第5章

类别:其他 作者:Ludovico Ariosto字数:21001更新时间:18/12/20 10:53:49
XLVIII “IperilbutthesinglelifeofoneAgainstsafetyofthecountlessrest。”—— “Gotheninpeace,“(theothersaid)。“myson,Andtothysuccour,formamongtheblest,MayGoddispatchtheArchangelMichaeldown。”—— Andhim,withthat,thesimplehermitblest。 AstolphopricksalongNile\'srosystrand,Moreinhishornconfidingthanhisbrand。 XLIX Betweenthemightyriverandthefen,Apathuponthesandyshoredothlie,Barredbythegiant\'ssolitarydenCutofffromconversewithhumanity。 AboutitheadsandnakedlimbsofmenWerefixed,thevictimsofhiscruelty。 Windoworbattlementswasnot,whencestrungMightnotbeseensomewretchedprisonerhung。 L Asinhill-farmorcastle,fencedwithmoat,Thehunter,mindfulwhathisdangerswere,AyefastensonhisdoortheshaggycoatAndhorridpawsandmonstrousheadofbear; Soshowedthegiantthoseofgreatestnote,Who,thitherbrought,hadperishedinhissnare。 Thebonesofcountlessotherswidewerespread,Andeveryditchwithhumanbloodwasred。 LI Caligorantwasstandingatthegate(Forsowasthedespiteousmonsterhight); Whodeckedhishousewithcorpses,asforstateSometheirswithclothofgoldandscarletdight。 Hescarcecontainedhimselfforjoy,sogreatHispleasure,whenthedukeappearedinsight; For\'twastwomonthscomplete,athirdwasnear,Sincebythatroadhadpastacavalier。 LII Towardsthemarish,wheregreenrushesgrow,Hehastes,intendingfromthatcovertblindTodoubleonhisunsuspectingfoe,Andissueonthecavalierbehind: Forhimtodriveintothenet,belowThesand,thegrieslygianthaddesigned; Asotherstrapthehadbeenwonttosee,Broughtthitherbytheirevildestiny。 LIII Whenhimthewarypaladinespied,Hestopthiscourser,notwithoutgreatheed,Lestheintothecovertsnaremighttide,Forewarnedofthisbythegoodhermit\'srede。 Heretohishornforsuccourheapplied,Norfaileditswontedvirtueinthisneed: Itsmotethegiant\'sheartwithsuchaffright,Thatheturnedback,andhomewardfledoutright。 LIV Astolphoblew,stillwatchfulofsurprise,Weeningtoseetheenginesprung:fastflewThegiant,——asifheartaswellaseyesThethiefhadlost,——norwhitherwardheknew: Suchishisfear,hekensnotasheflies,Howisowncovertmischieftoeschew: Herunsintothenet,whichclosinground,Hampersthewretch,anddragshimtotheground。 LV Astolpho,whobeholdshisbulkypreyFallbodily,drivesthitheratfullspeed,Securehimself,and,bent——tomakehimpayThepriceofslaughteredthousands——quitshissteed。 Yetafter,deemsahelplesswighttoslayNovalourwere,butratherfoulmisdeed: Forhim,arms,neck,andfeet,socloselytied,Hecouldnotshakehimself,thewarriorspied。 LVI WithsubtlethreadofsteelhadVulcanwroughtThenetofold,andwithsuchcunningpain,He,whotobreakitsweakestmeshhadsought,Wouldhavebestowedhistimeandtoilinvain。 ItwaswiththisheMarsandVenuscaught,Who,handsandfeet,werefetteredbythechain: NordidthejealoushusbandweavethethreadForaught,buttosurprisethatpairinbed。 LVII Mercuryfromthesmithconveyedtheprize,WantingtotakeyoungChlorisinthesnare; SweetChloris,whobehindAuroraflies,Atriseofsun,throughfieldsofliquidair,Andfromhergatheredgarment,throughtheskies,Scatterstheviolet,rose,andlilyfair。 Heforthisnymphhistoilssodeftlyset,Oneday,inairhetookherwiththenet。 LVIII Thenymph(itseems)wastakenassheflew,WherethegreatAethioprivermeetsthebrine: ThenetwastreasuredinCanopus,throughSuccessiveages,inAnubis\'shrine。 Afterthreethousandyears,CaligorantdrewThesacredrelictfromthepalacedivine: Whencewiththenettheimpiousthiefreturned,Whorobbedthetempleandthecityburned,LIX Hefixedithere,beneaththesandyplain,Inmode,thatallthetravellerswhomhechasedRanintoit,andtheenginewaswithpainTouched,ereitarms,andfeet,andneckembraced。 FromthisthegoodAstolphotookachain,Andwiththegyvehishandsbehindhimlaced: Hisarmsandbreastheswaddledinsuchguise,Hecouldnotloosehimself;thenlethimrise。 LX After,hisotherknotsunfastening,(Forhewasturnedmoregentlethanamaid) Astolpho,asashow,thethiefwouldbring,Bycity,borough-town,andfarmconveyed; Thenetaswell;thanwhichnoquainterthingWaseverbythefileandhammermade。 Onhim,likesumpter-naghelaidtheload,Intriumphled,behindhim,onhisroad。 LXI Himhelmandshieldhegivesaliketobear,Astoavalet;henceproceedsthepeer,Gladdeningthefearfulpilgrimeverywhere,Whojoystothink,henceforthhiswayisclear。 SofaranenddoesboldAstolphofare,HeistoMemphis\'tombsalreadynear,—— Memphisrenownedforpyramids;insight,HemarksthepopulousCairoopposite。 LXII Ranallthepeopleintumultuoustide,Toseehimdragtheunmeasuredwightalong。 “Howcanitbe,“(eachtohisfellowcried) “Thatonesoweakcouldmasteronesostrong?“ ScarcecanAstolphoputthepressaside,Soclosefromeveryparttheirnumbersthrong; WhilealladmirehimasacavalierOfmightyworth,andmakehimgoodlycheer。 LXIII ThenCairowasnotsuch,ascommoncryPronouncesinouragethatcostlyseat;—— ThateighteenthousanddistrictsillsupplyLodgingtothosewhoinhermarketsmeet;—— Andthoughthehousesarethreestorieshigh,Numbersareforcedtosleepintheopenstreet; AndthatthesoldanhasapalacethereOfwonderoussize,andpassingrichandfair; LXIV Andtherein(Christianrenegadoesall) Keepsfifteenthousandvassals,forhisneeds,Beneathoneroofsuppliedwithbowerandstall,Themselves,andwives,andfamilies,andsteeds。 Thedukedesiredtoseetheriver\'sfall,AndhowfarNileintotheseaproceeds。 AtDamietta;wherewayfaringwight,Heheard,wasprisonermadeorslainoutright。 LXV ForatNile\'soutletthere,besidehisbed,Asturdythiefwasshelteredinatower,Alikethenative\'sandthestranger\'sdread,WonteventoCairo\'sgatetheroadtoscower。 