Orlando Furioso (Rose)/Canto 25 (revised)
I have added to the present volume specimens of translation of two very different works of Ariosto.
With respect to the first, the version of the xxvth canto of the Furioso, I shall observe that it was made, without any view of publication, several years ago by an old schoolfellow, who will not allow me to particularize him, and who once thought of extending his labours over the whole field which he has partially cultivated. This was only shown to me after I had begun my own translation. I am more especially led to mention the circumstance, because our coincidence in plan, as I think, tells much in favour of the system we have adopted in translating the Furioso, stanza by stanza, into the same metre as the original. He, however, who may think me right in agreeing with my fellow-labourer in this principle of translation, may censure me for not proceeding upon his model in my details, and certainly there are graces in his version within my reach, besides others which I might be ill able to imitate. I allude to the good effect which he has produced by the adoption of modes of speech more especially appropriated to English poetry, such as putting sentences in apposition, instead of conjunction, &c. &c. &c. If I have not adopted this phraseology in general, it has not been without consideration that I have been sparing in the employment of it. Thinking that Ariosto, though a bold borrower of beauties which he almost always improves, is yet remarkable for seldom dealing in the conventional diction of Italian poetry, I wished to preserve as much as possible this feature of my original, and have therefore rarely resorted to our own conventional language of poetry in my copy.
There is another thing of which the reader (judging from its generally successful employment in the following specimen) might wish I had been an imitator. I mean the practice of finishing with an alexandrine, which seems to supply the place of the double-rhymed couplet in the Italian, and perhaps also pleases us, as recalling to memory the sonorous close of the Spenserian stanza. But however this may please in some parts (as in this version of the xxvth canto for example) there are many others, where it would, I think, be very injudiciously employed; such as in those where there is little poetry, and where much of the charm consists in neatness and shortness of narration. In these (and more especially in such up-hill-work as the genealogical and complimentary cantos) the alexandrine would operate, if I am not mistaken, as an intolerable drag-chain. But it may be said; “Why not put on and take off (to use the language of a way-post) as may be required by the varieties of the road? Why not use the alexandrine, as Dryden has? To this I rejoin, that a precedent drawn from one species of versification is not necessarily applicable to another. In what is called English heroick verse, there being no place absolutely fixed for the alexandrine (except that it must not occur in the first line of a couplet, nor in the first or second of a triplet) the ear is not disappointed by its absence; and accordingly it is used by him twice or twenty times in a hundred lines; but the effect must be different when the ear has been used to expect it in a certain place. And I think that the stanza of Ariosto would suffer as much as that of Spenser by being shortened of its ordinary dimensions.
I ought moreover to state that I tried the experiment in my first essays at a translation of the Furioso, and renounced it as I have done some others which pleased me in parts, but dissatisfied me upon the whole, as giving a different colouring to my original. But I have so often stated my reasons for having been studious of fidelity, as more due to Ariosto than any other author with whom I am conversant, that I will not detain the reader by any further preface. I will only add, that I may designate Lord Holland as the translator of the other specimen of a work which happily illustrates Ariosto’s variety of powers.
CANTO XXV.
I.
Oh mighty contrast in the youthful mind,
The thirst of glory and the sting of love!
Which most prevails ’tis often hard to find,
Since each in turn the other towers above.
Here both to sway the pagan knights combined,
For much their minds the calls of duty move
Their strife to leave, their combat to suspend,
Till to their camp distressed they should their succour lend.
Oh mighty contrast in the youthful mind,
The thirst of glory and the sting of love!
Which most prevails ’tis often hard to find,
Since each in turn the other towers above.
Here both to sway the pagan knights combined,
For much their minds the calls of duty move
Their strife to leave, their combat to suspend,
Till to their camp distressed they should their succour lend.
II.
But more did Love, since but for those commands
Issued from her whom both alike obeyed,
Neither in fight had checked his furious hands
Till one had triumphed, one in dust been laid;
In vain had Agramant to join his bands
Hoped their advance, implored their tardy aid.
Hence Love, not always hurtful to a knight,
If oft it causes wrong, can sometimes counsel right.
But more did Love, since but for those commands
Issued from her whom both alike obeyed,
Neither in fight had checked his furious hands
Till one had triumphed, one in dust been laid;
In vain had Agramant to join his bands
Hoped their advance, implored their tardy aid.
Hence Love, not always hurtful to a knight,
If oft it causes wrong, can sometimes counsel right.
III.
So now reserving for a future day
Their own disputes, the combatants repair
To save the Moorish army, as it lay
Near Paris, guided by their much-loved fair;
And that small dwarf attends them on the way
Who dogged the Tartar knight with so much care,
Till he the jealous Rhodomont had brought
E’en face to face with him when they so lately fought.
So now reserving for a future day
Their own disputes, the combatants repair
To save the Moorish army, as it lay
Near Paris, guided by their much-loved fair;
And that small dwarf attends them on the way
Who dogged the Tartar knight with so much care,
Till he the jealous Rhodomont had brought
E’en face to face with him when they so lately fought.
IV.
As through a meadow they their road pursue,
Four knights disporting by a stream are seen;
Two were unarmed, in helmets cased were two,
And by them stood a dame of lovely mien;
But who they were another time must show,
For to Ruggiero I must change the scene,
That honest knight, who, as my lines made known,
Had lately in a well his brilliant buckler thrown.
As through a meadow they their road pursue,
Four knights disporting by a stream are seen;
Two were unarmed, in helmets cased were two,
And by them stood a dame of lovely mien;
But who they were another time must show,
For to Ruggiero I must change the scene,
That honest knight, who, as my lines made known,
Had lately in a well his brilliant buckler thrown.
V.
Scarce a short mile from that same well he went,
Ere he a messenger in hurry met;
’Twas one of many Agramant had sent
The succour of all pagan knights to get.
He told, how Charles had in strait trenches pent,
And with a mighty force the Moors beset;
And did not speedy aid relieve the host,
The Moorish honour sure, perhaps his life, was lost.
Scarce a short mile from that same well he went,
Ere he a messenger in hurry met;
’Twas one of many Agramant had sent
The succour of all pagan knights to get.
He told, how Charles had in strait trenches pent,
And with a mighty force the Moors beset;
And did not speedy aid relieve the host,
The Moorish honour sure, perhaps his life, was lost.
VI.
With various thoughts and plans at once assailed,
Ruggiero saw his cares on every side.
Conscious that time and fit occasion failed
What best to choose, and wisely to decide.
He let the courier go: the dame prevailed;
He follows where her warm entreaties guide;
No room for doubt, no moment for delay,
When she in suppliant mood so earnestly did pray.
With various thoughts and plans at once assailed,
Ruggiero saw his cares on every side.
Conscious that time and fit occasion failed
What best to choose, and wisely to decide.
He let the courier go: the dame prevailed;
He follows where her warm entreaties guide;
No room for doubt, no moment for delay,
When she in suppliant mood so earnestly did pray.
VII.
The sun was fast declining in the west,
When journeying onward he had crossed the plain,
And reached a place Marsilio late did wrest,
E’en in the heart of France, from Charlemagne.
He passed the drawbridge; none his steps arrest,
None close the bolts, his entrance none restrain,
Though on the ramparts and around the gate
Numbers of men in arms to guard the fortress wait.
The sun was fast declining in the west,
When journeying onward he had crossed the plain,
And reached a place Marsilio late did wrest,
E’en in the heart of France, from Charlemagne.
He passed the drawbridge; none his steps arrest,
None close the bolts, his entrance none restrain,
Though on the ramparts and around the gate
Numbers of men in arms to guard the fortress wait.
VIII.
So well they knew the lady by his side,
They him, as her companion, harmless thought;
Hence they unquestioned onward let him ride,
Nor asked him whence he came nor what he sought.
He reached the market-place, and there descried
A blaze of fire, with ranks of churls untaught
Pressing around; and there was standing by,
Fettered, and sad, and pale, a youth condemned to die.
So well they knew the lady by his side,
They him, as her companion, harmless thought;
Hence they unquestioned onward let him ride,
Nor asked him whence he came nor what he sought.
He reached the market-place, and there descried
A blaze of fire, with ranks of churls untaught
Pressing around; and there was standing by,
Fettered, and sad, and pale, a youth condemned to die.
IX.
Downcast he seemed, but when he raised from ground
His moistened eyes to view th’ approaching knight,
Ruggiero in the wretch his mistress found,
Or thought he found, and started at the sight;
Face, features, figure, all his soul confound,
All seem to prove that strange conjecture right;
“Can I to sense,” he said, “belief deny?
