OF	ORLANDO	FURIOSO.	BooKXLV.
	365
	Then	to	the	captain	of	the	tower	he	came,
	And	instant	gain'd	access	with	Leon's	name.	330
	The	keeper,	for	the	visit	well	pre-par'd,
	Suspecting	nought,	without	his	wonted	guard
	Led	Leon	and	his	friend,	where	lay	confin'd
	The	knight	to	death's	severest	pangs	assign'd.
	Now	near	the	place	arriv'd,	the	wary	two
	Pursu'd,	and	as	the	keeper	stooping	drew
	A	portal's	bar,	around	his	neck	they	cast
	The	fatal	noose	he	gasp'd,	and	breath'd	his	last.
	A	door	they	rais'd,	and	by	a	ladder	plac'd
	For	such	intent,	the	prince,	with	friendly	haste,	340
	Descending	went	to	where	Rogero	lay.
	Excluded	from	the	beams	of	cheerful	day	:
	A	lighted	torch	he	held,	by	which	he	found,
	Stretch'd	on	an	iron	grate,	the	champion	bound,
	Where,	on	a	palm,	beneath	his	dreadful	bed
	With	putrid	damps	a	stagnant	water	spread.
	Without	the	hangman,	axe,	or	cord,	or	knife,
	The	place	had	soon	cut	short	his	wretched	life.
	Leon,	dissolv'd	in	pity,	to	his	breast
	Rogero	closely	held,	and	thus	address'd	:	35'
	"	Sir	knight	!	thy	virtues	o'er	my	willing	mind
	Full	empire	hold,	and	to	thy	service	bind
	My	future	life	thy	good	o'er	mine	I	prize,
	And	for	thy	safety	1	my	own	despise.
	My	friendship	stands	avow'd	thy	love	1	place
	Above	my	sire,	my	kindred,	all	my	race.
	Then	hear	me,	Leon	am	I	call'd,	the	son
	Of	Constantine,	to	thy	assistance	won	:
	In	person	view	me	here,	my	love	to	show,
	With	danger,	should	my	sire	my	purpose	know,	36(
	To	live	an	exile	from	his	regal	seat,
	Or	in	his	court	his	frowns	eternal	meet	:
	For	thee	he	hates,	by	whom	on	yonder	plain
	His	bands	were	near	Belgrado	chas'd	or	slain."
	He	said	:	and,	while	he	thus	discourse	pursu'd,
	Whose	gentle	cordial	ebbing	life	renew'd,
	His	pious	hands	each	straiten'd	band	unty'd	:
	'	What	thanks	to	thee	I	owe	!"	Rogero	cried,
	"	This	being,	sav'd	by	thee,	is	mine	no	more	;
	This	to	my	dear	deliverer	I	restore,	370
	Whene'er,O	prince!	shall	Heaven	myprayersattem
	For	thee	my	sword	to	use,	my	Mfe	to	spend."
	Rogero	thus	;	attd	from	the	dungeon	fled,
	Where	in	his	place	remain'd	the	keeper	dead.
	Himself	unknown,	unknown	with	him	the	two	:
	Good	Leon	to	his	home	Regero	drew,
	And	there,	in	friendly	guise,	some	days	detain'd,
	With	promise	while	in	safety	he	remain'd,
	His	arms	and	generous	courser	to	restore,
	Though	then	withheld	in	stern	Unguardo's	power.
	The	prison	open'd,	and	the	prisoner's	flight,	38:
	And	keeper	kill'd,	were	known	by	morning	light.
	This	way	and	that	was	sway'd	the	hearer's	mind,
	Each	heard	the	tale,	but	none	the	truth	divin'd.
	None	through	the	world	had	Leon	e'er	believ'd
	The	friend	from	whom	Rogero	aid	receiv'd	:
	Leon,	whom	each	supposed	with	hate	pursu'd
	The	knight,	nor	sought	his	safety	but	his	blood.
	Meanwhile	the	matchless	courtesy	impress'cl
	Such	grateful	wonder	in	Hogero's	breast,	390
	So	chang'd	the	purpose,	that,	for	many	a	mile,
	Had	led	him	thither	with	unceasing	toil:
	Repentant	now	bis	former	thoughts	he	vhw'd	;
	Far	other	thoughts	the	soften'd	knight	pursu'd	:
	The	first	by	hatred,	gall	and	venom	fir'd	:
	The	last	by	love	and	love-born	peace	inspir'd.
	At	morn,	at	night,	he	ponder'd	in	his	mind,
	(All	other	cares	would	scarce	admittance	find,)
	How	with	like	courtesy,	or	more,	to	pay
	The	grateful	debt	that	on	his	honour	lay	:	400
	To	him	it	seem	'd,	whate'er	his	life's	extent,
	For	such	a	friend	should	all	his	days	be	spent;
	A	thousand	times	death	ventur'd	for	his	sake
	Would	scarce,	he	deem'd,	a	just	requital	make.
	At	length	fromFrance	the	king's	decree	was	known.
	Which	wide	around	the	herald's	trump	had	blown,
	That	he	whose	hand	would	Bradamant	obtain,
	Must	with	his	sword	and	shield	her	force	sustain.
	Such	little	joy	this	news	in	Leon	bred,
	That	from	his	cheek	the	doubtful	colour	fled	:	410
	For	well	he	knew,	by	many	a	proof	display'd,
	His	arm	too	weak	to	meet	the	Dordan	maid.
	Now	with	himself	he	seem'd	the	means	to	spy.
	By	art	his	want	of	vigour	to	supply	;
	If	in	his	garb	this	unknown	knight	conceal'd,
	He	sent	his	proxy	to	the	listed	field	;
	Whose	force	and	courage	well	he	deem'd	might	stand
	Against	the	best	of	Gallia's	martial	band.
	But	first	he	rested	to	dispose	the	knight
	To	enter	for	his	sake	the	field	of	fight	;	420
	Then,	in	his	stead,	from	all	disguis'd,	to	place
	In	Grecian	garb	array'd	the	dame	to	face.
	Now	to	his	friend	the	secret	of	his	breast
	He	told,	and	urg'd,	with	prayers,	the	dear	request,
	Him,	for	his	sake,	beneath	a	borrow'd	name,
	With	foreign	vesture	clad,	to	meet	the	dame.
	Much	could	the	Grecian's	eloquence,	but	more
	Than	all	his	eloquence,	the	sacred	power
	Of	gratitude,	that	singly	could	control
	The	tenderest	feelings	of	Rogero's	soul:	430
	While	his	heart	shudder'd	at	the	suit,	he	try'd
	With	outward	smiles	his	inward	pangs	to	hide;
	And	answer'd,	that	he	soon	prepar'd	to	proTe
	All	hazards	due	to	noble	Leon's	love.
	Yet	scarce	his	lips	8	had	given	these	accents	breath,
	When,	at	his	heart,	he	felt	a	stroke	like	death.
	By	day,	by	night,	the	youth	more	wretched	grew	;
	By	day,	by	night,	nor	peace	nor	rest	he	knew	:
	He	saw	too	well	his	future	doom	was	seal'd,
	But	never	wish'd	hispromis'd	word	repealed:	440
	A	thousand	deaths	he	rather	chose	to	die,
	Than	e'er	a	suit,	by	Leon	urg'd,	deny.
	His	death	is	fix'd	:	if	Bradamant	he	leaves,
	He	leaves	his	life,	her	loss	his	soul	bereaves
	Of	every	biiss	but	should	his	inward	grief
	Too	feeble	prove	to	work	its	own	relief,
	Himself	can	free	with	predetermin'd	hand
	His	tortur'd	spirit	from	her	fleshly	band	:
	Prepar'd	for	all,	rather	than	living	groan
	To	see	her	made	a	bride	and	not	his	own.	45<fr
	Though	resolute	to	die,	his	mind	as	yet
	Uncertain,	wavers	how	his	fate	to	meet	;
	Sometimes	he	thinks	his	skill	in	arms	to	hide,
	And	to	the	dame	expose	his	naJced	side	:
	For	how	so	happy	could	he	sink	in	death,
	As	by	her	hand	to	yield	his	parting	breath	<
	8	Mctastasio,	in	his	Olympiad,	has	closely	co
	pied	this	beautiful	passage	of	Rogero's	grateful
	generosity	to	Leon.	Megacles,	secretly	in	love
	with	Aristea,	daughter	to	Clistenes,	king	of	Sicyon,
	is	in	the	drama	requested	by	his	friend	l.yoklas
	to	enter	the	lists	in	his	name,	in	order	to	win	for
	him	Aristea,	who	had	been	promised	as	the	reward
	of	the	conqueror.	Many	circumstances	in	the
	elegant	dramatist	are	delicately	grafted	on	thi*
	inimitable	original.


3G5
	HOOLE'S	TRANSLATION
	But	soon	reflection	whisper'd	to	his	thought,
	Not	so	must	Leon's	friendship	be	forgot	:
	His	faith	he	plighted	in	the	single	strife,
	To	win	for	him	fair	Bradamant	to	wife	;	460
	Not	with	feign'd	show	of	fruitless	arms	deceive,
	And	Leon	of	his	promis'd	aid	bereave.
	Thus	still	unstain'd	his	candid	faith	he	held	;
	And	while	bis	thoughts,	now	here,	now	there	re-
	beU'd,
	Heturn'd	from	all,	save	those	that	would	persuade
	His	heart	to	keep	the	vow	his	friendship	made.
	Now	Leon	from	his	father	Constantine
	Had	leave	obtain'd	to	forward	his	design,
	With	arms	and	coursers	and	a	numerous	guard,
	And	all	that	suited	for	his	rank	prepar'd.	470
	His	march	began	:	with	him	Rosrero	rode,
	Who	now	his	arms	restor'd,	and	courser,	ow'd
	To	Leon's	care.	Day	following	day	they	pass'd.
	Till	entering	France,	they	Paris	reach'd	at	last.
	Here	Leon	stay'd	without	the	city's	gate,
	Then	pitch'd	beneath	the	walls,	in	regal	state,
	His	lofty	tent,	and	one	dispatch'd	to	bear
	His	princely	greeting	to	the	monarch's	ear.	fshow'd
	Full	glad	was	Charles,	and	well	his	friendship
	By	visits	paid,	and	costly	gifts	bestow'd.	480
	His	cause	of	coming	then	the	prince	disclos'd,
	And	pray'd,	to	what	the	herald's	voice	propos'd,
	A	speedy	issue,	that	the	dame	who	chose
	A	lord	that	singly	could	her	strength	oppose,
	The	list	would	enter,	since	by	her	in	arms
	He	came	to	die,	or	win	her	virgin	charms.
	Thus	he	;	and	Charles	for	Bradamaut	declar'd
	That	she	th'	ensuing	mom,	in	steel	prepar'd,
	Would	pass	the	gates,	and	in	the	list	(by	night
	Beneath	the	bulwarks	form'd)	await	the	fight.	490
	How	from	the	setting	Sun	to	rising	day	9,
	Did	sad	Rogero	mourn	the	hours	away	!
	So	waits	a	wretch	condemn'd	the	break	of	morn,
	The	light	that	must	to	him	no	mare	return	!
	All	arm'd	he	chose	to	enter	in	the	field.
	To	keep	from	each	his	looks,	his	mien	conceal'd:
	No	steed	he	rode,	nor	pointed	spear	would	shake,
	Nor,	save	his	sword,	would	arms	offensive	take:
	No	lance	he	took,	yet	fear'd	he	not	the	power
	Of	that	which	fram'd	of	gold	Argalia	bore,	500
	Which,	next	Astolpho,	now	the	virgin	held,
	Which	every	warrior	from	his	seat	compell'd	;
	Yet	none	were	conscious	what	the	spear	could	do;
	And	none,	whose	hand	the	weapon	wielded,	knew
	Its	magic	virtue,	save	the	king	alone,
	Who	made,	and	gave	the	weapon	to	his	son.
	Astolpho	and	the	virgin,	since	decreed
	To	bear	the	lance	in	many	a	martial	deed,
	Both	deem'd,	alike	in,	jousts	their	native	might
	Bore	off	the	palm	from	every	other	knight	j	510
	That	every	javelin,	in	their	grasp,	would	gain,
	Like	this,	the	conquest	of	the	listed	plain.
	9	The	reader	will,	it	is	hoped,	indulge	the	trans
	lator	with	a	general	observation	on	the	circum
	stances	attending	this	duel	between	Rogero	and
	ftradamant,	that	the	romantic	torn	of	the	fiction	is
	more	than	compensated	for	by	the	many	fine
	(stroke?	of	nature	introduced	in	the	narrative	;	par
	ticularly	when	he	tells	us,	that	while	Rogero	with
	the	tenderness	of	a	lover	blunts	his	weapon,	through
	fear	to	wound	her,	she,	with	the	sentiments	suiting
	her	situation,	add?	sharpness	to	hers	:	these	are
	crtuinly	the	touches	of	a	matter.
	Such	fight	Rogero	now	resolv'd	to	shorn	:'
	He	fear'd	Frontino	in	the	tilt	to	run	;
	Him	had	the	damsel	seen,	full	well	he	knew,-	>
	Her	heedful	eyes	might	at	a	single	view
	That	courser	call	to	mind,	which	oft	she	rcin'd,
	Which	long	at	Mount	Albano	she	detain'd.
	Rogero	thus,	whose	every	thought	and	caie
	Would	keep	his	person	secret	from	the	fair,	520
	Nor	took	his	steed,	nor	aught	that	might	reveal
	By	tokens	what	be	labour'd	to	conceal.
	Another	sword	he	for	the	combat	cho.-e	:
	He	knew	for	Balisarda's	lightest	blows,
	Nor	helm,	nor	shield,	nor	cuirass	could	avail,
	Nor	strongly	temper'd	plate,	nor	twisted	mail.
	And	civ.	the	falchion	by	his	side	he	plac'd,
	Its	point	he	blunted,	and	its	edge	defac'd.
	To	seem	like	Leon,	o'er	hi	arms	he	wore
	The	regal	scarf,	by	Leon	worn	before	;	530
	The	golden	eagle,	with	his	double	bead,
	He	bore	emblazon'd	on	a	field	of	red.
	Well	might	the	knights	each	other's	vesture	take,
	Alike	their	stature,	and	alike	the!	make:
	Th'	exchange	complete,	one	issu'd	to	the	field,
	While	one	within	the	tent	remain'd	conceal'd.
	Thus	arm'd	amid	the	lists	Rogero	stood,
	When	with	the	dawn	the	bright	horizon	glow'd.
	From	his	far	different	was	the	virgin's	will	:
	Rogero,	all	in	fear	her	blood	to	spill,	540
	Rebates	his	weapon's	edge	:	the	haughty	maid,
	Eager	with	his	to	bathe	her	beamy	blade.
	Adds	sharpness	to	the	steel	;	and	hopes	to	view,
	Through	sever'd	plates,the	wound	each	stroke	pursue;
	With	point	or	edge	to	reach	the	vital	part,
	And	drive	the	falchion	to	her	suitor's	heart.
	As	the	bold	courser,	nerv'd	for	rapid	pace,
	Impatient	waits	the	signal	for	the	race	;
	Vow	here,	now	there,	he	shifts	his	feet	by	turns,
	He	pricks	his	ears,	each	smoking	nostril	burns	:	550
	So	the	fierce	dame,	who	little	thought	the	knight
	Her	dear	Rogero	thus	prepar'd	for	fight	;
	The	trumpet	waiting,	seem'd	through	all	her	frame
	To	swell	with	ardour,	and	to	glow	with	flame.
	As	often	to	the	thunder's	dreadful	sound
	Dire	winds	succeed,	and	from	the	dark	profound
	Jpturn	the	waves;	or	from	the	desert	land
	ii	thickening	volumes	lift	the	heapy	sand	:
	Wild	beasts	and	swains,	with	flocks	affrighted	flyi
	ileak	hail	and	rain	come	rattling	from	the	sky	:
	So	seem'd	the	virgin,	when	the	trumpet	blew,	561
	so,	with	drawn	sword	against	Rogero	flew.
	<t.	less	some	ancient	oak,	or	stone-built	tower
	Of	deep	foundation,	yields	to	Boreas'	power;
	Vot	less	some	solid	rock's	resisting	height
	b	angry	billows,	dash'd	by	day	and	night,
	'ban	good	Rogero	(in	his	fated	arms	10
	Which	Hector	wore,	secur'd	by	Vulcan's	charms)
	18	It	appears	here,	that	Rogero	fought	this	duel
	with	Bradamant	in	the	enchanted	armour,	which
	ic	won	from	Maudricardo,	which	was	impenetra
	te	;	over	which	he	wore	the	regal	vest	of	Leon:
	nd	yet	in	the	next	Book,	when	he	is	brought	back
	y	Leon	to	the	court	of	Charlemain,	he	is	said	to
	iave	the	same	arms	which	he	wore	in	the	list	with
	Bradamant,	and	which	are	described	to	be	hacked
	nd	battered	in	the	combat	:	the	poet's	words	are,
	Con	le	medesme	insegtie,	e	sopra	vete,
	Che	come	dianzi	nella	pugna	fero.
	Eran	tagliaU	ancor	forate	e	peste.
	Lib.	xlvi.	st.	53.


