THE ARGUMENT.

ROGERO, Richardetto, and Aldiger, meet an unknown warrior, who joins their party. They attack the troops of Maganza and the Moor, and defeat them. Rogero and Marphisa signalize their valour. The prisoners, Malagigi and Vivian are set at liberty. The warriors reposing themselves after the battle, Malagigi explains to the rest the mystical sculpture on the fountain made by Merlin. Hippalca arrives, and gives an account to Richardetto and Rogero of her losing Frontino, which was taken away by Kodomont. Rogero departs to revenge the affront. Arrival of Rodomont, Mandricardo, and Doralis: Mandricardo jousts with all the knights, and overthrows them: His battle with Marphisa. Rogero returns to the fountain. Strange dissentions amongst the warriors. Rogero claims his horse of Rodomont; and Mandricardo wrangles with Rogero for the device on his shield. Rodomont, Mandricardo, and Rogero fight: Marphisa takes part with Rogero. Malagigi, fearing for the safety of Richardetto, attacked by Rodomont, causes, by his magic art, a demon to enter the horse of Doralis, which carrying her away, she is immediately followed by Mandricardo and Rodomont, who are afterwards pursued by Rogero and Marphisa.

THE

LIBRARY

TWENTY-SIXTH BOOK S

OF

ORLANDO FURIOSO.

THE generous dames, of ancient time, despis’d
The charms of wealth, and virtue only priz'd:
In this our age we see the female train
Scarce bend a wish to aught but sordid gain.
Yet those who, blest with inbred goodness, shun
That love of gold which has the sex undone,
Living, content and peace may justly claim;
And, dead, should find the meed of endless fame.
For ever, sure, must Bradamant be prais'd,
Who not her thoughts to power or riches rais'd,
But lov'd, whate'er bespoke the noble mind,
Grace, courage, honour, in Rogero join'd;
And well deserv'd a knight of such desert
Should bear her image in his constant heart;

10

And for her sake those valorous deeds achieve,

15

Which after-ages scarcely could believe.

Rogero, with the two, as late I told,
With Aldiger and Richardetto bold,

(The knights of Clarmont) bright in steel array'd, Prepar'd to give the brother-prisoners aid.

I told you how a warrior cross'd the field,

Of fearless gesture, bearing on his shield

The bird that from its ashes springs to birth,
And (strange to tell) but one appears on earth.

20

Soon as the knight unknown, advancing, view'd 25 Where each brave chief prepar'd for combat stood, Eager he burn'd to prove, in martial deed,

How far their valour with their looks agreed.
Is there amongst you one who dares (he cries)
With me in single fight dispute the prize?
With spear or sword in rough encounter meet,
Till one shall fall, while one retains his seat?

That man were I---(thus Aldiger reply'd)

With thee the sword to wield, the spear to guide:
But (as thyself shalt see) far other task

Bids us refuse what courage bids thee ask;

A task, that scarce permits these few short words,
Much less the time to run at tilt affords.
Behold, where station'd here we three prepare,
At least six hundred men in arms to dare,
That by our love and valour may be freed
Two wretched friends, to cruel bonds decreed.
He said; and to the brave unknown reveal'd
The cause at full that brought them to the field.
Well hast thou urg'd such reasons as suffice

For just excuse, (the stranger thus replies)

30

30

35

40

45

And sure three knights you seem whose dauntless worth
Scarce meets its equal through the spacious earth.
With you I sought, erewhile, to run the course
On equal terms, for proof of either's force:

39

50