CX
　　ButtofairDoraliceapproached，andsaidMarsilius，Agramant，andStordilane，Withinweakworks，withscantytroopstoaid，WereclosebeleagueredbytheChristiantrain。
　　And，havingtoldhistale，thedamselprayed，Thatthisshetothewarriorswouldexplain；
　　Andwouldaccordthepair，andtotheirpostDispatch，forrescueoftheMoorishhost。
　　CXI
　　Thelady，withboldheart，'twixteitherfoeThrewherself，andexclaimed:“Iyoucommand，Bythelargeloveyouhearme，asIknow，Thatyoutobetterusereservethebrand；
　　AndthatyouinstantlyinsuccourgoOfourhost，menacedbytheChristianband；
　　Whichnow，besiegedwithinitscamp，attendsRuinorspeedysuccourfromitsfriends。
　　CXII
　　Themessengerrehearsed，whenshehaddone，Fullytheperilofthepaynimtrain；
　　AndsaidthatheboreletterstothesonOfUlien，fromthesonofKingTroyane。
　　Themessageended，everygrudgeforegone，'Twasfinallyresolvedbetweenthetwain，Theyshouldconcludeatruce，andtillthedayTheMoorishsiegewasraised，theirstrifedelay。
　　CXIII
　　Intending，whenfromsiegetheirChivalryShallberelieved——theoneandtheotherknight——
　　Nolongertoremainincompany，Butbandycruelwarwaswithfelldespite，UntildeterminedbytheirarmsshallbeTowhomtheroyaldamebelongsofright。
　　Andshe，betweenwhosehandstheirsolemntrothTheyplighted，wassecurityforboth。
　　CXIV
　　DISCORD，athearingthis，impatientgrew；
　　Withanytruceortreatyillcontent:
　　Andthatsuchfairagreementshouldensue，PRIDE，whowaspresent，couldasillconsent:
　　ButLOVEwasthere，morepuissantthanthetwo，Equalledofnoneinloftyhardiment；
　　Andlaunchingfromhisbowhisshaftsofproof，Withthese，madePRIDEandDISCORDstandaloof。
　　CXV
　　Tokeepthetrucetherivalwarriorsswore；
　　Sincesoitpleasedherwell，whoeitherswayed。
　　Oneoftheircourserslacked:foronthemoorLifelessKingMandricardo'shadbeenlaid:
　　Hence，thither，ingoodtime，cameBrigliador，Who，feeding，bytheriver'smarginstrayed。
　　ButhereIfindmeatmycanto'send；
　　So，withyourlicence，shallthetalesuspend。
　　CANTO25
　　ARGUMENT
　　RogeroRichardettofromthepainsOffirepreserves，doomedbyMarsiliusdead:
　　HetoRogeroafterwardsexplainsFullythecausewhilehetodeathwasled。
　　ThemmournfulAldigiernextentertains，Andwiththemtheensuingmorningsped，VivianandMalagigitosetfree；
　　ToBertolagisoldforhireandfee。
　　I
　　Oh！mightyspringsofwarinyouthfulbreast，Impetuousforceoflove，andthirstofpraise！
　　Noryetwhichmostavailsisknownaright:
　　Foreachbyturnsitsoppositeoutweighs。
　　Withinthebosomhereofeitherknight，Honour，besure，anddutystronglysways:
　　Fortheamorousstrifebetweenthemisdelayed，TilltotheMoorishcamptheyfurnishaid。
　　II
　　Yetloveswaysmore；for，savethatthecommandWaslaiduponthembytheirladygay，Neitherwouldinthatbattlesheathethebrand，Tillhewascrownedwiththevictoriousbay；
　　AndAgramantmightvainlywithhisband，Foreitherknight'sexpectedsuccour，stay。
　　ThenLoveisnotofevilnaturestill；——
　　Hecanattimesdogood，ifoftenill。
　　III
　　'Twasnow，suspendingalltheirhostilerage，Oneandtheotherpaynimcavalier，TheMoorishhostfromsiegetodisengage，ForParis，withthegentlelady，steer；
　　Andwiththemgoesaswellthatdwarfishpage，WhotrackedthefootstepsoftheTartarpeer，Tillhehadbroughtthewarriorfronttofront，InpresencewiththejealousRodomont。
　　IV
　　Theyatameadarrived，where，indisport，Knightswerereposingbyastream，onepairDisarmed，anothercasquedinmartialsort；
　　Andwiththemwasadameofvisagefair。
　　OftheseinotherplaceIshallreport，Notnow；forfirstRogeroismycare，ThatgoodRogero，who，asIhaveshown，Intoawellthemagicshieldhadthrown。
　　V
　　HefromthatwellamileishardlygoneEreheacourierseesarriveatspeed，OfthosedispatchedbyKingTroyano'ssonToknightswhomheawaitedinhisneed；
　　FromhimRogerohearsthatsoforedoneByCharlesarethosewhoholdthepaynimcreed，Theywill，savequicklysuccouredinthestrife，Asquicklyforfeitlibertyandlife。
　　VI
　　Rogerostoodawhileinpensivecase，Whommanywarringthoughtsatonceopprest；
　　ButneitherfittedwasthetimenorplaceTomakehischoice，orjudgewhatpromisedbest。
　　Thecourierhedismist，andturnedhisfaceWhitherhewiththedamselwasaddrest；
　　WhomayetheChildsohurriedonherway，Helefthernotamomentfordelay。
　　VII
　　Pursuingthencetheirancientroadagain，Theyreachedacity，withthewesteringsun；
　　Which，inthemidstofFrance，fromCharlemagneMarsiliushadinthatlongwarfarewon:
　　Northemtointerruptortodetain，Atdrawbridgeoratgate，wasanyone:
　　Thoughinthefosse，androundthepalisade，Stoodmanymen，andpilesofarmswerelaid。
　　VIII
　　BecausethetroopaboutthatfortressseeAccompanyinghim，thewell-knowndame，TheytoRogeroleavethepassagefree，Norevenquestionhimfromwhencehecame。
　　Reachingthesquare，ofevilcompanyHefindsitfull，andbrightwithruddyflame；
　　And，inthemidst，ismanifesttoviewTheyouthcondemned，withfaceofpallidhue。
　　IX
　　Asonthestripling'sfaceheturnshiseyes，Whichhangsdeclinedandwetwithfrequenttear，RogerothinksheBradamantdescries；
　　Somuchtheyouthresemblesherincheer:
　　MoresurethemoreintentlyheespiesHerfaceandshape:whenthusthecavalier:
　　“OrthisisBradamant，orInomoreAmtheRogerowhichIwasbefore。
　　X
　　“Shehathadventuredwithtoodaringwill，Inrescueoftheyouthcondemnedtodie；
　　And，fortheenterprisehadendedill，Haththerebeentaken，asIsee。Ah！whyWasshesohotherpurposetofulfil，Thatshemusthitherunattendedhie！——