Himnoonecouldresist,and,itwassaid,Thatmantoslaythefelonhadnopower。 AhundredthousandwoundshehadinstrifeReceived,yetnonecouldevertakehislife。 LXVI ToseeifhecouldbreakthethreadwhichtiedThefelon\'slife,uponhiswaytheknightSetforward,andtoDamiettahied,TofindOrrilo,sothethiefwashight; Thencetotheriver\'soutletpast,andspiedThesturdycastleonthemargindight; Harbouredinwhichtheenchanteddemonlay,Thefruitofahobgoblinandafay。 LXVII HehereOrriloandtwoknightsinmailFoundatfiercestrife:thetwoillheldtheirownAgainsthim;soOrrilodidassailThewarlikepair,althoughhimselfalone; Andhowmucheithermightinarmsavail,Famethroughtheuniversalworldhadblown。 OfOliviero\'sseedwaseitherplant; Gryphonthewhite,andsableAquilant。 LXVIII Thenecromancerhadthiswhile(tosayThetruth)withvantageonhisside,begunThefight,whobroughtamonstertothefray,Foundonlyinthoseparts,andwonttowonAshoreorunderwater,andtoprey,Forfood,onhumanbodies;feedingonPoormarinersandtravellingmen,whofare,Oftheimpendingdanger,unaware。 LXIX Themonster,slaughteredbythebrethrentwo,Uponthesandbesidethehavenlies; AndhencenowrongtheytoOrrilodo,Assailinghimtogetherinthisguise。 Himtheydismemberedoftenandnotslew: Nowhe,——becausedismembered,——everdies; Forhereplaceslegorhandlikewax,Whichthegoodfaulchionfromhisbodyhacks。 LXX GryphonandAquilantbyturnsdivide,Nowtotheteeth,nowbreast,theenchantedwight。 ThefruitlessblowOrrilodoesderide,Whilethetwobaffledwarriorsrageforspite。 Lethimwhofallingsilverhasespied(Whichmercurybyalchymistsishight) Scatter,andreuniteeachbrokenmember,Hearingmytale,whathehasseenremember。 LXXI Ifthethief\'sheadbeseveredbythepair,Helightsandstaggerstillhefindsit;nowUptakenbythenoseorbythehair,Andfastenedtotheneck,Iknownothow。 ThissometimesGryphontakes,andwhirledthroughair,Whelmsinthestream;butbootlessisthethrow: ForlikeafishcanfierceOrriloswim; Andsafely,withthehead,regainsthebrim。 LXXII Twoladies,meetlycladinfairarray,Onedamselwasinblackandoneinwhite,Andwhohadbeentheoccasionofthatfray,Stoodbytogazeuponthecruelfight: Eitherofthesewasabenignantfay,Whosecarehadnourishedoneandtheotherknight,Oliver\'schildren;whenthebabesforlornTheyfromtheclawsoftwohugebirdshadtorn。 LXXIII Since,fromGismondatheyhadtheseconveyed,Bornetoadistancefromtheirnativesky。 Butmoretosaywereneedless,sincedisplaidTothewholeworldhasbeentheirhistory。 Thoughtheauthorhasthefather\'snamemis-said; Oneforanother(howIknownot,I) Mistaking。NowthisfearfulstrifethepairOfwarriorswagedatboththeladies\'prayer。 LXXIV Thoughitwasnooninthehappyislands,dayHadvanishedinthisclime,displacedbynight; And,underneaththemoon\'suncertainray,Andill-discerned,wereallthingshidfromsight; WhentothefortOrrilotookhisway。 SinceboththesablesisterandthewhiteWerepleasedthefuriousbattletodefer,Tillanewsunshouldinthehorizonstir。 LXXV Theduke,whobytheirensigns,andyetmoreHadbythesightofmanyavigorousblow,GryphonandAquilantlongtimebeforeAgnized,togreetthebrethrenwasnotslow: Andthey,whointhepeer,victoriouso\'erThegiant,whomheledacaptive,knowTheBARONOFTHEPARD,(sostyledatcourt) Himtosalute,withnolessloveresort。 LXXVI TheladiestoreposethewarriorsledToafairpalacenear,theirsumptuousseat: Thenceissuingcourtlysquireanddamselsped,Themwithlittorchesinmid-waytomeet。 Theirgoodlysteedstheyquit,therewellbested,Putofftheirarms,andinagardensweetDiscernthereadysupperdulylaidFastby,wherearefreshingfountainplayed。 LXXVII Heretheybidbindthegiantonthegreen,Fast-tetheredbyastrongandweightychainToatoughoak,whoseancienttrunktheyweenMaywellbeproofagainstasinglestrain; Withthat,bytengoodserjeantsoverseen,Lesthebynightgetloose,andsothetrainAssaultandhaplyharm;whilecarelesstheyWithoutaguardandunsuspectinglay。 LXXVIII Attheabundantandmostsumptuousboard,Withcostlyviands(itsleastpleasure)fraught,ThelongesttopicfordiscourseaffordOrrilo\'sprowess,andthemarvelwrought; Forheadorarmdisseveredbythesword,They(whoupontherecentwonderthought) Mightthinkadreamtoseehimre-unite,Andbutreturnmorefurioustothefight。 LXXIX Astolphoinhisbookhadfoundexprest(Thatwhichprescribedaremedyforspell) HowhewhoofonehairdeprivedthepestOnlycouldhiminbattlehopetoquell: Butthispluckedoutorsheared,hefromhisbreastParforcethefelon\'sspiritwouldexpell。 Sosaysthevolume;butinstructsnotwhere,\'Midlockssothicklyset,tofindthehair。 LXXX ThedukenolesswithhopeofconquestglowsThanifthepalmhehasalreadywon; AshethathopeswithsmallexpenseofblowsTopluckthehair,thewizard-wightundone。 HencedoeshetotheyouthfulpairproposeTheburdenofthatenterprizeuponHimselftotake:Orrilowillheslay,Ifthetwobrethrennoughttheintentgainsay,LXXXI Butwillinglytohimtheseyieldtheemprize,Assuredhistoilwillbebestowedinvain; AndnowanewAuroraclimbstheskies,AndfromhiswallsOrriloontheplainDrops,——andthestrifebegins——OrrilopliesThemace,thedukethesword;he\'midarainOfstrokeswouldfromthebodyatoneblowDivorcethespiritoftheenchantedfoe: LXXXII Togetherwiththemacehelopsthefist; Andnowthisarm,nowtheotherfallstoground; Sometimeshecleavesthecorslet\'sirontwist,Andpiecemealsharesandmaimsthefelonround。 Orrilore-unitestheportionsmissed,Foundonthechampagne,andagainissound: And,thoughintoahundredfragmentshewed,Astolphoseeshim,inathought,renewed。 LXXXIII Afterathousandblows,AstolphospedOnestroke,abovetheshouldersandbelowThechin,whichloptawaybothhelmandhead: Norlightsthedukelessswiftlythanhisfoe。 