THE ARGUMENT. RUMOUR of Gradasso's hostile purpose.-Speech and resolution of Charlemagne.-Rinaldo appointed to lead the forces. Their junction with the Saracens. Gradasso's troops invest Barcelona.-Gallant deed of Grandonio.Battle between the Saracens and the allies.-Proposal of Gradasso to Rinaldo.-Cessation of the general action. CANTO V. BORNE on the restless wing of busy fame, Alarms incessant from all quarters came; And Rumour, with her thousand tongues, relates What legions had o'errun th' Iberian states.— Nor this alone-but told th' exulting boast Of fierce Gradasso, and his lawless host, To pass the high pil'd hills that awful rise, And veil their dusky summits in the skies; Nor rest till Gaul his conqu'ring arms should gain, And its proud sov'reign swell his vassal train. To foil those daring aims, and overthrow Th' ambitious projects of this active foe, Our bord'ring realms, 'tis time to shun the doom. What though a diff'rent faith Marsilius own, 21 The storm that shakes him, soon may reach our throne. Gradasso's boasts astound the gen'ral ear, And what he thus conceives, he'll surely dare. Then with the Saracens let Christians join 25 Their efforts, to defeat his bold design. Beats there a heart so void of honor's fire, As not to bound, elated with desire, In such a cause ?-Is any breast so chill, As coldly to endure a country's ill, Endear❜d by native ties, and ev'ry claim By strong affection priz'd, and honest fame?- Its ardour flashes from your conscious eyes It urges-it inspirits-it inspires All that the service of the State requires. A band thus leagued, at sacred duty's call, Will bravely conquer, or will glorious fall. Join'd by one int'rest, by one spirit sway'd, 30 35 Then let us hasten to Marsilius' aid. Instead of waiting our proud foe's advance, Let us in distant fields abide the chance Of arms, and firmly make a noble stand, 40 To save from spoilers our beloved land. In this career from cruelty forbear, 45 And think that all mankind our brethren are.— |