XXXI.

Of fierce Marphisa and her bold allies The unconquered daring and the wondrous might, Sir, was not of a nature—of a guise— To be conceived, much less described aright: The number slaughtered hence may you surmise! What cruel blow King Charles sustained in fight! Add to these warriors of illustrious name, More than one Moor with Ferrau known to Fame.

XXXII.

Many through reckless haste were drowned in Seine, For all too narrow was the bridge’s floor, And wished, like Icarus, for wings in vain, Having grim death behind them and before. Save Oliver, and Ogier hight the Dane, The paladins are prisoners to the Moor: Wounded beneath his better shoulder fled The first, that other with a broken head.

XXXIII.

And, like Orlando and Duke Aymon’s son , Had faithful Brandimart thrown up the game, Charles had from Paris into exile gone, If he had scaped alive so fierce a flame. Brandimart does his best, and when ’tis done, Yields to the storm: Thus Fortune, fickle dame, Now smiles upon the paynim monarch, who Besieges royal Charlemagne anew.

XXXIV.

From earth beneath the widow’s outcry swells, Mingled with elder’s and with orphan’s prayer, Into the pure serene, where Michael dwells, Rising above this dim and troubled air; And to the blest archangel loudly tells, How the devouring wolf and raven tear His faithful English, French, and German train, Whose slaughtered bodies overspread the plain.

XXXV.

Red blushed the blessed angel, who believed He ill obedience to his lord had paid; And, in his anger, deemed himself deceived By the perfidious Discord and betrayed: He his Creator’s order had received To stir the Moors to strife, nor had obeyed; Had rather in their eyes who marked the event, Appeared throughout to thwart his high intent.

XXXVI.

As servant faithful to his lord, and more In love than memory strong, who finds that he Has that forgotten which at his heart-core, As precious as his life and soul should be, Hastes to repair his error, nor before He mend that fault, again his lord will see, So not to God St. Michael will ascend Until he has achieved his holy end.

XXXVII.

Again he to that monastery flew, Where whilom he had Discord seen; and there Seated in chapter sees her, while anew Their yearly officers elected are, She taking huge delight those friers to view, That at each other hurled their books of prayer. His hand within her locks the archangel twists, And deals her endless scathe with feet and fists.

XXXVIII.

On her he next a cross’s handle broke; Wherewith her back, and arms, and head he plies: His mercy with loud voice the wretch bespoke, And hugged that angel’s knees with suppliant cries. Michael suspends not the avenging stroke Till hunted to the Moorish camp she flies, Then thus; “Believe worse vengeance yet in store, “If I beyond these lines behold thee more.”

XXXIX.

Albeit in back and arms all over shent Was Discord by that angel, in her fear Of suffering yet again such chastisement, Such horrid fury and such blows severe, She speedily to take her bellows went, And, adding food to what she lit whilere, And setting other ready piles afire, Kindled in many hearts a blaze of ire;

XL.

And good Rogero (she inflames them so) With Rodomont and Mandricardo fares To Agramant; and all (since now the foe The paynims pressed no more, the vantage theirs) To him the seed of their dissensions show, And what the bitter produce which it bears: Then to the judgment of the king refer Who first in listed field his claim should stir.

XLI.

As well Marphisa to Troyano’s son , Relates her case, and will conclude the fray Which with the Tartar king she had begun, Because by him provoked to that assay; Nor will she yield her place to any one, No, not a single hour, yet less a day; But with loud instances maintains her right With Mandricardo first to wage the fight.

XLII.

To have the first possession of the field No less renowned king Rodomont contended, Which he, the African array to shield, Had interrupted and till now suspended. Rogero to King Agramant appealed, As having borne too long, though sore offended, That Rodomont from him detained his horse, Nor yet would meet him first in martial course.

XLIII.

The Tartar king, for more perplexity, Denied on any ground Rogero’s right The bearer of the white-winged bird to be; And was so passing wood with wrath and spite, That, if to this those others would agree, He would at once those several quarrels fight; And so those others would as well have done, If Agramant’s consent they could have won.

XLIV.

King Agramant, with prayer and kindly word, Had willingly appeased that jarring crew; But since the foes were deaf to all accord, Nor would assent to peace or truce anew, Considered how at least he might afford The field to each of them in order due; And, as the best resolve, at last decreed, Each should by lot possess the listed mead.

XLV.

Four lots the monarch bade prepare , which done, This ‘Rodomont and Mandricardo’ said; ‘Rogero and Mandricardo’ were in one; In one, ‘Rogero and Rodomont’ were read; That ‘Mandricardo and Marphisa’ run: Next, as the fickle goddess, Fortune, led, The lots are drawn, and in the first appear The Tartar king and sovereign of Argier.

XLVI.

Rogero and Mandricardo for that play Were next; Rogero and Rodomont were third; Marphisa’s lot and Mandricardo’s lay At bottom; whence the dame was deeply stirred; Nor young Rogero seems a whit more gay: Who knows the prowess of those two preferred Will nothing in the listed combat leave For him or for Marphisa to achieve.

XLVII.

There lies a place, of Paris little wide, Covering a mile or somewhat less, and round; Like ancient theatre, on every side, Encompast by a tall and solid mound; With castle whilom was it fortified, Which sword and fire had levelled with the ground. The Parmesan like circle does survey, Whenever he to Borgo wends his way.

XLVIII.

In this place is prepared the listed mead, Which palisades of little height inclose; A square, of just proportions for that need, With two capacious gates, as usage goes. The day on which to combat have agreed Those valiant knights, who will not balk their foes, Beside the palisades, to left and right, Facing each entrance, are pavilions pight.

XLIX.

In that, which looks towards the western sun, Is lodged the giant monarch of Argièr; And him assist his serpent-hide to don Bold Ferrau and Circassia’s cavalier. Gradasso and the puissant Falsiron, In that which fronts the morning hemisphere, Clothe with their hands, in Trojan plate and chain, The good successor of King Agricane.

L.

High on a throne of ample state appeared Agramant and Marsilius; next in place Were Stordilane and all the chiefs, revered Throughout the squadrons of the paynim race. Happy was he who found himself upreared On mound or tree, above that level space. Great was the throng, and round the palisade On every side the eddying people swayed.

LI.

Were seated with the Queen of fair Castillo Queens, princesses, and dames of noble strain, From Arragon, Granada, and Seville, And Atlas’ columns; and amid the train Assembled to behold that fierce appeal, Was placed the daughter of King Stordilane: Two costly vests—one red, one green—she wore; But ill the first was dyed, and faded sore .

LII.

In dress succinct Marphisa sate; in plight Such as beseemed a warrior and a maid: Thermodöon haply witnessed Hippolyte And her fair squadron in like garb arrayed. Afield already, in his livery dight, Agramant’s herald made proclaim, and said, ‘It was forbid to all men, far and wide, ‘In act or word, with either part to side.’

LIII.

