CXXXVIII "Form, site, and sumptuous work doth he behold, And royal ornament and fair device; And oft repeats, not all this wide world's gold To buy the egregious mansion wound suffice. To him in answer said that negress old: 'And yet this dome, like others, hath its prize; If not in gold and silver, price less high Than gold and silver will the palace buy': CXXXIX "And she to him prefers the same request, Which erst Adonio to Argia made. A fool he deemed the woman and possest, Who for a boon so foul and filthy prayed. Yet ceased she not, though more than thrice represt; And strove so well Anselmo to persuade, Proffering, for his reward, the palace still, She wrought on him to do her evil will. CXL "The wife Argia, that is hid fast by, When in such sin her husband she descries, Of doctor, that was deemed so passing wise, Springs forth and saith: `Ah! worthy deed! which I Found in such foul and filthy work, espy!' Bethink thee, if his kindling blushes rise; If he stands mute! why opens not thy hollow And central womb, O earth, the wretch to swallow? CXLI "To clear herself and shame him, doth she stun Anselmo, never ceasing to upbraid. `What pain should by thyself be undergone For this so filthy deed, (Argia said) If thou would'st take my life for having done What Nature prompted and a lover prayed; One that was fair and gentle, and who brought A gift, compared wherewith, this dome is nought? CXLII " `If worthy of one death thou deemest me, Worthy art thou a hundred deaths to die: And, though my pleasure might I do on thee, So passing puissant in this place am I, No other or worse vengeance done shall be Upon my side, on thy delinquency. The give against the take, O husband, place; And, as 'twas granted thee, so grant me grace: CXLIII " `And be there peace between us, and accord That all be to forgetfulness consigned; Nor thee I of thy fault by deed or word, Nor me of mine, henceforward thou remind!' This seemed a goodly bargain to her lord; Nor to such pardon was he disinclined. Thus peace and concord they at home restore, And love each other dearly evermore." CXLIV So said the mariner, and some brief fit Of laughter in Montalban's master stirred; And made his visage burn, as if 'twas lit With fire, when of Anselmo's shame he heard. Rinaldo greatly praised Argia's wit, Who by such quaint device had trapped that bird; Who fell into the net wherein the dame Herself erewhile had fallen, but with less shame. CXLV When the sun climbed a steeper road, the knight Ordered the board with food to be supplied, Which the good Mantuan landlord overnight Took care with largest plenty to provide; While the fair town, upon the left, from sight Retired, and on the right that marish wide. Argenta is come and gone, with circling walls And stream into whose bed Santerno falls. CXLVI Then was not fair Bastia built, deem I, Which little cause of boast affords to Spain (That there her banner has been raised on high), And causes deeper sorrow to Romagne. Thence in strait line their bark, that seems to fly, To the right shore the boatmen drive amain: Next through a stagnant channel make, that near Ravenna brings by noon the cavalier. CXLVII Though oft of money he had small supply, Then was the knight so well bested, he made The weary rowers, in his courtesy, A parting present, ere farewell was said. Here changing horse and guide, to Rimini Rinaldo rode that very eye, nor stayed In Montefiore till the night was done; And well nigh reached Urbino with the sun. CXLVIII Then Frederick was not there of gentle lore, Nor was Elizabeth nor Guido good; Francis Maria nor sage Leonore; Who would in courteous, not in haughty mood, Have forced so famed a paladin for more Than one short eye, with them to make abode; As they long did, and do unto this day, By dames and cavaliers who pass that way. CXLIX Since here none takes his rein, Rinaldo bends His course an-end to Cagli; o'er the height, Rifted by Gaurus and Metaurus, wends Past Apennine, no longer on his right, Umbri and Tuscans; and at Rome descends. From Rome to Ostia goes Montalban's knight: Thence to the city sails; wherein a grave His pious son to old Anchises gave. CL There changes back; and thence in haste he goes Bound towards Lampedosa's island-shore, That place of combat chosen by the foes, And where they had encountered Frank and Moor. Rinaldo grants his boatmen no repose; That do what can be done by sail and oar. But with ill wind and strong the warrior strives; And, though by little, there too late arrives. CLI Thither he came what time Anglante's peer The useful and the glorious deed had done; Had slain those paynim kings in the career, But had a hard and bloody conquest won: Dead was Sir Brandimart; and Olivier, Dangerously hurt and sore, sate woe-begone, Somedeal apart, upon the sandy ground, Martyred and crippled by his cruel wound. CLII From tears could not the mournful Count refrain, When brave Rinaldo he embraced, and said, How in the battle Brandimart was slain. Such love, such faith endeared the warrior dead. Nor less Rinaldo's tears his visage stain When he so cleft beholds their comrade's head. Thence to embrace bold Oliviero, where He sits with wounded foot, he makes repair. CLIII All comfort that he could he gave; though none Could good Rinaldo to himself afford; Because he came but when the feast was done; Yea after the removal of the board. The servants wend to the demolished town, There hide the bones of either paynim lord Beneath Biserta's ruined domes, and nigh And far, the fearful tidings certify. CLIV At the fair conquest won by Roland's blade, Sansonet and Astolpho make great cheer; Yet other mirth those warriors would have made Had Brandimart not perished; when they hear That he is dead, their joy is so allayed They can no more the troubled visage clear. Which of them now the tidings of such woe To the unhappy Flordelice shall show? CLV The night preceding that ill-omened day Flordelice dreamed the vest of sable grain That she had made, her husband to array, And woven with her hand and worked with pain, Before her eyes all sprinkled-over lay With ruddy drops, in guise of pattering rain. That she had worked it so the lady thought; And then was grieved at seeing what was wrought. CLVI And seemed to say, "Yet from my lord have I Command to make it all of sable hue; Now wherefore it is stained with other dye Against his will, in mode so strange to view?" She from that dream draws evil augury; And thither on that eve the tidings flew: But these concealed Astolpho from the dame Till he to her with Sansonetto came. CLVII When they are entered, and she sees no show Of joyful triumphs, she, without a word, Without a hint to indicate that woe, Knows that no longer living is her lord. With that her gentle heart was riven so, And so her harassed eyes the light abhorred, And so was every other sense astound, That, like one dead, she sank upon the ground. CLVIII She in her hair, when life returns again, Fastens her hand; and on her lovely cheeks, Repeating the beloved name in vain, With all her force her scorn and fury wreaks; Uproots and tears, her locks, and in her pain Like woman, smit by evil demon, shrieks, Or, as Bacchante at the