakedsky。

LXVII

“Iftwo。three,four,ormore,seekshelter,theyThatfirstarrive,inpeacetheirquarterstake。

Whofollows,hasahardergametoplay;

Forwaruponthosemanymusthemake。

So,ifoneonlyinthatmansionstay,Hewiththosetwo,ormore,alancemustbreak。

Thenwithasmanyothersassucceed:

Thushewhatstrengthhehasshallsorelyneed。

LXVIII

“Aswell,ifwifeormaidseekthatrepair,(Isshealone,issheaccompanied),Andafterwardsanother,themostfairIshoused;thatothermustwithoutabide。”

BradamantaskedthekindlyshepherdwhereThatcastlestood;andhewithsignsrepliedAswellaswords,andpointedwithhishandWhere,fiveorsixmileswide,thetowerdidstand。

LXIX

ThoughRabican"sgoodpacesmeritpraise,Tohurryhimthedamselhadnoskill,Bythosesopassingfoulandbrokenways,(Byseasonsomewhatrainyrenderedill)

So,astoreachthetower,ereNighto"erlaysTheworld,whoseeverynookdarkshadowsfill。

Arrived,thatladyfindstheportalbarred,Andthatsheseeksalodgingtellstheguard。

LXX

HeanswersthattheplaceisoccupiedBydameandknightalreadyhoused,who,metAboutthefire,inthatchillevening-tide,Waittilltheirsupperbebeforethemset。

Tohimthatmaid:“Theboardisnotsupplied,Ideem,forthem,unlessthemealbeeat。

Now,sayIwaittheircoming。”(shepursues,)

Whoknowandwillobserveyourcastle"suse。”

LXXI

Theguardhismessagebore,whereattheireaseReposedthewearycavaliers;histaleNotoverlikelywasthosekingstoplease;

Forcoldandpeevishblewthewintrygale,Andnowfastfelltherain;yet,forcedtoseizeTheirarms,theyslowlydonthemartialmail。

Therestremainwithin;whiletheyproceedAgainstthedamsel,butwithlittlespeed。

LXXII

Threecavalierstheywere,ofmightsotried,Fewchampionsbuttotheminprowessyield,Thesamethatshethatveryday,besideThecouriermaid,encounteredinthefield,TheythatinIcelandboasted,intheirpride,TobearawayfromFrancethegoldenshield:

Who(fortheyhadthemartialmaidoutrode)

Arrivedbeforeheratthatlord"sabode。

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