The frequent crowd expects the double foe; And often, in impatience, they complain, And call those famous cavaliers too slow: When from the Tartar’s tent an angry strain Is heard, and cries which multiply; sir, know It was the martial king of Sericane , And puissant Tartar, who that question stirred, And made the mighty tumult which was heard.

LIV.

Sericane’s monarch, having with his hand Equipt the king of Tartary all o’er, Approached to gird him with that sovereign brand, With which Orlando went adorned of yore. When ‘ Durindana ’ on the hilt he scanned, Graved with the quartering that Almontes wore; Which from that wretched man, beside a font, Youthful Orlando reft in Aspramont.

LV.

He, seeing this, agnised it for the blade So famous, which Anglantes’ warrior bore, For which he had the fairest fleet arrayed Which ever put to sea from eastern shore; And had Castille’s rich kingdom overlaid, And conquered fruitful France some years before; But cannot now imagine how that sword Is in possession of the Tartar lord;

LVI.

And asks, ‘had he by force or treaty won, ‘And when and where and how, that faulchion bright;’ And Mandricardo said that ‘he had done ‘Fierce battle for that sword with Brava’s knight ; ‘Who feigned himself of sober sense foregone, ‘Hoping that so he should conceal his fright: —"For I on him would ceaseless war have made,” (He added,) “while he kept the goodly blade.”

LVII.

Saying, ‘The Count, in yielding to his foe ‘That sword, the Beavers’ known device had tried; ‘Who, followed closely by the hunter, know ‘Their fell pursuer covets nought beside.’ Ere he had heard him out,—“Nor I forego “That sword to thee nor any one,” (replied Gradasso, fierce,) “well earned by me, at cost “Of treasure, and of pain, and people lost.

LVIII.

“Some other faulchion for thyself purvey; “This will I have; nor deem my reasons new; “Whether Orlando wise or foolish stray, “I make it mine where’er it meets my view. “With none to witness, thou, beside the way “Usurped that sword; I claim it as my due: “For this my scimeter shall reasons yield, “And we will try the cause in listed field.

LIX.

“Prepare to win the sword before thou rear “That goodly blade against King Rodomont. “To win his arms is use of cavalier, “Before his foe in duel he affront.” —“No sweeter music ever soothes my ear” (Replied the Tartar, as he raised his front) “Than voice which champions me to martial field; “But see that his consent the Sarzan yield.

LX.

“Be thou the first; and, next on listed ground “Let Sarza’s valiant lord the question try; “Nor doubt but I in readiness be found “To thee and every other to reply.” “—Thou shalt not so the ordered lots confound, “Or break our compact (was Rogero’s cry): “Either, first Rodomont shall take the field, “Or shall to me his right of battle yield.

LXI.

“If that be true Gradasso has averred, “That knight should win the arms he would assay, “Thou hast no title to my white-winged bird, “Save this from me thou first shalt bear away. “But since, forsooth, whilere I said the word, “I will not what I once pronounced unsay, “That mine shall be the second battle, so “That Argier’s monarch first affront his foe.

LXII.

“I will confuse the order of the field, “Throughout, if partially confused by thee; “Abandon will I not my blazoned shield, “Unless thou combat for it now with me.” —“Were one and the other Mars, for battle steeled, (Replies, enraged, the king of Tartary) “Nor one nor the other’s might should make me waive “My title to that shield and goodly glaive;

LXIII.

And overmastered by his choler, flies With a clenched fist at him of Sericane, And smites him with his right-hand in such wise, As makes him quit his hold of Durindane. Gradasso bold was taken by surprise, Not deeming him so furious and insane; And, while he looked not to the Tartar lord, Found himself robbed of good Orlando’s sword.

LXIV.

Fury and scorn Gradasso’s visage heats, Which seems to flash with fire, at that disgrace; And with more rage and pain his bosom beats, In that ’twas offered in such public place. To draw his scimeter, the king retreats, Intent upon revenge, some little space. So Mandricardo on himself relies Rogero he to fight, as well defies.

LXV.

“Come on in arms against me, both combined, “And be King Rodomont the third!” (he said) “Come Spain and Afric and all human kind; “Ne’er will I turn.” And he, at nought dismaid, So saying, in his fury, sawed the wind About him, with Almontes’ noble blade, Embraced his shield, and, full of choler, stood Against Gradasso and Rogero good.

LXVI.

“Leave me the care,” the fierce Gradasso cried, “The phrensy of this madman to subdue.” —“Not so, by Heaven!” Rogero wroth replied, “For I this field claim justly as my due.” —“Stand back!” and “stand thou back!” on either side They shout; yet neither of the twain withdrew. And thus among those three began a feud; And thence some strange result would have ensued,

LXVII.

If many had not interposed, and sought With little wit their fury to restrain; Who had well-nigh too dear the experience bought Of saving others at their proper pain; Nor to accord the world had ever brought Those knights, but that the worthy king of Spain Came thither with renowned Troyano’s heir ; Awed by whose sovereign presence all forbear.

LXVIII.

Agramant those contending warriors made The cause of their so burning strife display; Next earnestly bestirred himself, and prayed Gradasso that he would, in courteous way, Concede the Trojan Hector’s goodly blade To Mandricardo, solely for that day, Until the cruel fight was at an end, Wherein he should with Rodomont contend.

LXIX.

While royal Agramant would peace restore, And now with this and now with that conferred, From the other tent, between the Sarzan Moor And Sacripant, another strife was heard. Valiant King Sacripant (as said before) To equip Sir Rodomont himself bestirred, And he and Ferrau had that champion drest In his forefather Nimrod’s iron vest;

LXX.

And there had they arrived, where with his spume The horse was making his rich bridle white: I of the good Frontino speak, for whom Rogero raged with yet unfelt despite. King Sacripant, who plays the part of groom, And has to bring afield the Sarzan knight, Marks narrowly the courser’s gear and shoes, And sell and furniture throughout reviews;

LXXI.

And as his points and nimble parts, more near, He, in this view, observes with better heed, The youthful king, beyond all doubt, is clear He sees his Frontilatte in that steed, Him he of old had held so passing dear, Whilom of such debates the fruitful seed; And for whose loss, whilere he was so woe, He evermore on foot resolved to go.

LXXII.

This from beneath him had Brunello borne Before Albracca, on the very day Angelica’s rare ring, and Roland’s horn, And Balisarda he conveyed away, With fierce Marphisa’s blade,—and on return To Afric—to Rogero, from his prey, Gave Balisarda and the courser, who Was by the Child Frontino named anew.

LXXIII.

Assured ’twas no mistake, Circassia’s chief Turned him about to Rodomont, and cried; “Reft from me in Albracca, by a thief, “This horse is mine; which might be certified “By them whose words would warrant well belief: “But as my witnesses are distant wide, “If it be questioned, I will make it plain, “And will, with sword in hand, the truth maintain.

LXXIV.

“Yet am I well contented, for that we “Have for these some few days together gone, “To lend him for to-day; since well I see, “That not without him could the fight be done; “But on condition, that the courser be “Acknowledged mine, and furnished as a loan: “Otherwise hope not for that horse, save first “Me, on this quarrel, thou in combat worst.”

