At length he found along the tented coast To him again recall the wandering rhyme. 110 What next to fair Angelica befel, Who late escap'd the madman's hand so well, 115 That Europe boasts in all her bloom of charms, 120 And Isabella chaste to Heaven aspir'd. Though Mandricardo heard with conscious pride The dame in his behalf the cause decide, 125 130 To make each warrior's angry strife subside: Ver. 109. But let us leave the earl,] He returns to Orlando, Book xxxix. ver. 277. Ver. 116. Others may sing ---] Angelica and Medoro appear no more in the course of this work. But nor Rogero will the Tartar knight Then Agramant--No more at variance fall, 135 Let chance of lots each knight to battle call: And let us prove, whom Fortune first may name; Of him she favours, I confirm the claim : 140 If yet you hold your sovereign's love so dear, When lots decide who first the fight shall wage, 145 Ver. 118. - for each shall lose:] It may not be amiss to take a little retrospect, in order to see how the matter was settled by Agramant, which seems rather to require some explanation. By the first lots that were drawn, the combatants stood thus: first, Rodomont and Mandricardo: second, Mandricardo and Rogero: third, Rodomont and Rogero: fourth, Mandricardo and Marphisa. The list being prepared for the fight between Rodemont and Mandricardo, while these knights are arming themselves, a new dispute arises between them and Gradasso and Sacripant, for Durindana and Frontino, which puts a stop to the expected combat between Rodomont and Mandricardo. Marphisa adds to the confusion by carrying off Brunello prisoner, whom she accuses of stealing her sword; and Rogero seeing the order of the lots disturbed, claims again his horse from Rodomont. Agramant, to settle the first dispute between Rodomont and Mandricardo, orders the cause to be determined by Doralis, who chusing Mandricardo, her former lover quits the camp with indignation. The list now remained according to the first lots, to be entered by Rogero and Mandricardo, but Gradasso persisting still to claim Durindana from Mandricardo, Agramant proposes that lots should be again drawn to determine whether Rogero or Gradasso should first engage with Mandricardo, So nearly, held in equal balance, weighs But no dishonour on the loser fall, 150 155 Whate'er betide, impute to Fortune all. Silent Rogero and Gradasso heard The prudent counsel of their king rever'd, 5 And each agreed, whom chance the knight might make, 160 = And, shaking round, the lots a stripling drew. 8 Nor less the Sericanian chief repines: But who shall that oppose which Heaven designs? 165 170 and to prevent future strife, proposes that whoever draws the lot of combats shall determine both his own claim and the claim of the knight who loses the lot; that when Rogero wins or loses, he shall not only win or lose the eagle for himself, but Gradasso shall, in right of his conquest, or in consequence of his defeat, take possession of Durindana or relinquish his claim; and in like manner Rogero shall in right of Gradasso's conquest, or in consequence of his defeat, continue to bear the shield of Hector, or relinquish the claim. In this last disposition of the lots, no provision seems to be made for the termination of Marphisa's quarrel with Mandricardo. By long experience in the fields of fight, To win the day instructs the youthful knight: The trenchant sword, or lift the covering shield; What to his arm the foe may open leave, Which stroke may reach, and which his aim deceive; 175 And all war's arts he points him one by one. The lists prepar'd; ere since the lots were cast On either side the remnant day was past, As custom wills, in many a kind address (As each inclines) for either knight's success, 180 And all the signs of love that parting friends express. Since one such warrior lost must weaken more 185 190 195 200 Than thousands slain, amidst whose numerous band But if they scorn'd to hear the sound of peace, 205 At least some months might each from quarrel cease, 210 His crown and mantle won; and from his hand But more than Agramant, and more than each With prayers and tears his steadfast mind to move; 215 220 What have I gain'd, so late o'erjoy'd to find Ah! me (she cry'd) what more shall soothe my breast, Or calm henceforth my troubled thoughts to rest? When some new cause for ever can prevail To make thee sheath thy limbs in plate and mail? 226 230 |