horn's rude sound, Erewhile was seen to run her restless round. CLIX Now to the one, to the other now her prayer She made for knife, wherewith her heart to smite; Now she aboard the pinnace would repair That brought the corse of either paynim knight, And would on either, lifeless as they were, Do cruel scathe, and vent her fierce despite. Now would she seek her lord, till at his side She rested from her weary search, and died. CLX "Ah! wherefore, Brandimart, did I let thee Without me wend on such a dire emprize? She ne'er before did thy departure see, But Flordelice aye followed thee," she cries: "Well aided mightest thou have been by me; For I on thee should still have kept my eyes; And when Gradasso came behind thee, I Thee might have succoured with a single cry; CLXI "And haply I so nimbly might have made Between you, that the stroke I might have caught, And with my head, as with a buckler, stayed: For little ill my dying would have wrought. Anyhow I shall die; and — that debt paid — My melancholy death will profit nought: When, had I died, defending thee in strife, I could not better have bestowed my life. CLXII "Even is averse had been hard Destiny, And all heaven's host, when thee I sought to aid, At least my tears had bathed thy visage, I Should the last kiss thereon, at least, have laid; And, ere amid the blessed hierarchy Thy spirit mixt, `Depart' — I should have said — `In peace, and wait me in thy rest; for there, Where'er thou art, I swiftly shall repair.' CLXIII "Is this, O Brandimart, is this the reign, Whose honoured sceptre thou wast now to take? With thee to Dommogire, thy fair domain, Thus went I; me thus welcome dost thou make? Alas! what hope to-day thou renderest vain! Ah! what designs, fell Fortune, dost thou break! Ah! wherefore fear I, since a lot so blest, Is lost, to lose as well the worthless rest?" CLXIV Repeating this and other plaint, so spite And fury waxed, that she in her despair Made new assault upon her tresses bright, As if the fault was wholly in her hair: Wildly her hands together doth she smite, And gnaw; with nails her lip and bosom tear. But I return to Roland and his peers; While she bemoans herself and melts in tears. CLXV Roland with Olivier, who much requires Such leech's care, his anguish to allay; And who, himself, some worthy place desires As much, wherein Sir Brandimart to lay, Steers for the lofty mountain, that with fires Brightens the night, with smoke obscures the day. The wind blows fair, and on the starboard hand, Not widely distant from them, lies that land. CLXVI With a fresh wind, that in their favour blows, They loose their hawser at the close of day: In heaven above the silent goddess shows Her shining horn, to guide them on their way; And on the following morn before them rose The pleasant shores that round Girgenti lay. Here Roland orders for the ensuing night All that is needful for the funeral rite. CLXVII He, when he saw his order duly done, And now the westering sun's fair light was spent. With many nobles, who from neighbouring town, At his invital, to Girgenti went, — The shore with torches blazing up and down, And sounding wide with cries and loud lament, — Thither returned where late, of life bereft, His friends, beloved in life and death, was left. CLXVIII There stands Bardino, weeping o'er the bier, Who under Age's heavy burden bows; Who, in the tears on shipboard shed whilere. Might well have wept away his eyes and brows: Upbraiding skies and stars, the cavalier, Like lion, in whose veins a fever glows, Roars as he wreathes his wayward hands within His hoary hair, and rends his wrinkled skin. CLXIX Upon the paladin's return the cry Redoubled, and the mourning louder grew Orlando to the corse approached more nigh, And speechless stood awhile, his friends to view, Pale, as at eve is the acanthus' dye Or lily's, which were plucked at morn: he drew A heavy sigh, and on the warrior dead Fixing his stedfast eyes, the County said: CLXX "O comrade bold and true, there here liest slain, And who dost live in heaven above, I know, Rewarded with a life, thy glorious gain, Which neither heat nor cold can take, my woe Forgive, if thou beholdest me complain: Because I sorrow to remain below, And not to share in such delights with thee; Not that thou art not left behind with me. CLXXI "Alone, without thee, there is nought I may Ever possess, without thee, that can please. If still with thee in tempest and affray, Ah wherefore not with thee in calm and ease? Right sore must be my trespass, since this clay Will not to follow thee my soul release. If in thy troubles still I bore a burden, Why am I not a partner of thy guerdon? CLXXII "Thine is the guerdon; mine the loss; thy gain Is single; but not single is my woe: Partners with me in sorrow are Almayne, And grieving France and Italy; and oh! How will my lord and uncle, Charlemagne, How will his paladins lament the blow! How will the Christian church and empire moan, Whose best defence in thee is overthrown! CLXXIII "Oh! how thy foes will by the death of thee Be freed henceforward from alarm and fear! Alas! how strengthened paynimry will be! What hardiment will now be theirs! what cheer! What of thy consort will become? I see Even here her mourning, and her outcries hear. Me she accuses, haply hates, I know; In that, through me, her every hope lies low. CLXXIV "Yet by one comfort, Flordelice, is followed His loss, for us that reft of him remain: His death, with such surpassing glory hallowed, To die all living warriors should be fain. Those Decii; Curtius, in Rome's forum swallowed; Cordus, so vaunted by the Grecian train; Not with more honour to themselves, with more Profit to others, went to death of yore." CLXXV These sad laments and more Orlando made; And all this while white friars, and black, and gray, With other clerks, by two and two arrayed, Behind in long procession took their way; And they to God for the departed prayed, That he would to his rest his soul convey. Before and all about were torches reared, And changed to day the sable night appeared. CLXXVI They raise the warrior's bier, and ranged to bear By turns that honoured weight were earl and knight. The pall was purple silk, with broidery rare Of gold, and pearls in costly circles dight. Thereon, of lordly work and no less fair, Cushions were laid, with jewels shining bright. On which was stretched the lifeless knight in view, Arrayed in vest of like device and hue. CLXXVII A hundred men had past before the rest, All taken from the poorest of the town; And in one fashion equally were drest Those beadsmen all, in black and trailing gown. A hundred pages followed them, who prest A hundred puissant steeds, for warfare bown; And by those pages backed, the portly steeds Went, sweeping wide the ground with sable weeds. CLXXVIII Banners in front and banners borne in rear, Whose fields with diverse ensignry is stained, Unfurled accompany the funeral bier; Which from a thousand vanquished bands were gained, For Caesar and for Peter's church whilere, By that rare force, which now extinct remained. Bucklers by other followers carried are, Won from good warriors, whose device they bear. CLXXIX By hundreds and by