LXXV.

The furious king of Argier, that in pride Surpassed all knights that ever girt the sword, Whose paragon, for heart and prowess tried, Meseems no ancient histories record, Cried; “Sacripant, if any one beside “Thyself, to me should utter such a word, “He should deem quickly, from its bitter fruit, “He from his birth would better have been mute.

LXXVI.

“But, for that fellowship in which we went, “(As thou hast said) together, I to show “Such patience and forbearance am content, “As warning thee, thy purpose to forego, “Until thou shalt have witnessed the event “Of strife between me and my Tartar foe: “When him I such example hope to make, “That thou shalt humbly say, ‘The courser take. ’ ”

LXXVII.

Fierce and enraged, replied Circassia’s peer, “To play the churl with thee is courteous deed, “But I to thee repeat more plain and clear, “Thou ill wouldst aught design against that steed, “For, while I an avenging sabre rear, “This I prohibit thee, and, should it need, “And every better means of battle fail, “With thee for this would battle, tooth and nail.”

LXXVIII.

They from dispute proceed to ribaldry, From words to blows; and through their mickle ire, Fierce battle was inflamed, and blazed more high Than ever lightly-kindled straw took fire. King Rodomont is steeled in panoply; Sacripant neither plate nor mail attire: Yet so in fence is skilled that nimble lord, He seems all over sheltered by his sword.

LXXIX.

No greater were the daring and the might (Though infinite) which Rodomont displaid Than the precaution and the nimble sleight Which the Circassian summoned to his aid: No mill-wheel ever turns with swifter flight The circling stone by which the grain is brayed, Than Sacripant at need moves foot or hand, And shifts now here, now there his restless stand.

LXXX.

But Serpentine and Ferrau interfere: They with drawn swords the twain asunder bore; With them Grandonio was and Isolier, And many other leaders of the Moor. This was the tumult which was heard whilere In the other tent, what time they laboured sore, Rogero vainly to a peace to bring With Tartary’s and Sericana’s king.

LXXXI.

This while some voice to Agramant the news Reports aright, that Ulien’s mighty seed , With Sacripant, Circassia’s king, pursues A fierce and furious quarrel for the steed. Agramant, whom so many jars confuse, Exclaims to King Marsilius; “Take thou heed “That no worse evil mid these knights betide, “While for this new disorder I provide.”

LXXXII.

Rodomont reined his anger, and retired Some deal, at his approaching sovereign’s view; Nor less respect in Sacripant inspired The Moorish monarch; of the furious two, He with grave voice and royal mien inquired What cause of strife such deadly discord blew; And having searched their quarrel to the root, Would fain accord them; but with little fruit.

LXXXIII.

Circassia’s monarch would not, on his side, Longer his horse to Argier’s lord allow, Save humbly Rodomont to him applied, That steed for this occasion to bestow. To him Sir Rodomont, with wonted pride, Returned for answer; “Neither Heaven nor thou “Shall make me recognize as gift or loan “What I with this good hand can make mine own.”

LXXXIV.

The king bade Sacripant explain his right, And how that horse was taken from him sought; And this from first to last Circassia’s knight Rehearsed, and reddened as the tale he taught, Relating to the king the robber’s sleight; ‘Who had surprised him overwhelmed with thought, ‘Upon four spears his courser’s saddle stayed, ‘And from beneath the naked horse conveyed .’

LXXXV.

Marphisa, whom these cries, mid others, bring, When of the robbery of the horse advised, In visage is disturbed, remembering How on that day her faulchion was surprised; And when that courser (which equipt with wing Appeared when flying her) she recognized; And recognized as well—at first unknown— The valiant king who filled Circassia’s throne.

LXXXVI.

The others who stood round her, wont to hear Brunello often boast of the deceit, ’Gan turn towards that wretch, and made appear By open signs they knew him for the Cheat. Marphisa who the subtle knave whilere Suspected as the author of that feat, Now questions this, now that, who all accord In saying ‘ ’twas Brunello stole her sword;

LXXXVII.

‘Who, well deserving as a fitting pain ‘To dangle from the gallows-tree in air, ‘By Agramant the crown of Tingitane ‘(An ill example) was preferred to wear.’ This fires anew Marphisa’s old disdain, Nor she from instant vengeance will forbear, For this, as well as other shame and scorn She on her road had from that caitiff born.

LXXXVIII.

A squire laced on her helmet, at her hest: She wore the remnant of her armour sheen; Nor without martial cuirass on her breast, Find I, that she ten times was ever seen, Even from the day when first that iron vest Braced on her limbs the passing-valiant queen: With helm on head, where, mid the highest rows, Brunello sits among the first, she goes.

LXXXIX.

Him by mid breast Marphisa griped amain, And lifted up the losel from the ground; As is rapacious eagle wont to strain The pullet, in her talons circled round; And bore him where the son of King Troyane Heard the two knights their jarring claims propound. He who perceives himself in evil hands, Aye weeps, and mercy of that maid demands.

XC.

Above the universal noise and shout, Which rose nigh equally on either side, Brunello, who from all the crowd about For pity now, and now for succour, cried, So loud was heard, that of that ample rout He gathered round himself the pressing tide. Arrived before the Moorish army’s head, To him with haughty mien Marphisa said:

XCI.

“This thief (said she), thy vassal, will I slay, “And with this hand of mine will knot the cord “About his neck; because the very day “He stole his courser, he purloined my sword. “But is there any one who deems I say “Amiss, let him stand forth and speak the word; “For I on him will prove, before thine eyes, “I have done right, and who gainsays me, lies.

XCII.

“But because haply some one may pretend “I have till such a time of strife delayed “My vengeance, when such famous knights contend, “For three days shall the wretch’s doom be stayed; “In the mean time let him who would defend “That caitiff, come himself, or send him aid. “For afterwards, if none the deed prevent, “His carcass shall a thousand birds content.

XCIII.

“I hence to yonder tower, which distant nigh “Three leagues, o’erlooks a little copse, repair, “But with one varlet in my company, “And with one waiting-maid; if any dare “Rescue the thief, let him come thither; I “Wait the approach of his defenders there.” Thus she; and thither quickly wends her ways Whither was said, nor any answer stays.

XCIV.

Held on the pommel grappled by his hair, Brunello on Marphisa’s courser lies: The caitiff weeps, and shrieking in despair, On all in whom he hopes, for succour cries. In such confusion is Troyano’s heir, He sees no way through these perplexities; And, that Marphisa thence Brunello bore In such a guise, yet grieved the monarch more.

XCV.

Not that he loved the losel or esteemed, Rather to him some time had borne despite; And often had to hang the caitiff schemed, Since he had forfeited the ring of might. But here his honour touched the monarch deemed, So that his visage reddened at the slight: He would, in person, follow her at speed, And to his utmost power avenge the deed.

XCVI.

