XXXIX.

“But who could think, save only God on high “Prescient of all which is to be below, “That, from a land, beneath such distant sky, “Such mighty host would come, to work us woe? “ ’Twixt whom and us unstable deserts lie, “Those shifting sands, which restless whirlwinds blow: “Yet they their camp have round Biserta placed, “And laid the better part of Africk waste.

XL.

“I now on this, O peers! your counsel crave. “If, bootless, homeward I should wend my way, “Or should not such a fair adventure wave, “Till Charles with me a prisoner I convey; “Or how I may as well our Africk save, “And ruin this redoubted empire, say. “Who can advise, is prayed his lore to shew, “That we may learn the best, and that pursue.”

XLI.

He said; and on Marsilius seated nigh Next turned his eyes, who in the signal read, That it belonged to him to make reply To what the king of Africa had said. The Spaniard rose, and bending reverently To Agramant the knee as well as head, Again his honoured seat in council prest, And in these words the Moorish king addrest:

XLII.

“My liege, does Rumour good or ill report, “It still increases them; hence shall I ne’er, “Under despondence, lack for due support, “Nor bolder course than is befitting steer, “For what may chance, of good or evil sort; “Weighing in even balance hope and fear, “O’errated still; and which we should not mete “By what I hear so many tongues repeat;

XLIII.

“Which should so much more doubtfully be viewed, “As it seems less with likelihood to stand. “Now it is seen, if there be likelihood, “That king who reigns in so remote a land, “Followed by such a mighty multitude, “Should set his foot on warlike Africk’s strand; “Traversing sands, to which in evil hour “Cambyses trusted his ill-omened power.

XLIV.

“I well believe, that from some neighbouring hill “The Arabs have poured down, to waste the plain; “Who, for the country was defended ill, “Have taken, burnt, destroyed and sacked and slain; “And that Branzardo, who your place doth fill, “As viceroy and lieutenant of the reign, “Has set down thousands, where he tens should write; “The better to excuse him in your sight.

XLV.

“The Nubian squadrons, I will even yield, “Have been rained down on Africk from the skies; “Or haply they have come, in clouds concealed, “In that their march was hidden from all eyes: “Think you, because unaided in the field, “Your Africk from such host in peril lies? “Your garrisons were sure of coward vein, “If they were scared by such a craven train.

XLVI.

“But will you send some frigates, albeit few, “(Provided that unfurled your standards be) “No sooner shall they loose from hence, that crew “Of spoilers shall within their confines flee; “—Nubians are they, or idle Arabs—who, “Knowing that you are severed by the sea “From your own realm, and warring with our band, “Have taken courage to assail your land.

XLVII.

“Now take your time for vengeance, when the son “Of Pepin is without his nephew’s aid. “Since bold Orlando is away, by none “Of the hostile sect resistance can be made. “If, through neglect or blindness, be foregone “The glorious Fortune, which for you has stayed, “She her bald front, as now her hair, will show, “To our long infamy and mighty woe.”

XLVIII.

Thus warily the Spanish king replied, Proving by this and other argument, The Moorish squadrons should in France abide, Till Charlemagne was into exile sent. But King Sobrino, he that plainly spied The scope whereon Marsilius was intent, To public good preferring private gain, So spake in answer to the king of Spain:

XLIX.

“My liege, when I to peace exhorted you, “Would that my prophecy had proved less just! “Or, if I was to prove a prophet true, “Ye in Sobrino had reposed more trust, “Than in King Rodomont and in that crew, “Alzirdo, Martasine, and Marbalust! “Whom I would here see gladly, front to front; “But see most gladly boastful Rodomont.

L.

“To twit that warrior with his threat, ‘to do ‘By France, what by the brittle glass is done; ‘And throughout heaven and hell your course pursue, ‘Yea (as the monarch said) your course outrun.’ “Yet lapt in foul and loathsome ease, while you “So need his help, lies Ulien’s lazy son ; “And I, that as a coward was decried “For my true prophecy, am at your side;

LI.

“And ever will be while this life I bear; “Which, albeit ’tis with years sore laden, still “Daily for you is risked with them that are “The best of France; and—be he who he will— “There is not mortal living, who will dare “To say Sobrino’s deeds were ever ill: “Yea, many who vaunt more, amid your host, “Have not so much, nay lighter, cause for boast.

LII.

“I speak these words to show that what whilere “I said and say again, has neither sprung “From evil heart, nor is the fruit of fear; “But that true love and duty move my tongue. “You homeward with what haste you may to steer, “I counsel, your assembled bands among; “For little is the wisdom of that wight, “Who risks his own to gain another’s right.

LIII.

“If there be gain, ye know. Late thirty-two, “Your vassal kings, with you our sails we spread; “Now, if we pause to sum the account anew, “Hardly a third survives; the rest are dead. “May it please Heaven no further loss ensue! “But if you will pursue your quest, I dread “Lest not a fourth nor fifth will soon remain; “And wholly spent will be your wretched train.

LIV.

“Orlando’s absence so far aids, that where “Our troops are few, there haply none would be; “But not through this removed our perils are, “Though it prolongs our evil destiny. “Behold Rinaldo! whom his deeds declare “No less than bold Orlando; of his tree “There are the shoots; with paladin and peer, “Our baffled Saracens’ eternal fear;

LV.

“And the other Mars (albeit against my heart “It goes to waste my praise upon a foe) ; “I speak of the redoubted Brandimart, “Whose feats no less than fierce Orlando’s show; “Whose mighty prowess I have proved in part, “In part, at others’ cost I see and know. “Then many days Orlando has been gone; “Yet we have lost more fields than we have won.

LVI.

“I fear, if heretofore our band has lost, “A heavier forfeit will henceforth be paid. “Blotted is Mandricardo from our host; “Martial Gradasso hath withdrawn his aid; “Marphisa, at our worst, has left her post; “So Argier’s lord; of whom it may be said, “Were he as true as strong, we should not need “Gradasso and the Tartar king, to speed.

LVII.

“While aids like these are lost to our array, “While on our side such slaughtered thousands lie, “Those looked-for are arrived, nor on her way “Is any vessel fraught with new supply— “Charles has been joined by four, that, as they say, “Might with Orlando or Rinaldo vie; “With reason, for from hence to Bactrian shore , “Ill would you hope to find such other four.

LVIII.

“I know not if you know who Guido are, “Sarisonet, and the sons of Olivier, “For these I more respect, more fear I bear, “Than any warlike duke or cavalier, “Of Almayn’s or of other lineage fair, “Who for the Roman empire rests the spear, “Though I misrate not those of newer stamp, “That, to our scathe, are gathered in their camp.

LIX.

“As often as ye issue on the plain, “Worsted so oft, or broken, shall you be. “If oft united Africa and Spain “Were losers, when sixteen to eight were we, “What will ensue, when banded with Almayn “Are England, Scotland, France, and Italy? “When with our six twice six their weapons cross, “What else can we expect but shame and loss?

LX.