hundreds followed more, Ordained for different tasks, the steps of those; Who burning torches like those others bore. Mantled, say rather closely muffled, goes Roland in sables next, and evermore His eyes suffused and red with weeping shows. Nor wears a gladder face Montalban's peer. At home his wound detains Sir Olivier. CLXXX The ceremonies would be long to say In verse, wherewith Sir Brandimart was mourned; The mantles, black or purple, given away; The many torches which that eve were burned. Wending to the cathedral, where the array Past on its road, were no dry eyes discerned: All sexes, ages, ranks, in pitying mood Gazed upon him so youthful, fair, and good. CLXXXI He in the church was placed; and, when with vain Lament the women had bemoaned the dead, And Kyrie Eleison, by the priestly train, And other holy orisons were said, In a fair ark, upraised on columns twain, Was reared, with sumptuous cloth of gold o'erspread. So willed Orlando; till he could be laid In sepulchre of costlier matter made: CLXXXII Nor out of Sicily the Count departs, Till porphyries he procures and alabasters, And fair designs; and in their several arts Has with large hire engaged the primest masters. Next Flordelice, arriving in those parts, Raises the quarried slabs and rich pilasters; Who, good Orlando being gone before, Is hither wafted from the Africk shore. CLXXXIII She, seeing that her tears unceasing flow, And that of long lament she never tires; Nor she, for mass or service said, her woe Can ease, or satisfy her sad desires, Vows in her heart she thence will never go Till from the wearied corse her soul expires; And builds in that fair sepulchre a cell; There shuts herself; therein for life will dwell. CLXXXIV Thither in person, having courier sent And letter, Roland goes, her thence to take; Her, would she wend to France, with goodly rent Would gift, and Galerana's inmate make; As far as Lizza convoy her, if bent On journeying to her father; for her sake If wholly she to serve her God was willed, A monastery would the warrior build. CLXXXV Still in that sepulchre she dwelt, and worn By weary penance, praying night and day, It was not long, ere by the Parcae shorn Was her life's thread: already on their way Were the three Christian warriors, homeward borne, Sorrowing and afflicted sore in mind For their fourth comrade who remained behind. CLXXXVI They would not go without a leech, whose skill Might ease the wound of warlike Olivier; Which, as in the beginning it could ill Be salved, is hard to heal. Meanwhile they hear The champion so complain, his outcries fill Orlando and all that company with fear. While they discoursed thereon, the skipper, moved By a new notion, said what all approved. CLXXXVII A hermit not far distance hence, he said A lonely rock inhabits in this sea; Whose isle none, seeking succour, vainly tread, Whether for counsel or for aid it be: Who hath done superhuman deeds; the dead Restores to life; and makes the blind to see; Hushes the winds; and with a sign o' the cross Lulls the loud billows when they highest toss; CLXXXVIII And adds they need not doubt, if they will go To seek that holy man to God so dear, But he on Olivier will health bestow; Having his virtue proved by signs more clear. This counsel pleases good Orlando so, That for the holy place he bids him steer; Who never swerving from his course, espies The lonely rock, upon Aurora's rise. CLXXXIX Worked by good mariners, the bark was laid Safely beside the rugged rock and fell: The marquis there, with crew and servants' aid, They lowered into their boat; and through the swell And foaming waters in that shallop made For the rude isle; thence sought the holy cell; The holy cell of that same hermit hoar, By whom Rogero was baptized before. CXC The servant of the Lord of Paradise Receives Orlando and the rest on land; Blesses the company in cheerful wise; And after of their errand makes demand; Though he already had received advice From angels of the coming of that band. That they were thither bound in search of aid For Oliviero's hurt, Orlando said; CXCI Who, warring for the Christian faith, in fight To perilous pass was brought by evil wound. All dismal fear relieved that eremite, And promised he would make him wholly sound. In that no unguents hath the holy wight, Nor is in other human medicine found, His church he seeks, his knee to Jesus bows, And issues from the fane with cheerful brows; CXCII And in the name of those eternal Three, The Father, and the Son, and Holy Ghost, On Oliviero bade his blessing be. Oh! grace vouchsafed to faith! his sainted host From every pain the paladin did free; And to his foot restored its vigour lost. He moved more nimble than before, and sure; And present was Sobrino at the cure. CXCIII Sobrino, so diseased that he described How worse with each succeeding day he grew, As soon as he that holy monk espied The manifest and mighty marvel do, Disposed himself to cast Mahound aside, And own in Christ a living God and true. He, full of faith, with contrite heart demands Our holy rite of baptism at his hands. CXCIV So him baptized the hermit; and as well That monarch made as vigorous as whilere. At this conversion no less gladness fell On Roland and each Christian cavalier, Than when, restored from deadly wound, and well The friendly troop beheld Sir Olivier. Rogero more rejoiced than all that crew; And still in faith and grace the warrior grew. CXCV Rogero from the day he swam ashore Upon that islet, there had ever been. That band is counselled by the hermit hoar, Who stands, benign, those warlike knights between, Eschewing in their passage mire and moor, To wade withal through that dead water, clean, Which men call life; wherein so fools delight; And evermore on heaven to fix their sight. CXCVI Roland on shipboard sends one from his throng, Who fetches hence good wine, hams, cheese, and bread; And makes the sage, who had forgotten long All taste of partridge since on fruits he fed, Even do for love, what others did, among Those social guests for whom the board was spread. They, when their strength by food was reinforced, Of many things amid themselves discoursed; CXCVII And as in talk it often doth befall That one thing from another takes its rise, Roland and Olivier Rogero call To mind for that Rogero, in such wise Renowned in arms; whose valour is of all Lauded and echoed with accordant cries. Not even had Rinaldo known the knight For him whose prowess he had proved in fight. CXCVIII Him well Sobrino recognized whilere, As soon as with that aged man espied; But he at first kept silence; for in fear Of some mistake the monarch's tongue was tied. But when those others knew the cavalier For that Rogero, famous far and wide, Whose courtesy, whose might and daring through The universal world loud Rumor blew, CXCIX All, for they know he is a Christian, stand About him with serene and joyful face: All press upon the knight; one grasps his hand; Another locks him fast in his embrace: Yet more than all the others of that band Him would Montalban's lord caress and grace: Why more than all the others will appear In other strain, if you that strain will hear. CANTO 44 ARGUMENT Rinaldo