　　ButIthankHeaven，thathitherhaveImade:
　　SinceIamyetintimetolendheraid。”
　　XI
　　Hedrewhisfalchionwithoutmoredelay，Hislancewasbrokenattheothertown，And，thoughtheunarmedpeoplemakingway，Woundingflank，paunch，andbosom，borethemdown。
　　Hewhirledhisweapon，and，amidthearray，Smotesomeacrossthegullet，cheek，orcrown。
　　Screaming，thedissipatedrabblefled；
　　Themostwithclovenlimbsorbrokenhead。
　　XII
　　Aswhileatfeed，infullsecurity，Atroopoffowlalongthemarishwend，IfsuddenlyafalconfromtheskySwoopmidthecrowd，andonesurpriseandrend，Therestdispersing，leavetheirmatetodie，Andonlytotheirownescapeattend；
　　Soscatteringhadstthouseenthefrightedthrong，WhenyoungRogeroprickedthatcrowdamong。
　　XIII
　　Rogerosmitestheheadfromsixorfour，Whoinescapingfromthefieldareslow。
　　Hetothebreastdividesasmanymore，Andcountlesstotheeyesandteethbelow。
　　Igrantnohelmetsontheirheadstheywore，Buttherewereshiningironcapsenow；
　　And，iffinehelmetsdidtheirtemplespress，Hisswordwouldcutasdeep，orlittleless。
　　XIV
　　SuchgoodRogero'sforceandvalourare，Asnevernow-a-daysinwarriordwell；
　　Noryetinrampantlion，norinbear，Norwhetherhomeorforeignbeastmorefell。
　　Haplywithhimtheearthquakemightcompare，Orhaplythegreatdevil——notheofhell——
　　Buthewhoismylord's，whomovesinfire，Andpartsheaven，earth，andoceaninhisire。
　　XV
　　Ateverystrokeheneverlesso'erthrewThanone，andoftenertwo，upontheplain；
　　Andfour，atonce，andevenfiveheslew；
　　Sothatahundredinathoughtwereslain。
　　TheswordRogerofromhisgirdledrewAsknifecutscurd，dividestheirplateandchain。
　　FalerinainOrgagna'sgardenmade，TodealOrlandodeath，thatcruelblade。
　　XVI
　　Buttohaveforgedthatfalchionsorelyrued，Whosawhergardenwastedbythebrand。
　　Whatwreck，whatruinthenmusthaveensued，Fromthiswhenwieldedbysuchwarrior'shand?
　　Ife'erRogeroforce，e'erfuryshewed，Ife'erhismightyvalourwellwasscanned，'Twashere；'twashereemployed；'twasheredisplayed；
　　Inthedesiretogivehisladyaid。
　　XVII
　　Asharefromhoundunslipt，thathelplesstrainDefendsitselfagainstthecavalier。
　　Manylaydeaduponthecumberedplain，Andnumberlessweretheywhofledinfear。
　　MeanwhilethedamselhadunloosedthechainFromtheyouth'shands，andhiminmartialgearWashastening，withwhatspeedshemight，todeck，Withswordinhandandshieldabouthisneck。
　　XVIII
　　He，whowasangeredsore，asbesthecou'd，Soughttoavengehimofthatevilcrew；
　　Andgavesuchsignalproofsofhardihood，Asstampedhimforawarriorgoodandtrue。
　　ThesunalreadyinthewesternfloodHaddipthisgildedwheels，whattimethetwo，ValiantRogeroandhisyoungcompeer，Victoriousissued，ofthecityclear。
　　XIX
　　WhennowRogeroandthestrangerknight，Clearofthecity-gates，thechampaignereach，Theyouthrepays，withpraisesinfinite，Rogeroinkindmodeandcunningspeech，Whohim，althoughunknown，hadsoughttoright，Atriskoflife，andprayshisnametoteachThathemayknowtowhomhisthanksheowedForsuchamightybenefitbestowed。
　　XX
　　“ThevisageofBradamantIsee，Thebeauteousfeaturesandthebeauteouscheer。”
　　Rogerosaid；“andyetthesuavityIofherwell-knownaccentsdonothear:
　　NorsuchreturnofthanksappearstobeInplacetowardsherfaithfulcavalier。
　　Andifinverysoothitisthesame，Howhasthemaidsosoonforgotmyname?“
　　XXI
　　Inwarywise，intentthetruthtofind，Rogerosaid，“YouhaveIseenelsewhere；
　　Andhaveagain，andyetagain，divined，YetknowInot，norcanrememberwhere。
　　Sayit，yourself，ifitreturnstomind，And，Ibeseech，yournameaswelldeclare:
　　WhichIwouldgladlyhear，inthedesireToknowwhomIhaverescuedfromthefire。”
　　XXII
　　“——Me，itispossibleyoumayhaveseen，Iknownotwhennorwheretheyouthreplied；
　　ForItoorangetheworld，inarmoursheen，Seekingadventurestrangeoneveryside；
　　Orhaplyitasistermayhavebeen，Whotoherwaisttheknightlyswordhastied；
　　Bornwithmeatabirth；soliketoview，Thefamilydiscernsnotwhoiswho。
　　XXIII
　　“Younotfirst，second，orevenfourthwillbe，Whohaveinthistheirerrorhadtolearn；
　　Norfather，brother，norevenmothermeFromhersuchourresemblancecandiscern。
　　'Tistrue，thishair，whichshortandlooseyousee，Inmanyguise，andhers，withmanyaturn，Andinlongtresseswoundaboutherbrow，Widedifferencemadebetweenustwotillnow。
　　XXIV
　　“Butsincetheday，that，woundedbyaMoorIntheheadastorytedioustorecite
　　Aholyman，tohealthedamsel'ssore，Cutshorttothemid-earhertressesbright，Exceptingsexandname，thereisnomoreOnefromtheothertodistinguish；hightIRichardettoam，Bradamantshe；
　　Rinaldo'sbrotherandhissisterwe。
　　XXV
　　“AndtodispleaseyouwereInotafraid，YouwithawonderwouldIentertain，Whichchancedfrommyresemblancetothemaid；
　　Beguninpleasure，finishinginpain。”
　　Hetowhomnoughtmorepleasingcouldbesaid，AndtowhoseearstherewasnosweeterstrainThatwhatinsomesortonhisladyran，Besoughtthestriplingso，thathebegan。
　　XXVI
　　“Itsofellout，thatasmysisterthroughTheneighbouringwoodpursuedherpath，awoundWasdealtthedamselbyapaynimcrew，Whichherbychancewithoutahelmetfound。
　　AndshewasfaintotrimthelockswhichgrewClusteringaboutthegash，tomakerhersoundOfthatillcutwhichinherheadshebore:
　　Hence，shorn，shewanderedthroughtheforesthoar。
　　XXVII
　　“Ranging，shewanderedtoashadyfont；
