THE ARGUMENT.

FERRAU makes a proposal which is rejected by Angelica, who betakes herself to flight.-The contest between Ferrau and Argalia is renewed.-Catastrophe of the dispute.Ferrau departs in pursuit of Angelica.-Astolpho acquaints Rinaldo of the events he has witnessed, who follows the path of Ferrau.-Orlando also goes in search of the fair fugitive.-Astolpho carries off the prize at the jousts.Injustice of Charlemagne.

CANTO III.

As two fierce lions, fraught with wildest rage,

(When in Hircanian forests they engage) Impetuous rush-so rush'd the ireful foes;

The vaulted sky re-echoed with their blows.

Nor pause, nor relaxation, either knew,

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And sparks extorted from each cuirass flew :

Loud as the clouds, by warring winds impell'd To vent their fires, they shake the prostrate field. The eastern prince with growing rage survey'd Th' insulting foe, and on his naked head

With his keen falchion's edge he struck a blow,

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Whose force, he deem'd, must lay the boaster low;

But, with surprise, he saw it still unstain'd,

While unappall'd, unhurt, the knight remain'd;

Though such was the resistance that it found,

As made the weapon in the air rebound.

The Saracen, with equal anger fir'd,

And equal thirst of fell revenge inspir'd,

Elated by Argalia's vain essay,

Beheld him now as his devoted prey.

Fraught with ungen'rous and sarcastic pride,

In mocking accents, "Valiant knight, (he cried)

Unto our holy prophet I commend

Thy gallant spirit, which I'll instant send

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From this our world."-His sword he rais'd to cleave

The warrior's crested helmet.-Nought could save

From this attack but magic's arms alone

(Those wond'rous arms with which Galaphron's son

Was gifted by the sage-too strong to feel

The utmost force and pow'r of sharpest steel)

Else had the casque in brittle fragments flown;

Else were the prince for ever overthrown.

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Long thus the strife was potently maintain❜d,
Yet neither had the least advantage gain'd:
From mighty efforts no effect ensued,

And each in strong amaze suspended stood ;

Keen glances fill'd the pause, but neither spoke.-
At length Argalia thus the silence broke:

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"Give o'er, brave knight, an ineffectual strife,
For know, enchanted armour guards my life:
This honor bids me tell-then wisely cease
A conflict that must end in your disgrace."

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"Say rather in your own, (Ferrau replies). With equal freedom know, this knightly guise Not for defence but ornament I wear;

I need nor plaited mail nor pointed spear:

Invulnerable-gifted, from my birth,

With privilege beyond the sons of earth,

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I fearless walk.-One only mortal part

I shield from danger by the aid of art,

In sevenfold iron-form'd of strength to bear

The utmost hazard of the hottest war.

The counsel you bestow, in turn receive,
And to my vows your beauteous sister give.
No mean inferior seeks her heart and hand,

But one of rank entitled to demand ;

To no dishonor my proposal tends,

The crown Marsilius wears to me descends;

Aid, then, my suit, and let our discord cease,

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This be the sole condition of our peace.

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Friendship or enmity your choice await-
Consent will kindness gain-refusal hate.”

Small time for consid'ration now ensued,

Nor could this urgent pleading be withstood.