his sister to the Child hath plight, And to Marseilles is with the warrior gone: And having crimsoned wide the field in fight, Therein arrives King Otho's valiant son. To Paris thence: where to that squadron bright Is mighty grace and wonderous honour done. The Child departs, resolved on Leo's slaughter, To whom Duke Aymon had betrothed his daughter. I In poor abode, mid paltry walls and bare, Amid discomforts and calamities, Often in friendship heart united are, Better than under roof of lordly guise, Or in some royal court, beset with snare, Mid envious wealth, and ease, and luxuries; Where charity is spent on every side, Nor friendship, unless counterfeit, is spied. II Hence it ensues that peace and pact between Princes and peers are of such short-lived wear. To-day king, pope, and emperor leagued are seen, And on the marrow deadly foemen are. Because such is not as their outward mien The heart, the spirit, that those sovereigns bear. Since, wholly careless as to right or wrong, But to their profit look the faithless throng. III Though little prone to friendship is that sort, Because with those she loveth not to dwell, Who, be their talk in earnest or in sport, Speak not, except some cozening tale to tell; Yet if together in some poor resort They prisoned are by Fortune false and fell, What friendship is they speedily discern; Though years had past, and this was yet to learn. IV In his retreat that ancient eremite Could bind his inmates with a faster noose, And in true love more firmly them unite, Than other could in domes where courtiers use; And so enduring was the knot and tight, That nothing short of death the tie could loose. Benignant all the hermit found that crew; Whiter at heart than swans in outward hue. V All kind he found them, and of courteous lore; Untainted with iniquity, in wise Of them I painted, and who nevermore Go forth, unless concealed in some disguise. Of injuries among them done before All memory, by those comrades buried lies: Nor could they better love, if from one womb And from one seed that warlike band had come. VI Rinaldo more than all that lordly train Rogero graced and lovingly caressed; As well because be on the listed plain Had proved the peer so strong in martial gest, As that he was more courteous and humane Than any knight that e'er laid lance in rest: But much more; that to him on many a ground By mighty obligation was he bound. VII The fearful risk by Richardetto run He knew, and how Rogero him bested; What time the Spanish monarch's hest was done, And with his daughter he was seized in bed; And how he had delivered either son Of good Duke Buovo (as erewhile was said) From Bertolagi of Maganza's hand, His evil followers, and the paynim band. VIII To honour and to hold Rogero dear, Him, Sir Rinaldo thought, this debt constrained; And that he could not so have done whilere, The warlike lord was sorely grieved and pained; When one for Africk's monarch couched the spear, And one the cause of royal Charles maintained: Now he Rogero for a Christian knew, What could not then be done he now would do. IX Welcome, with endless proffers, on his side, And honour he to good Rogero paid. The prudent sire that in such kindness spied An opening made for more, the pass assayed: "And nothing else remains," that hermit cried, "Nor will, I trust, my counsel be gainsaid) But that, conjoined by friendship, you shall be Yet faster coupled by affinity. X "That from the two bright progenies, which none Will equal in illustrious blood below, A race may spring, that brighter than the sun Will shine, wherever that bright sun may glow; And which, when years and ages will have run Their course, will yet endure and fairer show, While in their orbits burn the heavenly fires: So me, for your instruction, God inspires." XI And his discourse pursuing still, the seer So spake, he moves Rinaldo by his rede To give his sister to the cavalier; Albeit with either small entreaties need. Together with Orlando, Olivier The counsel lauds, and would that union speed: King Charles and Aymon will, he hopes, approve, And France will welcome wide their wedded love. XII So spake together peer and paladine: Nor knew that Aymon, with King Charles' consent, Unto the Grecian emperor Constantine To give his gentle daughter had intent; Who for young Leo, of his lofty line The heir and hope, to crave the maid had sent. Such warmth the praises of her worth inspired, With love of her unseen was Leo fired. XIII To him hath Aymon answered: he, alone, Cannot conclude thereon in other sort, Until he first hath spoken with his son, Rinaldo, absent then from Charles's court; Who with winged haste, he deems, will thither run, And joy in kinsman of such high report; But from the high regard he bears his heir, Can nought resolve till thither he repair. XIV Now good Rinaldo, of his father wide, And of the imperial practice knowing nought, Promised his beauteous sister as a bride, Upon his own, as well as Roland's thought And the others, harboured in that cell beside; But most of all on him the hermit wrought; And by such marriage, 'twas the peer's belief, He could not choose but pleasure Clermont's chief. XV That day and night, and of the following day Great part, with that sage monk the warriors spent; Scarce mindful that the crew their coming stay, Albeit the wind blew fair for their intent, But these, impatient at their long delay, More than one message to the warriors sent; And to return those barons urged so sore, Parforce they parted from the hermit hoar. XVI The Child who, so long banished, had not stayed From the lone rock, whereon the waters roared, His farewell to that holy master made, Who taught him the true faith: anew with sword Orlando girt his side, and with the blade, Frontino and martial Hector's arms restored; As knowing horse and arms were his whilere, As well as out of kindness to the peer; XVII And, though the enchanted sword with better right Would have been worn by good Anglantes' chief, Who from the fearful garden by his might Had won the blade with mickle toil and grief, Than by Rogero, who that faulchion bright Received with good Frontino, from the thief, He willingly thereof, as with the rest, As soon as asked, the warrior repossest. XVIII The hermit blessings on the band implores: They to their bark in fine return; their sails Give to the winds, and to the waves their oars; And such clear skies they have and gentle gales, Nor vow nor prayer the patron makes; and moors His pinnace in the haven of Marseilles. There, safely harboured, let the chiefs remain, Till I conduct Astolpho to that train. XIX When of that bloody, dear-brought victory The scarcely joyful tale Astolpho knew, He, seeing evermore fair France would be Secure from mischief from the Moorish crew, Homeward to send the king of Aethiopy Devised, together with his army, through The sandy desert, by the self-same track, Through which he led them to Biserta's sack. XX Erewhile restored, in Afric waters ride Sir Dudon's ships which did the paynims rout; Whose prows (new miracle!) and poop, and side, As soon as all their sable crews are out, Are changed anew to leaves; which far and wide, Raised by a sudden breeze, are