OF	ORLANDO	FURIOSO.	BOOK	XLV.
	367
	Yields	to	the	tempest,	that	with	rage	address'd,
	Pours	on	his	bosom",	side,	his	shield	and	crest.	570
	Now	at	full	length	the	maid	her	weapon	drove;
	Now	endlong	thrust,	while	all	intent	she	strove
	Between	the	jointed	plates	immers'd	to	view
	Her	lover's	blood	the	smoking	steel	imbrue.
	Before,	behind,	now	shifting	side	to	side,
	Oft	wheeling	round	her	furious	strokes	she	ply'd	;
	And	inward	fav'd.	opprest	with	high	disdain,
	To	find	that	every	stroke	was	aitn'd	in	vain.
	As	one,	that	to	some	town	strong	siege	applies,
	Whose	circling	walls	in	solid	bulwarks	rise,	580
	Oft	gives	th'	assault	;	now	seeks	the	gates	to	break,
	Now	fill	the	fosse,	and	now	the	ramparts	shake	:
	He	seeks	his	falling	ranks	with	slaughter	thin,
	And	vainly	hopes	his	entrance	soon	to	win.
	So	toil'd	the	dame	but	nothing	could	avail
	Her	wonted	force	to	shatter	plate	or	mail.
	Now	from	his	cuirass,	now	his	helmet	high,
	Now	from	his	shield	she	makes	the	sparkles	flyi
	Thick,	and	more	thick,	as	on	the	rustic	shed
	The	pattering	hail,	her	rapid	blows	she	sped.	590
	Rogero	stood	collected,	to	attend
	With	skill	his	safety,	northe	maid	offend.
	He	lifts	his	shield,	and	parries	with	his	steel
	The	strokes	he	sees	the	adverse	weapon	deal	:
	Seldom	he	strikes,	or	strikes	with	fondest	care,
	In	doubt	to	hurt	the	lov'd	yet	cruel	fair.
	Meanwhile	the	virgin	burns,	as	fading	light
	The	sky	forsaking,	warn'd	to	end	the	fight.
	And	now	she	call'd	to	mind	the	terms	propos'd,
	Her	danger	pressing	as	the	evening	clos'd	;	600
	For	should	she	fail	in	one	day's	course	to	slay,
	Or	take	her	suitor,	she	becomes	his	prey.
	Now	where	the	flood	Alcides'	pillars	laves,
	'	Phoabus	prepar'd	to	plunge	beneath	the	waves
	His	golden	head,	when	first	a	doubt	prevail'd
	Of	her	own	strength,	and	hope	of	conquest	fail'd.
	As	sunk	her	hope,	the	more	her	fury	grew,
	And	thick	and	heavier	round	her	weapon	flew,
	To	break	that	armour,	which,	essay'd	in	vain,
	Could	all	the	day	her	force	unhurt	sustain.	610
	As	one,	who	to	his	task	his	hand	applies,
	And	sees	the	night	th'	unfinish'd	work	surprise,
	In	vain	with	double	toil	would	time	retrieve.
	Till	strength	and	dav-light	lost	his	views	deceive.
	O	wretched	damsel	"	!	wert	thou	given	to	know
	The	knight	at	whom	thou	aim'st	the	mortal	blow;
	Didst	thou	Rogero	see,	the	youth	on	whom
	Hang	all	thy	wishes,	all	thy	joys	to	come!
	Far	rather	wouldst	thou	die	than	see	his	death,
	On	whose	dear	life	depends	thy	fleeting	breath	;	620
	And	should	thy	own	Rogero	stand	avow'd,	[stow'd	!
	How	wouldst	thou	mourn	each	stroke	thy	arm	be-
	All	there	arms	that	in	the	list	he	bore,
	With	every	mark	of	that	day's	fight	confest,
	With	riven	plate,	pierc'd	mail,	and	batter'd	crest
	Ver.	4	1	3
	Ariostd	appears	to	forget	that	these	arms	were
	enchanted.
	11	Spenser	has	a	passage	similar	to	this,	where
	Arthegal	and	Britomart	fight	together	unknown	to
	each	other;	and	Arthegal,	pressing	her	with	great
	fury,	the	poet	breaks	out	in'o	this	exclamation,
	Ah	!	cruel	hand,	and	thrice	more	cruel	heart,
	That	work'st	such	wreck	on	her	to	whom	thou
	dearest	art	!
	Fairy	Queen,	b.	iy.	c.	vi.	st.	16
	iineCharles.and	all	th'	assembled	peers.who	thought
	That	Leon	thus,	and	not	Rogero,	fought,
	Beholding	how	so	match'd	in	equal	field,
	le	stood	with	Bradamant	his	arms	to	wield;
	low	with	such	skill	he	could	himself	defend.
	And	yet	the	safety	of	the	dame	attend,	[breast,
	With	wonder	gaz'd	while	breatli'd	from	breast	to
	Fach	to	his	fellow	thus	his	thoughts	express'd	:	630
	Sure	Heaven	has	aptly	form'd	this	noble	pair,
	She	merits	well	the	knight,	and	he	the	fair	!'
	When	Phoebus	in	the	seas	had	quench'd	his	light
	Imperial	Charles	commands	to	stay	the	fight:
	And	dooms	the	maid	no	more	delay	to	make.
	But	for	her	spouse	victorious	Leon	take.
	Rogero	would	not	here	his	helm	unlace,
	Nor	from	his	limbs	the	weighty	mail	unbrace,
	But	on	a	palfrey	mounting,	swiftly	went
	Where	Leon	waited	in	the	regal	tent	:	64*
	His	ai-ms	around	the	warrior	Leon	threw,
	And	like	a	brother	to	his	bosom	grew;
	Then	swift	his	helmet	rais'd,	his	face	reveal'd,
	And	with	a	cordial	kiss	each	cheek	he	seal'd.
	'	My	all	is	yours	!	dispose	of	all,"	he	cried,
	'	Partake	my	treasures	and	my	power	divide	:
	Ne'er	shall	I	rest	till	some	return	I	make,
	For	friendship	thus	display	'd	for	Leon's	sake.
	Yet	what	return	!	how	shall	I	e'er	repay
	The	boundless	gift	of	this	auspicious	day	?	65t
	Not	though	the	crown	of	our	imperial	race
	I	take	from-	mine,	and	on	thy	temples	place."
	Thus	he	:	Rogero,	who	in	anguish	bnrn'd,
	Wholoath'd	his	being,	no	reply	return'd	;
	But	to	the	prince	restor'd	his	vest	and	shield,
	So	late	his	ensigns	in	the	listed	field:
	His	unicorn	he	took	;	and	now,	as	prest
	With	heavy	toil,	and	feigning	want	of	rest.
	He	thence	withdrew,	and	soon	his	tent	regain'd,
	Where	when	the	night	in	middle	silence	reign'd.
	Unseen	of	all,	his	limbs	in	arms	he	eas'd,	661
	And	on	his	generous	steed	the	trappings	plac'd	;
	Then	press'd	the	seat,	resolv'd	alone	to	stray,
	And	his	Frontino	left	to	choose	the	way.
	Frontino	now	direct,	now	devious	past,	[waste,
	Now	through	the	champaign,	now	the	woodland
	And	all	the	remnant	night	his	lord	he	bore,
	Who	ceas'd	not	once	his	fortune	to	deplore	:
	On	death	he	call'd	;	from	death	invok'd	relief;
	To	heal	the	anguish	of	a	lover's	grief:	670
	Death,	and	death	only,	could	a	period	give
	For	wovs	too	exquisite	to	bear	and	live	'
	"	Of	whom,	alas	!"	he	cried,	"	shall	I	complain.
	For	all	this	suffering	which	1	now	sustain	?
	Ah	!	would	I	now	revenge	the	pangs	I	feel,
	On	whom,	alas!	such	vengeance	shall	1	deal
	But	on	myself?	To	me	my	fate	I	owe,
	From	me	alone	my	springs	of	sorrow	flow.
	It	fits	that	on	myself	my	rage	I	turn,
	Myself	the	wretched	cause	of	all	1	mourn	!	68*
	But	how,	when	on	my	Bradamant	is	brought
	An	equal	woe,	can	I	support	the	thought	?
	Though	for	myself	I	unreveng'd	might	groan,
	Her	pains	that	vengeance	claim,	deny'd	my	own,
	Yes	I	will	die	for	thee	for	thy	dear	sake
	This	willing	life	shall	some	atonement	make	:
	I	but	regret	such	fate	1	fail'd	to	prove,
	Ere	1	so	far	had	injur'd	her	I	love!
	Why	died	1	not,	when,	doom'd	to	cruel	pains,
	1	lay	in	ruthless	Theodora's	chains	?	690
	Then	had	I	hop'd	to	find	the	pitying	tear
	Of	Bradamant	bedew	Rogero's	bier:


374
	HOOLE'S	TRANSLATION
	And	still	as	one	went	forth,	another	came
	With	tidings	gather'	d	for	his	anxious	dame.
	By	these	she	learnt	that	good	Rogero	lay
	In	desert	wilds,	to	pining	grief	a	prey,
	With	dire	resolve	t'	abstain	from	all	repast
	Of	strengthening	food,	and	waste	with	cruel	fast
	His	wretched	life	:	but	soon	Melissa	gave
	Her	pitying	aid	the	love-lorn	knight	to	save.
	To	seek	him	out	her	dwelling	she	forsook,	170
	And	took,	by	chance,	the	path	that	Leon	took	:
	The	prince	she	met,	who	late	had	sent	before
	His	envoys	every	region	to	explore	;
	And	now	in	person	went	with	anxious	mind
	The	champion	of	the	unicorn	to	find.
	The	sage	enchantress,	who	a	demon	rein'd,
	That	day,	in	likeness	of	a	steed,	constrain'd
	The	saddle	and	the	curbing	bit	to	bear,
	Thus	met	with	Constantino's	imperial	heir.
	"	If	in	your	soul	such	courteous	thoughts	reside,
	As	your	fair	noble	mien	bespeaks,	she	cried,	1SI
	Vouchsafe	your	aid	and	comfort	to	a	knight,
	First	of	this	age	in	virtue	as	in	might,
	Who,	if	some	power	afford	not	swift	relief,
	Draws	near	the	period	of	his	life	and	grief.
	The	bravest	knight	that	ever	at	his	side
	The	sword	has	girt,	or	to	his	breast	apply'd
	The	cuirass	bright,	that	ever	yet	could	wield
	The	beamy	spear,	or	lift	the	fencing	shield	;
	The	gentlest,	comeliest	youth	the	world	has
	known	190
	In	ancient	times,	or	boasted	in	our	own	;
	For	one	unheard-of	act,	in	friendship's	cause,
	Without	some	aid	to	life's	sad	period	draws.
	Then	deign,	O.prince	!	to	view	his	wretched	state,
	And	prove	if	aught	can	yet	avert	his	fate."
	She	ccas'd:	and	Leon,	who	in	thought	divin'd
	That	th	:	s	was	he,	the	knight	he	wish'd	to	find,
	Pursu'd,	without	delay,	the	path	she	led,
	To	snatch	so	brave	a	warrior	from	the	dead	;
	Apd	ere	they	far	had	pierc'd	the	desert	way,	200
	They	came	where	nex't	to	death	Rogero	lay	:
	They	found	him	weak	and	spent,	so	nearly	past
	All	human	help,	v	Vh	three	days	cruel	fast,
	That	scarce	was	vigour	left	him	from	the	plain
	To	rear	his	bulk,	but	all	his	strength	in	vain
	Had	prov'd	his	trembling	members	to	sustain.
	Oiit-st	retch	'd	he	lay,	w-ith	armour	cover'd	o'er,
	His	head	the	casque,	his	side	the	falchion	bore;
	His	pillow	rude	the	famous	targe	he	made,
	Whose	field	the	snow-white	unicorn	display'd	:	"210
	There,	while	hegriev'd	howill	his	deed	return'd
	The	faithful	love	with	which	his	mistress	burn'd,
	He	sigh'd	he	rav'd	he	call'd	himself	ingrate,
	That	gave	the	bitterest	dregs	of	cruel	fate
	To	her	he	lov'd	;	while	tears	his	face	o'erflow'd,
	While	every	look	and	frantic	gesture	show'd
	His	fix'd	despair,	and,	lost	to	all	beside,
	Nor	Leon	nor	Melissa	he	descry'd:
	Nor,	at	their	sight,	his	tears	or	plaints	snppress'd,
	Nor	stopt	the	sighs	deep	bursting	from	his	breast.
	Leon	attentive	stood	his	speech	to	hear,	221
	Then	left	his	steed,	and	now	advancing	near,
	He	found	that	love	had	pierc'd	his	bleeding	heart,	'
	lJut	knew	not	her	whose	love	had	wing'd	the	dart:
	For	while	Rogero's	lips	his	sorrows	show'd,
	They	nanrfd	not	her	from	whom	his	sorrows	flow'd.
	Near	and	more	nearthe	prince	advancing	drew,
	Till	face	to	face	he	stood	in	open	view	;
	Then	with	a	blether's	warmth	the	youth	address'*!,
	Lay	at	his	side,	and	clasn'd	him	to	his	breast.	230
	Yet	much	I	doubt	the	brave	despairing	knight
	Rejoic'd	but	little	at	his	Leon's	sight,
	From	whose	known	zeal	he	well	might	fear	to	find
	A	purpose	to	prevent	his	death	design'd.
	With	gentlest	word?	that	friendship	could	impart
	To	soothe	the	anguish	of	a	wounded	heart,
	Thus	Leon	spoke	"	Refuse	not	to	disclose
	The	secret	cause	from	which	thy	sorrow	rose	:
	Few	are	the	pangs	which	human	kind	endure,
	T.ut	knowledge	of	the	wound	may	point	the	cure:
	Tell	me	thy	grief	while	yet	of	life	possest,	241
	Ah	!	let	us	ne'er	of	hope	our	souls	divest.
	It	grieves	me	sore,	what	touch'd	thy	woe	or	weal,
	Thou	shouldst	from	me	thy	truest	friend	conceal	:
	Not	only	now	by	friendship	firmly	ty'd,
	No	time	henceforth	our	union	shall	divide;
	Pnt	from	that	moment,	when	thy	victor	sword
	Seem'd	every	cause	of	hatred	to	afibrd,
	Thou	still	wertmine,	and	mightstfrom	me	receive
	Whate'er	my	wealth,	my	friends,	my	life	could
	give!	250
	Decline	not	then	t'	impart	thy	secret	grief.
	And	leave	a	friend	to	work	a	friend's	relief.
	Should	all	uiy	help	be	fruitless	to	remove
	Thy	soul's	distress	the	last	sad	refuge	prove
	Of	welcome	death	but	ah	!	such	thoughts	refrain,
	Till	every	human	aid	is	try'd	in	vain."
	He	said;	and	with	such	friendly	warmth	address'd
	His	soothing	speech,	and	urg'd	the	dear	request,
	That	sad	Rogero's	heart,	not	fram'd	of	steel
	Or	harden'd	adamant,	but	made	to	feel	260
	Fair	friendship's	power,	refus'd	not	to	comply
	With	what	he	deem'd	discourteous	to	deny.
	Yet	thrice	he	strove	to	speak,	while	on	his	tongue,
	With	open	lips,	the	faltering	accents	hung.
	At	length	he	spoke	"When	'I,	O	prince!	pro
	claim
	(As	soon	I	shall)	my	unexpected	name	;
	Trust	me,	thon	wilt	no	more	oppose	my	fate,
	Cut	rather	wish	this	object	of	thy	hate
	A	speedier	death	In	me	Rogero	view	!
	Whose	rage	so	lately	could	thy	life	pursue;	270
	Who	for	this	cause	the	Christian	court	forsook,
	And	to	thy	camp	his	hostile	journey	took,
	Lest	Bradamant,	obtain'd	from	me,	should	fill
	Thy	happier	arms;	well	known	that	Amon's	will
	Favour'd	thy	suit	but	since	man's	erring	kind.
	Oft	plans	what	God	has	other	far	design'd,
	Thy	matchless	courtesy,	O	prince	!	repress'd
	The	vengeful	purpose	of	my	jealous	breast.
	Not	only	former	hatred	I	resign'd,
	But	to	thy	welfare	all	my	thoughts	inclin'd.	280
	Thou	pray'dst	me	(rittle	conscious	that	thy	prayer
	Rogero	urg'd)	to	win	the	peerless	fair
	To	winforthee!	and,	ah	!	thou	mightst	as	well
	From	this	sad	heart	the	vital	flame	expel	:
	Yet	ah	!	too	sure	the	dear	event	has	shown,
	If	th	y	desires	I	priz'd	beyond	my	own.
	Lo	!	Bradamant	is	thine	!	secure	with	her
	Thy	happiness,	which	I	to	mine	prefer:
	But	since	to	me	she	's	lost	wilt	thou	deny
	My	woes	the	only	privilege	to	die?	290
	What	can	this	breast	of	wretched	life	deprive,
	If	I	the	loss	of	Bradamant	survive	?
	Yet	more	thou	canst	not,	while	I	live,	address
	A	lawful	plea	the	virgin	to	possess	:
	Oft	have	our	names	beenjoin'd	in	nuptial	vows,
	Xfr	ran	she	link	with	me	a	second	spouse."
	\Viicn	Loon,	in	his	friend,	Rogero	view'd,
	Awhile	iniinov'd	in	silent	gaze	he	stood	:


OF	ORLANDO	FURIOSO.	BOOK	XLVI.
	375
	Fix'd	as	a	sculptur'd	form	memorial	stands,
	In	some	fair	temple	rais'd	by	pious	hands.	300
	He	deem'd	an	act	so	courteous	must	excel
	Whate'er	the	past	or	present	times	can	tell.
	When	sudden	thus	Rogero	stood	confess'd,
	No	less	affection	warm'd	his	generous	breast;
	No	less	he	for	Rogero's	sufferings	bore,
	Than	once	for	him	Rogero	felt	before:
	And	hence,	to	prove	him	worthy	of	his	line,
	Th'	imperial	heir	of	royal	Constantine,
	He	will'd,	howe'er	in	prowess	left	behind,
	To	emulate	Rogero's	courteous	mind.	310
	Then	thus	"	If	on	that	memorable	day
	When	to	thy	valiant	arm	my	camp	gave	way,
	Thy	hated	name	to	me	had	stood	reveal'd,	,
	(Thy	name,	Rogero,	till	this	hour	conceal'd,)
	Still	had	thy	worth	no	less	my	favour	won,
	Than	when	I	view'd	thy	deeds,	thyself	unknown:
	The	love	I	beartbee	now,	alike	confest
	EVn	then	had	banish'd	hatred	from	my	breast.
	Rogero's	name	I	loath'd	before	I	knew
	That	to	thyself	this	l;ated	name	was	due.	320
	Thus	far	I	own	but	think	not	what	before
	My	hatred	rais'd	can	raise	my	hatred	more.
	Foy	had	f	known	(when	doom'd	to	racking	pains
	I	set	thee	free	from	Theodora's	chains)
	What	since	I	know	my	soul	had	still	pursn'd
	As	now,	whate'er	might	work	thy	future	good.
	If	from	my	hand	uch	friendship	couldst	thou	prove,
	Not	bound	by	sacred	ties	of	grateful	love	;
	Should	I	ot	now	thy	dearest	wish	pursue,
	Oh!	I	were	basest	of	th'	ungrateful	crew.	330
	Self-robb'd	of	every	bliss,	thy	bosom	ow'd
	To	Heaven	and	love	on	me	thou	hast	bestow'd
	Th'	invaln'd	gift	but,	lo	!	to	thee	I	give
	Th'	invalu'd	gift	again,	and	bid	thee	live.
	Happier	in	this,	thy	anguish	to	relieve,
	Than	from	thy	hand	the	virgin	to	receive.
	No	claim	have	I	to	thee	belongs	her	heart	:
	What	though	I	love	her	for	her	high	desert,
	Should	she	another	wed,	my	secret	grief,
	Not	fix'd	as	thine,	might	find	from	time	relief.	340
	Ah	!	can	1	wish	that	death	should	loose	the	bands
	That	hold,	in	nuptial	league,	your	plighted	hands,
	And	give	me,	as'd	of	every	rival	strife,
	To	take	the	virgin	for	my	lawful	wife	?
	Not	her.	alone	but	all	the	world	can	give
	I	here	abjure	O	let	me	cease	to	live,
	Rather	thaji	men	shall	say,	one	thought	distress'd
	Through	me,	thepeaceof	such	a	chnmpion'sbreast!
	Yet	let	me	here	thy	doubts	unkind	reprove,
	That	thou,	who	like	thy	own	my	soul	canst	move,
	Whose	will	is	mine,	shouldst	sooner	choose	to	die
	Than	on	my	friendly	zeal	for	help	rely."	35'
	These	words,	and	many	more,	which,	long	to	tell
	From	Leon's	lips	in	soft	persuasion	fell.
	With	reasons	justly	weigh'd,	at	length	subdu'd
	Rogero's	purpose,	who	no	more	pursu'd
	His	dire	resolve	"I	yield,	I	yield	!'*	he	said,
	"	Nor	longer	seek	to	mingle	with	the	dead.
	T}i*t	what	to	thee	is	due,	whose	saving	breath	35!
	Has	twice	redeem'd	me	from	the	stroke	of	death	?'
	Then	costly	wines,	and	meats	of	Havorous	taste
	Melissa's	care	before	Rogero	pJac'd,
	And	with	kind	words	consol'd	the	pen-tic	knight,
	Whoso	fainting	spirit	stood	prcpar'd	for	fl	ght.
	Meantime	Frontino,	who	the	neighing	heard
	Of	kindred	course,r<,	from	the	woods	jtppear'd	:
	Him	Leon	bade	th'	attending	squires	receive,
	And	rcin'd	and	$	addled	to	bis	masuy-	z.v*,
	Who,	led	by	Leon,	scarce,	with	trembling	feet
	And	sinking	knees,	cou'd	mount	his	wonted	seat.570
	>o	was	that	strength	decay'd,	that	strength	which
	late
	lad,	'midst	an	army,	scatter'd	death	like	fate,
	Vhcn	drestwith	cuirass,	helm,	and	shield	unknown,
	'heGreeksby	him	beheld	their	camp	o'erthrown.
	Now	from	the	wood	these	three	their	way	pursue,
	And	soon	an	abbey's	friendly	walls	they	view,
	Vhose	kind	retreat	receives	each	welcome	guest:
	liat	day.	and	two	succeeding.days	they	rest,
	'ill,	by	the	slumbering	couch	and	genial	board
	"he	champion	of	the	unicorn	restor'd	380
	!'o	pristine	vigour,	with	th'	enchantress	datne,
	d	Leon,	to	th'	imperial	city	came.
	Here	chosen	envoys	were	receiv-'d	but	late
	)n	solemn	business,	from	Bulgaria's	state;
	The	grateful	state	that	to	their	regal	throne
	logero	chose,	and	deem'd	in	France	alone
	To	find	their	prince,	and	thither	sent	to	bring,
	7	rom	royal	Charles,	their	new	elected	king,
	That	each	to	him	might	pay	a	subject's	vows,
	And	with	the	diadem	enwreath	his	brows.	390
	With	these	ambassadors	the	squire	appear'd,
	From	whom	the	tidings	of	his	lord	were	heard;
	How	near	Belgrade's	walls	Rogero	fought,
	What	deeds	his	valour	for	Bulgaria	wrought,
	When	Leon	and	his	sire	his	arm	o'erthrew,
	And	all	th'	imperial	host	dispers'd	or	slew:
	For	which	the	victors	vow'd	to	him	their	crown,
	Rejecting	every	ruler	of	their	own	:
	And	how,	in	Novengrado's	walls	betray'd,
	The	youth	by	stern	Unguardo	was	convey'd	40*
	To	Theodora's	hands;	when	soon	was	spread
	The	certain	rumour	of	the	keeper	dead,
	The	prison	oppn'J,	and	the	prisoner	fled.
	But	none	by	tidings	or	surmise	could	tell
	What	fortune	since	the	noble	knight	befel.
	Now	nnobserv'd,	with	vestments	not	his	own,
	Rogero	enter'd	Charles'	imperial	lown
	Through	private	ways;	and	at	the	morning	light
	With	Leon	came,	before	the	emp'ror's	sight.
	Rogero	held,	with	double	branching	head,	410
	The	golden	eagle	on	a	field	of	red	;
	And,	as	agreed,	the	Grecian	habit	wore,
	And	all	those	arms	wbich	in	the	list	he	bore;
	With	every	mark	of	that	day's	fight	confept.
	With	riven	plate,	pierc'd	mail,	and	batter'd	crest;
	That	each	believ'd	in	him	the	knight	they	view'd	6	*,
	Who	Bradamant	in	equal	fight	subdu'd.
	With	him,	unarm'd,	came	Leon	at	his	side	t
	Array'd	in	costly	robes	with	regal	pride;	,
	And	all	around	the	prince	was	seen	to	wait	420
	A	train	that	well	beseem'd	his	lofty	state.	v
	To	Charles	he	bow'd.	who	from	his	sovereign	seat
	Already	rose	the	noble	pair	to	meet.
	Good	Leon	by	the	hand	Rogero	led.
	On	whom	all	eyes	were	fix'd,	and	thus	he	said	:
	"	Lo	!	here	the	knight,	who	late	sustain'd	thefray
	From	morning's	early	dawn	till	close	of	day.
	Since	Bradamant	nor	made	him	prisoner	yield.
	Nor	slew,	nor	drove	him,	vanquish'd,	from	the	field,
	If	rightly	he	conceives	your	high	decree,	430
	He	asks,	Oking!	the	meed	of	victory,
	Tjlie	virgin	won	and	comes	from	Ihee	to	take
	That	hand,	which	valour	thus	bis	own	could	make.
	6	3For	a	remark	on	this	passage,	see	Book	xly.
	ver.	567.


HOOLK'S	TRANSLATION
	Though,	from	tliy	late	disposal,	none	shall	dare
	Contend	with	him	to	wed	the	matchless	fair;
	Yft	say,	if	courage	may	deserve	the	dame,
	What	other	knight	shall	urge	a	nobler	claim	?
	If	he	must	win,	who	holds	her	most	ahove
	Her	lovely	sex,	what	heart	like	his	can	love	?
	And	here	he	stands,	prepar'd	in	single	fight,	440
	With	arms	undaunted	to	defend	his	right."
	Imperial	Charles,	and	all	his	court,	amaz'd,
	When	this	they	heard,	awhile	in	silence	gaz'd	;
	F.ach	deem'd	that	Leon	had	the	combat	won,
	And	not	this	knight,	who	seem'd	to	all	unknown.
	Mr.rphisa,	who.	with	many	z	noble	peer,
	Stood	silent	by,	scarce	gave	a	patient	ear
	Till	Leon	ceas'd	;	but	with	disdain	inflam'd,
	Stept	forth,	and	thus	in	liasty	words	exclaim'd	:
	"	Since	absent	hence,	Rogero	is	deny'd	450
	T'	assert	his	title	to	the	plighted	bride,
	Ist,	wanting	friends	to	yield	a	generous	aid,
	Another	undisputed	should	invade
	His	sacred	rights	Lo!	I,	his	sister,	dare
	The	boldest	be,	who	rashly	shall	declare
	For	Bradamant	a	lover's	boasted	name,
	Or	vie	presumptuous	with	Rogero's	claim.	1	*
	Sternly	she	spoke	;	and	from	her	eyes	appear'd
	Such	fiery	glances,	that	th'	assistants	fear'd,
	Lest,	not	awaiting	lists	by	Charles	prepar'd,	460
	Her	hand	had	then	some	deed	of	vengeance	dar'd.
	Leon	no	more	Rogero	now	conceal'd,
	But,	lifting	up	his	helm	"*,	his	face	reveal'd	:
	Then	to	Marphisa	turn'd	"Behold,"	he	cried,
	"	Himself	appears	the	contest	to	decide!"
	As	old	Egeus	gaz'd	6	$,	with	ghastly	hue,
	When	at	the	direful	board	his	son	he	knew,
	To	whom	he,	by	his	impious	wife	impell'd,
	In	ruthless	ire	the	deadly	poison	held	;
	Who,	bad	not	then	the	monarch's	eyes	descry'd
	The	fatal	sword,	had	by	his	father	died	:	471
	So	look'd	Marphisa,	when,	by	Leon	shown,
	She	found	Rogero	in	the	knight	unknown	:
	Sodden	around	his	much-lov'd	neck	she	clung
	With	eager	grasp,	and	at	his	bosom	hung.
	Orlando	then,	Rinaldo	then	express'd
	Their	love	;	but	first	imperial	Charles	address'd
	f	he	noble	youth	:	"	Not	Olivero	bold,
	Not	gallant	Dudon,	nor	Sobrino	old,
	Could	from	his	wish'd	embrace	their	arms	with
	hold,	480
	Knights,	barons,	Paladins,	alike	enjoy'd
	The	happy	change,	that	every	thought	employ'd.
	Leon,	whose	lips	in	speaking	could	excel,
	At	length,	these	greetings	done,	began	to	tell
	Before	the	king	and	nobles	of	the	state
	(Who	stood	to	hear	the	prince	his	tale	relate)
	How	brave	Rogero's	matchless	strength	in	arms,
	h	prov'd	to	his	and	to	his	people's	harms,
	6	*	The	whole	of	this	episode	of	Leon	and
	Rogero	is	admirably	supported,	and	few	dis
	coveries	can	be	imagined	more	interesting	than
	tliis	of	Rogero.
	6	5	Egeus,	king	of	Athens,	being	on	his	travels
	entertained	at	the	house	of	Piltoeus,	inTroezcne,
	had	an	intrigue	with	Etra	his	daughter,	and	when
	he	departed	left	with	her	his	sandals	and	sword,
	charg	ng	her.	if	she	should	be	brought-to-bed	of	a
	boy,	to	send	him	to	Athens	with	these	tokens.	She
	was	aftewards	delivered	of	Theseus	;	who	being
	(row	n	up,	took	the	sword	and	sandals;	deposited
	Could	at	Belgrade	more	excite	his	love,
	Than	all	his	realm	endnr'd	his	hatred	move:	490
	That,	when	to	torture	doom'd	by	her	whose	hands
	Detain'd	the	noble	knight	in	cruel	bands,
	He,	mindless	of	the	ties	of	blood,	reliev'd
	The	wretched	captive,	and	from	death	repriev'd	;
	Then	how	Rogero,	from	his	prison	freed,
	Repaid	the	service	with	a	generous	deed,
	That	past	nor	future	ages	could	exceed.
	He	told,	how	inly	stung	with	deep	despair,
	When	for	his	friend	he	won	the	martial	fair,	500
	The	knight	resolv'd	to	die,	and	verg'd	on	ileath,
	When	timely	aid	prolong'd	his	fleeting	breath	:
	And	in	such	moving	phrase	the	tale	he	drest,
	That	not	an	eye	the	feeling	tear	suppress'd.
	He	ended	here	;	and	then	persuasive	woo'd
	Relentless	Amon,	till	his	words	subdu'd
	Tenacious	age,	not	only	from	his	thought
	Drove	his	first	purpose,	but	so	far	he	wrought,
	Amon	refus'd	not	at	Rogero's	hand
	To	plead	excuse,	and	urge	the	nuptial	band	;	510
	Beseeching	now	the	youth	to	crown	his	vows,
	T'	accept	in	him	his	sire,	in	Bradamant	his	spouse.
	Soon	to	the	virgin,	where	retir'd	she	sate,
	Avid	mourn'd	the	turns	of	her	disastrous	fate,
	With	gladsome	accents	many	a	tongue	convey'd
	The	happy	news,	which,	when	the	love-lorn	maid
	At	first	receiv'd,	the	blood	around	her	heart
	By	grief	collected,	from	that	vital	part
	So	sudden	flew,	as	near	with	joy	had	left
	Her	chilly	frame	of	life	itself	bereft	:	520
	All-trembling	and	unnerv'd	her	feet	in	vain,
	With	strength	exhausted,	would	her	weight	sustain.
	Though	such	her	courage	and	her	force	mad
	known
	In	many	a	fight,	as	oft	the	Muse	has	shown.
	Not	greater	joy	the	wretch	condemn'd	can	feel,
	When	setitenc'd,	by	the	gibbet,	axe,	or	wheel,
	To	shameful	death	;	or	when	the	hangman's	hand
	Has	folded	o'er	his	sight	the	fatal	band	;
	If	chance	his	ears	th'	unhop'd-for	sound	receive
	Of	that	blest	voice	which	brings	his	life's	reprieve.
	With	transport	Clarmont	and	Mograna	view'd
	Between	each	house	what	union	fair	ensu'd	:
	Not	less	Anselmo	old	and	Gano	66	mouru'd:
	Not	less	Ginami,	Gini,	Falcon	burn'd
	With	envious	rage,	while	<	ach,	with	outward	smiles,
	Conceal'd	a	bosom	fraught	with	serpent	guiles,
	To	plan,	in	future	time,	the	murderous	snare	:
	As	lurks	the	crafty	fox	to	seize	the	hare.
	Of	these	had	numbers	(a	degenerate	train)
	Fall'n	by	Orlando	and	Rinaldo	slain.	540
	Though	oft	the	prudent	king	th'	effects	suppress'd,
	Of	what	each	treacherous	mind	might	else	suggest.
	And	still'd	their	plaints	;	yet	Bertolagi	kill'd,
	With	I'innabel,	their	breasts	with	fury	fill'd,
	with	Etra	by	his	father,	and	went	to	Athe
	where	he	found	all	the	city	in	confusion	by	tl
	machinations	of	Medea,	who,	at	the	arrival
	Thrsem.	made	him	suspected	by	Fgeus,	and	per
	suaded	the	king	to	destroy	him	at	a	banquet	by
	poison	:	but	fortunately,	as	the	youth	reached	out
	bis	hand	to	receive	the	cup,	Fgeus	perceived	his
	sword,	and,	embracing	him,	acknowledged	him	for
	his	son.
	66	Ancient	enemies	to	the	houses	of	Charlemain,
	Orlando	and	Rinaldo,	so	often	mentioned	b/
	Boyaiclo,	and	other	romance	writers.


