BULFINCH'S MYTHOLOGY

THE AGE OF FABLE

THE AGE OF CHIVALRY

LEGENDS OF CHARLEMAGNE

BY THOMAS BULFINCH

COMPLETE IN ONE VOLUME

[Editor's Note: The etext contains only LEGENDS OF CHARLEMAGNE]

PUBLISHERS' PREFACE

No new edition of Bulfinch's classic work can be consideredcomplete without some notice of the American scholar to whose wideerudition and painstaking care it stands as a perpetual monument. "The Age of Fable" has come to be ranked with older books like"Pilgrim's Progress, " "Gulliver's Travels, " "The Arabian Nights, ""Robinson Crusoe, " and five or six other productions of world-widerenown as a work with which every one must claim some acquaintancebefore his education can be called really complete. Many readersof the present edition will probably recall coming in contact withthe work as children, and, it may be added, will no doubt discoverfrom a fresh perusal the source of numerous bits of knowledge thathave remained stored in their minds since those early years. Yetto the majority of this great circle of readers and students thename Bulfinch in itself has no significance. 

Thomas Bulfinch was a native of Boston, Mass. , where he was bornin 1796. His boyhood was spent in that city, and he prepared forcollege in the Boston schools. He finished his scholastic trainingat Harvard College, and after taking his degree was for a period ateacher in his home city. For a long time later in life he wasemployed as an accountant in the Boston Merchants' Bank. Hisleisure time he used for further pursuit of the classical studieswhich he had begun at Harvard, and his chief pleasure in life layin writing out the results of his reading, in simple, condensedform for young or busy readers. The plan he followed in this work, to give it the greatest possible usefulness, is set forth in theAuthor's Preface. 

"Age of Fable, " First Edition, 1855; "The Age of Chivalry, " 1858;"The Boy Inventor, " 1860; "Legends of Charlemagne, or Romance ofthe Middle Ages, " 1863; "Poetry of the Age of Fable, " 1863;"Oregon and Eldorado, or Romance of the Rivers, "1860. 

In this complete edition of his mythological and legendary lore"The Age of Fable, " "The Age of Chivalry, " and "Legends ofCharlemagne" are included. Scrupulous care has been taken tofollow the original text of Bulfinch, but attention should becalled to some additional sections which have been inserted to addto the rounded completeness of the work, and which the publishersbelieve would meet with the sanction of the author himself, as inno way intruding upon his original plan but simply carrying it outin more complete detail. The section on Northern Mythology hasbeen enlarged by a retelling of the epic of the "Nibelungen Lied, "together with a summary of Wagner's version of the legend in hisseries of music-dramas. Under the head of "Hero Myths of theBritish Race" have been included outlines of the stories ofBeowulf, Cuchulain, Hereward the Wake, and Robin Hood. Of theverse extracts which occur throughout the text, thirty or morehave been added from literature which has appeared sinceBulfinch's time, extracts that he would have been likely to quotehad he personally supervised the new edition. 

Finally, the index has been thoroughly overhauled and, indeed, remade. All the proper names in the work have been entered, withreferences to the pages where they occur, and a conciseexplanation or definition of each has been given. Thus what was amere list of names in the original has been enlarged into a smallclassical and mythological dictionary, which it is hoped willprove valuable for reference purposes not necessarily connectedwith "The Age of Fable. "

Acknowledgments are due the writings of Dr. Oliver Huckel forinformation on the point of Wagner's rendering of the Nibelungenlegend, and M. I. Ebbutt's authoritative volume on "Hero Myths andLegends of the British Race, " from which much of the informationconcerning the British heroes has been obtained

AUTHOR'S PREFACE

If no other knowledge deserves to be called useful but that whichhelps to enlarge our possessions or to raise our station insociety, then Mythology has no claim to the appellation. But ifthat which tends to make us happier and better can be calleduseful, then we claim that epithet for our subject. For Mythologyis the handmaid of literature; and literature is one of the bestallies of virtue and promoters of happiness. 

Without a knowledge of mythology much of the elegant literature ofour own language cannot be understood and appreciated. When Byroncalls Rome "the Niobe of nations, " or says of Venice, "She looks aSea-Cybele fresh from ocean, " he calls up to the mind of onefamiliar with our subject, illustrations more vivid and strikingthan the pencil could furnish, but which are lost to the readerignorant of mythology. Milton abounds in similar allusions. Theshort poem "Comus" contains more than thirty such, and the ode "Onthe Morning of the Nativity" half as many. Through "Paradise Lost"they are scattered profusely. This is one reason why we often hearpersons by no means illiterate say that they cannot enjoy Milton. But were these persons to add to their more solid acquirements theeasy learning of this little volume, much of the poetry of Miltonwhich has appeared to them "harsh and crabbed" would be found"musical as is Apollo's lute. " Our citations, taken from more thantwenty-five poets, from Spenser to Longfellow, will show howgeneral has been the practice of borrowing illustrations frommythology. 

The prose writers also avail themselves of the same source ofelegant and suggestive illustration. One can hardly take up anumber of the "Edinburgh" or "Quarterly Review" without meetingwith instances. In Macaulay's article on Milton there are twentysuch. 

But how is mythology to be taught to one who does not learn itthrough the medium of the languages of Greece and Rome? To devotestudy to a species of learning which relates wholly to falsemarvels and obsolete faiths is not to be expected of the generalreader in a practical age like this. The time even of the young isclaimed by so many sciences of facts and things that little can bespared for set treatises on a science of mere fancy. 

But may not the requisite knowledge of the subject be acquired byreading the ancient poets in translations? We reply, the field istoo extensive for a preparatory course; and these verytranslations require some previous knowledge of the subject tomake them intelligible. Let any one who doubts it read the firstpage of the "Aeneid, " and see what he can make of "the hatred ofJuno, " the "decree of the Parcae, " the "judgment of Paris, " andthe "honors of Ganymede, " without this knowledge. 

Shall we be told that answers to such queries may be found innotes, or by a reference to the Classical Dictionary? We reply, the interruption of one's reading by either process is so annoyingthat most readers prefer to let an allusion pass unapprehendedrather than submit to it. Moreover, such sources give us only thedry facts without any of the charm of the original narrative; andwhat is a poetical myth when stripped of its poetry? The story ofCeyx and Halcyone, which fills a chapter in our book, occupies buteight lines in the best (Smith's) Classical Dictionary; and so ofothers. 

Our work is an attempt to solve this problem, by telling thestories of mythology in such a manner as to make them a source ofamusement. We have endeavored to tell them correctly, according tothe ancient authorities, so that when the reader finds themreferred to he may not be at a loss to recognize the reference. Thus we hope to teach mythology not as a study, but as arelaxation from study; to give our work the charm of a story-book, yet by means of it to impart a knowledge of an important branch ofeducation. The index at the end will adapt it to the purposes ofreference, and make it a Classical Dictionary for the parlor. 

Most of the classical legends in "Stories of Gods and Heroes" arederived from Ovid and Virgil. They are not literally translated, for, in the author's opinion, poetry translated into literal proseis very unattractive reading. Neither are they in verse, as wellfor other reasons as from a conviction that to translatefaithfully under all the embarrassments of rhyme and measure isimpossible. The attempt has been made to tell the stories inprose, preserving so much of the poetry as resides in the thoughtsand is separable from the language itself, and omitting thoseamplifications which are not suited to the altered form. 

The Northern mythological stories are copied with some abridgmentfrom Mallet's "Northern Antiquities. " These chapters, with thoseon Oriental and Egyptian mythology, seemed necessary to completethe subject, though it is believed these topics have not usuallybeen presented in the same volume with the classical fables. 

The poetical citations so freely introduced are expected to answerseveral valuable purposes. They will tend to fix in memory theleading fact of each story, they will help to the attainment of acorrect pronunciation of the proper names, and they will enrichthe memory with many gems of poetry, some of them such as are mostfrequently quoted or alluded to in reading and conversation. 

Having chosen mythology as connected with literature for ourprovince, we have endeavored to omit nothing which the reader ofelegant literature is likely to find occasion for. Such storiesand parts of stories as are offensive to pure taste and goodmorals are not given. But such stories are not often referred to, and if they occasionally should be, the English reader need feelno mortification in confessing his ignorance of them. 

Our work is not for the learned, nor for the theologian, nor forthe philosopher, but for the reader of English literature, ofeither sex, who wishes to comprehend the allusions so frequentlymade by public speakers, lecturers, essayists, and poets, andthose which occur in polite conversation. 

In the "Stories of Gods and Heroes" the compiler has endeavored toimpart the pleasures of classical learning to the English reader, by presenting the stories of Pagan mythology in a form adapted tomodern taste. In "King Arthur and His Knights" and "TheMabinogeon" the attempt has been made to treat in the same way thestories of the second "age of fable, " the age which witnessed thedawn of the several states of Modern Europe. 

It is believed that this presentation of a literature which heldunrivalled sway over the imaginations of our ancestors, for manycenturies, will not be without benefit to the reader, in additionto the amusement it may afford. The tales, though not to betrusted for their facts, are worthy of all credit as pictures ofmanners; and it is beginning to be held that the manners and modesof thinking of an age are a more important part of its historythan the conflicts of its peoples, generally leading to no result. Besides this, the literature of romance is a treasure-house ofpoetical material, to which modern poets frequently resort. TheItalian poets, Dante and Ariosto, the English, Spenser, Scott, andTennyson, and our own Longfellow and Lowell, are examples of this. 

These legends are so connected with each other, so consistentlyadapted to a group of characters strongly individualized inArthur, Launcelot, and their compeers, and so lighted up by thefires of imagination and invention, that they seem as well adaptedto the poet's purpose as the legends of the Greek and Romanmythology. And if every well-educated young person is expected toknow the story of the Golden Fleece, why is the quest of theSangreal less worthy of his acquaintance? Or if an allusion to theshield of Achilles ought not to pass unapprehended, why should oneto Excalibar, the famous sword of Arthur?--

 "Of Arthur, who, to upper light restored, With that terrific sword, Which yet he brandishes for future war, Shall lift his country's fame above the polar star. "

[Footnote: Wordsworth]

It is an additional recommendation of our subject, that it tendsto cherish in our minds the idea of the source from which wesprung. We are entitled to our full share in the glories andrecollections of the land of our forefathers, down to the time ofcolonization thence. The associations which spring from thissource must be fruitful of good influences; among which not theleast valuable is the increased enjoyment which such associationsafford to the American traveller when he visits England, and setshis foot upon any of her renowned localities. 

The legends of Charlemagne and his peers are necessary to completethe subject. 

In an age when intellectual darkness enveloped Western Europe, aconstellation of brilliant writers arose in Italy. Of these, Pulci(born in 1432), Boiardo (1434), and Ariosto (1474) took for theirsubjects the romantic fables which had for many ages beentransmitted in the lays of bards and the legends of monkishchroniclers. These fables they arranged in order, adorned with theembellishments of fancy, amplified from their own invention, andstamped with immortality. It may safely be asserted that as longas civilization shall endure these productions will retain theirplace among the most cherished creations of human genius. 

In "Stories of Gods and Heroes, " "King Arthur and His Knights" and"The Mabinogeon" the aim has been to supply to the modern readersuch knowledge of the fables of classical and mediaeval literatureas is needed to render intelligible the allusions which occur inreading and conversation. The "Legends of Charlemagne" is intendedto carry out the same design. Like the earlier portions of thework, it aspires to a higher character than that of a piece ofmere amusement. It claims to be useful, in acquainting its readerswith the subjects of the productions of the great poets of Italy. Some knowledge of these is expected of every well-educated youngperson. 

In reading these romances, we cannot fail to observe how theprimitive inventions have been used, again and again, bysuccessive generations of fabulists. The Siren of Ulysses is theprototype of the Siren of Orlando, and the character of Circereappears in Alcina. The fountains of Love and Hatred may betraced to the story of Cupid and Psyche; and similar effectsproduced by a magic draught appear in the tale of Tristram andIsoude, and, substituting a flower for the draught, inShakspeare's "Midsummer Night's Dream. " There are many otherinstances of the same kind which the reader will recognize withoutour assistance. 

The sources whence we derive these stories are, first, the Italianpoets named above; next, the "Romans de Chevalerie" of the Comtede Tressan; lastly, certain German collections of popular tales. Some chapters have been borrowed from Leigh Hunt's Translationsfrom the Italian Poets. It seemed unnecessary to do over againwhat he had already done so well; yet, on the other hand, thosestories could not be omitted from the series without leaving itincomplete. 

THOMAS BULFINCH. 

CONTENTS

LEGENDS OF CHARLEMAGNE

IntroductionThe Peers, or PaladinsThe TournamentThe Siege of AlbraccaAdventures of Rinaldo and OrlandoThe Invasion of FranceThe Invasion of France (Continued)

Bradamante and RogeroAstolpho and the EnchantressThe OrcAstolpho's Adventures continued, and Isabella's begun. MedoroOrlando MadZerbino and IsabellaAstolpho in AbyssiniaThe War in AfricaRogero and BradamanteThe Battle of RoncesvallesRinaldo and BayardDeath of RinaldoHuon of BordeauxHuon of Bordeaux (Continued)Huon of Bordeaux (Continued)Ogier, the DaneOgier, the Dane (Continued)Ogier, the Dane (Continued)

GLOSSARY

LEGENDS OF CHARLEMAGNE

INTRODUCTION

Those who have investigated the origin of the romantic fablesrelating to Charlemagne and his peers are of opinion that thedeeds of Charles Martel, and perhaps of other Charleses, have beenblended in popular tradition with those properly belonging toCharlemagne. It was indeed a most momentous era; and if ourreaders will have patience, before entering on the perusal of thefabulous annals which we are about to lay before them, to take arapid survey of the real history of the times, they will find ithardly less romantic than the tales of the poets. 

In the century beginning from the year 600, the countriesbordering upon the native land of our Saviour, to the east andsouth, had not yet received his religion. Arabia was the seat ofan idolatrous religion resembling that of the ancient Persians, who worshipped the sun, moon, and stars. In Mecca, in the year571, Mahomet was born, and here, at the age of forty, heproclaimed himself the prophet of God, in dignity as superior toChrist as Christ had been to Moses. Having obtained by slowdegrees a considerable number of disciples, he resorted to arms todiffuse his religion. The energy and zeal of his followers, aidedby the weakness of the neighboring nations, enabled him and hissuccessors to spread the sway of Arabia and the religion ofMahomet over the countries to the east as far as the Indus, northward over Persia and Asia Minor, westward over Egypt and thesouthern shores of the Mediterranean, and thence over theprincipal portion of Spain. All this was done within one hundredyears from the Hegira, or flight of Mahomet from Mecca to Medina, which happened in the year 622, and is the era from whichMahometans reckon time, as we do from the birth of Christ. 

From Spain the way was open for the Saracens (so the followers ofMahomet were called) into France, the conquest of which, ifachieved, would have been followed very probably by that of allthe rest of Europe, and would have resulted in the banishment ofChristianity from the earth. For Christianity was not at that dayuniversally professed, even by those nations which we now regardas foremost in civilization. Great part of Germany, Britain, Denmark, and Russia were still pagan or barbarous. 

At that time there ruled in France, though without the title ofking, the first of those illustrious Charleses of whom we havespoken, Charles Martel, the grandfather of Charlemagne. TheSaracens of Spain had made incursions into France in 712 and 718, and had retired, carrying with them a vast booty. In 725, Anbessa, who was then the Saracen governor of Spain, crossed the Pyreneeswith a numerous army, and took by storm the strong town ofCarcassone. So great was the terror excited by this invasion, thatthe country for a wide extent submitted to the conqueror, and aMahometan governor for the province was appointed and installed atNarbonne. Anbessa, however, received a fatal wound in one of hisengagements, and the Saracens, being thus checked from furtheradvance, retired to Narbonne. 

In 732 the Saracens again invaded France under Abdalrahman, advanced rapidly to the banks of the Garonne, and laid siege toBordeaux. The city was taken by assault and delivered up to thesoldiery. The invaders still pressed forward, and spread over theterritories of Orleans, Auxerre and Sens. Their advanced partieswere suddenly called in by their chief, who had receivedinformation of the rich abbey of St. Martin of Tours, and resolvedto plunder and destroy it. 

Charles during all this time had done nothing to oppose theSaracens, for the reason that the portion of France over whichtheir incursions had been made was not at that time under hisdominion, but constituted an independent kingdom, under the nameof Aquitaine, of which Eude was king. But now Charles becameconvinced of the danger, and prepared to encounter it. Abdalrahmanwas advancing toward Tours, when intelligence of the approach ofCharles, at the head of an army of Franks, compelled him to fallback upon Poitiers, in order to seize an advantageous field ofbattle. 

Charles Martel had called together his warriors from every part ofhis dominions, and, at the head of such an army as had hardly everbeen seen in France, crossed the Loire, probably at Orleans, and, being joined by the remains of the army of Aquitaine, came insight of the Arabs in the month of October, 732. The Saracens seemto have been aware of the terrible enemy they were now toencounter, and for the first time these formidable conquerorshesitated. The two armies remained in presence during seven daysbefore either ventured to begin the attack; but at length thesignal for battle was given by Abdalrahman, and the immense massof the Saracen army rushed with fury on the Franks. But the heavyline of the Northern warriors remained like a rock, and theSaracens, during nearly the whole day, expended their strength invain attempts to make any impression upon them. At length, aboutfour o'clock in the afternoon, when Abdalrahman was preparing fora new and desperate attempt to break the line of the Franks, aterrible clamor was heard in the rear of the Saracens. It was KingEude, who, with his Aquitanians, had attacked their camp, and agreat part of the Saracen army rushed tumultuously from the fieldto protect their plunder. In this moment of confusion the line ofthe Franks advanced, and, sweeping the field before it, carriedfearful slaughter amongst the enemy. Abdalrahman made desperateefforts to rally his troops, but when he himself, with the bravestof his officers, fell beneath the swords of the Christians, allorder disappeared, and the remains of his army sought refuge intheir immense camp, from which Eude and his Aquitanians had beenrepulsed. It was now late, and Charles, unwilling to risk anattack on the camp in the dark, withdrew his army, and passed thenight in the plain, expecting to renew the battle in the morning. 

Accordingly, when daylight came, the Franks drew up in order ofbattle, but no enemy appeared; and when at last they ventured toapproach the Saracen camp they found it empty. The invaders hadtaken advantage of the night to begin their retreat, and werealready on their way back to Spain, leaving their immense plunderbehind to fall into the hands of the Franks. 

This was the celebrated battle of Tours, in which vast numbers ofthe Saracens were slain, and only fifteen hundred of the Franks. Charles received the surname of Martel (the Hammer) in consequenceof this victory. 

The Saracens, notwithstanding this severe blow, continued to holdtheir ground in the south of France; but Pepin, the son of CharlesMartel, who succeeded to his father's power, and assumed the titleof king, successively took from them the strong places they held;and in 759, by the capture of Narbonne, their capital, extinguished the remains of their power in France. 

Charlemagne, or Charles the Great, succeeded his father, Pepin, onthe throne in the year 768. This prince, though the hero ofnumerous romantic legends, appears greater in history than infiction. Whether we regard him as a warrior or as a legislator, asa patron of learning or as the civilizer of a barbarous nation, heis entitled to our warmest admiration. Such he is in history; butthe romancers represent him as often weak and passionate, thevictim of treacherous counsellors, and at the mercy of turbulentbarons, on whose prowess he depends for the maintenance of histhrone. The historical representation is doubtless the true one, for it is handed down in trustworthy records, and is confirmed bythe events of the age. At the height of his power, the Frenchempire extended over what we now call France, Germany, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium, and great part of Italy. 

In the year 800 Charlemagne, being in Rome, whither he had gonewith a numerous army to protect the Pope, was crowned by thePontiff Emperor of the West. On Christmas day Charles entered theChurch of St. Peter, as if merely to take his part in thecelebration of the mass with the rest of the congregation. When heapproached the altar and stooped in the act of prayer the Popestepped forward and placed a crown of gold upon his head; andimmediately the Roman people shouted, "Life and victory to Charlesthe August, crowned by God the great and pacific Emperor of theRomans. " The Pope then prostrated himself before him, and paid himreverence, according to the custom established in the times of theancient Emperors, and concluded the ceremony by anointing him withconsecrated oil. 

Charlemagne's wars were chiefly against the pagan and barbarouspeople, who, under the name of Saxons, inhabited the countries nowcalled Hanover and Holland. He also led expeditions against theSaracens of Spain; but his wars with the Saracens were not carriedon, as the romances assert, in France, but on the soil of Spain. He entered Spain by the Eastern Pyrenees, and made an easyconquest of Barcelona and Pampeluna. But Saragossa refused to openher gates to him, and Charles ended by negotiating and accepting avast sum of gold as the price of his return over the Pyrenees. 

On his way back, he marched with his whole army through the gorgesof the mountains by way of the valleys of Engui, Eno, andRoncesvalles. The chief of this region had waited uponCharlemagne, on his advance, as a faithful vassal of the monarchy;but now, on the return of the Franks, he had called together allthe wild mountaineers who acknowledged him as their chief, andthey occupied the heights of the mountains under which the armyhad to pass. The main body of the troops met with no obstruction, and received no intimation of danger; but the rear-guard, whichwas considerably behind, and encumbered with its plunder, wasoverwhelmed by the mountaineers in the pass of Roncesvalles, andslain to a man. Some of the bravest of the Prankish chiefsperished on this occasion, among whom is mentioned Roland orOrlando, governor of the marches or frontier of Brittany. His namebecame famous in after times, and the disaster of Roncesvalles anddeath of Roland became eventually the most celebrated episode inthe vast cycle of romance. 

Though after this there were hostile encounters between the armiesof Charlemagne and the Saracens, they were of small account, andgenerally on the soil of Spain. Thus the historical foundation forthe stories of the romancers is but scanty, unless we suppose theevents of an earlier and of a later age to be incorporated withthose of Charlemagne's own time. 

There is, however, a pretended history, which for a long time wasadmitted as authentic, and attributed to Turpin, Archbishop ofRheims, a real personage of the time of Charlemagne. Its title is"History of Charles the Great and Orlando. " It is nowunhesitatingly considered as a collection of popular traditions, produced by some credulous and unscrupulous monk, who thought togive dignity to his romance by ascribing its authorship to a well-known and eminent individual. It introduces its pretended author, Bishop Turpin, in this manner:

"Turpin, Archbishop of Rheims, the friend and secretary of Charlesthe Great, excellently skilled in sacred and profane literature, of a genius equally adapted to prose and verse, the advocate ofthe poor, beloved of God in his life and conversation, who oftenfought the Saracens, hand to hand, by the Emperor's side, herelates the acts of Charles the Great in one book, and flourishedunder Charles and his son Louis, to the year of our Lord eighthundred and thirty. "

The titles of some of Archbishop Turpin's chapters will show thenature of his history. They are these: "Of the Walls of Pampeluna, that fell of themselves. " "Of the War of the holy Facundus, wherethe Spears grew. " (Certain of the Christians fixed their spears inthe evening, erect in the ground, before the castle; and foundthem, in the morning, covered with bark and branches. ) "How theSun stood still for Three Days, and of the Slaughter of FourThousand Saracens. "

Turpin's history has perhaps been the source of the marvellousadventures which succeeding poets and romancers have accumulatedaround the names of Charlemagne and his Paladins, or Peers. ButAriosto and the other Italian poets have drawn from differentsources, and doubtless often from their own invention, numberlessother stories which they attribute to the same heroes, nothesitating to quote as their authority "the good Turpin, " thoughhis history contains no trace of them; and the more outrageous theimprobability, or rather the impossibility, of their narrations, the more attentive are they to cite "the Archbishop, " generallyadding their testimonial to his unquestionable veracity. 

The principal Italian poets who have sung the adventures of thepeers of Charlemagne are Pulci, Boiardo, and Ariosto. Thecharacters of Orlando, Rinaldo, Astolpho, Gano, and others, arethe same in all, though the adventures attributed to them aredifferent. Boiardo tells us of the loves of Orlando, Ariosto ofhis disappointment and consequent madness, Pulci of his death. 

Ogier, the Dane, is a real personage. History agrees with romancein representing him as a powerful lord who, originally fromDenmark and a Pagan, embraced Christianity, and took service underCharlemagne. He revolted from the Emperor, and was driven intoexile. He afterwards led one of those bands of piratical Northmenwhich ravaged France under the reigns of Charlemagne's degeneratesuccessors. The description which an ancient chronicler gives ofCharlemagne, as described by Ogier, is so picturesque, that we aretempted to transcribe it. Charlemagne was advancing to the siegeof Pavia. Didier, King of the Lombards, was in the city withOgier, to whom he had given refuge. When they learned that theking was approaching they mounted a high tower, whence they couldsee far and wide over the country. "They first saw advancing theengines of war, fit for the armies of Darius or Julius Caesar. 'There is Charlemagne, ' said Didier. 'No, ' said Ogier. The Lombardnext saw a vast body of soldiers, who filled all the plain. 'Certainly Charles advanced with that host, ' said the king. 'Notyet, ' replied Ogier. 'What hope for us, ' resumed the king, 'if hebrings with him a greater host than that?' At last Charlesappeared, his head covered with an iron helmet, his hands withiron gloves, his breast and shoulders with a cuirass of iron, hisleft hand holding an iron lance, while his right hand grasped hissword. Those who went before the monarch, those who marched at hisside, and those who followed him, all had similar arms. Ironcovered the fields and the roads; iron points reflected the raysof the sun. This iron, so hard, was borne by a people whose heartswere harder still. The blaze of the weapons flashed terror intothe streets of the city. "

This picture of Charlemagne in his military aspect would beincomplete without a corresponding one of his "mood of peace. " Oneof the greatest of modern historians, M. Guizot, has compared theglory of Charlemagne to a brilliant meteor, rising suddenly out ofthe darkness of barbarism to disappear no less suddenly in thedarkness of feudalism. But the light of this meteor was notextinguished, and reviving civilization owed much that waspermanently beneficial to the great Emperor of the Franks. Hisruling hand is seen in the legislation of his time, as well as inthe administration of the laws. He encouraged learning; he upheldthe clergy, who were the only peaceful and intellectual class, against the encroaching and turbulent barons; he was anaffectionate father, and watched carefully over the education ofhis children, both sons and daughters. Of his encouragement oflearning we will give some particulars. 

He caused learned men to be brought from Italy and from otherforeign countries to revive the public schools of France, whichhad been prostrated by the disorders of preceding times. Herecompensed these learned men liberally, and kept some of themnear himself, honoring them with his friendship. Of these the mostcelebrated is Alcuin, an Englishman, whose writings still remain, and prove him to have been both a learned and a wise man. With theassistance of Alcuin, and others like him, he founded an academyor royal school, which should have the direction of the studies ofall the schools of the kingdom. Charlemagne himself was a memberof this academy on equal terms with the rest. He attended itsmeetings, and fulfilled all the duties of an academician. Eachmember took the name of some famous man of antiquity. Alcuincalled himself Horace, another took the name of Augustin, a thirdof Pindar. Charlemagne, who knew the Psalms by heart, and who hadan ambition to be, according to his conception, A KING AFTER GOD'SOWN HEART, received from his brother academicians the name ofDavid. 

Of the respect entertained for him by foreign nations aninteresting proof is afforded in the embassy sent to him by theCaliph of the Arabians, the celebrated Haroun al Raschid, a princein character and conduct not unlike to Charlemagne. Theambassadors brought with them, besides other rich presents, aclock, the first that was seen in Europe, which excited universaladmiration. It had the form of a twelve-sided edifice with twelvedoors. These doors formed niches, in each of which was a littlestatue representing one of the hours. At the striking of the hourthe doors, one for each stroke, was seen to open, and from thedoors to issue as many of the little statues, which, following oneanother, marched gravely round the tower. The motion of the clockwas caused by water, and the striking was effected by balls ofbrass equal to the number of the hours, which fell upon a cymbalof the same metal, the number falling being determined by thedischarge of the water, which, as it sunk in the vessel, allowedtheir escape. 

Charlemagne was succeeded by his son Louis, a well-intentioned butfeeble prince, in whose reign the fabric reared by Charles beganrapidly to crumble. Louis was followed successively by twoCharleses, incapable princes, whose weak and often tyrannicalconduct is no doubt the source of incidents of that characterascribed in the romances to Charlemagne. 

The lawless and disobedient deportment of Charles's paladins, instances of which are so frequent in the romantic legends, wasalso a trait of the declining empire, but not of that ofCharlemagne. 

THE PEERS, OR PALADINS

The twelve most illustrious knights of Charlemagne were calledPeers, for the equality that reigned among them; while the name ofPaladins, also conferred on them, implies that they were inmatesof the palace and companions of the king. Their names are alwaysgiven alike by the romancers, yet we may enumerate the mostdistinguished of them as follows: Orlando or Roland (the formerthe Italian, the latter the French form of the name), favoritenephew of Charlemagne; Rinaldo of Montalban, cousin of Orlando;Namo, Duke of Bavaria; Salomon, king of Brittany; Turpin, theArchbishop; Astolpho, of England; Ogier, the Dane; Malagigi, theEnchanter; and Florismart, the friend of Orlando. There wereothers who are sometimes named as paladins, and the number cannotbe strictly limited to twelve. Charlemagne himself must be countedone, and Ganelon, or Gano, of Mayence, the treacherous enemy ofall the rest, was rated high on the list by his deluded sovereign, who was completely the victim of his arts. 

We shall introduce more particularly to our readers a few of theprincipal peers, leaving the others to make their own introductionas they appear in the course of our narrative. We begin withOrlando. 

ORLANDO

Milon, or Milone, a knight of great family, and distantly relatedto Charlemagne, having secretly married Bertha, the Emperor'ssister, was banished from France, and excommunicated by the Pope. After a long and miserable wandering on foot as mendicants Milonand his wife arrived at Sutri, in Italy, where they took refuge ina cave, and in that cave Orlando was born. There his mothercontinued, deriving a scanty support from the compassion of theneighboring peasants; while Milon, in quest of honor and fortune, went into foreign lands. Orlando grew up among the children of thepeasantry, surpassing them all in strength and manly graces. Amonghis companions in age, though in station far more elevated, wasOliver, son of the governor of the town. Between the two boys afeud arose that led to a fight, in which Orlando thrashed hisrival; but this did not prevent a friendship springing up betweenthe two, which lasted through life. 

Orlando was so poor that he was sometimes half naked. As he was afavorite of the boys, one day four of them brought some cloth tomake him clothes. Two brought white and two red; and from thiscircumstance Orlando took his coat-of-arms, or quarterings. 

When Charlemagne was on his way to Rome to receive the imperialcrown he dined in public in Sutri. Orlando and his mother that dayhad nothing to eat, and Orlando coming suddenly upon the royalparty, and seeing abundance of provisions, seized from theattendants as much as he could carry off, and made good hisretreat in spite of their resistance. The Emperor, being told ofthis incident, was reminded of an intimation he had received in adream, and ordered the boy to be followed. This was done by threeof the knights, whom Orlando would have encountered with a cudgelon their entering the grotto, had not his mother restrained him. When they heard from her who she was they threw themselves at herfeet, and promised to obtain her pardon from the Emperor. This waseasily effected. Orlando was received into favor by the Emperor, returned with him to France, and so distinguished himself that hebecame the most powerful support of the throne and ofChristianity. [Footnote: It is plain that Shakspeare borrowed fromthis source the similar incident in his "As you Like it. " Thenames of characters in the play, Orlando, Oliver, Rowland indicatethe same thing. ]

ROLAND AND FERRAGUS

Orlando, or Roland, particularly distinguished himself by hiscombat with Ferragus. Ferragus was a giant, and moreover his skinwas of such impenetrable stuff that no sword could make anyimpression upon it. The giant's mode of fighting was to seize hisadversary in his arms and carry him off, in spite of all thestruggles he could make. Roland's utmost skill only availed tokeep him out of the giant's clutches, but all his efforts to woundhim with the sword were useless. After long fighting Ferragus wasso weary that he proposed a truce, and when it was agreed upon helay down and immediately fell asleep. He slept in perfectsecurity, for it was against all the laws of chivalry to takeadvantage of an adversary under such circumstances. But Ferraguslay so uncomfortably for the want of a pillow that Orlando tookpity upon him, and brought a smooth stone and placed it under hishead. When the giant woke up, after a refreshing nap, andperceived what Orlando had done, he seemed quite grateful, becamesociable, and talked freely in the usual boastful style of suchcharacters. Among other things he told Orlando that he need notattempt to kill him with a sword, for that every part of his bodywas invulnerable, except this; and as he spoke, he put his hand tothe vital part, just in the middle of his breast. Aided by thisinformation Orlando succeeded, when the fight was renewed, inpiercing the giant in the very spot he had pointed out, and givinghim a death-wound. Great was the rejoicing in the Christian camp, and many the praises showered upon the victorious paladin by theEmperor and all his host. 

On another occasion Orlando encountered a puissant Saracenwarrior, and took from him, as the prize of victory, the swordDurindana. This famous weapon had once belonged to the illustriousprince Hector of Troy. It was of the finest workmanship, and ofsuch strength and temper that no armor in the world could standagainst it. 