blown about; And scattered in mid-air, like such light gear, Go eddying with the wind, and disappear. XXI Home, horse and foot, the Nubian host arraid By squadrons, all, from wasted Africk go; But to their king, first, thanks Astolpho paid, And said, he an eternal debt should owe; In that he had in person given him aid With all his might and main against the foe. The skins Astolpho gave them, which confined The turbid and tempestuous southern wind. XXII I say, enclosed in skins that wind he gave, Which in such fury blows at noon, on high I moves the shifting plain in many a wave, And fills the eddying sand the troubled sky, To carry with them, and from scathe to save Their squadrons, lest the dusty whirlwind fly; And bids them, when arrived at home, unnoose The bladder's vent, and let their prisoners loose. XXIII When they have lofty Atlas passes won, The horses that the Nubian riders bear, Turpin relates, are changed at once to stone; So that the steeds return to what they were. But it is time the Duke to France was gone; Who having thus provided, in his care, For the main places in the Moorish land, Made the hippogryph anew his wings expand; XXIV He reached Sardinia at one flight and shear, Corsica from Sardinia; and then o'er The foaming sea his venturous course did steer, Inclining somewhat left the griffin's soar. In the sea-marshes last his light career He stopt, on rich Provence's pleasant shore: Where to the hyppogryph by him is done What was erewhile enjoined by sainted John. XXV To him the charge did sainted John commit, When to Provence by that winged courser borne, Him nevermore with saddle or with bit To gall, but let him to his lair return. Already had the planet, whither flit Things lost on earth, of sound deprived his horn: For this not only hoarse but mute remained, As soon as the holy place Astolpho gained. XXVI Thence to Marseilles he came; and came the day Orlando, and Rinaldo, and Olivier Arrived therein, upon their homeward way, With good Sobrino, and the better peer, Rogero: not so triumphs that array, Touched by the death of him, their comrade dear, As they for such a glorious victory won — But for that sad disaster — would have done. XXVII Of the kings slain upon the paynim part, The news from Sicily to Charles were blown, Sobrino's fate, and death of Brandimart; Nor less of good Rogero had been shown. Charles stood with jocund fate and gladsome heart, Rejoicing he had from his shoulders thrown The intolerable load whereof the weight Will for long time prevent his standing straight. XXVIII To honour those fair pillars that sustain The state — the holy empire's corner-stone — The nobles of his kingdom Charlemagne Dispatched, to meet the knights, as far as Saone; And from his city with his worthiest train, King, duke, and her, the partner of his throne, Issued amid a fair and gorgeous band Of noble damsels, upon either hand. XXIX The emperor Charles with bright and cheerful brow, Lords, paladins and people, kinsmen, friends, Fair love to Roland and the others show. Mongrana and Clermont's cry the welkin rends. No sooner, mid that kind and festal show, The interchange of fond embracements ends, Than Roland and his friends Rogero bring, And mid those lords present him to the king; XXX And him Rogero of Risa's son declare, And vouch in valour as his father's peer, "Witnesses of his worth our squadrons are, They best can tell his prowess with the spear." Meanwhile, the noble and the lovely pair, Marphisa and gentle Bradamant appear. This runs to fold Rogero to her heart; More coy, that other stands somedeal apart. XXXI The emperor bids Rogero mount again, Who from his horse had lit, in reverence due; And, side by side, with him his courser rein; Nor aught omits that monarch which may do The warrior honour, mid his martial train: How the true faith he had embraced he knew; Of all instructed by that band before; When first those paladins set foot ashore. XXXII With pomp triumphal and with festive cheer The troop returns within the city-walls: With leaves and garlands green the streets appear, And tapestried all about with gorgeous palls. Of herbs and flowers a mingled rain, where'er They wend, upon the conquering squadron falls, Which with full hands from stand and window throw Damsel and dame upon the knights below. XXXIII At every turn, in various places are, Of sudden structure arch and trophy high, Whereon Biserta's sack is painted fair, Ruin and fire, and feat of chivalry: Scaffolds, upraised for different sports elsewhere And merrimake and stage-play meet the eye; And, writ with truth, above, below, between, To THE EMPIRE'S SAVIOURS, everywhere is seen. XXXIV With sound of shrilling pipe and trumpet proud, And other festive music, laughter light, Applause and favour of the following crowd, Which scarce found room, begirt with dames and knight, The mighty emperor, mid those greetings loud. Before the royal palace did alight: Where many days he feasted high in hall His lords, mid tourney, mummery, mask and ball. XXXV His son to Aymon on a day made known His sister he would make Rogero's bride; And, before Olivier and Milo's son, Her to the Child by promise had affied; Who think with him that kindred is there none Wherewith to league themselves, on any side, For valour or nobility of blood, Better than his; nay, none so passing good. XXXVI Duke Aymon heard his heir with some disdain; That, without concert with him, and alone He dared to plight his daughter, whom he fain Would marry to the Grecian emperor's son; And not to him that has no kingly reign, Nay has not ought that he can call his own; And should not know, how little nobleness Is valued without wealth; how virtue less. XXXVII But Beatrice, his wife, with more despite Arraigns her son, and calls him arrogant; And moves each open way and hidden sleight To break Rogero's match with Bradamant; Resolved to tax her every means and might To make her empress of the wide Levant. Firm in his purpose is Montalban's lord, Nor will in ought forego his plighted word. XXXVIII Beatrice who believes the highminded fair Is at her hest, exhorts her to reply, Rather than she will be constrained to pair With a poor knight, she is resolved to die; Nor, if this wrong she from Rinaldo bear Will she regard her with a mother's eye: Let her refuse and keep her stedfast course; For her free will Rinaldo cannot force. XXXIX Silent stands mournful Bradamant, nor dares Meanwhile her lady-mother's speech gainsay; To whom such reverence, and respect, she bears, She thinks no choice is left but to obey. Yet a foul fault it in her eyes appears, If what she will not do, she falsely say: She will not, for she cannot; since above All guidance, great or small, is mighty Love. XL Deny she dared not, nor yet seem content; So, sighed and spake not; but — when uncontrolled She could — she gave her secret sorrow vent, While from her eyes the tears like billows rolled; A portion of the pains that her torment, Inflicting on her breast and locks of gold: For this she beat, and those uptore and brake; And thus she made lament, and thus she spake. XLI "Ah! shall I will what she wills not, by right More sovereign mistress of my will than