6F	ORLANtJO	FURlOSO.	BOOK	XLVL
	ftitri	soon	the	Saracen	from	sleep	awoke,
	With	nervous	arms	he	clasp'd	his	neck,	and	shook
	The	gallant	youth,	till	from	his	seat	he	drew
	And	to	the	ground	the.	smuggling	warrior	threw	:
	Scarce	had	he	fall'n,	when	swift	from	earth	he
	sprung
	With	anger	deep,	with	shame	yet	deeper	stung.
	For,	as	on	Bradamant	he	cast	his	eyes,
	He	saw	pale	terrours	o'er	her	features	rise	:	990
	She	view'd,	and	trembling	view'd,	her	dearest
	knight
	Hurl'd	frOm	his	seat,	and,	sickening	at	the	sight,
	Her	tender	Soul	seem'd	ready	wing'd	for	flight.
	Rogero,	who	to	heal	his	shame	prepar'd,
	His	falchion	brandish'd,	and	the	Pagan	dar'd
	To	new	assault;	the	Pagan	spurs	his	steed	.
	T'o'erwhehn	the	knight;	the	knight	with	skilful
	heed
	Eludes	the	shock,	and	in	his	hand	restrains
	The	hostile	courser	by	the	straiten'd	reins.
	He	whirls	him	round,	and	stands	with	point	addresft
	To	pierce	the	mailed	side	or	plated	breast	:	]001
	With	two	deep'wounds	he	galls	his	thigh	and	side;
	And	fast	from	either	flows	the	crimson	tide.
	Stern	Rodotnont,	who	in	his	hold	retain'd
	The	hilt	and	broken	blade	that	yet	remain'd,
	With	these	a	dreadful	stroke,	in	fell	intent,
	At,	utmost	strength	on	good	Rogero	sent.
	Rogero,	who	his	fair	advantage	knew,
	llad	sei/'d	his	arm,	and	now	with	force	he	drew
	The	furious	king,	and	bending	to	and	fro,	1010
	t'ompell'd	at	length	his	saddle	to	forgo.
	He	fell	but	whether	by	his	force	or	skill,
	So	fell,	he	seem'd	Rogero's	equal	siill,
	Alighting	on	his	feet	but	all	the	field
	That	saw	Rogero	yet	his	weapon	wield,
	High	hopes	conceiv'd	muanwhi	le,	with	every	slight,
	The	youth	essay'd	to	keep	the	Pagan	knight
	At	distant	bay,	nor	close	too	near	with	one
	Of	such	huge	limb,	strong	nerve,	and	giant	bone.
	He	view'd	the	Pagan's	gaping	wounds,	he	view'd
	His	side	and	thigh	with	purple	streams	imbruM,
	And	hop'd,	with	ebbing	strength,	he	soon	must
	yield	120
	To	him	the	glory	of	the	well	fought	field.
	Still	in	his	grasp	the	furious	Pagan	held
	The	broken	weapon;	this,	with	force	impell'd,
	He	threw	the	weapon	sent	with	certain	aim
	Against	Rogero's	helm	and	shoulder	came.
	So	dreadful	was	the	stroke,	the	gentle	knight
	Reel'd	here	and	there,	and	scarce	his	utmost	might
	Suffic'd	to	keep	bis	tottering	bulk	upright.	103C
	To	close	in	nearer	strife	the	Pagan	try'd	;
	His	wounded	thigh	his	hasty	step	deny'd	;
	And	while	he	urg'd	his	feeble	nerves	in	vain,
	One	knee,	beneath	him	bending,	touch'd	the	plain.
	His	time	Rogero	took,	he	press'd	his	foe,
	He	whirl'd	his	falchion	round,	with	blow	on	blow,
	And	laid	once	more	the	haughty	Pagan	low.
	Again	more	fierce	he	rose	;	and	now	they	ioin'd	;
	They	grasp'd,	with	arms	around	each	other
	twin'd.
	His	wounded	side	and	thigh	that	vigour	drain'd,
	Which	Rodomont	so	oft	in	fight	sustain'd.	1041
	Rogero	well	his	pliant	limbs	could	wield,
	And	long	had	practis'd	in	the	wrestlers'	field.
	His	'vantage	now	he	saw,	and	close	pursu'd,
	And	where	the	Pagan's	deepest	wounds	he	view'd,
	Where	most	he	saw	the	purple	current	flow.
	Close	and	more	close	he	press'd	th'	enfeebled	foe.
	381
	iut	Rodomont,	with	rage	and	shame	impell'd,
	5y	turns	Rogero's	neck	and	shoulders	held.
	Now	forward	drew,	now	backward	thrust,	and
	press'd	1050
	The	youthful	hero	to	his	cruel	breast,
	And	lifted	high	now	here,	now	there,	he	strain'd
	The	dauntless	knight,	and	still	his	hold	retain'd.
	While	every	means	he	tries	on	earth	to	throw
	The	Christian	youth	;	nor	less	his	gallant	foe,
	Collected	in	himself,	his	art	and	might
	Smploys	to	disappoint	the	Pagan	knight,
	And	keep	him	still	beneath	;	oft	wheeling	round,
	ilogero	shifts	his	hold,	and	shifts	his	ground.	1059
	At	length	fierce	Rodomont	his	waist	enclos'd
	With	firmest	grasp-^now,	breast	to	breast	op-
	pos'd,
	They	toil	they	parit	Rogero	chief	apply'd
	His	art	against	the	Pagan's	wounded	side:
	Athwart	his	bending	knee	one	foot	he	thrust,
	And,	lifting,	hurl'd	him	prostrate	on	the	dust
	Headlong.	When	thus	the	furious	Pagan	fell
	On	the	bard	earth,	the	blood,	as	from	a	well,
	Streaui'd	from	each	wound,	and	deep	on	every
	side
	The	fatal	plain	with	gory	crimson	dy'd.
	Rogero	now,	with	Fortune's	favour	crown'd,	1070
	To	keep	the	Pagan	prisoner	on	the	ground,
	One	hand	the	dagger	to	his	sight	address'd,
	One	hand	with	fearful	grasp	his	throat	com-
	press'd,
	While	either	knee	his	heaving	bosom	press'd.
	As	in	Pannonian	or	Iberian	8	*	gloom
	Where	wretched	miners	cheerless	days	consume
	For	shining	ore,	if	fate	above	impends,
	And	sudden	ruin	on	their	head	descends,
	Crush'd	up	and	bruis'd,	their	spirits	scarcely	find	-
	A	vent	to	leave	their	mortal	part	behind.	1080
	So	lay	the	Sarzan	prince,	so,	press'd	beneath
	The	victor,	struggled	in	the	jaws	of	death.
	The	dagger,	now	unsheath'd,	Rogero	shook,
	And	at	his	vizor	seem'd	to	aim	the	stroke	:
	He	bade	him	yield,	as	vanquish'd	in	the	strife,
	With	plighted	faith	to	spare	his	forfeit	life;
	But	he,	whom	thought	of	death	far	less	dismay'd
	Than	aught	that	signs	of	dastard	fear	betray	'd',
	Still	bent	and	twin'd	;	while	all	in	vain	he	pro'v'd
	Against	the	knight,	who	kept	his	place	unmov'd.
	As	when	the	mastiff,	panting	on	the	plain,	1091
	Whose	throat	the	nimble	grey	hound's	*	fangs	con
	strain
	With	deadly	gripe,	in	fruitless	fury	lies,
	With	jaws	dire	foaming,	and	with	fiery	eyes	:
	Not	all	his	force	the	victor	can	elude,
	By	skill	and	vigour	not	by	rage	subdu'd	:
	So	Rodomont	essay'd	each	art,	to	make
	The	conquering	youth	his	powerful	hold	forsake.
	He	strove	to	rise:	but	still	the	wary	knight
	Press'd	him	to	earth	with	unabated	might.	1	100	"
	Now,	writhing	here	and	there,	the	Pagan	strain'd
	Each	nerve,	and	freed	at	length	his	better	hand,
	That	in	its	grasp	th'	insidious	poniard	bore	;
	(The	poniard	from	the	sheath	releas'd	before)
	*	He	alludes	to	the	metallic	mines	of	Hungary
	and	Spain,	the	latter	so	named	from	the	river
	Hebrus.
	8	s	Alano,	the	name	of	a	peculiar	kind	of	dog	of
	great	strength	and	agility.


41*
	HOOLE'S	TRANSLATION
	Before	the	image	burns	continual	light	;
	A	flowing	veil	conceals	her	from	the	sight.
	On	every	side	are	tables	there	display'd,
	And	votive	gifts	by	superstition	paid.
	Haste	'	snatch	their	idol	from	that	impious	race,
	And	in	thy	mosque	the	boasted	figure	place.
	Then	will	I	raise	such	spells	of	wondrous	power,
	This	fated	pledge	(while	there	detain'd	secure)
	Shall	prove	the	guardian	of	thy	city's	gate	>;
	And	walls	of	adamant	shall	fence	thy	state.''
	He	said,	and	ceas'd	:	his	words	persuasion
	wrought,
	And	swift	the	king	the	hidden	temple	sought:
	Furious	he	drove	the	trembling	priests	away,
	And	seiz'd	with	daring	hands	the	hallow'd	prey	:
	Then	to	the	mosque	in	haste	the	prize	he	bore;
	(Where	rites	profane	offend	th'	Almighty	Power)
	There,	o'er	the	sacred	form,	with	impious	zeal,
	The	foul	magician	mutter'H	many	a	spell.
	But	soon	as	morning	streak'd	the	east	of	Heaven,
	The	watch,	to	whom	the	temple's	guard	was	given,
	No	longer	in	its	place	the	image	found,
	And	search'd	with	fruitless	care	the	dome	around.
	Then	to	the	king	the	strange	report	he	bears	j
	The	king,	inflam'd	with	wrath,	the	tidings	hears	:
	His	thoughts	suggest	some	Christian's	secret	hand
	Has	thence	purloin'd	the	guardian	of	the	land:
	But	whether	Christian	zeal	had	thence	convey'd
	The	hallow'd	form	;	or	Heaven	its	power	display'd,
	To	snatch	from	impious	fanes	and	roofs	unclean
	The	glorious	semblance	of	their	virgin-queen,
	Doubtful	the	fame;	nor	can	we	dare	assign
	The	deed	to	human	art	or	hands	divine.
	The	king	each	temple	sought	and	secret	place,
	And	vow'd	with	costly	gifts	the	man	to	grace,
	Who	brought	the	image,	or	the	thief	reveal'd	;
	But	threaten'd	those	whose	lips	the	deed	conceal'd.
	The	wily	sorcerer	every	art	apply'd
	To	explore	the	truth	:	in	vain	his	arts	he	try'd	:
	For	whether	wrought	by	Heaven,	or	Earth	alone,
	Heaven	kept	it,	spite	of	all	his	charms,	unknown.
	But	when	the	king	perceiv'd	his	search	was	vain
	To	find	th'	offender	of	the	Christian	train	:
	On	all	at	once	his	fierce	resentment	turn'd	$
	On	all	at	once	his	savage	fury	burn'd	:
	Ko	bounds,	no	laws,	his	purpose	could	control,
	But	blood	alone	could	sate	his	vengeful	soul.
	'	Our	wrath	shall	not	be	lost."	aloud	he	cries,
	"	The	thief	amidst	the	general	slaughter	dies.
	Guilty	and	innocent,	they	perish	all	!
	Let	the	just	perish,	so	the	guilty	fall.
	Yet	wherefore	just	?	when	none	our	pity	claim;
	Not	one	but	hates	our	rites,	and	hates	our	name.
	Rise,	rise,	my	friends	!.	the	fire	and	sword	employ,
	Lay	waste	their	dwellings,	and	their	race	destroy.''
	So	spoke	the	tyrant	to	the	listening	crew	j
	Among	the	faithful	soon	the	tidings	flew.
	With	horrour	chill'd.	the	dismal	sound	they	heard,
	While	ghastly	death	on	every	face	appear'd.
	None	think	of	flight,	or	for	defence	prepare,
	Or	seek	to	deprecate	their	fate	with	prayer:
	But	lo	!	when	least	they	hope,	the	timorous	bands
	Their	safety	owe	to	unexpected	hands.
	A	maid	there	was	among	the	Christian	kind,
	In	prime	of	years,	and	of	exalted	mind	:
	1	This	passage	is	evidently	borrowed	from	the
	ancient	Palladium,	by	which	the	city	of	Troy	was
	to	be	defended.
	Jeauteous	her	form,	but	beauty	she	despis'd,
	Or	beauty	grac'd	with	virtue	only	priz'd.
	From	flattering	tongues	the	modest	fair	withdrew,
	And	liv'd	secluded	from	the	public	view:
	But	vain	her	cares	to	hide	her	beauty	prov'd,
	ier	beauty	worthy	to	be	seen	and	lov'd.
	"for	Love	consents,	but	soon	reveals	her	charmi,
	And	with	their	power	a	youthful	lover	warms:
	That	Love	who	now	conceals	his	piercing	eyes,
	And	now,	like	Argus,	every	thing	descries	;
	Who	brings	to	view	each	grace	that	shuns	the	light,
	And	midst	a	thousand	guards	directs	the	lover's
	Sophronia	she,	Olindo	was	his	name	;	[sight	!
	The	game	their	city,	and	their	faith	the	same.
	The	youth	as	modest	as	the	maid	was	fair,
	Jut	little	hop'd,	nor	durst	his	love	declare:
	1e	knew	not	how,	or	fear'd	to	tell	his	pain,
	he	saw	it	not,	or	view'd	it	with	disdain:
	Thus	to	this	hour	in	silent	grief	he	mourn'd,
	Iis	thoughts	unnoted,	or	his	passion	scorn'd.
	Meantime	the	tidings	spread	from	place	to	place,
	)f	death	impending	o'er	the	Christian	race	:
	Soon	in	Sophronia's	noble	mind	arose
	A	generous	plan	to	avert	her	people's	woes	:
	eal	first	inspir'd,	but	bashful	shame	ensu'd,
	And	modesty	awhile	the	thought	withstood	:
	Yet	soon	her	fortitude	each	doubt	suppregs'd,
	And	arm'd	with	confidence	her	tender	breast	j
	Through	gazing	throngs	alone	the	virgin	goes,
	N'or	strives	to	hide	her	beauties,	nor	disclose	:
	O'er	her	fair	face	a	decent	veil	is	seen,
	ler	eyes	declin'd	with	modest	graceful	mien	:
	An	artless	negligence	compos''	1	,	her	dress,
	And	nature's	genuine	grace	Iv.-r	charms	confess,
	Admir'd	by	all,	regardless	went	the	dame,
	Pill	to	the	presence	of	the	kinic	she	came	:
	While	yet	he	rav'dj	she	dav'd	to	meet	his	view,
	Vor	from	his	threatening	lucks	her	steps	withdrew.
	'	O	king	"'	she	thus	began,	"	awhile	contain
	Thy	anger,	and	thy	people's	rage	restrain	:
	'.	come	to	show,	and	to	your	vengeance	yield
	Th'	offender	from	your	fruitless	search	conceal'd."
	She	said,	and	ceas'd	:	the	king	in	wonder	srnz'd,
	\Strtickwith	her	courage,	with	her	looks	amaz	d)
	Her	sudden	charms	at	once	his	soul	engage,
	Fie	calms	his	passion,	and	forgets	his	rage.
	If	milder	she,	or	he	of	softer	frame,
	His	heart	had	felt	the	power	of	beauty's	flame	:
	But	haughty	charms	can	ne'er	the	haughty	move	;
	For	smiles	and	graces	are	the	food	of	love.
	Though	love	could	not	affect	his	savage	mind,
	He	yet	appear'd	to	gentle	thoughts	inclin'd.
	Disclose	the	truth	at	large,	"	he	thus	reply'd,
	No	harm	shall	to	thy	Christian	friends	betide."
	Then	she:	"	Before	thy	sight	the	guilty	stands:
	The	theft,	O	king	!	committed	by	these	bands.
	In	me	the	thief	who	stole	the	image	view	;
	To	me	the	punishment	decreed	is	due."
	Thus,	fill'd	with	public	zeal,	the	generous	dame
	A	victim	for	her	people's	ransom	came.
	O	great	deceit	!	O	lie	divinely	fair!
	What	truth	with	such	a	falsehood	can	compnre	?
	fn	deep	suspense	her	words	the	tyrant	heard,
	No	wonted	fury	in	his	l'x>ks	appear'd.
	"	Declare,"	thus	mildly	t<	tho	maid	he	spoke,
	"	Who	gave	thee	counsel	and	the	deed	partook.*	1
	"	The	deed	alone	was	mine,"	reply'd	the	fair:
	'	I	suffer'd	none	with	me	the	fame	to	share;
	Mine	was	the	counsel,	mine	the	first	design,
	And	the	last	acting	of	the	deed	was	mine.	1	'