But the wise king, Sobrino, who was by, Him from the quest endeavoured to dissuade, And ‘that with his exalted majesty ‘Such enterprize were ill assorted,’ said: ‘Although firm hope, nay full security, ‘He had to overcome that martial maid, ‘If he with pain subdued a woman, shame, ‘Rather than honour, would pursue his name.

XCVII.

‘Small profit and much peril would succeed ‘From any fight he should with her maintain, (And he advised him) ‘as the better deed, ‘To leave that wretched caitiff to his pain; ‘And albeit but a simple nod should need ‘To free him, from that nod he should refrain. ‘In that the monarch would do ill to force ‘Even-handed Justice from her destined course.’

XCVIII.

“Thou to the fierce Marphisa may’st apply “To leave his trial (he pursued) to thee, “With promise, her in this to satisfy “And to suspend him from the gallows-tree: “And even should the maid thy prayer deny, “Let her in every wish contented be: “And rather than that she desert thy side, “Let her hang him and every thief beside.”

XCIX.

Right willingly King Agramant gave way To King Sobrino’s counsel sage and staid; And let renowned Marphisa wend her way, Nor scathed he, nor let scathe, that martial maid, Neither endured that any her should pray; And heaven knows with what courage he obeyed That wise advice, to calm such ruder strife And quarrel, as throughout his camp were rife.

C.

At this mad Discord laughed, no more in fear That any truce or treaty should ensue; And scowered the place of combat there and here, Nor could stand still, for pleasure at the view. Pride gamboled and rejoiced with her compeer, And on the fire fresh food and fuel threw, And shouted so that Michael in the sky Knew the glad sign of conquest in that cry.

CI.

Paris-town rocked, and turbid ran the flood Of Seine at that loud voice, that horrid roar; And, so its echo rang in Arden’s wood, Beasts left their caverns in that forest hoar. Alp and Cevenne’s mountain-solitude, And Blois, and Arles, and Rouen’s distant shore, Rhine, Rhone, and Saône, and Garonne, heard the pest; Scared mothers hugged their children to their breast .

CII.

Five have set up their rest, resolved to be The first their different quarrels to conclude: And tangled so is one with other plea, That ill Apollo’s self could judge the feud . To unravel that first cause of enmity The king began—the strife which had ensued, Because of beauteous Doralice, between The king of Scythia and her Algerine.

CIII.

King Agramant oft moved, between the pair, Now here now there, to bring them to accord; Now there now here, admonishing that pair, Like faithful brother and like righteous lord: But when he found that neither would forbear, Deaf and rebellious to his royal word, Nor would consent that lady to forego, The cause of strife, in favour of his foe,

CIV.

As his best lore, at length the monarch said, And to obey his sentence both were fain; ‘That he who was by her preferred, should wed ‘The beauteous daughter of King Stordilane: ‘And that what was established on this head ‘Should not be changed, to either’s loss or gain.’ The compromise was liked on either side, Since either hoped she would for him decide.

CV.

The mighty king of Sarza, who long space Before the Tartar, had loved Doralice, (Who had preferred that sovereign to such grace As modest lady may, nor do amiss) Believed, when she past sentence on the case, She must pronounce what would ensure his bliss. Nor thus alone King Rodomont conceived, But all the Moorish host with him believed.

CVI.

All know what exploits wrought by him had been For her in joust and war; they all unsound And weak King Mandricardo’s judgement ween; But he, who oft was with her on their round, And oftener private with the youthful queen, What time the tell-tale sun was under ground, He, knowing well how sure he was to speed, Laughed at the silly rabble’s idle creed.

CVII.

They, after, ratify the king’s award, Between his hands, and next the suitors twain Before that damsel go, that on the sward Fixing her downcast eyes, in modest vein, Avows her preference of the Tartar lord; At which sore wondering stand the paynim train; And Rodomont remains so sore astound, He cannot raise his visage from the ground.

CVIII.

But wonted anger chasing shame which dyed The Sarzan’s face all over, he arraigned The damsel’s sentence, of the faulchion, tied About his manly waist, the handle strained, And in the king’s and others’ hearing cried; “By this the question shall be lost or gained; “And not by faithless woman’s fickle thought, “Which thither still inclines, where least it ought.”

CIX.

King Mandricardo on his feet once more, Exclaims, “And be it as it pleases thee.” So that ere yet the vessel made the shore Unploughed remained a mighty space of sea; But that his king reproved the Sarzan sore, Ruling, ‘that to appeal upon that plea ‘No more with Mandricardo could avail,’ And made the moody Sarzan strike his sail.

CX.

Branded with double scorn, before those peers, By noble Agramant, whose sovereign sway He, as in loyal duty bound, reveres, And by his lady on the selfsame day, There will no more the monarch of Algiers Abide, but of his band—a large array— Two serjeants only for his service takes, And with that pair the paynim camp forsakes.

CXI.

As the afflicted bull who has foregone His heifer, nor can longer warfare wage, Seeks out the greenwood-holt and stream most lone, Or sands at distance from his pasturage; There ceases not, in sun or shade to moan; Yet not for that exhales his amorous rage: So parts, constrained his lady to forego, The king of Argier, overwhelmed with woe.

CXII.

Rogero moved, his courser to regain, And had already donned his warlike gear, Then recollecting, that on listed plain At Mandricardo he must couch the spear, Followed not Rodomont, but turned his rein, To end his quarrel with the Tartar, ere He met in combat Sericana’s lord Within close barriers, for Orlando’s sword.

CXIII.

To have Frontino ravished in his sight, And be unable to forbid the deed, He sorely grieves; but, when he shall that fight Have done, resolves he will regain the steed; But Sacripant, whom, like the youthful knight, No quarrels in the Moor’s pursuit impede, And who was unengaged in other quest, Upon the Sarzan’s footsteps quickly prest;

CXIV.

And would have quickly joined him that was gone, But for the chance of an adventure rare; Which him detained until the day was done, And made him lose the track of Ulien’s heir: A woman who had fallen into the Saône, And who without his help had perished there, The warrior drowning in that water found, And stemmed the stream and dragged the dame aground.

CXV.

When afterwards he would remount the sell, From him his restless charger broke astray, Who fled before his lord till evening fell, Nor lightly did the king that courser stay. At last he caught him; but no more could spell Where he had wandered from the beaten way: Two hundred miles he roved, ’twixt hill and plain, Ere he came up with Rodomont again.

CXVI.

How he by Sacripant was overtaken, And fought by him, to his discomfit sore, And how he lost his courser, how was taken , I say not now, who have to say before, With what disdain and with what anger shaken, Against his liege and love, the Sarzan Moor Forth from the Saracen cantonments sped, And what he of the one and other said.

CXVII.

Wherever that afflicted paynim goes, He fills the kindling air with sighs that burn; And Echo oft, for pity of his woes, With him from hollow rock is heard to mourn: “O female mind! how lightly ebbs and flows “Your fickle mood,” (he cries,) “aye prone to turn! “Object most opposite to kindly faith! “Lost, wretched man, who trusts you to his scathe!

CXVIII.