“’Tis Bradamante sure, or else I am not I.
Downcast he seemed, but when he raised from ground
His moistened eyes to view th’ approaching knight,
Ruggiero in the wretch his mistress found,
Or thought he found, and started at the sight;
Face, features, figure, all his soul confound,
All seem to prove that strange conjecture right;
“Can I to sense,” he said, “belief deny?
“’Tis Bradamante sure, or else I am not I.
X.
“Perhaps her courage did the maid impel
“To outstrip my speed, the wretched to defend,
“And then the mad attempt not turning well
“Might in the seizure that I witness end.
“How rash, excess of courage not to quell
“Till I was by my useful aid to lend!
“But that is past.—Away all vain regret!
“I thank my God I’m come in time to save her yet.”
“Perhaps her courage did the maid impel
“To outstrip my speed, the wretched to defend,
“And then the mad attempt not turning well
“Might in the seizure that I witness end.
“How rash, excess of courage not to quell
“Till I was by my useful aid to lend!
“But that is past.—Away all vain regret!
“I thank my God I’m come in time to save her yet.”
XI.
This said, he grasps his sword with double force
(His lance was broken in a former fight),
Then at the rabble headlong drives his horse,
Scatters their ranks, o’erwhelms them in their flight,
Tramples o’er mangled bodies in his course,
And hacks and hews their necks to left and right;
The wretches fly, he whirls among his foes,
Maimed limbs and broken heads surround him as he goes.
This said, he grasps his sword with double force
(His lance was broken in a former fight),
Then at the rabble headlong drives his horse,
Scatters their ranks, o’erwhelms them in their flight,
Tramples o’er mangled bodies in his course,
And hacks and hews their necks to left and right;
The wretches fly, he whirls among his foes,
Maimed limbs and broken heads surround him as he goes.
XII.
As flocks of fowl o’er stagnant pools who fly,
Or feeding on the borders careless stray,
Should suddenly some falcon hovering nigh
Pounce on the plump, and make one bird his prey,
Disperse, regardless of their company,
While each to his own refuge wings his way;
E’en so the graceless troop betook to flight
When midst them all they found and felt the gallant knight.
As flocks of fowl o’er stagnant pools who fly,
Or feeding on the borders careless stray,
Should suddenly some falcon hovering nigh
Pounce on the plump, and make one bird his prey,
Disperse, regardless of their company,
While each to his own refuge wings his way;
E’en so the graceless troop betook to flight
When midst them all they found and felt the gallant knight.
XIII.
Yet he had time clean off the heads to mow
Of five or six who lagged behind the rest;
As many more he cleft with downright blow,
Some to the teeth, and others to the chest;
The wretches had no helmets on, I know,
But iron caps, which, if without a crest,
Were close and tough; and had they helmets been,
His sword had cleft them too, though not below the chin.
Yet he had time clean off the heads to mow
Of five or six who lagged behind the rest;
As many more he cleft with downright blow,
Some to the teeth, and others to the chest;
The wretches had no helmets on, I know,
But iron caps, which, if without a crest,
Were close and tough; and had they helmets been,
His sword had cleft them too, though not below the chin.
XIV.
Ruggiero’s force did no resemblance bear
To aught in modern days by knight possest;
’Twas far beyond a lion or a bear,
Or any native, any foreign beast;
Perhaps an earthquake with it might compare,
Or the great devil perhaps would match it best;
Not he of hell, but he who thundering throws
Hell-fire by sea and land on all my master’s foes.
Ruggiero’s force did no resemblance bear
To aught in modern days by knight possest;
’Twas far beyond a lion or a bear,
Or any native, any foreign beast;
Perhaps an earthquake with it might compare,
Or the great devil perhaps would match it best;
Not he of hell, but he who thundering throws
Hell-fire by sea and land on all my master’s foes.
XV.
One man at least at every stroke there fell,
Sometimes a pair, or four, or even five;
Ere long of slain he could a hundred tell.
So quick the hardest steel his sword did rive,
That knives scarce cut the yielding curd so well;
For Falerina, labouring to contrive
Orlando’s death, did that dread weapon frame,
E’en in the magic bower that bore Orgagna’s name.
One man at least at every stroke there fell,
Sometimes a pair, or four, or even five;
Ere long of slain he could a hundred tell.
So quick the hardest steel his sword did rive,
That knives scarce cut the yielding curd so well;
For Falerina, labouring to contrive
Orlando’s death, did that dread weapon frame,
E’en in the magic bower that bore Orgagna’s name.
XVI.
But soon she cursed the plot her malice laid,
Seeing the self-same sword lay waste her bower.
Judge then what deaths it dealt, what havoc made,
When wielded now by fierce Ruggiero’s power.
If rage he ever felt, or force displayed,
Or nobly wrought, ’twas in this very hour,
This glorious moment, when the hero thought
That he for her he loved, for Bradamante, fought.
But soon she cursed the plot her malice laid,
Seeing the self-same sword lay waste her bower.
Judge then what deaths it dealt, what havoc made,
When wielded now by fierce Ruggiero’s power.
If rage he ever felt, or force displayed,
Or nobly wrought, ’twas in this very hour,
This glorious moment, when the hero thought
That he for her he loved, for Bradamante, fought.
XVII.
Ask you how ’gainst such might the rabble sped?
E’en as the hare before the loosened hound;
Numbers and more than I can reckon fled,
While not a few lay slaughtered on the ground.
The dame who late Ruggiero thither led
Had, while he fought, the fettered youth unbound,
And given such arms as time and place afford,
In his left hand a shield, and in his right a sword.
Ask you how ’gainst such might the rabble sped?
E’en as the hare before the loosened hound;
Numbers and more than I can reckon fled,
While not a few lay slaughtered on the ground.
The dame who late Ruggiero thither led
Had, while he fought, the fettered youth unbound,
And given such arms as time and place afford,
In his left hand a shield, and in his right a sword.
XVIII.
And he, as one much injured by the crowd,
Did all he could to vent his rage thereon,
So great his prowess too, that ’tis allowed
The name of valour in that field he won.
But evening closed, and now the western cloud
No longer glistened with the setting sun,
When issuing forth, victorious from the fight,
Ruggiero left the fort with that young rescued knight.
And he, as one much injured by the crowd,
Did all he could to vent his rage thereon,
So great his prowess too, that ’tis allowed
The name of valour in that field he won.
But evening closed, and now the western cloud
No longer glistened with the setting sun,
When issuing forth, victorious from the fight,
Ruggiero left the fort with that young rescued knight.
XIX.
When safe beyond the gate, they both discern
No foe, no danger threatening their retreat;
His earnest thanks the youth would fain return
In courteous guise, and phrase of knighthood meet.
But fain the stranger’s title would he learn,
For that he longed by name the knight to greet,
Who thus unasked released a man unknown,
And saved another’s life at peril of his own.
When safe beyond the gate, they both discern
No foe, no danger threatening their retreat;
His earnest thanks the youth would fain return
In courteous guise, and phrase of knighthood meet.
But fain the stranger’s title would he learn,
For that he longed by name the knight to greet,
Who thus unasked released a man unknown,
And saved another’s life at peril of his own.
XX.
“The form indeed” (Ruggiero thinks apart),
“The beauteous face, the heavenly mien are here,
“But those sweet sounds that first inthralled my heart,
“My Bradamante’s voice, I do not hear.
“No—thanks so cold she never could impart
“To that true lover she was wont to cheer.
“E’en now we parted, and were she the same
“Could she so soon forget her own Ruggiero’s name?”
“The form indeed” (Ruggiero thinks apart),
“The beauteous face, the heavenly mien are here,
“But those sweet sounds that first inthralled my heart,
“My Bradamante’s voice, I do not hear.
“No—thanks so cold she never could impart
“To that true lover she was wont to cheer.
“E’en now we parted, and were she the same
“Could she so soon forget her own Ruggiero’s name?”
XXI.
To solve his anxious doubts he then designed;
“Ere now,” quoth he, “I sure thy face have seen;
“I rack my thought the place and time to find,
“And yet I cannot figure where or when.
“But say, for surely you recall to mind
“Where, before now, we have together been,
“And tell thy name, for well I may inquire
“Who ’tis my arms to day have rescued from the fire.
To solve his anxious doubts he then designed;
“Ere now,” quoth he, “I sure thy face have seen;
“I rack my thought the place and time to find,
“And yet I cannot figure where or when.