“You lose your people here , and there your reign, “If you in this emprize are obstinate; “—Returning—us, the remnant of your train, “You save, together with your royal state. “It were ill done to leave the king of Spain, “Since all for this would hold you sore ingrate; “Yet there’s a remedy in peace; which, so “It pleases but yourself, will please the foe.

LXI.

“But if, as first defeated, on your part “It seems a shame to offer peace, and ye “Have war and wasteful battle more at heart, “Waged hitherto with what success you see, “At least to gain the victory use art, “Which may be yours, if you are ruled by me. “Lay all your quarrel’s trial on one peer, “And let Rogero be that cavalier.

LXII.

“Such our Rogero is, ye know and I, “That—pitted one to one in listed fight— “Not Roland, not Rinaldo stands more high, “Nor whatsoever other Christian knight. “But would ye kindle warfare far and nigh, “Though superhuman be that champion’s might, “The warrior is but one mid many spears, “Matched singly with a host of martial peers.

LXIII.

“Meseemeth, if to you it seemeth good, “Ye should propose to Charles the war to end; “And that, to spare the constant waste of blood, “Which his, and countless of your warriors spend, “He—by a knight of yours to be withstood— “A champion, chosen from his best should send; “And those two all the warfare wage alone, “Till one prevails, and one is overthrown;

LXIV.

“On pact the king, whose champion in the just “Is loser, tribute to that other pay. “Nor will this pact displease King Charles, I trust, “Though his was the advantage in the fray. “Then of his arms Rogero so robust “I deem, that he will surely win the day; “Who would prevail (so certain is our right) “Though Mars himself should be his opposite.”

LXV.

With these and other sayings yet more sound, So wrought Sobrino, he his end obtained; And on that day interpreters were found, And they that day to Charles their charge explained. Charles, whom such matchless cavaliers surround, Believes the battle is already gained; And chooses good Rinaldo for the just, Next to Orlando in his sovereign’s trust.

LXVI.

In this accord like cause for pleasure find, As well the Christian as the paynim foe: For, harassed sore in body and in mind, Those warriors all were weary, all were woe. Each in repose and quietude designed To pass what time remained to him below: Each cursed the senseless anger and the hate Which stirred their hearts to discord and debate.

LXVII.

Rinaldo felt himself much magnified, That Charles, for what in him so strongly weighed, More trusted him than all his court beside, And glad the honoured enterprise assayed: Rogero he esteemed not in his pride, And thought he ill could keep him from his blade. Nor deemed the Child could equal him in fight, Albeit he slew in strife the Tartar knight.

LXVIII.

Rogero, though much honoured, on his part, That him his king has chosen from the rest, To whom a trust so weighty to impart, As of his many martial lords the best, Yet shows a troubled face; not that the heart Of that good knight unworthy fears molest; Not only none Rinaldo would have bred; Him, with Orlando leagued, he would not dread—

LXIX.

But because sister of the Christian knight (He knows) is she, his consort true and dear; That to the stripling evermore did write, As one sore injured by that cavalier. Now, if to ancient sins he should unite A mortal combat with Montalban’s peer, Her, although loving, will he anger so, Not lightly she her hatred will forego.

LXX.

If silently Rogero made lament That he in his despite must battle do; In sobs his consort dear to hers gave vent, When shortly to her ears the tidings flew. She beat her breast, her golden tresses rent: Fast, scalding tears her innocent cheeks bedew: She taxes young Rogero as ingrate, And aye cries out upon her cruel fate.

LXXI.

Nought can result to Bradamant but pain, Whatever is the doubtful combatn’s end. She will not think Rogero can be slain; For this, ’twould seem, her very heart would rend; And should our Lord the fall of France ordain, That kingdom for more sins than one to shend, The gentle maid, beside a brother’s loss, Would have to weep a worse and bitterer cross.

LXXII.

For, without shame and scorn, she never may, Nor without hatred of her kin combined, To her loved lord return in such a way As that it may be known of all mankind; As, thinking upon this by night and day, She oftentimes had purposed in her mind; And so by promise both were tied withal, Room for repentance and retreat was small.

LXXIII.

But she, that ever, when things adverse were, With faithful succour Bradamant had stayed, I say the weird Melissa, could not bear To hear the wailings of the woeful maid; She hurried to console her in her care, And proffered succour in due time and said, ‘She would disturb that duel ’twixt the twain, ‘The occasion of such grief and cruel pain.’

LXXIV.

Meanwhile their weapons for the future fray Rogero and Duke Aymon’s son prepared; The choice whereof with that good warrior lay , The Roman empire’s knight by Charles declared; And he, like one that ever from the day He lost his goodly steed afoot had fared, Made choice, afoot and fenced with plate and mail, His foe with axe and dagger to assail.

LXXV.

Whether Chance moved Mountalban’s martial lord, Or Malagigi, provident and sage, That knew how young Rogero’s charmed sword Cleft helm and hauberk in its greedy rage, One and the other warrior made accord, (As said) without their faulchions to engage. The place of combat chosen by that twain Was near old Arles, upon a spacious plain.

LXXVI.

Watchful Aurora hardly from the bower Of old Tithonus hath put forth her head, To give beginning to the day and hour Prefixed and ordered for that duel dread, When deputies from either hostile power, On this side and on that forth issuing, spread Tents at each entrance of the lists; and near The two pavillions, both, an altar rear.

LXXVII.

After short pause, was seen upon the plain The paynim host in different squadrons dight. Rich in barbarick pomp, amid that train, Rode Africk’s monarch, ready armed for fight: Bay was the steed he backed, with sable mane; Two of his legs were pied, his forehead white. Fast beside Agramant, Rogero came, And him to serve Marsilius thought no shame.

LXXVIII.

The casque that he from Mandricardo wrung In single combat with such travel sore, The casque that (as in loftier strain is sung) Cased Hector’s head, a thousand years before, Marsilius carried, by his side, among Princes and lords, that severally bore The other harness of Rogero bold, Enriched with precious pearls and rough with gold.

LXXIX.

On the other part, without his camp appears Charles, with his men at arms in squadrons dight; Who in such order led his cavaliers, As they would keep, if marshalled for the fight. Fenced is the monarch with his famous peers, And with him wends, all armed, Montalban’s knight, Armed, save his helmet, erst Mambrino’s casque; To carry which is Danish Ogier’s task;

LXXX.

And, of two axes, hath Duke Namus one, King Salamon the other: Charlemagne Is to this side, with all his following, gone, To that wend those of Africk and of Spain. In the mid space between the hosts is none; Empty remains large portion of the plain; For he is doomed to death who thither goes, By joint proclaim, except the chosen foes.

LXXXI.

After the second choice of arms was made By him, the champion of the paynim clan, Thither two priests of either sect conveyed Two books; that , carried by one holy man, —Him of our law—Christ’s perfect life displayed; Those others’ volume was their Alcoran. The emperor in his hands the Gospel took, The king of Africa that other book.

LXXXII.