“Neither my love nor length of servitude, “Though by a thousand proofs to you made clear, “Had power even so to fix your faithless mood, “That you at least so lightly should not veer: “Nor am I quitted, because less endued “With worth than Mandricardo I appear; “Nor for your conduct cause can I declare, “Save this alone, that you a woman are.

CXIX.

“I think that nature and an angry God “Produced thee to the world, thou wicked sex, “To be to man a plague, a chastening rod; “Happy, wert thou not present to perplex. “So serpent creeps along the grassy sod; “So bear and ravening wolf the forest vex; “Wasp, fly, and gad-fly buzz in liquid air, “And the rich grain lies tangled with the tare.

CXX.

“Why has not bounteous Nature willed that man “Should be produced without the aid of thee, “As we the pippin, pear, and service can “Engraft by art on one another’s tree? “But she directs not all by certain plan; “Rather, upon a nearer view, I see, “In naming her, she ill can act aright, “Since Nature is herself a female hight.

CXXI.

“Yet be not therefore proud and full of scorn “Women, because man issues from your seed; “For roses also blossom on the thorn, “And the fair lily springs from loathsome weed. “Despiteous, proud, importunate, and lorn “Of love, of faith, of counsel, rash in deed, “With that, ungrateful, cruel and perverse, “And born to be the world’s eternal curse!”

CXXII.

These plaints and countless others to the wind Poured forth the paynim knight, to fury stirred; Now easing in low tone his troubled mind, And now in sounds which were at distance heard, In shame and in reproach of womankind; Yet certes he from sober reason erred: For we may deem a hundred good abound, Where one or two perchance are evil found.

CXXIII.

Though none for whom I hitherto have sighed —Of those so many—have kept faith with me, All with ingratitude, or falsehood dyed I deem not, I accuse my destiny. Many there are, and have been more beside Unmeriting reproach: but if there be, ’Mid hundreds, one or two of evil way, My fortune wills that I should be their prey.

CXXIV.

Yet will I make such search before I die, Rather before my hair shall wax more white, That haply on some future day, even I Shall say, ‘That one has kept her promise plight.’ And should not the event my trust belie, (Nor am I hopeless) I with all my might Will with unwearied pain her praise rehearse With pen and ink and voice, in prose and verse.

CXXV.

The Saracen, whom rage no less profound Against his sovereign lord than lady swayed, And who of reason thus o’erpast the bound, And ill of one and of the other said, Would fain behold that monarch’s kingdom drowned With such a tempest, with such scathe o’erlaid, As should in Africk every house aggrieve, Nor one stone standing on another leave.

CXXVI.

And would that from his realm, in want and woe, King Agramant a mendicant should wend; That through his means the monarch, brought thus low, His fathers’ ancient seat might reascend: And thus he might the fruit of fealty show, And make his sovereign see, a real friend Was aye to be preferred in wrong or right, Although the world against him should unite;

CXXVII.

And thus the Saracen pours forth his moan, With rage against his liege and love possest; And on his way is by long journeys gone, Giving himself and courser little rest. The following day or next, upon the Saône He finds himself, who has his course addrest Towards the coast of Provence, with design To his African domain to cross the brine.

CXXVIII.

From bank to bank the stream was covered o’er With boats of little burden, which conveyed, For the supply of the invading Moor, Victual, from many places round purveyed: Since even from Paris to the pleasant shore Of Acquamorta, all his rule obeyed; And—fronting Spain—whate’er of level land Was seen, extending on the better hand.

CXXIX.

The victual, disembarked from loaded barge, Was laid on sumpter-horse or ready wain; And sent, with escort to protect the charge, Where barges could not come; about the plain, Fat herds were feeding on the double marge, Brought thither from the march of either reign; And, by the river-side, at close of day, In different homesteads lodged, the drovers lay.

CXXX.

The king of Argier (for the dusky air Of night began upon the world to close) Here listened to a village-landlord’s prayer, That in his inn besought him to repose. —His courser stalled—the board with plenteous fare Is heaped, and Corsic wine and Grecian flows ; For, in all else a Moor, the Sarzan drank Of the forbidden vintage like a Frank.

CXXXI.

To warlike Rodomont, with goodly cheer And kindlier mien, the landlord honour paid; For he the port of an illustrious peer In his guest’s lofty presence saw pourtrayed. But, sore beside himself, the cavalier Had scarce his heart within him, which had strayed To her—whilere his own—in his despite; Nor word escaped the melancholy knight.

CXXXII.

Mine host, most diligent in his vocation Of all the trade who throughout France were known, (In that he had, ’mid strange and hostile nation, And every chance of warfare, kept his own) —Prompt to assist him in his occupation, Some of his kin had called; whereof was none Who dared before the warrior speak of aught, Seeing that paynim mute and lost in thought.

CXXXIII.

From thought to thought the Sarzan’s fancy flies, Himself removed from thence a mighty space, Who sits so bent, and with such downcast eyes, He never once looks any in the face. Next, after silence long, and many sighs, As if deep slumber had but then given place, His spirits he recalls, his eyelids raises, And on the family and landlord gazes.

CXXXIV.

Then silence broke, and with a milder air, And visage somewhat less disturbed, applied To him, the host, and those by-standers there, To know, ‘if any to a wife were tied;’ And landlord and attendants,—‘that all were,’ To Sarza’s moody cavalier replied: He asked, ‘what each conceited of his spouse, ‘And if he deemed her faithful to her vows.’

CXXXV.

Except mine host, those others were agreed, ‘That chaste and good their consorts they believed.’ —“Think each man as he will, but well I read,” (The landlord said,) “you fondly are deceived: “Your rash replies to one conclusion lead, “That you are all of common sense bereaved; “And so too must believe this noble knight, “Unless he would persuade us black is white.

CXXXVI.

“Because, as single is that precious bird “The phœnix, and on earth there is but one, “So, in this ample world, it is averred, “One only can a woman’s treason shun. “Each hopes alike to be that wight preferred, “The victor who that single palm has won. “—How is it possible that what can fall “To one alone, should be the lot of all?

CXXXVII.

“Erewhile I made the same mistake as you, “And that more dames than one were virtuous thought, “Until a gentleman of Venice, who, “For my good fortune, to this inn was brought, “My ignorance by his examples true “So ably schooled, he better wisdom taught. “Valerio was the name that stranger bore ; “A name I shall remember evermore.

CXXXVIII.

“Of wives and mistresses the treachery “Was known to him, with all their cunning lore. “He, both from old and modern history, “And from his own, was ready with such store, “As plainly showed that none to modesty “Could make pretension, whether rich or poor; “And that, if one appeared of purer strain, “ ’Twas that she better hid her wanton vein.

CXXXIX.

“He of his many tales, among the rest, “(Whereof a third is from my memory gone) “So well one story in my head imprest, “It could not be more firmly graved in stone: “And what I thought and think, would be professed “For that ill sex, I ween by every one “Who heard; and, Sir—if pleased to lend an ear— “To their confusion you that tale shall hear.”

CXL.