“But say, for surely you recall to mind
“Where, before now, we have together been,
“And tell thy name, for well I may inquire
“Who ’tis my arms to day have rescued from the fire.
XXII.
“I should not marvel hadst thou seen my face,”
Said he, “nor yet remember when or where;
“For I, as thou, have roamed from place to place
“Seeking adventures, and have found my share.
“And yet a twin, a sister of my race,
“Misleads thee sure: we strange resemblance bear,
“And she like me in steel is wont to ride,
“And gird a warrior’s weapon on her side.
“I should not marvel hadst thou seen my face,”
Said he, “nor yet remember when or where;
“For I, as thou, have roamed from place to place
“Seeking adventures, and have found my share.
“And yet a twin, a sister of my race,
“Misleads thee sure: we strange resemblance bear,
“And she like me in steel is wont to ride,
“And gird a warrior’s weapon on her side.
XXIII.
“If so, our features cheat not thee alone;
“Friends, kindred, all have been perplext before;
“My father, nay my mother, has been known
“Scarce to distinguish ’twixt the twins she bore.
“One mark there was, and now that mark is gone;
“Close to my neck these locks I always wore,
“While she in braids her lovely hair would bind,
“Or leave her tresses loose and floating in the wind.
“If so, our features cheat not thee alone;
“Friends, kindred, all have been perplext before;
“My father, nay my mother, has been known
“Scarce to distinguish ’twixt the twins she bore.
“One mark there was, and now that mark is gone;
“Close to my neck these locks I always wore,
“While she in braids her lovely hair would bind,
“Or leave her tresses loose and floating in the wind.
XXIV.
“But having late in fight received a wound,
“E’en on her head (’twere long to tell you how),
“A Christian, who her streaming temples bound,
“Her flowing ringlets clipped from neck to brow;
“Well may our features then your sight confound,
“For sex and name is all the difference now;
“His sister, Bradamant, Rinaldo claims,
“And me, his brother, Richardetto names.
“But having late in fight received a wound,
“E’en on her head (’twere long to tell you how),
“A Christian, who her streaming temples bound,
“Her flowing ringlets clipped from neck to brow;
“Well may our features then your sight confound,
“For sex and name is all the difference now;
“His sister, Bradamant, Rinaldo claims,
“And me, his brother, Richardetto names.
XXV.
“Strange is the likeness I my sister bear,
“To me the source of pleasure and of pain;
“Nor less could I, if thou wilt deign to hear,
“Effects yet stranger from that cause explain.”
Rogero lends the tale a willing ear,
Charmed with the theme beyond the softest strain.
What song so sweet can with discourse compare,
That brings to lovers’ minds an image of their fair?
“Strange is the likeness I my sister bear,
“To me the source of pleasure and of pain;
“Nor less could I, if thou wilt deign to hear,
“Effects yet stranger from that cause explain.”
Rogero lends the tale a willing ear,
Charmed with the theme beyond the softest strain.
What song so sweet can with discourse compare,
That brings to lovers’ minds an image of their fair?
XXVI.
“As late through groves,” said he, “my sister rode,
“Her helmet off, unguarded as she strayed,
“A dart, from Moorish bands concealed in wood,
“Behind her temple struck the martial maid,
“And clotted all her flowing locks in blood;
“But she the wound to probe, the cure to aid,
“Was forced her lovely tresses to resign,
“And onward took her way with locks close cropt like mine.
“As late through groves,” said he, “my sister rode,
“Her helmet off, unguarded as she strayed,
“A dart, from Moorish bands concealed in wood,
“Behind her temple struck the martial maid,
“And clotted all her flowing locks in blood;
“But she the wound to probe, the cure to aid,
“Was forced her lovely tresses to resign,
“And onward took her way with locks close cropt like mine.
XXVII.
“She went not long ere tempted to dismount,
“For she was worn with toil and faint with pain;
“Nor long asleep beside a shady fount,
“Stretched on the grassy bank the maid had lain,
“Ere ’gan the strange adventure I recount,
“More strange though true than stories poets feign;
“For led by chance, by thirst, or search of game,
“To that same fountain Flordespina came.
“She went not long ere tempted to dismount,
“For she was worn with toil and faint with pain;
“Nor long asleep beside a shady fount,
“Stretched on the grassy bank the maid had lain,
“Ere ’gan the strange adventure I recount,
“More strange though true than stories poets feign;
“For led by chance, by thirst, or search of game,
“To that same fountain Flordespina came.
XXVIII.
“When she the slumbering form in arms descried,
“The limbs concealed, the face alone in sight,
“A sword, and not a distaff by her side,
“False thoughts inspire: she gazes with delight,
“Nor deems the manly dress can virgin hide,
“But views, and viewing loves a seeming knight;
“She roused the chase, and feigning to pursue
“To distant thicket’s shades apart the stranger drew.
“When she the slumbering form in arms descried,
“The limbs concealed, the face alone in sight,
“A sword, and not a distaff by her side,
“False thoughts inspire: she gazes with delight,
“Nor deems the manly dress can virgin hide,
“But views, and viewing loves a seeming knight;
“She roused the chase, and feigning to pursue
“To distant thicket’s shades apart the stranger drew.
XXIX.
“There, in the lonely forest’s deep recess,
“Melting with love, and fearless of surprize,
“Her words, her gestures, speak her soft distress,
“Her glowing cheeks, her kind but ardent eyes,
“Her panting sighs, her inward flames confess;
“She yields to full desire, she scorns disguise,
“Prints on my sister’s lips a fiery kiss,
“The pledge, the challenge, to a keener bliss.
“There, in the lonely forest’s deep recess,
“Melting with love, and fearless of surprize,
“Her words, her gestures, speak her soft distress,
“Her glowing cheeks, her kind but ardent eyes,
“Her panting sighs, her inward flames confess;
“She yields to full desire, she scorns disguise,
“Prints on my sister’s lips a fiery kiss,
“The pledge, the challenge, to a keener bliss.
XXX.
“The error well my sister could perceive,
“And shame and pity much her heart perplex;
“No power had she such torments to relieve,
“Or calm the storms her fair companion vex.
‘But if not cure, I yet may undeceive,’
“Said she, ‘and better ’tis to own my sex
‘Than pass, as needs I must in lady’s sight,
‘For man without a heart, a base and groveling knight.’
“The error well my sister could perceive,
“And shame and pity much her heart perplex;
“No power had she such torments to relieve,
“Or calm the storms her fair companion vex.
‘But if not cure, I yet may undeceive,’
“Said she, ‘and better ’tis to own my sex
‘Than pass, as needs I must in lady’s sight,
‘For man without a heart, a base and groveling knight.’
XXXI.
“And well she judged, for dull and senseless beast
“Were he, nor formed of man’s superior clay,
“Who, when a willing fair her love confest,
“Ripe, young, and panting for the sweet affray,
“Could to such challenge droop his coward crest,
“And in cold converse waste the precious day:
“Owning her sex the truth the heroine clears,
“And damps a woman’s hopes to shun a woman’s sneers.
“And well she judged, for dull and senseless beast
“Were he, nor formed of man’s superior clay,
“Who, when a willing fair her love confest,
“Ripe, young, and panting for the sweet affray,
“Could to such challenge droop his coward crest,
“And in cold converse waste the precious day:
“Owning her sex the truth the heroine clears,
“And damps a woman’s hopes to shun a woman’s sneers.
XXXII.
“How born on Afric’s distant coast she told,
“How yet a child she brandished sword and shield,
“And glory sought, like Amazons of old,
“A virgin warrior in the martial field!
“But not for this did blood once fired grow cold,
“Or love’s disease to reason’s medicine yield;
“Too deep the cruel god had fixed the dart,
“And what might ward the blow could not allay the smart.
“How born on Afric’s distant coast she told,
“How yet a child she brandished sword and shield,
“And glory sought, like Amazons of old,
“A virgin warrior in the martial field!
“But not for this did blood once fired grow cold,
“Or love’s disease to reason’s medicine yield;
“Too deep the cruel god had fixed the dart,
“And what might ward the blow could not allay the smart.
XXXIII.
“For not for this that face less lovely seems,
“Less bright those eyes, or less divine that air;
“Nor hateful truth the captive heart redeems;
“For spite of words, the gazing, amorous fair,
“Or views the manly dress and fondly deems
“All love can wish must needs inhabit there,
“Or vainly struggling with the sad belief,
“Believes indeed, and weeps, and yields her soul to grief.