Charlemagne, at his altar, to the sky Lifted his hands, “O God, that for our sake (Exclaimed the monarch) “wast content to die, “Thyself a ransom for our sins to make; “—O thou that found such favour in his eye, “That God from thee the flesh of man did take, “Borne for nine months within thy holy womb, “While aye thy virgin flower preserved its bloom,

LXXXIII.

“Hear, and be witnesses of what I say, “For me and those that after me shall reign. “To Agramant and those that heir his sway, “I twenty loads of gold of perfect grain “Will every year deliver, if to-day “My champion vanquished in the lists remain; “And vow I will straightway from warfare cease, “And from henceforth maintain perpetual peace;

LXXXIV.

“And may your joint and fearful wrath descend “On me forthwith, if I my word forego! “And may it me and mine alone offend, “And none beside, amid this numerous show! “That all in briefest time may comprehend, “My breach of promise has brought down the woe.” So saying, in his hand the holy book Charles held, and fixed on heaven his earnest look.

LXXXV.

This done, they seek that altar, sumptuously Decked for the purpose, by the pagan train; Where their king swears, ‘that he will pass the sea, ‘With all his army, to his Moorish reign, ‘And to King Charles will tributary be; ‘If vanquished, young Rogero shall remain; ‘And will observe the truce for evermore ‘Upon the pact declared by Charles before;’

LXXXVI.

And like him, nor in under tone, he swears, Calling on Mahound to attest his oath; And on the volume which his pontiff bears, To observe what he has promised plights his troth. Then to his side each hastily repairs; And mid their several powers are harboured both. Next these, to swear arrive the champions twain; And this the promise which their oaths contain.

LXXXVII.

Rogero pledges first his knightly word, ‘Should his king mar, or send to mar, the fray, ‘He him no more as leader or as lord ‘Will serve, but wholly Charlemagne obey.’ —Rinaldo—‘if in breach of their accord, ‘Him from the field King Charles would bear away, ‘Till one or the other is subdued in fight, ‘That he will be the Moorish monarch’s knight.’

LXXXVIII.

When ended are the ceremonies, here And there, to seek their camps the two divide. Nor long, therein delayed; when trumpets clear The time for their encounter signified: Now to the charge advanced each cavalier, Measuring with cautious care his every stride. Lo! the assault begins; now low, now high, That pair the sounding steel in circles ply.

LXXXIX.

Now with the axe’s blade, now with its heel Their strokes they at the head or foot address; And these so skilfully and nimbly deal, As needs must shock all credence to express. The Child, that at her brother aims the steel, Who doth his miserable soul possess, Evermore with such caution strikes his blow, That he is deemed less vigorous than his fop.

XC.

Rather to parry than to smite intent, He knew not what to wish; that low should lie Rinaldo, would Rogero ill content, Nor willingly the Child by him would die. But here am I at my full line’s extent, Where I must needs defer my history. In other canto shall the rest appear, If you that other canto please to hear.

NOTES TO CANTO I.

At whom young Cupid roves .

Stanza iv. line 3.

“Faire Venus’ son, that with thy cruel dart, “At that good knight so cunningly didst rove .”

Spenser .

Rove is to shoot with roving arrows, or arrows shot out of the horizontal, in the language of archery; but in that of poetry, it often means simply to shoot with shafts.

That with her in the cruel city were .

Stanza xxi. line 4.

In the city of the Amazons.

Wherewith Astolpho, from the lowest star .

Stanza xxiii. line 7.

The moon. He has in another place termed her the lowest of the planets.

Auster imprisoned in the skin remains .

Stanza xxx. line 8.

Here we have an imitation of the story of the bag-wind given to Ulysses in Homer;

The stones beyond the use of nature grew .

Stanza xxxiii. line 6.

And here that of the animation of Deucalion’s stones in Ovid .

Albeit against my heart It goes to waste my praise upon a foe .

Stanza lv. lines 1 and 2.

—— —“quis euim laudaverit hostem.”

Ovid .

Bactrian shore .

Stanza lvii. line 7.

“Bactros—now Dahesh—a river on the borders of Asiatic Scythia, from which Bactriana derives its name.”— Classical Dictionary .

The choice whereof with that good warrior lay .

Stanza lxxiv. line 3.

As the person challenged; but it seems, from another passage, that the selection of the weapons chosen lay afterwards with the challenger.

Now with the axe’s blade, now with its heel, &c .

Stanza lxxxix. line 1.

Or innauzi col calce or col martello, etc.

The part of the scythe which corresponds with the reverse of the axe is termed the heel .

The marvels in this canto, the animation of the stones, and the imprisonment of the wind, seem to be hardly worth stealing, considering the small profit which is made of the thefts: but Harrington considers them as doctrinal; observing, that “in the miracles done by Astolpho, is meant allegorically, that a man, guided by virtue and assisted by grace, makes all kinde of creatures to serve his turne.”

Layout 2

THE ORLANDO FURIOSO.

CANTO XXXIX.

ARGUMENT.

Agramant breaks the pact, is overthrown,

And forced fair France for Afric to forego.

Meanwhile Astolpho in Blserta’s town

Having with numerous host besieged the foe,

By hazard there arrives bold Milo’s son,

To whom the duke, instructed how to do,

Restores his wits. At sea does Dudon meet

King Agramant, and sore annoys his fleet.

THE ORLANDO FURIOSO.

CANTO XXXIX.

I.

Than that fell woe which on Rogero weighs Harder, and bitterer pain forsooth is none, Which upon flesh and more on spirit preys: For of two deaths there is no scaping one. Him, if in strife o’erlaid, Rinaldo slays, Bradamant, if Rinaldo is outdone: For if he killed her brother, well he knew Her hate, than death more hateful, would ensue.

II.

Rinaldo, unimpeded by such thought, Strove in all ways Rogero to o’erthrow; Fierce and despiteous whirled his axe, and sought Now in the arms, now head, to wound the foe. Rogero circled here and there, and caught Upon his weapon’s shaft the coming blow; And, if he ever smote, aye strove to smite Where he should injure least Montalban’s knight.

III.

To most of them that led the paynim bands, But too unequal seemed the fierce assay. Too slowly young Rogero plied his hands; Too well Rinaldo kept the Child at bay: With troubled face the king of Afric stands: He sighed, and breathless gazed upon the fray; And all the blame of that ill counsel flung On King Sobrino’s head, from whom it sprung.

IV.

Meanwhile the weird Melissa , she—the font Of all that wizards or enchanters know— Had by her art transformed her female front, And taken Argier’s mighty shape; in show And gesture she appeared as Rodomont, And seemed, like him, in dragon’s hide to go: Such was her belted sword and such her shield; Nor aught was wanting which he wore afield.

V.

She towards Troyano’s mournful son did guide, In form of courser, a familiar sprite, And with a troubled visage loudly cried, “My liege, this is too foul an oversight, “A stripling boy in peril yet untried, “Against a Gaul, so stout and famed in fight, “Your champion in so fierce a strife to make; “Where Afric’s realm and honour are at stake.