A ROLAND FOR AN OLIVER

Guerin de Montglave held the lordship of Vienne, subject toCharlemagne. He had quarrelled with his sovereign, and Charleslaid siege to his city, having ravaged the neighboring country. Guerin was an aged warrior, but relied for his defence upon hisfour sons and two grandsons, who were among the bravest knights ofthe age. After the siege had continued two months Charlemagnereceived tidings that Marsilius, king of Spain, had invadedFrance, and, finding himself unopposed, was advancing rapidly inthe Southern provinces. At this intelligence Charles listened tothe counsel of his peers, and consented to put the quarrel withGuerin to the decision of Heaven, by single combat between twoknights, one of each party, selected by lot. The proposal wasacceptable to Guerin and his sons. The names of the four, togetherwith Guerin's own, who would not be excused, and of the twograndsons, who claimed their lot, being put into a helmet, Oliver's was drawn forth, and to him, the youngest of thegrandsons, was assigned the honor and the peril of the combat. Heaccepted the award with delight, exulting in being thought worthyto maintain the cause of his family. On Charlemagne's side Rolandwas the designated champion, and neither he nor Oliver knew whohis antagonist was to be. 

They met on an island in the Rhone, and the warriors of both campswere ranged on either shore, spectators of the battle. At thefirst encounter both lances were shivered, but both riders kepttheir seats, immovable. They dismounted, and drew their swords. Then ensued a combat which seemed so equal, that the spectatorscould not form an opinion as to the probable issue. Two hours andmore the knights continued to strike and parry, to thrust andward, neither showing any sign of weariness, nor ever being takenat unawares. At length Orlando struck furiously upon Oliver'sshield, burying Durindana in its edge so deeply that he could notdraw it back, and Oliver, almost at the same moment, thrust sovigorously upon Orlando's breastplate that his sword snapped offat the handle. Thus were the two warriors left weaponless. Scarcely pausing a moment, they rushed upon one another, eachstriving to throw his adversary to the ground, and failing inthat, each snatched at the other's helmet to tear it away. Bothsucceeded, and at the same moment they stood bare-headed face toface, and Roland recognized Oliver, and Oliver Roland. For amoment they stood still; and the next, with open arms, rushed intoone another's embrace. "I am conquered, " said Orlando. "I yieldme. " said Oliver. 

The people on the shore knew not what to make of all this. Presently they saw the two late antagonists standing hand in hand, and it was evident the battle was at an end. The knights crowdedround them, and with one voice hailed them as equals in glory. Ifthere were any who felt disposed to murmur that the battle wasleft undecided they were silenced by the voice of Ogier the Dane, who proclaimed aloud that all had been done that honor required, and declared that he would maintain that award against allgainsayers. 

The quarrel with Guerin and his sons being left undecided, a trucewas made for four days, and in that time, by the efforts of DukeNamo on the one side, and of Oliver on the other, a reconciliationwas effected. Charlemagne, accompanied by Guerin and his valiantfamily, marched to meet Marsilius, who hastened to retreat acrossthe frontier. 

RINALDO

Rinaldo was one of the four sons of Aymon, who married Aya, thesister of Charlemagne. Thus Rinaldo was nephew to Charlemagne andcousin of Orlando. 

When Rinaldo had grown old enough to assume arms Orlando had wonfor himself an illustrious name by his exploits against theSaracens, whom Charlemagne and his brave knights had driven out ofFrance. Orlando's fame excited a noble emulation in Rinaldo. Eagerto go in pursuit of glory, he wandered in the country near Paris, and one day saw at the foot of a tree a superb horse, fullyequipped and loaded with a complete suit of armor. Rinaldo clothedhimself in the armor and mounted the horse, but took not thesword. On the day when, with his brothers, he had received thehonor of knighthood from the Emperor he had sworn never to bind asword to his side till he had wrested one from some famous knight. 

Rinaldo took his way to the forest of Arden, celebrated for somany adventures. Hardly had he entered it when he met an old man, bending under the weight of years, and learned from him that theforest was infested with a wild horse, untamable, that broke andoverturned everything that opposed his career. To attack him, hesaid, or even to meet him, was certain death. Rinaldo, far frombeing alarmed, showed the most eager desire to combat the animal. This was the horse Bayard, afterward so famous. He had formerlybelonged to Amadis of Gaul. After the death of that hero he hadbeen held under enchantment by the power of a magician, whopredicted that, when the time came to break the spell, he shouldbe subdued by a knight of the lineage of Amadis, and not lessbrave than he. 

To win this wonderful horse it was necessary to conquer him byforce or skill; for from the moment when he should be thrown downhe would become docile and manageable. His habitual resort was acave on the borders of the forest; but woe be to any one whoshould approach him, unless gifted with strength and courage morethan mortal. Having told this, the old man departed. He was not, in fact, an old man, but Malagigi, the enchanter, cousin ofRinaldo, who, to favor the enterprises of the young knight, hadprocured for him the horse and armor which he so opportunelyfound, and now put him in the way to acquire a horse unequalled inthe world. 

Rinaldo plunged into the forest, and spent many days in seekingBayard, but found no traces of him. One day he encountered aSaracen knight, with whom he made acquaintance, as often happenedto knights, by first meeting him in combat. This knight, whosename was Isolier, was also in quest of Bayard. Rinaldo succeededin the encounter, and so severe was the shock that Isolier was along time insensible. When he revived, and was about to resume thecontest, a peasant who passed by (it was Malagigi) interruptedthem with the news that the terrible horse was near at hand, advising them to unite their powers to subdue him, for it wouldrequire all their ability. 

Rinaldo and Isolier, now become friends, proceeded together to theattack of the horse. They found Bayard, and stood a long time, concealed by the wood, admiring his strength and beauty. 

A bright bay in color (whence he was called Bayard), with a silverstar in his forehead, and his hind feet white, his body slender, his head delicate, his ample chest filled out with swellingmuscles, his shoulders broad and full, his legs straight andsinewy, his thick mane falling over his arching neck, --he camerushing through the forest, regardless of rocks, bushes, or trees, rending everything that opposed his way, and neighing defiance. 

He first descried Isolier, and rushed upon him. The knightreceived him with lance in rest, but the fierce animal broke thespear, and his course was not delayed by it for an instant. TheSpaniard adroitly stepped aside, and gave way to the rushingtempest. Bayard checked his career, and turned again upon theknight, who had already drawn his sword. He drew his sword, for hehad no hope of taming the horse; that, he was satisfied, wasimpossible. 

Bayard rushed upon him; fiercely rearing, now on this side, now onthat. The knight struck him with his sword, where the white staradorned his forehead, but struck in vain, and felt ashamed, thinking that he had struck feebly, for he did not know that theskin of that horse was so tough that the keenest sword could makeno impression upon it. 

Whistling fell the sword once more, and struck with greater force, and the fierce horse felt it, and drooped his head under the blow, but the next moment turned upon his foe with such a buffet thatthe Pagan fell stunned and lifeless to the earth. 

Rinaldo, who saw Isolier fall, and thought that his life was reft, darted towards the horse, and, with his fist gave him such a blowon the jaws that the blood tinged his mouth with vermilion. Quicker than an arrow leaves the bow the horse turned upon him, and tried to seize his arm with his teeth. 

The knight stepped back, and then, repeating his blow, struck himon the forehead. Bayard turned, and kicked with both his feet witha force that would have shattered a mountain. Rinaldo was on hisguard, and evaded his attacks, whether made with head or heels. Hekept at his side avoiding both; but, making a false step, he atlast received a terrible blow from the horse's foot, and at theshock almost fainted away. A second such blow would have killedhim, but the horse kicked at random, and a second blow did notreach Rinaldo, who in a moment recovered himself. Thus the contestcontinued until by chance Bayard's foot got caught between thebranches of an oak. Rinaldo seized it and putting forth all hisstrength and address, threw him on the ground. 

No sooner had Bayard touched the ground than all his ragesubsided. No longer an object of terror, he became gentle andquiet, yet with dignity in his mildness. 

The paladin patted his neck, stroked his breast, and smoothed hismane, while the animal neighed and showed delight to be caressedby his master. Rinaldo, seeing him now completely subdued, tookthe saddle and trappings from the other horse, and adorned Bayardwith the spoils. 

Rinaldo became one of the most illustrious knights ofCharlemagne's court, --indeed, the most illustrious, if we exceptOrlando. Yet he was not always so obedient to the Emperor'scommands as he should have been, and every fault he committed wassure to be aggravated by the malice of Gan, Duke of Maganza, thetreacherous enemy of Rinaldo and all his house. 

At one time Rinaldo had incurred the severe displeasure ofCharlemagne, and been banished from court. Seeing no chance ofbeing ever restored to favor, he went to Spain, and entered intothe service of the Saracen king, Ivo. His brothers, Alardo, Ricardo, and Ricciardetto, accompanied him, and all four servedthe king so faithfully that they rose to high favor with him. Theking gave them land in the mountains on the frontiers of Franceand Spain, and subjected all the country round to Rinaldo'sauthority. There was plenty of marble in the mountains, the kingfurnished workmen, and they built a castle for Rinaldo, surroundedwith high walls, so as to be almost impregnable. Built of whitestone, and placed on the brow of a marble promontory, the castleshone like a star, and Rinaldo gave it the name of Montalban. Herehe assembled his friends, many of whom were banished men likehimself, and the country people furnished them with provisions inreturn for the protection the castle afforded. Yet some ofRinaldo's men were lawless, and sometimes the supplies were notfurnished in sufficient abundance, so that Rinaldo and hisgarrison got a bad name for taking by force what they could notobtain by gift; and we sometimes find Montalban spoken of as anest of freebooters, and its defenders called a beggarly garrison. 

Charlemagne's displeasure did not last long, and, at the time ourhistory commences, Rinaldo and his brothers were completelyrestored to the favor of the Emperor, and none of his cavaliersserved him with greater zeal and fidelity than they, throughoutall his wars with the Saracens and Pagans. 

THE TOURNAMENT

It was the month of May, and the feast of Pentecost. Charlemagnehad ordered magnificent festivities, and summoned to them, besideshis paladins and vassals of the crown, all strangers, Christian orSaracen, then sojourning at Paris. Among the guests were KingGrandonio, from Spain; and Ferrau, the Saracen, with eyes like aneagle; Orlando and Rinaldo, the Emperor's nephews; Duke Namo;Astolpho, of England, the handsomest man living; Malagigi, theEnchanter; and Gano, of Maganza, that wily traitor, who had theart to make the Emperor think he loved him, while he plottedagainst him. 

High sat Charlemagne at the head of his vassals and his paladins, rejoicing in the thought of their number and their might, whileall were sitting and hearing music, and feasting, when suddenlythere came into the hall four enormous giants, having between thema lady of incomparable beauty, attended by a single knight. Therewere many ladies present who had seemed beautiful till she madeher appearance, but after that they all seemed nothing. EveryChristian knight turned his eyes to her, and every Pagan crowdedround her, while she, with a sweetness that might have touched aheart of stone, thus addressed the Emperor:

"High-minded lord, the renown of your worthiness, and of the valorof these your knights, which echoes from sea to sea, encourages meto hope that two pilgrims, who have come from the ends of theworld to behold you, will not have encountered their fatigue invain. And, before I show the motive which has brought us hither, learn that this knight is my brother Uberto, and that I am hissister Angelica. Fame has told us of the jousting this dayappointed, and so the prince my brother has come to prove hisvalor, and to say that, if any of the knights here assembledchoose to meet him in the joust, he will encounter them, one byone, at the stair of Merlin, by the Fountain of the Pine. And hisconditions are these: No knight who chances to be thrown shall beallowed to renew the combat, but shall remain prisoner to mybrother; but if my brother be overthrown he shall depart out ofthe country, leaving me as the prize of the conqueror. "

Now it must be stated that this Angelica and her brother, whocalled himself Uberto, but whose real name was Argalia, were thechildren of Galafron, king of Cathay, who had sent them to be thedestruction of the Christian host; for Argalia was armed with anenchanted lance, which unfailingly overthrew everything ittouched, and he was mounted on a horse, a creature of magic, whoseswiftness outstripped the wind. Angelica possessed also a ringwhich was a defence against all enchantments, and when put intothe mouth rendered the bearer invisible. Thus Argalia was expectedto subdue and take prisoners whatever knights should dare toencounter him; and the charms of Angelica were relied on to enticethe paladins to make the fatal venture, while her ring wouldafford her easy means of escape. 

When Angelica ceased sneaking she knelt before the king andawaited his answer, and everybody gazed on her with admiration. Orlando especially felt irresistibly drawn towards her, so that hetrembled and changed countenance. Every knight in the hall wasinfected with the same feeling, not excepting old white-headedDuke Namo and Charlemagne himself. 

All stood for a while in silence, lost in the delight of lookingat her. The fiery youth Ferrau could hardly restrain himself fromseizing her from the giants and carrying her away; Rinaldo turnedas red as fire, while Malagigi, who had discovered by his art thatthe stranger was not speaking truth, muttered softly, as he lookedat her, "Exquisite false creature! I will play thee such a trickfor this, as will leave thee no cause to boast of thy visit. "

Charlemagne, to detain her as long as possible before him, delayedhis assent till he had asked her a number of questions, all whichshe answered discreetly, and then the challenge was accepted. 

As soon as she was gone Malagigi consulted his book, and found outthe whole plot of the vile, infidel king, Galafron, as we haveexplained it, so he determined to seek the damsel and frustrateher designs. He hastened to the appointed spot, and there foundthe prince and his sister in a beautiful pavilion, where they layasleep, while the four giants kept watch. Malagigi took his bookand cast a spell out of it, and immediately the four giants fellinto a deep sleep. Drawing his sword (for he was a belted knight), he softly approached the young lady, intending to despatch her atonce; but, seeing her look so lovely, he paused for a moment, thinking there was no need of hurry, as he believed his spell wasupon her, and she could not wake. But the ring which she woresecured her from the effect of the spell, and some slight noise, or whatever else it was, caused her at that moment to awake. Sheuttered a great cry, and flew to her brother, and waked him. Bythe help of her knowledge of enchantment, they took and bound fastthe magician, and, seizing his book, turned his arts againsthimself. Then they summoned a crowd of demons, and bade them seizetheir prisoner and bear him to King Galafron, at his great city ofAlbracca, which they did, and, on his arrival, he was locked up ina rock under the sea. 

While these things were going on all was uproar at Paris, sinceOrlando insisted upon being the first to try the adventure at thestair of Merlin. This was resented by the other pretenders toAngelica, and all contested his right to the precedence. Thetumult was stilled by the usual expedient of drawing lots, and thefirst prize was drawn by Astolpho. Ferrau, the Saracen, had thesecond, and Grandonio the third. Next came Berlinghieri, and Otho;then Charles himself, and, as his ill-fortune would have it, afterthirty more, the indignant Orlando. 

Astolpho, who drew the first lot, was handsome, brave, and rich. But, whether from heedlessness or want of skill, he was an unluckyjouster, and very apt to be thrown, an accident which he bore withperfect good-humor, always ready to mount again and try to mendhis fortune, generally with no better success. 

Astolpho went forth upon his adventure with great gayety of dressand manner, encountered Argalia, and was immediately tilted out ofthe saddle. He railed at fortune, to whom he laid all the fault;but his painful feelings were somewhat relieved by the kindness ofAngelica, who, touched by his youth and good looks, granted himthe liberty of the pavilion, and caused him to be treated with allkindness and respect. 

The violent Ferrau had the next chance in the encounter, and wasthrown no less speedily than Astolpho; but he did not so easilyput up with his mischance. Crying out, "What are the emperor'sengagements to me?" he rushed with his sword against Argalia, who, being forced to defend himself, dismounted and drew his sword, butgot so much the worse of the fight that he made a signal ofsurrender, and, after some words, listened to a proposal ofmarriage from Ferrau to his sister. The beauty, however, feelingno inclination to match with such a rough and savage-lookingperson, was so dismayed at the offer, that, hastily bidding herbrother to meet her in the forest of Arden, she vanished from thesight of both by means of the enchanted ring. Argalia, seeingthis, took to his horse of swiftness, and dashed away in the samedirection. Ferrau pursued him, and Astolpho, thus left to himself, took possession of the enchanted lance in place of his own, whichwas broken, not knowing the treasure he possessed in it, andreturned to the tournament. Charlemagne, finding the lady and herbrother gone, ordered the jousting to proceed as at firstintended, in which Astolpho, by aid of the enchanted lance, unhorsed all comers against him, equally to their astonishment andhis own. 

The paladin Rinaldo, on learning the issue of the combat of Ferrauand the stranger, galloped after the fair fugitive in an agony oflove and impatience. Orlando, perceiving his disappearance, pushedforth in like manner; and, at length, all three are in the forestof Arden, hunting about for her who is invisible. 

Now in this forest there were two fountains, the one constructedby the sage Merlin, who designed it for Tristram and the fairIsoude; [Footnote: See their story in "King Arthur and HisKnights. "] for such was the virtue of this fountain, that adraught of its waters produced on oblivion of the love which thedrinker might feel, and even produced aversion for the objectformerly beloved. The other fountain was endowed with exactlyopposite qualities, and a draught of it inspired love for thefirst living object that was seen after tasting it. Rinaldohappened to come to the first mentioned fountain, and, beingflushed with heat, dismounted, and quenched in one draught bothhis thirst and his passion. So far from loving Angelica as beforehe hated her from the bottom of his heart, became disgusted withthe search he was upon, and, feeling fatigued with his ride, finding a sheltered and flowery nook, laid himself down and fellasleep. 

Shortly after came Angelica, but, approaching in a differentdirection, she espied the other fountain, and there quenched herthirst. Then resuming her way, she came upon the sleeping Rinaldo. Love instantly seized her, and she stood rooted to the spot. 

The meadow round was all full of lilies of the valley and wildroses. Angelica, not knowing what to do, at length plucked ahandful of these, and dropped them, one by one, on the face of thesleeper. He woke up, and, seeing who it was, received hersalutations with averted countenance, remounted his horse, andgalloped away. In vain the beautiful creature followed and calledafter him, in vain asked him what she had done to be so despised. Rinaldo disappeared, leaving her in despair, and she returned intears to the spot where she had found him sleeping. There, in herturn, she herself lay down, pressing the spot of earth on which hehad lain, and, out of fatigue and sorrow, fell asleep. 

As Angelica thus lay, fortune conducted Orlando to the same place. The attitude in which she was sleeping was so lovely that it isnot to be conceived, much less expressed. Orlando stood gazinglike a man who had been transported to another sphere. "Am I onearth, " he exclaimed, "or am I in Paradise? Surely it is I thatsleep, and this is my dream. "

But his dream was proved to be none in a manner which he littledesired. Ferrau, who had slain Argalia, came up, raging withjealousy, and a combat ensued which awoke the sleeper. 

Terrified at what she beheld, she rushed to her palfrey, and, while the fighters were occupied with one another, fled awaythrough the forest. The champions continued their fight till theywere interrupted by a messenger, who brought word to Ferrau thatking Marsilius, his sovereign, was in pressing need of hisassistance, and conjured him to return to Spain. Ferrau, uponthis, proposed to suspend the combat, to which Orlando, eager topursue Angelica, agreed. Ferrau, on the other hand, departed withthe messenger to Spain. 

Orlando's quest for the fair fugitive was all in vain. Aided bythe powers of magic, she made a speedy return to her own country. 

But the thought of Rinaldo could not be banished from her mind, and she determined to set Malagigi at liberty, and to employ himto win Rinaldo, if possible, to make her a return of affection. She accordingly freed him from his dungeon, unlocking his fetterswith her own hands, and restored him his book, promising him amplehonors and rewards on condition of his bringing Rinaldo to herfeet. 

Malagigi accordingly, with the aid of his book, called up a demon, mounted him, and departed. Arrived at his destination, heinveigled Rinaldo into an enchanted bark, which conveyed him, without any visible pilot, to an island where stood an edificecalled Joyous Castle. The whole island was a garden. On thewestern side, close to the sea, was the palace, built of marble, so clear and polished that it reflected the landscape about it. Rinaldo leapt ashore, and soon met a lady, who invited him toenter. The house was as beautiful within as without, full of roomsadorned with azure and gold, and with noble paintings. The ladyled the knight into an apartment painted with stories, and openingto the garden, through pillars of crystal, with golden capitals. Here he found a bevy of ladies, three of whom were singing inconcert, while another played on an instrument of exquisiteaccord, and the rest danced round about them. When the ladiesbeheld him coming they turned the dance into a circuit round him, and then one of them, in the sweetest manner, said, "Sir knight, the tables are set, and the hour for the banquet is come;" and, with these words, still dancing, they drew him across the lawn infront of the apartment, to a table that was spread with cloth ofgold and fine linen, under a bower of damask roses by the side ofa fountain. 

Four ladies were already seated there, who rose, and placedRinaldo at their head, in a chair set with pearls. And trulyindeed was he astonished. A repast ensued, consisting of viandsthe most delicate, and wines as fragrant as they were fine, drunkout of jewelled cups; and, when it drew towards its conclusion, harps and lutes were heard in the distance, and one of the ladiessaid in the knight's ear: "This house and all that you see in itare yours; for you alone was it built, and the builder is a queen. Happy indeed must you think yourself, for she loves you, and sheis the greatest beauty in the world! Her name is Angelica. "

The moment Rinaldo heard the name he so detested he started up, with a changed countenance, and, in spite of all that the ladycould say, broke off across the garden, and never ceased hasteningtill he reached the place where he landed. The bark was still onthe shore. He sprang into it, and pushed off, though he saw nobodyin it but himself. It was in vain for him to try to control itsmovements, for it dashed on as if in fury, till it reached adistant shore covered with a gloomy forest. Here Rinaldo, surrounded by enchantments of a very different sort from thosewhich he had lately resisted, was entrapped into a pit. 

The pit belonged to a castle called Altaripa, which was hung withhuman heads, and painted red with blood. As the paladin wasviewing the scene with amazement a hideous old woman made herappearance at the edge of the pit, and told him that he wasdestined to be thrown to a monster, who was only kept fromdevastating the whole country by being supplied with living humanflesh. Rinaldo said, "Be it so; let me but remain armed as I am, and I fear nothing. " The old woman laughed in derision. Rinaldoremained in the pit all night, and the next morning was taken tothe place where the monster had his den. It was a court surroundedby a high wall. Rinaldo was shut in with the beast, and a terriblecombat ensued. Rinaldo was unable to make any impression on thescales of the monster, while he, on the contrary, with hisdreadful claws, tore away plate and mail from the paladin. Rinaldobegan to think his last hour was come, and cast his eyes aroundand above to see if there was any means of escape. He perceived abeam projecting from the wall at the height of some ten feet, and, taking a leap almost miraculous, he succeeded in reaching it, andin flinging himself up across it. Here he sat for hours, thehideous brute continually trying to reach him. All at once heheard the sound of something coming through the air like a bird, and suddenly Angelica herself alighted on the end of the beam. Sheheld something in her hand towards him, and spoke to him in aloving voice. But the moment Rinaldo saw her he commanded her togo away, refused all her offers of assistance, and at lengthdeclared that, if she did not leave him, he would cast himselfdown to the monster, and meet his fate. 

Angelica, saying she would lose her life rather than displeasehim, departed; but first she threw to the monster a cake of waxshe had prepared, and spread around him a rope knotted withnooses. The beast took the bait, and, finding his teeth gluedtogether by the wax, vented his fury in bounds and leaps, and, soon getting entangled in the nooses, drew them tight by hisstruggles, so that he could scarcely move a limb. 

Rinaldo, watching his chance, leapt down upon his back, seized himround the neck, and throttled him, not relaxing his gripe till thebeast fell dead. 

Another difficulty remained to be overcome. The walls were ofimmense height, and the only opening in them was a grated windowof such strength that he could not break the bars. In his distressRinaldo found a file, which Angelica had left on the ground, and, with the help of this, effected his deliverance. 

What further adventures he met with will be told in anotherchapter. 

THE SIEGE OF ALBRACCA

At the very time when Charlemagne was holding his plenary courtand his great tournament his kingdom was invaded by a mightymonarch, who was moreover so valiant and strong in battle that noone could stand against him. He was named Gradasso, and hiskingdom was called Sericane. Now, as it often happens to thegreatest and the richest to long for what they cannot have, andthus to lose what they already possess, this king could not restcontent without Durindana, the sword of Orlando, and Bayard, thehorse of Rinaldo. To obtain these he determined to war uponFrance, and for this purpose put in array a mighty army. 

He took his way through Spain, and, after defeating Marsilius, theking of that country, in several battles, was rapidly advancing onFrance. Charlemagne, though Marsilius was a Saracen, and had beenhis enemy, yet felt it needful to succor him in this extremityfrom a consideration of common danger, and, with the consent ofhis peers, despatched Rinaldo with a strong body of soldiersagainst Gradasso. 

There was much fighting, with doubtful results, and Gradasso wassteadily advancing into France. But, impatient to achieve hisobjects, he challenged Rinaldo to single combat, to be fought onfoot, and upon these conditions: If Rinaldo conquered, Gradassoagreed to give up all his prisoners and return to his own country;but if Gradasso won the day, he was to have Bayard. 

The challenge was accepted, and would have been fought had it notbeen for the arts of Malagigi, who just then returned fromAngelica's kingdom with set purpose to win Rinaldo to look withfavor upon the fair princess who was dying for love of him. Malagigi drew Rinaldo away from the army by putting on thesemblance of Gradasso, and, after a short contest, pretending tofly before him, by which means Rinaldo was induced to follow himinto a boat, in which he was borne away, and entangled in variousadventures, as we have already related. 

The army, left under the command of Ricciardetto, Rinaldo'sbrother, was soon joined by Charlemagne and all his peerage, butexperienced a disastrous rout, and the Emperor and many of hispaladins were taken prisoners. Gradasso, however, did not abusehis victory; he took Charles by the hand, seated him by his side, and told him he warred only for honor. He renounced all conquests, on condition that the Emperor should deliver to him Bayard andDurindana, both of them the property of his vassals, the former ofwhich, as he maintained, was already forfeited to him by Rinaldo'sfailure to meet him as agreed. To these terms Charlemagne readilyacceded. 

Bayard, after the departure of his master, had been taken incharge by Ricciardetto, and sent back to Paris, where Astolpho wasin command, in the absence of Charlemagne. Astolpho received withgreat indignation the message despatched for Bayard, and repliedby a herald that "he would not surrender the horse of his kinsmanRinaldo without a contest. If Gradasso wanted the steed he mightcome and take him, and that he, Astolpho, was ready to meet him inthe field. "

Gradasso was only amused at this answer, for Astolpho's fame as asuccessful warrior was not high, and Gradasso willingly renewedwith him the bargain which he had made with Rinaldo. On theseconditions the battle was fought. The enchanted lance, in thehands of Astolpho, performed a new wonder; and Gradasso, theterrible Gradasso, was unhorsed. 

He kept his word, set free his prisoners, and put his army on themarch to return to his own country, renewing his oath, however, not to rest till he had taken from Rinaldo his horse, and fromOrlando his sword, or lost his life in the attempt. 

Charlemagne, full of gratitude to Astolpho, would have kept himnear his person and loaded him with honors, but Astolpho preferredto seek Rinaldo, with the view of restoring to him his horse, anddeparted from Paris with that design. 

Our story now returns to Orlando, whom we left fascinated withthe sight of the sleeping beauty, who, however, escaped him whileengaged in the combat with Ferrau. Having long sought her in vainthrough the recesses of the wood, he resolved to follow her to herfather's court. Leaving, therefore, the camp of Charlemagne, hetravelled long in the direction of the East, making inquiryeverywhere, if, perchance, he might get tidings of the fugitive. After many adventures, he arrived one day at a place where manyroads crossed, and meeting there a courier, he asked him for news. The courier replied that he had been despatched by Angelica tosolicit the aid of Sacripant, king of Circassia, in favor of herfather Galafron, who was besieged in his city, Albracca, byAgrican, king of Tartary. This Agrican had been an unsuccessfulsuitor to the damsel, whom he now pursued with arms. Orlando thuslearned that he was within a day's journey of Albracca; and, feeling now secure of Angelica, he proceeded with all speed to hercity. 

Thus journeying he arrived at a bridge, under which flowed afoaming river. Here a damsel met him with a goblet, and informedhim that it was the usage of this bridge to present the travellerwith a cup. Orlando accepted the offered cup and drank itscontents. He had no sooner done so than his brain reeled, and hebecame unconscious of the object of his journey, and of everythingelse. Under the influence of this fascination he followed thedamsel into a magnificent and marvellous palace. Here he foundhimself in company with many knights, unknown to him and to eachother, though if it had not been for the Cup of Oblivion of whichthey all had partaken they would have found themselves brothers inarms. 

Astolpho, proceeding on his way to seek Rinaldo, splendidlydressed and equipped, as was his wont, arrived in Circassia, andfound there a great army encamped under the command of Sacripant, the king of that country, who was leading it to the defence ofGalafron, the father of Angelica. Sacripant, much struck by theappearance of Astolpho and his horse, accosted him courteously, and tried to enlist him in his service; but Astolpho, proud of hislate victories, scornfully declined his offers, and pursued hisway. King Sacripant was too much attracted by his appearance topart with him so easily, and having laid aside his kinglyornaments, set out in pursuit of him. 

Astolpho next day encountered on his way a stranger knight, namedSir Florismart, Lord of the Sylvan Tower, one of the bravest andbest of knights, having as his guide a damsel, young, fair, andvirtuous, to whom he was tenderly attached, whose name wasFlordelis. Astolpho, as he approached, defied the knight, biddinghim yield the lady, or prepare to maintain his right by arms. Florismart accepted the contest, and the knights encountered. Florismart was unhorsed and his steed fell dead, while Bayardsustained no injury by the shock. 

Florismart was so overwhelmed with despair at his own disgrace andthe sight of the damsel's distress, that he drew his sword, andwas about to plunge it into his own bosom. But Astolpho held hishand, told him that he contended only for glory, and was contentedto leave him the lady. 

While Florismart and Flordelis were vowing eternal gratitude KingSacripant arrived, and coveting the damsel of the one champion asmuch as the horse and arms of the other, defied them to the joust. Astolpho met the challenger, whom he instantly overthrew, andpresented his courser to Florismart, leaving the king to return tohis army on foot. 

The friends pursued their route, and ere long Flordelisdiscovered, by signs which were known to her, that they wereapproaching the waters of Oblivion, and advised them to turn back, or to change their course. This the knights would not hear of, and, continuing their march, they soon arrived at the bridge whereOrlando had been taken prisoner. 

The damsel of the bridge appeared as before with the enchantedcup, but Astolpho, forewarned, rejected it with scorn. She dashedit to the ground, and a fire blazed up which rendered the bridgeunapproachable. At the same moment the two knights were assailedby sundry warriors, known and unknown, who, having no recollectionof anything, joined blindly in defence of their prison-house. Among these was Orlando, at sight of whom Astolpho, with all hisconfidence not daring to encounter him, turned and fled, owing hisescape to the strength and fleetness of Bayard. 

Florismart, meanwhile, overlaid by fearful odds, was compelled toyield to necessity, and comply with the usage of the fairy. Hedrank of the cup and remained prisoner with the rest. Flordelis, deprived of her two friends, retired from the scene, and devotedherself to untiring efforts to effect her lover's deliverance. Astolpho pursued his way to Albracca, which Agrican was about tobesiege. He was kindly welcomed by Angelica, and enrolled amongher defenders. Impatient to distinguish himself, he one nightsallied forth alone, arrived in Agrican's camp, and unhorsed hiswarriors right and left by means of the enchanted lance. But hewas soon surrounded and overmatched, and made prisoner to Agrican. 

Relief was, however, at hand; for as the citizens and soldierswere one day leaning over their walls they descried a cloud ofdust, from which horsemen were seen to prick forth, as it rolledon towards the camp of the besiegers. This turned out to be thearmy of Sacripant, which immediately attacked that of Agrican, with the view of cutting a passage through his camp to thebesieged city. But Agrican, mounted upon Bayard, taken fromAstolpho, but not armed with the lance of gold, the virtues ofwhich were unknown to him, performed wonders, and rallied hisscattered troops, which had given way to the sudden and unexpectedassault. Sacripant, on the other hand, encouraged his men by themost desperate acts of valor, having as an additional incentive tohis courage the sight of Angelica, who showed herself upon thecity walls. 

There she witnessed a single combat between the two leaders, Agrican and Sacripant. In this, at length, her defender appearedto be overmatched, when the Circassians broke the ring, andseparated the combatants, who were borne asunder in the rush. Sacripant, severely wounded, profited by the confusion, andescaped into Albracca, where he was kindly received and carefullytended by Angelica. 

The battle continuing, the Circassians were at last put to flight, and, being intercepted between the enemy's lines and the town, sought for refuge under the walls. Angelica ordered the drawbridgeto be let down, and the gates thrown open to the fugitives. Withthese Agrican, not distinguished in the crowd, entered the place, driving both Circassians and Cathayans before him, and theportcullis being dropped, he was shut in. 

