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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:14:54 -0700 |
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diff --git a/392-h/392-h.htm b/392-h/392-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..cbd047b --- /dev/null +++ b/392-h/392-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,23979 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" +"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Jerusalem Delivered, by Torquato Tasso</title> + +<style type="text/css"> + +body { margin-left: 20%; + margin-right: 20%; + text-align: justify; } + +h1, h2, h3, h4, h5 {text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-weight: +normal; line-height: 1.5; margin-top: .5em; margin-bottom: .5em;} + +h1 {font-size: 300%; + margin-top: 0.6em; + margin-bottom: 0.6em; + letter-spacing: 0.12em; + word-spacing: 0.2em; + text-indent: 0em;} +h2 {font-size: 150%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 1em;} +h3 {font-size: 130%; margin-top: 1em;} +h4 {font-size: 120%;} +h5 {font-size: 110%;} + +.no-break {page-break-before: avoid;} /* for epubs */ + +div.chapter {page-break-before: always; margin-top: 4em;} + +hr {width: 80%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em;} + +p {text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: 0.25em; + margin-bottom: 0.25em; } + +p.noindent {margin-top: 1em; + text-indent: 0% } + +p.center {text-align: center; + text-indent: 0em; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 1em; } + +a:link {color:blue; text-decoration:none} +a:visited {color:blue; text-decoration:none} +a:hover {color:red} + +</style> + +</head> + +<body> + +<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Jerusalem Delivered, by Torquato Tasso</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and +most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions +whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms +of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online +at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you +are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the +country where you are located before using this eBook. +</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Jerusalem Delivered</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Torquato Tasso</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Translator: Edward Fairfax</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: January, 1995 [eBook #392]<br /> +[Most recently updated: August 26, 2021]</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Douglas B. Killings</div> +<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JERUSALEM DELIVERED ***</div> + +<h1>Gerusalemme Liberata</h1> + +<h3>(“Jerusalem Delivered”)</h3> + +<h2 class="no-break">by Torquato Tasso</h2> + +<h3>(1544-1595)</h3> + +<p class="center"> +Published 1581 in Parma, Italy. +</p> + +<p class="center"> +Translated by Edward Fairfax (1560-1635);<br/> +translation first published in London, 1600.</p> +<hr /> + +<h2>Contents</h2> + +<table summary="" style=""> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#book01">BOOK I.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#book02">BOOK II.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#book03">BOOK III.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#book04">BOOK IV.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#book05">BOOK V.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#book06">BOOK VI.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#book07">BOOK VII.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#book08">BOOK VIII.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#book09">BOOK IX.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#book10">BOOK X.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#book11">BOOK XI.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#book12">BOOK XII.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#book13">BOOK XIII.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#book14">BOOK XIV.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#book15">BOOK XV.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#book16">BOOK XVI.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#book17">BOOK XVII.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#book18">BOOK XVIII.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#book19">BOOK XIX.</a></td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> <a href="#book20">BOOK XX.</a></td> +</tr> + +</table> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="book01"></a>FIRST BOOK</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +THE ARGUMENT.<br/> +God sends his angel to Tortosa down,<br/> +Godfrey unites the Christian Peers and Knights;<br/> +And all the Lords and Princes of renown<br/> +Choose him their Duke, to rule the wares and fights.<br/> +He mustereth all his host, whose number known,<br/> +He sends them to the fort that Sion hights;<br/> +The aged tyrant Juda’s land that guides,<br/> +In fear and trouble, to resist provides. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I<br/> +The sacred armies, and the godly knight,<br/> +That the great sepulchre of Christ did free,<br/> +I sing; much wrought his valor and foresight,<br/> +And in that glorious war much suffered he;<br/> +In vain ’gainst him did Hell oppose her might,<br/> +In vain the Turks and Morians armed be:<br/> +His soldiers wild, to brawls and mutinies prest,<br/> +Reduced he to peace, so Heaven him blest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +II<br/> +O heavenly Muse, that not with fading bays<br/> +Deckest thy brow by the Heliconian spring,<br/> +But sittest crowned with stars’ immortal rays<br/> +In Heaven, where legions of bright angels sing;<br/> +Inspire life in my wit, my thoughts upraise,<br/> +My verse ennoble, and forgive the thing,<br/> +If fictions light I mix with truth divine,<br/> +And fill these lines with other praise than thine. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +III<br/> +Thither thou know’st the world is best inclined<br/> +Where luring Parnass most his sweet imparts,<br/> +And truth conveyed in verse of gentle kind<br/> +To read perhaps will move the dullest hearts:<br/> +So we, if children young diseased we find,<br/> +Anoint with sweets the vessel’s foremost parts<br/> +To make them taste the potions sharp we give;<br/> +They drink deceived, and so deceived, they live. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IV<br/> +Ye noble Princes, that protect and save<br/> +The Pilgrim Muses, and their ship defend<br/> +From rock of Ignorance and Error’s wave,<br/> +Your gracious eyes upon this labor bend:<br/> +To you these tales of love and conquest brave<br/> +I dedicate, to you this work I send:<br/> +My Muse hereafter shall perhaps unfold<br/> +Your fights, your battles, and your combats bold. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +V<br/> +For if the Christian Princes ever strive<br/> +To win fair Greece out of the tyrants’ hands,<br/> +And those usurping Ismaelites deprive<br/> +Of woful Thrace, which now captived stands,<br/> +You must from realms and seas the Turks forth drive,<br/> +As Godfrey chased them from Juda’s lands,<br/> +And in this legend, all that glorious deed,<br/> +Read, whilst you arm you; arm you, whilst you read. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VI<br/> +Six years were run since first in martial guise<br/> +The Christian Lords warraid the eastern land;<br/> +Nice by assault, and Antioch by surprise,<br/> +Both fair, both rich, both won, both conquered stand,<br/> +And this defended they in noblest wise<br/> +’Gainst Persian knights and many a valiant band;<br/> +Tortosa won, lest winter might them shend,<br/> +They drew to holds, and coming spring attend. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VII<br/> +The sullen season now was come and gone,<br/> +That forced them late cease from their noble war,<br/> +When God Almighty form his lofty throne,<br/> +Set in those parts of Heaven that purest are<br/> +(As far above the clear stars every one,<br/> +As it is hence up to the highest star),<br/> +Looked down, and all at once this world beheld,<br/> +Each land, each city, country, town and field. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VIII<br/> +All things he viewed, at last in Syria stayed<br/> +Upon the Christian Lords his gracious eye,<br/> +That wondrous look wherewith he oft surveyed<br/> +Men’s secret thoughts that most concealed lie<br/> +He cast on puissant Godfrey, that assayed<br/> +To drive the Turks from Sion’s bulwarks high,<br/> +And, full of zeal and faith, esteemed light<br/> +All worldly honor, empire, treasure, might: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IX<br/> +In Baldwin next he spied another thought,<br/> +Whom spirits proud to vain ambition move:<br/> +Tancred he saw his life’s joy set at naught,<br/> +So woe-begone was he with pains of love:<br/> +Boemond the conquered folk of Antioch brought,<br/> +The gentle yoke of Christian rule to prove:<br/> +He taught them laws, statutes and customs new,<br/> +Arts, crafts, obedience, and religion true; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +X<br/> +And with such care his busy work he plied,<br/> +That to naught else his acting thoughts he bent:<br/> +In young Rinaldo fierce desires he spied,<br/> +And noble heart of rest impatient;<br/> +To wealth or sovereign power he naught applied<br/> +His wits, but all to virtue excellent;<br/> +Patterns and rules of skill, and courage bold,<br/> +He took from Guelpho, and his fathers old. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XI<br/> +Thus when the Lord discovered had, and seen<br/> +The hidden secrets of each worthy’s breast,<br/> +Out of the hierarchies of angels sheen<br/> +The gentle Gabriel called he from the rest,<br/> +’Twixt God and souls of men that righteous been<br/> +Ambassador is he, forever blest,<br/> +The just commands of Heaven’s Eternal King,<br/> +’Twixt skies and earth, he up and down doth bring. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XII<br/> +To whom the Lord thus spake: “Godfredo find,<br/> +And in my name ask him, why doth he rest?<br/> +Why be his arms to ease and peace resigned?<br/> +Why frees he not Jerusalem distrest?<br/> +His peers to counsel call, each baser mind<br/> +Let him stir up; for, chieftain of the rest<br/> +I choose him here, the earth shall him allow,<br/> +His fellows late shall be his subjects now.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIII<br/> +This said, the angel swift himself prepared<br/> +To execute the charge imposed aright,<br/> +In form of airy members fair imbared,<br/> +His spirits pure were subject to our sight,<br/> +Like to a man in show and shape he fared,<br/> +But full of heavenly majesty and might,<br/> +A stripling seemed he thrive five winters old,<br/> +And radiant beams adorned his locks of gold. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIV<br/> +Of silver wings he took a shining pair,<br/> +Fringed with gold, unwearied, nimble, swift;<br/> +With these he parts the winds, the clouds, the air,<br/> +And over seas and earth himself doth lift,<br/> +Thus clad he cut the spheres and circles fair,<br/> +And the pure skies with sacred feathers clift;<br/> +On Libanon at first his foot he set,<br/> +And shook his wings with rory May dews wet. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XV<br/> +Then to Tortosa’s confines swiftly sped<br/> +The sacred messenger, with headlong flight;<br/> +Above the eastern wave appeared red<br/> +The rising sun, yet scantly half in sight;<br/> +Godfrey e’en then his morn-devotions said,<br/> +As was his custom, when with Titan bright<br/> +Appeared the angel in his shape divine,<br/> +Whose glory far obscured Phoebus’ shine. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVI<br/> +“Godfrey,” quoth he, “behold the season fit<br/> +To war, for which thou waited hast so long,<br/> +Now serves the time, if thou o’erslip not it,<br/> +To free Jerusalem from thrall and wrong:<br/> +Thou with thy Lords in council quickly sit;<br/> +Comfort the feeble, and confirm the strong,<br/> +The Lord of Hosts their general doth make thee,<br/> +And for their chieftain they shall gladly take thee. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVII<br/> +“I, messenger from everlasting Jove,<br/> +In his great name thus his behests do tell;<br/> +Oh, what sure hope of conquest ought thee move,<br/> +What zeal, what love should in thy bosom dwell!”<br/> +This said, he vanished to those seats above,<br/> +In height and clearness which the rest excel,<br/> +Down fell the Duke, his joints dissolved asunder,<br/> +Blind with the light, and strucken dead with wonder. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVIII<br/> +But when recovered, he considered more,<br/> +The man, his manner, and his message said;<br/> +If erst he wished, now he longed sore<br/> +To end that war, whereof he Lord was made;<br/> +Nor swelled his breast with uncouth pride therefore,<br/> +That Heaven on him above this charge had laid,<br/> +But, for his great Creator would the same,<br/> +His will increased: so fire augmenteth flame. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIX<br/> +The captains called forthwith from every tent,<br/> +Unto the rendezvous he them invites;<br/> +Letter on letter, post on post he sent,<br/> +Entreatance fair with counsel he unites,<br/> +All, what a noble courage could augment,<br/> +The sleeping spark of valor what incites,<br/> +He used, that all their thoughts to honor raised,<br/> +Some praised, some paid, some counselled, all pleased. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XX<br/> +The captains, soldiers, all, save Boemond, came,<br/> +And pitched their tents, some in the fields without,<br/> +Some of green boughs their slender cabins frame,<br/> +Some lodged were Tortosa’s streets about,<br/> +Of all the host the chief of worth and name<br/> +Assembled been, a senate grave and stout;<br/> +Then Godfrey, after silence kept a space,<br/> +Lift up his voice, and spake with princely grace: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXI<br/> +“Warriors, whom God himself elected hath<br/> +His worship true in Sion to restore,<br/> +And still preserved from danger, harm and scath,<br/> +By many a sea and many an unknown shore,<br/> +You have subjected lately to his faith<br/> +Some provinces rebellious long before:<br/> +And after conquests great, have in the same<br/> +Erected trophies to his cross and name. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXII<br/> +“But not for this our homes we first forsook,<br/> +And from our native soil have marched so far:<br/> +Nor us to dangerous seas have we betook,<br/> +Exposed to hazard of so far sought war,<br/> +Of glory vain to gain an idle smook,<br/> +And lands possess that wild and barbarous are:<br/> +That for our conquests were too mean a prey,<br/> +To shed our bloods, to work our souls’ decay. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIII<br/> +“But this the scope was of our former thought,—<br/> +Of Sion’s fort to scale the noble wall,<br/> +The Christian folk from bondage to have brought,<br/> +Wherein, alas, they long have lived thrall,<br/> +In Palestine an empire to have wrought,<br/> +Where godliness might reign perpetual,<br/> +And none be left, that pilgrims might denay<br/> +To see Christ’s tomb, and promised vows to pay. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIV<br/> +“What to this hour successively is done<br/> +Was full of peril, to our honor small,<br/> +Naught to our first designment, if we shun<br/> +The purposed end, or here lie fixed all.<br/> +What boots it us there wares to have begun,<br/> +Or Europe raised to make proud Asia thrall,<br/> +If our beginnings have this ending known,<br/> +Not kingdoms raised, but armies overthrown? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXV<br/> +“Not as we list erect we empires new<br/> +On frail foundations laid in earthly mould,<br/> +Where of our faith and country be but few<br/> +Among the thousands stout of Pagans bold,<br/> +Where naught behoves us trust to Greece untrue,<br/> +And Western aid we far removed behold:<br/> +Who buildeth thus, methinks, so buildeth he,<br/> +As if his work should his sepulchre be. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVI<br/> +“Turks, Persians conquered, Antiochia won,<br/> +Be glorious acts, and full of glorious praise,<br/> +By Heaven’s mere grace, not by our prowess done:<br/> +Those conquests were achieved by wondrous ways,<br/> +If now from that directed course we run<br/> +The God of Battles thus before us lays,<br/> +His loving kindness shall we lose, I doubt,<br/> +And be a byword to the lands about. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVII<br/> +“Let not these blessings then sent from above<br/> +Abused be, or split in profane wise,<br/> +But let the issue correspondent prove<br/> +To good beginnings of each enterprise;<br/> +The gentle season might our courage move,<br/> +Now every passage plain and open lies:<br/> +What lets us then the great Jerusalem<br/> +With valiant squadrons round about to hem? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVIII<br/> +“Lords, I protest, and hearken all to it,<br/> +Ye times and ages, future, present, past,<br/> +Hear all ye blessed in the heavens that sit,<br/> +The time for this achievement hasteneth fast:<br/> +The longer rest worse will the season fit,<br/> +Our sureties shall with doubt be overcast.<br/> +If we forslow the siege I well foresee<br/> +From Egypt will the Pagans succored be.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIX<br/> +This said, the hermit Peter rose and spake,<br/> +Who sate in counsel those great Lords among:<br/> +“At my request this war was undertake,<br/> +In private cell, who erst lived closed long,<br/> +What Godfrey wills, of that no question make,<br/> +There cast no doubts where truth is plain and strong,<br/> +Your acts, I trust, will correspond his speech,<br/> +Yet one thing more I would you gladly teach. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXX<br/> +“These strifes, unless I far mistake the thing,<br/> +And discords raised oft in disordered sort,<br/> +Your disobedience and ill managing<br/> +Of actions lost, for want of due support,<br/> +Refer I justly to a further spring,<br/> +Spring of sedition, strife, oppression, tort,<br/> +I mean commanding power to sundry given,<br/> +In thought, opinion, worth, estate, uneven. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXI<br/> +“Where divers Lords divided empire hold,<br/> +Where causes be by gifts, not justice tried,<br/> +Where offices be falsely bought and sold,<br/> +Needs must the lordship there from virtue slide.<br/> +Of friendly parts one body then uphold,<br/> +Create one head, the rest to rule and guide:<br/> +To one the regal power and sceptre give,<br/> +That henceforth may your King and Sovereign live.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXII<br/> +And therewith stayed his speech. O gracious Muse,<br/> +What kindling motions in their breasts do fry?<br/> +With grace divine the hermit’s talk infuse,<br/> +That in their hearts his words may fructify;<br/> +By this a virtuous concord they did choose,<br/> +And all contentions then began to die;<br/> +The Princes with the multitude agree,<br/> +That Godfrey ruler of those wars should be. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIII<br/> +This power they gave him, by his princely right,<br/> +All to command, to judge all, good and ill,<br/> +Laws to impose to lands subdued by might,<br/> +To maken war both when and where he will,<br/> +To hold in due subjection every wight,<br/> +Their valors to be guided by his skill;<br/> +This done, Report displays her tell-tale wings,<br/> +And to each ear the news and tidings brings. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIV<br/> +She told the soldiers, who allowed him meet<br/> +And well deserving of that sovereign place.<br/> +Their first salutes and acclamations sweet<br/> +Received he, with love and gentle grace;<br/> +After their reverence done with kind regreet<br/> +Requited was, with mild and cheerful face,<br/> +He bids his armies should the following day<br/> +On those fair plains their standards proud display. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXV<br/> +The golden sun rose from the silver wave,<br/> +And with his beams enamelled every green,<br/> +When up arose each warrior bold and brave,<br/> +Glistering in filed steel and armor sheen,<br/> +With jolly plumes their crests adorned they have,<br/> +And all tofore their chieftain mustered been:<br/> +He from a mountain cast his curious sight<br/> +On every footman and on every knight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVI<br/> +My mind, Time’s enemy, Oblivion’s foe,<br/> +Disposer true of each noteworthy thing,<br/> +Oh, let thy virtuous might avail me so,<br/> +That I each troop and captain great may sing,<br/> +That in this glorious war did famous grow,<br/> +Forgot till now by Time’s evil handling:<br/> +This work, derived from my treasures dear,<br/> +Let all times hearken, never age outwear. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVII<br/> +The French came foremost battailous and bold,<br/> +Late led by Hugo, brother to their King,<br/> +From France the isle that rivers four infold<br/> +With rolling streams descending from their spring,<br/> +But Hugo dead, the lily fair of gold,<br/> +Their wonted ensign they tofore them bring,<br/> +Under Clotharius great, a captain good,<br/> +And hardy knight ysprong of princes’ blood. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVIII<br/> +A thousand were they in strong armors clad,<br/> +Next whom there marched forth another band,<br/> +That number, nature, and instruction had,<br/> +Like them to fight far off or charge at hand,<br/> +All valiant Normans by Lord Robert lad,<br/> +The native Duke of that renowned land,<br/> +Two bishops next their standards proud upbare,<br/> +Called Reverend William, and Good Ademare. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIX<br/> +Their jolly notes they chanted loud and clear<br/> +On merry mornings at the mass divine,<br/> +And horrid helms high on their heads they bear<br/> +When their fierce courage they to war incline:<br/> +The first four hundred horsemen gathered near<br/> +To Orange town, and lands that it confine:<br/> +But Ademare the Poggian youth brought out,<br/> +In number like, in hard assays as stout. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XL<br/> +Baldwin, his ensign fair, did next dispread<br/> +Among his Bulloigners of noble fame,<br/> +His brother gave him all his troops to lead,<br/> +When he commander of the field became;<br/> +The Count Carinto did him straight succeed,<br/> +Grave in advice, well skilled in Mars his game,<br/> +Four hundred brought he, but so many thrice<br/> +Led Baldwin, clad in gilden arms of price. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLI<br/> +Guelpho next them the land and place possest,<br/> +Whose fortunes good with his great acts agree,<br/> +By his Italian sire, fro the house of Est,<br/> +Well could he bring his noble pedigree,<br/> +A German born with rich possessions blest,<br/> +A worthy branch sprung from the Guelphian tree.<br/> +’Twixt Rhene and Danubie the land contained<br/> +He ruled, where Swaves and Rhetians whilom reigned. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLII<br/> +His mother’s heritage was this and right,<br/> +To which he added more by conquest got,<br/> +From thence approved men of passing might<br/> +He brought, that death or danger feared not:<br/> +It was their wont in feasts to spend the night,<br/> +And pass cold days in baths and houses hot.<br/> +Five thousand late, of which now scantly are<br/> +The third part left, such is the chance of war. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIII<br/> +The nation then with crisped locks and fair,<br/> +That dwell between the seas and Arden Wood,<br/> +Where Mosel streams and Rhene the meadows wear,<br/> +A battel soil for grain, for pasture good,<br/> +Their islanders with them, who oft repair<br/> +Their earthen bulwarks ’gainst the ocean flood,<br/> +The flood, elsewhere that ships and barks devours,<br/> +But there drowns cities, countries, towns and towers; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIV<br/> +Both in one troop, and but a thousand all,<br/> +Under another Robert fierce they run.<br/> +Then the English squadron, soldiers stout and tall,<br/> +By William led, their sovereign’s younger son,<br/> +These archers be, and with them come withal,<br/> +A people near the Northern Pole that wone,<br/> +Whom Ireland sent from loughs and forests hoar,<br/> +Divided far by sea from Europe’s shore. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLV<br/> +Tancredi next, nor ’mongst them all was one,<br/> +Rinald except, a prince of greater might,<br/> +With majesty his noble countenance shone,<br/> +High were his thoughts, his heart was bold in fight,<br/> +No shameful vice his worth had overgone,<br/> +His fault was love, by unadvised sight,<br/> +Bred in the dangers of adventurous arms,<br/> +And nursed with griefs, with sorrows, woes, and harms. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVI<br/> +Fame tells, that on that ever-blessed day,<br/> +When Christian swords with Persian blood were dyed,<br/> +The furious Prince Tancredi from that fray<br/> +His coward foes chased through forests wide,<br/> +Till tired with the fight, the heat, the way,<br/> +He sought some place to rest his wearied side,<br/> +And drew him near a silver stream that played<br/> +Among wild herbs under the greenwood shade. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVII<br/> +A Pagan damsel there unwares he met,<br/> +In shining steel, all save her visage fair,<br/> +Her hair unbound she made a wanton net,<br/> +To catch sweet breathing from the cooling air.<br/> +On her at gaze his longing looks he set,<br/> +Sight, wonder; wonder, love; love bred his care;<br/> +O love, o wonder; love new born, new bred,<br/> +Now groan, now armed, this champion captive led. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVIII<br/> +Her helm the virgin donned, and but some wight<br/> +She feared might come to aid him as they fought,<br/> +Her courage earned to have assailed the knight;<br/> +Yet thence she fled, uncompanied, unsought,<br/> +And left her image in his heart ypight;<br/> +Her sweet idea wandered through his thought,<br/> +Her shape, her gesture, and her place in mind<br/> +He kept, and blew love’s fire with that wind. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIX<br/> +Well might you read his sickness in his eyes,<br/> +Their banks were full, their tide was at the flow,<br/> +His help far off, his hurt within him lies,<br/> +His hopes unstrung, his cares were fit to mow;<br/> +Eight hundred horse (from Champain came) he guies,<br/> +Champain a land where wealth, ease, pleasure, grow,<br/> +Rich Nature’s pomp and pride, the Tirrhene main<br/> +There woos the hills, hills woo the valleys plain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +L<br/> +Two hundred Greeks came next, in fight well tried,<br/> +Not surely armed in steel or iron strong,<br/> +But each a glaive had pendant by his side,<br/> +Their bows and quivers at their shoulders hung,<br/> +Their horses well inured to chase and ride,<br/> +In diet spare, untired with labor long;<br/> +Ready to charge, and to retire at will,<br/> +Though broken, scattered, fled, they skirmish still; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LI<br/> +Tatine their guide, and except Tatine, none<br/> +Of all the Greeks went with the Christian host;<br/> +O sin, O shame, O Greece accurst alone!<br/> +Did not this fatal war affront thy coast?<br/> +Yet safest thou an idle looker-on,<br/> +And glad attendest which side won or lost:<br/> +Now if thou be a bondslave vile become,<br/> +No wrong is that, but God’s most righteous doom. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LII<br/> +In order last, but first in worth and fame,<br/> +Unfeared in fight, untired with hurt or wound,<br/> +The noble squadron of adventurers came,<br/> +Terrors to all that tread on Asian ground:<br/> +Cease Orpheus of thy Minois, Arthur shame<br/> +To boast of Lancelot, or thy table round:<br/> +For these whom antique times with laurel drest,<br/> +These far exceed them, thee, and all the rest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIII<br/> +Dudon of Consa was their guide and lord,<br/> +And for of worth and birth alike they been,<br/> +They chose him captain, by their free accord,<br/> +For he most acts had done, most battles seen;<br/> +Grave was the man in years, in looks, in word,<br/> +His locks were gray, yet was his courage green,<br/> +Of worth and might the noble badge he bore,<br/> +Old scars of grievous wounds received of yore. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIV<br/> +After came Eustace, well esteemed man<br/> +For Godfrey’s sake his brother, and his own;<br/> +The King of Norway’s heir Gernando than,<br/> +Proud of his father’s title, sceptre, crown;<br/> +Roger of Balnavill, and Engerlan,<br/> +For hardy knights approved were and known;<br/> +Besides were numbered in that warlike train<br/> +Rambald, Gentonio, and the Gerrards twain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LV<br/> +Ubaldo then, and puissant Rosimond,<br/> +Of Lancaster the heir, in rank succeed;<br/> +Let none forget Obizo of Tuscain land,<br/> +Well worthy praise for many a worthy deed;<br/> +Nor those three brethren, Lombards fierce and yond,<br/> +Achilles, Sforza, and stern Palamede;<br/> +Nor Otton’s shield he conquered in those stowres,<br/> +In which a snake a naked child devours. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVI<br/> +Guascher and Raiphe in valor like there was.<br/> +The one and other Guido, famous both,<br/> +Germer and Eberard to overpass,<br/> +In foul oblivion would my Muse be loth,<br/> +With his Gildippes dear, Edward alas,<br/> +A loving pair, to war among them go’th<br/> +In bond of virtuous love together tied,<br/> +Together served they, and together died. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVII<br/> +In school of love are all things taught we see,<br/> +There learned this maid of arms the ireful guise,<br/> +Still by his side a faithful guard went she,<br/> +One true-love knot their lives together ties,<br/> +No would to one alone could dangerous be,<br/> +But each the smart of other’s anguish tries,<br/> +If one were hurt, the other felt the sore,<br/> +She lost her blood, he spent his life therefore. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVIII<br/> +But these and all, Rinaldo far exceeds,<br/> +Star of his sphere, the diamond of this ring,<br/> +The nest where courage with sweet mercy breeds:<br/> +A comet worthy each eye’s wondering,<br/> +His years are fewer than his noble deeds,<br/> +His fruit is ripe soon as his blossoms spring,<br/> +Armed, a Mars, might coyest Venus move,<br/> +And if disarmed, then God himself of Love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIX<br/> +Sophia by Adige’s flowery bank him bore,<br/> +Sophia the fair, spouse to Bertoldo great,<br/> +Fit mother for that pearl, and before<br/> +The tender imp was weaned from the teat,<br/> +The Princess Maud him took, in Virtue’s lore<br/> +She brought him up fit for each worthy feat,<br/> +Till of these wares the golden trump he hears,<br/> +That soundeth glory, fame, praise in his ears. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LX<br/> +And then, though scantly three times five years old,<br/> +He fled alone, by many an unknown coast,<br/> +O’er Aegean Seas by many a Greekish hold,<br/> +Till he arrived at the Christian host;<br/> +A noble flight, adventurous, brave, and bold,<br/> +Whereon a valiant prince might justly boast,<br/> +Three years he served in field, when scant begin<br/> +Few golden hairs to deck his ivory chin. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXI<br/> +The horsemen past, their void-left stations fill<br/> +The bands on foot, and Reymond them beforn,<br/> +Of Tholouse lord, from lands near Piraene Hill<br/> +By Garound streams and salt sea billows worn,<br/> +Four thousand foot he brought, well armed, and skill<br/> +Had they all pains and travels to have borne,<br/> +Stout men of arms and with their guide of power<br/> +Like Troy’s old town defenced with Ilion’s tower. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXII<br/> +Next Stephen of Amboise did five thousand lead,<br/> +The men he prest from Tours and Blois but late,<br/> +To hard assays unfit, unsure at need,<br/> +Yet armed to point in well-attempted plate,<br/> +The land did like itself the people breed,<br/> +The soil is gentle, smooth, soft, delicate;<br/> +Boldly they charge, but soon retire for doubt,<br/> +Like fire of straw, soon kindled, soon burnt out. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIII<br/> +The third Alcasto marched, and with him<br/> +The boaster brought six thousand Switzers bold,<br/> +Audacious were their looks, their faces grim,<br/> +Strong castles on the Alpine clifts they hold,<br/> +Their shares and coulters broke, to armors trim<br/> +They change that metal, cast in warlike mould,<br/> +And with this band late herds and flocks that guide,<br/> +Now kings and realms he threatened and defied. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIV<br/> +The glorious standard last to Heaven they sprad,<br/> +With Peter’s keys ennobled and his crown,<br/> +With it seven thousand stout Camillo had,<br/> +Embattailed in walls of iron brown:<br/> +In this adventure and occasion, glad<br/> +So to revive the Romans’ old renown,<br/> +Or prove at least to all of wiser thought,<br/> +Their hearts were fertile land although unwrought. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXV<br/> +But now was passed every regiment,<br/> +Each band, each troop, each person worth regard<br/> +When Godfrey with his lords to counsel went,<br/> +And thus the Duke his princely will declared:<br/> +“I will when day next clears the firmament,<br/> +Our ready host in haste be all prepared,<br/> +Closely to march to Sion’s noble wall,<br/> +Unseen, unheard, or undescried at all. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVI<br/> +“Prepare you then for travel strong and light,<br/> +Fierce to the combat, glad to victory.”<br/> +And with that word and warning soon was dight,<br/> +Each soldier, longing for near coming glory,<br/> +Impatient be they of the morning bright,<br/> +Of honor so them pricked the memory:<br/> +But yet their chieftain had conceived a fear<br/> +Within his heart, but kept it secret there. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVII<br/> +For he by faithful spial was assured,<br/> +That Egypt’s King was forward on his way,<br/> +And to arrive at Gaza old procured,<br/> +A fort that on the Syrian frontiers lay,<br/> +Nor thinks he that a man to wars inured<br/> +Will aught forslow, or in his journey stay,<br/> +For well he knew him for a dangerous foe:<br/> +An herald called he then, and spake him so: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVIII<br/> +“A pinnace take thee swift as shaft from bow,<br/> +And speed thee, Henry, to the Greekish main,<br/> +There should arrive, as I by letters know<br/> +From one that never aught reports in vain,<br/> +A valiant youth in whom all virtues flow,<br/> +To help us this great conquest to obtain,<br/> +The Prince of Danes he is, and brings to war<br/> +A troop with him from under the Arctic star. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIX<br/> +“And for I doubt the Greekish monarch sly<br/> +Will use with him some of his wonted craft,<br/> +To stay his passage, or divert awry<br/> +Elsewhere his forces, his first journey laft,<br/> +My herald good and messenger well try,<br/> +See that these succors be not us beraft,<br/> +But send him thence with such convenient speed<br/> +As with his honor stands and with our need. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXX<br/> +“Return not thou, but Legier stay behind,<br/> +And move the Greekish Prince to send us aid,<br/> +Tell him his kingly promise doth him bind<br/> +To give us succors, by his covenant made.”<br/> +This said, and thus instruct, his letters signed<br/> +The trusty herald took, nor longer stayed,<br/> +But sped him thence to done his Lord’s behest,<br/> +And thus the Duke reduced his thoughts to rest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXI<br/> +Aurora bright her crystal gates unbarred,<br/> +And bridegroom-like forth stept the glorious sun,<br/> +When trumpets loud and clarions shrill were heard,<br/> +And every one to rouse him fierce begun,<br/> +Sweet music to each heart for war prepared,<br/> +The soldiers glad by heaps to harness run;<br/> +So if with drought endangered be their grain,<br/> +Poor ploughmen joy when thunders promise rain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXII<br/> +Some shirts of mail, some coats of plate put on,<br/> +Some donned a cuirass, some a corslet bright,<br/> +And halbert some, and some a habergeon,<br/> +So every one in arms was quickly dight,<br/> +His wonted guide each soldier tends upon,<br/> +Loose in the wind waved their banners light,<br/> +Their standard royal toward Heaven they spread,<br/> +The cross triumphant on the Pagans dead. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIII<br/> +Meanwhile the car that bears the lightning brand<br/> +Upon the eastern hill was mounted high,<br/> +And smote the glistering armies as they stand,<br/> +With quivering beams which dazed the wondering eye,<br/> +That Phaeton-like it fired sea and land,<br/> +The sparkles seemed up to the skies to fly,<br/> +The horses’ neigh and clattering armors’ sound<br/> +Pursue the echo over dale and down. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIV<br/> +Their general did with due care provide<br/> +To save his men from ambush and from train,<br/> +Some troops of horse that lightly armed ride<br/> +He sent to scour the woods and forests main,<br/> +His pioneers their busy work applied<br/> +To even the paths and make the highways plain,<br/> +They filled the pits, and smoothed the rougher ground,<br/> +And opened every strait they closed found. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXV<br/> +They meet no forces gathered by their foe,<br/> +No towers defenced with rampire, moat, or wall,<br/> +No stream, no wood, no mountain could forslow<br/> +Their hasty pace, or stop their march at all;<br/> +So when his banks the prince of rivers, Po,<br/> +Doth overswell, he breaks with hideous fall<br/> +The mossy rocks and trees o’ergrown with age,<br/> +Nor aught withstands his fury and his rage. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVI<br/> +The King of Tripoli in every hold<br/> +Shut up his men, munition and his treasure,<br/> +The straggling troops sometimes assail he would,<br/> +Save that he durst not move them to displeasure;<br/> +He stayed their rage with presents, gifts and gold,<br/> +And led them through his land at ease and leisure,<br/> +To keep his realm in peace and rest he chose,<br/> +With what conditions Godfrey list impose. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVII<br/> +Those of Mount Seir, that neighboreth by east<br/> +The Holy City, faithful folk each one,<br/> +Down from the hill descended most and least,<br/> +And to the Christian Duke by heaps they gone,<br/> +And welcome him and his with joy and feast;<br/> +On him they smile, on him they gaze alone,<br/> +And were his guides, as faithful from that day<br/> +As Hesperus, that leads the sun his way. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVIII<br/> +Along the sands his armies safe they guide<br/> +By ways secure, to them well known before,<br/> +Upon the tumbling billows fraughted ride<br/> +The armed ships, coasting along the shore,<br/> +Which for the camp might every day provide<br/> +To bring munition good and victuals store:<br/> +The isles of Greece sent in provision meet,<br/> +And store of wine from Scios came and Crete. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIX<br/> +Great Neptune grieved underneath the load<br/> +Of ships, hulks, galleys, barks and brigantines,<br/> +In all the mid-earth seas was left no road<br/> +Wherein the Pagan his bold sails untwines,<br/> +Spread was the huge Armado, wide and broad,<br/> +From Venice, Genes, and towns which them confines,<br/> +From Holland, England, France and Sicil sent,<br/> +And all for Juda ready bound and bent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXX<br/> +All these together were combined, and knit<br/> +With surest bonds of love and friendship strong,<br/> +Together sailed they fraught with all things fit<br/> +To service done by land that might belong,<br/> +And when occasion served disbarked it,<br/> +Then sailed the Asian coasts and isles along;<br/> +Thither with speed their hasty course they plied,<br/> +Where Christ the Lord for our offences died. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXI<br/> +The brazen trump of iron-winged fame,<br/> +That mingleth faithful troth with forged lies,<br/> +Foretold the heathen how the Christians came,<br/> +How thitherward the conquering army hies,<br/> +Of every knight it sounds the worth and name,<br/> +Each troop, each band, each squadron it descries,<br/> +And threat’neth death to those, fire, sword and slaughter,<br/> +Who held captived Israel’s fairest daughter. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXII<br/> +The fear of ill exceeds the evil we fear,<br/> +For so our present harms still most annoy us,<br/> +Each mind is prest and open every ear<br/> +To hear new tidings though they no way joy us,<br/> +This secret rumor whispered everywhere<br/> +About the town, these Christians will destroy us,<br/> +The aged king his coming evil that knew,<br/> +Did cursed thoughts in his false heart renew. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIII<br/> +This aged prince ycleped Aladine,<br/> +Ruled in care, new sovereign of this state,<br/> +A tyrant erst, but now his fell engine<br/> +His graver are did somewhat mitigate,<br/> +He heard the western lords would undermine<br/> +His city’s wall, and lay his towers prostrate,<br/> +To former fear he adds a new-come doubt,<br/> +Treason he fears within, and force without. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIV<br/> +For nations twain inhabit there and dwell<br/> +Of sundry faith together in that town,<br/> +The lesser part on Christ believed well,<br/> +On Termagent the more and on Mahown,<br/> +But when this king had made this conquest fell,<br/> +And brought that region subject to his crown,<br/> +Of burdens all he set the Paynims large,<br/> +And on poor Christians laid the double charge. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXV<br/> +His native wrath revived with this new thought,<br/> +With age and years that weakened was of yore,<br/> +Such madness in his cruel bosom wrought,<br/> +That now than ever blood he thirsteth more?<br/> +So stings a snake that to the fire is brought,<br/> +Which harmless lay benumbed with cold before,<br/> +A lion so his rage renewed hath,<br/> +Though fame before, if he be moved to wrath. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVI<br/> +“I see,” quoth he, “some expectation vain,<br/> +In these false Christians, and some new content,<br/> +Our common loss they trust will be their gain,<br/> +They laugh, we weep; they joy while we lament;<br/> +And more, perchance, by treason or by train,<br/> +To murder us they secretly consent,<br/> +Or otherwise to work us harm and woe,<br/> +To ope the gates, and so let in our foe. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVII<br/> +“But lest they should effect their cursed will,<br/> +Let us destroy this serpent on his nest;<br/> +Both young and old, let us this people kill,<br/> +The tender infants at their mothers’ breast,<br/> +Their houses burn, their holy temples fill<br/> +With bodies slain of those that loved them best,<br/> +And on that tomb they hold so much in price,<br/> +Let’s offer up their priests in sacrifice.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVIII<br/> +Thus thought the tyrant in his traitorous mind,<br/> +But durst not follow what he had decreed,<br/> +Yet if the innocents some mercy find,<br/> +From cowardice, not truth, did that proceed,<br/> +His noble foes durst not his craven kind<br/> +Exasperate by such a bloody deed.<br/> +For if he need, what grace could then be got,<br/> +If thus of peace he broke or loosed the knot? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIX<br/> +His villain heart his cursed rage restrained,<br/> +To other thoughts he bent his fierce desire,<br/> +The suburbs first flat with the earth he plained,<br/> +And burnt their buildings with devouring fire,<br/> +Loth was the wretch the Frenchman should have gained<br/> +Or help or ease, by finding aught entire,<br/> +Cedron, Bethsaida, and each watering else<br/> +Empoisoned he, both fountains, springs, and wells. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XC<br/> +So wary wise this child of darkness was;<br/> +The city’s self he strongly fortifies,<br/> +Three sides by site it well defenced has,<br/> +That’s only weak that to the northward lies;<br/> +With mighty bars of long enduring brass,<br/> +The steel-bound doors and iron gates he ties,<br/> +And, lastly, legions armed well provides<br/> +Of subjects born, and hired aid besides. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="book02"></a>SECOND BOOK</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +THE ARGUMENT.<br/> +Ismeno conjures, but his charms are vain;<br/> +Aladine will kill the Christians in his ire:<br/> +Sophronia and Olindo would be slain<br/> +To save the rest, the King grants their desire;<br/> +Clorinda hears their fact and fortunes plain,<br/> +Their pardon gets and keeps them from the fire:<br/> +Argantes, when Aletes’ speeches are<br/> +Despised, defies the Duke to mortal war. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I<br/> +While thus the tyrant bends his thoughts to arms,<br/> +Ismeno gan tofore his sight appear,<br/> +Ismen dead bones laid in cold graves that warms<br/> +And makes them speak, smell, taste, touch, see, and hear;<br/> +Ismen with terror of his mighty charms,<br/> +That makes great Dis in deepest Hell to fear,<br/> +That binds and looses souls condemned to woe,<br/> +And sends the devils on errands to and fro. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +II<br/> +A Christian once, Macon he now adores,<br/> +Nor could he quite his wonted faith forsake,<br/> +But in his wicked arts both oft implores<br/> +Help from the Lord, and aid from Pluto black;<br/> +He, from deep caves by Acheron’s dark shores,<br/> +Where circles vain and spells he used to make,<br/> +To advise his king in these extremes is come,<br/> +Achitophel so counselled Absalom. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +III<br/> +“My liege,” he says, “the camp fast hither moves,<br/> +The axe is laid unto this cedar’s root,<br/> +But let us work as valiant men behoves,<br/> +For boldest hearts good fortune helpeth out;<br/> +Your princely care your kingly wisdom proves,<br/> +Well have you labored, well foreseen about;<br/> +If each perform his charge and duty so,<br/> +Nought but his grave here conquer shall your foe. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IV<br/> +“From surest castle of my secret cell<br/> +I come, partaker of your good and ill,<br/> +What counsel sage, or magic’s sacred spell<br/> +May profit us, all that perform I will:<br/> +The sprites impure from bliss that whilom fell<br/> +Shall to your service bow, constrained by skill;<br/> +But how we must begin this enterprise,<br/> +I will your Highness thus in brief advise. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +V<br/> +“Within the Christian’s church from light of skies,<br/> +An hidden alter stands, far out of sight,<br/> +On which the image consecrated lies<br/> +Of Christ’s dear mother, called a virgin bright,<br/> +An hundred lamps aye burn before her eyes,<br/> +She in a slender veil of tinsel dight,<br/> +On every side great plenty doth behold<br/> +Of offerings brought, myrrh, frankincense and gold. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VI<br/> +“This idol would I have removed away<br/> +From thence, and by your princely hand transport,<br/> +In Macon’s sacred temple safe it lay,<br/> +Which then I will enchant in wondrous sort,<br/> +That while the image in that church doth stay,<br/> +No strength of arms shall win this noble fort,<br/> +Of shake this puissant wall, such passing might<br/> +Have spells and charms, if they be said aright.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VII<br/> +Advised thus, the king impatient<br/> +Flew in his fury to the house of God,<br/> +The image took, with words unreverent<br/> +Abused the prelates, who that deed forbode,<br/> +Swift with his prey, away the tyrant went,<br/> +Of God’s sharp justice naught he feared the rod,<br/> +But in his chapel vile the image laid,<br/> +On which the enchanter charms and witchcraft said. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VIII<br/> +When Phoebus next unclosed his wakeful eye,<br/> +Up rose the sexton of that place profane,<br/> +And missed the image, where it used to lie,<br/> +Each where he sough in grief, in fear, in vain;<br/> +Then to the king his loss he gan descry,<br/> +Who sore enraged killed him for his pain;<br/> +And straight conceived in his malicious wit,<br/> +Some Christian bade this great offence commit. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IX<br/> +But whether this were act of mortal hand,<br/> +Or else the Prince of Heaven’s eternal pleasure,<br/> +That of his mercy would this wretch withstand,<br/> +Nor let so vile a chest hold such a treasure,<br/> +As yet conjecture hath not fully scanned;<br/> +By godliness let us this action measure,<br/> +And truth of purest faith will fitly prove<br/> +That this rare grace came down from Heaven above. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +X<br/> +With busy search the tyrant gan to invade<br/> +Each house, each hold, each temple and each tent<br/> +To them the fault or faulty one bewrayed<br/> +Or hid, he promised gifts or punishment,<br/> +His idle charms the false enchanter said,<br/> +But in this maze still wandered and miswent,<br/> +For Heaven decreed to conceal the same,<br/> +To make the miscreant more to feel his shame. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XI<br/> +But when the angry king discovered not<br/> +What guilty hand this sacrilege had wrought,<br/> +His ireful courage boiled in vengeance hot<br/> +Against the Christians, whom he faulters thought;<br/> +All ruth, compassion, mercy he forgot,<br/> +A staff to beat that dog he long had sought,<br/> +“Let them all die,” quoth he, “kill great and small,<br/> +So shall the offender perish sure withal. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XII<br/> +“To spill the wine with poison mixed with spares?<br/> +Slay then the righteous with the faulty one,<br/> +Destroy this field that yieldeth naught but tares,<br/> +With thorns this vineyard all is over-gone,<br/> +Among these wretches is not one, that cares<br/> +For us, our laws, or our religion;<br/> +Up, up, dear subjects, fire and weapon take,<br/> +Burn, murder, kill these traitors for my sake.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIII<br/> +This Herod thus would Bethlem’s infants kill,<br/> +The Christians soon this direful news receave,<br/> +The trump of death sounds in their hearing shrill,<br/> +Their weapon, faith; their fortress, was the grave;<br/> +They had no courage, time, device, or will,<br/> +To fight, to fly, excuse, or pardon crave,<br/> +But stood prepared to die, yet help they find,<br/> +Whence least they hope, such knots can Heaven unbind. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIV<br/> +Among them dwelt, her parents’ joy and pleasure,<br/> +A maid, whose fruit was ripe, not over-yeared,<br/> +Her beauty was her not esteemed treasure;<br/> +The field of love with plough of virtue eared,<br/> +Her labor goodness; godliness her leisure;<br/> +Her house the heaven by this full moon aye cleared,<br/> +For there, from lovers’ eyes withdrawn, alone<br/> +With virgin beams this spotless Cynthia shone. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XV<br/> +But what availed her resolution chaste,<br/> +Whose soberest looks were whetstones to desire?<br/> +Nor love consents that beauty’s field lie waste,<br/> +Her visage set Olindo’s heart on fire,<br/> +O subtle love, a thousand wiles thou hast,<br/> +By humble suit, by service, or by hire,<br/> +To win a maiden’s hold, a thing soon done,<br/> +For nature framed all women to be won. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVI<br/> +Sophronia she, Olindo hight the youth,<br/> +Both or one town, both in one faith were taught,<br/> +She fair, he full of bashfulness and truth,<br/> +Loved much, hoped little, and desired nought,<br/> +He durst not speak by suit to purchase ruth,<br/> +She saw not, marked not, wist not what he sought,<br/> +Thus loved, thus served he long, but not regarded,<br/> +Unseen, unmarked, unpitied, unrewarded. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVII<br/> +To her came message of the murderment,<br/> +Wherein her guiltless friends should hopeless starve,<br/> +She that was noble, wise, as fair and gent,<br/> +Cast how she might their harmless lives preserve,<br/> +Zeal was the spring whence flowed her hardiment,<br/> +From maiden shame yet was she loth to swerve:<br/> +Yet had her courage ta’en so sure a hold,<br/> +That boldness, shamefaced; shame had made her bold. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVIII<br/> +And forth she went, a shop for merchandise<br/> +Full of rich stuff, but none for sale exposed,<br/> +A veil obscured the sunshine of her eyes,<br/> +The rose within herself her sweetness closed,<br/> +Each ornament about her seemly lies,<br/> +By curious chance, or careless art, composed;<br/> +For what the most neglects, most curious prove,<br/> +So Beauty’s helped by Nature, Heaven, and Love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIX<br/> +Admired of all, on went this noble maid,<br/> +Until the presence of the king she gained,<br/> +Nor for he swelled with ire was she afraid,<br/> +But his fierce wrath with fearless grace sustained,<br/> +“I come,” quoth she, “but be thine anger stayed,<br/> +And causeless rage ’gainst faultless souls restrained—<br/> +I come to show thee, and to bring thee both,<br/> +The wight whose fact hath made thy heart so wroth.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XX<br/> +Her molest boldness, and that lightning ray<br/> +Which her sweet beauty streamed on his face,<br/> +Had struck the prince with wonder and dismay,<br/> +Changed his cheer, and cleared his moody grace,<br/> +That had her eyes disposed their looks to play,<br/> +The king had snared been in love’s strong lace;<br/> +But wayward beauty doth not fancy move,<br/> +A frown forbids, a smile engendereth love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXI<br/> +It was amazement, wonder and delight,<br/> +Although not love, that moved his cruel sense;<br/> +“Tell on,” quoth he, “unfold the chance aright,<br/> +Thy people’s lives I grant for recompense.”<br/> +Then she, “Behold the faulter here in sight,<br/> +This hand committed that supposed offence,<br/> +I took the image, mine that fault, that fact,<br/> +Mine be the glory of that virtuous act.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXII<br/> +This spotless lamb thus offered up her blood,<br/> +To save the rest of Christ’s selected fold,<br/> +O noble lie! was ever truth so good?<br/> +Blest be the lips that such a leasing told:<br/> +Thoughtful awhile remained the tyrant wood,<br/> +His native wrath he gan a space withhold,<br/> +And said, “That thou discover soon I will,<br/> +What aid? what counsel had’st thou in that ill?” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIII<br/> +“My lofty thoughts,” she answered him, “envied<br/> +Another’s hand should work my high desire,<br/> +The thirst of glory can no partner bide,<br/> +With mine own self I did alone conspire.”<br/> +“On thee alone,” the tyrant then replied,<br/> +“Shall fall the vengeance of my wrath and ire.”<br/> +“’Tis just and right,” quoth she, “I yield consent,<br/> +Mine be the honor, mine the punishment.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIV<br/> +The wretch of new enraged at the same,<br/> +Asked where she hid the image so conveyed:<br/> +“Not hid,” quoth she, “but quite consumed with flame,<br/> +The idol is of that eternal maid,<br/> +For so at least I have preserved the same,<br/> +With hands profane from being eft betrayed.<br/> +My Lord, the thing thus stolen demand no more,<br/> +Here see the thief that scorneth death therefor. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXV<br/> +“And yet no theft was this, yours was the sin,<br/> +I brought again what you unjustly took.”<br/> +This heard, the tyrant did for rage begin<br/> +To whet his teeth, and bend his frowning look,<br/> +No pity, youth; fairness, no grace could win;<br/> +Joy, comfort, hope, the virgin all forsook;<br/> +Wrath killed remorse, vengeance stopped mercy’s breath<br/> +Love’s thrall to hate, and beauty’s slave to death. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVI<br/> +Ta’en was the damsel, and without remorse,<br/> +The king condemned her guiltless to the fire,<br/> +Her veil and mantle plucked they off by force,<br/> +And bound her tender arms in twisted wire:<br/> +Dumb was the silver dove, while from her corse<br/> +These hungry kites plucked off her rich attire,<br/> +And for some deal perplexed was her sprite,<br/> +Her damask late, now changed to purest white. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVII<br/> +The news of this mishap spread far and near,<br/> +The people ran, both young and old, to gaze;<br/> +Olindo also ran, and gan to fear<br/> +His lady was some partner in this case;<br/> +But when he found her bound, stript from her gear,<br/> +And vile tormentors ready saw in place,<br/> +He broke the throng, and into presence brast;<br/> +And thus bespake the king in rage and haste: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVIII<br/> +“Not so, not so this grief shall bear away<br/> +From me the honor of so noble feat,<br/> +She durst not, did not, could not so convey<br/> +The massy substance of that idol great,<br/> +What sleight had she the wardens to betray?<br/> +What strength to heave the goddess from her seat?<br/> +No, no, my Lord, she sails but with my wind.”<br/> +Ah, thus he loved, yet was his love unkind! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIX<br/> +He added further: “Where the shining glass,<br/> +Lets in the light amid your temple’s side,<br/> +By broken by-ways did I inward pass,<br/> +And in that window made a postern wide,<br/> +Nor shall therefore this ill-advised lass<br/> +Usurp the glory should this fact betide,<br/> +Mine be these bonds, mine be these flames so pure,<br/> +O glorious death, more glorious sepulture!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXX<br/> +Sophronia raised her modest looks from ground,<br/> +And on her lover bent her eyesight mild,<br/> +“Tell me, what fury? what conceit unsound<br/> +Presenteth here to death so sweet a child?<br/> +Is not in me sufficient courage found,<br/> +To bear the anger of this tyrant wild?<br/> +Or hath fond love thy heart so over-gone?<br/> +Wouldst thou not live, nor let me die alone?” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXI<br/> +Thus spake the nymph, yet spake but to the wind,<br/> +She could not alter his well-settled thought;<br/> +O miracle! O strife of wondrous kind!<br/> +Where love and virtue such contention wrought,<br/> +Where death the victor had for meed assigned;<br/> +Their own neglect, each other’s safety sought;<br/> +But thus the king was more provoked to ire,<br/> +Their strife for bellows served to anger’s fire. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXII<br/> +He thinks, such thoughts self-guiltiness finds out,<br/> +They scorned his power, and therefore scorned the pain,<br/> +“Nay, nay,” quoth he, “let be your strife and doubt,<br/> +You both shall win, and fit reward obtain.”<br/> +With that the sergeants hent the young man stout,<br/> +And bound him likewise in a worthless chain;<br/> +Then back to back fast to a stake both ties,<br/> +Two harmless turtles dight for sacrifice. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIII<br/> +About the pile of fagots, sticks and hay,<br/> +The bellows raised the newly-kindled flame,<br/> +When thus Olindo, in a doleful lay,<br/> +Begun too late his bootless plaints to frame:<br/> +“Be these the bonds? Is this the hoped-for day,<br/> +Should join me to this long-desired dame?<br/> +Is this the fire alike should burn our hearts?<br/> +Ah, hard reward for lovers’ kind desarts! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIV<br/> +“Far other flames and bonds kind lovers prove,<br/> +But thus our fortune casts the hapless die,<br/> +Death hath exchanged again his shafts with love,<br/> +And Cupid thus lets borrowed arrows fly.<br/> +O Hymen, say, what fury doth thee move<br/> +To lend thy lamps to light a tragedy?<br/> +Yet this contents me that I die for thee,<br/> +Thy flames, not mine, my death and torment be. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXV<br/> +“Yet happy were my death, mine ending blest,<br/> +My torments easy, full of sweet delight,<br/> +It this I could obtain, that breast to breast<br/> +Thy bosom might receive my yielded sprite;<br/> +And thine with it in heaven’s pure clothing drest,<br/> +Through clearest skies might take united flight.”<br/> +Thus he complained, whom gently she reproved,<br/> +And sweetly spake him thus, that so her loved: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVI<br/> +“Far other plaints, dear friend, tears and laments<br/> +The time, the place, and our estates require;<br/> +Think on thy sins, which man’s old foe presents<br/> +Before that judge that quits each soul his hire,<br/> +For his name suffer, for no pain torments<br/> +Him whose just prayers to his throne aspire:<br/> +Behold the heavens, thither thine eyesight bend,<br/> +Thy looks, sighs, tears, for intercessors send.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVII<br/> +The Pagans loud cried out to God and man,<br/> +The Christians mourned in silent lamentation,<br/> +The tyrant’s self, a thing unused, began<br/> +To feel his heart relent, with mere compassion,<br/> +But not disposed to ruth or mercy than<br/> +He sped him thence home to his habitation:<br/> +Sophronia stood not grieved nor discontented,<br/> +By all that saw her, but herself, lamented. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVIII<br/> +The lovers standing in this doleful wise,<br/> +A warrior bold unwares approached near,<br/> +In uncouth arms yclad and strange disguise,<br/> +From countries far, but new arrived there,<br/> +A savage tigress on her helmet lies,<br/> +The famous badge Clorinda used to bear;<br/> +That wonts in every warlike stowre to win,<br/> +By which bright sign well known was that fair inn. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIX<br/> +She scorned the arts these silly women use,<br/> +Another thought her nobler humor fed,<br/> +Her lofty hand would of itself refuse<br/> +To touch the dainty needle or nice thread,<br/> +She hated chambers, closets, secret news,<br/> +And in broad fields preserved her maidenhead:<br/> +Proud were her looks, yet sweet, though stern and stout,<br/> +Her dam a dove, thus brought an eagle out. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XL<br/> +While she was young, she used with tender hand<br/> +The foaming steed with froary bit to steer,<br/> +To tilt and tourney, wrestle in the sand,<br/> +To leave with speed Atlanta swift arear,<br/> +Through forests wild, and unfrequented land<br/> +To chase the lion, boar, or rugged bear,<br/> +The satyrs rough, the fauns and fairies wild,<br/> +She chased oft, oft took, and oft beguiled. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLI<br/> +This lusty lady came from Persia late,<br/> +She with the Christians had encountered eft,<br/> +And in their flesh had opened many a gate,<br/> +By which their faithful souls their bodies left,<br/> +Her eye at first presented her the state<br/> +Of these poor souls, of hope and help bereft,<br/> +Greedy to know, as is the mind of man,<br/> +Their cause of death, swift to the fire she ran. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLII<br/> +The people made her room, and on them twain<br/> +Her piercing eyes their fiery weapons dart,<br/> +Silent she saw the one, the other ’plain,<br/> +The weaker body lodged the nobler heart:<br/> +Yet him she saw lament, as if his pain<br/> +Were grief and sorrow for another’s smart,<br/> +And her keep silence so, as if her eyes<br/> +Dumb orators were to entreat the skies. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIII<br/> +Clorinda changed to ruth her warlike mood,<br/> +Few silver drops her vermeil cheeks depaint;<br/> +Her sorrow was for her that speechless stood,<br/> +Her silence more prevailed than his complaint.<br/> +She asked an aged man, seemed grave and good,<br/> +“Come say me, sir,” quoth she, “what hard constraint<br/> +Would murder here love’s queen and beauty’s king?<br/> +What fault or fare doth to this death them bring?” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIV<br/> +Thus she inquired, and answer short he gave,<br/> +But such as all the chance at large disclosed,<br/> +She wondered at the case, the virgin brave,<br/> +That both were guiltless of the fault supposed,<br/> +Her noble thought cast how she might them save,<br/> +The means on suit or battle she reposed.<br/> +Quick to the fire she ran, and quenched it out,<br/> +And thus bespake the sergeants and the rout: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLV<br/> +“Be there not one among you all that dare<br/> +In this your hateful office aught proceed,<br/> +Till I return from court, nor take you care<br/> +To reap displeasure for not making speed.”<br/> +To do her will the men themselves prepare,<br/> +In their faint hearts her looks such terror breed;<br/> +To court she went, their pardon would she get,<br/> +But on the way the courteous king she met. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVI<br/> +“Sir King,” quoth she, “my name Clorinda hight,<br/> +My fame perchance has pierced your ears ere now,<br/> +I come to try my wonted power and might,<br/> +And will defend this land, this town, and you,<br/> +All hard assays esteem I eath and light,<br/> +Great acts I reach to, to small things I bow,<br/> +To fight in field, or to defend this wall,<br/> +Point what you list, I naught refuse at all.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVII<br/> +To whom the king, “What land so far remote<br/> +From Asia’s coasts, or Phoebus’ glistering rays,<br/> +O glorious virgin, that recordeth not<br/> +Thy fame, thine honor, worth, renown, and praise?<br/> +Since on my side I have thy succors got,<br/> +I need not fear in these my aged days,<br/> +For in thine aid more hope, more trust I have,<br/> +Than in whole armies of these soldiers brave. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVIII<br/> +“Now, Godfrey stays too long; he fears, I ween;<br/> +Thy courage great keeps all our foes in awe;<br/> +For thee all actions far unworthy been,<br/> +But such as greatest danger with them draw:<br/> +Be you commandress therefore, Princess, Queen<br/> +Of all our forces: be thy word a law.”<br/> +This said, the virgin gan her beaver vail,<br/> +And thanked him first, and thus began her tale. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIX<br/> +“A thing unused, great monarch, may it seem,<br/> +To ask reward for service yet to come;<br/> +But so your virtuous bounty I esteem,<br/> +That I presume for to intreat this groom<br/> +And silly maid from danger to redeem,<br/> +Condemned to burn by your unpartial doom,<br/> +I not excuse, but pity much their youth,<br/> +And come to you for mercy and for ruth. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +L<br/> +“Yet give me leave to tell your Highness this,<br/> +You blame the Christians, them my thoughts acquite,<br/> +Nor be displeased, I say you judge amiss,<br/> +At every shot look not to hit the white,<br/> +All what the enchanter did persuade you, is<br/> +Against the lore of Macon’s sacred rite,<br/> +For us commandeth mighty Mahomet<br/> +No idols in his temple pure to set. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LI<br/> +“To him therefore this wonder done refar,<br/> +Give him the praise and honor of the thing,<br/> +Of us the gods benign so careful are<br/> +Lest customs strange into their church we bring:<br/> +Let Ismen with his squares and trigons war,<br/> +His weapons be the staff, the glass, the ring;<br/> +But let us manage war with blows like knights,<br/> +Our praise in arms, our honor lies in fights.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LII<br/> +The virgin held her peace when this was said;<br/> +And though to pity he never framed his thought,<br/> +Yet, for the king admired the noble maid,<br/> +His purpose was not to deny her aught:<br/> +“I grant them life,” quoth he, “your promised aid<br/> +Against these Frenchmen hath their pardon bought:<br/> +Nor further seek what their offences be,<br/> +Guiltless, I quit; guilty, I set them free.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIII<br/> +Thus were they loosed, happiest of humankind,<br/> +Olindo, blessed be this act of thine,<br/> +True witness of thy great and heavenly mind,<br/> +Where sun, moon, stars, of love, faith, virtue, shine.<br/> +So forth they went and left pale death behind,<br/> +To joy the bliss of marriage rites divine,<br/> +With her he would have died, with him content<br/> +Was she to live that would with her have brent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIV<br/> +The king, as wicked thoughts are most suspicious,<br/> +Supposed too fast this tree of virtue grew,<br/> +O blessed Lord! why should this Pharaoh vicious,<br/> +Thus tyrannize upon thy Hebrews true?<br/> +Who to perform his will, vile and malicious,<br/> +Exiled these, and all the faithful crew,<br/> +All that were strong of body, stout of mind,<br/> +But kept their wives and children pledge behind. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LV<br/> +A hard division, when the harmless sheep<br/> +Must leave their lambs to hungry wolves in charge,<br/> +But labor’s virtues watching, ease her sleep,<br/> +Trouble best wind that drives salvation’s barge,<br/> +The Christians fled, whither they took no keep,<br/> +Some strayed wild among the forests large,<br/> +Some to Emmaus to the Christian host,<br/> +And conquer would again their houses lost. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVI<br/> +Emmaus is a city small, that lies<br/> +From Sion’s walls distant a little way,<br/> +A man that early on the morn doth rise,<br/> +May thither walk ere third hour of the day.<br/> +Oh, when the Christian lord this town espies<br/> +How merry were their hearts? How fresh? How gay?<br/> +But for the sun inclined fast to west,<br/> +That night there would their chieftain take his rest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVII<br/> +Their canvas castles up they quickly rear,<br/> +And build a city in an hour’s space.<br/> +When lo, disguised in unusual gear,<br/> +Two barons bold approachen gan the place;<br/> +Their semblance kind, and mild their gestures were,<br/> +Peace in their hands, and friendship in their face,<br/> +From Egypt’s king ambassadors they come,<br/> +Them many a squire attends, and many a groom. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVIII<br/> +The first Aletes, born in lowly shed,<br/> +Of parents base, a rose sprung from a brier,<br/> +That now his branches over Egypt spread,<br/> +No plant in Pharaoh’s garden prospered higher;<br/> +With pleasing tales his lord’s vain ears he fed,<br/> +A flatterer, a pick-thank, and a liar:<br/> +Cursed be estate got with so many a crime,<br/> +Yet this is oft the stair by which men climb. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIX<br/> +Argantes called is that other knight,<br/> +A stranger came he late to Egypt land,<br/> +And there advanced was to honor’s height,<br/> +For he was stout of courage, strong of hand,<br/> +Bold was his heart, and restless was his sprite,<br/> +Fierce, stern, outrageous, keen as sharpened brand,<br/> +Scorner of God, scant to himself a friend,<br/> +And pricked his reason on his weapon’s end. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LX<br/> +These two entreatance made they might be heard,<br/> +Nor was their just petition long denied;<br/> +The gallants quickly made their court of guard,<br/> +And brought them in where sate their famous guide,<br/> +Whose kingly look his princely mind declared,<br/> +Where noblesse, virtue, troth, and valor bide.<br/> +A slender courtesy made Argantes bold,<br/> +So as one prince salute another wold; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXI<br/> +Aletes laid his right hand on his heart,<br/> +Bent down his head, and cast his eyes full low,<br/> +And reverence made with courtly grace and art,<br/> +For all that humble lore to him was know;<br/> +His sober lips then did he softly part,<br/> +Whence of pure rhetoric, whole streams outflow,<br/> +And thus he said, while on the Christian lords<br/> +Down fell the mildew of his sugared words: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXII<br/> +“O only worthy, whom the earth all fears,<br/> +High God defend thee with his heavenly shield,<br/> +And humble so the hearts of all thy peers,<br/> +That their stiff necks to thy sweet yoke may yield:<br/> +These be the sheaves that honor’s harvest bears,<br/> +The seed thy valiant acts, the world the field,<br/> +Egypt the headland is, where heaped lies<br/> +Thy fame, worth, justice, wisdom, victories. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIII<br/> +“These altogether doth our sovereign hide<br/> +In secret store-house of his princely thought,<br/> +And prays he may in long accordance bide,<br/> +With that great worthy which such wonders wrought,<br/> +Nor that oppose against the coming tide<br/> +Of proffered love, for that he is not taught<br/> +Your Christian faith, for though of divers kind,<br/> +The loving vine about her elm is twined. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIV<br/> +“Receive therefore in that unconquered hand<br/> +The precious handle of this cup of love,<br/> +If not religion, virtue be the band<br/> +’Twixt you to fasten friendship not to move:<br/> +But for our mighty king doth understand,<br/> +You mean your power ’gainst Juda land to prove,<br/> +He would, before this threatened tempest fell,<br/> +I should his mind and princely will first tell. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXV<br/> +“His mind is this, he prays thee be contented<br/> +To joy in peace the conquests thou hast got,<br/> +Be not thy death, or Sion’s fall lamented,<br/> +Forbear this land, Judea trouble not,<br/> +Things done in haste at leisure be repented:<br/> +Withdraw thine arms, trust not uncertain lot,<br/> +For oft to see what least we think betide;<br/> +He is thy friend ’gainst all the world beside. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVI<br/> +“True labour in the vineyard of thy Lord,<br/> +Ere prime thou hast the imposed day-work done,<br/> +What armies conquered, perished with thy sword?<br/> +What cities sacked? what kingdoms hast thou won?<br/> +All ears are mazed while tongues thine acts record,<br/> +Hands quake for fear, all feet for dread do run,<br/> +And though no realms you may to thraldom bring,<br/> +No higher can your praise, your glory spring. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVII<br/> +“Thy sign is in his Apogaeon placed,<br/> +And when it moveth next, must needs descend,<br/> +Chance in uncertain, fortune double faced,<br/> +Smiling at first, she frowneth in the end:<br/> +Beware thine honor be not then disgraced,<br/> +Take heed thou mar not when thou think’st to mend,<br/> +For this the folly is of Fortune’s play,<br/> +’Gainst doubtful, certain; much, ’gainst small to lay. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVIII<br/> +“Yet still we sail while prosperous blows the wind,<br/> +Till on some secret rock unwares we light,<br/> +The sea of glory hath no banks assigned,<br/> +They who are wont to win in every fight<br/> +Still feed the fire that so inflames thy mind<br/> +To bring more nations subject to thy might;<br/> +This makes thee blessed peace so light to hold,<br/> +Like summer’s flies that fear not winter’s cold. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIX<br/> +“They bid thee follow on the path, now made<br/> +So plain and easy, enter Fortune’s gate,<br/> +Nor in thy scabbard sheathe that famous blade,<br/> +Till settled by thy kingdom, and estate,<br/> +Till Macon’s sacred doctrine fall and fade,<br/> +Till woeful Asia all lie desolate.<br/> +Sweet words I grant, baits and allurements sweet,<br/> +But greatest hopes oft greatest crosses meet. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXX<br/> +“For, if thy courage do not blind thine eyes,<br/> +If clouds of fury hide not reason’s beams,<br/> +Then may’st thou see this desperate enterprise.<br/> +The field of death, watered with danger’s streams;<br/> +High state, the bed is where misfortune lies,<br/> +Mars most unfriendly, when most kind he seems,<br/> +Who climbeth high, on earth he hardest lights,<br/> +And lowest falls attend the highest flights. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXI<br/> +“Tell me if, great in counsel, arms and gold,<br/> +The Prince of Egypt war ’gainst you prepare,<br/> +What if the valiant Turks and Persians bold,<br/> +Unite their forces with Cassanoe’s heir?<br/> +Oh then, what marble pillar shall uphold<br/> +The falling trophies of your conquest fair?<br/> +Trust you the monarch of the Greekish land?<br/> +That reed will break; and breaking, wound your hand. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXII<br/> +“The Greekish faith is like that half-cut tree<br/> +By which men take wild elephants in Inde,<br/> +A thousand times it hath beguiled thee,<br/> +As firm as waves in seas, or leaves in wind.<br/> +Will they, who erst denied you passage free,<br/> +Passage to all men free, by use and kind,<br/> +Fight for your sake? Or on them do you trust<br/> +To spend their blood, that could scarce spare their dust? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIII<br/> +“But all your hope and trust perchance is laid<br/> +In these strong troops, which thee environ round;<br/> +Yet foes unite are not so soon dismayed<br/> +As when their strength you erst divided found:<br/> +Besides, each hour thy bands are weaker made<br/> +With hunger, slaughter, lodging on cold ground,<br/> +Meanwhile the Turks seek succors from our king,<br/> +Thus fade thy helps, and thus thy cumbers spring. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIV<br/> +“Suppose no weapon can thy valor’s pride<br/> +Subdue, that by no force thou may’st be won,<br/> +Admit no steel can hurt or wound thy side,<br/> +And be it Heaven hath thee such favor done:<br/> +’Gainst Famine yet what shield canst thou provide?<br/> +What strength resist? What sleight her wrath can shun?<br/> +Go, shake the spear, and draw thy flaming blade,<br/> +And try if hunger so be weaker made. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXV<br/> +“The inhabitants each pasture and each plain<br/> +Destroyed have, each field to waste is laid,<br/> +In fenced towers bestowed is their grain<br/> +Before thou cam’st this kingdom to invade,<br/> +These horse and foot, how canst them sustain?<br/> +Whence comes thy store? whence thy provision made?<br/> +Thy ships to bring it are, perchance, assigned,<br/> +Oh, that you live so long as please the wind! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVI<br/> +“Perhaps thy fortune doth control the wind,<br/> +Doth loose or bind their blasts in secret cave,<br/> +The sea, pardie, cruel and deaf by kind,<br/> +Will hear thy call, and still her raging wave:<br/> +But if our armed galleys be assigned<br/> +To aid those ships which Turks and Persians have,<br/> +Say then, what hope is left thy slender fleet?<br/> +Dare flocks of crows, a flight of eagles meet? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVII<br/> +“My lord, a double conquest must you make,<br/> +If you achieve renown by this emprize:<br/> +For if our fleet your navy chase or take,<br/> +For want of victuals all your camp then dies;<br/> +Of if by land the field you once forsake,<br/> +Then vain by sea were hope of victories.<br/> +Nor could your ships restore your lost estate:<br/> +For steed once stolen, we shut the door too late. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVIII<br/> +“In this estate, if thou esteemest light<br/> +The proffered kindness of the Egyptian king,<br/> +Then give me leave to say, this oversight<br/> +Beseems thee not, in whom such virtues spring:<br/> +But heavens vouchsafe to guide my mind aright,<br/> +To gentle thoughts, that peace and quiet bring,<br/> +So that poor Asia her complaints may cease,<br/> +And you enjoy your conquests got, in peace. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIX<br/> +“Nor ye that part in these adventures have,<br/> +Part in his glory, partners in his harms,<br/> +Let not blind Fortune so your minds deceive,<br/> +To stir him more to try these fierce alarms,<br/> +But like the sailor ’scaped from the wave<br/> +From further peril that his person arms<br/> +By staying safe at home, so stay you all,<br/> +Better sit still, men say, than rise to fall.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXX<br/> +This said Aletes: and a murmur rose<br/> +That showed dislike among the Christian peers,<br/> +Their angry gestures with mislike disclose<br/> +How much his speech offends their noble ears.<br/> +Lord Godfrey’s eye three times environ goes,<br/> +To view what countenance every warrior bears,<br/> +And lastly on the Egyptian baron stayed,<br/> +To whom the duke thus for his answer said: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXI<br/> +“Ambassador, full both of threats and praise,<br/> +Thy doubtful message hast thou wisely told,<br/> +And if thy sovereign love us as he says,<br/> +Tell him he sows to reap an hundred fold,<br/> +But where thy talk the coming storm displays<br/> +Of threatened warfare from the Pagans bold:<br/> +To that I answer, as my cousin is,<br/> +In plainest phrase, lest my intent thou miss. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXII<br/> +“Know, that till now we suffered have much pain,<br/> +By lands and seas, where storms and tempests fall,<br/> +To make the passage easy, safe, and plain<br/> +That leads us to this venerable wall,<br/> +That so we might reward from Heaven obtain,<br/> +And free this town from being longer thrall;<br/> +Nor is it grievous to so good an end<br/> +Our honors, kingdoms, lives and goods to spend. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIII<br/> +“Nor hope of praise, nor thirst of worldly good,<br/> +Enticed us to follow this emprise,<br/> +The Heavenly Father keep his sacred brood<br/> +From foul infection of so great a vice:<br/> +But by our zeal aye be that plague withstood,<br/> +Let not those pleasures us to sin entice.<br/> +His grace, his mercy, and his powerful hand<br/> +Will keep us safe from hurt by sea and land. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIV<br/> +“This is the spur that makes our coursers run;<br/> +This is our harbor, safe from danger’s floods;<br/> +This is our bield, the blustering winds to shun:<br/> +This is our guide, through forests, deserts, woods;<br/> +This is our summer’s shade, our winter’s sun:<br/> +This is our wealth, our treasure, and our goods:<br/> +This is our engine, towers that overthrows,<br/> +Our spear that hurts, our sword that wounds our foes. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXV<br/> +“Our courage hence, our hope, our valor springs,<br/> +Not from the trust we have in shield or spear,<br/> +Not from the succors France or Grecia brings,<br/> +On such weak posts we list no buildings rear:<br/> +He can defend us from the power of kings,<br/> +From chance of war, that makes weak hearts to fear;<br/> +He can these hungry troops with manna feed,<br/> +And make the seas land, if we passage need. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVI<br/> +“But if our sins us of his help deprive,<br/> +Of his high justice let no mercy fall;<br/> +Yet should our deaths us some contentment give,<br/> +To die, where Christ received his burial,<br/> +So might we die, not envying them that live;<br/> +So would we die, not unrevenged all:<br/> +Nor Turks, nor Christians, if we perish such,<br/> +Have cause to joy, or to complain too much. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVII<br/> +“Think not that wars we love, and strife affect,<br/> +Or that we hate sweet peace, or rest denay,<br/> +Think not your sovereign’s friendship we reject,<br/> +Because we list not in our conquests stay:<br/> +But for it seems he would the Jews protect,<br/> +Pray him from us that thought aside to lay,<br/> +Nor us forbid this town and realm to gain,<br/> +And he in peace, rest, joy, long more may reign.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVIII<br/> +This answer given, Argantes wild drew nar,<br/> +Trembling for ire, and waxing pale for rage,<br/> +Nor could he hold, his wrath increased so far,<br/> +But thus inflamed bespake the captain sage:<br/> +“Who scorneth peace shall have his fill of war,<br/> +I thought my wisdom should thy fury ’suage,<br/> +But well you show what joy you take in fight,<br/> +Which makes you prize our love and friendship light.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIX<br/> +This said, he took his mantle’s foremost part,<br/> +And gan the same together fold and wrap;<br/> +Then spake again with fell and spiteful heart,<br/> +So lions roar enclosed in train or trap,<br/> +“Thou proud despiser of inconstant mart,<br/> +I bring thee war and peace closed in this lap,<br/> +Take quickly one, thou hast no time to muse;<br/> +If peace, we rest, we fight, if war thou choose.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XC<br/> +His semblance fierce and speechless proud, provoke<br/> +The soldiers all, “War, war,” at once to cry,<br/> +Nor could they tarry till their chieftain spoke,<br/> +But for the knight was more inflamed hereby,<br/> +His lap he opened and spread forth his cloak:<br/> +“To mortal wars,” he says, “I you defy;”<br/> +And this he uttered with fell rage and hate,<br/> +And seemed of Janus’ church to undo the gate. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCI<br/> +It seemed fury, discord, madness fell<br/> +Flew from his lap, when he unfolds the same;<br/> +His glaring eyes with anger’s venom swell,<br/> +And like the brand of foul Alecto flame,<br/> +He looked like huge Tiphoius loosed from hell<br/> +Again to shake heaven’s everlasting frame,<br/> +Or him that built the tower of Shinaar,<br/> +Which threat’neth battle ’gainst the morning star. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCII<br/> +Godfredo then: “Depart, and bid your king<br/> +Haste hitherward, or else within short while,—<br/> +For gladly we accept the war you bring,—<br/> +Let him expect us on the banks of Nile.”<br/> +He entertained them then with banqueting,<br/> +And gifts presented to those Pagans vile;<br/> +Aletes had a helmet, rich and gay,<br/> +Late found at Nice among the conquered prey. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCIII<br/> +Argant a sword, whereof the web was steel,<br/> +Pommel, rich stone; hilt gold; approved by touch<br/> +With rarest workmanship all forged weel,<br/> +The curious art excelled the substance much:<br/> +Thus fair, rich, sharp, to see, to have, to feel,<br/> +Glad was the Paynim to enjoy it such,<br/> +And said, “How I this gift can use and wield,<br/> +Soon shall you see, when first we meet in field.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCIV<br/> +Thus took they congee, and the angry knight<br/> +Thus to his fellow parleyed on the way,<br/> +“Go thou by day, but let me walk by night,<br/> +Go thou to Egypt, I at Sion stay,<br/> +The answer given thou canst unfold aright,<br/> +No need of me, what I can do or say,<br/> +Among these arms I will go wreak my spite;<br/> +Let Paris court it, Hector loved to fight.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCV<br/> +Thus he who late arrived a messenger<br/> +Departs a foe, in act, in word, in thought,<br/> +The law of nations or the lore of war,<br/> +If he transgresses or no, he recketh naught,<br/> +Thus parted they, and ere he wandered far<br/> +The friendly star-light to the walls him brought:<br/> +Yet his fell heart thought long that little way,<br/> +Grieved with each stop, tormented with each stay. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCVI<br/> +Now spread the night her spangled canopy,<br/> +And summoned every restless eye to sleep;<br/> +On beds of tender grass the beasts down lie,<br/> +The fishes slumbered in the silent deep,<br/> +Unheard were serpent’s hiss and dragon’s cry,<br/> +Birds left to sing, and Philomen to weep,<br/> +Only that noise heaven’s rolling circles kest,<br/> +Sung lullaby to bring the world to rest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCVII<br/> +Yet neither sleep, nor ease, nor shadows dark,<br/> +Could make the faithful camp or captain rest,<br/> +They longed to see the day, to hear the lark<br/> +Record her hymns and chant her carols blest,<br/> +They yearned to view the walls, the wished mark<br/> +To which their journeys long they had addressed;<br/> +Each heart attends, each longing eye beholds<br/> +What beam the eastern window first unfolds. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="book03"></a>THIRD BOOK</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +THE ARGUMENT.<br/> +The camp at great Jerusalem arrives:<br/> +Clorinda gives them battle, in the breast<br/> +Of fair Erminia Tancred’s love revives,<br/> +He jousts with her unknown whom he loved best;<br/> +Argant th’ adventurers of their guide deprives,<br/> +With stately pomp they lay their Lord in chest:<br/> +Godfrey commands to cut the forest down,<br/> +And make strong engines to assault the town. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I<br/> +The purple morning left her crimson bed,<br/> +And donned her robes of pure vermilion hue,<br/> +Her amber locks she crowned with roses red,<br/> +In Eden’s flowery gardens gathered new.<br/> +When through the camp a murmur shrill was spread,<br/> +Arm, arm, they cried; arm, arm, the trumpets blew,<br/> +Their merry noise prevents the joyful blast,<br/> +So hum small bees, before their swarms they cast. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +II<br/> +Their captain rules their courage, guides their heat,<br/> +Their forwardness he stayed with gentle rein;<br/> +And yet more easy, haply, were the feat<br/> +To stop the current near Charybdis main,<br/> +Or calm the blustering winds on mountains great,<br/> +Than fierce desires of warlike hearts restrain;<br/> +He rules them yet, and ranks them in their haste,<br/> +For well he knows disordered speed makes waste. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +III<br/> +Feathered their thoughts, their feet in wings were dight,<br/> +Swiftly they marched, yet were not tired thereby,<br/> +For willing minds make heaviest burdens light.<br/> +But when the gliding sun was mounted high,<br/> +Jerusalem, behold, appeared in sight,<br/> +Jerusalem they view, they see, they spy,<br/> +Jerusalem with merry noise they greet,<br/> +With joyful shouts, and acclamations sweet. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IV<br/> +As when a troop of jolly sailors row<br/> +Some new-found land and country to descry,<br/> +Through dangerous seas and under stars unknowe,<br/> +Thrall to the faithless waves, and trothless sky,<br/> +If once the wished shore begun to show,<br/> +They all salute it with a joyful cry,<br/> +And each to other show the land in haste,<br/> +Forgetting quite their pains and perils past. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +V<br/> +To that delight which their first sight did breed,<br/> +That pleased so the secret of their thought<br/> +A deep repentance did forthwith succeed<br/> +That reverend fear and trembling with it brought,<br/> +Scantly they durst their feeble eyes dispreed<br/> +Upon that town where Christ was sold and bought,<br/> +Where for our sins he faultless suffered pain,<br/> +There where he died and where he lived again. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VI<br/> +Soft words, low speech, deep sobs, sweet sighs, salt tears<br/> +Rose from their hearts, with joy and pleasure mixed;<br/> +For thus fares he the Lord aright that fears,<br/> +Fear on devotion, joy on faith is fixed:<br/> +Such noise their passions make, as when one hears<br/> +The hoarse sea waves roar, hollow rocks betwixt;<br/> +Or as the wind in holts and shady greaves,<br/> +A murmur makes among the boughs and leaves. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VII<br/> +Their naked feet trod on the dusty way,<br/> +Following the ensample of their zealous guide,<br/> +Their scarfs, their crests, their plumes and feathers gay,<br/> +They quickly doffed, and willing laid aside,<br/> +Their molten hearts their wonted pride allay,<br/> +Along their watery cheeks warm tears down slide,<br/> +And then such secret speech as this, they used,<br/> +While to himself each one himself accused. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VIII<br/> +“Flower of goodness, root of lasting bliss,<br/> +Thou well of life, whose streams were purple blood<br/> +That flowed here, to cleanse the soul amiss<br/> +Of sinful men, behold this brutish flood,<br/> +That from my melting heart distilled is,<br/> +Receive in gree these tears, O Lord so good,<br/> +For never wretch with sin so overgone<br/> +Had fitter time or greater cause to moan.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IX<br/> +This while the wary watchman looked over,<br/> +From tops of Sion’s towers, the hills and dales,<br/> +And saw the dust the fields and pastures cover,<br/> +As when thick mists arise from moory vales.<br/> +At last the sun-bright shields he gan discover,<br/> +And glistering helms for violence none that fails,<br/> +The metal shone like lightning bright in skies,<br/> +And man and horse amid the dust descries. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +X<br/> +Then loud he cries, “O what a dust ariseth!<br/> +O how it shines with shields and targets clear!<br/> +Up, up, to arms, for valiant heart despiseth<br/> +The threatened storm of death and danger near.<br/> +Behold your foes;” then further thus deviseth,<br/> +“Haste, haste, for vain delay increaseth fear,<br/> +These horrid clouds of dust that yonder fly,<br/> +Your coming foes does hide, and hide the sky.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XI<br/> +The tender children, and the fathers old,<br/> +The aged matrons, and the virgin chaste,<br/> +That durst not shake the spear, nor target hold,<br/> +Themselves devoutly in their temples placed;<br/> +The rest, of members strong and courage bold,<br/> +On hardy breasts their harness donned in haste,<br/> +Some to the walls, some to the gates them dight,<br/> +Their king meanwhile directs them all aright. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XII<br/> +All things well ordered, he withdrew with speed<br/> +Up to a turret high, two ports between,<br/> +That so he might be near at every need,<br/> +And overlook the lands and furrows green.<br/> +Thither he did the sweet Erminia lead,<br/> +That in his court had entertained been<br/> +Since Christians Antioch did to bondage bring,<br/> +And slew her father, who thereof was king. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIII<br/> +Against their foes Clorinda sallied out,<br/> +And many a baron bold was by her side,<br/> +Within the postern stood Argantes stout<br/> +To rescue her, if ill mote her betide:<br/> +With speeches brave she cheered her warlike rout,<br/> +And with bold words them heartened as they ride,<br/> +“Let us by some brave act,” quoth she, “this day<br/> +Of Asia’s hopes the groundwork found and lay.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIV<br/> +While to her folk thus spake the virgin brave,<br/> +Thereby behold forth passed a Christian band<br/> +Toward the camp, that herds of cattle drave,<br/> +For they that morn had forayed all the land;<br/> +The fierce virago would that booty save,<br/> +Whom their commander singled hand for hand,<br/> +A mighty man at arms, who Guardo hight,<br/> +But far too weak to match with her in fight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XV<br/> +They met, and low in dust was Guardo laid,<br/> +’Twixt either army, from his sell down kest,<br/> +The Pagans shout for joy, and hopeful said,<br/> +Those good beginnings would have endings blest:<br/> +Against the rest on went the noble maid,<br/> +She broke the helm, and pierced the armed breast,<br/> +Her men the paths rode through made by her sword,<br/> +They pass the stream where she had found the ford. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVI<br/> +Soon was the prey out of their hands recovered,<br/> +By step and step the Frenchmen gan retire,<br/> +Till on a little hill at last they hovered,<br/> +Whose strength preserved them from Clorinda’s ire:<br/> +When, as a tempest that hath long been covered<br/> +In watery clouds breaks out with sparkling fire,<br/> +With his strong squadron Lord Tancredi came,<br/> +His heart with rage, his eyes with courage flame. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVII<br/> +Mast great the spear was which the gallant bore<br/> +That in his warlike pride he made to shake,<br/> +As winds tall cedars toss on mountains hoar:<br/> +The king, that wondered at his bravery, spake<br/> +To her, that near him seated was before,<br/> +Who felt her heart with love’s hot fever quake,<br/> +“Well shouldst thou know,” quoth he, “each Christian knight,<br/> +By long acquaintance, though in armor dight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVIII<br/> +“Say, who is he shows so great worthiness,<br/> +That rides so rank, and bends his lance so fell?”<br/> +To this the princess said nor more nor less,<br/> +Her heart with sighs, her eyes with tears, did swell;<br/> +But sighs and tears she wisely could suppress,<br/> +Her love and passion she dissembled well,<br/> +And strove her love and hot desire to cover,<br/> +Till heart with sighs, and eyes with tears ran over: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIX<br/> +At last she spoke, and with a crafty sleight<br/> +Her secret love disguised in clothes of hate:<br/> +“Alas, too well,” she says, “I know that knight,<br/> +I saw his force and courage proved late,<br/> +Too late I viewed him, when his power and might<br/> +Shook down the pillar of Cassanoe’s state;<br/> +Alas what wounds he gives! how fierce, how fell!<br/> +No physic helps them cure, nor magic’s spell. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XX<br/> +“Tancred he hight, O Macon, would he wear<br/> +My thrall, ere fates him of this life deprive,<br/> +For to his hateful head such spite I bear,<br/> +I would him reave his cruel heart on live.”<br/> +Thus said she, they that her complainings hear<br/> +In other sense her wishes credit give.<br/> +She sighed withal, they construed all amiss,<br/> +And thought she wished to kill, who longed to kiss. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXI<br/> +This while forth pricked Clorinda from the throng<br/> +And ’gainst Tancredi set her spear in rest,<br/> +Upon their helms they cracked their lances long,<br/> +And from her head her gilden casque he kest,<br/> +For every lace he broke and every thong,<br/> +And in the dust threw down her plumed crest,<br/> +About her shoulders shone her golden locks,<br/> +Like sunny beams, on alabaster rocks. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXII<br/> +Her looks with fire, her eyes with lightning blaze,<br/> +Sweet was her wrath, what then would be her smile?<br/> +Tancred, whereon think’st thou? what dost thou gaze?<br/> +Hast thou forgot her in so short a while?<br/> +The same is she, the shape of whose sweet face<br/> +The God of Love did in thy heart compile,<br/> +The same that left thee by the cooling stream,<br/> +Safe from sun’s heat, but scorched with beauty’s beam. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIII<br/> +The prince well knew her, though her painted shield<br/> +And golden helm he had not marked before,<br/> +She saved her head, and with her axe well steeled<br/> +Assailed the knight; but her the knight forbore,<br/> +’Gainst other foes he proved him through the field,<br/> +Yet she for that refrained ne’er the more,<br/> +But following, “Turn thee,” cried, in ireful wise;<br/> +And so at once she threats to kill him twice. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIV<br/> +Not once the baron lifts his armed hand<br/> +To strike the maid, but gazing on her eyes,<br/> +Where lordly Cupid seemed in arms to stand,<br/> +No way to ward or shun her blows he tries;<br/> +But softly says, “No stroke of thy strong hand<br/> +Can vanquish Tancred, but thy conquest lies<br/> +In those fair eyes, which fiery weapons dart,<br/> +That find no lighting place except this heart.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXV<br/> +At last resolved, although he hoped small grace,<br/> +Yet ere he did to tell how much he loved,<br/> +For pleasing words in women’s ears find place,<br/> +And gentle hearts with humble suits are moved:<br/> +“O thou,” quoth he, “withhold thy wrath a space,<br/> +For if thou long to see my valor proved,<br/> +Were it not better from this warlike rout<br/> +Withdrawn, somewhere, alone to fight it out? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVI<br/> +“So singled, may we both our courage try:”<br/> +Clorinda to that motion yielded glad,<br/> +And helmless to the forestward gan hie,<br/> +Whither the prince right pensive wend and sad,<br/> +And there the virgin gan him soon defy.<br/> +One blow she strucken, and he warded had,<br/> +When he cried, “Hold, and ere we prove our might,<br/> +First hear thou some conditions of the fight.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVII<br/> +She stayed, and desperate love had made him bold;<br/> +“Since from the fight thou wilt no respite give,<br/> +The covenants be,” he said, “that thou unfold<br/> +This wretched bosom, and my heart out rive,<br/> +Given thee long since, and if thou, cruel, would<br/> +I should be dead, let me no longer live,<br/> +But pierce this breast, that all the world may say,<br/> +The eagle made the turtle-dove her prey. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVIII<br/> +“Save with thy grace, or let thine anger kill,<br/> +Love hath disarmed my life of all defence;<br/> +An easy labor harmless blood to spill,<br/> +Strike then, and punish where is none offence.”<br/> +This said the prince, and more perchance had will<br/> +To have declared, to move her cruel sense.<br/> +But in ill time of Pagans thither came<br/> +A troop, and Christians that pursued the same. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIX<br/> +The Pagans fled before their valiant foes,<br/> +For dread or craft, it skills not that we know,<br/> +A soldier wild, careless to win or lose,<br/> +Saw where her locks about the damsel flew,<br/> +And at her back he proffereth as he goes<br/> +To strike where her he did disarmed view:<br/> +But Tancred cried, “Oh stay thy cursed hand,”<br/> +And for to ward the blow lift up his brand. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXX<br/> +But yet the cutting steel arrived there,<br/> +Where her fair neck adjoined her noble head,<br/> +Light was the wound, but through her amber hair<br/> +The purple drops down railed bloody red,<br/> +So rubies set in flaming gold appear:<br/> +But Lord Tancredi, pale with rage as lead,<br/> +Flew on the villain, who to flight him bound;<br/> +The smart was his, though she received the wound. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXI<br/> +The villain flies, he, full of rage and ire,<br/> +Pursues, she stood and wondered on them both,<br/> +But yet to follow them showed no desire,<br/> +To stray so far she would perchance be loth,<br/> +But quickly turned her, fierce as flaming fire,<br/> +And on her foes wreaked her anger wroth,<br/> +On every side she kills them down amain,<br/> +And now she flies, and now she turns again. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXII<br/> +As the swift ure by Volga’s rolling flood<br/> +Chased through the plains the mastiff curs toforn,<br/> +Flies to the succor of some neighbor wood,<br/> +And often turns again his dreadful horn<br/> +Against the dogs imbrued in sweat and blood,<br/> +That bite not, till the beast to flight return;<br/> +Or as the Moors at their strange tennice run,<br/> +Defenced, the flying balls unhurt to shun: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIII<br/> +So ran Clorinda, so her foes pursued,<br/> +Until they both approached the city’s wall,<br/> +When lo! the Pagans their fierce wrath renewed,<br/> +Cast in a ring about they wheeled all,<br/> +And ’gainst the Christians’ backs and sides they showed<br/> +Their courage fierce, and to new combat fall,<br/> +When down the hill Argantes came to fight,<br/> +Like angry Mars to aid the Trojan knight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIV<br/> +Furious, tofore the foremost of his rank,<br/> +In sturdy steel forth stept the warrior bold,<br/> +The first he smote down from his saddle sank,<br/> +The next under his steel lay on the mould,<br/> +Under the Saracen’s spear the worthies shrank,<br/> +No breastplate could that cursed tree outhold,<br/> +When that was broke his precious sword he drew,<br/> +And whom he hit, he felled, hurt, or slew. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXV<br/> +Clorinda slew Ardelio; aged knight,<br/> +Whose graver years would for no labor yield,<br/> +His age was full of puissance and might<br/> +Two sons he had to guard his noble eild,<br/> +The first, far from his father’s care and sight,<br/> +Called Alicandro wounded lay in field,<br/> +And Poliphern the younger, by his side,<br/> +Had he not nobly fought had surely died. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVI<br/> +Tancred by this, that strove to overtake<br/> +The villain that had hurt his only dear,<br/> +From vain pursuit at last returned back,<br/> +And his brave troop discomfit saw well near,<br/> +Thither he spurred, and gan huge slaughter make,<br/> +His shock no steed, his blow no knight could bear,<br/> +For dead he strikes him whom he lights upon,<br/> +So thunders break high trees on Lebanon. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVII<br/> +Dudon his squadron of adventurers brings,<br/> +To aid the worthy and his tired crew,<br/> +Before the residue young Rinaldo flings<br/> +As swift as fiery lightning kindled new,<br/> +His argent eagle with her silver wings<br/> +In field of azure, fair Erminia knew,<br/> +“See there, sir King,” she says, “a knight as bold<br/> +And brave, as was the son of Peleus old. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVIII<br/> +“He wins the prize in joust and tournament,<br/> +His acts are numberless, though few his years,<br/> +If Europe six likes him to war had sent<br/> +Among these thousand strong of Christian peers,<br/> +Syria were lost, lost were the Orient,<br/> +And all the lands the Southern Ocean wears,<br/> +Conquered were all hot Afric’s tawny kings,<br/> +And all that dwells by Nilus’ unknown springs. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIX<br/> +“Rinaldo is his name, his armed fist<br/> +Breaks down stone walls, when rams and engines fail,<br/> +But turn your eyes because I would you wist<br/> +What lord that is in green and golden mail,<br/> +Dudon he hight who guideth as him list<br/> +The adventurers’ troop whose prowess seld doth fail,<br/> +High birth, grave years, and practise long in war,<br/> +And fearless heart, make him renowned far. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XL<br/> +“See that big man that all in brown is bound,<br/> +Gernando called, the King of Norway’s son,<br/> +A prouder knight treads not on grass or ground,<br/> +His pride hath lost the praise his prowess won;<br/> +And that kind pair in white all armed round,<br/> +Is Edward and Gildippes, who begun<br/> +Through love the hazard of fierce war to prove,<br/> +Famous for arms, but famous more for love.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLI<br/> +While thus they tell their foemen’s worthiness,<br/> +The slaughter rageth in the plain at large.<br/> +Tancred and young Rinaldo break the press,<br/> +They bruise the helm, and press the sevenfold targe;<br/> +The troop by Dudon led performed no less,<br/> +But in they come and give a furious charge:<br/> +Argantes’ self fell at one single blow,<br/> +Inglorious, bleeding lay, on earth full low: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLII<br/> +Nor had the boaster ever risen more,<br/> +But that Rinaldo’s horse e’en then down fell,<br/> +And with the fall his leg opprest so sore,<br/> +That for a space there must be algates dwell.<br/> +Meanwhile the Pagan troops were nigh forlore,<br/> +Swiftly they fled, glad they escaped so well,<br/> +Argantes and with him Clorinda stout,<br/> +For bank and bulwark served to save the rout. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIII<br/> +These fled the last, and with their force sustained<br/> +The Christians’ rage, that followed them so near;<br/> +Their scattered troops to safety well they trained,<br/> +And while the residue fled, the brunt these bear;<br/> +Dudon pursued the victory he gained,<br/> +And on Tigranes nobly broke his spear,<br/> +Then with his sword headless to ground him cast,<br/> +So gardeners branches lop that spring too fast. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIV<br/> +Algazar’s breastplate, of fine temper made,<br/> +Nor Corban’s helmet, forged by magic art,<br/> +Could save their owners, for Lord Dudon’s blade<br/> +Cleft Corban’s head, and pierced Algazar’s heart,<br/> +And their proud souls down to the infernal shade,<br/> +From Amurath and Mahomet depart;<br/> +Not strong Argantes thought his life was sure,<br/> +He could not safely fly, nor fight secure. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLV<br/> +The angry Pagan bit his lips for teen,<br/> +He ran, he stayed, he fled, he turned again,<br/> +Until at last unmarked, unviewed, unseen,<br/> +When Dudon had Almansor newly slain,<br/> +Within his side he sheathed his weapon keen,<br/> +Down fell the worthy on the dusty plain,<br/> +And lifted up his feeble eyes uneath,<br/> +Opprest with leaden sleep, of iron death. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVI<br/> +Three times he strove to view Heaven’s golden ray,<br/> +And raised him on his feeble elbow thrice,<br/> +And thrice he tumbled on the lowly lay,<br/> +And three times closed again his dying eyes,<br/> +He speaks no word, yet makes his signs to pray;<br/> +He sighs, he faints, he groans, and then he dies;<br/> +Argantes proud to spoil the corpse disdained,<br/> +But shook his sword with blood of Dudon stained. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVII<br/> +And turning to the Christian knights, he cried:<br/> +“Lordlings, behold, this bloody reeking blade<br/> +Last night was given me by your noble guide,<br/> +Tell him what proof thereof this day is made,<br/> +Needs must this please him well that is betide,<br/> +That I so well can use this martial trade,<br/> +To whom so rare a gift he did present,<br/> +Tell him the workman fits the instrument. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVIII<br/> +“If further proof thereof he long to see,<br/> +Say it still thirsts, and would his heart-blood drink;<br/> +And if he haste not to encounter me,<br/> +Say I will find him when he least doth think.”<br/> +The Christians at his words enraged be,<br/> +But he to shun their ire doth safely shrink<br/> +Under the shelter of the neighbor wall,<br/> +Well guarded with his troops and soldiers all. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIX<br/> +Like storms of hail the stones fell down from high,<br/> +Cast from their bulwarks, flankers, ports and towers,<br/> +The shafts and quarries from their engines fly,<br/> +As thick as falling drops in April showers:<br/> +The French withdrew, they list not press too nigh,<br/> +The Saracens escaped all the powers,<br/> +But now Rinaldo from the earth upleapt,<br/> +Where by the leg his steed had long him kept;<br/> +L<br/> +He came and breathed vengeance from his breast<br/> +’Gainst him that noble Dudon late had slain;<br/> +And being come thus spoke he to the rest,<br/> +“Warriors, why stand you gazing here in vain?<br/> +Pale death our valiant leader had opprest,<br/> +Come wreak his loss, whom bootless you complain.<br/> +Those walls are weak, they keep but cowards out<br/> +No rampier can withstand a courage stout. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LI<br/> +“Of double iron, brass or adamant,<br/> +Or if this wall were built of flaming fire,<br/> +Yet should the Pagan vile a fortress want<br/> +To shroud his coward head safe from mine ire;<br/> +Come follow then, and bid base fear avaunt,<br/> +The harder work deserves the greater hire;”<br/> +And with that word close to the walls he starts,<br/> +Nor fears he arrows, quarries, stones or darts. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LII<br/> +Above the waves as Neptune lift his eyes<br/> +To chide the winds, that Trojan ships opprest,<br/> +And with his countenance calmed seas, winds and skies;<br/> +So looked Rinaldo, when he shook his crest<br/> +Before those walls, each Pagan fears and flies<br/> +His dreadful sight, or trembling stayed at least:<br/> +Such dread his awful visage on them cast.<br/> +So seem poor doves at goshawks’ sight aghast. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIII<br/> +The herald Ligiere now from Godfrey came,<br/> +To will them stay and calm their courage hot;<br/> +“Retire,” quoth he, “Godfrey commands the same;<br/> +To wreak your ire this season fitteth not;”<br/> +Though loth, Rinaldo stayed, and stopped the flame,<br/> +That boiled in his hardy stomach hot;<br/> +His bridled fury grew thereby more fell,<br/> +So rivers, stopped, above their banks do swell. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIV<br/> +The hands retire, not dangered by their foes<br/> +In their retreat, so wise were they and wary,<br/> +To murdered Dudon each lamenting goes,<br/> +From wonted use of ruth they list not vary.<br/> +Upon their friendly arms they soft impose<br/> +The noble burden of his corpse to carry:<br/> +Meanwhile Godfredo from a mountain great<br/> +Beheld the sacred city and her seat. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LV<br/> +Hierusalem is seated on two hills<br/> +Of height unlike, and turned side to side,<br/> +The space between, a gentle valley fills,<br/> +From mount to mount expansed fair and wide.<br/> +Three sides are sure imbarred with crags and hills,<br/> +The rest is easy, scant to rise espied:<br/> +But mighty bulwarks fence that plainer part,<br/> +So art helps nature, nature strengtheneth art. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVI<br/> +The town is stored of troughs and cisterns, made<br/> +To keep fresh water, but the country seems<br/> +Devoid of grass, unfit for ploughmen’s trade,<br/> +Not fertile, moist with rivers, wells and streams;<br/> +There grow few trees to make the summer’s shade,<br/> +To shield the parched land from scorching beams,<br/> +Save that a wood stands six miles from the town,<br/> +With aged cedars dark, and shadows brown. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVII<br/> +By east, among the dusty valleys, glide<br/> +The silver streams of Jordan’s crystal flood;<br/> +By west, the Midland Sea, with bounders tied<br/> +Of sandy shores, where Joppa whilom stood;<br/> +By north Samaria stands, and on that side<br/> +The golden calf was reared in Bethel wood;<br/> +Bethlem by south, where Christ incarnate was,<br/> +A pearl in steel, a diamond set in brass. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVIII<br/> +While thus the Duke on every side descried<br/> +The city’s strength, the walls and gates about,<br/> +And saw where least the same was fortified,<br/> +Where weakest seemed the walls to keep him out;<br/> +Ermina as he armed rode, him spied,<br/> +And thus bespake the heathen tyrant stout,<br/> +“See Godfrey there, in purple clad and gold,<br/> +His stately port, and princely look behold. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIX<br/> +“Well seems he born to be with honor crowned,<br/> +So well the lore he knows of regiment,<br/> +Peerless in fight, in counsel grave and sound,<br/> +The double gift of glory excellent,<br/> +Among these armies is no warrior found<br/> +Graver in speech, bolder in tournament.<br/> +Raymond pardie in counsel match him might;<br/> +Tancred and young Rinaldo like in fight.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LX<br/> +To whom the king: “He likes me well therefore,<br/> +I knew him whilom in the court of France<br/> +When I from Egypt went ambassador,<br/> +I saw him there break many a sturdy lance,<br/> +And yet his chin no sign of manhood bore;<br/> +His youth was forward, but with governance,<br/> +His words, his actions, and his portance brave,<br/> +Of future virtue, timely tokens gave. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXI<br/> +“Presages, ah too true:” with that a space<br/> +He sighed for grief, then said, “Fain would I know<br/> +The man in red, with such a knightly grace,<br/> +A worthy lord he seemeth by his show,<br/> +How like to Godfrey looks he in the face,<br/> +How like in person! but some-deal more low.”<br/> +“Baldwin,” quoth she, “that noble baron hight,<br/> +By birth his brother, and his match in might. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXII<br/> +“Next look on him that seems for counsel fit,<br/> +Whose silver locks betray his store of days,<br/> +Raymond he hight, a man of wondrous wit,<br/> +Of Toulouse lord, his wisdom is his praise;<br/> +What he forethinks doth, as he looks for, hit,<br/> +His stratagems have good success always:<br/> +With gilded helm beyond him rides the mild<br/> +And good Prince William, England’s king’s dear child. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIII<br/> +“With him is Guelpho, as his noble mate,<br/> +In birth, in acts, in arms alike the rest,<br/> +I know him well, since I beheld him late,<br/> +By his broad shoulders and his squared breast:<br/> +But my proud foe that quite hath ruinate<br/> +My high estate, and Antioch opprest,<br/> +I see not, Boemond, that to death did bring<br/> +Mine aged lord, my father, and my king.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIV<br/> +Thus talked they; meanwhile Godfredo went<br/> +Down to the troops that in the valley stayed,<br/> +And for in vain he thought the labor spent,<br/> +To assail those parts that to the mountains laid,<br/> +Against the northern gate his force he bent,<br/> +Gainst it he camped, gainst it his engines played;<br/> +All felt the fury of his angry power,<br/> +That from those gates lies to the corner tower. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXV<br/> +The town’s third part was this, or little less,<br/> +Fore which the duke his glorious ensigns spread,<br/> +For so great compass had that forteress,<br/> +That round it could not be environed<br/> +With narrow siege—nor Babel’s king I guess<br/> +That whilom took it, such an army led—<br/> +But all the ways he kept, by which his foe<br/> +Might to or from the city come or go. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVI<br/> +His care was next to cast the trenches deep,<br/> +So to preserve his resting camp by night,<br/> +Lest from the city while his soldiers sleep<br/> +They might assail them with untimely flight.<br/> +This done he went where lords and princes weep<br/> +With dire complaints about the murdered knight,<br/> +Where Dudon dead lay slaughtered on the ground.<br/> +And all the soldiers sat lamenting round. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVII<br/> +His wailing friends adorned the mournful bier<br/> +With woful pomp, whereon his corpse they laid,<br/> +And when they saw the Bulloigne prince draw near,<br/> +All felt new grief, and each new sorrow made;<br/> +But he, withouten show or change of cheer,<br/> +His springing tears within their fountains stayed,<br/> +His rueful looks upon the corpse he cast<br/> +Awhile, and thus bespake the same at last; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVIII<br/> +“We need not mourn for thee, here laid to rest,<br/> +Earth is thy bed, and not the grave the skies<br/> +Are for thy soul the cradle and the nest,<br/> +There live, for here thy glory never dies:<br/> +For like a Christian knight and champion blest<br/> +Thou didst both live and die: now feed thine eyes<br/> +With thy Redeemer’s sight, where crowned with bliss<br/> +Thy faith, zeal, merit, well-deserving is. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIX<br/> +“Our loss, not thine, provokes these plaints and tears:<br/> +For when we lost thee, then our ship her mast,<br/> +Our chariot lost her wheels, their points our spears,<br/> +The bird of conquest her chief feather cast:<br/> +But though thy death far from our army hears<br/> +Her chiefest earthly aid, in heaven yet placed<br/> +Thou wilt procure its help Divine, so reaps<br/> +He that sows godly sorrow, joy by heaps. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXX<br/> +“For if our God the Lord Armipotent<br/> +Those armed angels in our aid down send<br/> +That were at Dothan to his prophet sent,<br/> +Thou wilt come down with them, and well defend<br/> +Our host, and with thy sacred weapons bent<br/> +Gainst Sion’s fort, these gates and bulwarks rend,<br/> +That so by hand may win this hold, and we<br/> +May in these temples praise our Christ for thee.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXI<br/> +Thus he complained; but now the sable shade<br/> +Ycleped night, had thick enveloped<br/> +The sun in veil of double darkness made;<br/> +Sleep, eased care; rest, brought complaint to bed:<br/> +All night the wary duke devising laid<br/> +How that high wall should best be battered,<br/> +How his strong engines he might aptly frame,<br/> +And whence get timber fit to build the same. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXII<br/> +Up with the lark the sorrowful duke arose,<br/> +A mourner chief at Dudon’s burial,<br/> +Of cypress sad a pile his friends compose<br/> +Under a hill o’ergrown with cedars tall,<br/> +Beside the hearse a fruitful palm-tree grows,<br/> +Ennobled since by this great funeral,<br/> +Where Dudon’s corpse they softly laid in ground,<br/> +The priest sung hymns, the soldiers wept around. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIII<br/> +Among the boughs, they here and there bestow<br/> +Ensigns and arms, as witness of his praise,<br/> +Which he from Pagan lords, that did them owe,<br/> +Had won in prosperous fights and happy frays:<br/> +His shield they fixed on the hole below,<br/> +And there this distich under-writ, which says,<br/> +“This palm with stretched arms, doth overspread<br/> +The champion Dudon’s glorious carcase dead.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIV<br/> +This work performed with advisement good,<br/> +Godfrey his carpenters, and men of skill<br/> +In all the camp, sent to an aged wood,<br/> +With convoy meet to guard them safe from ill.<br/> +Within a valley deep this forest stood,<br/> +To Christian eyes unseen, unknown, until<br/> +A Syrian told the duke, who thither sent<br/> +Those chosen workmen that for timber went. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXV<br/> +And now the axe raged in the forest wild,<br/> +The echo sighed in the groves unseen,<br/> +The weeping nymphs fled from their bowers exiled,<br/> +Down fell the shady tops of shaking treen,<br/> +Down came the sacred palms, the ashes wild,<br/> +The funeral cypress, holly ever green,<br/> +The weeping fir, thick beech, and sailing pine,<br/> +The married elm fell with his fruitful vine. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVI<br/> +The shooter grew, the broad-leaved sycamore,<br/> +The barren plantain, and the walnut sound,<br/> +The myrrh, that her foul sin doth still deplore,<br/> +The alder owner of all waterish ground,<br/> +Sweet juniper, whose shadow hurteth sore,<br/> +Proud cedar, oak, the king of forests crowned;<br/> +Thus fell the trees, with noise the deserts roar;<br/> +The beasts, their caves, the birds, their nests forlore. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="book04"></a>FOURTH BOOK</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +THE ARGUMENT.<br/> +Satan his fiends and spirits assembleth all,<br/> +And sends them forth to work the Christians woe,<br/> +False Hidraort their aid from hell doth call,<br/> +And sends Armida to entrap his foe:<br/> +She tells her birth, her fortune, and her fall,<br/> +Asks aid, allures and wins the worthies so<br/> +That they consent her enterprise to prove;<br/> +She wins them with deceit, craft, beauty, love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I<br/> +While thus their work went on with lucky speed,<br/> +And reared rams their horned fronts advance,<br/> +The Ancient Foe to man, and mortal seed,<br/> +His wannish eyes upon them bent askance;<br/> +And when he saw their labors well succeed,<br/> +He wept for rage, and threatened dire mischance.<br/> +He choked his curses, to himself he spake,<br/> +Such noise wild bulls that softly bellow make. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +II<br/> +At last resolving in his damned thought<br/> +To find some let to stop their warlike feat,<br/> +He gave command his princes should be brought<br/> +Before the throne of his infernal seat.<br/> +O fool! as if it were a thing of naught<br/> +God to resist, or change his purpose great,<br/> +Who on his foes doth thunder in his ire,<br/> +Whose arrows hailstones he and coals of fire. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +III<br/> +The dreary trumpet blew a dreadful blast,<br/> +And rumbled through the lands and kingdoms under,<br/> +Through wasteness wide it roared, and hollows vast,<br/> +And filled the deep with horror, fear and wonder,<br/> +Not half so dreadful noise the tempests cast,<br/> +That fall from skies with storms of hail and thunder,<br/> +Not half so loud the whistling winds do sing,<br/> +Broke from the earthen prisons of their King. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IV<br/> +The peers of Pluto’s realm assembled been<br/> +Amid the palace of their angry King,<br/> +In hideous forms and shapes, tofore unseen,<br/> +That fear, death, terror and amazement bring,<br/> +With ugly paws some trample on the green,<br/> +Some gnaw the snakes that on their shoulders hing,<br/> +And some their forked tails stretch forth on high,<br/> +And tear the twinkling stars from trembling sky. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +V<br/> +There were Silenus’ foul and loathsome route,<br/> +There Sphinxes, Centaurs, there were Gorgons fell,<br/> +There howling Scillas, yawling round about,<br/> +There serpents hiss, there seven-mouthed Hydras yell,<br/> +Chimera there spues fire and brimstone out,<br/> +And Polyphemus blind supporteth hell,<br/> +Besides ten thousand monsters therein dwells<br/> +Misshaped, unlike themselves, and like naught else. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VI<br/> +About their princes each took his wonted seat<br/> +On thrones red-hot, ybuilt of burning brass,<br/> +Pluto in middest heaved his trident great,<br/> +Of rusty iron huge that forged was,<br/> +The rocks on which the salt sea billows beat,<br/> +And Atlas’ tops, the clouds in height that pass,<br/> +Compared to his huge person mole-hills be,<br/> +So his rough front, his horns so lifted he. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VII<br/> +The tyrant proud frowned from his lofty cell,<br/> +And with his looks made all his monsters tremble,<br/> +His eyes, that full of rage and venom swell,<br/> +Two beacons seem, that men to arms assemble,<br/> +His feltered locks, that on his bosom fell,<br/> +On rugged mountains briars and thorns resemble,<br/> +His yawning mouth, that foamed clotted blood,<br/> +Gaped like a whirlpool wide in Stygian flood. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VIII<br/> +And as Mount Etna vomits sulphur out,<br/> +With cliffs of burning crags, and fire and smoke,<br/> +So from his mouth flew kindled coals about,<br/> +Hot sparks and smells that man and beast would choke,<br/> +The gnarring porter durst not whine for doubt;<br/> +Still were the Furies, while their sovereign spoke,<br/> +And swift Cocytus stayed his murmur shrill,<br/> +While thus the murderer thundered out his will: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IX<br/> +“Ye powers infernal, worthier far to sit<br/> +About the sun, whence you your offspring take,<br/> +With me that whilom, through the welkin flit,<br/> +Down tumbled headlong to this empty lake;<br/> +Our former glory still remember it,<br/> +Our bold attempts and war we once did make<br/> +Gainst him, that rules above the starry sphere,<br/> +For which like traitors we lie damned here. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +X<br/> +“And now instead of clear and gladsome sky,<br/> +Of Titan’s brightness, that so glorious is,<br/> +In this deep darkness lo we helpless lie,<br/> +Hopeless again to joy our former bliss,<br/> +And more, which makes my griefs to multiply,<br/> +That sinful creature man, elected is;<br/> +And in our place the heavens possess he must,<br/> +Vile man, begot of clay, and born of dust. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XI<br/> +“Nor this sufficed, but that he also gave<br/> +His only Son, his darling to be slain,<br/> +To conquer so, hell, death, sin and the grave,<br/> +And man condemned to restore again,<br/> +He brake our prisons and would algates save<br/> +The souls there here should dwell in woe and pain,<br/> +And now in heaven with him they live always<br/> +With endless glory crowned, and lasting praise. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XII<br/> +“But why recount I thus our passed harms?<br/> +Remembrance fresh makes weakened sorrows strong,<br/> +Expulsed were we with injurious arms<br/> +From those due honors, us of right belong.<br/> +But let us leave to speak of these alarms,<br/> +And bend our forces gainst our present wrong:<br/> +Ah! see you not, how he attempted hath<br/> +To bring all lands, all nations to his faith? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIII<br/> +“Then, let us careless spend the day and night,<br/> +Without regard what haps, what comes or goes,<br/> +Let Asia subject be to Christians’ might,<br/> +A prey he Sion to her conquering foes,<br/> +Let her adore again her Christ aright,<br/> +Who her before all nations whilom chose;<br/> +In brazen tables he his lore ywrit,<br/> +And let all tongues and lands acknowledge it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIV<br/> +“So shall our sacred altars all be his,<br/> +Our holy idols tumbled in the mould,<br/> +To him the wretched man that sinful is<br/> +Shall pray, and offer incense, myrrh and gold;<br/> +Our temples shall their costly deckings miss,<br/> +With naked walls and pillars freezing cold,<br/> +Tribute of souls shall end, and our estate,<br/> +Or Pluto reign in kingdoms desolate. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XV<br/> +“Oh, he not then the courage perished clean,<br/> +That whilom dwelt within your haughty thought,<br/> +When, armed with shining fire and weapons keen,<br/> +Against the angels of proud Heaven we fought,<br/> +I grant we fell on the Phlegrean green,<br/> +Yet good our cause was, though our fortune naught;<br/> +For chance assisteth oft the ignobler part,<br/> +We lost the field, yet lost we not our heart. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVI<br/> +“Go then, my strength, my hope, my Spirits go,<br/> +These western rebels with your power withstand,<br/> +Pluck up these weeds, before they overgrow<br/> +The gentle garden of the Hebrews’ land,<br/> +Quench out this spark, before it kindles so<br/> +That Asia burn, consumed with the brand.<br/> +Use open force, or secret guile unspied;<br/> +For craft is virtue gainst a foe defied. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVII<br/> +“Among the knights and worthies of their train,<br/> +Let some like outlaws wander uncouth ways,<br/> +Let some be slain in field, let some again<br/> +Make oracles of women’s yeas and nays,<br/> +And pine in foolish love, let some complain<br/> +On Godfrey’s rule, and mutinies gainst him raise,<br/> +Turn each one’s sword against his fellow’s heart,<br/> +Thus kill them all or spoil the greatest part.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVIII<br/> +Before his words the tyrant ended had,<br/> +The lesser devils arose with ghastly roar,<br/> +And thronged forth about the world to gad,<br/> +Each land they filled, river, stream and shore,<br/> +The goblins, fairies, fiends and furies mad,<br/> +Ranged in flowery dales, and mountains hoar,<br/> +And under every trembling leaf they sit,<br/> +Between the solid earth and welkin flit. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIX<br/> +About the world they spread forth far and wide,<br/> +Filling the thoughts of each ungodly heart<br/> +With secret mischief, anger, hate and pride,<br/> +Wounding lost souls with sin’s empoisoned dart.<br/> +But say, my Muse, recount whence first they tried<br/> +To hurt the Christian lords, and from what part,<br/> +Thou knowest of things performed so long agone,<br/> +This latter age hears little truth or none. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XX<br/> +The town Damascus and the lands about<br/> +Ruled Hidraort, a wizard grave and sage,<br/> +Acquainted well with all the damned rout<br/> +Of Pluto’s reign, even from his tender age;<br/> +Yet of this war he could not figure out<br/> +The wished ending, or success presage,<br/> +For neither stars above, nor powers of hell,<br/> +Nor skill, nor art, nor charm, nor devil could tell. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXI<br/> +And yet he thought,—Oh, vain conceit of man,<br/> +Which as thou wishest judgest things to come!—<br/> +That the French host to sure destruction ran,<br/> +Condemned quite by Heaven’s eternal doom:<br/> +He thinks no force withstand or vanquish can<br/> +The Egyptian strength, and therefore would that some<br/> +Both of the prey and glory of the fight<br/> +Upon this Syrian folk would haply light. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXII<br/> +But for he held the Frenchmen’s worth in prize,<br/> +And feared the doubtful gain of bloody war,<br/> +He, that was closely false and slyly war,<br/> +Cast how he might annoy them most from far:<br/> +And as he gan upon this point devise,—<br/> +As counsellors in ill still nearest are,—<br/> +At hand was Satan, ready ere men need,<br/> +If once they think, to make them do, the deed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIII<br/> +He counselled him how best to hunt his game,<br/> +What dart to cast, what net, what toil to pitch,<br/> +A niece he had, a nice and tender dame,<br/> +Peerless in wit, in nature’s blessings rich,<br/> +To all deceit she could her beauty frame,<br/> +False, fair and young, a virgin and a witch;<br/> +To her he told the sum of this emprise,<br/> +And praised her thus, for she was fair and wise: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIV<br/> +“My dear, who underneath these locks of gold,<br/> +And native brightness of thy lovely hue,<br/> +Hidest grave thoughts, ripe wit, and wisdom old,<br/> +More skill than I, in all mine arts untrue,<br/> +To thee my purpose great I must unfold,<br/> +This enterprise thy cunning must pursue,<br/> +Weave thou to end this web which I begin,<br/> +I will the distaff hold, come thou and spin. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXV<br/> +“Go to the Christians’ host, and there assay<br/> +All subtle sleights that women use in love,<br/> +Shed brinish tears, sob, sigh, entreat and pray,<br/> +Wring thy fair hands, cast up thine eyes above,<br/> +For mourning beauty hath much power, men say,<br/> +The stubborn hearts with pity frail to move;<br/> +Look pale for dread, and blush sometime for shame,<br/> +In seeming truth thy lies will soonest frame. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVI<br/> +“Take with the bait Lord Godfrey, if thou may’st;<br/> +Frame snares of look, strains of alluring speech;<br/> +For if he love, the conquest then thou hast,<br/> +Thus purposed war thou may’st with ease impeach,<br/> +Else lead the other Lords to deserts waste,<br/> +And hold them slaves far from their leader’s reach:”<br/> +Thus taught he her, and for conclusion, saith,<br/> +“All things are lawful for our lands and faith.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVII<br/> +The sweet Armida took this charge on hand,<br/> +A tender piece, for beauty, sex and age,<br/> +The sun was sunken underneath the land,<br/> +When she began her wanton pilgrimage,<br/> +In silken weeds she trusteth to withstand,<br/> +And conquer knights in warlike equipage,<br/> +Of their night ambling dame the Syrians prated,<br/> +Some good, some bad, as they her loved or hated. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVIII<br/> +Within few days the nymph arrived there<br/> +Where puissant Godfrey had his tents ypight;<br/> +Upon her strange attire, and visage clear,<br/> +Gazed each soldier, gazed every knight:<br/> +As when a comet doth in skies appear,<br/> +The people stand amazed at the light;<br/> +So wondered they and each at other sought,<br/> +What mister wight she was, and whence ybrought. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIX<br/> +Yet never eye to Cupid’s service vowed<br/> +Beheld a face of such a lovely pride;<br/> +A tinsel veil her amber locks did shroud,<br/> +That strove to cover what it could not hide,<br/> +The golden sun behind a silver cloud,<br/> +So streameth out his beams on every side,<br/> +The marble goddess, set at Cnidos, naked<br/> +She seemed, were she unclothed, or that awaked. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXX<br/> +The gamesome wind among her tresses plays,<br/> +And curleth up those growing riches short;<br/> +Her spareful eye to spread his beams denays,<br/> +But keeps his shot where Cupid keeps his fort;<br/> +The rose and lily on her cheek assays<br/> +To paint true fairness out in bravest sort,<br/> +Her lips, where blooms naught but the single rose,<br/> +Still blush, for still they kiss while still they close. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXI<br/> +Her breasts, two hills o’erspread with purest snow,<br/> +Sweet, smooth and supple, soft and gently swelling,<br/> +Between them lies a milken dale below,<br/> +Where love, youth, gladness, whiteness make their dwelling,<br/> +Her breasts half hid, and half were laid to show,<br/> +So was the wanton clad, as if this much<br/> +Should please the eye, the rest unseen, the touch. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXII<br/> +As when the sunbeams dive through Tagus’ wave,<br/> +To spy the store-house of his springtime gold,<br/> +Love-piercing thought so through her mantle drave,<br/> +And in her gentle bosom wandered bold;<br/> +It viewed the wondrous beauty virgins have,<br/> +And all to fond desire with vantage told,<br/> +Alas! what hope is left, to quench his fire<br/> +That kindled is by sight, blown by desire. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIII<br/> +Thus passed she, praised, wished, and wondered at,<br/> +Among the troops who there encamped lay,<br/> +She smiled for joy, but well dissembled that,<br/> +Her greedy eye chose out her wished prey;<br/> +On all her gestures seeming virtue sat,<br/> +Toward the imperial tent she asked the way:<br/> +With that she met a bold and lovesome knight,<br/> +Lord Godfrey’s youngest brother, Eustace hight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIV<br/> +This was the fowl that first fell in the snare,<br/> +He saw her fair, and hoped to find her kind;<br/> +The throne of Cupid had an easy stair,<br/> +His bark is fit to sail with every wind,<br/> +The breach he makes no wisdom can repair:<br/> +With reverence meet the baron low inclined,<br/> +And thus his purpose to the virgin told,<br/> +For youth, use, nature, all had made him bold. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXV<br/> +“Lady, if thee beseem a stile so low,<br/> +In whose sweet looks such sacred beauty shine,—<br/> +For never yet did Heaven such grace bestow<br/> +On any daughter born of Adam’s line—<br/> +Thy name let us, though far unworthy, know,<br/> +Unfold thy will, and whence thou art in fine,<br/> +Lest my audacious boldness learn too late<br/> +What honors due become thy high estate.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVI<br/> +“Sir Knight,” quoth she, “your praises reach too high<br/> +Above her merit you commenden so,<br/> +A hapless maid I am, both born to die<br/> +And dead to joy, that live in care and woe,<br/> +A virgin helpless, fugitive pardie,<br/> +My native soil and kingdom thus forego<br/> +To seek Duke Godfrey’s aid, such store men tell<br/> +Of virtuous ruth doth in his bosom dwell. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVII<br/> +“Conduct me then that mighty duke before,<br/> +If you be courteous, sir, as well you seem.”<br/> +“Content,” quoth he, “since of one womb ybore,<br/> +We brothers are, your fortune good esteem<br/> +To encounter me whose word prevaileth more<br/> +In Godfrey’s hearing than you haply deem:<br/> +Mine aid I grant, and his I promise too,<br/> +All that his sceptre, or my sword, can do.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVIII<br/> +He led her easily forth when this was said,<br/> +Where Godfrey sat among his lords and peers,<br/> +She reverence did, then blushed, as one dismayed<br/> +To speak, for secret wants and inward fears,<br/> +It seemed a bashful shame her speeches stayed,<br/> +At last the courteous duke her gently cheers;<br/> +Silence was made, and she began her tale,<br/> +They sit to hear, thus sung this nightingale: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIX<br/> +“Victorious prince, whose honorable name<br/> +Is held so great among our Pagan kings,<br/> +That to those lands thou dost by conquest tame<br/> +That thou hast won them some content it brings;<br/> +Well known to all is thy immortal fame,<br/> +The earth, thy worth, thy foe, thy praises sings,<br/> +And Paynims wronged come to seek thine aid,<br/> +So doth thy virtue, so thy power persuade. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XL<br/> +“And I though bred in Macon’s heathenish lore,<br/> +Which thou oppressest with thy puissant might,<br/> +Yet trust thou wilt an helpless maid restore,<br/> +And repossess her in her father’s right:<br/> +Others in their distress do aid implore<br/> +Of kin and friends; but I in this sad plight<br/> +Invoke thy help, my kingdom to invade,<br/> +So doth thy virtue, so my need persuade. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLI<br/> +“In thee I hope, thy succors I invoke,<br/> +To win the crown whence I am dispossest;<br/> +For like renown awaiteth on the stroke<br/> +To cast the haughty down or raise the opprest;<br/> +Nor greater glory brings a sceptre broke,<br/> +Than doth deliverance of a maid distrest;<br/> +And since thou canst at will perform the thing,<br/> +More is thy praise to make, than kill a king. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLII<br/> +“But if thou would’st thy succors due excuse,<br/> +Because in Christ I have no hope nor trust,<br/> +Ah yet for virtue’s sake, thy virtue use!<br/> +Who scorneth gold because it lies in dust?<br/> +Be witness Heaven, if thou to grant refuse,<br/> +Thou dost forsake a maid in cause most just,<br/> +And for thou shalt at large my fortunes know,<br/> +I will my wrongs and their great treasons show. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIII<br/> +“Prince Arbilan that reigned in his life<br/> +On fair Damascus, was my noble sire,<br/> +Born of mean race he was, yet got to wife<br/> +The Queen Chariclia, such was the fire<br/> +Of her hot love, but soon the fatal knife<br/> +Had cut the thread that kept their joys entire,<br/> +For so mishap her cruel lot had cast,<br/> +My birth, her death; my first day, was her last. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIV<br/> +“And ere five years were fully come and gone<br/> +Since his dear spouse to hasty death did yield,<br/> +My father also died, consumed with moan,<br/> +And sought his love amid the Elysian fields,<br/> +His crown and me, poor orphan, left alone,<br/> +Mine uncle governed in my tender eild;<br/> +For well he thought, if mortal men have faith,<br/> +In brother’s breast true love his mansion hath. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLV<br/> +“He took the charge of me and of the crown,<br/> +And with kind shows of love so brought to pass<br/> +That through Damascus great report was blown<br/> +How good, how just, how kind mine uncle was;<br/> +Whether he kept his wicked hate unknown<br/> +And hid the serpent in the flowering grass,<br/> +On that true faith did in his bosom won,<br/> +Because he meant to match me with his son. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVI<br/> +“Which son, within short while, did undertake<br/> +Degree of knighthood, as beseemed him well,<br/> +Yet never durst he for his lady’s sake<br/> +Break sword or lance, advance in lofty sell;<br/> +As fair he was, as Citherea’s make,<br/> +As proud as he that signoriseth hell,<br/> +In fashions wayward, and in love unkind,<br/> +For Cupid deigns not wound a currish mind. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVII<br/> +“This paragon should Queen Armida wed,<br/> +A goodly swain to be a princess’ fere,<br/> +A lovely partner of a lady’s bed,<br/> +A noble head a golden crown to wear:<br/> +His glosing sire his errand daily said,<br/> +And sugared speeches whispered in mine ear<br/> +To make me take this darling in mine arms,<br/> +But still the adder stopt her ears from charms. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVIII<br/> +“At last he left me with a troubled grace,<br/> +Through which transparent was his inward spite,<br/> +Methought I read the story in his face<br/> +Of these mishaps that on me since have light,<br/> +Since that foul spirits haunt my resting-place,<br/> +And ghastly visions break any sleep by night,<br/> +Grief, horror, fear my fainting soul did kill,<br/> +For so my mind foreshowed my coming ill. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIX<br/> +“Three times the shape of my dear mother came,<br/> +Pale, sad, dismayed, to warn me in my dream,<br/> +Alas, how far transformed from the same<br/> +Whose eyes shone erst like Titan’s glorious beam:<br/> +‘Daughter,’ she says, ‘fly, fly, behold thy dame<br/> +Foreshows the treasons of thy wretched eame,<br/> +Who poison gainst thy harmless life provides:’<br/> +This said, to shapeless air unseen she glides. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +L<br/> +“But what avail high walls or bulwarks strong,<br/> +Where fainting cowards have the piece to guard?<br/> +My sex too weak, mine age was all to young,<br/> +To undertake alone a work so hard,<br/> +To wander wild the desert woods among,<br/> +A banished maid, of wonted ease debarred,<br/> +So grievous seemed, that liefer were my death,<br/> +And there to expire where first I drew my breath. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LI<br/> +“I feared deadly evil if long I stayed,<br/> +And yet to fly had neither will nor power,<br/> +Nor durst my heart declare it waxed afraid,<br/> +Lest so I hasten might my dying hour:<br/> +Thus restless waited I, unhappy maid,<br/> +What hand should first pluck up my springing flower,<br/> +Even as the wretch condemned to lose his life<br/> +Awaits the falling of the murdering knife. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LII<br/> +“In these extremes, for so my fortune would<br/> +Perchance preserve me to my further ill,<br/> +One of my noble father’s servants old,<br/> +That for his goodness bore his child good will,<br/> +With store of tears this treason gan unfold,<br/> +And said; my guardian would his pupil kill,<br/> +And that himself, if promise made be kept,<br/> +Should give me poison dire ere next I slept. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIII<br/> +“And further told me, if I wished to live,<br/> +I must convey myself by secret flight,<br/> +And offered then all succours he could give<br/> +To aid his mistress, banished from her right.<br/> +His words of comfort, fear to exile drive,<br/> +The dread of death, made lesser dangers light:<br/> +So we concluded, when the shadows dim<br/> +Obscured the earth I should depart with him. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIV<br/> +“Of close escapes the aged patroness,<br/> +Blacker than erst, her sable mantle spread,<br/> +When with two trusty maids, in great distress,<br/> +Both from mine uncle and my realm I fled;<br/> +Oft looked I back, but hardly could suppress<br/> +Those streams of tears, mine eyes uncessant shed,<br/> +For when I looked on my kingdom lost,<br/> +It was a grief, a death, an hell almost. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LV<br/> +“My steeds drew on the burden of my limbs,<br/> +But still my locks, my thoughts, drew back as fast,<br/> +So fare the men, that from the heaven’s brims,<br/> +Far out to sea, by sudden storm are cast;<br/> +Swift o’er the grass the rolling chariot swims,<br/> +Through ways unknown, all night, all day we haste,<br/> +At last, nigh tired, a castle strong we fand,<br/> +The utmost border of my native land. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVI<br/> +“The fort Arontes was, for so the knight<br/> +Was called, that my deliverance thus had wrought,<br/> +But when the tyrant saw, by mature flight<br/> +I had escaped the treasons of his thought,<br/> +The rage increased in the cursed wight<br/> +Gainst me, and him, that me to safety brought,<br/> +And us accused, we would have poisoned<br/> +Him, but descried, to save our lives we fled. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVII<br/> +“And that in lieu of his approved truth,<br/> +To poison him I hired had my guide,<br/> +That he despatched, mine unbridled youth<br/> +Might rage at will, in no subjection tied,<br/> +And that each night I slept—O foul untruth!—<br/> +Mine honor lost, by this Arontes’ side:<br/> +But Heaven I pray send down revenging fire,<br/> +When so base love shall change my chaste desire. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVIII<br/> +“Not that he sitteth on my regal throne,<br/> +Nor that he thirst to drink my lukewarm blood,<br/> +So grieveth me, as this despite alone,<br/> +That my renown, which ever blameless stood,<br/> +Hath lost the light wherewith it always shone:<br/> +With forged lies he makes his tale so good,<br/> +And holds my subjects’ hearts in such suspense,<br/> +That none take armor for their queen’s defence. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIX<br/> +“And though he do my regal throne possess,<br/> +Clothed in purple, crowned with burnished gold;<br/> +Yet is his hate, his rancor, ne’er the less,<br/> +Since naught assuageth malice when ’tis old:<br/> +He threats to burn Arontes’ forteress,<br/> +And murder him unless he yield the hold,<br/> +And me and mine threats not with war, but death,<br/> +Thus causeless hatred, endless is uneath. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LX<br/> +“And so he trusts to wash away the stain,<br/> +And hide his shameful fact with mine offence,<br/> +And saith he will restore the throne again<br/> +To his late honor and due excellence,<br/> +And therefore would I should be algates slain,<br/> +For while I live, his right is in suspense,<br/> +This is the cause my guiltless life is sought,<br/> +For on my ruin is his safety wrought. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXI<br/> +“And let the tyrant have his heart’s desire,<br/> +Let him perform the cruelty he meant,<br/> +My guiltless blood must quench the ceaseless fire<br/> +On which my endless tears were bootless spent,<br/> +Unless thou help; to thee, renowned Sire,<br/> +I fly, a virgin, orphan, innocent,<br/> +And let these tears that on thy feet distil,<br/> +Redeem the drops of blood, he thirsts to spill. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXII<br/> +“By these thy glorious feet, that tread secure<br/> +On necks of tyrants, by thy conquests brave,<br/> +By that right hand, and by those temples pure<br/> +Thou seek’st to free from Macon’s lore, I crave<br/> +Help for this sickness none but thou canst cure,<br/> +My life and kingdom let thy mercy save<br/> +From death and ruin: but in vain I prove thee,<br/> +If right, if truth, if justice cannot move thee. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIII<br/> +“Thou who dost all thou wishest, at thy will,<br/> +And never willest aught but what is right,<br/> +Preserve this guiltless blood they seek to spill;<br/> +Thine be my kingdom, save it with thy might:<br/> +Among these captains, lords, and knights of skill,<br/> +Appoint me ten, approved most in fight,<br/> +Who with assistance of my friends and kin,<br/> +May serve my kingdom lost again to win. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIV<br/> +“For lo a knight, that had a gate to ward,<br/> +A man of chiefest trust about his king,<br/> +Hath promised so to beguile the guard<br/> +That me and mine he undertakes to bring<br/> +Safe, where the tyrant haply sleepeth hard<br/> +He counselled me to undertake this thing,<br/> +Of these some little succor to intreat,<br/> +Whose name alone accomplish can the feat.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXV<br/> +This said, his answer did the nymph attend,<br/> +Her looks, her sighs, her gestures all did pray him:<br/> +But Godfrey wisely did his grant suspend,<br/> +He doubts the worst, and that awhile did stay him,<br/> +He knows, who fears no God, he loves no friend,<br/> +He fears the heathen false would thus betray him:<br/> +But yet such ruth dwelt in his princely mind,<br/> +That gainst his wisdom, pity made him kind. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVI<br/> +Besides the kindness of his gentle thought,<br/> +Ready to comfort each distressed wight,<br/> +The maiden’s offer profit with it brought;<br/> +For if the Syrian kingdom were her right,<br/> +That won, the way were easy, which he sought,<br/> +To bring all Asia subject to his might:<br/> +There might he raise munition, arms and treasure<br/> +To work the Egyptian king and his displeasure. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVII<br/> +Thus was his noble heart long time betwixt<br/> +Fear and remorse, not granting nor denying,<br/> +Upon his eyes the dame her lookings fixed,<br/> +As if her life and death lay on his saying,<br/> +Some tears she shed, with sighs and sobbings mixed,<br/> +As if her hopes were dead through his delaying;<br/> +At last her earnest suit the duke denayed,<br/> +But with sweet words thus would content the maid: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVIII<br/> +“If not in service of our God we fought,<br/> +In meaner quarrel if this sword were shaken,<br/> +Well might thou gather in thy gentle thought,<br/> +So fair a princess should not be forsaken;<br/> +But since these armies, from the world’s end brought,<br/> +To free this sacred town have undertaken,<br/> +It were unfit we turned our strength away,<br/> +And victory, even in her coming, stay. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIX<br/> +“I promise thee, and on my princely word<br/> +The burden of thy wish and hope repose,<br/> +That when this chosen temple of the Lord,<br/> +Her holy doors shall to his saints unclose<br/> +In rest and peace; then this victorious sword<br/> +Shall execute due vengeance on thy foes;<br/> +But if for pity of a worldly dame<br/> +I left this work, such pity were my shame.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXX<br/> +At this the princess bent her eyes to ground,<br/> +And stood unmoved, though not unmarked, a space,<br/> +The secret bleeding of her inward wound<br/> +Shed heavenly dew upon her angel’s face,<br/> +“Poor wretch,” quoth she, “in tears and sorrows drowned,<br/> +Death be thy peace, the grave thy resting-place,<br/> +Since such thy hap, that lest thou mercy find<br/> +The gentlest heart on earth is proved unkind. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXI<br/> +“Where none attends, what boots it to complain?<br/> +Men’s froward hearts are moved with women’s tears<br/> +As marble stones are pierced with drops of rain,<br/> +No plaints find passage through unwilling ears:<br/> +The tyrant, haply, would his wraith restrain<br/> +Heard he these prayers ruthless Godfrey hears,<br/> +Yet not thy fault is this, my chance, I see,<br/> +Hath made even pity, pitiless in thee. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXII<br/> +“So both thy goodness, and good hap, denayed me,<br/> +Grief, sorrow, mischief, care, hath overthrown me,<br/> +The star that ruled my birthday hath betrayed me,<br/> +My genius sees his charge, but dares not own me,<br/> +Of queen-like state, my flight hath disarrayed me,<br/> +My father died, ere he five years had known me,<br/> +My kingdom lost, and lastly resteth now,<br/> +Down with the tree sith broke is every bough. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIII<br/> +“And for the modest lore of maidenhood,<br/> +Bids me not sojourn with these armed men,<br/> +O whither shall I fly, what secret wood<br/> +Shall hide me from the tyrant? or what den,<br/> +What rock, what vault, what cave can do me good?<br/> +No, no, where death is sure, it resteth then<br/> +To scorn his power and be it therefore seen,<br/> +Armida lived, and died, both like a queen.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIV<br/> +With that she looked as if a proud disdain<br/> +Kindled displeasure in her noble mind,<br/> +The way she came she turned her steps again,<br/> +With gesture sad but in disdainful kind,<br/> +A tempest railed down her cheeks amain,<br/> +With tears of woe, and sighs of anger’s wind;<br/> +The drops her footsteps wash, whereon she treads,<br/> +And seems to step on pearls, or crystal beads. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXV<br/> +Her cheeks on which this streaming nectar fell,<br/> +Stilled through the limbeck of her diamond eyes,<br/> +The roses white and red resembled well,<br/> +Whereon the rory May-dew sprinkled lies<br/> +When the fair morn first blusheth from her cell,<br/> +And breatheth balm from opened paradise;<br/> +Thus sighed, thus mourned, thus wept this lovely queen,<br/> +And in each drop bathed a grace unseen. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVI<br/> +Thrice twenty Cupids unperceived flew<br/> +To gather up this liquor, ere it fall,<br/> +And of each drop an arrow forged new,<br/> +Else, as it came, snatched up the crystal ball,<br/> +And at rebellious hearts for wildfire threw.<br/> +O wondrous love! thou makest gain of all;<br/> +For if she weeping sit, or smiling stand,<br/> +She bends thy bow, or kindleth else thy brand. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVII<br/> +This forged plaint drew forth unfeigned tears<br/> +From many eyes, and pierced each worthy’s heart;<br/> +Each one condoleth with her that her hears,<br/> +And of her grief would help her bear the smart:<br/> +If Godfrey aid her not, not one but swears<br/> +Some tigress gave him suck on roughest part<br/> +Midst the rude crags, on Alpine cliffs aloft:<br/> +Hard is that heart which beauty makes not soft. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVIII<br/> +But jolly Eustace, in whose breast the brand<br/> +Of love and pity kindled had the flame,<br/> +While others softly whispered underhand,<br/> +Before the duke with comely boldness came:<br/> +“Brother and lord,” quoth he, “too long you stand<br/> +In your first purpose, yet vouchsafe to frame<br/> +Your thoughts to ours, and lend this virgin aid:<br/> +Thanks are half lost when good turns are delayed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIX<br/> +“And think not that Eustace’s talk assays<br/> +To turn these forces from this present war,<br/> +Or that I wish you should your armies raise<br/> +From Sion’s walls, my speech tends not so far:<br/> +But we that venture all for fame and praise,<br/> +That to no charge nor service bounden are,<br/> +Forth of our troop may ten well spared be<br/> +To succor her, which naught can weaken thee. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXX<br/> +“And know, they shall in God’s high service fight,<br/> +That virgins innocent save and defend:<br/> +Dear will the spoils be in the Heaven’s sight,<br/> +That from a tyrant’s hateful head we rend:<br/> +Nor seemed I forward in this lady’s right,<br/> +With hope of gain or profit in the end;<br/> +But for I know he arms unworthy bears,<br/> +To help a maiden’s cause that shuns or fears. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXI<br/> +“Ah! be it not pardie declared in France,<br/> +Or elsewhere told where courtesy is in prize,<br/> +That we forsook so fair a chevisance,<br/> +For doubt or fear that might from fight arise;<br/> +Else, here surrender I both sword and lance,<br/> +And swear no more to use this martial guise;<br/> +For ill deserves he to be termed a knight,<br/> +That bears a blunt sword in a lady’s right.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXII<br/> +Thus parleyed he, and with confused sound,<br/> +The rest approved what the gallant said,<br/> +Their general their knights encompassed round,<br/> +With humble grace, and earnest suit they prayed:<br/> +“I yield,” quoth he, “and it be happy found,<br/> +What I have granted, let her have your aid:<br/> +Yours be the thanks, for yours the danger is,<br/> +If aught succeed, as much I fear, amiss. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIII<br/> +“But if with you my words may credit find,<br/> +Oh temper then this heat misguides you so!”<br/> +Thus much he said, but they with fancy blind,<br/> +Accept his grant, and let his counsel go.<br/> +What works not beauty, man’s relenting mind<br/> +Is eath to move with plaints and shows of woe:<br/> +Her lips cast forth a chain of sugared words,<br/> +That captive led most of the Christian lords. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIV<br/> +Eustace recalled her, and bespake her thus:<br/> +“Beauty’s chief darling, let those sorrows be,<br/> +For such assistance shall you find in us<br/> +As with your need, or will, may best agree:”<br/> +With that she cheered her forehead dolorous,<br/> +And smiled for joy, that Phoebus blushed to see,<br/> +And had she deigned her veil for to remove,<br/> +The God himself once more had fallen in love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXV<br/> +With that she broke the silence once again,<br/> +And gave the knight great thanks in little speech,<br/> +She said she would his handmaid poor remain,<br/> +So far as honor’s laws received no breach.<br/> +Her humble gestures made the residue plain,<br/> +Dumb eloquence, persuading more than speech:<br/> +Thus women know, and thus they use the guise,<br/> +To enchant the valiant, and beguile the wise. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVI<br/> +And when she saw her enterprise had got<br/> +Some wished mean of quick and good proceeding,<br/> +She thought to strike the iron that was hot,<br/> +For every action hath his hour of speeding:<br/> +Medea or false Circe changed not<br/> +So far the shapes of men, as her eyes spreading<br/> +Altered their hearts, and with her syren’s sound<br/> +In lust, their minds, their hearts, in love she drowned. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVII<br/> +All wily sleights that subtle women know,<br/> +Hourly she used, to catch some lover new.<br/> +None kenned the bent of her unsteadfast bow,<br/> +For with the time her thoughts her looks renew,<br/> +From some she cast her modest eyes below,<br/> +At some her gazing glances roving flew,<br/> +And while she thus pursued her wanton sport,<br/> +She spurred the slow, and reined the forward short. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVIII<br/> +If some, as hopeless that she would be won,<br/> +Forebore to love, because they durst not move her,<br/> +On them her gentle looks to smile begun,<br/> +As who say she is kind if you dare prove her<br/> +On every heart thus shone this lustful sun,<br/> +All strove to serve, to please, to woo, to love her,<br/> +And in their hearts that chaste and bashful were,<br/> +Her eye’s hot glance dissolved the frost of fear. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIX<br/> +On them who durst with fingering bold assay<br/> +To touch the softness of her tender skin,<br/> +She looked as coy, as if she list not play,<br/> +And made as things of worth were hard to win;<br/> +Yet tempered so her deignful looks alway,<br/> +That outward scorn showed store of grace within:<br/> +Thus with false hope their longing hearts she fired,<br/> +For hardest gotten things are most desired. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XC<br/> +Alone sometimes she walked in secret where,<br/> +To ruminate upon her discontent,<br/> +Within her eyelids sate the swelling tear,<br/> +Not poured forth, though sprung from sad lament,<br/> +And with this craft a thousand souls well near<br/> +In snares of foolish ruth and love she hent,<br/> +And kept as slaves, by which we fitly prove<br/> +That witless pity breedeth fruitless love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCI<br/> +Sometimes, as if her hope unloosed had<br/> +The chains of grief, wherein her thoughts lay fettered,<br/> +Upon her minions looked she blithe and glad,<br/> +In that deceitful lore so was she lettered;<br/> +Not glorious Titan, in his brightness clad,<br/> +The sunshine of her face in lustre bettered:<br/> +For when she list to cheer her beauties so,<br/> +She smiled away the clouds of grief and woe. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCII<br/> +Her double charm of smiles and sugared words,<br/> +Lulled on sleep the virtue of their senses,<br/> +Reason shall aid gainst those assaults affords,<br/> +Wisdom no warrant from those sweet offences;<br/> +Cupid’s deep rivers have their shallow fords,<br/> +His griefs, bring joys; his losses, recompenses;<br/> +He breeds the sore, and cures us of the pain:<br/> +Achilles’ lance that wounds and heals again. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCIII<br/> +While thus she them torments twixt frost and fire,<br/> +Twixt joy and grief, twixt hope and restless fear,<br/> +The sly enchantress felt her gain the nigher,<br/> +These were her flocks that golden fleeces bear:<br/> +But if someone durst utter his desire,<br/> +And by complaining make his griefs appear,<br/> +He labored hard rocks with plaints to move,<br/> +She had not learned the gamut then of love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCIV<br/> +For down she bet her bashful eyes to ground,<br/> +And donned the weed of women’s modest grace,<br/> +Down from her eyes welled the pearls round,<br/> +Upon the bright enamel of her face;<br/> +Such honey drops on springing flowers are found<br/> +When Phoebus holds the crimson morn in chase;<br/> +Full seemed her looks of anger, and of shame;<br/> +Yet pity shone transparent through the same. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCV<br/> +If she perceived by his outward cheer,<br/> +That any would his love by talk bewray,<br/> +Sometimes she heard him, sometimes stopped her ear,<br/> +And played fast and loose the livelong day:<br/> +Thus all her lovers kind deluded were,<br/> +Their earnest suit got neither yea nor nay;<br/> +But like the sort of weary huntsmen fare,<br/> +That hunt all day, and lose at night the hare. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCVI<br/> +These were the arts by which she captived<br/> +A thousand souls of young and lusty knights;<br/> +These were the arms wherewith love conquered<br/> +Their feeble hearts subdued in wanton fights:<br/> +What wonder if Achilles were misled,<br/> +Of great Alcides at their ladies’ sights,<br/> +Since these true champions of the Lord above<br/> +Were thralls to beauty, yielden slaves to lore. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="book05"></a>FIFTH BOOK</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +THE ARGUMENT.<br/> +Gernando scorns Rinaldo should aspire<br/> +To rule that charge for which he seeks and strives,<br/> +And slanders him so far, that in his ire<br/> +The wronged knight his foe of life deprives:<br/> +Far from the camp the slayer doth retire,<br/> +Nor lets himself be bound in chains or gyves:<br/> +Armide departs content, and from the seas<br/> +Godfrey hears news which him and his displease. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I<br/> +While thus Armida false the knights misled<br/> +In wandering errors of deceitful love,<br/> +And thought, besides the champions promised,<br/> +The other lordlings in her aid to move,<br/> +In Godfrey’s thought a strong contention bred<br/> +Who fittest were this hazard great to prove;<br/> +For all the worthies of the adventures’ band<br/> +Were like in birth, in power, in strength of hand. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +II<br/> +But first the prince, by grave advice, decreed<br/> +They should some knight choose at their own election,<br/> +That in his charge Lord Dudon might succeed,<br/> +And of that glorious troop should take protection;<br/> +So none should grieve, displeased with the deed,<br/> +Nor blame the causer of their new subjection:<br/> +Besides, Godfredo showed by this device,<br/> +How much he held that regiment in price. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +III<br/> +He called the worthies then, and spake them so:<br/> +“Lordlings, you know I yielded to your will,<br/> +And gave you license with this dame to go,<br/> +To win her kingdom and that tyrant kill:<br/> +But now again I let you further know,<br/> +In following her it may betide yon ill;<br/> +Refrain therefore, and change this forward thought<br/> +For death unsent for, danger comes unsought. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IV<br/> +“But if to shun these perils, sought so far,<br/> +May seem disgraceful to the place yon hold;<br/> +If grave advice and prudent counsel are<br/> +Esteemed detractors from your courage bold;<br/> +Then know, I none against his will debar,<br/> +Nor what I granted erst I now withhold;<br/> +But he mine empire, as it ought of right,<br/> +Sweet, easy, pleasant, gentle, meek and light. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +V<br/> +“Go then or tarry, each as likes him best,<br/> +Free power I grant you on this enterprise;<br/> +But first in Dudon’s place, now laid in chest,<br/> +Choose you some other captain stout and wise;<br/> +Then ten appoint among the worthiest,<br/> +But let no more attempt this hard emprise,<br/> +In this my will content you that I have,<br/> +For power constrained is but a glorious slave.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VI<br/> +Thus Godfrey said, and thus his brother spake,<br/> +And answered for himself and all his peers:<br/> +“My lord, as well it fitteth thee to make<br/> +These wise delays and cast these doubts and fears,<br/> +So ’tis our part at first to undertake;<br/> +Courage and haste beseems our might and years;<br/> +And this proceeding with so grave advice,<br/> +Wisdom, in you, in us were cowardice. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VII<br/> +“Since then the feat is easy, danger none,<br/> +All set in battle and in hardy fight,<br/> +Do thou permit the chosen ten to gone<br/> +And aid the damsel:” thus devised the knight,<br/> +To make men think the sun of honor shone<br/> +There where the lamp of Cupid gave the light:<br/> +The rest perceive his guile, and it approve,<br/> +And call that knighthood which was childish love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VIII<br/> +But loving Eustace, that with jealous eye<br/> +Beheld the worth of Sophia’s noble child,<br/> +And his fair shape did secretly envy,<br/> +Besides the virtues in his breast compiled,<br/> +And, for in love he would no company,<br/> +He stored his mouth with speeches smoothly filed,<br/> +Drawing his rival to attend his word;<br/> +Thus with fair sleight he laid the knight abord: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IX<br/> +“Of great Bertoldo thou far greater heir,<br/> +Thou star of knighthood, flower of chivalry,<br/> +Tell me, who now shall lead this squadron fair,<br/> +Since our late guide in marble cold doth lie?<br/> +I, that with famous Dudon might compare<br/> +In all, but years, hoar locks, and gravity,<br/> +To whom should I, Duke Godfrey’s brother, yield,<br/> +Unless to thee, the Christian army’s shield? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +X<br/> +“Thee whom high birth makes equal with the best<br/> +Thine acts prefer both me and all beforn;<br/> +Nor that in fight thou both surpass the rest,<br/> +And Godfrey’s worthy self, I hold in scorn;<br/> +Thee to obey then am I only pressed;<br/> +Before these worthies be thine eagle borne;<br/> +This honor haply thou esteemest light,<br/> +Whose day of glory never yet found night. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XI<br/> +“Yet mayest thou further by this means display<br/> +The spreading wings of thy immortal fame;<br/> +I will procure it, if thou sayest not nay,<br/> +And all their wills to thine election frame:<br/> +But for I scantly am resolved which way<br/> +To bend my force, or where employ the same,<br/> +Leave me, I pray, at my discretion free<br/> +To help Armida, or serve here with thee.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XII<br/> +This last request, for love is evil to hide,<br/> +Empurpled both his cheeks with scarlet red;<br/> +Rinaldo soon his passions had descried,<br/> +And gently smiling turned aside his head,<br/> +And, for weak Cupid was too feeble eyed<br/> +To strike him sure, the fire in him was dead;<br/> +So that of rivals was he naught afraid,<br/> +Nor cared he for the journey or the maid. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIII<br/> +But in his noble thought revolved he oft<br/> +Dudon’s high prowess, death and burial,<br/> +And how Argantes bore his plumes aloft,<br/> +Praising his fortunes for that worthy’s fall;<br/> +Besides, the knight’s sweet words and praises soft<br/> +To his due honor did him fitly call,<br/> +And made his heart rejoice, for well he knew,<br/> +Though much he praised him, all his words were true. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIV<br/> +“Degrees,” quoth he, “of honors high to hold,<br/> +I would them first deserve, and the desire;<br/> +And were my valor such as you have told,<br/> +Would I for that to higher place aspire:<br/> +But if to honors due raise me you would,<br/> +I will not of my works refuse the hire;<br/> +And much it glads me, that my power and might<br/> +Ypraised is by such a valiant knight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XV<br/> +“I neither seek it nor refuse the place,<br/> +Which if I get, the praise and thanks be thine.”<br/> +Eustace, this spoken, hied thence apace<br/> +To know which way his fellows’ hearts incline:<br/> +But Prince Gernando coveted the place,<br/> +Whom though Armida sought to undermine,<br/> +Gainst him yet vain did all her engines prove,<br/> +His pride was such, there was no place for love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVI<br/> +Gernando was the King of Norway’s son,<br/> +That many a realm and region had to guide,<br/> +And for his elders lands and crowns had won.<br/> +His heart was puffed up with endless pride:<br/> +The other boasts more what himself had done<br/> +Than all his ancestors’ great acts beside;<br/> +Yet his forefathers old before him were<br/> +Famous in war and peace five hundred years. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVII<br/> +This barbarous prince, who only vainly thought<br/> +That bliss in wealth and kingly power doth lie,<br/> +And in respect esteemed all virtue naught<br/> +Unless it were adorned with titles high,<br/> +Could not endure, that to the place he sought<br/> +A simple knight should dare to press so nigh;<br/> +And in his breast so boiled fell despite,<br/> +That ire and wrath exiled reason quite. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVIII<br/> +The hidden devil, that lies in close await<br/> +To win the fort of unbelieving man,<br/> +Found entry there, where ire undid the gate,<br/> +And in his bosom unperceived ran;<br/> +It filled his heart with malice, strife and hate,<br/> +It made him rage, blaspheme, swear, curse and ban,<br/> +Invisible it still attends him near,<br/> +And thus each minute whispereth in his ear. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIX<br/> +What, shall Rinaldo match thee? dares he tell<br/> +Those idle names of his vain pedigree?<br/> +Then let him say, if thee he would excel,<br/> +What lands, what realms his tributaries be:<br/> +If his forefathers in the graves that dwell,<br/> +Were honored like thine that live, let see:<br/> +Oh how dares one so mean aspire so high,<br/> +Born in that servile country Italy? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XX<br/> +Now, if he win, or if he lose the day,<br/> +Yet is his praise and glory hence derived,<br/> +For that the world will, to his credit, say,<br/> +Lo, this is he that with Gernando strived.<br/> +The charge some deal thee haply honor may,<br/> +That noble Dudon had while here he lived;<br/> +But laid on him he would the office shame,<br/> +Let it suffice, he durst desire the same. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXI<br/> +If when this breath from man’s frail body flies<br/> +The soul take keep, or know the things done here,<br/> +Oh, how looks Dudon from the glorious skies?<br/> +What wrath, what anger in his face appear,<br/> +On this proud youngling while he bends his eyes,<br/> +Marking how high he doth his feathers rear?<br/> +Seeing his rash attempt, how soon he dare,<br/> +Though but a boy, with his great worth compare. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXII<br/> +He dares not only, but he strives and proves,<br/> +Where chastisement were fit there wins he praise:<br/> +One counsels him, his speech him forward moves;<br/> +Another fool approveth all he says:<br/> +If Godfrey favor him more than behoves,<br/> +Why then he wrongeth thee an hundred ways;<br/> +Nor let thy state so far disgraced be,<br/> +Now what thou art and canst, let Godfrey see. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIII<br/> +With such false words the kindled fire began<br/> +To every vein his poisoned heart to reach,<br/> +It swelled his scornful heart, and forth it ran<br/> +At his proud looks, and too audacious speech;<br/> +All that he thought blameworthy in the man,<br/> +To his disgrace that would be each where preach;<br/> +He termed him proud and vain, his worth in fight<br/> +He called fool-hardise, rashness, madness right. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIV<br/> +All that in him was rare or excellent,<br/> +All that was good, all that was princely found,<br/> +With such sharp words as malice could invent,<br/> +He blamed, such power has wicked tongue to wound.<br/> +The youth, for everywhere those rumors went,<br/> +Of these reproaches heard sometimes the sound;<br/> +Nor did for that his tongue the fault amend,<br/> +Until it brought him to his woful end. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXV<br/> +The cursed fiend that set his tongue at large,<br/> +Still bred more fancies in his idle brain,<br/> +His heart with slanders new did overcharge,<br/> +And soothed him still in his angry vein;<br/> +Amid the camp a place was broad and large,<br/> +Where one fair regiment might easily train;<br/> +And there in tilt and harmless tournament<br/> +Their days of rest the youths and gallants spent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVI<br/> +There, as his fortune would it should betide,<br/> +Amid the press Gernando gan retire,<br/> +To vomit out his venom unespied,<br/> +Wherewith foul envy did his heart inspire.<br/> +Rinaldo heard him as he stood beside,<br/> +And as he could not bridle wrath and ire,<br/> +“Thou liest,” cried he loud, and with that word<br/> +About his head he tossed his flaming sword. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVII<br/> +Thunder his voice, and lightning seemed his brand,<br/> +So fell his look, and furious was his cheer,<br/> +Gernando trembled, for he saw at hand<br/> +Pale death, and neither help nor comfort near,<br/> +Yet for the soldiers all to witness stand<br/> +He made proud sign, as though he naught did fear,<br/> +But bravely drew his little-helping blade,<br/> +And valiant show of strong resistance made. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVIII<br/> +With that a thousand blades of burnished steel<br/> +Glistered on heaps like flames of fire in sight,<br/> +Hundreds, that knew not yet the quarrel weel,<br/> +Ran thither, some to gaze and some to fight:<br/> +The empty air a sound confused did feel<br/> +Of murmurs low, and outcries loud on height,<br/> +Like rolling waves and Boreas’ angry blasts<br/> +When roaring seas against the rocks he casts. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIX<br/> +But not for this the wronged warrior stayed<br/> +His just displeasure and incensed ire,<br/> +He cared not what the vulgar did or said,<br/> +To vengeance did his courage fierce aspire:<br/> +Among the thickest weapons way he made,<br/> +His thundering sword made all on heaps retire,<br/> +So that of near a thousand stayed not one,<br/> +But Prince Gernando bore the brunt alone. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXX<br/> +His hand, too quick to execute his wrath,<br/> +Performed all, as pleased his eye and heart,<br/> +At head and breast oft times he strucken hath,<br/> +Now at the right, now at the other part:<br/> +On every side thus did he harm and scath,<br/> +And oft beguile his sight with nimble art,<br/> +That no defence the prince of wounds acquits,<br/> +Where least he thinks, or fears, there most he hits. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXI<br/> +Nor ceased be, till in Gernando’s breast<br/> +He sheathed once or twice his furious blade;<br/> +Down fell the hapless prince with death oppressed,<br/> +A double way to his weak soul was made;<br/> +His bloody sword the victor wiped and dressed,<br/> +Nor longer by the slaughtered body stayed,<br/> +But sped him thence, and soon appeased hath<br/> +His hate, his ire, his rancor and his wrath. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXII<br/> +Called by the tumult, Godfrey drew him near,<br/> +And there beheld a sad and rueful sight,<br/> +The signs of death upon his face appear,<br/> +With dust and blood his locks were loathly dight,<br/> +Sighs and complaints on each side might he hear,<br/> +Made for the sudden death of that great knight:<br/> +Amazed, he asked who durst and did so much;<br/> +For yet he knew not whom the fault would touch. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIII<br/> +Arnoldo, minion of the Prince thus slain,<br/> +Augments the fault in telling it, and saith,<br/> +This Prince murdered, for a quarrel vain,<br/> +By young Rinaldo in his desperate wrath,<br/> +And with that sword that should Christ’s law maintain,<br/> +One of Christ’s champions bold he killed hath,<br/> +And this he did in such a place and hour,<br/> +As if he scorned your rule, despised your power. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIV<br/> +And further adds, that he deserved death<br/> +By law, and law should inviolate,<br/> +That none offence could greater be uneath,<br/> +And yet the place the fault did aggravate:<br/> +If he escapes, that mischief would take breath,<br/> +And flourish bold in spite of rule and state;<br/> +And that Gernando’s friends would venge the wrong,<br/> +Although to justice that did first belong, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXV<br/> +And by that means, should discord, hate and strife<br/> +Raise mutinies, and what therefore ensueth:<br/> +Lastly he praised the dead, and still had rife<br/> +All words he thought could vengeance move or rut<br/> +Against him Tancred argued for life,<br/> +With honest reasons to excuse the youth:<br/> +The Duke heard all, but with such sober cheer,<br/> +As banished hope, and still increased fear. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVI<br/> +“Great Prince,” quoth Tancred; “set before thine eyes<br/> +Rinaldo’s worth and courage what it is,<br/> +How much our hope of conquest in him lies;<br/> +Regard that princely house and race of his;<br/> +He that correcteth every fault he spies,<br/> +And judgeth all alike, doth all amiss;<br/> +For faults, you know, are greater thought or less,<br/> +As is the person’s self that doth transgress.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVII<br/> +Godfredo answered him; “If high and low<br/> +Of sovereign power alike should feel the stroke,<br/> +Then, Tancred, ill you counsel us, I trow;<br/> +If lords should know no law, as erst you spoke,<br/> +How vile and base our empire were you know,<br/> +If none but slaves and peasants bear the yoke;<br/> +Weak is the sceptre and the power is small<br/> +That such provisos bring annexed withal. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVIII<br/> +“But mine was freely given ere ’twas sought,<br/> +Nor that it lessened be I now consent;<br/> +Right well know I both when and where I ought<br/> +To give condign reward and punishment,<br/> +Since you are all in like subjection brought,<br/> +Both high and low obey, and be content.”<br/> +This heard, Tancredi wisely stayed his words,<br/> +Such weight the sayings have of kings and lords. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIX<br/> +Old Raymond praised his speech, for old men think<br/> +They ever wisest seem when most severe,<br/> +“’Tis best,” quoth he, “to make these great ones shrink,<br/> +The people love him whom the nobles fear:<br/> +There must the rule to all disorders sink,<br/> +Where pardons more than punishments appear;<br/> +For feeble is each kingdom, frail and weak,<br/> +Unless his basis be this fear I speak.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XL<br/> +These words Tancredi heard and pondered well,<br/> +And by them wist how Godfrey’s thoughts were bent,<br/> +Nor list he longer with these old men dwell,<br/> +But turned his horse and to Rinaldo went,<br/> +Who, when his noble foe death-wounded fell,<br/> +Withdrew him softly to his gorgeous tent;<br/> +There Tancred found him, and at large declared<br/> +The words and speeches sharp which late you heard. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLI<br/> +And said, “Although I wot the outward show<br/> +Is not true witness of the secret thought,<br/> +For that some men so subtle are, I trow,<br/> +That what they purpose most appeareth naught;<br/> +Yet dare I say Godfredo means, I know,<br/> +Such knowledge hath his looks and speeches wrought,<br/> +You shall first prisoner be, and then be tried<br/> +As he shall deem it good and law provide.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLII<br/> +With that a bitter smile well might you see<br/> +Rinaldo cast, with scorn and high disdain,<br/> +“Let them in fetters plead their cause,” quoth he,<br/> +“That are base peasants, born of servile stain,<br/> +I was free born, I live and will die free<br/> +Before these feet be fettered in a chain:<br/> +These hands were made to shake sharp spears and swords,<br/> +Not to be tied in gyves and twisted cords. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIII<br/> +“If my good service reap this recompense,<br/> +To be clapt up in close and secret mew,<br/> +And as a thief be after dragged from thence,<br/> +To suffer punishment as law finds due;<br/> +Let Godfrey come or send, I will not hence<br/> +Until we know who shall this bargain rue,<br/> +That of our tragedy the late done fact<br/> +May be the first, and this the second, act. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIV<br/> +“Give me mine arms,” he cried; his squire them brings,<br/> +And clad his head, and dressed in iron strong,<br/> +About his neck his silver shield he flings,<br/> +Down by his side a cutting sword there hung;<br/> +Among this earth’s brave lords and mighty kings,<br/> +Was none so stout, so fierce, so fair, so young,<br/> +God Mars he seemed descending from his sphere,<br/> +Or one whose looks could make great Mars to fear. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLV<br/> +Tancredi labored with some pleasing speech<br/> +His spirits fierce and courage to appease;<br/> +“Young Prince, thy valor,” thus he gan to preach,<br/> +“Can chastise all that do thee wrong, at ease,<br/> +I know your virtue can your enemies teach,<br/> +That you can venge you when and where you please:<br/> +But God forbid this day you lift your arm<br/> +To do this camp and us your friends such harm. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVI<br/> +“Tell me what will you do? why would you stain<br/> +Your noble hands in our unguilty blood?<br/> +By wounding Christians, will you again<br/> +Pierce Christ, whose parts they are and members good?<br/> +Will you destroy us for your glory vain,<br/> +Unstayed as rolling waves in ocean flood?<br/> +Far be it from you so to prove your strength,<br/> +And let your zeal appease your rage at length. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVII<br/> +“For God’s love stay your heat, and just displeasure,<br/> +Appease your wrath, your courage fierce assuage,<br/> +Patience, a praise; forbearance, is a treasure;<br/> +Suffrance, an angel’s is; a monster, rage;<br/> +At least you actions by example measure,<br/> +And think how I in mine unbridled age<br/> +Was wronged, yet I would not revengement take<br/> +On all this camp, for one offender’s sake. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVIII<br/> +“Cilicia conquered I, as all men wot,<br/> +And there the glorious cross on high I reared,<br/> +But Baldwin came, and what I nobly got<br/> +Bereft me falsely when I least him feared;<br/> +He seemed my friend, and I discovered not<br/> +His secret covetise which since appeared;<br/> +Yet strive I not to get mine own by fight,<br/> +Or civil war, although perchance I might. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIX<br/> +“If then you scorn to be in prison pent,<br/> +If bonds, as high disgrace, your hands refuse;<br/> +Or if your thoughts still to maintain are bent<br/> +Your liberty, as men of honor use:<br/> +To Antioch what if forthwith you went?<br/> +And leave me here your absence to excuse,<br/> +There with Prince Boemond live in ease and peace,<br/> +Until this storm of Godfrey’s anger cease. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +L<br/> +“For soon, if forces come from Egypt land,<br/> +Or other nations that us here confine,<br/> +Godfrey will beaten be with his own wand,<br/> +And feel he wants that valor great of thine,<br/> +Our camp may seem an arm without a hand,<br/> +Amid our troops unless thy eagle shine:”<br/> +With that came Guelpho and those words approved,<br/> +And prayed him go, if him he feared or loved. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LI<br/> +Their speeches soften much the warrior’s heart,<br/> +And make his wilful thoughts at last relent,<br/> +So that he yields, and saith he will depart,<br/> +And leave the Christian camp incontinent.<br/> +His friends, whose love did never shrink or start,<br/> +Preferred their aid, what way soe’er he went:<br/> +He thanked them all, but left them all, besides<br/> +Two bold and trusty squires, and so he rides. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LII<br/> +He rides, revolving in his noble spright<br/> +Such haughty thoughts as fill the glorious mind;<br/> +On hard adventures was his whole delight,<br/> +And now to wondrous acts his will inclined;<br/> +Alone against the Pagans would he fight,<br/> +And kill their kings from Egypt unto Inde,<br/> +From Cynthia’s hills and Nilus’ unknown spring<br/> +He would fetch praise and glorious conquest bring. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIII<br/> +But Guelpho, when the prince his leave had take<br/> +And now had spurred his courser on his way,<br/> +No longer tarriance with the rest would make,<br/> +But tastes to find Godfredo, if he may:<br/> +Who seeing him approaching, forthwith spake,<br/> +“Guelpho,” quoth he, “for thee I only stay,<br/> +For thee I sent my heralds all about,<br/> +In every tent to seek and find thee out.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIV<br/> +This said, he softly drew the knight aside<br/> +Where none might hear, and then bespake him thus:<br/> +“How chanceth it thy nephew’s rage and pride,<br/> +Makes him so far forget himself and us?<br/> +Hardly could I believe what is betide,<br/> +A murder done for cause so frivolous,<br/> +How I have loved him, thou and all can tell;<br/> +But Godfrey loved him but whilst he did well. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LV<br/> +“I must provide that every one have right,<br/> +That all be heard, each cause be well discussed,<br/> +As far from partial love as free from spite,<br/> +I hear complaints, yet naught but proves I trust:<br/> +Now if Rinaldo weigh our rule too light,<br/> +And have the sacred lore of war so brust,<br/> +Take you the charge that he before us come<br/> +To clear himself and hear our upright dome. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVI<br/> +“But let him come withouten bond or chain,<br/> +For still my thoughts to do him grace are framed;<br/> +But if our power he haply shall disdain,<br/> +As well I know his courage yet untamed,<br/> +To bring him by persuasion take some pain:<br/> +Else, if I prove severe, both you be blamed,<br/> +That forced my gentle nature gainst my thought<br/> +To rigor, lest our laws return to naught.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVII<br/> +Lord Guelpho answered thus: “What heart can bear<br/> +Such slanders false, devised by hate and spite?<br/> +Or with stayed patience, reproaches hear,<br/> +And not revenge by battle or by fight?<br/> +The Norway Prince hath bought his folly dear,<br/> +But who with words could stay the angry knight?<br/> +A fool is he that comes to preach or prate<br/> +When men with swords their right and wrong debate. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVIII<br/> +“And where you wish he should himself submit<br/> +To hear the censure of your upright laws;<br/> +Alas, that cannot be, for he is flit<br/> +Out if this camp, withouten stay or pause,<br/> +There take my gage, behold I offer it<br/> +To him that first accused him in this cause,<br/> +Or any else that dare, and will maintain<br/> +That for his pride the prince was justly slain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIX<br/> +“I say with reason Lord Gernando’s pride<br/> +He hath abated, if he have offended<br/> +Gainst your commands, who are his lord and guide,<br/> +Oh pardon him, that fault shall be amended.”<br/> +“If he be gone,” quoth Godfrey, “let him ride<br/> +And brawl elsewhere, here let all strife be ended:<br/> +And you, Lord Guelpho, for your nephew’s sake,<br/> +Breed us no new, nor quarrels old awake.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LX<br/> +This while, the fair and false Armida strived<br/> +To get her promised aid in sure possession,<br/> +The day to end, with endless plaint she derived;<br/> +Wit, beauty, craft for her made intercession:<br/> +But when the earth was once of light deprived,<br/> +And western seas felt Titan’s hot impression,<br/> +’Twixt two old knights, and matrons twain she went,<br/> +Where pitched was her fair and curious tent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXI<br/> +But this false queen of craft and sly invention,—<br/> +Whose looks, love’s arrows were; whose eyes his quivers;<br/> +Whose beauty matchless, free from reprehension,<br/> +A wonder left by Heaven to after-livers,—<br/> +Among the Christian lord had bred contention<br/> +Who first should quench his flames in Cupid’s rivers,<br/> +While all her weapons and her darts rehearsed,<br/> +Had not Godfredo’s constant bosom pierced. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXII<br/> +To change his modest thought the dame procureth,<br/> +And proffereth heaps of love’s enticing treasure:<br/> +But as the falcon newly gorged endureth<br/> +Her keeper lure her oft, but comes at leisure;<br/> +So he, whom fulness of delight assureth<br/> +What long repentance comes of love’s short pleasure,<br/> +Her crafts, her arts, herself and all despiseth,<br/> +So base affections fall, when virtue riseth. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIII<br/> +And not one foot his steadfast foot was moved<br/> +Out of that heavenly path, wherein he paced,<br/> +Yet thousand wiles and thousand ways she proved,<br/> +To have that castle fair of goodness raised:<br/> +She used those looks and smiles that most behoved<br/> +To melt the frost which his hard heart embraced,<br/> +And gainst his breast a thousand shot she ventured,<br/> +Yet was the fort so strong it was not entered. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIV<br/> +The dame who thought that one blink of her eye<br/> +Could make the chastest heart feel love’s sweet pain,<br/> +Oh, how her pride abated was hereby!<br/> +When all her sleights were void, her crafts were vain,<br/> +Some other where she would her forces try,<br/> +Where at more ease she might more vantage gain,<br/> +As tired soldiers whom some fort keeps out,<br/> +Thence raise their siege, and spoil the towns about. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXV<br/> +But yet all ways the wily witch could find<br/> +Could not Tancredi’s heart to loveward move,<br/> +His sails were filled with another wind,<br/> +He list no blast of new affection prove;<br/> +For, as one poison doth exclude by kind<br/> +Another’s force, so love excludeth love:<br/> +These two alone nor more nor less the dame<br/> +Could win, the rest all burnt in her sweet flame. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVI<br/> +The princess, though her purpose would not frame,<br/> +As late she hoped, and as still she would,<br/> +Yet, for the lords and knights of greatest name<br/> +Became her prey, as erst you heard it told,<br/> +She thought, ere truth-revealing time or frame<br/> +Bewrayed her act, to lead them to some hold,<br/> +Where chains and band she meant to make them prove,<br/> +Composed by Vulcan not by gentle love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVII<br/> +The time prefixed at length was come and past,<br/> +Which Godfrey had set down to lend her aid,<br/> +When at his feet herself to earth she cast,<br/> +“The hour is come, my Lord,” she humbly said,<br/> +“And if the tyrant haply hear at last,<br/> +His banished niece hath your assistance prayed,<br/> +He will in arms to save his kingdom rise,<br/> +So shall we harder make this enterprise. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVIII<br/> +“Before report can bring the tyrant news,<br/> +Or his espials certify their king,<br/> +Oh let thy goodness these few champions choose,<br/> +That to her kingdom should thy handmaid bring;<br/> +Who, except Heaven to aid the right refuse,<br/> +Recover shall her crown, from whence shall spring<br/> +Thy profit; for betide thee peace or war,<br/> +Thine all her cities, all her subjects are.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIX<br/> +The captain sage the damsel fair assured,<br/> +His word was passed and should not be recanted,<br/> +And she with sweet and humble grace endured<br/> +To let him point those ten, which late he granted:<br/> +But to be one, each one fought and procured,<br/> +No suit, no entreaty, intercession wanted;<br/> +There envy each at others’ love exceeded,<br/> +And all importunate made, more than needed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXX<br/> +She that well saw the secret of their hearts,<br/> +And knew how best to warm them in their blood,<br/> +Against them threw the cursed poisoned darts<br/> +Of jealousy, and grief at others’ good,<br/> +For love she wist was weak without those arts,<br/> +And slow; for jealousy is Cupid’s food;<br/> +For the swift steed runs not so fast alone,<br/> +As when some strain, some strive him to outgone. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXI<br/> +Her words in such alluring sort she framed,<br/> +Her looks enticing, and her wooing smiles,<br/> +That every one his fellows’ favors blamed,<br/> +That of their mistress he received erewhiles:<br/> +This foolish crew of lovers unashamed,<br/> +Mad with the poison of her secret wiles,<br/> +Ran forward still, in this disordered sort,<br/> +Nor could Godfredo’s bridle rein them short. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXII<br/> +He that would satisfy each good desire,<br/> +Withouten partial love, of every knight,<br/> +Although he swelled with shame, with grief and ire<br/> +To see these fellows and these fashions light;<br/> +Yet since by no advice they would retire,<br/> +Another way he sought to set them right:<br/> +“Write all your names,” quoth he, “and see whom chance<br/> +Of lot, to this exploit will first advance.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIII<br/> +Their names were writ, and in an helmet shaken,<br/> +While each did fortune’s grace and aid implore;<br/> +At last they drew them, and the foremost taken<br/> +The Earl of Pembroke was, Artemidore,<br/> +Doubtless the county thought his bread well baken;<br/> +Next Gerrard followed, then with tresses hoar<br/> +Old Wenceslaus, that felt Cupid’s rage<br/> +Now in his doating and his dying age. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIV<br/> +Oh how contentment in their foreheads shined!<br/> +Their looks with joy; thoughts swelled with secret pleasure,<br/> +These three it seemed good success designed<br/> +To make the lords of love and beauty’s treasure:<br/> +Their doubtful fellows at their hap repined,<br/> +And with small patience wait Fortune’s leisure,<br/> +Upon his lips that read the scrolls attending,<br/> +As if their lives were on his words depending. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXV<br/> +Guasco the fourth, Ridolpho him succeeds,<br/> +Then Ulderick whom love list so advance,<br/> +Lord William of Ronciglion next he reads,<br/> +Then Eberard, and Henry born in France,<br/> +Rambaldo last, whom wicked lust so leads<br/> +That he forsook his Saviour with mischance;<br/> +This wretch the tenth was who was thus deluded,<br/> +The rest to their huge grief were all excluded. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVI<br/> +O’ercome with envy, wrath and jealousy,<br/> +The rest blind Fortune curse, and all her laws,<br/> +And mad with love, yet out on love they cry,<br/> +That in his kingdom let her judge their cause:<br/> +And for man’s mind is such, that oft we try<br/> +Things most forbidden, without stay or pause,<br/> +In spite of fortune purposed many a knight<br/> +To follow fair Armida when ’twas night. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVII<br/> +To follow her, by night or else by day,<br/> +And in her quarrel venture life and limb.<br/> +With sighs and tears she gan them softly pray<br/> +To keep that promise, when the skies were dim,<br/> +To this and that knight did she plain and say,<br/> +What grief she felt to part withouten him:<br/> +Meanwhile the ten had donned their armor best,<br/> +And taken leave of Godfrey and the rest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVIII<br/> +The duke advised them every one apart,<br/> +How light, how trustless was the Pagan’s faith,<br/> +And told what policy, what wit, what art,<br/> +Avoids deceit, which heedless men betray’th;<br/> +His speeches pierce their ear, but not their heart,<br/> +Love calls it folly, whatso wisdom saith:<br/> +Thus warned he leaves them to their wanton guide,<br/> +Who parts that night; such haste had she to ride. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIX<br/> +The conqueress departs, and with her led<br/> +These prisoners, whom love would captive keep,<br/> +The hearts of those she left behind her bled,<br/> +With point of sorrow’s arrow pierced deep.<br/> +But when the night her drowsy mantle spread,<br/> +And filled the earth with silence, shade and sleep,<br/> +In secret sort then each forsook his tent,<br/> +And as blind Cupid led them blind they went. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXX<br/> +Eustatio first, who scantly could forbear,<br/> +Till friendly night might hide his haste and shame,<br/> +He rode in post, and let his breast him bear<br/> +As his blind fancy would his journey frame,<br/> +All night he wandered and he wist not where;<br/> +But with the morning he espied the dame,<br/> +That with her guard up from a village rode<br/> +Where she and they that night had made abode. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXI<br/> +Thither he galloped fast, and drawing near<br/> +Rambaldo knew the knight, and loudly cried,<br/> +“Whence comes young Eustace, and what seeks he here?”<br/> +“I come,” quoth he, “to serve the Queen Armide,<br/> +If she accept me, would we all were there<br/> +Where my good-will and faith might best be tried.”<br/> +“Who,” quoth the other, “choseth thee to prove<br/> +This high exploit of hers?” He answered, “Love.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXII<br/> +“Love hath Eustatio chosen, Fortune thee,<br/> +In thy conceit which is the best election?”<br/> +“Nay, then, these shifts are vain,” replied he,<br/> +“These titles false serve thee for no protection,<br/> +Thou canst not here for this admitted be<br/> +Our fellow-servant, in this sweet subjection.”<br/> +“And who,” quoth Eustace, angry, “dares deny<br/> +My fellowship?” Rambaldo answered, “I.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIII<br/> +And with that word his cutting sword he drew,<br/> +That glittered bright, and sparkled flaming fire;<br/> +Upon his foe the other champion flew,<br/> +With equal courage, and with equal ire.<br/> +The gentle princess, who the danger knew,<br/> +Between them stepped, and prayed them both retire.<br/> +“Rambald,” quoth she, “why should you grudge or plain,<br/> +If I a champion, you an helper gain? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIV<br/> +“If me you love, why wish you me deprived<br/> +In so great need of such a puissant knight?<br/> +But welcome Eustace, in good time arrived,<br/> +Defender of my state, my life, my right.<br/> +I wish my hapless self no longer lived,<br/> +When I esteem such good assistance light.”<br/> +Thus talked they on, and travelled on their way<br/> +Their fellowship increasing every day. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXV<br/> +From every side they come, yet wist there none<br/> +Of others coming or of others’ mind,<br/> +She welcomes all, and telleth every one,<br/> +What joy her thoughts in his arrival find.<br/> +But when Duke Godfrey wist his knights were gone,<br/> +Within his breast his wiser soul divined<br/> +Some hard mishap upon his friends should light,<br/> +For which he sighed all day, and wept all night. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVI<br/> +A messenger, while thus he mused, drew near,<br/> +All soiled with dust and sweat, quite out of breath,<br/> +It seemed the man did heavy tidings bear,<br/> +Upon his looks sate news of loss and death:<br/> +“My lord,” quoth he, “so many ships appear<br/> +At sea, that Neptune bears the load uneath,<br/> +From Egypt come they all, this lets thee weet<br/> +William Lord Admiral of the Genoa fleet, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVII<br/> +“Besides a convoy coming from the shore<br/> +With victual for this noble camp of thine<br/> +Surprised was, and lost is all that store,<br/> +Mules, horses, camels laden, corn and wine;<br/> +Thy servants fought till they could fight no more,<br/> +For all were slain or captives made in fine:<br/> +The Arabian outlaws them assailed by night,<br/> +When least they feared, and least they looked for fight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVIII<br/> +“Their frantic boldness doth presume so far,<br/> +That many Christians have they falsely slain,<br/> +And like a raging flood they spared are,<br/> +And overflow each country, field and plain;<br/> +Send therefore some strong troops of men of war,<br/> +To force them hence, and drive them home again,<br/> +And keep the ways between these tents of thine<br/> +And those broad seas, the seas of Palestine.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIX<br/> +From mouth to mouth the heavy rumor spread<br/> +Of these misfortunes, which dispersed wide<br/> +Among the soldiers, great amazement bred;<br/> +Famine they doubt, and new come foes beside:<br/> +The duke, that saw their wonted courage fled,<br/> +And in the place thereof weak fear espied,<br/> +With merry looks these cheerful words he spake,<br/> +To make them heart again and courage take. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XC<br/> +“You champions bold, with me that ’scaped have<br/> +So many dangers, and such hard assays,<br/> +Whom still your God did keep, defend and save<br/> +In all your battles, combats, fights and frays,<br/> +You that subdued the Turks and Persians brave,<br/> +That thirst and hunger held in scorn always,<br/> +And vanquished hills, and seas, with heat and cold,<br/> +Shall vain reports appal your courage bold? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCI<br/> +“That Lord who helped you out at every need,<br/> +When aught befell this glorious camp amiss,<br/> +Shall fortune all your actions well to speed,<br/> +On whom his mercy large extended is;<br/> +Tofore his tomb, when conquering hands you spreed,<br/> +With what delight will you remember this?<br/> +Be strong therefore, and keep your valors high<br/> +To honor, conquest, fame and victory.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCII<br/> +Their hopes half dead and courage well-nigh lost,<br/> +Revived with these brave speeches of their guide;<br/> +But in his breast a thousand cares he tost,<br/> +Although his sorrows he could wisely hide;<br/> +He studied how to feed that mighty host,<br/> +In so great scarceness, and what force provide<br/> +He should against the Egyptian warriors sly,<br/> +And how subdue those thieves of Araby. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="book06"></a>SIXTH BOOK</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +THE ARGUMENT.<br/> +Argantes calls the Christians out to just:<br/> +Otho not chosen doth his strength assay,<br/> +But from his saddle tumbleth in the dust,<br/> +And captive to the town is sent away:<br/> +Tancred begins new fight, and when both trust<br/> +To win the praise and palm, night ends the fray:<br/> +Erminia hopes to cure her wounded knight,<br/> +And from the city armed rides by night. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I<br/> +But better hopes had them recomforted<br/> +That lay besieged in the sacred town;<br/> +With new supply late were they victualled,<br/> +When night obscured the earth with shadows brown;<br/> +Their armes and engines on the walls they spread,<br/> +Their slings to cast, and stones to tumble down;<br/> +And all that side which to the northward lies,<br/> +High rampiers and strong bulwarks fortifies. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +II<br/> +Their wary king commands now here now there,<br/> +To build this tower, to make that bulwark strong,<br/> +Whether the sun, the moon, or stars appear,<br/> +To give them time to work, no time comes wrong:<br/> +In every street new weapons forged were,<br/> +By cunning smiths, sweating with labor long;<br/> +While thus the careful prince provision made,<br/> +To him Argantes came, and boasting said: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +III<br/> +“How long shall we, like prisoners in chains,<br/> +Captived lie inclosed within this wall?<br/> +I see your workmen taking endless pains<br/> +To make new weapons for no use at all;<br/> +Meanwhile these western thieves destroy the plains,<br/> +Your towns are burnt, your forts and castles fall,<br/> +Yet none of us dares at these gates out-peep,<br/> +Or sound one trumpet shrill to break their sleep. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IV<br/> +“Their time in feasting and good cheer they spend,<br/> +Nor dare we once their banquets sweet molest,<br/> +The days and night likewise they bring to end,<br/> +In peace, assurance, quiet, ease and rest;<br/> +But we must yield whom hunger soon will shend,<br/> +And make for peace, to save our lives, request,<br/> +Else, if th’ Egyptian army stay too long,<br/> +Like cowards die within this fortress strong. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +V<br/> +“Yet never shall my courage great consent<br/> +So vile a death should end my noble days,<br/> +Nor on mine arms within these walls ypent<br/> +To-morrow’s sun shall spread his timely rays:<br/> +Let sacred Heavens dispose as they are bent<br/> +Of this frail life, yet not withouten praise<br/> +Of valor, prowess, might, Argantes shall<br/> +Inglorious die, or unrevenged fall. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VI<br/> +“But if the roots of wonted chivalry<br/> +Be not quite dead your princely breast within,<br/> +Devise not how with frame and praise to die,<br/> +But how to live, to conquer and to win;<br/> +Let us together at these gates outfly,<br/> +And skirmish bold and bloody fight begin;<br/> +For when last need to desperation driveth,<br/> +Who dareth most he wisest counsel giveth. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VII<br/> +“But if in field your wisdom dare not venture<br/> +To hazard all your troops to doubtful fight,<br/> +Then bind yourself to Godfrey by indenture,<br/> +To end your quarrels by one single knight:<br/> +And for the Christian this accord shall enter<br/> +With better will, say such you know your right<br/> +That he the weapons, place and time shall choose,<br/> +And let him for his best, that vantage use. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VIII<br/> +“For though your foe had hands, like Hector strong,<br/> +With heart unfeared, and courage stern and stout,<br/> +Yet no misfortune can your justice wrong,<br/> +And what that wanteth, shall this arm help out,<br/> +In spite of fate shall this right hand ere long,<br/> +Return victorious: if hereof you doubt,<br/> +Take it for pledge, wherein if trust you have,<br/> +It shall yourself defend and kingdom save.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IX<br/> +“Bold youth,” the tyrant thus began to speak,<br/> +“Although I withered seem with age and years,<br/> +Yet are not these old arms so faint and weak,<br/> +Nor this hoar head so full of doubts and fears<br/> +But whenas death this vital thread shall break,<br/> +He shall my courage hear, my death who hears:<br/> +And Aladine that lived a king and knight,<br/> +To his fair morn will have an evening bright. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +X<br/> +“But that which yet I would have further blazed,<br/> +To thee in secret shall be told and spoken,<br/> +Great Soliman of Nice, so far ypraised,<br/> +To be revenged for his sceptre broken,<br/> +The men of arms of Araby hath raised,<br/> +From Inde to Africk, and, when we give token,<br/> +Attends the favor of the friendly night<br/> +To victual us, and with our foes to fight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XI<br/> +“Now though Godfredo hold by warlike feat<br/> +Some castles poor and forts in vile oppression,<br/> +Care not for that; for still our princely seat,<br/> +This stately town, we keep in our possession,<br/> +But thou appease and calm that courage great,<br/> +Which in thy bosom make so hot impression;<br/> +And stay fit time, which will betide ere long,<br/> +To increase thy glory, and revenge our wrong.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XII<br/> +The Saracen at this was inly spited,<br/> +Who Soliman’s great worth had long envied,<br/> +To hear him praised thus he naught delighted,<br/> +Nor that the king upon his aid relied:<br/> +“Within your power, sir king,” he says, “united<br/> +Are peace and war, nor shall that be denied;<br/> +But for the Turk and his Arabian band,<br/> +He lost his own, shall he defend your land? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIII<br/> +“Perchance he comes some heavenly messenger,<br/> +Sent down to set the Pagan people free,<br/> +Then let Argantes for himself take care,<br/> +This sword, I trust, shall well safe-conduct me:<br/> +But while you rest and all your forces spare,<br/> +That I go forth to war at least agree;<br/> +Though not your champion, yet a private knight,<br/> +I will some Christian prove in single fight.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIV<br/> +The king replied, “Though thy force and might<br/> +Should be reserved to better time and use;<br/> +Yet that thou challenge some renowned knight,<br/> +Among the Christians bold I not refuse.”<br/> +The warrior breathing out desire of fight,<br/> +An herald called, and said, “Go tell those news<br/> +To Godfrey’s self, and to the western lords,<br/> +And in their hearings boldly say these words: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XV<br/> +“Say that a knight, who holds in great disdain<br/> +To be thus closed up in secret mew,<br/> +Will with his sword in open field maintain,<br/> +If any dare deny his words for true,<br/> +That no devotion, as they falsely feign,<br/> +Hath moved the French these countries to subdue;<br/> +But vile ambition, and pride’s hateful vice,<br/> +Desire of rule, and spoil, and covetice. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVI<br/> +“And that to fight I am not only prest<br/> +With one or two that dare defend the cause,<br/> +But come the fourth or fifth, come all the rest,<br/> +Come all that will, and all that weapon draws,<br/> +Let him that yields obey the victor’s hest,<br/> +As wills the lore of mighty Mars his laws:”<br/> +This was the challenge that fierce Pagan sent,<br/> +The herald donned his coat-of-arms, and went. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVII<br/> +And when the man before the presence came<br/> +Of princely Godfrey, and his captains bold:<br/> +“My Lord,” quoth he, “may I withouten blame<br/> +Before your Grace, my message brave unfold?”<br/> +“Thou mayest,” he answered, “we approve the same;<br/> +Withouten fear, be thine ambassage told.”<br/> +“Then,” quoth the herald, “shall your highness see,<br/> +If this ambassage sharp or pleasing be.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVIII<br/> +The challenge gan he then at large expose,<br/> +With mighty threats, high terms and glorious words;<br/> +On every side an angry murmur rose,<br/> +To wrath so moved were the knights and lords.<br/> +Then Godfrey spake, and said, “The man hath chose<br/> +An hard exploit, but when he feels our swords,<br/> +I trust we shall so far entreat the knight,<br/> +As to excuse the fourth or fifth of fight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIX<br/> +“But let him come and prove, the field I grant,<br/> +Nor wrong nor treason let him doubt or fear,<br/> +Some here shall pay him for his glorious vaunt,<br/> +Without or guile, or vantage, that I swear.<br/> +The herald turned when he had ended scant,<br/> +And hasted back the way he came whileare,<br/> +Nor stayed he aught, nor once forslowed his pace,<br/> +Till he bespake Argantes face to face. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XX<br/> +“Arm you, my lord,” he said, “your bold defies<br/> +By your brave foes accepted boldly been,<br/> +This combat neither high nor low denies,<br/> +Ten thousand wish to meet you on the green;<br/> +A thousand frowned with angry flaming eyes,<br/> +And shaked for rage their swords and weapons keen;<br/> +The field is safely granted by their guide,”<br/> +This said, the champion for his armor cried. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXI<br/> +While he was armed, his heart for ire nigh brake,<br/> +So yearned his courage hot his foes to find:<br/> +The King to fair Clorinda present spake;<br/> +“If he go forth, remain not you behind,<br/> +But of our soldiers best a thousand take,<br/> +To guard his person and your own assigned;<br/> +Yet let him meet alone the Christian knight,<br/> +And stand yourself aloof, while they two fight.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXII<br/> +Thus spake the King, and soon without abode<br/> +The troop went forth in shining armor clad,<br/> +Before the rest the Pagan champion rode,<br/> +His wonted arms and ensigns all he had:<br/> +A goodly plain displayed wide and broad,<br/> +Between the city and the camp was spread,<br/> +A place like that wherein proud Rome beheld<br/> +The forward young men manage spear and shield. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIII<br/> +There all alone Argantes took his stand,<br/> +Defying Christ and all his servants true,<br/> +In stature, stomach, and in strength of hand,<br/> +In pride, presumption, and in dreadful show,<br/> +Encelade like, on the Phlegrean strand,<br/> +Or that huge giant Jesse’s infant slew;<br/> +But his fierce semblant they esteemed light,<br/> +For most not knew, or else not feared his might. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIV<br/> +As yet not one had Godfrey singled out<br/> +To undertake this hardy enterprise,<br/> +But on Prince Tancred saw he all the rout<br/> +Had fixed their wishes, and had cast their eyes,<br/> +On him he spied them gazing round about,<br/> +As though their honor on his prowess lies,<br/> +And now they whispered louder what they meant,<br/> +Which Godfrey heard and saw, and was content. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXV<br/> +The rest gave place; for every one descried<br/> +To whom their chieftain’s will did most incline,<br/> +“Tancred,” quoth he, “I pray thee calm the pride,<br/> +Abate the rage of yonder Saracine:”<br/> +No longer would the chosen champion bide,<br/> +His face with joy, his eyes with gladness shine,<br/> +His helm he took, and ready steed bestrode,<br/> +And guarded with his trusty friends forth rode. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVI<br/> +But scantly had he spurred his courser swift<br/> +Near to the plain, where proud Argantes stayed,<br/> +When unawares his eyes he chanced to lift,<br/> +And on the hill beheld the warlike maid,<br/> +As white as snow upon the Alpine clift<br/> +The virgin shone in silver arms arrayed,<br/> +Her vental up so high, that he descried<br/> +Her goodly visage, and her beauty’s pride. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVII<br/> +He saw not where the Pagan stood, and stared,<br/> +As if with looks he would his foeman kill,<br/> +But full of other thoughts he forward fared,<br/> +And sent his looks before him up the hill,<br/> +His gesture such his troubled soul declared,<br/> +At last as marble rock he standeth still,<br/> +Stone cold without; within, burnt with love’s flame,<br/> +And quite forgot himself, and why he came. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVIII<br/> +The challenger, that yet saw none appear<br/> +That made or sign or show he came to just,<br/> +“How long,” cried he, “shall I attend you here?<br/> +Dares none come forth? dares none his fortune trust?”<br/> +The other stood amazed, love stopped his ear,<br/> +He thinks on Cupid, think of Mars who lust;<br/> +But forth stert Otho bold, and took the field,<br/> +A gentle knight whom God from danger shield. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIX<br/> +This youth was one of those, who late desired<br/> +With that vain-glorious boaster to have fought,<br/> +But Tancred chosen, he and all retired;<br/> +Now when his slackness he awhile admired,<br/> +And saw elsewhere employed was his thought,<br/> +Nor that to just, though chosen, once he proffered,<br/> +He boldly took that fit occasion offered. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXX<br/> +No tiger, panther, spotted leopard,<br/> +Runs half so swift, the forests wild among,<br/> +As this young champion hasted thitherward,<br/> +Where he attending saw the Pagan strong:<br/> +Tancredi started with the noise he heard,<br/> +As waked from sleep, where he had dreamed long,<br/> +“Oh stay,” he cried, “to me belongs this war!”<br/> +But cried too late, Otho was gone too far. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXI<br/> +Then full of fury, anger and despite,<br/> +He stayed his horse, and waxed red for shame,<br/> +The fight was his, but now disgraced quite<br/> +Himself he thought, another played his game;<br/> +Meanwhile the Saracen did hugely smite<br/> +On Otho’s helm, who to requite the same,<br/> +His foe quite through his sevenfold targe did bear,<br/> +And in his breastplate stuck and broke his spear. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXII<br/> +The encounter such, upon the tender grass,<br/> +Down from his steed the Christian backward fell;<br/> +Yet his proud foe so strong and sturdy was,<br/> +That he nor shook, nor staggered in his sell,<br/> +But to the knight that lay full low, alas,<br/> +In high disdain his will thus gan he tell,<br/> +“Yield thee my slave, and this thine honor be,<br/> +Thou may’st report thou hast encountered me.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIII<br/> +“Not so,” quoth he, “pardy it’s not the guise<br/> +Of Christian knights, though fall’n, so soon to yield;<br/> +I can my fall excuse in better wise,<br/> +And will revenge this shame, or die in field.”<br/> +The great Circassian bent his frowning eyes,<br/> +Like that grim visage in Minerva’s shield,<br/> +“Then learn,” quoth he, “what force Argantes useth<br/> +Against that fool that proffered grace refuseth.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIV<br/> +With that he spurred his horse with speed and haste,<br/> +Forgetting what good knights to virtue owe,<br/> +Otho his fury shunned, and, as he passed,<br/> +At his right side he reached a noble blow,<br/> +Wide was the wound, the blood outstreamed fast,<br/> +And from his side fell to his stirrup low:<br/> +But what avails to hurt, if wounds augment<br/> +Our foe’s fierce courage, strength and hardiment? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXV<br/> +Argantes nimbly turned his ready steed,<br/> +And ere his foe was wist or well aware,<br/> +Against his side he drove his courser’s head,<br/> +What force could he gainst so great might prepare?<br/> +Weak were his feeble joints, his courage dead,<br/> +His heart amazed, his paleness showed his care,<br/> +His tender side gainst the hard earth he cast,<br/> +Shamed, with the first fall; bruised, with the last. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVI<br/> +The victor spurred again his light-foot steed,<br/> +And made his passage over Otho’s heart,<br/> +And cried, “These fools thus under foot I tread,<br/> +That dare contend with me in equal mart.”<br/> +Tancred for anger shook his noble head,<br/> +So was he grieved with that unknightly part;<br/> +The fault was his, he was so slow before,<br/> +With double valor would he salve that sore. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVII<br/> +Forward he galloped fast, and loudly cried:<br/> +“Villain,” quoth he, “thy conquest is thy shame,<br/> +What praise? what honor shall this fact betide?<br/> +What gain? what guerdon shall befall the same?<br/> +Among the Arabian thieves thy face go hide,<br/> +Far from resort of men of worth and fame,<br/> +Or else in woods and mountains wild, by night,<br/> +On savage beasts employ thy savage might.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVIII<br/> +The Pagan patience never knew, nor used,<br/> +Trembling for ire, his sandy locks he tore,<br/> +Out from his lips flew such a sound confused,<br/> +As lions make in deserts thick, which roar;<br/> +Or as when clouds together crushed and bruised,<br/> +Pour down a tempest by the Caspian shore;<br/> +So was his speech imperfect, stopped, and broken,<br/> +He roared and thundered when he should have spoken. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIX<br/> +But when with threats they both had whetted keen<br/> +Their eager rage, their fury, spite and ire,<br/> +They turned their steeds and left large space between<br/> +To make their forces greater, ’proaching nigher,<br/> +With terms that warlike and that worthy been:<br/> +O sacred Muse, my haughty thoughts inspire,<br/> +And make a trumpet of my slender quill<br/> +To thunder out this furious combat shrill. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XL<br/> +These sons of Mavors bore, instead of spears,<br/> +Two knotty masts, which none but they could lift,<br/> +Each foaming steed so fast his master bears,<br/> +That never beast, bird, shaft flew half so swift;<br/> +Such was their fury, as when Boreas tears<br/> +The shattered crags from Taurus’ northern clift,<br/> +Upon their helms their lances long they broke,<br/> +And up to heaven flew splinters, sparks and smoke. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLI<br/> +The shock made all the towers and turrets quake,<br/> +And woods and mountains all nigh hand resound;<br/> +Yet could not all that force and fury shake<br/> +The valiant champions, nor their persons wound;<br/> +Together hurtled both their steeds, and brake<br/> +Each other’s neck, the riders lay on ground:<br/> +But they, great masters of war’s dreadful art,<br/> +Plucked forth their swords and soon from earth up start. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLII<br/> +Close at his surest ward each warrior lieth,<br/> +He wisely guides his hand, his foot, his eye,<br/> +This blow he proveth, that defence he trieth,<br/> +He traverseth, retireth, presseth nigh,<br/> +Now strikes he out, and now he falsifieth,<br/> +This blow he wardeth, that he lets slip by,<br/> +And for advantage oft he lets some part<br/> +Discovered seem; thus art deludeth art. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIII<br/> +The Pagan ill defenced with sword or targe,<br/> +Tancredi’s thigh, as he supposed, espied<br/> +And reaching forth gainst it his weapon large,<br/> +Quite naked to his foe leaves his left-side;<br/> +Tancred avoideth quick his furious charge,<br/> +And gave him eke a wound deep, sore and wide;<br/> +That done, himself safe to his ward retired,<br/> +His courage praised by all, his skill admired. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIV<br/> +The proud Circassian saw his streaming blood,<br/> +Down from his wound, as from a fountain, running,<br/> +He sighed for rage, and trembled as he stood,<br/> +He blamed his fortune, folly, want of cunning;<br/> +He lift his sword aloft, for ire nigh wood,<br/> +And forward rushed: Tancred his fury shunning,<br/> +With a sharp thrust once more the Pagan hit,<br/> +To his broad shoulder where his arm is knit. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLV<br/> +Like as a bear through pierced with a dart<br/> +Within the secret woods, no further flieth,<br/> +But bites the senseless weapon mad with smart,<br/> +Seeking revenge till unrevenged she dieth;<br/> +So mad Argantes fared, when his proud heart<br/> +Wound upon wound, and shame on shame espieth,<br/> +Desire of vengeance so o’ercame his senses,<br/> +That he forgot all dangers, all defences. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVI<br/> +Uniting force extreme, with endless wrath,<br/> +Supporting both with youth and strength untired,<br/> +His thundering blows so fast about he layeth,<br/> +That skies and earth the flying sparkles fired;<br/> +His foe to strike one blow no leisure hath,<br/> +Scantly he breathed, though he oft desired,<br/> +His warlike skill and cunning all was waste,<br/> +Such was Argantes’ force, and such his haste. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVII<br/> +Long time Tancredi had in vain attended<br/> +When this huge storm should overblow and pass,<br/> +Some blows his mighty target well defended,<br/> +Some fell beside, and wounded deep the grass;<br/> +But when he saw the tempest never ended,<br/> +Nor that the Paynim’s force aught weaker was,<br/> +He high advanced his cutting sword at length,<br/> +And rage to rage opposed, and strength to strength. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVIII<br/> +Wrath bore the sway, both art and reason fail,<br/> +Fury new force, and courage new supplies,<br/> +Their armors forged were of metal frail,<br/> +On every side thereof, huge cantels flies,<br/> +The land was strewed all with plate and mail.<br/> +That, on the earth; on that, their warm blood lies.<br/> +And at each rush and every blow they smote<br/> +Thunder the noise, the sparks, seemed lightning hot. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIX<br/> +The Christian people and the Pagans gazed,<br/> +On this fierce combat wishing oft the end,<br/> +Twixt hope and fear they stood long time amazed,<br/> +To see the knights assail, and eke defend,<br/> +Yet neither sign they made, nor noise they raised,<br/> +But for the issue of the fight attend,<br/> +And stood as still, as life and sense they wanted,<br/> +Save that their hearts within their bosoms panted. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +L<br/> +Now were they tired both, and well-nigh spent,<br/> +Their blows show greater will than power to wound;<br/> +But Night her gentle daughter Darkness, sent,<br/> +With friendly shade to overspread the ground,<br/> +Two heralds to the fighting champions went,<br/> +To part the fray, as laws of arms them bound<br/> +Aridens born in France, and wise Pindore,<br/> +The man that brought the challenge proud before. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LI<br/> +These men their sceptres interpose, between<br/> +The doubtful hazards of uncertain fight;<br/> +For such their privilege hath ever been,<br/> +The law of nations doth defend their right;<br/> +Pindore began, “Stay, stay, you warriors keen,<br/> +Equal your honor, equal is your might;<br/> +Forbear this combat, so we deem it best,<br/> +Give night her due, and grant your persons rest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LII<br/> +“Man goeth forth to labor with the sun,<br/> +But with the night, all creatures draw to sleep,<br/> +Nor yet of hidden praise in darkness won<br/> +The valiant heart of noble knight takes keep:”<br/> +Argantes answered him, “The fight begun<br/> +Now to forbear, doth wound my heart right deep:<br/> +Yet will I stay, so that this Christian swear,<br/> +Before you both, again to meet me here.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIII<br/> +“I swear,” quoth Tancred, “but swear thou likewise<br/> +To make return thy prisoner eke with thee;<br/> +Else for achievement of this enterprise,<br/> +None other time but this expect of me;”<br/> +Thus swore they both; the heralds both devise,<br/> +What time for this exploit should fittest be:<br/> +And for their wounds of rest and cure had need,<br/> +To meet again the sixth day was decreed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIV<br/> +This fight was deep imprinted in their hearts<br/> +That saw this bloody fray to ending brought,<br/> +An horror great possessed their weaker parts,<br/> +Which made them shrink who on their combat thought:<br/> +Much speech was of the praise and high desarts<br/> +Of these brave champions that so nobly fought;<br/> +But which for knightly worth was most ypraised,<br/> +Of that was doubt and disputation raised. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LV<br/> +All long to see them end this doubtful fray,<br/> +And as they favor, so they wish success,<br/> +These hope true virtue shall obtain the day,<br/> +Those trust on fury, strength and hardiness;<br/> +But on Erminia most this burden lay,<br/> +Whose looks her trouble and her fear express;<br/> +For on this dangerous combat’s doubtful end<br/> +Her joy, her comfort, hope and life depend. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVI<br/> +Her the sole daughter of that hapless king,<br/> +That of proud Antioch late wore the crown,<br/> +The Christian soldiers to Tancredi bring,<br/> +When they had sacked and spoiled that glorious town;<br/> +But he, in whom all good and virtue spring,<br/> +The virgin’s honor saved, and her renown;<br/> +And when her city and her state was lost,<br/> +Then was her person loved and honored most. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVII<br/> +He honored her, served her, and leave her gave,<br/> +And willed her go whither and when she list,<br/> +Her gold and jewels had he care to save,<br/> +And them restored all, she nothing missed,<br/> +She, that beheld this youth and person brave,<br/> +When, by this deed, his noble mind she wist,<br/> +Laid ope her heart for Cupid’s shaft to hit,<br/> +Who never knots of love more surer knit. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVIII<br/> +Her body free, captivated was her heart,<br/> +And love the keys did of that prison bear,<br/> +Prepared to go, it was a death to part<br/> +From that kind Lord, and from that prison dear,<br/> +But thou, O honor, which esteemed art<br/> +The chiefest virtue noble ladies wear,<br/> +Enforcest her against her will, to wend<br/> +To Aladine, her mother’s dearest friend. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIX<br/> +At Sion was this princess entertained,<br/> +By that old tyrant and her mother dear,<br/> +Whose loss too soon the woful damsel plained,<br/> +Her grief was such, she lived not half the year,<br/> +Yet banishment, nor loss of friends constrained<br/> +The hapless maid her passions to forbear,<br/> +For though exceeding were her woe and grief,<br/> +Of all her sorrows yet her love was chief. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LX<br/> +The silly maid in secret longing pined,<br/> +Her hope a mote drawn up by Phoebus’ rays,<br/> +Her love a mountain seemed, whereon bright shined<br/> +Fresh memory of Tancred’s worth and praise,<br/> +Within her closet if her self she shrined,<br/> +A hotter fire her tender heart assays:<br/> +Tancred at last, to raise her hope nigh dead,<br/> +Before those walls did his broad ensign spread. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXI<br/> +The rest to view the Christian army feared,<br/> +Such seemed their number, such their power and might,<br/> +But she alone her troubled forehead cleared,<br/> +And on them spread her beauty shining bright;<br/> +In every squadron when it first appeared,<br/> +Her curious eye sought out her chosen knight;<br/> +And every gallant that the rest excels,<br/> +The same seems him, so love and fancy tells. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXII<br/> +Within the kingly palace builded high,<br/> +A turret standeth near the city’s wall,<br/> +From which Erminia might at ease descry<br/> +The western host, the plains and mountains all,<br/> +And there she stood all the long day to spy,<br/> +From Phoebus’ rising to his evening fall,<br/> +And with her thoughts disputed of his praise,<br/> +And every thought a scalding sigh did raise. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIII<br/> +From hence the furious combat she surveyed,<br/> +And felt her heart tremble with fear and pain,<br/> +Her secret thoughts thus to her fancy said,<br/> +Behold thy dear in danger to be slain;<br/> +So with suspect, with fear and grief dismayed,<br/> +Attended she her darling’s loss or gain,<br/> +And ever when the Pagan lift his blade,<br/> +The stroke a wound in her weak bosom made. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIV<br/> +But when she saw the end, and wist withal<br/> +Their strong contention should eftsoons begin,<br/> +Amazement strange her courage did appal,<br/> +Her vital blood was icy cold within;<br/> +Sometimes she sighed, sometimes tears let fall,<br/> +To witness what distress her heart was in;<br/> +Hopeless, dismayed, pale, sad, astonished,<br/> +Her love, her fear; her fear, her torment bred. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXV<br/> +Her idle brain unto her soul presented<br/> +Death in an hundred ugly fashions painted,<br/> +And if she slept, then was her grief augmented,<br/> +With such sad visions were her thoughts acquainted;<br/> +She saw her lord with wounds and hurts tormented,<br/> +How he complained, called for her help, and fainted,<br/> +And found, awaked from that unquiet sleeping,<br/> +Her heart with panting sore; eyes, red with weeping. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVI<br/> +Yet these presages of his coming ill,<br/> +Not greatest cause of her discomfort were,<br/> +She saw his blood from his deep wounds distil,<br/> +Nor what he suffered could she bide or bear:<br/> +Besides, report her longing ear did fill,<br/> +Doubling his danger, doubling so her fear,<br/> +That she concludes, so was her courage lost,<br/> +Her wounded lord was weak, faint, dead almost. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVII<br/> +And for her mother had her taught before<br/> +The secret virtue of each herb that springs,<br/> +Besides fit charms for every wound or sore<br/> +Corruption breedeth or misfortune brings,—<br/> +An art esteemed in those times of yore,<br/> +Beseeming daughters of great lords and kings—<br/> +She would herself be surgeon to her knight,<br/> +And heal him with her skill, or with her sight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVIII<br/> +Thus would she cure her love, and cure her foe<br/> +She must, that had her friends and kinsfolk slain:<br/> +Some cursed weeds her cunning hand did know,<br/> +That could augment his harm, increase his pain;<br/> +But she abhorred to be revenged so,<br/> +No treason should her spotless person stain,<br/> +And virtueless she wished all herbs and charms<br/> +Wherewith false men increase their patients’ harms. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIX<br/> +Nor feared she among the bands to stray<br/> +Of armed men, for often had she seen<br/> +The tragic end of many a bloody fray;<br/> +Her life had full of haps and hazards been,<br/> +This made her bold in every hard assay,<br/> +More than her feeble sex became, I ween;<br/> +She feared not the shake of every reed,<br/> +So cowards are courageous made through need. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXX<br/> +Love, fearless, hardy, and audacious love,<br/> +Emboldened had this tender damsel so,<br/> +That where wild beasts and serpents glide and move<br/> +Through Afric’s deserts durst she ride or go,<br/> +Save that her honor, she esteemed above<br/> +Her life and body’s safety, told her no;<br/> +For in the secret of her troubled thought,<br/> +A doubtful combat, love and honor fought. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXI<br/> +“O spotless virgin,” Honor thus begun,<br/> +“That my true lore observed firmly hast,<br/> +When with thy foes thou didst in bondage won,<br/> +Remember then I kept thee pure and chaste,<br/> +At liberty now, where wouldest thou run,<br/> +To lay that field of princely virtue waste,<br/> +Or lose that jewel ladies hold so dear?<br/> +Is maidenhood so great a load to bear? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXII<br/> +“Or deem’st thou it a praise of little prize,<br/> +The glorious title of a virgin’s name?<br/> +That thou will gad by night in giglot wise,<br/> +Amid thine armed foes, to seek thy shame.<br/> +O fool, a woman conquers when she flies,<br/> +Refusal kindleth, proffers quench the flame.<br/> +Thy lord will judge thou sinnest beyond measure,<br/> +If vainly thus thou waste so rich a treasure.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIII<br/> +The sly deceiver Cupid thus beguiled<br/> +The simple damsel, with his filed tongue:<br/> +“Thou wert not born,” quoth he, “in desert wild<br/> +The cruel bears and savage beasts among,<br/> +That you shouldest scorn fair Citherea’s child,<br/> +Or hate those pleasures that to youth belong,<br/> +Nor did the gods thy heart of iron frame;<br/> +To be in love is neither sin nor shame. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIV<br/> +“Go then, go, whither sweet desire inviteth,<br/> +How can thy gentle knight so cruel be?<br/> +Love in his heart thy grief and sorrows writeth,<br/> +For thy laments how he complaineth, see.<br/> +Oh cruel woman, whom no care exciteth<br/> +To save his life, that saved and honored thee!<br/> +He languished, one foot thou wilt not move<br/> +To succor him, yet say’st thou art in love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXV<br/> +“No, no, stay here Argantes’ wounds to cure,<br/> +And make him strong to shed thy darling’s blood,<br/> +Of such reward he may himself assure,<br/> +That doth a thankless woman so much good:<br/> +Ah, may it be thy patience can endure<br/> +To see the strength of this Circassian wood,<br/> +And not with horror and amazement shrink,<br/> +When on their future fight thou hap’st to think? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVI<br/> +“Besides the thanks and praises for the deed,<br/> +Suppose what joy, what comfort shalt thou win,<br/> +When thy soft hand doth wholesome plaisters speed,<br/> +Upon the breaches in his ivory skin,<br/> +Thence to thy dearest lord may health succeed,<br/> +Strength to his limbs, blood to his cheeks so thin,<br/> +And his rare beauties, now half dead and more,<br/> +Thou may’st to him, him to thyself restore. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVII<br/> +“So shall some part of his adventures bold<br/> +And valiant acts henceforth be held as thine;<br/> +His dear embracements shall thee straight enfold,<br/> +Together joined in marriage rites divine:<br/> +Lastly high place of honor shalt thou hold<br/> +Among the matrons sage and dames Latine,<br/> +In Italy, a land, as each one tells,<br/> +Where valor true, and true religion dwells.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVIII<br/> +With such vain hopes the silly maid abused,<br/> +Promised herself mountains and hills of gold;<br/> +Yet were her thoughts with doubts and fears confused<br/> +How to escape unseen out of that hold,<br/> +Because the watchman every minute used<br/> +To guard the walls against the Christians bold,<br/> +And in such fury and such heat of war,<br/> +The gates or seld or never opened are. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIX<br/> +With strong Clorinda was Erminia sweet<br/> +In surest links of dearest friendship bound,<br/> +With her she used the rising sun to greet,<br/> +And her, when Phoebus glided under ground,<br/> +She made the lovely partner of her sheet;<br/> +In both their hearts one will, one thought was found;<br/> +Nor aught she hid from that virago bold,<br/> +Except her love, that tale to none she told. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXX<br/> +That kept she secret, if Clorinda heard<br/> +Her make complaints, or secretly lament,<br/> +To other cause her sorrow she referred:<br/> +Matter enough she had of discontent,<br/> +Like as the bird that having close imbarred<br/> +Her tender young ones in the springing bent,<br/> +To draw the searcher further from her nest,<br/> +Cries and complains most where she needeth least. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXI<br/> +Alone, within her chamber’s secret part,<br/> +Sitting one day upon her heavy thought,<br/> +Devising by what means, what sleight, what art,<br/> +Her close departure should be safest wrought,<br/> +Assembled in her unresolved heart<br/> +An hundred passions strove and ceaseless fought;<br/> +At last she saw high hanging on the wall<br/> +Clorinda’s silver arms, and sighed withal: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXII<br/> +And sighing, softly to herself she said,<br/> +“How blessed is this virgin in her might?<br/> +How I envy the glory of the maid,<br/> +Yet envy not her shape, or beauty’s light;<br/> +Her steps are not with trailing garments stayed,<br/> +Nor chambers hide her valor shining bright;<br/> +But armed she rides, and breaketh sword and spear,<br/> +Nor is her strength restrained by shame or fear. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIII<br/> +“Alas, why did not Heaven these members frail<br/> +With lively force and vigor strengthen so<br/> +That I this silken gown and slender veil<br/> +Might for a breastplate and an helm forego?<br/> +Then should not heat, nor cold, nor rain, nor hail,<br/> +Nor storms that fall, nor blustering winds that blow<br/> +Withhold me, but I would both day and night,<br/> +In pitched field, or private combat fight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIV<br/> +“Nor haddest thou, Argantes, first begun<br/> +With my dear lord that fierce and cruel fight,<br/> +But I to that encounter would have run,<br/> +And haply ta’en him captive by my might;<br/> +Yet should he find, our furious combat done,<br/> +His thraldom easy, and his bondage light;<br/> +For fetters, mine embracements should he prove;<br/> +For diet, kisses sweet; for keeper, love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXV<br/> +“Or else my tender bosom opened wide,<br/> +And heart though pierced with his cruel blade,<br/> +The bloody weapon in my wounded side<br/> +Might cure the wound which love before had made;<br/> +Then should my soul in rest and quiet slide<br/> +Down to the valleys of the Elysian shade,<br/> +And my mishap the knight perchance would move,<br/> +To shed some tears upon his murdered love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVI<br/> +“Alas! impossible are all these things,<br/> +Such wishes vain afflict my woful sprite,<br/> +Why yield I thus to plaints and sorrowings,<br/> +As if all hope and help were perished quite?<br/> +My heart dares much, it soars with Cupid’s wings,<br/> +Why use I not for once these armors bright?<br/> +I may sustain awhile this shield aloft,<br/> +Though I be tender, feeble, weak and soft. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVII<br/> +“Love, strong, bold, mighty never-tired love,<br/> +Supplieth force to all his servants true;<br/> +The fearful stags he doth to battle move,<br/> +Till each his horns in others’ blood imbrue;<br/> +Yet mean not I the haps of war to prove,<br/> +A stratagem I have devised new,<br/> +Clorinda-like in this fair harness dight,<br/> +I will escape out of the town this night. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVIII<br/> +“I know the men that have the gate to ward,<br/> +If she command dare not her will deny,<br/> +In what sort else could I beguile the guard?<br/> +This way is only left, this will I try:<br/> +O gentle love, in this adventure hard<br/> +Thine handmaid guide, assist and fortify!<br/> +The time, the hour now fitteth best the thing,<br/> +While stout Clorinda talketh with the king.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIX<br/> +Resolved thus, without delay she went,<br/> +As her strong passion did her rashly guide,<br/> +And those bright arms, down from the rafter hent,<br/> +Within her closet did she closely hide;<br/> +That might she do unseen, for she had sent<br/> +The rest, on sleeveless errands from her side,<br/> +And night her stealths brought to their wished end,<br/> +Night, patroness of thieves, and lovers’ friend. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XC<br/> +Some sparkling fires on heaven’s bright visage shone;<br/> +His azure robe the orient blueness lost,<br/> +When she, whose wit and reason both were gone,<br/> +Called for a squire she loved and trusted most,<br/> +To whom and to a maid, a faithful one,<br/> +Part of her will she told, how that in post<br/> +She would depart from Juda’s king, and feigned<br/> +That other cause her sudden flight constrained. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCI<br/> +The trusty squire provided needments meet,<br/> +As for their journey fitting most should be;<br/> +Meanwhile her vesture, pendant to her feet,<br/> +Erminia doft, as erst determined she,<br/> +Stripped to her petticoat the virgin sweet<br/> +So slender was, that wonder was to see;<br/> +Her handmaid ready at her mistress’ will,<br/> +To arm her helped, though simple were her skill. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCII<br/> +The rugged steel oppressed and offended<br/> +Her dainty neck, and locks of shining gold;<br/> +Her tender arm so feeble was, it bended<br/> +When that huge target it presumed to hold,<br/> +The burnished steel bright rays far off extended,<br/> +She feigned courage, and appeared bold;<br/> +Fast by her side unseen smiled Venus’ son,<br/> +As erst he laughed when Alcides spun. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCIII<br/> +Oh, with what labor did her shoulders bear<br/> +That heavy burthen, and how slow she went!<br/> +Her maid, to see that all the coasts were clear,<br/> +Before her mistress, through the streets was sent;<br/> +Love gave her courage, love exiled fear,<br/> +Love to her tired limbs new vigor lent,<br/> +Till she approached where the squire abode,<br/> +There took they horse forthwith and forward rode. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCIV<br/> +Disguised they went, and by unused ways,<br/> +And secret paths they strove unseen to gone,<br/> +Until the watch they meet, which sore affrays<br/> +Their soldiers new, when swords and weapons shone<br/> +Yet none to stop their journey once essays,<br/> +But place and passage yielded every one;<br/> +For that bright armor, and that helmet bright,<br/> +Were known and feared, in the darkest night. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCV<br/> +Erminia, though some deal she were dismayed,<br/> +Yet went she on, and goodly countenance bore,<br/> +She doubted lest her purpose were bewrayed,<br/> +Her too much boldness she repented sore;<br/> +But now the gate her fear and passage stayed,<br/> +The heedless porter she beguiled therefore,<br/> +“I am Clorinda, ope the gate,” she cried,<br/> +“Where as the king commands, this late I ride.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCVI<br/> +Her woman’s voice and terms all framed been,<br/> +Most like the speeches of the princess stout,<br/> +Who would have thought on horseback to have seen<br/> +That feeble damsel armed round about?<br/> +The porter her obeyed, and she, between<br/> +Her trusty squire and maiden, sallied out,<br/> +And through the secret dales they silent pass,<br/> +Where danger least, least fear, least peril was. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCVII<br/> +But when these fair adventurers entered were<br/> +Deep in a vale, Erminia stayed her haste,<br/> +To be recalled she had no cause to fear,<br/> +This foremost hazard had she trimly past;<br/> +But dangers new, tofore unseen, appear,<br/> +New perils she descried, new doubts she cast.<br/> +The way that her desire to quiet brought,<br/> +More difficult now seemed than erst she thought. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCVIII<br/> +Armed to ride among her angry foes,<br/> +She now perceived it were great oversight,<br/> +Yet would she not, she thought, herself disclose,<br/> +Until she came before her chosen knight,<br/> +To him she purposed to present the rose<br/> +Pure, spotless, clean, untouched of mortal wight,<br/> +She stayed therefore, and in her thoughts more wise,<br/> +She called her squire, whom thus she gan advise. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCIX<br/> +“Thou must,” quoth she, “be mine ambassador,<br/> +Be wise, be careful, true, and diligent,<br/> +Go to the camp, present thyself before<br/> +The Prince Tancredi, wounded in his tent;<br/> +Tell him thy mistress comes to cure his sore,<br/> +If he to grant her peace and rest consent<br/> +Gainst whom fierce love such cruel war hath raised,<br/> +So shall his wounds be cured, her torments eased. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +C<br/> +“And say, in him such hope and trust she hath,<br/> +That in his powers she fears no shame nor scorn,<br/> +Tell him thus much, and whatso’er he saith,<br/> +Unfold no more, but make a quick return,<br/> +I, for this place is free from harm and scath,<br/> +Within this valley will meanwhile sojourn.”<br/> +Thus spake the princess: and her servant true<br/> +To execute the charge imposed, flew; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CI<br/> +And was received, he so discreetly wrought,<br/> +First of the watch that guarded in their place,<br/> +Before the wounded prince then was he brought,<br/> +Who heard his message kind, with gentle grace,<br/> +Which told, he left him tossing in his thought<br/> +A thousand doubts, and turned his speedy pace<br/> +To bring his lady and his mistress word,<br/> +She might be welcome to that courteous lord. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CII<br/> +But she, impatient, to whose desire<br/> +Grievous and harmful seemed each little stay,<br/> +Recounts his steps, and thinks, now draws he nigher,<br/> +Now enters in, now speaks, now comes his way;<br/> +And that which grieved her most, the careful squire<br/> +Less speedy seemed than e’er before that day;<br/> +Lastly she forward rode with love to guide,<br/> +Until the Christian tents at hand she spied. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CIII<br/> +Invested in her starry veil, the night<br/> +In her kind arms embraced all this round,<br/> +The silver moon from sea uprising bright<br/> +Spread frosty pearl upon the candid ground:<br/> +And Cynthia-like for beauty’s glorious light<br/> +The love-sick nymph threw glittering beams around,<br/> +And counsellors of her old love she made<br/> +Those valleys dumb, that silence, and that shade. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CIV<br/> +Beholding then the camp, quoth she, “O fair<br/> +And castle-like pavilions, richly wrought!<br/> +From you how sweet methinketh blows the air,<br/> +How comforts it my heart, my soul, my thought?<br/> +Through heaven’s fair face from gulf of sad despair<br/> +My tossed bark to port well-nigh is brought:<br/> +In you I seek redress for all my harms,<br/> +Rest, midst your weapons; peace, amongst your arms. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CV<br/> +“Receive me, then, and let me mercy find,<br/> +As gentle love assureth me I shall,<br/> +Among you had I entertainment kind<br/> +When first I was the Prince Tancredi’s thrall:<br/> +I covet not, led by ambition blind<br/> +You should me in my father’s throne install,<br/> +Might I but serve in you my lord so dear,<br/> +That my content, my joy, my comfort were.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CVI<br/> +Thus parleyed she, poor soul, and never feared<br/> +The sudden blow of Fortune’s cruel spite,<br/> +She stood where Phoebe’s splendent beam appeared<br/> +Upon her silver armor double bright,<br/> +The place about her round she shining cleared<br/> +With that pure white wherein the nymph was dight:<br/> +The tigress great, that on her helmet laid,<br/> +Bore witness where she went, and where she stayed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CVII<br/> +So as her fortune would, a Christian band<br/> +Their secret ambush there had closely framed,<br/> +Led by two brothers of Italia land,<br/> +Young Poliphern and Alicandro named,<br/> +These with their forces watched to withstand<br/> +Those that brought victuals to their foes untamed,<br/> +And kept that passage; them Erminia spied,<br/> +And fled as fast as her swift steed could ride. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CVIII<br/> +But Poliphern, before whose watery eyes,<br/> +His aged father strong Clorinda slew,<br/> +When that bright shield and silver helm he spies,<br/> +The championess he thought he saw and knew;<br/> +Upon his hidden mates for aid he cries<br/> +Gainst his supposed foe, and forth he flew,<br/> +As he was rash, and heedless in his wrath,<br/> +Bending his lance, “Thou art but dead,” he saith. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CIX<br/> +As when a chased hind her course doth bend<br/> +To seek by soil to find some ease or goad;<br/> +Whether from craggy rock the spring descend,<br/> +Or softly glide within the shady wood;<br/> +If there the dogs she meet, where late she wend<br/> +To comfort her weak limbs in cooling flood,<br/> +Again she flies swift as she fled at first,<br/> +Forgetting weakness, weariness and thirst. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CX<br/> +So she, that thought to rest her weary sprite,<br/> +And quench the endless thirst of ardent love<br/> +With dear embracements of her lord and knight,<br/> +But such as marriage rites should first approve,<br/> +When she beheld her foe, with weapon bright<br/> +Threatening her death, his trusty courser move,<br/> +Her love, her lord, herself abandoned,<br/> +She spurred her speedy steed, and swift she fled. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXI<br/> +Erminia fled, scantly the tender grass<br/> +Her Pegasus with his light footsteps bent,<br/> +Her maiden’s beast for speed did likewise pass;<br/> +Yet divers ways, such was their fear, they went:<br/> +The squire who all too late returned, alas.<br/> +With tardy news from Prince Tancredi’s tent,<br/> +Fled likewise, when he saw his mistress gone,<br/> +It booted not to sojourn there alone. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXII<br/> +But Alicandro wiser than the rest,<br/> +Who this supposed Clorinda saw likewise,<br/> +To follow her yet was he nothing pressed,<br/> +But in his ambush still and close he lies,<br/> +A messenger to Godfrey he addressed,<br/> +That should him of this accident advise,<br/> +How that his brother chased with naked blade<br/> +Clorinda’s self, or else Clorinda’s shade. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXIII<br/> +Yet that it was, or that it could be she,<br/> +He had small cause or reason to suppose,<br/> +Occasion great and weighty must it be<br/> +Should make her ride by night among her foes:<br/> +What Godfrey willed that observed he,<br/> +And with his soldiers lay in ambush close:<br/> +These news through all the Christian army went,<br/> +In every cabin talked, in every tent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXIV<br/> +Tancred, whose thoughts the squire had filled with doubt<br/> +By his sweet words, supposed now hearing this,<br/> +Alas! the virgin came to seek me out,<br/> +And for my sake her life in danger is;<br/> +Himself forthwith he singled from the rout,<br/> +And rode in haste, though half his arms he miss;<br/> +Among those sandy fields and valleys green,<br/> +To seek his love, he galloped fast unseen. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="book07"></a>SEVENTH BOOK</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +THE ARGUMENT.<br/> +A shepherd fair Erminia entertains,<br/> +Whom whilst Tancredi seeks in vain to find,<br/> +He is entrapped in Armida’s trains:<br/> +Raymond with strong Argantes is assigned<br/> +To fight, an angel to his aid he gains:<br/> +Satan that sees the Pagan’s fury blind,<br/> +And hasty wrath turn to his loss and harm,<br/> +Doth raise new tempest, uproar and alarm. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I<br/> +Erminia’s steed this while his mistress bore<br/> +Through forests thick among the shady treen,<br/> +Her feeble hand the bridle reins forlore,<br/> +Half in a swoon she was, for fear I ween;<br/> +But her fleet courser spared ne’er the more,<br/> +To bear her through the desert woods unseen<br/> +Of her strong foes, that chased her through the plain,<br/> +And still pursued, but still pursued in vain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +II<br/> +Like as the weary hounds at last retire,<br/> +Windless, displeased, from the fruitless chase,<br/> +When the sly beast tapished in bush and brier,<br/> +No art nor pains can rouse out of his place:<br/> +The Christian knights so full of shame and ire<br/> +Returned back, with faint and weary pace:<br/> +Yet still the fearful dame fled swift as wind,<br/> +Nor ever stayed, nor ever looked behind. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +III<br/> +Through thick and thin, all night, all day, she drived,<br/> +Withouten comfort, company, or guide,<br/> +Her plaints and tears with every thought revived,<br/> +She heard and saw her griefs, but naught beside:<br/> +But when the sun his burning chariot dived<br/> +In Thetis’ wave, and weary team untied,<br/> +On Jordan’s sandy banks her course she stayed<br/> +At last, there down she light, and down she laid. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IV<br/> +Her tears, her drink; her food, her sorrowings,<br/> +This was her diet that unhappy night:<br/> +But sleep, that sweet repose and quiet brings,<br/> +To ease the griefs of discontented wight,<br/> +Spread forth his tender, soft, and nimble wings,<br/> +In his dull arms folding the virgin bright;<br/> +And Love, his mother, and the Graces kept<br/> +Strong watch and ward, while this fair lady slept. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +V<br/> +The birds awaked her with their morning song,<br/> +Their warbling music pierced her tender ear,<br/> +The murmuring brooks and whistling winds among<br/> +The rattling boughs and leaves, their parts did bear;<br/> +Her eyes unclosed beheld the groves along<br/> +Of swains and shepherd grooms that dwellings were;<br/> +And that sweet noise, birds, winds and waters sent,<br/> +Provoked again the virgin to lament. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VI<br/> +Her plaints were interrupted with a sound,<br/> +That seemed from thickest bushes to proceed,<br/> +Some jolly shepherd sung a lusty round,<br/> +And to his voice he tuned his oaten reed;<br/> +Thither she went, an old man there she found,<br/> +At whose right hand his little flock did feed,<br/> +Sat making baskets, his three sons among,<br/> +That learned their father’s art, and learned his song. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VII<br/> +Beholding one in shining Arms appear,<br/> +The seely man and his were sore dismay’d;<br/> +But sweet Erminia comforted their fear,<br/> +Her vental up, her visage open laid;<br/> +You happy folk, of heav’n beloved dear,<br/> +Work on, quoth she, upon your harmless trade;<br/> +These dreadful arms, I bear, no warfare bring<br/> +To your sweet toil, nor those sweet tunes you sing. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VIII<br/> +“But, father, since this land, these towns and towers<br/> +Destroyed are with sword, with fire and spoil,<br/> +How may it be unhurt that you and yours<br/> +In safety thus apply your harmless toil?”<br/> +“My son,” quoth he, “this poor estate of ours<br/> +Is ever safe from storm of warlike broil;<br/> +This wilderness doth us in safety keep,<br/> +No thundering drum, no trumpet breaks our sleep. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IX<br/> +“Haply just Heaven’s defence and shield of right<br/> +Doth love the innocence of simple swains,<br/> +The thunderbolts on highest mountains light,<br/> +And seld or never strike the lower plains;<br/> +So kings have cause to fear Bellona’s might,<br/> +Not they whose sweat and toil their dinner gains,<br/> +Nor ever greedy soldier was enticed<br/> +By poverty, neglected and despised. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +X<br/> +“O poverty, chief of the heavenly brood,<br/> +Dearer to me than wealth or kingly crown:<br/> +No wish for honor, thirst of others’ good,<br/> +Can move my heart, contented with mine own:<br/> +We quench our thirst with water of this flood,<br/> +Nor fear we poison should therein be thrown;<br/> +These little flocks of sheep and tender goats<br/> +Give milk for food, and wool to make us coats. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XI<br/> +“We little wish, we need but little wealth,<br/> +From cold and hunger us to clothe and feed;<br/> +These are my sons, their care preserves from stealth<br/> +Their father’s flocks, nor servants more I need:<br/> +Amid these groves I walk oft for my health,<br/> +And to the fishes, birds, and beasts give heed,<br/> +How they are fed, in forest, spring and lake,<br/> +And their contentment for example take. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XII<br/> +“Time was, for each one hath his doating time,<br/> +These silver locks were golden tresses then,<br/> +That country life I hated as a crime,<br/> +And from the forest’s sweet contentment ran,<br/> +And there became the mighty caliph’s man,<br/> +and though I but a simple gardener were,<br/> +Yet could I mark abuses, see and hear. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIII<br/> +“Enticed on with hope of future gain,<br/> +I suffered long what did my soul displease;<br/> +But when my youth was spent, my hope was vain.<br/> +I felt my native strength at last decrease;<br/> +I gan my loss of lusty years complain,<br/> +And wished I had enjoyed the country’s peace;<br/> +I bade the court farewell, and with content<br/> +My latter age here have I quiet spent.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIV<br/> +While thus he spake, Erminia hushed and still<br/> +His wise discourses heard, with great attention,<br/> +His speeches grave those idle fancies kill<br/> +Which in her troubled soul bred such dissension;<br/> +After much thought reformed was her will,<br/> +Within those woods to dwell was her intention,<br/> +Till Fortune should occasion new afford,<br/> +To turn her home to her desired lord. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XV<br/> +She said therefore, “O shepherd fortunate!<br/> +That troubles some didst whilom feel and prove,<br/> +Yet livest now in this contented state,<br/> +Let my mishap thy thoughts to pity move,<br/> +To entertain me as a willing mate<br/> +In shepherd’s life which I admire and love;<br/> +Within these pleasant groves perchance my heart,<br/> +Of her discomforts, may unload some part. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVI<br/> +“If gold or wealth, of most esteemed dear,<br/> +If jewels rich thou diddest hold in prize,<br/> +Such store thereof, such plenty have I here,<br/> +As to a greedy mind might well suffice:”<br/> +With that down trickled many a silver tear,<br/> +Two crystal streams fell from her watery eyes;<br/> +Part of her sad misfortunes then she told,<br/> +And wept, and with her wept that shepherd old. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVII<br/> +With speeches kind, he gan the virgin dear<br/> +Toward his cottage gently home to guide;<br/> +His aged wife there made her homely cheer,<br/> +Yet welcomed her, and placed her by her side.<br/> +The princess donned a poor pastoral’s gear,<br/> +A kerchief coarse upon her head she tied;<br/> +But yet her gestures and her looks, I guess,<br/> +Were such as ill beseemed a shepherdess. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVIII<br/> +Not those rude garments could obscure and hide<br/> +The heavenly beauty of her angel’s face,<br/> +Nor was her princely offspring damnified<br/> +Or aught disparaged by those labors base;<br/> +Her little flocks to pasture would she guide,<br/> +And milk her goats, and in their folds them place,<br/> +Both cheese and butter could she make, and frame<br/> +Herself to please the shepherd and his dame. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIX<br/> +But oft, when underneath the greenwood shade<br/> +Her flocks lay hid from Phoebus’ scorching rays,<br/> +Unto her knight she songs and sonnets made,<br/> +And them engraved in bark of beech and bays;<br/> +She told how Cupid did her first invade,<br/> +How conquered her, and ends with Tancred’s praise:<br/> +And when her passion’s writ she over read,<br/> +Again she mourned, again salt tears she shed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XX<br/> +“You happy trees forever keep,” quoth she,<br/> +“This woful story in your tender rind,<br/> +Another day under your shade maybe<br/> +Will come to rest again some lover kind;<br/> +Who if these trophies of my griefs he see,<br/> +Shall feel dear pity pierce his gentle mind;”<br/> +With that she sighed and said, “Too late I prove<br/> +There is no troth in fortune, trust in love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXI<br/> +“Yet may it be, if gracious heavens attend<br/> +The earnest suit of a distressed wight,<br/> +At my entreat they will vouchsafe to send<br/> +To these huge deserts that unthankful knight,<br/> +That when to earth the man his eyes shall bend,<br/> +And sees my grave, my tomb, and ashes light,<br/> +My woful death his stubborn heart may move,<br/> +With tears and sorrows to reward my love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXII<br/> +“So, though my life hath most unhappy been,<br/> +At least yet shall my spirit dead be blest,<br/> +My ashes cold shall, buried on this green,<br/> +Enjoy that good this body ne’er possessed.”<br/> +Thus she complained to the senseless treen,<br/> +Floods in her eyes, and fires were in her breast;<br/> +But he for whom these streams of tears she shed,<br/> +Wandered far off, alas, as chance him led. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIII<br/> +He followed on the footsteps he had traced,<br/> +Till in high woods and forests old he came,<br/> +Where bushes, thorns and trees so thick were placed,<br/> +And so obscure the shadows of the same,<br/> +That soon he lost the tract wherein he paced;<br/> +Yet went he on, which way he could not aim,<br/> +But still attentive was his longing ear<br/> +If noise of horse or noise of arms he hear. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIV<br/> +If with the breathing of the gentle wind,<br/> +An aspen leaf but shaked on the tree,<br/> +If bird or beast stirred in the bushes blind,<br/> +Thither he spurred, thither he rode to see:<br/> +Out of the wood by Cynthia’s favor kind,<br/> +At last, with travel great and pains, got he,<br/> +And following on a little path, he heard<br/> +A rumbling sound, and hasted thitherward. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXV<br/> +It was a fountain from the living stone,<br/> +That poured down clear streams in noble store,<br/> +Whose conduit pipes, united all in one,<br/> +Throughout a rocky channel ghastly roar;<br/> +Here Tancred stayed, and called, yet answered none,<br/> +Save babbling echo, from the crooked shore;<br/> +And there the weary knight at last espies<br/> +The springing daylight red and white arise. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVI<br/> +He sighed sore, and guiltless heaven gan blame,<br/> +That wished success to his desire denied,<br/> +And sharp revenge protested for the same,<br/> +If aught but good his mistress fair betide;<br/> +Then wished he to return the way he came,<br/> +Although he wist not by what path to ride,<br/> +And time drew near when he again must fight<br/> +With proud Argantes, that vain-glorious knight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVII<br/> +His stalwart steed the champion stout bestrode<br/> +And pricked fast to find the way he lost,<br/> +But through a valley as he musing rode,<br/> +He saw a man that seemed for haste a post,<br/> +His horn was hung between his shoulders broad,<br/> +As is the guise with us: Tancredi crossed<br/> +His way, and gently prayed the man to say,<br/> +To Godfrey’s camp how he should find the way. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVIII<br/> +“Sir,” in the Italian language answered he,<br/> +“I ride where noble Boemond hath me sent:”<br/> +The prince thought this his uncle’s man should be,<br/> +And after him his course with speed he bent,<br/> +A fortress stately built at last they see,<br/> +Bout which a muddy stinking lake there went,<br/> +There they arrived when Titan went to rest<br/> +His weary limbs in night’s untroubled nest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIX<br/> +The courier gave the fort a warning blast;<br/> +The drawbridge was let down by them within:<br/> +“If thou a Christian be,” quoth he, “thou mayest<br/> +Till Phoebus shine again, here take thine inn,<br/> +The County of Cosenza, three days past,<br/> +This castle from the Turks did nobly win.”<br/> +The prince beheld the piece, which site and art<br/> +Impregnable had made on every part. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXX<br/> +He feared within a pile so fortified<br/> +Some secret treason or enchantment lay,<br/> +But had he known even there he should have died,<br/> +Yet should his looks no sign of fear betray;<br/> +For wheresoever will or chance him guide,<br/> +His strong victorious hand still made him way:<br/> +Yet for the combat he must shortly make,<br/> +No new adventures list he undertake. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXI<br/> +Before the castle, in a meadow plain<br/> +Beside the bridge’s end, he stayed and stood,<br/> +Nor was entreated by the speeches vain<br/> +Of his false guide, to pass beyond the flood.<br/> +Upon the bridge appeared a warlike swain,<br/> +From top to toe all clad in armor good,<br/> +Who brandishing a broad and cutting sword,<br/> +Thus threatened death with many an idle word. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXII<br/> +“O thou, whom chance or will brings to the soil,<br/> +Where fair Armida doth the sceptre guide,<br/> +Thou canst not fly, of arms thyself despoil,<br/> +And let thy hands with iron chains be tied;<br/> +Enter and rest thee from thy weary toil.<br/> +Within this dungeon shalt thou safe abide,<br/> +And never hope again to see the day,<br/> +Or that thy hair for age shall turn to gray; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIII<br/> +“Except thou swear her valiant knights to aid<br/> +Against those traitors of the Christian crew.”<br/> +Tancred at this discourse a little stayed,<br/> +His arms, his gesture, and his voice he knew:<br/> +It was Rambaldo, who for that false maid<br/> +Forsook his country and religion true,<br/> +And of that fort defender chief became,<br/> +And those vile customs stablished in the same. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIV<br/> +The warrior answered, blushing red for shame,<br/> +“Cursed apostate, and ungracious wight,<br/> +I am that Tancred who defend the name<br/> +Of Christ, and have been aye his faithful knight;<br/> +His rebel foes can I subdue and tame,<br/> +As thou shalt find before we end this fight;<br/> +And thy false heart cleft with this vengeful sword,<br/> +Shall feel the ire of thy forsaken Lord.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXV<br/> +When that great name Rambaldo’s ears did fill,<br/> +He shook for fear and looked pale for dread,<br/> +Yet proudly said, “Tancred, thy hap was ill<br/> +To wander hither where thou art but dead,<br/> +Where naught can help, thy courage, strength and skill;<br/> +To Godfrey will I send thy cursed head,<br/> +That he may see, how for Armida’s sake,<br/> +Of him and of his Christ a scorn I make.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVI<br/> +This said, the day to sable night was turned,<br/> +That scant one could another’s arms descry,<br/> +But soon an hundred lamps and torches burned,<br/> +That cleared all the earth and all the sky;<br/> +The castle seemed a stage with lights adorned,<br/> +On which men play some pompous tragedy;<br/> +Within a terrace sat on high the queen,<br/> +And heard, and saw, and kept herself unseen. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVII<br/> +The noble baron whet his courage hot,<br/> +And busked him boldly to the dreadful fight;<br/> +Upon his horse long while he tarried not,<br/> +Because on foot he saw the Pagan knight,<br/> +Who underneath his trusty shield was got,<br/> +His sword was drawn, closed was his helmet bright,<br/> +Gainst whom the prince marched on a stately pace,<br/> +Wrath in his voice, rage in his eyes and face. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVIII<br/> +His foe, his furious charge not well abiding,<br/> +Traversed his ground, and stated here and there,<br/> +But he, though faint and weary both with riding,<br/> +Yet followed fast and still oppressed him near,<br/> +And on what side he felt Rambaldo sliding,<br/> +On that his forces most employed were;<br/> +Now at his helm, not at his hauberk bright,<br/> +He thundered blows, now at his face and sight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIX<br/> +Against those members battery chief he maketh,<br/> +Wherein man’s life keeps chiefest residence;<br/> +At his proud threats the Gascoign warrior quaketh,<br/> +And uncouth fear appalled every sense,<br/> +To nimble shifts the knight himself betaketh,<br/> +And skippeth here and there for his defence:<br/> +Now with his rage, now with his trusty blade,<br/> +Against his blows he good resistance made. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XL<br/> +Yet no such quickness for defence he used,<br/> +As did the prince to work him harm and scathe;<br/> +His shield was cleft in twain, his helmet bruised,<br/> +And in his blood his other arms did bathe;<br/> +On him he heaped blows, with thrusts confused,<br/> +And more or less each stroke annoyed him hath;<br/> +He feared, and in his troubled bosom strove<br/> +Remorse of conscience, shame, disdain and love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLI<br/> +At last so careless foul despair him made,<br/> +He meant to prove his fortune ill or good,<br/> +His shield cast down, he took his helpless blade<br/> +In both his hands, which yet had drawn no blood,<br/> +And with such force upon the prince he laid,<br/> +That neither plate nor mail the blow withstood,<br/> +The wicked steel seized deep in his right side,<br/> +And with his streaming blood his bases dyed: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLII<br/> +Another stroke he lent him on the brow,<br/> +So great that loudly rung the sounding steel;<br/> +Yet pierced he not the helmet with the blow,<br/> +Although the owner twice or thrice did reel.<br/> +The prince, whose looks disdainful anger show,<br/> +Now meant to use his puissance every deal,<br/> +He shaked his head and crashed his teeth for ire,<br/> +His lips breathed wrath, eyes sparkled shining fire. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIII<br/> +The Pagan wretch no longer could sustain<br/> +The dreadful terror of his fierce aspect,<br/> +Against the threatened blow he saw right plain<br/> +No tempered armor could his life protect,<br/> +He leapt aside, the stroke fell down in vain,<br/> +Against a pillar near a bridge erect.<br/> +Thence flaming fire and thousand sparks outstart,<br/> +And kill with fear the coward Pagan’s heart. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIV<br/> +Toward the bridge the fearful Paynim fled,<br/> +And in swift flight, his hope of life reposed;<br/> +Himself fast after Lord Tancredi sped,<br/> +And now in equal pace almost they closed,<br/> +When all the burning lamps extinguished<br/> +The shining fort his goodly splendor losed,<br/> +And all those stars on heaven’s blue face that shone<br/> +With Cynthia’s self, dispeared were and gone. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLV<br/> +Amid those witchcrafts and that ugly shade,<br/> +No further could the prince pursue the chase,<br/> +Nothing he saw, yet forward still he made,<br/> +With doubtful steps, and ill assured pace;<br/> +At last his foot upon a threshold trad,<br/> +And ere he wist, he entered had the place;<br/> +With ghastly noise the door-leaves shut behind,<br/> +And closed him fast in prison dark and blind. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVI<br/> +As in our seas in the Commachian Bay,<br/> +A silly fish, with streams enclosed, striveth,<br/> +To shun the fury and avoid the sway<br/> +Wherewith the current in that whirlpool driveth,<br/> +Yet seeketh all in vain, but finds no way<br/> +Out of that watery prison, where she diveth:<br/> +For with such force there be the tides in brought,<br/> +There entereth all that will, thence issueth naught: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVII<br/> +This prison so entrapped that valiant knight;<br/> +Of which the gate was framed by subtle train,<br/> +To close without the help of human wight,<br/> +So sure none could undo the leaves again;<br/> +Against the doors he bended all his might,<br/> +But all his forces were employed in vain,<br/> +At last a voice gan to him loudly call,<br/> +“Yield thee,” quoth it, “thou art Armida’s thrall.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVIII<br/> +“Within this dungeon buried shalt thou spend<br/> +The res’due of thy woful days and years;”<br/> +The champion list not more with words contend,<br/> +But in his heart kept close his griefs and fears,<br/> +He blamed love, chance gan he reprehend,<br/> +And gainst enchantment huge complaints he rears.<br/> +“It were small loss,” softly he thus begun,<br/> +“To lose the brightness of the shining sun; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIX<br/> +“But I, alas, the golden beam forego<br/> +Of my far brighter sun; nor can I say<br/> +If these poor eyes shall e’er be blessed so,<br/> +As once again to view that shining ray:”<br/> +Then thought he on his proud Circassian foe,<br/> +And said, “Ah! how shall I perform that fray?<br/> +He, and the world with him, will Tancred blame,<br/> +This is my grief, my fault, mine endless shame.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +L<br/> +While those high spirits of this champion good,<br/> +With love and honor’s care are thus oppressed,<br/> +While he torments himself, Argantes wood,<br/> +Waxed weary of his bed and of his rest,<br/> +Such hate of peace, and such desire of blood,<br/> +Such thirst of glory, boiled in his breast;<br/> +That though he scant could stir or stand upright,<br/> +Yet longed he for the appointed day to fight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LI<br/> +The night which that expected day forewent,<br/> +Scantly the Pagan closed his eyes to sleep,<br/> +He told how night her sliding hours spent,<br/> +And rose ere springing day began to peep;<br/> +He called for armor, which incontinent<br/> +Was brought by him that used the same to keep,<br/> +That harness rich old Aladine him gave,<br/> +A worthy present for a champion brave. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LII<br/> +He donned them on, not long their riches eyed,<br/> +Nor did he aught with so great weight incline,<br/> +His wonted sword upon his thigh he tied,<br/> +The blade was old and tough, of temper fine.<br/> +As when a comet far and wide descried,<br/> +In scorn of Phoebus midst bright heaven doth shine,<br/> +And tidings sad of death and mischief brings<br/> +To mighty lords, to monarchs, and to kings: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIII<br/> +So shone the Pagan in bright armor clad,<br/> +And rolled his eyes great swollen with ire and blood,<br/> +His dreadful gestures threatened horror sad,<br/> +And ugly death upon his forehead stood;<br/> +Not one of all his squires the courage had<br/> +To approach their master in his angry mood,<br/> +Above his head he shook his naked blade,<br/> +And gainst the subtle air vain battle made. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIV<br/> +“The Christian thief,” quoth he, “that was so bold<br/> +To combat me in hard and single fight,<br/> +Shall wounded fall inglorious on the mould,<br/> +His locks with clods of blood and dust bedight,<br/> +And living shall with watery eyes behold<br/> +How from his back I tear his harness bright,<br/> +Nor shall his dying words me so entreat,<br/> +But that I’ll give his flesh to dogs for meat.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LV<br/> +Like as a bull when, pricked with jealousy,<br/> +He spies the rival of his hot desire,<br/> +Through all the fields doth bellow, roar and cry,<br/> +And with his thundering voice augments his ire,<br/> +And threatening battle to the empty sky,<br/> +Tears with his horn each tree, plant, bush and brier,<br/> +And with his foot casts up the sand on height,<br/> +Defying his strong foe to deadly fight: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVI<br/> +Such was the Pagan’s fury, such his cry.<br/> +A herald called he then, and thus he spake;<br/> +“Go to the camp, and in my name, defy<br/> +The man that combats for his Jesus’ sake;”<br/> +This said, upon his steed he mounted high,<br/> +And with him did his noble prisoner take,<br/> +The town he thus forsook, and on the green<br/> +He ran, as mad or frantic he had been. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVII<br/> +A bugle small he winded loud and shrill,<br/> +That made resound the fields and valleys near,<br/> +Louder than thunder from Olympus hill<br/> +Seemed that dreadful blast to all that hear;<br/> +The Christian lords of prowess, strength and skill,<br/> +Within the imperial tent assembled were,<br/> +The herald there in boasting terms defied<br/> +Tancredi first, and all that durst beside. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVIII<br/> +With sober chear Godfredo look’d about,<br/> +And viewed at leisure every lord and knight;<br/> +But yet for all his looks not one stepped out,<br/> +With courage bold, to undertake the fight:<br/> +Absent were all the Christian champions stout,<br/> +No news of Tancred since his secret flight;<br/> +Boemond far off, and banished from the crew<br/> +Was that strong prince who proud Gernando slew: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIX<br/> +And eke those ten which chosen were by lot,<br/> +And all the worthies of the camp beside,<br/> +After Armida false were followed hot,<br/> +When night were come their secret flight to hide;<br/> +The rest their hands and hearts that trusted not,<br/> +Blushed for shame, yet silent still abide;<br/> +For none there was that sought to purchase fame<br/> +In so great peril, fear exiled shame. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LX<br/> +The angry duke their fear discovered plain,<br/> +By their pale looks and silence from each part,<br/> +And as he moved was with just disdain,<br/> +These words he said, and from his seat upstart:<br/> +“Unworthy life I judge that coward swain<br/> +To hazard it even now that wants the heart,<br/> +When this vile Pagan with his glorious boast<br/> +Dishonors and defies Christ’s sacred host. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXI<br/> +“But let my camp sit still in peace and rest,<br/> +And my life’s hazard at their ease behold.<br/> +Come bring me here my fairest arms and best;”<br/> +And they were brought sooner than could be told.<br/> +But gentle Raymond in his aged breast,<br/> +Who had mature advice, and counsel old,<br/> +Than whom in all the camp were none or few<br/> +Of greater might, before Godfredo drew, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXII<br/> +And gravely said, “Ah, let it not betide,<br/> +On one man’s hand to venture all this host!<br/> +No private soldier thou, thou art our guide,<br/> +If thou miscarry, all our hope were lost,<br/> +By thee must Babel fall, and all her pride;<br/> +Of our true faith thou art the prop and post,<br/> +Rule with thy sceptre, conquer with thy word,<br/> +Let others combat make with spear and sword. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIII<br/> +“Let me this Pagan’s glorious pride assuage,<br/> +These aged arms can yet their weapons use,<br/> +Let others shun Bellona’s dreadful rage,<br/> +These silver locks shall not Raymondo scuse:<br/> +Oh that I were in prime of lusty age,<br/> +Like you that this adventure brave refuse,<br/> +And dare not once lift up your coward eyes,<br/> +Gainst him that you and Christ himself defies! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIV<br/> +“Or as I was when all the lords of fame<br/> +And Germain princes great stood by to view,<br/> +In Conrad’s court, the second of that name,<br/> +When Leopold in single fight I slew;<br/> +A greater praise I reaped by the same,<br/> +So strong a foe in combat to subdue,<br/> +Than he should do who all alone should chase<br/> +Or kill a thousand of these Pagans base. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXV<br/> +“Within these arms, had I that strength again,<br/> +This boasting Paynim had not lived till now,<br/> +Yet in this breast doth courage still remain;<br/> +For age or years these members shall not bow;<br/> +And if I be in this encounter slain,<br/> +Scotfree Argantes shall not scape, I vow;<br/> +Give me mine arms, this battle shall with praise<br/> +Augment mine honor, got in younger days.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVI<br/> +The jolly baron old thus bravely spake,<br/> +His words are spurs to virtue; every knight<br/> +That seemed before to tremble and to quake,<br/> +Now talked bold, example hath such might;<br/> +Each one the battle fierce would undertake,<br/> +Now strove they all who should begin the fight;<br/> +Baldwin and Roger both, would combat fain,<br/> +Stephen, Guelpho, Gernier and the Gerrards twain; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVII<br/> +And Pyrrhus, who with help of Boemond’s sword<br/> +Proud Antioch by cunning sleight opprest;<br/> +The battle eke with many a lowly word,<br/> +Ralph, Rosimond, and Eberard request,<br/> +A Scotch, an Irish, and an English lord,<br/> +Whose lands the sea divides far from the rest,<br/> +And for the fight did likewise humbly sue,<br/> +Edward and his Gildippes, lovers true. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVIII<br/> +But Raymond more than all the rest doth sue<br/> +Upon that Pagan fierce to wreak his ire,<br/> +Now wants he naught of all his armors due<br/> +Except his helm that shone like flaming fire.<br/> +To whom Godfredo thus; “O mirror true<br/> +Of antique worth! thy courage doth inspire<br/> +New strength in us, of Mars in thee doth shine<br/> +The art, the honor and the discipline. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIX<br/> +“If ten like thee of valor and of age,<br/> +Among these legions I could haply find,<br/> +I should the best of Babel’s pride assuage,<br/> +And spread our faith from Thule to furthest Inde;<br/> +But now I pray thee calm thy valiant rage,<br/> +Reserve thyself till greater need us bind,<br/> +And let the rest each one write down his name,<br/> +And see whom Fortune chooseth to this game,— +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXX<br/> +“Or rather see whom God’s high judgement taketh,<br/> +To whom is chance, and fate, and fortune slave.”<br/> +Raymond his earnest suit not yet forsaketh,<br/> +His name writ with the residue would he have,<br/> +Godfrey himself in his bright helmet shaketh<br/> +The scrolls, with names of all the champions brave:<br/> +They drew, and read the first whereon they hit,<br/> +Wherein was “Raymond, Earl of Tholouse,” writ. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXI<br/> +His name with joy and mighty shouts they bless;<br/> +The rest allow his choice, and fortune praise,<br/> +New vigor blushed through those looks of his;<br/> +It seemed he now resumed his youthful days,<br/> +Like to a snake whose slough new changed is,<br/> +That shines like gold against the sunny rays:<br/> +But Godfrey most approved his fortune high,<br/> +And wished him honor, conquest, victory. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXII<br/> +Then from his side he took his noble brand,<br/> +And giving it to Raymond, thus he spake:<br/> +“This is the sword wherewith in Saxon land,<br/> +The great Rubello battle used to make,<br/> +From him I took it, fighting hand to hand,<br/> +And took his life with it, and many a lake<br/> +Of blood with it I have shed since that day,<br/> +With thee God grant it proves as happy may.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIII<br/> +Of these delays meanwhile impatient,<br/> +Argantes threateneth loud and sternly cries,<br/> +“O glorious people of the Occident!<br/> +Behold him here that all your host defies:<br/> +Why comes not Tancred, whose great hardiment,<br/> +With you is prized so dear? Pardie he lies<br/> +Still on his pillow, and presumes the night<br/> +Again may shield him from my power and might. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIV<br/> +“Why then some other come, by band and band,<br/> +Come all, come forth on horseback, come on foot,<br/> +If not one man dares combat hand to hand,<br/> +In all the thousands of so great a rout:<br/> +See where the tomb of Mary’s Son doth stand,<br/> +March thither, warriors hold, what makes you doubt?<br/> +Why run you not, there for your sins to weep<br/> +Or to what greater need these forces keep?” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXV<br/> +Thus scorned by that heathen Saracine<br/> +Were all the soldiers of Christ’s sacred name:<br/> +Raymond, while others at his words repine,<br/> +Burst forth in rage, he could not bear this shame:<br/> +For fire of courage brighter far doth shine<br/> +If challenges and threats augment the same;<br/> +So that, upon his steed he mounted light,<br/> +Which Aquilino for his swiftness hight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVI<br/> +This jennet was by Tagus bred; for oft<br/> +The breeder of these beasts to war assigned,<br/> +When first on trees burgeon the blossoms soft<br/> +Pricked forward with the sting of fertile kind,<br/> +Against the air casts up her head aloft<br/> +And gathereth seed so from the fruitful wind<br/> +And thus conceiving of the gentle blast,<br/> +A wonder strange and rare, she foals at last. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVII<br/> +And had you seen the beast, you would have said<br/> +The light and subtile wind his father was;<br/> +For if his course upon the sands he made<br/> +No sign was left what way the beast did pass;<br/> +Or if he menaged were, or if he played,<br/> +He scantly bended down the tender grass:<br/> +Thus mounted rode the Earl, and as he went,<br/> +Thus prayed, to Heaven his zealous looks upbent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVIII<br/> +“O Lord, that diddest save, keep and defend<br/> +Thy servant David from Goliath’s rage,<br/> +And broughtest that huge giant to his end,<br/> +Slain by a faithful child of tender age;<br/> +Like grace, O Lord, like mercy now extend!<br/> +Let me this vile blasphemous pride assuage,<br/> +That all the world may to thy glory know,<br/> +Old men and babes thy foes can overthrow!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIX<br/> +Thus prayed the County, and his prayers dear<br/> +Strengthened with zeal, with godliness and faith,<br/> +Before the throne of that great Lord appear,<br/> +In whose sweet grace is life, death in his wrath,<br/> +Among his armies bright and legions clear,<br/> +The Lord an angel good selected hath,<br/> +To whom the charge was given to guard the knight,<br/> +And keep him safe from that fierce Pagan’s might. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXX<br/> +The angel good, appointed for the guard<br/> +Of noble Raymond from his tender eild,<br/> +That kept him then, and kept him afterward,<br/> +When spear and sword he able was to wield,<br/> +Now when his great Creator’s will he heard,<br/> +That in this fight he should him chiefly shield,<br/> +Up to a tower set on a rock he flies,<br/> +Where all the heavenly arms and weapons lies: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXI<br/> +There stands the lance wherewith great Michael slew<br/> +The aged dragon in a bloody fight,<br/> +There are the dreadful thunders forged new,<br/> +With storms and plagues that on poor sinners light;<br/> +The massy trident mayest thou pendant view<br/> +There on a golden pin hung up on height,<br/> +Wherewith sometimes he smites this solid land,<br/> +And throws down towns and towers thereon which stand. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXII<br/> +Among the blessed weapons there which stands<br/> +Upon a diamond shield his looks he bended,<br/> +So great that it might cover all the lands,<br/> +Twixt Caucasus and Atlas hills extended;<br/> +With it the lord’s dear flocks and faithful bands,<br/> +The holy kings and cities are defended,<br/> +The sacred angel took this target sheen,<br/> +And by the Christian champion stood unseen. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIII<br/> +But now the walls and turrets round about,<br/> +Both young and old with many thousands fill;<br/> +The king Clorinda sent and her brave rout,<br/> +To keep the field, she stayed upon the hill:<br/> +Godfrey likewise some Christian bands sent out<br/> +Which armed, and ranked in good array stood still,<br/> +And to their champions empty let remain<br/> +Twixt either troop a large and spacious plain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIV<br/> +Argantes looked for Tancredi bold,<br/> +But saw an uncouth foe at last appear,<br/> +Raymond rode on, and what he asked him, told,<br/> +Better by chance, “Tancred is now elsewhere,<br/> +Yet glory not of that, myself behold<br/> +Am come prepared, and bid thee battle here,<br/> +And in his place, or for myself to fight,<br/> +Lo, here I am, who scorn thy heathenish might.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXV<br/> +The Pagan cast a scornful smile and said,<br/> +“But where is Tancred, is he still in bed?<br/> +His looks late seemed to make high heaven afraid;<br/> +But now for dread he is or dead or fled;<br/> +But whe’er earth’s centre or the deep sea made<br/> +His lurking hole, it should not save his head.”<br/> +“Thou liest,” he says, “to say so brave a knight<br/> +Is fled from thee, who thee exceeds in might.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVI<br/> +The angry Pagan said, “I have not spilt<br/> +My labor then, if thou his place supply,<br/> +Go take the field, and let’s see how thou wilt<br/> +Maintain thy foolish words and that brave lie;”<br/> +Thus parleyed they to meet in equal tilt,<br/> +Each took his aim at other’s helm on high,<br/> +Even in the fight his foe good Raymond hit,<br/> +But shaked him not, he did so firmly sit. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVII<br/> +The fierce Circassian missed of his blow,<br/> +A thing which seld befell the man before,<br/> +The angel, by unseen, his force did know,<br/> +And far awry the poignant weapon bore,<br/> +He burst his lance against the sand below,<br/> +And bit his lips for rage, and cursed and swore,<br/> +Against his foe returned he swift as wind,<br/> +Half mad in arms a second match to find. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVIII<br/> +Like to a ram that butts with horned head,<br/> +So spurred he forth his horse with desperate race:<br/> +Raymond at his right hand let slide his steed,<br/> +And as he passed struck at the Pagan’s face;<br/> +He turned again, the earl was nothing dread,<br/> +Yet stept aside, and to his rage gave place,<br/> +And on his helm with all his strength gan smite,<br/> +Which was so hard his courtlax could not bite. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIX<br/> +The Saracen employed his art and force<br/> +To grip his foe within his mighty arms,<br/> +But he avoided nimbly with his horse,<br/> +He was no prentice in those fierce alarms,<br/> +About him made he many a winding course,<br/> +No strength, nor sleight the subtle warrior harms,<br/> +His nimble steed obeyed his ready hand,<br/> +And where he stept no print left in the sand. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XC<br/> +As when a captain doth besiege some hold,<br/> +Set in a marsh or high up on a hill,<br/> +And trieth ways and wiles a thousandfold,<br/> +To bring the piece subjected to his will;<br/> +So fared the County with the Pagan bold;<br/> +And when he did his head and breast none ill,<br/> +His weaker parts he wisely gan assail,<br/> +And entrance searched oft ’twixt mail and mail. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCI<br/> +At last he hit him on a place or twain,<br/> +That on his arms the red blood trickled down,<br/> +And yet himself untouched did remain,<br/> +No nail was broke, no plume cut from his crown;<br/> +Argantes raging spent his strength in vain,<br/> +Waste were his strokes, his thrusts were idle thrown,<br/> +Yet pressed he on, and doubled still his blows,<br/> +And where he hits he neither cares nor knows. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCII<br/> +Among a thousand blows the Saracine<br/> +At last struck one, when Raymond was so near,<br/> +That not the swiftness of his Aquiline<br/> +Could his dear lord from that huge danger bear:<br/> +But lo, at hand unseen was help divine,<br/> +Which saves when worldly comforts none appear,<br/> +The angel on his targe received that stroke,<br/> +And on that shield Argantes’ sword was broke. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCIII<br/> +The sword was broke, therein no wonder lies<br/> +If earthly tempered metal could not hold<br/> +Against that target forged above the skies,<br/> +Down fell the blade in pieces on the mould;<br/> +The proud Circassian scant believed his eyes,<br/> +Though naught were left him but the hilts of gold,<br/> +And full of thoughts amazed awhile he stood,<br/> +Wondering the Christian’s armor was so good. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCIV<br/> +The brittle web of that rich sword he thought,<br/> +Was broke through hardness of the County’s shield;<br/> +And so thought Raymond, who discovered naught<br/> +What succor Heaven did for his safety yield:<br/> +But when he saw the man gainst whom he fought<br/> +Unweaponed, still stood he in the field;<br/> +His noble heart esteemed the glory light,<br/> +At such advantage if he slew the knight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCV<br/> +“Go fetch,” he would have said, “another blade,”<br/> +When in his heart a better thought arose,<br/> +How for Christ’s glory he was champion made,<br/> +How Godfrey had him to this combat chose,<br/> +The army’s honor on his shoulder laid<br/> +To hazards new he list not that expose;<br/> +While thus his thoughts debated on the case,<br/> +The hilts Argantes hurled at his face. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCVI<br/> +And forward spurred his mounture fierce withal,<br/> +Within his arms longing his foe to strain,<br/> +Upon whose helm the heavy blow did fall,<br/> +And bent well-nigh the metal to his brain:<br/> +But he, whose courage was heroical,<br/> +Leapt by, and makes the Pagan’s onset vain,<br/> +And wounds his hand, which he outstretched saw,<br/> +Fiercer than eagles’ talon, lions’ paw. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCVII<br/> +Now here, now there, on every side he rode,<br/> +With nimble speed, and spurred now out, now in,<br/> +And as he went and came still laid on load<br/> +Where Lord Argantes’ arms were weak and thin;<br/> +All that huge force which in his arms abode,<br/> +His wrath, his ire, his great desire to win,<br/> +Against his foe together all he bent,<br/> +And heaven and fortune furthered his intent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCVIII<br/> +But he, whose courage for no peril fails,<br/> +Well armed, and better hearted, scorns his power.<br/> +Like a tall ship when spent are all her sails,<br/> +Which still resists the rage of storm and shower,<br/> +Whose mighty ribs fast bound with bands and nails,<br/> +Withstand fierce Neptune’s wrath, for many an hour,<br/> +And yields not up her bruised keel to winds,<br/> +In whose stern blast no ruth nor grace she finds: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCIX<br/> +Argantes such thy present danger was,<br/> +When Satan stirred to aid thee at thy need,<br/> +In human shape he forged an airy mass,<br/> +And made the shade a body seem indeed;<br/> +Well might the spirit for Clorinda pass,<br/> +Like her it was, in armor and in weed,<br/> +In stature, beauty, countenance and face,<br/> +In looks, in speech, in gesture, and in pace. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +C<br/> +And for the spirit should seem the same indeed,<br/> +From where she was whose show and shape it had,<br/> +Toward the wall it rode with feigned speed,<br/> +Where stood the people all dismayed and sad,<br/> +To see their knight of help have so great need,<br/> +And yet the law of arms all help forbad.<br/> +There in a turret sat a soldier stout<br/> +To watch, and at a loop-hole peeped out; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CI<br/> +The spirit spake to him, called Oradine,<br/> +The noblest archer then that handled bow,<br/> +“O Oradine,” quoth she, “who straight as line<br/> +Can’st shoot, and hit each mark set high or low,<br/> +If yonder knight, alas! be slain in fine,<br/> +As likest is, great ruth it were you know,<br/> +And greater shame, if his victorious foe<br/> +Should with his spoils triumphant homeward go. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CII<br/> +“Now prove thy skill, thine arrow’s sharp head dip<br/> +In yonder thievish Frenchman’s guilty blood,<br/> +I promise thee thy sovereign shall not slip<br/> +To give thee large rewards for such a good;”<br/> +Thus said the spirit; the man did laugh and skip<br/> +For hope of future gain, nor longer stood,<br/> +But from his quiver huge a shaft he hent,<br/> +And set it in his mighty bow new bent, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CIII<br/> +Twanged the string, out flew the quarrel long,<br/> +And through the subtle air did singing pass,<br/> +It hit the knight the buckles rich among,<br/> +Wherewith his precious girdle fastened was,<br/> +It bruised them and pierced his hauberk strong,<br/> +Some little blood down trickled on the grass;<br/> +Light was the wound; the angel by unseen,<br/> +The sharp head blunted of the weapon keen. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CIV<br/> +Raymond drew forth the shaft, as much behoved,<br/> +And with the steel, his blood out streaming came,<br/> +With bitter words his foe he then reproved,<br/> +For breaking faith, to his eternal shame.<br/> +Godfrey, whose careful eyes from his beloved<br/> +Were never turned, saw and marked the same,<br/> +And when he viewed the wounded County bleed,<br/> +He sighed, and feared, more perchance than need; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CV<br/> +And with his words, and with his threatening eyes,<br/> +He stirred his captains to revenge that wrong;<br/> +Forthwith the spurred courser forward hies,<br/> +Within their rests put were their lances long,<br/> +From either side a squadron brave out flies,<br/> +And boldly made a fierce encounter strong,<br/> +The raised dust to overspread begun<br/> +Their shining arms, and far more shining sun. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CVI<br/> +Of breaking spears, of ringing helm and shield,<br/> +A dreadful rumor roared on every side,<br/> +There lay a horse, another through the field<br/> +Ran masterless, dismounted was his guide;<br/> +Here one lay dead, there did another yield,<br/> +Some sighed, some sobbed, some prayed, and some cried;<br/> +Fierce was the fight, and longer still it lasted,<br/> +Fiercer and fewer, still themselves they wasted. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CVII<br/> +Argantes nimbly leapt amid the throng,<br/> +And from a soldier wrung an iron mace,<br/> +And breaking through the ranks and ranges long,<br/> +Therewith he passage made himself and place,<br/> +Raymond he sought, the thickest press among.<br/> +To take revenge for late received disgrace,<br/> +A greedy wolf he seemed, and would assuage<br/> +With Raymond’s blood his hunger and his rage. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CVIII<br/> +The way he found not easy as he would,<br/> +But fierce encounters put him oft to pain,<br/> +He met Ormanno and Rogero bold,<br/> +Of Balnavile, Guy, and the Gerrards twain;<br/> +Yet nothing might his rage and haste withhold,<br/> +These worthies strove to stop him, but in vain,<br/> +With these strong lets increased still his ire,<br/> +Like rivers stopped, or closely smouldered fire. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CIX<br/> +He slew Ormanno, and wounded Guy, and laid<br/> +Rogero low, among the people slain,<br/> +On every side new troops the man invade,<br/> +Yet all their blows were waste, their onsets vain,<br/> +But while Argantes thus his prizes played,<br/> +And seemed alone this skirmish to sustain,<br/> +The duke his brother called and thus he spake,<br/> +“Go with thy troop, fight for thy Saviour’s sake; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CX<br/> +“There enter in where hottest is the fight,<br/> +Thy force against the left wing strongly bend.”<br/> +This said, so brave an onset gave the knight,<br/> +That many a Paynim bold there made his end:<br/> +The Turks too weak seemed to sustain his might,<br/> +And could not from his power their lives defend,<br/> +Their ensigns rent, and broke was their array,<br/> +And men and horse on heaps together lay. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXI<br/> +O’erthrown likewise away the right wing ran,<br/> +Nor was there one again that turned his face,<br/> +Save bold Argantes, else fled every man,<br/> +Fear drove them thence on heaps, with headlong chase:<br/> +He stayed alone, and battle new began,<br/> +Five hundred men, weaponed with sword and mace,<br/> +So great resistance never could have made,<br/> +As did Argantes with his single blade: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXII<br/> +The strokes of swords and thrusts of many a spear,<br/> +The shock of many a joust he long sustained,<br/> +He seemed of strength enough this charge to bear,<br/> +And time to strike, now here, now there, he gained<br/> +His armors broke, his members bruised were,<br/> +He sweat and bled, yet courage still he feigned;<br/> +But now his foes upon him pressed so fast,<br/> +That with their weight they bore him back at last. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXIII<br/> +His back against this storm at length he turned,<br/> +Whose headlong fury bore him backward still,<br/> +Not like to one that fled, but one that mourned<br/> +Because he did his foes no greater ill,<br/> +His threatening eyes like flaming torches burned,<br/> +His courage thirsted yet more blood to spill,<br/> +And every way and every mean he sought,<br/> +To stay his flying mates, but all for naught. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXIV<br/> +This good he did, while thus he played his part,<br/> +His bands and troops at ease, and safe, retired;<br/> +Yet coward dread lacks order, fear wants art,<br/> +Deaf to attend, commanded or desired.<br/> +But Godfrey that perceived in his wise heart,<br/> +How his bold knights to victory aspired,<br/> +Fresh soldiers sent, to make more quick pursuit,<br/> +And help to gather conquest’s precious fruit. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXV<br/> +But this, alas, was not the appointed day,<br/> +Set down by Heaven to end this mortal war:<br/> +The western lords this time had borne away<br/> +The prize, for which they travelled had so far,<br/> +Had not the devils, that saw the sure decay<br/> +Of their false kingdom by this bloody war,<br/> +At once made heaven and earth with darkness blind,<br/> +And stirred up tempests, storms, and blustering wind. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXVI<br/> +Heaven’s glorious lamp, wrapped in an ugly veil<br/> +Of shadows dark, was hid from mortal eye,<br/> +And hell’s grim blackness did bright skies assail;<br/> +On every side the fiery lightnings fly,<br/> +The thunders roar, the streaming rain and hail<br/> +Pour down and make that sea which erst was dry.<br/> +The tempests rend the oaks and cedars brake,<br/> +And make not trees but rocks and mountains shake. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXVII<br/> +The rain, the lightning, and the raging wind,<br/> +Beat in the Frenchmen’s eyes with hideous force,<br/> +The soldiers stayed amazed in heart and mind,<br/> +The terror such that stopped both man and horse.<br/> +Surprised with this evil no way they find,<br/> +Whither for succor to direct their course,<br/> +But wise Clorinda soon the advantage spied,<br/> +And spurring forth thus to her soldiers cried: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXVIII<br/> +“You hardy men at arms behold,” quoth she,<br/> +“How Heaven, how Justice in our aid doth fight,<br/> +Our visages are from this tempest free,<br/> +Our hands at will may wield our weapons bright,<br/> +The fury of this friendly storm you see<br/> +Upon the foreheads of our foes doth light,<br/> +And blinds their eyes, then let us take the tide,<br/> +Come, follow me, good fortune be our guide.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXIX<br/> +This said, against her foes on rode the dame,<br/> +And turned their backs against the wind and rain;<br/> +Upon the French with furious rage she came,<br/> +And scorned those idle blows they struck in vain;<br/> +Argantes at the instant did the same,<br/> +And them who chased him now chased again,<br/> +Naught but his fearful back each Christian shows<br/> +Against the tempest, and against their blows. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXX<br/> +The cruel hail, and deadly wounding blade,<br/> +Upon their shoulders smote them as they fled,<br/> +The blood new spilt while thus they slaughter made,<br/> +The water fallen from skies had dyed red,<br/> +Among the murdered bodies Pyrrhus laid,<br/> +And valiant Raiphe his heart blood there out bled,<br/> +The first subdued by strong Argantes’ might,<br/> +The second conquered by that virgin knight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXI<br/> +Thus fled the French, and then pursued in chase<br/> +The wicked sprites and all the Syrian train:<br/> +But gainst their force and gainst their fell menace<br/> +Of hail and wind, of tempest and of rain,<br/> +Godfrey alone turned his audacious face,<br/> +Blaming his barons for their fear so vain,<br/> +Himself the camp gate boldly stood to keep,<br/> +And saved his men within his trenches deep. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXII<br/> +And twice upon Argantes proud he flew,<br/> +And beat him backward, maugre all his might,<br/> +And twice his thirsty sword he did imbrue,<br/> +In Pagan’s blood where thickest was the fight;<br/> +At last himself with all his folk withdrew,<br/> +And that day’s conquest gave the virgin bright,<br/> +Which got, she home retired and all her men,<br/> +And thus she chased this lion to his den. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXIII<br/> +Yet ceased not the fury and the ire<br/> +Of these huge storms, of wind, of rain and hail,<br/> +Now was it dark, now shone the lightning fire,<br/> +The wind and water every place assail,<br/> +No bank was safe, no rampire left entire,<br/> +No tent could stand, when beam and cordage fail,<br/> +Wind, thunder, rain, all gave a dreadful sound,<br/> +And with that music deafed the trembling ground. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="book08"></a>EIGHTH BOOK</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +THE ARGUMENT.<br/> +A messenger to Godfrey sage doth tell<br/> +The Prince of Denmark’s valour, death and end:<br/> +The Italians, trusting signs untrue too well,<br/> +Think their Rinaldo slain: the wicked fiend<br/> +Breeds fury in their breasts, their bosoms swell<br/> +With ire and hate, and war and strife forth send:<br/> +They threaten Godfrey; he prays to the Lord,<br/> +And calms their fury with his look and word. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I<br/> +Now were the skies of storms and tempests cleared,<br/> +Lord Aeolus shut up his winds in hold,<br/> +The silver-mantled morning fresh appeared,<br/> +With roses crowned, and buskined high with gold;<br/> +The spirits yet which had these tempests reared,<br/> +Their malice would still more and more unfold;<br/> +And one of them that Astragor was named,<br/> +His speeches thus to foul Alecto framed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +II<br/> +“Alecto, see, we could not stop nor stay<br/> +The knight that to our foes new tidings brings,<br/> +Who from the hands escaped, with life away,<br/> +Of that great prince, chief of all Pagan kings:<br/> +He comes, the fall of his slain lord to say,<br/> +Of death and loss he tells, and such sad things,<br/> +Great news he brings, and greatest dangers is,<br/> +Bertoldo’s son shall be called home for this. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +III<br/> +“Thou knowest what would befall, bestir thee than;<br/> +Prevent with craft, what force could not withstand,<br/> +Turn to their evil the speeches of the man,<br/> +With his own weapon wound Godfredo’s hand;<br/> +Kindle debate, infect with poison wan<br/> +The English, Switzer, and Italian band,<br/> +Great tumult move, make brawls and quarrels rife,<br/> +Set all the camp on uproar and at strife. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IV<br/> +“This act beseems thee well, and of the deed<br/> +Much may’st thou boast before our lord and king.”<br/> +Thus said the sprite. Persuasion small did need,<br/> +The monster grants to undertake the thing.<br/> +Meanwhile the knight, whose coming thus they dread,<br/> +Before the camp his weary limbs doth bring,<br/> +And well-nigh breathless, “Warriors bold,” he cried,<br/> +“Who shall conduct me to your famous guide?” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +V<br/> +An hundred strove the stranger’s guide to be,<br/> +To hearken news the knights by heaps assemble,<br/> +The man fell lowly down upon his knee,<br/> +And kissed the hand that made proud Babel tremble;<br/> +“Right puissant lord, whose valiant acts,” quoth he,<br/> +“The sands and stars in number best resemble,<br/> +Would God some gladder news I might unfold,”<br/> +And there he paused, and sighed; then thus he told: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VI<br/> +“Sweno, the King of Denmark’s only heir,<br/> +The stay and staff of his declining eild,<br/> +Longed to be among these squadrons fair<br/> +Who for Christ’s faith here serve with spear and shield;<br/> +No weariness, no storms of sea or air,<br/> +No such contents as crowns and sceptres yield,<br/> +No dear entreaties of so kind a sire,<br/> +Could in his bosom quench that glorious fire. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VII<br/> +“He thirsted sore to learn this warlike art<br/> +Of thee, great lord and master of the same;<br/> +And was ashamed in his noble heart,<br/> +That never act he did deserved fame;<br/> +Besides, the news and tidings from each part<br/> +Of young Rinaldo’s worth and praises came:<br/> +But that which most his courage stirred hath,<br/> +Is zeal, religion, godliness, and faith. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VIII<br/> +“He hasted forward, then without delay,<br/> +And with him took of knights a chosen band,<br/> +Directly toward Thrace we took the way,<br/> +To Byzance old, chief fortress of that land,<br/> +There the Greek monarch gently prayed him stay,<br/> +And there an herald sent from you we fand,<br/> +How Antioch was won, who first declared,<br/> +And how defended nobly afterward. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IX<br/> +“Defended gainst Corbana, valiant knight,<br/> +That all the Persian armies had to guide,<br/> +And brought so many soldiers bold to fight,<br/> +That void of men he left that kingdom wide;<br/> +He told thine acts, thy wisdom and thy might,<br/> +And told the deeds of many a lord beside,<br/> +His speech at length to young Rinaldo passed,<br/> +And told his great achievements, first and last: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +X<br/> +“And how this noble camp of yours, of late<br/> +Besieged had this town, and in what sort,<br/> +And how you prayed him to participate<br/> +Of the last conquest of this noble fort.<br/> +In hardy Sweno opened was the gate<br/> +Of worthy anger by this brave report,<br/> +So that each hour seemed five years long,<br/> +Till he were fighting with these Pagans strong. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XI<br/> +“And while the herald told your fights and frays,<br/> +Himself of cowardice reproved he thought,<br/> +And him to stay that counsels him, or prays,<br/> +He hears not, or, else heard, regardeth naught,<br/> +He fears no perils but whilst he delays,<br/> +Lest this last work without his help be wrought:<br/> +In this his doubt, in this his danger lies,<br/> +No hazard else he fears, no peril spies. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XII<br/> +“Thus hasting on, he hasted on his death,<br/> +Death that to him and us was fatal guide.<br/> +The rising morn appeared yet aneath,<br/> +When he and we were armed, and fit to ride,<br/> +The nearest way seemed best, o’er hold and heath<br/> +We went, through deserts waste, and forests wide,<br/> +The streets and ways he openeth as he goes,<br/> +And sets each land free from intruding foes. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIII<br/> +“Now want of food, now dangerous ways we find,<br/> +Now open war, now ambush closely laid;<br/> +Yet passed we forth, all perils left behind,<br/> +Our foes or dead or run away afraid,<br/> +Of victory so happy blew the wind,<br/> +That careless all the heedless to it made:<br/> +Until one day his tents he happed to rear,<br/> +To Palestine when we approached near. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIV<br/> +“There did our scouts return and bring us news,<br/> +That dreadful noise of horse and arms they hear,<br/> +And that they deemed by sundry signs and shows<br/> +There was some mighty host of Pagans near.<br/> +At these sad tidings many changed their hues,<br/> +Some looked pale for dread, some shook for fear,<br/> +Only our noble lord was altered naught,<br/> +In look, in face, in gesture, or in thought. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XV<br/> +“But said, ‘A crown prepare you to possess<br/> +Of martyrdom, or happy victory;<br/> +For this I hope, for that I wish no less,<br/> +Of greater merit and of greater glory.<br/> +Brethren, this camp will shortly be, I guess,<br/> +A temple, sacred to our memory,<br/> +To which the holy men of future age,<br/> +To view our graves shall come in pilgrimage.’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVI<br/> +“This said, he set the watch in order right<br/> +To guard the camp, along the trenches deep,<br/> +And as he armed was, so every knight<br/> +He willed on his back his arms to keep.<br/> +Now had the stillness of the quiet night<br/> +Drowned all the world in silence and in sleep,<br/> +When suddenly we heard a dreadful sound,<br/> +Which deafed the earth, and tremble made the ground. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVII<br/> +“‘Arm, arm,’ they cried; Prince Sweno at the same,<br/> +Glistering in shining steel leaped foremost out,<br/> +His visage shone, his noble looks did flame,<br/> +With kindled brand of courage bold and stout,<br/> +When lo, the Pagans to assault us came,<br/> +And with huge numbers hemmed us round about,<br/> +A forest thick of spears about us grew,<br/> +And over us a cloud of arrows flew: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVIII<br/> +“Uneven the fight, unequal was the fray,<br/> +Our enemies were twenty men to one,<br/> +On every side the slain and wounded lay<br/> +Unseen, where naught but glistering weapons shone:<br/> +The number of the dead could no man say,<br/> +So was the place with darkness overgone,<br/> +The night her mantle black upon its spreads,<br/> +Hiding our losses and our valiant deeds. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIX<br/> +“But hardy Sweno midst the other train,<br/> +By his great acts was well descried I wot,<br/> +No darkness could his valor’s daylight stain,<br/> +Such wondrous blows on every side he smote;<br/> +A stream of blood, a bank of bodies slain,<br/> +About him made a bulwark, and a mote,<br/> +And when soe’er he turned his fatal brand,<br/> +Dread in his looks and death sate in his hand. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XX<br/> +“Thus fought we till the morning bright appeared,<br/> +And strewed roses on the azure sky,<br/> +But when her lamp had night’s thick darkness cleared,<br/> +Wherein the bodies dead did buried lie,<br/> +Then our sad cries to heaven for grief we reared,<br/> +Our loss apparent was, for we descry<br/> +How all our camp destroyed was almost,<br/> +And all our people well-nigh slain and lost; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXI<br/> +“Of thousands twain an hundred scant survived.<br/> +When Sweno murdered saw each valiant knight,<br/> +I know not if his heart in sunder rived<br/> +For dear compassion of that woful sight;<br/> +He showed no change, but said: ‘Since so deprived<br/> +We are of all our friends by chance of fight,<br/> +Come follow them, the path to heaven their blood<br/> +Marks out, now angels made, of martyrs good.’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXII<br/> +“This said, and glad I think of death at hand,<br/> +The signs of heavenly joy shone through his eyes,<br/> +Of Saracens against a mighty band,<br/> +With fearless heart and constant breast he flies;<br/> +No steel could shield them from his cutting brand<br/> +But whom he hits without recure he dies,<br/> +He never struck but felled or killed his foe<br/> +And wounded was himself from top to toe. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIII<br/> +“Not strength, but courage now, preserved on live<br/> +This hardy champion, fortress of our faith,<br/> +Strucken he strikes, still stronger more they strive,<br/> +The more they hurt him, more he doth them scathe,<br/> +When toward him a furious knight gan drive,<br/> +Of members huge, fierce looks, and full of wrath,<br/> +That with the aid of many a Pagan crew,<br/> +After long fight, at last Prince Sweno slew. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIV<br/> +“Ah, heavy chance! Down fell the valiant youth,<br/> +Nor mongst us all did one so strong appear<br/> +As to revenge his death: that this is truth,<br/> +By his dear blood and noble bones I swear,<br/> +That of my life I had not care nor ruth,<br/> +No wounds I shunned, no blows I would off bear,<br/> +And had not Heaven my wished end denied,<br/> +Even there I should, and willing should, have died. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXV<br/> +“Alive I fell among my fellows slain,<br/> +Yet wounded so that each one thought me dead,<br/> +Nor what our foes did since can I explain,<br/> +So sore amazed was my heart and head;<br/> +But when I opened first mine eyes again,<br/> +Night’s curtain black upon the earth was spread,<br/> +And through the darkness to my feeble sight,<br/> +Appeared the twinkling of a slender light. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVI<br/> +“Not so much force or judgement in me lies<br/> +As to discern things seen and not mistake,<br/> +I saw like them who ope and shut their eyes<br/> +By turns, now half asleep, now half awake;<br/> +My body eke another torment tries,<br/> +My wounds began to smart, my hurts to ache;<br/> +For every sore each member pinched was<br/> +With night’s sharp air, heaven’s frost and earth’s cold grass. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVII<br/> +“But still the light approached near and near,<br/> +And with the same a whispering murmur run,<br/> +Till at my side arrived both they were,<br/> +When I to spread my feeble eyes begun:<br/> +Two men behold in vestures long appear,<br/> +With each a lamp in hand, who said, ‘O son<br/> +In that dear Lord who helps his servants, trust,<br/> +Who ere they ask, grants all things to the just.’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVIII<br/> +“This said, each one his sacred blessings flings<br/> +Upon my corse, with broad our-stretched hand,<br/> +And mumbled hymns and psalms and holy things,<br/> +Which I could neither hear nor understand;<br/> +‘Arise,’ quoth they, with that as I had wings,<br/> +All whole and sound I leaped up from the land.<br/> +Oh miracle, sweet, gentle, strange and true!<br/> +My limbs new strength received, and vigor new. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIX<br/> +“I gazed on them like one whose heart denieth<br/> +To think that done, he sees so strangely wrought;<br/> +Till one said thus, ‘O thou of little faith,<br/> +What doubts perplex thy unbelieving thought?<br/> +Each one of us a living body hath,<br/> +We are Christ’s chosen servants, fear us naught,<br/> +Who to avoid the world’s allurements vain,<br/> +In wilful penance, hermits poor remain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXX<br/> +“‘Us messengers to comfort thee elect<br/> +That Lord hath sent that rules both heaven and hell;<br/> +Who often doth his blessed will effect,<br/> +By such weak means, as wonder is to tell;<br/> +He will not that this body lie neglect,<br/> +Wherein so noble soul did lately dwell<br/> +To which again when it uprisen is<br/> +It shall united be in lasting bliss. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXI<br/> +“‘I say Lord Sweno’s corpse, for which prepared<br/> +A tomb there is according to his worth,<br/> +By which his honor shall be far declared,<br/> +And his just praises spread from south to north:”<br/> +But lift thine eyes up to the heavens ward,<br/> +Mark yonder light that like the sun shines forth<br/> +That shall direct thee with those beams so clear,<br/> +To find the body of thy master dear.’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXII<br/> +“With that I saw from Cynthia’s silver face,<br/> +Like to a falling star a beam down slide,<br/> +That bright as golden line marked out the place,<br/> +And lightened with clear streams the forest wide;<br/> +So Latmos shone when Phoebe left the chase,<br/> +And laid her down by her Endymion’s side,<br/> +Such was the light that well discern I could,<br/> +His shape, his wounds, his face, though dead, yet bold. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIII<br/> +“He lay not grovelling now, but as a knight<br/> +That ever had to heavenly things desire,<br/> +So toward heaven the prince lay bolt upright,<br/> +Like him that upward still sought to aspire,<br/> +His right hand closed held his weapon bright,<br/> +Ready to strike and execute his ire,<br/> +His left upon his breast was humbly laid,<br/> +That men might know, that while he died he prayed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIV<br/> +“Whilst on his wounds with bootless tears I wept,<br/> +That neither helped him, nor eased my care,<br/> +One of those aged fathers to him stepped,<br/> +And forced his hand that needless weapon spare:<br/> +‘This sword,’ quoth he, ‘hath yet good token kept,<br/> +That of the Pagans’ blood he drunk his share,<br/> +And blusheth still he could not save his lord,<br/> +Rich, strong and sharp, was never better sword. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXV<br/> +“‘Heaven, therefore, will not, though the prince be slain,<br/> +Who used erst to wield this precious brand<br/> +That so brave blade unused should remain;<br/> +But that it pass from strong to stronger hand,<br/> +Who with like force can wield the same again,<br/> +And longer shall in grace of fortune stand,<br/> +And with the same shall bitter vengeance take<br/> +On him that Sweno slew, for Sweno’s sake. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVI<br/> +“‘Great Solyman killed Sweno, Solyman<br/> +For Sweno’s sake, upon this sword must die.<br/> +Here, take the blade, and with it haste thee than<br/> +Thither where Godfrey doth encamped lie,<br/> +And fear not thou that any shall or can<br/> +Or stop thy way, or lead thy steps awry;<br/> +For He that doth thee on this message send,<br/> +Thee with His hand shall guide, keep and defend. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVII<br/> +“‘Arrived there it is His blessed will,<br/> +With true report that thou declare and tell<br/> +The zeal, the strength, the courage and the skill<br/> +In thy beloved lord that late did dwell,<br/> +How for Christ’s sake he came his blood to spill,<br/> +And sample left to all of doing well,<br/> +That future ages may admire his deed,<br/> +And courage take when his brave end they read. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVIII<br/> +“‘It resteth now, thou know that gentle knight<br/> +That of this sword shall be thy master’s heir,<br/> +It is Rinaldo young, with whom in might<br/> +And martial skill no champion may compare,<br/> +Give it to him and say, “The Heavens bright<br/> +Of this revenge to him commit the care.”<br/> +While thus I listened what this old man said,<br/> +A wonder new from further speech us stayed; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIX<br/> +“For there whereas the wounded body lay,<br/> +A stately tomb with curious work, behold,<br/> +And wondrous art was built out of the clay,<br/> +Which, rising round, the carcass did enfold;<br/> +With words engraven in the marble gray,<br/> +The warrior’s name, his worth and praise that told,<br/> +On which I gazing stood, and often read<br/> +That epitaph of my dear master dead. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XL<br/> +“‘Among his soldiers,’ quoth the hermit, ‘here<br/> +Must Sweno’s corpse remain in marble chest,<br/> +While up to heaven are flown their spirits dear,<br/> +To live in endless joy forever blest,<br/> +His funeral thou hast with many a tear<br/> +Accompanied, it’s now high time to rest,<br/> +Come be my guest, until the morning ray<br/> +Shall light the world again, then take thy way.’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLI<br/> +“This said, he led me over holts and hags,<br/> +Through thorns and bushes scant my legs I drew<br/> +Till underneath a heap of stones and crags<br/> +At last he brought me to a secret mew;<br/> +Among the bears, wild boars, the wolves and stags,<br/> +There dwelt he safe with his disciple true,<br/> +And feared no treason, force, nor hurt at all,<br/> +His guiltless conscience was his castle’s wall. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLII<br/> +“My supper roots; my bed was moss and leaves;<br/> +But weariness in little rest found ease:<br/> +But when the purple morning night bereaves<br/> +Of late usurped rule on lands and seas,<br/> +His loathed couch each wakeful hermit leaves,<br/> +To pray rose they, and I, for so they please,<br/> +I congee took when ended was the same,<br/> +And hitherward, as they advised me, came.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIII<br/> +The Dane his woful tale had done, when thus<br/> +The good Prince Godfrey answered him, “Sir knight,<br/> +Thou bringest tidings sad and dolorous,<br/> +For which our heavy camp laments of right,<br/> +Since so brave troops and so dear friends to us,<br/> +One hour hath spent, in one unlucky fight;<br/> +And so appeared hath thy master stout,<br/> +As lightning doth, now kindled, now quenched out. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIV<br/> +“But such a death and end exceedeth all<br/> +The conquests vain of realms, or spoils of gold,<br/> +Nor aged Rome’s proud stately capital,<br/> +Did ever triumph yet like theirs behold;<br/> +They sit in heaven on thrones celestial,<br/> +Crowned with glory, for their conquest bold,<br/> +Where each his hurts I think to other shows,<br/> +And glories in those bloody wounds and blows. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLV<br/> +“But thou who hast part of thy race to run,<br/> +With haps and hazards of this world ytost,<br/> +rejoice, for those high honors they have won,<br/> +Which cannot be by chance or fortune crossed:<br/> +But for thou askest for Bertoldo’s son,<br/> +Know, that he wandereth, banished from this host,<br/> +And till of him new tidings some man tell,<br/> +Within this camp I deem it best thou dwell.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVI<br/> +These words of theirs in many a soul renewed<br/> +The sweet remembrance of fair Sophia’s child,<br/> +Some with salt tears for him their cheeks bedewed,<br/> +Lest evil betide him mongst the Pagans wild,<br/> +And every one his valiant prowess showed,<br/> +And of his battles stories long compiled,<br/> +Telling the Dane his acts and conquests past,<br/> +Which made his ears amazed, his heart aghast. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVII<br/> +Now when remembrance of the youth had wrought<br/> +A tender pity in each softened mind,<br/> +Behold returned home with all they caught<br/> +The bands that were to forage late assigned,<br/> +And with them in abundance great they brought<br/> +Both flocks and herds of every sort and kind.<br/> +And corn, although not much, and hay to feed<br/> +Their noble steeds and coursers when they need. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVIII<br/> +They also brought of misadventure sad<br/> +Tokens and signs, seemed too apparent true,<br/> +Rinaldo’s armor, frushed and hacked they had,<br/> +Oft pierced through, with blood besmeared new;<br/> +About the camp, for always rumors bad<br/> +Are farthest spread, these woful tidings flew.<br/> +Thither assembled straight both high and low,<br/> +Longing to see what they were loth to know. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIX<br/> +His heavy hauberk was both seen and known,<br/> +And his brand shield, wherein displayed flies<br/> +The bird that proves her chickens for her own<br/> +By looking gainst the sun with open eyes;<br/> +That shield was to the Pagans often shown,<br/> +In many a hard and hardy enterprise,<br/> +But now with many a gash and many a stroke<br/> +They see, and sigh to see it, frushed and broke. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +L<br/> +While all his soldiers whispered under hand,<br/> +And here and there the fault and cause do lay,<br/> +Godfrey before him called Aliprand<br/> +Captain of those that brought of late this prey,<br/> +A man who did on points of virtue stand,<br/> +Blameless in words, and true whate’er he say,<br/> +“Say,” quoth the duke, “where you this armor had,<br/> +Hide not the truth, but tell it good or bad.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LI<br/> +He answered him, “As far from hence think I<br/> +As on two days a speedy post well rideth,<br/> +To Gaza-ward a little plain doth lie,<br/> +Itself among the steepy hills which hideth,<br/> +Through it slow falling from the mountains high,<br/> +A rolling brook twixt bush and bramble glideth,<br/> +Clad with thick shade of boughs of broad-leaved treen,<br/> +Fit place for men to lie in wait unseen. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LII<br/> +“Thither, to seek some flocks or herds, we went<br/> +Perchance close hid under the green-wood shaw,<br/> +And found the springing grass with blood besprent,<br/> +A warrior tumbled in his blood we saw,<br/> +His arms though dusty, bloody, hacked and rent,<br/> +Yet well we knew, when near the corse we draw;<br/> +To which, to view his face, in vain I started,<br/> +For from his body his fair head was parted; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIII<br/> +“His right hand wanted eke, with many a wound<br/> +The trunk through pierced was from back to breast,<br/> +A little by, his empty helm we found<br/> +The silver eagle shining on his crest;<br/> +To spy at whom to ask we gazed round,<br/> +A churl then toward us his steps addressed,<br/> +But when us armed by the corse he spied,<br/> +He ran away his fearful face to hide: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIV<br/> +“But we pursued him, took him, spake him fair,<br/> +Till comforted at last he answer made,<br/> +How that, the day before, he saw repair<br/> +A band of soldiers from that forest shade,<br/> +Of whom one carried by the golden hair<br/> +A head but late cut off with murdering blade,<br/> +The face was fair and young, and on the chin<br/> +No sign of heard to bud did yet begin. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LV<br/> +“And how in sindal wrapt away he bore<br/> +That head with him hung at his saddle-bow.<br/> +And how the murtherers by the arms they wore,<br/> +For soldiers of our camp he well did know;<br/> +The carcass I disarmed and weeping sore,<br/> +Because I guessed who should that harness owe,<br/> +Away I brought it, but first order gave,<br/> +That noble body should be laid in grave. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVI<br/> +“But if it be his trunk whom I believe,<br/> +A nobler tomb his worth deserveth well.”<br/> +This said, good Aliprando took his leave,<br/> +Of certain troth he had no more to tell,<br/> +Sore sighed the duke, so did these news him grieve,<br/> +Fears in his heart, doubts in his bosom dwell,<br/> +He yearned to know, to find and learn the truth,<br/> +And punish would them that had slain the youth. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVII<br/> +But now the night dispread her lazy wings<br/> +O’er the broad fields of heaven’s bright wilderness,<br/> +Sleep, the soul’s rest, and ease of careful things,<br/> +Buried in happy peace both more and less,<br/> +Thou Argillan alone, whom sorrow stings,<br/> +Still wakest, musing on great deeds I guess,<br/> +Nor sufferest in thy watchful eyes to creep<br/> +The sweet repose of mild and gentle sleep. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVIII<br/> +This man was strong of limb, and all his ‘says<br/> +Were bold, of ready tongue, and working sprite,<br/> +Near Trento born, bred up in brawls and frays,<br/> +In jars, in quarrels, and in civil fight,<br/> +For which exiled, the hills and public ways<br/> +He filled with blood, and robberies day and night<br/> +Until to Asia’s wars at last he came,<br/> +And boldly there he served, and purchased fame. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIX<br/> +He closed his eyes at last when day drew near.<br/> +Yet slept he not, but senseless lay opprest<br/> +With strange amazedness and sudden fear<br/> +Which false Alecto breathed in his breast,<br/> +His working powers within deluded were,<br/> +Stone still he quiet lay, yet took no rest,<br/> +For to his thought the fiend herself presented,<br/> +And with strange visions his weak brain tormented. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LX<br/> +A murdered body huge beside him stood,<br/> +Of head and right hand both but lately spoiled,<br/> +His left hand bore the head, whose visage good,<br/> +Both pale and wan, with dust and gore defoiled,<br/> +Yet spake, though dead, with whose sad words the blood<br/> +Forth at his lips in huge abundance boiled,<br/> +“Fly, Argillan, from this false camp fly far,<br/> +Whose guide, a traitor; captains, murderers are. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXI<br/> +“Godfrey hath murdered me by treason vile,<br/> +What favor then hope you my trusty friends?<br/> +His villain heart is full of fraud and guile,<br/> +To your destruction all his thoughts he bends,<br/> +Yet if thou thirst of praise for noble stile,<br/> +If in thy strength thou trust, thy strength that ends<br/> +All hard assays, fly not, first with his blood<br/> +Appease my ghost wandering by Lethe flood; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXII<br/> +“I will thy weapon whet, inflame thine ire,<br/> +Arm thy right hand, and strengthen every part.”<br/> +This said; even while she spake she did inspire<br/> +With fury, rage, and wrath his troubled heart:<br/> +The man awaked, and from his eyes like fire<br/> +The poisoned sparks of headstrong madness start,<br/> +And armed as he was, forth is he gone,<br/> +And gathered all the Italian bands in one. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIII<br/> +He gathered them where lay the arms that late<br/> +Were good Rinaldo’s; then with semblance stout<br/> +And furious words his fore-conceived hate<br/> +In bitter speeches thus he vomits out;<br/> +“Is not this people barbarous and ingrate,<br/> +In whom truth finds no place, faith takes no rout?<br/> +Whose thirst unquenched is of blood and gold,<br/> +Whom no yoke boweth, bridle none can hold. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIV<br/> +“So much we suffered have these seven years long,<br/> +Under this servile and unworthy yoke,<br/> +That thorough Rome and Italy our wrong<br/> +A thousand years hereafter shall be spoke:<br/> +I count not how Cilicia’s kingdom strong,<br/> +Subdued was by Prince Tancredi’s stroke,<br/> +Nor how false Baldwin him that land bereaves<br/> +Of virtue’s harvest, fraud there reaped the sheaves: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXV<br/> +“Nor speak I how each hour, at every need,<br/> +Quick, ready, resolute at all assays,<br/> +With fire and sword we hasted forth with speed,<br/> +And bore the brunt of all their fights and frays;<br/> +But when we had performed and done the deed,<br/> +At ease and leisure they divide the preys,<br/> +We reaped naught but travel for our toil,<br/> +Theirs was the praise, the realms, the gold, the spoil. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVI<br/> +“Yet all this season were we willing blind,<br/> +Offended unrevenged, wronged but unwroken,<br/> +Light griefs could not provoke our quiet mind,<br/> +But now, alas! the mortal blow is stroken,<br/> +Rinaldo have they slain, and law of kind,<br/> +Of arms, of nations, and of high heaven broken,<br/> +Why doth not heaven kill them with fire and thunder?<br/> +To swallow them why cleaves not earth asunder? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVII<br/> +“They have Rinaldo slain, the sword and shield<br/> +Of Christ’s true faith, and unrevenged he lies;<br/> +Still unrevenged lieth in the field<br/> +His noble corpse to feed the crows and pies:<br/> +Who murdered him? who shall us certain yield?<br/> +Who sees not that, although he wanted eyes?<br/> +Who knows not how the Italian chivalry<br/> +Proud Godfrey and false Baldwin both envy +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVIII<br/> +“What need we further proof? Heaven, heaven, I swear,<br/> +Will not consent herein we be beguiled,<br/> +This night I saw his murdered sprite appear,<br/> +Pale, sad and wan, with wounds and blood defiled,<br/> +A spectacle full both of grief and fear;<br/> +Godfrey, for murdering him, the ghost reviled.<br/> +I saw it was no dream, before mine eyes,<br/> +Howe’er I look, still, still methinks it flies. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIX<br/> +“What shall we do? shall we be governed still<br/> +By this false hand, contaminate with blood?<br/> +Or else depart and travel forth, until<br/> +To Euphrates we come, that sacred flood,<br/> +Where dwells a people void of martial skill,<br/> +Whose cities rich, whose land is fat and good,<br/> +Where kingdoms great we may at ease provide,<br/> +Far from these Frenchmen’s malice, from their pride; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXX<br/> +“Then let us go, and no revengement take<br/> +For this brave knight, though it lie in our power:<br/> +No, no, that courage rather newly wake,<br/> +Which never sleeps in fear and dread one hour,<br/> +And this pestiferous serpent, poisoned snake,<br/> +Of all our knights that hath destroyed the flower,<br/> +First let us slay, and his deserved end<br/> +Example make to him that kills his friend. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXI<br/> +“I will, I will, if your courageous force,<br/> +Dareth so much as it can well perform,<br/> +Tear out his cursed heart without remorse,<br/> +The nest of treason false and guile enorm.”<br/> +Thus spake the angry knight with headlong course;<br/> +The rest him followed with a furious storm,<br/> +“Arm, arm.” they cried, to arms the soldiers ran.<br/> +And as they run, “Arm, arm,” cried every man. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXII<br/> +Mongst them Alecto strowed wasteful fire,<br/> +Envenoming the hearts of most and least,<br/> +Folly, disdain, madness, strife, rancor, ire,<br/> +Thirst to shed blood, in every breast increased,<br/> +This ill spread far, and till it set on fire<br/> +With rage the Italian lodgings, never ceased,<br/> +From thence unto the Switzers’ camp it went,<br/> +And last infected every English tent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIII<br/> +Not public loss of their beloved knight,<br/> +Alone stirred up their rage and wrath untamed,<br/> +But fore-conceived griefs, and quarrels light,<br/> +The ire still nourished, and still inflamed,<br/> +Awaked was each former cause of spite,<br/> +The Frenchmen cruel and unjust they named,<br/> +And with bold threats they made their hatred known,<br/> +Hate seld kept close, and oft unwisely shown: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIV<br/> +Like boiling liquor in a seething pot,<br/> +That fumeth, swelleth high, and bubbleth fast,<br/> +Till o’er the brims among the embers hot,<br/> +Part of the broth and of the scum is cast,<br/> +Their rage and wrath those few appeased not<br/> +In whom of wisdom yet remained some taste,<br/> +Camillo, William, Tancred were away,<br/> +And all whose greatness might their madness stay. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXV<br/> +Now headlong ran to harness in this heat<br/> +These furious people, all on heaps confused,<br/> +The roaring trumpets battle gan to threat,<br/> +As it in time of mortal war is used,<br/> +The messengers ran to Godfredo great,<br/> +And bade him arm, while on this noise he mused,<br/> +And Baldwin first well clad in iron hard,<br/> +Stepped to his side, a sure and faithful guard. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVI<br/> +Their murmurs heard, to heaven he lift his een,<br/> +As was his wont, to God for aid he fled;<br/> +“O Lord, thou knowest this right hand of mine<br/> +Abhorred ever civil blood to shed,<br/> +Illumine their dark souls with light divine,<br/> +Repress their rage, by hellish fury bred,<br/> +The innocency of my guiltless mind<br/> +Thou knowest, and make these know, with fury blind.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVII<br/> +Tis said he felt infused in each vein,<br/> +A sacred heat from heaven above distilled,<br/> +A heat in man that courage could constrain<br/> +That his brave look with awful boldness filled.<br/> +Well guarded forth he went to meet the train<br/> +Of those that would revenge Rinaldo killed;<br/> +And though their threats he heard, and saw them bent<br/> +To arms on every side, yet on he went. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVIII<br/> +Above his hauberk strong a coat he ware,<br/> +Embroidered fair with pearl and richest stone,<br/> +His hands were naked, and his face was bare,<br/> +Wherein a lamp of majesty bright shone;<br/> +He shook his golden mace, wherewith he dare<br/> +Resist the force of his rebellious foe:<br/> +Thus he appeared, and thus he gan them teach,<br/> +In shape an angel, and a God in speech: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIX<br/> +“What foolish words? what threats be these I hear?<br/> +What noise of arms? who dares these tumults move?<br/> +Am I so honored? stand you so in fear?<br/> +Where is your late obedience? where your love?<br/> +Of Godfrey’s falsehood who can witness bear?<br/> +Who dare or will these accusations prove?<br/> +Perchance you look I should entreaties bring,<br/> +Sue for your favors, or excuse the thing. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXX<br/> +“Ah, God forbid these lands should hear or see<br/> +Him so disgraced at whose great name they quake;<br/> +This sceptre and my noble acts for me<br/> +A true defence before the world can make:<br/> +Yet for sharp justice governed shall be<br/> +With clemency, I will no vengeance take<br/> +For this offence, but for Rinaldo’s love,<br/> +I pardon you, hereafter wiser prove. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXI<br/> +“But Argillano’s guilty blood shall wash<br/> +This stain away, who kindled this debate,<br/> +And led by hasty rage and fury rash,<br/> +To these disorders first undid the gate;”<br/> +While thus he spoke, the lightning beams did flash<br/> +Out of his eyes of majesty and state,<br/> +That Argillan,—who would have thought it?—shook<br/> +For fear and terror, conquered with his look. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXII<br/> +The rest with indiscreet and foolish wrath<br/> +Who threatened late with words of shame and pride,<br/> +Whose hands so ready were to harm and scath,<br/> +And brandished bright swords on every side;<br/> +Now hushed and still attend what Godfrey saith,<br/> +With shame and fear their bashful looks they hide,<br/> +And Argillan they let in chains be bound,<br/> +Although their weapons him environed round. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIII<br/> +So when a lion shakes his dreadful mane,<br/> +And beats his tail with courage proud and wroth,<br/> +If his commander come, who first took pain<br/> +To tame his youth, his lofty crest down goeth,<br/> +His threats he feareth, and obeys the rein<br/> +Of thralldom base, and serviceage, though loth,<br/> +Nor can his sharp teeth nor his armed paws,<br/> +Force him rebel against his ruler’s laws. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIV<br/> +Fame as a winged warrior they beheld,<br/> +With semblant fierce and furious look that stood,<br/> +And in his left hand had a splendent shield<br/> +Wherewith he covered safe their chieftain good,<br/> +His other hand a naked sword did wield,<br/> +From which distilling fell the lukewarm blood,<br/> +The blood pardie of many a realm and town,<br/> +Whereon the Lord his wrath had poured down. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXV<br/> +Thus was the tumult, without bloodshed, ended.<br/> +Their arms laid down, strife into exile sent.<br/> +Godfrey his thoughts to greater actions bended.<br/> +And homeward to his rich pavilion went,<br/> +For to assault the fortress he intended<br/> +Before the second or third day were spent;<br/> +Meanwhile his timber wrought he oft surveyed<br/> +Whereof his ram and engines great he made. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="book09"></a>NINTH BOOK</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +THE ARGUMENT.<br/> +Alecto false great Solyman doth move<br/> +By night the Christians in their tents to kill:<br/> +But God who their intents saw from above,<br/> +Sends Michael down from his sacred hill:<br/> +The spirits foul to hell the angels drove;<br/> +The knights delivered from the witch, at will<br/> +Destroy the Pagans, scatter all their host:<br/> +The Soldan flies when all his bands are lost. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I<br/> +The grisly child of Erebus the grim,<br/> +Who saw these tumults done and tempest spent,<br/> +Gainst stream of grace who ever strove to swim<br/> +And all her thoughts against Heaven’s wisdom bent,<br/> +Departed now, bright Titan’s beams were dim<br/> +And fruitful lands waxed barren as she went.<br/> +She sought the rest of her infernal crew,<br/> +New storms to raise, new broils, and tumults new. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +II<br/> +She, that well wist her sisters had enticed,<br/> +By their false arts, far from the Christian host,<br/> +Tancred, Rinaldo, and the rest, best prized<br/> +For martial skill, for might esteemed most,<br/> +Said, of these discords and these strifes advised,<br/> +“Great Solyman, when day his light hath lost,<br/> +These Christians shall assail with sudden war,<br/> +And kill them all while thus they strive and jar.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +III<br/> +With that where Solyman remained she flew,<br/> +And found him out with his Arabian bands,<br/> +Great Solyman, of all Christ’s foes untrue,<br/> +Boldest of courage, mightiest of his hands,<br/> +Like him was none of all that earth-bred crew<br/> +That heaped mountains on the Aemonian sands,<br/> +Of Turks he sovereign was, and Nice his seat,<br/> +Where late he dwelt, and ruled that kingdom great. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IV<br/> +The lands forenenst the Greekish shore he held,<br/> +From Sangar’s mouth to crooked Meander’s fall,<br/> +Where they of Phrygia, Mysia, Lydia dwelled,<br/> +Bithynia’s towns, and Pontus’ cities all:<br/> +But when the hearts of Christian princes swelled,<br/> +And rose in arms to make proud Asia thrall,<br/> +Those lands were won where he did sceptre wield<br/> +And he twice beaten was in pitched field. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +V<br/> +When Fortune oft he had in vain assayed,<br/> +And spent his forces, which availed him naught,<br/> +To Egypt’s king himself he close conveyed,<br/> +Who welcomed him as he could best have thought,<br/> +Glad in his heart, and inly well apayed,<br/> +That to his court so great a lord was brought:<br/> +For he decreed his armies huge to bring<br/> +To succor Juda land and Juda’s king. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VI<br/> +But, ere he open war proclaimed, he would<br/> +That Solyman should kindle first the fire,<br/> +And with huge sums of false enticing gold<br/> +The Arabian thieves he sent him forth to hire,<br/> +While he the Asian lords and Morians hold<br/> +Unites; the Soldan won to his desire<br/> +Those outlaws, ready aye for gold to fight,<br/> +The hope of gain hath such alluring might. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VII<br/> +Thus made their captain to destroy and burn,<br/> +In Juda land he entered is so far,<br/> +That all the ways whereby he should return<br/> +By Godfrey’s people kept and stopped are,<br/> +And now he gan his former losses mourn,<br/> +This wound had hit him on an elder scar,<br/> +On great adventures ran his hardy thought,<br/> +But naught assured, he yet resolved on naught. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VIII<br/> +To him Alecto came, and semblant bore<br/> +Of one whose age was great, whose looks were grave,<br/> +Whose cheeks were bloodless, and whose locks were hoar<br/> +Mustaches strouting long and chin close shave,<br/> +A steepled turban on her head she wore,<br/> +Her garment wide, and by her side, her glaive,<br/> +Her gilden quiver at her shoulders hung,<br/> +And in her hand a bow was, stiff and strong. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IX<br/> +“We have.” Quoth she, “through wildernesses gone,<br/> +Through sterile sands, strange paths, and uncouth ways,<br/> +Yet spoil or booty have we gotten none,<br/> +Nor victory deserving fame or praise,<br/> +Godfrey meanwhile to ruin stick and stone<br/> +Of this fair town, with battery sore assays;<br/> +And if awhile we rest, we shall behold<br/> +This glorious city smoking lie in mould. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +X<br/> +“Are sheep-cotes burnt, or preys of sheep or kine,<br/> +The cause why Solyman these bands did arm?<br/> +Canst thou that kingdom lately lost of thine<br/> +Recover thus, or thus redress thy harm?<br/> +No, no, when heaven’s small candles next shall shine,<br/> +Within their tents give them a bold alarm;<br/> +Believe Araspes old, whose grave advice<br/> +Thou hast in exile proved, and proved in Nice. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XI<br/> +“He feareth naught, he doubts no sudden broil<br/> +From these ill-armed and worse-hearted bands,<br/> +He thinks this people, used to rob and spoil,<br/> +To such exploit dares not lift up their hands;<br/> +Up then and with thy courage put to foil<br/> +This fearless camp, while thus secure it stands.”<br/> +This said, her poison in his breast she hides,<br/> +And then to shapeless air unseen she glides. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XII<br/> +The Soldan cried, “O thou which in my thought<br/> +Increased hast my rage and fury so,<br/> +Nor seem’st a wight of mortal metal wrought,<br/> +I follow thee, whereso thee list to go,<br/> +Mountains of men by dint of sword down brought<br/> +Thou shalt behold, and seas of red blood flow<br/> +Where’er I go; only be thou my guide<br/> +When sable night the azure skies shall hide.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIII<br/> +When this was said, he mustered all his crew,<br/> +Reproved the cowards, and allowed the bold:<br/> +His forward camp, inspired with courage new,<br/> +Was ready dight to follow where he would:<br/> +Alecto’s self the warning trumpet blew<br/> +And to the wind his standard great unrolled,<br/> +Thus on they marched, and thus on they went,<br/> +Of their approach their speed the news prevent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIV<br/> +Alecto left them, and her person dight<br/> +Like one that came some tidings new to tell:<br/> +It was the time, when first the rising night<br/> +Her sparkling diamonds poureth forth to sell,<br/> +When, into Sion come, she marched right<br/> +Where Juda’s aged tyrant used to dwell,<br/> +To whom of Solyman’s designment bold,<br/> +The place, the manner, and the time she told. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XV<br/> +Their mantle dark, the grisly shadows spread,<br/> +Stained with spots of deepest sanguine hue,<br/> +Warm drops of blood, on earth’s black visage shed,<br/> +Supplied the place of pure and precious dew,<br/> +The moon and stars for fear of sprites were fled,<br/> +The shrieking goblins eachwhere howling flew,<br/> +The furies roar, the ghosts and fairies yell,<br/> +The earth was filled with devils, and empty hell. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVI<br/> +The Soldan fierce, through all this horror, went<br/> +Toward the camp of his redoubted foes,<br/> +The night was more than half consumed and spent;<br/> +Now headlong down the western hill she goes,<br/> +When distant scant a mile from Godfrey’s tent<br/> +He let his people there awhile repose,<br/> +And victualled them, and then he boldly spoke<br/> +These words which rage and courage might provoke: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVII<br/> +“See there a camp, full stuffed of spoils and preys,<br/> +Not half so strong as false report recordeth;<br/> +See there the storehouse, where their captain lays<br/> +Our treasures stolen, where Asia’s wealth he hoardeth;<br/> +Now chance the ball unto our racket plays,<br/> +Take then the vantage which good luck affordeth;<br/> +For all their arms, their horses, gold and treasure<br/> +Are ours, ours without loss, harm or displeasure. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVIII<br/> +“Nor is this camp that great victorious host<br/> +That slew the Persian lords, and Nice hath won:<br/> +For those in this long war are spent and lost,<br/> +These are the dregs, the wine is all outrun,<br/> +And these few left, are drowned and dead almost<br/> +In heavy sleep, the labor half is done<br/> +To send them headlong to Avernus deep,<br/> +For little differs death and heavy sleep. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIX<br/> +“Come, come, this sword the passage open shall<br/> +Into their camp, and on their bodies slain<br/> +We will pass o’er their rampire and their wall;<br/> +This blade, as scythes cut down the fields of grain,<br/> +Shall cut them so, Christ’s kingdom now shall fall,<br/> +Asia her freedom, you shall praise obtain.”<br/> +Thus he inflamed his soldiers to the fight,<br/> +And led them on through silence of the night. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XX<br/> +The sentinel by starlight, lo, descried<br/> +This mighty Soldan and his host draw near,<br/> +Who found not as he hoped the Christians’ guide<br/> +Unware, ne yet unready was his gear:<br/> +The scouts, when this huge army they descried,<br/> +Ran back, and gan with shouts the ’larum rear;<br/> +The watch stert up and drew their weapons bright,<br/> +And busked them bold to battle and to fight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXI<br/> +The Arabians wist they could not come unseen,<br/> +And therefore loud their jarring trumpets sound,<br/> +Their yelling cries to heaven upheaved been,<br/> +The horses thundered on the solid ground,<br/> +The mountains roared, and the valley green,<br/> +The echoes sighed from the caves around,<br/> +Alecto with her brand, kindled in hell,<br/> +Tokened to them in David’s tower that dwell. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXII<br/> +Before the rest forth pricked the Soldan fast,<br/> +Against the watch, not yet in order just,<br/> +As swift as hideous Boreas’ hasty blast<br/> +From hollow rocks when first his storms outburst,<br/> +The raging floods, that trees and rocks down cast,<br/> +Thunders, that towns and towers drive to dust:<br/> +Earthquakes, to tear the world in twain that threat,<br/> +Are naught, compared to his fury great. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIII<br/> +He struck no blow, but that his foe he hit;<br/> +And never hit, but made a grievous wound:<br/> +And never wounded, but death followed it;<br/> +And yet no peril, hurt or harm he found,<br/> +No weapon on his hardened helmet bit,<br/> +No puissant stroke his senses once astound,<br/> +Yet like a bell his tinkling helmet rung,<br/> +And thence flew flames of fire and sparks among. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIV<br/> +Himself well nigh had put the watch to flight,<br/> +A jolly troop of Frenchmen strong and stout,<br/> +When his Arabians came by heaps to fight,<br/> +Covering, like raging floods, the fields about;<br/> +The beaten Christians run away full light,<br/> +The Pagans, mingled with the flying rout,<br/> +Entered their camp, and filled, as they stood,<br/> +Their tents with ruin, slaughter, death and blood. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXV<br/> +High on the Soldan’s helm enamelled laid<br/> +An hideous dragon, armed with many a scale,<br/> +With iron paws, and leathern wings displayed,<br/> +Which twisted on a knot her forked tail,<br/> +With triple tongue it seemed she hissed and brayed,<br/> +About her jaws the froth and venom trail,<br/> +And as he stirred, and as his foes him hit,<br/> +So flames to cast and fire she seemed to spit. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVI<br/> +With this strange light, the Soldan fierce appeared<br/> +Dreadful to those that round about him been,<br/> +As to poor sailors, when huge storms are reared,<br/> +With lightning flash the rafting seas are seen;<br/> +Some fled away, because his strength they feared,<br/> +Some bolder gainst him bent their weapons keen,<br/> +And forward night, in evils and mischiefs pleased,<br/> +Their dangers hid, and dangers still increased. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVII<br/> +Among the rest that strove to merit praise,<br/> +Was old Latinus, born by Tiber’s bank,<br/> +To whose stout heart in fights and bloody frays,<br/> +For all his eild, base fear yet never sank;<br/> +Five sons he had, the comforts of his days,<br/> +That from his side in no adventure shrank,<br/> +But long before their time, in iron strong<br/> +They clad their members, tender, soft and young. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVIII<br/> +The bold ensample of their father’s might<br/> +Their weapons whetted and their wrath increased,<br/> +“Come let us go,” quoth he, “where yonder knight<br/> +Upon our soldiers makes his bloody feast,<br/> +Let not their slaughter once your hearts affright,<br/> +Where danger most appears, there fear it least,<br/> +For honor dwells in hard attempts, my sons,<br/> +And greatest praise, in greatest peril, wons.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIX<br/> +Her tender brood the forest’s savage queen,<br/> +Ere on their crests their rugged manes appear,<br/> +Before their mouths by nature armed been,<br/> +Or paws have strength a silly lamb to tear,<br/> +So leadeth forth to prey, and makes them keen,<br/> +And learns by her ensample naught to fear<br/> +The hunter, in those desert woods that takes<br/> +The lesser beasts whereon his feast he makes. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXX<br/> +The noble father and his hardy crew<br/> +Fierce Solyman on every side invade,<br/> +At once all six upon the Soldan flew,<br/> +With lances sharp, and strong encounters made,<br/> +His broken spear the eldest boy down threw,<br/> +And boldly, over-boldly, drew his blade,<br/> +Wherewith he strove, but strove therewith in vain,<br/> +The Pagan’s steed, unmarked, to have slain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXI<br/> +But as a mountain or a cape of land<br/> +Assailed with storms and seas on every side,<br/> +Doth unremoved, steadfast, still withstand<br/> +Storm, thunder, lightning, tempest, wind, and tide:<br/> +The Soldan so withstood Latinus’ band,<br/> +And unremoved did all their justs abide,<br/> +And of that hapless youth, who hurt his steed,<br/> +Down to the chin he cleft in twain the head. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXII<br/> +Kind Aramante, who saw his brother slain,<br/> +To hold him up stretched forth his friendly arm,<br/> +Oh foolish kindness, and oh pity vain,<br/> +To add our proper loss, to other’s harm!<br/> +The prince let fall his sword, and cut in twain<br/> +About his brother twined, the child’s weak arm.<br/> +Down from their saddles both together slide,<br/> +Together mourned they, and together died. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIII<br/> +That done, Sabino’s lance with nimble force<br/> +He cut in twain, and ’gainst the stripling bold<br/> +He spurred his steed, that underneath his horse<br/> +The hardy infant tumbled on the mould,<br/> +Whose soul, out squeezed from his bruised corpse,<br/> +With ugly painfulness forsook her hold,<br/> +And deeply mourned that of so sweet a cage<br/> +She left the bliss, and joys of youthful age. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIV<br/> +But Picus yet and Lawrence were on live,<br/> +Whom at one birth their mother fair brought out,<br/> +A pair whose likeness made the parents strive<br/> +Oft which was which, and joyed in their doubt:<br/> +But what their birth did undistinguished give,<br/> +The Soldan’s rage made known, for Picus stout<br/> +Headless at one huge blow he laid in dust,<br/> +And through the breast his gentle brother thrust. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXV<br/> +Their father, but no father now, alas!<br/> +When all his noble sons at once were slain,<br/> +In their five deaths so often murdered was,<br/> +I know not how his life could him sustain,<br/> +Except his heart were forged of steel or brass,<br/> +Yet still he lived, pardie, he saw not plain<br/> +Their dying looks, although their deaths he knows,<br/> +It is some ease not to behold our woes. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVI<br/> +He wept not, for the night her curtain spread<br/> +Between his cause of weeping and his eyes,<br/> +But still he mourned and on sharp vengeance fed,<br/> +And thinks he conquers, if revenged he dies;<br/> +He thirsts the Soldan’s heathenish blood to shed,<br/> +And yet his own at less than naught doth prize,<br/> +Nor can he tell whether he liefer would,<br/> +Or die himself, or kill the Pagan bold. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVII<br/> +At last, “Is this right hand,” quoth he, “so weak,<br/> +That thou disdain’st gainst me to use thy might?<br/> +Can it naught do? can this tongue nothing speak<br/> +That may provoke thine ire, thy wrath and spite?”<br/> +With that he struck, his anger great to wreak,<br/> +A blow, that pierced the mail and metal bright,<br/> +And in his flank set ope a floodgate wide,<br/> +Whereat the blood out streamed from his side. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVIII<br/> +Provoked with his cry, and with that blow,<br/> +The Turk upon him gan his blade discharge,<br/> +He cleft his breastplate, having first pierced through,<br/> +Lined with seven bulls’ hides, his mighty targe,<br/> +And sheathed his weapons in his guts below;<br/> +Wretched Latinus at that issue large,<br/> +And at his mouth, poured out his vital blood,<br/> +And sprinkled with the same his murdered brood. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIX<br/> +On Apennine like as a sturdy tree,<br/> +Against the winds that makes resistance stout,<br/> +If with a storm it overturned be,<br/> +Falls down and breaks the trees and plants about;<br/> +So Latine fell, and with him felled he<br/> +And slew the nearest of the Pagans’ rout,<br/> +A worthy end, fit for a man of fame,<br/> +That dying, slew; and conquered, overcame. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XL<br/> +Meanwhile the Soldan strove his rage<br/> +To satisfy with blood of Christian spilled,<br/> +The Arabians heartened by their captain stern,<br/> +With murder every tent and cabin filled,<br/> +Henry the English knight, and Olipherne,<br/> +O fierce Draguto, by thy hands were killed!<br/> +Gilbert and Philip were by Ariadene<br/> +Both slain, both born upon the banks of Rhone. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLI<br/> +Albazar with his mace Ernesto slew,<br/> +Under Algazel Engerlan down fell,<br/> +But the huge murder of the meaner crew,<br/> +Or manner of their deaths, what tongue can tell?<br/> +Godfrey, when first the heathen trumpets blew,<br/> +Awaked, which heard, no fear could make him dwell,<br/> +But he and his were up and armed ere long,<br/> +And marched forward with a squadron strong. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLII<br/> +He that well heard the rumor and the cry,<br/> +And marked the tumult still grow more and more,<br/> +The Arabian thieves he judged by and by<br/> +Against his soldiers made this battle sore;<br/> +For that they forayed all the countries nigh,<br/> +And spoiled the fields, the duke knew well before,<br/> +Yet thought he not they had the hardiment<br/> +So to assail him in his armed tent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIII<br/> +All suddenly he heard, while on he went,<br/> +How to the city-ward, “Arm, arm!” they cried,<br/> +The noise upreared to the firmament,<br/> +With dreadful howling filled the valleys wlde:<br/> +This was Clorinda, whom the king forth sent<br/> +To battle, and Argantes by her side.<br/> +The duke, this heard, to Guelpho turned, and prayed<br/> +Him his lieutenant be, and to him said: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIV<br/> +“You hear this new alarm from yonder part,<br/> +That from the town breaks out with so much rage,<br/> +Us needeth much your valor and your art<br/> +To calm their fury, and their heat to ’suage;<br/> +Go thither then, and with you take some part<br/> +Of these brave soldiers of mine equipage,<br/> +While with the residue of my champions bold<br/> +I drive these wolves again out of our fold.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLV<br/> +They parted, this agreed on them between,<br/> +By divers paths, Lord Guelpho to the hill,<br/> +And Godfrey hasted where the Arabians keen<br/> +His men like silly sheep destroy and kill;<br/> +But as he went his troops increased been,<br/> +From every part the people flocked still,<br/> +That now grown strong enough, he ’proached nigh<br/> +Where the fierce Turk caused many a Christian die. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVI<br/> +So from the top of Vesulus the cold,<br/> +Down to the sandy valleys, tumbleth Po,<br/> +Whose streams the further from the fountain rolled<br/> +Still stronger wax, and with more puissance go;<br/> +And horned like a bull his forehead bold<br/> +He lifts, and o’er his broken banks doth flow,<br/> +And with his horns to pierce the sea assays,<br/> +To which he proffereth war, not tribute pays. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVII<br/> +The duke his men fast flying did espy,<br/> +And thither ran, and thus, displeased, spake,<br/> +“What fear is this? Oh, whither do you fly?<br/> +See who they be that this pursuit do make,<br/> +A heartless band, that dare no battle try,<br/> +Who wounds before dare neither give nor take,<br/> +Against them turn your stern eye’s threatening sight,<br/> +An angry look will put them all to flight.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVIII<br/> +This said, he spurred forth where Solyman<br/> +Destroyed Christ’s vineyard like a savage boar,<br/> +Through streams of blood, through dust and dirt he ran,<br/> +O’er heaps of bodies wallowing in their gore,<br/> +The squadrons close his sword to ope began,<br/> +He broke their ranks, behind, beside, before,<br/> +And, where he goes, under his feet he treads<br/> +The armed Saracens, and barbed steeds. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIX<br/> +This slaughter-house of angry Mars he passed,<br/> +Where thousands dead, half-dead, and dying were.<br/> +The hardy Soldan saw him come in haste,<br/> +Yet neither stepped aside nor shrunk for fear,<br/> +But busked him bold to fight, aloft he cast<br/> +His blade, prepared to strike, and stepped near,<br/> +These noble princes twain, so Fortune wrought<br/> +From the world’s end here met, and here they fought: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +L<br/> +With virtue, fury; strength with courage strove,<br/> +For Asia’s mighty empire, who can tell<br/> +With how strange force their cruel blows they drove?<br/> +How sore their combat was? how fierce, how fell?<br/> +Great deeds they wrought, each other’s harness clove;<br/> +Yet still in darkness, more the ruth, they dwell.<br/> +The night their acts her black veil covered under,<br/> +Their acts whereat the sun, the world might wonder. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LI<br/> +The Christians by their guide’s ensample hearted,<br/> +Of their best armed made a squadron strong,<br/> +And to defend their chieftain forth they started:<br/> +The Pagans also saved their knight from wrong,<br/> +Fortune her favors twixt them evenly parted,<br/> +Fierce was the encounter, bloody, doubtful, long;<br/> +These won, those lost; these lost, those won again;<br/> +The loss was equal, even the numbers slain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LII<br/> +With equal rage, as when the southern wind,<br/> +Meeteth in battle strong the northern blast,<br/> +The sea and air to neither is resigned,<br/> +But cloud gainst cloud, and wave gainst wave they cast:<br/> +So from this skirmish neither part declined,<br/> +But fought it out, and kept their footings fast,<br/> +And oft with furious shock together rush,<br/> +And shield gainst shield, and helm gainst helm they crush. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIII<br/> +The battle eke to Sionward grew hot,<br/> +The soldiers slain, the hardy knights were killed,<br/> +Legions of sprites from Limbo’s prisons got,<br/> +The empty air, the hills and valleys filled,<br/> +Hearting the Pagans that they shrinked not,<br/> +Till where they stood their dearest blood they spilled;<br/> +And with new rage Argantes they inspire,<br/> +Whose heat no flames, whose burning need no fire. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIV<br/> +Where he came in he put to shameful flight<br/> +The fearful watch, and o’er the trenches leaped,<br/> +Even with the ground he made the rampire’s height,<br/> +And murdered bodies in the ditch unheaped,<br/> +So that his greedy mates with labor light,<br/> +Amid the tents, a bloody harvest reaped:<br/> +Clorinda went the proud Circassian by,<br/> +So from a piece two chained bullets fly. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LV<br/> +Now fled the Frenchmen, when in lucky hour<br/> +Arrived Guelpho, and his helping band,<br/> +He made them turn against this stormy shower,<br/> +And with bold face their wicked foes withstand.<br/> +Sternly they fought, that from their wounds downpour<br/> +The streams of blood and run on either hand:<br/> +The Lord of heaven meanwhile upon this fight,<br/> +From his high throne bent down his gracious sight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVI<br/> +From whence with grace and goodness compassed round,<br/> +He ruleth, blesseth, keepeth all he wrought,<br/> +Above the air, the fire, the sea and ground,<br/> +Our sense, our wit, our reason and our thought,<br/> +Where persons three, with power and glory crowned,<br/> +Are all one God, who made all things of naught,<br/> +Under whose feet, subjected to his grace,<br/> +Sit nature, fortune, motion, time and place. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVII<br/> +This is the place, from whence like smoke and dust<br/> +Of this frail world the wealth, the pomp and power,<br/> +He tosseth, tumbleth, turneth as he lust,<br/> +And guides our life, our death, our end and hour:<br/> +No eye, however virtuous, pure and just,<br/> +Can view the brightness of that glorious bower,<br/> +On every side the blessed spirits be,<br/> +Equal in joys, though differing in degree. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVIII<br/> +With harmony of their celestial song<br/> +The palace echoed from the chambers pure,<br/> +At last he Michael called, in harness strong<br/> +Of never yielding diamonds armed sure,<br/> +“Behold,” quoth he, “to do despite and wrong<br/> +To that dear flock my mercy hath in cure,<br/> +How Satan from hell’s loathsome prison sends<br/> +His ghosts, his sprites, his furies and his fiends. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIX<br/> +“Go bid them all depart, and leave the care<br/> +Of war to soldiers, as doth best pertain:<br/> +Bid them forbear to infect the earth and air;<br/> +To darken heaven’s fair light, bid them refrain;<br/> +Bid them to Acheron’s black flood repair,<br/> +Fit house for them, the house of grief and pain:<br/> +There let their king himself and them torment,<br/> +So I command, go tell them mine intent.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LX<br/> +This said, the winged warrior low inclined<br/> +At his Creator’s feet with reverence due;<br/> +Then spread his golden feathers to the wind,<br/> +And swift as thought away the angel flew,<br/> +He passed the light, and shining fire assigned<br/> +The glorious seat of his selected crew,<br/> +The mover first, and circle crystalline,<br/> +The firmament, where fixed stars all shine; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXI<br/> +Unlike in working then, in shape and show,<br/> +At his left hand, Saturn he left and Jove,<br/> +And those untruly errant called I trow,<br/> +Since he errs not, who them doth guide and move:<br/> +The fields he passed then, whence hail and snow,<br/> +Thunder and rain fall down from clouds above,<br/> +Where heat and cold, dryness and moisture strive,<br/> +Whose wars all creatures kill, and slain, revive. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXII<br/> +The horrid darkness, and the shadows dun<br/> +Dispersed he with his eternal wings,<br/> +The flames which from his heavenly eyes outrun<br/> +Beguiled the earth and all her sable things;<br/> +After a storm so spreadeth forth the sun<br/> +His rays and binds the clouds in golden strings,<br/> +Or in the stillness of a moonshine even<br/> +A falling star so glideth down from Heaven. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIII<br/> +But when the infernal troop he ’proached near,<br/> +That still the Pagans’ ire and rage provoke,<br/> +The angel on his wings himself did bear,<br/> +And shook his lance, and thus at last he spoke:<br/> +“Have you not learned yet to know and fear<br/> +The Lord’s just wrath, and thunder’s dreadful stroke?<br/> +Or in the torments of your endless ill,<br/> +Are you still fierce, still proud, rebellious still? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIV<br/> +“The Lord hath sworn to break the iron bands<br/> +The brazen gates of Sion’s fort which close,<br/> +Who is it that his sacred will withstands?<br/> +Against his wrath who dares himself oppose?<br/> +Go hence, you cursed, to your appointed lands,<br/> +The realms of death, of torments, and of woes,<br/> +And in the deeps of that infernal lake<br/> +Your battles fight, and there your triumphs make. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXV<br/> +“There tyrannize upon the souls you find<br/> +Condemned to woe, and double still their pains;<br/> +Where some complain, where some their teeth do grind,<br/> +Some howl, and weep, some clank their iron chains:”<br/> +This said they fled, and those that stayed behind,<br/> +With his sharp lance he driveth and constrains;<br/> +They sighing left the lands, his silver sheep<br/> +Where Hesperus doth lead, doth feed, and keep. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVI<br/> +And toward hell their lazy wings display,<br/> +To wreak their malice on the damned ghosts;<br/> +The birds that follow Titan’s hottest ray,<br/> +Pass not in so great flocks to warmer coasts,<br/> +Nor leaves in so great numbers fall away<br/> +When winter nips them with his new-come frosts;<br/> +The earth delivered from so foul annoy,<br/> +Recalled her beauty, and resumed her joy. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVII<br/> +But not for this in fierce Argantes’ breast<br/> +Lessened the rancor and decreased the ire,<br/> +Although Alecto left him to infest<br/> +With the hot brands of her infernal fire,<br/> +Round his armed head his trenchant blade he blest,<br/> +And those thick ranks that seemed moist entire<br/> +He breaks; the strong, the high, the weak, the low,<br/> +Were equalized by his murdering blow. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVIII<br/> +Not far from him amid the blood and dust,<br/> +Heads, arms, and legs, Clorinda strewed wide<br/> +Her sword through Berengarius’ breast she thrust,<br/> +Quite through the heart, where life doth chiefly bide,<br/> +And that fell blow she struck so sure and just,<br/> +That at his back his life and blood forth glide;<br/> +Even in the mouth she smote Albinus then,<br/> +And cut in twain the visage of the man. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIX<br/> +Gernier’s right hand she from his arm divided,<br/> +Whereof but late she had received a wound;<br/> +The hand his sword still held, although not guided,<br/> +The fingers half alive stirred on the ground;<br/> +So from a serpent slain the tail divided<br/> +Moves in the grass, rolleth and tumbleth round,<br/> +The championess so wounded left the knight,<br/> +And gainst Achilles turned her weapon bright. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXX<br/> +Upon his neck light that unhappy blow,<br/> +And cut the sinews and the throat in twain,<br/> +The head fell down upon the earth below,<br/> +And soiled with dust the visage on the plain;<br/> +The headless trunk, a woful thing to know,<br/> +Still in the saddle seated did remain;<br/> +Until his steed, that felt the reins at large,<br/> +With leaps and flings that burden did discharge. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXI<br/> +While thus this fair and fierce Bellona slew<br/> +The western lords, and put their troops to flight,<br/> +Gildippes raged mongst the Pagan crew,<br/> +And low in dust laid many a worthy knight:<br/> +Like was their sex, their beauty and their hue,<br/> +Like was their youth, their courage and their might;<br/> +Yet fortune would they should the battle try<br/> +Of mightier foes, for both were framed to die. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXII<br/> +Yet wished they oft, and strove in vain to meet,<br/> +So great betwixt them was the press and throng,<br/> +But hardy Guelpho gainst Clorinda sweet<br/> +Ventured his sword to work her harm and wrong,<br/> +And with a cutting blow so did her greet,<br/> +That from her side the blood streamed down along;<br/> +But with a thrust an answer sharp she made,<br/> +And ’twixt his ribs colored somedeal her blade. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIII<br/> +Lord Guelpho struck again, but hit her not,<br/> +For strong Osmida haply passed by,<br/> +And not meant him, another’s wound he got,<br/> +That cleft his front in twain above his eye:<br/> +Near Guelpho now the battle waxed hot,<br/> +For all the troops he led gan thither hie,<br/> +And thither drew eke many a Paynim knight,<br/> +That fierce, stern, bloody, deadly waxed the fight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIV<br/> +Meanwhile the purple morning peeped o’er<br/> +The eastern threshold to our half of land,<br/> +And Argillano in this great uproar<br/> +From prison loosed was, and what he fand,<br/> +Those arms he hent, and to the field them bore,<br/> +Resolved to take his chance what came to hand,<br/> +And with great acts amid the Pagan host<br/> +Would win again his reputation lost. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXV<br/> +As a fierce steed ’scaped from his stall at large,<br/> +Where he had long been kept for warlike need,<br/> +Runs through the fields unto the flowery marge<br/> +Of some green forest where he used to feed,<br/> +His curled mane his shoulders broad doth charge<br/> +And from his lofty crest doth spring and spreed,<br/> +Thunder his feet, his nostrils fire breathe out,<br/> +And with his neigh the world resounds about. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVI<br/> +So Argillan rushed forth, sparkled his eyes,<br/> +His front high lifted was, no fear therein,<br/> +Lightly he leaps and skips, it seems he flies,<br/> +He left no sign in dust imprinted thin,<br/> +And coming near his foes, he sternly cries,<br/> +As one that forced not all their strength a pin,<br/> +“You outcasts of the world, you men of naught<br/> +What hath in you this boldness newly wrought? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVII<br/> +“Too weak are you to bear a helm or shield<br/> +Unfit to arm your breast in iron bright,<br/> +You run half-naked trembling through the field,<br/> +Your blows are feeble, and your hope in flight,<br/> +Your facts and all the actions that you wield,<br/> +The darkness hides, your bulwark is the night,<br/> +Now she is gone, how will your fights succeed?<br/> +Now better arms and better hearts you need.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVIII<br/> +While thus he spoke, he gave a cruel stroke<br/> +Against Algazel’s throat with might and main;<br/> +And as he would have answered him, and spoke,<br/> +He stopped his words, and cut his jaws in twain;<br/> +Upon his eyes death spread his misty cloak,<br/> +A chilling frost congealed every vein,<br/> +He fell, and with his teeth the earth he tore,<br/> +Raging in death, and full of rage before. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIX<br/> +Then by his puissance mighty Saladine,<br/> +Proud Agricalt and Muleasses died,<br/> +And at one wondrous blow his weapon fine,<br/> +Did Adiazel in two parts divide,<br/> +Then through the breast he wounded Ariadine,<br/> +Whom dying with sharp taunts he gan deride,<br/> +He lifting up uneath his feeble eyes,<br/> +To his proud scorns thus answereth, ere he dies: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXX<br/> +“Not thou, whoe’er thou art, shall glory long<br/> +Thy happy conquest in my death, I trow,<br/> +Like chance awaits thee from a hand more strong,<br/> +Which by my side will shortly lay thee low:”<br/> +He smiled, and said, “Of mine hour short or long<br/> +Let heaven take care; but here meanwhile die thou,<br/> +Pasture for wolves and crows,” on him his foot<br/> +He set, and drew his sword and life both out. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXI<br/> +Among this squadron rode a gentle page,<br/> +The Soldan’s minion, darling, and delight,<br/> +On whose fair chin the spring-time of his age<br/> +Yet blossomed out her flowers, small or light;<br/> +The sweat spread on his cheeks with heat and rage<br/> +Seemed pearls or morning dews on lilies white,<br/> +The dust therein uprolled adorned his hair,<br/> +His face seemed fierce and sweet, wrathful and fair. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXII<br/> +His steed was white, and white as purest snow<br/> +That falls on tops of aged Apennine,<br/> +Lightning and storm are not so swift I trow<br/> +As he, to run, to stop, to turn and twine;<br/> +A dart his right hand shaked, prest to throw;<br/> +His cutlass by his thigh, short, hooked, fine,<br/> +And braving in his Turkish pomp he shone,<br/> +In purple robe, o’erfret with gold and stone. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIII<br/> +The hardy boy, while thirst of warlike praise<br/> +Bewitched so his unadvised thought,<br/> +Gainst every band his childish strength assays,<br/> +And little danger found, though much he sought,<br/> +Till Argillan, that watched fit time always<br/> +In his swift turns to strike him as he fought,<br/> +Did unawares his snow-white courser slay,<br/> +And under him his master tumbling lay: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIV<br/> +And gainst his face, where love and pity stand,<br/> +To pray him that rich throne of beauty spare,<br/> +The cruel man stretched forth his murdering hand,<br/> +To spoil those gifts, whereof he had no share:<br/> +It seemed remorse and sense was in his brand<br/> +Which, lighting flat, to hurt the lad forbare;<br/> +But all for naught, gainst him the point he bent<br/> +That, what the edge had spared, pierced and rent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXV<br/> +Fierce Solyman that with Godfredo strived<br/> +Who first should enter conquest’s glorious gate,<br/> +Left off the fray and thither headlong drived,<br/> +When first he saw the lad in such estate;<br/> +He brake the press, and soon enough arrived<br/> +To take revenge, but to his aid too late,<br/> +Because he saw his Lesbine slain and lost,<br/> +Like a sweet flower nipped with untimely frost. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVI<br/> +He saw wax dim the starlight of his eyes,<br/> +His ivory neck upon his shoulders fell,<br/> +In his pale looks kind pity’s image lies,<br/> +That death even mourned, to hear his passing bell.<br/> +His marble heart such soft impression tries,<br/> +That midst his wrath his manly tears outwell,<br/> +Thou weepest, Solyman, thou that beheld<br/> +Thy kingdoms lost, and not one tear could yield. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVII<br/> +But when the murderer’s sword he hapt to view<br/> +Dropping with blood of his Lesbino dead,<br/> +His pity vanished, ire and rage renew,<br/> +He had no leisure bootless tears to shed;<br/> +But with his blade on Argillano flew,<br/> +And cleft his shield, his helmet, and his head,<br/> +Down to his throat; and worthy was that blow<br/> +Of Solyman, his strength and wrath to show: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVIII<br/> +And not content with this, down from his horse<br/> +He lights, and that dead carcass rent and tore,<br/> +Like a fierce dog that takes his angry course<br/> +To bite the stone which had him hit before.<br/> +Oh comfort vain for grief of so great force,<br/> +To wound the senseless earth that feels no sore!<br/> +But mighty Godfrey ’gainst the Soldan’s train<br/> +Spent not, this while, his force and blows in vain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIX<br/> +A thousand hardy Turks affront he had<br/> +In sturdy iron armed from head to foot,<br/> +Resolved in all adventures good or bad,<br/> +In actions wise, in execution stout,<br/> +Whom Solyman into Arabia lad,<br/> +When from his kingdom he was first cast out,<br/> +Where living wild with their exiled guide<br/> +To him in all extremes they faithful bide; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XC<br/> +All these in thickest order sure unite,<br/> +For Godfrey’s valor small or nothing shrank,<br/> +Corcutes first he on the face did smite,<br/> +Then wounded strong Rosteno in the flank,<br/> +At one blow Selim’s head he stroke off quite,<br/> +Then both Rossano’s arms, in every rank<br/> +The boldest knights, of all that chosen crew,<br/> +He felled, maimed, wounded, hurt and slew. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCI<br/> +While thus he killed many a Saracine<br/> +And all their fierce assaults unhurt sustained,<br/> +Ere fortune wholly from the Turks decline,<br/> +While still they hoped much, though small they gained,<br/> +Behold a cloud of dust, wherein doth shine<br/> +Lightning of war in midst thereof contained,<br/> +Whence unawares burst forth a storm of swords,<br/> +Which tremble made the Pagan knights and lords. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCII<br/> +These fifty champions were, mongst whom there stands,<br/> +In silver field, the ensign of Christ’s death,<br/> +If I had mouths and tongues as Briareus hands,<br/> +If voice as iron tough, if iron breath,<br/> +What harm this troop wrought to the heathen bands,<br/> +What knights they slew, I could recount uneath<br/> +In vain the Turks resist, the Arabians fly;<br/> +If they fly, they are slain; if fight, they die. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCIII<br/> +Fear, cruelty, grief, horror, sorrow, pain,<br/> +Run through the field, disguised in divers shapes,<br/> +Death might you see triumphant on the plain,<br/> +Drowning in blood him that from blows escapes.<br/> +The king meanwhile with parcel of his train<br/> +Comes hastily out, and for sure conquest gapes,<br/> +And from a bank whereon he stood, beheld<br/> +The doubtful hazard of that bloody field. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCIV<br/> +But when he saw the Pagans shrink away,<br/> +He sounded the retreat, and gan desire<br/> +His messengers in his behalf to pray<br/> +Argantes and Clorinda to retire;<br/> +The furious couple both at once said nay,<br/> +Even drunk with shedding blood, and mad with ire,<br/> +At last they went, and to recomfort thought<br/> +And stay their troops from flight, but all for nought. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCV<br/> +For who can govern cowardice or fear?<br/> +Their host already was begun to fly,<br/> +They cast their shields and cutting swords arrear,<br/> +As not defended but made slow thereby,<br/> +A hollow dale the city’s bulwarks near<br/> +From west to south outstretched long doth lie,<br/> +Thither they fled, and in a mist of dust,<br/> +Toward the walls they run, they throng, they thrust. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCVI<br/> +While down the bank disordered thus they ran,<br/> +The Christian knights huge slaughter on them made;<br/> +But when to climb the other hill they gan,<br/> +Old Aladine came fiercely to their aid:<br/> +On that steep brae Lord Guelpho would not than<br/> +Hazard his folk, but there his soldiers stayed,<br/> +And safe within the city’s walls the king.<br/> +The relics small of that sharp fight did bring: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCVII<br/> +Meanwhile the Soldan in this latest charge<br/> +Had done as much as human force was able,<br/> +All sweat and blood appeared his members large,<br/> +His breath was short, his courage waxed unstable,<br/> +His arm grew weak to bear his mighty targe,<br/> +His hand to rule his heavy sword unable,<br/> +Which bruised, not cut, so blunted was the blade<br/> +It lost the use for which a sword was made. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCVIII<br/> +Feeling his weakness, he gan musing stand,<br/> +And in his troubled thought this question tossed,<br/> +If he himself should murder with his hand,<br/> +Because none else should of his conquest boast,<br/> +Or he should save his life, when on the land<br/> +Lay slain the pride of his subdued host,<br/> +“At last to fortune’s power,” quoth he, “I yield,<br/> +And on my flight let her her trophies build. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCIX<br/> +“Let Godfrey view my flight, and smile to see<br/> +This mine unworthy second banishment,<br/> +For armed again soon shall he hear of me,<br/> +From his proud head the unsettled crown to rent,<br/> +For, as my wrongs, my wrath etern shall be,<br/> +At every hour the bow of war new bent,<br/> +I will rise again, a foe, fierce, bold,<br/> +Though dead, though slain, though burnt to ashes cold.” +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="book10"></a>TENTH BOOK</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +THE ARGUMENT.<br/> +Ismen from sleep awakes the Soldan great,<br/> +And into Sion brings the Prince by night<br/> +Where the sad king sits fearful on his seat,<br/> +Whom he emboldeneth and excites to fight;<br/> +Godfredo hears his lords and knights repeat<br/> +How they escaped Armida’s wrath and spite:<br/> +Rinaldo known to live, Peter foresays<br/> +His Offspring’s virtue, good deserts, and praise. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I<br/> +A gallant steed, while thus the Soldan said,<br/> +Came trotting by him, without lord or guide,<br/> +Quickly his hand upon the reins he laid,<br/> +And weak and weary climbed up to ride;<br/> +The snake that on his crest hot fire out-braid<br/> +Was quite cut off, his helm had lost the pride,<br/> +His coat was rent, his harness hacked and cleft,<br/> +And of his kingly pomp no sign was left. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +II<br/> +As when a savage wolf chased from the fold,<br/> +To hide his head runs to some holt or wood,<br/> +Who, though he filled have while it might hold<br/> +His greedy paunch, yet hungreth after food,<br/> +With sanguine tongue forth of his lips out-rolled<br/> +About his jaws that licks up foam and blood;<br/> +So from this bloody fray the Soldan hied,<br/> +His rage unquenched, his wrath unsatisfied. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +III<br/> +And, as his fortune would, he scaped free<br/> +From thousand arrows which about him flew,<br/> +From swords and lances, instruments that be<br/> +Of certain death, himself he safe withdrew,<br/> +Unknown, unseen, disguised, travelled he,<br/> +By desert paths and ways but used by few,<br/> +And rode revolving in his troubled thought<br/> +What course to take, and yet resolved on naught. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IV<br/> +Thither at last he meant to take his way,<br/> +Where Egypt’s king assembled all his host,<br/> +To join with him, and once again assay<br/> +To win by fight, by which so oft he lost:<br/> +Determined thus, he made no longer stay,<br/> +But thitherward spurred forth his steed in post,<br/> +Nor need he guide, the way right well he could,<br/> +That leads to sandy plains of Gaza old. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +V<br/> +Nor though his smarting wounds torment him oft,<br/> +His body weak and wounded back and side,<br/> +Yet rested he, nor once his armor doffed,<br/> +But all day long o’er hills and dales doth ride:<br/> +But when the night cast up her shade aloft<br/> +And all earth’s colors strange in sables dyed,<br/> +He light, and as he could his wounds upbound,<br/> +And shook ripe dates down from a palm he found. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VI<br/> +On them he supped, and amid the field<br/> +To rest his weary limbs awhile he sought,<br/> +He made his pillow of his broken shield<br/> +To ease the griefs of his distempered thought,<br/> +But little ease could so hard lodging yield,<br/> +His wounds so smarted that he slept right naught,<br/> +And, in his breast, his proud heart rent in twain,<br/> +Two inward vultures, Sorrow and Disdain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VII<br/> +At length when midnight with her silence deep<br/> +Did heaven and earth hushed, still, and quiet make,<br/> +Sore watched and weary, he began to steep<br/> +His cares and sorrows in oblivion’s lake,<br/> +And in a little, short, unquiet sleep<br/> +Some small repose his fainting spirits take;<br/> +But, while he slept, a voice grave and severe<br/> +At unawares thus thundered in his ear: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VIII<br/> +“O Solyman! thou far-renowned king,<br/> +Till better season serve, forbear thy rest;<br/> +A stranger doth thy lands in thraldom bring,<br/> +Nice is a slave, by Christian yoke oppressed;<br/> +Sleepest thou here, forgetful of this thing,<br/> +That here thy friends lie slain, not laid in chest,<br/> +Whose bones bear witness of thy shame and scorn!<br/> +And wilt thou idly here attend the morn?” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IX<br/> +The king awoke, and saw before his eyes<br/> +A man whose presence seemed grave and old,<br/> +A writhen staff his steps unstable guies,<br/> +Which served his feeble members to uphold.<br/> +“And what art thou?” the prince in scorn replies,<br/> +“What sprite to vex poor passengers so bold,<br/> +To break their sleep? or what to thee belongs<br/> +My shame, my loss, my vengeance or my wrongs.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +X<br/> +“I am the man of thine intent,” quoth he,<br/> +“And purpose new that sure conjecture hath,<br/> +And better than thou weenest know I thee:<br/> +I proffer thee my service and my faith.<br/> +My speeches therefore sharp and biting be,<br/> +Because quick words the whetstones are of wrath,—<br/> +Accept in gree, my lord, the words I spoke,<br/> +As spurs thine ire and courage to provoke. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XI<br/> +“But now to visit Egypt’s mighty king,<br/> +Unless my judgment fall, you are prepared,<br/> +I prophesy, about a needless thing<br/> +You suffer shall a voyage long and hard:<br/> +For though you stay, the monarch great will bring<br/> +His new assembled host to Juda-ward,<br/> +No place of service there, no cause of fight,<br/> +Nor gainst our foes to use your force and might. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XII<br/> +“But if you follow me, within this wall<br/> +With Christian arms hemmed in on every side,<br/> +Withouten battle, fight, or stroke at all,<br/> +Even at noonday, I will you safely guide,<br/> +Where you delight, rejoice, and glory shall<br/> +In perils great to see your prowess tried.<br/> +That noble town you may preserve and shield,<br/> +Till Egypt’s host come to renew the field.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIII<br/> +While thus he parleyed, of this aged guest<br/> +The Turk the words and looks did both admire,<br/> +And from his haughty eyes and furious breast<br/> +He laid apart his pride, his rage and ire,<br/> +And humbly said, “I willing am and prest<br/> +To follow where thou leadest, reverend sire,<br/> +And that advice best fits my angry vein<br/> +That tells of greatest peril, greatest pain.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIV<br/> +The old man praised his words, and for the air<br/> +His late received wounds to worse disposes,<br/> +A quintessence therein he poured fair,<br/> +That stops the bleeding, and incision closes:<br/> +Beholding then before Apollo’s chair<br/> +How fresh Aurora violets strewed and roses,<br/> +“It’s time,” he says, “to wend, for Titan bright<br/> +To wonted labor summons every wight.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XV<br/> +And to a chariot, that beside did stand,<br/> +Ascended he, and with him Solyman,<br/> +He took the reins, and with a mastering hand<br/> +Ruled his steeds, and whipped them now and than,<br/> +The wheels or horses’ feet upon the land<br/> +Had left no sign nor token where they ran,<br/> +The coursers pant and smoke with lukewarm sweat<br/> +And, foaming cream, their iron mouthfuls eat. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVI<br/> +The air about them round, a wondrous thing,<br/> +Itself on heaps in solid thickness drew,<br/> +The chariot hiding and environing,<br/> +The subtle mist no mortal eye could view;<br/> +And yet no stone from engine cast or sling<br/> +Could pierce the cloud, it was of proof so true;<br/> +Yet seen it was to them within which ride,<br/> +And heaven and earth without, all clear beside. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVII<br/> +His beetle brows the Turk amazed bent,<br/> +He wrinkled up his front, and wildly stared<br/> +Upon the cloud and chariot as it went,<br/> +For speed to Cynthia’s car right well compared:<br/> +The other seeing his astonishment<br/> +How he bewondered was, and how he fared,<br/> +All suddenly by name the prince gan call,<br/> +By which awaked thus he spoke withal: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVIII<br/> +“Whoe’er thou art above all worldly wit<br/> +That hast these high and wondrous marvels brought,<br/> +And know’st the deep intents which hidden sit<br/> +In secret closet of man’s private thought,<br/> +If in thy skilful heart this lot be writ,<br/> +To tell the event of things to end unbrought;<br/> +Then say, what issue and what ends the stars<br/> +Allot to Asia’s troubles, broils and wars. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIX<br/> +“But tell me first thy name, and by what art<br/> +Thou dost these wonders strange, above our skill;<br/> +For full of marvel is my troubled heart,<br/> +Tell then and leave me not amazed still.”<br/> +The wizard smiled and answered, “In some part<br/> +Easy it is to satisfy thy will,<br/> +Ismen I hight, called an enchanter great,<br/> +Such skill have I in magic’s secret feat; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XX<br/> +“But that I should the sure events unfold<br/> +Of things to come, or destinies foretell,<br/> +Too rash is your desire, your wish too bold,<br/> +To mortal heart such knowledge never fell;<br/> +Our wit and strength on us bestowed I hold,<br/> +To shun the evils and harms, mongst which we dwell,<br/> +They make their fortune who are stout and wise,<br/> +Wit rules the heavens, discretion guides the skies. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXI<br/> +“That puissant arm of thine that well can rend<br/> +From Godfrey’s brow the new usurped crown,<br/> +And not alone protect, save and defend<br/> +From his fierce people, this besieged town,<br/> +Gainst fire and sword with strength and courage bend,<br/> +Adventure, suffer, trust, tread perils down,<br/> +And to content, and to encourage thee,<br/> +Know this, which as I in a cloud foresee: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXII<br/> +“I guess, before the over-gliding sun<br/> +Shall many years mete out by weeks and days,<br/> +A prince that shall in fertile Egypt won,<br/> +Shall fill all Asia with his prosperous frays,<br/> +I speak not of his acts in quiet done,<br/> +His policy, his rule, his wisdom’s praise,<br/> +Let this suffice, by him these Christians shall<br/> +In fight subdued fly, and conquered fall. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIII<br/> +“And their great empire and usurped state<br/> +Shall overthrown in dust and ashes lie,<br/> +Their woful remnant in an angle strait<br/> +Compassed with sea themselves shall fortify,<br/> +From thee shall spring this lord of war and fate.”<br/> +Whereto great Solyman gan thus reply:<br/> +“O happy man to so great praise ybore!”<br/> +Thus he rejoiced, but yet envied more; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIV<br/> +And said, “Let chance with good or bad aspect<br/> +Upon me look as sacred Heaven’s decree,<br/> +This heart to her I never will subject,<br/> +Nor ever conquered shall she look on me;<br/> +The moon her chariot shall awry direct<br/> +Ere from this course I will diverted be.”<br/> +While thus he spake, it seemed he breathed fire,<br/> +So fierce his courage was, so hot his ire. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXV<br/> +Thus talked they, till they arrived been<br/> +Nigh to the place where Godfrey’s tents were reared,<br/> +There was a woful spectacle yseen,<br/> +Death in a thousand ugly forms appeared,<br/> +The Soldan changed hue for grief and teen,<br/> +On that sad book his shame and loss he lead,<br/> +Ah, with what grief his men, his friends he found;<br/> +And standards proud, inglorious lie on ground! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVI<br/> +And saw one visage of some well-known friend.<br/> +In foul despite, a rascal Frenchman tread,<br/> +And there another ragged peasant rend<br/> +The arms and garments from some champion dead,<br/> +And there with stately pomp by heaps they wend,<br/> +And Christians slain roll up in webs of lead;<br/> +Lastly the Turks and slain Arabians, brought<br/> +On heaps, he saw them burn with fire to naught. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVII<br/> +Deeply he sighed, and with naked sword<br/> +Out of the coach he leaped in the mire,<br/> +But Ismen called again the angry lord,<br/> +And with grave words appeased his foolish ire.<br/> +The prince content remounted at his sword,<br/> +Toward a hill on drove the aged sire,<br/> +And hasting forward up the bank they pass,<br/> +Till far behind the Christian leaguer was. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVIII<br/> +There they alight and took their way on foot,<br/> +The empty chariot vanished out of sight,<br/> +Yet still the cloud environed them about.<br/> +At their left hand down went they from the height<br/> +Of Sion’s Hill, till they approached the route<br/> +On that side where to west he looketh right,<br/> +There Ismen stayed, and his eyesight bent<br/> +Upon the bushy rocks, and thither went. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIX<br/> +A hollow cave was in the craggy stone,<br/> +Wrought out by hand a number years tofore,<br/> +And for of long that way had walked none,<br/> +The vault was hid with plants and bushes hoar,<br/> +The wizard stooping in thereat to gone,<br/> +The thorns aside and scratching brambles bore,<br/> +His right hand sought the passage through the cleft,<br/> +And for his guide he gave the prince his left: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXX<br/> +“What,” quoth the Soldan, “by what privy mine,<br/> +What hidden vault behoves it me to creep?<br/> +This sword can find a better way than thine,<br/> +Although our foes the passage guard and keep.”<br/> +“Let not,” quoth he, “thy princely foot repine<br/> +To tread this secret path, though dark and deep;<br/> +For great King Herod used to tread the same,<br/> +He that in arms had whilom so great fame. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXI<br/> +“This passage made he, when he would suppress<br/> +His subjects’ pride, and them in bondage hold;<br/> +By this he could from that small forteress<br/> +Antonia called, of Antony the bold,<br/> +Convey his folk unseen of more and less<br/> +Even to the middest of the temple old,<br/> +Thence, hither; where these privy ways begin,<br/> +And bring unseen whole armies out and in. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXII<br/> +“But now saye I in all this world lives none<br/> +That knows the secret of this darksome place,<br/> +Come then where Aladine sits on his throne,<br/> +With lords and princes set about his grace;<br/> +He feareth more than fitteth such an one,<br/> +Such signs of doubt show in his cheer and face;<br/> +Fitly you come, hear, see, and keep you still,<br/> +Till time and season serve, then speak your fill.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIII<br/> +This said, that narrow entrance passed the knight,<br/> +So creeps a camel through a needle’s eye,<br/> +And through the ways as black as darkest night<br/> +He followed him that did him rule and guie;<br/> +Strait was the way at first, withouten light,<br/> +But further in, did further amplify;<br/> +So that upright walked at ease the men<br/> +Ere they had passed half that secret den, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIV<br/> +A privy door Ismen unlocked at last,<br/> +And up they clomb a little-used stair,<br/> +Thereat the day a feeble beam in cast,<br/> +Dim was the light, and nothing clear the air;<br/> +Out of the hollow cave at length they passed<br/> +Into a goodly hall, high, broad and fair,<br/> +Where crowned with gold, and all in purple clad<br/> +Sate the sad king, among his nobles sad. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXV<br/> +The Turk, close in his hollow cloud imbarred,<br/> +Unseen, at will did all the prease behold,<br/> +These heavy speeches of the king he heard,<br/> +Who thus from lofty siege his pleasure told;<br/> +“My lords, last day our state was much impaired,<br/> +Our friends were slain, killed were our soldiers bold,<br/> +Great helps and greater hopes are us bereft,<br/> +Nor aught but aid from Egypt land is left: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVI<br/> +“And well you see far distant is that aid,<br/> +Upon our heels our danger treadeth still,<br/> +For your advice was this assembly made,<br/> +Each what he thinketh speak, and what he will.”<br/> +A whisper soft arose when this was said,<br/> +As gentle winds the groves with murmur fill,<br/> +But with bold face, high looks and merry cheer,<br/> +Argantes rose, the rest their talk forbear. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVII<br/> +“O worthy sovereign,” thus began to say<br/> +The hardy young man to the tyrant wise,<br/> +“What words be these? what fears do you dismay?<br/> +Who knows not this, you need not our advice!<br/> +But on your hand your hope of conquest lay,<br/> +And, for no loss true virtue damnifies,<br/> +Make her our shield, pray her us succors give,<br/> +And without her let us not wish to live. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVIII<br/> +“Nor say I this for that I aught misdeem<br/> +That Egypt’s promised succors fail us might,<br/> +Doubtful of my great master’s words to seem<br/> +To me were neither lawful, just, nor right!<br/> +I speak these words, for spurs I them esteem<br/> +To waken up each dull and fearful sprite,<br/> +And make our hearts resolved to all assays,<br/> +To win with honor, or to die with praise.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIX<br/> +Thus much Argantes said, and said no more,<br/> +As if the case were clear of which he spoke.<br/> +Orcano rose, of princely stem ybore,<br/> +Whose presence ’mongst them bore a mighty stroke,<br/> +A man esteemed well in arms of yore,<br/> +But now was coupled new in marriage yoke;<br/> +Young babes he had, to fight which made him loth,<br/> +He was a husband and a father both. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XL<br/> +“My lord,” quoth he, “I will not reprehend<br/> +The earnest zeal of this audacious speech,<br/> +From courage sprung, which seld is close ypend<br/> +In swelling stomach without violent breach:<br/> +And though to you our good Circassian friend<br/> +In terms too bold and fervent oft doth preach,<br/> +Yet hold I that for good, in warlike feat<br/> +For his great deeds respond his speeches great. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLI<br/> +“But if it you beseem, whom graver age<br/> +And long experience hath made wise and sly,<br/> +To rule the heat of youth and hardy rage,<br/> +Which somewhat have misled this knight awry,<br/> +In equal balance ponder then and gauge<br/> +Your hopes far distant, with your perils nigh;<br/> +This town’s old walls and rampires new compare<br/> +With Godfrey’s forces and his engines rare. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLII<br/> +“But, if I may say what I think unblamed,<br/> +This town is strong, by nature, site and art,<br/> +But engines huge and instruments are framed<br/> +Gainst these defences by our adverse part,<br/> +Who thinks him most secure is eathest shamed;<br/> +I hope the best, yet fear unconstant mart,<br/> +And with this siege if we be long up pent,<br/> +Famine I doubt, our store will all be spent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIII<br/> +“For all that store of cattle and of grain<br/> +Which yesterday within these walls you brought,<br/> +While your proud foes triumphant through the plain<br/> +On naught but shedding blood, and conquest thought,<br/> +Too little is this city to sustain,<br/> +To raise the siege unless some means be sought;<br/> +And it must last till the prefixed hour<br/> +That it be raised by Egypt’s aid and power. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIV<br/> +“But what if that appointed day they miss?<br/> +Or else, ere we expect, what if they came?<br/> +The victory yet is not ours for this,<br/> +Oh save this town from ruin, us from shame!<br/> +With that same Godfrey still our warfare is,<br/> +These armies, soldiers, captains are the same<br/> +Who have so oft amid the dusty plain<br/> +Turks, Persians, Syrians and Arabians slain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLV<br/> +“And thou Argantes wotest what they be;<br/> +Oft hast thou fled from that victorious host,<br/> +Thy shoulders often hast thou let them see,<br/> +And in thy feet hath been thy safeguard most;<br/> +Clorinda bright and I fled eke with thee,<br/> +None than his fellows had more cause to boast,<br/> +Nor blame I any; for in every fight<br/> +We showed courage, valor, strength and might. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVI<br/> +“And though this hardy knight the certain threat<br/> +Of near-approaching death to hear disdain;<br/> +Yet to this state of loss and danger great,<br/> +From this strong foe I see the tokens plain;<br/> +No fort how strong soe’er by art or seat,<br/> +Can hinder Godfrey why he should not reign:<br/> +This makes me say,—to witness heaven I bring,<br/> +Zeal to this state, love to my lord and king— +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVII<br/> +“The king of Tripoli was well advised<br/> +To purchase peace, and so preserve his crown:<br/> +But Solyman, who Godfrey’s love despised,<br/> +Is either dead or deep in prison thrown;<br/> +Else fearful is he run away disguised,<br/> +And scant his life is left him for his own,<br/> +And yet with gifts, with tribute, and with gold,<br/> +He might in peace his empire still have hold.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVIII<br/> +Thus spake Orcanes, and some inkling gave<br/> +In doubtful words of that he would have said;<br/> +To sue for peace or yield himself a slave<br/> +He durst not openly his king persuade:<br/> +But at those words the Soldan gan to rave,<br/> +And gainst his will wrapt in the cloud he stayed,<br/> +Whom Ismen thus bespake, “How can you bear<br/> +These words, my lord? or these reproaches hear?” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIX<br/> +“Oh, let me speak,” quoth he, “with ire and scorn<br/> +I burn, and gains, my will thus hid I stay!”<br/> +This said, the smoky cloud was cleft and torn,<br/> +Which like a veil upon them stretched lay,<br/> +And up to open heaven forthwith was borne,<br/> +And left the prince in view of lightsome day,<br/> +With princely look amid the press he shined,<br/> +And on a sudden, thus declared his mind. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +L<br/> +“Of whom you speak behold the Soldan here,<br/> +Neither afraid nor run away for dread,<br/> +And that these slanders, lies and fables were,<br/> +This hand shall prove upon that coward’s head,<br/> +I, who have shed a sea of blood well near,<br/> +And heaped up mountains high of Christians dead,<br/> +I in their camp who still maintained the fray,<br/> +My men all murdered, I that run away. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LI<br/> +“If this, or any coward vile beside,<br/> +False to his faith and country, dares reply;<br/> +And speak of concord with yon men of pride,<br/> +By your good leave, Sir King, here shall he die,<br/> +The lambs and wolves shall in one fold abide,<br/> +The doves and serpents in one nest shall lie,<br/> +Before one town us and these Christians shall<br/> +In peace and love unite within one wall.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LII<br/> +While thus he spoke, his broad and trenchant sword<br/> +His hand held high aloft in threatening guise;<br/> +Dumb stood the knights, so dreadful was his word;<br/> +A storm was in his front, fire in his eyes,<br/> +He turned at last to Sion’s aged lord,<br/> +And calmed his visage stern in humbler wise:<br/> +“Behold,” quoth he, “good prince, what aid I bring,<br/> +Since Solyman is joined with Juda’s king.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIII<br/> +King Aladine from his rich throne upstart<br/> +And said, “Oh how I joy thy face to view,<br/> +My noble friend! it lesseneth in some part<br/> +My grief, for slaughter of my subjects true;<br/> +My weak estate to stablish come thou art,<br/> +And mayest thine own again in time renew,<br/> +If Heavens consent:” with that the Soldan bold<br/> +In dear embracements did he long enfold. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIV<br/> +Their greetings done, the king resigned his throne<br/> +To Solyman, and set himself beside,<br/> +In a rich seat adorned with gold and stone,<br/> +And Ismen sage did at his elbow bide,<br/> +Of whom he asked what way they two had gone,<br/> +And he declared all what had them betide:<br/> +Clorinda bright to Solyman addressed<br/> +Her salutations first, then all the rest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LV<br/> +Among them rose Ormusses’ valiant knight,<br/> +Whom late the Soldan with a convoy sent,<br/> +And when most hot and bloody was the fight,<br/> +By secret paths and blind byways he went,<br/> +Till aided by the silence and the night<br/> +Safe in the city’s walls himself he pent,<br/> +And there refreshed with corn and cattle store<br/> +The pined soldiers famished nigh before. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVI<br/> +With surly countenance and disdainful grace,<br/> +Sullen and sad, sat the Circassian stout,<br/> +Like a fierce lion grumbling in his place,<br/> +His fiery eyes that turns and rolls about;<br/> +Nor durst Orcanes view the Soldan’s face,<br/> +But still upon the floor did pore and tout:<br/> +Thus with his lords and peers in counselling,<br/> +The Turkish monarch sat with Juda’s king. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVII<br/> +Godfrey this while gave victory the rein,<br/> +And following her the straits he opened all;<br/> +Then for his soldiers and his captains slain,<br/> +He celebrates a stately funeral,<br/> +And told his camp within a day or twain<br/> +He would assault the city’s mighty wall,<br/> +And all the heathen there enclosed doth threat,<br/> +With fire and sword, with death and danger great. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVIII<br/> +And for he had that noble squadron known,<br/> +In the last fight which brought him so great aid,<br/> +To be the lords and princes of his own<br/> +Who followed late the sly enticing maid,<br/> +And with them Tancred, who had late been thrown<br/> +In prison deep, by that false witch betrayed,<br/> +Before the hermit and some private friends,<br/> +For all those worthies, lords and knights, he sends; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIX<br/> +And thus he said, “Some one of you declare<br/> +Your fortunes, whether good or to be blamed,<br/> +And to assist us with your valors rare<br/> +In so great need, how was your coming framed?”<br/> +They blush, and on the ground amazed stare,<br/> +For virtue is of little guilt ashamed,<br/> +At last the English prince with countenance bold,<br/> +The silence broke, and thus their errors told: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LX<br/> +“We, not elect to that exploit by lot,<br/> +With secret flight from hence ourselves withdrew,<br/> +Following false Cupid, I deny it not,<br/> +Enticed forth by love and beauty’s hue;<br/> +A jealous fire burnt in our stomachs hot,<br/> +And by close ways we passed least in view,<br/> +Her words, her looks, alas I know too late,<br/> +Nursed our love, our jealousy, our hate. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXI<br/> +“At last we gan approach that woful clime,<br/> +Where fire and brimstone down from Heaven was sent<br/> +To take revenge for sin and shameful crime<br/> +Gainst kind commit, by those who nould repent;<br/> +A loathsome lake of brimstone, pitch and lime,<br/> +O’ergoes that land, erst sweet and redolent,<br/> +And when it moves, thence stench and smoke up flies<br/> +Which dim the welkin and infect the skies. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXII<br/> +“This is the lake in which yet never might<br/> +Aught that hath weight sink to the bottom down,<br/> +But like to cork or leaves or feathers light,<br/> +Stones, iron, men, there fleet and never drown;<br/> +Therein a castle stands, to which by sight<br/> +But o’er a narrow bridge no way is known,<br/> +Hither us brought, here welcomed us the witch,<br/> +The house within was stately, pleasant, rich. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIII<br/> +“The heavens were clear, and wholsome was the air,<br/> +High trees, sweet meadows, waters pure and good;<br/> +For there in thickest shade of myrtles fair<br/> +A crystal spring poured out a silver flood;<br/> +Amid the herbs, the grass and flowers rare,<br/> +The falling leaves down pattered from the wood,<br/> +The birds sung hymns of love; yet speak I naught<br/> +Of gold and marble rich, and richly wrought. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIV<br/> +“Under the curtain of the greenwood shade,<br/> +Beside the brook upon the velvet grass,<br/> +In massy vessel of pure silver made,<br/> +A banquet rich and costly furnished was,<br/> +All beasts, all birds beguiled by fowler’s trade,<br/> +All fish were there in floods or seas that pass,<br/> +All dainties made by art, and at the table<br/> +An hundred virgins served, for husbands able. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXV<br/> +“She with sweet words and false enticing smiles,<br/> +Infused love among the dainties set,<br/> +And with empoisoned cups our souls beguiles,<br/> +And made each knight himself and God forget:<br/> +She rose and turned again within short whiles,<br/> +With changed looks where wrath and anger met,<br/> +A charming rod, a book with her she brings,<br/> +On which she mumbled strange and secret things. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVI<br/> +“She read, and change I felt my will and thought,<br/> +I longed to change my life, and place of biding,<br/> +That virtue strange in me no pleasure wrought,<br/> +I leapt into the flood myself there hiding,<br/> +My legs and feet both into one were brought,<br/> +Mine arms and hands into my shoulders sliding,<br/> +My skin was full of scales, like shields of brass,<br/> +Now made a fish, where late a knight I was. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVII<br/> +“The rest with me like shape, like garments wore,<br/> +And dived with me in that quicksilver stream,<br/> +Such mind, to my remembrance, then I bore,<br/> +As when on vain and foolish things men dream;<br/> +At last our shade it pleased her to restore,<br/> +Then full of wonder and of fear we seem,<br/> +And with an ireful look the angry maid<br/> +Thus threatened us, and made us thus afraid. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVIII<br/> +“‘You see,’ quoth she, ‘my sacred might and skill,<br/> +How you are subject to my rule and power,<br/> +In endless thraldom damned if I will<br/> +I can torment and keep you in this tower,<br/> +Or make you birds, or trees on craggy hill,<br/> +To bide the bitter blasts of storm and shower;<br/> +Or harden you to rocks on mountains old,<br/> +Or melt your flesh and bones to rivers cold: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIX<br/> +“‘Yet may you well avoid mine ire and wrath,<br/> +If to my will your yielding hearts you bend,<br/> +You must forsake your Christendom and faith,<br/> +And gainst Godfredo false my crown defend.’<br/> +We all refused, for speedy death each prayeth,<br/> +Save false Rambaldo, he became her friend,<br/> +We in a dungeon deep were helpless cast,<br/> +In misery and iron chained fast. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXX<br/> +“Then, for alone they say falls no mishap,<br/> +Within short while Prince Tancred thither came,<br/> +And was unwares surprised in the trap:<br/> +But there short while we stayed, the wily dame<br/> +In other folds our mischiefs would upwrap.<br/> +From Hidraort an hundred horsemen came,<br/> +Whose guide, a baron bold to Egypt’s king,<br/> +Should us disarmed and bound in fetters bring. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXI<br/> +“Now on our way, the way to death we ride,<br/> +But Providence Divine thus for us wrought,<br/> +Rinaldo, whose high virtue is his guide<br/> +To great exploits, exceeding human thought,<br/> +Met us, and all at once our guard defied,<br/> +And ere he left the fight to earth them brought.<br/> +And in their harness armed us in the place,<br/> +Which late were ours, before our late disgrace. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXII<br/> +“I and all these the hardy champion knew,<br/> +We saw his valor, and his voice we heard;<br/> +Then is the rumor of his death untrue,<br/> +His life is safe, good fortune long it guard,<br/> +Three times the golden sun hath risen new,<br/> +Since us he left and rode to Antioch-ward;<br/> +But first his armors, broken, hacked and cleft,<br/> +Unfit for service, there he doft and left.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIII<br/> +Thus spake the Briton prince, with humble cheer<br/> +The hermit sage to heaven cast up his eyne,<br/> +His color and his countenance changed were,<br/> +With heavenly grace his looks and visage shine,<br/> +Ravished with zeal his soul approached near<br/> +The seat of angels pure, and saints divine,<br/> +And there he learned of things and haps to come,<br/> +To give foreknowledge true, and certain doom. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIV<br/> +At last he spoke, in more than human sound,<br/> +And told what things his wisdom great foresaw,<br/> +And at his thundering voice the folk around<br/> +Attentive stood, with trembling and with awe:<br/> +“Rinaldo lives,” he said, “the tokens found<br/> +From women’s craft their false beginnings draw,<br/> +He lives, and heaven will long preserve his days,<br/> +To greater glory, and to greater praise. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXV<br/> +“These are but trifles yet, though Asia’s kings<br/> +Shrink at his name, and tremble at his view,<br/> +I well foresee he shall do greater things,<br/> +And wicked emperors conquer and subdue;<br/> +Under the shadow of his eagle’s wings<br/> +Shall holy Church preserve her sacred crew,<br/> +From Caesar’s bird he shall the sable train<br/> +Pluck off, and break her talons sharp in twain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVI<br/> +“His children’s children at his hardiness<br/> +And great attempts shall take example fair,<br/> +From emperors unjust in all distress<br/> +They shall defend the state of Peter’s chair,<br/> +To raise the humble up, pride to suppress,<br/> +To help the innocents shall be their care.<br/> +This bird of east shall fly with conquest great,<br/> +As far as moon gives light or sun gives heat; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVII<br/> +“Her eyes behold the truth and purest light,<br/> +And thunders down in Peter’s aid she brings,<br/> +And where for Christ and Christian faith men fight,<br/> +There forth she spreadeth her victorious wings,<br/> +This virtue nature gives her and this might;<br/> +Then lure her home, for on her presence hings<br/> +The happy end of this great enterprise,<br/> +So Heaven decrees, and so command the skies.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVIII<br/> +These words of his of Prince Rinaldo’s death<br/> +Out of their troubled hearts, the fear had rased;<br/> +In all this joy yet Godfrey smiled uneath.<br/> +In his wise thought such care and heed was placed.<br/> +But now from deeps of regions underneath<br/> +Night’s veil arose, and sun’s bright lustre chased,<br/> +When all full sweetly in their cabins slept,<br/> +Save he, whose thoughts his eyes still open kept. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="book11"></a>ELEVENTH BOOK</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +THE ARGUMENT.<br/> +With grave procession, songs and psalms devout<br/> +Heaven’s sacred aid the Christian lords invoke;<br/> +That done, they scale the wall which kept them out:<br/> +The fort is almost won, the gates nigh broke:<br/> +Godfrey is wounded by Clorinda stout,<br/> +And lost is that day’s conquest by the stroke;<br/> +The angel cures him, he returns to fight,<br/> +But lost his labor, for day lost his light. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I<br/> +The Christian army’s great and puissant guide,<br/> +To assault the town that all his thoughts had bent,<br/> +Did ladders, rams, and engines huge provide,<br/> +When reverend Peter to him gravely went,<br/> +And drawing him with sober grace aside,<br/> +With words severe thus told his high intent;<br/> +“Right well, my lord, these earthly strengths you move,<br/> +But let us first begin from Heaven above: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +II<br/> +“With public prayer, zeal and faith devout,<br/> +The aid, assistance, and the help obtain<br/> +Of all the blessed of the heavenly rout,<br/> +With whose support you conquest sure may gain;<br/> +First let the priests before thine armies stout<br/> +With sacred hymns their holy voices strain.<br/> +And thou and all thy lords and peers with thee,<br/> +Of godliness and faith examples be.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +III<br/> +Thus spake the hermit grave in words severe:<br/> +Godfrey allowed his counsel, sage, and wise,<br/> +“Of Christ the Lord,” quoth he, “thou servant dear,<br/> +I yield to follow thy divine advice,<br/> +And while the princes I assemble here,<br/> +The great procession, songs and sacrifice,<br/> +With Bishop William, thou and Ademare,<br/> +With sacred and with solemn pomp prepare.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IV<br/> +Next morn the bishops twain, the heremite,<br/> +And all the clerks and priests of less estate,<br/> +Did in the middest of the camp unite<br/> +Within a place for prayer consecrate,<br/> +Each priest adorned was in a surplice white,<br/> +The bishops donned their albes and copes of state,<br/> +Above their rochets buttoned fair before,<br/> +And mitres on their heads like crowns they wore. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +V<br/> +Peter alone, before, spread to the wind<br/> +The glorious sign of our salvation great,<br/> +With easy pace the choir come all behind,<br/> +And hymns and psalms in order true repeat,<br/> +With sweet respondence in harmonious kind<br/> +Their humble song the yielding air doth beat,<br/> +“Lastly, together went the reverend pair<br/> +Of prelates sage, William and Ademare, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VI<br/> +The mighty duke came next, as princes do,<br/> +Without companion, marching all alone,<br/> +The lords and captains then came two and two,<br/> +With easy pace thus ordered, passing through<br/> +The trench and rampire, to the fields they gone,<br/> +No thundering drum, no trumpet shrill they hear,<br/> +Their godly music psalms and prayers were. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VII<br/> +To thee, O Father, Son, and sacred Sprite,<br/> +One true, eternal, everlasting King;<br/> +To Christ’s dear mother, Mary, vlrgin bright,<br/> +Psalms of thanksgiving and of praise they sing;<br/> +To them that angels down from heaven to fight<br/> +Gainst the blasphemous beast and dragon bring;<br/> +To him also that of our Saviour good,<br/> +Washed the sacred font in Jordan’s flood. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VIII<br/> +Him likewise they invoke, called the Rock<br/> +Whereon the Lord, they say, his Church did rear,<br/> +Whose true successors close or else unlock<br/> +The blessed gates of grace and mercy dear;<br/> +And all the elected twelve the chosen flock,<br/> +Of his triumphant death who witness bear;<br/> +And them by torment, slaughter, fire and sword<br/> +Who martyrs died to confirm his word; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IX<br/> +And them also whose books and writings tell<br/> +What certain path to heavenly bliss us leads;<br/> +And hermits good, and ancresses that dwell<br/> +Mewed up in walls, and mumble on their beads,<br/> +And virgin nuns in close and private cell,<br/> +Where, but shrift fathers, never mankind treads:<br/> +On these they called, and on all the rout<br/> +Of angels, martyrs, and of saints devout. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +X<br/> +Singing and saying thus, the camp devout<br/> +Spread forth her zealous squadrons broad and wide’;<br/> +Toward mount Olivet went all this route,<br/> +So called of olive trees the hills which hide,<br/> +A mountain known by fame the world throughout,<br/> +Which riseth on the city’s eastern side,<br/> +From it divided by the valley green<br/> +Of Josaphat, that fills the space between. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XI<br/> +Hither the armies went, and chanted shrill,<br/> +That all the deep and hollow dales resound;<br/> +From hollow mounts and caves in every hill,<br/> +A thousand echoes also sung around,<br/> +It seemed some clever, that sung with art and skill,<br/> +Dwelt in those savage dens and shady ground,<br/> +For oft resounds from the banks they hear,<br/> +The name of Christ and of his mother dear. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XII<br/> +Upon the walls the Pagans old and young<br/> +Stood hushed and still, amated and amazed,<br/> +At their grave order and their humble song,<br/> +At their strange pomp and customs new they gazed:<br/> +But when the show they had beholden long,<br/> +An hideous yell the wicked miscreants raised,<br/> +That with vile blasphemies the mountain hoar,<br/> +The woods, the waters, and the valleys roar. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIII<br/> +But yet with sacred notes the hosts proceed,<br/> +Though blasphemies they hear and cursed things;<br/> +So with Apollo’s harp Pan tunes his reed,<br/> +So adders hiss where Philomela sings;<br/> +Nor flying darts nor stones the Christians dreed,<br/> +Nor arrows shot, nor quarries cast from slings;<br/> +But with assured faith, as dreading naught,<br/> +The holy work begun to end they brought. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIV<br/> +A table set they on the mountain’s height<br/> +To minister thereon the sacrament,<br/> +In golden candlesticks a hallowed light<br/> +At either end of virgin wax there brent;<br/> +In costly vestments sacred William dight,<br/> +With fear and trembling to the altar went,<br/> +And prayer there and service loud begins,<br/> +Both for his own and all the army’s sins. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XV<br/> +Humbly they heard his words that stood him nigh,<br/> +The rest far off upon him bent their eyes,<br/> +But when he ended had the service high,<br/> +“You servants of the Lord depart,” he cries:<br/> +His hands he lifted then up to the sky,<br/> +And blessed all those warlike companies;<br/> +And they dismissed returned the way they came,<br/> +Their order as before, their pomp the same. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVI<br/> +Within their camp arrived, this voyage ended,<br/> +Toward his tent the duke himself withdrew,<br/> +Upon their guide by heaps the bands attended,<br/> +Till his pavilion’s stately door they view,<br/> +There to the Lord his welfare they commended,<br/> +And with him left the worthies of the crew,<br/> +Whom at a costly and rich feast he placed,<br/> +And with the highest room old Raymond graced. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVII<br/> +Now when the hungry knights sufficed are<br/> +With meat, with drink, with spices of the best,<br/> +Quoth he, “When next you see the morning star,<br/> +To assault the town be ready all and prest:<br/> +To-morrow is a day of pains and war,<br/> +This of repose, of quiet, peace, and rest;<br/> +Go, take your ease this evening, and this night,<br/> +And make you strong against to-morrow’s fight.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVIII<br/> +They took their leave, and Godfrey’s heralds rode<br/> +To intimate his will on every side,<br/> +And published it through all the lodgings broad,<br/> +That gainst the morn each should himself provide;<br/> +Meanwhile they might their hearts of cares unload,<br/> +And rest their tired limbs that eveningtide;<br/> +Thus fared they till night their eyes did close,<br/> +Night friend to gentle rest and sweet repose. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIX<br/> +With little sign as yet of springing day<br/> +Out peeped, not well appeared the rising morn,<br/> +The plough yet tore not up the fertile lay,<br/> +Nor to their feed the sheep from folds return,<br/> +The birds sate silent on the greenwood spray<br/> +Amid the groves unheard was hound and horn,<br/> +When trumpets shrill, true signs of hardy fights,<br/> +Called up to arms the soldiers, called the knights: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XX<br/> +“Arm, arm at once!” an hundred squadrons cried,<br/> +And with their cry to arm them all begin.<br/> +Godfrey arose, that day he laid aside<br/> +His hauberk strong he wonts to combat in,<br/> +And donned a breastplate fair, of proof untried,<br/> +Such one as footmen use, light, easy, thin.<br/> +Scantly the warlord thus clothed had his gromes,<br/> +When aged Raymond to his presence comes. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXI<br/> +And furnished to us when he the man beheld,<br/> +By his attire his secret thought he guessed,<br/> +“Where is,” quoth he, “your sure and trusty shield?<br/> +Your helm, your hauberk strong? where all the rest?<br/> +Why be you half disarmed? why to the field<br/> +Approach you in these weak defences dressed?<br/> +I see this day you mean a course to run,<br/> +Wherein may peril much, small praise be won. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXII<br/> +“Alas, do you that idle prise expect,<br/> +To set first foot this conquered wall above?<br/> +Of less account some knight thereto object<br/> +Whose loss so great and harmful cannot prove;<br/> +My lord, your life with greater care protect,<br/> +And love yourself because all us you love,<br/> +Your happy life is spirit, soul, and breath<br/> +Of all this camp, preserve it then from death.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIII<br/> +To this he answered thus, “You know,” he said,<br/> +“In Clarimont by mighty Urban’s hand<br/> +When I was girded with this noble blade,<br/> +For Christ’s true faith to fight in every land,<br/> +To God even then a secret vow I made,<br/> +Not as a captain here this day to stand<br/> +And give directions, but with shield and sword<br/> +To fight, to win, or die for Christ my Lord. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIV<br/> +“When all this camp in battle strong shall be<br/> +Ordained and ordered, well disposed all,<br/> +And all things done which to the high degree<br/> +And sacred place I hold belongen shall;<br/> +Then reason is it, nor dissuade thou me,<br/> +That I likewise assault this sacred wall,<br/> +Lest from my vow to God late made I swerve:<br/> +He shall this life defend, keep and preserve.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXV<br/> +Thus he concludes, and every hardy knight<br/> +His sample followed, and his brethren twain,<br/> +The other princes put on harness light,<br/> +As footmen use: but all the Pagan train<br/> +Toward that side bent their defensive might<br/> +Which lies exposed to view of Charles’s wain<br/> +And Zephyrus’ sweet blasts, for on that part<br/> +The town was weakest, both by side and art. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVI<br/> +On all parts else the fort was strong by site,<br/> +With mighty hills defenced from foreign rage,<br/> +And to this part the tyrant gan unite<br/> +His subjects born and bands that serve for wage,<br/> +From this exploit he spared nor great nor lite,<br/> +The aged men, and boys of tender age,<br/> +To fire of angry war still brought new fuel,<br/> +Stones, darts, lime, brimstone and bitumen cruel. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVII<br/> +All full of arms and weapons was the wall,<br/> +Under whose basis that fair plain doth run,<br/> +There stood the Soldan like a giant tall,<br/> +So stood at Rhodes the Coloss of the sun,<br/> +Waist high, Argantes showed himself withal,<br/> +At whose stern looks the French to quake begun,<br/> +Clorinda on the corner tower alone,<br/> +In silver arms like rising Cynthia shone. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVIII<br/> +Her rattling quiver at her shoulders hung,<br/> +Therein a flash of arrows feathered weel.<br/> +In her left hand her bow was bended strong,<br/> +Therein a shaft headed with mortal steel,<br/> +So fit to shoot she singled forth among<br/> +Her foes who first her quarries’ strength should feel,<br/> +So fit to shoot Latona’s daughter stood<br/> +When Niobe she killed and all her brood. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIX<br/> +The aged tyrant tottered on his feet<br/> +From gate to gate, from wall to wall he flew,<br/> +He comforts all his bands with speeches sweet,<br/> +And every fort and bastion doth review,<br/> +For every need prepared in every street<br/> +New regiments he placed and weapons new.<br/> +The matrons grave within their temples high<br/> +To idols false for succors call and cry, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXX<br/> +“O Macon, break in twain the steeled lance<br/> +On wicked Godfrey with thy righteous hands,<br/> +Against thy name he doth his arm advance,<br/> +His rebel blood pour out upon these sands;”<br/> +These cries within his ears no enterance<br/> +Could find, for naught he hears, naught understands.<br/> +While thus the town for her defence ordains,<br/> +His armies Godfrey ordereth on the plains; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXI<br/> +His forces first on foot he forward brought,<br/> +With goodly order, providence and art,<br/> +And gainst these towers which to assail he thought,<br/> +In battles twain his strength he doth depart,<br/> +Between them crossbows stood, and engines wrought<br/> +To cast a stone, a quarry, or a dart,<br/> +From whence like thunder’s dint or lightnings new<br/> +Against the bulwark stones and lances flew. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXII<br/> +His men at arms did back his bands on foot,<br/> +The light horse ride far off and serve for wings,<br/> +He gave the sign, so mighty was the rout<br/> +Of those that shot with bows and cast with slings,<br/> +Such storms of shafts and stones flew all about,<br/> +That many a Pagan proud to death it brings,<br/> +Some died, some at their loops durst scant outpeep,<br/> +Some fled and left the place they took to keep. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIII<br/> +The hardy Frenchmen, full of heat and haste,<br/> +Ran boldly forward to the ditches large,<br/> +And o’er their heads an iron pentice vast<br/> +They built, by joining many a shield and targe,<br/> +Some with their engines ceaseless shot and cast,<br/> +And volleys huge of arrows sharp discharge,<br/> +Upon the ditches some employed their pain<br/> +To fill the moat and even it with the plain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIV<br/> +With slime or mud the ditches were not soft,<br/> +But dry and sandy, void of waters clear,<br/> +Though large and deep the Christians fill them oft,<br/> +With rubbish, fagots, stones, and trees they bear:<br/> +Adrastus first advanced his crest aloft,<br/> +And boldly gan a strong scalado rear,<br/> +And through the falling storm did upward climb<br/> +Of stones, darts, arrows, fire, pitch and lime: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXV<br/> +The hardy Switzer now so far was gone<br/> +That half way up with mickle pain he got,<br/> +A thousand weapons he sustained alone,<br/> +And his audacious climbing ceased not;<br/> +At last upon him fell a mighty stone,<br/> +As from some engine great it had been shot,<br/> +It broke his helm, he tumbled from the height,<br/> +The strong Circassian cast that wondrous weight; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVI<br/> +Not mortal was the blow, yet with the fall<br/> +On earth sore bruised the man lay in a swoon.<br/> +Argantes gan with boasting words to call,<br/> +“Who cometh next? this first is tumbled down,<br/> +Come, hardy soldiers, come, assault this wall,<br/> +I will not shrink, nor fly, nor hide my crown,<br/> +If in your trench yourselves for dread you hold,<br/> +There shall you die like sheep killed in their fold.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVII<br/> +Thus boasted he; but in their trenches deep,<br/> +The hidden squadrons kept themselves from scath,<br/> +The curtain made of shields did well off keep<br/> +Both darts and shot, and scorned all their wrath.<br/> +But now the ram upon the rampiers steep,<br/> +On mighty beams his head advanced hath,<br/> +With dreadful horns of iron tough tree great,<br/> +The walls and bulwarks trembled at his threat. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVIII<br/> +An hundred able men meanwhile let fall<br/> +The weights behind, the engine tumbled down<br/> +And battered flat the battlements and wall:<br/> +So fell Taigetus hill on Sparta town,<br/> +It crushed the steeled shield in pieces small,<br/> +And beat the helmet to the wearers’ crown,<br/> +And on the ruins of the walls and stones,<br/> +Dispersed left their blood their brains and bones. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIX<br/> +The fierce assailants kept no longer close<br/> +Undcr the shelter of their target fine,<br/> +But their bold fronts to chance of war expose,<br/> +And gainst those towers let their virtue shine,<br/> +The scaling ladders up to skies arose,<br/> +The ground-works deep some closely undermine,<br/> +The walls before the Frenchmen shrink and shake,<br/> +And gaping sign of headlong falling make: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XL<br/> +And fallen they had, so far the strength extends<br/> +Of that fierce ram and his redoubted stroke,<br/> +But that the Pagan’s care the place defends<br/> +And saved by warlike skill the wall nigh broke:<br/> +For to what part soe’er the engine bends,<br/> +Their sacks of wool they place the blow to choke,<br/> +Whose yielding breaks the strokes thereon which light,<br/> +So weakness oft subdues the greatest might. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLI<br/> +While thus the worthies of the western crew<br/> +Maintained their brave assault and skirmish hot,<br/> +Her mighty bow Clorinda often drew,<br/> +And many a sharp and deadly arrow shot;<br/> +And from her bow no steeled shaft there flew<br/> +But that some blood the cursed engine got,<br/> +Blood of some valiant knight or man of fame,<br/> +For that proud shootress scorned weaker game. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLII<br/> +The first she hit among the Christian peers<br/> +Was the bold son of England’s noble king,<br/> +Above the trench himself he scantly rears,<br/> +But she an arrow loosed from the string,<br/> +The wicked steel his gauntlet breaks and tears,<br/> +And through his right hand thrust the piercing sting;<br/> +Disabled thus from fight, he gan retire,<br/> +Groaning for pain, but fretting more for ire. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIII<br/> +Lord Stephen of Amboise on the ditch’s brim,<br/> +And on a ladder high, Clotharius died,<br/> +From back to breast an arrow pierced him,<br/> +The other was shot through from side to side:<br/> +Then as he managed brave his courser trim,<br/> +On his left arm he hit the Flemings’ guide,<br/> +He stopped, and from the wound the reed out-twined,<br/> +But left the iron in his flesh behind. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIV<br/> +As Ademare stood to behold the fight<br/> +High on the bank, withdrawn to breathe a space,<br/> +A fatal shaft upon his forehead light,<br/> +His hand he lifted up to feel the place,<br/> +Whereon a second arrow chanced right,<br/> +And nailed his hand unto his wounded face,<br/> +He fell, and with his blood distained the land,<br/> +His holy blood shed by a virgin’s hand. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLV<br/> +While Palamede stood near the battlement,<br/> +Despising perils all, and all mishap,<br/> +And upward still his hardy footings bent,<br/> +On his right eye he caught a deadly clap,<br/> +Through his right eye Clorinda’s seventh shaft went,<br/> +And in his neck broke forth a bloody gap;<br/> +He underneath that bulwark dying fell,<br/> +Which late to scale and win he trusted well. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVI<br/> +Thus shot the maid: the duke with hard assay<br/> +And sharp assault, meanwhile the town oppressed,<br/> +Against that part which to his campward lay<br/> +An engine huge and wondrous he addressed,<br/> +A tower of wood built for the town’s decay<br/> +As high as were the walls and bulwarks best,<br/> +A turret full of men and weapons pent,<br/> +And yet on wheels it rolled, moved, and went. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVII<br/> +This rolling fort his nigh approaches made,<br/> +And darts and arrows spit against his foes,<br/> +As ships are wont in fight, so it assayed<br/> +With the strong wall to grapple and to close,<br/> +The Pagans on each side the piece invade,<br/> +And all their force against this mass oppose,<br/> +Sometimes the wheels, sometimes the battlement<br/> +With timber, logs and stones, they broke and rent, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVIII<br/> +So thick flew stones and darts, that no man sees<br/> +The azure heavens, the sun his brightness lost,<br/> +The clouds of weapons, like to swarms of bees,<br/> +Move the air, and there each other crossed:<br/> +And look how falling leaves drop down from trees,<br/> +When the moist sap is nipped with timely frost,<br/> +Or apples in strong winds from branches fall;<br/> +The Saracens so tumbled from the wall. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIX<br/> +For on their part the greatest slaughter light,<br/> +They had no shelter gainst so sharp a shower,<br/> +Some left on live betook themselves to flight,<br/> +So feared they this deadly thundering tower:<br/> +But Solyman stayed like a valiant knight,<br/> +And some with him, that trusted in his power,<br/> +Argantes with a long beech tree in hand,<br/> +Ran thither, this huge engine to withstand: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +L<br/> +With this he pushed the tower, and back it drives<br/> +The length of all his tree, a wondrous way,<br/> +The hardy virgin by his side arrives,<br/> +To help Argantes in this hard assay:<br/> +The band that used the ram, this season strives<br/> +To cut the cords, wherein the woolpacks lay,<br/> +Which done, the sacks down in the trenches fall,<br/> +And to the battery naked left the wall. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LI<br/> +The tower above, the ram beneath doth thunder,<br/> +What lime and stone such puissance could abide?<br/> +The wall began, new bruised and crushed asunder,<br/> +Her wounded lap to open broad and wide,<br/> +Godfrey himself and his brought safely under<br/> +The shattered wall, where greatest breach he spied,<br/> +Himself he saves behind his mighty targe,<br/> +A shield not used but in some desperate charge. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LII<br/> +From hence he sees where Solyman descends,<br/> +Down to the threshold of the gaping breach,<br/> +And there it seems the mighty prince intends<br/> +Godfredo’s hoped entrance to impeach:<br/> +Argantes, and with him the maid, defends<br/> +The walls above, to which the tower doth reach,<br/> +His noble heart, when Godfrey this beheld,<br/> +With courage new with wrath and valor swelled. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIII<br/> +He turned about and to good Sigiere spake,<br/> +Who bare his greatest shield and mighty bow,<br/> +“That sure and trusty target let me take,<br/> +Impenetrable is that shield I know,<br/> +Over these ruins will I passage make,<br/> +And enter first, the way is eath and low,<br/> +And time requires that by some noble feat<br/> +I should make known my strength and puissance great.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIV<br/> +He scant had spoken, scant received the charge,<br/> +When on his leg a sudden shaft him hit,<br/> +And through that part a hole made wide and large,<br/> +Where his strong sinews fastened were and knit.<br/> +Clorinda, thou this arrow didst discharge,<br/> +And let the Pagans bless thy hand for it,<br/> +For by that shot thou savedst them that day<br/> +From bondage vile, from death and sure decay. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LV<br/> +The wounded duke, as though he felt no pain,<br/> +Still forward went, and mounted up the breach<br/> +His high attempt at first he nould refrain,<br/> +And after called his lords with cheerful speech;<br/> +But when his leg could not his weight sustain,<br/> +He saw his will did far his power outreach,<br/> +And more he strove his grief increased the more,<br/> +The bold assault he left at length therefore: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVI<br/> +And with his hand he beckoned Guelpho near,<br/> +And said, “I must withdraw me to my tent,<br/> +My place and person in mine absence bear,<br/> +Supply my want, let not the fight relent,<br/> +I go, and will ere long again be here;<br/> +I go and straight return:” this said, he went,<br/> +On a light steed he leaped, and o’er the green<br/> +He rode, but rode not, as he thought, unseen. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVII<br/> +When Godfrey parted, parted eke the heart,<br/> +The strength and fortune of the Christian bands,<br/> +Courage increased in their adverse part,<br/> +Wrath in their hearts, and vigor in their hands:<br/> +Valor, success, strength, hardiness and art,<br/> +Failed in the princes of the western lands,<br/> +Their swords were blunt, faint was their trumpet’s blast,<br/> +Their sun was set, or else with clouds o’ercast. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVIII<br/> +Upon the bulwarks now appeared bold<br/> +That fearful band that late for dread was fled!<br/> +The women that Clorinda’s strength behold,<br/> +Their country’s love to war encouraged,<br/> +They weapons got, and fight like men they would,<br/> +Their gowns tucked up, their locks were loose and spread,<br/> +Sharp darts they cast, and without dread or fear,<br/> +Exposed their breasts to save their fortress dear. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIX<br/> +But that which most dismayed the Christian knights,<br/> +And added courage to the Pagans most,<br/> +Was Guelpho’s sudden fall in all men’s sights,<br/> +Who tumbled headlong down, his footing lost,<br/> +A mighty stone upon the worthy lights,<br/> +But whence it came none wist, nor from what coast;<br/> +And with like blow, which more their hearts dismayed,<br/> +Beside him low in dust old Raymond laid: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LX<br/> +And Eustace eke within the ditches large,<br/> +To narrow shifts and last extremes they drive,<br/> +Upon their foes so fierce the Pagans charge,<br/> +And with good-fortune so their blows they give,<br/> +That whom they hit, in spite of helm or targe,<br/> +They deeply wound, or else of life deprive.<br/> +At this their good success Argantes proud,<br/> +Waxing more fell, thus roared and cried aloud: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXI<br/> +“This is not Antioch, nor the evening dark<br/> +Can help your privy sleights with friendly shade,<br/> +The sun yet shines, your falsehood can we mark,<br/> +In other wise this bold assault is made;<br/> +Of praise and glory quenched is the spark<br/> +That made you first these eastern lands invade,<br/> +Why cease you now? why take you not this fort?<br/> +What! are you weary for a charge so short?” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXII<br/> +Thus raged he, and in such hellish sort<br/> +Increased the fury in the brain-sick knight,<br/> +That he esteemed that large and ample fort<br/> +Too strait a field, wherein to prove his might,<br/> +There where the breach had framed a new-made port,<br/> +Himself he placed, with nimble skips and light,<br/> +He cleared the passage out, and thus he cried<br/> +To Solyman, that fought close by his side: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIII<br/> +“Come, Solyman, the time and place behold,<br/> +That of our valors well may judge the doubt,<br/> +What sayest thou? amongst these Christians bold,<br/> +First leap he forth that holds himself most stout:”<br/> +While thus his will the mighty champion told,<br/> +Both Solyman and he at once leaped out,<br/> +Fury the first provoked, disdain the last,<br/> +Who scorned the challenge ere his lips it passed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIV<br/> +Upon their foes unlooked-for they flew,<br/> +Each spited other for his virtue’s sake,<br/> +So many soldiers this fierce couple slew,<br/> +So many shields they cleft and helms they break,<br/> +So many ladders to the earth they threw,<br/> +That well they seemed a mount thereof to make,<br/> +Or else some vamure fit to save the town,<br/> +Instead of that the Christians late beat down. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXV<br/> +The folk that strove with rage and haste before<br/> +Who first the wall and rampire should ascend,<br/> +Retire, and for that honor strive no more,<br/> +Scantly they could their limbs and lives defend,<br/> +They fled, their engines lost the Pagans tore<br/> +In pieces small, their rams to naught they rend,<br/> +And all unfit for further service make<br/> +With so great force and rage their beams they brake. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVI<br/> +The Pagans ran transported with their ire,<br/> +Now here, now there, and woful slaughters wrought,<br/> +At last they called for devouring fire,<br/> +Two burning pines against the tower they brought,<br/> +So from the palace of their hellish sire,<br/> +When all this world they would consume to naught,<br/> +The fury sisters come with fire in hands,<br/> +Shaking their snaky locks and sparkling brands: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVII<br/> +But noble Tancred, who this while applied<br/> +Grave exhortations to his bold Latines,<br/> +When of these knights the wondrous acts he spied,<br/> +And saw the champions with their burning pines,<br/> +He left his talk, and thither forthwith hied,<br/> +To stop the rage of those fell Saracines.<br/> +And with such force the fight he there renewed,<br/> +That now they fled and lost who late pursued. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVIII<br/> +Thus changed the state and fortune of the fray,<br/> +Meanwhile the wounded duke, in grief and teen,<br/> +Within his great pavilion rich and gay,<br/> +Good Sigiere and Baldwin stood between;<br/> +His other friends whom his mishap dismay,<br/> +With grief and tears about assembled been:<br/> +He strove in haste the weapon out to wind,<br/> +And broke the reed, but left the head behind. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIX<br/> +He bade them take the speediest way they might,<br/> +Of that unlucky hurt to make him sound,<br/> +And to lay ope the depth thereof to sight,<br/> +He willed them open, search and lance the wound,<br/> +“Send me again,” quoth he, “to end this fight,<br/> +Before the sun be sunken under ground;”<br/> +And leaning on a broken spear, he thrust<br/> +His leg straight out, to him that cure it must. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXX<br/> +Erotimus, born on the banks of Po,<br/> +Was he that undertook to cure the knight,<br/> +All what green herbs or waters pure could do,<br/> +He knew their power, their virtue, and their might,<br/> +A noble poet was the man also,<br/> +But in this science had a more delight,<br/> +He could restore to health death-wounded men,<br/> +And make their names immortal with his pen. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXI<br/> +The mighty duke yet never changed cheer,<br/> +But grieved to see his friends lamenting stand;<br/> +The leech prepared his cloths and cleansing gear,<br/> +And with a belt his gown about him band,<br/> +Now with his herbs the steely head to tear<br/> +Out of the flesh he proved, now with his hand,<br/> +Now with his hand, now with his instrument<br/> +He shaked and plucked it, yet not forth it went. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXII<br/> +His labor vain, his art prevailed naught,<br/> +His luck was ill, although his skill were good,<br/> +To such extremes the wounded prince he brought,<br/> +That with fell pain he swooned as he stood:<br/> +But the angel pure, that kept him, went and sought<br/> +Divine dictamnum, out of Ida wood,<br/> +This herb is rough, and bears a purple flower,<br/> +And in his budding leaves lies all his power. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIII<br/> +Kind nature first upon the craggy clift<br/> +Bewrayed this herb unto the mountain goat,<br/> +That when her sides a cruel shaft hath rift,<br/> +With it she shakes the reed out of her coat;<br/> +This in a moment fetched the angel swift,<br/> +And brought from Ida hill, though far remote,<br/> +The juice whereof in a prepared bath<br/> +Unseen the blessed spirit poured hath. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIV<br/> +Pure nectar from that spring of Lydia than,<br/> +And panaces divine therein he threw,<br/> +The cunning leech to bathe the wound began,<br/> +And of itself the steely head outflew;<br/> +The bleeding stanched, no vermile drop outran,<br/> +The leg again waxed strong with vigor new:<br/> +Erotimus cried out, “This hurt and wound<br/> +No human art or hand so soon makes sound: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXV<br/> +“Some angel good I think come down from skies<br/> +Thy surgeon is, for here plain tokens are<br/> +Of grace divine which to thy help applies,<br/> +Thy weapon take and haste again to war.”<br/> +In precious cloths his leg the chieftain ties,<br/> +Naught could the man from blood and fight debar;<br/> +A sturdy lance in his right hand he braced,<br/> +His shield he took, and on his helmet laced: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVI<br/> +And with a thousand knights and barons bold,<br/> +Toward the town he hasted from his camp,<br/> +In clouds of dust was Titan’s face enrolled,<br/> +Trembled the earth whereon the worthies stamp,<br/> +His foes far off his dreadful looks behold,<br/> +Which in their hearts of courage quenched the lamp,<br/> +A chilling fear ran cold through every vein,<br/> +Lord Godfrey shouted thrice and all his train: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVII<br/> +Their sovereign’s voice his hardy people knew,<br/> +And his loud cries that cheered each fearful heart;<br/> +Thereat new strength they took and courage new,<br/> +And to the fierce assault again they start.<br/> +The Pagans twain this while themselves withdrew<br/> +Within the breach to save that battered part,<br/> +And with great loss a skirmish hot they hold<br/> +Against Tancredi and his squadron bold. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVIII<br/> +Thither came Godfrey armed round about<br/> +In trusty plate, with fierce and dreadful look;<br/> +At first approach against Argantes stout<br/> +Headed with poignant steel a lance he shook,<br/> +No casting engine with such force throws out<br/> +A knotty spear, and as the way it took,<br/> +It whistled in the air, the fearless knight<br/> +Opposed his shield against that weapon’s might. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIX<br/> +The dreadful blow quite through his target drove,<br/> +And bored through his breastplate strong and thick,<br/> +The tender skin it in his bosom rove,<br/> +The purple-blood out-streamed from the quick;<br/> +To wrest it out the wounded Pagan strove<br/> +And little leisure gave it there to stick;<br/> +At Godfrey’s head the lance again he cast,<br/> +And said, “Lo, there again thy dart thou hast.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXX<br/> +The spear flew back the way it lately came,<br/> +And would revenge the harm itself had done,<br/> +But missed the mark whereat the man did aim,<br/> +He stepped aside the furious blow to shun:<br/> +But Sigiere in his throat received the same,<br/> +The murdering weapon at his neck out-run,<br/> +Nor aught it grieved the man to lose his breath,<br/> +Since in his prince’s stead he suffered death. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXI<br/> +Even then the Soldan struck with monstrous main<br/> +The noble leader of the Norman band,<br/> +He reeled awhile and staggered with the pain,<br/> +And wheeling round fell grovelling on the sand:<br/> +Godfrey no longer could the grief sustain<br/> +Of these displeasures, but with flaming brand,<br/> +Up to the breach in heat and haste he goes,<br/> +And hand to hand there combats with his foes; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXII<br/> +And there great wonders surely wrought he had,<br/> +Mortal the fight, and fierce had been the fray,<br/> +But that dark night, from her pavilion sad,<br/> +Her cloudy wings did on the earth display,<br/> +Her quiet shades she interposed glad<br/> +To cause the knights their arms aside to lay;<br/> +Godfrey withdrew, and to their tents they wend,<br/> +And thus this bloody day was brought to end. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIII<br/> +The weak and wounded ere he left the field,<br/> +The godly duke to safety thence conveyed,<br/> +Nor to his foes his engines would he yield,<br/> +In them his hope to win the fortress laid;<br/> +Then to the tower he went, and it beheeld,<br/> +The tower that late the Pagan lords dismayed<br/> +But now stood bruised, broken, cracked and shivered,<br/> +From some sharp storm as it were late delivered. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIV<br/> +From dangers great escaped, but late it was,<br/> +And now to safety brought well-nigh it seems,<br/> +But as a ship that under sail doth pass<br/> +The roaring billows and the raging streams,<br/> +And drawing nigh the wished port, alas,<br/> +Breaks on some hidden rocks her ribs and beams;<br/> +Or as a steed rough ways that well hath passed,<br/> +Before his inn stumbleth and falls at last: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXV<br/> +Such hap befell that tower, for on that side<br/> +Gainst which the Pagans’ force and battery bend,<br/> +Two wheels were broke whereon the piece should ride,<br/> +The maimed engine could no further wend,<br/> +The troop that guarded it that part provide<br/> +To underprop with posts, and it defend<br/> +Till carpenters and cunning workmen came<br/> +Whose skill should help and rear again the same. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVI<br/> +Thus Godfrey bids, and that ere springing-day,<br/> +The cracks and bruises all amend they should,<br/> +Each open passage, and each privy way<br/> +About the piece, he kept with soldiers bold:<br/> +But the loud rumor, both of that they say,<br/> +And that they do, is heard within the hold,<br/> +A thousand lights about the tower they view,<br/> +And what they wrought all night both saw and knew. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="book12"></a>TWELFTH BOOK</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +THE ARGUMENT.<br/> +Clorinda hears her eunuch old report<br/> +Her birth, her offspring, and her native land;<br/> +Disguised she fireth Godfrey’s rolling fort.<br/> +The burned piece falls smoking on the sand:<br/> +With Tancred long unknown in desperate sort<br/> +She fights, and falls through pierced with his brand:<br/> +Christened she dies; with sighs, with plaints and tears.<br/> +He wails her death; Argant revengement swears. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I<br/> +Now in dark night was all the world embarred;<br/> +But yet the tired armies took no rest,<br/> +The careful French kept heedful watch and ward,<br/> +While their high tower the workmen newly dressed,<br/> +The Pagan crew to reinforce prepared<br/> +The weakened bulwarks, late to earth down kest,<br/> +Their rampiers broke and bruised walls to mend,<br/> +Lastly their hurts the wounded knights attend. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +II<br/> +Their wounds were dressed, part of the work was brought<br/> +To wished end, part left to other days,<br/> +A dull desire to rest deep midnight wrought,<br/> +His heavy rod sleep on their eyelids lays:<br/> +Yet rested not Clorinda’s working thought,<br/> +Which thirsted still for fame and warlike praise,<br/> +Argantes eke accompanied the maid<br/> +From place to place, which to herself thus said: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +III<br/> +“This day Argantes strong, and Solyman,<br/> +Strange things have done, and purchased great renown,<br/> +Among our foes out of the walls they ran,<br/> +Their rams they broke and rent their engines down:<br/> +I used my bow, of naught else boast I can,<br/> +My self stood safe meanwhile within this town,<br/> +And happy was my shot, and prosperous too,<br/> +But that was all a woman’s hand could do. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IV<br/> +“On birds and beasts in forests wild that feed<br/> +It were more fit mine arrows to bestow,<br/> +Than for a feeble maid in warlike deed<br/> +With strong and hardy knights herself to show.<br/> +Why take I not again my virgin’s weed,<br/> +And spend my days in secret cell unknow?”<br/> +Thus thought, thus mused, thus devised the maid,<br/> +And turning to the knight, at last thus said: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +V<br/> +“My thoughts are full, my lord, of strange desire<br/> +Some high attempt of war to undertake,<br/> +Whether high God my mind therewith inspire<br/> +Or of his will his God mankind doth make,<br/> +Among our foes behold the light and fire,<br/> +I will among them wend, and burn or break<br/> +The tower, God grant therein I have my will<br/> +And that performed, betide me good or ill. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VI<br/> +“But if it fortune such my chance should be,<br/> +That to this town I never turn again,<br/> +Mine eunuch, whom I dearly love, with thee<br/> +I leave my faithful maids, and all my train,<br/> +To Egypt then conducted safely see<br/> +Those woful damsels and that aged swain,<br/> +Help them, my lord, in that distressed case,<br/> +Their feeble sex, his age, deserveth grace.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VII<br/> +Argantes wondering stood, and felt the effect<br/> +Of true renown pierce through his glorious mind,<br/> +“And wilt thou go,” quoth he, “and me neglect,<br/> +Disgraced, despised, leave in this fort behind?<br/> +Shall I while these strong walls my life protect<br/> +Behold thy flames and fires tossed in the wind,<br/> +No, no, thy fellow have I been in arms,<br/> +And will be still, in praise, in death, in harms. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VIII<br/> +“This heart of mine death’s bitter stroke despiseth,<br/> +For praise this life, for glory take this breath.”<br/> +“My soul and more,” quoth she, “thy friendship prizeth,<br/> +For this thy proffered aid required uneath,<br/> +I but a woman am, no loss ariseth<br/> +To this besieged city by my death,<br/> +But if, as God forbid, this night thou fall,<br/> +Ah! who shall then, who can, defend this wall!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IX<br/> +“Too late these ’scuses vain,” the knight replied,<br/> +“You bring; my will is firm, my mind is set,<br/> +I follow you whereso you list me guide,<br/> +Or go before if you my purpose let.”<br/> +This said, they hasted to the palace wide<br/> +About their prince where all his lords were met,<br/> +Clorinda spoke for both, and said, “Sir king,<br/> +Attend my words, hear, and allow the thing: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +X<br/> +“Argantes here, this bold and hardy knight,<br/> +Will undertake to burn the wondrous tower,<br/> +And I with him, only we stay till night<br/> +Bury in sleep our foes at deadest hour.”<br/> +The king with that cast up his hands on height,<br/> +The tears for joy upon his cheeks down pour.<br/> +“Praised,” quoth he, “be Macon whom we serve,<br/> +This land I see he keeps and will preserve: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XI<br/> +“Nor shall so soon this shaken kingdom fall,<br/> +While such unconquered hearts my state defend:<br/> +But for this act what praise or guerdon shall<br/> +I give your virtues, which so far extend?<br/> +Let fame your praises sound through nations all,<br/> +And fill the world therewith to either end,<br/> +Take half my wealth and kingdom for your meed?<br/> +You are rewarded half even with the deed.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XII<br/> +Thus spake the prince, and gently ’gan distrain,<br/> +Now him, now her, between his friendly arms:<br/> +The Soldan by, no longer could refrain<br/> +That noble envy which his bosom warms,<br/> +“Nor I,” quoth he, “bear this broad sword in vain,<br/> +Nor yet am unexpert in night alarms,<br/> +Take me with you: ah.” Quoth Clorinda, “no!<br/> +Whom leave we here of prowess if you go?” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIII<br/> +This spoken, ready with a proud refuse<br/> +Argantes was his proffered aid to scorn,<br/> +Whom Aladine prevents, and with excuse<br/> +To Solyman thus gan his speeches torn:<br/> +“Right noble prince, as aye hath been your use<br/> +Your self so still you bear and long have borne,<br/> +Bold in all acts, no danger can affright<br/> +Your heart, nor tired is your strength with fight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIV<br/> +“If you went forth great things perform you would,<br/> +In my conceit yet far unfit it seems<br/> +That you, who most excel in courage bold,<br/> +At once should leave this town in these extremes,<br/> +Nor would I that these twain should leave this hold,<br/> +My heart their noble lives far worthier deems,<br/> +If this attempt of less importance were,<br/> +Or weaker posts so great a weight could bear. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XV<br/> +“But for well-guarded is the mighty tower<br/> +With hardy troops and squadrons round about,<br/> +And cannot harmed be with little power,<br/> +Nor fit the time to send whole armies out,<br/> +This pair who passed have many a dreadful stowre,<br/> +And proffer now to prove this venture stout,<br/> +Alone to this attempt let them go forth,<br/> +Alone than thousands of more price and worth. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVI<br/> +“Thou, as it best beseems a mighty king,<br/> +With ready bands besides the gate attend,<br/> +That when this couple have performed the thing,<br/> +And shall again their footsteps homeward bend,<br/> +From their strong foes upon them following<br/> +Thou may’st them keep, preserve, save and defend:”<br/> +Thus said the king, “The Soldan must consent,”<br/> +Silent remained the Turk, and discontent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVII<br/> +Then Ismen said, “You twain that undertake<br/> +This hard attempt, awhile I pray you stay,<br/> +Till I a wildfire of fine temper make,<br/> +That this great engine burn to ashes may;<br/> +Haply the guard that now doth watch and wake,<br/> +Will then lie tumbled sleeping on the lay;”<br/> +Thus they conclude, and in their chambers sit,<br/> +To wait the time for this adventure fit. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVIII<br/> +Clorinda there her silver arms off rent,<br/> +Her helm, her shield, her hauberk shining bright,<br/> +An armor black as jet or coal she hent,<br/> +Wherein withouten plume herself she dight;<br/> +For thus disguised amid her foes she meant<br/> +To pass unseen, by help of friendly night,<br/> +To whom her eunuch, old Arsetes, came,<br/> +That from her cradle nursed and kept the dame. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIX<br/> +This aged sire had followed far and near,<br/> +Through lands and seas, the strong and hardy maid,<br/> +He saw her leave her arms and wonted gear,<br/> +Her danger nigh that sudden change foresaid:<br/> +By his white locks from black that changed were<br/> +In following her, the woful man her prayed,<br/> +By all his service and his taken pain,<br/> +To leave that fond attempt, but prayed in vain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XX<br/> +“At last,” quoth he, “since hardened to thine ill,<br/> +Thy cruel heart is to thy loss prepared,<br/> +That my weak age, nor tears that down distil,<br/> +Not humble suit, nor plaint, thou list regard;<br/> +Attend awhile, strange things unfold I will,<br/> +Hear both thy birth and high estate declared;<br/> +Follow my counsel, or thy will that done,”<br/> +She sat to hear, the eunuch thus begun: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXI<br/> +“Senapus ruled, and yet perchance doth reign<br/> +In mighty Ethiop, and her deserts waste,<br/> +The lore of Christ both he and all his train<br/> +Of people black, hath kept and long embraced,<br/> +To him a Pagan was I sold for gain,<br/> +And with his queen, as her chief eunuch, placed;<br/> +Black was this queen as jet, yet on her eyes<br/> +Sweet loveliness, in black attired, lies. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXII<br/> +“The fire of love and frost of jealousy,<br/> +Her husband’s troubled soul alike torment,<br/> +The tide of fond suspicion flowed high,<br/> +The foe to love and plague to sweet content,<br/> +He mewed her up from sight of mortal eye,<br/> +Nor day he would his beams on her had bent:<br/> +She, wise and lowly, by her husband’s pleasure,<br/> +Her joy, her peace, her will, her wish did measure. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIII<br/> +“Her prison was a chamber, painted round<br/> +With goodly portraits and with stories old,<br/> +As white as snow there stood a virgin bound,<br/> +Besides a dragon fierce, a champion bold<br/> +The monster did with poignant spear through wound,<br/> +The gored beast lay dead upon the mould;<br/> +The gentle queen before this image laid.<br/> +She plained, she mourned, she wept, she sighed, she prayed: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIV<br/> +“At last with child she proved, and forth she brought,<br/> +And thou art she, a daughter fair and bright,<br/> +In her thy color white new terror wrought,<br/> +She wondered on thy face with strange affright,<br/> +But yet she purposed in her fearful thought<br/> +To hide thee from the king, thy father’s sight,<br/> +Lest thy bright hue should his suspect approve,<br/> +For seld a crow begets a silver dove. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXV<br/> +“And to her spouse to show she was disposed<br/> +A negro’s babe late born, in room of thee,<br/> +And for the tower wherein she lay enclosed,<br/> +Was with her damsels only wond and me,<br/> +To me, on whose true faith she most reposed,<br/> +She gave thee, ere thou couldest christened be,<br/> +Nor could I since find means thee to baptize,<br/> +In Pagan lands thou knowest it’s not the guise. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVI<br/> +“To me she gave thee, and she wept withal,<br/> +To foster thee in some far distant place.<br/> +Who can her griefs and plaints to reckoning call,<br/> +How oft she swooned at the last embrace:<br/> +Her streaming tears amid her kisses fall,<br/> +Her sighs, her dire complaints did interlace?<br/> +And looking up at last, ‘O God,’ quoth she,<br/> +‘Who dost my heart and inward mourning see, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVII<br/> +“‘If mind and body spotless to this day,<br/> +If I have kept my bed still undefiled,<br/> +Not for myself a sinful wretch I pray,<br/> +That in thy presence am an abject vilde,<br/> +Preserve this babe, whose mother must denay<br/> +To nourish it, preserve this harmless child,<br/> +Oh let it live, and chaste like me it make,<br/> +But for good fortune elsewhere sample take. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVIII<br/> +“‘Thou heavenly soldier which delivered hast<br/> +That sacred virgin from the serpent old,<br/> +If on thine altars I have offerings placed,<br/> +And sacrificed myrrh, frankincense and gold,<br/> +On this poor child thy heavenly looks down cast,<br/> +With gracious eye this silly babe behold;’<br/> +This said, her strength and living sprite was fled,<br/> +She sighed, she groaned, she swooned in her bed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIX<br/> +“Weeping I took thee, in a little chest,<br/> +Covered with herbs and leaves, I brought thee out<br/> +So secretly, that none of all the rest<br/> +Of such an act suspicion had or doubt,<br/> +To wilderness my steps I first addressed,<br/> +Where horrid shades enclosed me round about,<br/> +A tigress there I met, in whose fierce eyes<br/> +Fury and wrath, rage, death and terror lies: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXX<br/> +“Up to a tree I leaped, and on the grass,<br/> +Such was my sudden fear, I left thee lying,<br/> +To thee the beast with furious course did pass,<br/> +With curious looks upon thy visage prying,<br/> +All suddenly both meek and mild she was,<br/> +With friendly cheer thy tender body eying:<br/> +At last she licked thee, and with gesture mild<br/> +About thee played, and thou upon her smiled. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXI<br/> +“Her fearful muzzle full of dreadful threat,<br/> +In thy weak hand thou took’st withouten dread;<br/> +The gentle beast with milk-outstretched teat,<br/> +As nurses’ custom, proffered thee to feed.<br/> +As one that wondereth on some marvel great,<br/> +I stood this while amazed at the deed.<br/> +When thee she saw well filled and satisfied,<br/> +Unto the woods again the tigress hied. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXII<br/> +“She gone, down from the tree I came in haste,<br/> +And took thee up, and on my journey wend,<br/> +Within a little thorp I stayed at last,<br/> +And to a nurse the charge of thee commend,<br/> +And sporting with thee there long time I passed,<br/> +Till term of sixteen months were brought to end,<br/> +And thou begun, as little children do,<br/> +With half clipped words to prattle, and to go. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIII<br/> +“But having passed the August of mine age,<br/> +When more than half my tap of life was run,<br/> +Rich by rewards given by your mother sage,<br/> +For merits past, and service yet undone,<br/> +I longed to leave this wandering pilgrimage,<br/> +And in my native soil again to won,<br/> +To get some seely home I had desire,<br/> +Loth still to warm me at another’s fire. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIV<br/> +“To Egypt-ward, where I was born, I went,<br/> +And bore thee with me, by a rolling flood,<br/> +Till I with savage thieves well-nigh was hent;<br/> +Before the brook, the thieves behind me stood:<br/> +Thee to forsake I never could consent,<br/> +And gladly would I ’scape those outlaws wood,<br/> +Into the flood I leaped far from the brim,<br/> +My left hand bore thee, with the right I swim. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXV<br/> +“Swift was the current, in the middle stream<br/> +A whirlpool gaped with devouring jaws,<br/> +The gulf, on such mishap ere I could dream,<br/> +Into his deep abyss my carcass draws,<br/> +There I forsook thee, the wild waters seem<br/> +To pity thee, a gentle wind there blows<br/> +Whose friendly puffs safe to the shore thee drive,<br/> +Where wet and weary I at last arrive: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVI<br/> +“I took thee up, and in my dream that night,<br/> +When buried was the world in sleep and shade,<br/> +I saw a champion clad in armor bright<br/> +That o’er my head shaked a flaming blade,<br/> +He said, ‘I charge thee execute aright,<br/> +That charge this infant’s mother on thee laid,<br/> +Baptize the child, high Heaven esteems her dear,<br/> +And I her keeper will attend her near: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVII<br/> +“‘I will her keep, defend, save and protect,<br/> +I made the waters mild, the tigress tame,<br/> +O wretch that heavenly warnings dost reject!’<br/> +The warrior vanished having said the same.<br/> +I rose and journeyed on my way direct<br/> +When blushing morn from Tithon’s bed forth came,<br/> +But for my faith is true and sure I ween,<br/> +And dreams are false, you still unchristened been. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVIII<br/> +“A Pagan therefore thee I fostered have,<br/> +Nor of thy birth the truth did ever tell,<br/> +Since you increased are in courage brave,<br/> +Your sex and nature’s-self you both excel,<br/> +Full many a realm have you made bond and slave,<br/> +Your fortunes last yourself remember well,<br/> +And how in peace and war, in joy and teen,<br/> +I have your servant, and your tutor been. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIX<br/> +“Last morn, from skies ere stars exiled were,<br/> +In deep and deathlike sleep my senses drowned,<br/> +The self-same vision did again appear,<br/> +With stormy wrathful looks, and thundering sound,<br/> +‘Villain,’ quoth he, ‘within short while thy dear<br/> +Must change her life, and leave this sinful ground,<br/> +Thine be the loss, the torment, and the care,’<br/> +This said, he fled through skies, through clouds and air. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XL<br/> +“Hear then my joy, my hope, my darling, hear,<br/> +High Heaven some dire misfortune threatened hath,<br/> +Displeased pardie, because I did thee lere<br/> +A lore repugnant to thy parents’ faith;<br/> +Ah, for my sake, this bold attempt forbear;<br/> +Put off these sable arms, appease thy wrath.”<br/> +This said, he wept, she pensive stood and sad,<br/> +Because like dream herself but lately had. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLI<br/> +With cheerful smile she answered him at last,<br/> +“I will this faith observe, it seems me true,<br/> +Which from my cradle age thou taught me hast;<br/> +I will not change it for religion new,<br/> +Nor with vain shows of fear and dread aghast<br/> +This enterprise forbear I to pursue,<br/> +No, not if death in his most dreadful face<br/> +Wherewith he scareth mankind, kept the place.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLII<br/> +Approachen gan the time, while thus she spake,<br/> +Wherein they ought that dreadful hazard try;<br/> +She to Argantes went, who should partake<br/> +Of her renown and praise, or with her die.<br/> +Ismen with words more hasty still did make<br/> +Their virtue great, which by itself did fly,<br/> +Two balls he gave them made of hollow brass,<br/> +Wherein enclosed fire, pitch, and brimstone was. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIII<br/> +And forth they went, and over dale and hill<br/> +They hasted forward with a speedy pace,<br/> +Unseen, unmarked, undescried, until<br/> +Beside the engine close themselves they place,<br/> +New courage there their swelling hearts did fill,<br/> +Rage in their breasts, fury shown in their face,<br/> +They yearned to blow the fire, and draw the sword.<br/> +The watch descried them both, and gave the word. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIV<br/> +Silent they passed on, the watch begun<br/> +To rear a huge alarm with hideous cries,<br/> +Therewith the hardy couple forward run<br/> +To execute their valiant enterprise:<br/> +So from a cannon or a roaring gun<br/> +At once the noise, the flame, and bullet flies,<br/> +They run, they give the charge, begin the fray,<br/> +And all at once their foes break, spoil and slay. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLV<br/> +They passed first through thousand thousand blows,<br/> +And then performed their designment bold,<br/> +A fiery ball each on the engine throws,<br/> +The stuff was dry, the fire took quickly hold,<br/> +Furious upon the timber-work it grows,<br/> +How it increased cannot well be told,<br/> +How it crept up the piece, and how to skies<br/> +The burning sparks and towering smoke upflies. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVI<br/> +A mass of solid fire burning bright<br/> +Rolled up in smouldering fumes, there bursteth out,<br/> +And there the blustering winds add strength and might<br/> +And gather close the sparsed flames about:<br/> +The Frenchmen trembled at the dreadful light,<br/> +To arms in haste and fear ran all the rout,<br/> +Down fell the piece dreaded so much in war,<br/> +Thus what long days do make one hour doth mar. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVII<br/> +Two Christian bands this while came to the place<br/> +With speedy haste, where they beheld the fire,<br/> +Argantes to them cried with scornful grace,<br/> +“Your blood shall quench these flames, and quench mine ire:”<br/> +This said, the maid and he with sober pace<br/> +Drew back, and to the banks themselves retire,<br/> +Faster than brooks which falling showers increase<br/> +Their foes augment, and faster on them press. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVIII<br/> +The gilden port was opened, and forth stepped<br/> +With all his soldiers bold, the Turkish king,<br/> +Ready to aid the two his force he kept,<br/> +When fortune should them home with conquest bring,<br/> +Over the bars the hardy couple leapt<br/> +And after them a band of Christians fling,<br/> +Whom Solyman drove back with courage stout,<br/> +And shut the gate, but shut Clorinda out. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIX<br/> +Alone was she shut forth, for in that hour<br/> +Wherein they closed the port, the virgin went,<br/> +And full of heat and wrath, her strength and power<br/> +Gainst Arimon, that struck her erst, she bent,<br/> +She slew the knight, nor Argant in that stowre<br/> +Wist of her parting, or her fierce intent,<br/> +The fight, the press, the night, and darksome skies<br/> +Care from his heart had ta’en, sight from his eyes. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +L<br/> +But when appeased was her angry mood,<br/> +Her fury calmed, and settled was her head,<br/> +She saw the gates were shut, and how she stood<br/> +Amid her foes, she held herself for dead;<br/> +While none her marked at last she thought it good,<br/> +To save her life, some other path to tread,<br/> +She feigned her one of them, and close her drew<br/> +Amid the press that none her saw or knew: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LI<br/> +Then as a wolf guilty of some misdeed<br/> +Flies to some grove to hide himself from view,<br/> +So favored with the night, with secret speed<br/> +Dissevered from the press the damsel flew:<br/> +Tancred alone of her escape took heed,<br/> +He on that quarter was arrived new,<br/> +When Arimon she killed he thither came,<br/> +He saw it, marked it, and pursued the dame. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LII<br/> +He deemed she was some man of mickle might,<br/> +And on her person would he worship win,<br/> +Over the hills the nymph her journey dight<br/> +Toward another port, there to get in:<br/> +With hideous noise fast after spurred the knight,<br/> +She heard and stayed, and thus her words begin,<br/> +“What haste hast thou? ride softly, take thy breath,<br/> +What bringest thou?” He answered, “War and death.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIII<br/> +“And war and death,” quoth she, “here mayest thou get<br/> +If thou for battle come,” with that she stayed:<br/> +Tancred to ground his foot in haste down set,<br/> +And left his steed, on foot he saw the maid,<br/> +Their courage hot, their ire and wrath they whet,<br/> +And either champion drew a trenchant blade,<br/> +Together ran they, and together stroke,<br/> +Like two fierce bulls whom rage and love provoke. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIV<br/> +Worthy of royal lists and brightest day,<br/> +Worthy a golden trump and laurel crown,<br/> +The actions were and wonders of that fray<br/> +Which sable knight did in dark bosom drown:<br/> +Yet night, consent that I their acts display<br/> +And make their deeds to future ages known,<br/> +And in records of long enduring story<br/> +Enrol their praise, their fame, their worth and glory. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LV<br/> +They neither shrunk, nor vantage sought of ground,<br/> +They traverse not, nor skipped from part to part,<br/> +Their blows were neither false nor feigned found,<br/> +The night, their rage would let them use no art,<br/> +Their swords together clash with dreadful sound,<br/> +Their feet stand fast, and neither stir nor start,<br/> +They move their hands, steadfast their feet remain,<br/> +Nor blow nor loin they struck, or thrust in vain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVI<br/> +Shame bred desire a sharp revenge to take,<br/> +And vengeance taken gave new cause of shame:<br/> +So that with haste and little heed they strake,<br/> +Fuel enough they had to feed the flame;<br/> +At last so close their battle fierce they make,<br/> +They could not wield their swords, so nigh they came,<br/> +They used the hilts, and each on other rushed,<br/> +And helm to helm, and shield to shield they crushed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVII<br/> +Thrice his strong arms he folds about her waist,<br/> +And thrice was forced to let the virgin go,<br/> +For she disdained to be so embraced,<br/> +No lover would have strained his mistress so:<br/> +They took their swords again, and each enchased<br/> +Deep wounds in the soft flesh of his strong foe,<br/> +Till weak and weary, faint, alive uneath,<br/> +They both retired at once, at once took breath. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVIII<br/> +Each other long beheld, and leaning stood<br/> +Upon their swords, whose points in earth were pight,<br/> +When day-break, rising from the eastern flood,<br/> +Put forth the thousand eyes of blindfold night;<br/> +Tancred beheld his foe’s out-streaming blood,<br/> +And gaping wounds, and waxed proud with the sight,<br/> +Oh vanity of man’s unstable mind,<br/> +Puffed up with every blast of friendly wind! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIX<br/> +Why joy’st thou, wretch? Oh, what shall be thy gain?<br/> +What trophy for this conquest is’t thou rears?<br/> +Thine eyes shall shed, in case thou be not slain,<br/> +For every drop of blood a sea of tears:<br/> +The bleeding warriors leaning thus remain,<br/> +Each one to speak one word long time forbears,<br/> +Tancred the silence broke at last, and said,<br/> +For he would know with whom this fight he made: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LX<br/> +“Evil is our chance and hard our fortune is<br/> +Who here in silence, and in shade debate,<br/> +Where light of sun and witness all we miss<br/> +That should our prowess and our praise dilate:<br/> +If words in arms find place, yet grant me this,<br/> +Tell me thy name, thy country, and estate;<br/> +That I may know, this dangerous combat done,<br/> +Whom I have conquered, or who hath me won.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXI<br/> +“What I nill tell, you ask,” quoth she, “in vain,<br/> +Nor moved by prayer, nor constrained by power,<br/> +But thus much know, I am one of those twain<br/> +Which late with kindled fire destroyed the tower.”<br/> +Tancred at her proud words swelled with disdain,<br/> +“That hast thou said,” quoth he, “in evil hour;<br/> +Thy vaunting speeches, and thy silence both,<br/> +Uncivil wretch, hath made my heart more wroth.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXII<br/> +Ire in their chafed breasts renewed the fray,<br/> +Fierce was the fight, though feeble were their might,<br/> +Their strength was gone, their cunning was away,<br/> +And fury in their stead maintained the fight,<br/> +Their swords both points and edges sharp embay<br/> +In purple blood, whereso they hit or light,<br/> +And if weak life yet in their bosoms lie,<br/> +They lived because they both disdained to die. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIII<br/> +As Aegean seas when storms be calmed again<br/> +That rolled their tumbling waves with troublous blasts,<br/> +Do yet of tempests past some shows retain,<br/> +And here and there their swelling billows casts;<br/> +So, though their strength were gone and might were vain,<br/> +Of their first fierceness still the fury lasts,<br/> +Wherewith sustained, they to their tackling stood,<br/> +And heaped wound on wound, and blood on blood. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIV<br/> +But now, alas, the fatal hour arrives<br/> +That her sweet life must leave that tender hold,<br/> +His sword into her bosom deep he drives,<br/> +And bathed in lukewarm blood his iron cold,<br/> +Between her breasts the cruel weapon rives<br/> +Her curious square, embossed with swelling gold,<br/> +Her knees grow weak, the pains of death she feels,<br/> +And like a falling cedar bends and reels. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXV<br/> +The prince his hand upon her shield doth stretch,<br/> +And low on earth the wounded damsel layeth,<br/> +And while she fell, with weak and woful speech,<br/> +Her prayers last and last complaints she sayeth,<br/> +A spirit new did her those prayers teach,<br/> +Spirit of hope, of charity, and faith;<br/> +And though her life to Christ rebellious were,<br/> +Yet died she His child and handmaid dear. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVI<br/> +“Friend, thou hast won, I pardon thee, nor save<br/> +This body, that all torments can endure,<br/> +But save my soul, baptism I dying crave,<br/> +Come wash away my sins with waters pure:”<br/> +His heart relenting nigh in sunder rave,<br/> +With woful speech of that sweet creature,<br/> +So that his rage, his wrath, and anger died,<br/> +And on his cheeks salt tears for ruth down slide. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVII<br/> +With murmur loud down from the mountain’s side<br/> +A little runnel tumbled near the place,<br/> +Thither he ran and filled his helmet wide,<br/> +And quick returned to do that work of grace,<br/> +With trembling hands her beaver he untied,<br/> +Which done he saw, and seeing, knew her face,<br/> +And lost therewith his speech and moving quite,<br/> +Oh woful knowledge, ah unhappy sight! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVIII<br/> +He died not, but all his strength unites,<br/> +And to his virtues gave his heart in guard,<br/> +Bridling his grief, with water he requites<br/> +The life that he bereft with iron hard,<br/> +And while the sacred words the knight recites,<br/> +The nymph to heaven with joy herself prepared;<br/> +And as her life decays her joys increase,<br/> +She smiled and said, “Farewell, I die in peace.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIX<br/> +As violets blue mongst lilies pure men throw,<br/> +So paleness midst her native white begun;<br/> +Her looks to heaven she cast, their eyes I trow<br/> +Downward for pity bent both heaven and sun,<br/> +Her naked hand she gave the knight, in show<br/> +Of love and peace, her speech, alas, was done,<br/> +And thus the virgin fell on endless sleep,—<br/> +Love, Beauty, Virtue, for your darling weep! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXX<br/> +But when he saw her gentle soul was went,<br/> +His manly courage to relent began,<br/> +Grief, sorrow, anguish, sadness, discontent,<br/> +Free empire got and lordship on the man,<br/> +His life within his heart they close up pent,<br/> +Death through his senses and his visage ran:<br/> +Like his dead lady, dead seemed Tancred good,<br/> +In paleness, stillness, wounds and streams of blood. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXI<br/> +And his weak sprite, to be unbodied<br/> +From fleshly prison free that ceaseless strived,<br/> +Had followed her fair soul but lately fled<br/> +Had not a Christian squadron there arrived,<br/> +To seek fresh water thither haply led,<br/> +And found the princess dead, and him deprived<br/> +Of signs of life; yet did the knight remain<br/> +On live, nigh dead, for her himself had slain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXII<br/> +Their guide far off the prince knew by his shield,<br/> +And thither hasted full of grief and fear,<br/> +Her dead, him seeming so, he there beheld,<br/> +And for that strange mishap shed many a tear;<br/> +He would not leave the corpses fair in field<br/> +For food to wolves, though she a Pagan were,<br/> +But in their arms the soldiers both uphent,<br/> +And both lamenting brought to Tancred’s tent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIII<br/> +With those dear burdens to their camp they pass,<br/> +Yet would not that dead seeming knight awake,<br/> +At last he deeply groaned, which token was<br/> +His feeble soul had not her flight yet take:<br/> +The other lay a still and heavy mass,<br/> +Her spirit had that earthen cage forsake;<br/> +Thus were they brought, and thus they placed were<br/> +In sundry rooms, yet both adjoining near. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIV<br/> +All skill and art his careful servants used<br/> +To life again their dying lord to bring,<br/> +At last his eyes unclosed, with tears suffused,<br/> +He felt their hands and heard their whispering,<br/> +But how he thither came long time he mused,<br/> +His mind astonished was with everything;<br/> +He gazed about, his squires in fine he knew,<br/> +Then weak and woful thus his plaints out threw: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXV<br/> +“What, live I yet? and do I breathe and see<br/> +Of this accursed day the hateful light?<br/> +This spiteful ray which still upbraideth me<br/> +With that accursed deed I did this night,<br/> +Ah, coward hand, afraid why should’st thou be;<br/> +Thou instrument of death, shame and despite,<br/> +Why should’st thou fear, with sharp and trenchant knife,<br/> +To cut the thread of this blood-guilty life? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVI<br/> +“Pierce through this bosom, and my cruel heart<br/> +In pieces cleave, break every string and vein;<br/> +But thou to slaughters vile which used art,<br/> +Think’st it were pity so to ease my pain:<br/> +Of luckless love therefore in torments’ smart<br/> +A sad example must I still remain,<br/> +A woful monster of unhappy love,<br/> +Who still must live, lest death his comfort prove: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVII<br/> +“Still must I live in anguish, grief, and care;<br/> +Furies my guilty conscience that torment,<br/> +The ugly shades, dark night, and troubled air<br/> +In grisly forms her slaughter still present,<br/> +Madness and death about my bed repair,<br/> +Hell gapeth wide to swallow up this tent;<br/> +Swift from myself I run, myself I fear,<br/> +Yet still my hell within myself I bear. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVIII<br/> +“But where, alas, where be those relics sweet,<br/> +Wherein dwelt late all love, all joy, all good?<br/> +My fury left them cast in open street,<br/> +Some beast hath torn her flesh and licked her blood,<br/> +Ah noble prey! for savage beast unmeet,<br/> +Ah sweet! too sweet, and far too precious food,<br/> +Ah, seely nymph! whom night and darksome shade<br/> +To beasts, and me, far worse than beasts, betrayed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIX<br/> +“But where you be, if still you be, I wend<br/> +To gather up those relics dear at least,<br/> +But if some beast hath from the hills descend,<br/> +And on her tender bowels made his feast,<br/> +Let that fell monster me in pieces rend,<br/> +And deep entomb me in his hollow chest:<br/> +For where she buried is, there shall I have<br/> +A stately tomb, a rich and costly grave.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXX<br/> +Thus mourned the knight, his squires him told at last,<br/> +They had her there for whom those tears he shed;<br/> +A beam of comfort his dim eyes outcast,<br/> +Like lightning through thick clouds of darkness spread,<br/> +The heavy burden of his limbs in haste,<br/> +With mickle pain, he drew forth of his bed,<br/> +And scant of strength to stand, to move or go,<br/> +Thither he staggered, reeling to and fro. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXI<br/> +When he came there, and in her breast espied<br/> +His handiwork, that deep and cruel wound,<br/> +And her sweet face with leaden paleness dyed,<br/> +Where beauty late spread forth her beams around,<br/> +He trembled so, that nere his squires beside<br/> +To hold him up, he had sunk down to ground,<br/> +And said, “O face in death still sweet and fair!<br/> +Thou canst not sweeten yet my grief and care: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXII<br/> +“O fair right hand, the pledge of faith and love?<br/> +Given me but late, too late, in sign of peace,<br/> +How haps it now thou canst not stir nor move?<br/> +And you, dear limbs, now laid in rest and ease,<br/> +Through which my cruel blade this flood-gate rove,<br/> +Your pains have end, my torments never cease,<br/> +O hands, O cruel eyes, accursed alike!<br/> +You gave the wound, you gave them light to strike. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIII<br/> +“But thither now run forth my guilty blood,<br/> +Whither my plaints, my sorrows cannot wend.”<br/> +He said no more, but, as his passion wood<br/> +Inforced him, he gan to tear and rend<br/> +His hair, his face, his wounds, a purple flood<br/> +Did from each side in rolling streams descend,<br/> +He had been slain, but that his pain and woe<br/> +Bereft his senses, and preserved him so. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIV<br/> +Cast on his bed his squires recalled his sprite<br/> +To execute again her hateful charge,<br/> +But tattling fame the sorrows of the knight<br/> +And hard mischance had told this while at large:<br/> +Godfrey and all his lords of worth and might,<br/> +Ran thither, and the duty would discharge<br/> +Of friendship true, and with sweet words the rage<br/> +Of bitter grief and woe they would assuage. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXV<br/> +But as a mortal wound the more doth smart<br/> +The more it searched is, handled or sought;<br/> +So their sweet words to his afflicted heart<br/> +More grief, more anguish, pain and torment brought<br/> +But reverend Peter that would set apart<br/> +Care of his sheep, as a good shepherd ought,<br/> +His vanity with grave advice reproved<br/> +And told what mourning Christian knights behoved: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVI<br/> +“O Tancred, Tancred, how far different<br/> +From thy beginnings good these follies be?<br/> +What makes thee deaf? what hath thy eyesight blent?<br/> +What mist, what cloud thus overshadeth thee?<br/> +This is a warning good from heaven down sent,<br/> +Yet His advice thou canst not hear nor see<br/> +Who calleth and conducts thee to the way<br/> +From which thou willing dost and witting stray: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVII<br/> +“To worthy actions and achievements fit<br/> +For Christian knights He would thee home recall;<br/> +But thou hast left that course and changed it,<br/> +To make thyself a heathen damsel’s thrall;<br/> +But see, thy grief and sorrow’s painful fit<br/> +Is made the rod to scourge thy sins withal,<br/> +Of thine own good thyself the means He makes,<br/> +But thou His mercy, goodness, grace forsakes. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVIII<br/> +“Thou dost refuse of heaven the proffered<br/> +And gainst it still rebel with sinful ire,<br/> +Oh wretch! Oh whither doth thy rage thee chase?<br/> +Refrain thy grief, bridle thy fond desire,<br/> +At hell’s wide gate vain sorrow doth thee place,<br/> +Sorrow, misfortune’s son, despair’s foul fire:<br/> +Oh see thine evil, thy plaint and woe refrain,<br/> +The guides to death, to hell, and endless pain.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIX<br/> +This said, his will to die the patient<br/> +Abandoned, that second death he feared,<br/> +These words of comfort to his heart down went,<br/> +And that dark night of sorrow somewhat cleared;<br/> +Yet now and then his grief deep sighs forth sent,<br/> +His voice shrill plaints and sad laments oft reared,<br/> +Now to himself, now to his murdered love,<br/> +He spoke, who heard perchance from heaven above. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XC<br/> +Till Phoebus’ rising from his evening fall<br/> +To her, for her, he mourns, he calls, he cries;<br/> +The nightingale so when her children small<br/> +Some churl takes before their parents’ eyes,<br/> +Alone, dismayed, quite bare of comforts all,<br/> +Tires with complaints the seas, the shores, the skies,<br/> +Till in sweet sleep against the morning bright<br/> +She fall at last; so mourned, so slept the knight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCI<br/> +And clad in starry veil, amid his dream,<br/> +For whose sweet sake he mourned, appeared the maid,<br/> +Fairer than erst, yet with that heavenly beam.<br/> +Not out of knowledge was her lovely shade,<br/> +With looks of ruth her eyes celestial seem<br/> +To pity his sad plight, and thus she said,<br/> +“Behold how fair, how glad thy love appears,<br/> +And for my sake, my dear, forbear these tears. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCII<br/> +“Thine be the thanks, my soul thou madest flit<br/> +At unawares out of her earthly nest,<br/> +Thine be the thanks, thou hast advanced it<br/> +In Abraham’s dear bosom long to rest,<br/> +There still I love thee, there for Tancred fit<br/> +A seat prepared is among the blest;<br/> +There in eternal joy, eternal light,<br/> +Thou shalt thy love enjoy, and she her knight; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCIII<br/> +“Unless thyself, thyself heaven’s joys envy,<br/> +And thy vain sorrow thee of bliss deprive,<br/> +Live, know I love thee, that I nill deny,<br/> +As angels, men: as saints may wights on live:”<br/> +This said, of zeal and love forth of her eye<br/> +An hundred glorious beams bright shining drive,<br/> +Amid which rays herself she closed from sigh,<br/> +And with new joy, new comfort left her knight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCIV<br/> +Thus comforted he waked, and men discreet<br/> +In surgery to cure his wounds were sought,<br/> +Meanwhile of his dear love the relics sweet,<br/> +As best he could, to grave with pomp he brought:<br/> +Her tomb was not of varied Spartan greet,<br/> +Nor yet by cunning hand of Scopas wrought,<br/> +But built of polished stone, and thereon laid<br/> +The lively shape and portrait of the maid. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCV<br/> +With sacred burning lamps in order long<br/> +And mournful pomp the corpse was brought to ground<br/> +Her arms upon a leafless pine were hung,<br/> +The hearse, with cypress; arms, with laurel crowned:<br/> +Next day the prince, whose love and courage strong<br/> +Drew forth his limbs, weak, feeble, and unsound,<br/> +To visit went, with care and reverence meet,<br/> +The buried ashes of his mistress sweet: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCVI<br/> +Before her new-made tomb at last arrived,<br/> +The woful prison of his living sprite,<br/> +Pale, cold, sad, comfortless, of sense deprived,<br/> +Upon the marble gray he fixed his sight,<br/> +Two streams of tears were from his eyes derived:<br/> +Thus with a sad “Alas!” began the knight,<br/> +“O marble dear on my dear mistress placed!<br/> +My flames within, without my tears thou hast. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCVII<br/> +“Not of dead bones art thou the mournful grave,<br/> +But of quick love the fortress and the hold,<br/> +Still in my heart thy wonted brands I have<br/> +More bitter far, alas! but not more cold;<br/> +Receive these sighs, these kisses sweet receive,<br/> +In liquid drops of melting tears enrolled,<br/> +And give them to that body pure and chaste,<br/> +Which in thy bosom cold entombed thou hast. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCVIII<br/> +“For if her happy soul her eye doth bend<br/> +On that sweet body which it lately dressed,<br/> +My love, thy pity cannot her offend,<br/> +Anger and wrath is not in angels blessed,<br/> +She pardon will the trespass of her friend,<br/> +That hope relieves me with these griefs oppressed,<br/> +This hand she knows hath only sinned, not I,<br/> +Who living loved her, and for love now die: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCIX<br/> +“And loving will I die, oh happy day<br/> +Whene’er it chanceth! but oh far more blessed<br/> +If as about thy polished sides I stray,<br/> +My bones within thy hollow grave might rest,<br/> +Together should in heaven our spirits stay,<br/> +Together should our bodies lie in chest;<br/> +So happy death should join what life doth sever,<br/> +O Death, O Life! sweet both, both blessed ever.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +C<br/> +Meanwhile the news in that besieged town<br/> +Of this mishap was whispered here and there,<br/> +Forthwith it spread, and for too true was known,<br/> +Her woful loss was talked everywhere,<br/> +Mingled with cries and plaints to heaven upthrown,<br/> +As if the city’s self new taken were<br/> +With conquering foes, or as if flame and fire,<br/> +Nor house, nor church, nor street had left entire. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CI<br/> +But all men’s eyes were on Arsetes bent,<br/> +His sighs were deep, his looks full of despair,<br/> +Out of his woful eyes no tear there went,<br/> +His heart was hardened with his too much care,<br/> +His silver locks with dust he foul besprent,<br/> +He knocked his breast, his face he rent and tare,<br/> +And while the press flocked to the eunuch old,<br/> +Thus to the people spake Argantes bold: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CII<br/> +“I would, when first I knew the hardy maid<br/> +Excluded was among her Christian foes,<br/> +Have followed her to give her timely aid,<br/> +Or by her side this breath and life to lose,<br/> +What did I not, or what left I unsaid<br/> +To make the king the gates again unclose?<br/> +But he denied, his power did aye restrain<br/> +My will, my suit was waste, my speech was vain: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CIII<br/> +“Ah, had I gone, I would from danger free<br/> +Have brought to Sion that sweet nymph again,<br/> +Or in the bloody fight, where killed was she,<br/> +In her defence there nobly have been slain:<br/> +But what could I do more? the counsels be<br/> +Of God and man gainst my designments plain,<br/> +Dead is Clorinda fair, laid in cold grave,<br/> +Let me revenge her whom I could not save. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CIV<br/> +“Jerusalem, hear what Argantes saith,<br/> +Hear Heaven, and if he break his oath and word,<br/> +Upon this head cast thunder in thy wrath:<br/> +I will destroy and kill that Christian lord<br/> +Who this fair dame by night thus murdered hath,<br/> +Nor from my side I will ungird this sword<br/> +Till Tancred’s heart it cleave, and shed his blood,<br/> +And leave his corpse to wolves and crows for food.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CV<br/> +This said, the people with a joyful shout<br/> +Applaud his speeches and his words approve,<br/> +And calmed their grief in hope the boaster stout<br/> +Would kill the prince, who late had slain his love.<br/> +O promise vain! it otherwise fell out:<br/> +Men purpose, but high gods dispose above,<br/> +For underneath his sword this boaster died<br/> +Whom thus he scorned and threatened in his pride. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="book13"></a>THIRTEENTH BOOK</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +THE ARGUMENT.<br/> +Ismeno sets to guard the forest old<br/> +The wicked sprites, whose ugly shapes affray<br/> +And put to flight the men, whose labor would<br/> +To their dark shades let in heaven’s golden ray:<br/> +Thither goes Tancred hardy, faithful, bold,<br/> +But foolish pity lets him not assay<br/> +His strength and courage: heat the Christian power<br/> +Annoys, whom to refresh God sends a shower. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I<br/> +But scant, dissolved into ashes cold,<br/> +The smoking tower fell on the scorched grass,<br/> +When new device found out the enchanter old<br/> +By which the town besieged secured was,<br/> +Of timber fit his foes deprive he would,<br/> +Such terror bred that late consumed mass:<br/> +So that the strength of Sion’s walls to shake,<br/> +They should no turrets, rams, nor engines make. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +II<br/> +From Godfrey’s camp a grove a little way<br/> +Amid the valleys deep grows out of sight,<br/> +Thick with old trees whose horrid arms display<br/> +An ugly shade, like everlasting night;<br/> +There when the sun spreads forth his clearest ray,<br/> +Dim, thick, uncertain, gloomy seems the light;<br/> +As when in evening, day and darkness strive<br/> +Which should his foe from our horizon drive. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +III<br/> +But when the sun his chair in seas doth steep,<br/> +Night, horror, darkness thick the place invade,<br/> +Which veil the mortal eyes with blindness deep<br/> +And with sad terror make weak hearts afraid,<br/> +Thither no groom drives forth his tender sheep<br/> +To browse, or ease their faint in cooling shade,<br/> +Nor traveller nor pilgrim there to enter,<br/> +So awful seems that forest old, dare venture. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IV<br/> +United there the ghosts and goblins meet<br/> +To frolic with their mates in silent night,<br/> +With dragons’ wings some cleave the welkin fleet,<br/> +Some nimbly run o’er hills and valleys light,<br/> +A wicked troop, that with allurements sweet<br/> +Draws sinful man from that is good and right,<br/> +And there with hellish pomp their banquets brought<br/> +They solemnize, thus the vain Parians thought. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +V<br/> +No twist, no twig, no bough nor branch, therefore,<br/> +The Saracens cut from that sacred spring;<br/> +But yet the Christians spared ne’er the more<br/> +The trees to earth with cutting steel to bring:<br/> +Thither went Ismen old with tresses hoar,<br/> +When night on all this earth spread forth her wing,<br/> +And there in silence deaf and mirksome shade<br/> +His characters and circles vain he made: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VI<br/> +He in the circle set one foot unshod,<br/> +And whispered dreadful charms in ghastly wise,<br/> +Three times, for witchcraft loveth numbers odd,<br/> +Toward the east he gaped, westward thrice,<br/> +He struck the earth thrice with his charmed rod<br/> +Wherewith dead bones he makes from grave to rise,<br/> +And thrice the ground with naked foot he smote,<br/> +And thus he cried loud, with thundering note: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VII<br/> +“Hear, hear, you spirits all that whilom fell,<br/> +Cast down from heaven with dint of roaring thunder;<br/> +Hear, you amid the empty air that dwell<br/> +And storms and showers pour on these kingdoms under;<br/> +Hear, all you devils that lie in deepest hell<br/> +And rend with torments damned ghosts asunder,<br/> +And of those lands of death, of pain and fear,<br/> +Thou monarch great, great Dis, great Pluto, hear! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VIII<br/> +“Keep you this forest well, keep every tree,<br/> +Numbered I give you them and truly told;<br/> +As souls of men in bodies clothed be<br/> +So every plant a sprite shall hide and hold,<br/> +With trembling fear make all the Christians flee,<br/> +When they presume to cut these cedars old:”<br/> +This said, his charms he gan again repeat,<br/> +Which none can say but they that use like feat. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IX<br/> +At those strange speeches, still night’s splendent fires<br/> +Quenched their lights, and shrunk away for doubt,<br/> +The feeble moon her silver beams retires,<br/> +And wrapt her horns with folding clouds about,<br/> +Ismen his sprites to come with speed requires,<br/> +“Why come you not, you ever damned rout?<br/> +Why tarry you so long? pardie you stay<br/> +Till stronger charms and greater words I say. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +X<br/> +“I have not yet forgot for want of use,<br/> +What dreadful terms belong this sacred feat,<br/> +My tongue, if still your stubborn hearts refuse,<br/> +That so much dreaded name can well repeat,<br/> +Which heard, great Dis cannot himself excuse,<br/> +But hither run from his eternal seat,<br/> +O great and fearful!”—More he would have said,<br/> +But that he saw the sturdy sprites obeyed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XI<br/> +Legions of devils by thousands thither come,<br/> +Such as in sparsed air their biding make,<br/> +And thousands also which by Heavenly doom<br/> +Condemned lie in deep Avernus lake,<br/> +But slow they came, displeased all and some<br/> +Because those woods they should in keeping take,<br/> +Yet they obeyed and took the charge in hand,<br/> +And under every branch and leaf they stand. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XII<br/> +When thus his cursed work performed was,<br/> +The wizard to his king declared the feat,<br/> +“My lord, let fear, let doubt and sorrow pass,<br/> +Henceforth in safety stands your regal seat,<br/> +Your foe, as he supposed, no mean now has<br/> +To build again his rams and engines great:”<br/> +And then he told at large from part to part,<br/> +All what he late performed by wondrous art. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIII<br/> +“Besides this help, another hap,” quoth he,<br/> +“Will shortly chance that brings not profit small.<br/> +Within few days Mars and the Sun I see<br/> +Their fiery beams unite in Leo shall;<br/> +And then extreme the scorching heat will be,<br/> +Which neither rain can quench nor dews that fall,<br/> +So placed are the planets high and low,<br/> +That heat, fire, burning all the heavens foreshow: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIV<br/> +“So great with us will be the warmth therefore,<br/> +As with the Garamants or those of Inde;<br/> +Yet nill it grieve us in this town so sore,<br/> +We have sweet shade and waters cold by kind:<br/> +Our foes abroad will be tormented more,<br/> +What shield can they or what refreshing find?<br/> +Heaven will them vanquish first, then Egypt’s crew<br/> +Destroy them quite, weak, weary, faint and few: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XV<br/> +“Thou shalt sit still and conquer; prove no more<br/> +The doubtful hazard of uncertain fight.<br/> +But if Argantes bold, that hates so sore<br/> +All cause of quiet peace, though just and right,<br/> +Provoke thee forth to battle, as before,<br/> +Find means to calm the rage of that fierce knight,<br/> +For shortly Heaven will send thee ease and peace,<br/> +And war and trouble mongst thy foes increase.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVI<br/> +The king assured by these speeches fair,<br/> +Held Godfrey’s power, his might and strength in scorn,<br/> +And now the walls he gan in part repair,<br/> +Which late the ram had bruised with iron horn,<br/> +With wise foresight and well advised care<br/> +He fortified each breach and bulwark torn,<br/> +And all his folk, men, women, children small,<br/> +With endless toil again repaired the wall. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVII<br/> +But Godfrey nould this while bring forth his power<br/> +To give assault against that fort in vain,<br/> +Till he had builded new his dreadful tower,<br/> +And reared high his down-fallen rams again:<br/> +His workmen therefore he despatched that hour<br/> +To hew the trees out of the forest main,<br/> +They went, and scant the wood appeared in sight<br/> +When wonders new their fearful hearts affright: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVIII<br/> +As silly children dare not bend their eye<br/> +Where they are told strange bugbears haunt the place,<br/> +Or as new monsters, while in bed they lie,<br/> +Their fearful thoughts present before their face;<br/> +So feared they, and fled, yet wist not why,<br/> +Nor what pursued them in that fearful chase.<br/> +Except their fear perchance while thus they fled,<br/> +New chimeras, sphinxes, or like monsters bred: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIX<br/> +Swift to the camp they turned back dismayed,<br/> +With words confused uncertain tales they told,<br/> +That all which heard them scorned what they said<br/> +And those reports for lies and fables hold.<br/> +A chosen crew in shining arms arrayed<br/> +Duke Godfrey thither sent of soldiers bold,<br/> +To guard the men and their faint arms provoke<br/> +To cut the dreadful trees with hardy stroke: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XX<br/> +These drawing near the wood where close ypent<br/> +The wicked sprites in sylvan pinfolds were,<br/> +Their eyes upon those shades no sooner bent<br/> +But frozen dread pierced through their entrails dear;<br/> +Yet on they stalked still, and on they went,<br/> +Under bold semblance hiding coward fear,<br/> +And so far wandered forth with trembling pace,<br/> +Till they approached nigh that enchanted place: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXI<br/> +When from the grove a fearful sound outbreaks,<br/> +As if some earthquake hill and mountain tore,<br/> +Wherein the southern wind a rumbling makes,<br/> +Or like sea waves against the scraggy shore;<br/> +There lions grumble, there hiss scaly snakes,<br/> +There howl the wolves, the rugged bears there roar,<br/> +There trumpets shrill are heard and thunders fell,<br/> +And all these sounds one sound expressed well. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXII<br/> +Upon their faces pale well might you note<br/> +A thousand signs of heart-amating fear,<br/> +Their reason gone, by no device they wot<br/> +How to press nigh, or stay still where they were,<br/> +Against that sudden dread their breasts which smote,<br/> +Their courage weak no shield of proof could bear,<br/> +At last they fled, and one than all more bold,<br/> +Excused their flight, and thus the wonders told: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIII<br/> +“My lord, not one of us there is, I grant,<br/> +That dares cut down one branch in yonder spring,<br/> +I think there dwells a sprite in every plant,<br/> +There keeps his court great Dis infernal king,<br/> +He hath a heart of hardened adamant<br/> +That without trembling dares attempt the thing,<br/> +And sense he wanteth who so hardy is<br/> +To hear the forest thunder, roar and hiss.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIV<br/> +This said, Alcasto to his words gave heed,<br/> +Alcasto leader of the Switzers grim,<br/> +A man both void of wit and void of dreed,<br/> +Who feared not loss of life nor loss of limb.<br/> +No savage beasts in deserts wild that feed<br/> +Nor ugly monster could dishearten him,<br/> +Nor whirlwind, thunder, earthquake, storm, or aught<br/> +That in this world is strange or fearful thought. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXV<br/> +He shook his head, and smiling thus gan say,<br/> +“The hardiness have I that wood to fell,<br/> +And those proud trees low in the dust to lay<br/> +Wherein such grisly fiends and monsters dwell;<br/> +No roaring ghost my courage can dismay,<br/> +No shriek of birds, beast’s roar, or dragon’s yell;<br/> +But through and through that forest will I wend,<br/> +Although to deepest hell the paths descend.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVI<br/> +Thus boasted he, and leave to go desired,<br/> +And forward went with joyful cheer and will,<br/> +He viewed the wood and those thick shades admired,<br/> +He heard the wondrous noise and rumbling shrill;<br/> +Yet not one foot the audacious man retired,<br/> +He scorned the peril, pressing forward still,<br/> +Till on the forest’s outmost marge he stepped,<br/> +A flaming fire from entrance there him kept. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVII<br/> +The fire increased, and built a stately wall<br/> +Of burning coals, quick sparks, and embers hot,<br/> +And with bright flames the wood environed all,<br/> +That there no tree nor twist Alcasto got;<br/> +The higher stretched the flames seemed bulwarks tall,<br/> +Castles and turrets full of fiery shot,<br/> +With slings and engines strong of every sort;—<br/> +What mortal wight durst scale so strange a fort? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVIII<br/> +Oh what strange monsters on the battlement<br/> +In loathsome forms stood to defend the place?<br/> +Their frowning looks upon the knight they bent,<br/> +And threatened death with shot, with sword and mace:<br/> +At last he fled, and though but slow he went,<br/> +As lions do whom jolly hunters chase;<br/> +Yet fled the man and with sad fear withdrew,<br/> +Though fear till then he never felt nor knew. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIX<br/> +That he had fled long time he never wist,<br/> +But when far run he had discoverd it,<br/> +Himself for wonder with his hand he blist,<br/> +A bitter sorrow by the heart him bit,<br/> +Amazed, ashamed, disgraced, sad, silent, trist,<br/> +Alone he would all day in darkness sit,<br/> +Nor durst he look on man of worth or fame,<br/> +His pride late great, now greater made his shame. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXX<br/> +Godfredo called him, but he found delays<br/> +And causes why he should his cabin keep,<br/> +At length perforce he comes, but naught he says,<br/> +Or talks like those that babble in their sleep.<br/> +His shamefacedness to Godfrey plain bewrays<br/> +His flight, so does his sighs and sadness deep:<br/> +Whereat amazed, “What chance is this?” quoth he.<br/> +“These witchcrafts strange or nature’s wonders be. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXI<br/> +“But if his courage any champion move<br/> +To try the hazard of this dreadful spring,<br/> +I give him leave the adventure great to prove,<br/> +Some news he may report us of the thing:”<br/> +This said, his lords attempt the charmed grove,<br/> +Yet nothing back but fear and flight they bring,<br/> +For them inforced with trembling to retire,<br/> +The sight, the sound, the monsters and the fire. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXII<br/> +This happed when woful Tancred left his bed<br/> +To lay in marble cold his mistress dear,<br/> +The lively color from his cheek was fled,<br/> +His limbs were weak his helm or targe to bear;<br/> +Nathless when need to high attempts him led,<br/> +No labor would he shun, no danger fear,<br/> +His valor, boldness, heart and courage brave,<br/> +To his faint body strength and vigor gave. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIII<br/> +To this exploit forth went the venturous knight,<br/> +Fearless, yet heedful; silent, well advised,<br/> +The terrors of that forest’s dreadful sight,<br/> +Storms, earthquakes, thunders, cries, he all despised:<br/> +He feared nothing, yet a motion light,<br/> +That quickly vanished, in his heart arised<br/> +When lo, between him and the charmed wood,<br/> +A fiery city high as heaven up stood. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIV<br/> +The knight stepped back and took a sudden pause,<br/> +And to himself, “What help these arms?” quoth he,<br/> +“If in this fire, or monster’s gaping jaws<br/> +I headlong cast myself, what boots it me?<br/> +For common profit, or my country’s cause,<br/> +To hazard life before me none should be:<br/> +But this exploit of no such weight I hold,<br/> +For it to lose a prince or champion bold. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXV<br/> +But if I fly, what will the Pagans say?<br/> +If I retire, who shall cut down this spring?<br/> +Godfredo will attempt it every day.<br/> +What if some other knight perform the thing?<br/> +These flames uprisen to forestall my way<br/> +Perchance more terror far than danger bring.<br/> +But hap what shall;” this said, he forward stepped,<br/> +And through the fire, oh wondrous boldness, leapt! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVI<br/> +He bolted through, but neither warmth nor heat!<br/> +He felt, nor sign of fire or scorching flame;<br/> +Yet wist he not in his dismayed conceit,<br/> +If that were fire or no through which he came;<br/> +For at first touch vanished those monsters great,<br/> +And in their stead the clouds black night did frame<br/> +And hideous storms and showers of hail and rain;<br/> +Yet storms and tempests vanished straight again. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVII<br/> +Amazed but not afraid the champion good<br/> +Stood still, but when the tempest passed he spied,<br/> +He entered boldly that forbidden wood,<br/> +And of the forest all the secrets eyed,<br/> +In all his walk no sprite or phantasm stood<br/> +That stopped his way or passage free denied,<br/> +Save that the growing trees so thick were set,<br/> +That oft his sight, and passage oft they let. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVIII<br/> +At length a fair and spacious green he spied,<br/> +Like calmest waters, plain, like velvet, soft,<br/> +Wherein a cypress clad in summer’s pride,<br/> +Pyramid-wise, lift up his tops aloft;<br/> +In whose smooth bark upon the evenest side,<br/> +Strange characters he found, and viewed them oft,<br/> +Like those which priests of Egypt erst instead<br/> +Of letters used, which none but they could read. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIX<br/> +Mongst them he picked out these words at last,<br/> +Writ in the Syriac tongue, which well he could,<br/> +“Oh hardy knight, who through these woods hast passed:<br/> +Where Death his palace and his court doth hold!<br/> +Oh trouble not these souls in quiet placed,<br/> +Oh be not cruel as thy heart is bold,<br/> +Pardon these ghosts deprived of heavenly light,<br/> +With spirits dead why should men living fight?” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XL<br/> +This found he graven in the tender rind,<br/> +And while he mused on this uncouth writ,<br/> +Him thought he heard the softly whistling wind<br/> +His blasts amid the leaves and branches knit<br/> +And frame a sound like speech of human kind,<br/> +But full of sorrow grief and woe was it,<br/> +Whereby his gentle thoughts all filled were<br/> +With pity, sadness, grief, compassion, fear. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLI<br/> +He drew his sword at last, and gave the tree<br/> +A mighty blow, that made a gaping wound,<br/> +Out of the rift red streams he trickling see<br/> +That all bebled the verdant plain around,<br/> +His hair start up, yet once again stroke he,<br/> +He nould give over till the end he found<br/> +Of this adventure, when with plaint and moan,<br/> +As from some hollow grave, he heard one groan. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLII<br/> +“Enough, enough!” the voice lamenting said,<br/> +“Tancred, thou hast me hurt, thou didst me drive<br/> +Out of the body of a noble maid<br/> +Who with me lived, whom late I kept on live,<br/> +And now within this woful cypress laid,<br/> +My tender rind thy weapon sharp doth rive,<br/> +Cruel, is’t not enough thy foes to kill,<br/> +But in their graves wilt thou torment them still? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIII<br/> +“I was Clorinda, now imprisoned here,<br/> +Yet not alone within this plant I dwell,<br/> +For every Pagan lord and Christian peer,<br/> +Before the city’s walls last day that fell,<br/> +In bodies new or graves I wot not clear,<br/> +But here they are confined by magic’s spell,<br/> +So that each tree hath life, and sense each bough,<br/> +A murderer if thou cut one twist art thou.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIV<br/> +As the sick man that in his sleep doth see<br/> +Some ugly dragon, or some chimera new,<br/> +Though he suspect, or half persuaded be,<br/> +It is an idle dream, no monster true,<br/> +Yet still he fears, he quakes, and strives to flee,<br/> +So fearful is that wondrous form to view;<br/> +So feared the knight, yet he both knew and thought<br/> +All were illusions false by witchcraft wrought: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLV<br/> +But cold and trembling waxed his frozen heart,<br/> +Such strange effects, such passions it torment,<br/> +Out of his feeble hand his weapon start,<br/> +Himself out of his wits nigh, after went:<br/> +Wounded he saw, he thought, for pain and smart,<br/> +His lady weep, complain, mourn, and lament,<br/> +Nor could he suffer her dear blood to see,<br/> +Or hear her sighs that deep far fetched be. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVI<br/> +Thus his fierce heart which death had scorned oft,<br/> +Whom no strange shape or monster could dismay,<br/> +With feigned shows of tender love made soft,<br/> +A spirit false did with vain plaints betray;<br/> +A whirling wind his sword heaved up aloft,<br/> +And through the forest bare it quite away.<br/> +O’ercome retired the prince, and as he came,<br/> +His sword he found, and repossessed the same, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVII<br/> +Yet nould return, he had no mind to try<br/> +His courage further in those forests green;<br/> +But when to Godfrey’s tent he proached nigh,<br/> +His spirits waked, his thoughts composed been,<br/> +“My Lord.” quoth he, “a witness true am I<br/> +Of wonders strange, believe it scant though seen,<br/> +What of the fire, the shades, the dreadful sound<br/> +You heard, all true by proof myself have found; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVIII<br/> +“A burning fire, so are those deserts charmed,<br/> +Built like a battled wall to heaven was reared;<br/> +Whereon with darts and dreadful weapons armed,<br/> +Of monsters foul mis-shaped whole bands appeared;<br/> +But through them all I passed, unhurt, unharmed,<br/> +No flame or threatened blow I felt or feared,<br/> +Then rain and night I found, but straight again<br/> +To day, the night, to sunshine turned the rain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIX<br/> +“What would you more? each tree through all that wood<br/> +Hath sense, hath life, hath speech, like human kind,<br/> +I heard their words as in that grove I stood,<br/> +That mournful voice still, still I bear in mind:<br/> +And, as they were of flesh, the purple blood<br/> +At every blow streams from the wounded rind;<br/> +No, no, not I, nor any else, I trow,<br/> +Hath power to cut one leaf, one branch, one bough.”<br/> +L<br/> +While thus he said, the Christian’s noble guide<br/> +Felt uncouth strife in his contentious thought,<br/> +He thought, what if himself in perzon tried<br/> +Those witchcrafts strange, and bring those charms to naught,<br/> +For such he deemed them, or elsewhere provide<br/> +For timber easier got though further sought,<br/> +But from his study he at last abraid,<br/> +Called by the hermit old that to him said: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LI<br/> +“Leave off thy hardy thought, another’s hands<br/> +Of these her plants the wood dispoilen shall,<br/> +Now, now the fatal ship of conquest lands,<br/> +Her sails are struck, her silver anchors fall,<br/> +Our champion broken hath his worthless bands,<br/> +And looseth from the soil which held him thrall,<br/> +The time draws nigh when our proud foes in field<br/> +Shall slaughtered lie, and Sion’s fort shall yield.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LII<br/> +This said, his visage shone with beams divine,<br/> +And more than mortal was his voice’s sound,<br/> +Godfredo’s thought to other acts incline,<br/> +His working brain was never idle found.<br/> +But in the Crab now did bright Titan shine,<br/> +And scorched with scalding beams the parched ground,<br/> +And made unfit for toil or warlike feat<br/> +His soldiers, weak with labor, faint with sweat: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIII<br/> +The planets mild their lamps benign quenched out,<br/> +And cruel stars in heaven did signorize,<br/> +Whose influence cast fiery flames about<br/> +And hot impressions through the earth and skies,<br/> +The growing heat still gathered deeper rout,<br/> +The noisome warmth through lands and kingdoms flies,<br/> +A harmful night a hurtful day succeeds,<br/> +And worse than both next morn her light outspreads. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIV<br/> +When Phoebus rose he left his golden weed,<br/> +And donned a gite in deepest purple dyed,<br/> +His sanguine beams about his forehead spread,<br/> +A sad presage of ill that should betide,<br/> +With vermeil drops at even his tresses bleed,<br/> +Foreshows of future heat, from the ocean wide<br/> +When next he rose, and thus increased still<br/> +Their present harms with dread of future ill, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LV<br/> +While thus he bent gainst earth his scorching rays,<br/> +He burnt the flowers, burnt his Clytie dear,<br/> +The leaves grew wan upon the withered sprays,<br/> +The grass and growing herbs all parched were,<br/> +Earth cleft in rifts, in floods their streams decays,<br/> +The barren clouds with lightning bright appear,<br/> +And mankind feared lest Climenes’ child again<br/> +Had driven awry his sire’s ill-guided wain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVI<br/> +As from a furnace flew the smoke to skies,<br/> +Such smoke as that when damned Sodom brent,<br/> +Within his caves sweet Zephyr silent lies,<br/> +Still was the air, the rack nor came nor went,<br/> +But o’er the lands with lukewarm breathing flies<br/> +The southern wind, from sunburnt Afric sent,<br/> +Which thick and warm his interrupted blasts<br/> +Upon their bosoms, throats, and faces casts. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVII<br/> +Nor yet more comfort brought the gloomy night,<br/> +In her thick shades was burning heat uprolled,<br/> +Her sable mantle was embroidered bright<br/> +With blazing stars and gliding fires for gold,<br/> +Nor to refresh, sad earth, thy thirsty sprite,<br/> +The niggard moon let fall her May dews cold,<br/> +And dried up the vital moisture was,<br/> +In trees, in plants, in herbs, in flowers, in grass. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVIII<br/> +Sleep to his quiet dales exiled fled<br/> +From these unquiet nights, and oft in vain<br/> +The soldiers restless sought the god in bed,<br/> +But most for thirst they mourned and most complain;<br/> +For Juda’s tyrant had strong poison shed,<br/> +Poison that breeds more woe and deadly pain,<br/> +Than Acheron or Stygian waters bring,<br/> +In every fountain, cistern, well and spring: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIX<br/> +And little Siloe that his store bestows<br/> +Of purest crystal on the Christian bands,<br/> +The pebbles naked in his channel shows<br/> +And scantly glides above the scorched sands,<br/> +Nor Po in May when o’er his banks he flows,<br/> +Nor Ganges, waterer of the Indian lands,<br/> +Nor seven-mouthed Nile that yields all Egypt drink,<br/> +To quench their thirst the men sufficient think. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LX<br/> +He that the gliding rivers erst had seen<br/> +Adown their verdant channels gently rolled,<br/> +Or falling streams which to the valleys green<br/> +Distilled from tops of Alpine mountains cold,<br/> +Those he desired in vain, new torments been,<br/> +Augmented thus with wish of comforts old,<br/> +Those waters cool he drank in vain conceit,<br/> +Which more increased his thirst, increased his heat. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXI<br/> +The sturdy bodies of the warriors strong,<br/> +Whom neither marching far, nor tedious way,<br/> +Nor weighty arms which on their shoulders hung,<br/> +Could weary make, nor death itself dismay;<br/> +Now weak and feeble cast their limbs along,<br/> +Unwieldly burdens, on the burned clay,<br/> +And in each vein a smouldering fire there dwelt,<br/> +Which dried their flesh and solid bones did melt. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXII<br/> +Languished the steed late fierce, and proffered grass,<br/> +His fodder erst, despised and from him cast,<br/> +Each step he stumbled, and which lofty was<br/> +And high advanced before now fell his crest,<br/> +His conquests gotten all forgotten pass,<br/> +Nor with desire of glory swelled his breast,<br/> +The spoils won from his foe, his late rewards,<br/> +He now neglects, despiseth, naught regards. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIII<br/> +Languished the faithful dog, and wonted care<br/> +Of his dear lord and cabin both forgot,<br/> +Panting he laid, and gathered fresher air<br/> +To cool the burning in his entrails hot:<br/> +But breathing, which wise nature did prepare<br/> +To suage the stomach’s heat, now booted not,<br/> +For little ease, alas, small help, they win<br/> +That breathe forth air and scalding fire suck in. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIV<br/> +Thus languished the earth, in this estate<br/> +Lay woful thousands of the Christians stout,<br/> +The faithful people grew nigh desperate<br/> +Of hoped conquest, shameful death they doubt,<br/> +Of their distress they talk and oft debate,<br/> +These sad complaints were heard the camp throughout:<br/> +“What hope hath Godfrey? shall we still here lie<br/> +Till all his soldiers, all our armies die? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXV<br/> +“Alas, with what device, what strength, thinks he<br/> +To scale these walls, or this strong fort to get?<br/> +Whence hath he engines new? doth he not see,<br/> +How wrathful Heaven gainst us his sword doth whet?<br/> +These tokens shown true signs and witness be<br/> +Our angry God our proud attempts doth let,<br/> +And scorching sun so hot his beams outspreads,<br/> +That not more cooling Inde nor Aethiop needs. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVI<br/> +“Or thinks he it an eath or little thing<br/> +That us despised, neglected, and disdained,<br/> +Like abjects vile, to death he thus should bring,<br/> +That so his empire may be still maintained?<br/> +Is it so great a bliss to be a king,<br/> +When he that wears the crown with blood is stained<br/> +And buys his sceptre with his people’s lives?<br/> +See whither glory vain, fond mankind drives. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVII<br/> +“See, see the man, called holy, just, and good,<br/> +That courteous, meek, and humble would be thought,<br/> +Yet never cared in what distress we stood<br/> +If his vain honor were diminished naught,<br/> +When dried up from us his spring and flood<br/> +His water must from Jordan streams be brought,<br/> +And how he sits at feasts and banquets sweet<br/> +And mingleth waters fresh with wines of Crete.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVIII<br/> +The French thus murmured, but the Greekish knight<br/> +Tatine, that of this war was weary grown:<br/> +“Why die we here,” quoth he, “slain without fight,<br/> +Killed, not subdued, murdered, not overthrown?<br/> +Upon the Frenchmen let the penance light<br/> +Of Godfrey’s folly, let me save mine own,”<br/> +And as he said, without farewell, the knight<br/> +And all his comet stole away by night. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIX<br/> +His bad example many a troop prepares<br/> +To imitate, when his escape they know,<br/> +Clotharius his band, and Ademare’s,<br/> +And all whose guides in dust were buried low,<br/> +Discharged of duty’s chains and bondage snares,<br/> +Free from their oath, to none they service owe,<br/> +But now concluded all on secret flight,<br/> +And shrunk away by thousands every night. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXX<br/> +Godfredo this both heard, and saw, and knew,<br/> +Yet nould with death them chastise though he mought,<br/> +But with that faith wherewith he could renew<br/> +The steadfast hills and seas dry up to naught<br/> +He prayed the Lord upon his flock to rue,<br/> +To ope the springs of grace and ease this drought,<br/> +Out of his looks shone zeal, devotion, faith,<br/> +His hands and eyes to heaven he heaves, and saith: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXI<br/> +“Father and Lord, if in the deserts waste<br/> +Thou hadst compassion on thy children dear,<br/> +The craggy rock when Moses cleft and brast,<br/> +And drew forth flowing streams of waters clear,<br/> +Like mercy, Lord, like grace on us down cast;<br/> +And though our merits less than theirs appear,<br/> +Thy grace supply that want, for though they be<br/> +Thy first-born son, thy children yet are we.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXII<br/> +These prayers just, from humble hearts forth sent,<br/> +Were nothing slow to climb the starry sky,<br/> +But swift as winged bird themselves present<br/> +Before the Father of the heavens high:<br/> +The Lord accepted them, and gently bent<br/> +Upon the faithful host His gracious eye,<br/> +And in what pain and what distress it laid,<br/> +He saw, and grieved to see, and thus He said: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIII<br/> +“Mine armies dear till now have suffered woe,<br/> +Distress and danger, hell’s infernal power<br/> +Their enemy hath been, the world their foe,<br/> +But happy be their actions from this hour:<br/> +What they begin to blessed end shall go,<br/> +I will refresh them with a gentle shower;<br/> +Rinaldo shall return, the Egyptian crew<br/> +They shall encounter, conquer, and subdue.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIV<br/> +At these high words great heaven began to shake,<br/> +The fixed stars, the planets wandering still,<br/> +Trembled the air, the earth and ocean quake,<br/> +Spring, fountain, river, forest, dale and hill;<br/> +From north to east, a lightning flash outbrake,<br/> +And coming drops presaged with thunders shrill:<br/> +With joyful shouts the soldiers on the plain,<br/> +These tokens bless of long-desired rain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXV<br/> +A sudden cloud, as when Helias prayed,<br/> +Not from dry earth exhaled by Phoebus’ beams,<br/> +Arose, moist heaven his windows open laid,<br/> +Whence clouds by heaps out rush, and watery streams,<br/> +The world o’erspread was with a gloomy shade,<br/> +That like a dark mirksome even it seems;<br/> +The crashing rain from molten skies down fell,<br/> +And o’er their banks the brooks and fountains swell. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVI<br/> +In summer season, when the cloudy sky<br/> +Upon the parched ground doth rain down send,<br/> +As duck and mallard in the furrows dry<br/> +With merry noise the promised showers attend,<br/> +And spreading broad their wings displayed lie<br/> +To keep the drops that on their plumes descend,<br/> +And where the streams swell to a gathered lake,<br/> +Therein they dive, and sweet refreshing take: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVII<br/> +So they the streaming showers with shouts and cries<br/> +Salute, which heaven shed on the thirsty lands,<br/> +The falling liquor from the dropping skies<br/> +He catcheth in his lap, he barehead stands,<br/> +And his bright helm to drink therein unties,<br/> +In the fresh streams he dives his sweaty hands,<br/> +Their faces some, and some their temples wet,<br/> +And some to keep the drops large vessels set. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVIII<br/> +Nor man alone to ease his burning sore,<br/> +Herein doth dive and wash, and hereof drinks,<br/> +But earth itself weak, feeble, faint before,<br/> +Whose solid limbs were cleft with rifts and chinks,<br/> +Received the falling showers and gathered store<br/> +Of liquor sweet, that through her veins down sinks,<br/> +And moisture new infused largely was<br/> +In trees, in plants, in herbs, in flowers, in grass. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIX<br/> +Earth, like the patient was, whose lively blood<br/> +Hath overcome at last some sickness strong,<br/> +Whose feeble limbs had been the bait and food<br/> +Whereon this strange disease depastured long,<br/> +But now restored, in health and welfare stood,<br/> +As sound as erst, as fresh, as fair, as young;<br/> +So that forgetting all his grief and pain,<br/> +His pleasant robes and crowns he takes again. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXX<br/> +Ceased the rain, the sun began to shine,<br/> +With fruitful, sweet, benign, and gentle ray,<br/> +Full of strong power and vigor masculine,<br/> +As be his beams in April or in May.<br/> +O happy zeal! who trusts in help divine<br/> +The world’s afflictions thus can drive away,<br/> +Can storms appease, and times and seasons change,<br/> +And conquer fortune, fate, and destiny strange. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="book14"></a>FOURTEENTH BOOK</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +THE ARGUMENT.<br/> +The Lord to Godfrey in a dream doth show<br/> +His will; Rinaldo must return at last;<br/> +They have their asking who for pardon sue:<br/> +Two knights to find the prince are sent in haste,<br/> +But Peter, who by vision all foreknew,<br/> +Sendeth the searchers to a wizard, placed<br/> +Deep in a vault, who first at large declares<br/> +Armida’s trains, then how to shun those snares. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I<br/> +Now from the fresh, the soft and tender bed<br/> +Of her still mother, gentle night out flew,<br/> +The fleeting balm on hills and dales she shed,<br/> +With honey drops of pure and precious dew,<br/> +And on the verdure of green forests spread<br/> +The virgin primrose and the violet blue,<br/> +And sweet-breathed Zephyr on his spreading wings,<br/> +Sleep, ease, repose, rest, peace and quiet brings. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +II<br/> +The thoughts and troubles of broad-waking day,<br/> +They softly dipped in mild Oblivion’s lake;<br/> +But he whose Godhead heaven and earth doth sway,<br/> +In his eternal light did watch and wake,<br/> +And bent on Godfrey down the gracious ray<br/> +Of his bright eye, still ope for Godfrey’s sake,<br/> +To whom a silent dream the Lord down sent.<br/> +Which told his will, his pleasure and intent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +III<br/> +Far in the east, the golden gate beside<br/> +Whence Phoebus comes, a crystal port there is,<br/> +And ere the sun his broad doors open wide<br/> +The beam of springing day uncloseth this,<br/> +Hence comes the dreams, by which heaven’s sacred guide<br/> +Reveals to man those high degrees of his,<br/> +Hence toward Godfrey ere he left his bed<br/> +A vision strange his golden plumes bespread. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IV<br/> +Such semblances, such shapes, such portraits fair,<br/> +Did never yet in dream or sleep appear,<br/> +For all the forms in sea, in earth or air,<br/> +The signs in heaven, the stars in every sphere<br/> +All that was wondrous, uncouth, strange and rare,<br/> +All in that vision well presented were.<br/> +His dream had placed him in a crystal wide,<br/> +Beset with golden fires, top, bottom, side, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +V<br/> +There while he wondereth on the circles vast,<br/> +The stars, their motions, course and harmony,<br/> +A knight, with shining rays and fire embraced,<br/> +Presents himself unwares before his eye,<br/> +Who with a voice that far for sweetness passed<br/> +All human speech, thus said, approaching nigh:<br/> +“What, Godfrey, knowest thou not thy Hugo here?<br/> +Come and embrace thy friend and fellow dear!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VI<br/> +He answered him, “Thy glorious shining light<br/> +Which in thine eyes his glistering beams doth place,<br/> +Estranged hath from my foreknowledge quite<br/> +Thy countenance, thy favor, and thy face:”<br/> +This said, three times he stretched his hands outright<br/> +And would in friendly arms the knight embrace,<br/> +And thrice the spirit fled, that thrice he twined<br/> +Naught in his folded arms but air and wind. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VII<br/> +Lord Hugo smiled, “Not as you think,” quoth he,<br/> +“I clothed am in flesh and earthly mould,<br/> +My spirit pure, and naked soul, you see,<br/> +A citizen of this celestial hold:<br/> +This place is heaven, and here a room for thee<br/> +Prepared is among Christ’s champions bold:”<br/> +“Ah when,” quoth he, “these mortal bonds unknit,<br/> +Shall I in peace, in ease and rest there sit?” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VIII<br/> +Hugo replied, “Ere many years shall run,<br/> +Amid the saints in bliss here shalt thou reign;<br/> +But first great wars must by thy hand be done,<br/> +Much blood be shed, and many Pagans slain,<br/> +The holy city by assault be won,<br/> +The land set free from servile yoke again,<br/> +Wherein thou shalt a Christian empire frame,<br/> +And after thee shall Baldwin rule the same. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IX<br/> +“But to increase thy love and great desire<br/> +To heavenward, this blessed place behold,<br/> +These shining lamps, these globes of living fire,<br/> +How they are turned, guided, moved and rolled;<br/> +The angels’ singing hear, and all their choir;<br/> +Then bend thine eyes on yonder earth and mould,<br/> +All in that mass, that globe and compass see,<br/> +Land, sea, spring, fountain, man, beast, grass and tree. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +X<br/> +“How vile, how small, and of how slender price,<br/> +Is their reward of goodness, virtue’s gain!<br/> +A narrow room our glory vain upties,<br/> +A little circle doth our pride contain,<br/> +Earth like an isle amid the water lies,<br/> +Which sea sometime is called, sometime the main,<br/> +Yet naught therein responds a name so great,<br/> +It’s but a lake, a pond, a marish strait.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XI<br/> +Thus said the one, the other bended down<br/> +His looks to ground, and half in scorn he smiled,<br/> +He saw at once earth, sea, flood, castle, town,<br/> +Strangely divided, strangely all compiled,<br/> +And wondered folly man so far should drown,<br/> +To set his heart on things so base and vild,<br/> +That servile empire searcheth and dumb fame,<br/> +And scorns heaven’s bliss, yet proffereth heaven the same. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XII<br/> +Wherefore he answered, “Since the Lord not yet<br/> +Will free my spirit from this cage of clay,<br/> +Lest worldly error vain my voyage let,<br/> +Teach me to heaven the best and surest way:”<br/> +Hugo replied, “Thy happy foot is set<br/> +In the true path, nor from this passage stray,<br/> +Only from exile young Rinaldo call,<br/> +This give I thee in charge, else naught at all. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIII<br/> +“For as the Lord of hosts, the King of bliss,<br/> +Hath chosen thee to rule the faithful band;<br/> +So he thy stratagems appointed is<br/> +To execute, so both shall win this land:<br/> +The first is thine, the second place is his,<br/> +Thou art this army’s head, and he the hand,<br/> +No other champion can his place supply,<br/> +And that thou do it doth thy state deny. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIV<br/> +“The enchanted forest, and her charmed treen,<br/> +With cutting steel shall he to earth down hew,<br/> +And thy weak armies which too feeble been<br/> +To scale again these walls reinforced new,<br/> +And fainting lie dispersed on the green,<br/> +Shall take new strength new courage at his view,<br/> +The high-built towers, the eastern squadrons all,<br/> +Shall conquered be, shall fly, shall die, shall fall.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XV<br/> +He held his peace; and Godfrey answered so:<br/> +“Oh, how his presence would recomfort me!<br/> +You that man’s hidden thoughts perceive and know:<br/> +If I say truth, or if I love him, see.<br/> +But say, what messengers shall for him go?<br/> +What shall their speeches, what their errand be?<br/> +Shall I entreat, or else command the man?<br/> +With credit neither well perform I can.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVI<br/> +“The eternal Lord,” the other knight replied,<br/> +“That with so many graces hath thee blest,<br/> +Will, that among the troops thou hast to guide,<br/> +Thou honored be and feared of most and least:<br/> +Then speak not thou lest blemish some betide<br/> +Thy sacred empire if thou make request;<br/> +But when by suit thou moved art to ruth,<br/> +Then yield, forgive, and home recall the youth. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVII<br/> +“Guelpho shall pray thee, God shall him inspire,<br/> +To pardon this offence, this fault commit<br/> +By hasty wrath, by rash and headstrong ire,<br/> +To call the knight again; yield thou to it:<br/> +And though the youth, enwrapped in fond desire,<br/> +Far hence in love and looseness idle sit,<br/> +Year fear it not, he shall return with speed,<br/> +When most you wish him and when most you need. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVIII<br/> +“Your hermit Peter, to whose sapient heart<br/> +High Heaven his secrets opens, tells and shews,<br/> +Your messengers direct can to that part,<br/> +Where of the prince they shall hear certain news,<br/> +And learn the way, the manner, and the art<br/> +To bring him back to these thy warlike crews,<br/> +That all thy soldiers, wandered and misgone,<br/> +Heaven may unite again and join in one. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIX<br/> +“But this conclusion shall my speeches end:<br/> +Know that his blood shall mixed be with thine,<br/> +Whence barons bold and worthies shall descend,<br/> +That many great exploits shall bring to fine.”<br/> +This said, he vanished from his sleeping friend,<br/> +Like smoke in wind, or mist in Titan’s shine;<br/> +Sleep fled likewise, and in his troubled thought,<br/> +With wonder, pleasure; joy, with marvel fought. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XX<br/> +The duke looked up, and saw the azure sky<br/> +With argent beams of silver morning spread,<br/> +And started up, for praise axed virtue lie<br/> +In toil and travel, sin and shame in bed:<br/> +His arms he took, his sword girt to his thigh,<br/> +To his pavilion all his lords them sped,<br/> +And there in council grave the princes sit,<br/> +For strength by wisdom, war is ruled by wit. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXI<br/> +Lord Guelpho there, within whose gentle breast<br/> +Heaven had infused that new and sudden thought,<br/> +His pleasing words thus to the duke addressed:<br/> +“Good prince, mild, though unasked, kind, unbesought,<br/> +Oh let thy mercy grant my just request,<br/> +Pardon this fault by rage not malice wrought;<br/> +For great offence, I grant, so late commit,<br/> +My suit too hasty is, perchance unfit. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXII<br/> +But since to Godfrey meek benign and kind,<br/> +For Prince Rinaldo bold, I humbly sue,<br/> +And that the suitor’s self is not behind<br/> +Thy greatest friends in state or friendship true;<br/> +I trust I shall thy grace and mercy find<br/> +Acceptable to me and all this crew;<br/> +Oh call him home, this trespass to amend,<br/> +He shall his blood in Godfrey’s service spend. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIII<br/> +“And if not he, who else dares undertake<br/> +Of this enchanted wood to cut one tree?<br/> +Gainst death and danger who dares battle make,<br/> +With so bold face, so fearless heart as he?<br/> +Beat down these walls, these gates in pieces break,<br/> +Leap o’er these rampires high, thou shalt him see,<br/> +Restore therefore to this desirous band<br/> +Their wish, their hope, their strength, their shield, their hand; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIV<br/> +“To me my nephew, to thyself restore<br/> +A trusty help, when strength of hand thou needs,<br/> +In idleness let him consume no more,<br/> +Recall him to his noble acts and deeds!<br/> +Known be his worth as was his strength of yore<br/> +Wher’er thy standard broad her cross outspreads,<br/> +Oh, let his fame and praise spread far and wide,<br/> +Be thou his lord, his teacher and his guidel” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXV<br/> +Thus he entreated, and the rest approve<br/> +His words, with friendly murmurs whispered low.<br/> +Godfrey as though their suit his mind did move<br/> +To that whereon he never thought tell now,<br/> +“How can my heart,” quoth he, “if you I love,<br/> +To your request and suit but bend and bow?<br/> +Let rigor go, that right and justice be<br/> +Wherein you all consent and all agree. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVI<br/> +“Rinaldo shall return; let him restrain<br/> +Henceforth his headstrong wrath and hasty ire,<br/> +And with his hardy deeds let him take pain<br/> +To correspond your hope and my desire:<br/> +Guelpho, thou must call home the knight again,<br/> +See that with speed he to these tents retire,<br/> +The messengers appoint as likes thy mind,<br/> +And teach them where they should the young man find.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVII<br/> +Up start the Dane that bare Prince Sweno’s brand,<br/> +“I will,” quoth he, “that message undertake,<br/> +I will refuse no pains by sea or land,<br/> +To give the knight this sword, kept for his sake.”<br/> +This man was bold of courage, strong of hand,<br/> +Guelpho was glad he did the proffer make:<br/> +“Thou shalt,” quoth he, “Ubaldo shalt thou have<br/> +To go with thee, a knight, stout, wise, and grave.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVIII<br/> +Ubaldo in his youth had known and seen<br/> +The fashions strange of many an uncouth land,<br/> +And travelled over all the realms between<br/> +The Arctic circle and hot Meroe’s strand,<br/> +And as a man whose wit his guide had been,<br/> +Their customs use he could, tongues understand,<br/> +Forthy when spent his youthful seasons were<br/> +Lord Guelpho entertained and held him dear. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIX<br/> +To these committed was the charge and care<br/> +To find and bring again the champion bold,<br/> +Guelpho commands them to the fort repair,<br/> +Where Boemond doth his seat and sceptre hold,<br/> +For public fame said that Bertoldo’s heir<br/> +There lived, there dwelt, there stayed; the hermit old,<br/> +That knew they were misled by false report,<br/> +Among them came, and parleyed in this sort: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXX<br/> +“Sir knights,” quoth he, “if you intend to ride,<br/> +And follow each report fond people say,<br/> +You follow but a rash and truthless guide<br/> +That leads vain men amiss and makes them stray;<br/> +Near Ascalon go to the salt seaside,<br/> +Where a swift brook fails in with hideous sway,<br/> +An aged sire, our friend, there shall you find,<br/> +All what he saith, that do, that keep in mind. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXI<br/> +“Of this great voyage which you undertake,<br/> +Much by his skill, and much by mine advise<br/> +Hath he foreknown, and welcome for my sake<br/> +You both shall be, the man is kind and wise.”<br/> +Instructed thus no further question make<br/> +The twain elected for this enterprise,<br/> +But humbly yielded to obey his word,<br/> +For what the hermit said, that said the Lord. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXII<br/> +They took their leave, and on their journey went,<br/> +Their will could brook no stay, their zeal, no let;<br/> +To Ascalon their voyage straight they bent,<br/> +Whose broken shores with brackish waves are wet,<br/> +And there they heard how gainst the cliffs, besprent<br/> +With bitter foam, the roaring surges bet,<br/> +A tumbling brook their passage stopped and stayed,<br/> +Which late-fall’n rain had proud and puissant made, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIII<br/> +So proud that over all his banks he grew,<br/> +And through the fields ran swift as shaft from bow,<br/> +While here they stopped and stood, before them drew<br/> +An aged sire, grave and benign in show,<br/> +Crowned with a beechen garland gathered new,<br/> +Clad in a linen robe that raught down low,<br/> +In his right hand a rod, and on the flood<br/> +Against the stream he marched, and dry shod yode. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIV<br/> +As on the Rhene, when winter’s freezing cold<br/> +Congeals the streams to thick and hardened glass,<br/> +The beauties fair of shepherds’ daughters bold<br/> +With wanton windlays run, turn, play and pass;<br/> +So on this river passed the wizard old,<br/> +Although unfrozen soft and swift it was,<br/> +And thither stalked where the warriors stayed,<br/> +To whom, their greetings done, he spoke and said: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXV<br/> +“Great pains, great travel, lords, you have begun,<br/> +And of a cunning guide great need you stand,<br/> +Far off, alas! is great Bertoldo’s son,<br/> +Imprisoned in a waste and desert land,<br/> +What soil remains by which you must not run,<br/> +What promontory, rock, sea, shore or sand<br/> +Your search must stretch before the prince be found,<br/> +Beyond our world, beyond our half of ground! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVI<br/> +But yet vouchsafe to see my cell I pray,<br/> +In hidden caves and vaults though builded low,<br/> +Great wonders there, strange things I will bewray,<br/> +Things good for you to hear, and fit to know:”<br/> +This said, he bids the river make them way,<br/> +The flood retired, backward gan to flow,<br/> +And here and there two crystal mountains rise,<br/> +So fled the Red Sea once, and Jordan thrice. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVII<br/> +He took their hands, and led them headlong down<br/> +Under the flood, through vast and hollow deeps,<br/> +Such light they had as when through shadows brown<br/> +Of thickest deserts feeble Cynthia peeps,<br/> +Their spacious caves they saw all overflown,<br/> +There all his waters pure great Neptune keeps,<br/> +And thence to moisten all the earth he brings<br/> +Seas, rivers, floods, lakes, fountains, wells and springs: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVIII<br/> +Whence Ganges, Indus, Volga, Ister, Po,<br/> +Whence Euphrates, whence Tigris’ spring they view,<br/> +Whence Tanais, whence Nilus comes also,<br/> +Although his head till then no creature knew,<br/> +But under these a wealthy stream doth go,<br/> +That sulphur yields and ore, rich, quick and new,<br/> +Which the sunbeams doth polish, purge and fine,<br/> +And makes it silver pure, and gold divine. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIX<br/> +And all his banks the rich and wealthy stream<br/> +Hath fair beset with pearl and precious stone<br/> +Like stars in sky or lamps on stage that seem,<br/> +The darkness there was day, the night was gone,<br/> +There sparkled, clothed in his azure-beam,<br/> +The heavenly sapphire, there the jacinth shone,<br/> +The carbuncle there flamed, the diamond sheen,<br/> +There glistered bright, there smiled the emerald green. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XL<br/> +Amazed the knights amid these wonders passed,<br/> +And fixed so deep the marvels in their thought,<br/> +That not one word they uttered, till at last<br/> +Ubaldo spake, and thus his guide besought:<br/> +“O father, tell me by what skill thou hast<br/> +These wonders done? and to what place us brought?<br/> +For well I know not if I wake or sleep,<br/> +My heart is drowned in such amazement deep.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLI<br/> +“You are within the hollow womb,” quoth he,<br/> +“Of fertile earth, the nurse of all things made,<br/> +And but you brought and guided are by me,<br/> +Her sacred entrails could no wight invade;<br/> +My palace shortly shall you splendent see,<br/> +With glorious light, though built in night and shade.<br/> +A Pagan was I born, but yet the Lord<br/> +To grace, by baptism, hath my soul restored. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLII<br/> +“Nor yet by help of devil, or aid from hell,<br/> +I do this uncouth work and wondrous feat,<br/> +The Lord forbid I use or charm or spell<br/> +To raise foul Dis from his infernal seat:<br/> +But of all herbs, of every spring and well,<br/> +The hidden power I know and virtue great,<br/> +And all that kind hath hid from mortal sight,<br/> +And all the stars, their motions, and their might. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIII<br/> +“For in these caves I dwell not buried still<br/> +From sight of Heaven, but often I resort<br/> +To tops of Lebanon or Carmel hill,<br/> +And there in liquid air myself disport,<br/> +There Mars and Venus I behold at will!<br/> +As bare as erst when Vulcan took them short,<br/> +And how the rest roll, glide and move, I see,<br/> +How their aspects benign or froward be.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIV<br/> +“And underneath my feet the clouds I view,<br/> +Now thick, now thin, now bright with Iris’ bow,<br/> +The frost and snow, the rain, the hail, the dew,<br/> +The winds, from whence they come and whence they blow,<br/> +How Jove his thunder makes and lightning new,<br/> +How with the bolt he strikes the earth below,<br/> +How comate, crinite, caudate stars are framed<br/> +I knew; my skill with pride my heart inflamed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLV<br/> +“So learned, cunning, wise, myself I thought,<br/> +That I supposed my wit so high might climb<br/> +To know all things that God had framed or wrought,<br/> +Fire, air, sea, earth, man, beast, sprite, place and time;<br/> +But when your hermit me to baptism brought,<br/> +And from my soul had washed the sin and crime,<br/> +Then I perceived my sight was blindness still,<br/> +My wit was folly, ignorance my skill. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVI<br/> +“Then saw I, that like owls in shining sun,<br/> +So gainst the beams of truth our souls are blind,<br/> +And at myself to smile I then begun,<br/> +And at my heart, puffed up with folly’s wind,<br/> +Yet still these arts, as I before had done,<br/> +I practised, such was the hermit’s mind:<br/> +Thus hath he changed my thoughts, my heart, my will,<br/> +And rules mine art, my knowledge, and my skill. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVII<br/> +“In him I rest, on him my thoughts depend,<br/> +My lord, my teacher, and my guide is he,<br/> +This noble work he strives to bring to end,<br/> +He is the architect, the workmen we,<br/> +The hardy youth home to this camp to send<br/> +From prison strong, my care, my charge shall be;<br/> +So He commands, and me ere this foretold<br/> +Your coming oft, to seek the champion bold.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVIII<br/> +While this he said, he brought the champions twain<br/> +Down to a vault, wherein he dwells and lies,<br/> +It was a cave, high, wide, large, ample, plain,<br/> +With goodly rooms, halls, chambers, galleries,<br/> +All what is bred in rich and precious vein<br/> +Of wealthy earth, and hid from mortal eyes,<br/> +There shines, and fair adorned was every part<br/> +With riches grown by kind, not framed by art: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIX<br/> +An hundred grooms, quick, diligent and neat,<br/> +Attendance gave about these strangers bold,<br/> +Against the wall there stood a cupboard great<br/> +Of massive plate, of silver, crystal, gold.<br/> +But when with precious wines and costly meat<br/> +They filled were, thus spake the wizard old:<br/> +“Now fits the time, sir knights, I tell and show<br/> +What you desire to hear, and long to know. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +L<br/> +“Armida’s craft, her sleight and hidden guile<br/> +You partly wot, her acts and arts untrue,<br/> +How to your camp she came, and by what wile<br/> +The greatest lords and princes thence she drew;<br/> +You know she turned them first to monsters vile,<br/> +And kept them since closed up in secret mew,<br/> +Lastly, to Gaza-ward in bonds them sent,<br/> +Whom young Rinaldo rescued as they went. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LI<br/> +“What chanced since I will at large declare,<br/> +To you unknown, a story strange and true.<br/> +When first her prey, got with such pain and care,<br/> +Escaped and gone the witch perceived and knew,<br/> +Her hands she wrung for grief, her clothes she tare,<br/> +And full of woe these heavy words outthrew:<br/> +‘Alas! my knights are slain, my prisoners free,<br/> +Yet of that conquest never boast shall he, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LII<br/> +“‘He in their place shall serve me, and sustain<br/> +Their plagues, their torments suffer, sorrows bear,<br/> +And they his absence shall lament in vain,<br/> +And wail his loss and theirs with many a tear:’<br/> +Thus talking to herself she did ordain<br/> +A false and wicked guile, as you shall hear;<br/> +Thither she hasted where the valiant knight<br/> +Had overcome and slain her men in fight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIII<br/> +“Rinaldo there had dolt and left his own,<br/> +And on his back a Pagan’s harness tied,<br/> +Perchance he deemed so to pass unknown,<br/> +And in those arms less noted false to ride.<br/> +A headless corse in fight late overthrown,<br/> +The witch in his forsaken arms did hide,<br/> +And by a brook exposed it on the sand<br/> +Whither she wished would come a Christian band: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIV<br/> +“Their coming might the dame foreknow right well,<br/> +For secret spies she sent forth thousand ways,<br/> +Which every day news from the camp might tell,<br/> +Who parted thence, booties to search or preys:<br/> +Beside, the sprites conjured by sacred spell,<br/> +All what she asks or doubts, reveals and says,<br/> +The body therefore placed she in that part<br/> +That furthered best her sleight, her craft and art; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LV<br/> +“And near the corpse a varlet false and sly<br/> +She left, attired in shepherd’s homely weed,<br/> +And taught him how to counterfeit and lie<br/> +As time required, and he performed the deed;<br/> +With him your soldiers spoke, of jealousy<br/> +And false suspect mongst them he strewed the seed,<br/> +That since brought forth the fruit of strife and jar,<br/> +Of civil brawls, contention, discord, war. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVI<br/> +“And as she wished so the soldiers thought<br/> +By Godfrey’s practice that the prince was slain,<br/> +Yet vanished that suspicion false to naught<br/> +When truth spread forth her silver wings again<br/> +Her false devices thus Armida wrought,<br/> +This was her first deceit, her foremost train;<br/> +What next she practised, shall you hear me tell,<br/> +Against our knight, and what thereof befell. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVII<br/> +“Armida hunted him through wood and plain,<br/> +Till on Orontes’ flowery banks he stayed,<br/> +There, where the stream did part and meet again<br/> +And in the midst a gentle island made,<br/> +A pillar fair was pight beside the main,<br/> +Near which a little frigate floating laid,<br/> +The marble white the prince did long behold,<br/> +And this inscription read, there writ in gold: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVIII<br/> +“‘Whoso thou art whom will or chance doth bring<br/> +With happy steps to flood Orontes’ sides,<br/> +Know that the world hath not so strange a thing,<br/> +Twixt east and west, as this small island hides,<br/> +Then pass and see, without more tarrying.’<br/> +The hasty youth to pass the stream provides,<br/> +And for the cogs was narrow, small and strait,<br/> +Alone he rowed, and bade his squires there wait; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIX<br/> +“Landed he stalks about, yet naught he sees<br/> +But verdant groves, sweet shades, and mossy rocks<br/> +With caves and fountains, flowers, herbs and trees,<br/> +So that the words he read he takes for mocks:<br/> +But that green isle was sweet at all degrees,<br/> +Wherewith enticed down sits he and unlocks<br/> +His closed helm, and bares his visage fair,<br/> +To take sweet breath from cool and gentle air. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LX<br/> +“A rumbling sound amid the waters deep<br/> +Meanwhile he heard, and thither turned his sight,<br/> +And tumbling in the troubled stream took keep<br/> +How the strong waves together rush and fight,<br/> +Whence first he saw, with golden tresses, peep<br/> +The rising visage of a virgin bright,<br/> +And then her neck, her breasts, and all, as low<br/> +As he for shame could see, or she could show. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXI<br/> +“So in the twilight does sometimes appear<br/> +A nymph, a goddess, or a fairy queen,<br/> +And though no siren but a sprite this were<br/> +Yet by her beauty seemed it she had been<br/> +One of those sisters false which haunted near<br/> +The Tyrrhene shores and kept those waters sheen,<br/> +Like theirs her face, her voice was, and her sound,<br/> +And thus she sung, and pleased both skies and ground: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXII<br/> +“‘Ye happy youths, who April fresh and May<br/> +Attire in flowering green of lusty age,<br/> +For glory vain, or virtue’s idle ray,<br/> +Do not your tender limbs to toil engage;<br/> +In calm streams, fishes; birds, in sunshine play,<br/> +Who followeth pleasure he is only sage,<br/> +So nature saith, yet gainst her sacred will<br/> +Why still rebel you, and why strive you still? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIII<br/> +“‘O fools who youth possess, yet scorn the same,<br/> +A precious, but a short-abiding treasure,<br/> +Virtue itself is but an idle name,<br/> +Prized by the world ’bove reason all and measure,<br/> +And honor, glory, praise, renown and fame,<br/> +That men’s proud harts bewitch with tickling pleasure,<br/> +An echo is, a shade, a dream, a flower,<br/> +With each wind blasted, spoiled with every shower. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIV<br/> +“‘But let your happy souls in joy possess<br/> +The ivory castles of your bodies fair,<br/> +Your passed harms salve with forgetfulness,<br/> +Haste not your coming evils with thought and care,<br/> +Regard no blazing star with burning tress,<br/> +Nor storm, nor threatening sky, nor thundering air,<br/> +This wisdom is, good life, and worldly bliss,<br/> +Kind teacheth us, nature commands us this.’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXV<br/> +“Thus sung the spirit false, and stealing sleep,<br/> +To which her tunes enticed his heavy eyes,<br/> +By step and step did on his senses creep,<br/> +Still every limb therein unmoved lies,<br/> +Not thunders loud could from this slumber deep,<br/> +Of quiet death true image, make him rise:<br/> +Then from her ambush forth Armida start,<br/> +Swearing revenge, and threatening torments smart. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVI<br/> +“But when she looked on his face awhile,<br/> +And saw how sweet he breathed, how still he lay,<br/> +How his fair eyes though closed seemed to smile,<br/> +At first she stayed, astound with great dismay,<br/> +Then sat her down, so love can art beguile,<br/> +And as she sat and looked, fled fast away<br/> +Her wrath, that on his forehead gazed the maid,<br/> +As in his spring Narcissus tooting laid; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVII<br/> +“And with a veil she wiped now and then<br/> +From his fair cheeks the globes of silver sweat,<br/> +And cool air gathered with a trembling fan,<br/> +To mitigate the rage of melting heat,<br/> +Thus, who would think it, his hot eye-glance can<br/> +Of that cold frost dissolve the hardness great<br/> +Which late congealed the heart of that fair dame,<br/> +Who late a foe, a lover now became. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVIII<br/> +“Of woodbines, lilies, and of roses sweet,<br/> +Which proudly flowered through that wanton plain,<br/> +All platted fast, well knit, and joined meet,<br/> +She framed a soft but surely holding chain,<br/> +Wherewith she bound his neck his hands and feet;<br/> +Thus bound, thus taken, did the prince remain,<br/> +And in a coach which two old dragons drew,<br/> +She laid the sleeping knight, and thence she flew: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIX<br/> +“Nor turned she to Damascus’ kingdoms large,<br/> +Nor to the fort built in Asphalte’s lake,<br/> +But jealous of her dear and precious charge,<br/> +And of her love ashamed, the way did take,<br/> +To the wide ocean whither skiff or barge<br/> +From us doth seld or never voyage make,<br/> +And there to frolic with her love awhile,<br/> +She chose a waste, a sole and desert isle. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXX<br/> +“An isle that with her fellows bears the name<br/> +Of Fortunate, for temperate air and mould,<br/> +There in a mountain high alight the dame,<br/> +A hill obscured with shades of forests old,<br/> +Upon whose sides the witch by art did frame<br/> +Continual snow, sharp frost and winter cold,<br/> +But on the top, fresh, pleasant, sweet and green,<br/> +Beside a lake a palace built this queen. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXI<br/> +“There in perpetual sweet and flowering spring,<br/> +She lives at ease, and joys her lord at will;<br/> +The hardy youth from this strange prison bring<br/> +Your valors must, directed by my skill,<br/> +And overcome each monster and each thing,<br/> +That guards the palace or that keeps the hill,<br/> +Nor shall you want a guide, or engines fit,<br/> +To bring you to the mount, or conquer it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXII<br/> +“Beside the stream, yparted shall you find<br/> +A dame, in visage young, but old in years,<br/> +Her curled locks about her front are twined,<br/> +A party-colored robe of silk she wears:<br/> +This shall conduct you swift as air or wind,<br/> +Or that flit bird that Jove’s hot weapon bears,<br/> +A faithful pilot, cunning, trusty, sure,<br/> +As Tiphys was, or skilful Palinure. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIII<br/> +“At the hill’s foot, whereon the witch doth dwell,<br/> +The serpents hiss, and cast their poison vilde,<br/> +The ugly boars do rear their bristles fell,<br/> +There gape the bears, and roar the lions wild;<br/> +But yet a rod I have can easily quell<br/> +Their rage and wrath, and make them meek and mild.<br/> +Yet on the top and height of all the hill,<br/> +The greatest danger lies, and greatest ill: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIV<br/> +“There welleth out a fair, clear, bubbling spring,<br/> +Whose waters pure the thirsty guests entice,<br/> +But in those liquors cold the secret sting<br/> +Of strange and deadly poison closed lies,<br/> +One sup thereof the drinker’s heart doth bring<br/> +To sudden joy, whence laughter vain doth rise,<br/> +Nor that strange merriment once stops or stays,<br/> +Till, with his laughter’s end, he end his days: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXV<br/> +“Then from those deadly, wicked streams refrain<br/> +Your thirsty lips, despise the dainty cheer<br/> +You find exposed upon the grassy plain,<br/> +Nor those false damsels once vouchsafe to hear,<br/> +That in melodious tunes their voices strain,<br/> +Whose faces lovely, smiling, sweet, appear;<br/> +But you their looks, their voice, their songs despise,<br/> +And enter fair Armida’s paradise. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVI<br/> +“The house is builded like a maze within,<br/> +With turning stairs, false doors and winding ways,<br/> +The shape whereof plotted in vellum thin<br/> +I will you give, that all those sleights bewrays,<br/> +In midst a garden lies, where many a gin<br/> +And net to catch frail hearts, false Cupid lays;<br/> +There in the verdure of the arbors green,<br/> +With your brave champion lies the wanton queen. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVII<br/> +“But when she haply riseth from the knight,<br/> +And hath withdrawn her presence from the place,<br/> +Then take a shield I have of diamonds bright,<br/> +And hold the same before the young man’s face,<br/> +That he may glass therein his garments light,<br/> +And wanton soft attire, and view his case,<br/> +That with the sight shame and disdain may move<br/> +His heart to leave that base and servile love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVIII<br/> +“Now resteth naught that needful is to tell,<br/> +But that you go secure, safe, sure and bold,<br/> +Unseen the palace may you enter well,<br/> +And pass the dangers all I have foretold,<br/> +For neither art, nor charm, nor magic spell,<br/> +Can stop your passage or your steps withhold,<br/> +Nor shall Armida, so you guarded be,<br/> +Your coming aught foreknow or once foresee: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIX<br/> +“And eke as safe from that enchanted fort<br/> +You shall return and scape unhurt away;<br/> +But now the time doth us to rest exhort,<br/> +And you must rise by peep of springing day.”<br/> +This said, he led them through a narrow port,<br/> +Into a lodging fair wherein they lay,<br/> +There glad and full of thoughts he left his guests,<br/> +And in his wonted bed the old man rests. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="book15"></a>FIFTEENTH BOOK</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +THE ARGUMENT.<br/> +The well instructed knights forsake their host,<br/> +And come where their strange bark in harbor lay,<br/> +And setting sail behold on Egypt’s coast<br/> +The monarch’s ships and armies in array:<br/> +Their wind and pilot good, the seas in post<br/> +They pass, and of long journeys make short way:<br/> +The far-sought isle they find; Armida’s charms<br/> +They scorn, they shun her sleights, despise her arms. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I<br/> +The rosy-fingered morn with gladsome ray<br/> +Rose to her task from old Tithonus’ lap<br/> +When their grave host came where the warriors lay,<br/> +And with him brought the shield, the rod, the map.<br/> +“Arise,” quoth he, “ere lately broken day,<br/> +In his bright arms the round world fold or wrap,<br/> +All what I promised, here I have them brought,<br/> +Enough to bring Armida’s charms to naught.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +II<br/> +They started up, and every tender limb<br/> +In sturdy steel and stubborn plate they dight,<br/> +Before the old man stalked, they followed him<br/> +Through gloomy shades of sad and sable night,<br/> +Through vaults obscure again and entries dim,<br/> +The way they came their steps remeasured right;<br/> +But at the flood arrived, “Farewell,” quoth he,<br/> +“Good luck your aid, your guide good fortune be.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +III<br/> +The flood received them in his bottom low<br/> +And lilt them up above his billows thin;<br/> +The waters so east up a branch or bough,<br/> +By violence first plunged and dived therein:<br/> +But when upon the shore the waves them throw,<br/> +The knights for their fair guide to look begin,<br/> +And gazing round a little bark they spied,<br/> +Wherein a damsel sate the stern to guide. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IV<br/> +Upon her front her locks were curled new,<br/> +Her eyes were courteous, full of peace and love;<br/> +In look a saint, an angel bright in show,<br/> +So in her visage grace and virtue strove;<br/> +Her robe seemed sometimes red and sometimes blue,<br/> +And changed still as she did stir or move;<br/> +That look how oft man’s eye beheld the same<br/> +So oft the colors changed, went and came. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +V<br/> +The feathers so, that tender, soft, and plain,<br/> +About the dove’s smooth neck close couched been,<br/> +Do in one color never long remain,<br/> +But change their hue gainst glimpse of Phoebus’ sheen;<br/> +And now of rubies bright a vermeil chain,<br/> +Now make a carknet rich of emeralds green;<br/> +Now mingle both, now alter, turn and change<br/> +To thousand colors, rich, pure, fair, and strange. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VI<br/> +“Enter this boat, you happy men,” she says,<br/> +“Wherein through raging waves secure I ride,<br/> +To which all tempest, storm, and wind obeys,<br/> +All burdens light, benign is stream and tide:<br/> +My lord, that rules your journeys and your ways,<br/> +Hath sent me here, your servant and your guide.”<br/> +This said, her shallop drove she gainst the sand,<br/> +And anchor cast amid the steadfast land. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VII<br/> +They entered in, her anchors she upwound,<br/> +And launched forth to sea her pinnace flit,<br/> +Spread to the wind her sails she broad unbound,<br/> +And at the helm sat down to govern it,<br/> +Swelled the flood that all his banks he drowned<br/> +To bear the greatest ship of burthen fit;<br/> +Yet was her fatigue little, swift and light,<br/> +That at his lowest ebb bear it he might. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VIII<br/> +Swifter than thought the friendly wind forth bore<br/> +The sliding boat upon the rolling wave,<br/> +With curded foam and froth the billows hoar<br/> +About the cable murmur roar and rave;<br/> +At last they came where all his watery store<br/> +The flood in one deep channel did engrave,<br/> +And forth to greedy seas his streams he sent,<br/> +And so his waves, his name, himself he spent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IX<br/> +The wondrous boat scant touched the troubled main<br/> +But all the sea still, hushed and quiet was,<br/> +Vanished the clouds, ceased the wind and rain,<br/> +The tempests threatened overblow and pass,<br/> +A gentle breathing air made even and plain<br/> +The azure face of heaven’s smooth looking-glass,<br/> +And heaven itself smiled from the skies above<br/> +With a calm clearness on the earth his love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +X<br/> +By Ascalon they sailed, and forth drived,<br/> +Toward the west their speedy course they frame,<br/> +In sight of Gaza till the bark arrived,<br/> +A little port when first it took that name;<br/> +But since, by others’ loss so well it thrived<br/> +A city great and rich that it became,<br/> +And there the shores and borders of the land<br/> +They found as full of armed men as sand. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XI<br/> +The passengers to landward turned their sight,<br/> +And there saw pitched many a stately tent,<br/> +Soldier and footman, captain, lord and knight,<br/> +Between the shore and city, came and went:<br/> +Huge elephants, strong camels, coursers light,<br/> +With horned hoofs the sandy ways outrent,<br/> +And in the haven many a ship and boat,<br/> +With mighty anchors fastened, swim and float; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XII<br/> +Some spread their sails, some with strong oars sweep<br/> +The waters smooth, and brush the buxom wave,<br/> +Their breasts in sunder cleave the yielding deep,<br/> +The broken seas for anger foam and rave,<br/> +When thus their guide began, “Sir knights, take keep<br/> +How all these shores are spread with squadrons brave<br/> +And troops of hardy knights, yet on these sands<br/> +The monarch scant hath gathered half his bands. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIII<br/> +“Of Egypt only these the forces are,<br/> +And aid from other lands they here attend,<br/> +For twixt the noon-day sun and morning star,<br/> +All realms at his command do bow and bend;<br/> +So that I trust we shall return from far,<br/> +And bring our journey long to wished end,<br/> +Before this king or his lieutenant shall<br/> +These armies bring to Zion’s conquered wall.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIV<br/> +While thus she said, as soaring eagles fly<br/> +Mongst other birds securely through the air,<br/> +And mounting up behold with wakeful eye,<br/> +The radiant beams of old Hyperion’s hair,<br/> +Her gondola so passed swiftly by<br/> +Twixt ship and ship, withouten fear or care<br/> +Who should her follow, trouble, stop or stay,<br/> +And forth to sea made lucky speed and way. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XV<br/> +Themselves fornenst old Raffia’s town they fand,<br/> +A town that first to sailors doth appear<br/> +As they from Syria pass to Egypt land:<br/> +The sterile coasts of barren Rhinocere<br/> +They passed, and seas where Casius hill doth stand<br/> +That with his trees o’erspreads the waters near,<br/> +Against whose roots breaketh the brackish wave<br/> +Where Jove his temple, Pompey hath his grave: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVI<br/> +Then Damiata next, where they behold<br/> +How to the sea his tribute Nilus pays<br/> +By his seven mouths renowned in stories old,<br/> +And by an hundred more ignoble ways:<br/> +They pass the town built by the Grecian bold,<br/> +Of him called Alexandria till our days,<br/> +And Pharaoh’s tower and isle removed of yore<br/> +Far from the land, now joined to the shore: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVII<br/> +Both Crete and Rhodes they left by north unseen,<br/> +And sailed along the coasts of Afric lands,<br/> +Whose sea towns fair, but realms more inward been<br/> +All full of monsters and of desert sands:<br/> +With her five cities then they left Cyrene,<br/> +Where that old temple of false Hammon stands:<br/> +Next Ptolemais, and that sacred wood<br/> +Whence spring the silent streams of Lethe flood. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVIII<br/> +The greater Syrte, that sailors often cast<br/> +In peril great of death and loss extreme,<br/> +They compassed round about, and safely passed,<br/> +The Cape Judeca and flood Magra’s stream;<br/> +Then Tripoli, gainst which is Malta placed,<br/> +That low and hid, to lurk in seas doth seem:<br/> +The little Syrte then, and Alzerhes isle,<br/> +Where dwelt the folk that Lotos ate erewhile. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIX<br/> +Next Tunis on the crooked shore they spied,<br/> +Whose bay a rock on either side defends,<br/> +Tunis all towns in beauty, wealth and pride<br/> +Above, as far as Libya’s bounds extends;<br/> +Gainst which, from fair Sicilia’s fertile side,<br/> +His rugged front great Lilybaeum bends.<br/> +The dame there pointed out where sometime stood<br/> +Rome’s stately rival whilom, Carthage proud; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XX<br/> +Great Carthage low in ashes cold doth lie,<br/> +Her ruins poor the herbs in height scant pass,<br/> +So cities fall, so perish kingdoms high,<br/> +Their pride and pomp lies hid in sand and grass:<br/> +Then why should mortal man repine to die,<br/> +Whose life, is air; breath, wind; and body, glass?<br/> +From thence the seas next Bisert’s walls they cleft,<br/> +And far Sardinia on their right hand left. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXI<br/> +Numidia’s mighty plains they coasted then,<br/> +Where wandering shepherds used their flocks to feed,<br/> +Then Bugia and Argier, the infamous den<br/> +Of pirates false, Oran they left with speed,<br/> +All Tingitan they swiftly overren,<br/> +Where elephants and angry lions breed,<br/> +Where now the realms of Fez and Maroc be,<br/> +Gainst which Granada’s shores and coasts they see. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXII<br/> +Now are they there, where first the sea brake in<br/> +By great Alcides’ help, as stories feign,<br/> +True may it be that where those floods begin<br/> +It whilom was a firm and solid main<br/> +Before the sea there through did passage win<br/> +And parted Afric from the land of Spain,<br/> +Abila hence, thence Calpe great upsprings,<br/> +Such power hath time to change the face of things. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIII<br/> +Four times the sun had spread his morning ray<br/> +Since first the dame launched forth her wondrous barge<br/> +And never yet took port in creek or bay,<br/> +But fairly forward bore the knights her charge;<br/> +Now through the strait her jolly ship made way,<br/> +And boldly sailed upon the ocean large;<br/> +But if the sea in midst of earth was great,<br/> +Oh what was this, wherein earth hath her seat? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIV<br/> +Now deep engulphed in the mighty flood<br/> +They saw not Gades, nor the mountains near,<br/> +Fled was the land, and towns on land that stood,<br/> +Heaven covered sea, sea seemed the heavens to bear.<br/> +“At last, fair lady,” quoth Ubaldo good,<br/> +“That in this endless main dost guide us here,<br/> +If ever man before here sailed tell,<br/> +Or other lands here be wherein men dwell.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXV<br/> +“Great Hercules,” quoth she, “when he had quailed<br/> +The monsters fierce in Afric and in Spain,<br/> +And all along your coasts and countries sailed,<br/> +Yet durst he not assay the ocean main,<br/> +Within his pillars would he have impaled<br/> +The overdaring wit of mankind vain,<br/> +Till Lord Ulysses did those bounders pass,<br/> +To see and know he so desirous was. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVI<br/> +“He passed those pillars, and in open wave<br/> +Of the broad sea first his bold sails untwined,<br/> +But yet the greedy ocean was his grave,<br/> +Naught helped him his skill gainst tide and wind;<br/> +With him all witness of his voyage brave<br/> +Lies buried there, no truth thereof we find,<br/> +And they whom storm hath forced that way since,<br/> +Are drowned all, or unreturned from thence: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVII<br/> +“So that this mighty sea is yet unsought,<br/> +Where thousand isles and kingdoms lie unknown,<br/> +Not void of men as some have vainly thought,<br/> +But peopled well, and wonned like your own;<br/> +The land is fertile ground, but scant well wrought,<br/> +Air wholesome, temperate sun, grass proudly grown.”<br/> +“But,” quoth Ubaldo, “dame, I pray thee teach<br/> +Of that hid world, what be the laws and speech?” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVIII<br/> +“As diverse be their nations,” answered she,<br/> +“Their tongues, their rites, their laws so different are;<br/> +Some pray to beasts, some to a stone or tree,<br/> +Some to the earth, the sun, or morning star;<br/> +Their meats unwholesome, vile, and hateful be,<br/> +Some eat man’s flesh, and captives ta’en in war,<br/> +And all from Calpe’s mountain west that dwell,<br/> +In faith profane, in life are rude and fell.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIX<br/> +“But will our gracious God,” the knight replied,<br/> +“That with his blood all sinful men hath bought,<br/> +His truth forever and his gospel hide<br/> +From all those lands, as yet unknown, unsought?”<br/> +“Oh no,” quoth she, “his name both far and wide<br/> +Shall there be known, all learning thither brought,<br/> +Nor shall these long and tedious ways forever<br/> +Your world and theirs, their lands, your kingdoms sever. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXX<br/> +“The time shall come that sailors shall disdain<br/> +To talk or argue of Alcides’ streat,<br/> +And lands and seas that nameless yet remain,<br/> +Shall well be known, their boundaries, site and seat,<br/> +The ships encompass shall the solid main,<br/> +As far as seas outstretch their waters great,<br/> +And measure all the world, and with the sun<br/> +About this earth, this globe, this compass, run. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXI<br/> +“A knight of Genes shall have the hardiment<br/> +Upon this wondrous voyage first to wend,<br/> +Nor winds nor waves, that ships in sunder rent,<br/> +Nor seas unused, strange clime, or pool unkenned,<br/> +Nor other peril nor astonishment<br/> +That makes frail hearts of men to bow and bend,<br/> +Within Abilas’ strait shall keep and hold<br/> +The noble spirit of this sailor bold. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXII<br/> +“Thy ship, Columbus, shall her canvas wing<br/> +Spread o’er that world that yet concealed lies,<br/> +That scant swift fame her looks shall after bring,<br/> +Though thousand plumes she have, and thousand eyes;<br/> +Let her of Bacchus and Alcides sing,<br/> +Of thee to future age let this suffice,<br/> +That of thine acts she some forewarning give,<br/> +Which shall in verse and noble story live.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIII<br/> +Thus talking, swift twixt south and west they run,<br/> +And sliced out twixt froth and foam their way;<br/> +At once they saw before, the setting sun;<br/> +Behind, the rising beam of springing day;<br/> +And when the morn her drops and dews begun<br/> +To scatter broad upon the flowering lay,<br/> +Far off a hill and mountain high they spied,<br/> +Whose top the clouds environ, clothe and hide; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIV<br/> +And drawing near, the hill at ease they view,<br/> +When all the clouds were molten, fallen and fled,<br/> +Whose top pyramid-wise did pointed show,<br/> +High, narrow, sharp, the sides yet more outspread,<br/> +Thence now and then fire, flame and smoke outflew,<br/> +As from that hill, whereunder lies in bed<br/> +Enceladus, whence with imperious sway<br/> +Bright fire breaks out by night, black smoke by day. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXV<br/> +About the hill lay other islands small,<br/> +Where other rocks, crags, cliffs, and mountains stood,<br/> +The Isles Fortunate these elder time did call,<br/> +To which high Heaven they reigned so kind and good,<br/> +And of his blessings rich so liberal,<br/> +That without tillage earth gives corn for food,<br/> +And grapes that swell with sweet and precious wine<br/> +There without pruning yields the fertile vine. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVI<br/> +The olive fat there ever buds and flowers,<br/> +The honey-drops from hollow oaks distil,<br/> +The falling brook her silver streams downpours<br/> +With gentle murmur from their native hill,<br/> +The western blast tempereth with dews and showers<br/> +The sunny rays, lest heat the blossoms kill,<br/> +The fields Elysian, as fond heathen sain,<br/> +Were there, where souls of men in bliss remain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVII<br/> +To these their pilot steered, “And now,” quoth she,<br/> +“Your voyage long to end is brought well-near,<br/> +The happy Isles of Fortune now you see,<br/> +Of which great fame, and little truth, you hear,<br/> +Sweet, wholesome, pleasant, fertile, fat they be,<br/> +Yet not so rich as fame reports they were.”<br/> +This said, toward an island fresh she bore,<br/> +The first of ten, that lies next Afric’s shore; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVIII<br/> +When Charles thus, “If, worthy governess,<br/> +To our good speed such tarriance be no let,<br/> +Upon this isle that Heaven so fair doth bless,<br/> +To view the place, on land awhile us set,<br/> +To know the folk and what God they confess,<br/> +And all whereby man’s heart may knowledge get,<br/> +That I may tell the wonders therein seen<br/> +Another day, and say, there have I been.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIX<br/> +She answered him, “Well fits this high desire<br/> +Thy noble heart, yet cannot I consent;<br/> +For Heaven’s decree, firm, stable, and entire,<br/> +Thy wish repugns, and gainst thy will is bent,<br/> +Nor yet the time hath Titan’s gliding fire<br/> +Met forth, prefixed for this discoverment,<br/> +Nor is it lawful of the ocean main<br/> +That you the secrets know, or known explain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XL<br/> +“To you withouten needle, map or card<br/> +It’s given to pass these seas, and there arrive<br/> +Where in strong prison lies your knight imbarred,<br/> +And of her prey you must the witch deprive:<br/> +If further to aspire you be prepared,<br/> +In vain gainst fate and Heaven’s decree you strive.”<br/> +While thus she said, the first seen isle gave place,<br/> +And high and rough the second showed his face. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLI<br/> +They saw how eastward stretched in order long,<br/> +The happy islands sweetly flowering lay;<br/> +And how the seas betwixt those isles enthrong,<br/> +And how they shouldered land from land away:<br/> +In seven of them the people rude among<br/> +The shady trees their sheds had built of clay,<br/> +The rest lay waste, unless wild beasts unseen,<br/> +Or wanton nymphs, roamed on the mountains green. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLII<br/> +A secret place they found in one of those,<br/> +Where the cleft shore sea in his bosom takes,<br/> +And ’twixt his stretched arms doth fold and close<br/> +An ample bay, a rock the haven makes,<br/> +Which to the main doth his broad back oppose,<br/> +Whereon the roaring billow cleaves and breaks,<br/> +And here and there two crags like turrets high,<br/> +Point forth a port to all that sail thereby: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIII<br/> +The quiet seas below lie safe and still,<br/> +The green wood like a garland grows aloft,<br/> +Sweet caves within, cool shades and waters shrill,<br/> +Where lie the nymphs on moss and ivy soft;<br/> +No anchor there needs hold her frigate still,<br/> +Nor cable twisted sure, though breaking oft:<br/> +Into this desert, silent, quiet, glad,<br/> +Entered the dame, and there her haven made. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIV<br/> +“The palace proudly built,” quoth she, “behold,<br/> +That sits on top of yonder mountain’s height,<br/> +Of Christ’s true faith there lies the champion bold<br/> +In idleness, love, fancy, folly light;<br/> +When Phoebus shall his rising beams unfold,<br/> +Prepare you gainst the hill to mount upright,<br/> +Nor let this stay in your bold hearts breed care,<br/> +For, save that one, all hours unlucky are; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLV<br/> +“But yet this evening, if you make good speed,<br/> +To that hill’s foot with daylight might you pass.”<br/> +Thus said the dame their guide, and they agreed,<br/> +And took their leave and leaped forth on the grass;<br/> +They found the way that to the hill doth lead,<br/> +And softly went that neither tired was,<br/> +But at the mountain’s foot they both arrived,<br/> +Before the sun his team in waters dived. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVI<br/> +They saw how from the crags and clefts below<br/> +His proud and stately pleasant top grew out,<br/> +And how his sides were clad with frost and snow,<br/> +The height was green with herbs and flowerets sout,<br/> +Like hairy locks the trees about him grow,<br/> +The rocks of ice keep watch and ward about,<br/> +The tender roses and the lilies new,<br/> +Thus art can nature change, and kind subdue. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVII<br/> +Within a thick, a dark and shady plot,<br/> +At the hill’s foot that night the warriors dwell,<br/> +But when the sun his rays bright, shining, hot,<br/> +Dispread of golden light the eternal well,<br/> +“Up, up,” they cried, and fiercely up they got,<br/> +And climbed boldly gainst the mountain fell;<br/> +But forth there crept, from whence I cannot say,<br/> +An ugly serpent which forestalled their way. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVIII<br/> +Armed with golden scales his head and crest<br/> +He lifted high, his neck swelled great with ire,<br/> +Flamed his eyes, and hiding with his breast<br/> +All the broad path, he poison breathed and fire,<br/> +Now reached he forth in folds and forward pressed,<br/> +Now would he back in rolls and heaps retire,<br/> +Thus he presents himself to guard the place,<br/> +The knights pressed forward with assured pace: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIX<br/> +Charles drew forth his brand to strike the snake;<br/> +Ubaldo cried, “Stay, my companion dear,<br/> +Will you with sword or weapon battle make<br/> +Against this monster that affronts us here?”<br/> +This said, he gan his charmed rod to shake,<br/> +So that the serpent durst not hiss for fear,<br/> +But fled, and dead for dread fell on the grass,<br/> +And so the passage plain, eath, open was. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +L<br/> +A little higher on the way they met<br/> +A lion fierce that hugely roared and cried,<br/> +His crest he reared high, and open set<br/> +Of his broad-gaping jaws the furnace wide,<br/> +His stern his back oft smote, his rage to whet,<br/> +But when the sacred staff he once espied<br/> +A trembling fear through his bold heart was spread,<br/> +His native wrath was gone, and swift he fled. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LI<br/> +The hardy couple on their way forth wend,<br/> +And met a host that on them roar and gape,<br/> +Of savage beasts, tofore unseen, unkend,<br/> +Differing in voice, in semblance, and in shape;<br/> +All monsters which hot Afric doth forthsend,<br/> +Twixt Nilus, Atlas, and the southern cape,<br/> +Were all there met, and all wild beasts besides<br/> +Hyrcania breeds, or Hyrcane forest hides. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LII<br/> +But yet that fierce, that strange and savage host<br/> +Could not in presence of those worthies stand,<br/> +But fled away, their heart and courage lost,<br/> +When Lord Ubaldo shook his charming wand.<br/> +No other let their passage stopped or crossed;<br/> +Till on the mountain’s top themselves they land,<br/> +Save that the ice, the frost, and drifted snow,<br/> +Oft made them feeble, weary, faint and slow. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIII<br/> +But having passed all that frozen ground,<br/> +And overgone that winter sharp and keen,<br/> +A warm, mild, pleasant, gentle sky they found,<br/> +That overspread a large and ample green,<br/> +The winds breathed spikenard, myrrh, and balm around,<br/> +The blasts were firm, unchanged, stable been,<br/> +Not as elsewhere the winds now rise now fall,<br/> +And Phoebus there aye shines, sets not at all. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIV<br/> +Not as elsewhere now sunshine bright now showers,<br/> +Now heat now cold, there interchanged were,<br/> +But everlasting spring mild heaven down pours,—<br/> +In which nor rain, nor storm, nor clouds appear,—<br/> +Nursing to fields, their grass; to grass, his flowers;<br/> +To flowers their smell; to trees, the leaves they bear:<br/> +There by a lake a stately palace stands,<br/> +That overlooks all mountains, seas and lands: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LV<br/> +The passage hard against the mountain steep<br/> +These travellers had faint and weary made,<br/> +That through those grassy plains they scantly creep;<br/> +They walked, they rested oft, they went, they stayed,<br/> +When from the rocks, that seemed for joy to weep,<br/> +Before their feet a dropping crystal played<br/> +Enticing them to drink, and on the flowers<br/> +The plenteous spring a thousand streams down pours, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVI<br/> +All which, united in the springing grass,<br/> +Ate forth a channel through the tender green<br/> +And underneath eternal shade did pass,<br/> +With murmur shrill, cold, pure, and scantly seen;<br/> +Yet so transparent, that perceived was<br/> +The bottom rich, and sands that golden been,<br/> +And on the brims the silken grass aloft<br/> +Proffered them seats, sweet, easy, fresh and soft. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVII<br/> +“See here the stream of laughter, see the spring,”<br/> +Quoth they, “of danger and of deadly pain,<br/> +Here fond desire must by fair governing<br/> +Be ruled, our lust bridled with wisdom’s rein,<br/> +Our ears be stopped while these Sirens sing,<br/> +Their notes enticing man to pleasure vain.”<br/> +Thus passed they forward where the stream did make<br/> +An ample pond, a large and spacious lake. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVIII<br/> +There on a table was all dainty food<br/> +That sea, that earth, or liquid air could give,<br/> +And in the crystal of the laughing flood<br/> +They saw two naked virgins bathe and dive,<br/> +That sometimes toying, sometimes wrestling stood,<br/> +Sometimes for speed and skill in swimming strive,<br/> +Now underneath they dived, now rose above,<br/> +And ticing baits laid forth of lust and love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIX<br/> +These naked wantons, tender, fair and white,<br/> +Moved so far the warriors’ stubborn hearts,<br/> +That on their shapes they gazed with delight;<br/> +The nymphs applied their sweet alluring arts,<br/> +And one of them above the waters quite,<br/> +Lift up her head, her breasts and higher parts,<br/> +And all that might weak eyes subdue and take,<br/> +Her lower beauties veiled the gentle lake. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LX<br/> +As when the morning star, escaped and fled<br/> +From greedy waves, with dewy beams up flies,<br/> +Or as the Queen of Love, new born and bred<br/> +Of the Ocean’s fruitful froth, did first arise:<br/> +So vented she her golden locks forth shed<br/> +Round pearls and crystal moist therein which lies:<br/> +But when her eyes upon the knights she cast,<br/> +She start, and feigned her of their sight aghast. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXI<br/> +And her fair locks, that in a knot were tied<br/> +High on her crown, she ’gan at large unfold;<br/> +Which falling long and thick and spreading wide,<br/> +The ivory soft and white mantled in gold:<br/> +Thus her fair skin the dame would clothe and hide,<br/> +And that which hid it no less fair was hold;<br/> +Thus clad in waves and locks, her eyes divine,<br/> +From them ashamed did she turn and twine. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXII<br/> +Withal she smiled and she blushed withal,<br/> +Her blush, her smilings, smiles her blushing graced:<br/> +Over her face her amber tresses fall,<br/> +Whereunder Love himself in ambush placed:<br/> +At last she warbled forth a treble small,<br/> +And with sweet looks her sweet songs interlaced;<br/> +“Oh happy men I that have the grace,” quoth she,<br/> +“This bliss, this heaven, this paradise to see. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIII<br/> +“This is the place wherein you may assuage<br/> +Your sorrows past, here is that joy and bliss<br/> +That flourished in the antique golden age,<br/> +Here needs no law, here none doth aught amiss:<br/> +Put off those arms and fear not Mars his rage,<br/> +Your sword, your shield, your helmet needless is;<br/> +Then consecrate them here to endless rest,<br/> +You shall love’s champions be, and soldiers blest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIV<br/> +“The fields for combat here are beds of down,<br/> +Or heaped lilies under shady brakes;<br/> +But come and see our queen with golden crown,<br/> +That all her servants blest and happy makes,<br/> +She will admit you gently for her own,<br/> +Numbered with those that of her joy partakes:<br/> +But first within this lake your dust and sweat<br/> +Wash off, and at that table sit and eat.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXV<br/> +While thus she sung, her sister lured them nigh<br/> +With many a gesture kind and loving show,<br/> +To music’s sound as dames in court apply<br/> +Their cunning feet, and dance now swift now slow:<br/> +But still the knights unmoved passed by,<br/> +These vain delights for wicked charms they know,<br/> +Nor could their heavenly voice or angel’s look,<br/> +Surprise their hearts, if eye or ear they took. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVI<br/> +For if that sweetness once but touched their hearts,<br/> +And proffered there to kindle Cupid’s fire,<br/> +Straight armed Reason to his charge up starts,<br/> +And quencheth Lust, and killeth fond Desire;<br/> +Thus scorned were the dames, their wiles and arts<br/> +And to the palace gates the knights retire,<br/> +While in their stream the damsels dived sad,<br/> +Ashamed, disgraced, for that repulse they had. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="book16"></a>SIXTEENTH BOOK</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +THE ARGUMENT.<br/> +The searchers pass through all the palace bright<br/> +Where in sweet prison lies Rinaldo pent,<br/> +And do so much, that full of rage and spite,<br/> +With them he goes sad, shamed, discontent:<br/> +With plaints and prayers to retain her knight<br/> +Armida strives; he hears, but thence he went,<br/> +And she forlorn her palace great and fair<br/> +Destroys for grief, and flies thence through the air. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I<br/> +The palace great is builded rich and round,<br/> +And in the centre of the inmost hold<br/> +There lies a garden sweet, on fertile ground,<br/> +Fairer than that where grew the trees of gold:<br/> +The cunning sprites had buildings reared around<br/> +With doors and entries false a thousandfold,<br/> +A labyrinth they made that fortress brave,<br/> +Like Daedal’s prison, or Porsenna’s grave. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +II<br/> +The knights passed through the castle’s largest gate,<br/> +Though round about an hundred ports there shine,<br/> +The door-leaves framed of carved silver-plate,<br/> +Upon their golden hinges turn and twine.<br/> +They stayed to view this work of wit and state.<br/> +The workmanship excelled the substance fine,<br/> +For all the shapes in that rich metal wrought,<br/> +Save speech, of living bodies wanted naught. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +III<br/> +Alcides there sat telling tales, and spun<br/> +Among the feeble troops of damsels mild,<br/> +He that the fiery gates of hell had won<br/> +And heaven upheld; false Love stood by and smiled:<br/> +Armed with his club fair Iole forth run,<br/> +His club with blood of monsters foul defiled,<br/> +And on her back his lion’s skin had she,<br/> +Too rough a bark for such a tender tree. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IV<br/> +Beyond was made a sea, whose azure flood<br/> +The hoary froth crushed from the surges blue,<br/> +Wherein two navies great well ranged stood<br/> +Of warlike ships, fire from their arms outflew,<br/> +The waters burned about their vessels good,<br/> +Such flames the gold therein enchased threw,<br/> +Caesar his Romans hence, the Asian kings<br/> +Thence Antony and Indian princes brings. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +V<br/> +The Cyclades seemed to swim amid the main,<br/> +And hill gainst hill, and mount gainst mountain smote,<br/> +With such great fury met those armies twain;<br/> +Here burnt a ship, there sunk a bark or boat,<br/> +Here darts and wild-fire flew, there drowned or slain<br/> +Of princes dead the bodies fleet and float;<br/> +Here Caesar wins, and yonder conquered been<br/> +The Eastern ships, there fled the Egyptian queen: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VI<br/> +Antonius eke himself to flight betook,<br/> +The empire lost to which he would aspire,<br/> +Yet fled not he nor fight for fear forsook,<br/> +But followed her, drawn on by fond desire:<br/> +Well might you see within his troubled look,<br/> +Strive and contend, love, courage, shame and ire;<br/> +Oft looked he back, oft gazed he on the fight,<br/> +But oftener on his mistress and her flight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VII<br/> +Then in the secret creeks of fruitful Nile,<br/> +Cast in her lap, he would sad death await,<br/> +And in the pleasure of her lovely smile<br/> +Sweeten the bitter stroke of cursed fate:<br/> +All this did art with curious hand compile<br/> +In the rich metal of that princely gate.<br/> +The knights these stories viewed first and last,<br/> +Which seen, they forward pressed, and in they passed: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VIII<br/> +As through his channel crooked Meander glides<br/> +With turns and twines, and rolls now to, now fro,<br/> +Whose streams run forth there to the salt sea sides<br/> +Here back return and to their springward go:<br/> +Such crooked paths, such ways this palace hides;<br/> +Yet all the maze their map described so,<br/> +That through the labyrinth they got in fine,<br/> +As Theseus did by Ariadne’s line. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IX<br/> +When they had passed all those troubled ways,<br/> +The garden sweet spread forth her green to show,<br/> +The moving crystal from the fountains plays,<br/> +Fair trees, high plants, strange herbs and flowerets new,<br/> +Sunshiny hills, dales hid from Phoebus’ rays,<br/> +Groves, arbors, mossy caves, at once they view,<br/> +And that which beauty moat, most wonder brought,<br/> +Nowhere appeared the art which all this wrought. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +X<br/> +So with the rude the polished mingled was<br/> +That natural seemed all and every part,<br/> +Nature would craft in counterfeiting pass,<br/> +And imitate her imitator art:<br/> +Mild was the air, the skies were clear as glass,<br/> +The trees no whirlwind felt, nor tempest smart,<br/> +But ere the fruit drop off, the blossom comes,<br/> +This springs, that falls, that ripeneth and this blooms. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XI<br/> +The leaves upon the self-same bough did hide<br/> +Beside the young the old and ripened fig,<br/> +Here fruit was green, there ripe with vermeil side,<br/> +The apples new and old grew on one twig,<br/> +The fruitful vine her arms spread high and wide<br/> +That bended underneath their clusters big,<br/> +The grapes were tender here, hard, young and sour,<br/> +There purple ripe, and nectar sweet forth pour. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XII<br/> +The joyous birds, hid under greenwood shade,<br/> +Sung merry notes on every branch and bough,<br/> +The wind that in the leaves and waters played<br/> +With murmur sweet, now sung, and whistled now;<br/> +Ceased the birds, the wind loud answer made,<br/> +And while they sung, it rumbled soft and low;<br/> +Thus were it hap or cunning, chance or art,<br/> +The wind in this strange music bore his part. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIII<br/> +With party-colored plumes’ and purple bill,<br/> +A wondrous bird among the rest there flew,<br/> +That in plain speech sung love-lays loud and shrill,<br/> +Her leden was like human language true;<br/> +So much she talked, and with such wit and skill,<br/> +That strange it seemed how much good she knew,<br/> +Her feathered fellows all stood hush to hear,<br/> +Dumb was the wind, the waters silent were. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIV<br/> +“The gently budding rose,” quoth she, “behold,<br/> +That first scant peeping forth with virgin beams,<br/> +Half ope, half shut, her beauties doth upfold<br/> +In their dear leaves, and less seen, fairer seems,<br/> +And after spreads them forth more broad and bold,<br/> +Then languisheth and dies in last extremes,<br/> +Nor seems the same, that decked bed and bower<br/> +Of many a lady late, and paramour; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XV<br/> +“So, in the passing of a day, doth pass<br/> +The bud and blossom of the life of man,<br/> +Nor e’er doth flourish more, but like the grass<br/> +Cut down, becometh withered, pale and wan:<br/> +Oh gather then the rose while time thou hast<br/> +Short is the day, done when it scant began,<br/> +Gather the rose of love, while yet thou mayest,<br/> +Loving, be loved; embracing, be embraced.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVI<br/> +He ceased, and as approving all he spoke,<br/> +The choir of birds their heavenly tunes renew,<br/> +The turtles sighed, and sighs with kisses broke,<br/> +The fowls to shades unseen by pairs withdrew;<br/> +It seemed the laurel chaste, and stubborn oak,<br/> +And all the gentle trees on earth that grew,<br/> +It seemed the land, the sea, and heaven above,<br/> +All breathed out fancy sweet, and sighed out love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVII<br/> +Through all this music rare, and strong consent<br/> +Of strange allurements, sweet bove mean and measure,<br/> +Severe, firm, constant, still the knights forthwent,<br/> +Hardening their hearts gainst false enticing pleasure,<br/> +Twixt leaf and leaf their sight before they sent,<br/> +And after crept themselves at ease and leisure,<br/> +Till they beheld the queen, set with their knight<br/> +Besides the lake, shaded with boughs from sight: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVIII<br/> +Her breasts were naked, for the day was hot,<br/> +Her locks unbound waved in the wanton wind;<br/> +Some deal she sweat, tired with the game you wot,<br/> +Her sweat-drops bright, white, round, like pearls of Ind;<br/> +Her humid eyes a fiery smile forthshot<br/> +That like sunbeams in silver fountains shined,<br/> +O’er him her looks she hung, and her soft breast<br/> +The pillow was, where he and love took rest. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIX<br/> +His hungry eyes upon her face he fed,<br/> +And feeding them so, pined himself away;<br/> +And she, declining often down her head,<br/> +His lips, his cheeks, his eyes kissed, as he lay,<br/> +Wherewith he sighed, as if his soul had fled<br/> +From his frail breast to hers, and there would stay<br/> +With her beloved sprite: the armed pair<br/> +These follies all beheld and this hot fare. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XX<br/> +Down by the lovers’ side there pendent was<br/> +A crystal mirror, bright, pure, smooth, and neat,<br/> +He rose, and to his mistress held the glass,<br/> +A noble page, graced with that service great;<br/> +She, with glad looks, he with inflamed, alas,<br/> +Beauty and love beheld, both in one seat;<br/> +Yet them in sundry objects each espies,<br/> +She, in the glass, he saw them in her eyes: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXI<br/> +Her, to command; to serve, it pleased the knight;<br/> +He proud of bondage; of her empire, she;<br/> +“My dear,” he said, “that blessest with thy sight<br/> +Even blessed angels, turn thine eyes to me,<br/> +For painted in my heart and portrayed right<br/> +Thy worth, thy beauties and perfections be,<br/> +Of which the form; the shape and fashion best,<br/> +Not in this glass is seen, but in my breast. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXII<br/> +“And if thou me disdain, yet be content<br/> +At least so to behold thy lovely hue,<br/> +That while thereon thy looks are fixed and bent<br/> +Thy happy eyes themselves may see and view;<br/> +So rare a shape no crystal can present,<br/> +No glass contain that heaven of beauties true;<br/> +Oh let the skies thy worthy mirror be!<br/> +And in dear stars try shape and image see.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIII<br/> +And with that word she smiled, and ne’ertheless<br/> +Her love-toys still she used, and pleasures bold!<br/> +Her hair, that done, she twisted up in tress,<br/> +And looser locks in silken laces rolled,<br/> +Her curles garlandwise she did up-dress,<br/> +Wherein, like rich enamel laid on gold,<br/> +The twisted flowers smiled, and her white breast<br/> +The lilies there that spring with roses dressed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIV<br/> +The jolly peacock spreads not half so fair<br/> +The eyed feathers of his pompous train;<br/> +Nor golden Iris so bends in the air<br/> +Her twenty-colored bow, through clouds of rain;<br/> +Yet all her ornaments, strange, rich and rare,<br/> +Her girdle did in price and beauty stain,<br/> +Nor that, with scorn, which Tuscan Guilla lost,<br/> +Igor Venus Ceston, could match this for cost. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXV<br/> +Of mild denays, of tender scorns, of sweet<br/> +Repulses, war, peace, hope, despair, joy, fear,<br/> +Of smiles, jests, mirth, woe, grief, and sad regreet,<br/> +Sighs, sorrows, tears, embracements, kisses dear,<br/> +That mixed first by weight and measure meet,<br/> +Then at an easy fire attempered were,<br/> +This wondrous girdle did Armida frame,<br/> +And, when she would be loved, wore the same. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVI<br/> +But when her wooing fit was brought to end,<br/> +She congee took, kissed him, and went her way;<br/> +For once she used every day to wend<br/> +Bout her affairs, her spells and charms to say:<br/> +The youth remained, yet had no power to bend<br/> +One step from thence, but used there to stray<br/> +Mongst the sweet birds, through every walk and grove<br/> +Alone, save for an hermit false called Love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVII<br/> +And when the silence deep and friendly shade<br/> +Recalled the lovers to their wonted sport,<br/> +In a fair room for pleasure built, they laid,<br/> +And longest nights with joys made sweet and short.<br/> +Now while the queen her household things surveyed,<br/> +And left her lord her garden and disport,<br/> +The twain that hidden in the bushes were<br/> +Before the prince in glistering arms appear: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVIII<br/> +As the fierce steed for age withdrawn from war<br/> +Wherein the glorious beast had always wone,<br/> +That in vile rest from fight sequestered far,<br/> +Feeds with the mares at large, his service done,<br/> +If arms he see, or hear the trumpet’s jar,<br/> +He neigheth loud and thither fast doth run,<br/> +And wiseth on his back the armed knight,<br/> +Longing for jousts, for tournament and fight: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIX<br/> +So fared Rinaldo when the glorious light<br/> +Of their bright harness glistered in his eyes,<br/> +His noble sprite awaked at that sight<br/> +His blood began to warm, his heart to rise,<br/> +Though, drunk with ease, devoid of wonted might<br/> +On sleep till then his weakened virtue lies.<br/> +Ubaldo forward stepped, and to him hield<br/> +Of diamonds clear that pure and precious shield. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXX<br/> +Upon the targe his looks amazed he bent,<br/> +And therein all his wanton habit spied,<br/> +His civet, balm, and perfumes redolent,<br/> +How from his locks they smoked and mantle wide,<br/> +His sword that many a Pagan stout had shent,<br/> +Bewrapped with flowers, hung idly by his side,<br/> +So nicely decked that it seemed the knight<br/> +Wore it for fashion’s sake but not for fight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXI<br/> +As when, from sleep and idle dreams abraid,<br/> +A man awaked calls home his wits again;<br/> +So in beholding his attire he played,<br/> +But yet to view himself could not sustain,<br/> +His looks he downward cast and naught he said,<br/> +Grieved, shamed, sad, he would have died fain,<br/> +And oft he wished the earth or ocean wide<br/> +Would swallow him, and so his errors hide. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXII<br/> +Ubaldo took the time, and thus begun,<br/> +“All Europe now and Asia be in war,<br/> +And all that Christ adore and fame have won,<br/> +In battle strong, in Syria fighting are;<br/> +But thee alone, Bertoldo’s noble son,<br/> +This little corner keeps, exiled far<br/> +From all the world, buried in sloth and shame,<br/> +A carpet champion for a wanton dame. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIII<br/> +“What letharge hath in drowsiness up-penned<br/> +Thy courage thus? what sloth doth thee infect?<br/> +Up, up, our camp and Godfrey for thee send,<br/> +Thee fortune, praise and victory expect,<br/> +Come, fatal champion, bring to happy end<br/> +This enterprise begun, all that sect<br/> +Which oft thou shaken hast to earth full low<br/> +With thy sharp brand strike down, kill, overthrow.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIV<br/> +This said, the noble infant stood a space<br/> +Confused, speechless, senseless, ill-ashamed;<br/> +But when that shame to just disdain gave place,<br/> +To fierce disdain, from courage sprung untamed,<br/> +Another redness blushed through his face,<br/> +Whence worthy anger shone, displeasure flamed,<br/> +His nice attire in scorn he rent and tore,<br/> +For of his bondage vile that witness bore; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXV<br/> +That done, he hasted from the charmed fort,<br/> +And through the maze passed with his searchers twain.<br/> +Armida of her mount and chiefest port<br/> +Wondered to find the furious keeper slain,<br/> +Awhile she feared, but she knew in short,<br/> +That her dear lord was fled, then saw she plain,<br/> +Ah, woful sight! how from her gates the man<br/> +In haste, in fear, in wrath, in anger ran. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVI<br/> +“Whither, O cruel! leavest thou me alone?”<br/> +She would have cried, her grief her speeches stayed,<br/> +So that her woful words are backward gone,<br/> +And in her heart a bitter echo made;<br/> +Poor soul, of greater skill than she was one<br/> +Whose knowledge from her thus her joy conveyed,<br/> +This wist she well, yet had desire to prove<br/> +If art could keep, if charms recall her love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVII<br/> +All what the witches of Thessalia land,<br/> +With lips unpure yet ever said or spake,<br/> +Words that could make heaven’s rolling circles stand,<br/> +And draw the damned ghosts from Limbo lake,<br/> +All well she knew, but yet no time she fand<br/> +To use her knowledge or her charms to make,<br/> +But left her arts, and forth she ran to prove<br/> +If single beauty were best charm for love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVIII<br/> +She ran, nor of her honor took regard,<br/> +Oh where be all her vaunts and triumphs now?<br/> +Love’s empire great of late she made or marred,<br/> +To her his subjects humbly bend and bow,<br/> +And with her pride mixed was a scorn so hard,<br/> +That to be loved she loved, yet whilst they woo<br/> +Her lovers all she hates; that pleased her will<br/> +To conquer men, and conquered so, to kill. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIX<br/> +But now herself disdained, abandoned,<br/> +Ran after him; that from her fled in scorn,<br/> +And her despised beauty labored<br/> +With humble plaints and prayers to adorn:<br/> +She ran and hasted after him that fled,<br/> +Through frost and snow, through brier, bush and thorn,<br/> +And sent her cries on message her before,<br/> +That reached not him till he had reached the shore. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XL<br/> +“Oh thou that leav’st but half behind,” quoth she,<br/> +“Of my poor heart, and half with thee dost carry,<br/> +Oh take this part, or render that to me,<br/> +Else kill them both at once, ah tarry, tarry:<br/> +Hear my last words, no parting kiss of thee<br/> +I crave, for some more fit with thee to marry<br/> +Keep them, unkind; what fear’st thou if thou stay?<br/> +Thou may’st deny, as well as run away.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLI<br/> +At this Rinaldo stopped, stood still, and stayed,<br/> +She came, sad, breathless, weary, faint and weak,<br/> +So woe-begone was never nymph or maid<br/> +And yet her beauty’s pride grief could not break,<br/> +On him she looked, she gazed, but naught she said,<br/> +She would not, could not, or she durst not speak,<br/> +At her he looked not, glanced not, if he did,<br/> +Those glances shamefaced were, close, secret, hid. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLII<br/> +As cunning singers, ere they strain on high,<br/> +In loud melodious tunes, their gentle voice,<br/> +Prepare the hearers’ ears to harmony<br/> +With feignings sweet, low notes and warbles choice:<br/> +So she, not having yet forgot pardie<br/> +Her wonted shifts and sleights in Cupid’s toys,<br/> +A sequence first of sighs and sobs forthcast,<br/> +To breed compassion dear, then spake at last: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIII<br/> +“Suppose not, cruel, that I come to vow<br/> +Or pray, as ladies do their loves and lords;<br/> +Such were we late, if thou disdain it now,<br/> +Or scorn to grant such grace as love affords,<br/> +At least yet as an enemy listen thou:<br/> +Sworn foes sometimes will talk and chaffer words,<br/> +For what I ask thee, may’st thou grant right well,<br/> +And lessen naught thy wrath and anger fell. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIV<br/> +“If me thou hate, and in that hate delight,<br/> +I come not to appease thee, hate me still,<br/> +It’s like for like; I bore great hate and spite<br/> +Gainst Christians all, chiefly I wish thee ill:<br/> +I was a Pagan born, and all my might<br/> +Against Godfredo bent, mine art and skill:<br/> +I followed thee, took thee, and bore thee far,<br/> +To this strange isle, and kept thee safe from war. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLV<br/> +“And more, which more thy hate may justly move,<br/> +More to thy loss, more to thy shame and grief,<br/> +I thee inchanted, and allured to love,<br/> +Wicked deceit, craft worthy sharp reprief;<br/> +Mine honor gave I thee all gifts above,<br/> +And of my beauties made thee lord and chief,<br/> +And to my suitors old what I denayed,<br/> +That gave I thee, my lover new, unprayed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVI<br/> +“But reckon that among, my faults, and let<br/> +Those many wrongs provoke thee so to wrath,<br/> +That hence thou run, and that at naught thou set<br/> +This pleasant house, so many joys which hath;<br/> +Go, travel, pass the seas, fight, conquest get,<br/> +Destroy our faith, what shall I say, our faith?<br/> +Ah no! no longer ours; before thy shrine<br/> +Alone I pray, thou cruel saint of mine; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVII<br/> +“All only let me go with thee, unkind,<br/> +A small request although I were thy foe,<br/> +The spoiler seldom leaves the prey behind,<br/> +Who triumphs lets his captives with him go;<br/> +Among thy prisoners poor Armida bind,<br/> +And let the camp increase thy praises so,<br/> +That thy beguiler so thou couldst beguile,<br/> +And point at me, thy thrall and bondslave vile. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVIII<br/> +“Despised bondslave, since my lord doth hate<br/> +These locks, why keep I them or hold them dear?<br/> +Come cut them off, that to my servile state<br/> +My habit answer may, and all my gear:<br/> +I follow thee in spite of death and fate,<br/> +Through battles fierce where dangers most appear,<br/> +Courage I have, and strength enough perchance,<br/> +To lead thy courser spare, and bear thy lance: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIX<br/> +“I will or bear, or be myself, thy shield,<br/> +And to defend thy life, will lose mine own:<br/> +This breast, this bosom soft shall be thy bield<br/> +Gainst storms of arrows, darts and weapons thrown;<br/> +Thy foes, pardie, encountering thee in field,<br/> +Will spare to strike thee, mine affection known,<br/> +Lest me they wound, nor will sharp vengeance take<br/> +On thee, for this despised beauty’s sake. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +L<br/> +“O wretch! dare I still vaunt, or help invoke<br/> +From this poor beauty, scorned and disdained?”<br/> +She said no more, her tears her speeches broke,<br/> +Which from her eyes like streams from springs down rained:<br/> +She would have caught him by the hand or cloak,<br/> +But he stepped backward, and himself restrained,<br/> +Conquered his will, his heart ruth softened not,<br/> +There plaints no issue, love no entrance got. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LI<br/> +Love entered not to kindle in his breast,<br/> +Which Reason late had quenched, his wonted flame;<br/> +Yet entered Pity in the place at least,<br/> +Love’s sister, but a chaste and sober dame,<br/> +And stirred him so, that hardly he suppressed<br/> +The springing tears that to his eyes up came;<br/> +But yet even there his plaints repressed were,<br/> +And, as he could, he looked, and feigned cheer. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LII<br/> +“Madam,” quoth he, “for your distress I grieve,<br/> +And would amend it, if I might or could.<br/> +From your wise heart that fond affection drive:<br/> +I cannot hate nor scorn you though I would,<br/> +I seek no vengeance, wrongs I all forgive,<br/> +Nor you my servant nor my foe I hold,<br/> +Truth is, you erred, and your estate forgot,<br/> +Too great your hate was, and your love too hot. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIII<br/> +“But those are common faults, and faults of kind,<br/> +Excused by nature, by your sex and years;<br/> +I erred likewise, if I pardon find<br/> +None can condemn you, that our trespass hears;<br/> +Your dear remembrance will I keep in mind,<br/> +In joys, in woes, in comforts, hopes and fears,<br/> +Call me your soldier and your knight, as far<br/> +As Christian faith permits, and Asia’s war. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIV<br/> +“Ah, let our faults and follies here take end,<br/> +And let our errors past you satisfy,<br/> +And in this angle of the world ypend,<br/> +Let both the fame and shame thereof now die,<br/> +From all the earth where I am known and kenned,<br/> +I wish this fact should still concealed lie:<br/> +Nor yet in following me, poor knight, disgrace<br/> +Your worth, your beauty, and your princely race. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LV<br/> +“Stay here in peace, I go, nor wend you may<br/> +With me, my guide your fellowship denies,<br/> +Stay here or hence depart some better way,<br/> +And calm your thoughts, you are both sage and wise.”<br/> +While thus he spoke, her passions found no stay,<br/> +But here and there she turned and rolled her eyes,<br/> +And staring on his face awhile, at last<br/> +Thus in foul terms, her bitter wrath forth brast: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVI<br/> +“Of Sophia fair thou never wert the child,<br/> +Nor of the Azzain race ysprung thou art,<br/> +The mad sea-waves thee hare, some tigress wild<br/> +On Caucasus’ cold crags nursed thee apart;<br/> +Ah, cruel man l in whom no token mild<br/> +Appears, of pity, ruth, or tender heart,<br/> +Could not my griefs, my woes, my plaints, and all<br/> +One sigh strain from thy breast, one tear make fall? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVII<br/> +“What shall I say, or how renew my speech?<br/> +He scorns me, leaves me, bids me call him mine:<br/> +The victor hath his foe within his reach;<br/> +Yet pardons her, that merits death and pine;<br/> +Hear how he counsels me; how he can preach,<br/> +Like chaste Xenocrates, gainst love divine;<br/> +O heavens, O gods! why do these men of shame,<br/> +Thus spoil your temples and blaspheme your name? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVIII<br/> +“Go cruel, go, go with such peace, such rest,<br/> +Such joy, such comfort, as thou leavest me here:<br/> +My angry soul discharged from this weak breast,<br/> +Shall haunt thee ever, and attend thee near,<br/> +And fury-like in snakes and firebrands dressed,<br/> +Shall aye torment thee, whom it late held dear:<br/> +And if thou ’scape the seas, the rocks, and sands<br/> +And come to fight among the Pagan bands, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIX<br/> +“There lying wounded, mongst the hurt and slain,<br/> +Of these my wrongs thou shalt the vengeance bear,<br/> +And oft Armida shalt thou call in vain,<br/> +At thy last gasp; this hope I soon to hear:”<br/> +Here fainted she, with sorrow, grief and pain,<br/> +Her latest words scant well expressed were,<br/> +But in a swoon on earth outstretched she lies,<br/> +Stiff were her frozen limbs, closed were her eyes. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LX<br/> +Thou closed thine eyes, Armida, heaven envied<br/> +Ease to thy grief, or comfort to thy woe;<br/> +Ah, open then again, see tears down slide<br/> +From his kind eyes, whom thou esteem’st thy foe,<br/> +If thou hadst heard, his sighs had mollified<br/> +Thine anger, hard he sighed and mourned so;<br/> +And as he could with sad and rueful look<br/> +His leave of thee and last farewell he took. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXI<br/> +What should he do? leave on the naked sand<br/> +This woful lady half alive, half dead?<br/> +Kindness forbade, pity did that withstand;<br/> +But hard constraint, alas! did thence him lead;<br/> +Away he went, the west wind blew from land<br/> +Mongst the rich tresses of their pilot’s head,<br/> +And with that golden sail the waves she cleft,<br/> +To land he looked, till land unseen he left. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXII<br/> +Waked from her trance, foresaken, speechless, sad,<br/> +Armida wildly stared and gazed about,<br/> +“And is he gone,” quoth she, “nor pity had<br/> +To leave me thus twixt life and death in doubt?<br/> +Could he not stay? could not the traitor-lad<br/> +From this last trance help or recall me out?<br/> +And do I love him still, and on this sand<br/> +Still unrevenged, still mourn, still weeping stand? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIII<br/> +“Fie no! complaints farewell! with arms and art<br/> +I will pursue to death this spiteful knight,<br/> +Not earth’s low centre, nor sea’s deepest part,<br/> +Not heaven, nor hell, can shield him from my might,<br/> +I will o’ertake him, take him, cleave his heart,<br/> +Such vengeance fits a wronged lover’s spite,<br/> +In cruelty that cruel knight surpass<br/> +I will, but what avail vain words, alas? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIV<br/> +“O fool! thou shouldest have been cruel than,<br/> +For then this cruel well deserved thine ire,<br/> +When thou in prison hadst entrapped the man,<br/> +Now dead with cold, too late thou askest fire;<br/> +But though my wit, my cunning nothing can,<br/> +Some other means shall work my heart’s desire,<br/> +To thee, my beauty, thine be all these wrongs,<br/> +Vengeance to thee, to thee revenge belongs. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXV<br/> +“Thou shalt be his reward, with murdering brand<br/> +That dare this traitor of his head deprive,<br/> +O you my lovers, on this rock doth stand<br/> +The castle of her love for whom you strive,<br/> +I, the sole heir of all Damascus land,<br/> +For this revenge myself and kingdom give,<br/> +If by this price my will I cannot gain,<br/> +Nature gives beauty; fortune, wealth in vain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVI<br/> +“But thee, vain gift, vain beauty, thee I scorn,<br/> +I hate the kingdom which I have to give,<br/> +I hate myself, and rue that I was born,<br/> +Only in hope of sweet revenge I live.”<br/> +Thus raging with fell ire she gan return<br/> +From that bare shore in haste, and homeward drive,<br/> +And as true witness of her frantic ire,<br/> +Her locks waved loose, face shone, eyes sparkled fire. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVII<br/> +When she came home, she called with outcries shrill,<br/> +A thousand devils in Limbo deep that won,<br/> +Black clouds the skies with horrid darkness fill,<br/> +And pale for dread became the eclipsed sun,<br/> +The whirlwind blustered big on every hill,<br/> +And hell to roar under her feet begun,<br/> +You might have heard how through the palace wide,<br/> +Some spirits howled, some barked, some hissed, some cried. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVIII<br/> +A shadow, blacker than the mirkest night,<br/> +Environed all the place with darkness sad,<br/> +Wherein a firebrand gave a dreadful light,<br/> +Kindled in hell by Tisiphone the mad;<br/> +Vanished the shade, the sun appeared in sight,<br/> +Pale were his beams, the air was nothing glad,<br/> +And all the palace vanished was and gone,<br/> +Nor of so great a work was left one stone. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIX<br/> +As oft the clouds frame shapes of castles great<br/> +Amid the air, that little time do last,<br/> +But are dissolved by wind or Titan’s heat,<br/> +Or like vain dreams soon made, and sooner past:<br/> +The palace vanished so, nor in his seat<br/> +Left aught but rocks and crags, by kind there placed;<br/> +She in her coach which two old serpents drew,<br/> +Sate down, and as she used, away she flew. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXX<br/> +She broke the clouds, and cleft the yielding sky,<br/> +And bout her gathered tempest, storm and wind,<br/> +The lands that view the south pole flew she by,<br/> +And left those unknown countries far behind,<br/> +The Straits of Hercules she passed, which lie<br/> +Twixt Spain and Afric, nor her flight inclined<br/> +To north or south, but still did forward ride<br/> +O’er seas and streams, till Syria’s coasts she spied. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXI<br/> +Now she went forward to Damascus fair,<br/> +But of her country dear she fled the sight,<br/> +And guided to Asphaltes’ lake her chair,<br/> +Where stood her castle, there she ends her flight,<br/> +And from her damsels far, she made repair<br/> +To a deep vault, far from resort and light,<br/> +Where in sad thoughts a thousand doubts she cast,<br/> +Till grief and shame to wrath gave place at last. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXII<br/> +“I will not hence,” quoth she, “till Egypt’s lord<br/> +In aid of Zion’s king his host shall move;<br/> +Then will I use all helps that charms afford,<br/> +And change my shape or sex if so behove:<br/> +Well can I handle bow, or lance, or sword,<br/> +The worthies all will aid me, for my love:<br/> +I seek revenge, and to obtain the same,<br/> +Farewell, regard of honor; farewell, shame. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIII<br/> +“Nor let mine uncle and protector me<br/> +Reprove for this, he most deserves the blame,<br/> +My heart and sex, that weak and tender be,<br/> +He bent to deeds that maidens ill became;<br/> +His niece a wandering damsel first made he,<br/> +He spurred my youth, and I cast off my shame,<br/> +His be the fault, if aught gainst mine estate<br/> +I did for love, or shall commit for hate.