I? Hers shall I hold so cheaply, so to slight A mother's will, my own to satisfy? Alas! what blemish is so foul to sight In damsel? What so ill, as to affy Myself to husband, reckless of her will, Which 'tis my duty ever to fulfil? XLII "Wo worth the while! and shall I then to thee By filial love be forced to be untrue, O my Rogero, and surrender me To a new hope, a new love, and a new Desire; or rather from those ties break free, From all good children to good parents due; Observance, reverence cast aside; and measure My duty by my happiness, my pleasure? XLIII "I know, alas! what I should do; I know That which a duteous daughter doth behove; I know; but what avails it, if not so My reason moves me as my senses move; If she retires before a stronger foe; Nor can I of myself dispose, for Love; Nor think how to dispose; so strict his sway; Nor, saving as he dictates, do and say? XLIV "Aymon and Beatrice's child, the slave Of Love am I; ah! miserable me! I from my parents am in hope to have Pardon and pity, if in fault I be: But, if I anger Love, whose prayer shall save Me from his fury, till one only plea, Of mine the Godhead shall vouchsafe to hear; Nor doom me dead as soon as I appear? XLV "Alas! with long and obstinate pursuit, To our faith to draw Rogero have I wrought; And finally have drawn; but with what boot, If my fair deed for other's good be wrought? So yearly by the bee, whose labour's fruit Is lost for her, is hive with honey fraught. But I will die ere I the Child forsake, And other husband than Rogero take. XLVI "If I shall not obey my father's hest, Nor mothers, I my brother's shall obey, Of greater wisdom far than them possest; Nor Time hath made that warrior's wit his prey; And what he wills by Roland is profest; And, one and the other, on my side are they; A pair more feared and honoured far and wide Than all the members of my house beside. XLVII "If them the flower of Clermont's noble tree, The glory and the splendor all account; If all believe our other chivalry They, more than head o'ertops the foot, surmount; Why would I Aymon should dispose of me, Rather than good Rinaldo and the Count? I should not; so much less, as not affied To Leo, and Rogero's promised bride." XLVIII If cruel thoughts the afflicted maid torment, Rogero's mind enjoys not more repose; For albeit those sad tidings have not vent Yet in the city, he the secret knows. He o'er his humble fortunes makes lament Which his enjoying such a good oppose; As unendowed with riches or with reign, Dispensed so widely to a worthless train. XLIX Of other goods which Nature's hand supplies, Or which acquired by man's own study are, He such a portion in himself espies, Such and so large was never other's share: In that, no beauty with his beauty vies; In that, resistance to his might is rare. The palm by none from him can challenged be, In regal splendour, magnanimity. L But they at whose disposal honours lie, Who give at will, and take away renown; The vulgar herd; and from the vulgar I, Except the prudent man, distinguished none; Nor emperor, pope, nor king, is raised more high Than these by sceptre, mitre, or by crown, Nor save by prudence; save by judgement, given But to the favoured few by partial Heaven; LI This vulgar (to say out what I would say) Which only honours wealth, therewith more smit Than any worldly thing beside, nor they Aught heed or aught esteem, ungraced with it, Be beauty or be daring what it may, Dexterity or prowess, worth, or wit, Or goodness — yet more vulgar stands confest In that whereof I speak than in the rest. LII Rogero said: "If Aymon is disposed An empress in his Bradamant to see, Let not his treaty be so quickly closed With Leo; let a year be granted me: In that, meanwhile, I hope, by me deposed Shall Leo with his royal father be, And I, encircled with their forfeit crown, Shall be for Aymon no unworthy son. LIII "But if he give without delay, as said, His daughter to the son of Constantine, If to that promise no regard be paid, Which good Rinaldo and the paladine, His cousin, erst before the hermit made, The Marquis Olivier and King Sobrine, What shall I do? such grievous wrong shall I Endure, or, rather than endure it, die? LIV "What shall I do? her father then pursue, On whom for vengeance this grave outrage cries? I heed not that the deed is hard to do, Or if the attempt in me is weak or wise: — But presuppose that, with his kindred crew Slain by my hand that unjust elder dies; This will in nothing further my content; Nay it will wholly frustrate my intent. LV " `Twas ever my intent, and still 'tis so To have the love, not hatred, of that fair; But should I Aymon slay, or bring some woe By plot or practice, on his house or heir, Will she not justly hold me as her foe, And me, that foeman, as her lord forswear? What shall I do, endure such injury? Ah! no, by Heaven! far rather I will die. LVI "Nay die I will not; but with better right Shall Leo die, who so disturbs my joy; He and his unjust sire; less dear his flight With Helen paid her paramour of Troy; Nor yet in older time that foul despite, Done to Proserpina, cost such annoy To bold Pirithous, as for her I've lost My grief of heart shall son and father cost. LVII "Can it be true, my life, that to forsake Thy champion for this Greek should grieve not thee? And could thy father force thee him to take, Though joined thy brethren with thy sire should be? But 'tis my fear that thou would'st rather make Accord withal with Aymon than with me; And that it seemeth better in thy sight To wed with Caesar than with simple wight. LVIII "Can it be true that royal name should blind, Imperial title, pomp and majesty, And taint my Bradamant's egregious mind, Her mighty valour and her virtue high, So that, as cheaper, she should cast behind Her plighted faith, and from her promise fly? Nor sooner she a foe to Love be made, Than she no longer say, what once she said?" LIX These things Rogero said, and more beside, Discoursing with himself, and in such strain Oftentimes the afflicted warrior cried, That stander-by o'erheard the knight complain, And more than once his grief was signified To her that was the occasion of his pain; Who no less for his cruel woe, when known, Lamented than for sorrows of her own. LX But most, of all the sorrows that were said To vex Rogero, most it works her woe To hear that he afflicts himself, in dread Lest for the Grecian prince she him forego. Hence this belief, this error, from his head To drive, comfort on the knight bestow, The trustiest of her bower-women, one day, She to Rogero bade these words convey. LXI "Rogero, I what I was till death will be; And be more faithful, if I can be more: Deals Love in kindness or in scorn with me; Hath doubtful Fortune good or ill in store; I am a very rock of faith, by sea And winds unmoved, which round about it roar Nor I have changed for calm or storm, nor I Will ever change to all eternity. LXII "Sooner shall file or chisel made of lead To the rough diamond various forms impart, Than any stroke, by fickle Fortune sped, Or Love's keen anger, break my constant heart: Sooner return, to Alp, their fountain-head, The troubled streams that from its summit part, Than