　　Where，wornandtroubled，she，inwearywise，Litfromhercourseranddisarmedherfront，And，coucheduponthegreenwood，closedhereyes。
　　AtalemorepleasingthanwhatIrecountInstorythereisnone，Iwellsurmise:
　　ThitherrepairedyoungFlordespineofSpain，Whointhatwoodwashuntingwithhertrain。
　　XXVIII
　　“And，whenshefoundmysisterintheshade，Covered，exceptherface，withmartialgear，——Inplaceofspindle，furnishedwiththeblade——
　　Believedthatshebeheldacavalier:
　　Thefaceandmanlysemblanceshesurveyed，Tillconqueredwasherheart:withcourteouscheerShewooedthemaidtohuntwithher，andpastWithheraloneintothatholdatlast。
　　XXIX
　　“Whennowshehadher，fearlessofsurprise，Safeinasolitaryplace，thatdame，Byslowdegrees，inwordsandamorouswise，Showedherdeep-woundedheart；withsighsofflame，Breathedfromherinmostbreast，withburningeyes，Shespakehersoulsickwithdesire；becameNowpale，nowred；norlongerself-controlled，Ravishedakiss，shewaxedsopassingbold。
　　XXX
　　“MysisterwasassuredthehuntressmaidFalselyconceitedheramantobe；
　　Norinthatneedcouldsheaffordheraid；
　　Andfoundherselfinsoreperplexity。
　　`'TisbetterthatInowdispelshesaid
　　Thefoolishthoughtshefeeds，andthatinmeThedamselshouldagentlewomanscan，Ratherthantakemeforacravenman。'
　　XXXI
　　“Andshesaidwell:forcravenhooditwereBefittingmanofstraw，notwarriortrue，Withwhomsobrightaladydeignedtopair，Sowonderoussweetandfullofnectarousdew，Toclacklikeapoorcuckowtothefair，Hanginghiscowardwing，whenheshouldwoo，Shapingherspeechtothisinwarymode，Mysisterthatshewasadamsel，showed；
　　XXXII
　　“That，likeCamillaandlikeHyppolite，Soughtfameinbattle-field，andnearthesea，InAfric，inArzilla，sawthelight；
　　Toshieldandspearenuredfrominfancy。
　　Asparkthisquenchednot；noryetburnedlessbrightTheenamoureddamsel'skindledphantasy。
　　Tootardycamethesalvetoeasethesmart:
　　SodeephadLovealreadydrivenhisdart。
　　XXXIII
　　“Noryetlessfairtohermysister'sfaceAppeared，lessfairherways，lessfairherguise；
　　Noryettheheartreturnedintoitsplace，Whichjoyeditselfwithinthosedear-lovedeyes。
　　Flordespinedeemsthedamsel'sironcaseToherdesiresomehopeofeasesupplies；
　　Andwhenshethinkssheisindeedamaid，Lamentsandsobs，withmightywoedownweighed。
　　XXXIV
　　“Hewhohadmarkedhersorrowandlament，Thatday，himselfhadsorrowedwiththefair。
　　`Whatpainsshesaiddideverwighttorment，Socruel，butthatminemorecruelwere?
　　Ineednottoaccomplishmyintent，Inotherlove，impureorpure，despair；
　　TheroseIwellmightgatherfromthethorn:
　　Mylongingonlyisofhopeforlorn。
　　XXXV
　　“`It'twasthypleasure，Love，tohavemeshent，Becausebygladestatethineangerstirred，Thouwithsometorturemight'sthavebeencontentOnotherloversused；butneverwordHaveIfoundwrittenofafemalebentOnloveoffemale，midmankindorherd。
　　Womantowoman'sbeautystillisblind；
　　Norewedelightsinewe，norhindinhind。
　　XXXVI
　　“`TisonlyI，onearth，inair，orsea，Whosufferatthyhandssuchcruelpain；
　　Andthisthouhastordained，thatImaybeThefirstandlastexampleinthyreign。
　　FoullydidNinus'wifeandimpiouslyForherownsonapassionentertain；
　　LovedwasPasiphae'sbullandMyrrha'ssire；
　　Butmineismadderthantheirworstdesire。
　　XXXVII
　　“`Herefemaleuponmalehadsetherwill；
　　Hadhope；and，asIhear，wassatisfied。
　　Pasiphaethewoodencowdidfill:
　　Others，inothermode，theirwantsupplied。
　　But，hadheflowntome，——withallhisskill，DanDaedalushadnotthenooseuntied:
　　Foronetoodiligenthathwreathedthesestrings；
　　EvenNature'sself，thepuissantestofthings。'
　　XXXVIII
　　“Sogrievesthemaid，sogoadsherselfandwears，Andshowsnohastehersorrowingtoforego；
　　Sometimesherface，sometimeshertressestears，Andlevelsatherselfthevengefulblow。
　　Inpity，Bradamantthesorrowshares，Andisconstrainedtohearthetaleofwoe，Shestudiestodivert，withfruitlesspain，Thestrangeandmaddesire；butspeaksinvain。
　　XXXIX
　　“She，whorequiresassistance，notsupport，Stillmorelamentsherself，withgriefopprest。
　　Bythisthewaningdaywasgrowingshort，Forthelowsunwascrimsoningthewest；
　　Afittinghourforthosetoseekaport，Whowouldnotinthewoodsetuptheirrest。
　　Whentothiscity，nearhersylvanhaunt，YoungFlordespineinvitedBradament。
　　XL
　　“Mysistertherequestcouldilldeny；
　　Andsotheycametogethertotheplace，Where，butforyou，bythatillsquadronI
　　Hadbeencompelledthecruelflametoface:
　　ThereFlordespinamadeherfamilyCaressanddomysisternosmallgrace；
　　And，havinginafemalerobearraid，Pastheronallbeholdersforamaid。
　　XLI
　　“BecauseperceivingvantagetherewasnoneInthemalecheerbywhichshewasmisled，Thedamselhelditwise，reproachtoshun，Whichmightbyanycarpingtonguebesaid。
　　Andthistherather:thattheill，whichoneOfthetwogarmentsinhermindhadbred，Nowwiththeotherwhichrevealedthecheat，Shewouldassaytodrivefromherconceit。
　　XLII
　　“Theladiesshareonecommonbedthatnight，Theirbedthesame，butdifferenttheirrepose。
　　Onesleeps，onegroansandweepsinpiteousplight，Becauseherwilddesiremorefiercelyglows；
　　Andonherweariedeyesshouldslumberlight，Allisdeceitfulthatbriefslumbershows。
　　Toheritseems，asifrelentingHeavenAbettersextoBradamantisgiven。
　　XLIII
　　“Asthesickmanwithburningthirstdistrest，Ifheshouldsleep，——erehethatwishfulfil，——
　　Ayeinhistroubled，interruptedrest，Remembershimofeveryonce-seenrill:
　　Soisthedamsel'sfancystillpossest，Insleep，withimageswhichgladherwill。
　　Thenfromtheemptydreamswhichcrowdherbrain，Shewakes，and，waking，findsthevisionvain。
　　XLIV
　　“Whatvowsshevowed，howoftthatnightsheprayed，ToallhergodsandMahound，indespair！——
　　Thatthey，byopenmiracle，themaidWouldchange，andgiveherothersextowear。
　　Butallthelady'svowswereillappaid，AndhaplyHeavenaswellmightmocktheprayer；
　　Nightfades，andPhoebusraisesfromthemainHisyellowhead，andlightstheworldagain。
　　XLV
　　“Onissueingfromtheirbedwhendayisbroken，ThewretchedFlordespina'swoesaugment:
　　ForofdepartingBradamanthadspoken，Anxioustoscapefromthatembarrassment。
　　Theprincessaprimejennet，asatoken，Forcedonmypartingsister，whenshewent；
　　Andgildedhousings，andasurcoatbrave，Whichherownhandhadrichlybroidered，gave。
　　XLVI
　　“HerFlordespineaccompaniedsomeway，Then，weeping，tohercastlemadereturn。
　　Sofastmysisterpricked，shereachedthatdayMountAlban；wewhoforherabsencemourn，Motherandbrother，greetthemartialmay，Andherarrivalwithmuchjoydiscern:
　　Forhearingnought，wefearedthatshewasdead，Andhadremainedincrueldoubtanddread。
　　XLVII
　　“Unhelmed，wewonderedatherhair，whichpassedInbraidsaboutherbrow，shewhilomwore；
　　NorlesswewonderedattheforeigncastOftheembroideredsurcoatwhichshewore:
　　Andshetousrehearsed，fromfirsttolast，ThestoryIwastellingyoubefore；
　　Howshewaswoundedinthewood，andhow，Forcure，wereshornthetressesfromherbrow；
　　XLVIII
　　“Andnexthowcameonher，withlabourspent，——Asbythestreamsheslept——thathuntressbright；
　　Andhow，withallherfalsesemblancewellcontent，Shefromthetrainwithdrewheroutofsight。
　　NorleftsheanythingofherlamentUntold；whichtouchedwithpityeverywight；
　　Toldhowthemaidhadharbouredher，andallWhichpast，tillsherevisitedherHall。
　　XLIX
　　“OfFlordespineIknew:andIhadseenInSaragossaandinFrancethemaid；
　　TowhosebewitchingeyesandlovelymienMyyouthfulappetitehadoftenstrayed:
　　YetherIwouldnotmakemyfancy'squeen；
　　Forhopelessloveisbutadreamandshade:
　　NowIthisprofferedinsuchsubstanceview，Straitwaytheancientflamebreaksforthanew。
　　L
　　“Love，withthishope，constructshissubtleties；
　　Whootherthreadsformewouldvainlyweave。
　　'Tisthushetookme，andexplainedtheguiseInwhichImightthelong-soughtboonachieve。
　　Easyitwerethedamseltosurprise；
　　Forasthelikenessotherscoulddeceive，WhichItoBradamant，mysister，bear，Thishaplymightaswellthemaidensnare。
　　LI
　　“WhetherIspeedorno，Iholditwise，Ayetopursuewhatevergivedelight。
　　Iwithnootherofmyplandevise，Noranyseektocounselmearight。
　　WellknowingwherethesuitofarmourliesMysisterdoffed，Ithithergoatnight；
　　HerarmourandhersteedtobootItake，Norstandexpectinguntildaylightbreak。
　　LII
　　“Irodeallnight——Loveservedmeasaguide——
　　ToseekthehomeofbeauteousFlordespine；
　　Andtherearrived，beforeinocean'stideThewesternsunhadhidhisorbitsheen。
　　AhappymanwashewhofastesthiedTotellmycomingtotheyouthfulqueen；
　　Expectingfromthatlady，forhispain，Favourandgoodlyguerdontoobtain。
　　LIII
　　“ForBradamanttheguestsmistakemeall，——Asyouyourselfbutnow——somuchthemore，ThatIhaveboththecourserandthepallWithwhichsheleftthembutthedaybefore。
　　Flordespinecomesatlittleinterval，Withsuchfestivityandcourteouslore，Andwithaface，sojocundandsogay，Shecouldnot，forherlife，morejoydisplay。
　　LIV
　　“Herbeauteousarmsaboutmyneckshethrows，Andfondlyclaspingme，mymouthshekist。
　　Iftomyinmostheartthearrowgoes，WhichLovedirects，maywellbyyoubewist。
　　SheleadsmetoherchamberofreposeInhaste，notsuffersotherstoassistIntakingoffmypanoplyofsteel；
　　Disarmingmeherselffromheadtoheel。
　　LV
　　“Then，orderingfromherstoreacostlyvest，Shespreadit，and——asIawomanwere——
　　Theladymeinthatrichgarmentdrest，Andinagoldennetconfinedmyhair。
　　Igravelymovedmyeye-balls，norconfest，Bygestureorbylook，thesexIbear。
　　Myvoice，whichmightdiscoverthedeceit，Itunedsowellthatnoneperceivedthecheat。
　　LVI
　　“Nexttothehall，wheredameandcavalierIncrowdsaregathered，weunitedgo；
　　Whomaketoussuchcourtandgoodlycheer，Asmentoqueenorhigh-bornladyshow。
　　HereoftIlaughedatsome，withsecretjeer，Who，knowingnotthesexconcealedbelowMyflowingrobeoffemininearray，Wooedmewithwishfuleyesinwantonway。
　　LVII
　　“Whenmoreadvancedinnowthefestivenight，Andtherichboard——boardplenteouslypurveyedWithwhatinseasonwasmostexquisite——
　　Hasbeensometimeremoved，theroyalmaidExpectsnottillIofmyselfreciteThecause，whichthithermeanewconveyed:
　　Byherowncourtesyandkindnessled，Thatladypraysmetopartakeherbed。
　　LVIII
　　“Damselsanddameswithdrawn——withalltherest——
　　Pagesandchamberlains，whennowwelay，Oneandtheother，inourbedundrest，Withkindledtorches，counterfeitingday；
　　`Marvelnot，lady，'herIthusaddrest，
　　`ThatIreturnaftersuchshortdelay；
　　For，haply，thouimagined，thatagainThoushouldstnotseemeuntilHeavenknowswhen。
　　LIX
　　“`ThereasonIdepartedfromthyside，Andnextofmyreturn，explainedshallbe。
　　CouldIuntothyfeverhaveapplied，Bylongersojournhere，aremedy，Iinthyservicewouldhavelivedanddied，Norwouldhavebeenanhourawayfromthee:
　　Butseeinghowmystayincreasedthywoe，I，whocoulddonobetter，fixedtogo。
　　LX
　　“`IntothemiddleofawoodprofoundBychanceIfromthebeatenpathwaystrayed:
　　WherenearmeplaintivecriesIhearresound，Asofawomanwhointreatedaid。
　　ToalakeofcrystalIpursuethesound，And，there，amidthewaves，anakedmaidCaughtonthefish-hookofaFaun，survey，Whowoulddevouralivehishelplessprey。
　　LXI
　　“`Uponthelosel，swordinhand，Iran，And，forIcouldnotaidinotherwise，Bereftoflifethatevilfisherman。
　　Sheinaninstanttothewaterflies——
　　`Mehastthouhelpednotvainly，'shebegan
　　Andwellshaltberewarded——withwhatprizeThoucanstdemand——forknowIamanymph，Andhavemydwellinginthiscrystallymph；
　　LXII
　　“`Andpowerisminetoworkportentousends；
　　NatureandElementsIforce:thyprayerShapetothescopetowhichmystrengthextends，Andleaveitssatisfactiontomycare。
　　CharmedbymysongthemoonfromHeavendescends；
　　FirecanIfreeze，andhardenliquidair；
　　AndIattimeshavestoptthesun，andstirredThisearthbeneathmebyasimpleword。'
　　LXIII
　　“TreasureIcovetnot，noryetaspireO'erlandorpeopletoholdsovereignsway；
　　Norgreaterstrengthnorvalourwouldacquire，Norfameineverywarfarebearaway；
　　Butonlytoaccomplishthydesire，Entreatthedamselshewillshowsomeway。
　　NoronenorothermethodIforestall；
　　Buttoherchoicereferme，allinall。
　　LXIV
　　“Scarcemydemandwasmade，beforemineeyeBeneaththelymphengulphedthatladyviewed:
　　Noransweredshemyprayer，but，forreply，Mewiththeenchantedelementbedewed；
　　WhichhasnosoonertouchedmyfacethanI，Iknownothow，amutterlytransmewed:
　　Isee，Ifeel——yetdoubtingwhatIscan——
　　Feel，Iamchangedfromwomanintoman。
　　LXV-LXIX
　　StazasLXV-LXIXuntranslatedbyRose
　　LXX
　　“Thethingremainedconcealedbetweenustwo；
　　Sothatourblissenduredsomemonths；atlastWewereespied；and，asIsorelyrue，ThetidingstotheSpanishmonarchpast。
　　Thouthatwhilerepreserved'stmefromthecrew，Whichmeintotheflamesdesignedtocast，Bythismaystfullycomprehendtherest；
　　ButGodalonecanreadmysorrowingbreast。”
　　LXXI
　　SoRichardettospake，andbyhissayMadethedarkpaththeytrodlessirksomebe。
　　Upasmallheightthiswhiletheirjourneylay，Girdedwithcliffandcavern，dreartosee。
　　Bristlingwithrocks，asteepandnarrowwayWastothatruggedhillthestubbornkey；
　　Atown，calledAgrismonte，crownedthesteep，WhichAldigierofClermonthadinkeep。
　　LXXII
　　BastardofBuovo，brothertothepair，SirVivianandSirMalagigihight:
　　WhohimGerardo'slawfulsondeclare，Arewitnessesoflittleworthandlight——
　　This，asitmay！——strong，valiant，wise，andware，Liberal，humane，andcourteouswastheknight；
　　Andonthefortressofitsabsentlord，Bynightandday，keptfaithfulwatchandward。
　　LXXIII
　　HiscousinRichardetto，asbehoved，WascourteouslyreceivedbyAldigier；
　　Whohimasdearlyasabrotherloved，AndmadeRogeroforhissakegoodcheer；
　　Butnotwithwontedwelcome；——inlymoved——
　　Heevenworeavisagesadanddrear:
　　Forhe，thatday，ill-tidingshadreceived，Andhenceinheartandfacethewarriorgrieved。
　　LXXIV
　　ToRichardettoheexclaims，insteadOfgreeting:“Evilnewsarehitherblown。
　　Byasuremessenger，to-dayIreadThatfaithlessBertolagiofBayonne，WithbarbarousLanfusahasagreed，Andcostlyspoilsmakesovertothatcrone；
　　Whowillconsigntohimthebrethrentwain，ThyMalagigiandthyViviane；
　　LXXV
　　“Theseshe，sinceFerrautookthem，ayehasstayedImprisonedinadarkandevilcell；
　　TillthediscourteousandfoulpactwasmadeWiththatfalseMaganzeseofwhomItell；
　　Andthemto-morrow，toaplaceconveyed'TwixtBayonneandatownofhis，willsellTohim，whowillbepresent，toadvanceThepriceofthemostpreciousbloodinFrance。
　　LXXVI
　　“One，atagallop，evennow，toreportTidingstoourRinaldoofthewrong，Isent；burfearthathecanillresortTohimintime，thejourneyissolong。
　　MenhaveInottosallyfrommyfort；
　　Andmypowerhaltswheremydesireisstrong。
　　Thetraitorwilltheknights，ifrendered，slay；
　　NorknowIwhattodonorwhattosay。”
　　LXXVII
　　SirRichardettotheillnewsdisplease，AndastheyhimdispleaseinequalwiseRogero；who，whensilentbothhesees，Norableanycounseltodevise，Exclaimswithmickledaring:“Beatease；
　　Ichallengeformyselfthewholeemprize；
　　And，tosetfreeyourbrethren，inmyhandMorethanathousandshallavailthisbrand。
　　LXXVIII
　　“Iasknotmen，Iasknotaid；myspearIs，Ibelieve，sufficienttothefeat。
　　IonlyaskofyouaguidetosteerMetotheplacewherefortheexchangetheymeet:
　　IeveninthisplacewillmakeyouhearTheircries，whoforthatevilbargainthreat。”
　　Hesaid；nortoonelistenerofthetwain，Thathadhelpedhisactions，spakeinvain。
　　LXXIX
　　Theotherheardhimnot，orheardatmostAswegreattalkershear，wholittledo:
　　ButRichardettotookasidetheirhostAndtoldhowhimhefromthefirewithdrew；
　　Andhowhewasassured，beyondhisboast，Hewouldintimeandplacehisprowessshew。
　　'TwasnowthatbetteraudiencethanbeforeAldigierlent，andsetbyhimgreatstore；
　　LXXX
　　Andatthefeast，wherePlentyforthethreeEmptiedherhorn，himhonouredashislord。
　　HeretheyconcludetheycanthebrethrenfreeWithoutmoresuccourfromtheirgaoler'sward。
　　ThiswhileSleepseizedonlordandfamily，SaveyoungRogero:noreposeaffordTohimthethoughts，whichevermoremolest，And，ranklinginhisbosom，banishrest。
　　LXXXI
　　ThesiegeofAgramant，tohimthatdayToldbythemessenger，hehasatheart。
　　HewelldiscernsthateveryleastdelayWillhedishonour。WhataceaselesssmartWillscorninflict，whatshamewillhimappay，Ifheagainsthissovereignlordtakepart?