“For not for this that face less lovely seems,
“Less bright those eyes, or less divine that air;
“Nor hateful truth the captive heart redeems;
“For spite of words, the gazing, amorous fair,
“Or views the manly dress and fondly deems
“All love can wish must needs inhabit there,
“Or vainly struggling with the sad belief,
“Believes indeed, and weeps, and yields her soul to grief.
XXXIV.
“To hear the gentle maid her fate repine
“The sternest breast would soft compassion lend.
‘What woes,’ she cried, ‘what torments e’er like mine!
‘Love without hope! desires without an end!
‘All other passions, wicked or divine,
‘To some known goal, to some clear object tend;
‘The thorn may wound, but yet the rose is there;
‘Nor flower nor fruit has mine; my love is all despair!
“To hear the gentle maid her fate repine
“The sternest breast would soft compassion lend.
‘What woes,’ she cried, ‘what torments e’er like mine!
‘Love without hope! desires without an end!
‘All other passions, wicked or divine,
‘To some known goal, to some clear object tend;
‘The thorn may wound, but yet the rose is there;
‘Nor flower nor fruit has mine; my love is all despair!
XXXV.
‘If the god, envious of my happy state,
‘Resolved t’ inflict on me his cruel wound,
‘Why should he toil new torments to create,
‘Nor deal those shafts he deals to all around?
‘For never sure ’mid all the freaks of fate,
‘Female inflamed for female have we found;
‘Nor love for woman burns in womankind,
‘Nor heifer heifer seeks, nor hind pursues a hind.
‘If the god, envious of my happy state,
‘Resolved t’ inflict on me his cruel wound,
‘Why should he toil new torments to create,
‘Nor deal those shafts he deals to all around?
‘For never sure ’mid all the freaks of fate,
‘Female inflamed for female have we found;
‘Nor love for woman burns in womankind,
‘Nor heifer heifer seeks, nor hind pursues a hind.
XXXVI.
‘Where yet before in earth, or air, or sea,
‘Did fates contrive such strange, such monstrous love?
‘Sure the relentless god reserved for me
‘The last caprices of his power to prove.
‘Incestuous fires the world before might see;
‘Such Myrrha, such did Ninus’ widow, move.
‘More lawless yet inspired the Cretan dame;
‘But though less guilty mine, ’tis sure a madder flame.
‘Where yet before in earth, or air, or sea,
‘Did fates contrive such strange, such monstrous love?
‘Sure the relentless god reserved for me
‘The last caprices of his power to prove.
‘Incestuous fires the world before might see;
‘Such Myrrha, such did Ninus’ widow, move.
‘More lawless yet inspired the Cretan dame;
‘But though less guilty mine, ’tis sure a madder flame.
XXXVII.
‘Wild though their passions, yet they had a cure,
‘And still on male did female fix her mind;
‘The beast she wooed; Pasiphaë to allure,
‘In painted wood her human limbs confined,
‘All soothed their pains; but those which I endure
‘No hope can harbour, no relief can find;
‘Not Dædalus, not Jove can tender aid,
‘Or burst th’ indissoluble knot that Nature made.’
‘Wild though their passions, yet they had a cure,
‘And still on male did female fix her mind;
‘The beast she wooed; Pasiphaë to allure,
‘In painted wood her human limbs confined,
‘All soothed their pains; but those which I endure
‘No hope can harbour, no relief can find;
‘Not Dædalus, not Jove can tender aid,
‘Or burst th’ indissoluble knot that Nature made.’
XXXVIII.
“Thus weeps, and sobs, and moans, the hapless dame,
“In fruitless anguish and in wild despair,
“Vents her sad vengeance on her tender frame,
“Beats her pale cheek, and tears her lovely hair.
“My sister, object of the hopeless flame,
“To cure the pains her pity made her share,
“In vain with reason strove to soothe her grief;
“Love asks no soothing words, but full and prompt relief.
“Thus weeps, and sobs, and moans, the hapless dame,
“In fruitless anguish and in wild despair,
“Vents her sad vengeance on her tender frame,
“Beats her pale cheek, and tears her lovely hair.
“My sister, object of the hopeless flame,
“To cure the pains her pity made her share,
“In vain with reason strove to soothe her grief;
“Love asks no soothing words, but full and prompt relief.
XXXIX.
“At length, as parting day began to close,
“Pleased with the prospect of so dear a guest,
“The amorous nymph, to lull awhile her woes,
“The glad occasion seized, my sister pressed
“Beneath her neighbouring roof to take repose;
“For now the sinking sun and reddening west
“Enjoin retreat to such as did not care
“To brave the dews of night, and sleep in open air.
“At length, as parting day began to close,
“Pleased with the prospect of so dear a guest,
“The amorous nymph, to lull awhile her woes,
“The glad occasion seized, my sister pressed
“Beneath her neighbouring roof to take repose;
“For now the sinking sun and reddening west
“Enjoin retreat to such as did not care
“To brave the dews of night, and sleep in open air.
XL.
“Though loth, my sister could not but comply.
“Together them they to that place retire
“Where late by traitor bands condemned to die
“Your valiant arm redeemed me from the fire.
“There Flordespina greets her courteously,
“But changed her manly arms to maid’s attire,
“That she to whom such blandishments were shown,
“Might pass for what she was, and be a woman known.
“Together them they to that place retire
“Where late by traitor bands condemned to die
“Your valiant arm redeemed me from the fire.
“There Flordespina greets her courteously,
“But changed her manly arms to maid’s attire,
“That she to whom such blandishments were shown,
“Might pass for what she was, and be a woman known.
XLI.
“For seeing well how her misguided flame
“From the false garb nor aid nor profit drew,
“’Twere hard, she deemed, her long unblemished fame
“Should yet be stained, or scandal should ensue;
“Nay more, from thence the first delusion came;
“Gazing on seeming man the passion grew;
“Perchance the woman seen without disguise
“Might cure her wounded heart, and undeceive her eyes.
“For seeing well how her misguided flame
“From the false garb nor aid nor profit drew,
“’Twere hard, she deemed, her long unblemished fame
“Should yet be stained, or scandal should ensue;
“Nay more, from thence the first delusion came;
“Gazing on seeming man the passion grew;
“Perchance the woman seen without disguise
“Might cure her wounded heart, and undeceive her eyes.
XLII.
“That night one bed the lovely pair received,
“The bed the same, but different their repose;
“This soundly slept, that sighed and sobbed and grieved:
“Or restless love forbids her eyes to close,
“Or in short sleep that not her mind relieves,
“Some treacherous bliss, some torturing dream arose.
“Still in one course her feverish fancy ran,
“And heaven, she idly dreamt, had made her guest a man.
“That night one bed the lovely pair received,
“The bed the same, but different their repose;
“This soundly slept, that sighed and sobbed and grieved:
“Or restless love forbids her eyes to close,
“Or in short sleep that not her mind relieves,
“Some treacherous bliss, some torturing dream arose.
“Still in one course her feverish fancy ran,
“And heaven, she idly dreamt, had made her guest a man.
XLIII.
“When for cool streams a burning patient pants,
“If closed awhile his eyes in broken sleeps,
“Each well-known rill his tortured fancy haunts,
“And his parched lips in every fount he steeps:
“So heaven in dreams her fiery wishes grants
“In hopes, the harvest of delight she reaps,
“Till waking she would clasp th’ expected youth,
“And her baulked hand betrays the melancholy truth.
“When for cool streams a burning patient pants,
“If closed awhile his eyes in broken sleeps,
“Each well-known rill his tortured fancy haunts,
“And his parched lips in every fount he steeps:
“So heaven in dreams her fiery wishes grants
“In hopes, the harvest of delight she reaps,
“Till waking she would clasp th’ expected youth,
“And her baulked hand betrays the melancholy truth.
XLIV.
“To her false gods throughout the livelong night,
“What prayers she offered and what vows she paid!
“To change her comrade’s sex, if change they might,
“Through heavenly mercy, or through magic aid—
“In vain—the gods such idle wishes slight,
“Or laugh to hear such wild entreaties made.
“Till Phœbus rising from his watery bed,
“From his bright face again his light and radiance shed.
“To her false gods throughout the livelong night,
“What prayers she offered and what vows she paid!
“To change her comrade’s sex, if change they might,
“Through heavenly mercy, or through magic aid—
“In vain—the gods such idle wishes slight,
“Or laugh to hear such wild entreaties made.
“Till Phœbus rising from his watery bed,
“From his bright face again his light and radiance shed.
XLV.