For a time the terror which he inspired put to flight allopposers, but when at last it came to be known that few or none ofhis followers had effected an entrance with him, the fugitivesrallied and surrounded him on all sides. While he was thusapparently reduced to the last extremities, he was saved by thevery circumstance which threatened him with destruction. Thesoldiers of Angelica, closing upon him from all sides, desertedtheir defences; and his own besieging army entered the city in apart where the wall was broken down. 

In this way was Agrican rescued, the city taken, and theinhabitants put to the sword. Angelica, however, with some of theknights who were her defenders, among whom was Sacripant, savedherself in the citadel, which was planted upon a rock. 

The fortress was impregnable, but it was scantily victualled, andill provided with other necessaries. Under these circumstancesAngelica announced to those blockaded with her in the citadel herintention to go in quest of assistance, and, having plighted herpromise of a speedy return, she set out, with the enchanted ringupon her finger. Mounted upon her palfrey, the damsel passedthrough the enemy's lines, and by sunrise was many miles clear oftheir encampment. 

It so happened that her road led her near the fatal bridge ofOblivion, and as she approached it she met a damsel weepingbitterly. It was Flordelis, whose lover, Florismart, as we haverelated, had met the fate of Orlando and many more, and fallen avictim to the enchantress of the cup. She related her adventuresto Angelica, and conjured her to lend what aid she might to rescueher lord and his companions. Angelica, accordingly, watching heropportunity and aided by her ring, slipped into the castle unseen, when the door was opened to admit a new victim. Here she speedilydisenchanted Orlando and the rest by a touch of her talisman. ButFlorismart was not there. He had been given up to Falerina, a morepowerful enchantress, and was still in durance. Angelica conjuredthe rescued captives to assist her in the recovery of her kingdom, and all departed together for Albracca. 

The arrival of Orlando, with his companions, nine in all, andamong the bravest knights of France, changed at once the fortunesof the war. Wherever the great paladin came, pennon and standardfell before him. Agrican in vain attempted to rally his troops. Orlando kept constantly in his front, forcing him to attend tonobody else. The Tartar king at length bethought him of astratagem. He turned his horse, and made a show of flying indespair. Orlando dashed after him as he desired, and Agrican fledtill he reached a green place in a wood, where there was afountain. 

The place was beautiful, and the Tartar dismounted to refreshhimself at the fountain, but without taking off his helmet, orlaying aside any of his armor. Orlando was quickly at his back, crying out, "So bold, and yet a fugitive! How could you fly from asingle arm and think to escape?"

The Tartar king had leaped on his saddle the moment he saw hisenemy, and when the paladin had done speaking, he said in a mildvoice, "Without doubt you are the best knight I ever encountered, and fain would I leave you untouched for your own sake, if youwould cease to hinder me from rallying my people. I pretended tofly, in order to bring you out of the field. If you insist uponfighting I must needs fight and slay you, but I call the sun inthe heavens to witness I would rather not. I should be very sorryfor your death. "

The Count Orlando felt pity for so much gallantry, and he said, "The nobler you show yourself the more it grieves me to think thatin dying without a knowledge of the true faith you will be lost inthe other world. Let me advise you to save body and soul at once. Receive baptism, and go your way in peace. "

Agrican replied: "I suspect you to be the paladin Orlando. If youare I would not lose this opportunity of fighting with you to beking of Paradise. Talk to me no more about your things of anotherworld, for you will preach in vain. Each of us for himself, andlet the sword be umpire. "

The Saracen drew his sword, boldly advancing upon Orlando, and acombat began, so obstinate and so long, each warrior being amiracle of prowess, that the story says it lasted from noon tillnight. Orlando then seeing the stars come out was the first topropose a respite. 

"What are we to do, " said he, "now that daylight has left us?"

Agrican answered readily enough, "Let us repose in this meadow, and renew the combat at dawn. "

The repose was taken accordingly. Each tied up his horse, andreclined himself on the grass, not far from the other, just as ifthey had been friends, Orlando by the fountain, Agrican beneath apine. It was a beautiful clear night, and, as they talked togetherbefore addressing themselves to sleep, the champion ofChristendom, looking up at the firmament, said, "That is a finepiece of workmanship, that starry spectacle; God made it all, thatmoon of silver, and those stars of gold, and the light of day, andthe sun, --all for the sake of human kind. "

"You wish, I see, to talk of matters of faith, " said the Tartar. "Now I may as well tell you at once that I have no sort of skillin such matters, nor learning of any kind. I never could learnanything when I was a boy. I hated it so that I broke the man'shead who was commissioned to teach me; and it produced such aneffect on others that nobody ever afterwards dared so much as showme a book. My boyhood was therefore passed, as it should be, inhorsemanship and hunting, and learning to fight. What is the goodof a gentleman's poring all day over a book? Prowess to theknight, and preaching to the clergyman, that is my motto. "

"I acknowledge, " returned Orlando, "that arms are the firstconsideration of a gentleman; but not at all that he does himselfdishonor by knowledge. On the contrary, knowledge is as great anembellishment of the rest of his attainments, as the flowers areto the meadow before us; and as to the knowledge of his Maker, theman that is without it is no better than a stock or a stone or abrute beast. Neither without study can he reach anything of a duesense of the depth and divineness of the contemplation. "

"Learned or not learned, " said Agrican, "you might show yourselfbetter bred than by endeavoring to make me talk on a subject onwhich you have me at a disadvantage. If you choose to sleep I wishyou good night; but if you prefer talking I recommend you to talkof fighting or of fair ladies. And, by the way, pray tell me, areyou not that Orlando who makes such a noise in the world? And whatis it, pray, that brings you into these parts? Were you ever inlove? I suppose you must have been; for to be a knight, and neverto have been in love, would be like being a man without a heart inhis breast. "

The count replied: "Orlando I am, and in love I am. Love has mademe abandon everything, and brought me into these distant regions, and, to tell you all in one word, my heart is in the hands of thedaughter of King Galafron. You have come against him with fire andsword, to get possession of his castles and his dominions; and Ihave come to help him, for no object in the world but to pleasehis daughter and win her beautiful hand. I care for nothing elsein existence. "

Now when the Tartar king, Agrican, heard his antagonist speak inthis manner, and knew him to be indeed Orlando, and to be in lovewith Angelica, his face changed color for grief and jealousy, though it could not be seen for the darkness. His heart beganbeating with such violence that he felt as if he should have died. "Well, " said he to Orlando, "we are to fight when it is daylight, and one or other is to be left here, dead on the ground. I have aproposal to make to you--nay, an entreaty. My love is soexcessive for the same lady that I beg you to leave her to me. Iwill owe you my thanks, and give up the siege and put an end tothe war. I cannot bear that any one should love her, and that Ishould live to see it. Why, therefore, should either of us perish?Give her up. Not a soul shall know it. "

"I never yet, " answered Orlando, "made a promise which I did notkeep, and nevertheless I own to you that, were I to make a promiselike that, and even swear to keep it, I should not. You might aswell ask me to tear away the limbs from my body, and the eyes outof my head. I could as well live without breath itself as ceaseloving Angelica. "

Agrican had hardly patience to let him finish speaking, ere heleapt furiously on horseback, though it was midnight. "Quit her, "said he, "or die!"

Orlando seeing the infidel getting up, and not being sure that hewould not add treachery to fierceness, had been hardly less quickin mounting for the combat. "Never, " exclaimed he; "I never couldhave quitted her if I would, and now I would not if I could. Youmust seek her by other means than these. "

Fiercely dashed their horses together, in the nighttime, on thegreen mead. Despiteful and terrible were the blows they gave andtook by the moonlight. Agrican fought in a rage, Orlando wascooler. And now the struggle had lasted more than five hours, andday began to dawn, when the Tartar king, furious to find so muchtrouble given him, dealt his enemy a blow sharp and violent beyondconception. It cut the shield in two as if it had been made ofwood, and, though blood could not be drawn from Orlando, becausehe was fated, it shook and bruised him as if it had started everyjoint in his body. 

His body only, however, not a particle of his soul. So dreadfulwas the blow which the paladin gave in return, that not onlyshield, but every bit of mail on the body of Agrican was broken inpieces, and three of his ribs cut asunder. 

The Tartar, roaring like a lion, raised his sword with stillgreater vehemence than before, and dealt a blow on the paladin'shelmet, such as he had never yet received from mortal man. For amoment it took away his senses. His sight failed, his earstingled, his frightened horse turned about to fly; and he wasfalling from the saddle, when the very action of falling threw hishead upwards, and thus recalled his recollection. 

"What a shame is this!" thought he; "how shall I ever again dareto face Angelica! I have been fighting hour after hour with thisman, and he is but one, and I call myself Orlando! If the combatlast any longer I will bury myself in a monastery, and never lookon sword again. "

Orlando muttered with his lips closed and his teeth groundtogether; and you might have thought that fire instead of breathcame out of his nose and mouth. He raised his sword Durindana withboth his hands, and sent it down so tremendously on Agrican'sshoulder that it cut through breastplate down to the very haunch, nay, crushed the saddle-bow, though it was made of bone and iron, and felled man and horse to the earth. Agrican turned as white asashes, and felt death upon him. He called Orlando to come close tohim, with a gentle voice, and said, as well as he could: "Ibelieve on Him who died on the cross. Baptize me, I pray thee, with the fountain, before my senses are gone. I have lived an evillife, but need not be rebellious to God in death also. May He whocame to save all the rest of the world save me!" And he shedtears, that great king, though he had been so lofty and fierce. 

Orlando dismounted quickly, with his own face in tears. Hegathered the king tenderly in his arms, and took and laid him bythe fountain, on a marble rim that it had, and then he wept inconcert with him heartily, and asked his pardon, and so baptizedhim in the water of the fountain, and knelt and prayed to God forhim with joined hands. 

He then paused and looked at him; and when he perceived hiscountenance changed, and that his whole person was cold, he lefthim there on the marble rim of the fountain, all armed as he was, with the sword by his side, and the crown upon his head. 

ADVENTURES OF RINALDO AND ORLANDO

We left Rinaldo when, having overcome the monster, he quitted thecastle of Altaripa, and pursued his way on foot. He soon met witha weeping damsel, who, being questioned as to the cause of hersorrow, told him she was in search of one to do battle to rescueher lover, who had been made prisoner by a vile enchantress, together with Orlando and many more. The damsel was Flordelis, thelady-love of Florismart, and Rinaldo promised his assistance, trusting to accomplish the adventure either by valor or skill. Flordelis insisted upon Rinaldo's taking her horse, which heconsented to do, on condition of her mounting behind him. 

As they rode on through a wood, they heard strange noises, andRinaldo, reassuring the damsel, pressed forward towards thequarter from which they proceeded. He soon perceived a giantstanding under a vaulted cavern, with a huge club in his hand, andof an appearance to strike the boldest spirit with dread. By theside of the cavern was chained a griffin, which, together with thegiant, was stationed there to guard a wonderful horse, the samewhich was once Argalia's. This horse was a creature ofenchantment, matchless in vigor, speed, and form, which disdainedto share the diet of his fellow-steeds, --corn or grass, --and fedonly on air. His name was Rabican. 

This marvellous horse, after his master Argalia had been slain byFerrau, finding himself at liberty, returned to his native cavern, and was here stabled under the protection of the giant and thegriffin. As Rinaldo approached, the giant assailed him with hisclub. Rinaldo defended himself from the giant's blows, and gavehim one in return, which, if his skin had not been of thetoughest, would have finished the combat. But the giant, thoughwounded, escaped, and let loose the griffin. This monstrous birdtowered in air, and thence pounced down upon Rinaldo, who, watching his opportunity, dealt her a desperate wound. She had, however, strength for another flight, and kept repeating herattacks, which Rinaldo parried as he could, while the damsel stoodtrembling by, witnessing the contest. 

The battle continued, rendered more terrible by the approach ofnight, when Rinaldo determined upon a desperate expedient to bringit to a conclusion. He fell, as if fainting from his wounds, and, on the close approach of the griffin, dealt her a blow whichsheared away one of her wings. The beast, though sinking, gripedhim fast with her talons, digging through plate and mail; butRinaldo plied his sword in utter desperation, and at lastaccomplished her destruction. 

Rinaldo then entered the cavern, and found there the wonderfulhorse, all caparisoned. He was coal-black, except for a star ofwhite on his forehead, and one white foot behind. For speed he wasunrivalled, though in strength he yielded to Bayard. Rinaldomounted upon Rabican, and issued from the cavern. 

As he pursued his way he met a fugitive from Agrican's army, whogave such an account of the prowess of a champion who fought onthe side of Angelica, that Rinaldo was persuaded this must beOrlando, though at a loss to imagine how he could have been freedfrom captivity. He determined to repair to the scene of thecontest to satisfy his curiosity, and Flordelis, hoping to findFlorismart with Orlando, consented to accompany him. 

While these things were doing, all was rout and dismay in theTartarian army, from the death of Agrican. King Galafron, arrivingat this juncture with an army for the relief of his capital, Albracca, assaulted the enemy's camp, and carried all before him. Rinaldo had now reached the scene of action, and was looking on asan unconcerned spectator, when he was espied by Galafron. The kinginstantly recognized the horse Rabican, which he had given toArgalia when he sent him forth on his ill-omened mission to Paris. Possessed with the idea that the rider of the horse was themurderer of Argalia, Galafron rode at Rinaldo, and smote him withall his force. Rinaldo was not slow to avenge the blow, and itwould have gone hard with the king had not his followers instantlyclosed round him and separated the combatants. 

Rinaldo thus found himself, almost without his own choice, enlisted on the side of the enemies of Angelica, which gave him noconcern, so completely had his draught from the fountain of hatesteeled his mind against her. 

For several successive days the struggle continued, without anyimportant results, Rinaldo meeting the bravest knights ofAngelica's party, and defeating them one after the other. Atlength he encountered Orlando, and the two knights bitterlyreproached one another for the cause they had each adopted, andengaged in a furious combat. Orlando was mounted upon Bayard, Rinaldo's horse, which Agrican had by chance become possessed of, and Orlando had taken from him as the prize of victory. Bayardwould not fight against his master, and Orlando was getting theworse of the encounter, when suddenly Rinaldo, seeing Astolpho, who for love of him had arrayed himself on his side, hard beset bynumbers, left Orlando to rush to the defence of his friend. Nightprevented the combat from being renewed; but a challenge was givenand accepted for their next meeting. 

But Angelica, sighing in her heart for Rinaldo, was not willingthat he should be again exposed to so terrible a venture. Shebegged a boon of Orlando, promising she would be his if he woulddo her bidding. On receiving his promise, she enjoined him to setout without delay to destroy the garden of the enchantressFalerina, in which many valiant knights had been entrapped, andwere imprisoned. 

Orlando departed on his horse Brigliadoro, leaving Bayard indisgrace for his bad deportment the day before. Angelica, toconciliate Rinaldo, sent Bayard to him; but Rinaldo remainedunmoved by this as by all her former acts of kindness. 

When Rinaldo learned Orlando's departure, he yielded to theentreaties of the lady of Florismart, and prepared to fulfil hispromise, and rescue her lover from the power of the enchantress. Thus both Rinaldo and Orlando were bound upon the same adventure, but unknown to one another. 

The castle of Falerina was protected by a river, which was crossedby a bridge, kept by a ruffian, who challenged all comers to thecombat; and such was his strength that he had thus far prevailedin every encounter, as appeared by the arms of various knightswhich he had taken from them, and piled up as a trophy on theshore. Rinaldo attacked him, but with as bad success as the rest, for the bridge-ward struck him so violent a blow with an iron macethat he fell to the ground. But when the villain approached tostrip him of his armor, Rinaldo seized him, and the bridge-ward, being unable to free himself, leapt with Rinaldo into the lake, where they both disappeared. 

Orlando, meanwhile, in discharge of his promise to Angelica, pursued his way in quest of the same adventure. In passing througha wood he saw a cavalier armed at all points, and mounted, keepingguard over a lady who was bound to a tree, weeping bitterly. Orlando hastened to her relief, but was exhorted by the knight notto interfere, for she had deserved her fate by her wickedness. Inproof of which he made certain charges against her. The ladydenied them all, and Orlando believed her, defied the knight, overthrew him, and, releasing the lady, departed with her seatedon his horse's croup. 

While they rode another damsel approached on a white palfrey, whowarned Orlando of impending danger, and informed him that he wasnear the garden of the enchantress. Orlando was delighted with theintelligence, and entreated her to inform him how he was to gainadmittance. She replied that the garden could only be entered atsunrise and gave him such instructions as would enable him to gainadmittance. She gave him also a book in which was painted thegarden and all that it contained, together with the palace of thefalse enchantress, where she had secluded herself for the purposeof executing a magic work in which she was engaged. This was themanufacture of a sword capable of cutting even through enchantedsubstances The object of this labor, the damsel told him, was thedestruction of a knight of the west, by name Orlando, who she hadread in the book of Fate was coming to demolish her garden. Havingthus instructed him, the damsel departed. 

Orlando, finding he must delay his enterprise till the nextmorning, now lay down and was soon asleep. Seeing this, the basewoman whom he had rescued, and who was intent on making her escapeto rejoin her paramour, mounted Brigliadoro, and rode off, carrying away Durindana. 

When Orlando awoke, his indignation, as may be supposed, was greaton the discovery of the theft; but, like a good knight and true, he was not to be diverted from his enterprise. He tore off a hugebranch of an elm to supply the place of his sword; and, as the sunrose, took his way towards the gate of the garden, where a dragonwas on his watch. This he slew by repeated blows, and entered thegarden, the gate of which closed behind him, barring retreat. Looking round him, he saw a fair fountain, which overflowed into ariver, and in the centre of the fountain a figure, on whoseforehead was written:

 "The stream which waters violet and rose, From hence to the enchanted palace goes. "

Following the banks of this flowing stream, and rapt in thedelights of the charming garden, Orlando arrived at the palace, and entering it, found the mistress, clad in white, with a crownof gold upon her head, in the act of viewing herself in thesurface of the magic sword. Orlando surprised her before she couldescape, deprived her of the weapon, and holding her fast by herlong hair, which floated behind, threatened her with immediatedeath if she did not yield up her prisoners, and afford him themeans of egress. She, however, was firm of purpose, making noreply, and Orlando, unable to move her either by threats orentreaties, was under the necessity of binding her to a beech, andpursuing his quest as he best might. 

He then bethought him of his book, and, consulting it, found thatthere was an outlet to the south, but that to reach it a lake wasto be passed, inhabited by a siren, whose song was so entrancingas to be quite irresistible to whoever heard it; but his bookinstructed him how to protect himself against this danger. According to its directions, while pursuing his path, he gatheredabundance of flowers, which sprung all around, and filled hishelmet and his ears with them; then listened if he heard the birdssing. Finding that, though he saw the gaping beak, the swellingthroat, and ruffled plumes, he could not catch a note, he feltsatisfied with his defence, and advanced toward the lake. It wassmall but deep, and so clear and tranquil that the eye couldpenetrate to the bottom. 

He had no, sooner arrived upon the banks than the waters were seento gurgle, and the siren, rising midway out of the pool, sung sosweetly that birds and beasts came trooping to the water-side tolisten. Of this Orlando heard nothing, but, feigning to yield tothe charm, sank down upon the bank. The siren issued from thewater with the intent to accomplish his destruction. Orlandoseized her by the hair, and while she sang yet louder (song beingher only defence) cut off her head. Then, following the directionsof the book, he stained himself all over with her blood. 

Guarded by this talisman, he met successively all the monsters setfor defence of the enchantress and her garden, and at length foundhimself again at the spot where he had made captive theenchantress, who still continued fastened to the beech. But thescene was changed. The garden had disappeared, and Falerina, before so haughty, now begged for mercy, assuring him that manylives depended upon the preservation of hers. Orlando promised herlife upon her pledging herself for the deliverance of hercaptives. 

This, however, was no easy task. They were not in her possession, but in that of a much more powerful enchantress, Morgana, the Ladyof the Lake, the very idea of opposing whom made Falerina turnpale with fear. Representing to him the hazards of the enterprise, she led him towards the dwelling of Morgana. To approach it he hadto encounter the same uncourteous bridge-ward who had alreadydefeated and made captive so many knights, and last of all, Rinaldo. He was a churl of the most ferocious character, namedArridano. Morgana had provided him with impenetrable armor, andendowed him in such a manner that his strength always increased inproportion to that of the adversary with whom he was matched. Noone had ever yet escaped from the contest, since, such was hispower of endurance, he could breathe freely under water. Hence, having grappled with a knight, and sunk with him to the bottom ofthe lake, he returned, bearing his enemy's arms in triumph to thesurface. 

While Falerina was repeating her cautions and her counsels Orlandosaw Rinaldo's arms erected in form of a trophy, among other spoilsmade by the villain, and, forgetting their late quarrel, determined upon revenging his friend. Arriving at the pass, thechurl presuming to bar the way, a desperate contest ensued, duringwhich Falerina escaped. The churl finding himself overmatched at acontest of arms, resorted to his peculiar art, grappled hisantagonist, and plunged with him into the lake. When he reachedthe bottom Orlando found himself in another world, upon a drymeadow, with the lake overhead, through which shone the beams ofour sun, while the water stood on all sides like a crystal wall. Here the battle was renewed, and Orlando had in his magic sword anadvantage which none had hitherto possessed. It had been temperedby Falerina so that no spells could avail against it. Thus armed, and countervailing the strength of his adversary by his superiorskill and activity, it was not long before he laid him dead uponthe field. 

Orlando then made all haste to return to the upper air, and, passing through the water, which opened a way before him (such wasthe power of the magic sword), he soon regained the shore, andfound himself in a field as thickly covered with precious stonesas the sky is with stars. 

Orlando crossed the field, not tempted to delay his enterprise bygathering any of the brilliant gems spread all around him. He nextpassed into a flowery meadow planted with trees, covered withfruit and flowers, and full of all imaginable delights. 

In the middle of this meadow was a fountain, and fast by it layMorgana asleep; a lady of a lovely aspect, dressed in white andvermilion garments, her forehead well furnished with hair, whileshe had scarcely any behind. 

While Orlando stood in silence contemplating her beauty he heard avoice exclaim: "Seize the fairy by the forelock, if thou hopestfair success. " But his attention was arrested by another object, and he heeded not the warning. He saw on a sudden an array oftowers, pinnacles and columns, palaces with balconies and windows, extended alleys with trees, in short a scene of architecturalmagnificence surpassing all he had ever beheld. While he stoodgazing in silent astonishment the scene slowly melted away anddisappeared. [Footnote: This is a poetical description of aphenomenon which is said to be really exhibited in the strait ofMessina, between Sicily and Calabria. It is called Fata Morgana, or Mirage. ]

When he had recovered from his amazement he looked again towardthe fountain. The fairy had awaked and risen, and was dancinground its border with the lightness of a leaf, timing herfootsteps to this song:

 "Who in this world would wealth and treasure share, Honor, delight, and state, and what is best, Quick let him catch me by the lock of hair Which flutters from my forehead; and be blest. 

 "But let him not the proffered good forbear, Nor till he seize the fleeting blessing rest; For present loss is sought in vain to-morrow, And the deluded wretch is left in sorrow. "

The fairy, having sung thus, bounded off, and fled from theflowery meadow over a high and inaccessible mountain. Orlandopursued her through thorns and rocks, while the sky graduallybecame overcast, and at last he was assailed by tempest, lightning, and hail. 

While he thus pursued, a pale and meagre woman issued from a cave, armed with a whip, and, treading close upon his steps, scourgedhim with vigorous strokes. Her name was Repentance, and she toldhim it was her office to punish those who neglected to obey thevoice of Prudence, and seize the fairy Fortune when he might. 

Orlando, furious at this chastisement, turned upon his tormentor, but might as well have stricken the wind. Finding it useless toresist, he resumed his chase of the fairy, gained upon her, andmade frequent snatches at her white and vermilion garments, whichstill eluded his grasp. At last, on her turning her head for aninstant, he profited by the chance, and seized her by theforelock. In an instant the tempest ceased, the sky became serene, and Repentance retreated to her cave. 

Orlando now demanded of Morgana the keys of her prison, and thefairy, feigning a complacent aspect, delivered up a key of silver, bidding him to be cautious in the use of it, since to break thelock would be to involve himself and all in inevitabledestruction; a caution which gave the Count room for longmeditation, and led him to consider

 How few amid the suitors who importune The dame, know how to turn the keys of Fortune. 

Keeping the fairy still fast by the forelock, Orlando proceededtoward the prison, turned the key, without occasioning themischiefs apprehended, and delivered the prisoners. 

Among these were Florismart, Rinaldo, and many others of thebravest knights of France. Morgana had disappeared, and theknights, under the guidance of Orlando, retraced the path by whichhe had come. They soon reached the field of treasure. Rinaldo, finding himself amidst this mass of wealth, remembered his needygarrison of Montalban, and could not resist the temptation ofseizing part of the booty. In particular a golden chain, studdedwith diamonds, was too much for his self-denial, and he took itand was bearing it off, notwithstanding the remonstrances ofOrlando, when a violent wind caught him and whirled him back, ashe approached the gate. This happened a second and a third time, and Rinaldo at length yielded to necessity, rather than to theentreaties of his friends, and cast away his prize. 

They soon reached the bridge and passed over without hindrance tothe other side, where they found the trophy decorated with theirarms. Here each knight resumed his own, and all, except thepaladins and their friends, separated as their inclinations orduty prompted. Dudon, the Dane, one of the rescued knights, informed the cousins that he had been made prisoner by Morganawhile in the discharge of an embassy to them from Charlemagne, whocalled upon them to return to the defence of Christendom. Orlandowas too much fascinated by Angelica to obey this summons, and, followed by the faithful Florismart, who would not leave him, returned towards Albracca. Rinaldo, Dudon, Iroldo, Prasildo, andthe others took their way toward the west. 

THE INVASION OF FRANCE

Agramant, King of Africa, convoked the kings, his vassals, todeliberate in council. He reminded them of the injuries he hadsustained from France, that his father had fallen in battle withCharlemagne, and that his early years had hitherto not allowed himto wipe out the stain of former defeats. He now proposed to themto carry war into France. 

Sobrino, his wisest councillor, opposed the project, representingthe rashness of it; but Rodomont, the young and fiery king ofAlgiers, denounced Sobrino's counsel as base and cowardly, declaring himself impatient for the enterprise. The king of theGaramantes, venerable for his age and renowned for his propheticlore, interposed, and assured the King that such an attempt wouldbe sure to fail, unless he could first get on his side a youthmarked out by destiny as the fitting compeer of the most puissantknights of France, the young Rogero, descended in direct line fromHector of Troy. This prince was now a dweller upon the mountainCarena, where Atlantes, his foster-father, a powerful magician, kept him in retirement, having discovered by his art that hispupil would be lost to him if allowed to mingle with the world. Tobreak the spells of Atlantes, and draw Rogero from his retirement, one only means was to be found. It was a ring possessed byAngelica, Princess of Cathay, which was a talisman against allenchantments. If this ring could be procured all would go well;without it the enterprise was desperate. 

Rodomont treated this declaration of the old prophet with scorn, and it would probably have been held of little weight by thecouncil, had not the aged king, oppressed by the weight of years, expired in the very act of reaffirming his prediction. This madeso deep an impression on the council that it was unanimouslyresolved to postpone the war until an effort should be made to winRogero to the camp. 

King Agramant thereupon proclaimed that the sovereignty of akingdom should be the reward of whoever should succeed inobtaining the ring of Angelica. Brunello the dwarf, the subtlestthief in all Africa, undertook to procure it. 

In prosecution of this design, he made the best of his way toAngelica's kingdom, and arrived beneath the walls of Albraccawhile the besieging army was encamped before the fortress. Whilethe attention of the garrison was absorbed by the battle thatraged below he scaled the walls, approached the Princessunnoticed, slipped the ring from her finger, and escapedunobserved. He hastened to the seaside, and, finding a vesselready to sail, embarked, and arrived at Biserta, in Africa. Herehe found Agramant impatient for the talisman which was to foil theenchantments of Atlantes and to put Rogero into his hands. Thedwarf, kneeling before the king, presented him with the ring, andAgramant, delighted at the success of his mission, crowned him inrecompense King of Tingitana. 

All were now anxious to go in quest of Rogero. The cavalcadeaccordingly departed, and in due time arrived at the mountain ofCarena. 

At the bottom of this was a fruitful and well-wooded plain, watered by a large river, and from this plain was descried abeautiful garden on the mountain-top, which contained the mansionof Atlantes; but the ring, which discovered what was beforeinvisible, could not, though it revealed this paradise, enableAgramant or his followers to enter it. So steep and smooth was therock by nature, that even Brunello failed in every attempt toscale it. He did not, for this, despair of accomplishing theobject; but, having obtained Agramant's consent, caused theassembled courtiers and knights to celebrate a tournament upon theplain below. This was done with the view of seducing Rogero fromhis fastness, and the stratagem was attended with success. 

Rogero joined the tourney, and was presented by Agramant with asplendid horse, Frontino, and a magnificent sword. Having learnedfrom Agramant his intended invasion of France, he gladly consentedto join the expedition. 

Rodomont, meanwhile, was too impatient to wait for Agramant'sarrangements, and embarked with all the forces he could raise, made good his landing on the coast of France, and routed theChristians in several encounters. Previously to this, however, Gano, or Ganelon (as he is sometimes called), the traitor, enemyof Orlando and the other nephews of Charlemagne, had entered intoa traitorous correspondence with Marsilius, the Saracen king ofSpain, whom he invited into France. Marsilius, thus encouraged, led an army across the frontiers, and joined Rodomont. This wasthe situation of things when Rinaldo and the other knights who hadobeyed the summons of Dudon set forward on their return to France. 

When they arrived at Buda in Hungary they found the king of thatcountry about despatching his son, Ottachiero, with an army to thesuccor of Charlemagne. Delighted with the arrival of Rinaldo, heplaced his son and troops under his command. In due time the armyarrived on the frontiers of France, and, united with the troops ofDesiderius, king of Lombardy, poured down into Provence. Theconfederate armies had not marched many days through this gaytract before they heard a crash of drums and trumpets behind thehills, which spoke the conflict between the paynims, led byRodomont, and the Christian forces. Rinaldo, witnessing from amountain the prowess of Rodomont, left his troops in charge of hisfriends, and galloped towards him with his lance in rest. Theimpulse was irresistible, and Rodomont was unhorsed. But Rinaldo, unwilling to avail himself of his advantage, galloped back to thehill, and having secured Bayard among the baggage, returned tofinish the combat on foot. 

During this interval the battle had become general, the Hungarianswere routed, and Rinaldo, on his return, had the mortification tofind that Ottachiero was wounded, and Dudon taken prisoner. Whilehe sought Rodomont in order to renew the combat a new sound ofdrums and trumpets was heard, and Charlemagne, with the main bodyof his army, was descried advancing in battle array. 

Rodomont, seeing this, mounted the horse of Dudon, left Rinaldo, who was on foot, and galloped off to encounter this new enemy. 

Agramant, accompanied by Rogero, had by this time made good hislanding, and joined Rodomont with all his forces. Rogero eagerlyembraced this first opportunity of distinguishing himself, andspread terror wherever he went, encountering in turn andoverthrowing many of the bravest knights of France. At length hefound himself opposite to Rinaldo, who, being interrupted, as wehave said, in his combat with Rodomont, and unable to follow him, being on foot, was shouting to his late foe to return and finishtheir combat. Rogero also was on foot, and seeing the Christianknight so eager for a contest, proffered himself to supply theplace of his late antagonist. Rinaldo saw at a glance that theMoorish prince was a champion worthy of his arm, and gladlyaccepted the defiance. The combat was stoutly maintained for atime; but now fortune declared decisively in favor of the infidelarmy, and Charlemagne's forces gave way at all points inirreparable confusion. The two combatants were separated by thecrowd of fugitives and pursuers, and Rinaldo hastened to recoverpossession of his horse. But Bayard, in the confusion, had gotloose, and Rinaldo followed him into a thick wood, thus becomingeffectually separated from Rogero. 

Rogero, also seeking his horse in the medley, came where twowarriors were engaged in mortal combat. Though he knew not whothey were, he could distinguish that one was a paynim and theother a Christian; and moved by the spirit of courtesy heapproached them and exclaimed, "Let him of the two who worshipsChrist pause, and hear what I have to say. The army of Charles isrouted and in flight, so that if he wishes to follow his leader hehas no time for delay. " The Christian knight, who was none otherthan Bradamante, a female warrior, in prowess equal to the best ofknights, was thunderstruck with the tidings, and would gladlyleave the contest undecided, and retire from the field; butRodomont, her antagonist, would by no means consent. Rogero, indignant at his discourtesy, insisted upon her departure, whilehe took up her quarrel with Rodomont. 