　　Oh！whatfoulcowardice，howfoulacrimeHisbaptismwillappearatsuchatime！
　　LXXXII
　　ThattruereligionhadthestriplingswayedMenmightatanyothertimeconceive:
　　Butnow，whenneededwasthewarrior'saidFromsiegetheMoorishmonarchtorelieve，ThatFearandBasenesshadmorelargelyweighed，Inhisdesigns，wouldeveryonebelieve，Thatanypreferenceofabettercreed:
　　ThisthoughtmakesgoodRogero'sbosombleed。
　　LXXXIII
　　NorlesstoquithisQueen，herleaveunsought，DidwithRogero'sothergriefscombine:
　　Nowthisandnowthatcareuponhimwrought；
　　Whichdiverselyhisdoubtfulheartincline:
　　TheunhappyloverfruitlesslyhadthoughtTofindherattheabodeofFlordespine；
　　Whithertogetherwentastoldwhilere
　　TosuccourRichardetto，maidandpeer。
　　LXXXIV
　　HenextbethinkshimofthepromiseplightTomeetatVallombrosa'ssanctuary，Deemshergonethither，andthat'twillexciteHerwondermenthimselfnottheretosee。
　　Couldheatleastamessagesendorwrite，Thathewithreasonmightnotcensuredbe，Becausenotonlyhehaddisobeyed，Butwasdepartinghence，andnothingsaid！
　　LXXXV
　　He，havingthoughtonmanythings，intheendResolvesonwritingwhatbehoves；and，thoughHeknowsnothowhisletterheshallsend，Intheassuranceitwillsafelygo，Thishindersnot；hethinksthat，astheywend，ChanceinhiswaysomefaithfulPostmaythrow；
　　Normoredelays:upleapstherestlessknight，Andcallsforpenandpaper，inkandlight。
　　LXXXVI
　　Thatwhichisneeded，inobediencemeet，Aldigier'svaletsbring，acarefulband，Theyouthbeginstowrite；and，first，togreetThemaid，aswontedcourtesiesdemand；
　　NexttellshowAgramanthassenttoentreat，Inhisdispatches，succourathishand；
　　And，savehequicklytohiscomfortgoes，Mustneedsbeslainortakenbyhisfoes。
　　LXXXVII
　　Thenadds，hissovereignbeingsobested，Andprayinghimforsuccourinhispain，ShemustperceivewhatblameuponhisheadWouldlight，ifAgramantappliedinvain；
　　And，sincewithherheisabouttowed，'Tisfittingheshouldkeephimwithstain；
　　ForillhedeemsaunioncouldendureBetweenaughtfoulandhertopassingpure。
　　LXXXVIII
　　Andifheerstaname，renownedandclear，Hadlabouredtoprocurebyactionsfair，Andhavinggaineditthus，hehelditdear，——Ifthishadsoughttokeep——withgreatercareHekeptitnow，——andwithamiser'sfearGuardedthetreasureshewithhimwouldshare；
　　Who，thoughdistinctinbodyandinlimb，Whenwedded，oughttobeonesoulwithhim；
　　LXXXIX
　　And，asheerstbyword，henowexplainedAnewbywriting，thattheperiodo'er，Forwhichhewastoservehiskingconstrained，Unlessitwerehislottodiebefore，HewouldindeedaChristianbeordained，Asinresolvehehadbeenevermore；
　　Andofherkin，Rinaldoandhersire，Herafterwardsinwedlockwouldrequire。
　　XC
　　“Iwould，“hesaid，“relieve，withyourgoodwill，Myking，besiegedbyCharlemagne'sarray，Thatthemisjudgingrabble，pronetoill，Mightnever，tomyshameandscandal，say:
　　Rogero，infairwindandweather，stillWaiteduponhissovereign，nightandday，AndnowthatFortunetoKingCharlesisfled，Haswiththatconqueringlordhisensignspread。'
　　XCI
　　“Ififteendaysortwentyask，thatI
　　Yetonceagainmaytoourarmyspeed；
　　Sothat，bymefromleagueringenemyTheAfricancantonmentsmaybefreed:
　　Iwillsomefitandjustoccasionspy，Meanwhile，tojustifymychangeofcreed，Iformyhonourmakethissolerequest；
　　Thenwhollyyoursforlife，inallthings，rest。”
　　XCII
　　Rogeroissuchwordshisthoughtsexposed，Whichnevercouldbymebefullyshowed；
　　Andaddedmore，norfromhistaskreposed，Untilthecrowdedpaperoverflowed:
　　Henexttheletterfoldedandenclosed，Andsealedit，andwithinhisbosomstowed；
　　InhopestomeetnextmorningbythewayOnewhomightcovertlythatwritconvey。
　　XCIII
　　Whenhehadclosedthesheet，thatamorousknightHiseyelidsclosedaswell，andrestensued:
　　ForSlumbercameandsteepedhisweariedmightInbalmymoisture，fromabranchimbuedWithLethe'swater；andheslepttill——whiteAndred——arainofflowersthehorizonstrewed，Paintingthejoyouseastwithcoloursgay；
　　Whenfromhergoldendwellingbroketheday:
　　XCIV
　　Andwhenthegreenwoodbirds'gan，farandwide，Greetthereturninglightwithgladsomestrain，SirAldigierwhowishedtobetheguide，Uponthatjourney，ofthewarliketwain，Whowouldinsuccourofthosebrethrenride，TorescuethemfromBertolagi'schain
　　Wasfirstuponhisfeet；andeitherpeerIssuesaswellfrombed，whenhimtheyhear。
　　XCV
　　Whencladandthoroughlyinarmsarrayed——
　　Rogerowiththecousinstookhisway，HavingthatpairalreadywarmlyprayedTheadventureonhimselfalonetolay:
　　Butthese，byloveforthosetwobrethrenswayed，Anddeemingitdiscourtesytoobey，Stoodoutagainsthisprayer，morestiffthanstone，Norwouldconsentthatheshouldwendalone。
　　XCVI
　　Truetothetimeandplaceofchange，theyhieWhitherSirAldigier'sadvicesteach；
　　AndtheresurveyanamplebandwholieExposedtofierceApollo'sheat；inreach，Normyrtle-treenorlaureltheydescry，Nortaperingcypress，ash，norspreadingbeech:
　　Butnakedgravelwithlowshrubsdiscerned，Undelvedbymattockandbyshareunturned。
　　XCVII
　　ThosethreeadventurouswarriorshaltedwhereApathwentthroughtheuncultivatedplain，Andsawaknightarriveuponthelair，Who，flourishedo'erwithgold，woreplateandchain，Andongreenfieldthatbeauteousbirdandrare，Whichlongerthananageextendsitsreign。
　　Nomore，mylord:foratmycanto'scloseIfindmyselfarrived，andcraverepose。
　　CANTO26
　　ARGUMENT
　　Ofmightymatters，sculpturedinafont，DoesMalagigitohiscomradestell:
　　OnthemcomeMandricardoandRodomont，Andforthwithbattlefollowsfierceandfell。
　　DiscordgoesscatteringquarrelandaffrontAmidthecrew:butwhither，forcedbyspell，FairDoraliceuponherpalfreyspeeds，TheTartarking，andSarzan，turntheirsteeds。
　　I
　　Informeragescourteousladieswere，Whoworshiptvirtue，andnotworldlygear。
　　Womeninthisdegenerateagearerare，Towhomaughtelsebutsordidgainisdear；
　　Buttheywhorealgoodnessmaketheircare，Norwiththeavariciousmanysteer，Inthisfraillifeareworthytobeblest，——Heldgloriousandimmortalwhenatrest。
