Should it be yours to rob me of my life, Your wish pursue-but if to you the strife Shall fatal prove-presumptuous as you are, Unless o'er-ruling fate my aim confounds, 365 I'll follow her to earth's most distant bounds." 370 This rude response awoke Orlando's rage Again he burns the Spaniard to engage. "The boon (he cries) I ask'd you to afford, Another knight would readily accord; But well I know that sentiments refin'd Possess no influence o'er a clownish mind; Yet do not vainly think I e'er shall cede To you the vict❜ry or the lovely maid: Propitious to your glory or your love." 375 380 In direful combat now the warriors close, And threat'ning death attends their pow'rful blows; With more than human efforts each displays 385 A valour and a skill that wonder raise, While doubtful victory suspends her scales, But lo! a damsel on the field appears, Attended by a 'squire, advanc'd in years; A snow-white mule she rode-a sable veil Her beauties screen'd from each injurious gale; 390 395 Or tells me where Ferrau does now reside." 400 She spoke and casting round her weeping eyes, Beheld the Saracen, with strong surprize: Such was her joy at this most welcome sight, She rush'd between the knights engag'd in fight, 405 Or from their wrath, or from the trenchant sword. Although incensed, and obstinate to gain The field, the knights from violence now abstain, Cease with Ferrau to try your warlike force; His duty calls him to another course— A family in woe his succours need ; Ah, let the warrior hasten to their aid. K 415 Should fortune ever grant a prosp'rous day, The gen'rous bounty grateful I'll repay." 420 Great minds to gen'rous deeds are strongly prone, And never was the brave Orlando kuown, With inattention cold, or frown severe, To meet the woe-struck suppliant's earnest pray'r. "Fair dame, (he answers) ruthless were the heart That would not in thy sorrows take a part.— Though from Ferrau I may complain of wrong, 426 And could he not the purpose well fulfil, This arm I'd offer to perform your will." 430 The dame, this kind compassion to requite, Low bow'd-then thus address'd the Spanish knight: "Son of a royal and illustrious pair, Marsilius and Lanfusa, lend an ear Attend, while I the various ills relate That threat with ruin thy paternal seat; Nor waste on idle broils, in foreign lands, That prowess which thy country's weal demands. 435 This dark disguise my form no more shall hide; 440 In me thy sister Flordepina view, And let my voice thy patriot zeal renew. From ocean's bosom a ferocious band Has sprung, to desolate our hapless land; And equal ire his fell attempts display 'Gainst Saracens and Christians-all are foes 445 Who would his dire ambitious schemes oppose. 450 It seems as if to all his gods he swore, The European race should breathe no more. |