The combat, obstinately maintained on both sides, was interruptedby the return of Bradamante. Finding herself unable to overtakethe fugitives, and reluctant to leave to another the burden andrisk of a contest which belonged to herself, she had returned toreclaim the combat. She arrived, however, when her champion haddealt his enemy such a blow as obliged him to drop both his swordand bridle. Rogero, disdaining to profit by his adversary'sdefenceless situation, sat apart upon his horse, while that ofRodomont bore his rider, stunned and stupefied, about the field. 

Bradamante approached Rogero, conceiving a yet higher opinion ofhis valor on beholding such an instance of forbearance. Sheaddressed him, excusing herself for leaving him exposed to anenemy from his interference in her cause; pleading her duty to hersovereign as the motive. While she spoke Rodomont, recovered fromhis confusion, rode up to them. His bearing was, however, changed;and he disclaimed all thoughts of further contest with one who, hesaid, "had already conquered him by his courtesy. " So saying, hequitted his antagonist, picked up his sword, and spurred out ofsight. 

Bradamante was now again desirous of retiring from the field, andRogero insisted on accompanying her, though yet unaware of hersex. 

As they pursued their way, she inquired the name and quality ofher new associate; and Rogero informed her of his nation andfamily. He told her that Astyanax, the son of Hector of Troy, established the kingdom of Messina in Sicily. From him werederived two branches, which gave origin to two families of renown. From one sprang the royal race of Pepin and Charlemagne, and fromthe other, that of Reggio, in Italy. "From that of Reggio am Iderived, " he continued. "My mother, driven from her home by thechance of war, died in giving me life, and I was taken in chargeby a sage enchanter, who trained me to feats of arms amidst thedangers of the desert and the chase. "

Having thus ended his tale, Rogero entreated a similar return ofcourtesy from his companion, who replied, without disguise, thatshe was of the race of Clermont, and sister to Rinaldo, whose famewas perhaps known to him. Rogero, much moved by this intelligence, entreated her to take off her helmet, and at the discovery of herface remained transported with delight. 

While absorbed in this contemplation, an unexpected dangerassailed them. A party which was placed in a wood, in order tointercept the retreating Christians, broke from its ambush uponthe pair, and Bradamante, who was uncasqued, was wounded in thehead. Rogero was in a fury at this attack; and Bradamante, replacing her helmet, joined him in taking speedy vengeance ontheir enemies. They cleared the field of them, but becameseparated in the pursuit, and Rogero, quitting the chase, wanderedby hill and vale in search of her whom he had no sooner found thanlost. 

While pursuing this quest he fell in with two knights, whom hejoined, and engaged them to assist him in the search of hiscompanion, describing her arms, but concealing, from a certainfeeling of jealousy, her quality and sex. 

It was evening when they joined company, and having riddentogether through the night the morning was beginning to break, when one of the strangers, fixing his eyes upon Rogero's shield, demanded of him by what right he bore the Trojan arms. Rogerodeclared his origin and race, and then, in his turn, interrogatedthe inquirer as to his pretensions to the cognizance of Hector, which he bore. The stranger replied, "My name is Mandricardo, sonof Agrican, the Tartar king, whom Orlando treacherously slew. Isay treacherously, for in fair fight he could not have done it. Itis in search of him that I have come to France, to take vengeancefor my father, and to wrest from him Durindana, that famous sword, which belongs to me, and not to him. " When the knights demanded toknow by what right he claimed Durindana, Mandricardo thus relatedhis history:

"I had been, before the death of my father, a wild and recklessyouth. That event awakened my energies, and drove me forth to seekfor vengeance. Determined to owe success to nothing but my ownexertions, I departed without attendants or horse or arms. Travelling thus alone, and on foot, I espied one day a pavilion, pitched near a fountain, and entered it, intent on adventure. Ifound therein a damsel of gracious aspect, who replied to myinquiries that the fountain was the work of a fairy, whose castlestood beyond a neighboring hill, where she kept watch over atreasure which many knights had tried to win, but fruitlessly, having lost their life or liberty in the attempt. This treasurewas the armor of Hector, prince of Troy, whom Achillestreacherously slew. Nothing was wanting but his sword, Durindana, and this had fallen into the possession of a queen namedPenthesilea, from whom it passed through her descendants toAlmontes, whom Orlando slew, and thus became possessed of thesword. The rest of Hector's arms were saved and carried off byAeneas, from whom this fairy received them in recompense ofservice rendered. 'If you have the courage to attempt theiracquisition, ' said the damsel, 'I will be your guide. '"

Mandricardo went on to say that he eagerly embraced the proposal, and being provided with horse and armor by the damsel, set forthon his enterprise, the lady accompanying him. 

As they rode she explained the dangers of the quest. The armor wasdefended by a champion, one of the numerous unsuccessfuladventurers for the prize, all of whom had been made prisoners bythe fairy, and compelled to take their turn, day by day, indefending the arms against all comers. Thus speaking they arrivedat the castle, which was of alabaster, overlaid with gold. Beforeit, on a lawn, sat an armed knight on horseback, who was noneother than Gradasso, king of Sericane, who, in his return homefrom his unsuccessful inroad into France, had fallen into thepower of the fairy, and was held to do her bidding. Mandricardo, upon seeing him, dropt his visor, and laid his lance in rest. Thechampion of the castle was equally ready, and each spurred towardshis opponent. They met one another with equal force, splinteredtheir spears, and, returning to the charge, encountered with theirswords. The contest was long and doubtful, when Mandricardo, determined to bring it to an end, threw his arms about Gradasso, grappled with him, and both fell to the ground. Mandricardo, however, fell uppermost, and, preserving his advantage, compelledGradasso to yield himself conquered. The damsel now interfered, congratulating the victor, and consoling the vanquished as well asshe might. 

Mandricardo and the damsel proceeded to the gate of the castle, which they found undefended. As they entered they beheld a shieldsuspended from a pilaster of gold. The device was a white eagle onan azure field, in memory of the bird of Jove, which bore awayGanymede, the flower of the Phrygian race. Beneath was engravedthe following couplet:

 "Let none with hand profane my buckler wrong Unless he be himself as Hector strong. "

The damsel, alighting from her palfrey, made obeisance to thearms, bending herself to the ground. The Tartar king bowed hishead with equal reverence; then advancing towards the shield, touched it with his sword. Thereupon an earthquake shook theground, and the way by which he had entered closed. Another and anopposite gate opened, and displayed a field bristling with stalksand grain of gold. The damsel, upon this, told him that he had nomeans of retreat but by cutting down the harvest which was beforehim, and by uprooting a tree which grew in the middle of thefield. Mandricardo, without replying, began to mow the harvestwith his sword, but had scarce smitten thrice when he perceivedthat every stalk that fell was instantly transformed into somepoisonous or ravenous animal, which prepared to assail him. Instructed by the damsel, he snatched up a stone and cast it amongthe pack. A strange wonder followed; for no sooner had the stonefallen among the beasts, than they turned their rage against oneanother, and rent each other to pieces. Mandricardo did not stopto marvel at the miracle, but proceeded to fulfil his task, anduproot the tree. He clasped it round the trunk, and made vigorousefforts to tear it up by the roots. At each effort fell a showerof leaves, that were instantly changed into birds of prey, whichattacked the knight, flapping their wings in his face, with horridscreeching. But undismayed by this new annoyance, he continued totug at the trunk till it yielded to his efforts. A burst of windand thunder followed, and the hawks and vultures flew screamingaway. 

But these only gave place to a new foe; for from the hole made bytearing up the tree issued a furious serpent, and, darting atMandricardo, wound herself about his limbs with a strain thatalmost crushed him. Fortune, however, again stood his friend, for, writhing under the folds of the monster, he fell backwards intothe hole, and his enemy was crushed beneath his weight. 

Mandricardo, when he was somewhat recovered, and assured himselfof the destruction of the serpent, began to contemplate the placeinto which he had fallen, and saw that he was in a vault, incrusted with costly metals, and illuminated by a live coal. Inthe middle was a sort of ivory bier, and upon this was extendedwhat appeared to be a knight in armor, but was in truth an emptytrophy, composed of the rich and precious arms once Hector's, towhich nothing was wanting but the sword. While Mandricardo stoodcontemplating the prize a door opened behind him, and a bevy offair damsels entered, dancing, who, taking up the armor piece bypiece, led him away to the place where the shield was suspended;where he found the fairy of the castle seated in state. By her hewas invested with the arms he had won, first pledging his solemnoath to wear no other blade but Durindana, which he was to wrestfrom Orlando, and thus complete the conquest of Hector's arms. 

THE INVASION OF FRANCE (Continued)

Mandricardo, having completed his story, now turned to Rogero, andproposed that arms should decide which of the two was most worthyto bear the symbol of the Trojan knight. 

Rogero felt no other objection to this proposal than the scruplewhich arose on observing that his antagonist was without a sword. Mandricardo insisted that this need be no impediment, since hisoath prevented him from using a sword until he should haveachieved the conquest of Durindana. 

This was no sooner said than a new antagonist started up inGradasso, who now accompanied Mandricardo. Gradasso vindicated hisprior right to Durindana, to obtain which he had embarked (as wasrelated in the beginning) in that bold inroad upon France. Aquarrel was thus kindled between the kings of Tartary andSericane. While the dispute was raging a knight arrived upon theground, accompanied by a damsel, to whom Rogero related the causeof the strife. The knight was Florismart, and his companionFlordelis. Florismart succeeded in bringing the two champions toaccord, by informing them that he could bring them to the presenceof Orlando, the master of Durindana. 

Gradasso and Mandricardo readily made truce, in order to accompanyFlorismart, nor would Rogero be left behind. 

As they proceeded on their quest they were met by a dwarf, whoentreated their assistance in behalf of his lady, who had beencarried off by an enchanter, mounted on a winged horse. Howeverunwilling to leave the question of the sword undecided, it was notpossible for the knights to resist this appeal. Two of theirnumber, Gradasso and Rogero, therefore accompanied the dwarf. Mandricardo persisted in his search for Orlando, and Florismart, with Flordelis, pursued their way to the camp of Charlemagne. 

Atlantes, the enchanter, who had brought up Rogero, and cherishedfor him the warmest affection, knew by his art that his pupil wasdestined to be severed from him, and converted to the Christianfaith through the influence of Bradamante, that royal maiden withwhom chance had brought him acquainted. Thinking to thwart thewill of Heaven in this respect, he now put forth all his arts toentrap Rogero into his power. By the aid of his subservient demonshe reared a castle on an inaccessible height, in the Pyreneanmountains, and to make it a pleasant abode to his pupil, contrivedto entrap and convey thither knights and damsels many a one, whomchance had brought into the vicinity of his castle. Here, in asort of sensual paradise, they were but too willing to forgetglory and duty, and to pass their time in indolent enjoyment

It was by the enchanter that the dwarf had now been sent to temptthe knights into his power. 

But we must now return to Rinaldo, whom we left interrupted in hiscombat with Rodomont. In search of his late antagonist and intenton bringing their combat to a decision he entered the forest ofArden, whither he suspected Rodomont had gone. While engaged onthis quest he was surprised by the vision of a beautiful childdancing naked, with three damsels as beautiful as himself. Whilehe was lost in admiration at the sight the child approached him, and, throwing at him handfuls of roses and lilies, struck him fromhis horse. He was no sooner down than he was seized by thedancers, by whom he was dragged about and scourged with flowerstill he fell into a swoon. When he began to revive one of thegroup approached him, and told him that his punishment was theconsequence of his rebellion against that power before whom allthings bend; that there was but one remedy to heal the wounds thathad been inflicted, and that was to drink of the waters of Love. Then they left him. 

Rinaldo, sore and faint, dragged himself toward a fountain whichflowed near by, and, being parched with thirst, drank greedily andalmost unconsciously of the water, which was sweet to the taste, but bitter to the heart. After repeated draughts he recovered hisstrength and recollection, and found himself in the same placewhere Angelica had formerly awakened him with a rain of flowers, and whence he had fled in contempt of her courtesy. 

This remembrance of the scene was followed by the recognition ofhis crime; and, repenting bitterly his ingratitude, he leaped uponBayard, with the intention of hastening to Angelica's country, andsoliciting his pardon at her feet. 

Let us now retrace our steps, and revert to the time when thepaladins having learned from Dudon the summons of Charlemagne toreturn to France to repel the invaders, had all obeyed the commandwith the exception of Orlando, whose passion for Angelica stillheld him in attendance on her. Orlando, arriving before Albracca, found it closely beleaguered. He, however, made his way into thecitadel, and related his adventures to Angelica, from the time ofhis departure up to his separation from Rinaldo and the rest, whenthey departed to the assistance of Charlemagne. Angelica, inreturn, described the distresses of the garrison, and the force ofthe besiegers; and in conclusion prayed Orlando to favor herescape from the pressing danger, and escort her into France. Orlando, who did not suspect that love for Rinaldo was her secretmotive, joyfully agreed to the proposal, and the sally wasresolved upon. 

Leaving lights burning in the fortress, they departed atnightfall, and passed in safety through the enemy's camp. Afterencountering numerous adventures they reached the sea-side, andembarked on board a pinnace for France. The vessel arrived safely, and the travellers, disembarking in Provence, pursued their way byland. One day, heated and weary, they sought shelter from the sunin the forest of Arden, and chance directed Angelica to thefountain of Disdain, of whose waters she eagerly drank. 

Issuing thence, the Count and damsel encountered a stranger-knight. It was no other than Rinaldo, who was just on the point ofsetting off on a pilgrimage in search of Angelica, to implore herpardon for his insensibility, and urge his new found passion. Surprise and delight at first deprived him of utterance, but soonrecovering himself, he joyfully saluted her, claiming her as his, and exhorting her to put herself under his protection. Hispresumption was repelled by Angelica with disdain, and Orlando, enraged at the invasion of his rights, challenged him to decidetheir claims by arms. 

Terrified at the combat which ensued, Angelica fled amain throughthe forest, and came out upon a plain covered with tents. This wasthe camp of Charlemagne, who led the army of reserve destined tosupport the troops which had advanced to oppose Marsilius. Charleshaving heard the damsel's tale, with difficulty separated the twocousins, and then consigned Angelica, as the cause of quarrel, tothe care of Namo, Duke of Bavaria, promising that she should behis who should best deserve her in the impending battle. 

But these plans and hopes were frustrated. The Christian army, beaten at all points, fled from the Saracens; and Angelica, indifferent to both her lovers, mounted a swift palfrey andplunged into the forest, rejoicing, in spite of her terror, athaving regained her liberty. She stopped at last in a tuftedgrove, where a gentle zephyr blew, and whose young trees werewatered by two clear runnels, which came and mingled their waters, making a pleasing murmur. Believing herself far from Rinaldo, andovercome by fatigue and the summer heat, she saw with delight abank covered with flowers so thick that they almost hid the greenturf, inviting her to alight and rest. She dismounted from herpalfrey, and turned him loose to recruit his strength with thetender grass which bordered the streamlets. Then, in a shelterednook tapestried with moss and fenced in with roses and hawthorn-flowers, she yielded herself to grateful repose. 

She had not slept long when she was awakened by the noise made bythe approach of a horse. Starting up, she saw an armed knight whohad arrived at the bank of the stream. Not knowing whether he wasto be feared or not, her heart beat with anxiety. She pressedaside the leaves to allow her to see who it was, but scarce daredto breathe for fear of betraying herself. Soon the knight threwhimself on the flowery bank, and leaning his head on his hand fellinto a profound reverie. Then arousing himself from his silence hebegan to pour forth complaints, mingled with deep sighs. Rivers oftears flowed down his cheeks, and his breast seemed to labor witha hidden flame. "Ah, vain regrets!" he exclaimed; "cruel fortune!others triumph, while I endure hopeless misery! Better a thousandtimes to lose life, than wear a chain so disgraceful and sooppressive!"

Angelica by this time had recognized the stranger, and perceivedthat it was Sacripant, king of Circassia, one of the worthiest ofher suitors. This prince had followed Angelica from his country, at the very gates of the day, to France, where he heard withdismay that she was under the guardianship of the Paladin Orlando, and that the Emperor had announced his decree to award her as theprize of valor to that one of his nephews who should best deserveher. 

As Sacripant continued to lament, Angelica, who had always opposedthe hardness of marble to his sighs, thought with herself thatnothing forbade her employing his good offices in this unhappycrisis. Though firmly resolved never to accept him as a spouse, she yet felt the necessity of giving him a gleam of hope in rewardfor the service she required of him. All at once, like Diana, shestepped forth from the arbor. "May the gods preserve thee, " shesaid, "and put far from thee all hard thoughts of me!" Then shetold him all that had befallen her since she parted with him ather father's court, and how she had availed herself of Orlando'sprotection to escape from the beleaguered city. At that moment thenoise of horse and armor was heard as of one approaching; andSacripant, furious at the interruption, resumed his helmet, mounted his horse, and placed his lance in rest. He saw a knightadvancing, with scarf and plume of snowy whiteness. Sacripantregarded him with angry eyes, and, while he was yet some distanceoff, defied him to the combat. The other, not moved by his angrytone to make reply, put himself on his defence. Their horses, struck at the same moment with the spur, rushed upon one anotherwith the impetuosity of a tempest. Their shields were pierced eachwith the other's lance, and only the temper of their breastplatessaved their lives. Both the horses recoiled with the violence ofthe shock; but the unknown knight's recovered itself at the touchof the spur; the Saracen king's fell dead, and bore down hismaster with him. The white knight, seeing his enemy in thiscondition, cared not to renew the combat, but, thinking he haddone enough for glory, pursued his way through the forest, and wasa mile off before Sacripant had got free from his horse. 

As a ploughman, stunned by a thunder-clap which has stricken deadthe oxen at his plough, stands motionless, sadly contemplating hisloss, so Sacripant stood confounded and overwhelmed withmortification at having Angelica a witness of his defeat. Hegroaned, he sighed, less from the pain of his bruises than for theshame of being reduced to such a state before her. The princesstook pity on him, and consoled him as well as she could. "Banishyour regrets, my lord, " she said, "this accident has happenedsolely in consequence of the feebleness of your horse, which hadmore need of rest and food than of such an encounter as this. Norcan your adversary gain any credit by it, since he has hurriedaway, not venturing a second trial. " While she thus consoledSacripant they perceived a person approach, who seemed a courier, with bag and horn. As soon as he came up, he accosted Sacripant, and inquired if he had seen a knight pass that way, bearing awhite shield and with a white plume to his helmet. "I have, indeed, seen too much of him, " said Sacripant, "it is he who hasbrought me to the ground; but at least I hope to learn from youwho that knight is. " "That I can easily inform you, " said the man;"know then that, if you have been overthrown, you owe your fate tothe high prowess of a lady as beautiful as she is brave. It is thefair and illustrious Bradamante who has won from you the honors ofvictory. "

At these words the courier rode on his way, leaving Sacripant moreconfounded and mortified than ever. In silence he mounted thehorse of Angelica, taking the lady behind him on the croup, androde away in search of a more secure asylum. Hardly had theyridden two miles when a new sound was heard in the forest, andthey perceived a gallant and powerful horse, which, leaping theravines and dashing aside the branches that opposed his passage, appeared before them, accoutred with a rich harness adorned withgold. 

"If I may believe my eyes, which penetrate with difficulty theunderwood, " said Angelica, "that horse that dashes so stoutlythrough the bushes is Bayard, and I marvel how he seems to knowthe need we have of him, mounted as we are both on one feebleanimal. " Sacripant, dismounting from the palfrey, approached thefiery courser, and attempted to seize his bridle, but thedisdainful animal, turning from him, launched at him a volley ofkicks enough to have shattered a wall of marble. Bayard thenapproached Angelica with an air as gentle and loving as a faithfuldog could his master after a long separation. For he rememberedhow she had caressed him, and even fed him, in Albracca. She tookhis bridle in her left hand, while with her right she patted hisneck. The beautiful animal, gifted with wonderful intelligence, seemed to submit entirely. Sacripant, seizing the moment to vaultupon him, controlled his curvetings, and Angelica, quitting thecroup of the palfrey, regained her seat. 

But, turning his eyes toward a place where was heard a noise ofarms, Sacripant beheld Rinaldo. That hero now loves Angelica morethan his life, and she flies him as the timid crane the falcon. 

The fountain of which Angelica had drunk produced such an effecton the beautiful queen that, with distressed countenance andtrembling voice, she conjured Sacripant not to wait the approachof Rinaldo, but to join her in flight. 

"Am I, then, " said Sacripant, "of so little esteem with you thatyou doubt my power to defend you? Do you forget the battle ofAlbracca, and how, in your defence, I fought single-handed againstAgrican and all his knights?"

Angelica made no reply, uncertain what to do; but already Rinaldowas too near to be escaped. He advanced menacingly to theCircassian king, for he recognized his horse. 

"Vile thief, " he cried, "dismount from that horse, and prevent thepunishment that is your due for daring to rob me of my property. Leave, also, the princess in my hands; for it would indeed be asin to suffer so charming a lady and so gallant a charger toremain in such keeping. "

The king of Circassia, furious at being thus insulted, cried out, "Thou liest, villain, in giving me the name of thief, which betterbelongs to thyself than to me. It is true, the beauty of this ladyand the perfection of this horse are unequalled; come on, then, and let us try which of us is most worthy to possess them. "

At these words the king of Circassia and Rinaldo attacked oneanother with all their force, one fighting on foot, the other onhorseback. You need not, however, suppose that the Saracen kingfound any advantage in this; for a young page, unused tohorsemanship, could not have failed more completely to manageBayard than did this accomplished knight. The faithful animalloved his master too well to injure him, and refused his aid aswell as his obedience to the hand of Sacripant, who could strikebut ineffectual blows, the horse backing when he wished him to goforward, and dropping his head and arching his back, throwing outwith his legs, so as almost to shake the knight out of the saddle. Sacripant, seeing that he could not manage him, watched hisopportunity, rose on his saddle, and leapt lightly to the earth;then, relieved from the embarrassment of the horse, renewed thecombat on more equal terms. Their skill to thrust and parry wereequal; one rises, the other stoops; with one foot set firm theyturn and wind, to lay on strokes or to dodge them. At lastRinaldo, throwing himself on the Circassian, dealt him a blow soterrible that Fusberta, his good sword, cut in two the buckler ofSacripant, although it was made of bone, and covered with a thickplate of steel well tempered. The arm of the Saracen was deprivedof its defence, and almost palsied with the stroke. Angelica, perceiving how victory was likely to incline, and shuddering atthe thought of becoming the prize of Rinaldo, hesitated no longer. Turning her horse's head, she fled with the utmost speed; and, inspite of the round pebbles which covered a steep descent, sheplunged into a deep valley, trembling with the fear that Rinaldowas in pursuit. At the bottom of this valley she encountered anaged hermit, whose white beard flowed to his middle, and whosevenerable appearance seemed to assure his piety. 

This hermit, who appeared shrunk by age and fasting, travelledslowly, mounted upon a wretched ass. The princess, overcome withfear, conjured him to save her life; and to conduct her to someport of the sea, whence she might embark and quit France, nevermore to hear the odious name of Rinaldo. 

The old hermit was something of a wizard. He comforted Angelica, and promised to protect her from all peril. Then he opened hisscrip, and took from thence a book, and had read but a single pagewhen a goblin, obedient to his incantations, appeared, under theform of a laboring man, and demanded his orders. He received them, transported himself to the place where the knights stillmaintained their conflict, and boldly stepped between the two. 

"Tell me, I pray you, " he said, "what benefit will accrue to himwho shall get the better in this contest? The object you arecontending for is already disposed of; for the Paladin Orlando, without effort and without opposition, is now carrying away theprincess Angelica to Paris. You had better pursue them promptly;for if they reach Paris you will never see her again. "

At these words you might have seen those rival warriorsconfounded, stupefied, silently agreeing that they were affordingtheir rival a fair opportunity to triumph over them. Rinaldo, approaching Bayard, breathes a sigh of shame and rage, and swearsa terrible oath that, if he overtakes Orlando, he will tear hisheart out. Then mounting Bayard and pressing his flanks with hisspurs, he leaves the king of Circassia on foot in the forest. 

Let it not appear strange that Rinaldo found Bayard obedient atlast, after having so long prevented any one from even touchinghis bridle; for that fine animal had an intelligence almost human;he had fled from his master only to draw him on the track ofAngelica, and enable him to recover her. He saw when the princessfled from the battle, and Rinaldo being then engaged in a fight onfoot, Bayard found himself free to follow the traces of Angelica. Thus he had drawn his master after him, not permitting him toapproach, and had brought him to the sight of the princess. ButBayard now, deceived like his master with the false intelligenceof the goblin, submits to be mounted and to serve his master asusual, and Rinaldo, animated with rage, makes him fly towardParis, more slowly than his wishes, though the speed of Bayardoutstripped the winds. Full of impatience to encounter Orlando, hegave but a few hours that night to sleep. Early the next day hesaw before him the great city, under the walls of which theEmperor Charles had collected the scattered remains of his army. Foreseeing that he would soon be attacked on all sides, theEmperor had caused the ancient fortifications to be repaired, andnew ones to be built, surrounded by wide and deep ditches. Thedesire to hold the field against the enemy made him seize everymeans of procuring new allies. He hoped to receive from Englandaid sufficient to enable him to form a new camp, and as soon asRinaldo rejoined him he selected him to go as his ambassador intoEngland, to plead for auxiliaries. Rinaldo was far from pleasedwith his commission, but he obeyed the Emperor's commands, withoutgiving himself time to devote a single day to the object nearesthis heart. He hastened to Calais, and lost not a moment inembarking for England, ardently desiring a hasty despatch of hiscommission, and a speedy return to France. 

BRADAMANTE AND ROGERO

Bradamante, the knight of the white plume and shield, whosesudden appearance and encounter with Sacripant we have alreadytold, was in quest of Rogero, from whom chance had separated her, almost at the beginning of their acquaintance. After her encounterwith Sacripant Bradamante pursued her way through the forest, inhopes of rejoining Rogero, and arrived at last on the brink of afair fountain. 

This fountain flowed through a broad meadow. Ancient treesovershadowed it, and travellers, attracted by the sweet murmur ofits waters, stopped there to cool themselves. Bradamante, castingher eyes on all sides to enjoy the beauties of the spot, perceived, under the shade of a tree, a knight reclining, whoseemed to be oppressed with the deepest grief

Bradamante accosted him, and asked to be informed of the cause ofhis distress. "Alas! my lord, " said he, "I lament a young andcharming friend, my affianced wife, who has been torn from me by avillain, --let me rather call him a demon, --who, on a winged horse, descended from the air, seized her, and bore her screaming to hisden. I have pursued them over rocks and through ravines till myhorse is no longer able to bear me, and I now wait only fordeath. " He added that already a vain attempt on his behalf hadbeen made by two knights, whom chance had brought to the spot. Their names were Gradasso, king of Sericane, and Rogero, the Moor. Both had been overcome by the wiles of the enchanter, and wereadded to the number of the captives, whom he held in animpregnable castle, situated on the height of the mountain. At themention of Rogero's name Bradamante started with delight, whichwas soon changed to an opposite sentiment when she heard that herlover was a prisoner in the toils of the enchanter. "Sir Knight, "she said, "do not surrender yourself to despair; this day may bemore happy for you than you think, if you will only lead me to thecastle which enfolds her whom you deplore. "

The knight responded, "After having lost all that made life dearto me I have no motive to avoid the dangers of the enterprise, andI will do as you request; but I forewarn you of the perils youwill have to encounter. If you fall impute it not to me. "

Having thus spoken, they took their way to the castle, but wereovertaken by a messenger from the camp, who had been sent in questof Bradamante to summon her back to the army, where her presencewas needed to reassure her disheartened forces, and withstand theadvance of the Moors. 

The mournful knight, whose name was Pinabel, thus became awarethat Bradamante was a scion of the house of Clermont, betweenwhich and his own of Mayence there existed an ancient feud. Fromthis moment the traitor sought only how he might be rid of thecompany of Bradamante, from whom he feared no good would come tohim, but rather mortal injury, if his name and lineage becameknown to her. For he judged her by his own base model, and, knowing his ill deserts, he feared to receive his due. 

Bradamante, in spite of the summons to return to the army, couldnot resolve to leave her lover in captivity, and determined firstto finish the adventure on which she was engaged. Pinabel leadingthe way, they at length arrived at a wood, in the centre of whichrose a steep, rocky mountain. Pinabel, who now thought of nothingelse but how he might escape from Bradamante, proposed to ascendthe mountain to extend his view, in order to discover a shelterfor the night, if any there might be within sight. Under thispretence he left Bradamante, and advanced up the side of themountain till he came to a cleft in the rock, down which helooked, and perceived that it widened below into a spaciouscavern. Meanwhile Bradamante, fearful of losing her guide, hadfollowed close on his footsteps, and rejoined him at the mouth ofthe cavern. Then the traitor, seeing the impossibility of escapingher, conceived another design. He told her that before herapproach he had seen in the cavern a young and beautiful damsel, whose rich dress announced her high birth, who with tears andlamentations implored assistance; that before he could descend torelieve her a ruffian had seized her, and hurried her away intothe recesses of the cavern. 

Bradamante, full of truth and courage, readily believed this lieof the Mayencian traitor. Eager to succor the damsel, she lookedround for the means of facilitating the descent, and seeing alarge elm with spreading branches she lopped off with her swordone of the largest, and thrust it into the opening. She toldPinabel to hold fast to the larger end, while, grasping thebranches with her hands, she let herself down into the cavern. 

The traitor smiled at seeing her thus suspended, and, asking herin mockery, "Are you a good leaper?" he let go the branch withperfidious glee, and saw Bradamante precipitated to the bottom ofthe cave. "I wish your whole race were there with you, " hemuttered, "that you might all perish together. "

But Pinabel's atrocious design was not accomplished. The twigs andfoliage of the branch broke its descent, and Bradamante, notseriously injured, though stunned with her fall, was reserved forother adventures. 

As soon as she recovered from the shock Bradamante cast her eyesaround and perceived a door, through which she passed into asecond cavern, larger and loftier than the first. It had theappearance of a subterranean temple. Columns of the purestalabaster adorned it, and supported the roof; a simple altar rosein the middle; a lamp, whose radiance was reflected by thealabaster walls, cast a mild light around. 

Bradamante, inspired by a sense of religious awe, approached thealtar, and, falling on her knees, poured forth her prayers andthanks to the Preserver of her life, invoking the protection ofhis power. At that moment a small door opened, and a female issuedfrom it with naked feet, and flowing robe and hair, who called herby her name, and thus addressed her: "Brave and generousBradamante, know that it is a power from above that has broughtyou hither. The spirit of Merlin, whose last earthly abode was inthis place, has warned me of your arrival, and of the fate thatawaits you. This famous grotto, " she continued, "was the work ofthe enchanter Merlin; here his ashes repose. You have no doubtheard how this sage and virtuous enchanter ceased to be. Victim ofthe artful fairy of the lake, Merlin, by a fatal compliance withher request, laid himself down living in his tomb, without powerto resist the spell laid upon him by that ingrate, who retainedhim there as long as he lived. His spirit hovers about this spot, and will not leave it, until the last trumpet shall summon thedead to judgment. He answers the questions of those who approachhis tomb, where perhaps you may be privileged to hear his voice. "

Bradamante, astonished at these words, and the objects which mether view, knew not whether she was awake or asleep. Confused, butmodest, she cast down her eyes, and a blush overspread her face. "Ah, what am I, " said she, "that so great a prophet should deignto speak to me!" Still, with a secret satisfaction, she followedthe priestess, who led her to the tomb of Merlin. This tomb wasconstructed of a species of stone hard and resplendent like fire. The rays which beamed from the stone sufficed to light up thatterrible place, where the sun's rays never penetrated; but I knownot whether that light was the effect of a certain phosphorescenceof the stone itself, or of the many talismans and charms withwhich it was wrought over. 

Bradamante had hardly passed the threshold of this sacred placewhen the spirit of the enchanter saluted her with a voice firm anddistinct: "May thy designs be prosperous, O chaste and noblemaiden, the future mother of heroes, the glory of Italy, anddestined to fill the whole world with their fame. Great captains, renowned knights, shall be numbered among your descendants, whoshall defend the Church and restore their country to its ancientsplendor. Princes, wise as Augustus and the sage Numa, shall bringback the age of gold. [Footnote: This prophecy is introduced byAriosto in this place to compliment the noble house of Este, theprinces of his native state, the dukedom of Ferrara. ] Toaccomplish these grand destinies it is ordained that you shall wedthe illustrious Rogero. Fly then to his deliverance, and layprostrate in the dust the traitor who has snatched him from you, and now holds him in chains!"

Merlin ceased with these words, and left to Melissa, thepriestess, the charge of more fully instructing the maiden in herfuture course. "To-morrow, " said she, "I will conduct you to thecastle on the rock where Rogero is held captive. I will not leaveyou till I have guided you through this wild wood, and I willdirect you on your way so that you shall be in no danger ofmistaking it. "

The next morning Melissa conducted Bradamante between rocks andprecipices, crossing rapid torrents, and traversing intricatepasses, employing the time in imparting to her such information aswas necessary to enable her to bring her design to a successfulissue. 