e'er, for change or chances, good or nought, Shall wander from its way my stedfast thought. LXIII "All power o'er me have I bestowed on you, Rogero; and more than others may divine: I know that to a prince whose throne is new Was never fealty sworn more true than mine; Nor ever surer state, this wide world through, By king or keysar was possest than thine. Thou need'st not dig a ditch nor build a tower, In fear lest any rob thee of that power. LXIV "For if thou hire no aids, assault is none, But what thereon shall aye be made in vain; Nor shall it be by any riches won: So vile a price no gentle heart can gain: Nor by nobility, nor kingly crown, That dazzle so the silly vulgar train; Nor beauty, puissant with the weak and light, Shall ever make me thee for other slight. LXV "Thou hast no cause, amid thy griefs, to fear My heart should ever bear new impress more: So deeply is thine image graven here, It cannot be removed: that my heart's core Is not of wax is proved; for Love whilere Smote it a hundred times, not once, before He by his blows a single scale displaced, What time therein his hand thine image traced. LXVI "Ivory, gem, and every hard-grained stone That best resists the griding tool, may break: But, save the form it once hath taken, none Will ever from the graver's iron take. My heart like marble is, or thing least prone Beneath the chisel's trenchant edge to flake: Love this may wholly splinter, ere he may Another's beauty in its core enlay." LXVII Other and many words with comfort rife, And full of love and faith, she said beside; Which might a thousand times have given him life, Albeit a thousand times the knight had died: But, when most clear of the tempestuous strife, In friendly port these hopes appeared to ride, These hopes a foul and furious wind anew Far from the sheltering land to seaward blew. LXVIII In that the gentle Bradamant, who fain Would do far more than she hath signified, With wonted daring armed her heart again; And boldly casting all respect aside, One day stood up before King Charlemagne; And, "Sire, if ever yet," the damsel cried, "I have found favour in your eyes for deed Done heretofore, deny me not its meed; LXIX "And I entreat, before I claim my fee, That you to me your royal promise plight, To grant my prayer; and fain would have you see That what I shall demand is just and right." "Thy valour, damsel dear, deserves from me The boon wherewith thy worth I should requite" (Charles answered), "and I to content thee swear, Though of my kingdom thou should'st claim a share." LXX "The boon for which I to your highness sue, Is not to let my parents me accord (Pursued the martial damsel) save he shew More prowess than myself, to any lord. Let him contend with me in tourney, who Would have me, or assay me with the sword. Me as his wife let him that wins me, wear; Let him that loses me, with other pair." LXXI With cheerful face the emperor made reply, The entreaty was well worthy of the maid; And that with tranquil mind she might rely, He would accord the boon for which she prayed. This audience was not given so secretly, But that the news to others were conveyed; Which on that very day withal were told In the ears of Beatrice and Aymon old; LXXII Who against Bradamant with fury flame, And both alike, with sudden anger fraught, (For plainly they perceive, that in her claim She for Rogero more than Leo wrought) And active to prevent the damsel's aim From being to a safe conclusion brought, Privily take her from King Charles's court, And thence to Rocca Forte's tower transport. LXXIII A castle this, which royal Charlemagne Had given to Aymon some few days before, Built between Carcasson and Perpignan, On a commanding point upon the shore. Resolved to send her eastward, there the twain As in a prison kept her evermore. Willing or nilling, so must she forsake Rogero, and for lord must Leo take. LXXIV The martial maid of no less modest vein Than bold and full of fire before the foe, Albeit no guard on her the castellain Hath set, and she is free to come or go, Observant of her sire, obeys the rein: Yet prison, death, and every pain and woe To suffer is resolved that constant maid Before by her Rogero be betrayed. LXXV Rinaldo, who thus ravished from his hand, By ancient Aymon's craft his sister spied, And saw he could no more in wedlock's band Dispose of her, by him in vain affied, Of his old sire complains, and him doth brand, Laying his filial love and fear aside: But little him Rinaldo's words molest; Who by the maid will do as likes him best. LXXVI Rogero, bearing this and sore afraid That he shall lose his bride; and Leo take, If left alive, by force or love the maid, Resolved within himself (but nothing spake) Constantine's heir should perish by his blade; And of Augustus him a god would make. He, save his hope deceived him and was vain, Would sire and son deprive of life and reign. LXXVII His limbs in arms, which Trojan Hector's were, And afterwards the Tartar king's, he steeled; Bade rein Frontino, and his wonted wear Exchanged, crest, surcoat and emblazoned shield. On that emprize it pleased him not to bear His argent eagle on its azure field. White as a lily, was a unicorn By him upon a field of crimson worn. LXXVIII He chose from his attendant squires the best, And willed none else should him accompany; And gave him charge, that ne'er by him exprest Rogero's name in any place should be; Crost Meuse and Rhine, and pricked upon his quest Through the Austrian countries into Hungary; Along the right bank of the Danube made, And rode an-end until he reached Belgrade. LXXIX Where Save into dark Danube makes descent, And to the sea, increased by him, doth flow, He saw the imperial ensigns spread, and tent And white pavilion, thronged with troops below. For Constantine to have that town was bent Anew, late won by the Bulgarian foe. In person, with his son, is Constantine, With all the empire's force his host to line. LXXX Within Belgrade, and through the neighbouring peak, Even to its bottom which the waters lave, The Bulgar fronts him; and both armies seek A watering-place in the intermediate Save. A bridge across that rapid stream the Greek Would fling; the Bulgar would defend the wave; When thither came Rogero; and engaged Beheld the hosts in fight, which hotly raged. LXXXI The Greeks in that affray were four to one, And with pontoons to bridge the stream supplied; And a bold semblance through their host put on Of crossing to the river's further side. Leo meanwhile was from the river gone With covert guile; he took a circuit wide, Then thither made return; his bridges placed From bank to bank, and past the stream in haste. LXXXII With many horse and foot in battle dight, Who nothing under twenty thousand rank, Along the river rode the Grecian knight; And fiercely charged his enemies in flank. The emperor, when his son appeared in sight. Leading his squadrons on the farther bank, Uniting bridge and bark together, crost Upon his part the stream with all his host. LXXXIII King Vatran, chief of the Bulgarian band, Wise, bold, withal a warrior, here and there Laboured in vain such onset to withstand, And the disorder of his host repair; When