VI.

“Let not this battle be pursued, my lord, “In that ’twould cost our Moorish cause too dear. “Let sin of broken faith and forfeit word “Fall upon Rodomont! take thou no fear! “Let each now show the metal of his sword. “Each for a hundred stands when I am here.” So upon Agramant this counsel wrought, That king pressed forward without further thought.

VII.

He, thinking that the monarch of Algiers Is with him, of the pact has little care; And would not rate a thousand cavaliers So high, if banded in his aid they were. Hence steeds reined-in and spurred, hence levelled spears Are seen in one short instant here and there. Melissa, when the hosts are mixed in fight By her false phantoms, vanishes from sight.

VIII.

The champions two, that, against all accord, Against all faith, disturbed their duel see, No longer strive in fight, but pledge their word —Yea, put aside all hostile injury— That they, on neither part, will draw the sword, Until they better certified shall be Who broke the pact, established by that twain, Young Agramant, or aged Charlemagne.

IX.

They swear anew, ‘the king who had o’erthrown ‘That truce, and broken faith, as foe to treat.’ The field of combat is turned upside down; Some hurry to the charge, and some retreat. Who most deserved disgrace, who most renown, Was seen, on both hands, in the selfsame feat: All ran alike: but, ’mid that wild affray, These ran to meet the foe, those ran away.

X.

As greyhound in the slip, that the fleet hare Scowering about and circling him discerns, Nor with the other dogs a part can bear (For him the hunter holds), with anger burns; Torments himself and mourns in his despair, And whines, and strives against the leash, by turns; Such till that moment had the fury been Of Aymon’s daughter and the martial queen.

XI.

They till that hour upon the spacious plain, Had watched so rich a prize throughout the day; And, as obliged by treaty to refrain From laying hands upon the costly prey, Had sore lamented and had grieved in vain, Gazing with longing eyes on that array. Now seeing truce and treaty broke, among The Moorish squadrons they rejoicing sprung.

XII.

Marphisa piercing her first victim’s breast, (Two yards beyond his back the lance did pass) In briefer time than ’tis by me exprest, Broke with her sword four helms which flew like glass; No less did Bradamant upon the rest; But them her spear reduced to other pass. All touched by that gold lance she overthrew; Doubling Marphisa’s score; yet none she slew .

XIII.

They witness to each others’ exploits are, (Those maids to one another are so near) Then, whither fury drives, the martial pair, Dividing, through the Moorish ranks career. Who could each several warrior’s name declare, Stretched on the champaign by that golden spear? Or reckon every head Marphisa left Divided by her horrid sword, or cleft?

XIV.

As when benigner winds more softly blow, And Apennine his shaggy back lays bare , Two turbid torrents with like fury flow, Which, in their fall, two separate channels wear, Uproot hard rocks, and mighty trees which grow On their steep banks, and field and harvest bear Into the vale, and seem as if they vied Which should do mightiest damage on its side;

XV.

So those high-minded virgin warriors two, Scowering the field in separate courses, made Huge havock of the Moors; whom they pursue One with couched lance, and one with lifted blade. Hardly King Agramant his Africk crew From flight, beneath his royal banners stayed: In search of Rodomont, he vainly turned; Nor tidings of the missing warrior learned.

XVI.

He at his exhortation (so he trowed) Had broke the treaty made in solemn wise, To witness which the gods were called aloud; Who then so quickly vanished from his eyes: Nor sees he King Sobrino; disavowed By King Sobrino is the deed, who flies To Arles, and deems that day some vengeance dread Will fall on Agramant’s devoted head.

XVII.

Marsilius too is fled into the town: So has that monarch holy faith at heart. ’Tis hence, that feebly King Troyano’s son Resists the crew, that war on Charles’s part, Italians, English, Germans; of renown Are all; and, scattered upon every part, Are mixed the paladins, those barons bold, Glittering like jewels on a cloth of gold;

XVIII.

And with those peers, is more than one confest As perfect as is earthly cavalier, Guido the savage, that intrepid breast, And those two famous sons of Olivier. I will not now repeat what I exprest Of that fierce, daring female twain whilere; Who on the field so many Moors extend, No number is there to the slain or end.

XIX.

But, putting this affray some while aside, Without a pinnace will I pass the sea. To them of France so fast I am not tied, But that Astolpho should remembered be: Of the grace given him by his holy guide I told erewhile, and told (it seems to me) Branzardo and the king of Algaziers Against the duke had mustered all their spears.

XX.

Such as the monarchs could in haste engage, Raked from all Africa, that host contained; Whether of fitting or of feeble age: Scarce from impressing women they refrained. Resolved his thirst of vengeance to assuage, Agramant twice his Africa had drained . Few people in the land were left, and they A feeble and dispirited array.

XXI.

So proved they; for the foe was scarce in view, Before that levy broke in panic dread: Like sheep, their quailing bands Astolpho slew, Charging at his more martial squadrons’ head; And with the slain filled all that champaign; few Into Biserta from the carnage fled. A prisoner valiant Bucifar remained; The town in safety King Branzardo gained;

XXII.

More grieved at Bucifaro’s loss alone, Than had he lost the rest in arms arrayed. Wide and in want of ramparts is the town; And these could ill be raised without his aid. While fain to ransom him, he thinks upon The means, and stands afflicted and dismayed, He recollects him how the paladin, Dudon, has many a month his prisoner been.

XXIII.

Him under Monaco, upon the shore, In his first passage, Sarza’s monarch took. Thenceforth had been a prisoner evermore Dudon, who was derived of Danish stock. The paladin against the royal Moor Branzardo thought, in this distress, to truck; And knowing through sure spy, Astolpho led The Nubians, to that chief the offer sped.

XXIV.

A paladin himself, Astolpho knows He gladly ought a paladin to free; And when that case the Moorish envoy shows, To King Branzardo’s offer does agree. Dudon from prison loosed, his thanks bestows; And whatsoe’er pertains to land or sea, Bestirs him to accomplish, in accord With his illustrious chief, the English lord.

XXV.

Astolpho leading such a countless band As might have well seven Africas opprest, And recollecting ’twas the saint’s command, Who upon him whilere imposed the quest, That fair Provence and Aquamorta’s strand He from the reaving Saracen should wrest, Made through his numerous host a second draught Of such as least inapt for sea he thought;

XXVI.

And filling next as full as they could be His hands with many different sorts of leaves, Plucked from palm, olive, bay and cedar tree , Approached the shore, and cast them on the waves. Oh blessed souls! Oh great felicity! O grace! which rarely man from God receives; O strange and wondrous miracle, which sprung Out of those leaves upon the waters flung!

XXVII.

They wax in number beyond all esteem; Becoming crooked and heavy, long, and wide. Into hard timber turn and solid beam, The slender veins that branch on either side: Taper the masts; and, moored in the salt stream, All in a thought transformed to vessels, ride; And of as diverse qualities appear, As are the plants, whereon they grew whilere.

XXVIII.