"Not only would the castle, impenetrable by force, and that wingedhorse of his baffle your efforts, but know that he possesses alsoa buckler whence flashes a light so brilliant that the eyes of allwho look upon it are blinded. Think not to avoid it by shuttingyour eyes, for how then will you be able to avoid his blows, andmake him feel your own? But I will teach you the proper course topursue. 

"Agramant, the Moorish prince, possesses a ring stolen from aqueen of India, which has power to render of no avail allenchantments. Agramant, knowing that Rogero is of more importanceto him than any one of his warriors, is desirous of rescuing himfrom the power of the enchanter, and has sent for that purposeBrunello, the most crafty and sagacious of his servants, providedwith his wonderful ring, and he is even now at hand, bent on thisenterprise. But, beautiful Bradamante, as I desire that no one butyourself shall have the glory of delivering from thraldom yourfuture spouse, listen while I disclose the means of success. Following this path which leads by the seashore, you will come erelong to a hostelry, where the Saracen Brunello will arrive shortlybefore you. You will readily know him by his stature, under fourfeet, his great disproportioned head, his squint eyes, his lividhue, his thick eyebrows joining his tufted beard. His dress, moreover, that of a courier, will point him out to you. 

"It will be easy for you to enter into conversation with him, announcing yourself as a knight seeking combat with the enchanter, but let not the knave suspect that you know anything about thering. I doubt not that he will be your guide to the castle of theenchanter. Accept his offer, but take care to keep behind him tillyou come in sight of the brilliant dome of the castle. Thenhesitate not to strike him dead, for the wretch deserves no pity, and take from him the ring. But let him not suspect yourintention, for by putting the ring into his mouth he willinstantly become invisible, and disappear from your eyes. "

Saying thus, the sage Melissa and the fair Bradamante arrived nearthe city of Bordeaux, where the rich and wide river Garonne poursthe tribute of its waves into the sea. They parted with tenderembraces. Bradamante, intent wholly on her purpose, hastened toarrive at the hostelry, where Brunello had preceded her a fewmoments only. The young heroine knew him without difficulty. Sheaccosted him, and put to him some slight questions, to which hereplied with adroit falsehoods. Bradamante, on her part, concealedfrom him her sex, her religion, her country, and the blood fromwhence she sprung. While they talk together, sudden cries areheard from all parts of the hostelry. "O queen of heaven!"exclaimed Bradamante, "what can be the cause of this suddenalarm?" She soon learned the cause. Host, children, domestics, all, with upturned eyes, as if they saw a comet or a greateclipse, were gazing on a prodigy which seemed to pass the boundsof possibility. She beheld distinctly a winged horse, mounted witha cavalier in rich armor, cleaving the air with rapid flight. Thewings of this strange courser were wide extended, and covered withfeathers of various colors. The polished armor of the knight madethem shine with rainbow tints. In a short time the horse and riderdisappeared behind the summits of the mountains. 

"It is an enchanter, " said the host, "a magician who often is seentraversing the air in that way. Sometimes he flies aloft as ifamong the stars, and at others skims along the land. He possessesa wonderful castle on the top of the Pyrenees. Many knights haveshown their courage by going to attack him, but none have everreturned, from which it is to be feared they have lost eithertheir life or their liberty. "

Bradamante, addressing the host, said, "Could you furnish me aguide to conduct me to the castle of this enchanter?" "By myfaith, " said Brunello, interrupting, "that you shall not seek invain; I have it all in writing, and I will myself conduct you. "Bradamante, with thanks, accepted him for her guide. 

The host had a tolerable horse to dispose of, which Bradamantebargained for, and the next day, at the first dawn of morning, shetook her route by a narrow valley, taking care to have the SaracenBrunello lead the way. 

They reached the summit of the Pyrenees, whence one may look downon France, Spain, and the two seas. From this height theydescended again by a fatiguing road into a deep valley. From themiddle of this valley an isolated mountain rose, composed of roughand perpendicular rock, on whose summit was the castle, surroundedwith a wall of brass. Brunello said, "Yonder is the strongholdwhere the enchanter keeps his prisoners; one must have wings tomount thither; it is easy to see that the aid of a flying horsemust be necessary for the master of this castle, which he uses forhis prison and for his abode. "

Bradamante, sufficiently instructed, saw that the time had nowcome to possess herself of the ring; but she could not resolve toslay a defenceless man. She seized Brunello before he was aware, bound him to a tree, and took from him the ring which he wore onone of his fingers. The cries and entreaties of the perfidiousSaracen moved her not. She advanced to the foot of the rockwhereon the castle stood, and, to draw the magician to the combat, sounded her horn, adding to it cries of defiance. 

The enchanter delayed not to present himself, mounted on hiswinged horse. Bradamante was struck with surprise mixed with joywhen she saw that this person, described as so formidable, bore nolance nor club, nor any other deadly weapon. He had only on hisarm a buckler, covered with a cloth, and in his hand an open book. As to the winged horse, there was no enchantment about him. He wasa natural animal, of a species which exists in the Riphaeanmountains. Like a griffin, he had the head of an eagle, clawsarmed with talons, and wings covered with feathers, the rest ofhis body being that of a horse. This strange animal is called aHippogriff. 

The heroine attacked the enchanter on his approach, striking onthis side and on that, with all the energy of a violent combat, but wounding only the wind; and after this pretended attack hadlasted some time dismounted from her horse, as if hoping to dobattle more effectually on foot. The enchanter now prepares toemploy his sole weapon, by uncovering the magic buckler whichnever failed to subdue an enemy by depriving him of his senses. Bradamante, confiding in her ring, observed all the motions of heradversary, and, at the unveiling of the shield, cast herself onthe ground, pretending that the splendor of the shield hadovercome her, but in reality to induce the enchanter to dismountand approach her. 

It happened according to her wish. When the enchanter saw herprostrate he made his horse alight on the ground, and, dismounting, fixed the shield on the pommel of his saddle, andapproached in order to secure the fallen warrior. Bradamante, whowatched him intently, as soon as she saw him near at hand, sprangup, seized him vigorously, threw him down, and, with the samechain which the enchanter had prepared for herself, bound himfast, without his being able to make any effectual resistance. 

The enchanter, with the accents of despair, exclaimed, "Take mylife, young man!" but Bradamante was far from complying with sucha wish. Desirous of knowing the name of the enchanter, and forwhat purpose he had formed with so much art this impregnablefortress, she commanded him to inform her. 

"Alas!" replied the magician, while tears flowed down his cheeks, "it is not to conceal booty, nor for any culpable design that Ihave built this castle; it was only to guard the life of a youngknight, the object of my tenderest affection, my art having taughtme that he is destined to become a Christian, and to perish, shortly after, by the blackest of treasons. 

"This youth, named Rogero, is the most beautiful and mostaccomplished of knights. It is I, the unhappy Atlantes, who havereared him from his childhood. The call of honor and the desire ofglory led him from me to follow Agramant, his prince, in hisinvasion of France, and I, more devoted to Rogero than thetenderest of parents, have sought the means of bringing him backto this abode, in the hope of saving him from the cruel fate thatmenaces him. 

"For this purpose I have got him in my possession by the samemeans as I attempted to employ against you; and by which I havesucceeded in collecting a great many knights and ladies in mycastle. My purpose was to render my beloved pupil's captivitylight, by affording him society to amuse him, and keep histhoughts from running on subjects of war and glory. Alas! my careshave been in vain! Yet, take, I beseech you, whatever else I have, but spare me my beloved pupil. Take this shield, take this wingedcourser, deliver such of your friends as you may find among myprisoners, deliver them all if you will, but leave me my belovedRogero; or if you will snatch him too from me, take also my life, which will cease then to be to me worth preserving. "

Bradamante replied: "Old man, hope not to move me by your vainentreaties. It is precisely the liberty of Rogero that I require. You would keep him here in bondage and in slothful pleasure, tosave him from a fate which you foresee. Vain old man! how can youforesee his fate when you could not foresee your own? You desireme to take your life. No, my aim and my soul refuse the request. "This said, she required the magician to go before, and guide herto the castle. The prisoners were set at liberty, though some, intheir secret hearts, regretted the voluptuous life which was thusbrought to an end. Bradamante and Rogero met one another withtransports of joy. 

They descended from the mountain to the spot where the encounterhad taken place. There they found the Hippogriff, with the magicbuckler in its wrapper, hanging to his saddle-bow. Bradamanteadvanced to seize the bridle; the Hippogriff seemed to wait herapproach, but before she reached him he spread his wings and flewaway to a neighboring hill, and in the same manner, a second time, eluded her efforts. Rogero and the other liberated knightsdispersed over the plain and hilltops to secure him, and at lastthe animal allowed Rogero to seize his rein. The fearless Rogerohesitated not to vault upon his back, and let him feel his spurs, which so roused his mettle that, after galloping a short distance, he suddenly spread his wings, and soared into the air. Bradamantehad the grief to see her lover snatched away from her at the verymoment of reunion. Rogero, who knew not the art of directing thehorse, was unable to control his flight. He found himself carriedover the tops of the mountains, so far above them that he couldhardly distinguish what was land and what water. The Hippogriffdirected his flight to the west, and cleaved the air as swiftly asa new-rigged vessel cuts the waves, impelled by the freshest andmost favorable gales. 

ASTOLPHO AND THE ENCHANTRESS

In the long flight which Rogero took on the back of the Hippogriffhe was carried over land and sea, unknowing whither. As soon as hehad gained some control over the animal he made him alight on thenearest land. When he came near enough to earth Rogero leaptlightly from his back, and tied the animal to a myrtle-tree. Nearthe spot flowed the pure waters of a fountain, surrounded bycedars and palm-trees. Rogero laid aside his shield, and, removinghis helmet, breathed with delight the fresh air, and cooled hislips with the waters of the fountain. For we cannot wonder that hewas excessively fatigued, considering the ride he had taken. Hewas preparing to taste the sweets of repose when he perceived thatthe Hippogriff, which he had tied by the bridle to a myrtle-tree, frightened at something, was making violent efforts to disengagehimself. His struggle shook the myrtle-tree so that many of itsbeautiful leaves were torn off, and strewed the ground. 

A sound like that which issues from burning wood seemed to comefrom the myrtle-tree, at first faint and indistinct, but growingstronger by degrees, and at length was audible as a voice whichspoke in this manner: "O knight, if the tenderness of your heartcorresponds to the beauty of your person, relieve me, I pray you, from this tormenting animal. I suffer enough inwardly withouthaving outward evils added to my lot. "

Rogero, at the first accents of this voice, turned his eyespromptly on the myrtle, hastened to it, and stood fixed inastonishment when he perceived that the voice issued from the treeitself. He immediately untied his horse, and, flushed withsurprise and regret, exclaimed, "Whoever thou art, whether mortalor the goddess of these woods, forgive me, I beseech you, myinvoluntary fault. Had I imagined that this hard bark covered abeing possessed of feeling, could I have exposed such a beautifulmyrtle to the insults of this steed? May the sweet influences ofthe sky and air speedily repair the injury I have done! For mypart, I promise by the sovereign lady of my heart to do everythingyou wish in order to merit your forgiveness. "

At these words the myrtle seemed to tremble from root to stem, andRogero remarked that a moisture as of tears trickled down itsbark, like that which exudes from a log placed on the fire. Itthen spoke:

"The kindness which inspires your words compels me to disclose toyou who I once was, and by what fatality I have been changed intothis shape. My name was Astolpho, cousin of Orlando and Rinaldo, whose fame has filled the earth. I was myself reckoned among thebravest paladins of France, and was by birth entitled to reignover England, after Otho, my father. Returning from the distantEast, with Rinaldo and many other brave knights, called home toaid with our arms the great Emperor of France, we reached a spotwhere the powerful enchantress Alcina possessed a castle on theborders of the sea. She had gone to the water-side to amuseherself with fishing, and we paused to see how, by her art, without hook or line, she drew from the water whatever she would. 

"Not far from the shore an enormous whale showed a back so broadand motionless that it looked like an island. Alcina had fixed hereyes on me, and planned to get me into her power. Addressing us, she said: 'This is the hour when the prettiest mermaid in the seacomes regularly every day to the shore of yonder island. She singsso sweetly that the very waves flow smoother at the sound. If youwish to hear her come with me to her resort. ' So saying, Alcinapointed to the fish, which we all supposed to be an island. I, whowas rash, did not hesitate to follow her; but swam my horse over, and mounted on the back of the fish. In vain Rinaldo and Dudonmade signs to me to beware; Alcina, smiling, took me in charge, and led the way. No sooner were we mounted upon him than the whalemoved off, spreading his great fins, and cleft rapidly the waters. I then saw my folly, but it was too late to repent. Alcina soothedmy anger, and professed that what she had done was for love of me. Ere long we arrived at this island, where at first everything wasdone to reconcile me to my lot, and to make my days pass happilyaway. But soon Alcina, sated with her conquest, grew indifferent, then weary of me, and at last, to get rid of me, changed me intothis form, as she had done to many lovers before me, making someof them olives, some palms, some cedars, changing others intofountains, rocks, or even into wild beasts. And thou, courteousknight, whom accident has brought to this enchanted isle, bewarethat she get not the power over thee, or thou shalt haply be madelike us, a tree, a fountain, or a rock. "

Rogero expressed his astonishment at this recital. Astolpho addedthat the island was in great part subject to the sway of Alcina. By the aid of her sister Morgana, she had succeeded indispossessing a third sister, Logestilla, of nearly the whole ofher patrimony, for the whole isle was hers originally by herfather's bequest. But Logestilla was temperate and sage, while theother sisters were false and voluptuous. Her empire was dividedfrom theirs by a gulf and chain of mountains, which alone had thusfar prevented her sister from usurping it. 

Astolpho here ended his tale, and Rogero, who knew that he was thecousin of Bradamante, would gladly have devised some way for hisrelief; but, as that was out of his power, he consoled him as wellas he could, and then begged to be told the way to the palace ofLogestilla, and how to avoid that of Alcina. Astolpho directed himto take the road to the left, though rough and full of rocks. Hewarned him that this road would present serious obstacles; thattroops of monsters would oppose his passage, employed by the artof Alcina to prevent her subjects from escaping from her dominion. Rogero thanked the myrtle, and prepared to set out on his way. 

He at first thought he would mount the winged horse, and scale themountain on his back; but he was too uncertain of his power tocontrol him to wish to encounter the hazard of another flightthrough the air, besides that he was almost famished for the wantof food. So he led the horse after him, and took the road on foot, which for some distance led equally to the dominions of both thesisters. 

He had not advanced more than two miles when he saw before him thesuperb city of Alcina. It was surrounded with a wall of gold, which seemed to reach the skies. I know that some think that thiswall was not of real gold, but only the work of alchemy; itmatters not; I prefer to think it gold, for it certainly shonelike gold. 

A broad and level road led to the gates of the city, and from thisanother branched off, narrow and rough, which led to the mountainregion. Rogero took without hesitation the narrow road; but he hadno sooner entered upon it than he was assailed by a numerous troopwhich opposed his passage. 

You never have seen anything so ridiculous, so extraordinary, asthis host of hobgoblins were. Some of them bore the human formfrom the neck to the feet, but had the head of a monkey or a cat;others had the legs and the ears of a horse; old men and women, bald and hideous, ran hither and thither as if out of theirsenses, half clad in the shaggy skins of beasts; one rode fullspeed on a horse without a bridle, another jogged along mounted onan ass or a cow; others, full of agility, skipped about, and clungto the tails and manes of the animals which their companions rode. Some blew horns, others brandished drinking-cups; some were armedwith spits, and some with pitchforks. One, who appeared to be thecaptain, had an enormous belly and a gross fat head; he wasmounted on a tortoise, that waddled, now this way, now that, without keeping any one direction. 

One of these monsters, who had something approaching the humanform, though he had the neck, ears, and muzzle of a dog, sethimself to bark furiously at Rogero, to make him turn off to theright, and reenter upon the road to the gay city; but the bravechevalier exclaimed, "That will I not, so long as I can use thissword, "--and he thrust the point directly at his face. The monstertried to strike him with a lance, but Rogero was too quick forhim, and thrust his sword through his body, so that it appeared ahand's breadth behind his back. The paladin, now giving full ventto his rage, laid about him vigorously among the rabble, cleavingone to the teeth, another to the girdle; but the troop were sonumerous, and in spite of his blows pressed around him so close, that, to clear his way, he must have had as many arms as Briareus. 

If Rogero had uncovered the shield of the enchanter, which hung athis saddle-bow, he might easily have vanquished this monstrousrout; but perhaps he did not think of it, and perhaps he preferredto seek his defence nowhere but in his good sword. At that moment, when his perplexity was at its height, he saw issue from the citygate two young beauties, whose air and dress proclaimed their rankand gentle nurture. Each of them was mounted on a unicorn, whosewhiteness surpassed that of ermine. They advanced to the meadowwhere Rogero was contending so valiantly against the hobgoblins, who all retired at their approach. They drew near, they extendedtheir hands to the young warrior, whose cheeks glowed with theflush of exercise and modesty. Grateful for their assistance, heexpressed his thanks, and, having no heart to refuse them, followed their guidance to the gate of the city. 

This grand and beautiful entrance was adorned by a portico of fourvast columns, all of diamond. Whether they were real diamond orartificial I cannot say. What matter is it, so long as theyappeared to the eye like diamond, and nothing could be more gayand splendid. 

On the threshold, and between the columns, was seen a bevy ofcharming young women, who played and frolicked together. They allran to receive Rogero, and conducted him into the palace, whichappeared like a paradise. 

We might well call by that name this abode, where the hours flewby, without account, in ever-new delights. The bare idea ofsatiety, want, and, above all, of age, never entered the minds ofthe inhabitants. They experienced no sensations except those ofluxury and gayety; the cup of happiness seemed for them ever-flowing and exhaustless. The two young damsels to whom Rogero owedhis deliverance from the hobgoblins conducted him to the apartmentof their mistress. The beautiful Alcina advanced, and greeted himwith an air at once dignified and courteous. All her courtsurrounded the paladin, and rendered him the most flatteringattentions. The castle was less admirable for its magnificencethan for the charms of those who inhabited it. They were of eithersex, well matched in beauty, youth, and grace; but among thischarming group the brilliant Alcina shone, as the sun outshinesthe stars. The young warrior was fascinated. All that he had heardfrom the myrtle-tree appeared to him but a vile calumny. How couldhe suspect that falsehood and treason veiled themselves undersmiles and the ingenuous air of truth? He doubted not thatAstolpho had deserved his fate, and perhaps a punishment moresevere; he regarded all his stories as dictated by a disappointedspirit, and a thirst for revenge. But we must not condemn Rogerotoo harshly, for he was the victim of magic power. 

They seated themselves at table, and immediately harmonious lyresand harps waked the air with the most ravishing notes. The charmsof poetry were added in entertaining recitals; the magnificence ofthe feast would have done credit to a royal board. The traitressforgot nothing which might charm the paladin, and attach him tothe spot, meaning, when she should grow tired of him, tometamorphose him as she had done others. In the same manner passedeach succeeding day. Games of pleasant exercise, the chase, thedance, or rural sports, made the hours pass quickly; while theygave zest to the refreshment of the bath, or sleep. 

Thus Rogero led a life of ease and luxury, while Charlemagne andAgramant were struggling for empire. But I cannot linger with himwhile the amiable and courageous Bradamante is night and daydirecting her uncertain steps to every spot where the slightestchance invites her, in the hope of recovering Rogero. 

I will therefore say that, having sought him in vain in fields andin cities, she knew not whither next to direct her steps. She didnot apprehend the death of Rogero. The fall of such a hero wouldhave reechoed from the Hydaspes to the farthest river of the West;but, not knowing whether he was on the earth or in the air, sheconcluded, as a last resource, to return to the cavern whichcontained the tomb of Merlin, to ask of him some sure direction tothe object of her search. 

While this thought occupied her mind, Melissa, the sageenchantress, suddenly appeared before her. This virtuous andbeneficent magician had discovered by her spells that Rogero waspassing his time in pleasure and idleness, forgetful of his honorand his sovereign. Not able to endure the thought that one who wasborn to be a hero should waste his years in base repose, and leavea sullied reputation in the memory of survivors, she saw thatvigorous measures must be employed to draw him forth into thepaths of virtue. Melissa was not blinded by her affection for theamiable paladin, like Atlantes, who, intent only on preservingRogero's life, cared nothing for his fame. It was that oldenchanter whose arts had guided the Hippogriff to the isle of thetoo charming Alcina, where he hoped his favorite would learn toforget honor, and lose the love of glory. 

At the sight of Melissa joy lighted up the countenance ofBradamante, and hope animated her breast. Melissa concealednothing from her, but told her how Rogero was in the toils ofAlcina. Bradamante was plunged in grief and terror; but the kindenchantress calmed her, dispelled her fears, and promised thatbefore many days she would lead back the paladin to her feet. 

"My daughter, " she said, "give me the ring which you wear, andwhich possesses the power to overcome enchantments. By means of itI doubt not but that I may enter the stronghold where the falseAlcina holds Rogero in durance, and may succeed in vanquishing herand liberating him. " Bradamante unhesitatingly delivered her thering, recommending Rogero to her best efforts. Melissa thensummoned by her art a huge palfrey, black as jet, excepting onefoot, which was bay. Mounted upon this animal, she rode with suchspeed that by the next morning she had reached the abode ofAlcina. 

She here transformed herself into the perfect resemblance of theold magician Atlantes, adding a palm-breadth to her height, andenlarging her whole figure. Her chin she covered with a longbeard, and seamed her whole visage well with wrinkles. She assumedalso his voice and manner, and watched her chance to find Rogeroalone. At last she found him, dressed in a rich tunic of silk andgold, a collar of precious stones about his neck, and his arms, once so rough with exercise, decorated with bracelets. His air andhis every motion indicated effeminacy, and he seemed to retainnothing of Rogero but the name; such power had the enchantressobtained over him. 

Melissa, under the form of his old instructor, presented herselfbefore him, wearing a stern and serious visage. "Is this, then, "she said, "the fruit of all my labors? Is it for this that I fedyou on the marrow of bears and lions, that I taught you to subduedragons, and, like Hercules, strangle serpents in your youthfulgrasp, only to make you, by all my cares, a feeble Adonis? Mynightly watchings of the stars, of the yet warm fibres of animals, the lots I have cast, the points of nativity that I havecalculated, have they all falsely indicated that you were born forgreatness? Who could have believed that you would become the slaveof a base enchantress? O Rogero, learn to know this Alcina, learnto understand her arts and to countervail them. Take this ring, place it on your finger, return to her presence, and see foryourself what are her real charms. "

At these words, Rogero, confused, abashed, cast his eyes upon theground, and knew not what to answer. Melissa seized the moment, slipped the ring on his finger, and the paladin was himself again. What a thunderclap to him! Overcome by shame, he dared not toencounter the looks of his instructor. When at last he raised hiseyes he beheld not that venerable form, but the priestess Melissa, who in virtue of the ring now appeared in her true person. Shetold him of the motives which had led her to come to his rescue, of the griefs and regrets of Bradamante, and of her unweariedsearch for him. "That charming Amazon, " she said, "sends you thisring, which is a sovereign antidote to all enchantments. She wouldhave sent you her heart in my hands, if it would have had greaterpower to serve you. "

It was needless for Melissa to say more. Rogero's love for Alcina, being but the work of enchantment, vanished as soon as theenchantment was withdrawn, and he now hated her with an equalintensity, seeing no longer anything in her but her vices, andfeeling only resentment for the shame that she had put upon him. 

His surprise when he again beheld Alcina was no less than hisindignation. Fortified by his ring from her enchantments, he sawher as she was, a monster of ugliness. All her charms wereartificial, and, truly viewed, were rather deformities. She was, in fact, older than Hecuba or the Sibyl of Cumae; but an art, which it is to be regretted our times have lost, enabled her toappear charming, and to clothe herself in all the attractions ofyouth. Rogero now saw all this, but, governed by the counsels ofMelissa, he concealed his surprise, assumed under some pretext hisarmor, long neglected, and bound to his side Belisarda, his trustysword, taking also the buckler of Atlantes, covered with its veil. 

He then selected a horse from the stables of Alcina, withoutexciting her suspicions; but he left the Hippogriff, by the adviceof Melissa, who promised to take him in charge, and train him to amore manageable state. The horse he took was Rabican, whichbelonged to Astolpho. He restored the ring to Melissa. 

Rogero had not ridden far when he met one of the huntsmen ofAlcina, bearing a falcon on his wrist, and followed by a dog. Thehuntsman was mounted on a powerful horse, and came boldly up tothe paladin, demanding, in a somewhat imperious manner, whither hewas going so rapidly. Rogero disdained to stop or to reply;whereupon the huntsman, not doubting that he was about making hisescape, said, "What if I, with my falcon, stop your ride?" Sosaying, he threw off the bird, which even Rabican could not equalin speed. The huntsman then leapt from his horse, and the animal, open-mouthed, darted after Rogero with the swiftness of an arrow. The huntsman also ran as if the wind or fire bore him, and the dogwas equal to Rabican in swiftness. Rogero, finding flightimpossible, stopped and faced his pursuers; but his sword wasuseless against such foes. The insolent huntsman assailed him withwords, and struck him with his whip, the only weapon he had; thedog bit his feet, and the horse drove at him with his hoofs. Atthe same time the falcon flew over his head and over Rabican's andattacked them with claws and wings, so that the horse in hisfright began to be unmanageable. At that moment the sound oftrumpets and cymbals was heard in the valley, and it was evidentthat Alcina had ordered out all her array to go in pursuit. Rogerofelt that there was no time to be lost, and luckily remembered theshield of Atlantes, which he bore suspended from his neck. Heunveiled it, and the charm worked wonderfully. The huntsman, thedog, the horse, fell flat; the trembling wings of the falcon couldno longer sustain her, and she fell senseless to the ground. Rogero, rid of their annoyances, left them in their trance, androde away. 

Meanwhile Alcina, with all the force she could muster, salliedforth from her palace in pursuit. Melissa, left behind, tookadvantage of the opportunity to ransack all the rooms, protectedby the ring. She undid one by one all the talismans and spellswhich she found, broke the seals, burned the images, and untiedthe hagknots. Thence, hurrying through the fields, shedisenchanted the victims changed into trees, fountains, stones, orbrutes; all of whom recovered their liberty, and vowed eternalgratitude to their deliverer. They made their escape, with allpossible despatch, to the realms of the good Logestilla, whencethey departed to their several homes. 

Astolpho was the first whom Melissa liberated, for Rogero hadparticularly recommended him to her care. She aided him to recoverhis arms, and particularly that precious golden-headed lance whichonce was Argalia's. The enchantress mounted with him upon thewinged horse, and in a short time arrived through the air at thecastle of Logestilla, where Rogero joined them soon after. 

In this abode the friends passed a short period of delightful andimproving intercourse with the sage Logestilla and her virtuouscourt; and then each departed, Rogero with the Hippogriff, ring, and buckler; Astolpho with his golden lance, and mounted onRabican, the fleetest of steeds. To Rogero Logestilla gave a bitand bridle suited to govern the Hippogriff; and to Astolpho a hornof marvellous powers, to be sounded only when all other weaponswere unavailing. 

THE ORC

We left the charming Angelica at the moment when, in her flightfrom her contending lovers, Sacripant and Rinaldo, she met an agedhermit. We have seen that her request to the hermit was to furnishher the means of gaining the sea-coast, eager to avoid Rinaldo, whom she hated, by leaving France and Europe itself. The pretendedhermit, who was no other than a vile magician, knowing well thatit would not be agreeable to his false gods to aid Angelica inthis undertaking, feigned to comply with her desire. He suppliedher a horse, into which he had by his arts caused a subtle devilto enter, and, having mounted Angelica on the animal, directed herwhat course to take to reach the sea. 

Angelica rode on her way without suspicion, but when arrived atthe shore, the demon urged the animal headlong into the water. Angelica in vain attempted to turn him back to the land; hecontinued his course till, as night approached, he landed with hisburden on a sandy headland. 

Angelica, finding herself alone, abandoned in this frightfulsolitude, remained without movement, as if stupefied, with handsjoined and eyes turned towards heaven, till at last, pouring fortha torrent of tears, she exclaimed: "Cruel fortune, have you notyet exhausted your rage against me? To what new miseries do youdoom me? Alas! then finish your work! Deliver me a prey to someferocious beast, or by whatever fate you choose bring me to anend. I will be thankful to you for terminating my life and mymisery. " At last, exhausted by her sorrows, she fell asleep, andsunk prostrate on the sand. 

Before recounting what next befell, we must declare what place itwas upon which the unhappy lady was now thrown. In the sea thatwashes the coast of Ireland there is an island called Ebuda, whoseinhabitants, once numerous, had been wasted by the anger ofProteus till there were now but few left. This deity was incensedby some neglect of the usual honors which he had in old timesreceived from the inhabitants of the land, and, to execute hisvengeance, had sent a horrid sea-monster, called an Orc, to devourthem. Such were the terrors of his ravages that the whole peopleof the isle had shut themselves up in the principal town, andrelied on their walls alone to protect them. In this distress theyapplied to the Oracle for advice, and were directed to appease thewrath of the sea-monster by offering to him the fairest virginthat the country could produce. 

Now it so happened that the very day when this dreadful oracle wasannounced, and when the fatal mandate had gone forth to seek amongthe fairest maidens of the land one to be offered to the monster, some sailors, landing on the beach where Angelica was, beheld thatbeauty as she lay asleep. 

O blind Chance! whose power in human affairs is but too great, canst thou then abandon to the teeth of a horrible monster thosecharms which different sovereigns took arms against one another topossess? Alas! the lovely Angelica is destined to be the victim ofthose cruel islanders. 

Still asleep, she was bound by the Ebudians, and it was not untilshe was carried on board the vessel that she came to a knowledgeof her situation. The wind filled the sails and wafted the shipswiftly to the port, where all that beheld her agreed that she wasunquestionably the victim selected by Proteus himself to be hisprey. Who can tell the screams, the mortal anguish of this unhappymaiden, the reproaches she addressed even to the heavensthemselves, when the dreadful information of her cruel fate wasmade known to her? I cannot; let me rather turn to a happier partof my story. 

Rogero left the palace of Logestilla, careering on his flyingcourser far above the tops of the mountains, and borne westward bythe Hippogriff, which he guided with ease, by means of the bridlethat Melissa had given him. Anxious as he was to recoverBradamante, he could not fail to be delighted at the view hisrapid flight presented of so many vast regions and populouscountries as he passed over in his career. At last he approachedthe shores of England, and perceived an immense army in all thesplendor of military pomp, as if about to go forth flushed withhopes of victory. He caused the Hippogriff to alight not far fromthe scene, and found himself immediately surrounded by admiringspectators, knights and soldiers, who could not enough indulgetheir curiosity and wonder. Rogero learned, in reply to hisquestions, that the fine array of troops before him was the armydestined to go to the aid of the French Emperor, in compliancewith the request presented by the illustrious Rinaldo, asambassador of King Charles, his uncle. 

By this time the curiosity of the English chevaliers was partlygratified in beholding the Hippogriff at rest, and Rogero, torenew their surprise and delight, remounted the animal, and, slapping spurs to his sides, made him launch into the air with therapidity of a meteor, and directed his flight still westwardly, till he came within sight of the coasts of Ireland. Here hedescried what seemed to be a fair damsel, alone, fast chained to arock which projected into the sea. What was his astonishment when, drawing nigh, he beheld the beautiful princess Angelica! That dayshe had been led forth and bound to the rock, there to wait tillthe sea-monster should come to devour her. Rogero exclaimed as hecame near, "What cruel hands, what barbarous soul, what fatalchance can have loaded thee with those chains?" Angelica repliedby a torrent of tears, at first her only response; then, in atrembling voice, she disclosed to him the horrible destiny forwhich she was there exposed. While she spoke, a terrible roaringwas heard far off on the sea. The huge monster soon came in sight, part of his body appearing above the waves and part concealed. Angelica, half dead with fear, abandoned herself to despair. 