Thengraspsthehairdefiledwithgoreandred,Springsinamomentonhishorse,andlo! Up-streamwithitalongNile\'smarginhies,Sothatthethiefcannotretaketheprize。 LXXXIV Thatfool,whohadnotmarkedthewarrior\'sfeat,Wassearchinginthedusttofindhishead; Butwhenheheardthechargerinretreat,Whothroughtheforestwiththeplunderfled,Leaptquicklyintohisowncourser\'sseat,AndinpursuitofboldAstolphosped。 FainhadOrriloshouted“Hola!stay!“ Butthatthedukehadbornehismouthaway: LXXXV YetpleasedAstolphohadnotinlikeguiseBorneoffhisheels,pursueswithflowingrein。 HimRabican,whomarvellouslyflies,Distancesbyamightylengthofplain。 Thiswhilethewizard\'sheadAstolphoeyesFrompolltofront,abovetheeyebrowstwain,Searching,inhaste,ifhethehaircanseeWhichmakesOrrilo\'simmortality。 LXXXVI Amidinnumerablelocks,nohairStraiterorcrisperthantherestwasseen。 HowthenshouldgoodAstolpho,inhiscareToslaythethief,somanychoosebetween? “Tocutthemall(hesaid)itbetterwere。” Andsincehescissorslackedandrazorkeen,Hewantingthese,resortedtohisglaive,Whichcutsowell,itmightbesaidtoshave。 LXXXVII And,holding,bythenose,theseveredhead,Close-sheareditall,behindandekebefore。 Hefound,amongtherest,thefatalthread。 Thenpalebecamethevisage,changingsore,Turnedupitseyes,andsignalssoreanddreadOfthelastagonyofnaturewore; Andtheheadlessbodyseatedinthesell,Shuddereditslast,andfromthecourserfell。 LXXXVIII ThedukereturnswherehethechampionstwoAnddameshadleft,thetrophyinhishand,Whichmanifestsofdeaththetokenstrue; Andshowsthedistantbodyonthesand。 Iknownotiftheythiswithpleasureview,Thoughhimtheywelcomewithdemeanourbland: FortheinterceptedvictorymightpainPerchanceinflictupontheenvyingtwain。 LXXXIX NordoIthinkthateithergentlefayWithpleasurecouldthatbattle\'sissuesee: Sincethosekinddames,becausetheywoulddelayThedolefulfatewhichshortlywastobeInFrancethebrethren\'slot,hadinthatfrayWithfierceOrrilomatchedthewarriorsfree; Andsotooccupythepairhadcast,Tillthesadinfluenceoftheskieswerepast。 XC WhentothecastellanwascertifiedInDamietta,thatthethiefwasdead,Heloosedacarrierpigeon,havingtiedBeneathherwingaletterbyathread。 ShewenttoCairo;and,toscatterwideThenews,anotherfromthattownwassped(Suchistheusagethere);so,Egyptthrough,Inafewhoursthejoyfultidingsflew。 XCI Ashehadbroughttheadventuretoanend,Thedukenowsoughtthenobleyouthstostir,(Thoughofthemselvesthatwaytheirwishestend,Northeytowhetthatpurposeneedthespur) ThattheytheChurchfromoutragetodefend,AndrightsofCharles,theRomanEmperor,WouldceasetowaruponthatEasternstrand,Andwouldseekhonourintheirnativeland。 XCII GryphonandAquilantthusbidadieu,Oneandtheother,tohisladyfair; Who,thoughitsorelytroubledthem,illknewHowtoresistthewishesofthepair。 Theduke,togetherwiththewarliketwo,Turnstotheright,resolvedtoworship,whereGoderstincarnatedwelt,theholyplaces,ErehetocherishedFrancehiswayretraces。 XCIII Thewarriorstotheleft-handmightincline,Asplainerandmorefullofpleasantcheer,Wherestillalongtheseaextendstheirline; Buttaketheright-handpath,abruptanddrear; SincethechiefcityofallPalestine,Bysixdays\'journey,is,throughthis,morenear。 Waterthereisalongthisruggedtrack,Andgrass;allotherneedfulmatterslack。 XCIV Sothat,beforetheyenterontheirroad,Allthatisneedfultheycollect,andlayUponthegiant\'sbackthebulkyload,Whocouldatoweruponhisneckconvey。 TheHolyLandamountain-summitshowed,Atfinishingtheirroughandsalvageway; WhereHEAVENLYLOVEawillingofferingstood,Andwashedawayourerrorswithhisblood。 XCV They,attheentranceofthecity,viewAgentlestripling;andinhimthethreeAgnizeSirSansonetofMecca,whoWas,inyouth\'sflower,forsovereignchivalry,Forsovereigngoodness,famedthecountrythrough,Andwisebeyondhisyears:frompaganryConvertedbyOrlandotothetruth,Whohad,withhisownhands,baptizedtheyouth。 XCVI Designingthereafortilage,infrontOfEgypt\'scaliphtheythewarriorfound; Andwithawalltwomilesinlength,themountOfCalvaryintendingtosurround。 Receivedwithsuchacountenance,asiswontTobeofinwardlovethesurestground,Themheconductedtohisroyalhome,And,withallcomfort,harbouredinthedome。 XCVII Asdeputy,thesaintedlandheswayed,ConferredonhimbyCharlemagne,intrust,TohimtheEnglishdukeapresentmadeOfthatsosturdyandunmeasuredbeast,Thatittendraughthorseburdenshadconveyed; Somonstrouswasthegiant,andnextgaveThenet,inwhichhetooktheunwieldyslave。 XCVIII Inquittance,Sansonet,hisswordtobear,GavearichgirdletoAstolphobold,Andspursforeitherheel,acostlypair,Withbucklersandwithrowelsmadeofgold; Which(\'twasbelieved)thewarrior\'srelictswere,Whofreedthedamselfromthatdragonold; Spoils,whichSirSansonet,withmanymore,FromJoppa,whenhetookthecity,boreXCIX Cleansedoftheirerrorsinamonastery,Fromwhencetheodourofgoodworksupwent,TheyofChrist\'spassioneverymysteryContemplating,throughallthechurcheswent; Whichnow,tooureternalinfamy,FoulMoorusurp;whattimeonstrifeintent,AllEuroperingswitharmsandmartialdeeds,Andwariseverywherebutwhereitneeds。 C Whilegracethewarlikethreedevoutlysought,Intentonpardonandonpiouslore,AGrecianpilgrim,knowntoGryphon,broughtTidings,whichilltheafflictedchampionbore,Fromhislong-cherishedvowandformerthought,Tooforeign,tooremote;andthesesosoreInflamedhistroubledbreast,andbredsuchcare,Theywhollyturnedasidehismindfromprayer。 CI Forhismisfortune,oneoflovelyfeatureSirGryphonworshipped,Origillahight。 