It was a miracle to see them grown To galliot, galley, frigate, ship, and boat; Wondrous, that they with tackling of their own, Are found as well as any barks afloat. Nor lack there men to govern them, when blown By blustering winds from islands not remote Sardinia or Corsica, of every rate, Pilot and patron, mariner and mate.

XXIX.

Twenty-six thousand were the troop that manned Those ready barks of every sort and kind. To Dudon’s government, by sea or land A leader sage, the navy was consigned; Which yet lay anchored off the Moorish strand, Expecting a more favourable wind, To put to sea; when, freighted with a load Of prisoners, lo! a vessel made the road.

XXX.

She carried those, whom at the bridge of dread, —On that so narrow place of battle met— Rodomont took, as often has been said. The valiant Olivier was of the set, Orlando’s kin, and, with them, prisoners led, Were faithful Brandimart and Sansonet, With more; to tell whereof there is no need; Of German, Gascon, or Italian seed.

XXXI.

The patron, yet unweeting he should find Foes in the port, here entered to unload; Having left Argier many miles behind, Where he was minded to have made abode; Because a boisterous, overblowing, wind Had driven his bark beyond her destined road; Deeming himself as safe and welcome guest, As Progne, when she seeks her noisy nest.

XXXII.

But when, arrived, the imperial eagle spread, And pards and golden lilies he descries, With countenance as sicklied o’er by dread, He stands, as one that in unwary guise, Has chanced on fell and poisonous snake to tread , Which, in the grass, opprest with slumber lies; And, pale and startled, hastens to retire From that ill reptile, swoln with bane and ire.

XXXIII.

But no retreat from peril is there here, Nor can the patron keep his prisoners down: Him thither Brandimart and Olivier, Sansonet and those others drag, where known And greeted are the friends with joyful cheer, By England’s duke and Danish Ogier’s son ; Who read that he who brought them to that shore Should for his pains be sentenced to the oar.

XXXIV.

King Otho’s son kind welcome did afford Unto those Christian cavaliers, as said; Who honoured at his hospitable board With arms and all things needful were purveyed. His going, for their sake, the Danish lord Deferred, who deemed his voyage well delayed, To parley with those peers, though at the cost Of one or two good days, in harbour lost.

XXXV.

Of Charles, and in what state, what order are The affairs of France they gave advices true; Told where he best could disembark, and where To most advantage of the Christian crew. While so the cavaliers their news declare, A noise is heard; which ever louder grew, Followed by such a fierce alarm withal, As to more fears than one gave rise in all.

XXXVI.

The duke Astolpho and the goodly throng, That in discourse with him were occupied, Armed in a moment, on their coursers sprung, And hurried where the Nubians loudest cried; And seeking wherefore that wide larum rung, Now here, now there—those warlike lords espied A savage man, and one so strong of hand, Naked and sole he troubled all that band.

XXXVII.

The naked savage whirled a sapling round, So hard, so heavy, and so strong of grain, That every time the weapon went to ground, Some warrior, more than maimed, opprest the plain. Above a hundred dead are strewed around; Nor more defence the routed bands maintain; Save that a war of distant darts they try; For there is none will wait the champion nigh.

XXXVIII.

Astolpho, Brandimart, the Danish knight, Hastening towards that noise with Olivier, Remain astounded at the wondrous might And courage, which in that wild man appear. When, posting thither on a palfry light, Is seen a damsel, clad in sable gear. To Brandimart in haste that lady goes, And both her arms about the warrior throws.

XXXIX.

This was fair Flordelice, whose bosom so Burned with the love of Monodantes’ son , She, when she left him prisoner to his foe At that streight bridge, had nigh distracted gone. From France had she past hither—given to know— By that proud paynim, who the deed had done, ‘How Brandimart, with many cavaliers, ‘Was prisoner in the city of Algiers.’

XL.

When now she for that harbour would have weighed, An eastern vessel in Marseilles she found, Which thither had an ancient knight conveyed: Of Monodantes’ household; a long round To seek his Brandimart that lord had made, By sea, and upon many a distant ground. For he, upon his way, had heard it told, ‘How he in France should find the warrior bold.’

XLI.

She knowing old Bardino in that wight, Bardino who from Monodantes’ court With little Brandimart had taken flight, And reared his nursling in the sylvan fort ; Then hearing what had thither brought the knight, With her had made him loosen from the port; Relating to that elder, by what chance Brandimart had to Africk passed from France.

XLII.

As soon as landed, ‘that Biserta lies ‘Besieged by good Astolpho’s band,’ they hear; ‘That Brandimart is with him in the emprize,’ They learn, but learn not as a matter clear. Now in such haste to him the damsel flies, When she beholds her faithful cavalier, As plainly shows her joy; which woes o’erblown Had made the mightiest she had ever known.

XLIII.

The gentle baron no less gladly eyed His faithful and beloved consort’s face; Her whom he prized above all things beside; And clipt and welcomed her with loving grace; Nor his warm wishes would have satisfied A first, a second, or a third embrace, But that he spied Bardino, he that came From France, together with that faithful dame.

XLIV.

He stretched his arms, and would embrace the knight; And—wherefore he was come—would bid him say: But was prevented by the sudden flight Of the scared host, which fled in disarray, Before the club of that mad, naked wight, Who with the brandished sapling cleared his way. Flordelice viewed the furious man in front; And cried to Brandimart, “Behold the count!”

XLV.

At the same time, withal, Astolpho bold That this was good Orlando plainly knew, By signs, whereof those ancient saints had told, In the earthly paradise, as tokens true. None of those others, who the knight behold, The courteous baron in the madman view; That from long self-neglect, while wild he ran, Had in his visage more of beast than man.

XLVI.

With breast and heart transfixed with pity, cried Valiant Astolpho—bathed with many a tear— Turning to Danish Dudon, at this side, And afterwards to valiant Olivier; “Behold Orlando!” Him awhile they eyed, Straining their eyes and lids; then knew the peer; And, seeing him in such a piteous plight, Were filled with grief and wonder at the sight.

XLVII.

So grieve and so lament the greater part Of those good warriors, that their eyes o’erflow. “ ’Tis time (Astolpho cried) “to find some art “To heal him, not indulge in useless woe;” And from his courser sprang: bold Brandimart, Olivier, Sansonet and Dudon so All leap to ground, and all together make At Roland, whom the warriors fain would take.

XLVIII.

Seeing the circle round about him grow, Levels his club that furious paladin, And makes fierce Dudon feel (who—couched below His buckler—on the madman would break in) How grievous is that staff’s descending blow; And but that Olivier, Orlando’s kin, Broke in some sort its force, that stake accurst Had shield and helmet, head and body burst.

XLIX.

It only burst the shield, and in such thunder Broke on the casque, that Dudon prest the shore: With that, Sir Sansonet cut clean asunder The sapling, shorn of two cloth-yards and more, So vigorous was that warrior’s stroke, while under His bosom, Brandimart girt Roland sore With sinewy arms about his body flung; And to the champion’s legs Astolpho clung.