OF	JERUSALEM	DELIVERED.	BOOK	III.
	41d
	Say,	who	is	he,	so	fierce	in	combat	seen,
	Of	dauntless	semblance,	and	erected	mien	?'*
	At	this	the	virarin	heav'd	a	tender	sigh,
	The	silent	drops	stood	trembling	in	her	eye	:
	But,	all	she	could,	the	fair	her	tears	suppress'd,
	And	stopp'd	the	murmurs	of	her	troubled	breast:
	Yet	on	her	cheeks	the	trickling	dews	appear'd,
	And	from	her	lips	a	broken	sigh	was	heard.
	Then	artful	to	the	king	she	thus	reply'd	:
	(And	strove	with	angry	words	ber	thoughts	to
	hide)
	"	Ah	me	!	I	know	him	sure,	have	cause	too	well,
	Among	a	thousand,	that	dire	chief	to	tell:
	Oft	have	I	seen	him	strow	the	purple	plain,
	And	glut	his.fury	with	my	people	slain!
	Alas	'	how	sure	his	blows	!	the	wounds	they	give
	Nor	herbs	can	heal,	nor	magic	arts	relieve:
	Tancred	his	name	O	!	grant	some	happier	hour
	May	yield	him,	living,	prisoner	to	my	power	!
	So	might	my	soul	some	secret	comfort	find,
	And	sweet	revenge	appease	my	restless	mind	!''
	She	said,	and	ceas'd.	The	king	the	damsel	heard,
	But	U>	a	different	sense	her	speech	refefr'd	;
	While,	minsrled	witli	these	artful	words	she	spoke,
	A	sigh	spontaneous	from	her	bosom	broke.
	Meanwhile,	her	lance	in	rest,	the	warrior-dame
	With	eager	haste	to	encounter	Tancred	came.
	Their	vizors	struck,	the	spears	in	shivers	flew;
	The	virgin's	face	was	left	expos'd	to	view	;
	The	thongs	that	held	her	helmet	burst	in	tK-ain	;
	Hurl'd	from	her	head,	it	bounded	on	the	plain	:
	Loose	in	the	wind	her	golden	tresses	flow'd,
	And	now	a	maid	confess'd	to	all	she	stood	;
	Keen	flash	her	eyes,	her	look	with	fury	glows	;
	Yet	e'en	in	rage	each	feature	lovely	shows:
	What	charms	must	then	her	winning	smiles	dis
	close	?
	What	thoughts,	O	Tancred	!	have	thy	bosom	mov'd?
	Dost	thou	not	see	and	know	that	face	belov'd	?
	Lo	'.	there	the	face	that	caus'd	thy	amorous	pains	;
	Ask	thy	fond	heart,	for	there	her	form	remains:
	Behold	the	features	of	the	lovely	dame
	Who	for	refreshment	to	the	fountain	came	5.
	The	knight,	who	mark'd	not	first	her	crest	and
	shield,
	Astonish'd	now	her	well	known	face	beheld.
	She	o'er	her	head	disarm'd	the	buckler	threw,
	And	on	her	senseless	foe	with	fury	flew:
	The	foe	n.'tir'd	;	on	other	parts	he	turn'd
	His	vengeful	steel:	yet	still	her	anger	burn'd	;
	And	with	a	threatening	voice	aloud	she	cried	j
	And	with	a	two-fold	death	6	the	chief	defy	'd.
	Th'	enamour'd	warrior	ne'er	returns	a	blow,
	Nor	heeds	the	weapon	of	his	lovely	foe	;
	But	views,	with	eager	gaze,	her	charming	eyes,
	From	.which	the	shaft	of	love	unerring	flies:
	Then	to	himself	'	In	vain	the	stroke	descends;
	In	vain	her	angry	sword	the	wound	intends;
	While	from	her	face	unarm'd	she	sends	the	dart,
	That	rives	with	surer	aim	my	bleeding	heart!"
	At	length	resolv'd,	though	hopeless	of	relief,
	No	more	in	silence	to	suppress	his	grief,
	5	See	Book	i.	p.	408,	where	the	first	account
	is	given	of	Tancred's	love	to	Clorinda,	and	the	ad
	venture	here	referred	to.
	6	Con	doppia	morte	The	Italian	commentator
	explains	this	to	mean,	a	natural	death,	and	the
	death	of	love,	una	amoroso.	ALTRA	COP.PURALE.
	And	that	the	dame	might	know	her	rage	pursu'd
	A	suppliant	captive	by	her	charms	subdu'd;
	'	O	thou	!"	he	cried,	'	whose	hostile	fury	glows
	On	rne	alone	amid	this	host	of	foes,
	Together	let	us	from	the	field	remove,
	And,	hand	to	hand,	our	mutual	valour	prove."
	The	maid	his	challenge	heard	;	and,	void	of	fear^
	With	head	unarm'd	rush'd	furious	to	the	war	:
	Her	trembling	lover's	steps	in	haste	pursu'd,
	And	now,	prepar'd,	in	act	of	combat	stood,
	Already	aim'a	a	stroke	;	when	loud	he	cried	:
	"	First	make	conditions	ere	the	strife	be	tried."
	Awhile	her	lifted	arm	the	virgin	stay'd,
	And	thus	the	youth,	by	love	embolden'd,	said	:
	"	Ah	!	since	on	terms	of	peace	thou	wilt	not	join,
	Transfix	this	heart,	this	heart	no	longer	mine:
	For	thee	with	pleasure	I	resign	my	breath	;
	Receive	my	life,	and	triumph	in	my	death.
	See,	unresisting	in	thy	sight	I	stand;
	Then	say	what	cause	withholds	thy	lingering	hand	?
	Or	shall	I	from	my	breast	the	corselet	tear.
	And	to	the	stroke	my	naked	bosom	bare	?"
	Thus	wretched	Tancred	spoke;	and	more	had
	said
	To	unfold	his	sorrows	to	the	wondering	maid,
	But	sudden	now	his	troops	appear'd	at	hand,
	Who	closely	press'd	the	Pagan's	yielding	band	:
	Or	fear	or	art	impel	I'd	the	Syrian	race;
	One	?eem'd	to	fly,	while	t'	other	held	the	chase.
	When	lo	!	a	soldier,	who	his	foes	pursu'd,
	And,	part	expos'd,	the	fair	Clorinda	view'd,
	Aim'd,	as	he	pass'd	behind	th'	unwary	maid,
	A	sudden	stroke	at	her	defenceless	head.
	Tancred,	who	sees,	exclaims	with	eager	cries,
	And	with	his	sword	to	meet	the	weapon	flies.
	Yet	not	in	vain	was	urg'd	the	hostile	steel,
	On	her	fair	neck	7,	beneath	her	head,	it	fell	:
	Slight	was	the	wound;	the	crimson	drops	appear.
	And	tinge	the	ringlets	of	her	golden	hair.
	So	shines	the	gold,	which	skilful	artists	frame,
	And,	mix'd	with	rubies,	darts	a	ruddy	flame.
	Fir'd	at	the	deed,	the	prince	in	anger	burn'd,
	And,	with	his	falchion,	on	the	offender	turn'd.
	This	flies,	and	that	pursues	with	vengeful	mind,
	Swift	as	an	arrow	on	the	wings	of	wind	!
	The	musing	virgin	view'd	their	course	from	far,
	Then	join'd	her	flying	partners	of	the	war.
	By	turns	she	flies	;	by	turns	she	makes	a	stand;
	And	boldly	oft	attacks	the	Christian	band.
	So	fares	a	bull,	with	mighty	strength	indu'd,
	In	some	wide	field	by	troops	of	dogs	pursu'd	;
	Oft	as	he	shows	his	horns,	the	fearful	train
	Stop	short,	but	follow	when	he	flies	again.
	And	still	Clorinda,	as	she	fled	the	field,
	Her	head	defended	with	her	lifted	shield.
	Now	these	the	battle	fly,	and	those	pursue,
	Till	near	the	lofty	walls	appear	in	view	;
	When,	with	a	dreadful	shout	that	fills	the	air,
	The	Pagans,	turning	swift,	renew	the	war:
	Around	the	plain	in	circuit	wide	they	bend,
	And	flank	the	Christians,	and	their	rear	offend.
	Then	bold	Argantes,	from	the	city's	height,
	Pours	with	hia	squadron	on	the	front	of	fight.
	7	This	circumstance,	of	Clorinda	being	wounded,
	is	very	similar	to	the	passage	in	Boyardo,	adopted
	by	Ariosto,	where	Bradamant	is	in	like	manner
	wounded	in	the	head	by	a	Pagan,	while	she	is
	parleying	with	Roger9,


HOOLE'S	TRANSLATION
	Impatient	of	delay,	before	his	crew,
	Wi'b	furious	haste,	the	fierce	Circassian	flew.
	The	first	he	met	his	thundering	javelin	found,
	And	horse	and	horseman	tumbled-to	the	ground	:
	And	ere	the	trusty	spear	in	shivers	broke,
	What	numbers	more	an	equal	fate	partook	!
	His	falchion	next	he	drew,	and	every	blow
	Or	slays,	or	wounds,	or	overturns	the	foe.
	Clorinda	saw,	and	kindled	at	the	view,
	And	old	Ardelius,	fierce	in	battle,	.slew	:
	Robust	in	age	!	Two	sons	their	father	guard	;
	But	nought	can	now	the	deadly	weapon	ward.
	Alcander,	eldest	horn,	her	fury	found,
	His	sire	deserting	with	a	ghastly	wound	;
	And	Poliphernes,	next	his	place	in	fight,
	Scarce	sav'd	his	life	from	brave	Clorinda's	might
	But	Tancred,	wearied	with	the	fruitless	chase
	Of	him	whose	urser	fled	uith	swifter	pace,
	Now	turu'd	his	eyes,	and	saw	his	troops	from	far
	Engag'd	too	boldly	in	unequal	war	:
	He	view'd	them	by	surrounding	Pagans	press'd,
	And	spurr'd	his	courser	to	their	aid	in	haste.
	Nor	he	alone,	but	to	their	rescue	came
	The	band,	the	first	in	dangers	as	in	fame	;
	The	band	by	Dudon	led,	the	heroes'	boast,
	The	strength	and	bulwark	of	the	Christian	host.
	Rinaldo,	bravest	of	the	brave	confess'd,
	Like	flashing	lightning	shone	before	the	rest	!
	Erminia	soon	the	gallant	prince	beheld,
	Known	by	the	eagle	8	in	an	azure	field.
	Then	to	the	king,	who	thither	turn'd	his	eyes:
	"	Behold	a	chief,	unmatch'd	in	arms	!"	she	cries,
	"	No	sword	like	his	in	yonder	camp	is	seen,
	Yet	scarce	appears	the	down	to	shade	his	chin.
	Six	champions	more,	his	equals	in	the	field,
	Had	made	already	conquer'd	Syria	yield	:
	The	furthest	regions	had	confess'd	their	sway,
	The	distant	realms	beneath	the	rising	day	!
	And	even	the	Nile,	perhaps,	his	head	unknown
	Had	vainly	then	conceal'd,	the	yoke	to	shun.
	Such	is	the	youth	!	his	name	Rinaldo	call,
	Whose	hand	with	terrour	shakesthe	threaten'd	wall!
	Now	turn	your	eyes,	and	yonder	chief	behold,
	Array'd	in	verdant	arms	and	shining	gold	:
	Dudon	his	name,	(the	gallant	band	he	leads,
	Adventurers	call'd,	and	first	in	martial	deeds,)
	Of	noble	lineage,	with	experience	crown'd,
	In	age	superior,	as	in	worth	renown'd.
	See	where	yon	leader	clad	in	sable	stands,
	(Whose	brother	holds	the	rule	of	Norway's	lands,)
	Gernando	fierce,	of	no	unwarlike	name,
	But	with	his	pride	be	sullies	all	his	fame.
	The	friendly	couple,	who,	in	vesture	white,
	So	close	together	share	the	task	of	fight,
	Are	Edward	and	Gildippe,	(blameless	pair	!)
	In	love	unequall'd,	and	renown'd	in	war!"
	While	thus	she	spoke,	upon	the	plain	below
	They	saw	more	deep	the	dreadful	carnage	grow	:
	There	Tancred	and	Rinaldo's	furious	hands
	Pierc'd	the	thick	ranks,	and	broke	the	opposing
	bands.
	Next,	with	his	squadron,	Dudon	nish'd	along,
	And	pour'd	impetuous	on	the	hostile	throng.
	8	The	white	eagle	in	the	azure	field	was	the
	ensign	of	the	house	of	Est	:	much	is	said	of	this
	device	by	Ariosto,	who	gives	it	to	Mandricardo
	'	and	Rogero,	and	fcigtu	it	to	have	been	borne	by
	Hetr	of	Troy.
	E	en	fierce	Argantes,	tumbled	to	the	ground
	By	brave	Rinaldo,	scarce	his	safety	foniH	;
	Nor	had	the	haughty	chief	escap'd	so	well,
	But,	lo	!	Rinaldo's	horse	that	instant	fell,
	And	chancing	on	his	master's	foot	to	light,
	Detain'd	awhile	the	champion	from	the	fight.
	The	routed	Pagans,	now	oppress'd	with	dread.
	Forsook	their	ranks,	and	to	the	city	fled.
	Alone	Clorinda	and	Argantes	bear
	The	raging	storm	that	thunders	on	the	rear.
	Intrepid	these	maintain	their	dangerous	post,
	And	break	the	fury	of	the	conquering	host:
	Their	daring	hands	the	foremost	battle	meet,
	Bid	slaughter	pause,	and	cover	the	retreat.
	Impetuous	Dudon	chas'd	the	flying	crew,
	And	fierce	Tigranes,	with	a	shock,	o'erthrew	;
	Then	through	his	neck	the	sword	a	passage	found.
	And	left	the	carcase	headless	on	the	ground.
	In	vain	his	cuirass	steel'd	Alga'zor	wore;
	Corbano's	temper'd	casque	avail'd	no	more	!
	This	through	the	nape	and	face	the	weapon	press'd	j
	That,	through	the	back,	and	issu'd	at	his	breast.
	Then	Amurath	and	Mahomet	he	slew	;
	Their	souls	reluctant	from	their	bodies	flew.
	The	stern	Almanzor	next	his	valour	prov'd	j
	And	scarce	secure	the	great	Circassian	mov'd.
	Argantes	rav'd,	his	breast	with	fury	burn'd,
	And	oft,	retreating,	on	the	foe	he	turn'd	j
	Till	with	a	sudden	stroke	the	chief	he	found,
	And	in	his	flank	impress'd	a	mortal	wound.
	Prone	falls	the	leader,	stretch'd	on	earth	be	lie^
	An	iron	sleep	invades	his	swimming	eyes	;
	And	thrice	he	strives	to	view	the	light	in	vain,
	And	on	his	arm	his	sinking	bulk	sustain	;
	Thrice	backward	falls,	and	sickens	at	the	-ight,
	And	stints	at	length	his	eyes	in	endless	night	:
	A	chilly	sweat	o'er	all	his	body	streams,
	A	mortal	coldness	numbs	his	stiffening	limbs.
	The	fierce	Argantes	stay	'd	not	o'er	the	dead,
	But,	turning	to	the	Franks,	aloud	he	said
	"	Warriors,	attend	!	survey	this	bloody	sword,
	But	yester's	Sun	the	present	of	your	lord	!
	Mark	how	this	hand	has	tried	its	use	to	day;
	Haste	!	to	his	ears	the	glad	report	convey	;
	What	secret	pleasure	must	your	leader	feel.
	To	find	his	glorious	gift	approv'd	so	well	!
	Bid	him,	to	nobler	purpose	snon	address'd,
	Expect	this	weapon	buried	in	his	breast;
	And	should	he	long	delay	our	force	to	meet,
	This	hand	shall	tear	him	from	his	dark	retreat"	.
	Boastful	he	spoke	j	enrag'd	the	Christian*
	hear,
	And	furious	round	him	drive	the	thickening	war	:
	Jut	he	already,	nith	the	flying	crew,
	Safe	in	the	shelter	of	the	town	withdrew.
	Now	from	the	wall	the	close	defenders	pour
	Their	stones,	like	storms	of	hail,	a	missile	shower:
	nnumber'd	quivers	shafts	for	bows	supply,
	And	clouds	of	arrows	from	the	ramparts	fly	!
	Awhile	they	force	th'	advancing	Franks	to	stand,
	in	the	gates	retreat	the	Pagan	band	;
	V'hen	lo	!	Rinaldo	came,	(who	now	had	freed
	lis	foot	encumber'd	by	his	fallen	steed,)
	3ager	he	rush'd,	on	proud	Argantes'	head
	>	take	revenge	for	hapless	Dudon	dead	:
	'hrongh	all	the	ranks,	inspiring	raare,	he	flies	:
	Why	stand	we	lingering	here	?"	the	warrior
	cries	:
	Lost	is	that	chief	who	rul'd	our	band	of	late,
	Vhy	haste	we	not	to	avenge	the	leader's	fate	?