Offairervisageandofbetterstature,Notoneamongathousandmeetsthesight: Butfaithless,andofsuchanevilnature,Thatthoumightsttownandcitysearchoutright,Andcontinentandisland,farandnear,Yet,never,asIthink,wouldstfindherpeer。 CII InConstantine\'simperialcity,burnedWithafiercefever,hehadleftthefair; Andhopedtofindher,tothatplacereturned,Lovelierthanever;andenjoyherthere。 ButshetoAntioch(asthewarriorlearned) Hadwithanotherlemanmaderepair; Thinking,whilesuchfreshyouthwasyetherown,\'Twerenotathingtobrook——tosleepalone。 CIII SirGryphon,fromthetimeheheardthenewsHadevermorebemoanedhim,dayornight: WhateverpleasureotherwightpursuesSeemsbutthemoretovexhistroubledsprite。 Leteachreflect,whotohismischiefwoos,HowkeenlytemperedareLove\'sdartsofmight,And,heavierthanallills,thetormentfell,Inthathewasashamedhisgrieftotell。 CIV This:forthatAquilanthadoftbeforeReprovedhimforthepassionwhichhenursed,Andsoughttobanishherfromhisheart\'score;—— Her,whoofallbadwomenistheworst,Hestillhadcensured,inhiswiserlore,IfbyhisbrotherAquilantaccurst,HerGryphon,inhispartiallove,excuses,Formostlyself-conceitoursenseabuses。 CV Itthereforeishispurpose,withoutsayToAquilant,alonetotakethequestAsfarasAntioch,andbearheraway,Whohadborneoffhisheart-corefromhisbreast: Tofindhim,whohadmadethedamehisprey,Andtakesuchvengeanceofhim,ereherest,Asshallforayebetold。MynextwilltellHowheeffectedthis,andwhatbefell。 CANTO16 ARGUMENT GryphonfindstraitorousOrigillanighDamascuscity,withMartanovile。 SlaughteredtheSaracensandChristianslieBythousandsandbythousandsheapedthiswhile; AndiftheMooroutsideofParisdie,WithintheSarzansodestroyseachpile,Suchslaughterdeals,thatgreaterillthanthisNeverbeforehasbeenexprest,Iwiss。 I Love\'spenaltiesaremanifoldanddread: OfwhichIhaveenduredthegreaterpart,And,tomycost,inthesesowellamread,ThatIcanspeakofthemas\'tweremyart。 HenceifIsay,orifIeversaid,(Didspeechorlivingpagemythoughtsimpart) “Oneillisgrievousandanotherlight。” Yieldmebelief,anddeemmyjudgmentright。 II Isay,Isaid,and,whileIlive,willsay,“He,whoisfetteredbyaworthychain,Thoughhisdesirehisladyshouldgainsay,And,everywayaverse,hissuitdisdain; ThoughLovedeprivehimofallpraisedpay,Afterlongtimeandtroublespentinvain,He,ifhisheartbeplacedwellworthily,Needsnotlamentthoughheshouldwasteanddie。” III Lethimlament,whoplaysaslavishpart,Whomtwobrighteyesandlovelytressesplease: BeneathwhichbeautieslurksawantonheartWithlittlethatispure,andmuchoflees。 Thewretchwouldfly;butbearsinhimadart,Likewoundedstag,whicheverwayheflees; Daresnotconfess,yetcannotquench,hisflame,Andofhimselfandworthlesslovehasshame。 IV TheyouthfulGryphonfindshiminthiscase,Whoseestheerrorwhichhecannotright; HeseeshowvilelyhehisheartdoesplaceOnfaithlessOrigille,hisvaindelight: Yetevilusedothsovereignreasonchase,Andfreewillissubduedbyappetite。 Thoughafoulmindthelady\'sactionsspeak,Her,wheresoe\'ersheis,mustGryphonseek。 V Resumingthefairhistory,Isay,Outofthecityheinsecretrode; Nortohisbrotherwouldhisplanbewray,Whooftonhimhadvainreproofbestowed: Buttotheleftt\'wardsRamahshapedhisway,Bythemostlevelandmosteasyroad。 Himsixdays\'journeytoDamascusbrought,Whence,settingoutanew,heAntiochsought。 VI HenighDamascusmetthelover,whoPerfidiousOrigilla\'sheartpossest,Andmatchedinevilcustomswerethetwo,Likestalkandflower:forthatineither\'sbreastWaslodgedafickleheart;thedameuntrue,Andheatraitorwhomshelovedthebest。 Whileboththelovershidtheirnaturebase,Toothers\'cost,beneathacourteousface。 VII AsIrelatetoyou,thecavalierCameonhugecourser,trappedwithmicklepride; WithfaithlessOrigille,ingorgeousgear,Withgoldembroidered,andwithazuredyed。 Tworeadyknaves,whoservethewarrior,rearTheknightlyhelmandbucklerathisside; AsonewhowithfairpompandsemblancewentTowardsDamascus,toatournament。 VIII Damascus\'kingasplendidfestivalHadinthesedaysbidsolemnlyproclaim; Andwithwhatpomptheycould,uponhiscall,Thither,inshiningarms,thechampionscame。 AtGryphon\'ssighttheharlot\'sspiritsfall,Whofearsthathewillworkherscatheandshame; AndknowsherloverhasnotforceandbreathTosaveherfromSirGryphon,threateningdeath; IX Butlikemostcunningandaudaciousquean,Althoughshequakesfromheadtofootwithfear,Hervoicesostrengthens,andsoshapeshermien,Thatinherfacenosignsofdreadappear,HavingalreadymadeherlemanweenThetrickdevised,shefeignsajoyouscheer,TowardsSirGryphongoes,andforlongspaceHangsonhisneck,fast-lockedinherembrace。 X She,aftersuitingwithmuchsuavityTheactiontotheword,soreweeping,cried: “Dearlord,isthistheguerdonduetome,Forloveandworship?thatIshouldabideAloneonelivelongyear,deprivedofthee,——Asecondnear——and,yetuponthysideNogrief?——andhadIbornefortheetostay,IknownotifIshouldhaveseenthatday。 XI “WhenIfromNicosiatheeexpected(Whenthouwastjourneyingtotheplenarcourt) Tocheerme,——leftwithfeversoreinfected,Andinthedreadofdeath,——IheardreportThatthouwastgonetoSyria;anddejectedBythatilltiding,sufferedinsuchsort,I,allunabletopursuethyquest,Hadnighwiththisrighthandtransfixtmybreast。 XII “Butfortune,byherdoublebounty,showsSheguardsmemorethanthou:metoconveyShesentmybrotherhere,whowithmegoes,Myhonoursafeinhisprotectingstay; Andthisencounterwiththeenowbestows,WhichIaboveallotherblessingsweigh,Andingoodtime;forhadstthoulongerstayed,Mylord,Ishouldhavediedofhopedelayed。” XIII Thewickedwoman,fullofsubtlety(Worsethanafoxincraftyhardihood) Pursues,andsowellshapesherhistory,ShewhollythrowstheblameonGryphongood; MakeshimbelievethatothernottobeHerkinalone,butofherfleshandblood,Gotbyonefather;——andsoputsuponTheknight,thathelesscreditsLukeandJohn。 