She view'd the visage of her prostrate foe, With wrinkles furrow'd o'er, and worn with woe; 185 Who, by his silver locks and reverend mien, At least the course of seventy years had seen. 190 For Heaven's sake, youth! conclude the fatal strife, (The lost magician said) and take my life. But she no less to save his life conspir'd, Than he to leave the hated light desir'd. Meantime a new desire possess'd the dame, To learn th' enchanter's country, and his name; And what he by that rocky tower design'd, Built in a wild, to ravage all mankind. Alas! for no ill purpose (thus replies 195 The old enchanter, mingling tears and sighs) On yon steep rock I built my settled home, Nor avarice makes me round the country roam; But fond affection would my soul incite, 200 To save from peril great a gentle knight, 205 210 215 With gallant dames and knights I fill'd the place, With many others of the noblest race; That, though deny'd to leave this safe retreat, Society might make his bondage sweet. Except their freedom, I with care provide Whate'er the world affords each various coast 220 225. A gentle heart, in pity hear my prayer. 230 And take that flying steed which once was mine. 235 But if, alas! ev'n him thou wouldst remove; And free this spirit from her house of pain. To this the maid---Thy fruitless plaints give o'er, 240 No longer yours, by right of conquest mine: For this Rogero is confin'd with care, T'avoid the threatening influence of his star! 245 1 O blind to fate! or, grant you can foresce, What human power shall alter Heaven's decree? Request not death from me; such prayers are vain: Atlantes from the threshold mov'd a stone, The vanquish'd castle left the mountain bare. 250 258 260 265 270 275 While many view'd their present state with pain, 280 And wish'd for pleasing slavery again. 285 Here noble Bradamant with joy perceiv'd Her lov'd Rogero, him for whom she griev'd; Who, when he saw the beauteous maid, express'd 290 As one he valu'd, to his soul more dear So vast a pleasure fill'd his ravish'd mind, He deem'd himself the happiest of mankind. 295 From shameful bondage freed, the warriors came, 300 Where in the valley stood the conquering dame: And where the wondrous courser they beheld, Who wore the buckler in the veil conceal'd. Iroldo,---] Christian knights in Ver. 283.--Prasildo......285. Boyardo's poem, who had been imprisoned with Rinaldo, Dudon, and others, in a castle in the east, and being afterwards delivered, set out with Rinaldo for France, to the assistance of Charlemain, and are here supposed to have been taken prisoners by Atlantes. Ver. 292. Ere since the day,-] See General View of Boyardo's Story. The damsel now to seize his reins essay'd, And, till she nearer drew, the courser stay'd; 305 But soon he spreads his wings, and spurns the plain; Eager she follows, where she sees the steed Now here, now there descending on the mead. 310 Thus, on the sandy shore, in mazy rounds, Alike each knight his several art apply'd; Some on the hills, some planted on the plain, As best they thought the winged steed to gain; This was Atlantes' work, whose aged breast A thousand anxious boding fears oppress'd, Who oft had rack'd his thoughts with pious care, For this he bids the griffin-horse alight, 315 320 To bear from Europe's climes the youthful knight. 325 But the steed, stopping short, refus'd t' obey. 330 Ver. 328.-Frontino-] The horse which Brunello stole from Sacripant, and gave to Rogero. See General View of Boyardo's Story. |