—“What could’st thou offer which could better please “At present” (made reply the paynim knight) “Than sample, chosen from thine histories, “Which hits the opinion that I hold, aright? “That I may hear thee speak with better ease “Sit so, that I may have thee in my sight.” But in the following canto I unfold What to King Rodomont the landlord told.

Errata

NOTES TO CANTO XXVII.

Beyond the leech’s and magician’s aid .

Stanza xxi. line 4.

It may perhaps be well to repeat that in an earlier period of society, skill in physic (as in other difficult arts) was often ascribed to magic. Some traces of this may still be found in our medical nomenclature, as in the word carminative , derived from carmen (a charm): and in fact such a belief still lurks in the caste which we may suppose in some points most resembles the general composition of society in an earlier age. Witness the cure of agues by charms, &c. &c.

Not to the ramparts of the paynim crew Of Agramant as yet had pierced this aid, &c .

Stanza xxiii. lines 1 and 2.

The reader is to recollect that the attack was made on the Christian camp, and that the assailants were penetrating through this to the Moorish camp.

Whoe’er has seen the passing tempest blow, And of the hill or valley, in its way, One portion ravage and another leave, &c .

Stanza xxv. lines 5, 6, 7.

Such partial effects of hail storms arc common in warm countries, and have indeed been witnessed this summer in England.

Four lots the sovereign bade prepare, &c .

Stanza xlv.

The original stanza contains an odd precision of statement and apparent carelessness of rhyme; the same being echoed in three alternate verses ; an irregularity which carries with it a certain grace:

Fè quattro brevi porre; un Mandricardo E Rodomonte scritti insieme avea, Nell’ altro era Ruggiero e Mandricardo, Rodomonte e Ruggier l’altro dicea, Dicea l’altro Marfisa e Mandricardo; Iudi a l’arbitrio de l’ istabil Dea Li fece trarre, etc.

Anguillara also, in his version of Ovid’s Metamorphoses, has produced a striking effect by a yet more striking repetition of rhymes, in a description of chaos, which is familiar to Italian readers, but which may be cited, as little known to the English, who, naturally enough, are not much conversant with Italian translations of classical authors.

Pria che ’l del fosse ’l mar, la terra e ’l foco Era ’l foco, la terra, il cielo, e ’l mare: Ma ’l mar rendeva il ciel, la terra, e ’l foco Deforme il foco, il ciel, la terra, e ’l mare. Ch’ ivi era e terra, e cielo, e mare, e foco, Dov’ era e cielo, e terra, e foco, e mare; La terra, il foco, e ’l mare, era nel cielo Nel mar, nel foco, e nella terra il cielo.

English critics object to the French and Italian poets the sort of licence which I conceive to be happily exercised in these stanzas. Confining my comments to the Italians, I may remark, that, as their rhymes are, for the most part, divided by an intermediate one, the licence is much less liable to offend than where they are brought more nearly into contact, as in the couplet. Moreover, these critics are unjust in censuring the practice as exclusively foreign, since it is virtually tolerated in English poetry; where of- fend rhymes with de- fend , &c. &c.: whereas some Italian terminations, which appear to us of the same character, are, on account of a different division of their syllables in pronunciation, in reality legitimate rhymes; and thus pose makes as perfect a consonance with ri- spose as our pent with spent , and a thousand other words of a similar description.

Another injustice committed by English critics is, that while in criticising foreign poetry, they take false views of its licences, they seem to have no notion whatever of its rigors. Thus an English versifier does not scruple to employ the same word, used in the same sense, as a rhyme, often within two lines of its first occurrence. On the other hand, so little latitude is permitted to the Italian, except in long poems, that I doubt whether there is any instance of the same word being repeated as a rhyme in any canto of Dante, or canzone of Petrarch.

Two vests—one red, one green—that damsel wore; But ill the first was dyed, and faded sore .

Stanza li. lines 7 and 8.

In explanation of this odd specification of Flordelice’s dress, Harrington, quoting from Fornari, observes, that Cicero talks about a man of two colours; but here something more is evidently typified; which may be thus interpreted according to the symbolical doctrine of the middle ages. Red was the colour of Rodomont (as we have seen in a former canto), and the ill dye which this had received, and its faded condition, indicate the feeble and evanescent character of the impression which he had made upon Flordelice. Green (on the significancy of which I have before remarked) was indicative of her light and wanton disposition.

To us this account of Doralice’s dress has that charm of circumstantiality which gives such an air of truth to all Ariosto’s pictures: to his cotemporaries it was recommended by the esoteric doctrines I have mentioned, and, perhaps, it is this sort of double charm which helped to obtain for Ariosto the rare glory of present and posthumous popularity.

This from beneath him had Brunello borne, &c .

Stanza lxxii. line 1.

The reader must recur to the Innamorato for all these robberies of Brunello.

Upon four spears his courser’s saddle stayed, And from beneath the naked horse conveyed .

Stanza lxxxiv. lines 7 and 8.

This is one in the long catalogue of those thefts which has been before alluded to.

Paris-town rocked, and turbid ran the flood Of Seine, &c. &c. Rhine, Rhone, and Saône, and Garonne, heard the pest; Scared mothers hugged their infants to their breast .

Stanza ci. lines 1—8.

Contremuit nemus, et silvæ intonuere profundæ; Audiit et Triviæ longe lacus; audiit amnis Sulphureâ Nar albus aquâ, fontesque Velini; Et trepidæ matres pressere ad pectora natos.

Virgil .

That ill Apollo’s self could judge the feud .

Stanza cii. line 4.

The Delphic Apollo, whose oracle was famous for the solution of all questions and difficulties.

As the afflicted bull, &c .

Stanza cxi. line 1.

Virgil, describing the termination of a battle between two bulls, says,

. . . . alter Victus abit, longeque ignotis exulit oris; Multa gemens ignominiam plagasque superbi Victoris, tum quos amisit inultus amores; Et stabula aspectans, regnis excessit avitis.

How he by Sacripant was overtaken, And fought by him, to his discomfit sore, And how he lost his courser, how was taken, &c .

Stanza cxvi. lines 1, 2, 3.

This adventure, just touched upon here by Ariosto, is no where else mentioned by him or by Bayardo. Hoole .

Corsic wine and Grecian flows .

Stanza cxxx. line 6.

So again in the fourth canto of the five, which arc sometimes considered as apocryphal in England, but which are ascribed to Ariosto on as good grounds as any in the Furioso, we read

E avean vini Corsi e Greci, preziosi e fini.

And they had wine, Corsic and Greek, of precious growth and fine.

This fact of Greek and Corsican wines being cited as if they were the best, or perhaps the only foreign wines generally known at this period, might lead us to suppose that the commerce of Italy was then more partial than other circumstances mentioned by its writers and their general description of its luxury and magnificence would induce us to imagine, were not such preferences as that indicated in the text often a mere matter of accident and fashion. Certainly the preference of Greek and Corsican wine cannot be ascribed to the then imperfect cultivation of the vine in France; for French wines had long previously to the time of Ariosto attained great celebrity.

Valeria was the name that stranger bore .

