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 10 And for her sake those valorous deeds achieve, 15 Which after-ages scarcely could believe. Rogero, with the two, as late I told, (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, 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. That man were I---(thus Aldiger reply'd) With thee the sword to wield, the spear to guide: Bids us refuse what courage bids thee ask; A task, that scarce permits these few short words, For just excuse, (the stranger thus replies) 30 30 35 40 45 And sure three knights you seem whose dauntless worth 39 50 |