　　II
　　Bradamantwellwoulddeathlesspraiseinherit，Whonorinwealthnorempiretookdelight；
　　ButinRogero'sworth，excellingspirit，Inhisunboundedgentlesse；andarightForthisdidgoodDukeAymon'sdaughtermeritTobebelovedofsuchavalorousknight；
　　Who，whatmightbeformiraclesreceived，Infutureages，forhersakeachieved。
　　III
　　He，withthosetwoofClermont，aswhilereToyouIintheformercantosaid，IsaywithRichardetandAldigier，Wasgone，togivetheprisonedbrethrenaid:
　　Itold，aswellhowtheyacavalierOfhaughtylookapproachinghadsurveyed，Whoborethatnoblebird，byfierybirthRenewed，andeversingleuponearth。
　　IV
　　Whenthosethreeofthatwarriorwereespied，Poisedonthewing，asifabouttosmite，Hefainbyprooftheirprowesswouldhavetried，Andiftheirsemblancetalliedwiththeirmight。
　　“Isthere，amongyou，one，“thestrangercried，“Willproveuponme，whichisbestinfight，Withlanceorsword，tillonetogroundbecast，Whileinthesellhisfoeisseatedfast?“
　　V
　　“——I，atyourchoice，“saidAldigier，“werefainToflourishfaulchion，ortotiltwithspear；
　　Butthiswithfeat，which，ifyouhereremain，Yourselfmaywitness，sowouldinterfere，ThatforthepresentparleytimewithpainSuffices，andyetlessforthecareer。
　　Sixhundredmen，ormore，wehereattend，Withwhomwemustto-dayinarmscontend。
　　VI
　　“Twoofourowntorescuefromtheirfoes，Andfreefromchains，usLoveandPitysway。”
　　HetothatstrangernextthereasonshowsWhythusinsteeltheirbodiestheyarray。
　　“Sojustistheexcusewhichyouoppose，“——
　　Heanswered——“thatIillshouldthisgainsay，AndholdyousurelyforthreecavaliersThatseldomuponearthwillfindtheirpeers。
　　VII
　　“WithyoualanceortwoIwouldhavecrostToprovehowgreatyourprowessinthefield；
　　But，since'tisshownmeatanother'scost，Foregothejoust，andtoyourreasonsyield。
　　WarmlyIprayyourleaveagainstthathost，Tojoinwithyourgoodarmsthishelmandshield；
　　Andhope，ifsufferedofyourbandtobe，Noworthlesscomradeshallyoufindinme。”
　　VIII
　　Someone，meseems，maycravethestranger'sname，Whothusthechampionsontheirroaddelayed，AndsotopartnershipinarmslaidclaimWiththosethreewarriors，forthestrifearrayed:
　　SHE——stylenomoreamanthatmartialdame——
　　Marphisawas；thatonZerbinolaidThetasktobearabout，againsthiswill，RibaldGabrina，pronetoeveryill。
　　IX
　　ThetwoofClermontandtheirboldcompeerGladlyreceivedhersuccourintheircause，Whomcertestheybelievedacavalier，Andnotadamsel，andnotwhatshewas。
　　AbannerwasespiedbyAldigierAndshowntheothers，afterlittlepause，Whichbythewaveringwindwasblownabout，Androundaboutitrangedanumerousrout。
　　X
　　Andwhen，nownearer，theadvancingcrewWerebettermarkedinMoorishhabitstoled，ForSaracensthestrangerbandtheyknew；
　　Andtheyupontwosorryjadesbehold，I'themiddleofthattroop，theprisoners，whoWeretothefalseMaganzatobesold。
　　Marphisacries，“Whyisthefeastdelayed，Whenlo！theguestsarehere，forwhomwestayed?“
　　XI——
　　“Notall，“Rogerosaid，“OfthearrayInvited，lacksasyetanumerouspart:
　　Asolemnfestivalisheldto-day，Andwe。tograceitmore，useeveryart:
　　Yettheycannowbutlittlemoredelay。”
　　Whilethustheyparley，theyfromotherpartDescrythetreacherousMaganzeseadvance；
　　Soallwasreadytobeginthedance。
　　XII
　　TheyofMaganzafromonequartersteer，Andladenmulesbeneaththeirconvoygo，Bearingvest，gold，andothercostlygear。
　　Ontheotherside，midfaulchion，spear，andbow，Approachedthecaptivetwowithdolefulcheer，Whofoundthemselvesawaitedbythefoe；
　　AndfalseandimpiousBertolagiheard，AswiththeMoorishcaptainheconferred。
　　XIII
　　NorBuovo'snorDukeAymon'svaliantsonCanhold，whenthatfalseMaganzesetheyview；
　　Againsthimbothwithrestedlancesrun:
　　Hefallsthevictimofthosefurioustwo，Throughbellyandthroughpummelpiercedbyone，Andbytheother，inmidvisage，throughHisbleedingcheeks:maylikedisastrousfateO'erwhelmallevildoers，soonorlate！
　　XIV
　　MarphisawithRogeromovedherhorseAtthis，norwaitedothertrumpet-strain；
　　Norbrokeherlanceinherimpetuouscourse，Tillinsuccessionthreehadpresttheplain。
　　AmarkwellworthyfierceRogero'sforce，Thepaynimleaderinathoughtisslain；
　　Andwithhim，piercedbythesameweapon，goTwootherstothegloomyrealmsbelow。
　　XV
　　'Twashenceafoulmistaketheassaultedmade；
　　Itcausedtheirutterloss，andruinedall:
　　TheyofMaganzadeemedthemselvesbetrayedBytheinfidels，upontheirleader'sfall:
　　Ontheotherside，sochargedwithhostileblade，TheMoorsthoseMaganzeseassassinscall；
　　And，withfierceslaughter，eitherangryhorde'Ganbendbow，andbrandishlanceandsword。
　　XVI
　　Rogero，chargingthis，ortheotherband，Slaystenortwenty，shiftinghiscareer；
　　Nofewerbythewarlikedamsel'shandAreslaughteredandextinguished，thereandhere:
　　AsmanymenasfeelthemurderousbrandArefromthesaddleseentodisappear:
　　Beforeitvanishcuirass，helmsandshields，Asthedrywoodtofireinforestyields。
　　XVII
　　Ifeveryouremembertohaveviewed，Orheard，——whattimethewaspsdividedare，Andallthewingedcollegeisatfeud，Musteringtheirswarmsformischiefinmidair，——
　　Thegreedyswallowswoopamidthatbrood，Tomangleanddevour，andkill，andtear，Youmustimagineso，oneitherpartTheboldRogeroandMarphisadart。
　　XVIII
　　NotsoSirRichardetandAldigier，Variedthedancebetweenthosesquadronstwain；
　　For，heedlessoftheMoors，eachcavalierHadbutaneyetofalseMaganza'strain。
　　ThebrotherofRinaldo，Charles'speer，Muchcourageaddedtomuchmightandmain；
　　Andthesewerenowredoubledbythespite，WhichagainstfalseMaganzawarmedtheknight。
　　XIX
　　Thiscausemadehimwhoinhisfuryshared，GoodBuovo'sbastard，seemsalionfell；
　　He，withoutpause，eachtrustyhelmetparedWithhisgoodblade，orcrusheditliketheshellOfbrittleegg:andwhowouldnothavedared——
　　WouldnothaveshownaHector'sworthaswell，Havingtwosuchcompanionsinthestower，Ofwarlikewightstheverychoiceandflower?