OF	JERUSALEM	DELIVERED.	BOOK	IV.
	With	awful	reverence	at	his	sight	she	bow'd,
	Then	seem'd	abash'd	with	shame,	and	silent
	stood.
	With	gentle	words	the	leader	strove	to	cheer
	Her	drooping	spirits,	and	dispel	her	fear:
	Till	thus	she	fram'd	her	tale	with	fraudful	art,
	In	accents	sweet,	that	won	the	yielding	heart	:
	"	Uncnnquer'd	prince	!	whose	far-resounding	name
	With	every	virtue	fills	the	mouth	of	fame	!
	Whom	kings	themselves,	subdu'd.	with	pride	obey,
	While	vanquish'd	nations	glory	in	thy	sway!
	Known	is	thy	valour,	and	thy	worth	approv'd,
	By	all	esteem'd,	and	by	thy	foes	belov'd	!
	E'ei	those	confide	in	him	they	fear'd	before,
	And,	when	distress'd.	thy	saving	hand	implore.
	I,	who	a	different	faith	from	thine	profess	;
	A	faith	obnoxious,	which	thy	arms	oppress	;
	Yet	hope,	by	thee,	to	ascend	my	rightful	throne,
	Where	once	my	sires	in	regal	lustre	shone.
	If,	from	their	kindred,	others	aid	demand,
	To	oppose	the	fury	of	a	foreign	band,
	I,	since	my	friends	no	ties	of	pity	feel,
	Against	my	b!o<>d	invoke	the	hosfile	steel.
	On	tbee	I	call	;	in	thee	my	hopes	I	place:
	T	is	thine	alone	my	abject	state	to	raise.
	No	less	a	glory	shall	thy	labours	crown,
	To	exalt	the	low,	than	pull	the	mighty	down	:
	An	equal	praise	the	name	of	mercy	yields
	With	routed	squadrons	in	triumphant	fields.
	Oft	hast	thou	snatch'd	from	kings	the	sovereign
	power	;
	Win	now	a	like	renown,	and	mine	restore.
	O	may	thy	pitying	grace	my	cause	sustain,
	Nor	let	me	on	thy	help	rely	in	vain	!
	Witness	that	power,	to	all	an	equal	God	!
	Thy	aid	was	ne'er	in	juster	cause	bestuw'd.
	But	hear	me	first	my	hapless	fortune	show,
	And	speak	the	treachery	of	a	kindred-foe.
	"	In	me	the	child	of	Arbilan	survey,
	Who	o'er	Damascus	once	maintain'd	the	sway	:
	He,	sprung	of	humbler	race,	in	marriage	gain'd
	FairChariclea,	and	the	crown	obtain'd:
	But	she,	who	rais'd	him	to	the	sovereign	state,
	Ere	I	was	born,	receiv'd	the	stroke	of	fate.
	One	fatal	day	my	mother	snatch'd	from	Earth	j
	The	same,	alas	!	beheld	my	hapless	birth	!
	Five	annual	Suns	had	scarce	their	influence	shed,
	Since	from	the	world	my	dearest	parent	fled,
	When,	yielding	to	the	fate	of	all	mankind,
	My	sire	in	Heaven	his	faithful	consort	join'd.
	The	monarch	to	a	brother's	guardian	care
	Consign'd	his	sceptre	and	his	infant-heir;
	In	whom	he	deem'd	he	justly	might	confide,
	If	ever	virtue	did	in	man	reside.
	The	kingdom's	rule	he	seiz'd,	but	still	he	show'd
	A	zeal	for	me.	and	for	my	country's	good	;
	While	all	his	actions	seem'd	th'	effects	to	prove
	Of	faith	untainted	and	paternal	love.
	But	thus,	perchance,	with	shows	of	anxious	zeal,
	He	sought	his	traitorous	purpose	to	conceal	:
	Or	else,	sincere,	to	effect	his	deep	design,
	My	hand	in	marriage	with	his	son	to	join.
	I	grew	in	years,	and	with	me	grew	his	son	j
	In	whom	no	knightly	virtues	ever	shone	:
	Rude	was	his	aspect,	ruder	was	his	soul,
	Rapacious,	proud,	impatient	of	control	:
	Such	was	the	man	my	guardian	had	decreed
	To	share	my	kingdom	and	my	nuptial	bed.
	In	vain	to	win	me	to	his	will	he	try'd	;
	I	heard	in	silence,	or	his	suit	deny'd	.
	One	day	he	left	me,	when	his	looks	confess'd
	Some	fatal	treason	lurking	in	his	breast;
	Alas!	methought	I	then	could	clearly	trace
	My	future	fortune	in	the	tyrant's	face:
	From	thence	what	visions	did	my	soul	affright,
	Distract	rny	sleep,	and	skim	before	my	sight	!
	O'er	all	my	spirits	ljung	a	mournful	slooin,
	A	sure	presage	of	every	woe	to	come	!
	Oft	to	my	view	appear'd	my	mother's	ghost,
	V	bloodless	form,	In	tears	and	sorrows	lost!
	Ah	me	!	far	distant	from	her	former	look	!
	*	Fly,	fly,	my	daughter!'	"thus	the	phantom	spoke,
	'	For	thee	the	murderous	steel	the	tyrant	bears;
	For	ihee	his	rage	th'	envenom'd	bowl	prepares	!'
	"	But	what	avail'd	these	bodings	of	my	mind	?
	Why	was	I	warn'd	to	shnn	the	ills	design'd	?
	Could	I,	a	helpless	maid,	resolve	to	roam,	!',!'
	A	willing	exile	from	my	native	home?
	A	milder	choice	it	seem'd	to	close	my	sight
	In	that	dear	place	where	first	1	saw	tne	light.
	Yet	death	I	fear'd,	and	fear'd	from	death	to	fly	j
	Nor	knew	on	whom	for	counsel	to	rely.
	To	none	I	durst	my	secret	thoughts	relate,
	But.	liv'd	in	dread	suspense,	uncertain	of	my	fate	!
	Like	one,	who	every	moment	thinks	to	feel
	On	his	defenceless	head	th'	impending	steel.
	But	(whether	fortune	now	was	kinder	grown,
	Or	Heaven	reserv'd	me	yet	for	woes	unknown)
	A	faithful	courtier,	who,	with	anxious	cares.
	Had	bred	my	father	from	his	infant	years,
	Touch'd	with	compassion	for	my	death	decreed,
	Reveal'd	the	tyrant's	meditated	deed	;
	And	own'd	himself	th'	elected	minister
	That	day	the	poison	to	my	hand	to	bear.
	He	bade	me	fly,	if	still	I	wish'd	to	live,
	And	proffer'd	every	aid	his	power	could	give:
	With	soothing	words	against	my	fears	he	wrought;
	And	soon	confirmed	my	undetermin'd	thought	:
	With	him	I	then	resolv'd	at	parting	light
	To	fly,	and	trust	my	safety	to	my	flight,
	"	'T	was	now	the	hour	that	silence	reign'd	around,
	And	welcome	darkness	brooded	on	the	ground	j
	When,	unperceiv'd,	I	pass'd	the	palace-gate;
	(Two	faithful	maids	companions	of	my	fate)
	Yet,	with	a	tearful	eye,	and	heavy	mind,
	I	left	my	dear	paternal	seat	behind	;
	While,	as	my	tardy	feet	their	course	pursu'd,
	With	longing	looks,	my	lov'd,	lost	home	I	view'd.
	So	seems	a	ship	by	sudden	tempests	tost,
	And	torn,	unwilling,	from	its	friendly	coast.
	All	night,	and	all	th'	ensuing	day,	we	pass'd
	Through	pathless	deserfs,	and	a	dreary	waste:
	Till,	seated	on	the	borders	of	the	land,
	A	castle's	safe	retreat	at	length	we	gain'd.
	Here	dwelt	Arontes,	who,	with	pious	truth,
	Preserv'd	my	life,	the	guardian	of	my	youth,
	"	But	when	the	traitor	saw	his	treason	vain,
	And	found	me	thus	escap'd	his	deathful	train,
	He,	with	inveterate	rage	and	fraudful	mind,
	Accus'd	us	of	a	crime	himself	design'd.
	My	bribes,	he	said,	had	false	Arontes	wrought
	To	mingle	deadly	poison	in	his	draught	;
	That,	when	he	could	no	more	my	will	restrain,
	To	loose	desires	my	soul	might	give	the	rein.
	Ah	!	first	let	lightning	on	my	head	descend,
	Ere,	sacred	Virtue	!	I	thy	laws	offend	!
	With	grief	my	tyrant	on	the	throne	I	view'd,
	And	saw	him	thirsting	still	to	shed	my	blood	;
	But,	more	than	all,	1	mourn'd	my	virgin-name
	Traduc'd,	dishonour'd,	made	the	sport	of	fame	!


432
	HOOLE'S	TRANSLATION
	But	those,	excluded	from	the	list,	exclaim
	On	fickle	Fortune	as	a	partial	dame	;
	Love	they	accuse,	who	suffered	her	to	guide
	His	Sacred	empire,	and	his	laws	decide;
	Yet	many	purpos'd	to	pursue	the	maid,
	When	parting	light	should	yield	to	sable	shade;
	In	fortune's	spite,	her	person	to	attend.
	And,	with	their	lives,	from	every	chance	defend.
	With	gntle	sighs	and	speeches	half	disclos'd,
	Their	willing	minds	to	this	she	more	dispo^'d:
	To	every	knight	alike	she	fram'd	her	art,
	And	seem'd	to	leave	him	with	dejected	heart.
	Now,	clad	in	shining	arms,	th'	allotted	band
	Dismission	from	their	prudent	chief	demand.
	The	hero	then	admonish'd	each	aside,
	How	ill	they	could	in	Pagan	faith	confide	;
	So	frail	a	pledge	eujoin-'d	'em	to	beware.
	And	guard	their	souls	from	every	hidden	snare.
	But	all	his	words	were	lost	in	empty	wind	;
	Love	takes	not	counsel	from	a	wholesome	mind.
	The	knights	dismiss'd,	the	dame	no	lunger	stay'd
	Nor	till	th'	ensuing	morn	her	course	delay'd.
	Elate	with	conquest,	from	the	camp	she	pass'd,
	The	rival	knights,	like	slaves,	her	triumph	grac'd
	While	rack'd	with	jealousy's	tormenting	pain,
	She	left	the	remnant	of	the	suitor-	train.
	But	soon	as	night	with	silent	wings	arose,
	The	minister	of	dreams	and	soft	repose,
	In	secret	many	more	her	steps	pursue	:
	But	first	Eustatius	from	the	tents	withdrew	:
	Scarce	rose	the	friendly	shade,	when	swift	he	fled
	Through	darkness	blind,	by	blind	affection	led.
	He	roves	uncertain	all	the	dewy	night,
	But	soon	as	morning	streaks	the	skies	with	light,
	Armida's	camp	salutes	his	eager	sight.
	Fir'd	at	the	view,	th'	impatient	lover	flies	;
	Him,	by	his	arms,	Rambaldo	knows,	and	cries-
	"	What	seek'st	thou	here,	or	whither	dost	thou
	bend	?"
	**	I	come,"	he	said,	"	Armida	to	defend	:
	In	me.	no	less	than	others,	shall	she	find
	A	ready	succour	and	a	constant	mind."	[approve,
	"	Who	dares,"	the	knight	replies,	"	that	choice
	And	make	such	honour	thine	?"	He	answer'd
	"	Love.
	From	Fortune	thou,	from	Love	my	right	I	claim	:
	Say,	whose	the	greatest	boast	and	noblest	name	?"
	Rambaldo	then	"Thy	empty	titles	fail.
	Such	fond	delusive	arts	shall	ne'er	prevail.
	Think	not	to	join	with	us	^hy	lawless	aid,
	With	us	the	champions	of	the	royal	maid."
	"	Who	shall	oppose	my	will	?"	the	youth	reply'd,
	"	In	me	behold	the	man	!"	Rambaldo	cried.
	Swift	at	the	word	he	rush'd	;	with	equal	rage
	Eustatius	sprung	his	rival	to	engage.
	But	here	the	lovely	tyrant	of	their	breast
	Advanc'd	between	them,	and	their	rage	suppress'd.
	"	Ah	!	cease,"	to	that	she	cried,	"	nor	more	com
	plain,
	That	thou	a	partner,	I	a	champion	gain	:
	Canst	thou	my	welfare	or	my	safety	prize,
	Yet	thus	deprive	me	of	my	new	allies	?
	In	happy	time,"	to	this	began	the	dame,
	"	Thou	com'st,	defender	of	my	life	and	fame:
	Reason	forbids,	that	e'er	it	shall	be	said,
	Armida	scorn'd	so	fair	an	offer'd	aid.'	1
	Thus	she	;	while	some	new	champion	every
	hour
	Pursu'd	her	standard,	and	increas'd	her	power.
	Some	wandering	here,	some	there,	the	damsel
	join'd,
	Though	each	concealing	what	his	thoughts	design'd,
	Now	scowl'd	with	jealous	looks	his	rivals	there	to
	find.
	She	seem'd	on	all	to	cast	a	gracious	eye,
	And	every	one	receir'd	with	equal	joy.
	Scarce	had	the	day	dispel	I'd	the	shades	of	night.
	When	heedful	Godfrey	knew	his	warriors'	flight	;
	And	while	bis	mind	revolv'd	their	shameful	doom,
	He	seem'd	to	mourn	some	threaten'd	ills	to	come.
	As	thus	he	raus'd,	a	messenger	appear'd,
	Breathless	and	pale,	withdiistand	sweat	besmear'd.
	His.	brow	was	deep	impress'd	with	careful	thought.
	And	seem'd	to	speak	th'	unwelcome	news	he
	brought.
	Then	thns	"	O	chief!	th'	Egyptians	soon	will
	Beneath	their	numerous	fleet	the	briny	tide	:	[hide
	William,	whose	rule	Liguria's	ships	obey,
	By	me	dispatch'd	these	tidings	from	the	sea.
	To	this	he	adds;	that,	sending	from	the	shore
	The	dne	provisions	for	the	landed	power,
	The	steeds	and	camels,	bending	with	their	load,
	Were	intercepted	in	the	midmost	road	;
	Assail'd	with	dreadful	rage	on	every	hand,
	Deep	in	a	valley,	by	tn'	Arabian	band:
	Nor	guards	nor	drivers	could	their	posts	maintain,
	The	stores	were	pillag'd,	and	the	men	were	slain.
	To	such	a	height	was	grown	the	Arabs'	force,
	Asask'd	some	powerto	check	their	daring	course;
	To	guard	the	coast,	and	keep	the	passage	free,
	Betwixt	the	Christian	camp	and	Syrian	sea."
	At	once	from	man	to	man	the	rumour	fled,
	And	growing	fears	among	the	soldiers	spread:
	The	threatening	evils	fili'd	them	with	affright,
	And	ghastly	famine	rose	before	their	sight.
	The	chief,	who	saw	the	terrours	of	the	host.
	Their	former	courage	sunk,	their	firmness	lost,
	With	looks	serene	and	cheerful	speeches	strove
	To	raise	their	ardour	and	their	fears	remove.
	"	O	friends	!	with	me	in	various	regions	thrown,
	Amidst	a	thousand	woes	and	dangers	known;
	God's	sacred	champions	!	born	to	assert	his	cause,
	\nd	cleanse	from	stain	the	holy	Christian	laws	!
	Who	wintry	climes	and	stormy	seas	have	view'd,
	And	Persian	arms	and	Grecian	frauds	subdu'd	7;
	Who	could	the	rage	of	thirst	and	hunger	bear
	tVill	}'ou	resign	your	souls	to	abject	fear	?
	Shall	not	th'	Eternal	Power(our	sovereign	guide,
	And	oft	in	more	disastrous	fortunes	try'd)
	levive	our	hopes	?	Deem	not	his	favour	lost,
	)r	pitying	ear	averted	from	our	host	:
	A	day	will	come	with	pleasure	to	disclose
	~"hese	sorrows	past,	and	pay	to	God	your	vows,
	indure	and	conquer	then	your	present	state	;
	,ive,	and	reserve	yourselves	for	happier	fate."
	He	said	;	but	yet	a	thousand	cares,	supprest,
	'he	hero	bury'd	in	his	thoughtful	breast	:
	Vhat	means	to	nourish	such	a	numerous	train,
	\nd	midst	defeat	or	famine	to	sustain	:
	How	on	the	seas	to	oppose	th'	Egyptian	force,
	",nd	stop	the	plundering	Arabs	in	their	course.
	Alexas,	emperor	of	Constantinople,	though	in
	e	first	book	he	appears	to	have	sent	a	squadron
	'	horse	to	.the	Christians,	is	said	to	have	used
	any	stratagems	to	frustrate	the	expedition;	and
	ad	once	made	Hugo	the	Great	prisoner,	who	was
	'ter	wards	delivered	by	Godfrey.