L.

Orlando shook himself, and England’s knight, Ten paces off, reversed upon the ground; Yet loosed not Brandimart, who with more might And better hold had clasped the madman round. To Olivier, too forward in that fight, He dealt so furious and so fell a wound, With his clenched fist, that pale the marquis fell; And purple streams from eyes and nostrils well;

LI.

And save his morion had been more than good, Bold Olivier had breathed his last, who lies, So battered with his fall, it seemed he wou’d Bequeath his parting soul to paradise. Astolpho and Dudon, that again upstood (Albeit swoln were Dudon’s face and eyes) And Sansonet, who plied so well his sword, All made together at Anglantes’ lord.

LII.

Dudon Orlando from behind embraced, And with his foot the furious peer would throw: Astolpho and others seize his arms; but waste Their strength in all attempts to hold the foe. He who has seen a bull, by mastiffs chased That gore his bleeding ears, in fury lowe, Dragging the dogs that bait him there and here, Yet from their tusks unable to get clear;

LIII.

Let him imagine, so Orlando drew Astolpho and those banded knights along. Meanwhile upstarted Oliviero, who By that fell fistycuff on earth was flung; And, seeing they could ill by Roland do That sought by good Astolpho and his throng, He meditates, and compasses, a way The frantic paladin on earth to lay.

LIV.

He many a hawser made them thither bring, And running knots in them he quickly tied; Which on the count’s waist, arms, and legs, they fling; And then, among themselves, the ends divide, Conveyed to this or that amid the ring, Compassing Roland upon every side. The warriors thus Orlando flung parforce, As farrier throws the struggling ox or horse.

LV.

As soon as down, they all upon him are, And hands and feet more tightly they constrain: He shakes himself, and plunges here and there; But all his efforts for relief are vain. Astolpho bade them hence the prisoner bear; ‘For he would heal (he said) the warrior’s brain.’ Shouldered by sturdy Dudon is the load, And on the beach’s furthest brink bestowed.

LVI.

Seven times Astolpho makes them wash the knight; And seven times plunged beneath the brine he goes. So that they cleanse away the scurf and blight, Which to his stupid limbs and visage grows. This done, with herbs, for that occasion dight, They stop his mouth, wherewith he puffs and blows. For, save his nostrils, would Astolpho leave No passage whence the count might air receive.

LVII.

Valiant Astolpho had prepared the vase, Wherein Orlando’s senses were contained, And to his nostrils in such mode conveys, That, drawing-in his breath, the county drained The mystic cup withal. Oh wondrous case! The unsettled mind its ancient seat regained; And, in its glorious reasonings, yet more clear And lucid waxed his wisdom than whilere.

LVIII.

As one, that seems in troubled sleep to see Abominable shapes, a horrid crew; Monsters which are not, and which cannot be; Or seems some strange, unlawful thing to do, Yet marvels at himself, from slumber free, When his recovered senses play him true; So good Orlando, when he is made sound, Remains yet full of wonder, and astound.

LIX.

Aldabelle’s brother , Monodantes’ son , And him that on his brain such cure had wrought, He wondering marked, but word he spake to none; And when and how he was brought thither, thought. He turned his restless eyes now up now down, Nor where he was withal, imagined aught, Marvelling why he there was naked cast, And wherefore tethered, neck and heels, so fast

LX.

Then said, as erst Silenus said—when seen, And taken sleeping in the cave of yore— Solvite me , with visage so serene, With look so much less wayward than before, That him they from his bonds delivered clean, And raiment to the naked warrior bore; All comforting their friend, with grief opprest For that delusion which had him possest.

LXI.

When to his former self he was restored, Of wiser and of manlier mind than e’er, From love as well was freed the enamoured lord; And she, so gentle deemed, so fair whilere, And by renowned Orlando so adored, Did but to him a worthless thing appear. What he through love had lost, to reacquire Was his whole study, was his whole desire.

LXII.

Meanwhile Bardino told to Brandimart, ‘How Monodantes, his good sire, was dead, ‘And, on his brother, Gigliantes’ part, ‘To call him to his kingdom had he sped, ‘As well as from those isles, which most apart ‘From other lands, in eastern seas are spread, ‘That prince’s fair inheritance; than which ‘Was none more pleasant, populous, or rich.’

LXIII.

He said, mid many reasons which he prest, ‘That home was sweet, and—were the warrior fain ‘To taste that sweet—he ever would detest ‘A wandering life;’ and Brandimart again Replies, ‘Through all that war, he will not rest ‘From serving Roland and King Charlemagne; ‘And after, if he lives to see its end, ‘To his own matters better will attend.’

LXIV.

Upon the following day, for Provence steer The shipping under Danish Dudon’s care; When with the duke retired Anglantes’ peer, And heard that lord the warfare’s state declare: Then prest with siege Biserta, far and near, But let good England’s knight the honour wear Of every vantage; while Astolpho still In all was guided by Orlando’s will.

LXV.

The order taken to attack the town Of huge Biserta, when, and on what side; How, at the first assault, the walls are won, And with Orlando who the palm divide, Lament not that I now shall leave unshown, Since for short time I lay my tale aside. In the meanwhile, how fierce an overthrow The Moors received in France, be pleased to know.

LXVI.

Well nigh abandoned was their royal lord In his worst peril; for to Arles again Had gone, with many of the paynim horde, The sage Sobrino and the king of Spain; Who, for they deemed the land unsafe, aboard Their barks sought refuge, with a numerous train, Barons and cavaliers, that served the Moor; Who moved by their example put from shore.

LXVII.

Yet royal Agramant the fight maintains; But when he can no longer make a stand, Turns from the combat, and directly strains For Arles, not far remote, upon the strand. Him Rabican pursues, with flowing reins, Whom Aymon’s daughter drives with heel and hand. Him would she slay, through whom so often crost, That martial maid had her Rogero lost.

LXVIII.

Marphisa by the same desire was stirred, Who had her thoughts on tardy vengeance placed, For her dead sire; and as she fiercely spurred, Made her hot courser feel his rider’s haste. But neither martial maid, amid that herd Of flying Moors, so well the monarch chased, As to o’ertake him in his swift retreat, First into Arles, and then aboard his fleet.

LXIX.

As two fair generous pards, that from some crag Together dart, and stretch across the plain; When they perceive that vigorous goat or stag, Their nimble quarry, is pursued in vain, As if ashamed they in that chase did lag, Return repentant and in high disdain: So, with a sigh, return those damsels two, When they the paynim king in safety view:

LXX.

Yet therefore halt not, but in fury go Amid that crowd, which flies, possest with dread; Felling, now here, now there, at every blow, Many that never more uprear their head. To evil pass was brought the broken foe; For safety was not even for them that tied: Since Agramant, a sure retreat to gain, Bade shut the city-gate which faced the plain;

LXXI.