XIV Norhethefraudofher,morefalsethanfair,Onlyforborewithjustreproachtopay; Noronlydidthethreatenedstrangerspare,Whowastheloverofthatladygay; Butdeemedtoexcusehimselfsufficientwere,Turningsomeportionoftheblameaway; Andastherealbrothersheprofest,Unceasinglythelady\'sknightcarest; XV AndtoDamascus,withthecavalierReturned,whotoSirGryphonmadereport,ThatSyria\'swealthyking,withsumptuouscheer,Withinthatplacewouldholdasplendidcourt; Andwho,baptizedorinfidel,appearThereathistourney(ofwhateversort),Withinthecityandwithout,assuresFromwrong,forallthetimethefeastendures。 XVI YetIofOrigilla\'streacheryShallnotsosteadfastlypursuethelore,Who,famednotforonesingleperfidy,Thousandsandthousandshadbetrayedbefore,ButthatIwillreturnagaintoseeTwohundredthousandwretchedmenormoreBurntbytheragingwild-fire,wheretheyspread,AboutthewallsofParis,scatheanddread。 XVII IleftyouwherekingAgramantpreparedTostormagate,andtotheassaultwasgone: Thishehadhopedtofindwithoutaguard; Andworkelsewheretobarthewaywasnone。 Forthere,inperson,CharleskeptwatchandwardWithmany,practisedwarriorseveryone; TwoAngelines,twoGuidos,Angelier,Avino,Avolio,Otho,andBerlinghier。 XVIII Oneandtheotherhostitsworth,beforeCharlesandkingAgramant,desiretoshow,Wherepraise,whererichesare,theythink,instoreForthosethatdotheirdutyonthefoe。 ButsuchwerenottheatchievementsoftheMoorAstorepairtheloss;for,tohiswoe,FullmanyaSaracenthechampaignprest; Whosefollywasabeacontotherest。 XIX Thefrequentdartsastormofhailappear,Whichfromthecity-walltheChristiansfling; Thedeafeningclamoursputtheheavensinfear,Which,fromourpart,andfromthatother,ring。 ButCharlesandAgramantmustwait;forhereIoftheMarsofAfricawillsing,KingRodomont,thatfierceandfearfulman,Thatthroughthemiddleofthecityran。 XX Iknownot,sir,ifyoutheadventuredreadOfthatsodaringMoortomindrecall,Theleader,whohadlefthispeopledead,Betweenthesecondworkandouterwall; Uponthoselimbstheraveningfiresofed,Wasneversightmoresad!——Itoldwithal,Howvaultingo\'erthathindranceatabound,Heclearedthemoatwhichgirtthecityround。 XXI Whenhewasknownthethickeningcrowdamong,Bythestrangearmsheworeandscalyhide,There,wheretheagedsiresandfeeblerthrong。 Listenedtoeachnewtaleoneveryside; Heaven-highgroan,moan,andlamentationrung,Andloudtheybeattheirliftedpalmsandcried: Whilethosewhohadthestrengthtoflyaloof,Soughtsafetynotfromhouseortemple\'sroof。 XXII Butthisthecruelswordconcedestofew,SobrandishedbythatSaracenrobust; Andhere,withhalfalegdissevered,flewAfoot,thereheaddividedfromthebust: Thiscleftacross,andthatbeholdhimhew,Fromheadtohips,sostrongtheblowandjust。 While,ofthethousandswoundedbytheMoor,Isnonethatshowsanhonestscarbefore。 XXIII Whatbyweakherd,infieldsofHircany,Thetigerdoes,orIndianGangesnear,Orwolf,bylamborkid,onheightswhichlieOnTypheus\'back,thecruelcavalierNowexecutesonthose,Iwillnot,I Callphalanxesorsquadrons,butamereRabble,thatIshouldtermaraceforlorn,Whobutdeservedtodieeretheywereborn。 XXIV Ofallhecuts,andthrusts,andmaims,andbleeds,Thereisnotonewholookshimintheface。 Throughoutthatstreet,whichinastraightlineleadsUptoSt。Michael\'sbridge,sothrongedaspace,Rodomont,terribleandfearful,speeds,Whirlinghisbloodybrand,norgrantshegrace,Inhiscareer,toservantortolord; Andsaintandsinnerfeelalikethesword。 XXV ReligioncannotforthepriestbespeakMercy,norinnocenceavailthechild: Norgentlybeamingeyes,norvermeilcheek,Protectthebloomingdameordamselmild。 Agesmitesitsbreastandflies:whilebenttowreakVengeance,theSaracen,withgoredefiled,Showsnothisvalourmorethancruelrage,Heedlessalikeoforder,sex,andage。 XXVI Northeimpiouskingalonewithhumanblood,——Lordoftheimpioushe——hishanddistains,Butevenonwallssosorelyventshismood,Hefiresfairhouses,andpollutedfanes。 Thehousesalmostallweremadeofwood,Then(as\'tistold)andthis,bywhatremains,Maybebelieved;foryetinParisweSixoutoftennobetterbuildedsee。 XXVII Thoughflamesdemolishallthingsfarandwide,Thisillappearshisfurioushatetoslake: Where\'erthepaynimhashishandsapplied,Hetumblesdownaroofateveryshake。 Mylord,believe,youneveryetespiedBombardinPadua,ofsolargeamake,ThatitcouldrendfromwallofbatteredtownWhat,atasinglepull,thekingpluckeddown。 XXVIII Whiletheaccursedman,amidtherout,Sowarredwithfireandsword,ifathispost,KingAgramanthadprestitfromwithout,Theamplecityhadthatdaybeenlost。 Buthewashinderedbythewarriorstout,WhocamefromEnglandwiththeadvancinghost,ComposedofEnglishandofScotchallied,WithSilenceandtheAngelfortheirguide。 XXIX ItwasGod\'swill,thatwhilethroughtownandtowerThefuriousRodomontsuchruinspread,ThitherarrivedRinaldo,Clermont\'sflower。 Threeleaguesabove,heo\'ertheriver\'sbedHadcastabridge;fromwhencehisEnglishpowerTotheleft-handbycrookedwaysheled; That,meaningtoassailthebarbarousfoes,Thestreamnoobstaclemightinterpose。 XXX Rinaldohad,withEdward,sentaforce,Sixthousandstrong,ofarcherinfantry,Andsped,withAriman,twothousandhorseOflightestsort;andfootandcavalrySoughtParisbythoseroads,whichhavetheircourseDirectlyto,andfrom,thePicardsea; ThatbySt。Martin\'sandSt。Denys\'gate,Theymightconveytheaidtheburgherswait。 XXXI RinaldosentwiththesethebaggagetrainAndcarriages,withwhichhistroopswerestored; Andfetching,withtheforcesthatremain,Acompass,hetheupperwayexplored。 