　　XX
　　Marphisa，wagingallthewhilethefight，Onhercompanionsoftenturnedtogaze，Andasshemarkedtheirrivalryinmight，Admiring，uponallbestowedherpraise；
　　ButwhensheonRogerofixedhersight，Deemedhimunparalleled；andinamaze，AttimesbelievedthatPaladinwasMars，Wholefthisheaventomixinmortalwars。
　　XXI
　　Shemarvelsatthechampion'shorridblows；
　　Shemarvelshowinvaintheyneverfell。
　　Theiron，smitbyBalisardashowsLikepaper，notlikestubbornplateandshell。
　　Topieceshelmandsolidcorsletgoes，Andmenaresevered，eventothesell；
　　Whomintoequalpartsthosestrokesdivide，Halfdroptonthis，andhalfontheotherside。
　　XXII
　　Withthesamedownrightstroke，heoverboreThehorseandrider，bleedinginthedust；
　　Theheadsofothersfromtheirshouldersbore，Andpartedfromthehipsthebleedingbust。
　　Heoftenatablowcleftfiveandmore；
　　And——butIdoubtwhohearsmemightdistrustWhatofaseemingfalsehoodbearstheimpress——
　　Iwouldsaymore；butIparforcesayless。
　　XXIII
　　GoodTurpin，hewhoknowsthathetellstrue，Andleavesmentobelievewhattheythinkright，SaysofRogerowondrousthings，whichyouHearingrelated，wouldasfalsehoodsslight。
　　Thus，withMarphisamatched，thathostilecrewAppearslikeice，andshelikeburninglight。
　　NorherRogerowithlessmarveleyes，Thatshehadmarkedhisvalourwithsurprise。
　　XXIV
　　AsshehadMarsinboldRogeroseen，PerhapsBellonahehaddeemedthemaid，Ifforawomanhehadknownthatqueen，Whoseemedthecontrary，inarmsarrayed；
　　AndhaplyemulationhadbetweenThepairensued，bywhomwithcruelbladeMostdeadlysignsofprowessshouldbeshown，Midthatvileherd，onsinew，fleshandbone。
　　XXV
　　Torouteachhostilesquadron，filledwithdread，Sufficedthesoulandvalourofthefour；
　　NorbetterarmsremainedforthemwhofledThanthesharpgoadswhichontheirheelstheywore。
　　Happywashewithcourserwellbested！
　　Bytrotorambletheysetlittlestore；
　　Andhewhohadnosteed，herelearned，dismayed，Howwretchedisthepoorfoot-soldier'strade。
　　XXVI
　　Theconqueror'sprizeremainedbothfieldandprey；
　　Norwastherefootmanleftnormuleteer；
　　TheMoortookthis，Maganzatookthatway；
　　Oneleavestheprisoners，andoneleavesthegear。
　　Withvisageglad，andyetwithheartmoregay，Thefourunitedeachcaptivecavalier；
　　NorwerelessdiligenttofreefromchainsTheprisonedpages，andunloadthewains。
　　XXVII
　　Besidesgoodquantityofsilverfine，Wroughtintodifferentvessels，withastoreOffemininearray，offairdesign，Embroideredroundaboutwithchoicestlore，AndsuitofFlemishtapestry，framedtolineRoyalapartments，wroughtwithsilkandore——
　　They，'midmorecostlythingsinplentyspread——
　　Discoveredflasksofwine，andmeatandbread。
　　XXVIII
　　Whennowtheconqueringtrooptheirtemplesbare，Allseetheyhavereceivedadamsel'said，Knownbyhercurlinglocksofgoldenhair，Anddelicateandbeauteousfacedisplayed:
　　Hertheknightshonouredmuch，andtodeclareHername，sowelldeservingglory，prayed；
　　Norshe，thateverwasofcourteousmoodAmongherfriends，theirinstanceswithstood。
　　XXIX
　　Withviewinghertheycannotsatetheireyes，Whointhebattlesuchhadherespied，ShespeaksbutwiththeChild，buthimdescries；
　　Noneprizes，valuesnone，'twouldseem，beside。
　　Meanwhilethatreadyspreadabanquetlies，Tothemisbytheservantsnotified。
　　Thistheyhadservedaboutaneighbouringfountain，Screenedfromthesunbyano'ershadowingmountain。
　　XXX
　　Thisspringwasoneofthosefourfountainsrare，OfthoseinFranceproducedbyMerlin'ssleight；
　　Encompassedroundaboutwithmarblefair，Shiningandpolished，andthenmilkmorewhite。
　　Thereinthestonechoicefigureschisseledwere，Bythatmagician'sgodlikelabourdight；
　　Savevoicewaswanting，theseyoumighthavethoughtWerelivingandwithnerveandspiritfraught。
　　XXXI
　　Here，toappearance，fromtheforestprestAcruelBeastandhideoustotheeye，Withteethofwolf，anass'sheadandcrest，Acarcasswithlongfamineleananddry，Andlion'sclaws；afoxinalltherest:
　　WhichseemedtoravageFranceandItaly，AndSpainandEngland'sdesolatedstrands，EuropeandAsia，andinfinealllands。
　　XXXII
　　ThebeastthelowandthoseofproudestportHadslainormaimedthroughoutthisearthlyball；
　　Yea，fiercestseemedonthoseofnoblesort，Sovereignandsatrap，princeandpeer，tofall；
　　AndmademosthavocintheRomancourt；
　　ForithadslaughteredPopeandCardinal:
　　HadfilledSt。Peter'sbeauteousseatwithscathe，AndbroughtfoulscandalontheHOLYFAITH。