Rogero, lance in rest, spurred his Hippogriff toward the Orc, andgave him a thrust. The horrible monster was like nothing thatnature produces. It was but one mass of tossing and twisting body, with nothing of the animal but head, eyes, and mouth, the lastfurnished with tusks like those of the wild boar. Rogero's lancehad struck him between the eyes; but rock and iron are not moreimpenetrable than were his scales. The knight, seeing thefruitlessness of the first blow, prepared to give a second. Theanimal, beholding upon the water the shadow of the great wings ofthe Hippogriff, abandoned his prey, and turned to seize whatseemed nearer. Rogero took the opportunity, and dealt him furiousblows on various parts of his body, taking care to keep clear ofhis murderous teeth; but the scales resisted every attack. The Orcbeat the water with his tail till he raised a foam which envelopedRogero and his steed, so that the knight hardly knew whether hewas in the water or the air. He began to fear that the wings ofthe Hippogriff would be so drenched with water that they wouldcease to sustain him. At that moment Rogero bethought him of themagic shield which hung at his saddle-bow; but the fear thatAngelica would also be blinded by its glare discouraged him fromemploying it. Then he remembered the ring which Melissa had givenhim, the power of which he had so lately proved. He hastened toAngelica and placed it on her finger. Then, uncovering thebuckler, he turned its bright disk full in the face of thedetestable Orc. The effect was instantaneous. The monster, deprived of sense and motion, rolled over on the sea, and layfloating on his back. Rogero would fain have tried the effect ofhis lance on the now exposed parts, but Angelica implored him tolose no time in delivering her from her chains before the monstershould revive. Rogero, moved with her entreaties, hastened to doso, and, having unbound her, made her mount behind him on theHippogriff. The animal, spurning the earth, shot up into the air, and rapidly sped his way through it. Rogero, to give time to theprincess to rest after her cruel agitations, soon sought the earthagain, alighting on the shore of Brittany. Near the shore a thickwood presented itself, which resounded with the songs of birds. Inthe midst, a fountain of transparent water bathed the turf of alittle meadow. A gentle hill rose near by. Rogero, making theHippogriff alight in the meadow, dismounted, and took Angelicafrom the horse. 

When the first tumults of emotion had subsided Angelica, castingher eyes downward, beheld the precious ring upon her finger, whosevirtues she was well acquainted with, for it was the very ringwhich the Saracen Brunello had robbed her of. She drew it from herfinger and placed it in her mouth, and, quicker than we can tellit, disappeared from the sight of the paladin. 

Rogero looked around him on all sides, like one frantic, but soonremembered the ring which he had so lately placed on her finger. Struck with the ingratitude which could thus recompense hisservices, he exclaimed: "Thankless beauty, is this then the rewardyou make me? Do you prefer to rob me of my ring rather thanreceive it as a gift? Willingly would I have given it to you, hadyou but asked it. " Thus he said, searching on all sides with armsextended like a blind man, hoping to recover by the touch what waslost to sight; but he sought in vain. The cruel beauty was alreadyfar away. 

Though sensible of her obligations to her deliverer, her firstnecessity was for clothing, food, and repose. She soon reached ashepherd's hut, where, entering unseen, she found what sufficedfor her present relief. An old herdsman inhabited the hut, whosecharges consisted of a drove of mares. When recruited by reposeAngelica selected one of the mares from the flock, and, mountingthe animal, felt the desire revive in her mind of returning to herhome in the East, and for that purpose would gladly have acceptedthe protection of Orlando or of Sacripant across those wideregions which divided her from her own country. In hopes ofmeeting with one or the other of them she pursued her way. 

Meanwhile Rogero, despairing of seeing Angelica again, returned tothe tree where he had left his winged horse, but had themortification to find that the animal had broken his bridle andescaped. This loss, added to his previous disappointment, overwhelmed him with vexation. Sadly he gathered up his arms, threw his buckler over his shoulders, and, taking the first paththat offered, soon found himself within the verge of a dense andwidespread forest. 

He had proceeded for some distance when he heard a noise on hisright, and, listening attentively, distinguished the clash ofarms. He made his way toward the place whence the sound proceeded, and found two warriors engaged in mortal combat. One of them was aknight of a noble and manly bearing, the other a fierce giant. Theknight appeared to exert consummate address in defending herselfagainst the massive club of the giant, evading his strokes, orparrying them with sword or shield. Rogero stood spectator of thecombat, for he did not allow himself to interfere in it, though asecret sentiment inclined him strongly to take part with theknight. At length he saw with grief the massive club fall directlyon the head of the knight, who yielded to the blow, and fellprostrate. The giant sprang forward to despatch him, and for thatpurpose unlaced his helmet, when Rogero, with dismay, recognizedthe face of Bradamante. He cried aloud, "Hold, miscreant!" andsprang forward with drawn sword. Whereupon the giant, as if hecared not to enter upon another combat, lifted Bradamante on hisshoulders, and ran with her into the forest. 

Rogero plunged after him, but the long legs of the giant carriedhim forward so fast that the paladin could hardly keep him insight. At length they issued from the wood, and Rogero perceivedbefore him a rich palace, built of marble, and adorned withsculptures executed by a master hand. Into this edifice, through agolden door, the giant passed, and Rogero followed; but, onlooking round, saw nowhere either the giant or Bradamante. He ranfrom room to room, calling aloud on his cowardly foe to turn andmeet him; but got no response, nor caught another glimpse of thegiant or his prey. In his vain pursuit he met, without knowingthem, Ferrau, Florismart, King Gradasso, Orlando, and many others, all of whom had been entrapped like himself into this enchantedcastle. It was a new stratagem of the magician Atlantes to drawRogero into his power, and to secure also those who might by anychance endanger his safety. What Rogero had taken for Bradamantewas a mere phantom. That charming lady was far away, full ofanxiety for her Rogero, whose coming she had long expected. 

The Emperor had committed to her charge the city and garrison ofMarseilles, and she held the post against the infidels with valorand discretion. One day Melissa suddenly presented herself beforeher. Anticipating her questions, she said, "Fear not for Rogero;he lives, and is as ever true to you; but he has lost his liberty. The fell enchanter has again succeeded in making him a prisoner. If you would deliver him, mount your horse and follow me. " Shetold her in what manner Atlantes had deceived Rogero, in deludinghis eyes with the phantom of herself in peril. "Such, " shecontinued, "will be his arts in your own case, if you penetratethe forest and approach that castle. You will think you beholdRogero, when, in fact, you see only the enchanter himself. Be notdeceived, plunge your sword into his body, and trust me when Itell you that, in slaying him, you will restore not only Rogero, but with him many of the bravest knights of France, whom thewizard's arts have withdrawn from the camp of their sovereign. "

Bradamante promptly armed herself, and mounted her horse. Melissaled her by forced journeys, by field and forest, beguiling the waywith conversation on the theme which interested her hearer most. When at last they reached the forest, she repeated once more herinstructions, and then took her leave, for fear the enchantermight espy her, and be put on his guard. 

Bradamante rode on about two miles when suddenly she beheldRogero, as it appeared to her, hard pressed by two fierce giants. While she hesitated she heard his voice calling on her for help. At once the cautions of Melissa lost their weight. A sudden doubtof the faith and truth of her kind monitress flashed across hermind. "Shall I not believe my own eyes and ears?" she said, andrushed forward to his defence. Rogero fled, pursued by the giants, and Bradamante followed, passing with them through the castlegate. When there, Bradamante was undeceived, for neither giant norknight was to be seen. She found herself a prisoner, but had notthe consolation of knowing that she shared the imprisonment of herbeloved. She saw various forms of men and women, but couldrecognize none of them; and their lot was the same with respect toher. Each viewed the others under some illusion of the fancy, wearing the semblance of giants, dwarfs, or even four-footedanimals, so that there was no companionship or communicationbetween them. 

ASTOLPHO'S ADVENTURES CONTINUED, AND ISABELLA'S BEGUN

When Astolpho escaped from the cruel Alcina, after a short abodein the realm of the virtuous Logestilla, he desired to return tohis native country. Logestilla lent him the best vessel of herfleet to convey him to the mainland. She gave him at parting awonderful book, which taught the secret of overcoming all mannersof enchantments, and begged him to carry it always with him, outof regard for her. She also gave him another gift, which surpassedeverything of the kind that mortal workmanship can frame; yet itwas nothing in appearance but a simple horn. 

Astolpho, protected by these gifts, thanked the good fairy, tookleave of her, and set out on his return to France. His voyage wasprosperous, and on reaching the desired port he took leave of thefaithful mariners, and continued his journey by land. As heproceeded over mountains and through valleys he often met withbands of robbers, wild beasts, and venomous serpents, but he hadonly to sound his horn to put them all to flight. 

Having landed in France, and traversed many provinces on his wayto the army, he one day, in crossing a forest, arrived beside afountain, and alighted to drink. While he stooped at the fountaina young rustic sprang from the copse, mounted Rabican, and rodeaway. It was a new trick of the enchanter Atlantes. Astolpho, hearing the noise, turned his head just in time to see his loss;and, starting up, pursued the thief, who, on his part, did notpress the horse to his full speed, but just kept in sight of hispursuer till they both issued from the forest; and then Rabicanand his rider took shelter in a castle which stood near. Astolphofollowed, and penetrated without difficulty within the court-yardof the castle, where he looked around for the rider and his horse, but could see no trace of either, nor any person of whom he couldmake inquiry. Suspecting that enchantment was employed toembarrass him, he bethought him of his book, and on consulting itdiscovered that his suspicions were well founded. He also learnedwhat course to pursue. He was directed to raise the stone whichserved as a threshold, under which a spirit lay pent, who wouldwillingly escape, and leave the castle free of access. Astolphoapplied his strength to lift aside the stone. Thereupon themagician put his arts in force. The castle was full of prisoners, and the magician caused that to all of them Astolpho should appearin some false guise--to some a wild beast, to others a giant, toothers a bird of prey. Thus all assailed him, and would quicklyhave made an end of him, if he had not bethought him of his horn. No sooner had he blown a blast than, at the horrid larum, fled thecavaliers and the necromancer with them, like a flock of pigeonsat the sound of the fowler's gun. Astolpho then renewed hisefforts on the stone, and turned it over. The under face was allinscribed with magical characters, which the knight defaced, asdirected by his book; and no sooner had he done so, than thecastle, with its walls and turrets, vanished into smoke. 

The knights and ladies set at liberty were, besides Rogero andBradamante, Orlando, Gradasso, Florismart, and many more. At thesound of the horn they fled, one and all, men and steeds, exceptRabican, which Astolpho secured, in spite of his terror. As soonas the sound had ceased Rogero recognized Bradamante, whom he haddaily met during their imprisonment, but had been prevented fromknowing by the enchanter's arts. No words can tell the delightwith which they recognized each other, and recounted mutually allthat had happened to each since they were parted. Rogero tookadvantage of the opportunity to press his suit, and foundBradamante as propitious as he could wish, were it not for asingle obstacle, the difference of their faiths. "If he wouldobtain her in marriage, " she said, "he must in due form demand herof her father, Duke Aymon, and must abandon his false prophet, andbecome a Christian. " The latter step was one which Rogero had forsome time intended taking, for reasons of his own. He thereforegladly accepted the terms, and proposed that they should at oncerepair to the abbey of Vallombrosa, whose towers were visible atno great distance. Thither they turned their horses' heads, and wewill leave them to find their way without our company. 

I know not if my readers recollect that at the moment when Rogerohad just delivered Angelica from the voracious Orc that scornfulbeauty placed her ring in her mouth, and vanished out of sight. Atthe same time the Hippogriff shook off his bridle, soared away, and flew to rejoin his former master, very naturally returning tohis accustomed stable. Here Astolpho found him, to his very greatdelight. He knew the animal's powers, having seen Rogero ride him, and he longed to fly abroad over all the earth, and see variousnations and peoples from his airy course. He had heardLogestilla's directions how to guide the animal, and saw her fit abridle to his head. He therefore was able, out of all the bridleshe found in the stable, to select one suitable, and, placingRabican's saddle on the Hippogriff's back, nothing seemed toprevent his immediate departure. Yet before he went he bethoughthim of placing Rabican in hands where he would be safe, and whencehe might recover him in time of need. While he stood deliberatingwhere he should find a messenger, he saw Bradamante approach. Thatfair warrior had been parted from Rogero on their way to the abbeyof Vallombrosa, by an inopportune adventure which had called theknight away. She was now returning to Montalban, having arrangedwith Rogero to join her there. To Bradamante, therefore, his faircousin, Astolpho committed Rabican, and also the lance of gold, which would only be an incumbrance in his aerial excursion. Bradamante took charge of both; and Astolpho, bidding herfarewell, soared in air. 

Among those delivered by Astolpho from the magician's castle wasOrlando. Following the guide of chance, the paladin found himselfat the close of day in a forest, and stopped at the foot of amountain. Surprised to discern a light which came from a cleft inthe rock, he approached, guided by the ray, and discovered anarrow passage in the mountain-side, which led into a deep grotto. 

Orlando fastened his horse, and then, putting aside the bushesthat resisted his passage, stepped down from rock to rock till hereached a sort of cavern. Entering it, he perceived a lady, youngand handsome, as well as he could discover through the signs ofdistress which agitated her countenance. Her only companion was anold woman, who seemed to be regarded by her young partner withterror and indignation. The courteous paladin saluted the womenrespectfully, and begged to know by whose barbarity they had beensubjected to such imprisonment. 

The younger lady replied, in a voice often broken with sobs:

"Though I know well that my recital will subject me to worsetreatment by the barbarous man who keeps me here, to whom thiswoman will not fail to report it, yet I will not hide from you thefacts. Ah! why should I fear his rage? If he should take my life, I know not what better boon than death I can ask. 

"My name is Isabella. I am the daughter of the king of Galicia, orrather I should say misfortune and grief are my parents. Young, rich, modest, and of tranquil temper, all things appeared tocombine to render my lot happy. Alas! I see myself to-day poor, humbled, miserable, and destined perhaps to yet furtherafflictions. It is a year since, my father having given noticethat he would open the lists for a tournament at Bayonne, a greatnumber of chevaliers from all quarters came together at our court. Among these Zerbino, son of the king of Scotland, victorious inall combats, eclipsed by his beauty and his valor all the rest. Before departing from the court of Galicia he testified the wishto espouse me, and I consented that he should demand my hand ofthe king, my father. But I was a Mahometan, and Zerbino aChristian, and my father refused his consent. The prince, calledhome by his father to take command of the forces destined to theassistance of the French Emperor, prevailed on me to be married tohim secretly, and to follow him to Scotland. He caused a galley tobe prepared to receive me, and placed in command of it thechevalier Oderic, a Biscayan, famous for his exploits both by landand sea. On the day appointed, Oderic brought his vessel to aseaside resort of my father's, where I embarked. Some of mydomestics accompanied me, and thus I departed from my native land. 

"Sailing with a fair wind, after some hours we were assailed by aviolent tempest. It was to no purpose that we took in all sail; wewere driven before the wind directly upon the rocky shore. Seeingno other hopes of safety, Oderic placed me in a boat, followedhimself with a few of his men, and made for land. We reached itthrough infinite peril, and I no sooner felt the firm land beneathmy feet, than I knelt down and poured out heartfelt thanks to theProvidence that had preserved me. 

"The shore where we landed appeared to be uninhabited. We saw nodwelling to shelter us, no road to lead us to a more hospitablespot. A high mountain rose before us, whose base stretched intothe sea. It was here the infamous Oderic, in spite of my tears andentreaties, sold me to a band of pirates, who fancied I might bean acceptable present to their prince, the Sultan of Morocco. Thiscavern is their den, and here they keep me under the guard of thiswoman, until it shall suit their convenience to carry me away. "

Isabella had hardly finished her recital when a troop of armed menbegan to enter the cavern. Seeing the prince Orlando, one said tothe rest, "What bird is this we have caught, without even settinga snare for him?" Then addressing Orlando, "It was truly civil inyou, friend, to come hither with that handsome coat of armor andvest, the very things I want. " "You shall pay for them, then, "said Orlando; and seizing a half-burnt brand from the fire, hehurled it at him, striking his head, and stretching him lifelesson the floor. 

There was a massy table in the middle of the cavern, used for thepirates' repasts. Orlando lifted it and hurled it at the robbersas they stood clustered in a group toward the entrance. Half thegang were laid prostrate, with broken heads and limbs; the restgot away as nimbly as they could. 

Leaving the den and its inmates to their fate, Orlando, takingIsabella under his protection, pursued his way for some days, without meeting with any adventure. 

One day they saw a band of men advancing, who seemed to beguarding a prisoner, bound hand and foot, as if being carried toexecution. The prisoner was a youthful cavalier, of a noble andingenuous appearance. The band bore the ensigns of Count Anselm, head of the treacherous house of Maganza. Orlando desired Isabellato wait, while he rode forward to inquire the meaning of thisarray. Approaching, he demanded of the leader who his prisonerwas, and of what crime he had been guilty. The man replied thatthe prisoner was a murderer, by whose hand Pinabel, the son ofCount Anselm, had been treacherously slain. At these words theprisoner exclaimed, "I am no murderer, nor have I been in any waythe cause of the young man's death. " Orlando, knowing the crueland ferocious character of the chiefs of the house of Maganza, needed no more to satisfy him that the youth was the victim ofinjustice. He commanded the leader of the troop to release hisvictim, and, receiving an insolent reply, dashed him to the earthwith a stroke of his lance; then by a few vigorous blows dispersedthe band, leaving deadly marks on those who were slowest to quitthe field. 

Orlando then hastened to unbind the prisoner, and to assist him toreclothe himself in his armor, which the false Magencian had daredto assume. He then led him to Isabella, who now approached thescene of action. How can we picture the joy, the astonishment, with which Isabella recognized in him Zerbino, her husband, andthe prince discovered her whom he had believed overwhelmed in thewaves! They embraced one another, and wept for joy. Orlando, sharing in their happiness, congratulated himself in having beenthe instrument of it. The princess recounted to Zerbino what theillustrious paladin had done for her, and the prince threw himselfat Orlando's feet, and thanked him as having twice preserved hislife. 

While these exchanges of congratulation and thankfulness weregoing on, a sound in the underwood attracted their attention, andcaused the two knights to brace their helmets and stand on theirguard. What the cause of the interruption was we shall record inanother chapter. 

MEDORO

France was at this time the theatre of dreadful events. TheSaracens and the Christians, in numerous encounters, slew oneanother. On one occasion Rinaldo led an attack on the infidelcolumns, broke and scattered them, till he found himself oppositeto a knight whose armor (whether by accident or by choice, itmatters not) bore the blazon of Orlando. It was Dardinel, theyoung and brave prince of Zumara, and Rinaldo remarked him by theslaughter he spread all around. "Ah, " said he to himself, "let uspluck up this dangerous plant before it has grown to its fullheight. "

As Rinaldo advanced, the crowd opened before him, the Christiansto let his sword have free course, the Pagans to escape its sweep. Dardinel and he stood face to face. Rinaldo exclaimed, fiercely, "Young man, whoever gave you that noble buckler to bear made you adangerous gift; I should like to see how you are able to defendthose quarterings, red and white. If you cannot defend themagainst me, how pray will you do so when Orlando challenges them?"Dardinel replied: "Thou shalt learn that I can defend the arms Ibear, and shed new glory upon them. No one shall rend them from mebut with life. " Saying these words, Dardinel rushed upon Rinaldowith sword uplifted. The chill of mortal terror filled the soulsof the Saracens when they beheld Rinaldo advance to attack theprince, like a lion against a young bull. The first blow came fromthe hand of Dardinel, and the weapon rebounded from Mambrino'shelmet without effect. Rinaldo smiled, and said, "I will now showyou if my strokes are more effectual. " At these words he thrustthe unfortunate Dardinel in the middle of his breast. The blow wasso violent that the cruel weapon pierced the body, and came out apalm-breadth behind his back. Through this wound the life ofDardinel issued with his blood, and his body fell helpless to theground. 

As a flower which the passing plough has uprooted languishes, anddroops its head, so Dardinel, his visage covered with the palenessof death, expires, and the hopes of an illustrious race perishwith him. 

Like waters kept back by a dike, which, when the dike is broken, spread abroad through all the country, so the Moors, no longerkept in column by the example of Dardinel, fled in all directions. Rinaldo despised too much such easy victories to pursue them; hewished for no combats but with brave men. At the same time, theother paladins made terrible slaughter of the Moors. Charleshimself, Oliver, Guido, and Ogier the Dane, carried death intotheir ranks on all sides. 

The infidels seemed doomed to perish to a man on that dreadfulday; but the wise king, Marsilius, at last put some slight degreeof method into the general rout. He collected the remnant of thetroops, formed them into a battalion, and retreated in tolerableorder to his camp. That camp was well fortified by intrenchmentsand a broad ditch. Thither the fugitives hastened, and by degreesall that remained of the Moorish army was brought together there. 

The Emperor might perhaps that night have crushed his enemyentirely; but not thinking it prudent to expose his troops, fatigued as they were, to an attack upon a camp so well fortified, he contented himself with encompassing the enemy with his troops, prepared to make a regular siege. During the night the Moors hadtime to see the extent of their loss. Their tents resounded withlamentations. This warrior had to mourn a brother, that a friend;many suffered with grievous wounds, all trembled at the fate instore for them. 

There were two young Moors, both of humble rank, who gave proof atthat time of attachment and fidelity rare in the history of man. Cloridan and Medoro had followed their prince, Dardinel, to thewars of France. Cloridan, a bold huntsman, combined strength withactivity. Medoro was a mere youth, his cheeks yet fair andblooming. Of all the Saracens, no one united so much grace andbeauty. His light hair was set off by his black and sparklingeyes. The two friends were together on guard at the rampart. Aboutmidnight they gazed on the scene in deep dejection. Medoro, withtears in his eyes, spoke of the good prince Dardinel, and couldnot endure the thought that his body should be cast out on theplain, deprived of funeral honors. "O my friend, " said he, "mustthen the body of our prince be the prey of wolves and ravens?Alas! when I remember how he loved me, I feel that if I shouldsacrifice my life to do him honor, I should not do more than myduty. I wish, dear friend, to seek out his body on thebattlefield, and give it burial, and I hope to be able to passthrough King Charles's camp without discovery, as they areprobably all asleep. You, Cloridan, will be able to say for me, ifI should die in the adventure, that gratitude and fidelity to myprince were my inducements. "

Cloridan was both surprised and touched with this proof of theyoung man's devotion. He loved him tenderly, and tried for a longtime every effort to dissuade him from his design; but he foundMedoro determined to accomplish his object or die in the endeavor. 

Cloridan, unable to change his purpose, said, "I will go with you, Medoro, and help you in this generous enterprise. I value not lifecompared with honor, and if I did, do you suppose, dear friend, that I could live without you? I would rather fall by the arms ofour enemies than die of grief for the loss of you. "

When the two friends were relieved from their guard duty they wentwithout any followers into the camp of the Christians. All therewas still; the fires were dying out; there was no fear of anyattempt on the part of the Saracens, and the soldiers, overcome byfatigue or wine, slept secure, lying upon the ground in the midstof their arms and equipage. Cloridan stopped, and said, "Medoro, Iam not going to quit this camp without taking vengeance for thedeath of our prince. Keep watch, be on your guard that no oneshall surprise us; I mean to mark a road with my sword through theranks of our enemies. " So saying, he entered the tent whereAlpheus slept, who a year before had joined the camp of Charles, and pretended to be a great physician and astrologer. But hisscience had deceived him, if it gave him hope of dying peacefullyin his bed at a good old age; his lot was to die with littlewarning. Cloridan ran his sword through his heart. A Greek and aGerman followed, who had been playing late at dice: fortunate ifthey had continued their game a little longer; but they neverreckoned a throw like this among their chances. Cloridan next cameto the unlucky Grillon, whose head lay softly on his pillow. Hedreamed probably of the feast from which he had but just retired;for when Cloridan cut off his head wine flowed forth with theblood. 

The two young Moors might have penetrated even to the tent ofCharlemagne; but knowing that the paladins encamped around himkept watch by turns, and judging that it was impossible theyshould all be asleep, they were afraid to go too near. They mightalso have obtained rich booty; but, intent only on their object, they crossed the camp, and arrived at length at the bloody field, where bucklers, lances, and swords lay scattered in the midst ofcorpses of poor and rich, common soldier and prince, horses andpools of blood. This terrible scene of carnage would havedestroyed all hope of finding what they were in search of untildawn of day, were it not that the moon lent the aid of heruncertain rays. 

Medoro raised his eyes to the planet, and exclaimed, "O holygoddess, whom our fathers have adored under three differentforms, --thou who displayest thy power in heaven, on earth, and inthe underworld, --thou who art seen foremost among the nymphschasing the beasts of the forest, --cause me to see, I implorethee, the spot where my dear master lies, and make me all my lifelong follow the example which thou dost exhibit of works ofcharity and love. "

Either by accident, or that the moon was sensible of the prayer ofMedoro, the cloud broke away, and the moonlight burst forth asbright as day. The rays seemed especially to gild the spot wherelay the body of Prince Dardinel; and Medoro, bathed in tears andwith bleeding heart, recognized him by the quarterings of red andwhite on his shield. 

With groans stifled by his tears, and lamentations in accentssuppressed, not from any fear for himself, for he cared not forlife, but lest any one should be roused to interrupt their piousduty while yet incomplete, he proposed to his companion that theyshould together bear Dardinel on their shoulders, sharing theburden of the beloved remains. 

Marching with rapid strides under their precious load, theyperceived that the stars began to grow pale, and that the shadesof night would soon be dispersed by the dawn. Just then Zerbino, whose extreme valor had urged him far from the camp in pursuit ofthe fugitives, returning, entered the wood in which they were. Some knights in his train perceived at a distance the twobrothers-in-arms. Cloridan saw the troop, and, observing that theydispersed themselves over the plain as if in search of booty, toldMedoro to lay down the body, and let each save himself by flight. He dropped his part, thinking that Medoro would do the same; butthe good youth loved his prince too well to abandon him, andcontinued to carry his load singly as well as he might, whileCloridan made his escape. Near by there was a part of the woodtufted as if nothing but wild animals had ever penetrated it. Theunfortunate youth, loaded with the weight of his dead master, plunged into its recesses. 

Cloridan, when he perceived that he had evaded his foes, discovered that Medoro was not with him. "Ah!" exclaimed he, "howcould I, dear Medoro, so forget myself as to consult my own safetywithout heeding yours?" So saying, he retraced the tangled passesof the wood toward the place from whence he had fled. As heapproached he heard the noise of horses, and the menacing voicesof armed men. Soon he perceived Medoro, on foot, with thecavaliers surrounding him. Zerbino, their commander, bade themseize him. The unhappy Medoro turned now this way, now that, trying to conceal himself behind an oak or a rock, still bearingthe body, which he would by no means leave. Cloridan not knowinghow to help him, but resolved to perish with him, if he mustperish, takes an arrow, fits it to his bow, discharges it, andpierces the breast of a Christian knight, who falls helpless fromhis horse. The others look this way and that, to discover whencethe fatal bolt was sped. One, while demanding of his comrades inwhat direction the arrow came, received a second in his throat, which stopped his words, and soon closed his eyes to the scene. 

Zerbino, furious at the death of his two comrades, ran uponMedoro, seized his golden hair, and dragged him forward to slayhim. But the sight of so much youth and beauty commanded pity. Hestayed his arm. The young man spoke in suppliant tones. "Ah!signor, " said he, "I conjure you by the God whom you serve, deprive me not of life until I shall have buried the body of theprince, my master. Fear not that I will ask you any other favor;life is not dear to me; I desire death as soon as I shall haveperformed this sacred duty. Do with me then as you please. Give mylimbs a prey to the birds and beasts; only let me first bury myprince. " Medoro pronounced these words with an air so sweet andtender that a heart of stone would have been moved by them. Zerbino was so to the bottom of his soul. He was on the point ofuttering words of mercy, when a cruel subaltern, forgetting allrespect to his commander, plunged his lance into the breast of theyoung Moor. Zerbino, enraged at his brutality, turned upon thewretch to take vengeance, but he saved himself by a precipitateflight. 

Cloridan, who saw Medoro fall, could contain himself no longer. Herushed from his concealment, threw down his bow, and, sword inhand, seemed only desirous of vengeance for Medoro, and to diewith him. In a moment, pierced through and through with manywounds, he exerts the last remnant of his strength in dragginghimself to Medoro, to die embracing him. The cavaliers left themthus to rejoin Zerbino, whose rage against the murderer of Medorohad drawn him away from the spot. 

Cloridan died; and Medoro, bleeding copiously, was drawing nearhis end when help arrived. 

A young maiden approached the fallen knights at this criticalmoment. Her dress was that of a peasant-girl, but her air wasnoble, and her beauty celestial; sweetness and goodness reigned inher lovely countenance. It was no other than Angelica, thePrincess of Cathay. 

When she had recovered that precious ring, as we have beforerelated, Angelica, knowing its value, felt proud in the power itconferred, travelled alone without fear, not without a secretshame that she had ever been obliged to seek protection in herwanderings of the Count Orlando and of Sacripant. She reproachedherself too as with a weakness that she had ever thought ofmarrying Rinaldo; in fine, her pride grew so high as to persuadeher that no man living was worthy to aspire to her hand. 

Moved with pity at the sight of the young man wounded, and meltedto tears at hearing the cause, she quickly recalled to remembrancethe knowledge she had acquired in India, where the virtues ofplants and the art of healing formed part of the education even ofprincesses. The beautiful queen ran into the adjoining meadow togather plants of virtue to staunch the flow of blood. Meeting onher way a countryman on horseback seeking a strayed heifer, shebegged him to come to her assistance, and endeavor to remove thewounded man to a more secure asylum. 

Angelica, having prepared the plants by bruising them between twostones, laid them with her fair hand on Medoro's wound. The remedysoon restored in some degree the strength of the wounded man, who, before he would quit the spot, made them cover with earth and turfthe bodies of his friend and of the prince. Then surrenderinghimself to the pity of his deliverers, he allowed them to placehim on the horse of the shepherd, and conduct him to his cottage. It was a pleasant farmhouse on the borders of the wood, bearingmarks of comfort and competency. There the shepherd lived with hiswife and children. There Angelica tended Medoro, and there, by thedevoted care of the beautiful queen, his sad wound closed over, and he recovered his perfect health. 

O Count Rinaldo, O King Sacripant! what availed it you to possessso many virtues and such fame? What advantage have you derivedfrom all your high deserts? O hapless king, great Agrican! if youcould return to life, how would you endure to see yourselfrejected by one who will bow to the yoke of Hymen in favor of ayoung soldier of humble birth? And thou, Ferrau, and ye numerousothers who a hundred times have put your lives at hazard for thiscruel beauty, how bitter will it be to you to see her sacrificeyou all to the claims of the humble Medoro!

There, under the low roof of a shepherd, the flame of Hymen waslighted for this haughty queen. She takes the shepherd's wife toserve in place of mother, the shepherd and his children forwitnesses, and marries the happy Medoro. 

Angelica, after her marriage, wishing to endow Medoro with thesovereignty of the countries which yet remained to her, took withhim the road to the East. She had preserved through all heradventures a bracelet of gold enriched with precious stones, thepresent of the Count Orlando. Having nothing else wherewith toreward the good shepherd and his wife, who had served her with somuch care and fidelity, she took the bracelet from her arm andgave it to them, and then the newly-married couple directed theirsteps toward those mountains which separate France and Spain, intending to wait at Barcelona a vessel which should take them ontheir way to the East. 

ORLANDO MAD

Orlando, on the loss of Angelica, laid aside his crest and arms, and arrayed himself in a suit of black armor expressive of hisdespair. In this guise he carried such slaughter among the ranksof the infidels that both armies were astonished at theachievements of the stranger knight. Mandricardo, who had beenabsent from the battle, heard the report of these achievements anddetermined to test for himself the valor of the knight soextolled. He it was who broke in upon the conference of Zerbinoand Isabella, and their benefactor Orlando, as they stood occupiedin mutual felicitations, after the happy reunion of the lovers bythe prowess of the paladin. 

Mandricardo, after contemplating the group for a moment, addressedhimself to Orlando in these words: "Thou must be the man I seek. For ten days and more I have been on thy track. The fame of thyexploits has brought me hither, that I may measure my strengthwith thine. Thy crest and shield prove thee the same who spreadsuch slaughter among our troops. But these marks are superfluous, and if I saw thee among a hundred I should know thee by thymartial bearing to be the man I seek. "

"I respect thy courage, " said Orlando; "such a design could nothave sprung up in any but a brave and generous soul. If the desireto see me has brought thee hither, I would, if it were possible, show thee my inmost soul. I will remove my visor, that you maysatisfy your curiosity; but when you have done so I hope that youwill also try and see if my valor corresponds to my appearance. ""Come on, " said the Saracen, "my first wish was to see and knowthee; I will not gratify my second. "

Orlando, observing Mandricardo was surprised to see no sword athis side, nor mace at his saddle-bow. "And what weapon hast thou, "said he, "if thy lance fail thee?"

"Do not concern yourself about that, " said Mandricardo; "I havemade many good knights give ground with no other weapon than yousee. Know that I have sworn an oath never to bear a sword until Iwin back that famous Durindana that Orlando, the paladin, carries. That sword belongs to the suit of armor which I wear; that only iswanting. Without doubt it was stolen, but how it got into thehands of Orlando I know not. But I will make him pay dearly for itwhen I find him I seek him the more anxiously that I may avengewith his blood the death of King Agrican, my father, whom hetreacherously slew. I am sure he must have done it by treachery, for it was not in his power to subdue in fair fight such a warrioras my father. "

"Thou liest, " cried Orlando; "and all who say so lie. I amOrlando, whom you seek; yes, I am he who slew your fatherhonorably. Hold, here is the sword: you shall have it if yourcourage avails to merit it. Though it belongs to me by right, Iwill not use it in this dispute. See, I hang it on this tree; youshall be master of it, if you bereave me of life; not else. "

At these words Orlando drew Durindana, and hung it on one of thebranches of a tree near by. 