Hebridge,andboat,andmeanstopasstheSeine,Hadwithhim;foritherewasilltoford。 Hepasthisarmy,brokethebridgesdown,Andrank\'dinlinethebandsofeithercrown。 XXXII ButhavingfirstthepeersandcaptainswheeledAbouthiminaring,thecavalierMountedthebankwhichovertoptthefield,Somuch,thatallmightplainlyseeandhear; Andcried,“Mylords,youshouldthanksgivingyield,Withliftedhands,toGod,whobroughtyouhere; Throughwhom,o\'ereverynation,youmaygainEternalglory,boughtwithlittlepain。 XXXIII “Twoprinces,byyourmeans,willrescuedbe,Ifyourelievethosecitygatesfromsiege; Him,yourownking,whomyoufromslaveryAnddeathtosave,asubject\'svowsoblige; Andafamedemperor,ofmoremajestyThaneveryetincourtwasservedbyliege,Andwiththemotherkings,anddukes,andpeers,Andlordsofotherlands,andcavaliers。 XXXIV “Sothatonecitysaving,notaloneWilltheParisiansblessyourhelpinghand,Who,sadderthanforsorrowsoftheirown,Timid,afflicted,anddisheartenedstand; Andtheirunhappywivesandchildrenmoan,Whichshareinthesameperil,andthebandOrvirgins,dedicatetoheavenlyspouse,Lestthisdayfrustrateseetheirholyvows; XXXV—— “Isay,thiscitysavedfromdeadlywound,NotonlywillParisiansholdyoudear; Buthabitantsofallthecountriesround: NorspeakIonlyofthenationsnear; ForcitythereisnoneonChristianground。 Butwhathascitizensbeleagueredhere; Sothattoyou,forvanquishingthefoe,MorelandsthanFrancewillobligationowe。 XXXVI “Ifhimtheancientswithacrownendued,Whosavedonecitizenbyworthydeed,Forrescuingsuchacountlessmultitude,Whatrecompenseshallbeyourworthymeed? Butif,fromjealousyorsloth,sogoodAndholy,enterpriseshouldillsucceed,Believeme,onlywhilethesewallsendure,IsItalyorAlmayn\'srealmsecure; XXXVII “Oranyotherpart,wheremenadoreHim,whoforusuponthecrosswashung; NorthinkthatdistancesavesyoufromtheMoor,Nordeemyourislandstrong,thewavesamong。 Forif,fromfarGibraltar\'sstraitsofyore,AndoldAlcides\'pillars,sailedthethrong,Tobearoffplunderfromyoursea-girtstrands,Whatwilltheydowhentheypossessourlands? XXXVIII “And,ifinthisfairenterprisearrayed,Nogain,nogloryservedyouasaguide,Acommondebtenjoinsyoumutualaid,MilitanthereupononeChurch\'sside。 Moreover,letnotanybeafraid,Ourbrokenfoemenwilltheassaultabide; Whoseemtomeill-taughtinwarlikeart,Afeeblerabblewithoutarmsorheart。” XXXIX Suchreasons,andyetbetterfor,thatneedMightgoodRinaldoinhisspeechinfer; Andwithquickphraseandvoice,tovaliantdeedThehigh-mindedbaronsandboldarmystir; Andthiswasbuttogoadawillingsteed(Astheoldproverbsays)wholacksnospur。 Hemovedthesquadrons,havingclosedhisspeech,Softly,beneaththeirseparatebanners,each。 XL He,withoutclamour,withoutanynoise。 Somoveshistriplehost,theirflagsbelow。 Zerbino,marchingbythestream,enjoysThehonourfirsttoassailthebarbarousfoe; ThepaladintheIrishmenemploysMoreinland,withawiderwheeltogo。 ThusEngland\'shorseandfoot,thetwobetween,LedbytheDukeofLancaster,areseen。 XLI Thepaladinrodeon,alongtheshore,Whenhehadputthewarriorsintheirway,And,passingbytheirsquadrons,prickedbeforeValiantZerbinoandhiswholearray,UntilhereachedthequartersoftheMoor,WhereOran\'sking,andkingSobrinolay; Who,half-a-mileremovedfromthoseofSpain,Posteduponthatside,observedtheplain。 XLII WithsuchafaithfulescortfortifiedAndsure,theChristianswhohadthitherwound,WithSilenceandtheAngelfortheirguide,Nolongercouldstandmuteorkeeptheirground: Buthearingnowthefoe,withshoutsdefiedTheirhost,andmadetheshrillingtrumpetssound; Andwithloudclamours,whichHeaven\'sconcavefill,Sentthroughthepaynim\'sbonesadeadlychill。 XLIII RinaldospursbeforethetroopscombinedHisfoamingcourser,andhisweaponrests; Andafullbow-shotleavestheScotsbehind: Soalldelaytheimpatientpeermolests。 AsoftentimesaneddyinggustofwindsIssues,ereyetthehorridstorminfests,Sosallyingswiftlyfromthefollowingherd,RinaldoforthuponBaiardospurred。 XLIV AstheaspectofthepaladinofFrance,ThewaveringMoorishfilesbetraytheirfear; And,tremblingintheirhands,isseenthelance,Theirthighsandstirrupsquivering,likethespear。 KingPulianonlymarkstheknight\'sadvance,KnowingRinaldonot,unchangedincheer; Northinkingsuchacruelshocktomeet,Gallopsagainsthimonhiscourserfleet。 XLV Hestoopsupontheweaponwhichhestrains,Wholeandcollectedforthemartialgame: Thentohishorseabandoningthereins,Andgoadingwithbothspursthecourser,came。 Upontheothersidenovalourfeigns,Butshows,bydoings,whatheisinname;—— Withwhatraregraceandmatchlessarthewars,ThesonofAymon,rathersonofMars。 XLVI Well-matchedinskill,theyaimedtheircruelblows,Withlancesateachother\'sheadsaddrest; Illmatched,inarmsandvalour,werethefoes,Forthispaston,andthatthechampaigneprest。 Morecertainproofofworth,whenwarriorsclose,Thereneedsthanknightlylance,wellplacedinrest; ButFortuneevenmorethanValourneeds,Whichill,withouthersavingsuccour,speeds。 XLVII Withthegoodspearnewlevelledinhisfist,AtOran\'skingbeholdRinaldodart。 Ofbulk,andbone,andsinew,toresistThemonarchwas,butillsuppliedwithheart。 Andhismightpassforafairstrokeinlist,Thoughplantedinthebuckler\'snetherpart。 Letthoseexcuseitwhorefusetoadmire,Sincethegoodpaladincouldreachnohigher。 XLVIII Nordidthebucklersotheweaponstay,Thoughmadeofpalmwithin,andsteelwithout,Butthatitpiercedthepaunch,andmadeawayToletthatmeanandillmatchedspiritout。 Thecourser,whohaddeemedthatallthedayHemustsohugeaburdenbearabout,Thankedinhisheartthewarrior,whowellmet,Hadthuspreservedhimfromsosoreasweat。 