And bade on Rhone break all the bridges down. Unhappy people, ever held as cheap —Weighed with the tyrant’s want who wears a crown— As worthless herd of goats or silly sheep! These in the sea, those in the river drown; And those with blood the thirsty fallows steep. The Franks few prisoners made, and many slew; For ransom in that battle was for few.

LXXII.

Of the great multitude of either train, Christened or paynim, killed in that last fight, Though in unequal parts (for, of the slain, By far more Saracens were killed in flight, By hands of those redoubted damsels twain), Signs even to this day remain in sight: For, hard by Arles, where sleeps the lazy Rhone, The plain with rising sepulchres is strown.

LXXIII.

Meanwhile his heavy ships of deepest draught King Agramant had made put forth to sea, Leaving some barks in port his lightest craft For them that would aboard his navy flee: He stays two days, while they the stragglers waft, And, for the winds are wild and contrary, On the third day, to sail he gives command, In trust to make return to Africk’s land.

LXXIV.

Royal Marsilius, in that fatal hour, Fearing the costs will fall upon his Spain, And that the clouds, which big with tempest lower, In the end will burst upon his fields and grain, Makes for Valentia; where he town and tower Begins to fortify with mickle pain; And for that war prepares, which after ends In the destruction of himself and friends.

LXXV.

King Agramant his sails for Africk bent: His barks ill-armed and almost empty go; Empty of men, but full of discontent, In that three-fourths had perished by the foe. As cruel some, as weak and proud some shent Their king, and (as still happens in like woe) All hate him privily; but, for they fear His fury, in his presence mute appear.

LXXVI.

Yet sometimes two or three their lips unclose, —Some knot of friends, where each on each relies— And their pent choler and their rage expose: Yet Agramant beneath the illusion lies, That each with love and pity overflows; And this befalls, because he still espies False faces, hears but voices that applaud, And nought but adulation, lies and fraud.

LXXVII.

Not in Biserta’s port his host to land Was the sage king of Africa’s intent, Who had sure news ‘ that shore by Nubia’s band Was held,’ but he so far above it meant To steer his Moorish squadron, that the strand Should not be steep or rugged for descent: There would he disembark, and thence would aid Forthwith his people, broken and dismaid.

LXXVIII.

But favoured not by his foul destiny Was that intention, provident and wise; Which willed the fleet, from leaves of greenwood tree, Produced upon the beach in wondrous guise, That, bound for France, now ploughed the foaming sea, Should meet the king at night; that from surprise In that dark, dismal hour, amid his crew Worse panic and disorder might ensue.

LXXIX.

Not yet to him have tidings been conveyed, That squadrons of such force the billows plow: Nor would he have believed in him who said, ‘A hundred barks had sprung from one small bough;’ And hence for Africa the king had weighed. Not fearing to encounter hostile prow; Nor has he watchmen in his tops to spy, And make report of what they hence descry.

LXXX.

’Twas so those ships, by England’s peer supplied To Dudon, manned with good and armed crew, Which see the Moorish fleet at eventide, And that strange armament forthwith pursue, Assailed them unawares, and, far and wide, Among those barks their grappling-irons threw, And linked by chains, to their opponents clung, When known for Moors and foemen by their tongue.

LXXXI.

In bearing down, impelled by winds that blow Propitious to the Danish chief’s intent, Those weighty ships so shocked the paynim foe, That many vessels to the bottom went; Then, taxing wits and hands, to work them woe, Them with fire, sword, and stones the Christians shent; Which on their ships in such wide ruin pour, Like tempest never vext the sea before.

LXXXII.

Bold Dudon’s men, to whom unwonted might And daring was imparted from on high, (Since the hour was come the paynims to requite For more than one ill deed,) from far and nigh, The Moors so pestilently gall and smite, Agramant finds no shelter; from the sky Above, thick clouds of whistling arrows strike; Around gleam hook and hatchet, sword and pike.

LXXXIII.

The king hears huge and heavy stones descend, From charged machine or thundering engine sent, Which, falling, poop and prow and broadside rend, Opening to ravening seas a mighty vent; And more than all the furious fires offend, Fires that are quickly kindled, slowly spent. The wretched crews would fain that danger shun, And ever into direr peril run.

LXXXIV.

One headlong plunged, pursued by fire and sword, And perished mid the waters, one who wrought Faster with arms and feet, his passage oared To other barque, already overfraught: But she repulsed the wretch that fain would board; Whose hand, which too importunately sought To clamber, grasped the side, while his lopt arm And body stained the wave with life-blood warm.

LXXXV.

Him, that to save his life i’ the waters thought, Or, at the worst, to perish with less pain, (Since swimming profited the caitiff nought, And he perceived his strength and courage drain) To the hungry fires from which he refuge sought, The fear of drowning hurries back again: He grasps a burning plank, and in the dread Of dying either death, by both is sped.

LXXXVI.

This vainly to the sea resorts, whom spear Or hatchet, brandished close at hand, dismay; For stone or arrow following in his rear, Permit the craven to make little way. But haply, while it yet delights your ear, ’Twere well and wisely done to end my lay, Rather than harp upon the theme so long As to annoy you with a tedious song.

NOTES TO CANTO XXXIX.

Meanwhile the weird Melissa, &c .

Stanza iv. line 1.

The interruption, and indeed most of the circumstances, of the duel, are imitated from that between Turnus and ÆEneas.

All touched by that gold lance she overthrew; Doubling Marphisa’s score; yet none she slew .

Stanza xii. lines 7 and 8.

These lines have been mistakenly rendered. The original says,

‘ Tutti quei che toccò per terra mise; Due tanti fur, nè però alcuno uccise.’

The translator seems not to have known that “Due tanti fur” means simply they were twice as many , i. e. twice as many as those overthrown by Marphisa.

And Apennine his shaggy back lays bare .

Stanza xiv. line 2.

On the melting of the snow.

Agramant twice his Africa had drained .

Stanza xx. line 8.

This was his second invasion of France. The first is commemorated in the Innamorato .

Plucked from palm, olive, bay and cedar tree .

Stanza xxvi. line 3.

A lauri, a cedri tolte, a olive, a palme.

The lauro is the bay, and not the laurel, as it is usually translated. The alloro is the laurel. I have been studious of precision in cases where precision may appear of little value, because the trees, flowers, &c. which flourish in Ariosto’s poetry, are as likely as his colours to be mysterious and significant; and because, out of Tuscany, there is little exactitude in all such matters.

as one that in unwary guise, Has chanced on fell and poisonous worm to tread .

Stanza xxxii. lines 4 and 5.

Improvisum aspris veluti qui sentibus anguem Pressit humi, &c.

Virgil .

And reared his nursling in the sylvan fort .

Stanza xli. line 4.

See the Innamorato .

Aldabelle’s brother .

Stanza lix. line 1.

Aldabella was the sister of Oliviero, and the wife of Orlando, whom the authors of the Innamorato and the Furioso , for obvious reasons, seldom mention as a husband.

solvite me .

Stanza lx. line 3.