434
	IIOOLE'S	TRANSLATION
	Nor	one	alone	amid	tbe	hostile	band	;
	The	boldest	five	that	dare	his	force	withstand,
	Of	noble	lineage,	or	of	vulgar	rare,
	Unterrified	he	stands	in	field	to	face	:
	The	vanquish'd	to	the	victor's	power	shall	yield,
	So	wills	the	law	of	arms	arid	custom	of	the	field."
	Argantes	thus.	The	herald	straight	withdrew,
	"	His	vary'd	snrcoat	o'er	his	shoulders	threw,
	And	thence	to	Godfrey's	regal	presence	went,
	By	mighty	chiefs	surrounded	in	his	tent.
	"	O	prince	!'*	he	cried,	"	May	here	a	herald
	dare,
	Without	offence,	his	embassy	declare	>"
	To	him	the	chief:	"	Without	constraint	or	fear,
	In	freedom	speak,	what	we	as	freely	hear."
	The	herald	then	the	challenge	fierce	disclos'd,
	In	boastful	words	and	haughty	terms	comp'os'd.
	Fir'd	at	his	speech,	the	martial	bands	appear'd,
	And	with	disdain	the	stern	defiance	heard.
	Then	thus	in	answer	pious	Godfrey	speaks	:
	"	A	mighty	task	your	warrior	undertakes	;
	And	well	I	trust,	whatever	his	boasted	might,
	One	champion	may	suffice	his	arms	in	fight.
	But	let	him	come;	1	to	his	will	agree	j
	I	give	him	open	field,	and	conduct	free;
	And	swear	some	warrior,	from	our	Christian	band,
	On	equal	terms,	shall	meet	him	hand	to	hand."
	He	ceas'd	;	the	king-at-arms,	without	delay,
	Impatient,	measur'd	back	his	former	way	;
	'	From	thence,	with	hasty	steps,	the	city	sought.
	And	to	the	Pagan	knight	their	answer	brought.
	"Arm!	valiant	chief!*'	he	cried,	"	for	fight	pre
	pare,
	The	Christian	powers	accept	thy	proffer'd	war	:
	Not	only	leaders	fam'd	demand	the	fight,
	The	meanest	warriors	burn	to	prove	their	might.
	I	saw	a	thousand	threatening	looks	appear,
	A	thousand	hands	prepar'd	the	sword	to	rear	:
	The	chief	to	thee	a	list	secure	will	yield	.''
	He	ended	:	when,	impatient	for	the	Held,
	Argantes	call'd	for	arms	with	furious	haste,
	And	round	his	limbs	the	steely	burthen	cast.
	The	wary	king	Clorinda	then	enjoin'd	:
	"	While	he	departs,	remain	not	tbou	behind	;
	But,	with	a	thousand	arm'd,	attend	the	knight;
	Yet	forenjost	let	him	march	to	equal	fight;
	The	care	be	thine	to	keep	thy.	troops	in	sight."
	The	monarch	spoke	;	and	now	the	martial	train
	Forsook	the	walls	and	issu'd	to	the	plain.
	Advanc'd	before	the	band,	Argantes	press'd
	His	foaming	steed,	in	radiant	armour	dress'd.
	Between	the	city	and	the	camp	was	found
	An	ample	space	of	level	champaign	ground,
	That	seem'd	a	list	selected,	by	design,
	For	valiant	chiefs	in	deeds	of	arms	to	join.
	To	this	the	bold	Argantes	singly	goes,
	And	there,	descending,	stands	before	the	foes	;
	Proud	in	his	might,	with	giant-strength	indu'd,
	With	threatening	looks	tbe	distant	camp	heview'd	:
	So	fierce	Enceladns	in	Phlegra	show'd	;
	So	in	the	vale	the	huge	Philistine	stood.	'
	Vet	many,	void	of	fear,	the	knight	beheld,
	Nor	knew	how	far	his	force	in	arms	excell'd.
	Still	Godfrey	doubted,	midst	his	valiant	host,
	What	knight	should	quell	the	Pagan's	haughty
	boast.
	To	Tanrred*sann	(the	bravest	of	the-brve)
	The	great	attempt	the	public	favour	gave.
	With	looks,	with	whispers,	all	declar'd	their	choice;
	The	chief,	by	signs,	apprOv'd	the	general	voice.
	F.aoh	warrior	now	his	rival	claim	withdrew,
	When	each	the	will	of	mighty	Godfrey	knecr.
	"	The	field	is	thine	!''	to	Tancred	then	he	cried	;
	"	Go,	meet	yon	Pagan,	and	chastise	his	pride	!"
	The	glorious	charge	with	joy	the	champion	heard,
	A	dauntless	ardour	in	his	looks	appear'd	:
	His	shield	and	helmet	from	his	squire	he	took,
	And	follow'd	by	a	crowd,	the	vale	forsook.
	But	ere	hereach'd	th'	appointed	list	of	fighf,
	The	martial	damsel	*	met	his	eager	sight	:
	A	flowing	vest	was	o'er	her	armour	spread.
	White	as	the	snows	that	veil	the	mountain's	head	:
	Her	beaver	rear'd,	her	lovely	face	disclos'd	j
	And	on	a	hill	she	stood	at	full	expos'd.
	No	longer	Tancred	now	the	foe	espies,
	(Who	rears	his	haughty	visage	to	the.	skies)
	But	slowly	moves	his	steed,	and	bends	his	sight
	Where	stands	the	virgin	on	a	neighbouring	height:
	The	lover	to	a	lifeless	statue	turns;
	With	cold	he	freezes,	and	with	heat	he	bums:
	Fixt	in	a	stupid	gaze,	nnmov'd	he	stands,
	And	now	no	more	the	promis'd	fight	demands.
	Meantime	Arffantes	looks	around	in	vain,
	No	chief	appears	the	combat	to	maintain.
	'	Behold	I	come,"	he	cried,	"to	prove	my	might;
	Who	dares	approach,	and	meet	my	arm?	in	fight	?"
	While	Tancred	lost	in	deepest	thought	appear'd,
	Nor	saw	the	Pagan,	nor	his	challenge	heard,
	Impetuous	Otho	spurr'd	his	foaming	horse,
	And	enter'd	first	the	list	with	eager	course.
	This	knight,	before,	by	thirst	of	glory	fir'd,
	With	other	warriors	to	the	fight	aspir'd	;
	But	yielding	then	to	Tancred's	nobler	claim,
	Mix'd	with	the	throng	that	to	attend	him	came	:
	Yet	when	he,	thus	th'	enamour'd	youth	beheld
	All	motionless,	neglectful	of	the	field,
	Eager	he	starts	to	attempt	the	glorious	deed	;
	Less	swift	the	tiger's	or	the	panther's	speed	!
	Against	the	mighty	Saracen	he	press'd,
	Who	sudden	plac'd	his	pondeious	spear	in	rest.
	But	Tancred	now,	recovering	from	his	trance,
	Saw	fearless	Otho	to	the	fight	advance	:
	"	Forbear	!	the	field	is	mine	!"	aloud	he	cries
	In	vain	he	calls,	the	knight	regardless	flies.
	Th'	indignant	prince	beheld,	with	rage	and	shame	;
	He	blush'd	another	should	defraud	his	name,
	And	reap	th'	expected	harvest	of	his	fame.
	And	now	Argantes,	from	his	valiant	foe,
	Full	on	his	helm	receiv'd	the	mighty	blow.
	With	greater	force	the	Pagan's	javelin	struck	;
	The	pointed	steel	through	shield	and	corselet	broke:
	Prone	fell	the	Christian	thundering	on	the	sand	;
	Uumov'd	the	Saracen	his	seat	maintain'd	;
	And	from	on	high,	intiam'd	with	lofty	pride.
	Thus	to	the	prostrate	knight	insulting	cried	:
	"	Yield	to	my	arms	!	suffice	the	glory	thine
	To	dare	with	me	in	equal	combat	join.''
	"	Not	so,"	cried	Otho,	"	are	we	fram'd	to	yield,
	Nor	is	so	soon	the	Christian	courage	quell'd	:
	Let	others	with	excuses	hide	my	shame,
	'Tis	mine	to	perish,	or	avenge	my	fame	!"
	Then	like	Alecto,	terrible	to	view,
	Or	like	Medusa,	the	Circassian	grew,
	Whije	from	his	eyes	the	flashing	lightning	flew.
	"	Now	prove	our	utmost	force,''	enrag'd	he	cries,
	'	Since	thus	thou	dar'st	our	offer'd	grace	despise.	1	'
	This	said	;	he	spurr'd	his	steed,	nor	heeded	more
	Th'	establish'd	laws	of	arms	and	knightly	lore.
	Clorinda.


436
	HOOLE'S	TRANSLATION
	To	whom	the	Christian	:	"	Thou	thy	promise
	plight
	Here	to	return,	and	bring	thy	captive	knight";
	Else	shall	ho	cause	induce	me	to	delay
	Our	present	conflict	to	a	future	day.'*
	This	said	;	they	swore.	The	heralds	then	decreed
	The	day	that	should	decide	th'	important	deed	;
	And,	time	allow'd	to	heal	each	wounded	knight,
	Nam'd	the	sixth	morning	to	renew	the	fight.
	The	dreadful	combat	long	remain'd	imprest
	In	every	Saracen	and	Christian	breast:
	Each	tongue	the	skill	of	either	warrior	tells	;
	Each	thought,	with	wonder,	on	their	valour	dwells.
	Yet	who	the	prize	should	gain,	on	either	side
	The	vulgar	varyj	and	in	parts	divide	:
	If	fury	shall	from	virtue	win	the	field,
	Or	brutal	rage	to	manly	courage	yield.
	But	fair	Erminia,	mov'd	above	the	rest,
	With	growing	fears	torments	her	tender	breast	;
	She	sees	the	dearest	object	of	her	care
	Expos'd	to	hazards	of	uncertain	war.*
	Of	princely	lineage	came	this	hapless	maid,
	From	him	who	Antioch's	powerful	sceptre	sway'd	:
	But,	when	her	state	by	chance	of	war	was	lost,
	She	fell	a	captive	to	the	Christian	host.
	Then	gallant	Tancred	gave	her	woes	relief,
	And,	'midst	her	country's	ruin,	calm'd	her	grief:
	He	gave	her	freedom,	gave	her	all	the	store
	Of	regal	treasure	she	possess'd	before,
	And	claim'd	no	tribute	of	a	victor's	power.
	The	grateful	fair	the	hero's	worth	confess'd;
	Love	found	admittance	in	her	gentle	breast:
	His	early	virtues	rais'd	her	first	desire;
	His	manly	beauty	fann'd	the	blameless	fire.
	In	vain	her	outward	liberty	she	gain'd,
	When,	lost	in	servitude,	her	soul	remain'd	!
	She	quits	her	conqueror	with	a	heavy	mind,
	And	with	regret	her	prison	leaves	behind.
	But	honour	chides	her	Stay,	(for	spotless	fame
	Is	ever	dear	to	every	virtuous	dame,)
	And	with	her	aged	mother	thence	constrain'd
	Her	banish'd	steps	to	seek	a	friendfy	land	;
	Till	at	Jerusalem	her	course	she	stay'd,
	Where	Aladine	receiv'd	the	wandering	maid.
	Here,	soon	again	by	adverse	foitune	crost,
	With	tears	the	virgin	mourn'd	a	mother	lot.
	Yet	not	the	sorrow	for	her	parent's	fate,
	Nor	all	the	troubles	of	her	exil'd	state,
	Could	from	her	heart	her	amorous	pains	remove,
	Or	quench	the	smallest	spark	of	mighty	love	:
	She	lores,	and	burns	!	Alas,	unhappy	maid	!
	No	soothing	hopes	afford	her	sufferings	aid	:
	She	bears	within	the	flames	of	fond	desire	;
	Vain	fruitless	wishes	all	her	thoughts	inspire	;	[fire.
	And,	while	she	strives	to	bide,	she	feeds	the	stifled
	Now	Tancred	near	the	walls	of	Sion	drew,
	And,	by	his	presence,	rais'd	her	hopes	anew.
	The	rest	with	terrour	see	the	numerous	train
	Of	foes	unconquer'd	on	the	dusty	plain	;
	She	clears	her	brow,	her	dewy	sorrow	dries,
	And	views	the	warlike	bands	with	cheerful	eyes:
	from	rank	to	rank	her	looks	incessant	rove,
	And	oft	she	seeks	in	vain	her	warrior-love	:
	And	oft,	distinguish'd	'midst	the	field	of	fight,
	She	singles	Tancred	to	her	eager	sight
	Join'd	with	the	palace,	to	the	ramparts	nigh,
	A	stately	castle	rises	in	the	sky,
	*	Otho.
	Whose	lofty	head	the	prospect	wide	commands,
	!	he	plain,	the	mountain,	and	the	Christian	bands	:
	There,	from	the	early	beams	of	morning	light,
	Till	deepening	shades	obscure	the	world	in	night,
	She	sits,	and	fixing	on	the	camp	her	eyes,	[sighs.
	She	communes	with	her	thoughts,	and	vents	her
	'Twas	thence	she	view'd	the	fight	with	beating
	heart,
	And	saw	expos'd	her	soul's	far	dearer	part	;
	Thence,	fill'd	with	terrour	and	detracting	care,
	She	watch'd	the	various	progress	of	the	war	;
	And,	when	the	Pagan	rais'd	aloft	his	steel,
	She	seem'd	herself	the	threatening	stroke	to	feel.	'
	When	now	the	virgin	heard	s:ime	future	day
	Was	destin'd	to	decide	th'	unfinish'd	fray.
	Cold	fear	in	all	her	veins	congeal'd	the	blood,
	Sighs	heav'd	her	breast,	her	eyes	with	sorrow	flow'd;
	And	o'er	her	face	a	pallid	hue	was	spread,
	While	every	sense	was	lost	in	anxious	dread.
	A	thousand	horrid	thoughts	her	soul	divin'd;
	In	sleep	a	thousand	phantoms	fill'd	her	mind	:
	Oft,	in	her	dreams,	the	much-lov'd	warrior	lies
	All	gash'd	and	bleeding	;	oft,	with	feeble	cries,
	Invokes	her	aid	;	then,	starting	from	her	rest,
	Tears	bathe	her	cheeks,	and	trickle	down	her
	breast.
	Nor	fears	alone	of	future	evils	fill
	Her	careful	heart,	she	fears	the	present	ill.
	The	wounds	her	Tancred	late	receiv'd	in	fight
	Distract	her	mind	with	anguish	and	affright.
	Fallacious	rumours,	that	around	are	blown,
	Increase	with	added	lies	the	tnith	unknown.
	Taught	by	her	mother's	skill,	the	virgin	knew
	The	secret	power	of	every	herb	that	grew;
	She	knew	the	force	of	every	mystic	strain,
	To	close	the	wound,	and	ease	the	throbbing	pain	j
	(In	such	repute	the	healing	arts	were	held,
	In	these	the	daughters	of	the	kings	excell'd.)
	Fain	would	she	now	her	cares	to	Tancred	show	;
	But	fate	condemns	her	to	relieve	his	foe.
	Now	wa	she	tempted	noxious	plants	to	choose,
	And	poison	in	Argantes'	wounds	infuse	;
	But	soon	her	pious	thoughts	the	deed	disclaim,
	And	scorn	with	treachery	to	pollute	her	fame.
	Yet	oft	she	wish'd	that	every	herb	applied
	Might	lose	its	wonted	power	and	virtue	tried.
	She	fear'd	not	(by	such	various	troubles	tost)
	Alone	to	travel	through	the	adverse	host	;
	Accustom'd	wars	and	slaughter	to	survey,
	And	all	the	perils	of	the	wanderer's	way	:
	Thus	use	to	daring	had	inur'd	her	mind
	Beyond	the	nature	of	the	softer	kind	;
	But	mighty	love,	superior	to	the	rest,
	Flad	quell'd	each	female	terrour	in	her	breast	:
	Thus	arm'd,	she	durst	the	sands	of	Afric	trace,
	Amidst	the	fury	of	the	savage	race.	,
	Though	danger	still	and	death	her	soul	despis'd,
	Her	virtue	and	her	better	fame	she	priz'd.
	And	now	her	heart	conflicting	passions	rend	;
	There	Love	and	Honour	(powerful	foes	!)	contend.
	Thus	Honour	seem'd	to	say	:	"	O	thou,	whose	mind
	Has	still	been	pure,	within	my	laws	confin'd	;
	Whom,	when	a	captive	'midst	yon	hostile	train,
	I	kept	in	thought	and	person	clear	from	stain;
	Wilt	thou,	now	freed,	the	virgin	boast	forgo,
	So	well	preserv'd	when	prisoner	to	the	foe	?
	Ah	!	what	can	raise	such	fancies	in	thy	breast	?
	Say	what	thy	purpose,	what	thy	hopes	suggest,
	Alone	to	.wander	'inids>t	a	foreign	race,
	Aud	with	nocturnal	love	thy	sex	disgrace?