Both knights, boiling with equal ardor, rode off in a semicircle;then rushed together with reins thrown loose, and struck oneanother with their lances. Both kept their seats, immovable. Thesplinters of their lances flew into the air, and no weaponremained for either but the fragment which he held in his hand. Then those two knights, covered with iron mail, were reduced tothe necessity of fighting with staves, in the manner of tworustics, who dispute the boundary of a meadow, or the possessionof a spring. 

These clubs could not long keep whole in the hands of such sturdysmiters, who were soon reduced to fight with naked fists. Suchwarfare was more painful to him that gave than to him thatreceived the blows. They next clasped, and strained each hisadversary, as Hercules did Antaeus. Mandricardo, more enraged thanOrlando, made violent efforts to unseat the paladin, and droppedthe rein of his horse. Orlando, more calm, perceived it. With onehand he resisted Mandricardo, with the other he twitched thehorse's bridle over the ears of the animal. The Saracen draggedOrlando with all his might, but Orlando's thighs held the saddlelike a vise. At last the efforts of the Saracen broke the girthsof Orlando's horse; the saddle slipped; the knight, firm in hisstirrups, slipped with it, and came to the ground hardly consciousof his fall. The noise of his armor in falling startledMandricardo's horse, now without a bridle. He started off in fullcareer, heeding neither trees nor rocks nor broken ground. Urgedby fright, he ran with furious speed, carrying his master, who, almost distracted with rage, shouted and beat the animal with hisfists, and thereby impelled his flight. After running thus threemiles or more, a deep ditch opposed their progress. The horse andrider fell headlong into it, and did not find the bottom coveredwith feather-beds or roses. They got sadly bruised; but were luckyenough to escape without any broken limbs. 

Mandricardo, as soon as he gained his feet, seized the horse byhis mane with fury; but, having no bridle, could not hold him. Helooked round in hopes of finding something that would do for arein. Just then fortune, who seemed willing to help him at last, brought that way a peasant with a bridle in his hand, who was insearch of his farm horse that had strayed away. 

Orlando, having speedily repaired his horse's girths, remounted, and waited a good hour for the Saracen to return. Not seeing him, he concluded to go in search of him. He took an affectionate leaveof Zerbino and Isabella, who would willingly have followed him;but this the brave paladin would by no means permit. He held itunknightly to go in search of an enemy accompanied by a friend, who might act as a defender. Therefore, desiring them to say toMandricardo, if they should meet him, that his purpose was totarry in the neighborhood three days, and then repair to the campof Charlemagne, he took down Durindana from the tree, andproceeded in the direction which the Saracen's horse had taken. But the animal, having no guide but its terror, had so doubled andconfused its traces that Orlando, after two days spent in thesearch, gave up the attempt. 

It was about the middle of the third day when the paladin arrivedon the pleasant bank of a stream which wound through a meadowenamelled with flowers. High trees, whose tops met and formed anarbor, over-shadowed the fountain; and the breeze which blewthrough their foliage tempered the heat. Hither the shepherds usedto resort to quench their thirst, and to enjoy the shelter fromthe midday sun. The air, perfumed with the flowers, seemed tobreathe fresh strength into their veins. Orlando felt theinfluence, though covered with his armor. He stopped in thisdelicious arbor, where everything seemed to invite to repose. Buthe could not have chosen a more fatal asylum. He there spent themost miserable moments of his life. 

He looked around, and noted with pleasure all the charms of thespot. He saw that some of the trees were carved with inscriptions--he drew near, and read them, and what was his surprise to findthat they composed the name of Angelica! Farther on he found thename of Medoro mixed with hers. The paladin thought he dreamed. Hestood like one amazed--like a bird that, rising to fly, finds itsfeet caught in a net. 

Orlando followed the course of the stream, and came to one of itsturns where the rocks of the mountain bent in such a way as toform a sort of grotto. The twisted stems of ivy and the wild vinedraped the entrance of this recess, scooped by the hand of nature. 

The unhappy paladin, on entering the grotto, saw letters whichappeared to have been lately carved. They were verses which Medorohad written in honor of his happy nuptials with the beautifulqueen. Orlando tried to persuade himself it must be some otherAngelica whom those verses celebrated, and as for Medoro, he hadnever heard his name. The sun was now declining, and Orlandoremounted his horse, and went on his way. He soon saw the roof ofa cottage whence the smoke ascended; he heard the barking of dogsand the lowing of cattle, and arrived at a humble dwelling whichseemed to offer an asylum for the night. The inmates, as soon asthey saw him, hastened to tender him service. One took his horse, another his shield and cuirass, another his golden spurs. Thiscottage was the very same where Medoro had been carried, deeplywounded, --where Angelica had tended him, and afterwards marriedhim. The shepherd who lived in it loved to tell everybody thestory of this marriage, and soon related it, with all its details, to the miserable Orlando. 

Having finished it, he went away, and returned with the preciousbracelet which Angelica, grateful for his services, had given himas a memorial. It was the one which Orlando had himself given her. 

This last touch was the finishing stroke to the excited paladin. Frantic, exasperated, he exclaimed against the ungrateful andcruel princess who had disdained him, the most renowned, the mostindomitable of all the paladins of France, --him, who had rescuedher from the most alarming perils, --him, who had fought the mostterrible battles for her sake, --she to prefer to him a youngSaracen! The pride of the noble Count was deeply wounded. Indignant, frantic, a victim to ungovernable rage, he rushed intothe forest, uttering the most frightful shrieks. 

"No, no!" cried he, "I am not the man they take me for! Orlando isdead! I am only the wandering ghost of that unhappy Count, who isnow suffering the torments of hell!"

Orlando wandered all night, as chance directed, through the wood, and at sunrise his destiny led him to the fountain where Medorohad engraved the fatal inscription. The frantic paladin saw it asecond time with fury, drew his sword, and hacked it from therock. 

Unlucky grotto! you shall no more attract by your shade andcoolness, you shall no more shelter with your arch either shepherdor flock. And you, fresh and pure fountain, you may not escape therage of the furious Orlando! He cast into the fountain branches, trunks of trees which he tore up, pieces of rocks which he brokeoff, plants uprooted, with the earth adhering, and turf andbrushes, so as to choke the fountain, and destroy the purity ofits waters. At length, exhausted by his violent exertions, bathedin sweat, breathless, Orlando sunk panting upon the earth, and laythere insensible three days and three nights. 

The fourth day he started up and seized his arms. His helmet, hisbuckler, he cast far from him; his hauberk and his clothes he rentasunder; the fragments were scattered through the wood. In fine, he became a furious madman. His insanity was such that he carednot to retain even his sword. But he had no need of Durindana, norof other arms, to do wonderful things. His prodigious strengthsufficed. At the first wrench of his mighty arm he tore up a pine-tree by the roots. Oaks, beeches, maples, whatever he met in hispath, yielded in like manner. The ancient forest soon became asbare as the borders of a morass, where the fowler has cleared awaythe bushes to spread his nets. The shepherds, hearing the horriblecrashing in the forest, abandoned their flocks to run and see thecause of this unwonted uproar. By their evil star, or for theirsins, they were led thither. When they saw the furious state theCount was in, and his incredible force, they would fain have fledout of his reach, but in their fears lost their presence of mind. The madman pursued them, seized one and rent him limb from limb, as easily as one would pull ripe apples from a tree. He tookanother by the feet, and used him as a club to knock down a third. The shepherds fled; but it would have been hard for any to escape, if he had not at that moment left them to throw himself with thesame fury upon their flocks. The peasants, abandoning theirploughs and harrows, mounted on the roofs of buildings andpinnacles of the rocks, afraid to trust themselves even to theoaks and pines. From such heights they looked on, trembling at theraging fury of the unhappy Orlando. His fists, his teeth, hisnails, his feet, seize, break, and tear cattle, sheep, and swine;the most swift in flight alone being able to escape him. 

When at last terror had scattered everything before him, heentered a cottage which was abandoned by its inhabitants, andthere found that which served for food. His long fast had causedhim to feel the most ravenous hunger. Seizing whatever he foundthat was eatable, whether roots, acorns, or bread, raw meat orcooked, he gorged it indiscriminately. 

Issuing thence again, the frantic Orlando gave chase to whateverliving thing he saw, whether men or animals. Sometimes he pursuedthe deer and hind, sometimes he attacked bears and wolves, andwith his naked hands killed and tore them, and devoured theirflesh. 

Thus he wandered, from place to place, through France, imperillinghis life a thousand ways, yet always preserved by some mysteriousprovidence from a fatal result. But here we leave Orlando for atime, that we may record what befell Zerbino and Isabella aftertheir parting with him. 

The prince and his fair bride waited, by Orlando's request, nearthe scene of the battle for three days, that, if Mandricardoshould return, they might inform him where Orlando would give himanother meeting. At the end of that time their anxiety to know theissue led them to follow Orlando's traces, which led them at lastto the wood where the trees were inscribed with the names ofAngelica and Medoro. They remarked how all these inscriptions weredefaced, and how the grotto was disordered, and the fountainclogged with rubbish. But that which surprised them and distressedthem most of all was to find on the grass the cuirass of Orlando, and not far from it his helmet, the same which the renownedAlmontes once wore. 

Hearing a horse neigh in the forest, Zerbino turned his eyes inthat direction, and saw Brigliadoro, with the bridle yet hangingat the saddle-bow. He looked round for Durindana, and found thatfamous sword, without the scabbard, lying on the grass. He sawalso the fragments of Orlando's other arms and clothing scatteredon all sides over the plain. 

Zerbino and Isabella stood in astonishment and grief, not knowingwhat to think, but little imagining the true cause. If they hadfound any marks of blood on the arms or on the fragments of theclothing, they would have supposed him slain, but there were none. While they were in this painful uncertainty they saw a youngpeasant approach. He, not yet recovered from the terror of thescene, which he had witnessed from the top of a rock, told themthe whole of the sad events. 

Zerbino, with his eyes full of tears, carefully collected all thescattered arms. Isabella also dismounted to aid him in the sadduty. When they had collected all the pieces of that rich armorthey hung them like a trophy on a pine; and to prevent their beingviolated by any passers-by, Zerbino inscribed on the bark thiscaution: "These are the arms of the Paladin Orlando. "

Having finished this pious work, he remounted his horse, and justthen a knight rode up, and requested Zerbino to tell him themeaning of the trophy. The prince related the facts as they hadhappened; and Mandricardo, for it was that Saracen knight, full ofjoy, rushed forward, and seized the sword, saying, "No one cancensure me for what I do; this sword is mine; I can take my ownwherever I find it. It is plain that Orlando, not daring to defendit against me, has counterfeited madness to excuse him insurrendering it. "

Zerbino vehemently exclaimed, "Touch not that sword. Think not topossess it without a contest. If it be true that the arms you wearare those of Hector, you must have got them by theft, and not byprowess. "

Immediately they attacked one another with the utmost fury. Theair resounded with thick-falling blows. Zerbino, skilful andalert, evaded for a time with good success the strokes ofDurindana; but at length a terrible blow struck him on the neck. He fell from his horse, and the Tartar king, possessed of thespoils of his victory, rode away. 

ZERBINO AND ISABELLA

Zerbino's pain at seeing the Tartar prince go off with the swordsurpassed the anguish of his wound; but now the loss of blood soreduced his strength that he could not move from where he fell. Isabella, not knowing whither to resort for help, could onlybemoan him, and chide her cruel fate. Zerbino said, "If I couldbut leave thee, my best beloved, in some secure abode, it wouldnot distress me to die; but to abandon thee so, withoutprotection, is sad indeed. " She replied, "Think not to leave me, dearest; our souls shall not be parted; this sword will give methe means to follow thee. " Zerbino's last words implored her tobanish such a thought, but live, and be true to his memory. Isabella promised, with many tears, to be faithful to him so longas life should last. 

When he ceased to breathe, Isabella's cries resounded through theforest, and reached the ears of a reverend hermit, who hastened tothe spot. He soothed and calmed her, urging those consolationswhich the word of God supplies; and at last brought her to wishfor nothing else but to devote herself for the rest of life whollyto religion. 

As she could not bear the thoughts of leaving her dead lordabandoned, the body was, by the good hermit's aid, placed upon thehorse, and taken to the nearest inhabited place, where a chest wasmade for it, suitable to be carried with them on their way. Thehermit's plan was to escort his charge to a monastery, not manydays' journey distant, where Isabella resolved to spend theremainder of her days. Thus they travelled day after day, choosingthe most retired ways, for the country was full of armed men. Oneday a cavalier met them, and barred their way. It was no otherthan Rodomont, king of Algiers, who had just left the camp ofAgramant, full of indignation at the treatment he had receivedfrom Doralice. At sight of the lovely lady and her reverendattendant, with their horse laden with a burden draped with black, he asked the meaning of their journey. Isabella told him heraffliction, and her resolution to renounce the world and devoteherself to religion, and to the memory of the friend she had lost. Rodomont laughed scornfully at this, and told her that her projectwas absurd; that charms like hers were meant to be enjoyed, notburied, and that he himself would more than make amends for herdead lover. The monk, who promptly interposed to rebuke thisimpious talk, was commanded to hold his peace; and stillpersisting was seized by the knight and hurled over the edge ofthe cliff, where he fell into the sea, and was drowned. 

Rodomont, when he had got rid of the hermit, again applied to thesad lady, heartless with affright, and, in the language used bylovers, said, "she was his very heart, his life, his light. "Having laid aside all violence, he humbly sued that she wouldaccompany him to his retreat, near by. It was a ruined chapel fromwhich the monks had been driven by the disorders of the time, andwhich Rodomont had taken possession of. Isabella, who had nochoice but to obey, followed him, meditating as she went whatresource she could find to escape out of his power, and keep hervow to her dead husband, to be faithful to his memory as long aslife should last. At length she said, "If, my lord, you will letme go and fulfil my vow, and my intention, as I have alreadydeclared it, I will bestow upon you what will be to you of morevalue than a hundred women's hearts. I know an herb, and I haveseen it on our way, which, rightly prepared, affords a juice ofsuch power, that the flesh, if laved with it, becomes impenetrableto sword or fire. This liquor I can make, and will, to-day, if youwill accept my offer; and when you have seen its virtue you willvalue it more than if all Europe were made your own. "

Rodomont, at hearing this, readily promised all that was asked, soeager was he to learn a secret that would make him as Achilles wasof yore. Isabella, having collected such herbs as she thoughtproper, and boiled them, with certain mysterious signs and words, at length declared her labor done, and, as a test, offered to tryits virtue on herself. She bathed her neck and bosom with theliquor, and then called on Rodomont to smite with all his force, and see whether his sword had power to harm. The pagan, who duringthe preparations had taken frequent draughts of wine, and scarceknew what he did, drew his sword at the word, and struck acrossher neck with all his might, and the fair head leapt sundered fromthe snowy neck and breast. 

Rude and unfeeling as he was, the pagan knight lamented bitterlythis sad result. To honor her memory he resolved to do a work asunparalleled as her devotion. From all parts round he causedlaborers to be brought, and had a tower built to enclose thechapel, within which the remains of Zerbino and Isabella wereentombed. Across the stream which flowed near by he built abridge, scarce two yards wide, and added neither parapet nor rail. On the top of the tower a sentry was placed, who, when anytraveller approached the bridge, gave notice to his master. Rodomont thereupon sallied out, and defied the approaching knightto fight him upon the bridge, where any chance step a little asidewould plunge the rider headlong in the stream. This bridge hevowed to keep until a thousand suits of armor should be won fromconquered knights, wherewith to build a trophy to his victim andher lord. 

Within ten days the bridge was built, and the tower was inprogress. In a short time many knights, either seeking theshortest route, or tempted by a desire of adventure, had made theattempt to pass the bridge. All, without exception, had losteither arms or life, or both; some falling before Rodomont'slance, others precipitated into the river. One day, as Rodomontstood urging his workmen, it chanced that Orlando in his furiousmood came thither, and approached the bridge. Rodomont halloed tohim, "Halt, churl; presume not to set foot upon that bridge; itwas not made for such as you!" Orlando took no notice, but pressedon. Just then a gentle damsel rode up. It was Flordelis, who wasseeking her Florismart. She saw Orlando, and, in spite of hisstrange appearance, recognized him. Rodomont, not used to have hiscommands disobeyed, laid hands on the madman, and would havethrown him into the river, but to his astonishment found himselfin the gripe of one not so easily disposed of. "How can a foolhave such strength?" he growled between his teeth. Flordelisstopped to see the issue, where each of these two puissantwarriors strove to throw the other from the bridge. Orlando atlast had strength enough to lift his foe with all his armor, andfling him over the side, but had not wit to clear himself fromhim, so both fell together. High flashed the wave as they togethersmote its surface. Here Orlando had the advantage; he was naked, and could swim like a fish. He soon reached the bank, and, careless of praise or blame, stopped not to see what came of theadventure. Rodomont, entangled with his armor, escaped withdifficulty to the bank. Meantime, Flordelis passed the bridgeunchallenged. 

After long wandering without success she returned to Paris, andthere found the object of her search; for Florismart, after thefall of Albracca, had repaired thither. The joy of meeting wasclouded to Florismart by the news which Flordelis brought ofOrlando's wretched plight. The last she had seen of him was whenhe fell with Rodomont into the stream. Florismart, who lovedOrlando like a brother, resolved to set out immediately, under theguidance of the lady, to find him, and bring him where he mightreceive the treatment suited to his case. A few days brought themto the place where they found the Tartar king still guarding thebridge. The usual challenge and defiance was made, and the knightsrode to encounter one another on the bridge. At the firstencounter both horses were overthrown; and, having no space toregain their footing, fell with their riders into the water. Rodomont, who knew the soundings of the stream, soon recovered theland; but Florismart was carried downward by the current, andlanded at last on a bank of mud where his horse could hardly findfooting. Flordelis, who watched the battle from the bridge, seeingher lover in this piteous case, exclaimed aloud, "Ah! Rodomont, for love of her whom dead you honor, have pity on me, who lovethis knight, and slay him not. Let it suffice he yields his armorto the pile, and none more glorious will it bear than his. " Herprayer, so well directed, touched the pagan's heart, though hardto move, and he lent his aid to help the knight to land. He kepthim a prisoner, however, and added his armor to the pile. Flordelis, with a heavy heart, went her way. 

We must now return to Rogero, who, when we parted with him, wasengaged in an adventure which arrested his progress to themonastery whither he was bound with the intention of receivingbaptism, and thus qualifying himself to demand Bradamante as hisbride. On his way he met with Mandricardo, and the quarrel wasrevived respecting the right to wear the badge of Hector. After awarm discussion both parties agreed to submit the question to KingAgramant, and for that purpose took their way to the Saracen camp. Here they met Gradasso, who had his controversy also withMandricardo. This warrior claimed the sword of Orlando, denyingthe right of Mandricardo to possess it in virtue of his havingfound it abandoned by its owner. King Agramant strove in vain toreconcile these quarrels, and was forced at last to consent thatthe points in dispute should be settled by one combat, in whichMandricardo should meet one of the other champions, to whom shouldbe committed the cause of both. Rogero was chosen by lot tomaintain Gradasso's cause and his own. Great preparations weremade for this signal contest. On the appointed day it was foughtin the presence of Agramant, and of the whole army. Rogero won it;and Mandricardo, the conqueror of Hector's arms, the challenger ofOrlando, and the slayer of Zerbino, lost his life. Gradassoreceived Durindana as his prize, which lost half its value in hiseyes, since it was won by another's prowess, not his own. 

Rogero, though victorious, was severely wounded, and lay helplessmany weeks in the camp of Agramant, while Bradamante, ignorant ofthe cause of his delay, expected him at Montalban. Thither he hadpromised to repair in fifteen days, or twenty at furthest, hopingto have obtained by that time an honorable discharge from hisobligations to the Saracen commander. The twenty days were passed, and a month more, and still Rogero came not, nor did any tidingsreach Bradamante accounting for his absence. At the end of thattime, a wandering knight brought news of the famous combat, and ofRogero's wound. He added, what alarmed Bradamante still more, thatMarphisa, a female warrior, young and fair, was in attendance onthe wounded knight. He added that the whole army expected that, assoon as Rogero's wounds were healed, the pair would be united inmarriage. 

Bradamante, distressed by this news, though she believed it but inpart, resolved to go immediately and see for herself. She mountedRabican, the horse of Astolpho, which he had committed to hercare, and took with her the lance of gold, though unaware of itswonderful powers. Thus accoutred, she left the castle, and tookthe road toward Paris and the camp of the Saracens. 

Marphisa, whose devotion to Rogero in his illness had so excitedthe jealousy of Bradamante, was the twin sister of Rogero. She, with him, had been taken in charge when an infant by Atlantes, themagician, but while yet a child she had been stolen away by anArab tribe. Adopted by their chief, she had early learnedhorsemanship and skill in arms, and at this time had come to thecamp of Agramant with no other view than to see and test forherself the prowess of the warriors of either camp, whose famerang through the world. Arriving at the very moment of the lateencounter, the name of Rogero, and some few facts of his storywhich she learned, were enough to suggest the idea that it was herbrother whom she saw victorious in the single combat. Inquirysatisfied the two of their near kindred, and from that momentMarphisa devoted herself to the care of her new-found and much-loved brother. 

In those moments of seclusion Rogero informed his sister of whathe had learned of their parentage from old Atlantes. Rogero, theirfather, a Christian knight, had won the heart of Galaciella, daughter of the Sultan of Africa, and sister of King Agramant, converted her to the Christian faith, and secretly married her. The Sultan, enraged at his daughter's marriage, drove her husbandinto exile, and caused her with her infant children, Rogero andMarphisa, to be placed in a boat and committed to the winds andwaves, to perish; from which fate they were saved by Atlantes. Onhearing this, Marphisa exclaimed, "How can you, brother, leave ourparents unavenged so long, and even submit to serve the son of thetyrant who so wronged them?" Rogero replied that it was but latelyhe had learned the full truth; that when he learned it he wasalready embarked with Agramant, from whom he had receivedknighthood, and that he only waited for a suitable opportunitywhen he might with honor desert his standard, and at the same timereturn to the faith of his fathers. Marphisa hailed thisresolution with joy, and declared her intention to join with himin embracing the Christian faith. 

We left Bradamante when, mounted on Rabican and armed withAstolpho's lance, she rode forth, determined to learn the cause ofRogero's long absence. One day, as she rode, she met a damsel, ofvisage and of manners fair, but overcome with grief. It wasFlordelis, who was seeking far and near a champion capable ofliberating and avenging her lord. Flordelis marked the approachingwarrior, and, judging from appearances, thought she had found thechampion she sought. "Are you, Sir Knight, " she said, "so daringand so kind as to take up my cause against a fierce and cruelwarrior who has made prisoner of my lord, and forced me thus to bea wanderer and a suppliant?" Then she related the events which hadhappened at the bridge. Bradamante, to whom noble enterprises werealways welcome, readily embraced this, and the rather as in hergloomy forebodings she felt as if Rogero was forever lost to her. 

Next day the two arrived at the bridge. The sentry descried themapproaching, and gave notice to his lord, who thereupon donned hisarmor and went forth to meet them. Here, as usual, he called onthe advancing warrior to yield his horse and arms an oblation tothe tomb. Bradamante replied, asking by what right he called onthe innocent to do penance for his crime. "Your life and yourarmor, " she added, "are the fittest offering to her tomb, and I, awoman, the fittest champion to take them. " With that she couchedher spear, spurred her horse, and ran to the encounter. KingRodomont came on with speed. The trampling sounded on the bridgelike thunder. It took but a moment to decide the contest. Thegolden lance did its office, and that fierce Moor, so renowned intourney, lay extended on the bridge. "Who is the loser now?" saidBradamante; but Rodomont, amazed that a woman's hand should havelaid him low, could not or would not answer. Silent and sad, heraised himself, unbound his helm and mail, and flung them againstthe tomb; then, sullen and on foot, left the ground; but firstgave orders to one of his squires to release all his prisoners. They had been sent off to Africa. Besides Florismart, there wereSansonnet and Oliver, who had ridden that way in quest of Orlando, and had both in turn been overthrown in the encounter. 

Bradamante after her victory resumed her route, and in due timereached the Christian camp, where she readily learned anexplanation of the mystery which had caused her so much anxiety. Rogero and his fair and brave sister, Marphisa, were tooillustrious by their station and exploits not to be the frequenttopic of discourse even among their adversaries, and all thatBradamante was anxious to know reached her ear, almost withoutinquiry. 

We now return to Gradasso, who by Rogero's victory had been madepossessor of Durindana. There now only remained to him to seek thehorse of Rinaldo; and the challenge, given and accepted, was yetto be fought with that warrior, for it had been interrupted by thearts of Malagigi. Gradasso now sought another meeting withRinaldo, and met with no reluctance on his part. As the combat wasfor the possession of Bayard, the knights dismounted and fought onfoot. Long time the battle lasted. Rinaldo, knowing well thedeadly stroke of Durindana, used all his art to parry or avoid itsblow. Gradasso struck with might and main, but wellnigh all hisstrokes were spent in air, or if they smote they fell obliquelyand did little harm. 

Thus had they fought long, glancing at one another's eyes, andseeing naught else, when their attention was arrested perforce bya strange noise. They turned, and beheld the good Bayard attackedby a monstrous bird. Perhaps it was a bird, for such it seemed;but when or where such a bird was ever seen I have nowhere read, except in Turpin; and I am inclined to believe that it was not abird, but a fiend, evoked from underground by Malagigi, andthither sent on purpose to interrupt the fight. Whether a fiend ora fowl, the monster flew right at Bayard, and clapped his wings inhis face. Thereat the steed broke loose, and ran madly across theplain, pursued by the bird, till Bayard plunged into the wood, andwas lost to sight. 

Rinaldo and Gradasso, seeing Bayard's escape, agreed to suspendtheir battle till they could recover the horse, the object ofcontention. Gradasso mounted his steed, and followed the foot-marks of Bayard into the forest. Rinaldo, never more vexed inspirit, remained at the spot, Gradasso having promised to returnthither with the horse, if he found him. He did find him, afterlong search, for he had the good fortune to hear him neigh. Thushe became possessed of both the objects for which he had led anarmy from his own country, and invaded France. He did not forgethis promise to bring Bayard back to the place where he had leftRinaldo, but only muttering, "Now I have got him, he little knowsme who expects me to give him up; if Rinaldo wants the horse lethim seek him in India, as I have sought him in France, "--he madethe best of his way to Arles, where his vessels lay; and inpossession of the two objects of his ambition, the horse and thesword, sailed away to his own country. 

ASTOLPHO IN ABYSSINIA

When we last parted with the adventurous paladin Astolpho, he wasjust commencing that flight over the countries of the world fromwhich he promised himself so much gratification. Our readers areaware that the eagle and the falcon have not so swift a flight asthe Hippogriff on which Astolpho rode. It was not long, therefore, before the paladin, directing his course toward the southeast, arrived over that part of Africa where the great river Nile hasits source. Here he alighted, and found himself in theneighborhood of the capital of Abyssinia, ruled by Senapus, whoseriches and power were immense. His palace was of surpassingsplendor; the bars of the gates, the hinges and locks, were all ofpure gold; in fact, this metal, in that country, is put to allthose uses for which we employ iron. It is so common that theyprefer for ornamental purposes rock crystal, of which all thecolumns were made. Precious stones of different kinds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and topazes were set in ornamental designs, and the walls and ceilings were adorned with pearls. 

It is in this country those famous balms grow of which there aresome few plants in that part of Judaea called Gilead. Musk, ambergris, and numerous gums, so precious in Europe, are here intheir native climate. It is said the Sultan of Egypt pays a vasttribute to the monarch of this country to hire him not to cut offthe source of the Nile, which he might easily do, and cause theriver to flow in some other direction, thus depriving Egypt of thesource of its fertility. 

At the time of Astolpho's arrival in his dominions, this monarchwas in great affliction. In spite of his riches and the preciousproductions of his country, he was in danger of dying of hunger. He was a prey to a flock of obscene birds called Harpies, whichattacked him whenever he sat at meat, and with their clawssnatched, tore, and scattered everything, overturning the vessels, devouring the food, and infecting what they left with their filthytouch. It was said this punishment was inflicted upon the kingbecause when young, and filled with pride and presumption, he hadattempted to invade with an army the terrestrial paradise, whichis situated on the top of a mountain whence the Nile draws itssource. Nor was this his only punishment. He was struck blind. 

Astolpho, on arriving in the dominions of this monarch, hastenedto pay him his respects. King Senapus received him graciously, andordered a splendid repast to be prepared in honor of his arrival. While the guests were seated at table, Astolpho filling the placeof dignity at the king's right hand, the horrid scream of theHarpies was heard in the air, and soon they approached, hoveringover the tables, seizing the food from the dishes, and overturningeverything with the flapping of their broad wings. In vain theguests struck at them with knives and any weapons which they had, and Astolpho drew his sword and gave them repeated blows, whichseemed to have no more effect upon them than if their bodies hadbeen made of tow. 

At last Astolpho thought of his horn. He first gave warning to theking and his guests to stop their ears; then blew a blast. TheHarpies, terrified at the sound, flew away as fast as their wingscould carry them. The paladin mounted his Hippogriff, and pursuedthem, blowing his horn as often as he came near them. Theystretched their flight towards the great mountain, at the foot ofwhich there is a cavern, which is thought to be the mouth of theinfernal abodes. Hither those horrid birds flew, as if to theirhome. Having seen them all disappear in the recess, Astolpho carednot to pursue them farther, but alighting, rolled huge stones intothe mouth of the cave, and piled branches of trees therein, sothat he effectually barred their passage out, and we have noevidence of their ever having been seen since in the outer air. 

After this labor Astolpho refreshed himself by bathing in afountain whose pure waters bubbled from a cleft of the rock. Having rested awhile, an earnest desire seized him of ascendingthe mountain which towered above him. The Hippogriff bore himswiftly upwards, and landed him on the top of the mountain, whichhe found to be an extensive plain. 

A splendid palace rose in the middle of this plain, whose wallsshone with such brilliancy that mortal eyes could hardly bear thesight. Astolpho guided the winged horse towards this edifice, andmade him poise himself in the air while he took a leisurely surveyof this favored spot and its environs. It seemed as if nature andart had striven with one another to see which could do the mostfor its embellishment. 

Astolpho, on approaching the edifice, saw a venerable man advanceto meet him. This personage was clothed in a long vesture as whiteas snow, while a mantle of purple covered his shoulders, and hungdown to the ground. A white beard descended to his middle, and hishair, of the same color, overshadowed his shoulders. His eyes wereso brilliant that Astolpho felt persuaded that he was a blessedinhabitant of the heavenly mansions. 

The sage, smiling benignantly upon the paladin, who from respecthad dismounted from his horse, said to him: "Noble chevalier, knowthat it is by the Divine will you have been brought to theterrestrial paradise. Your mortal nature could not have borne toscale these heights and reach these seats of bliss if it were notthe will of Heaven that you should be instructed in the means tosuccor Charles, and to sustain the glory of our holy faith. I amprepared to impart the needed counsels; but before I begin let mewelcome you to our sojourn. I doubt not your long fast and distantjourney have given you a good appetite. "

The aspect of the venerable man filled the prince with admiration;but his surprise ceased when he learned from him that he was thatone of the Apostles of our Lord to whom he said, "I will that thoutarry till I come. "

St. John, conducting Astolpho, rejoined his companions. These werethe patriarch Enoch and the prophet Elijah; neither of whom hadyet seen his dying day, but, taken from our lower world, weredwelling in a region of peace and joy, in a climate of eternalspring, till the last trumpet shall sound. 

The three holy inhabitants of the terrestrial paradise receivedAstolpho with the greatest kindness, carried him to a pleasantapartment, and took great care of the Hippogriff, to whom theygave such food as suited him, while to the prince they presentedfruits so delicious that he felt inclined to excuse our firstparents for their sin in eating them without permission. 

Astolpho, having recruited his strength, not only by theseexcellent fruits, but also by sweet sleep, roused himself at thefirst blush of dawn, and as soon as he left his chamber met thebeloved Apostle coming to seek him. St. John took him by the hand, and told him many things relating to the past and the future. Among others, he said, "Son, let me tell you what is now going onin France. Orlando, the illustrious prince who received at hisbirth the endowment of strength and courage more than mortal, raised up as was Samson of old to be the champion of the truefaith, has been guilty of the basest ingratitude in leaving theChristian camp when it most needed the support of his arm, to runafter a Saracen princess, whom he would fain marry, though shescorns him. To punish him his reason has been taken away, so thathe runs naked through the land, over mountains and throughvalleys, without a ray of intelligence. The duration of hispunishment has been fixed at three months, and that time havingnearly expired, you have been brought hither to learn from us themeans by which the reason of Orlando may be restored. True, youwill be obliged to make a journey with me, and we must even leavethe earth, and ascend to the moon, for it is in that planet we areto seek the remedy for the madness of the paladin. I propose tomake our journey this evening, as soon as the moon appears overour head. "

As soon as the sun sunk beneath the seas, and the moon presentedits luminous disk, the holy man had the chariot brought out inwhich he was accustomed to make excursions among the stars, thesame which was employed long ago to convey Elijah up from earth. The saint made Astolpho seat himself beside him, took the reins, and giving the word to the coursers, they bore them upward withastonishing celerity. 