“Leaving a bed nor joy nor sleep had blest,
“Fresh pain assails poor Flordespina’s heart,
“Since much with pity, more with shame distrest,
“Fair Bradamante hastens to depart;
“Meanwhile the love-sick hostess loads her guest
“With gifts unsought, a steed whom costly art
“Had decked with gold; and further mark of love,
“A bright embroidered cloak her own fair labours wove.
“Leaving a bed nor joy nor sleep had blest,
“Fresh pain assails poor Flordespina’s heart,
“Since much with pity, more with shame distrest,
“Fair Bradamante hastens to depart;
“Meanwhile the love-sick hostess loads her guest
“With gifts unsought, a steed whom costly art
“Had decked with gold; and further mark of love,
“A bright embroidered cloak her own fair labours wove.
XLVI.
“Awhile the princess on the road attends
“Her guest, then homeward weeping turns away,
“And homeward too the maid her journey bends,
“And Montalbano reached ere close of day.
“Where we her brethren, mother, kindred, friends,
“Who much had marvelled at her long delay,
“And feared the worst, in joy to see her come,
“Flock round to welcome Bradamante home.
“Awhile the princess on the road attends
“Her guest, then homeward weeping turns away,
“And homeward too the maid her journey bends,
“And Montalbano reached ere close of day.
“Where we her brethren, mother, kindred, friends,
“Who much had marvelled at her long delay,
“And feared the worst, in joy to see her come,
“Flock round to welcome Bradamante home.
XLVII.
“But when aside the maid her helmet threw,
“No loosened tresses wanton in the wind,
“Nor with less wonder does her kindred view
“The strange embroidered cloak that trails behind;
“Till she to us relates, as I to you,
“The various tales, how she her locks resigned
“To save her life, when issuing from the wood
“A Moorish javelin pierced, and bathed her head in blood.
“But when aside the maid her helmet threw,
“No loosened tresses wanton in the wind,
“Nor with less wonder does her kindred view
“The strange embroidered cloak that trails behind;
“Till she to us relates, as I to you,
“The various tales, how she her locks resigned
“To save her life, when issuing from the wood
“A Moorish javelin pierced, and bathed her head in blood.
XLVIII.
“She tells how, sleeping by the fountain’s side,
“A beauteous huntress first disturbed her rest,
“Who since the manly dress her sex belied,
“Led her to distant shades and love confest;
“And of the flames avowed, th’ endearments tried,
“The sorrows uttered there, she nought supprest;
“Adds how at night she shared her hostess’ bed,
“And paints her fruitless love, and tears at parting shed.
“She tells how, sleeping by the fountain’s side,
“A beauteous huntress first disturbed her rest,
“Who since the manly dress her sex belied,
“Led her to distant shades and love confest;
“And of the flames avowed, th’ endearments tried,
“The sorrows uttered there, she nought supprest;
“Adds how at night she shared her hostess’ bed,
“And paints her fruitless love, and tears at parting shed.
XLIX.
“Now long in Saragossa and in France
“Fair Flordespina’s face to me was known,
“Nor failed her bloom, and eyes’ bewitching glance,
“To fire my blood; but yet, while hope was none,
“Scorning to love and pine without a chance,
“I strove and kept the rising passion down;
“But this strange tale the dying embers stirred,
“And all my flame revived and kindled as I heard.
“Now long in Saragossa and in France
“Fair Flordespina’s face to me was known,
“Nor failed her bloom, and eyes’ bewitching glance,
“To fire my blood; but yet, while hope was none,
“Scorning to love and pine without a chance,
“I strove and kept the rising passion down;
“But this strange tale the dying embers stirred,
“And all my flame revived and kindled as I heard.
L.
“Hence sprang new hope, and love who in despair
“Had slumbered long, roused by that hope again,
“Lays the deep plot, and weaves the subtle snare
“To catch the prize he panted to obtain.
“The strong resemblance I my sister bear
“Might well deceive the princess and her train;
“And I, should they as others be misled,
“Like her might fire her blood, like her might share her bed.
“Hence sprang new hope, and love who in despair
“Had slumbered long, roused by that hope again,
“Lays the deep plot, and weaves the subtle snare
“To catch the prize he panted to obtain.
“The strong resemblance I my sister bear
“Might well deceive the princess and her train;
“And I, should they as others be misled,
“Like her might fire her blood, like her might share her bed.
LI.
“Should I, or should I not? I deem it just
“Where pleasure calls to seek the dear delight;
“Yet I to none the deep design entrust,
“For none in love’s affairs can counsel right.
“The armour, that aside my sister thrust,
“I first secure, then in the depth of night
“Vault on her steed, nor wait the dawn of day,
“Which while it cleared my path my purpose might betray.
“Should I, or should I not? I deem it just
“Where pleasure calls to seek the dear delight;
“Yet I to none the deep design entrust,
“For none in love’s affairs can counsel right.
“The armour, that aside my sister thrust,
“I first secure, then in the depth of night
“Vault on her steed, nor wait the dawn of day,
“Which while it cleared my path my purpose might betray.
LII.
“Love who through darkness was my faithful guide,
“Led me so sure, so swiftly to my fair,
“That from her gate I saw in western tide
“The sun yet sinking when I halted there;
“And lucky he who first my form descried,
“And ran the tidings to his queen to bear,
“Kind thanks and gorgeous presents shall requite,
“Whose welcome words announce th’ approaching female knight.
“Love who through darkness was my faithful guide,
“Led me so sure, so swiftly to my fair,
“That from her gate I saw in western tide
“The sun yet sinking when I halted there;
“And lucky he who first my form descried,
“And ran the tidings to his queen to bear,
“Kind thanks and gorgeous presents shall requite,
“Whose welcome words announce th’ approaching female knight.
LIII.
“As you but now so all my looks mislead,
“All think in me they Bradamante greet;
“Th’ embroidered cloak, the trappings, and the steed
“Which late she bore from hence, assist the cheat,
“And Flordespina runs with eager speed
“Her welcome, her returning guest to meet;
“Her thoughts with love, her cheeks with rapture glow,
“Nor gladder heart nor face the world throughout could show.
“As you but now so all my looks mislead,
“All think in me they Bradamante greet;
“Th’ embroidered cloak, the trappings, and the steed
“Which late she bore from hence, assist the cheat,
“And Flordespina runs with eager speed
“Her welcome, her returning guest to meet;
“Her thoughts with love, her cheeks with rapture glow,
“Nor gladder heart nor face the world throughout could show.
LIV.
“As round my neck her lovely arms she threw,
“As on my lips her lips a kiss impart,
“Judge through my frame how swift the poison flew,
“Thrilled in my blood, and rankled at my heart.
“To distant rooms we hand in hand withdrew,
“There too officious fondness played its part,
“The princess ’self must take the handmaid’s place,
“She must my spurs remove, and she my helm unlace.
“As round my neck her lovely arms she threw,
“As on my lips her lips a kiss impart,
“Judge through my frame how swift the poison flew,
“Thrilled in my blood, and rankled at my heart.
“To distant rooms we hand in hand withdrew,
“There too officious fondness played its part,
“The princess ’self must take the handmaid’s place,
“She must my spurs remove, and she my helm unlace.
LV.
“Then from her stores a costly robe she chose,
“Her own fair hands the rustling silks unfold,
“She o’er my limbs the female garment throws,
“She hides my shortened locks in nets of gold.
“The while, lest eyes or lips the truth disclose,
“Downcast I stand, with looks demure and cold;
“And none my voice detect, so well I teach
“My tongue a female tone and gentle lisping speech.
“Then from her stores a costly robe she chose,
“Her own fair hands the rustling silks unfold,
“She o’er my limbs the female garment throws,
“She hides my shortened locks in nets of gold.
“The while, lest eyes or lips the truth disclose,
“Downcast I stand, with looks demure and cold;
“And none my voice detect, so well I teach
“My tongue a female tone and gentle lisping speech.
LVI.
“Me thence attired to spacious halls she drew,
“Where knights and dames had long assembled been;
“They rising greet us with the honours due
“To high degree, to princess or to queen;
“There often inwardly I smiled to view
“Knights, not aware what stately but unseen
. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
“Me thence attired to spacious halls she drew,
“Where knights and dames had long assembled been;
“They rising greet us with the honours due
“To high degree, to princess or to queen;
“There often inwardly I smiled to view
“Knights, not aware what stately but unseen
. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
LVII.
“And now advancing night had closed our cheer,
“And slaves removed the board at which we fed,
“A board with fruits, the glory of the year,
“And rich delicious cates but lately spread!
“When Flordespina rose, nor asked to hear
“What cause again my steps had thither led,
“But bade me with a smile divinely fair
“Remain at least awhile, that night her bed to share.