XLIX Rinaldo,havingbrokehisrestedspear,Sowheelshishorse,heseemsequiptwithwings; Who,turningswiftlywiththecavalier,Amidtheclosestcrowd,impetuoussprings。 ComposedofbrittleglassthearmsappearWhereSirRinaldoredFusbertaswings。 Nortemperedsteelisthere,norcorsletthick,Whichkeepstheswordfrombitingtothequick。 L YetfewthetemperedplatesorironpinsWithwhichencountersthatdescendingbrand; Buttargets,someofoakandsomeofskins,Andquiltedvestandturban\'stwistedband。 LightlysuchdraperygoodRinaldothins,Andcleaves,andbores,andshears,oneitherhand; Norbetterfromhisswordescapestheswarm,Thangrassfromsweepingscythe,orgrainfromstorm。 LI Theforemostsquadronhadbeenputtoflight,WhenthitherthevanguardZerbinoled。 Forthprickingfromthefollowingcrowd,insightAppeared,withlevelledlance,theiryouthfulhead: WithnolessfurythosewhotroopedtofightBeneathhisbanner,tothecombatsped; Likelions,likesomanywolves,wholeapInfurytotheassaultofgoatorsheep。 LII Bothspurredtheircourserson,withrestedlance,Wheneitherwarriortohisfoewasnear; Andthatshortinterval,thatsmallexpanse,Ofplain,between,wasseentodisappear。 Wasneverwitnessedyetastrangerdance! FortheScotsonlyplythemurderousspear; Onlythescatteredpaynimsslaughteredlie,Asifconductedthitherbuttodie。 LIII ItseemedasifeachcowardpaynimgrewMorecoldthanice,eachScotmorefiercethanflame。 TheMoorsbelievedthatwithRinaldo\'sthewAndmusclefortified,eachChristiancame。 Sobrinoquicklymovedhisorderedcrew,Norstayedtillheraldshouldhiscallproclaim: Betterweretheythanthosewhichwentbefore,Forcaptain,armour,andformartiallore。 LIV LessworthlessmenofAfricawerethey,Thoughillhadtheybeendeemedofmuchavail。 Illharnessed,andworsetrainedtomartialfray,ForthwithKingDardinel,thefoetoassail,Moveduphishost,himselfinhelmetgay,Andsheathingallhislimbsinplateandmail。 ThefourthdivisionIbelievewasbest,Which,underIsolier,tobattleprest。 LV Thraso,thiswhile,thevaliantDukeofMar,Gladinthetumult,forthecavaliersWhomusterinhistrain,upliftsthebar,Andtothelistsoffamehisfollowingchears,WhenIsolier,withhorsemenofNavarre,Enteredinthatfiercefrayheseesandhears。 NextAriodantesmovedhischivalry,WhowasoflatemadeDukeofAlbany。 LVI Thedeepsonoroustrumpet\'sbellowing,Andsoundofdrum,andbarbarousinstrument,Combinedwithtwangofbow,andwhizofsling,Wheelandmachine,andstonefromenginesent,And(whatmoreloudthantheseappearedtoring) Tumult,andshriek,andgroan,andloudlament,ComposedadirerwholethanwhatoffendsTheneighbouringtribeswheredeafeningNiledescends。 LVII Thearrows\'doubleshowertheampleskyWithwide-extendedshadeisseentoshrowd; Breath,smokeofsweatanddustascendonhigh,Andseemtostampinairamurkycloud。 Byturnseachhostgivesway,andyoumightspy,Nowchasing,nowinflight,theself-samecrowd; Andheresomewight,besidehisfoemanslain,Orlittledistant,prostrateontheplain。 LVIII When,harassedwithfatigue,aweariedcrewWithdraw,freshfilestheirfellowsreinforce: Men,hereandthere,thewastedranksrenew; Heremarchsuppliesoffoot,andthereofhorse: HermantlegreenforrobeofcrimsonhueEarthshifts,ensanguinedwherethewarriorscourse: Andtherewereazureflowersandyellowsprung,Nowslaughteredmenliestretchedtheirsteedsamong。 LIX ZerbinowasmorewondersseentodoThaneverstriplingofhisage,hestrowedThegroundwithheapsofdead,andoverthrewThepaynimnumberswhichabouthimflowed。 ThevaliantAriodantestohisnew- Entrustedsquadronmightyprowessshowed; Fillingwithdreadandwonder,nearandfar,ThesquadronsofCastileandofNavarre。 LX ChelindoandMosco(bastardswerethetwainOfCalabrun,latekingofArragon),Andoneesteemedamongthevalianttrain,Calamidor,ofBarcellona\'stown,Leavingtheirstandards,inthehopetogain,ByyoungZerbino\'sdeath,agloriousforce,Andwoundedinhisflankstheprince\'shorse。 LXI Piercedbythreelanceslaythecourserstrong,ButboldZerbinoquicklyroseanew; And,eagertoavengehischarger\'swrong,Theassailants,whereheseesthem,willpursue。 ZerbinoatMoscofirst,thatoverhungHim,inthehopetomakehimprisoner,flew,Andpiercedhimintheflank;whofromhissell,Pallidandcold,uponthechampaignfell。 LXII Whenhimsokilled,as\'twerebystealthyblow,Chelindoviewed,toavengehisbrotherslain,Hecharged,intenttheprincetooverthrow; Butheseizedfasthiscourserbytherein,And,thencetorisenot,laidthechargerlow,Destinednomoretofeedonhayorgrain; Foratonestroke,somatchlesswashisforce,Zerbinoclefttheriderandhishorse。 LXIII WhenthatfellblowCalamidorespied,Heturnedthebridleshorttospeedaway,ButhimwithdownrightcutZerbinopliedBehind,andcriedwithal,“Stay,traitor,stay。” Norfromitsaimthesword-strokewanderedwide,Thoughfromthemarkitwentsomedealastray; Thefalchionmissedtheriderashefled,Butreachedthehorse\'scroup,andstretchedhimdead,LXIV Hequitsthehorse,andthenceforsafetycrawls; Buthewithlittlebootescapeshisfoe; ForhimDukeThraso\'shorseo\'erturnsandmawls,Oppresttheponderouscourser\'sweightbelow。 WherethehugecrowduponZerbinofalls,AriodantesandLurcaniogo; Andwiththemmanyacavalierandcount,WhodotheirbestZerbinotoremount。 LXV ThenArtalicoandMarganoknewTheforceofAriodantes\'circlingbrand: WhileCasimirandEnearcorueMoredeeplyyetthepuissanceofhishand。 Smotebytheknight,escapedtheformertwo; Theotherswereleftdeaduponthestrand。 Lurcanioshowswhatarehisforceandbreath; Whocharges,smites,o\'erturns,andputstodeath。 LXVI Sir,thinknotthatmoreinlandontheplainThewarfareislessmortalthanalongThestream,northatthetroopsbehindremainWhichtothedukeofLancasterbelong。 