Stanza cxxxvii. line 7.

A Venetian gentleman mentioned by the poet among his friends in the forty-sixth canto, and of whom he has here antedated the existence. This is among the names (in Venetian, Valièr ) of the first twelve families of Venice (entitled le dodici famiglie fondatrici di Venezia ), respecting which it is a curious fact, that by far the greater portion, that of Valièr or Valerio among the rest, has survived the extinction of the republic.

Layout 2

THE ORLANDO FURIOSO.

CANTO XXVIII.

ARGUMENT.

To whatsoever evil tongue can tell

Of womankind King Rodomont gives ear;

Then journeys homeward; but that infidel

Finds by the way a place he holds more dear.

Here him new love inflames for Isabel;

But so the wishes of the cavalier

A frier impedes, who with that damsel wends,

Him by a cruel death the felon ends.

THE ORLANDO FURIOSO.

CANTO XXVIII.

I.

Ladies , and all of you that ladies prize, Afford not, for the love of heaven, an ear To this, the landlord’s tale, replete with lies, In shame and scorn of womankind; though ne’er Was praise or fame conveyed in that which flies From such a caitiff’s tongue; and still we hear The sottish rabble all things rashly brand, And question most what least they understand.

II.

Omit this canto, and—the tale untold— My story will as clear and perfect be; I tell it, since by Turpin it is told, And not in malice or in rivalry: Besides, that never did my tongue withhold Your praises, how you are beloved by me To you I by a thousand proofs have shown, Vouching I am, and can but be, your own.

III.

Let him who will, three leaves or four pass-by, Nor read a line; or let him, who will read, As little of that landlord’s history, As of a tale or fiction, make his creed. But to my story:—When his auditory He saw were waiting for him to proceed, And that a place was yielded him, o’eright The cavalier, he ’gan his tale recite:

IV.

“Astolpho that the Lombard sceptre swayed, “Who was King Monacho, his brother’s heir, “By nature with such graces was purveyed, “Few e’er with him in beauty could compare: “Such scarce Apelles’ pencil had pourtrayed, “Zeuxis’, or worthier yet, if worthier were: “Beauteous he was, and so by all was deemed, “But far more beauteous he himself esteemed.

V.

“He not so much rejoiced that he in height “Of grandeur was exalted o’er the rest, “And that, for riches, subjects, and for might, “Of all the neighbouring kings he was the best, “As that, superior to each other wight, “His beauty was throughout the world confest. “This pleased the monarch, who the praise conferred, “As that wherein he most delighted, heard.

VI.

“Faustus Latinus, one of his array, “Who pleased the king, a Roman cavalier, “Hearing ofttimes Astolpho now display “The beauties of his hand, now of his cheer “And, questioned by that monarch, on a day, “If ever in his lifetime, far or near, “He any of such beauty had espied, “To him thus unexpectedly replied:

VII.

“Faustus to him replied: ‘By what I see, ‘And what I hear, is said by every one, ‘Few are there that in beauty rival thee; ‘And rather I those few confine to one: ‘Jocundo is that one, my brother he; ‘And well I ween that, saving him alone, ‘Thou leavest all in beauty far behind; ‘But I in him thy peer and better find.’

VIII.

“Impossible Astolpho deemed the thing, “Who hitherto had thought the palm his own; “And such a longing seized the Lombard king “To know that youth whose praises so were blown, “He prest, till Faustus promised him to bring “The brother praised by him, before his throne, ‘Though ’twould be much if thither he repaired,’ (The courtier added) ‘and the cause declared:

IX.

‘Because the youth had ne’er been known to measure, ‘In all his life, a single pace from Rome; ‘But, on what Fortune gave him, lived at leisure, ‘Contented in his own paternal dome; ‘Nor had diminished nor encreased the treasure, ‘Wherewith his father had endowed that home; ‘And he more distant would Pavia deem ‘Than Tanäis another would esteem;

X.

‘And that a greater difficulty were ‘To tear Jocundo from his consort; who ‘Was by such love united to that fair, ‘No other will but hers the husband knew: ‘Yet at his sovereign’s hest he would repair ‘To seek the stripling, and his utmost do.’ “The suit with offers and with gifts was crowned, “Which for the youth’s refusal left no ground.

XI.

“Faustus set forth, and, after few days’ ride, “Reached Rome, and his paternal mansion gained: “There with entreaties so the brother plied, “He to that journey his consent obtained; “And wrought so well (though difficult to guide) “Silent even young Jocundo’s wife remained; “He showing her what good would thence ensue, “Besides what gratitude would be her due.

XII.

“Jocundo names a time to wend his way, “And servingmen meanwhile purveys and steeds; “And a provision makes of fair array; “For beauty borrows grace from glorious weeds. “Beside him or about him, night and day, “Aye weeping, to her lord the lady reads; ‘She knows not how she ever can sustain ‘So long an absence, and not die with pain.

XIII.

‘For the mere thought produced such misery, ‘It seemed from her was ravished her heart’s core.’ —‘Alas ! my love (Jocundo cried) let be ‘Thy sorrows’—weeping with her evermore— ‘So may this journey prosper! as to thee ‘Will I return ere yet two months are o’er; ‘Nor by a day o’erpass the term prescribed, ‘Though me the king with half his kingdom bribed.

XIV.

“This brought his troubled consort small content: “She, ‘that the period was too distant,’ said, “And, ‘that ’twould be a mighty wonderment, ‘If her, at his return, he found not dead.’ “The grief which, day and night, her bosom rent, “Was such, that lady neither slept nor fed: “So that for pity oft the youth repented “He to his brother’s wishes had consented.

XV.

“She from her neck unloosed a costly chain “That a gemmed cross and holy reliques bore; “Which one, a pilgrim of Bohemia’s reign, “Had gathered upon many a distant shore; “Him did her sire in sickness entertain, “Returning from Jerusalem of yore; “And hence was made that dying pilgrim’s heir: “This she undoes, and gives her lord to wear;

XVI.

“And round his neck entreats him, for her sake, “That chain in memory of herself to wind: “Her gift the husband is well pleased to take; “Not that a token needs his love to bind: “For neither time, nor absence, e’er will shake, “Nor whatsoever fortune is behind, “Her memory, which, rooted fast and deep, “He still has kept, and after death will keep.

XVII.

“The night before that morning streaked the sky, “Fixt for his journey, to his sore dismay, “Her husband deemed that in his arms would die “The wife from whom he was to wend his way. “She slumbered not: to her a last goodbye “He bade, while yet it lacked an hour of day, “Mounted his nag, and on his journey sped; “While his afflicted spouse returned to bed.

XVIII.

“Jocundo was not two miles on his road, “When he that jewelled cross recalled to mind; “Which he beneath his pillow had bestowed, “And, through forgetfulness, had left behind. ‘Alas! (the youth bethought him) in what mode ‘Shall I excuse for my omission find, ‘So that from this my consort shall not deem ‘I little her unbounded love esteem?

XIX.