“And now advancing night had closed our cheer,
“And slaves removed the board at which we fed,
“A board with fruits, the glory of the year,
“And rich delicious cates but lately spread!
“When Flordespina rose, nor asked to hear
“What cause again my steps had thither led,
“But bade me with a smile divinely fair
“Remain at least awhile, that night her bed to share.
LVIII.
“Slaves, pages, ladies, handmaids, all were gone:
“Alone and naked in the bed we lay,
“And flaming torches round the chamber shone,
“Shedding broad blaze and imitating day.
‘Lady,’ I said, and thus my tale begun,
‘Marvel not one so lately torn away
‘So soon returns, though from my flight I fear
‘You hardly guessed how soon, or when to see me here.
“Slaves, pages, ladies, handmaids, all were gone:
“Alone and naked in the bed we lay,
“And flaming torches round the chamber shone,
“Shedding broad blaze and imitating day.
‘Lady,’ I said, and thus my tale begun,
‘Marvel not one so lately torn away
‘So soon returns, though from my flight I fear
‘You hardly guessed how soon, or when to see me here.
LIX.
‘Why thus I went, why thus again I came,
‘My faithful words in order shall explain,
‘For could my staying have allayed thy flame,
‘How had I joyed for ages to remain!
‘To live, to die with thee, my only aim!
‘But since ’twas clear I but enhanced the pain,
‘Not soothed the wound, the wisest choice I made,
‘Fled pangs my presence caused, my presence could not aid.
‘Why thus I went, why thus again I came,
‘My faithful words in order shall explain,
‘For could my staying have allayed thy flame,
‘How had I joyed for ages to remain!
‘To live, to die with thee, my only aim!
‘But since ’twas clear I but enhanced the pain,
‘Not soothed the wound, the wisest choice I made,
‘Fled pangs my presence caused, my presence could not aid.
LX.
‘Now fortune led me from my road to where
‘Thick branches woven formed a deeper shade,
‘When, lo! a sudden shriek assails my ear,
‘A woman’s shriek, which loudly called for aid;
‘I fly—and in a lake as crystal clear,
‘Strange sight! an angling faun had hooked a maid;
‘Naked he dragged her from her native flood,
‘And fain the savage wretch had feasted on her blood.
‘Now fortune led me from my road to where
‘Thick branches woven formed a deeper shade,
‘When, lo! a sudden shriek assails my ear,
‘A woman’s shriek, which loudly called for aid;
‘I fly—and in a lake as crystal clear,
‘Strange sight! an angling faun had hooked a maid;
‘Naked he dragged her from her native flood,
‘And fain the savage wretch had feasted on her blood.
LXI.
‘But sword in hand I to her succour flew,
‘No other weapon did the place supply,
‘Nor needed more—for I the monster slew.
‘Back to the lake the maid leapt suddenly,
‘And floating, cried, “To thee the merit’s due,
“I live, and no ungrateful nymph am I:
“Queen of the lake, these watery realms I haunt,
“Then ask whate’er you wish, whate’er you ask I grant.
‘But sword in hand I to her succour flew,
‘No other weapon did the place supply,
‘Nor needed more—for I the monster slew.
‘Back to the lake the maid leapt suddenly,
‘And floating, cried, “To thee the merit’s due,
“I live, and no ungrateful nymph am I:
“Queen of the lake, these watery realms I haunt,
“Then ask whate’er you wish, whate’er you ask I grant.
LXII.
“For I have power strange wonders to command,
“And nature’s laws are changed by my decrees;
“Whatever then thy wishes shall demand,
“My skill, my knowledge, shall effect with ease;
“For at my breath shall quake the solid land,
“The air shall harden, or the fire shall freeze,
“The moon to earth direct her downward course,
“The sun himself stand still, and own enchantment’s force.”
“For I have power strange wonders to command,
“And nature’s laws are changed by my decrees;
“Whatever then thy wishes shall demand,
“My skill, my knowledge, shall effect with ease;
“For at my breath shall quake the solid land,
“The air shall harden, or the fire shall freeze,
“The moon to earth direct her downward course,
“The sun himself stand still, and own enchantment’s force.”
LXIII.
‘She spoke,—the paltry gift of wealth I slight,
‘Nor ask extended empire to acquire,
‘Disdain the vulgar praise of martial might,
‘Nor e’en to victory’s glorious palm aspire;
‘Some gift I sought, and sure my choice was right,
‘Might cure thy pains, might soothe thy kind desire;
‘Thy bliss, thy joy, I to the world prefer.
‘This was my sole request, I left the means to her.
‘She spoke,—the paltry gift of wealth I slight,
‘Nor ask extended empire to acquire,
‘Disdain the vulgar praise of martial might,
‘Nor e’en to victory’s glorious palm aspire;
‘Some gift I sought, and sure my choice was right,
‘Might cure thy pains, might soothe thy kind desire;
‘Thy bliss, thy joy, I to the world prefer.
‘This was my sole request, I left the means to her.
LXIV.
‘I said; the plunging nymph again I view;
‘No word she speaks, the lake her form sustains,
‘While from its surface she some water threw.
‘Soon as th’ enchanted stream my limbs attains,
‘Soon as the holy drops my skin bedew,
‘A stronger sex comes rushing through my veins,
‘Through my whole frame the strange emotion ran,
‘I see, I feel the change, and am indeed a man.
‘I said; the plunging nymph again I view;
‘No word she speaks, the lake her form sustains,
‘While from its surface she some water threw.
‘Soon as th’ enchanted stream my limbs attains,
‘Soon as the holy drops my skin bedew,
‘A stronger sex comes rushing through my veins,
‘Through my whole frame the strange emotion ran,
‘I see, I feel the change, and am indeed a man.
LXV.
‘And, but that deeds the wondrous fact shall prove,
‘You well might doubt the marvels I relate,
‘Yet man or maid alike to please I strove,
‘My will was sure the same in either state;
‘Though fate awhile opposed our hopeless love,
‘Lo! how triumphant love has conquered fate!’
. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . .
‘And, but that deeds the wondrous fact shall prove,
‘You well might doubt the marvels I relate,
‘Yet man or maid alike to please I strove,
‘My will was sure the same in either state;
‘Though fate awhile opposed our hopeless love,
‘Lo! how triumphant love has conquered fate!’
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LXVI.
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LXVII.
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LXVIII.
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LXIX.
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LXX.
“Our bliss awhile was undisturbed by fears,
“For months our loves in secret we enjoy:
“At last the truth transpires,—the monarch hears,
“And plans of dire revenge his thoughts employ.
“To glut his rage the dreadful pile he rears,
“Where flames at once should guilt and life destroy.
“Thy courage saved me: thou hast seen the rest,
“But stings of deep remorse lie rankling in my breast.”
“Our bliss awhile was undisturbed by fears,
“For months our loves in secret we enjoy:
“At last the truth transpires,—the monarch hears,
“And plans of dire revenge his thoughts employ.
“To glut his rage the dreadful pile he rears,
“Where flames at once should guilt and life destroy.
“Thy courage saved me: thou hast seen the rest,
“But stings of deep remorse lie rankling in my breast.”
LXXI.
The youth, Ruggiero’s journey to beguile,
Thus through the night recounted as they went
His strange adventures; they had reached the while
A hill in hollow ways and caverns rent,
Their painful march o’er many a rugged mile
Followed a path ’twixt rocks and mountains pent,
O’er which did Agrimant its turrets rear,
Guarded by Baero’s son, a knight called Aldigier.
The youth, Ruggiero’s journey to beguile,
Thus through the night recounted as they went
His strange adventures; they had reached the while
A hill in hollow ways and caverns rent,
Their painful march o’er many a rugged mile
Followed a path ’twixt rocks and mountains pent,
O’er which did Agrimant its turrets rear,
Guarded by Baero’s son, a knight called Aldigier.
LXXII.
Vivian’s and Malagigi’s brother, he
Of spurious birth, partook with them the stain;
Some who on Gerard’s lawful pedigree
Would graft his stock, are surely rash and vain:
Nor boots it much; the youth we all agree
Was bold, was wise, frank, courteous, and humane,
And strove his brother’s orders to fulfil,
By night and day to guard his castle on that hill.
Vivian’s and Malagigi’s brother, he
Of spurious birth, partook with them the stain;
Some who on Gerard’s lawful pedigree
Would graft his stock, are surely rash and vain:
Nor boots it much; the youth we all agree
Was bold, was wise, frank, courteous, and humane,
And strove his brother’s orders to fulfil,
By night and day to guard his castle on that hill.
