Unless o'er-ruling Heav'n direct his mind,
His best designs with error are entwin'd;

And he who quits religion's safer way,

In vice's pathless wilds is doom'd to stray,

A wretched wand'rer, ne'er to reach the goal

Vain earthly wisdom promis'd to his soul.

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529

In silence deep the knight his scheme conceal'd,

Which soon were frustrate, had it been reveal'd.

So great the love that ev'ry breast inspir'd,

That all had warr'd to shield the nymph admir'd;

And ev'ry warrior would decry the deed,

And ev'ry tongue against the outrage plead.

Hence to no mortal ear he breath'd his will,

Nor partner sought his purpose to fulfil :

In his dark bosom he revolv'd a plan,

By fiends inspir'd, too dreadful far for man.

335

THE

EXPEDITION OF GRADASSO.

CANTO II.

THE ARGUMENT.

Consequences of Malagigi's project.-Astolpho comes to the fountain of Merlin, to combat with Argalia.-Issue of the engagement. -Ferrau arrives.-Battle between him and Argalia.-Refuses to submit to the terms of agreement.Fights with the four giants, conquers them, and again dares Argalia to resume the contest.

CANTO II.

THIS project form'd, Agrismont's daring son,

Elate in mind, almost conceiv'd it done.

No juster thought arose that virtue still,

In seeking good, avoids the paths of ill;

Nor rashly dares to break that dread command,

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Which curbs the vengeful and inhuman hand.
Fir'd with impatience till the day was spent,
(As darkness best might favor his intent)
O'erjoy'd he view'd the streaks of setting light;
He hail'd the murky shadows of the night;

And once again the demons call'd to bear

To that sweet spot where rests the lovely fair,
Near Merlin's fountain-instantly obey'd,

The sprights transport him to an ample mead,

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