HevaliantlyassailedtheflagsofSpain,Andlonginevenscalethebattlehung。 ForHorseandFoot,andCaptainsofthosebands,Oneitherside,coulddeftlyplytheirhands。 LXVII ForwardSirOldradpricksandFieramont; ThisGlocester\'sduke,andYork\'stheotherknight; WiththemconjoinedisRichard,Warwick\'scount,AndthebolddukeofClarence,Henryhight。 TheseFolliconandMatalistafront,AndBaricond,withalltheyleadtofight。 Almeriathis,andthatGranadaguides,Ando\'erMarjorcaBaricondpresides。 LXVIII WellmatchedawhiletheChristianandtheMoorAppeared,withoutadvantageinthefray。 Notthis,nowthatgaveground,likecornbeforeThelightandficklebreezewhichblowsinMay: Orastheseawhichripplesontheshore,Stillcomesandgoes,norkeepsonecertainway,WhenhollowFortunethushadsportedlong,Sheproveddisastroustothepaynimthrong。 LXIX ThedukeofGlocesterMatalistaboldAssailedthiswhile,andhurtledfromhissell; FieramontFollicono\'erturnedandrolled,Intherightshouldersmit,onearthaswell。 TheadvancingEnglisheitherpaynimhold,Andbeartheirprisonersofftodungeoncell。 Thiswhile,SirBaricondis,inthestrife,ByClarence\'sbolddukedeprivedoflife。 LXX Hence\'tisamongtheMoorsamazementall,WhilehencetheChristianstakesuchheartandpride,Thebandsdonoughtbutquittheirgroundandfall,AndbreaktheirorderonthePaynimside,WhattimetheChristiantroopscomeon,andgallTheirflyingrants,whichnowherewillabide: Andhadnotonearrivedtoaidtheirhost。 ThePaynimcamphadonthatsidebeenlost。 LXXI ButFerrau,whotillthistimeevernighMarsilius,scarcehadquittedhimthatday,Whenhalfdestroyedhemarkedhischivalry,Andsawthatbaffledbannerbornaway,Prickedhisgoodcourserforth,intimetospy,(Wheremidthosesquadronshottestwaxedthefray) Withhisheadseveredinagrieslywound,OlympiodelaSerrafalltoground: LXXII Astriplinghe,whosuchsweetmusickvented,Accordedtothehornedlyre\'ssofttone; ThatatthedulcetmelodyrelentedThehearer\'sheart,thoughharderthanastone。 Happy!if,withsuchexcellencecontented,Hehadpursuedsofairafamealone,Andloathedshield,quiver,helmet,swordandlance; DestinedbythesetodieayouthinFrance。 LXXIII WhenboldFrenchbeheldhiscruelplight,Forwhomheloveandmuchesteemprofest,HefeltmorepityatthedolefulsightThan,\'midthosethousandsslain,foralltherest。 Andsmotethefoewhoslewhimwithsuchmight,Thathehishelmdividedfromthecrest; Cutfront,eyes,visage,andmidbosomthrough,Andcasthimdownamidtheslaughteredcrew。 LXXIV Norstopshehere,norleavesacorsletwhole,Norhelmunbroken,wherehisswordisplied,Ofthisthefrontorcheek,ofthatthepoll,Thearmofotherfoehisstrokesdivide; Andhe,ofthesedivorcingbodyandsoul,Restoresthewaveringbattleonthatside; WhencethedisheartenedandignoblethrongArescatteredwide,andbroke,anddrivenalong。 LXXV IntothemedleypricksKingAgramant,Desiroustherehisbloodycoursetorun; WithhimKingBaliverzo,Farurant,Soridan,Bambirago,Prusion; Andnextsomanymoreoflittlevaunt,Whosebloodwillformalakeeredaybedone,ThatIcouldcounteachleafwithgreatereaseWhenautumnoftheirmantlestripsthetrees。 LXXVI AgramantfromthewallanumerousbandOfhorseandfootwithdraws,andsendsthearrayBeneaththekingofFez,withacommandBehindtheMoorishtentstomakehisway,AndthoseofIrelandintheirmarchwithstand,Whomheseeshurryingwithwhathastetheymay,Andwithwidewheelandspaciouscompasswind,Tofalluponthepaynimcampbehind。 LXXVII ThekingofFezuponthisserviceprest; Foralldelaymightsorehisworkimpede。 ThiswhileKingAgramantunitestherest,Andpartsthetroopswhotothebattlespeed。 Hesoughthimselftheriver,whereheguessedTheMoorishhostmightmosthispresenceneed; And,fromthatquarter,hadacourierprayed,ByKingSobrinosent,themonarch\'said。 LXXVIII Hemorethanhalfhiscampbehindhimled,Inonedeepphalanx。AtthemightysoundAlone,theScotsmentrembled,andindreadAbandonedhonour,order,andtheirground: Lurcanio,Ariodantes,andtheirhead,Zerbino,therealonethetorrentbound; Andhaplyhe,whowasafoot,haddied,ButthatintimehisneedRinaldospied。 LXXIX ElsewherethepaladinwasmakingflyAhundredbanners:whilethecavalierSochasedthequailingSaracens,thecryOfyoungZerbino\'sperilsmotetheear; For,singleandafoot,hischivalryAmidtheAfricanshadleftthepeer。 RinaldoturnedaboutandtookhiswayWherehebeheldtheScotsindisarray。 LXXX Heplantshiscourser,wheretheirsquadronsyieldTothefiercepaynims,andexclaims:“WheregoYourbands,andwhysobaselyquitthefield,Yieldingsovilelytosovileafoe? Beholdthepromisedtrophies,spearandshield,Spoilswhichyourloadedchurchesoughttoshow! Whatpraise!whatglory!thatalone,andreftOfhisgoodhorse,yourmonarch\'ssonisleft! LXXXI Hefromasquirereceivesalance,andspiesKingPrusionlittledistant,sovereignOftheAlvaracchiae,andagainsthimhies; Whomheunhorses,deadupontheplain。 SoAgricalt,soBambiragodies; AndnextsorewoundedisSirSoridane; Whohadbeenslainaswellamidthethrong,IfgoodRinaldo\'slancehadprovedmorestrong。 LXXXII Thatweaponbroken,heFusbertarears,AndsmitesSirSerpentine,himofthestar。 Thoughcharmedfrommischiefarethecavalier\'sGoodarms,hefallsastoundedbythejar,AndthusRinaldoroundZerbinoclearsThefieldsowidely,wherethosechampionswar,ThatwithoutmoredisputehetakesahorseOfthose,whomasterless,atrandom,course。 LXXXIII Thatheintimeremounteditwaswell,Whohaplywouldnot,ifhemoredelayed: ForAgramantatonce,andDardinel,Sobrino,andBalastrothithermade; Buthe,whohadintimeregainedthesell,Wheeled,hereandtherehishorse,withbrandishedblade,Dispatchingintohellthemixtarray,Thathowmenliveabovetheirghostsmightsay。