LXXIII.
There he his cousin Ricciardetto greets
E’en with a brother’s love, as well he might,
And not uncourteously Ruggiero treats.
Good comrade welcome makes a stranger knight,
Yet with no face of joy the guests he meets;
A lowering brow betrays all is not right;
That very day had painful tidings brought,
Sad were his looks thereat, and gloomy was his thought.
There he his cousin Ricciardetto greets
E’en with a brother’s love, as well he might,
And not uncourteously Ruggiero treats.
Good comrade welcome makes a stranger knight,
Yet with no face of joy the guests he meets;
A lowering brow betrays all is not right;
That very day had painful tidings brought,
Sad were his looks thereat, and gloomy was his thought.
LXXIV.
Hence waving compliment, “Bad news,” quoth he,
“Brother,” he loved to call his kinsman so;
“I learn e’en now, from sure authority,
“That Bertolagi, that unrighteous foe,
“With fierce Lanfusa does in league agree;
“Vivian, alas! and Malagigi too,
“With precious gifts he bribes her to resign,
“Her captives now so long, your kinsman dear and mine.
Hence waving compliment, “Bad news,” quoth he,
“Brother,” he loved to call his kinsman so;
“I learn e’en now, from sure authority,
“That Bertolagi, that unrighteous foe,
“With fierce Lanfusa does in league agree;
“Vivian, alas! and Malagigi too,
“With precious gifts he bribes her to resign,
“Her captives now so long, your kinsman dear and mine.
LXXV.
“She, since Ferraü did them prisoners make,
“Has kept them both in dark and loathsome place,
“And now to that bad man of whom I spake
“She sells the knights, a contract foul and base!
“She sends them to a fort, when day shall break,
“Where near Bayona reigns Maganza’s race,
“And she in person will the price advance,
“The price of noble blood, the best that flows in France.
“She, since Ferraü did them prisoners make,
“Has kept them both in dark and loathsome place,
“And now to that bad man of whom I spake
“She sells the knights, a contract foul and base!
“She sends them to a fort, when day shall break,
“Where near Bayona reigns Maganza’s race,
“And she in person will the price advance,
“The price of noble blood, the best that flows in France.
LXXVI.
“E’en now th’ account to our Rinaldo went;
“I bade the man who bore it spur his steed;
“Yet is it late, their malice to prevent;
“Short is the time, the journey long indeed:
“No force have I can from this fort be sent:
“Quick will, but halting power must ill succeed:
“The wretch, the knights once his, will surely slay:
“I know not what to do, I know not what to say.”
“E’en now th’ account to our Rinaldo went;
“I bade the man who bore it spur his steed;
“Yet is it late, their malice to prevent;
“Short is the time, the journey long indeed:
“No force have I can from this fort be sent:
“Quick will, but halting power must ill succeed:
“The wretch, the knights once his, will surely slay:
“I know not what to do, I know not what to say.”
LXXVII.
Such news did Richardetto much displease;
Ruggiero grieved scarce less that he should grieve;
But when both knights he mute and helpless sees,
Devising nought that can their friends relieve,
Boldly he cries—“To set your minds at ease
“The task be mine—and I will all achieve,
“In spite of thousands, trust this sword and me,
“From bondage and from death your kinsmen knights to free.
Such news did Richardetto much displease;
Ruggiero grieved scarce less that he should grieve;
But when both knights he mute and helpless sees,
Devising nought that can their friends relieve,
Boldly he cries—“To set your minds at ease
“The task be mine—and I will all achieve,
“In spite of thousands, trust this sword and me,
“From bondage and from death your kinsmen knights to free.
LXXVIII.
“No need or arms or soldiers to provide,
“Myself ’s enough, I ask no further aid;
“All I demand is this, a trusty guide
“To bring me where the filthy bargain ’s paid;
“The news shall reach you, if I thither ride,
“In cries of those met there in blood to trade.”
Thus said the knight, and one there was who knew,
However strange his speech, that what he spake was true.
“No need or arms or soldiers to provide,
“Myself ’s enough, I ask no further aid;
“All I demand is this, a trusty guide
“To bring me where the filthy bargain ’s paid;
“The news shall reach you, if I thither ride,
“In cries of those met there in blood to trade.”
Thus said the knight, and one there was who knew,
However strange his speech, that what he spake was true.
LXXIX.
The other deemed the vaunt mere idle prate,
Of one who talked too much, too little knew,
Till Richardetto did aside relate
How to release him from the flames he flew;
And how he knew him, if in promise great,
As great and greater in performance too,
So time would show; this hearing, Aldigier
’Gan notice all he said, and lend a willing ear.
The other deemed the vaunt mere idle prate,
Of one who talked too much, too little knew,
Till Richardetto did aside relate
How to release him from the flames he flew;
And how he knew him, if in promise great,
As great and greater in performance too,
So time would show; this hearing, Aldigier
’Gan notice all he said, and lend a willing ear.
LXXX.
Nor noticed only—at his plenteous board
He crowned the stranger master of the feast;
And there the three conclude with one accord,
Those knights shall be by them alone released.
Meanwhile the eyes of peasant and of lord
Were closed in sleep, and day’s hard labour ceased.
But not Ruggiero’s; in his wounded breast
Rankled one thorny thought, and still disturbed his rest.
Nor noticed only—at his plenteous board
He crowned the stranger master of the feast;
And there the three conclude with one accord,
Those knights shall be by them alone released.
Meanwhile the eyes of peasant and of lord
Were closed in sleep, and day’s hard labour ceased.
But not Ruggiero’s; in his wounded breast
Rankled one thorny thought, and still disturbed his rest.
LXXXI.
Remorse had stung him—news that morning heard
Of Agramant besieged, his heart o’ercame—
Each day, each hour, each moment he deferred,
To aid his monarch, added to his shame;
And roaming thus with Christians he incurred
Scorn from the Moors, and scandal on his name;
And if baptized at such suspicious time,
’Twould no conversion be, but cowardice and crime.
Remorse had stung him—news that morning heard
Of Agramant besieged, his heart o’ercame—
Each day, each hour, each moment he deferred,
To aid his monarch, added to his shame;
And roaming thus with Christians he incurred
Scorn from the Moors, and scandal on his name;
And if baptized at such suspicious time,
’Twould no conversion be, but cowardice and crime.
LXXXII.
That lights of faith had burst upon his mind,
In other season might belief obtain;
But now when Agramant in siege confined,
Implored his succour and implored in vain,
All in his change a base pretence would find,
“’Tis fear,” they ’d say, “or viler love of gain
“Sways him, and not religion’s mild control.”
This well Ruggiero knew, it stung him to the soul.
That lights of faith had burst upon his mind,
In other season might belief obtain;
But now when Agramant in siege confined,
Implored his succour and implored in vain,
All in his change a base pretence would find,
“’Tis fear,” they ’d say, “or viler love of gain
“Sways him, and not religion’s mild control.”
This well Ruggiero knew, it stung him to the soul.
LXXXIII.
It stung him too abruptly to depart,
Without the license of his sovereign fair;
Backward and forward oft inclined his heart,
As love and honour most engrossed his care,
For she long since her orders did impart
To Flordespina’s castle to repair,
And thither (as indeed erewhile I said)
They settled both to come in Richardetto’s aid.
It stung him too abruptly to depart,
Without the license of his sovereign fair;
Backward and forward oft inclined his heart,
As love and honour most engrossed his care,
For she long since her orders did impart
To Flordespina’s castle to repair,
And thither (as indeed erewhile I said)
They settled both to come in Richardetto’s aid.
LXXXIV.
And now he recollects, he did agree
In Vallombrosa to rejoin the fair;
And there she surely will have gone, thought he,
And marvel greatly that I am not there;
For if to come myself I was not free,
A note a sen-ant might a message bear.
Whereas I now not only disobey,
But give no signs of life, and seem to slink away.
And now he recollects, he did agree
In Vallombrosa to rejoin the fair;
And there she surely will have gone, thought he,
And marvel greatly that I am not there;
For if to come myself I was not free,
A note a sen-ant might a message bear.
Whereas I now not only disobey,
But give no signs of life, and seem to slink away.
LXXXV.
Thus variously perplext, at length he planned
To write her word of all he underwent;
What though no sure conveyance be at hand,
The lines shall give his restless passion vent,
And then to bear them at his strict command
Chance may some person on his road present;
This thought, he sprang from bed, nor staid for day,
But called for pen and ink, and lights, without delay.