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIV<br/> +This said, her knights, her ladies, pages, squires<br/> +She all assembleth, and for journey fit<br/> +In such fair arms and vestures them attires<br/> +As showed her wealth, and well declared her wit;<br/> +And forward marched, full of strange desires,<br/> +Nor rested she by day or night one whit,<br/> +Till she came there, where all the eastern bands,<br/> +Their kings and princes, lay on Gaza’s sands. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="book17"></a>SEVENTEENTH BOOK</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +THE ARGUMENT.<br/> +Egypt’s great host in battle-ray forth brought,<br/> +The Caliph sends with Godfrey’s power to fight;<br/> +Armida, who Rinaldo’s ruin sought,<br/> +To them adjoins herself and Syria’s might.<br/> +To satisfy her cruel will and thought,<br/> +She gives herself to him that kills her knight:<br/> +He takes his fatal arms, and in his shield<br/> +His ancestors and their great deeds beheld. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I<br/> +Gaza the city on the frontier stands<br/> +Of Juda’s realm, as men to Egypt ride,<br/> +Built near the sea, beside it of dry sands<br/> +Huge wildernesses lie and deserts wide<br/> +Which the strong winds lift from the parched lands<br/> +And toss like roaring waves in roughest tide,<br/> +That from those storms poor passengers almost<br/> +No refuge find, but there are drowned and lost. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +II<br/> +Within this town, won from the Turks of yore<br/> +Strong garrison the king of Egypt placed,<br/> +And for it nearer was, and fitted more<br/> +That high emprise to which his thoughts he cast,<br/> +He left great Memphis, and to Gaza bore<br/> +His regal throne, and there, from countries vast<br/> +Of his huge empire all the puissant host<br/> +Assembled he, and mustered on the coast. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +III<br/> +Come say, my Muse, what manner times these were,<br/> +And in those times how stood the state of things,<br/> +What power this monarch had, what arms they bear,<br/> +What nations subject, and what friends he brings;<br/> +From all lands the southern ocean near,<br/> +Or morning star, came princes, dukes and kings,<br/> +And only thou of half the world well-nigh<br/> +The armies, lords, and captains canst descry. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IV<br/> +When Egypt from the Greekish emperor<br/> +Rebelled first, and Christ’s true faith denied,<br/> +Of Mahomet’s descent a warrior<br/> +There set his throne and ruled that kingdom wide,<br/> +Caliph he hight, and Caliphs since that hour<br/> +Are his successors named all beside:<br/> +So Nilus old his kings long time had seen<br/> +That Ptolemies and Pharaohs called had been. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +V<br/> +Established was that kingdom in short while,<br/> +And grew so great, that over Asia’s lands<br/> +And Lybia’s realms it stretched many a mile,<br/> +From Syria’s coasts as far as Cirene sands,<br/> +And southward passed gainst the course of Nile,<br/> +Through the hot clime where burnt Syene stands,<br/> +Hence bounded in with sandy deserts waste,<br/> +And thence with Euphrates’ rich flood embraced. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VI<br/> +Maremma, myrrh and spices that doth bring,<br/> +And all the rich red sea it comprehends,<br/> +And to those lands, toward the morning spring<br/> +That lie beyond that gulf, it far extends;<br/> +Great is that empire, greater by the king<br/> +That rules it now, whose worth the land amends,<br/> +And makes more famous, lord thereof by blood,<br/> +By wisdom, valor, and all virtues good. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VII<br/> +With Turks and Persians war he oft did wage,<br/> +And oft he won, and sometimes lost the field,<br/> +Nor could his adverse fortune aught assuage<br/> +His valor’s heat or make his proud heart yield,<br/> +But when he grew unfit for war through age,<br/> +He sheathed his sword and laid aside his shield:<br/> +But yet his warlike mind he laid not down,<br/> +Nor his great thirst of rule, praise and renown, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VIII<br/> +But by his knights still cruel wars maintained.<br/> +So wise his words, so quick his wit appears,<br/> +That of the kingdom large o’er which he reigned,<br/> +The charge seemed not too weighty for his years;<br/> +His greatness Afric’s lesser kings constrained<br/> +To tremble at his name, all Ind him fears,<br/> +And other realms that would his friendship hold;<br/> +Some armed soldiers sent, some gifts, some gold. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IX<br/> +This mighty prince assembled had the flower<br/> +Of all his realms, against the Frenchmen stout,<br/> +To break their rising empire and their power,<br/> +Nor of sure conquest had he fear or doubt:<br/> +To him Armida came, even at the hour<br/> +When in the plains, old Gaza’s walls without,<br/> +The lords and leaders all their armies bring<br/> +In battle-ray, mustered before their king. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +X<br/> +He on his throne was set, to which on height<br/> +Who clomb an hundred ivory stairs first told,<br/> +Under a pentise wrought of silver bright,<br/> +And trod on carpets made of silk and gold;<br/> +His robes were such as best beseemen might<br/> +A king, so great, so grave, so rich, so old,<br/> +And twined of sixty ells of lawn and more<br/> +A turban strange adorned his tresses hoar. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XI<br/> +His right hand did his precious sceptre wield,<br/> +His beard was gray, his looks severe and grave,<br/> +And from his eyes, not yet made dim with eild,<br/> +Sparkled his former worth and vigor brave,<br/> +His gestures all the majesty upheild<br/> +And state, as his old age and empire crave,<br/> +So Phidias carved, Apelles so, pardie,<br/> +Erst painted Jove, Jove thundering down from sky. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XII<br/> +On either side him stood a noble lord,<br/> +Whereof the first held in his upright hand<br/> +Of severe justice the unpartial sword;<br/> +The other bare the seal, and causes scanned,<br/> +Keeping his folk in peace and good accord,<br/> +And termed was lord chancellor of the land;<br/> +But marshal was the first, and used to lead<br/> +His armies forth to war, oft with good speed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIII<br/> +Of bold Circassians with their halberts long,<br/> +About his throne his guards stood in a ring,<br/> +All richly armed in gilden corslets strong,<br/> +And by their sides their crooked swords down hing:<br/> +Thus set, thus seated, his grave lords among,<br/> +His hosts and armies great beheld the king,<br/> +And every band as by his throne it went,<br/> +Their ensigns low inclined, and arms down bent: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIV<br/> +Their squadrons first the men of Egypt show,<br/> +In four troops, and each his several guide,<br/> +Of the high country two, two of the low<br/> +Which Nile had won out of the salt seaside,<br/> +His fertile slime first stopped the waters’ flow,<br/> +Then hardened to firm land the plough to bide,<br/> +So Egypt still increased, within far placed<br/> +That part is now where ships erst anchor cast. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XV<br/> +The foremost band the people were that dwelled<br/> +In Alexandria’s rich and fertile plain,<br/> +Along the western shore, whence Nile expelled<br/> +The greedy billows of the swelling main;<br/> +Araspes was their guide, who more excelled<br/> +In wit and craft than strength or warlike pain,<br/> +To place an ambush close, or to devise<br/> +A treason false, was none so sly, so wise. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVI<br/> +The people next that gainst the morning rays<br/> +Along the coasts of Asia have their seat,<br/> +Arontes led them, whom no warlike praise<br/> +Ennobled, but high birth and titles great,<br/> +His helm ne’er made him sweat in toilsome frays,<br/> +Nor was his sleep e’er broke with trumpet’s threat,<br/> +But from soft ease to try the toil of fight<br/> +His fond ambition brought this carpet knight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVII<br/> +The third seemed not a troop or squadron small,<br/> +But an huge host; nor seemed it so much grain<br/> +In Egypt grew as to sustain them all;<br/> +Yet from one town thereof came all that train,<br/> +A town in people to huge shires equal,<br/> +That did a thousand streets and more contain,<br/> +Great Caire it hight, whose commons from each side<br/> +Came swarming out to war, Campson their guide. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVIII<br/> +Next under Gazel marched they that plough<br/> +The fertile lands above that town which lie<br/> +Up to the place where Nilus tumbling low<br/> +Falls from his second cataract from high;<br/> +The Egyptians weaponed were with sword and bow,<br/> +No weight of helm or hauberk list they try,<br/> +And richly armed, in their strong foes no dreed<br/> +Of death but great desire of spoil they breed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIX<br/> +The naked folk of Barca these succeed,<br/> +Unarmed half, Alarcon led that band,<br/> +That long in deserts lived, in extreme need,<br/> +On spoils and preys purchased by strength of hand.<br/> +To battle strong unfit, their king did lead<br/> +His army next brought from Zumara land.<br/> +Then he of Tripoli, for sudden fight<br/> +And skirmish short, both ready, bold, and light. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XX<br/> +Two captains next brought forth their bands to show<br/> +Whom Stony sent and Happy Araby,<br/> +Which never felt the cold of frost and snow,<br/> +Or force of burning heat, unless fame lie,<br/> +Where incense pure and all sweet odors grow,<br/> +Where the sole phoenix doth revive, not die,<br/> +And midst the perfumes rich and flowerets brave<br/> +Both birth and burial, cradle hath and grave. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXI<br/> +Their clothes not rich, their garments were not gay,<br/> +But weapons like the Egyptian troops they had,<br/> +The Arabians next that have no certain stay,<br/> +No house, no home, no mansion good or bad,<br/> +But ever, as the Scythian hordes stray,<br/> +From place to place their wandering cities gad:<br/> +These have both voice and stature feminine,<br/> +Hair long and black, black face, and fiery eyne. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXII<br/> +Long Indian canes, with iron armed, they bear,<br/> +And as upon their nimble steeds they ride,<br/> +Like a swift storm their speedy troops appear,<br/> +If winds so fast bring storms from heavens wide:<br/> +By Syphax led the first Arabians were;<br/> +Aldine the second squadron had no guide,<br/> +And Abiazar proud, brought to the fight<br/> +The third, a thief, a murderer, not a knight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIII<br/> +The islanders came then their prince before<br/> +Whose lands Arabia’s gulf enclosed about,<br/> +Wherein they fish and gather oysters store,<br/> +Whose shells great pearls rich and round pour out;<br/> +The Red Sea sent with them from his left shore,<br/> +Of negroes grim a black and ugly rout;<br/> +These Agricalt and those Osmida brought,<br/> +A man that set law, faith and truth at naught. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIV<br/> +The Ethiops next which Meroe doth breed,<br/> +That sweet and gentle isle of Meroe,<br/> +Twixt Nile and Astrabore that far doth spread,<br/> +Where two religions are, and kingdoms three,<br/> +These Assimiro and Canario led,<br/> +Both kings, both Pagans, and both subjects be<br/> +To the great Caliph, but the third king kept<br/> +Christ’s sacred faith, nor to these wars outstepped. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXV<br/> +After two kings, both subjects also, ride,<br/> +And of two bands of archers had the charge,<br/> +The first Soldan of Ormus placed in the wide<br/> +Huge Persian Bay, a town rich, fair, and large:<br/> +The last of Boecan, which at every tide<br/> +The sea cuts off from Persia’s southern marge,<br/> +And makes an isle; but when it ebbs again,<br/> +The passage there is sandy, dry and plain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVI<br/> +Nor thee, great Altamore, in her chaste bed<br/> +Thy loving queen kept with her dear embrace,<br/> +She tore her locks, she smote her breast, and shed<br/> +Salt tears to make thee stay in that sweet place,<br/> +“Seem the rough seas more calm, cruel,” she said,<br/> +“Than the mild looks of thy kind spouse’s face?<br/> +Or is thy shield, with blood and dust defiled,<br/> +A dearer armful than thy tender child?” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVII<br/> +This was the mighty king of Samarcand,<br/> +A captain wise, well skilled in feats of war,<br/> +In courage fierce, matchless for strength of hand,<br/> +Great was his praise, his force was noised far;<br/> +His worth right well the Frenchmen understand,<br/> +By whom his virtues feared and loved are:<br/> +His men were armed with helms and hauberks strong,<br/> +And by their sides broad swords and maces hong. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVIII<br/> +Then from the mansions bright of fresh Aurore<br/> +Adrastus came, the glorious king of Ind,<br/> +A snake’s green skin spotted with black he wore,<br/> +That was made rich by art and hard by kind,<br/> +An elephant this furious giant bore,<br/> +He fierce as fire, his mounture swift as wind;<br/> +Much people brought he from his kingdoms wide,<br/> +Twixt Indus, Ganges, and the salt seaside. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIX<br/> +The king’s own troop come next, a chosen crew,<br/> +Of all the camp the strength, the crown, the flower,<br/> +Wherein each soldier had with honors due<br/> +Rewarded been, for service ere that hour;<br/> +Their arms were strong for need, and fair for show,<br/> +Upon fierce steeds well mounted rode this power,<br/> +And heaven itself with the clear splendor shone<br/> +Of their bright armor, purple, gold and stone. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXX<br/> +Mongst these Alarco fierce, and Odemare<br/> +The muster master was, and Hidraort,<br/> +And Rimedon, whose rashness took no care<br/> +To shun death’s bitter stroke, in field or fort,<br/> +Tigranes, Rapold stem, the men that fare<br/> +By sea, that robbed in each creek and port,<br/> +Ormond, and Marlabust the Arabian named,<br/> +Because that land rebellious he reclaimed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXI<br/> +There Pirga, Arimon, Orindo are,<br/> +Brimarte the scaler, and with him Suifant<br/> +The breaker of wild horses brought from far;<br/> +Then the great wresteler strong Aridamant,<br/> +And Tisapherne, the thunderbolt of war,<br/> +Whom none surpassed, whom none to match durst vaunt<br/> +At tilt, at tourney, or in combat brave,<br/> +With spear or lance, with sword, with mace or glaive. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXII<br/> +A false Armenian did this squadron guide,<br/> +That in his youth from Christ’s true faith and light<br/> +To the blind lore of Paganism did slide,<br/> +That Clement late, now Emireno, hight;<br/> +Yet to his king he faithful was, and tried<br/> +True in all causes, his in wrong and right:<br/> +A cunning leader and a soldier bold,<br/> +For strength and courage, young; for wisdom, old. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIII<br/> +When all these regiments were passed and gone,<br/> +Appeared Armide, and came her troop to show;<br/> +Set in a chariot bright with precious stone,<br/> +Her gown tucked up, and in her hand a bow;<br/> +In her sweet face her new displeasures shone,<br/> +Mixed with the native beauties there which grow,<br/> +And quickened so her looks that in sharp wise<br/> +It seems she threats and yet her threats entice. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIV<br/> +Her chariot like Aurora’s glorious wain,<br/> +With carbuncles and jacinths glistered round:<br/> +Her coachman guided with the golden rein<br/> +Four unicorns, by couples yoked and bound;<br/> +Of squires and lovely ladies hundreds twain,<br/> +Whose rattling quivers at their backs resound,<br/> +On milk-white steeds, wait on the chariot bright,<br/> +Their steeds to manage, ready; swift, to flight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXV<br/> +Followed her troop led forth by Aradin,<br/> +Which Hidraort from Syria’s kingdom sent,<br/> +As when the new-born phoenix doth begin<br/> +To fly to Ethiop-ward, at the fair bent<br/> +Of her rich wings strange plumes and feathers thin<br/> +Her crowns and chains with native gold besprent,<br/> +The world amazed stands; and with her fly<br/> +An host of wondering birds, that sing and cry: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVI<br/> +So passed Armida, looked on, gazed on, so,<br/> +A wondrous dame in habit, gesture, face;<br/> +There lived no wight to love so great a foe<br/> +But wished and longed those beauties to embrace,<br/> +Scant seen, with anger sullen, sad for woe,<br/> +She conquered all the lords and knights in place,<br/> +What would she do, her sorrows passed, think you,<br/> +When her fair eyes, her looks and smiles shall woo? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVII<br/> +She passed, the king commanded Emiren<br/> +Of his rich throne to mount the lofty stage,<br/> +To whom his host, his army, and his men,<br/> +He would commit, now in his graver age.<br/> +With stately grace the man approached then;<br/> +His looks his coming honor did presage:<br/> +The guard asunder cleft and passage made,<br/> +He to the throne up went, and there he stayed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVIII<br/> +To earth he cast his eyes, and bent his knee:<br/> +To whom the king thus gan his will explain,<br/> +“To thee this sceptre, Emiren, to thee<br/> +These armies I commit, my place sustain<br/> +Mongst them, go set the king of Judah free,<br/> +And let the Frenchmen feel my just disdain,<br/> +Go meet them, conquer them, leave none alive;<br/> +Or those that scape from battle, bring captive.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIX<br/> +Thus spake the tyrant, and the sceptre laid<br/> +With all his sovereign power upon the knight:<br/> +“I take this sceptre at your hand,” he said,<br/> +“And with your happy fortune go to fight,<br/> +And trust, my lord, in your great virtue’s aid<br/> +To venge all Asia’s harms, her wrongs to right,<br/> +Nor e’er but victor will I see your face;<br/> +Our overthrow shall bring death, not disgrace. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XL<br/> +“Heavens grant if evil, yet no mishap I dread,<br/> +Or harm they threaten against this camp of thine,<br/> +That all that mischief fall upon my head,<br/> +Theirs be the conquest, and the danger mine;<br/> +And let them safe bring home their captain dead,<br/> +Buried in pomp of triumph’s glorious shine.”<br/> +He ceased, and then a murmur loud up went,<br/> +With noise of joy and sound of instrument. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLI<br/> +Amid the noise and shout uprose the king,<br/> +Environed with many a noble peer<br/> +That to his royal tent the monarch bring,<br/> +And there he feasted them and made them cheer,<br/> +To him and him he talked, and carved each thing,<br/> +The greatest honored, meanest graced were;<br/> +And while this mirth, this joy and feast doth last,<br/> +Armida found fit time her nets to cast: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLII<br/> +But when the feast was done, she, that espied<br/> +All eyes on her fair visage fixed and bent,<br/> +And by new notes and certain signs described,<br/> +How love’s empoisoned fire their entrails brent,<br/> +Arose, and where the king sate in his pride,<br/> +With stately pace and humble gestures, went;<br/> +And as she could in looks in voice she strove<br/> +Fierce, stern, bold, angry, and severe to prove. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIII<br/> +“Great Emperor, behold me here,” she said.<br/> +“For thee, my country, and my faith to fight,<br/> +A dame, a virgin, but a royal maid;<br/> +And worthy seems this war a princess hight,<br/> +For by the sword the sceptre is upstayed,<br/> +This hand can use them both with skill and might,<br/> +This hand of mine can strike, and at each blow<br/> +Thy foes and ours kill, wound, and overthrow. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIV<br/> +“Nor yet suppose this is the foremost day<br/> +Wherein to war I bent my noble thought,<br/> +But for the surety of thy realms, and stay<br/> +Of our religion true, ere this I wrought:<br/> +Yourself best know if this be true I say,<br/> +Or if my former deeds rejoiced you aught,<br/> +When Godfrey’s hardy knights and princes strong<br/> +I captive took, and held in bondage long. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLV<br/> +“I took them, bound them, and so sent them bound<br/> +To thee, a noble gift, with whom they had<br/> +Condemned low in dungeon under ground<br/> +Forever dwelt, in woe and torment sad:<br/> +So might thine host an easy way have found<br/> +To end this doubtful war, with conquest glad,<br/> +Had not Rinaldo fierce my knights all slain,<br/> +And set those lords, his friends, at large again. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVI<br/> +“Rinaldo is well known,” and there a long<br/> +And true rehearsal made she of his deeds,<br/> +“This is the knight that since hath done me wrong,<br/> +Wrong yet untold, that sharp revengement needs:<br/> +Displeasure therefore, mixed with reason strong,<br/> +This thirst of war in me, this courage breeds;<br/> +Nor how he injured me time serves to tell,<br/> +Let this suffice, I seek revengement fell, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVII<br/> +“And will procure it, for all shafts that fly<br/> +Light not in vain; some work the shooter’s will,<br/> +And Jove’s right hand with thunders cast from sky<br/> +Takes open vengeance oft for secret ill:<br/> +But if some champion dare this knight defy<br/> +To mortal battle, and by fight him kill,<br/> +And with his hateful head will me present,<br/> +That gift my soul shall please, my heart content: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVIII<br/> +“So please, that for reward enjoy he shall,<br/> +The greatest gift I can or may afford,<br/> +Myself, my beauty, wealth, and kingdoms all,<br/> +To marry him, and take him for my lord,<br/> +This promise will I keep whate’er befall,<br/> +And thereto bind myself by oath and word:<br/> +Now he that deems this purchase worth his pain,<br/> +Let him step forth and speak, I none disdain.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIX<br/> +While thus the princess said, his hungry eyne<br/> +Adrastus fed on her sweet beauty’s light,<br/> +“The gods forbid,” quoth he, “one shaft of thine<br/> +Should be discharged gainst that discourteous knight,<br/> +His heart unworthy is, shootress divine,<br/> +Of thine artillery to feel the might;<br/> +To wreak thine ire behold me prest and fit,<br/> +I will his head cut off, and bring thee it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +L<br/> +“I will his heart with this sharp sword divide,<br/> +And to the vultures cast his carcass out.”<br/> +Thus threatened he, but Tisapherne envied<br/> +To hear his glorious vaunt and boasting stout,<br/> +And said, “But who art thou, that so great pride<br/> +Thou showest before the king, me, and this rout?<br/> +Pardie here are some such, whose worth exceeds<br/> +Thy vaunting much yet boast not of their deeds.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LI<br/> +The Indian fierce replied, “I am the man<br/> +Whose acts his words and boasts have aye surpassed;<br/> +But if elsewhere the words thou now began<br/> +Had uttered been, that speech had been thy last.”<br/> +Thus quarrelled they; the monarch stayed them than,<br/> +And ’twixt the angry knights his sceptre cast:<br/> +Then to Armida said, “Fair Queen, I see<br/> +Thy heart is stout, thy thoughts courageous be; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LII<br/> +“Thou worthy art that their disdain and ire<br/> +At thy commands these knights should both appease,<br/> +That gainst thy foe their courage hot as fire<br/> +Thou may’st employ, both when and where you please,<br/> +There all their power and force, and what desire<br/> +They have to serve thee, may they show at ease.”<br/> +The monarch held his peace when this was said,<br/> +And they new proffer of their service made. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIII<br/> +Nor they alone, but all that famous were<br/> +In feats of arms boast that he shall be dead,<br/> +All offer her their aid, all say and swear,<br/> +To take revenge on his condemned head:<br/> +So many arms moved she against her dear,<br/> +And swore her darling under foot to tread,<br/> +But he, since first the enchanted isle he left,<br/> +Safe in his barge the roaring waves still cleft. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIV<br/> +By the same way returned the well-taught boat<br/> +By which it came, and made like haste, like speed;<br/> +The friendly wind, upon her sail that smote,<br/> +So turned as to return her ship had need:<br/> +The youth sometimes the Pole or Bear did note,<br/> +Or wandering stars which dearest nights forthspread:<br/> +Sometimes the floods, the hills, or mountains steep,<br/> +Whose woody fronts o’ershade the silent deep. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LV<br/> +Now of the camp the man the state inquires,<br/> +Now asks the customs strange of sundry lands;<br/> +And sailed, till clad in beams and bright attires<br/> +The fourth day’s sun on the eastern threshold stands:<br/> +But when the western seas had quenched those fires,<br/> +Their frigate struck against the shore and sands;<br/> +Then spoke their guide, “The land of Palestine<br/> +This is, here must your journey end and mine.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVI<br/> +The knights she set upon the shore all three,<br/> +And vanished thence in twinkling of an eye,<br/> +Uprose the night in whose deep blackness be<br/> +All colors hid of things in earth or sky,<br/> +Nor could they house, or hold, or harbor see,<br/> +Or in that desert sign of dwelling spy,<br/> +Nor track of man or horse, or aught that might<br/> +Inform them of some path or passage right. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVII<br/> +When they had mused what way they travel should,<br/> +From the west shore their steps at last they twined,<br/> +And lo, far off at last their eyes behold<br/> +Something, they wist not what, that clearly shined<br/> +With rays of silver and with beams of gold<br/> +Which the dark folds of night’s black mantle lined.<br/> +Forward they went and marched against the light,<br/> +To see and find the thing that shone so bright. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVIII<br/> +High on a tree they saw an armor new,<br/> +That glistered bright gainst Cynthia’s silver ray,<br/> +Therein, like stars in skies, the diamonds show<br/> +Fret in the gilden helm and hauberk gay,<br/> +The mighty shield all scored full they view<br/> +Of pictures fair, ranged in meet array;<br/> +To keep them sate an aged man beside,<br/> +Who to salute them rose, when them he spied. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIX<br/> +The twain who first were sent in this pursuit<br/> +Of their wise friend well knew the aged face:<br/> +But when the wizard sage their first salute<br/> +Received and quitted had with kind embrace,<br/> +To the young prince, that silent stood and mute,<br/> +He turned his speech, “In this unused place<br/> +For you alone I wait, my lord,” quoth he,<br/> +“My chiefest care your state and welfare be. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LX<br/> +“For, though you wot it not, I am your friend,<br/> +And for your profit work, as these can tell,<br/> +I taught them how Armida’s charms to end,<br/> +And bring you thither from love’s hateful cell,<br/> +Now to my words, though sharp perchance, attend,<br/> +Nor be aggrieved although they seem too fell,<br/> +But keep them well in mind, till in the truth<br/> +A wise and holier man instruct thy youth. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXI<br/> +“Not underneath sweet shades and fountains shrill,<br/> +Among the nymphs, the fairies, leaves and flowers;<br/> +But on the steep, the rough and craggy hill<br/> +Of virtue stands this bliss, this good of ours:<br/> +By toil and travel, not by sitting still<br/> +In pleasure’s lap, we come to honor’s bowers;<br/> +Why will you thus in sloth’s deep valley lie?<br/> +The royal eagles on high mountains fly. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXII<br/> +“Nature lifts up thy forehead to the skies,<br/> +And fills thy heart with high and noble thought,<br/> +That thou to heavenward aye shouldst lift thine eyes,<br/> +And purchase fame by deeds well done and wrought;<br/> +She gives thee ire, by which not courage flies<br/> +To conquests, not through brawls and battles fought<br/> +For civil jars, nor that thereby you might<br/> +Your wicked malice wreak and cursed spite. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIII<br/> +“But that your strength spurred forth with noble wrath,<br/> +With greater fury might Christ’s foes assault,<br/> +And that your bridle should with lesser scath<br/> +Each secret vice, and kill each inward fault;<br/> +For so his godly anger ruled hath<br/> +Each righteous man beneath heaven’s starry vault,<br/> +And at his will makes it now hot, now cold,<br/> +Now lets it run, now doth it fettered hold.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIV<br/> +Thus parleyed he; Rinaldo, hushed and still,<br/> +Great wisdom heard in those few words compiled,<br/> +He marked his speech, a purple blush did fill<br/> +His guilty checks, down went his eyesight mild.<br/> +The hermit by his bashful looks his will<br/> +Well understood, and said, “Look up, my child,<br/> +And painted in this precious shield behold<br/> +The glorious deeds of thy forefathers old. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXV<br/> +“Thine elders’ glory herein see and know,<br/> +In virtue’s path how they trod all their days,<br/> +Whom thou art far behind, a runner slow<br/> +In this true course of honor, fame and praise:<br/> +Up, up, thyself incite by the fair show<br/> +Of knightly worth which this bright shield bewrays,<br/> +That be thy spur to praise!” At last the knight<br/> +Looked up, and on those portraits bent his sight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVI<br/> +The cunning workman had in little space<br/> +Infinite shapes of men there well expressed,<br/> +For there described was the worthy race<br/> +And pedigree of all of the house of Est:<br/> +Come from a Roman spring o’er all the place<br/> +Flowed pure streams of crystals east and west,<br/> +With laurel crowned stood the princes old,<br/> +Their wars the hermit and their battles told. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVII<br/> +He showed them Caius first, when first in prey<br/> +To people strange the falling empire went,<br/> +First Prince of Est, that did the sceptre sway<br/> +O’er such as chose him lord by tree consent;<br/> +His weaker neighbors to his rule obey,<br/> +Need made them stoop, constraint doth force content;<br/> +After, when Lord Honorius called the train<br/> +Of savage Goths into his land again, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVIII<br/> +And when all Italy did burn and flame<br/> +With bloody war, by this fierce people mad,<br/> +When Rome a captive and a slave became,<br/> +And to be quite destroyed was most afraid,<br/> +Aurelius, to his everlasting fame,<br/> +Preserved in peace the folk that him obeyed:<br/> +Next whom was Forest, who the rage withstood<br/> +Of the bold Huns, and of their tyrant proud. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIX<br/> +Known by his look was Attila the fell,<br/> +Whose dragon eyes shone bright with anger’s spark,<br/> +Worse faced than a dog, who viewed him well<br/> +Supposed they saw him grin and heard him bark;<br/> +But when in single fight he lost the bell,<br/> +How through his troops he fled there might you mark,<br/> +And how Lord Forest after fortified<br/> +Aquilea’s town, and how for it he died. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXX<br/> +For there was wrought the fatal end and fine,<br/> +Both of himself and of the town he kept:<br/> +But his great son renowned Acarine,<br/> +Into his father’s place and honor stepped:<br/> +To cruel fate, not to the Huns, Altine<br/> +Gave place, and when time served again forth leapt,<br/> +And in the vale of Po built for his seat<br/> +Of many a village a small city great; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXI<br/> +Against the swelling flood he banked it strong,<br/> +And thence uprose the fair and noble town<br/> +Where they of Est should by succession long<br/> +Command, and rule in bliss and high renown:<br/> +Gainst Odoacer then he fought, but wrong<br/> +Oft spoileth right, fortune treads courage down,<br/> +For there he died for his dear country’s sake,<br/> +And of his father’s praise did so partake. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXII<br/> +With him died Alforisio, Azzo was<br/> +With his dear brother into exile sent,<br/> +But homeward they in arms again repass—<br/> +The Herule king oppressed—from banishment.<br/> +His front through pierced with a dart, alas,<br/> +Next them, of Est the Epaminondas went,<br/> +That smiling seemed to cruel death to yield,<br/> +When Totila was fled, and safe his shield. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIII<br/> +Of Boniface I speak; Valerian,<br/> +His son, in praise and power succeeded him,<br/> +Who durst sustain, in years though scant a man,<br/> +Of the proud Goths an hundred squadrons trim:<br/> +Then he that gainst the Sclaves much honor wan,<br/> +Ernesto, threatening stood with visage grim;<br/> +Before him Aldoard, the Lombard stout<br/> +Who from Monselce boldly erst shut out. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIV<br/> +There Henry was and Berengare the bold<br/> +That served great Charles in his conquest high,<br/> +Who in each battle give the onset would,<br/> +A hardy soldier and a captain sly;<br/> +After, Prince Lewis did he well uphold<br/> +Against his nephew, King of Italy,<br/> +He won the field and took that king on live:<br/> +Next him stood Otho with his children five. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXV<br/> +Of Almeric the image next they view,<br/> +Lord Marquis of Ferrara first create,<br/> +Founder of many churches, that upthrew<br/> +His eyes, like one that used to contemplate;<br/> +Gainst him the second Azzo stood in rew,<br/> +With Berengarius that did long debate,<br/> +Till after often change of fortune stroke,<br/> +He won, and on all Italy laid the yoke. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVI<br/> +Albert his son the Germans warred among,<br/> +And there his praise and fame was spread so wide,<br/> +That having foiled the Danes in battle strong,<br/> +His daughter young became great Otho’s bride.<br/> +Behind him Hugo stood with warfare long,<br/> +That broke the horn of all the Romans’ pride,<br/> +Who of all Italy the marquis hight,<br/> +And Tuscan whole possessed as his right. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVII<br/> +After Tebaldo, puissant Boniface<br/> +And Beatrice his dear possessed the stage;<br/> +Nor was there left heir male of that great race,<br/> +To enjoy the sceptre, state and heritage;<br/> +The Princess Maud alone supplied the place,<br/> +Supplied the want in number, sex and age;<br/> +For far above each sceptre, throne and crown,<br/> +The noble dame advanced her veil and gown. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVIII<br/> +With manlike vigor shone her noble look,<br/> +And more than manlike wrath her face o’erspread,<br/> +There the fell Normans, Guichard there forsook<br/> +The field, till then who never feared nor fled;<br/> +Henry the Fourth she beat, and from him took<br/> +His standard, and in Church it offered;<br/> +Which done, the Pope back to the Vatican<br/> +She brought, and placed in Peter’s chair again. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIX<br/> +As he that honored her and held her dear,<br/> +Azzo the Fifth stood by her lovely side;<br/> +But the fourth Azzo’s offspring far and near<br/> +Spread forth, and through Germania fructified;<br/> +Sprung from the branch did Guelpho bold appear,<br/> +Guelpho his son by Cunigond his bride,<br/> +And in Bavaria’s field transplanted new<br/> +The Roman graft flourished, increased and grew. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXX<br/> +A branch of Est there in the Guelfian tree<br/> +Engrafted was, which of itself was old,<br/> +Whereon you might the Guelfoes fairer see,<br/> +Renew their sceptres and their crowns of gold,<br/> +Of which Heaven’s good aspects so bended be<br/> +That high and broad it spread and flourished bold,<br/> +Till underneath his glorious branches laid<br/> +Half Germany, and all under his shade. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXI<br/> +This regal plant from his Italian rout<br/> +Sprung up as high, and blossomed fair above,<br/> +Fornenst Lord Guelpho, Bertold issued out,<br/> +With the sixth Azzo whom all virtues love;<br/> +This was the pedigree of worthies stout,<br/> +Who seemed in that bright shield to live and move.<br/> +Rinaldo waked up and cheered his face,<br/> +To see these worthies of his house and race. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXII<br/> +To do like acts his courage wished and sought,<br/> +And with that wish transported him so far<br/> +That all those deeds which filled aye his thought,<br/> +Towns won, forts taken, armies killed in war,<br/> +As if they were things done indeed and wrought,<br/> +Before his eyes he thinks they present are,<br/> +He hastily arms him, and with hope and haste,<br/> +Sure conquest met, prevented and embraced. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIII<br/> +But Charles, who had told the death and fall<br/> +Of the young prince of Danes, his late dear lord,<br/> +Gave him the fatal weapon, and withal,<br/> +“Young knight,” quoth he, “take with good luck this sword,<br/> +Your just, strong, valiant hand in battle shall<br/> +Employ it long, for Christ’s true faith and word,<br/> +And of his former lord revenge the wrongs,<br/> +Who loved you so, that deed to you belongs.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIV<br/> +He answered, “God for his mercy’s sake,<br/> +Grant that this hand which holds this weapon good<br/> +For thy dear master may sharp vengeance take,<br/> +May cleave the Pagan’s heart, and shed his blood.”<br/> +To this but short reply did Charles make,<br/> +And thanked him much, nor more on terms they stood:<br/> +For lo, the wizard sage that was their guide<br/> +On their dark journey hastes them forth to ride. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXV<br/> +“High time it is,” quoth he, “for you to wend<br/> +Where Godfrey you awaits, and many a knight,<br/> +There may we well arrive ere night doth end,<br/> +And through this darkness can I guide you right.”<br/> +This said, up to his coach they all ascend,<br/> +On his swift wheels forth rolled the chariot light,<br/> +He gave his coursers fleet the rod and rein,<br/> +And galloped forth and eastward drove amain; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVI<br/> +While silent so through night’s dark shade they fly,<br/> +The hermit thus bespake the young man stout:<br/> +“Of thy great house, thy race, thine offspring high,<br/> +Here hast thou seen the branch, the bole, the root,<br/> +And as these worthies born to chivalry<br/> +And deeds of arms it hath tofore brought out,<br/> +So is it, so it shall be fertile still,<br/> +Nor time shall end, nor age that seed shall kill. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVII<br/> +“Would God, as drawn from the forgetful lap<br/> +Of antique time, I have thine elders shown;<br/> +That so I could the catalogue unwrap<br/> +Of thy great nephews yet unborn, unknown,<br/> +That ere this light they view, their fate and hap<br/> +I might foretell, and how their chance is thrown,<br/> +That like thine elders so thou mightst behold<br/> +Thy children, many, famous, stout and bold. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVIII<br/> +“But not by art or skill, of things future<br/> +Can the plain truth revealed be and told,<br/> +Although some knowledge doubtful, dark, obscure<br/> +We have of coming haps in clouds uprolled;<br/> +Nor all which in this cause I know for sure<br/> +Dare I foretell: for of that father old,<br/> +The hermit Peter, learned I much, and he<br/> +Withouten veil heaven’s secrets great doth see. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIX<br/> +“But this, to him revealed by grace divine,<br/> +By him to me declared, to thee I say,<br/> +Was never race Greek, barbarous, or Latine,<br/> +Great in times past, or famous at this day,<br/> +Richer in hardy knights than this of thine;<br/> +Such blessings Heaven shall on thy children lay<br/> +That they in fame shall pass, in praise o’ercome,<br/> +The worthies old of Sparta, Carthage, Rome. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XC<br/> +“But mongst the rest I chose Alphonsus bold,<br/> +In virtue first, second in place and name,<br/> +He shall be born when this frail world grows old,<br/> +Corrupted, poor, and bare of men of fame,<br/> +Better than he none shall, none can, or could,<br/> +The sword or sceptre use or guide the same,<br/> +To rule in peace or to command in fight,<br/> +Thine offspring’s glory and thy house’s light. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCI<br/> +“His younger age foretokens true shall yield<br/> +Of future valor, puissance, force and might,<br/> +From him no rock the savage beast shall shield;<br/> +At tilt or tourney match him shall no knight:<br/> +After, he conquer shall in pitched field<br/> +Great armies and win spoils in single fight,<br/> +And on his locks, rewards for knightly praise,<br/> +Shall garlands wear of grass, of oak, of bays. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCII<br/> +“His graver age, as well that eild it fits,<br/> +Shall happy peace preserve and quiet blest,<br/> +And from his neighbors strong mongst whom he sits<br/> +Shall keep his cities safe in wealth and rest,<br/> +Shall nourish arts and cherish pregnant wits,<br/> +Make triumphs great, and feast his subjects best,<br/> +Reward the good, the evil with pains torment,<br/> +Shall dangers all foresee, and seen, prevent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCIII<br/> +“But if it hap against those wicked bands<br/> +That sea and earth invest with blood and war,<br/> +And in these wretched times to noble lands<br/> +Give laws of peace false and unjust that are,<br/> +That he be sent, to drive their guilty hands<br/> +From Christ’s pure altars and high temples far,<br/> +Oh, what revenge, what vengeance shall he bring<br/> +On that false sect, and their accursed king! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCIV<br/> +“Too late the Moors, too late the Turkish king,<br/> +Gainst him should arm their troops and legions bold<br/> +For he beyond great Euphrates should bring,<br/> +Beyond the frozen tops of Taurus cold,<br/> +Beyond the land where is perpetual spring,<br/> +The cross, the eagle white, the lily of gold,<br/> +And by baptizing of the Ethiops brown<br/> +Of aged Nile reveal the springs unknown.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCV<br/> +Thus said the hermit, and his prophecy<br/> +The prince accepted with content and pleasure,<br/> +The secret thought of his posterity<br/> +Of his concealed joys heaped up the measure.<br/> +Meanwhile the morning bright was mounted high,<br/> +And changed Heaven’s silver wealth to golden treasure,<br/> +And high above the Christian tents they view<br/> +How the broad ensigns trembled, waved and blew, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCVI<br/> +When thus again their leader sage begun,<br/> +“See how bright Phoebus clears the darksome skies,<br/> +See how with gentle beams the friendly sun<br/> +The tents, the towns, the hills and dales descries,<br/> +Through my well guiding is your voyage done,<br/> +From danger safe in travel off which lies,<br/> +Hence without fear of harm or doubt of foe<br/> +March to the camp, I may no nearer go.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCVII<br/> +Thus took he leave, and made a quick return,<br/> +And forward went the champions three on foot,<br/> +And marching right against the rising morn<br/> +A ready passage to the camp found out,<br/> +Meanwhile had speedy fame the tidings borne<br/> +That to the tents approached these barons stout,<br/> +And starting from his throne and kingly seat<br/> +To entertain them, rose Godfredo great. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="book18"></a>EIGHTEENTH BOOK</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +THE ARGUMENT.<br/> +The charms and spirits false therein which lie<br/> +Rinaldo chaseth from the forest old;<br/> +The host of Egypt comes; Vafrin the spy<br/> +Entereth their camp, stout, crafty, wise and bold;<br/> +Sharp is the fight about the bulwarks high<br/> +And ports of Zion, to assault the hold:<br/> +Godfrey hath aid from Heaven, by force the town<br/> +Is won, the Pagans slain, walls beaten down. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I<br/> +Arrived where Godfrey to embrace him stood,<br/> +“My sovereign lord,” Rinaldo meekly said,<br/> +“To venge my wrongs against Gernando proud<br/> +My honor’s care provoked my wrath unstayed;<br/> +But that I you displeased, my chieftain good,<br/> +My thoughts yet grieve, my heart is still dismayed,<br/> +And here I come, prest all exploits to try<br/> +To make me gracious in your gracious eye.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +II<br/> +To him that kneeled, folding his friendly arms<br/> +About his neck, the duke this answer gave:<br/> +“Let pass such speeches sad, of passed harms.<br/> +Remembrance is the life of grief; his grave,<br/> +Forgetfulness; and for amends, in arms<br/> +Your wonted valor use and courage brave;<br/> +For you alone to happy end must bring<br/> +The strong enchantments of the charmed spring. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +III<br/> +“That aged wood whence heretofore we got,<br/> +To build our scaling engines, timber fit,<br/> +Is now the fearful seat, but how none wot,<br/> +Where ugly fiends and damned spirits sit;<br/> +To cut one twist thereof adventureth not<br/> +The boldest knight we have, nor without it<br/> +This wall can battered be: where others doubt<br/> +There venture thou, and show thy courage stout.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IV<br/> +Thus said he, and the knight in speeches few<br/> +Proffered his service to attempt the thing,<br/> +To hard assays his courage willing flew,<br/> +To him praise was no spur, words were no sting;<br/> +Of his dear friends then he embraced the crew<br/> +To welcome him which came; for in a ring<br/> +About him Guelpho, Tancred and the rest<br/> +Stood, of the camp the greatest, chief and best. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +V<br/> +When with the prince these lords had iterate<br/> +Their welcomes oft, and oft their dear embrace,<br/> +Toward the rest of lesser worth and state,<br/> +He turned, and them received with gentle grace;<br/> +The merry soldiers bout him shout and prate,<br/> +With cries as joyful and as cheerful face<br/> +As if in triumph’s chariot bright as sun,<br/> +He had returned Afric or Asia won. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VI<br/> +Thus marched to his tent the champion good,<br/> +And there sat down with all his friends around;<br/> +Now of the war he asked, now of the wood,<br/> +And answered each demand they list propound;<br/> +But when they left him to his ease, up stood<br/> +The hermit, and, fit time to speak once found,<br/> +“My lord,” he said, “your travels wondrous are,<br/> +Far have you strayed, erred, wandered far. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VII<br/> +“Much are you bound to God above, who brought<br/> +You safe from false Armida’s charmed hold,<br/> +And thee a straying sheep whom once he bought<br/> +Hath now again reduced to his fold,<br/> +And gainst his heathen foes these men of naught<br/> +Hath chosen thee in place next Godfrey bold;<br/> +Yet mayest thou not, polluted thus with sin,<br/> +In his high service war or fight begin. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VIII<br/> +“The world, the flesh, with their infection vile<br/> +Pollute the thoughts impure, thy spirit stain;<br/> +Not Po, not Ganges, not seven-mouthed Nile,<br/> +Not the wide seas, can wash thee clean again,<br/> +Only to purge all faults which thee defile<br/> +His blood hath power who for thy sins was slain:<br/> +His help therefore invoke, to him bewray<br/> +Thy secret faults, mourn, weep, complain and pray.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IX<br/> +This said, the knight first with the witch unchaste<br/> +His idle loves and follies vain lamented;<br/> +Then kneeling low with heavy looks downcast,<br/> +His other sins confessed and all repented,<br/> +And meekly pardon craved for first and last.<br/> +The hermit with his zeal was well contented,<br/> +And said, “On yonder hill next morn go pray<br/> +That turns his forehead gainst the morning ray. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +X<br/> +“That done, march to the wood, whence each one brings<br/> +Such news of furies, goblins, fiends, and sprites,<br/> +The giants, monsters, and all dreadful things<br/> +Thou shalt subdue, which that dark grove unites:<br/> +Let no strange voice that mourns or sweetly sings,<br/> +Nor beauty, whose glad smile frail hearts delights,<br/> +Within thy breast make ruth or pity rise,<br/> +But their false looks and prayers false despise.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XI<br/> +Thus he advised him, and the hardy knight<br/> +Prepared him gladly to this enterprise,<br/> +Thoughtful he passed the day, and sad the night;<br/> +And ere the silver morn began to rise,<br/> +His arms he took, and in a coat him dight<br/> +Of color strange, cut in the warlike guise;<br/> +And on his way sole, silent, forth he went<br/> +Alone, and left his friends, and left his tent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XII<br/> +It was the time when gainst the breaking day<br/> +Rebellious night yet strove, and still repined,<br/> +For in the east appeared the morning gray<br/> +And yet some lamps in Jove’s high palace shined,<br/> +When to Mount Olivet he took his way,<br/> +And saw, as round about his eyes he twined,<br/> +Night’s shadows hence, from thence the morning’s shine,<br/> +This bright, that dark; that earthly, this divine. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIII<br/> +Thus to himself he thought, how many bright<br/> +And splendent lamps shine in heaven’s temple high,<br/> +Day hath his golden sun, her moon the night,<br/> +Her fixed and wandering stars the azure sky,<br/> +So framed all by their Creator’s might<br/> +That still they live and shine, and ne’er shall die<br/> +Till, in a moment, with the last day’s brand<br/> +They burn, and with them burn sea, air, and land. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIV<br/> +Thus as he mused, to the top he went,<br/> +And there kneeled down with reverence and fear,<br/> +His eyes upon heaven’s eastern face he bent,<br/> +His thoughts above all heavens uplifted were:<br/> +“The sins and errors, which I now repent,<br/> +Of mine unbridled youth, O Father dear,<br/> +Remember not, but let thy mercy fall,<br/> +And purge my faults and mine offences all.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XV<br/> +Thus prayed he, with purple wings upflew<br/> +In golden weed the morning’s lusty queen,<br/> +Begilding with the radiant beams she threw<br/> +His helm, his harness, and the mountain green;<br/> +Upon his breast and forehead gently blew<br/> +The air, that balm and nardus breathed unseen,<br/> +And o’er his head let down from clearest skies<br/> +A cloud of pure and precious clew there flies. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVI<br/> +The heavenly dew was on his garments spread,<br/> +To which compared, his clothes pale ashes seem,<br/> +And sprinkled so, that all that paleness fled<br/> +And thence, of purest white, bright rays outstream;<br/> +So cheered are the flowers late withered<br/> +With the sweet comfort of the morning beam,<br/> +And so, returned to youth, a serpent old<br/> +Adorns herself in new and native gold. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVII<br/> +The lovely whiteness of his changed weed,<br/> +The Prince perceived well, and long admired;<br/> +Toward the forest marched he on with speed,<br/> +Resolved, as such adventures great required;<br/> +Thither he came whence shrinking back for dread<br/> +Of that strange desert’s sight the first retired,<br/> +But not to him fearful or loathsome made<br/> +That forest was, but sweet with pleasant shade: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVIII<br/> +Forward he passed, mid in the grove before<br/> +He heard a sound that strange, sweet, pleasing was;<br/> +There rolled a crystal brook with gentle roar,<br/> +There sighed the winds as through the leaves they pass,<br/> +There did the nightingale her wrongs deplore,<br/> +There sung the swan, and singing died, alas!<br/> +There lute, harp, cittern, human voice he heard,<br/> +And all these sounds one sound right well declared. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIX<br/> +A dreadful thunder-clap at last he heard,<br/> +The aged trees and plants well-nigh that rent;<br/> +Yet heard the nymphs and sirens afterward,<br/> +Birds, winds, and waters, sing with sweet consent:<br/> +Whereat amazed he stayed, and well prepared<br/> +For his defence, heedful and slow forth went:<br/> +Nor in his way his passage aught withstood,<br/> +Except a quiet, still, transparent flood. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XX<br/> +On the green banks which that fair stream inbound,<br/> +Flowers and odors sweetly smiled and smelled,<br/> +Which reaching out his stretched arms around,<br/> +All the large desert in his bosom held,<br/> +And through the grove one channel passage found;<br/> +That in the wood; in that, the forest dwelled:<br/> +Trees clad the streams; streams green those trees aye made<br/> +And so exchanged their moisture and their shade. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXI<br/> +The knight some way sought out the flood to pass,<br/> +And as he sought, a wondrous bridge appeared,<br/> +A bridge of gold, a huge and weighty mass,<br/> +On arches great of that rich metal reared;<br/> +When through that golden way he entered was,<br/> +Down fell the bridge, swelled the stream, and weared<br/> +The work away, nor sign left where it stood,<br/> +And of a river calm became a flood. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXII<br/> +He turned, amazed to see it troubled so,<br/> +Like sudden brooks increased with molten snow,<br/> +The billows fierce that tossed to and fro,<br/> +The whirlpools sucked down to their bosoms low;<br/> +But on he went to search for wonders mo,<br/> +Through the thick trees there high and broad which grow,<br/> +And in that forest huge and desert wide,<br/> +The more he sought, more wonders still he spied. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIII<br/> +Whereso he stepped, it seemed the joyful ground<br/> +Renewed the verdure of her flowery weed,<br/> +A fountain here, a wellspring there he found;<br/> +Here bud the roses, there the lilies spread<br/> +The aged wood o’er and about him round<br/> +Flourished with blossoms new, new leaves, new seed,<br/> +And on the boughs and branches of those treen,<br/> +The bark was softened, and renewed the green. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIV<br/> +The manna on each leaf did pearled lie,<br/> +The honey stilled from the tender rind;<br/> +Again he heard that wondrous harmony,<br/> +Of songs and sweet complaints of lovers kind,<br/> +The human voices sung a triple high,<br/> +To which respond the birds, the streams, the wind,<br/> +But yet unseen those nymphs, those singers were,<br/> +Unseen the lutes, harps, viols which they bear. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXV<br/> +He looked, he listened, yet his thoughts denied<br/> +To think that true which he both heard and see,<br/> +A myrtle in an ample plain he spied,<br/> +And thither by a beaten path went he:<br/> +The myrtle spread her mighty branches wide,<br/> +Higher than pine or palm or cypress tree:<br/> +And far above all other plants was seen<br/> +That forest’s lady and that desert’s queen. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVI<br/> +Upon the trees his eyes Rinaldo bent,<br/> +And there a marvel great and strange began;<br/> +An aged oak beside him cleft and rent,<br/> +And from his fertile hollow womb forth ran,<br/> +Clad in rare weeds and strange habiliment,<br/> +A nymph, for age able to go to man,<br/> +An hundred plants beside, even in his sight,<br/> +Childed an hundred nymphs, so great, so dight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVII<br/> +Such as on stages play, such as we see<br/> +The Dryads painted whom wild Satyrs love,<br/> +Whose arms half-naked, locks untrussed be,<br/> +With buskins laced on their legs above,<br/> +And silken robes tucked short above their knee;<br/> +Such seemed the sylvan daughters of this grove,<br/> +Save that instead of shafts and boughs of tree,<br/> +She bore a lute, a harp, or cittern she. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVIII<br/> +And wantonly they cast them in a ring,<br/> +And sung and danced to move his weaker sense,<br/> +Rinaldo round about environing,<br/> +As centres are with their circumference;<br/> +The tree they compassed eke, and gan to sing,<br/> +That woods and streams admired their excellence;<br/> +“Welcome, dear lord, welcome to this sweet grove,<br/> +Welcome our lady’s hope, welcome her love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIX<br/> +“Thou com’st to cure our princess, faint and sick<br/> +For love, for love of thee, faint, sick, distressed;<br/> +Late black, late dreadful was this forest thick,<br/> +Fit dwelling for sad folk with grief oppressed,<br/> +See with thy coming how the branches quick<br/> +Revived are, and in new blosoms dressed:”<br/> +This was their song, and after, from it went<br/> +First a sweet sound, and then the myrtle rent. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXX<br/> +If antique times admired Silenus old<br/> +That oft appeared set on his lazy ass,<br/> +How would they wonder if they had behold<br/> +Such sights as from the myrtle high did pass?<br/> +Thence came a lady fair with locks of gold,<br/> +That like in shape, in face and beauty was<br/> +To sweet Armide; Rinaldo thinks he spies<br/> +Her gestures, smiles, and glances of her eyes. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXI<br/> +On him a sad and smiling look she cast,<br/> +Which twenty passions strange at once bewrays:<br/> +“And art thou come,” quoth she, “returned at last<br/> +To her from whom but late thou ran’st thy ways?<br/> +Com’st thou to comfort me for sorrows past?<br/> +To ease my widow nights and careful days?<br/> +Or comest thou to work me grief and harm?<br/> +Why nilt thou speak?—why not thy face disarm? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXII<br/> +“Com’st thou a friend or foe? I did not frame<br/> +That golden bridge to entertain my foe,<br/> +Nor opened flowers and fountains as you came,<br/> +To welcome him with joy that brings me woe:<br/> +Put off thy helm, rejoice me with the flame<br/> +Of thy bright eyes, whence first my fires did grow.<br/> +Kiss me, embrace me, if you further venture,<br/> +Love keeps the gate, the fort is eath to enter.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIII<br/> +Thus as she woos she rolls her rueful eyes<br/> +With piteous look, and changeth oft her cheer,<br/> +An hundred sighs from her false heart upflies,<br/> +She sobs, she mourns, it is great ruth to hear;<br/> +The hardest breast sweet pity mollifies,<br/> +What stony heart resists a woman’s tear?<br/> +But yet the knight, wise, wary, not unkind,<br/> +Drew forth his sword and from her careless twined. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIV<br/> +Toward the tree he marched, she thither start,<br/> +Before him stepped, embraced the plant and cried,<br/> +“Ah, never do me such a spiteful part,<br/> +To cut my tree, this forest’s joy and pride,<br/> +Put up thy sword, else pierce therewith the heart<br/> +Of thy forsaken and despised Armide;<br/> +For through this breast, and through this heart unkind<br/> +To this fair tree thy sword shall passage find.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXV<br/> +He lift his brand, nor cared though oft she prayed,<br/> +And she her form to other shape did change;<br/> +Such monsters huge when men in dreams are laid<br/> +Oft in their idle fancies roam and range:<br/> +Her body swelled, her face obscure was made,<br/> +Vanished her garments, her face and vestures strange,<br/> +A giantess before him high she stands,<br/> +Like Briareus armed with an hundred hands. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVI<br/> +With fifty swords, and fifty targets bright,<br/> +She threatened death, she roared, cried and fought,<br/> +Each other nymph in armor likewise dight,<br/> +A Cyclops great became: he feared them naught,<br/> +But on the myrtle smote with all his might,<br/> +That groaned like living souls to death nigh brought,<br/> +The sky seemed Pluto’s court, the air seemed hell,<br/> +Therein such monsters roar, such spirits yell. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVII<br/> +Lightened the heavens above, the earth below<br/> +Roared loud, that thundered, and this shook;<br/> +Blustered the tempests strong, the whirlwinds blow,<br/> +The bitter storm drove hailstones in his look;<br/> +But yet his arm grew neither weak nor slow,<br/> +Nor of that fury heed or care he took,<br/> +Till low to earth the wounded tree down bended;<br/> +Then fled the spirits all, the charms all ended. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVIII<br/> +The heavens grew clear, the air waxed calm and still,<br/> +The wood returned to his wonted state,<br/> +Of withcrafts free, quite void of spirits ill;<br/> +Of horror full, but horror there innate;<br/> +He further proved if aught withstood his will<br/> +To cut those trees as did the charms of late,<br/> +And finding naught to stop him, smiled, and said,<br/> +“O shadows vain! O fools, of shades afraid!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIX<br/> +From thence home to the campward turned the knight,<br/> +The hermit cried, upstarting from his seat,<br/> +“Now of the wood the charms have lost their might,<br/> +The sprites are conquered, ended is the feat,<br/> +See where he comes!” In glistering white all dight<br/> +Appeared the man, bold, stately, high and great,<br/> +His eagle’s silver wings to shine begun<br/> +With wondrous splendor gainst the golden sun. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XL<br/> +The camp received him with a joyful cry,<br/> +A cry the dales and hills about that flied;<br/> +Then Godfrey welcomed him with honors high,<br/> +His glory quenched all spite, all envy killed:<br/> +“To yonder dreadful grove,” quoth he, “went I,<br/> +And from the fearful wood, as me you willed,<br/> +Have driven the sprites away, thither let be<br/> +Your people sent, the way is safe and free.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLI<br/> +Sent were the workmen thither, thence they brought<br/> +Timber enough, by good advice select,<br/> +And though by skilless builders framed and wrought<br/> +Their engines rude and rams were late elect,<br/> +Yet now the forts and towers from whence they fought<br/> +Were framed by a cunning architect,<br/> +William, of all the Genoese lord and guide,<br/> +Which late ruled all the seas from side to side; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLII<br/> +But forced to retire from him at last,<br/> +The Pagan fleet the seas moist empire won,<br/> +His men with all their stuff and store in haste<br/> +Home to the camp with their commander run,<br/> +In skill, in wit, in cunning him surpassed<br/> +Yet never engineer beneath the sun,<br/> +Of carpenters an hundred large he brought,<br/> +That what their lord devised made and wrought. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIII<br/> +This man began with wondrous art to make,<br/> +Not rams, not mighty brakes, not slings alone,<br/> +Wherewith the firm and solid walls to shake,<br/> +To cast a dart, or throw a shaft or stone;<br/> +But framed of pines and firs, did undertake<br/> +To build a fortress huge, to which was none<br/> +Yet ever like, whereof he clothed the sides<br/> +Against the balls of fire with raw bull’s hides. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIV<br/> +In mortices and sockets framed just,<br/> +The beams, the studs and puncheons joined he fast;<br/> +To beat the city’s wall, beneath forth brust<br/> +A ram with horned front, about her waist<br/> +A bridge the engine from her side out thrust,<br/> +Which on the wall when need she cast;<br/> +And from her top a turret small up stood,<br/> +Strong, surely armed, and builded of like wood. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLV<br/> +Set on an hundred wheels the rolling mass,<br/> +On the smooth lands went nimbly up and down,<br/> +Though full of arms and armed men it was,<br/> +Yet with small pains it ran, as it had flown:<br/> +Wondered the camp so quick to see it pass,<br/> +They praised the workmen and their skill unknown,<br/> +And on that day two towers they builded more,<br/> +Like that which sweet Clorinda burned before. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVI<br/> +Yet wholly were not from the Saracines<br/> +Their works concealed and their labors hid,<br/> +Upon that wall which next the camp confines<br/> +They placed spies, who marked all they did:<br/> +They saw the ashes wild and squared pines,<br/> +How to the tents, trailed from the grove, they slid:<br/> +And engines huge they saw, yet could not tell<br/> +How they were built, their forms they saw not well. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVII<br/> +Their engines eke they reared, and with great art<br/> +Repaired each bulwark, turret, port and tower,<br/> +And fortified the plain and easy part,<br/> +To bide the storm of every warlike stoure,<br/> +Till as they thought no sleight or force of Mart<br/> +To undermine or scale the same had power;<br/> +And false Ismeno gan new balls prepare<br/> +Of wicked fire, wild, wondrous, strange and rare. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVIII<br/> +He mingled brimstone with bitumen fell<br/> +Fetched from that lake where Sodom erst did sink,<br/> +And from that flood which nine times compassed hell<br/> +Some of the liquor hot he brought, I think,<br/> +Wherewith the quenchless fire he tempered well,<br/> +To make it smoke and flame and deadly stink:<br/> +And for his wood cut down, the aged sire<br/> +Would thus revengement take with flame and fire. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIX<br/> +While thus the camp, and thus the town were bent,<br/> +These to assault, these to defend the wall,<br/> +A speedy dove through the clear welkin went,<br/> +Straight o’er the tents, seen by the soldiers all;<br/> +With nimble fans the yielding air she rent,<br/> +Nor seemed it that she would alight or fall,<br/> +Till she arrived near that besieged town,<br/> +Then from the clouds at last she stooped down: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +L<br/> +But lo, from whence I nolt, a falcon came,<br/> +Armed with crooked bill and talons long,<br/> +And twixt the camp and city crossed her game,<br/> +That durst nor bide her foe’s encounter strong;<br/> +But right upon the royal tent down came,<br/> +And there, the lords and princes great among,<br/> +When the sharp hawk nigh touched her tender head<br/> +In Godfrey’s lap she fell, with fear half dead: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LI<br/> +The duke received her, saved her, and spied,<br/> +As he beheld the bird, a wondrous thing,<br/> +About her neck a letter close was tied,<br/> +By a small thread, and thrust under her wing,<br/> +He loosed forth the writ and spread it wide,<br/> +And read the intent thereof, “To Judah’s king,”<br/> +Thus said the schedule, “honors high increase,<br/> +The Egyptian chieftain wisheth health and peace: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LII<br/> +“Fear not, renowned prince, resist, endure<br/> +Till the third day, or till the fourth at most,<br/> +I come, and your deliverance will procure,<br/> +And kill your coward foes and all their host.”<br/> +This secret in that brief was closed up sure,<br/> +Writ in strange language, to the winged post<br/> +Given to transport; for in their warlike need<br/> +The east such message used, oft with good speed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIII<br/> +The duke let go the captive dove at large,<br/> +And she that had his counsel close betrayed,<br/> +Traitress to her great Lord, touched not the marge<br/> +Of Salem’s town, but fled far thence afraid.<br/> +The duke before all those which had or charge<br/> +Or office high, the letter read, and said:<br/> +“See how the goodness of the Lord foreshows<br/> +The secret purpose of our crafty foes. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIV<br/> +“No longer then let us protract the time,<br/> +But scale the bulwark of this fortress high,<br/> +Through sweat and labor gainst those rocks sublime<br/> +Let us ascend, which to the southward lie;<br/> +Hard will it be that way in arms to climb,<br/> +But yet the place and passage both know I,<br/> +And that high wall by site strong on that part,<br/> +Is least defenced by arms, by work and art. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LV<br/> +“Thou, Raymond, on this side with all thy might<br/> +Assault the wall, and by those crags ascend,<br/> +My squadrons with mine engines huge shall fight<br/> +And gainst the northern gate my puissance bend,<br/> +That so our foes, beguiled with the sight,<br/> +Our greatest force and power shall there attend,<br/> +While my great tower from thence shall nimbly slide,<br/> +And batter down some worse defended side; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVI<br/> +“Camillo, thou not far from me shalt rear<br/> +Another tower, close to the walls ybrought.”<br/> +This spoken, Raymond old, that sate him near,<br/> +And while he talked great things tossed in his thought,<br/> +Said, “To Godfredo’s counsel, given us here,<br/> +Naught can be added, from it taken naught:<br/> +Yet this I further wish, that some were sent<br/> +To spy their camp, their secret and intent, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVII<br/> +“That may their number and their squadrons brave<br/> +Describe, and through their tents disguised mask.”<br/> +Quoth Tancred, “Lo, a subtle squire I have,<br/> +A person fit to undertake this task,<br/> +A man quick, ready, bold, sly to deceive,<br/> +To answer, wise, and well advised to ask;<br/> +Well languaged, and that with time and place,<br/> +Can change his look, his voice, his gait, his grace.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVIII<br/> +Sent for, he came, and when his lord him told<br/> +What Godfrey’s pleasure was and what his own,<br/> +He smiled and said forthwith he gladly would.<br/> +“I go,” quoth he, “careless what chance be thrown,<br/> +And where encamped be these Pagans bold,<br/> +Will walk in every tent a spy unknown,<br/> +Their camp even at noon-day I enter shall,<br/> +And number all their horse and footmen all; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIX<br/> +“How great, how strong, how armed this army is,<br/> +And what their guide intends, I will declare,<br/> +To me the secrets of that heart of his<br/> +And hidden thoughts shall open lie and bare.”<br/> +Thus Vafrine spoke, nor longer stayed on this,<br/> +But for a mantle changed the coat he ware,<br/> +Naked was his neck, and bout his forehead bold,<br/> +Of linen white full twenty yards he rolled. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LX<br/> +His weapons were a Syrian bow and quiver,<br/> +His gestures barbarous, like the Turkish train,<br/> +Wondered all they that heard his tongue deliver<br/> +Of every land the language true and plain:<br/> +In Tyre a born Phoenician, by the river<br/> +Of Nile a knight bred in the Egyptian main,<br/> +Both people would have thought him; forth he rides<br/> +On a swift steed, o’er hills and dales that glides. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXI<br/> +But ere the third day came the French forth sent<br/> +Their pioneers to even the rougher ways,<br/> +And ready made each warlike instrument,<br/> +Nor aught their labor interrupts or stays;<br/> +The nights in busy toll they likewise spent<br/> +And with long evenings lengthened forth short days,<br/> +Till naught was left the hosts that hinder might<br/> +To use their utmost power and strength in fight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXII<br/> +That day, which of the assault the day forerun,<br/> +The godly duke in prayer spent well-nigh,<br/> +And all the rest, because they had misdone,<br/> +The sacrament receive and mercy cry;<br/> +Then oft the duke his engines great begun<br/> +To show where least he would their strength apply;<br/> +His foes rejoiced, deluded in that sort,<br/> +To see them bent against their surest port: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIII<br/> +But after, aided by the friendly night,<br/> +His greatest engine to that side he brought<br/> +Where plainest seemed the wall, where with their might<br/> +The flankers least could hurt them as they fought;<br/> +And to the southern mountain’s greatest height<br/> +To raise his turret old Raymondo sought;<br/> +And thou Camillo on that part hadst thine,<br/> +Where from the north the walls did westward twine. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIV<br/> +But when amid the eastern heaven appeared<br/> +The rising morning bright as shining glass,<br/> +The troubled Pagans saw, and seeing feared,<br/> +How the great tower stood not where late it was,<br/> +And here and there tofore unseen was reared<br/> +Of timber strong a huge and fearful mass,<br/> +And numberless with beams, with ropes and strings,<br/> +They view the iron rams, the barks and slings. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXV<br/> +The Syrian people now were no whit slow,<br/> +Their best defences to that side to bear,<br/> +Where Godfrey did his greatest engine show,<br/> +From thence where late in vain they placed were:<br/> +But he who at his back right well did know<br/> +The host of Egypt to be proaching near,<br/> +To him called Guelpho, and the Roberts twain,<br/> +And said, “On horseback look you still remain, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVI<br/> +“And have regard, while all our people strive<br/> +To scale this wall, where weak it seems and thin,<br/> +Lest unawares some sudden host arrive,<br/> +And at our backs unlooked-for war begin.”<br/> +This said, three fierce assaults at once they give,<br/> +The hardy soldiers all would die or win,<br/> +And on three parts resistance makes the king,<br/> +And rage gainst strength, despair gainst hope doth bring. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVII<br/> +Himself upon his limbs with feeble eild<br/> +That shook, unwieldy with their proper weight,<br/> +His armor laid and long unused shield,<br/> +And marched gainst Raymond to the mountain’s height;<br/> +Great Solyman gainst Godfrey took the field;<br/> +Fornenst Camillo stood Argantes straight<br/> +Where Tancred strong he found, so fortune will<br/> +That this good prince his wonted foe shall kill. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVIII<br/> +The archers shot their arrows sharp and keen,<br/> +Dipped in the bitter juice of poison strong,<br/> +The shady face of heaven was scantly seen,<br/> +Hid with the clouds of shafts and quarries long;<br/> +Yet weapons sharp with greater fury been<br/> +Cast from the towers the Pagan troops among,<br/> +For thence flew stones and clifts of marble rocks,<br/> +Trees shod with iron, timber, logs and blocks. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIX<br/> +A thunderbolt seemed every stone, it brake<br/> +His limbs and armors on whom so it light,<br/> +That life and soul it did not only take<br/> +But all his shape and face disfigured quite;<br/> +The lances stayed not in the wounds they make,<br/> +But through the gored body took their flight,<br/> +From side to side, through flesh, through skin and rind<br/> +They flew, and flying, left sad death behind. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXX<br/> +But yet not all this force and fury drove<br/> +The Pagan people to forsake the wall,<br/> +But to revenge these deadly blows they strove,<br/> +With darts that fly, with stones and trees that fall;<br/> +For need so cowards oft courageous prove,<br/> +For liberty they fight, for life and all,<br/> +And oft with arrows, shafts, and stones that fly,<br/> +Give bitter answer to a sharp reply. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXI<br/> +This while the fierce assailants never cease,<br/> +But sternly still maintain a threefold charge,<br/> +And gainst the clouds of shafts draw nigh at ease,<br/> +Under a pentise made of many a targe,<br/> +The armed towers close to the bulwarks press,<br/> +And strive to grapple with the battled marge,<br/> +And launch their bridges out, meanwhile below<br/> +With iron fronts the rams the walls down throw. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXII<br/> +Yet still Rinaldo unresolved went,<br/> +And far unworthy him this service thought,<br/> +If mongst the common sort his pains he spent;<br/> +Renown so got the prince esteemed naught:<br/> +His angry looks on every side he bent,<br/> +And where most harm, most danger was, he fought,<br/> +And where the wall high, strong and surest was,<br/> +That part would he assault, and that way pass. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIII<br/> +And turning to the worthies him behind,<br/> +All hardy knights, whom Dudon late did guide,<br/> +“Oh shame,” quoth he, “this wall no war doth find,<br/> +When battered is elsewhere each part, each side;<br/> +All pain is safety to a valiant mind,<br/> +Each way is eath to him that dares abide,<br/> +Come let us scale this wall, though strong and high,<br/> +And with your shields keep off the darts that fly.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIV<br/> +With him united all while thus he spake,<br/> +Their targets hard above their heads they threw,<br/> +Which joined in one an iron pentise make<br/> +That from the dreadful storm preserved the crew.<br/> +Defended thus their speedy course they take,<br/> +And to the wall without resistance drew,<br/> +For that strong penticle protected well<br/> +The knights, from all that flew and all that fell. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXV<br/> +Against the fort Rinaldo gan uprear<br/> +A ladder huge, an hundred steps of height,<br/> +And in his arm the same did easily bear<br/> +And move as winds do reeds or rushes light,<br/> +Sometimes a tree, a rock, a dart or spear,<br/> +Fell from above, yet forward clomb the knight,<br/> +And upward fearless pierced, careless still,<br/> +Though Mount Olympus fell, or Ossa hill: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVI<br/> +A mount of ruins, and of shafts a wood<br/> +Upon his shoulders and his shield he bore,<br/> +One hand the ladder held whereon he stood,<br/> +The other bare his targe his face before;<br/> +His hardy troop, by his example good<br/> +Provoked, with him the place assaulted sore,<br/> +And ladders long against the wall they clap,<br/> +Unlike in courage yet, unlike in hap: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVII<br/> +One died, another fell; he forward went,<br/> +And these he comforts, and he threateneth those,<br/> +Now with his hand outstretched the battlement<br/> +Well-nigh he reached, when all his armed foes<br/> +Ran thither, and their force and fury bent<br/> +To throw him headlong down, yet up he goes,<br/> +A wondrous thing, one knight whole armed bands<br/> +Alone, and hanging in the air, withstands: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVIII<br/> +Withstands, and forceth his great strength so far,<br/> +That like a palm whereon huge weight doth rest,<br/> +His forces so resisted stronger are,<br/> +His virtues higher rise the more oppressed,<br/> +Till all that would his entrance bold debar,<br/> +He backward drove, upleaped and possessed<br/> +The wall, and safe and easy with his blade,<br/> +To all that after came, the passage made. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIX<br/> +There killing such as durst and did withstand,<br/> +To noble Eustace that was like to fall<br/> +He reached forth his friendly conquering hand,<br/> +And next himself helped him to mount the wall.<br/> +This while Godfredo and his people land<br/> +Their lives to greater harms and dangers thrall,<br/> +For there not man with man, nor knight with knight<br/> +Contend, but engines there with engines fight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXX<br/> +For in that place the Paynims reared a post,<br/> +Which late had served some gallant ship for mast,<br/> +And over it another beam they crossed,<br/> +Pointed with iron sharp, to it made fast<br/> +With ropes which as men would the dormant tossed,<br/> +Now out, now in, now back, now forward cast.<br/> +In his swift pulleys oft the men withdrew<br/> +The tree, and oft the riding-balk forth threw: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXI<br/> +The mighty beam redoubted oft his blows,<br/> +And with such force the engine smote and hit,<br/> +That her broad side the tower wide open throws,<br/> +Her joints were broke, her rafters cleft and split;<br/> +But yet gainst every hap whence mischief grows,<br/> +Prepared the piece, gainst such extremes made fit,<br/> +Launch forth two scythes, sharp, cutting, long and broad<br/> +And cut the ropes whereon the engine rode: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXII<br/> +As an old rock, which age or stormy wind<br/> +Tears from some craggy hill or mountain steep,<br/> +Doth break, doth bruise, and into dust doth grind<br/> +Woods, houses, hamlets, herds, and folds of sheep,<br/> +So fell the beam, and down with it all kind<br/> +Of arms, of weapons, and of men did sweep,<br/> +Wherewith the towers once or twice did shake,<br/> +Trembled the walls, the hills and mountains quake. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIII<br/> +Victorious Godfrey boldly forward came,<br/> +And had great hope even then the place to win;<br/> +But lo, a fire, with stench, with smoke and flame<br/> +Withstood his passage, stopped his entrance in:<br/> +Such burning Aetna yet could never frame,<br/> +When from her entrails hot her fires begin,<br/> +Nor yet in summer on the Indian plain,<br/> +Such vapors warm from scorching air down rain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIV<br/> +There balls of wildfire, there fly burning spears,<br/> +This flame was black, that blue, this red as blood;<br/> +Stench well-nigh choked them, noise deafs their ears,<br/> +Smoke blinds their eyes, fire kindleth on the wood;<br/> +Nor those raw hides which for defence it wears<br/> +Could save the tower, in such distress it stood;<br/> +For now they wrinkle, now it sweats and fries,<br/> +Now burns, unless some help come down from skies. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXV<br/> +The hardy duke before his folk abides,<br/> +Nor changed he color, countenance or place,<br/> +But comforts those that from the scaldered hides<br/> +With water strove the approaching flames to chase:<br/> +In these extremes the prince and those he guides<br/> +Half roasted stood before fierce Vulcan’s face,<br/> +When lo, a sudden and unlooked-for blast<br/> +The flames against the kindlers backward cast: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVI<br/> +The winds drove back the fire, where heaped lie<br/> +The Pagans’ weapons, where their engines were,<br/> +Which kindling quickly in that substance dry,<br/> +Burnt all their store and all their warlike gear:<br/> +O glorious captain! whom the Lord from high<br/> +Defends, whom God preserves, and holds so dear;<br/> +For thee heaven fights, to thee the winds, from far,<br/> +Called with thy trumpet’s blast, obedient are! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVII<br/> +But wicked Ismen to his harm that saw<br/> +How the fierce blast drove back the fire and flame,<br/> +By art would nature change, and thence withdraw<br/> +Those noisome winds, else calm and still the same;<br/> +’Twixt two false wizards without fear or awe<br/> +Upon the walls in open sight he came,<br/> +Black, grisly, loathsome, grim and ugly faced,<br/> +Like Pluto old, betwixt two furies placed; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVIII<br/> +And now the wretch those dreadful words begun,<br/> +Which trouble make deep hell and all her flock,<br/> +Now trembled is the air, the golden sun<br/> +His fearful beams in clouds did close and lock,<br/> +When from the tower, which Ismen could not shun,<br/> +Out fled a mighty stone, late half a rock,<br/> +Which light so just upon the wizards three,<br/> +That driven to dust their bones and bodies be. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIX<br/> +To less than naught their members old were torn,<br/> +And shivered were their heads to pieces small,<br/> +As small as are the bruised grains of corn<br/> +When from the mill dissolved to meal they fall;<br/> +Their damned souls, to deepest hell down borne<br/> +Far from the joy and light celestial,<br/> +The furies plunged in the infernal lake:<br/> +O mankind, at their ends ensample take! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XC<br/> +This while the engine which the tempest cold<br/> +Had saved from burning with his friendly blast,<br/> +Approached had so near the battered hold<br/> +That on the walls her bridge at ease she cast:<br/> +But Solyman ran thither fierce and bold,<br/> +To cut the plank whereon the Christians passed.<br/> +And had performed his will, save that upreared<br/> +High in the skies a turret new appeared; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCI<br/> +Far in the air up clomb the fortress tall,<br/> +Higher than house, than steeple, church or tower;<br/> +The Pagans trembled to behold the wall<br/> +And city subject to her shot and power;<br/> +Yet kept the Turk his stand, though on him fall<br/> +Of stones and darts a sharp and deadly shower,<br/> +And still to cut the bridge he hopes and strives,<br/> +And those that fear with cheerful speech revives. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCII<br/> +The angel Michael, to all the rest<br/> +Unseen, appeared before Godfredo’s eyes,<br/> +In pure and heavenly armor richly dressed,<br/> +Brighter than Titan’s rays in clearest skies;<br/> +“Godfrey,” quoth he, “this is the moment blest<br/> +To free this town that long in bondage lies,<br/> +See, see what legions in thine aid I bring,<br/> +For Heaven assists thee, and Heaven’s glorious King: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCIII<br/> +“Lift up thine eyes, and in the air behold<br/> +The sacred armies, how they mustered be,<br/> +That cloud of flesh in which for times of old<br/> +All mankind wrapped is, I take from thee,<br/> +And from thy senses their thick mist unfold,<br/> +That face to face thou mayest these spirits see,<br/> +And for a little space right well sustain<br/> +Their glorious light and view those angels plain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCIV<br/> +“Behold the souls of every lord and knight<br/> +That late bore arms and died for Christ’s dear sake,<br/> +How on thy side against this town they fight,<br/> +And of thy joy and conquest will partake:<br/> +There where the dust and smoke blind all men’s sight,<br/> +Where stones and ruins such an heap do make,<br/> +There Hugo fights, in thickest cloud imbarred,<br/> +And undermines that bulwark’s groundwork hard. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCV<br/> +“See Dudon yonder, who with sword and fire<br/> +Assails and helps to scale the northern port,<br/> +That with bold courage doth thy folk inspire<br/> +And rears their ladders gainst the assaulted fort:<br/> +He that high on the mount in grave attire<br/> +Is clad, and crowned stands in kingly sort,<br/> +Is Bishop Ademare, a blessed spirit,<br/> +Blest for his faith, crowned for his death and merit. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCVI<br/> +“But higher lift thy happy eyes, and view<br/> +Where all the sacred hosts of Heaven appear.”<br/> +He looked, and saw where winged armies flew,<br/> +Innumerable, pure, divine and clear;<br/> +A battle round of squadrons three they show<br/> +And all by threes those squadrons ranged were,<br/> +Which spreading wide in rings still wider go,<br/> +Moved with a stone calm water circleth so. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCVII<br/> +With that he winked, and vanished was and gone;<br/> +That wondrous vision when he looked again,<br/> +His worthies fighting viewed he one by one,<br/> +And on each side saw signs of conquest plain,<br/> +For with Rinaldo gainst his yielding lone,<br/> +His knights were entered and the Pagans slain,<br/> +This seen, the duke no longer stay could brook,<br/> +But from the bearer bold his ensign took: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCVIII<br/> +And on the bridge he stepped, but there was stayed<br/> +By Solyman, who entrance all denied,<br/> +That narrow tree to virtue great was made,<br/> +The field as in few blows right soon was tried,<br/> +“Here will I give my life for Sion’s aid,<br/> +Here will I end my days,” the Soldan cried,<br/> +“Behind me cut or break this bridge, that I<br/> +May kill a thousand Christians first, then die.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCIX<br/> +But thither fierce Rinaldo threatening went,<br/> +And at his sight fled all the Soldan’s train,<br/> +“What shall I do? If here my life be spent,<br/> +I spend and spill,” quoth he, “my blood in vain!”<br/> +With that his steps from Godfrey back he bent,<br/> +And to him let the passage free remain,<br/> +Who threatening followed as the Soldan fled,<br/> +And on the walls the purple Cross dispread: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +C<br/> +About his head he tossed, he turned, he cast,<br/> +That glorious ensign, with a thousand twines,<br/> +Thereon the wind breathes with his sweetest blast,<br/> +Thereon with golden rays glad Phoebus shines,<br/> +Earth laughs for joy, the streams forbear their haste,<br/> +Floods clap their hands, on mountains dance the pines,<br/> +And Sion’s towers and sacred temples smile<br/> +For their deliverance from that bondage vile. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CI<br/> +And now the armies reared the happy cry<br/> +Of victory, glad, joyful, loud, and shrill.<br/> +The hills resound, the echo showereth high,<br/> +And Tancred bold, that fights and combats still<br/> +With proud Argantes, brought his tower so nigh,<br/> +That on the wall, against the boaster’s will,<br/> +In his despite, his bridge he also laid,<br/> +And won the place, and there the cross displayed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CII<br/> +But on the southern hill, where Raymond fought<br/> +Against the townsmen and their aged king,<br/> +His hardy Gascoigns gained small or naught;<br/> +Their engine to the walls they could not bring,<br/> +For thither all his strength the prince had brought,<br/> +For life and safety sternly combating,<br/> +And for the wall was feeblest on that coast,<br/> +There were his soldiers best, and engines most. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CIII<br/> +Besides, the tower upon that quarter found<br/> +Unsure, uneasy, and uneven the way,<br/> +Nor art could help, but that the rougher ground<br/> +The rolling mass did often stop and stay;<br/> +But now of victory the joyful sound<br/> +The king and Raymond heard amid their fray;<br/> +And by the shout they and their soldiers know,<br/> +The town was entered on the plain below. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CIV<br/> +Which heard, Raymondo thus bespake this crew,<br/> +“The town is won, my friends, and doth it yet<br/> +Resist? are we kept out still by these few?<br/> +Shall we no share in this high conquest get?”<br/> +But from that part the king at last withdrew,<br/> +He strove in vain their entrance there to let,<br/> +And to a stronger place his folk he brought,<br/> +Where to sustain the assault awhile he thought. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CV<br/> +The conquerors at once now entered all,<br/> +The walls were won, the gates were opened wide,<br/> +Now bruised, broken down, destroyed fall<br/> +The ports and towers that battery durst abide;<br/> +Rageth the sword, death murdereth great and small,<br/> +And proud ’twixt woe and horror sad doth ride.<br/> +Here runs the blood, in ponds there stands the gore,<br/> +And drowns the knights in whom it lived before. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="book19"></a>NINETEENTH BOOK</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +THE ARGUMENT.<br/> +Tancred in single combat kills his foe,<br/> +Argantes strong: the king and Soldan fly<br/> +To David’s tower, and save their persons so;<br/> +Erminia well instructs Vafrine the spy,<br/> +With him she rides away, and as they go<br/> +Finds where her lord for dead on earth doth lie;<br/> +First she laments, then cures him: Godfrey hears<br/> +Ormondo’s treason, and what marks he bears. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I<br/> +Now death or fear or care to save their lives<br/> +From their forsaken walls the Pagans chase:<br/> +Yet neither force nor fear nor wisdom drives<br/> +The constant knight Argantes from his place;<br/> +Alone against ten thousand foes he strives,<br/> +Yet dreadless, doubtless, careless seemed his face,<br/> +Nor death, nor danger, but disgrace he fears,<br/> +And still unconquered, though o’erset, appears. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +II<br/> +But mongst the rest upon his helmet gay<br/> +With his broad sword Tancredi came and smote:<br/> +The Pagan knew the prince by his array,<br/> +By his strong blows, his armor and his coat;<br/> +For once they fought, and when night stayed that fray,<br/> +New time they chose to end their combat hot,<br/> +But Tancred failed, wherefore the Pagan knight<br/> +Cried, “Tancred, com’st thou thus, thus late to fight? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +III<br/> +“Too late thou com’st, and not alone to war,<br/> +But yet the fight I neither shun nor fear,<br/> +Although from knighthood true thou errest far,<br/> +Since like an engineer thou dost appear,<br/> +That tower, that troop, thy shield and safety are,<br/> +Strange kind of arms in single fight to bear;<br/> +Yet shalt thou not escape, O conqueror strong<br/> +Of ladies fair, sharp death, to avenge that wrong.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IV<br/> +Lord Tancred smiled, with disdain and scorn,<br/> +And answerd thus, “To end our strife,” quoth he,<br/> +“Behold at last I come, and my return,<br/> +Though late, perchance will be too soon for thee;<br/> +For thou shalt wish, of hope and help forlorn,<br/> +Some sea or mountain placed twixt thee and me,<br/> +And well shalt know before we end this fray<br/> +No fear of cowardice hath caused my stay. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +V<br/> +“But come aside, thou by whose prowess dies<br/> +The monsters, knights and giants in all lands,<br/> +The killer of weak women thee defies.”<br/> +This said, he turned to his fighting bands,<br/> +And bids them all retire. “Forbear,” he cries,<br/> +“To strike this knight, on him let none lay hands;<br/> +For mine he is, more than a common foe,<br/> +By challenge new and promise old also.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VI<br/> +“Descend,” the fierce Circassian gan reply,<br/> +“Alone, or all this troop for succor take<br/> +To deserts waste, or place frequented high,<br/> +For vantage none I will the fight forsake:”<br/> +Thus given and taken was the bold defy,<br/> +And through the press, agreed so, they brake,<br/> +Their hatred made them one, and as they went,<br/> +Each knight his foe did for despite defend: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VII<br/> +Great was his thirst of praise, great the desire<br/> +That Tancred had the Pagan’s blood to spill,<br/> +Nor could that quench his wrath or calm his ire<br/> +If other hand his foe should foil or kill.<br/> +He saved him with his shield, and cried “Retire!”<br/> +To all he met, “and do this knight none ill:”<br/> +And thus defending gainst his friends his foe,<br/> +Through thousand angry weapons safe they go. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VII<br/> +They left the city, and they left behind<br/> +Godfredo’s camp, and far beyond it passed,<br/> +And came where into creeks and bosoms blind<br/> +A winding hill his corners turned and cast,<br/> +A valley small and shady dale they find<br/> +Amid the mountains steep so laid and placed<br/> +As if some theatre or closed place<br/> +Had been for men to fight or beasts to chase. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IX<br/> +There stayed the champions both with rueful eyes,<br/> +Argantes gan the fortress won to view;<br/> +Tancred his foe withouten shield espies,<br/> +And said, “Whereon doth thy sad heart devise?<br/> +Think’st thou this hour must end thy life untrue?<br/> +If this thou fear, and dost foresee thy fate,<br/> +Thy fear is vain, thy foresight comes too late.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +X<br/> +“I think,” quoth he, “on this distressed town,<br/> +The aged Queen of Judah’s ancient land,<br/> +Now lost, now sacked, spoiled and trodden down,<br/> +Whose fall in vain I strived to withstand,<br/> +A small revenge for Sion’s fort o’erthrown,<br/> +That head can be, cut off by my strong hand.”<br/> +This said, together with great heed they flew,<br/> +For each his foe for bold and hardy knew. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XI<br/> +Tancred of body active was and light,<br/> +Quick, nimble, ready both of hand and foot;<br/> +But higher by the head, the Pagan knight<br/> +Of limbs far greater was, of heart as stout:<br/> +Tancred laid low and traversed in his fight,<br/> +Now to his ward retired, now struck out,<br/> +Oft with his sword his foe’s fierce blows he broke,<br/> +And rather chose to ward-than bear his stroke. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XII<br/> +But bold and bolt upright Argantes fought,<br/> +Unlike in gesture, like in skill and art,<br/> +His sword outstretched before him far he brought,<br/> +Nor would his weapon touch, but pierce his heart,<br/> +To catch his point Prince Tancred strove and sought,<br/> +But at his breast or helm’s unclosed part<br/> +He threatened death, and would with stretched-out brand<br/> +His entrance close, and fierce assaults withstand. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIII<br/> +With a tall ship so doth a galley fight,<br/> +When the still winds stir not the unstable main;<br/> +Where this in nimbleness as that in might<br/> +Excels; that stands, this goes and comes again,<br/> +And shifts from prow to poop with turnings light;<br/> +Meanwhile the other doth unmoved remain,<br/> +And on her nimble foe approaching nigh,<br/> +Her weighty engines tumbleth down from high. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIV<br/> +The Christian sought to enter on his foe,<br/> +Voiding his point, which at his breast was bent;<br/> +Argantes at his face a thrust did throw,<br/> +Which while the Prince awards and doth prevent,<br/> +His ready hand the Pagan turned so,<br/> +That all defence his quickness far o’erwent,<br/> +And pierced his side, which done, he said and smiled,<br/> +“The craftsman is in his own craft beguiled.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XV<br/> +Tancredi bit his lip for scorn and shame,<br/> +Nor longer stood on points of fence and skill,<br/> +But to revenge so fierce and fast he came<br/> +As if his hand could not o’ertake his will,<br/> +And at his visor aiming just, gan frame<br/> +To his proud boast an answer sharp, but still<br/> +Argantes broke the thrust; and at half-sword,<br/> +Swift, hardy, bold, in stepped the Christian lord. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVI<br/> +With his left foot fast forward gan he stride,<br/> +And with his left the Pagan’s right arm bent,<br/> +With his right hand meanwhile the man’s right side<br/> +He cut, he wounded, mangled, tore and rent.<br/> +“To his victorious teacher,” Tancred cried,<br/> +“His conquered scholar hath this answer sent;”<br/> +Argantes chafed, struggled, turned and twined,<br/> +Yet could not so his captive arm unbind: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVII<br/> +His sword at last he let hang by the chain,<br/> +And griped his hardy foe in both his hands,<br/> +In his strong arms Tancred caught him again,<br/> +And thus each other held and wrapped in bands.<br/> +With greater might Alcides did not strain<br/> +The giant Antheus on the Lybian sands,<br/> +On holdfast knots their brawny arms they cast,<br/> +And whom he hateth most, each held embraced: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVIII<br/> +Such was their wrestling, such their shocks and throws<br/> +That down at once they tumbled both to ground,<br/> +Argantes,—were it hap or skill, who knows,<br/> +His better hand loose and in freedom found;<br/> +But the good Prince, his hand more fit for blows,<br/> +With his huge weight the Pagan underbound;<br/> +But he, his disadvantage great that knew,<br/> +Let go his hold, and on his feet up flew: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIX<br/> +Far slower rose the unwieldy Saracine,<br/> +And caught a rap ere he was reared upright.<br/> +But as against the blustering winds a pine<br/> +Now bends his top, now lifts his head on height,<br/> +His courage so, when it ’gan most decline,<br/> +The man reinforced, and advanced his might,<br/> +And with fierce change of blows renewed the fray,<br/> +Where rage for skill, horror for art, bore sway. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XX<br/> +The purple drops from Tancred’s sides down railed,<br/> +But from the Pagan ran whole streams of blood,<br/> +Wherewith his force grew weak, his courage quailed<br/> +As fires die which fuel want or food.<br/> +Tancred that saw his feeble arm now failed<br/> +To strike his blows, that scant he stirred or stood,<br/> +Assuaged his anger, and his wrath allayed,<br/> +And stepping back, thus gently spoke and said: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXI<br/> +“Yield, hardy knight, and chance of war or me<br/> +Confess to have subdued thee in this fight,<br/> +I will no trophy, triumph, spoil of thee,<br/> +Nor glory wish, nor seek a victor’s right<br/> +More terrible than erst;” herewith grew he<br/> +And all awaked his fury, rage and might,<br/> +And said, “Dar’st thou of vantage speak or think,<br/> +Or move Argantes once to yield or shrink? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXII<br/> +“Use, use thy vantage, thee and fortune both<br/> +I scorn, and punish will thy foolish pride:”<br/> +As a hot brand flames most ere it forth go’th,<br/> +And dying blazeth bright on every side;<br/> +So he, when blood was lost, with anger wroth,<br/> +Revived his courage when his puissance died,<br/> +And would his latest hour which now drew nigh,<br/> +Illustrate with his end, and nobly die. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIII<br/> +He joined his left hand to her sister strong,<br/> +And with them both let fall his weighty blade.<br/> +Tancred to ward his blow his sword up slung,<br/> +But that it smote aside, nor there it stayed,<br/> +But from his shoulder to his side along<br/> +It glanced, and many wounds at once it made:<br/> +Yet Tancred feared naught, for in his heart<br/> +Found coward dread no place, fear had no part. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIV<br/> +His fearful blow he doubled, but he spent<br/> +His force in waste, and all his strength in vain;<br/> +For Tancred from the blow against him bent,<br/> +Leaped aside, the stroke fell on the plain.<br/> +With thine own weight o’erthrown to earth thou went,<br/> +Argantes stout, nor could’st thyself sustain,<br/> +Thyself thou threwest down, O happy man,<br/> +Upon whose fall none boast or triumph can! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXV<br/> +His gaping wounds the fall set open wide,<br/> +The streams of blood about him made a lake,<br/> +Helped with his left hand, on one knee he tried<br/> +To rear himself, and new defence to make:<br/> +The courteous prince stepped back, and “Yield thee!” cried,<br/> +No hurt he proffered him, no blow he strake.<br/> +Meanwhile by stealth the Pagan false him gave<br/> +A sudden wound, threatening with speeches brave: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVI<br/> +Herewith Tancredi furious grew, and said,<br/> +“Villain, dost thou my mercy so despise?”<br/> +Therewith he thrust and thrust again his blade,<br/> +And through his ventil pierced his dazzled eyes,<br/> +Argantes died, yet no complaint he made,<br/> +But as he furious lived he careless dies;<br/> +Bold, proud, disdainful, fierce and void of fear<br/> +His motions last, last looks, last speeches were. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVII<br/> +Tancred put up his sword, and praises glad<br/> +Gave to his God that saved him in this fight;<br/> +But yet this bloody conquest feebled had<br/> +So much the conqueror’s force, strength and might,<br/> +That through the way he feared which homeward led<br/> +He had not strength enough to walk upright;<br/> +Yet as he could his steps from thence he bent,<br/> +And foot by foot a heavy pace forth-went; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVIII<br/> +His legs could bear him but a little stound,<br/> +And more he hastes, more tired, less was his speed,<br/> +On his right hand, at last, laid on the ground<br/> +He leaned, his hand weak like a shaking reed,<br/> +Dazzled his eyes, the world on wheels ran round,<br/> +Day wrapped her brightness up in sable weed;<br/> +At length he swooned, and the victor knight<br/> +Naught differed from his conquered foe in fight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIX<br/> +But while these lords their private fight pursue,<br/> +Made fierce and cruel through their secret hate,<br/> +The victor’s ire destroyed the faithless crew<br/> +From street to street, and chased from gate to gate.<br/> +But of the sacked town the image true<br/> +Who can describe, or paint the woful state,<br/> +Or with fit words this spectacle express<br/> +Who can? or tell the city’s great distress? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXX<br/> +Blood, murder, death, each street, house, church defiled,<br/> +There heaps of slain appear, there mountains high;<br/> +There underneath the unburied hills up-piled<br/> +Of bodies dead, the living buried lie;<br/> +There the sad mother with her tender child<br/> +Doth tear her tresses loose, complain and fly,<br/> +And there the spoiler by her amber hair<br/> +Draws to his lust the virgin chaste and fair. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXI<br/> +But through the way that to the west-hill yood<br/> +Whereon the old and stately temple stands,<br/> +All soiled with gore and wet with lukewarm blood<br/> +Rinaldo ran, and chased the Pagan bands;<br/> +Above their heads he heaved his curtlax good,<br/> +Life in his grace, and death lay in his hands,<br/> +Nor helm nor target strong his blows off bears,<br/> +Best armed there seemed he no arms that wears; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXII<br/> +For gainst his armed foes he only bends<br/> +His force, and scorns the naked folk to wound;<br/> +Them whom no courage arms, no arms defends,<br/> +He chased with his looks and dreadful sound:<br/> +Oh, who can tell how far his force extends?<br/> +How these he scorns, threats those, lays them on ground?<br/> +How with unequal harm, with equal fear<br/> +Fled all, all that well armed or naked were: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIII<br/> +Fast fled the people weak, and with the same<br/> +A squadron strong is to the temple gone<br/> +Which, burned and builded oft, still keeps the name<br/> +Of the first founder, wise King Solomon;<br/> +That prince this stately house did whilom frame<br/> +Of cedar trees, of gold and marble stone;<br/> +Now not so rich, yet strong and sure it was,<br/> +With turrets high, thick walls, and doors of brass. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIV<br/> +The knight arrived where in warklike sort<br/> +The men that ample church had fortified.<br/> +And closed found each wicket, gate and port,<br/> +And on the top defences ready spied,<br/> +He left his frowning looks, and twice that fort<br/> +From his high top down to the groundwork eyed,<br/> +And entrance sought, and twice with his swift foot<br/> +The mighty place he measured about. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXV<br/> +Like as a wolf about the closed fold<br/> +Rangeth by night his hoped prey to get,<br/> +Enraged with hunger and with malice old<br/> +Which kind ’twixt him and harmless sheep hath set:<br/> +So searched he high and low about that hold,<br/> +Where he might enter without stop or let,<br/> +In the great court he stayed, his foes above<br/> +Attend the assault, and would their fortune prove. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVI<br/> +There lay by chance a posted tree thereby,<br/> +Kept for some needful use, whate’er it were,<br/> +The armed galleys not so thick nor high<br/> +Their tall and lofty masts at Genes uprear;<br/> +This beam the knight against the gates made fly<br/> +From his strong hands all weights which lift and bear,<br/> +Like a light lance that tree he shook and tossed,<br/> +And bruised the gate, the threshold and the post. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVII<br/> +No marble stone, no metal strong outbore<br/> +The wondrous might of that redoubled blow,<br/> +The brazen hinges from the wall it tore,<br/> +It broke the locks, and laid the doors down low,<br/> +No iron ram, no engine could do more,<br/> +Nor cannons great that thunderbolts forth throw,<br/> +His people like a flowing stream inthrong,<br/> +And after them entered the victor strong; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVIII<br/> +The woful slaughter black and loathsome made<br/> +That house, sometime the sacred house of God,<br/> +O heavenly justice, if thou be delayed,<br/> +On wretched sinners sharper falls thy rod!<br/> +In them this place profaned which invade<br/> +Thou kindled ire, and mercy all forbode,<br/> +Until with their hearts’ blood the Pagans vile<br/> +This temple washed which they did late defile. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIX<br/> +But Solyman this while himself fast sped<br/> +Up to the fort which David’s tower is named,<br/> +And with him all the soldiers left he led,<br/> +And gainst each entrance new defences framed:<br/> +The tyrant Aladine eke thither fled,<br/> +To whom the Soldan thus, far off, exclaimed,<br/> +Thyself, within this fortress safe uplock: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XL<br/> +“For well this fortress shall thee and thy crown<br/> +Defend, awhile here may we safe remain.”<br/> +“Alas!” quoth he, “alas, for this fair town,<br/> +Which cruel war beats down even with the plain,<br/> +My life is done, mine empire trodden down,<br/> +I reigned, I lived, but now nor live nor reign;<br/> +For now, alas! behold the fatal hour<br/> +That ends our life, and ends our kingly power.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLI<br/> +“Where is your virtue, where your wisdom grave,<br/> +And courage stout?” the angry Soldan said,<br/> +“Let chance our kingdoms take which erst she gave,<br/> +Yet in our hearts our kingly worth is laid;<br/> +But come, and in this fort your person save,<br/> +Refresh your weary limbs and strength decayed:”<br/> +Thus counselled he, and did to safety bring<br/> +Within that fort the weak and aged king. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLII<br/> +His iron mace in both his hands he hent,<br/> +And on his thigh his trusty sword he tied,<br/> +And to the entrance fierce and fearless went,<br/> +And kept the strait, and all the French defied:<br/> +The blows were mortal which he gave or lent,<br/> +For whom he hit he slew, else by his side<br/> +Laid low on earth, that all fled from the place<br/> +Where they beheld that great and dreadful mace. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIII<br/> +But old Raymondo with his hardy crew<br/> +By chance came thither, to his great mishap;<br/> +To that defended path the old man flew,<br/> +And scorned his blows and him that kept the gap,<br/> +He struck his foe, his blow no blood forth drew,<br/> +But on the front with that he caught a rap,<br/> +Which in a swoon, low in the dust him laid,<br/> +Wide open, trembling, with his arms displayed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIV<br/> +The Pagans gathered heart at last, though fear<br/> +Their courage weak had put to flight but late,<br/> +So that the conquerors repulsed were,<br/> +And beaten back, else slain before the Gate:<br/> +The Soldan, mongst the dead beside him near<br/> +That saw Lord Raymond lie in such estate,<br/> +Cried to his men, “Within these bars,” quoth he,<br/> +“Come draw this knight, and let him captive be.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLV<br/> +Forward they rushed to execute his word,<br/> +But hard and dangerous that emprise they found,<br/> +For none of Raymond’s men forsook their lord,<br/> +But to their guide’s defence they flocked round,<br/> +Thence fury fights, hence pity draws the sword,<br/> +Nor strive they for vile cause or on light ground,<br/> +The life and freedom of that champion brave,<br/> +Those spoil, these would preserve, those kill, these save. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVI<br/> +But yet at last if they had longer fought<br/> +The hardy Soldan would have won the field;<br/> +For gainst his thundering mace availed naught<br/> +Or helm of temper fine or sevenfold shield:<br/> +But from each side great succor now was brought<br/> +To his weak foes, now fit to faint and yield,<br/> +And both at once to aid and help the same<br/> +The sovereign Duke and young Rinaldo came. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVII<br/> +As when a shepherd, raging round about<br/> +That sees a storm with wind, hail, thunder, rain,<br/> +When gloomy clouds have day’s bright eye put out,<br/> +His tender flocks drives from the open plain<br/> +To some thick grove or mountain’s shady foot,<br/> +Where Heaven’s fierce wrath they may unhurt sustain,<br/> +And with his hook, his whistle and his cries<br/> +Drives forth his fleecy charge, and with them flies: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLVIII<br/> +So fled the Soldan, when he gan descry<br/> +This tempest come from angry war forthcast,<br/> +The armor clashed and lightened gainst the sky,<br/> +And from each side swords, weapons, fire outbrast:<br/> +He sent his folk up to the fortress high,<br/> +To shun the furious storm, himself stayed last,<br/> +Yet to the danger he gave place at length,<br/> +For wit, his courage; wisdom ruled his strength. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIX<br/> +But scant the knight was safe the gate within,<br/> +Scant closed were the doors, when having broke<br/> +The bars, Rinaldo doth assault begin<br/> +Against the port, and on the wicket stroke<br/> +His matchless might, his great desire to win,<br/> +His oath and promise, doth his wrath provoke,<br/> +For he had sworn, nor should his word be vain,<br/> +To kill the man that had Prince Sweno slain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +L<br/> +And now his armed hand that castle great<br/> +Would have assaulted, and had shortly won,<br/> +Nor safe pardie the Soldan there a seat<br/> +Had found his fatal foes’ sharp wrath to shun,<br/> +Had not Godfredo sounded the retreat;<br/> +For now dark shades to shroud the earth begun,<br/> +Within the town the duke would lodge that night,<br/> +And with the morn renew the assault and fight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LI<br/> +With cheerful look thus to his folk he said,<br/> +“High God hath holpen well his children dear,<br/> +This work is done, the rest this night delayed<br/> +Doth little labor bring, less doubt, no fear,<br/> +This tower, our foe’s weak hope and latest aid,<br/> +We conquer will, when sun shall next appear:<br/> +Meanwhile with love and tender ruth go see<br/> +And comfort those which hurt and wounded be; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LII<br/> +“Go cure their wounds which boldly ventured<br/> +Their lives, and spilt their bloods to get this hold,<br/> +That fitteth more this host for Christ forth led,<br/> +Than thirst of vengeance, or desire of gold;<br/> +Too much, ah, too much blood this day is shed!<br/> +In some we too much haste to spoil behold,<br/> +But I command no more you spoil and kill,<br/> +And let a trumpet publish forth my will.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIII<br/> +This said, he went where Raymond panting lay,<br/> +Waked from the swoon wherein he late had been.<br/> +Nor Solyman with countenance less gay<br/> +Bespake his troops, and kept his grief unseen;<br/> +“My friends, you are unconquered this day,<br/> +In spite of fortune still our hope is green,<br/> +For underneath great shows of harm and fear,<br/> +Our dangers small, our losses little were: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIV<br/> +“Burnt are your houses, and your people slain,<br/> +Yet safe your town is, though your walls be gone,<br/> +For in yourselves and in your sovereign<br/> +Consists your city, not in lime and stone;<br/> +Your king is safe, and safe is all his train<br/> +In this strong fort defended from their fone,<br/> +And on this empty conquest let them boast,<br/> +Till with this town again, their lives be lost; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LV<br/> +“And on their heads the loss at last will light,<br/> +For with good fortune proud and insolent,<br/> +In spoil and murder spend they day and night,<br/> +In riot, drinking, lust and ravishment,<br/> +And may amid their preys with little fight<br/> +At ease be overthrown, killed, slain and spent,<br/> +If in this carelessness the Egyptian host<br/> +Upon them fall, which now draws near this coast. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVI<br/> +“Meanwhile the highest buildings of this town<br/> +We may shake down with stones about their ears,<br/> +And with our darts and spears from engines thrown,<br/> +Command that hill Christ’s sepulchre that bears:”<br/> +Thus comforts he their hopes and hearts cast down,<br/> +Awakes their valors, and exiles their fears.<br/> +But while the things hapt thus, Vafrino goes<br/> +Unknown, amid ten thousand armed foes. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVII<br/> +The sun nigh set had brought to end the day,<br/> +When Vafrine went the Pagan host to spy,<br/> +He passed unknown a close and secret way;<br/> +A traveller, false, cunning, crafty, sly,<br/> +Past Ascalon he saw the morning gray<br/> +Step o’er the threshold of the eastern sky,<br/> +And ere bright Titan half his course had run,<br/> +That camp, that mighty host to show begun. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVIII<br/> +Tents infinite, and standards broad he spies,<br/> +This red, that white, that blue, this purple was,<br/> +And hears strange tongues, and stranger harmonies<br/> +Of trumpets, clarions, and well-sounding brass:<br/> +The elephant there brays, the camel cries.<br/> +The horses neigh as to and fro they pass:<br/> +Which seen and heard, he said within his thought,<br/> +Hither all Asia is, all Afric, brought. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIX<br/> +He viewed the camp awhile, her site and seat,<br/> +What ditch, what trench it had, what rampire strong,<br/> +Nor close, nor secret ways to work his feat<br/> +He longer sought, nor hid him from the throng;<br/> +But entered through the gates, broad, royal, great,<br/> +And oft he asked, and answered oft among,<br/> +In questions wise, in answers short and sly;<br/> +Bold was his look, eyes quick, front lifted high: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LX<br/> +On every side he pried here and there,<br/> +And marked each way, each passage and each tent:<br/> +The knights he notes, their steeds, and arms they bear,<br/> +Their names, their armor, and their government;<br/> +And greater secrets hopes to learn, and hear,<br/> +Their hidden purpose, and their close intent:<br/> +So long he walked and wandered, till he spied<br/> +The way to approach the great pavilions’ side: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXI<br/> +There as he looked he saw the canvas rent,<br/> +Through which the voice found eath and open way<br/> +From the close lodgings of the regal tent<br/> +And inmost closet where the captain lay;<br/> +So that if Emireno spake, forth went<br/> +The sound to them that listen what they say,<br/> +There Vafrine watched, and those that saw him thought<br/> +To mend the breach that there he stood and wrought. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXII<br/> +The captain great within bare-headed stood,<br/> +His body armed and clad in purple weed,<br/> +Two pages bore his shield and helmet good,<br/> +He leaning on a bending lance gave heed<br/> +To a big man whose looks were fierce and proud,<br/> +With whom he parleyed of some haughty deed,<br/> +Godfredo’s name as Vafrine watched he heard,<br/> +Which made him give more heed, take more regard: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIII<br/> +Thus spake the chieftain to that surly sir,<br/> +“Art thou so sure that Godfrey shall be slain?”<br/> +“I am,” quoth he, “and swear ne’er to retire,<br/> +Except he first be killed, to court again.<br/> +I will prevent those that with me conspire:<br/> +Nor other guerdon ask I for my pain<br/> +But that I may hang up his harness brave<br/> +At Gair, and under them these words engrave: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIV<br/> +“‘These arms Ormondo took in noble fight<br/> +From Godfrey proud, that spoiled all Asia’s lands,<br/> +And with them took his life, and here on high,<br/> +In memory thereof, this trophy stands.’”<br/> +The duke replied, “Ne’er shall that deed, bold knight,<br/> +Pass unrewarded at our sovereign’s hands,<br/> +What thou demandest shall he gladly grant,<br/> +Nor gold nor guerdon shalt thou wish or want. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXV<br/> +“Those counterfeited armors then prepare,<br/> +Because the day of fight approacheth fast.”<br/> +“They ready are,” quoth he; then both forbare<br/> +From further talk, these speeches were the last.<br/> +Vafrine, these great things heard, with grief and care<br/> +Remained astound, and in his thoughts oft cast<br/> +What treason false this was, how feigned were<br/> +Those arms, but yet that doubt he could not clear. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVI<br/> +From thence he parted, and broad waking lay<br/> +All that long night, nor slumbered once nor slept:<br/> +But when the camp by peep of springing day<br/> +Their banner spread, and knights on horseback leapt,<br/> +With them he marched forth in meet array,<br/> +And where they pitched lodged, and with them kept,<br/> +And then from tent to tent he stalked about,<br/> +To hear and see, and learn this secret out; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVII<br/> +Searching about, on a rich throne he fand<br/> +Armida set with dames and knights around,<br/> +Sullen she sat, and sighed, it seemed she scanned<br/> +Some weighty matters in her thoughts profounds,<br/> +Her rosy cheek leaned on her lily hand,<br/> +Her eyes, love’s twinkling stars, she bent to ground,<br/> +Weep she, or no, he knows not, yet appears<br/> +Her humid eyes even great with child with tears. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVIII<br/> +He saw before her set Adrastus grim,<br/> +That seemed scant to live, move, or respire,<br/> +So was he fixed on his mistress trim,<br/> +So gazed he, and fed his fond desire;<br/> +But Tisiphern beheld now her now him,<br/> +And quaked sometime for love, sometime for ire,<br/> +And in his cheeks the color went and came,<br/> +For there wrath’s fire now burnt, now shone love’s flame. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIX<br/> +Then from the garland fair of virgins bright,<br/> +Mongst whom he lay enclosed, rose Altamore,<br/> +His hot desire he hid and kept from sight,<br/> +His looks were ruled by Cupid’s crafty lore,<br/> +His left eye viewed her hand, her face, his right<br/> +Both watched her beauties hid and secret store,<br/> +And entrance found where her thin veil bewrayed<br/> +The milken-way between her breasts that laid. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXX<br/> +Her eyes Armida lift from earth at last,<br/> +And cleared again her front and visage sad,<br/> +Midst clouds of woe her looks which overcast<br/> +She lightened forth a smile, sweet, pleasant, glad;<br/> +“My lord,” quoth she, “your oath and promise passed,<br/> +Hath freed my heart of all the griefs it had,<br/> +That now in hope of sweet revenge it lives,<br/> +Such joy, such ease, desired vengeance gives.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXI<br/> +“Cheer up thy looks,” answered the Indian king,<br/> +“And for sweet beauty’s sake, appease thy woe,<br/> +Cast at your feet ere you expect the thing,<br/> +I will present the head of thy strong foe;<br/> +Else shall this hand his person captive bring<br/> +And cast in prison deep;” he boasted so.<br/> +His rival heard him well, yet answered naught,<br/> +But bit his lips, and grieved in secret thought. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXII<br/> +To Tisipherne the damsel turning right,<br/> +“And what say you, my noble lord?” quoth she.<br/> +He taunting said, “I that am slow to fight<br/> +Will follow far behind, the worth to see<br/> +Of this your terrible and puissant knight,”<br/> +In scornful words this bitter scoff gave he.<br/> +“Good reason,” quoth the king, “thou come behind,<br/> +Nor e’er compare thee with the Prince of Ind.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIII<br/> +Lord Tisiphernes shook his head, and said,<br/> +“Oh, had my power free like my courage been,<br/> +Or had I liberty to use this blade,<br/> +Who slow, who weakest is, soon should be seen,<br/> +Nor thou, nor thy great vaunts make me afraid,<br/> +But cruel love I fear, and this fair queen.”<br/> +This said, to challenge him the king forth leapt,<br/> +But up their mistress start, and twixt them stepped: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIV<br/> +“Will you thus rob me of that gift,” quoth she,<br/> +“Which each hath vowed to give by word and oath?<br/> +You are my champions, let that title be<br/> +The bond of love and peace between you both;<br/> +He that displeased is, is displeased with me,<br/> +For which of you is grieved, and I not wroth?”<br/> +Thus warned she them, their hearts, for ire nigh broke,<br/> +In forced peace and rest thus bore love’s yoke. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXV<br/> +All this heard Vafrine as he stood beside,<br/> +And having learned the truth, he left the tent,<br/> +That treason was against the Christian’s guide<br/> +Contrived, he wist, yet wist not how it went,<br/> +By words and questions far off, he tried<br/> +To find the truth; more difficult, more bent<br/> +Was he to know it, and resolved to die,<br/> +Or of that secret close the intent to spy. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVI<br/> +Of sly intelligence he proved all ways,<br/> +All crafts, all wiles, that in his thoughts abide,<br/> +Yet all in vain the man by wit assays,<br/> +To know that false compact and practice hid:<br/> +But chance, what wisdom could not tell, bewrays,<br/> +Fortune of all his doubt the knots undid,<br/> +So that prepared for Godfrey’s last mishap<br/> +At ease he found the net, and spied the trap. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVII<br/> +Thither he turned again where seated was,<br/> +The angry lover, ’twixt her friends and lords,<br/> +For in that troop much talk he thought would pass,<br/> +Each great assembly store of news affords,<br/> +He sided there a lusty lovely lass,<br/> +And with some courtly terms the wench he boards,<br/> +He feigns acquaintance, and as bold appears<br/> +As he had known that virgin twenty years. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVIII<br/> +He said, “Would some sweet lady grace me so,<br/> +To chose me for her champion, friend and knight,<br/> +Proud Godfrey’s or Rinaldo’s head, I trow,<br/> +Should feel the sharpness of my curtlax bright;<br/> +Ask me the head, fair mistress, of some foe,<br/> +For to your beauty wooed is my might;”<br/> +So he began, and meant in speeches wise<br/> +Further to wade, but thus he broke the ice. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIX<br/> +Therewith he smiled, and smiling gan to frame<br/> +His looks so to their old and native grace,<br/> +That towards him another virgin came,<br/> +Heard him, beheld him, and with bashful face<br/> +Said, “For thy mistress choose no other dame<br/> +But me, on me thy love and service place,<br/> +I take thee for my champion, and apart<br/> +Would reason with thee, if my knight thou art.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXX<br/> +Withdrawn, she thus began, “Vafrine, pardie,<br/> +I know thee well, and me thou knowest of old,”<br/> +To his last trump this drove the subtle spy,<br/> +But smiling towards her he turned him bold,<br/> +“Ne’er that I wot I saw thee erst with eye,<br/> +Yet for thy worth all eyes should thee behold,<br/> +Thus much I know right well, for from the same<br/> +Which erst you gave me different is my name. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXI<br/> +“My mother bore me near Bisertus wall,<br/> +Her name was Lesbine, mine is Almansore!”<br/> +“I knew long since,” quoth she, “what men thee call,<br/> +And thine estate, dissemble it no more,<br/> +From me thy friend hide not thyself at all,<br/> +If I betray thee let me die therefore,<br/> +I am Erminia, daughter to a prince,<br/> +But Tancred’s slave, thy fellow-servant since; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXII<br/> +“Two happy months within that prison kind,<br/> +Under thy guard rejoiced I to dwell,<br/> +And thee a keeper meek and good did find,<br/> +The same, the same I am; behold me well.”<br/> +The squire her lovely beauty called to mind,<br/> +And marked her visage fair: “From thee expel<br/> +All fear,” she says, “for me live safe and sure,<br/> +I will thy safety, not thy harm procure. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIII<br/> +“But yet I pray thee, when thou dost return,<br/> +To my dear prison lead me home again;<br/> +For in this hateful freedom even and morn<br/> +I sigh for sorrow, mourn and weep for pain:<br/> +But if to spy perchance thou here sojourn,<br/> +Great hap thou hast to know these secrets plain,<br/> +For I their treasons false, false trains can say,<br/> +Which few beside can tell, none will betray.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIV<br/> +On her he gazed, and silent stood this while,<br/> +Armida’s sleights he knew, and trains unjust,<br/> +Women have tongues of craft, and hearts of guile,<br/> +They will, they will not, fools that on them trust,<br/> +For in their speech is death, hell in their smile;<br/> +At last he said, “If hence depart you lust,<br/> +I will you guide; on this conclude we here,<br/> +And further speech till fitter time forbear.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXV<br/> +Forthwith, ere thence the camp remove, to ride<br/> +They were resolved, their flight that season fits,<br/> +Vafrine departs, she to the dames beside<br/> +Returns, and there on thorns awhile she sits,<br/> +Of her new knight she talks, till time and tide<br/> +To scape unmarked she find, then forth she gets,<br/> +Thither where Vafrine her unseen abode,<br/> +There took she horse, and from the camp they rode. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVI<br/> +And now in deserts waste and wild arrived,<br/> +Far from the camp, far from resort and sight,<br/> +Vafrine began, “Gainst Godfrey’s life contrived<br/> +The false compacts and trains unfold aright:”<br/> +Then she those treasons, from their spring derived,<br/> +Repeats, and brings their hid deceits to light,<br/> +“Eight knights,” she says, “all courtiers brave, there are,<br/> +But Ormond strong the rest surpasseth far: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVII<br/> +“These, whether hate or hope of gain them move,<br/> +Conspired have, and framed their treason so,<br/> +That day when Emiren by fight shall prove<br/> +To win lost Asia from his Christian foe,<br/> +These, with the cross scored on their arms above,<br/> +And armed like Frenchmen will disguised go,<br/> +Like Godfrey’s guard that gold and white do wear,<br/> +Such shall their habit be, and such their gear: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVIII<br/> +“Yet each will bear a token in his crest,<br/> +That so their friends for Pagans may them know:<br/> +But in close fight when all the soldiers best<br/> +Shall mingled be, to give the fatal blow<br/> +They will keep near, and pierce Godfredo’s breast,<br/> +While of his faithful guard they bear false show,<br/> +And all their swords are dipped in poison strong,<br/> +Because each wound shall bring sad death ere long. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIX<br/> +“And for their chieftain wist I knew your guise,<br/> +What garments, ensigns, and what arms you carry,<br/> +Those feigned arms he forced me to devise,<br/> +So that from yours but small or naught they vary;<br/> +But these unjust commands my thoughts despise,<br/> +Within their camp therefore I list not tarry,<br/> +My heart abhors I should this hand defile<br/> +With spot of treason, or with act of guile. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XC<br/> +“This is the cause, but not the cause alone:”<br/> +And there she ceased, and blushed, and on the main<br/> +Cast down her eyes, these last words scant outgone,<br/> +She would have stopped, nor durst pronounce them plain.<br/> +The squire what she concealed would know, as one<br/> +That from her breast her secret thoughts could strain,<br/> +“Of little faith,” quoth he, “why would’st thou hide<br/> +Those causes true, from me thy squire and guide?” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCI<br/> +With that she fetched a sigh, sad, sore and deep,<br/> +And from her lips her words slow trembling came,<br/> +“Fruitless,” she said, “untimely, hard to keep,<br/> +Vain modesty farewell, and farewell shame,<br/> +Why hope you restless love to bring on sleep?<br/> +Why strive you fires to quench, sweet Cupid’s flame?<br/> +No, no, such cares, and such respects beseem<br/> +Great ladies, wandering maids them naught esteem. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCII<br/> +“That night fatal to me and Antioch town,<br/> +Then made a prey to her commanding foe,<br/> +My loss was greater than was seen or known,<br/> +There ended not, but thence began my woe:<br/> +Light was the loss of friends, of realm or crown;<br/> +But with my state I lost myself also,<br/> +Ne’er to be found again, for then I lost<br/> +My wit, my sense, my heart, my soul almost. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCIII<br/> +“Through fire and sword, through blood and death, Vafrine,<br/> +Which all my friends did burn, did kill, did chase,<br/> +Thou know’st I ran to thy dear lord and mine,<br/> +When first he entered had my father’s place,<br/> +And kneeling with salt ears in my swollen eyne;<br/> +‘Great prince,’ quoth I, ‘grant mercy, pity, grace,<br/> +Save not my kingdom, not my life I said,<br/> +But save mine honor, let me die a maid.’ +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCIV<br/> +“He lift me by the trembling hand from ground,<br/> +Nor stayed he till my humble speech was done;<br/> +But said, ‘A friend and keeper hast thou found,<br/> +Fair virgin, nor to me in vain you run:’<br/> +A sweetness strange from that sweet voice’s sound<br/> +Pierced my heart, my breast’s weak fortress won,<br/> +Which creeping through my bosom soft became<br/> +A wound, a sickness, and a quenchless flame. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCV<br/> +“He visits me, with speeches kind and grave<br/> +He sought to ease my grief, and sorrows’ smart.<br/> +He said, ‘I give thee liberty, receive<br/> +All that is thine, and at thy will depart:’<br/> +Alas, he robbed me when he thought he gave,<br/> +Free was Erminia, but captived her heart,<br/> +Mine was the body, his the soul and mind,<br/> +He gave the cage but kept the bird behind. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCVI<br/> +“But who can hide desire, or love suppress?<br/> +Oft of his worth with thee in talk I strove,<br/> +Thou, by my trembling fit that well could’st guess<br/> +What fever held me, saidst, ‘Thou art in love;’<br/> +But I denied, for what can maids do less?<br/> +And yet my sighs thy sayings true did prove,<br/> +Instead of speech, my looks, my tears, mine eyes,<br/> +Told in what flame, what fire thy mistress fries. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCVII<br/> +“Unhappy silence, well I might have told<br/> +My woes, and for my harms have sought relief,<br/> +Since now my pains and plaints I utter bold,<br/> +Where none that hears can help or ease my grief.<br/> +From him I parted, and did close upfold<br/> +My wounds within my bosom, death was chief<br/> +Of all my hopes and helps, till love’s sweet flame<br/> +Plucked off the bridle of respect and shame, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCVIII<br/> +“And caused me ride to seek my lord and knight,<br/> +For he that made me sick could make me sound:<br/> +But on an ambush I mischanced to light<br/> +Of cruel men, in armour clothed round,<br/> +Hardly I scaped their hand by mature flight.<br/> +And fled to wilderness and desert ground,<br/> +And there I lived in groves and forests wild,<br/> +With gentle grooms and shepherds’ daughters mild. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCIX<br/> +“But when hot love which fear had late suppressed,<br/> +Revived again, there nould I longer sit,<br/> +But rode the way I came, nor e’er took rest,<br/> +Till on like danger, like mishap I hit,<br/> +A troop to forage and to spoil addressed,<br/> +Encountered me, nor could I fly from it:<br/> +Thus was I ta’en, and those that had me caught,<br/> +Egyptians were, and me to Gaza brought, +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +C<br/> +“And for a present to their captain gave,<br/> +Whom I entreated and besought so well,<br/> +That he mine honor had great care to save,<br/> +And since with fair Armida let me dwell.<br/> +Thus taken oft, escaped oft I have,<br/> +Ah, see what haps I passed, what dangers fell,<br/> +So often captive, free so oft again,<br/> +Still my first bands I keep, still my first chain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CI<br/> +“And he that did this chain so surely bind<br/> +About my heart, which none can loose but he,<br/> +Let him not say, ‘Go, wandering damsel, find<br/> +Some other home, thou shalt not bide with me,’<br/> +But let him welcome me with speeches kind,<br/> +And in my wonted prison set me free:”<br/> +Thus spake the princess, thus she and her guide<br/> +Talked day and night, and on their journey ride. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CII<br/> +Through the highways Vafrino would not pass,<br/> +A path more secret, safe and short, he knew,<br/> +And now close by the city’s wall he was,<br/> +When sun was set, night in the east upflew,<br/> +With drops of blood besmeared he found the grass,<br/> +And saw where lay a warrior murdered new,<br/> +That all be-bled the ground, his face to skies<br/> +He turns, and seems to threat, though dead he lies: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CIII<br/> +His harness and his habit both betrayed<br/> +He was a Pagan; forward went the squire,<br/> +And saw whereas another champion laid<br/> +Dead on the land, all soiled with blood and mire,<br/> +“This was some Christian knight,” Vafrino said:<br/> +And marking well his arms and rich attire,<br/> +He loosed his helm, and saw his visage plain,<br/> +And cried, “Alas, here lies Tancredi slain!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CIV<br/> +The woful virgin tarried, and gave heed<br/> +To the fierce looks of that proud Saracine,<br/> +Till that high cry, full of sad fear and dread,<br/> +Pierced through her heart with sorrow, grief and pine,<br/> +At Tancred’s name thither she ran with speed,<br/> +Like one half mad, or drunk with too much wine,<br/> +And when she saw his face, pale, bloodless, dead,<br/> +She lighted, nay, she stumbled from her steed: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CV<br/> +Her springs of tears she looseth forth, and cries,<br/> +“Hither why bring’st thou me, ah, Fortune blind?<br/> +Where dead, for whom I lived, my comfort lies,<br/> +Where war for peace, travail for rest I find;<br/> +Tancred, I have thee, see thee, yet thine eyes<br/> +Looked not upon thy love and handmaid kind,<br/> +Undo their doors, their lids fast closed sever,<br/> +Alas, I find thee for to lose thee ever. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CVI<br/> +“I never thought that to mine eyes, my dear,<br/> +Thou couldst have grievous or unpleasant been;<br/> +But now would blind or rather dead I were,<br/> +That thy sad plight might be unknown, unseen!<br/> +Alas! where is thy mirth and smiling cheer?<br/> +Where are thine eyes’ clear beams and sparkles sheen?<br/> +Of thy fair cheek where is the purple red,<br/> +And forehead’s whiteness? are all gone, all dead? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CVII<br/> +“Though gone, though dead, I love thee still, behold;<br/> +Death wounds, but kills not love; yet if thou live,<br/> +Sweet soul, still in his breast, my follies bold<br/> +Ah, pardon love’s desires, and stealths forgive;<br/> +Grant me from his pale mouth some kisses cold,<br/> +Since death doth love of just reward deprive;<br/> +And of thy spoils sad death afford me this,<br/> +Let me his mouth, pale, cold and bloodless, kiss; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CVIII<br/> +“O gentle mouth! with speeches kind and sweet<br/> +Thou didst relieve my grief, my woe and pain,<br/> +Ere my weak soul from this frail body fleet,<br/> +Ah, comfort me with one dear kiss or twain!<br/> +Perchance if we alive had happed to meet,<br/> +They had been given which now are stolen, O vain,<br/> +O feeble life, betwixt his lips out fly,<br/> +Oh, let me kiss thee first, then let me die! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CIX<br/> +“Receive my yielding spirit, and with thine<br/> +Guide it to heaven, where all true love hath place:”<br/> +This said, she sighed, and tore her tresses fine,<br/> +And from her eyes two streams poured on his face,<br/> +The man revived, with those showers divine<br/> +Awaked, and opened his lips a space;<br/> +His lips were open; but fast shut his eyes,<br/> +And with her sighs, one sigh from him upflies. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CX<br/> +The dame perceived that Tancred breathed and sighed,<br/> +Which calmed her grief somedeal and eased her fears:<br/> +“Unclose thine eyes,” she says, “my lord and knight,<br/> +See my last services, my plaints and tears,<br/> +See her that dies to see thy woful plight,<br/> +That of thy pain her part and portion bears;<br/> +Once look on me, small is the gift I crave,<br/> +The last which thou canst give, or I can have.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXI<br/> +Tancred looked up, and closed his eyes again,<br/> +Heavy and dim, and she renewed her woe.<br/> +Quoth Vafrine, “Cure him first, and then complain,<br/> +Medicine is life’s chief friend; plaint her most foe:”<br/> +They plucked his armor off, and she each vein,<br/> +Each joint, and sinew felt, and handled so,<br/> +And searched so well each thrust, each cut and wound,<br/> +That hope of life her love and skill soon found. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXII<br/> +From weariness and loss of blood she spied<br/> +His greatest pains and anguish most proceed,<br/> +Naught but her veil amid those deserts wide<br/> +She had to bind his wounds, in so great need,<br/> +But love could other bands, though strange, provide,<br/> +And pity wept for joy to see that deed,<br/> +For with her amber locks cut off, each wound<br/> +She tied: O happy man, so cured so bound! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXIII<br/> +For why her veil was short and thin, those deep<br/> +And cruel hurts to fasten, roll and blind,<br/> +Nor salve nor simple had she, yet to keep<br/> +Her knight on live, strong charms of wondrous kind<br/> +She said, and from him drove that deadly sleep,<br/> +That now his eyes he lifted, turned and twined,<br/> +And saw his squire, and saw that courteous dame<br/> +In habit strange, and wondered whence she came. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXIV<br/> +He said, “O Vafrine, tell me, whence com’st thou?<br/> +And who this gentle surgeon is, disclose;”<br/> +She smiled, she sighed, she looked she wist not how,<br/> +She wept, rejoiced, she blushed as red as rose.<br/> +“You shall know all,” she says, “your surgeon now<br/> +Commands you silence, rest and soft repose,<br/> +You shall be sound, prepare my guerdon meet,”<br/> +His head then laid she in her bosom sweet. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXV<br/> +Vafrine devised this while how he might bear<br/> +His master home, ere night obscured the land,<br/> +When lo, a troop of soldiers did appear,<br/> +Whom he descried to be Tancredi’s band,<br/> +With him when he and Argant met they were;<br/> +But when they went to combat hand for hand,<br/> +He bade them stay behind, and they obeyed,<br/> +But came to seek him now, so long he stayed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXVI<br/> +Besides them, many followed that enquest,<br/> +But these alone found out the rightest way,<br/> +Upon their friendly arms the men addressed<br/> +A seat whereon he sat, he leaned, he lay:<br/> +Quoth Tancred, “Shall the strong Circassian rest<br/> +In this broad field, for wolves and crows a prey?<br/> +Ah no, defraud not you that champion brave<br/> +Of his just praise, of his due tomb and grave: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXVII<br/> +“With his dead bones no longer war have I,<br/> +Boldly he died and nobly was he slain,<br/> +Then let us not that honor him deny<br/> +Which after death alonely doth remain:”<br/> +The Pagan dead they lifted up on high,<br/> +And after Tancred bore him through the plain.<br/> +Close by the virgin chaste did Vafrine ride,<br/> +As he that was her squire, her guard, her guide. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXVIII<br/> +“Not home,” quoth Tancred, “to my wonted tent,<br/> +But bear me to this royal town, I pray,<br/> +That if cut short by human accident<br/> +I die, there I may see my latest day,<br/> +The place where Christ upon his cross was rent<br/> +To heaven perchance may easier make the way,<br/> +And ere I yield to Death’s and Fortune’s rage,<br/> +Performed shall be my vow and pilgrimage.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXIX<br/> +Thus to the city was Tancredi borne,<br/> +And fell on sleep, laid on a bed of down.<br/> +Vafrino where the damsel might sojourn<br/> +A chamber got, close, secret, near his own;<br/> +That done he came the mighty duke beforn,<br/> +And entrance found, for till his news were known,<br/> +Naught was concluded mongst those knights and lords,<br/> +Their counsel hung on his report and words. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXX<br/> +Where weak and weary wounded Raymond laid,<br/> +Godfrey was set upon his couch’s side,<br/> +And round about the man a ring was made<br/> +Of lords and knights that filled the chamber wide;<br/> +There while the squire his late discovery said,<br/> +To break his talk, none answered, none replied,<br/> +“My lord,” he said, “at your command I went<br/> +And viewed their camp, each cabin, booth and tent; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXI<br/> +“But of that mighty host the number true<br/> +Expect not that I can or should descry,<br/> +All covered with their armies might you view<br/> +The fields, the plains, the dales and mountains high,<br/> +I saw what way soe’er they went and drew,<br/> +They spoiled the land, drunk floods and fountains dry,<br/> +For not whole Jordan could have given them drink,<br/> +Nor all the grain in Syria, bread, I think. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXII<br/> +“But yet amongst them many bands are found<br/> +Both horse and foot, of little force and might,<br/> +That keep no order, know no trumpet’s sound,<br/> +That draw no sword, but far off shoot and fight,<br/> +But yet the Persian army doth abound<br/> +With many a footman strong and hardy knight,<br/> +So doth the King’s own troop which all is framed<br/> +Of soldiers old, the Immortal Squadron named. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXIII<br/> +“Immortal called is that band of right,<br/> +For of that number never wanteth one,<br/> +But in his empty place some other knight<br/> +Steps in, when any man is dead or gone:<br/> +This army’s leader Emireno hight,<br/> +Like whom in wit and strength are few or none,<br/> +Who hath in charge in plain and pitched field,<br/> +To fight with you, to make you fly or yield. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXIV<br/> +“And well I know their army and their host<br/> +Within a day or two will here arrive:<br/> +But thee Rinaldo it behoveth most<br/> +To keep thy noble head, for which they strive,<br/> +For all the chief in arms or courage boast<br/> +They will the same to Queen Armida give,<br/> +And for the same she gives herself in price,<br/> +Such hire will many hands to work entice. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXV<br/> +“The chief of these that have thy murder sworn,<br/> +Is Altamore, the king of Samarcand!<br/> +Adrastus then, whose realm lies near the morn,<br/> +A hardy giant, bold, and strong of hand,<br/> +This king upon an elephant is borne,<br/> +For under him no horse can stir or stand;<br/> +The third is Tisipherne, as brave a lord<br/> +As ever put on helm or girt on sword.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXVI<br/> +This said, from young Rinaldo’s angry eyes,<br/> +Flew sparks of wrath, flames in his visage shined,<br/> +He longed to be amid those enemies,<br/> +Nor rest nor reason in his heart could find.<br/> +But to the Duke Vafrine his talk applies,<br/> +“The greatest news, my lord, are yet behind,<br/> +For all their thoughts, their crafts and counsels tend<br/> +By treason false to bring thy life to end.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXVII<br/> +Then all from point to point he gan expose<br/> +The false compact, how it was made and wrought,<br/> +The arms and ensigns feigned, poison close,<br/> +Ormondo’s vaunt, what praise, what thank he sought,<br/> +And what reward, and satisfied all those<br/> +That would demand, inquire, or ask of aught.<br/> +Silence was made awhile, when Godfrey thus,—<br/> +“Raymondo, say, what counsel givest thou us?” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXVIII<br/> +“Not as we purposed late, next morn,” quoth he,<br/> +“Let us not scale, but round besiege this tower,<br/> +That those within may have no issue free<br/> +To sally out, and hurt us with their power,<br/> +Our camp well rested and refreshed see,<br/> +Provided well gainst this last storm and shower,<br/> +And then in pitched field, fight, if you will;<br/> +If not, delay and keep this fortress still. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXIX<br/> +“But lest you be endangered, hurt, or slain,<br/> +Of all your cares take care yourself to save,<br/> +By you this camp doth live, doth win, doth reign,<br/> +Who else can rule or guide these squadrons brave?<br/> +And for the traitors shall be noted plain,<br/> +Command your guard to change the arms they have,<br/> +So shall their guile be known, in their own net<br/> +So shall they fall, caught in the snare they set.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXX<br/> +“As it hath ever,” thus the Duke begun,<br/> +“Thy counsel shows thy wisdom and thy love,<br/> +And what you left in doubt shall thus be done,<br/> +We will their force in pitched battle prove;<br/> +Closed in this wall and trench, the fight to shun,<br/> +Doth ill this camp beseem, and worse behove,<br/> +But we their strength and manhood will assay,<br/> +And try, in open field and open day. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXXI<br/> +“The fame of our great conquests to sustain,<br/> +Or bide our looks and threats, they are not able,<br/> +And when this army is subdued and slain<br/> +Then is our empire settled, firm and stable,<br/> +The tower shall yield, or but resist in vain,<br/> +For fear her anchor is, despair her cable.”<br/> +Thus he concludes, and rolling down the west<br/> +Fast set the stars, and called them all to rest. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2><a name="book20"></a>TWENTIETH BOOK</h2> + +<p class="noindent"> +THE ARGUMENT.<br/> +The Pagan host arrives, and cruel fight<br/> +Makes with the Christians and their faithful power;<br/> +The Soldan longs in field to prove his might,<br/> +With the old king quits the besieged tower;<br/> +Yet both are slain, and in eternal night<br/> +A famous hand gives each his fatal hour;<br/> +Rinald appeased Armida; first the field<br/> +The Christians win, then praise to God they yield. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +I<br/> +The sun called up the world from idle sleep,<br/> +And of the day ten hours were gone and past<br/> +When the bold troop that had the tower to keep<br/> +Espied a sudden mist, that overcast<br/> +The earth with mirksome clouds and darkness deep,<br/> +And saw it was the Egyptian camp at last<br/> +Which raised the dust, for hills and valleys broad<br/> +That host did overspread and overload. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +II<br/> +Therewith a merry shout and joyful cry<br/> +The Pagans reared from their besieged hold;<br/> +The cranes from Thrace with such a rumor fly,<br/> +His hoary frost and snow when Hyems old<br/> +Pours down, and fast to warmer regions hie,<br/> +From the sharp winds, fierce storms and tempests cold;<br/> +And quick, and ready this new hope and aid,<br/> +Their hands to shoot, their tongues to threaten made. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +III<br/> +From whence their ire, their wrath and hardy threat<br/> +Proceeds, the French well knew, and plain espied,<br/> +For from the walls and ports the army great<br/> +They saw; her strength, her number, pomp, and pride,<br/> +Swelled their breasts with valor’s noble heat;<br/> +Battle and fight they wished, “Arm, arm!” they cried;<br/> +The youth to give the sign of fight all prayed<br/> +Their Duke, and were displeased because delayed +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IV<br/> +Till morning next, for he refused to fight;<br/> +Their haste and heat he bridled, but not brake,<br/> +Nor yet with sudden fray or skirmish light<br/> +Of these new foes would he vain trial make.<br/> +“After so many wars,” he says, “good right<br/> +It is, that one day’s rest at least you take,”<br/> +For thus in his vain foes he cherish would<br/> +The hope which in their strength they have and hold. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +V<br/> +To see Aurora’s gentle beam appear,<br/> +The soldiers armed, prest and ready lay,<br/> +The skies were never half so fair and clear<br/> +As in the breaking of that blessed day,<br/> +The merry morning smiled, and seemed to wear<br/> +Upon her silver crown sun’s golden ray,<br/> +And without cloud heaven his redoubled light<br/> +Bent down to see this field, this fray, this fight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VI<br/> +When first he saw the daybreak show and shine,<br/> +Godfrey his host in good array brought out,<br/> +And to besiege the tyrant Aladine<br/> +Raymond he left, and all the faithful rout<br/> +That from the towns was come of Palestine<br/> +To serve and succor their deliverer stout,<br/> +And with them left a hardy troop beside<br/> +Of Gascoigns strong, in arms well proved, oft tried. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VII<br/> +Such was Godfredo’s countenance, such his cheer,<br/> +That from his eye sure conquest flames and streams,<br/> +Heaven’s gracious favors in his looks appear,<br/> +And great and goodly more than erst he seems;<br/> +His face and forehead full of noblesse were,<br/> +And on his cheek smiled youth’s purple beams,<br/> +And in his gait, his grace, his acts, his eyes,<br/> +Somewhat, far more than mortal, lives and lies. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +VIII<br/> +He had not marched far ere he espied<br/> +Of his proud foes the mighty host draw nigh;<br/> +A hill at first he took and fortified<br/> +At his left hand which stood his army by,<br/> +Broad in the front behind more strait uptied<br/> +His army ready stood the fight to try,<br/> +And to the middle ward well armed he brings<br/> +His footmen strong, his horsemen served for wings. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +IX<br/> +To the left wing, spread underneath the bent<br/> +Of the steep hill that saved their flank and side,<br/> +The Roberts twain, two leaders good, he sent;<br/> +His brother had the middle ward to guide;<br/> +To the right wing himself in person went<br/> +Down, where the plain was dangerous, broad and wide,<br/> +And where his foes with their great numbers would<br/> +Perchance environ round his squadrons bold. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +X<br/> +There all his Lorrainers and men of might,<br/> +All his best armed he placed, and chosen bands,<br/> +And with those horse some footmen armed light,<br/> +That archers were, used to that service, stands;<br/> +The adventurers then, in battle and in fight<br/> +Well tried, a squadron famous through all lands,<br/> +On the right hand he set, somedeal aside,<br/> +Rinaldo was their leader, lord and guide. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XI<br/> +To whom the Duke, “In thee our hope is laid<br/> +Of victory, thou must the conquest gain,<br/> +Behind this mighty wing, so far displayed,<br/> +Thou with thy noble squadron close remain;<br/> +And when the Pagans would our backs invade,<br/> +Assail them then, and make their onset vain;<br/> +For if I guess aright, they have in mind<br/> +To compass us, and charge our troops behind.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XII<br/> +Then through his host, that took so large a scope,<br/> +He rode, and viewed them all, both horse and foot;<br/> +His face was bare, his helm unclosed and ope,<br/> +Lightened his eyes, his looks bright fire shot out;<br/> +He cheers the fearful, comforts them that hope,<br/> +And to the bold recounts his boasting stout,<br/> +And to the valiant his adventures hard,<br/> +These bids he look for praise, those for reward. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIII<br/> +At last he stayed where of his squadrons bold<br/> +And noblest troops assembled was best part;<br/> +There from a rising bank his will he told,<br/> +And all that heard his speech thereat took heart:<br/> +And as the molten snow from mountains cold<br/> +Runs down in streams with eloquence and art,<br/> +So from his lips his words and speeches fell,<br/> +Shrill, speedy, pleasant, sweet, and placed well. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIV<br/> +“My hardy host, you conquerors of the East,<br/> +You scourge wherewith Christ whips his heathen fone,<br/> +Of victory behold the latest feast,<br/> +See the last day for which you wished alone;<br/> +Not without cause the Saracens most and least<br/> +Our gracious Lord hath gathered here in one,<br/> +For all your foes and his assembled are,<br/> +That one day’s fight may end seven years of war. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XV<br/> +“This fight shall bring us many victories,<br/> +The danger none, the labor will be small,<br/> +Let not the number of your enemies<br/> +Dismay your hearts, grant fear no place at all;<br/> +For strife and discord through their army flies,<br/> +Their bands ill ranked themselves entangle shall,<br/> +And few of them to strike or fight shall come,<br/> +For some want strength, some heart, some elbow-room. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVI<br/> +“This host, with whom you must encounter now,<br/> +Are men half naked, without strength or skill,<br/> +From idleness, or following the plough,<br/> +Late pressed forth to war against their will,<br/> +Their swords are blunt, shields thin, soon pierced through,<br/> +Their banners shake, their bearers shrink, for ill<br/> +Their leaders heard, obeyed, or followed be,<br/> +Their loss, their flight, their death I well foresee. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVII<br/> +“Their captain clad in purple, armed in gold,<br/> +That seems so fierce, so hardy, stout and strong,<br/> +The Moors or weak Arabians vanquish could,<br/> +Yet can he not resist your valors long.<br/> +What can he do, though wise, though sage, though bold,<br/> +In that confusion, trouble, thrust and throng?<br/> +Ill known he is, and worse he knows his host,<br/> +Strange lords ill feared are, ill obeyed of most. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XVIII<br/> +“But I am captain of this chosen crew,<br/> +With whom I oft have conquered, triumphed oft,<br/> +Your lands and lineages long since I knew,<br/> +Each knight obeys my rule, mild, easy, soft,<br/> +I know each sword, each dart, each shaft I view,<br/> +Although the quarrel fly in skies aloft,<br/> +Whether the same of Ireland be, or France,<br/> +And from what bow it comes, what hand perchance. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XIX<br/> +“I ask an easy and a usual thing,<br/> +As you have oft, this day, so win the field,<br/> +Let zeal and honor be your virtue’s sting,<br/> +Your lives, my fame, Christ’s faith defend and shield,<br/> +To earth these Pagans slain and wounded bring,<br/> +Tread on their necks, make them all die or yield,—<br/> +What need I more exhort you? from your eyes<br/> +I see how victory, how conquest flies.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XX<br/> +Upon the captain, when his speech was done,<br/> +It seemed a lamp and golden light down came,<br/> +As from night’s azure mantle oft doth run<br/> +Or fall, a sliding star, or shining flame;<br/> +But from the bosom of the burning sun<br/> +Proceeded this, and garland-wise the same<br/> +Godfredo’s noble head encompassed round,<br/> +And, as some thought, foreshowed he should be crowned. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXI<br/> +Perchance, if man’s proud thought or saucy tongue<br/> +Have leave to judge or guess at heavenly things,<br/> +This was the angel which had kept him long,<br/> +That now came down, and hid him with his wings.<br/> +While thus the Duke bespeaks his armies strong,<br/> +And every troop and band in order brings.<br/> +Lord Emiren his host disposed well,<br/> +And with bold words whet on their courage fell; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXII<br/> +The man brought forth his army great with speed,<br/> +In order good, his foes at hand he spied,<br/> +Like the new moon his host two horns did spreed,<br/> +In midst the foot, the horse were on each side,<br/> +The right wing kept he for himself to lead,<br/> +Great Altamore received the left to guide,<br/> +The middle ward led Muleasses proud,<br/> +And in that battle fair Armida stood. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIII<br/> +On the right quarter stood the Indian grim,<br/> +With Tisipherne and all the king’s own band;<br/> +But where the left wing spread her squadrons trim<br/> +O’er the large plain, did Altamoro stand,<br/> +With African and Persian kings with him,<br/> +And two that came from Meroe’s hot sand,<br/> +And all his crossbows and his slings he placed,<br/> +Where room best served to shoot, to throw, to cast. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIV<br/> +Thus Emiren his host put in array,<br/> +And rode from band to band, from rank to rank,<br/> +His truchmen now, and now himself, doth say,<br/> +What spoil his folk shall gain, what praise, what thank.<br/> +To him that feared, “Look up, ours is the day,”<br/> +He says, “Vile fear to bold hearts never sank,<br/> +How dareth one against an hundred fight?<br/> +Our cry, our shade, will put them all to flight.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXV<br/> +But to the bold, “Go, hardy knight,” he says,<br/> +“His prey out of this lion’s paws go tear:”<br/> +To some before his thoughts the shape he lays,<br/> +And makes therein the image true appear,<br/> +How his sad country him entreats and prays,<br/> +His house, his loving wife, and children dear:<br/> +“Suppose,” quoth he, “thy country doth beseech<br/> +And pray thee thus, suppose this is her speech. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVI<br/> +“Defend my laws, uphold my temples brave,<br/> +My blood from washing of my streets withhold,<br/> +From ravishing my virgins keep, and save<br/> +Thine ancestors’ dead bones and ashes cold!<br/> +To thee thy fathers dear and parents grave<br/> +Show their uncovered heads, white, hoary, old,<br/> +To thee thy wife—her breasts with tears o’erspread—<br/> +Thy sons, their cradles, shows, thy marriage bed.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVII<br/> +To all the rest, “You for her honor’s sake<br/> +Whom Asia makes her champions, by your might<br/> +Upon these thieves, weak, feeble, few, must take<br/> +A sharp revenge, yet just, deserved and right.”<br/> +Thus many words in several tongues he spake,<br/> +And all his sundry nations to sharp fight<br/> +Encouraged, but now the dukes had done<br/> +Their speeches all, the hosts together run. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXVIII<br/> +It was a great, a strange and wondrous sight,<br/> +When front to front those noble armies met,<br/> +How every troop, how in each troop each knight<br/> +Stood prest to move, to fight, and praise to get,<br/> +Loose in the wind waved their ensigns light,<br/> +Trembled the plumes that on their crests were set;<br/> +Their arms, impresses, colors, gold and stone,<br/> +Against the sunbeams smiled, flamed, sparkled, shone. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXIX<br/> +Of dry topped oaks they seemed two forests thick,<br/> +So did each host with spears and pikes abound,<br/> +Bent were their bows, in rests their lances stick,<br/> +Their hands shook swords, their slings held cobbles round:<br/> +Each steed to run was ready, prest and quick,<br/> +At his commander’s spur, his hand, his sound,<br/> +He chafes, he stamps, careers, and turns about,<br/> +He foams, snorts, neighs, and fire and smoke breathes out. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXX<br/> +Horror itself in that fair sight seemed fair,<br/> +And pleasure flew amid sad dread and fear;<br/> +The trumpets shrill, that thundered in the air,<br/> +Were music mild and sweet to every ear:<br/> +The faithful camp, though less, yet seemed more rare<br/> +In that strange noise, more warlike, shrill and clear,<br/> +In notes more sweet, the Pagan trumpets jar,<br/> +These sung, their armors shined, these glistered far. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXI<br/> +The Christian trumpets give the deadly call,<br/> +The Pagans answer, and the fight accept;<br/> +The godly Frenchmen on their knees down fall<br/> +To pray, and kissed the earth, and then up leapt<br/> +To fight, the land between was vanished all,<br/> +In combat close each host to other stepped;<br/> +For now the wings had skirmish hot begun,<br/> +And with their battles forth the footmen run. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXII<br/> +But who was first of all the Christian train,<br/> +That gave the onset first, first won renown?<br/> +Gildippes thou wert she, for by thee slain<br/> +The King of Orms, Hircano, tumbled down,<br/> +The man’s breastbone thou clov’st and rent in twain,<br/> +So Heaven with honor would thee bless and crown,<br/> +Pierced through he fell, and falling hard withal<br/> +His foe praised for her strength and for his fall. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIII<br/> +Her lance thus broke, the hardy dame forth drew<br/> +With her strong hand a fine and trenchant blade,<br/> +And gainst the Persians fierce and bold she flew,<br/> +And in their troop wide streets and lanes she made,<br/> +Even in the girdling-stead divided new<br/> +In pieces twain, Zopire on earth she laid;<br/> +And then Alarco’s head she swept off clean,<br/> +Which like a football tumbled on the green. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIV<br/> +A blow felled Artaxerxes, with a thrust<br/> +Was Argeus slain, the first lay in a trance,<br/> +Ismael’s left hand cut off fell in the dust,<br/> +For on his wrist her sword fell down by chance:<br/> +The hand let go the bridle where it lust,<br/> +The blow upon the courser’s ears did glance,<br/> +Who felt the reins at large, and with the stroke<br/> +Half mad, the ranks disordered, troubled, broke. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXV<br/> +All these, and many mo, by time forgot,<br/> +She slew and wounded, when against her came<br/> +The angry Persians all, cast on a knot,<br/> +For on her person would they purchase fame:<br/> +But her dear spouse and husband wanted not<br/> +In so great need, to aid the noble dame;<br/> +Thus joined, the haps of war unhurt they prove,<br/> +Their strength was double, double was their love. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVI<br/> +The noble lovers use well might you see,<br/> +A wondrous guise, till then unseen, unheard,<br/> +To save themselves forgot both he and she,<br/> +Each other’s life did keep, defend, and guard;<br/> +The strokes that gainst her lord discharged be,<br/> +The dame had care to bear, to break, to ward,<br/> +His shield kept off the blows bent on his dear,<br/> +Which, if need be, his naked head should bear. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVII<br/> +So each saved other, each for other’s wrong<br/> +Would vengeance take, but not revenge their own:<br/> +The valiant Soldan Artabano strong<br/> +Of Boecan Isle, by her was overthrown,<br/> +And by his hand, the bodies dead among,<br/> +Alvante, that durst his mistress wound, fell down,<br/> +And she between the eyes hit Arimont,<br/> +Who hurt her lord, and cleft in twain his front. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXVIII<br/> +But Altamore who had that wing to lead<br/> +Far greater slaughter on the Christians made;<br/> +For where he turned his sword, or twined his steed,<br/> +He slew, or man and beast on earth down laid,<br/> +Happy was he that was at first struck dead,<br/> +That fell not down on live, for whom his blade<br/> +Had speared, the same cast in the dusty street<br/> +His horse tore with his teeth, bruised with his feet. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XXXIX<br/> +By this brave Persian’s valor, killed and slain<br/> +Were strong Brunello and Ardonia great;<br/> +The first his head and helm had cleft in twain,<br/> +The last in stranger-wise he did intreat,<br/> +For through his heart he pierced, and through the vein<br/> +Where laughter hath his fountain and his seat,<br/> +So that, a dreadful thing, believed uneath,<br/> +He laughed for pain, and laughed himself to death. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XL<br/> +Nor these alone with that accursed knife,<br/> +Of this sweet light and breath deprived lie;<br/> +But with that cruel weapon lost their life<br/> +Gentonio, Guascar, Rosimond, and Guy;<br/> +Who knows how many in that fatal strife<br/> +He slew? what knights his courser fierce made die?<br/> +The names and countries of the people slain<br/> +Who tells? their wounds and deaths who can explain? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLI<br/> +With this fierce king encounter durst not one.<br/> +Not one durst combat him in equal field,<br/> +Gildippes undertook that task alone;<br/> +No doubt could make her shrink, no danger yield,<br/> +By Thermodont was never Amazone,<br/> +Who managed steeled axe, or carried shield,<br/> +That seemed so bold as she, so strong, so light,<br/> +When forth she run to meet that dreadful knight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLII<br/> +She hit him, where with gold and rich anmail,<br/> +His diadem did on his helmet flame,<br/> +She broke and cleft the crown, and caused him veil<br/> +His proud and lofty top, his crest down came,<br/> +Strong seemed her arm that could so well assail:<br/> +The Pagan shook for spite and blushed for shame,<br/> +Forward he rushed, and would at once requite<br/> +Shame with disgrace, and with revenge despite. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIII<br/> +Right on the front he gave that lady kind<br/> +A blow so huge, so strong, so great, so sore,<br/> +That out of sense and feeling, down she twined:<br/> +But her dear knight his love from ground upbore,<br/> +Were it their fortune, or his noble mind,<br/> +He stayed his hand and strook the dame no more:<br/> +A lion so stalks by, and with proud eyes<br/> +Beholds, but scorns to hurt a man that lies. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIV<br/> +This while Ormondo false, whose cruel hand<br/> +Was armed and prest to give the trait’rous blow,<br/> +With all his fellows mongst Godfredo’s band<br/> +Entered unseen, disguised that few them know:<br/> +The thievish wolves, when night o’ershades the land,<br/> +That seem like faithful dogs in shape and show,<br/> +So to the closed folds in secret creep,<br/> +And entrance seek; to kill some harmless sheep. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLV<br/> +He proached nigh, and to Godfredo’s side<br/> +The bloody Pagan now was placed near:<br/> +But when his colors gold and white he spied,<br/> +And saw the other signs that forged were,<br/> +“See, see, this traitor false!” the captain cried,<br/> +“That like a Frenchman would in show appear,<br/> +Behold how near his mates and he are crept!”<br/> +This said, upon the villain forth he leapt; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVI<br/> +Deadly he wounded him, and that false knight<br/> +Nor strikes nor wards nor striveth to be gone;<br/> +But, as Medusa’s head were in his sight,<br/> +Stood like a man new turned to marble stone,<br/> +All lances broke, unsheathed all weapons bright,<br/> +All quivers emptied were on them alone,<br/> +In parts so many were the traitors cleft,<br/> +That those dead men had no dead bodies left. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVII<br/> +When Godfrey was with Pagan blood bespread,<br/> +He entered then the fight and that was past<br/> +Where the bold Persian fought and combated,<br/> +Where the close ranks he opened, cleft and brast;<br/> +Before the knight the troops and squadrons fled,<br/> +As Afric dust before the southern blast;<br/> +The Duke recalled them, in array them placed,<br/> +Stayed those that fled, and him assailed that chased. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVIII<br/> +The champions strong there fought a battle stout,<br/> +Troy never saw the like by Xanthus old:<br/> +A conflict sharp there was meanwhile on foot<br/> +Twixt Baldwin good and Muleasses bold:<br/> +The horsemen also near the mountains root,<br/> +And in both wings, a furious skirmish hold,<br/> +And where the barbarous duke in person stood,<br/> +Twixt Tisiphernes and Adrastus proud; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XLIX<br/> +With Emiren Robert the Norman strove,<br/> +Long time they fought, yet neither lost nor won;<br/> +The other Robert’s helm the Indian clove,<br/> +And broke his arms, their fight would soon be done:<br/> +From place to place did Tisiphernes rove,<br/> +And found no match, against him none dust run,<br/> +But where the press was thickest thither flew<br/> +The knight, and at each stroke felled, hurt, or slew. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +L<br/> +Thus fought they long, yet neither shrink nor yield,<br/> +In equal balance hung their hope and fear:<br/> +All full of broken lances lay the field,<br/> +All full of arms that cloven and shattered were;<br/> +Of swords, some to the body nail the shield,<br/> +Some cut men’s throats, and some their bellies tear;<br/> +Of bodies, some upright, some grovelling lay,<br/> +And for themselves eat graves out of the clay. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LI<br/> +Beside his lord slain lay the noble steed,<br/> +There friend with friend lay killed like lovers true,<br/> +There foe with foe, the live under the dead,<br/> +The victor under him whom late he slew:<br/> +A hoarse unperfect sound did eachwhere spread,<br/> +Whence neither silence, nor plain outcries flew:<br/> +There fury roars, ire threats, and woe complains,<br/> +One weeps, another cries, he sighs for pains. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LII<br/> +The arms that late so fair and glorious seem,<br/> +Now soiled and slubbered, sad and sullen grow,<br/> +The steel his brightness lost, the gold his beam;<br/> +The colors had no pride nor beauty’s show;<br/> +The plumes and feathers on their crests that stream,<br/> +Are strowed wide upon the earth below:<br/> +The hosts both clad in blood, in dust and mire,<br/> +Had changed their cheer, their pride, their rich attire. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIII<br/> +But now the Moors, Arabians, Ethiops black,<br/> +Of the left wing that held the utmost marge,<br/> +Spread forth their troops, and purposed at the back<br/> +And side their heedless foes to assail and charge:<br/> +Slingers and archers were not slow nor slack<br/> +To shoot and cast, when with his battle large<br/> +Rinaldo came, whose fury, haste and ire,<br/> +Seemed earthquake, thunder, tempest, storm and fire. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIV<br/> +The first he met was Asimire, his throne<br/> +That set in Meroe’s hot sunburnt land,<br/> +He cut his neck in twain, flesh, skin and bone,<br/> +The sable head down tumbled on the sand;<br/> +But when by death of this black prince alone<br/> +The taste of blood and conquest once he fand,<br/> +Whole squadrons then, whole troops to earth he brought,<br/> +Things wondrous, strange, incredible he wrought. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LV<br/> +He gave more deaths than strokes, and yet his blows<br/> +Upon his feeble foes fell oft and thick,<br/> +To move three tongues as a fierce serpent shows,<br/> +Which rolls the one she hath swift, speedy, quick,<br/> +So thinks each Pagan; each Arabian trows<br/> +He wields three swords, all in one hilt that stick;<br/> +His readiness their eyes so blinded hath,<br/> +Their dread that wonder bred, fear gave it faith. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVI<br/> +The Afric tyrants and the negro kings<br/> +Fell down on heaps, drowned each in other’s blood,<br/> +Upon their people ran the knights he brings,<br/> +Pricked forward by their guide’s example good,<br/> +Killed were the Pagans, broke their bows and slings:<br/> +Some died, some fell; some yielded, none withstood:<br/> +A massacre was this, no fight; these put<br/> +Their foes to death, those hold their throats to cut. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVII<br/> +Small while they stood, with heart and hardy face,<br/> +On their bold breasts deep wounds and hurts to bear,<br/> +But fled away, and troubled in the chase<br/> +Their ranks disordered be with too much fear:<br/> +Rinaldo followed them from place to place,<br/> +Till quite discomfit and dispersed they were.<br/> +That done, he stays, and all his knights recalls,<br/> +And scorns to strike his foe that flies or falls. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LVIII<br/> +Like as the wind stopped by some wood or hill,<br/> +Grows strong and fierce, tears boughs and trees in twain,<br/> +But with mild blasts, more temperate, gentle, still,<br/> +Blows through the ample field or spacious plain;<br/> +Against the rocks as sea-waves murmur shrill,<br/> +But silent pass amid the open main:<br/> +Rinaldo so, when none his force withstood,<br/> +Assuaged his fury, calmed his angry mood; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LIX<br/> +He scorned upon their fearful backs that fled<br/> +To wreak his ire and spend his force in vain,<br/> +But gainst the footmen strong his troops he led,<br/> +Whose side the Moors had open left and plain,<br/> +The Africans that should have succored<br/> +That battle, all were run away or slain,<br/> +Upon their flank with force and courage stout<br/> +His men at arms assailed the bands on foot: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LX<br/> +He brake their pikes, and brake their close array,<br/> +Entered their battle, felled them down around,<br/> +So wind or tempest with impetuous sway<br/> +The ears of ripened corn strikes flat to ground:<br/> +With blood, arms, bodies dead, the hardened clay<br/> +Plastered the earth, no grass nor green was found;<br/> +The horsemen running through and through their bands,<br/> +Kill, murder, slay, few scape, not one withstands. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXI<br/> +Rinaldo came where his forlorn Armide<br/> +Sate on her golden chariot mounted high,<br/> +A noble guard she had on every side<br/> +Of lords, of lovers, and much chivalry:<br/> +She knew the man when first his arms she spied,<br/> +Love, hate, wrath, sweet desire strove in her eye,<br/> +He changed somedeal his look and countenance bold,<br/> +She changed from frost to fire, from heat to cold. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXII<br/> +The prince passed by the chariot of his dear<br/> +Like one that did his thoughts elsewhere bestow,<br/> +Yet suffered not her knights and lovers near<br/> +Their rival so to scape withouten blow,<br/> +One drew his sword, another couched his spear,<br/> +Herself an arrow sharp set in her bow,<br/> +Disdain her ire new sharped and kindled hath,<br/> +But love appeased her, love assuaged her wrath. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIII<br/> +Love bridled fury, and revived of new<br/> +His fire, not dead, though buried in displeasure,<br/> +Three times her angry hand the bow updrew,<br/> +And thrice again let slack the string at leisure;<br/> +But wrath prevailed at last, the reed outflew,<br/> +For love finds mean, but hatred knows no measure,<br/> +Outflew the shaft, but with the shaft, this charm,<br/> +This wish she sent: Heaven grant it do no harm: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIV<br/> +She bids the reed return the way it went,<br/> +And pierce her heart which so unkind could prove,<br/> +Such force had love, though lost and vainly spent,<br/> +What strength hath happy, kind and mutual love?<br/> +But she that gentle thought did straight repent,<br/> +Wrath, fury, kindness, in her bosom strove,<br/> +She would, she would not, that it missed or hit,<br/> +Her eyes, her heart, her wishes followed it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXV<br/> +But yet in vain the quarrel lighted not,<br/> +For on his hauberk hard the knight it hit,<br/> +Too hard for woman’s shaft or woman’s shot,<br/> +Instead of piercing, there it broke and split;<br/> +He turned away, she burnt with fury hot,<br/> +And thought he scorned her power, and in that fit<br/> +Shot oft and oft, her shafts no entrance found,<br/> +And while she shot, love gave her wound on wound. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVI<br/> +“And is he then unpierceable,” quoth she,<br/> +“That neither force nor foe he needs regard?<br/> +His limbs, perchance, armed with that hardness be,<br/> +Which makes his heart so cruel and so hard,<br/> +No shot that flies from eye or hand I see<br/> +Hurts him, such rigor doth his person guard,<br/> +Armed, or disarmed; his foe or mistress kind<br/> +Despised alike, like hate, like scorn I find. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVII<br/> +“But what new form is left, device or art,<br/> +By which, to which exchanged, I might find grace?<br/> +For in my knights, and all that take my part,<br/> +I see no help; no hope, no trust I place;<br/> +To his great prowess, might, and valiant heart,<br/> +All strength is weak, all courage vile and base.”<br/> +This said she, for she saw how through the field<br/> +Her champions fly, faint, tremble, fall and yield. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXVIII<br/> +Nor left alone can she her person save,<br/> +But to be slain or taken stands in fear,<br/> +Though with a bow a javelin long she have,<br/> +Yet weak was Phebe’s bow, blunt Pallas’ spear.<br/> +But, as the swan, that sees the eagle brave<br/> +Threatening her flesh and silver plumes to tear,<br/> +Falls down, to hide her mongst the shady brooks:<br/> +Such were her fearful motions, such her looks. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXIX<br/> +But Altamore, this while that strove and sought<br/> +From shameful flight his Persian host to stay,<br/> +That was discomfit and destroyed to nought,<br/> +Whilst he alone maintained the fight and fray,<br/> +Seeing distressed the goddess of his thought,<br/> +To aid her ran, nay flew, and laid away<br/> +All care both of his honor and his host:<br/> +If she were safe, let all the world be lost. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXX<br/> +To the ill-guarded chariot swift he flew,<br/> +His weapon made him way with bloody war:<br/> +Meanwhile Lord Godfrey and Rinaldo slew<br/> +His feeble bands, his people murdered are,<br/> +He saw their loss, but aided not his crew,<br/> +A better lover than a leader far,<br/> +He set Armida safe, then turned again<br/> +With tardy succor, for his folk were slain. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXI<br/> +And on that side the woful prince beheld<br/> +The battle lost, no help nor hope remained;<br/> +But on the other wing the Christians yield,<br/> +And fly, such vantage there the Egyptians gained,<br/> +One of the Roberts was nigh slain in field;<br/> +The other by the Indian strong constrained<br/> +To yield himself his captive and his slave;<br/> +Thus equal loss and equal foil they have. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXII<br/> +Godfredo took the time and season fit<br/> +To bring again his squadrons in array,<br/> +And either camp well ordered, ranged and knit,<br/> +Renewed the furious battle, fight and fray,<br/> +New streams of blood were shed, new swords them hit;<br/> +New combats fought, new spoils were borne away,<br/> +And unresolved and doubtful, on each side,<br/> +Did praise and conquest, Mars and Fortune ride. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIII<br/> +Between the armies twain while thus the fight<br/> +Waxed sharp, hot, cruel, though renewed but late,<br/> +The Soldan clomb up to the tower’s height,<br/> +And saw far off their strife and fell debate,<br/> +As from some stage or theatre the knight<br/> +Saw played the tragedy of human state,<br/> +Saw death, blood, murder, woe and horror strange,<br/> +And the great acts of fortune, chance, and change. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIV<br/> +At first astonished and amazed he stood<br/> +Then burnt with wrath, and self-consuming ire,<br/> +Swelled his bosom like a raging flood,<br/> +To be amid that battle; such desire,<br/> +Such haste he had; he donned his helmet good,<br/> +His other arms he had before entire,<br/> +“Up, up!” he cried, “no more, no more, within<br/> +This fortress stay, come follow, die or win.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXV<br/> +Whether the same were Providence divine<br/> +That made him leave the fortress he possessed,<br/> +For that the empire proud of Palestine<br/> +This day should fall, to rise again more blessed;<br/> +Or that he breaking felt the fatal line<br/> +Of life, and would meet death with constant breast,<br/> +Furious and fierce he did the gates unbar,<br/> +And sudden rage brought forth, and sudden war. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVI<br/> +Nor stayed he till the folk on whom he cried<br/> +Assemble might, but out alone he flies,<br/> +A thousand foes the man alone defied,<br/> +And ran among a thousand enemies:<br/> +But with his fury called from every side,<br/> +The rest run out, and Aladine forth hies,<br/> +The cowards had no fear, the wise no care,<br/> +This was not hope, nor courage, but despair. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVII<br/> +The dreadful Turk with sudden blows down cast<br/> +The first he met, nor gave them time to plain<br/> +Or pray, in murdering them he made such haste<br/> +That dead they fell ere one could see them slain;<br/> +From mouth to mouth, from eye to eye forth passed<br/> +The fear and terror, that the faithful train<br/> +Of Syrian folk, not used to dangerous fight,<br/> +Were broken, scattered, and nigh put to flight. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXVIII<br/> +But with less terror, and disorder less,<br/> +The Gascoigns kept array, and kept their ground,<br/> +Though most the loss and peril them oppress,<br/> +Unwares assailed they were, unready found.<br/> +No ravening tooth or talon hard I guess<br/> +Of beast or eager hawk, doth slay and wound<br/> +So many sheep or fowls, weak, feeble, small,<br/> +As his sharp sword killed knights and soldiers tall. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXIX<br/> +It seemed his thirst and hunger ’suage he would<br/> +With their slain bodies, and their blood poured out,<br/> +With him his troops and Aladino old<br/> +Slew their besiegers, killed the Gascoign rout:<br/> +But Raymond ran to meet the Soldan bold,<br/> +Nor to encounter him had fear or doubt,<br/> +Though his right hand by proof too well he know,<br/> +Which laid him late for dead at one huge blow. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXX<br/> +They met, and Raymond fell amid the field,<br/> +This blow again upon his forehead light,<br/> +It was the fault and weakness of his eild,<br/> +Age is not fit to bear strokes of such might,<br/> +Each one lift up his sword, advanced his shield,<br/> +Those would destroy, and these defend the knight.<br/> +On went the Soldan, for the man he thought<br/> +Was slain, or easily might be captive brought. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXI<br/> +Among the rest he ran, he raged, he smote,<br/> +And in small space, small time, great wonders wrought<br/> +And as his rage him led and fury hot,<br/> +To kill and murder, matter new he sought:<br/> +As from his supper poor with hungry throat<br/> +A peasant hastes, to a rich feast ybrought;<br/> +So from this skirmish to the battle great<br/> +He ran, and quenched with blood his fury’s heat. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXII<br/> +Where battered was the wall he sallied out,<br/> +And to the field in haste and heat he goes,<br/> +With him went rage and fury, fear and doubt<br/> +Remained behind, among his scattered foes:<br/> +To win the conquest strove his squadron stout,<br/> +Which he unperfect left; yet loth to lose<br/> +The day, the Christians fight, resist and die,<br/> +And ready were to yield, retire and fly. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIII<br/> +The Gascoign bands retired, but kept array,<br/> +The Syrian people ran away outright,<br/> +The fight was near the place where Tancred lay,<br/> +His house was full of noise and great affright,<br/> +He rose and looked forth to see the fray,<br/> +Though every limb were weak, faint, void of might;<br/> +He saw the country lie, his men o’erthrown,<br/> +Some beaten back, some killed, some felled down. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIV<br/> +Courage in noble hearts that ne’er is spent,<br/> +Yet fainted not, though faint were every limb,<br/> +But reinforced each member cleft and rent,<br/> +And want of blood and strength supplied in him;<br/> +In his left hand his heavy shield he hent,<br/> +Nor seemed the weight too great, his curtlax trim<br/> +His right hand drew, nor for more arms he stood<br/> +Or stayed, he needs no more whose heart is good: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXV<br/> +But coming forth, cried, “Whither will you run,<br/> +And leave your leader to his foes in prey?<br/> +What! shall these heathen of his armor won,<br/> +In their vile temples hang up trophies gay?<br/> +Go home to Gascoign then, and tell his son<br/> +That where his father died, you ran away:”<br/> +This said, against a thousand armed foes,<br/> +He did his breast weak, naked, sick, oppose. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVI<br/> +And with his heavy, strong and mighty targe,<br/> +That with seven hard bulls’ hides was surely lined,<br/> +And strengthened with a cover thick and large<br/> +Of stiff and well-attempered steel behind,<br/> +He shielded Raymond from the furious charge,<br/> +From swords, from darts, from weapons of each kind,<br/> +And all his foes drove back with his sharp blade,<br/> +That sure and safe he lay, as in a shade. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVII<br/> +Thus saved, thus shielded, Raymond ’gan respire,<br/> +He rose and reared himself in little space,<br/> +And in his bosom burned the double fire<br/> +Of vengeance; wrath his heart; shame filled his face;<br/> +He looked around to spy, such was his ire,<br/> +The man whose stroke had laid him in that place,<br/> +Whom when he sees not, for disdain he quakes,<br/> +And on his people sharp revengement takes. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXVIII<br/> +The Gascoigns turn again, their lord in haste<br/> +To venge their loss his band recorded brings,<br/> +The troop that durst so much now stood aghast,<br/> +For where sad fear grew late, now boldness springs,<br/> +Now followed they that fled, fled they that chased;<br/> +So in one hour altereth the state of things,<br/> +Raymond requites his loss, shame, hurt and all,<br/> +And with an hundred deaths revenged one fall. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +LXXXIX<br/> +Whilst Raymond wreaked thus his just disdain<br/> +On the proud-heads of captains, lords and peers,<br/> +He spies great Sion’s king amid the train,<br/> +And to him leaps, and high his sword he rears,<br/> +And on his forehead strikes, and strikes again,<br/> +Till helm and head he breaks, he cleaves, he tears;<br/> +Down fell the king, the guiltless land he bit,<br/> +That now keeps him, because he kept not it. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XC<br/> +Their guides, one murdered thus, the other gone,<br/> +The troops divided were, in diverse thought,<br/> +Despair made some run headlong gainst their fone,<br/> +To seek sharp death that comes uncalled, unsought;<br/> +And some, that laid their hope on flight alone,<br/> +Fled to their fort again; yet chance so wrought,<br/> +That with the flyers in the victors pass,<br/> +And so the fortress won and conquered was. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCI<br/> +The hold was won, slain were the men that fled,<br/> +In courts, halls, chambers high; above, below,<br/> +Old Raymond fast up to the leads him sped,<br/> +And there, of victory true sign and show,<br/> +His glorious standard to the wind he spread,<br/> +That so both armies his success might know.<br/> +But Solyman saw not the town was lost,<br/> +For far from thence he was, and near the host; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCII<br/> +Into the field he came, the lukewarm blood<br/> +Did smoke and flow through all the purple field,<br/> +There of sad death the court and palace stood,<br/> +There did he triumphs lead, and trophies build;<br/> +An armed steed fast by the Soldan yood,<br/> +That had no guide, nor lord the reins to wield,<br/> +The tyrant took the bridle, and bestrode<br/> +The courser’s empty back, and forth he rode. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCIII<br/> +Great, yet but short and sudden was the aid<br/> +That to the Pagans, faint and weak, he brought,<br/> +A thunderbolt he was, you would have said,<br/> +Great, yet that comes and goes as swift as thought<br/> +And of his coming swift and flight unstayed<br/> +Eternal signs in hardest rocks hath wrought,<br/> +For by his hand a hundred knights were slain,<br/> +But time forgot hath all their names but twain; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCIV<br/> +Gildippes fair, and Edward thy dear lord,<br/> +Your noble death, sad end, and woful fate,<br/> +If so much power our vulgar tongue afford,<br/> +To all strange wits, strange ears let me dilate,<br/> +That ages all your love and sweet accord,<br/> +Your virtue, prowess, worth may imitate,<br/> +And some kind servant of true love that hears,<br/> +May grace your death, my verses, with some tears. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCV<br/> +The noble lady thither boldly flew,<br/> +Where first the Soldan fought, and him defied,<br/> +Two mighty blows she gave the Turk untrue,<br/> +One cleft his shield, the other pierced his side;<br/> +The prince the damsel by her habit knew,<br/> +“See, see this mankind strumpet, see,” he cried,<br/> +“This shameless whore, for thee fit weapons were<br/> +Thy neeld and spindle, not a sword and spear.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCVI<br/> +This said, full of disdain, rage and despite,<br/> +A strong, a fierce, a deadly stroke he gave,<br/> +And pierced her armor, pierced her bosom white,<br/> +Worthy no blows, but blows of love to have:<br/> +Her dying hand let go the bridle quite,<br/> +She faints, she falls, ’twixt life and death she strave,<br/> +Her lord to help her came, but came too late,<br/> +Yet was not that his fault, it was his fate. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCVII<br/> +What should he do? to diverse parts him call<br/> +Just ire and pity kind, one bids him go<br/> +And succor his dear lady, like to fall,<br/> +The other calls for vengeance on his foe;<br/> +Love biddeth both, love says he must do all,<br/> +And with his ire joins grief, with pity woe.<br/> +What did he then? with his left hand the knight<br/> +Would hold her up, revenge her with his right. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCVIII<br/> +But to resist against a knight so bold<br/> +Too weak his will and power divided were;<br/> +So that he could not his fair love uphold,<br/> +Nor kill the cruel man that slew his dear.<br/> +His arm that did his mistress kind enfold,<br/> +The Turk cut off, pale grew his looks and cheer,<br/> +He let her fall, himself fell by her side,<br/> +And, for he could not save her, with her died. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +XCIX<br/> +As the high elm, whom his dear vine hath twined<br/> +Fast in her hundred arms and holds embraced,<br/> +Bears down to earth his spouse and darling kind<br/> +If storm or cruel steel the tree down cast,<br/> +And her full grapes to naught doth bruise and grind,<br/> +Spoils his own leaves, faints, withers, dies at last,<br/> +And seems to mourn and die, not for his own,<br/> +But for her death, with him that lies o’erthrown: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +C<br/> +So fell he mourning, mourning for the dame<br/> +Whom life and death had made forever his;<br/> +They would have spoke, but not one word could frame,<br/> +Deep sobs their speech, sweet sighs their language is,<br/> +Each gazed on other’s eyes, and while the same<br/> +Is lawful, join their hands, embrace and kiss:<br/> +And thus sharp death their knot of life untied,<br/> +Together fainted they, together died. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CI<br/> +But now swift fame her nimble wings dispread,<br/> +And told eachwhere their chance, their fate, their fall,<br/> +Rinaldo heard the case, by one that fled<br/> +From the fierce Turk and brought him news of all.<br/> +Disdain, good-will, woe, wrath the champion led<br/> +To take revenge; shame, grief, for vengeance call;<br/> +But as he went, Adrastus with his blade<br/> +Forestalled the way, and show of combat made. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CII<br/> +The giant cried, “By sundry signs I note<br/> +That whom I wish, I search, thou, thou art he,<br/> +I marked each worthy’s shield, his helm, his coat,<br/> +And all this day have called and cried for thee,<br/> +To my sweet saint I have thy head devote,<br/> +Thou must my sacrifice, my offering be,<br/> +Come let us here our strength and courage try,<br/> +Thou art Armida’s foe, her champion I.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CIII<br/> +Thus he defied him, on his front before,<br/> +And on his throat he struck him, yet the blow<br/> +His helmet neither bruised, cleft nor tore,<br/> +But in his saddle made him bend and bow;<br/> +Rinaldo hit him on the flank so sore,<br/> +That neither art nor herb could help him now;<br/> +Down fell the giant strong, one blow such power,<br/> +Such puissance had; so falls a thundered tower. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CIV<br/> +With horror, fear, amazedness and dread,<br/> +Cold were the hearts of all that saw the fray,<br/> +And Solyman, that viewed that noble deed,<br/> +Trembled, his paleness did his fear bewray;<br/> +For in that stroke he did his end areed,<br/> +He wist not what to think, to do, to say,<br/> +A thing in him unused, rare and strange,<br/> +But so doth heaven men’s hearts turn, alter, change. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CV<br/> +As when the sick or frantic men oft dream<br/> +In their unquiet sleep and slumber short,<br/> +And think they run some speedy course, and seem<br/> +To move their legs and feet in hasty sort,<br/> +Yet feel their limbs far slower than the stream<br/> +Of their vain thoughts that bears them in this sport,<br/> +And oft would speak, would cry, would call or shout,<br/> +Yet neither sound, nor voice, nor word send out: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CVI<br/> +So run to fight the angry Soldan would,<br/> +And did enforce his strength, his might, his ire,<br/> +Yet felt not in himself his courage old,<br/> +His wonted force, his rage and hot desire,<br/> +His eyes, that sparkled wrath and fury bold,<br/> +Grew dim and feeble, fear had quenched that fire,<br/> +And in his heart an hundred passions fought,<br/> +Yet none on fear or base retire he thought. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CVII<br/> +While unresolved he stood, the victor knight<br/> +Arrived, and seemed in quickness, haste and speed,<br/> +In boldness, greatness, goodliness and might,<br/> +Above all princes born of human seed:<br/> +The Turk small while resists, not death nor fight<br/> +Made him forget his state or race, through dreed,<br/> +He fled no strokes, he fetched no groan nor sigh,<br/> +Bold were his motions last, proud, stately, high. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CVIII<br/> +Now when the Soldan, in these battles past<br/> +That Antheus-like oft fell oft rose again,<br/> +Evermore fierce, more fell, fell down at last<br/> +To lie forever, when this prince was slain,<br/> +Fortune, that seld is stable, firm or fast,<br/> +No longer durst resist the Christian train,<br/> +But ranged herself in row with Godfrey’s knights,<br/> +With them she serves, she runs, she rides, she fights. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CIX<br/> +The Pagan troops, the king’s own squadron fled,<br/> +Of all the east, the strength, the pride, the flower,<br/> +Late called Immortal, now discomfited,<br/> +It lost that title proud, and lost all power;<br/> +To him that with the royal standard fled,<br/> +Thus Emireno said, with speeches sour,<br/> +“Art not thou he to whom to bear I gave<br/> +My king’s great banner, and his standard brave? +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CX<br/> +“This ensign, Rimedon, I gave not thee<br/> +To be the witness of thy fear and flight,<br/> +Coward, dost thou thy lord and captain see<br/> +In battle strong, and runn’st thyself from fight?<br/> +What seek’st thou? safety? come, return with me,<br/> +The way to death is path to virtue right,<br/> +Here let him fight that would escape; for this<br/> +The way to honor, way to safety is.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXI<br/> +The man returned and swelled with scorn and shame,<br/> +The duke with speeches grave exhorts the rest;<br/> +He threats, he strikes sometime, till back they came,<br/> +And rage gainst force, despair gainst death addressed.<br/> +Thus of his broken armies gan he frame<br/> +A battle now, some hope dwelt in his breast,<br/> +But Tisiphernes bold revived him most,<br/> +Who fought and seemed to win, when all was lost; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXII<br/> +Wonders that day wrought noble Tisipherne,<br/> +The hardy Normans all he overthrew;<br/> +The Flemings fled before the champion stern,<br/> +Gernier, Rogero, Gerard bold he slew;<br/> +His glorious deeds to praise and fame etern<br/> +His life’s short date prolonged, enlarged and drew,<br/> +And then, as he that set sweet life at nought,<br/> +The greatest peril, danger, most he sought. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXIII<br/> +He spied Rinaldo, and although his field<br/> +Of azure purple now and sanguine shows,<br/> +And though the silver bird amid his shield<br/> +Were armed gules; yet he the champion knows.<br/> +And says, “Here greatest peril is, heavens yield<br/> +Strength to my courage, fortune to my blows,<br/> +That fair Armida her revenge may see,<br/> +Help, Macon, for his arms I vow to thee.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXIV<br/> +Thus prayed he, but all his vows were vain,<br/> +Mahound was deaf, or slept in heavens above,<br/> +And as a lion strikes him with his train,<br/> +His native wrath to quicken and to move,<br/> +So he awaked his fury and disdain,<br/> +And sharped his courage on the whetstone love;<br/> +Himself he saved behind his mighty targe,<br/> +And forward spurred his steed and gave the charge. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXV<br/> +The Christian saw the hardy warrior come,<br/> +And leaped forth to undertake the fight,<br/> +The people round about gave place and room,<br/> +And wondered on that fierce and cruel sight,<br/> +Some praised their strength, their skill and courage some,<br/> +Such and so desperate blows struck either knight,<br/> +That all that saw forgot both ire and strife,<br/> +Their wounds, their hurts, forgot both death and life. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXVI<br/> +One struck, the other did both strike and wound,<br/> +His arms were surer, and his strength was more;<br/> +From Tisipherne the blood streamed down around;<br/> +His shield was cleft, his helm was rent and tore.<br/> +The dame, that saw his blood besmear the ground,<br/> +His armor broke, limbs weak, wounds deep and sore,<br/> +And all her guard dead, fled, and overthrown,<br/> +Thought, now her field lay waste, her hedge lay down: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXVII<br/> +Environed with so brave a troop but late,<br/> +Now stood she in her chariot all alone,<br/> +She feared bondage, and her life did hate,<br/> +All hope of conquest and revenge was gone,<br/> +Half mad and half amazed from where she sate,<br/> +She leaped down, and fled from friends’ and fone,<br/> +On a swift horse she mounts, and forth she rides<br/> +Alone, save for disdain and love, her guides. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXVIII<br/> +In days of old, Queen Cleopatra so<br/> +Alone fled from the fight and cruel fray,<br/> +Against Augustus great his happy foe,<br/> +Leaving her lord to loss and sure decay.<br/> +And as that lord for love let honor go,<br/> +Followed her flying sails and lost the day:<br/> +So Tisipherne the fair and fearful dame<br/> +Would follow, but his foe forbids the same. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXIX<br/> +But when the Pagan’s joy and comfort fled,<br/> +It seemed the sun was set, the day was night,<br/> +Gainst the brave prince with whom he combated<br/> +He turned, and on the forehead struck the knight:<br/> +When thunders forged are in Typhoius’ bed,<br/> +Not Brontes’ hammer falls so swift, so right;<br/> +The furious stroke fell on Rinaldo’s crest,<br/> +And made him bend his head down to his breast. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXX<br/> +The champion in his stirrups high upstart,<br/> +And cleft his hauberk hard and tender side,<br/> +And sheathed his weapon in the Pagan’s heart,<br/> +The castle where man’s life and soul do bide;<br/> +The cruel sword his breast and hinder part<br/> +With double wound unclosed, and opened wide;<br/> +And two large doors made for his life and breath,<br/> +Which passed, and cured hot love with frozen death. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXI<br/> +This done, Rinaldo stayed and looked around,<br/> +Where he should harm his foes, or help his friends;<br/> +Nor of the Pagans saw he squadron sound:<br/> +Each standard falls, ensign to earth descends;<br/> +His fury quiet then and calm he found,<br/> +There all his wrath, his rage, and rancor ends,<br/> +He called to mind how, far from help or aid,<br/> +Armida fled, alone, amazed, afraid: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXII<br/> +Well saw he when she fled, and with that sight<br/> +The prince had pity, courtesy and care;<br/> +He promised her to be her friend and knight<br/> +When erst he left her in the island bare:<br/> +The way she fled he ran and rode aright,<br/> +Her palfrey’s feet signs in the grass outware:<br/> +But she this while found out an ugly shade,<br/> +Fit place for death, where naught could life persuade. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXIII<br/> +Well pleased was she with those shadows brown,<br/> +And yet displeased with luck, with life, with love;<br/> +There from her steed she lighted, there laid down<br/> +Her bow and shafts, her arms that helpless prove.<br/> +“There lie with shame,” she says, “disgraced, o’erthrown,<br/> +Blunt are the weapons, blunt the arms I move,<br/> +Weak to revenge my harms, or harm my foe,<br/> +My shafts are blunt, ah, love, would thine were so! +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXIV<br/> +Alas, among so many, could not one,<br/> +Not one draw blood, one wound or rend his skin?<br/> +All other breasts to you are marble stone,<br/> +Dare you then pierce a woman’s bosom thin?<br/> +See, see, my naked heart, on this alone<br/> +Employ your force this fort is eath to win,<br/> +And love will shoot you from his mighty bow,<br/> +Weak is the shot that dripile falls in snow. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXV<br/> +“I pardon will your fear and weakness past,<br/> +Be strong, mine arrows, cruel, sharp, gainst me,<br/> +Ah, wretch, how is thy chance and fortune cast,<br/> +If placed in these thy good and comfort be?<br/> +But since all hope is vain all help is waste,<br/> +Since hurts ease hurts, wounds must cure wounds in thee;<br/> +Then with thine arrow’s stroke cure stroke of love,<br/> +Death for thy heart must salve and surgeon prove. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXVI<br/> +“And happy me if, being dead and slain,<br/> +I bear not with me this strange plague to hell:<br/> +Love, stay behind, come thou with me disdain,<br/> +And with my wronged soul forever dwell;<br/> +Or else with it turn to the world again<br/> +And vex that knight with dreams and visions fell,<br/> +And tell him, when twixt life and death I strove<br/> +My last wish, was revenge—last word, was love.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXVII<br/> +And with that word half mad, half dead, she seems,<br/> +An arrow, poignant, strong and sharp she took,<br/> +When her dear knight found her in these extremes,<br/> +Now fit to die, and pass the Stygian brook,<br/> +Now prest to quench her own and beauty’s beams;<br/> +Now death sat on her eyes, death in her look,<br/> +When to her back he stepped, and stayed her arm<br/> +Stretched forth to do that service last, last harm. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXVIII<br/> +She turns and, ere she knows, her lord she spies,<br/> +Whose coming was unwished, unthought, unknown,<br/> +She shrieks, and twines away her sdainful eyes<br/> +From his sweet face, she falls dead in a swoon,<br/> +Falls as a flower half cut, that bending lies:<br/> +He held her up, and lest she tumble down,<br/> +Under her tender side his arm he placed,<br/> +His hand her girdle loosed, her gown unlaced; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXIX<br/> +And her fair face, fair bosom he bedews<br/> +With tears, tears of remorse, of ruth, of sorrow.<br/> +As the pale rose her color lost renews<br/> +With the fresh drops fallen from the silver morrow,<br/> +So she revives, and cheeks empurpled shows<br/> +Moist with their own tears and with tears they borrow;<br/> +Thrice looked she up, her eyes thrice closed she;<br/> +As who say, “Let me die, ere look on thee.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXX<br/> +And his strong arm, with weak and feeble hand<br/> +She would have thrust away, loosed and untwined:<br/> +Oft strove she, but in vain, to break that band,<br/> +For he the hold he got not yet resigned,<br/> +Herself fast bound in those dear knots she fand,<br/> +Dear, though she feigned scorn, strove and repined:<br/> +At last she speaks, she weeps, complains and cries;<br/> +Yet durst not, did not, would not see his eyes. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXXI<br/> +“Cruel at thy departure, at return<br/> +As cruel, say, what chance thee hither guideth,<br/> +Would’st thou prevent her death whose heart forlorn<br/> +For thee, for thee death’s strokes each hour divideth?<br/> +Com’st thou to save my life? alas, what scorn,<br/> +What torment for Armida poor abideth?<br/> +No, no, thy crafts and sleights I well descry,<br/> +But she can little do that cannot die. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXXII<br/> +“Thy triumph is not great nor well arrayed<br/> +Unless in chains thou lead a captive dame:<br/> +A dame now ta’en by force, before betrayed,<br/> +This is thy greatest glory, greatest fame:<br/> +Time was that thee of love and life I prayed,<br/> +Let death now end my love, my life, my shame.<br/> +Yet let not thy false hand bereave this breath,<br/> +For if it were thy gift, hateful were death. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXXIII<br/> +“Cruel, myself an hundred ways can find,<br/> +To rid me from thy malice, from thy hate,<br/> +If weapons sharp, if poisons of all kind,<br/> +If fire, if strangling fail, in that estate,<br/> +Yet ways enough I know to stop this wind:<br/> +A thousand entries hath the house of fate.<br/> +Ah, leave these flatteries, leave weak hope to move,<br/> +Cease, cease, my hope is dead, dead is my love.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXXIV<br/> +Thus mourned she, and from her watery eyes<br/> +Disdain and love dropped down, rolled up in tears;<br/> +From his pure fountains ran two streams likewise,<br/> +Wherein chaste pity and mild ruth appears:<br/> +Thus with sweet words the queen he pacifies,<br/> +“Madam, appease your grief, your wrath, your fears,<br/> +For to be crowned, not scorned, your life I save;<br/> +Your foe nay, but your friend, your knight, your slave. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXXV<br/> +“But if you trust no speech, no oath, no word;<br/> +Yet in mine eyes, my zeal, my truth behold:<br/> +For to that throne, whereof thy sire was lord,<br/> +I will restore thee, crown thee with that gold,<br/> +And if high Heaven would so much grace afford<br/> +As from thy heart this cloud this veil unfold<br/> +Of Paganism, in all the east no dame<br/> +Should equalize thy fortune, state and fame.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXXVI<br/> +Thus plaineth he, thus prays, and his desire<br/> +Endears with sighs that fly and tears that fall;<br/> +That as against the warmth of Titan’s fire,<br/> +Snowdrifts consume on tops of mountains tall,<br/> +So melts her wrath; but love remains entire.<br/> +“Behold,” she says, “your handmaid and your thrall:<br/> +My life, my crown, my wealth use at your pleasure;”<br/> +Thus death her life became, loss proved her treasure. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXXVII<br/> +This while the captain of the Egyptian host,—<br/> +That saw his royal standard laid on ground,<br/> +Saw Rimedon, that ensign’s prop and post,<br/> +By Godfrey’s noble hand killed with one wound,<br/> +And all his folk discomfit, slain and lost,<br/> +No coward was in this last battle found,<br/> +But rode about and sought, nor sought in vain,<br/> +Some famous hand of which he might be slain; +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXXVIII<br/> +Against Lord Godfrey boldly out he flew,<br/> +For nobler foe he wished not, could not spy,<br/> +Of desperate courage showed he tokens true,<br/> +Where’er he joined, or stayed, or passed by,<br/> +And cried to the Duke as near he drew,<br/> +“Behold of thy strong hand I come to die,<br/> +Yet trust to overthrow thee with my fall,<br/> +My castle’s ruins shall break down thy wall.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXXXIX<br/> +This said, forth spurred they both, both high advance<br/> +Their swords aloft, both struck at once, both hit,<br/> +His left arm wounded had the knight of France,<br/> +His shield was pierced, his vantbrace cleft and split,<br/> +The Pagan backward fell, half in a trance,<br/> +On his left ear his foe so hugely smit,<br/> +And as he sought to rise, Godfredo’s sword<br/> +Pierced him through, so died that army’s lord. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXL<br/> +Of his great host, when Emiren was dead,<br/> +Fled the small remnant that alive remained;<br/> +Godfrey espied as he turned his steed,<br/> +Great Altamore on foot, with blood all stained,<br/> +With half a sword, half helm upon his head,<br/> +Gainst whom a hundred fought, yet not one gained.<br/> +“Cease, cease this strife,” he cried: “and thou, brave knight,<br/> +Yield, I am Godfrey, yield thee to my might!” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXLI<br/> +He that till then his proud and haughty heart<br/> +To act of humbleness did never bend,<br/> +When that great name he heard, from the north part<br/> +Of our wide world renowned to Aethiop’s end,<br/> +Answered, “I yield to thee, thou worthy art,<br/> +I am thy prisoner, fortune is thy friend:<br/> +On Altamoro great thy conquest bold<br/> +Of glory shall be rich, and rich of gold: +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXLII<br/> +“My loving queen, my wife and lady kind<br/> +Shall ransom me with jewels, gold and treasure.”<br/> +“God shield,” quoth Godfrey, “that my noble mind<br/> +Should praise and virtue so by profit measure,<br/> +All that thou hast from Persia and from Inde<br/> +Enjoy it still, therein I take no pleasure;<br/> +I set no rent on life, no price on blood,<br/> +I fight, and sell not war for gold or good.” +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXLIII<br/> +This said, he gave him to his knights to keep<br/> +And after those that fled his course he bent;<br/> +They to their rampiers fled and trenches deep,<br/> +Yet could not so death’s cruel stroke prevent:<br/> +The camp was won, and all in blood doth steep<br/> +The blood in rivers streamed from tent to tent,<br/> +It soiled, defiled, defaced all the prey,<br/> +Shields, helmets, armors, plumes and feathers gay. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +CXLIV<br/> +Thus conquered Godfrey, and as yet the sun<br/> +Dived not in silver waves his golden wain,<br/> +But daylight served him to the fortress won<br/> +With his victorious host to turn again,<br/> +His bloody coat he put not off, but run<br/> +To the high temple with his noble train,<br/> +And there hung up his arms, and there he bows<br/> +His knees, there prayed, and there performed his vows. +</p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JERUSALEM DELIVERED ***</div> +<div style='text-align:left'> + +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will +be renamed. +</div> + +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, +so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United +States without permission and without paying copyright +royalties. 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