Leo prest him sore, and with strong hand The king to earth beneath his courser bare; Whom at the prince's hest, for all to fierce Is he to yield, a thousand faulchions pierce. LXXXIV The Bulgar host hath hitherto made head; But when they see their sovereign is laid low, And everywhere that tempest wax and spread, They turn their backs where erst they faced the foe. The Child, who mid the Greeks, from whom they fled, Was borne along, beheld that overthrow, And bowned himself their battle to restore, As hating Constantine and Leo more. LXXXV He spurs Frontino, that in his career Is like the wind, and passes every steed; He overtakes the troop, that in their fear Fly to the mountain and desert the mead. Many he stops and turns; then rests his spear; And, as he puts his courser to his speed, So fearful is his look, even Mars and Jove Are frighted in their azure realms above. LXXXVI Advanced before the others, he descried A cavalier, in crimson vest, whereon With all its stalk in silk and gold was spied A pod, like millet, in embroidery done: Constantine's nephew, by the sister's side, He was, but was no less beloved than son: He split like glass his shield and scaly rind; And the long lance appeared a palm behind. LXXXVII He left the dead, and drew his shining blade Upon a squadron, whom he saw most nigh; And now at once, and now at other made; Cleft bodies, and made hearts from shoulders fly. At throat, at breast and flank the warrior laid; Smote hand, and arm, and shoulder, bust, and thigh; And through that champaign ran the reeking blood, As to the valley foams the mountain-flood. LXXXVIII None that behold those strokes maintain their place; So are they all bewildered by their fear. Thus suddenly the battle changed its face: For, catching courage from the cavalier, The Bulgar squadrons rally, turn, and chase The Grecian troops that fled from them whilere. Lost was all order in a thought, and they With all their banners fled in disarray. LXXXIX Leo Augustus on a swelling height, Seeing his followers fly, hath taken post; Where woeful and bewildered (for to sight Nothing in all the country round is lost) He from his lofty station eyes the knight, Who with his single arm destroys that host; And cannot choose, though so his prowess harms, But praise that peer and own his worth in arms. XC He knew full well by ensignry displaid, By surcoat and by gilded panoply, That albeit to the foe he furnished aid, That champion was not of his chivalry; Wondering his superhuman deeds surveyed; And now an angel seemed in him to see, To scourge the Greeks from quires above descended, Whose sins so oft and oft had heaven offended; XCI And, as a man of great and noble heart, (Where many others would have hatred sworn) Enamoured of such valour, on his part, Would not desire to see him suffer scorn: For one that died, six Grecians' death less smart Would cause that prince; and better had he borne To lose as well a portion of his reign, Than to behold so good a warrior slain. XCII As baby, albeit its fond mother beat And drive it forth in anger, in its fear Neither to sire nor sister makes retreat; But to her arms returns with fondling cheer: So Leo, though Rogero in his heat Slaughters his routed van and threats his rear, Cannot that champion hate; because above His anger is the admiring prince's love. XCIII But if young Leo loved him and admired, Meseems that he an ill exchange hath made; For him Rogero loathed; nor aught desired More than to lay him lifeless with his blade: Him with his eyes he sought; for him inquired; But Leo's fortune his desire gainsayed; Which with the prudence of the practised Greek, Made him in vain his hated rival seek. XCIV Leo, for fear his bands be wholly spent, Bids sound the assembly his Greek squadrons through: He to his father a quick courier sent, To pray that he would pass the stream anew; Who, if the way was open, well content Might with his bargain he; and with a few Whom he collects, the Grecian cavalier Recrost the bridge by which he past whilere. XCV Into the power o' the Bulgars many fall, Stalin from the hill-top to the river-side; And they into their hands had fallen all, But for the river's intervening tide. From the bridge many drop, and drown withal; And many that ne'er turned their heads aside, Thence to a distant ford for safety made; And many were dragged prisoners to Belgrade. XCVI When done was that day's fight, wherein (since borne To ground the Bulgar king his life did yield) His squadrons would have suffered scathe and scorn, Had not for them the warrior won the field, The warrior, that the snowy unicorn Wore for his blazon on a crimson shield, To him all flock, in him with joy and glee The winner of that glorious battle see. XCVII Some bow and some salute him; of the rest Some kist the warrior's feet, and some his hand. Round him as closely as they could they prest, And happy those are deemed, that nearest stand; More those that touch him; for to touch a blest And supernatural thing believes the band. On him with shouts that rent the heavens they cried, To be their king, their captain, and their guide. XCVIII As king or captain them will he command As liked them best, he said, but will not lay On sceptre or on leading-staff his hand; Nor yet Belgrade will enter on that day: For first, ere farther flies young Leo's band, And they across the river make their way, Him will he follow, nor forego, until That Grecian leader he o'ertake and kill. XCIX A thousand miles and more for this alone He thither measured, and for nought beside. He saith; and from the multitude is gone, And by a road that's shown to him doth ride. For towards the bridge is royal Leo flown; Haply lest him from this the foe divide: Behind him pricks Rogero with such fire, The warrior calls not, nor awaits, his squire. C Such vantage Leo has in flight (to flee He rather may be said than to retreat) The passage open hath he found and free; And then destroys the bridge and burns his fleet. Rogero arrived not, till beneath the sea The sun was hid; nor lodging found; his beat He still pursued; and now shone forth the moon: But town or village found the warrior none. CI Because he wots not where to lodge, he goes All night, nor from his load Frontino frees. When the new sun his early radiance shows, A city to the left Rogero sees; And there all day determines to repose, As where he may his wearied courser ease, Whom he so far that livelong night had pressed; Nor had he drawn his bit, nor given him rest. CII Ungiardo had that city in his guard, Constantine's liegeman, and to him right dear; Who, since upon the Bulgars he had warred, Much horse and foot had sent that emperor; here Now entered (for the entrance was not barred) Rogero, and found such hospitable cheer, He to fare further had no need, in trace Of better or of more abundant place. CIII In the same hostelry with him a guest Was lodged that evening a Romanian knight; Present what time the Child with lance in rest Succoured the Bulgars in that cruel fight; Who hardly had escaped his hand, sore prest And scared as never yet was living wight; So that he trembled still, disturbed in mind, And deemed the knight of the unicorn behind.