Thus variously perplext, at length he planned
To write her word of all he underwent;
What though no sure conveyance be at hand,
The lines shall give his restless passion vent,
And then to bear them at his strict command
Chance may some person on his road present;
This thought, he sprang from bed, nor staid for day,
But called for pen and ink, and lights, without delay.
LXXXVI.
Attentive valets in that castle wait,
Who to Ruggiero all he asks for bring:
So he begins his letter, writes the date,
The compliment, and other usual thing,
And then proceeds the substance to relate,
How news had reached him of the Moorish king,
And how, unless he to his rescue fly,
That king must taken be, or e’en in fight may die.
Attentive valets in that castle wait,
Who to Ruggiero all he asks for bring:
So he begins his letter, writes the date,
The compliment, and other usual thing,
And then proceeds the substance to relate,
How news had reached him of the Moorish king,
And how, unless he to his rescue fly,
That king must taken be, or e’en in fight may die.
LXXXVII.
He adds how Agramant in desperate case
Had chiefly turned his thoughts to him for aid:
She must herself have deemed his conduct base
Had he denied his succour or delayed:
No, as he hoped to merit her good grace,
He for her sake as for his own obeyed,
How ill with her would match a tarnished knight,
For she was honour all, pure, innocent, and bright.
He adds how Agramant in desperate case
Had chiefly turned his thoughts to him for aid:
She must herself have deemed his conduct base
Had he denied his succour or delayed:
No, as he hoped to merit her good grace,
He for her sake as for his own obeyed,
How ill with her would match a tarnished knight,
For she was honour all, pure, innocent, and bright.
LXXXVIII.
Then if he e’er had laboured to obtain
By virtuous acts some little sprig of fame,
If, when obtained, he of that prize was vain,
Hoping unsullied to preserve his name,
He now had motives stronger yet, from stain
To guard it clear, for she would share the same;
Nor only that, but linked in wedded oath
Would be his other self—one soul would dwell in both.
Then if he e’er had laboured to obtain
By virtuous acts some little sprig of fame,
If, when obtained, he of that prize was vain,
Hoping unsullied to preserve his name,
He now had motives stronger yet, from stain
To guard it clear, for she would share the same;
Nor only that, but linked in wedded oath
Would be his other self—one soul would dwell in both.
LXXXIX.
So what by word of mouth he said long since,
He studiously repeats in writing now;
Once closed the term of service to his prince,
Should life but last he will redeem his vow;
And, as the sacred truths his mind convince,
Himself a Christian openly avow,
Then from Rinaldo’s and her father’s hand,
Her, as his bride (a lawful suit), demand.
So what by word of mouth he said long since,
He studiously repeats in writing now;
Once closed the term of service to his prince,
Should life but last he will redeem his vow;
And, as the sacred truths his mind convince,
Himself a Christian openly avow,
Then from Rinaldo’s and her father’s hand,
Her, as his bride (a lawful suit), demand.
XC.
“Yes,” he subjoins, “to raise the siege I long
“That to my sovereign’s camp the Christians lay;
“I fain would silence the ill-natured throng,
“Who else no doubt to my reproach will say,
“He, while smooth weather wafts the bark along,
“Sticks close to Agramant by night and day,
“But parts, when stiffer gales begin to blow,
“And quits a sinking friend to join a conquering foe.
“Yes,” he subjoins, “to raise the siege I long
“That to my sovereign’s camp the Christians lay;
“I fain would silence the ill-natured throng,
“Who else no doubt to my reproach will say,
“He, while smooth weather wafts the bark along,
“Sticks close to Agramant by night and day,
“But parts, when stiffer gales begin to blow,
“And quits a sinking friend to join a conquering foe.
XCI.
“Fifteen, or at the utmost twenty days
“I ask, my loyal zeal for once to show,
“Just time enough the hateful siege to raise,
“Rescue my monarch, and dislodge the foe;
“And then in earnest terms, or courtly phrase,
“To frame some specious reason soon to go.
“Thus much to save my honour I implore,
“And all my life to come is thine for evermore.”
“Fifteen, or at the utmost twenty days
“I ask, my loyal zeal for once to show,
“Just time enough the hateful siege to raise,
“Rescue my monarch, and dislodge the foe;
“And then in earnest terms, or courtly phrase,
“To frame some specious reason soon to go.
“Thus much to save my honour I implore,
“And all my life to come is thine for evermore.”
XCII.
In fluent language thus Ruggiero pleads
His endless cause, nor can I half recite;
Reason to reason, word to word succeeds,
The paper full, he can no longer write;
But then to fold the letter he proceeds,
And seal, and in his bosom hide from sight,
Hoping, ere night, his luck may find a way,
The lines to her he loves in secret to convey.
In fluent language thus Ruggiero pleads
His endless cause, nor can I half recite;
Reason to reason, word to word succeeds,
The paper full, he can no longer write;
But then to fold the letter he proceeds,
And seal, and in his bosom hide from sight,
Hoping, ere night, his luck may find a way,
The lines to her he loves in secret to convey.
XCIII.
The letter closed, ’twas time his eyes to close;
In search of rest he sank upon his bed;
Sleep came, his weary body to compose,
Sweet drops of Lethe o’er his limbs she shed;
He rested till the glimmering dawn arose,
Sprinkling the east with streaks of white and red,
Like wreaths of flowers, in colour bright and gay,
Till from his golden couch breaks forth the glorious day.
The letter closed, ’twas time his eyes to close;
In search of rest he sank upon his bed;
Sleep came, his weary body to compose,
Sweet drops of Lethe o’er his limbs she shed;
He rested till the glimmering dawn arose,
Sprinkling the east with streaks of white and red,
Like wreaths of flowers, in colour bright and gay,
Till from his golden couch breaks forth the glorious day.
XCIV.
Just as the birds, from many a green retreat,
With music ushered in the new-born ray,
Rose Aldigier, for he was keen to greet
His guests, and guide them on their destined way,
Where much he hoped their valour might defeat
The plot, to Bertologi to betray
His brethren dear; and scarcely had he stirred,
The other two sprang up, his footsteps they had heard.
Just as the birds, from many a green retreat,
With music ushered in the new-born ray,
Rose Aldigier, for he was keen to greet
His guests, and guide them on their destined way,
Where much he hoped their valour might defeat
The plot, to Bertologi to betray
His brethren dear; and scarcely had he stirred,
The other two sprang up, his footsteps they had heard.
XCV.
They dressed, they armed, and with the cousins twain,
To aid their kinsmen forth Ruggiero went;
Much, as they rode, he prayed them, though in vain,
Alone on that adventure to be sent;
But they, from natural love, the thought disdain,
And were besides too cautious to consent;
So in denial stiff, and firm as stone,
They never quit his side, or let him ride alone.
They dressed, they armed, and with the cousins twain,
To aid their kinsmen forth Ruggiero went;
Much, as they rode, he prayed them, though in vain,
Alone on that adventure to be sent;
But they, from natural love, the thought disdain,
And were besides too cautious to consent;
So in denial stiff, and firm as stone,
They never quit his side, or let him ride alone.
XCVI.
They on the spot arrived, the very day
That Malagigi was to be conveyed
To his bad foe: where summer’s scorching ray
Beat on an open plain the scene was laid;
There neither myrtle green, nor fragrant bay,
Nor ash, nor beech, nor cypress, cast a shade;
The waste, save some few stunted shrubs, was bare,
Nor cleansed by gardener’s hoe, nor turned by ploughman’s share.
They on the spot arrived, the very day
That Malagigi was to be conveyed
To his bad foe: where summer’s scorching ray
Beat on an open plain the scene was laid;
There neither myrtle green, nor fragrant bay,
Nor ash, nor beech, nor cypress, cast a shade;
The waste, save some few stunted shrubs, was bare,
Nor cleansed by gardener’s hoe, nor turned by ploughman’s share.
XCVII.
The three bold warriors first their coursers rein,
Where a small path divides that barren waste,
When, lo! a knight approaches o’er the plain;
They saw his armour with much gold inchased,
And that rare long-lived bird that poets feign,
Blazoned in vert they on his scutcheon traced;
But now, enough, I here the canto close,
My breath is spent, I need some short repose.
The three bold warriors first their coursers rein,
Where a small path divides that barren waste,
When, lo! a knight approaches o’er the plain;
They saw his armour with much gold inchased,
And that rare long-lived bird that poets feign,
Blazoned in vert they on his scutcheon traced;
But now, enough, I here the canto close,
My breath is spent, I need some short repose.