“He pondered an excuse; then weened ’twould be “Of little value, if it were exprest “By page or other save his embassy “He did himself; his brother he addrest; ‘—Now to Baccano ride you leisurely, ‘And there at the first inn set-up your rest: ‘For I must back to Rome without delay; ‘But trust to overtake you by the way.

XX.

‘No other but myself my need could do. ‘Doubt not but I shall speedily be back.’ “—No servant took he, but, with an adieu, “Jocundo, at a trot, wheeled round his hack, “And when that cavalier the stream was through, “The rising sun ’gan chase the dusky rack. “At home he lighted, sought his bed, and found “The consort he had quitted sleeping sound.

XXI.

“He, without saying aught, the curtains drew, “And, what he least believed, within espied; “For he beneath the quilt, his consort true, “And chaste, saw sleeping at a stripling’s side. “Forthwith Jocundo that adulterer knew, “By practice, of his features certified, “In that he was a footboy in his train, “Nourished by him, and come of humble strain.

XXII.

“To imagine his distress and wonderment, “And warrant it, that other may believe, “Is better than to make the experiment, “And, like this wretch, the cruel proof receive: “By anger stirred, it was his first intent “To draw his sword, and both of life bereave; “But love, which spite himself, he entertained “For that ungrateful woman, him restrained.

XXIII.

“You see if like a vassal he obeyed “This ribald Love, who left him not the force “To wake her, lest to know her guilt surveyed, “Should in his consort’s bosom move remorse. “As best he could, he forth in silence made, “The stair descended, and regained his horse. “Goaded by Love, he goads his steed again, “And ere they reach their inn rejoins his train.

XXIV.

“His change of mien to all was manifest; “All saw his heart was heavy; yet not one, “Mid these, in any sort, the reason guessed, “Nor read the secret woe which caused his moan; “All thought he had to Rome his steps addrest, “Who to the town, surnamed of horns, had gone . “That Love has caused the mischief all surmise, “Though none of them conjectures in what wise.

XXV.

“His brother weened he was in grief immersed “For his deserted wife: he, on his side, “For other reason, inly chafed and cursed, “—That she was but too well accompanied. “Meanwhile, with swelling lips and forehead pursed, “The ground that melancholy stripling eyed. “Faustus, who vainly would apply relief, “Ill cheered him, witless what had caused his grief.

XXVI.

“He for his sore an evil salve had found, “And, where he should relieve, encreased his woes; “Who, with the mention of his wife, that wound “Inflamed and opened, which he sought to close. “He rests not night nor day, in sorrow drowned; “His appetite is gone, with his repose, “Ne’er to return; and (whilom of such fame) “His lovely visage seems no more the same.

XXVII.

“His eye-balls seem deep-buried in his head, “His nose seems grown—his cheeks are pined so sore— “Nor even remains (his beauty so is fled) “Enough to warrant what he was before. “Such fever burns him, of his sorrow bred, “He halts on Arbia’s and on Arno’s shore ; “And, if a charm is left, ’tis faded soon, “And withered like a rose-bud plucked at noon.

XXVIII.

“Besides that Faustus sorrowed to descry “Him so bested; worse cause for sorrowing “Was to that courtier to appear to lie “Before Astolpho; he was pledged to bring “One that was fairest deemed in every eye, “Who must appear the foulest to that king; “Yet he continued on his way to wend, “And brought him to Pavia in the end.

XXIX.

“Not that forthwith he lets the youth be seen, “Lest him the king of little wit arraign; “He first by his dispatches lets him ween, “That thither he Jocundo brings with pain: “Saying, that of his beauteous air and mien “Some secret cause of grief had been the bane, “Accompanied by a distemper sore: “So that he seemed not what he was before.

XXX.

“Glad was the monarch, of his coming taught, “As of a friend’s arrival he could be; “Since in the universal world was nought, “That he so much desired as him to see: “Nor was the Lombard king displeased in ought “To mark his guest’s inferiority; “Though, but for his misfortune, it was clear, “He his superior would have been or peer.

XXXI.

“Lodged by him in his palace, every day “And every hour, the stranger youth he sees, “Studious to honour him, and bids purvey “Store of provision for his better ease. “While still his thoughts to his ill consort stray, “Jocundo languishes; nor pastimes please “That melancholy man; nor music’s strain “One jot diminishes his ceaseless pain.

XXXII.

“Above his chambers, on the upper floor, “Nearest the roof, there was an ancient hall: “Thither, in solitary mood, (for sore “Pastime and company, the stripling gall,) “He aye betakes himself; while evermore “Sad thoughts some newer cause of grief recall. “He here (who would believe the story?) found “A remedy unhoped, which made him sound.

XXXIII.

“At that hall’s farther end, more feebly lighted, “(For windows ever closed shut out the day) “Where one wall with another ill united, “He, through the chink, beheld a brighter ray: “There laid his eye, and saw, what he had slighted “As hard to credit, were it but hearsay: “He hears it not, but this himself descries; “Yet hardly can believe his very eyes.

XXXIV.

“He of the Queen’s apartment here has sight , “Her choicest and her priviest chamber, where “Was never introduced whatever wight, “Save he most faithful was esteemed: he there, “As he was peeping, saw an uncouth fight; “A dwarf was wrestling with the royal fair; “And such that champion’s skill, though under-grown, “He in the strife his opposite had thrown.

XXXV.

“As in a dream, Jocundo stood, beside “Himself, awhile of sober sense bereaved; “Nor, but when of the matter certified, “And sure it was no dream, his sight believed. —‘A scorned and crooked monster,’ (then he cried,) ‘Is, as her conqueror, by a dame received, ‘Wife of the comeliest, of the curtiest wight, ‘And greatest monarch; Oh! what appetite!’

XXXVI.

“And he the consort to whom he was wed, “Her he most used to blame, recalled to mind, “And, for the stripling taken to her bed, “To deem the dame less culpable inclined: “Less of herself than sex the fault he read, “Which to one man could never be confined: “And thought, if in one taint all women shared, “At least his had not with a monster paired.

XXXVII.

“To the same place Jocundo made return, “At the same hour, upon the following day; “And, putting on the king the self-same scorn, “Again beheld that dwarf and dame at play: “And so upon the next and following morn; “For—to conclude—they made no holiday: “While she (what most Jocundo’s wonder moved) “The pigmy for his little love reproved.

XXXVIII.

“One day, amid the rest, the youth surveyed “The dame disordered and opprest with gloom; “Having twice summoned, by her waiting-maid, “The favoured dwarf, who yet delayed to come; “A third time by the lady sent, she said: —‘Engaged at play, Madonna, is the groom, ‘Nor, lest he lose a doit, his paltry stake, ‘Will that discourteous churl his game forsake.’

XXXIX.

“At such strange spectacle, the Roman knight “Cleared up his brow, his visage and his eyes; “He jocund, as in name, became in sprite, “And changed his tears for smiles; with altered guise, “He waxes ruddy, gay, and plump in plight, “And seems a cherubim of Paradise. “So that such change with wonderment all see, “Brother and king, and royal family.