This insulated piece of Latin seems very oddly introduced; but, in the learned age of Ariosto, it may have been more familiar to his readers, and had very likely acquired currency in conversation, as certain phrases, derived from the breviary, have at present. Such as: “ Annuncio vobis gaudium magnum ,” which I have heard, even from a woman, as a proclamation to her guests of the servant’s having told her that dinner was on the table.

Layout 2

THE ORLANDO FURIOSO.

CANTO XL.

ARGUMENT.

To fly the royal Agramant is fain,

And sees Biserta turning far away;

But landing finds the loyal Sericane,

Who of his faith gives goodly warrant; they

Defy Orlando, backed by champions twain;

Whom bold Gradasso firmly trusts to slay.

For seven kings’ sake, fast prisoners to their foes,

Rogero and the Dane exchange rude blows.

THE ORLANDO FURIOSO.

CANTO XL.

I.

The diverse chances of that sea-fight dread, Here to rehearse would take a weary while; And to discourse to you upon this head, Great son of Hercules, were to Samos’ isle To carry earthen vessels, as ’tis said, To Athens owls, and crocodiles to Nile. In that, my lord, by what is vouched to me, Such things you saw, such things made others see.

II.

Your faithful people gazed on a long show, That night and day, wherein they crowded stood, As in a theatre, and hemmed on Po Twixt fire and sword, the hostile navies viewed. What outcries may be heard, what sounds of woe, How rivers may run red with human blood, In suchlike combat, in how many a mode Men die, you saw, and you to many showed.

III.

I saw not, I, who was compelled to course, Evermore changing nags, six days before, To Rome, in heat and haste, some helpful force Of him our mighty pastor to implore. But, after, need was none of foot or horse, For so the lion’s beak and claws you tore , From that day unto this I hear not said That he more trouble in your land has bred.

IV.

But Trotto, present at this victory, Afranio, Moro, Albert, Hannibal, Zerbinat, Bagno, the Ariostos three, Assured me of the mighty feat withal, Certified after by that ensignry, Suspended from the holy temple’s wall, And fifteen galleys at our river-side, Which with a thousand captive barks I spied.

V.

He that those wrecks and blazing fires discerned, And such sore slaughter, under different shows, Which—venging us for hall and palace burned— While bark remained, raged wide among the foes, Might also deem how Africk’s people mourned, With Agramant, mid diverse deaths and woes, On that dark night, when the redouted Dane Assaulted in mid sea the Moorish train.

VI.

’Twas night, nor gleam was anywhere descried, When first the fleets in furious strife were blended; But when lit sulphur, pitch and tar from side And poop and prow into the sky ascended, And the destructive wild-fire, scattered wide, Fed upon ship and shallop ill defended, The things about them all descried so clear That night was changed to day, as ’twould appear.

VII.

Hence Agramant, that by the dark deceived, Had rated not so high the foes’ array, Nor to encounter such a force believed, But would, if ’twere opposed, at last give way, When that wide darkness cleared, and he perceived (What least he weened upon the first affray) That twice as many were the ships he fought, As his own Moorish barks, took other thought.

VIII.

Into a boat he with some few descends, Brigliador and some precious things, to flee; And so, twixt ship and ship, in silence wends, Until he finds himself in safer sea, Far from his own; whom fiery Dudon shends, Reduced to sad and sore extremity; Them steel destroys, fires burn, and waters drown; While he, that mighty slaughter’s cause, is flown.

IX.

Agramant flies, and with him old Sobrine, Agramant grieving he had not believed, What time that sage foresaw with eye divine, And told the woe wherewith he is aggrieved. But turn we to the valiant paladine, Who, before other aid can be received, Counsels the duke Biserta to destroy; That it no more may Christian France annoy.

X.

And hence in public order was it said, ‘The camp should to its arms the third day stand;’ For this, it was with many barks bested; For all were placed not at the Dane’s command. That fleet the worthy Sansonetto led, (As good a warrior he by sea as land) Which a mile off the port, and overight Biserta, now was anchored by the knight.

XI.

Orlando and the duke, like Christians true, Which dare no danger without God for guide, ‘That fast and prayer be made their army through,’ Ordain by proclamation to be cried; And that upon the third day, when they view The signal, all shall bown them, far and wide, Biserta’s royal city to attack, Which they, when taken, doom to fire and sack.

XII.

And so, when now devoutly have been done Vigil and vow, and holy prayer and fast, Kin, friends, and those to one another known, Together feast; who, when with glad repast Their wasted bodies were refreshed, begun To embrace and weep; and acts and speeches past, Upon the banquet’s close, amid those crews Such as best friends, about to sever, use.

XIII.

The holy priests within Biserta’s wall, Pray with their grieving people, and in tears, Aye beat their bosoms, and for succour call Upon their Mahomet, who nothing hears. What vigils, offerings, and what gifts withal Were promised silently, amid their fears! What temples, statues, images were vowed, In memory of their bitter woes, aloud!

XIV.

And, when the cadi hath his blessing said, The people arms and to the rampart hies. As yet reposing in her Tithon’s bed Aurora was, and dusky were the skies; When to their posts, their several troops to head, Here Sansonetto, there Astolpho flies. And when they hear Orlando’s signal blown Assault with furious force Biserta’s town.

XV.

Washed by the sea, upon two quarters, were The city walls, two stood on the dry shore, Of a construction excellent and rare, Wherein was seen the work of days of yore: Of other bulwarks was the town nigh bare; For since Branzardo there the sceptre bore; Few masons at command, and little space That monarch had to fortify the place.

XVI.

The Nubian king is charged by England’s peer, With sling and arrow so the Moors to gall, That none upon the works shall dare appear; And that, protected by the ceaseless fall Of stone and dart, in safety cavalier And footman may approach the very wall; Who loaded, some with plank, with rock-stone some, And some with beam, or weightier burden, come.

XVII.

This and that other thing the Nubians bore, And by degrees filled-up that channel wide, Whose waters were cut off the day before, So that in many parts the ooze was spied. Filled is the ditch in haste from shore to shore, And forms a level to the further side. Cheering the footmen on the works to mount, Stand Olivier, Astolpho, and the Count.

XVIII.

The Nubians upon hope of gain intent, Impatient of delay, nor heeding how With pressing perils they were compassed, went Protected by the sheltering boar and sow . With battering ram, and other instrument, To break the gate and make the turret bow, Speedily to the city wall they post, Nor unprovided find the paynim host.

XIX.

For steel, and fire, and roof, and turret there, In guise of tempest on the Nubians fell, Which plank and beam from those dread engines tear, Made for annoyance of the infidel. In the ill beginning, and while dim the air, Much injury the christened host befell; But when the sun from his rich mansion breaks, Fortune the faction of the Moor forsakes.

XX.

The assault is reinforced on every side, By Count Orlando, both by sea and land: The fleet, with Sansonetto for its guide, Entered the harbour, and approached the strand; And sorely they with various engines plied, With arrows and with slings, the paynim band; And sent the assailants scaling-ladder, spear, And naval stores, and every needful gear.