OF	JERUSALEM	DELIVERED.	BOOK	VI.
	Justly	the	victor	shall	reproach	thy	name,
	And	deem	thee	lost	to	virtue,	as	to	shame	;
	With	scorn	shall	bid	thee	from	his	sight	remove,
	And	bear	to	vulgar	souls	thy	proffer'd	love."
	But	gentler	counsels,	on	a	different	part,
	Thus	seein'd	to	whisper	to	her	wavering	heart:
	"Thou	wert	not	surely	of	a	savage	horn,
	Nor	from	a	mountain's	frozen	entrails	torn	;
	No	adamant	and	steel	compose	thy	frame	;
	Despise	not	then	Love's	pleasing	dart	and	flame,
	And	blush	not	to	confess	a	lover's	name.
	Go,	and	obey	the	dictates	of	thy	mind	[kind?
	But	wherefore	sbouldst	thou	feign	thy	knight	un-
	Like	thine	his	sighs	may	heave,	his	tears	may	flow	j
	And	wilt	not	thou	thy	tender	aid	bestow	?
	Lo	!	Tancred's	life	(ungrateful	!)	runs	to	waste,
	While	on	another	all	thy	cares	are	plac'd	!
	To	cure	Argantes	then	thy	skill	apply,
	So	by	his	arm	may	thy	deliverer	die	!
	Js	this	the	service	to	his	merits	due	?
	And	canst	thou	such	a	hateful	task	pursue	?
	O	think	what	transports	must	thy	bosom	feel,
	Thy	Tanored's	wounds,	with	lenient	hand,	to	heal	!
	Think,	when	thy	pious	care	his	health	retrieves,
	Life's	welcome	gift	from	thee	the	youth	receives	!
	Thou	shalt	with	him	in	every	virtue	share,
	With	him	divide	his	future	fame	in	war;
	Then	shall	he	clasp	thee	to	his	grateful	breast,
	And	nuptial	ties	shall	make	thee	ever	blest:
	Thou	shall	be	shown	to	all,	and	happy	nam'd,
	Among	the	Latian	wives	and	matrons	fam'd	;
	In	that	fair	land	where	martial	valour	reigns,
	And	where	religion	pure	her	seat	maintains."
	With	hopes	like	these	allur'd,	th'	unthinking
	maid
	A	flattering	scene	of	future	bliss	had	laid	:
	But	still	a	thousand	doubts	perplexing	rise,
	What	means	for	her	departure	to	devise.
	The	guards,	incessant,	near	the	palace	stand,
	And	watch	the	portals,	and	the	walls	command	;
	Nor	dare,	amid	the	hazards	of	the	war,
	Without	some	weighty	cause	the	gates	unbar.
	Full	oft	Erminia,	to	beguile	her	cares,
	The	time	in	converse	with	Clorinda	shares	:
	With	her	each	western	Sun	beheld	the	maid,
	Each	rising	morn	the	friendly	pair	survey'd;
	And	when	in	gloomy	shade	the	day	was	clos'd,
	Both	in	one	bed	their	weary	limbs	repos'd.
	One	secret	only,	treasur'd	in	her	breast,
	The	fond	Erminia	from	her	friend	suppress'd	;
	With	cautious	fear	her	love	she	still	conceal'd:
	But	when	her	plaints	her	inward	pains	reveaPd,
	She	to	a	different	cause	assign'd	her	woe,
	And	for	her	ruin'd	state	her	sorrows	seem'd	to	flow.
	Through	every	chamber	of	the	martial	maid,
	By	friendship	privileged,	Erminia	stray'd.
	One	day	it	chane'd,	intent	on	many	a	thought,
	The	royal	fair	her	friend's	apartment	sought	;
	Clorinda	absent,	there	her	anxious	mind
	Revolv'd	the	means	to	effect	her	flight	design'd.
	While	various	doubts,	by	turns,	the	dame	distress'd,
	Aloft	she	mark'd	Clorinda's	arms	and	vest:
	Then	to	herself,	with	heavy	sighs,	she	said	:
	"	How	blest	above	her	sex	the	warrior-maid	!
	How	does	her	state,	alas	!	my	envy	raise	!
	Yet	not	for	female	boast,	or	beauty's	praise.
	No	length	of	sweeping	vest	her	step	restrains;
	No	enviouscell	her	dauntless	soul	detains	;
	But,	cloth'd	in	shining	steel,	at	will	she	roves;
	Nor	fear	withholds,	nor	conscious	shame	reproves.
	Why	did	not	Heaven	with	equal	vigour	frame
	My	softer	limbs,	and	fire	my	heart	to	fame	?
	So	might	I	turn	the	female	robe	and	veil
	To	the	bright	helmet	and	the	jointed	mail	:
	My	love	would	change	of	heat	and	cold	despise,
	And	all	the	seasons	of	inclement	skies,
	In	arms	alone,	or	with	my	martial	train,
	By	day	or	night	to	range	on	yonder	plain.
	Thy	will,	Argantes,	then	thou	hadbt	notgain'd,
	And	with	my	lord	the	combat	first	maintain'd	:
	This	hand	had	met,	and	ah	!	that	happy	hour
	Perchance	had	made	him	prisoner	to	my	power	:
	So	from	his	loving	foe	he	should	sustain
	A	gentle	servitude	and	easy	chain	:
	So	might	my	soul	awhile	forget	to	grieve,
	And	Tancred's	bonds	Erminia's	bonds	relieve.
	Else	had	his	hand	this	panting	bosom	gor'd,
	And	through	my	heart	impell'd	the	ruthless	sword;
	Thus	had	my	dearest	foe	my	peace	restor'd	!
	Then	had	these	eyes	in	lasting	sleep	been	laid,
	While	the	dear	victor	o'er	the	senseless	dead,
	Perchance,	with	pitying	tears,	had	mourn'd	my
	doom,
	And	given	these	limbs	the	honours	of	a	tomb	!
	But	ah	!	I	wander,	lost	in	fond	desire,
	And	fruitless	wishes	fruitless	thoughts	inspire	;
	Then	shall	I	still	reside	with	anguish	here,
	In	abiect	state,	the	slave	of	female	fear	?
	no	!	Confide,	my	soul,	resolve	and	dare	:
	Can	I	not	once	the	warrior's	armour	bear	?
	Yes	Love	shall	give	the	strength	th'	attempt	re
	quires	;
	Love,	that	the	weakest	with	his	force	inspires	;
	That	even	to	dare	impels	the	timorous	hind
	But	'tis	no	martial	thought	that	fills	my	mind	:
	1	seek,	beneath	Clorinda's	arms	coneeal'd,
	To	pass	the	gates	unquestion'd	to	the	field.
	O	Love	!	the	fraud	thyself	inspir'd,	attend	!
	And	Fortune	with	propitious	smiles	befriend	!
	"T	is	now	the	hour	for	flight	(what	then	detains	?)
	While	with	the	king	Clorinda	still	remains."
	Thus	fix'd	in	her	resolves,	th'	impatient.maid,
	By	amorous	passion	led,	no	longer	stay'd	;
	But	to	her	near	apartment	thence	repairs,
	And	with	her	all	the	shining	armour	bears.
	No	prying	eyes	were	there	her	deeds	to	view	;
	For	when	she	came	the	menial	train	withdrew	;
	While	night,	that	theft	and	love	alike	befriends,
	To	assist	the	deed	her	sable	veil	extends.
	Soon	as	the	virgin	saw	the	stars	arise,
	That	faintly	glimmer'd	through	the	dusky	skies,
	She	call'd,	in	secret,	her	design	to	aid,
	A	squire	of	faith	approv'd,	and	favour'd	maid:
	To	these	in	part	her	purpose	she	reveal'd,
	But,	with	feign'd	tales,	the	cause	of	flight	con
	ceal'd.
	The	trusty	squire	prepar'd,	with	ready	care,
	Whate'er	was	needful	for	the	wandering	fair.
	Meantime	Erminia	had	her	robes	unbound,
	That,	to	her	feet	descending,	swept	the	ground.
	Now,	in	her	vest,	the	lovely	damsel	shin'd
	With	charms	superior	to	the	female	kind.
	In	stubborn	steel	her	tender	limbs	she	dress'd,
	The	massy	helm	her	golden	ringlets	press'd	:
	Next	in	her	feeble	hand	she	grasp'd	the	shield,
	A	weight	too	mighty	for	her	strength	to	wield.
	Thus,	clad	in	arms,	she	darts	a	radiant	light
	With	all	the	dire	magnificence	of	sight	!
	Love,	present,	laugh'd,	as	when	he	view'd	of	old
	The	female	weeds	Alcides'	bulk	enfold.


433
	HOOLE'S	TRANSLATION
	Heavy	and	slow,	she	moves	along:	with	pain;
	And	scarce	her	feet	th'	unwonted	load	sustain.
	The	faithful	damsel	by	her	side	aUeiid>,
	And	with	assisting	arm	her	step	befriends.
	But	Love	her	'spirits	and	her	hopes	renews,
	And	every	trembling	limb	with	strei.gtb	indues:
	Till,	having	reach'd	the	squire,	witbout	delay
	They	mount	their	rea'ly	ste;ds,	and	take	their	way.
	Disguis'd	they	pass'cl	amid	the	gloomy	night,
	And	sought	the	silent	paths	obScnr'd	from	siyht:
	Yet	scatter'd	soldiers	here	and	there	they	*-py'd,
	A'id	saw	the	gleam	of	arms	on	every	side.
	But	none	attempt	the	virgin	to	molest	;
	All	know	her	armour,	e'en	by	night	confest,
	The	snow-white	mantle	and	the	<!readful	crest.
	Krminia,	though	her	doubts	were	partly	eas'd.
	Yet	found	not	all	her	troubled	thoughts	appeas'd	;
	She	fearM	discovery,	but	her	fears	suppress'd,
	And	teaeh'd	the	gates,	and	I	bus	the	guard	address'd	:
	'	Set	*icta	the	portal,	nor	my	steps	detain,
	Commission'd	by	the	king,	I	seek	the	plain."
	Her	martial	garb	deceiv'd	the	soldiers'	eyes;
	Her	female	accents	favonr'd	the	disguise.
	The	guards	obey'd	;	and,	through	the	gate,	in
	haste,
	The	princess,	with	IIT	two	attendants,	pass'd;
	Tlience	from	the	city-walls,	with	caution,	went
	Obliquely	winding	down	t'ne	hill's	descent.
	Now	safe	at	distance	in	a	lonely	place,
	Erminia	check'd	awhile	her	courser's	pace.
	Escap'd	the	former	perils	of	the	night,
	No	guards,	no	ramparts	now	to	obstruct	her	flight.	;
	With	thought	mature	she	ran	her	purpose	o'er,
	And	weigh'd	the	dangers	lightly	weigh'd	before.
	More	arduous	far	she	:-aw	th'	attempt	would	prove
	Than	first	appear'd	to	her	desiring	love:
	'Too	rash	it	seem'd,	amidst	a	warlike	fue,
	In	search	of	peace,	with	hostile	arms	to	go	:
	For	still	she	purpos'd	to	conceal	her	name,
	Till	to	the	presence	of	her	knight	she	carne.
	To	him	she	wish'd	to	stand	reveal'd	alone,
	A	secret	lover,	and	a	friend	unknown	!	[made,
	Then	stopp'd	the	fair,	and	now,	more	needful
	Thus	to	her	squire,	with	better	counsel,	said	:
	"	'Tis	thou,	my	friend	!	who	must,	with	speed
	,	and	care,
	To	yonder	tents	my	destin'd	way	prepare.
	Go	let	some	guide	direct	thy	doubtful	eyes,
	And	bring	thee	where	the	wounded	Tailored	lies.
	To	him	declare,	there	comes	a	friendly	maid,
	Who	peace	demands,	and	brings	him	healing	aid	;
	Peace	(for	the	war	if	love	now	fills	my	min<l)
	Whence	he	may	health,	and	I	may	comfort	find.
	Say,	that	with	hitn,	secure	from	scorn	or	bhame,
	A	virgin	to	his	faith	commits	her	fame.
	In	secret	this	If	more	the	kn	ghi	require,
	Relate	no	further,	but	with	speed,	retire.-
	Here	will	I	safely	wait."-r-So	spoke	the	maid	;
	Her	messenger	at	once	the	charge	ohey'd	;
	He	^p'\rr'd	his	courser,	and	the	trenches	gain'd,
	And	friendly	entrance	from	tlie	guard	obtam'd	:
	Conducted	then,	the	woum'ed	chief	he	sought,
	Who	heard	with	joy	the	pleasing	message	brought.
	The	squire	now	leaves	the	knight	to	doubts	rc-
	sign'd,
	(A	thousand	thoughts	revolving	in	his	mind)
	To	bring	the	welcome	tidings	to	the	fair,
	Tbnt	she,	concoal'd.	may	to	the	camp	repair
	Meanphiic	the	dame,	impatient	of	his	stay,
	gtr	wishes	fear	the	least	delay,
	Counts	every	step,	and	measures	oft	in	vain
	The	fancied	distance	'twixt	the	camp	and	plain:
	And	olt	her	thoughts	the	mes>enger	reprove,
	Too	slow	for	the	desires	of	ardent	love!
	At	length,	advancing	to	a	neighbouring	height.
	The	foremost	tents	salute	her	longing	sight.
	Now	was	the	night	in	starry	lustre	seen,
	And	noi	a	cloud	obscur'd	the	blue	serene	:
	The	rising	Moon	her	silver	beams	display'd,
	And	deck'd	with	pearly	dew	the	dusky	glade.	,
	With	arixiius	soul,	th'	enamour'd	virgin	strays
	From	thought	to	thought,	in	love's	perplexing	maze;
	And	vents	he.r	tender	plaints,	and	breathes	her	sigh*
	To	all	the	silent	fields	aiid	conscious	skies.
	Then,	fondly	gazing	on	the	camp,	she	said	:
	'	Ye	Latian	tents,	by	me	with	joy	survey	'd	!
	From	you,	methinks,	the	gales	more	gently	blow,
	And	seem	already	to	relieve	my	woe!
	So	may	kind	Heaven	afford	a	milder	state
	To	this	unhappy	life,	the	sport	of	Fate	!
	As	'tis	from	you	I	seek	to	assuage	my	care,
	And	hope	alone	for	peace	in	scenes	of	war	f
	Receive	me	then	!	and	may	my	wishes	find
	That	bliss	which	lore	has	promis'dto	my	mind;
	Which	even	my	worst	of	fortune	could	afford,
	When	made	the	captive	of	my	dearest	lord.
	I	seek	riot	now,	inspir'd	with	fancies	vain,
	By	you	my	regal	honours	to	regain	:
	Ah	no!	Be	this	my	happiness	and	pride,
	Within	your	shelter	humbly	to	reside	!"
	So	spoke	the	hapless	fair,	who	little	knew
	How	near	her	sudden	change	of	fortune	drew;
	For,	pensive	while	she	stood,	the	cloudless	Moon
	Full	on	th'	unheedful	maid	with	splendour	shone	;
	Her	snow-white	vesture	caught	the	silver	beam	;
	Her	polish'd	arms	rtturn'd	a	trembling	gleam	J
	And	on	her	lofty	crest,	the	tigress	rais'd,
	With	all	the	terrours	of	CKirinda	blaz'd.
	When	lo	!	so	will'd	her	fale,	a	numerous	band
	Of	Christian	scouts	were	ambush'd	near	at	hand,
	Dispatch'd	to	impede	the	passage.	o	?	er	the	plain,
	Of	s-heep	and	oxen	to	the	Pagan	train.
	Th<	se	Polyphernes	and	Alcauder	guide,
	Two	Lilian	brethren,,	who	the	task	divide.
	Young	Poivphernes,	who	had	se.eu	his	sire
	Beneath	C'iorinda's	thundering	arm	expire,
	Soon	as	his	eyes	the	dazzhn?	vest	surveyed,
	Confess'd	the	semblance	of	the	mnrtia!	maid;
	He	fir'd	his	crew;	and,	heedless	of	control,
	Cave	loose	to	all	the	fury	of	his	soul	;
	"	Take	this!	anl	perish,	by	my	weapon	slain	"
	He	said	;	and	hurl'dhis	lance,	but	hurl'd	in	vain.
	A.-',	when	a	hind,	oppress'd	with	toil	and	heat,
	To	some	clear	spring	directs	her	wearv	feet;
	If}	as	she	thinks	to	ease	her	fainting	limbs
	In	the	coo!	shade,	and	drink	the	crystal	streams,
	The	fatal	hounds	arrive,	she	takes	her	flight,
	And	all	her	thirst	is	lost	in	wild	affright	:
	Thus	she,	who	hop'd	tome	kind	relief	to	prove,
	And	sought	to	allay	the	burning	thirst	of	love,
	Soon	as	the	warriors,	clad	in	sleel,	appear,
	Forgets	her	former	thoughts	in	sudden	fear	:
	She	ilies,	nor	dares	th'	approaching	danger	meet;
	The	plain	re-echoes	with	her	courser's	feet.
	With	her	th'	attenda:.t	flies	;	the	raging	knight,
	First	of	the	band,	pursues	the	virgin's	flight.
	Now	from	the	tents	the	faithful	squire	repairs,
	And	to	the	dame	his	tardy	tidings	bears	;
	Siruck	with	like	fear,	he	gives	his	steed	the	rein.
	And	all	are	scatter'd	diverse	o'er	the	plain.