At length they reached the great continent of the Moon. Itssurface appeared to be of polished steel, with here and there aspot which, like rust, obscured its brightness. The paladin wasastonished to see that the earth, with all its seas and rivers, seemed but an insignificant spot in the distance. 

The prince discovered in this region so new to him rivers, lakes, plains, hills, and valleys. Many beautiful cities and castlesenriched the landscape. He saw also vast forests, and heard inthem the sound of horns and the barking of dogs, which led him toconclude that the nymphs were following the chase. 

The knight, filled with wonder at all he saw, was conducted by thesaint to a valley, where he stood amazed at the riches strewed allaround him. Well he might be so, for that valley was thereceptacle of things lost on earth, either by men's fault, or bythe effect of time and chance. Let no one suppose we speak here ofkingdoms or of treasures; they are the toys of Fortune, which shedispenses in turning her wheel; we speak of things which she canneither give nor take away. Such are reputations, which appear atone time so brilliant, and a short time after are heard of nomore. Here, also, are countless vows and prayers for unattainableobjects, lovers' sighs and tears, time spent in gaming, dressing, and doing nothing, the leisure of the dull and the intentions ofthe lazy, baseless projects, intrigues, and plots; these and suchlike things fill all the valley. 

Astolpho had a great desire to understand all that he saw, andwhich appeared to him so extraordinary. Among the rest, heobserved a great mountain of blown bladders, from which issuedindistinct noises. The saint told him these were the dynasties ofAssyrian and Persian kings, once the wonder of the earth, of whichnow scarce the name remains. 

Astolpho could not help laughing when the saint said to him, "Allthese hooks of silver and gold that you see are the gifts ofcourtiers to princes, made in the hope of getting something betterin return. " He also showed him garlands of flowers in which snareswere concealed; these were flatteries and adulations, meant todeceive. But nothing was so comical as the sight of numerousgrasshoppers which had burst their lungs with chirping. These, hetold him, were sonnets, odes, and dedications, addressed by venalpoets to great people. 

The paladin beheld with wonder what seemed a lake of spilled milk. "It is, " said the saint, "the charity done by frightened misers ontheir death-beds. " It would take too long to tell all that thevalley contained: meanness, affectations, pretended virtues, andconcealed vices were there in abundance. 

Among the rest Astolpho perceived many days of his own lost, andmany imprudent sallies which he had made, and would have been gladnot to have been reminded of. But he also saw among so many lostthings a great abundance of one thing which men are apt to thinkthey all possess, and do not think it necessary to pray for, --good sense. This commodity appeared under the form of a liquor, most light and apt to evaporate. It was therefore kept in vials, firmly sealed. One of these was labelled, "The sense of thePaladin Orlando. "

All the bottles were ticketed, and the sage placed one inAstolpho's hand, which he found was his own. It was more than halffull. He was surprised to find there many other vials whichcontained almost the whole of the wits of many persons who passedamong men for wise. Ah, how easy it is to lose one's reason! Somelose theirs by yielding to the sway of the passions; some inbraving tempests and shoals in search of wealth; some by trustingtoo much to the promises of the great; some by setting theirhearts on trifles. As might have been expected, the bottles whichheld the wits of astrologers, inventors, metaphysicians, and aboveall, of poets, were in general the best filled of all. 

Astolpho took his bottle, put it to his nose, and inhaled it all;and Turpin assures us that he was for a long time afterwards assage as one could wish; but the Archbishop adds that there wasreason to fear that some of the precious fluid afterwards foundits way back into the bottle. The paladin took also the bottlewhich belonged to Orlando. It was a large one, and quite full. 

Before quitting the planetary region Astolpho was conducted to anedifice on the borders of a river. He was shown an immense hallfull of bundles of silk, linen, cotton, and wool. A thousanddifferent colors, brilliant or dull, some quite black, were amongthese skeins. In one part of the hall an old woman was busywinding off yarns from all these different bundles. When she hadfinished a skein another ancient dame took it and placed it withothers; a third selected from the fleeces spun, and mingled themin due proportions. The paladin inquired what all this might be. "These old women, " said the saint, "are the Fates, who spin, measure, and terminate the lives of mortals. As long as the threadstretches in one of those skeins, so long does the mortal enjoythe light of day; but nature and death are on the alert to shutthe eyes of those whose thread is spun. "

Each one of the skeins had a label of gold, silver, or iron, bearing the name of the individual to whom it belonged. An oldman, who, in spite of the burden of years, seemed brisk andactive, ran without ceasing to fill his apron with these labels, and carried them away to throw them into the river, whose name wasLethe. When he reached the shore of the river the old man shookout his apron, and the labels sunk to the bottom. A small numberonly floated for a time, hardly one in a thousand. Numberlessbirds, hawks, crows, and vultures hovered over the stream, withclamorous cries, and strove to snatch from the water some of thesenames; but they were too heavy for them, and after a while thebirds were forced to let them drop into the river of oblivion. Buttwo beautiful swans, of snowy whiteness, gathered some few of thenames, and returned with them to the shore, where a lovely nymphreceived them from their beaks, and carried them to a templeplaced upon a hill, and suspended them for all time upon a sacredcolumn, on which stood the statue of Immortality. 

Astolpho was amazed at all this, and asked his guide to explainit. He replied, "The old man is Time. All the names upon thetickets would be immortal if the old man did not plunge them intothe river of oblivion. Those clamorous birds which make vainefforts to save certain of the names are flatterers, pensioners, venal rhymesters, who do their best to rescue from oblivion theunworthy names of their patrons; but all in vain; they may keepthem from their fate a little while, but ere long the river ofoblivion must swallow them all. 

"The swans, that with harmonious strains carry certain names tothe temple of Eternal Memory, are the great poets, who save fromoblivion worse than death the names of those they judge worthy ofimmortality. Swans of this kind are rare. Let monarchs know thetrue breed, and fail not to nourish with care such as may chanceto appear in their time. "

THE WAR IN AFRICA

When Astolpho had descended to the earth with the precious phial, St. John showed him a plant of marvellous virtues, with which hetold him he had only to touch the eyes of the king of Abyssinia torestore him to sight. "That important service, " said the saint, "added to your having delivered him from the Harpies, will inducehim to give you an army wherewith to attack the Africans in theirrear, and force them to return from France to defend their owncountry. " The saint also instructed him how to lead his troops insafety across the great deserts, where caravans are oftenoverwhelmed with moving columns of sand. Astolpho, fortified withample instructions, remounted the Hippogriff, thanked the saint, received his blessing, and took his flight down to the levelcountry. 

Keeping the course of the river Nile, he soon arrived at thecapital of Abyssinia, and rejoined Senapus. The joy of the kingwas great when he heard again the voice of the hero who haddelivered him from the Harpies. Astolpho touched his eyes with theplant which he had brought from the terrestrial paradise, andrestored their sight. The king's gratitude was unbounded. Hebegged him to name a reward, promising to grant it, whatever itmight be. Astolpho asked an army to go to the assistance ofCharlemagne, and the king not only granted him a hundred thousandmen, but offered to lead them himself. 

The night before the day appointed for the departure of the troopsAstolpho mounted his winged horse, and directed his flight towardsa mountain, whence the fierce South-wind issues, whose blastraises the sands of the Nubian desert, and whirls them onward inoverwhelming clouds. The paladin, by the advice of St. John, hadprepared himself with a leather bag, which he placed adroitly, with its mouth open, over the vent whence issues this terriblewind. At the first dawn of morning the wind rushed from its cavernto resume its daily course, and was caught in the bag, andsecurely tied up. Astolpho, delighted with his prize, returned tohis army, placed himself at their head, and commenced his march. The Abyssinians traversed without danger or difficulty those vastfields of sand which separate their country from the kingdoms ofNorthern Africa, for the terrible South-wind, taken completelycaptive, had not force enough left to blow out a candle. 

Senapus was distressed that he could not furnish any cavalry, forhis country, rich in camels and elephants, was destitute ofhorses. This difficulty the saint had foreseen, and had taughtAstolpho the means of remedying. He now put those means inoperation. Having reached a place whence he beheld a vast plainand the sea, he chose from his troops those who appeared to be thebest made and the most intelligent. These he caused to be arrangedin squadrons at the foot of a lofty mountain which bordered theplain, and he himself mounted to the summit to carry into effecthis great design. Here he found vast quantities of fragments ofrock and pebbles. These he set rolling down the mountain's side, and, wonderful to relate, as they rolled they grew in size, madethemselves bodies, legs, necks, and long faces. Next they began toneigh, to curvet, to scamper on all sides over the plain. Somewere bay, some roan, some dapple, some chestnut. The troops at thefoot of the mountain exerted themselves to catch these new-createdhorses, which they easily did, for the miracle had been soconsiderate as to provide all the horses with bridles and saddles. Astolpho thus suddenly found himself supplied with an excellentcorps of cavalry, not fewer (as Archbishop Turpin asserts) thaneighty thousand strong. With these troops Astolpho reduced all thecountry to subjection, and at last arrived before the walls ofAgramant's capital city, Biserta, to which he laid siege. 

We must now return to the camp of the Christians, which lay beforeArles, to which city the Saracens had retired after being defeatedin a night attack led on by Rinaldo. Agramant here received thetidings of the invasion of his country by a fresh enemy, theAbyssinians, and learned that Biserta was in danger of fallinginto their hands. He took counsel of his officers, and decided tosend an embassy to Charles, proposing that the whole quarrelshould be submitted to the combat of two warriors, one from eachside, according to the issue of which it should be decided whichparty should pay tribute to the other, and the war should cease. Charlemagne, who had not heard of the favorable turn which affairshad taken in Africa, readily agreed to this proposal, and Rinaldowas selected on the part of the Christians to sustain the combat. 

The Saracens selected Rogero for their champion. Rogero was stillin the Saracen camp, kept there by honor alone, for his mind hadbeen opened to the truth of the Christian faith by the argumentsof Bradamante, and he had resolved to leave the party of theinfidels on the first favorable opportunity, and to join theChristian side. But his honor forbade him to do this while hisformer friends were in distress; and thus he waited for what timemight bring forth, when he was startled by the announcement thathe had been selected to uphold the cause of the Saracens againstthe Christians, and that his foe was to be Rinaldo, the brother ofBradamante. 

While Rogero was overwhelmed with this intelligence Bradamante onher side felt the deepest distress at hearing of the proposedcombat. If Rogero should fall she felt that no other man livingwas worthy of her love; and if, on the other hand, Heaven shouldresolve to punish France by the death of her chosen champion, Bradamante would have to deplore her brother, so dear to her, andbe no less completely severed from the object of her affections. 

While the fair lady gave herself up to these sad thoughts, thesage enchantress, Melissa, suddenly appeared before her. "Fearnot, my daughter, " said she, "I shall find a way to interrupt thiscombat which so distresses you. "

Meanwhile Rinaldo and Rogero prepared their weapons for theconflict. Rinaldo had the choice, and decided that it should be onfoot, and with no weapons but the battle-axe and poniard. Theplace assigned was a plain between the camp of Charlemagne and thewalls of Arles. 

Hardly had the dawn announced the day appointed for this memorablecombat, when heralds proceeded from both sides to mark the lists. Erelong the African troops were seen to advance from the city, Agramant at their head; his brilliant arms adorned in the Moorishfashion, his horse a bay, with a white star on his forehead. Rogero marched at his side, and some of the greatest warriors ofthe Saracen camp attended him, bearing the various parts of hisarmor and weapons. Charlemagne, on his part, proceeded from hisintrenchments, ranged his troops in semicircle, and stoodsurrounded by his peers and paladins. Some of them bore portionsof the armor of Rinaldo, the celebrated Ogier, the Dane, bearingthe helmet which Rinaldo took from Mambrino. Duke Namo of Bavariaand Salomon of Bretagne bore two axes, of equal weight, preparedfor the occasion. 

The terms of the combat were then sworn to with the utmostsolemnity by all parties. It was agreed that if from either partany attempt was made to interrupt the battle both combatantsshould turn their arms against the party which should be guilty ofthe interruption; and both monarchs assented to the condition thatin such case the champion of the offending party should bedischarged from his allegiance, and at liberty to transfer hisarms to the other side. 

When all the preparations were concluded the monarchs and theirattendants retired each to his own side, and the champions wereleft alone. The two warriors advanced with measured steps towardseach other, and met in the middle of the space. They attacked oneanother at the same moment, and the air resounded with the blowsthey gave. Sparks flew from their battle-axes, while the velocitywith which they managed their weapons astonished the beholders. Rogero, always remembering that his antagonist was the brother ofhis betrothed, could not aim a deadly wound; he strove only toward off those levelled against himself. Rinaldo, on the otherhand, much as he esteemed Rogero, spared not his blows, for heeagerly desired victory for his own sake, and for the sake of hiscountry and his faith. 

The Saracens soon perceived that their champion fought feebly, andgave not to Rinaldo such blows as he received from him. Hisdisadvantage was so marked that anxiety and shame were manifest onthe countenance of Agramant. Melissa, one of the most acuteenchantresses that ever lived, seized this moment to disguiseherself under the form of Rodomont, that rude and impetuouswarrior, who had now for some time been absent from the Saracencamp. Approaching Agramant, she said, "How could you, my lord, have the imprudence of selecting a young man without experience tooppose the most redoubtable warrior of France? Surely you musthave been regardless of the honor of your arms, and of the fate ofyour empire! But it is not too late. Break without delay theagreement which is sure to result in your ruin. " So saying, sheaddressed the troops who stood near, "Friends, " said she, "followme; under my guidance every one of you will be a match for a scoreof those feeble Christians. " Agramant, delighted at seeingRodomont once more at his side, gave his consent, and theSaracens, at the instant, couched their lances, set spurs to theirsteeds, and swept down upon the French. Melissa, when she saw herwork successful, disappeared. 

Rinaldo and Rogero, seeing the truce broken, and the two armiesengaged in general conflict, stopped their battle; their martialfury ceased at once, they joined hands, and resolved to act nomore on either side until it should be clearly ascertained whichparty had failed to observe its oath. Both renewed their promiseto abandon forever the party which had been thus false andperjured. 

Meanwhile, the Christians, after the first moment of surprise, metthe Saracens with courage redoubled by rage at the treachery oftheir foes. Guido the Wild, brother and rival of Rinaldo, Griffonand Aquilant, sons of Oliver, and numerous others whose names havealready been celebrated in our recitals, beat back the assailants, and at last, after prodigious slaughter, forced them to takeshelter within the walls of Arles. 

We will now return to Orlando, whom we last heard of as furiouslymad, and doing a thousand acts of violence in his senseless rage. One day he came to the borders of a stream which intercepted hiscourse. He swam across it, for he could swim like an otter, and onthe other side saw a peasant watering his horse. He seized theanimal, in spite of the resistance of the peasant, and rode itwith furious speed till he arrived at the sea-coast, where Spainis divided from Africa by only a narrow strait. At the moment ofhis arrival a vessel had just put off to cross the strait. She wasfull of people who, with glass in hand, seemed to be taking amerry farewell of the land, wafted by a favorable breeze. 

The frantic Orlando cried out to them to stop and take him in; butthey, having no desire to admit a madman to their company, paidhim no attention. The paladin thought this behavior very uncivil;and by force of blows made his horse carry him into the water inpursuit of the ship. The wretched animal soon had only his headabove water; but as Orlando urged him forward, nothing was leftfor the poor beast but either to die or swim over to Africa. 

Already Orlando had lost sight of the bark; distance and the swellof the sea completely hid it from his sight. He continued to presshis horse forward, till at last it could struggle no more, andsunk beneath him. Orlando, nowise concerned, stretched out hisnervous arms, puffing the salt water from before his mouth, andcarried his head above the waves. Fortunately they were not rough, scarce a breath of wind agitated the surface; otherwise, theinvincible Orlando would then have met his death. But fortune, which it is said favors fools, delivered him from this danger, andlanded him safe on the shore of Ceuta. Here he rambled along theshore till he came to where the black army of Astolpho held itscamp. 

Now it happened, just before this time, that a vessel filled withprisoners which Rodomont had taken at the bridge had arrived, and, not knowing of the presence of the Abyssinian army, had sailedright into port, where of course the prisoners and their captorschanged places, the former being set at liberty and received withall joy, the latter sent to serve in the galleys. Astolpho thusfound himself surrounded with Christian knights, and he and hisfriends were exchanging greetings and felicitations, when a noisewas heard in the camp, and seemed to increase every moment. 

Astolpho and his friends seized their weapons, mounted theirhorses, and rode to the quarter whence the noise proceeded. Imagine their astonishment when they saw that the tumult wascaused by a single man, perfectly naked, and browned with dirt andexposure, but of a force and fury so terrible that he overturnedall that offered to lay hands on him. 

Astolpho, Dudon, Oliver, and Florimart gazed at him withamazement. It was with difficulty they knew him. Astolpho, who hadbeen warned of his condition by his holy monitor, was the first torecognize him. As the paladins closed round Orlando, the madmandealt one and another a blow of his fist, which, if they had notbeen in armor, or he had had any weapon, would probably havedespatched them; as it was, Dudon and Astolpho measured theirlength on the sand. But Florimart seized him from behind, Sansonnet and another grasped his legs, and at last they succeededin securing him with ropes. They took him to the water-side andwashed him well, and then Astolpho, having first bandaged hismouth so that he could not breathe except through his nose, brought the precious phial, uncorked it, and placed it adroitlyunder his nostrils, when the good Orlando took it all up in onebreath. O marvellous prodigy! The paladin recovered in an instantall his intelligence. He felt like one who had awakened from apainful dream, in which he had believed that monsters were aboutto tear him to pieces. He seemed prostrated, silent, and abashed. Florismart, Oliver, and Astolpho stood gazing upon him, while heturned his eyes around and on himself. He seemed surprised to findhimself naked, bound, and stretched on the sea-shore. After a fewmoments he recognized his friends, and spoke to them in a tone sotender that they hastened to unbind him, and to supply him withgarments. Then they exerted themselves to console him, to diminishthe weight with which his spirits were oppressed, and to make himforget the wretched condition into which he had been sunk. 

Orlando, in recovering his reason, found himself also deliveredfrom his insane attachment to the queen of Cathay. His heart feltnow no further influenced by the recollection of her than to bemoved with an ardent desire to retrieve his fame by somedistinguished exploit. Astolpho would gladly have yielded to himthe chief command of the army, but Orlando would not take from thefriend to whom he owed so much the glory of the campaign; but ineverything the two paladins acted in concert, and united theircounsels. They proposed to make a general assault on the city ofBiserta, and were only waiting a favorable moment, when their planwas interrupted by new events. 

Agramant, after the bloody battle which followed the infraction ofthe truce, found himself so weak that he saw it was in vain toattempt to remain in France. So, in concert with Sobrino, thebravest and most trusted of his chiefs, he embarked to return tohis own country, having previously sent off his few remainingtroops in the same direction. The vessel which carried Agramantand Sobrino approached the shore where the army of Astolpho layencamped before Biserta, and having discovered this fact before itwas too late, the king commanded the pilot to steer eastward, witha view to seek protection of the King of Egypt. But the weatherbecoming rough, he consented to the advice of his companions, andsought harbor in an island which lies between Sicily and Africa. There he found Gradasso, the warlike king of Sericane, who hadcome to France to possess himself of the horse Bayard and thesword Durindana; and having procured both these prizes wasreturning to his own country. 

The two kings, who had been companions in arms under the walls ofParis, embraced one another affectionately. Gradasso learned withregret the reverses of Agramant, and offered him his troops andhis person. He strongly deprecated resorting to Egypt for aid. "Remember the great Pompey, " said he, "and shun that fatal shore. My plan, " he continued, "is this: I mean to challenge Orlando tosingle combat. Possessed of such a sword and steed as mine, if hewere made of steel or bronze, he could not escape me. He beingremoved, there will be no difficulty in driving back theAbyssinians. We will rouse against them the Moslem nations fromthe other side of the Nile, the Arabians, Persians, and Chaldeans, who will soon make Senapus recall his army to defend his ownterritories. "

Agramant approved this advice except in one particular. "It is forme, " said he, "to combat Orlando; I cannot with honor devolve thatduty on another. "

"Let us adopt a third course, " said the aged warrior Sobrino. "Iwould not willingly remain a simple spectator of such a contest. Let us send three squires to the shore of Africa to challengeOrlando and any two of his companions in arms to meet us three inthis island of Lampedusa. "

This counsel was adopted; the three squires sped on their way; andnow presented themselves, and rehearsed their message to theChristian knights. 

Orlando was delighted, and rewarded the squires with rich gifts. He had already resolved to seek Gradasso and compel him to restoreDurindana, which he had learned was in his possession. For his twocompanions the Count chose his faithful friend Florismart and hiscousin Oliver. 

The three warriors embarked, and sailing with a favorable wind, the second morning showed them, on their right, the island wherethis important battle was to be fought. Orlando and his twocompanions, having landed, pitched their tent. Agramant had placedhis opposite. 

Next morning, as soon as Aurora brightened the edges of thehorizon, the warriors of both parties armed themselves and mountedtheir horses. They took their positions, face to face, loweredtheir lances, placed them in rest, clapped spurs to their horses, and flew to the charge. Orlando met the charge of Gradasso. Thepaladin was unmoved, but his horse could not sustain the terribleshock of Bayard. He recoiled, staggered, and fell some pacesbehind. Orlando tried to raise him, but, finding his effortsunavailing, seized his shield, and drew his famous Balisardo. Meanwhile Agramant and the brave Oliver gained no advantage, oneor the other; but Florismart unhorsed the King Sobrino. Havingbrought his foe to the ground, he would not pursue his victory, but hastened to attack Gradasso, who had overthrown Orlando. Seeing him thus engaged, Orlando would not interfere, but ran withsword upraised upon Sobrino, and with one blow deprived him ofsense and motion. Believing him dead, he next turned to aid hisbeloved Florismart. That brave paladin, neither in horse nor armsequal to his antagonist, could but parry and evade the blows ofthe terrible Durindana. Orlando, eager to succor him, was delayedfor a moment in securing and mounting the horse of the KingSobrino. It was but an instant, and with sword upraised, he rushedupon Gradasso who, noways disconcerted at the onset of this secondfoe, shouted his defiance, and thrust at him with his sword, but, having miscalculated the distance, scarcely reached him, andfailed to pierce his mail. Orlando, in return, dealt him a blowwith Balisardo, which wounded as it fell face, breast, and thigh, and, if he had been a little nearer, would have cleft him intwain. Sobrino, by this time recovered from his swoon, thoughseverely wounded, raised himself on his legs, and looked to seehow he might aid his friends. Observing Agramant hard pressed byOliver, he thrust his sword into the bowels of the latter's horse, which fell, and bore down his master, entangling his leg as hefell, so that Oliver could not extricate himself. Florismart sawthe danger of his friend, and ran upon Sobrino with his horse, overthrew him, and then turned to defend himself from Agramant. They were not unequally matched, for though Agramant, mounted onBrigliadoro, had an advantage over Florismart, whose horse was butindifferent, yet Agramant had received a serious wound in hisencounter with Oliver. 

Nothing could exceed the fury of the encounter between Orlando andGradasso. Durindana, in the hands of Gradasso, clove asunderwhatever it struck; but such was the skill of Orlando, whoperfectly knew the danger to which he was exposed from a stroke ofthat weapon, it had not yet struck him in such a way as to inflicta wound. Meanwhile, Gradasso was bleeding from many wounds, andhis rage and incaution increased every moment. In his desperationhe lifted Durindana with both hands, and struck so terrible a blowfull on the helmet of Orlando, that for a moment it stunned thepaladin. He dropped the reins, and his frightened horse scouredwith him over the plain. Gradasso turned to pursue him, but atthat moment saw Florismart in the very act of striking a fatalblow at Agramant, whom he had unhorsed. While Florismart waswholly intent upon completing his victory, Gradasso plunged hissword into his side. Florismart fell from his horse, and bathedthe plain with his blood. 

Orlando recovered himself just in time to see the deed. Whetherrage or grief predominated in his breast, I cannot tell; but, seizing Balisardo with fury, his first blow fell upon Agramant, who was nearest to him, and smote his head from his shoulders. Atthis sight Gradasso for the first time felt his courage sink, anda dark presentiment of death came over him. He hardly stood on hisdefence when Orlando cast himself upon him, and gave him a fatalthrust. The sword penetrated his ribs, and came out a palm'sbreadth on the other side of his body. 

Thus fell beneath the sword of the most illustrious paladin ofFrance the bravest warrior of the Saracen host. Orlando then, asif despising his victory, leaped lightly to the ground, and ran tohis dear friend Florismart, embraced him, and bathed him with histears. Florismart still breathed. He could even command his voiceto utter a few parting words: "Dear friend, do not forget me, --give me your prayers, --and oh! be a brother to Flordelis. " He diedin uttering her name. 

After a few moments given to grief Orlando turned to look for hisother companion and his late foes. Oliver lay oppressed with theweight of his horse, from which he had in vain struggled toliberate himself. Orlando extricated him with difficulty; he thenraised Sobrino from the earth, and committed him to his squire, treating him as gently as if he had been his own brother. For thisterrible warrior was the most generous of men to a fallen foe. Hetook Bayard and Brigliadoro, with the arms of the conqueredknights; their bodies and their other spoils he remitted to theirattendants. 

But who can tell the grief of Flordelis when she saw the warriorsreturn, and found not Florismart as usual after absence hasten toher side. She knew by the aspect of the others that her lord wasslain. At the thought, and before the question could pass herlips, she fell senseless upon the ground. When life returned, andshe learned the truth of her worst fears, she bitterly upbraidedherself that she had let him depart without her. "I might havesaved him by a single cry when his enemy dealt him thattreacherous blow, or I might have thrown myself between and givenmy worthless life for his. Or if no more, I might have heard hislast words, I might have given him a last kiss. " So she lamented, and could not be comforted. 

ROGERO AND BRADAMANTE

After the interruption of the combat with Rinaldo, as we haverelated, Rogero was perplexed with doubts what course to take. Theterms of the treaty required him to abandon Agramant, who hadbroken it, and to transfer his allegiance to Charlemagne; and hislove for Bradamante called him in the same direction; butunwillingness to desert his prince and leader in the hour ofdistress forbade this course. Embarking, therefore, for Africa, hetook his way to rejoin the Saracen army; but was arrested midwayby a storm which drove the vessel on a rock. The crew took totheir boat, but that was quickly swamped in the waves, and Rogerowith the rest were compelled to swim for their lives. Then whilebuffeting the waves Rogero bethought him of his sin in so longdelaying his Christian profession, and vowed in his heart that, ifhe should live to reach the land, he would no longer delay to bebaptized. His vows were heard and answered; he succeeded inreaching the shore, and was aided and relieved on landing by apious hermit, whose cell overlooked the sea. From him he receivedbaptism, having first passed some days with him, partaking hishumble fare, and receiving instruction in the doctrines of theChristian faith. 

While these things were going on, Rinaldo, who had set out on hisway to seek Gradasso and recover Bayard from him, hearing on hisway of the great things which were doing in Africa, repairedthither to bear his part in them. He arrived too late to do morethan join his friends in lamenting the loss of Florismart, and torejoice with them in their victory over the Pagan knights. On thedeath of their king the Africans gave up the contest, Bisertasubmitted, and the Christian knights had only to dismiss theirforces, and return home. Astolpho took leave of his Abyssinianarmy, and sent them back laden with spoil to their own country, not forgetting to intrust to them the bag which held the winds, bymeans of which they were enabled to cross the sandy desert againwithout danger, and did not untie it till they reached their owncountry. 

Orlando now, with Oliver, who much needed the surgeon's care, andSobrino, to whom equal attention was shown, sailed in a swiftvessel to Sicily, bearing with him the body of Florismart, to belaid in Christian earth. Rinaldo accompanied them, as didSansonnet and the other Christian leaders. Arrived at Sicily, thefuneral was solemnized with all the rites of religion, and withthe profound grief of those who had known Florismart, or had heardof his fame. Then they resumed their course, steering forMarseilles. But Oliver's wound grew worse instead of better, andhis sufferings so distressed his friends that they conferredtogether, not knowing what to do. Then said the pilot, "We are notfar from an isle where a holy hermit dwells alone in the midst ofthe sea. It is said none seek his counsel or his aid in vain. Hehath wrought marvellous cures, and if you resort to that holy manwithout doubt he can heal the knight. " Orlando bade him steerthither, and soon the bark was laid safely beside the lonely rock;the wounded man was lowered into their boat, and carried by thecrew to the hermit's cell. It was the same hermit with whom Rogerohad taken refuge after his shipwreck, by whom he had beenbaptized, and with whom he was now staying, absorbed in sacredstudies and meditations. 

The holy man received Orlando and the rest with kindness, andinquired their errand; and being told that they had come for helpfor one who, warring for the Christian faith, was brought toperilous pass by a sad wound, he straightway undertook the cure. His applications were simple, but they were seconded by hisprayers. The paladin was soon relieved from pain, and in a fewdays his foot was perfectly restored to soundness. Sobrino, assoon as he perceived the holy monk perform that wonder, cast asidehis false prophet, and with contrite heart owned the true God, anddemanded baptism at his hands. The hermit granted his request, andalso by his prayers restored him to health, while all theChristian knights rejoiced in his conversion almost as much as atthe restoration of Oliver. More than all Rogero felt joy andgratitude, and daily grew in grace and faith. 

Rogero was known by fame to all the Christian knights, but noteven Rinaldo knew him by sight, though he had proved his prowessin combat. Sobrino made him known to them, and great was the joyof all when they found one whose valor and courtesy were renownedthrough the world no longer an enemy and unbeliever, but a convertand champion of the true faith. All press about the knight; onegrasps his hand, another locks him fast in his embrace; but morethan all the rest, Rinaldo cherished him, for he more than anyknew his worth. 

It was not long before Rogero confided to his friend the hopes heentertained of a union with his sister, and Rinaldo frankly gavehis sanction to the proposal. But causes unknown to the paladinwere at that very time interposing obstacles to its success. 

The fame of the beauty and worth of Bradamante had reached theears of the Grecian Emperor, Constantine, and he had sent toCharlemagne to demand the hand of his niece for Leo, his son, andthe heir to his dominions. Duke Aymon, her father, had onlyreserved his consent until he should first have spoken with hisson Rinaldo, now absent. 

The warriors now prepared to resume their voyage. Rogero took atender farewell of the good hermit who had taught him the truefaith. Orlando restored to him the horse and arms which wererightly his, not even asserting his claim to Balisarda, that swordwhich he himself had won from the enchantress. 

The hermit gave his blessing to the band, and they reembarked. Thepassage was speedy, and very soon they arrived in the harbor ofMarseilles. 

Astolpho, when he had dismissed his troops, mounted theHippogriff, and at one flight shot over to Sardinia, thence toCorsica, thence, turning slightly to the left, hovered overProvence, and alighted in the neighborhood of Marseilles. There hedid what he had been commanded to do by the holy saint; heunbridled the Hippogriff, and turned him loose to seek his ownretreats, never more to be galled with saddle or bit. The horn hadlost its marvellous power ever since the visit to the moon. 

Astolpho reached Marseilles the very day when Orlando, Rinaldo, Oliver, Sobrino, and Rogero arrived there. Charles had alreadyheard the news of the defeat of the Saracen kings, and all theaccompanying events. On learning the approach of the gallantknights, he sent forward some of his most illustrious nobles toreceive them, and himself, with the rest of his court, kings, dukes, and peers, the queen, and a fair and gorgeous band ofladies, set forward from Arles to meet them. 

No sooner were the mutual greetings interchanged, than Orlando andhis friends led forward Rogero, and presented him to the Emperor. They vouch him son of Rogero, Duke of Risa, one of the mostrenowned of Christian warriors, by adverse fortune stolen in hisinfancy, and brought up by Saracens in the false faith, now by akind Providence converted, and restored to fill the place hisfather once held among the foremost champions of the throne andChurch. 

Rogero had alighted from his horse, and stood respectfully beforethe Emperor. Charlemagne bade him remount and ride beside him; andomitted nothing which might do him honor in sight of his martialtrain. With pomp triumphal and with festive cheer the troopreturned to the city; the streets were decorated with garlands, the houses hung with rich tapestry, and flowers fell like rainupon the conquering host from the hands of fair dames and damsels, from every balcony and window. So welcomed, the mighty Emperorpassed on till he reached the royal palace, where many days hefeasted, high in hall, with his lords, amid tourney, revel, dance, and song. 

When Rinaldo told his father, Duke Aymon, how he had promised hissister to Rogero, his father heard him with indignation, havingset his heart on seeing her united to the Grecian Emperor's son. The Lady Beatrice, her mother, also appealed to Bradamante herselfto reject a knight who had neither title nor lands, and give thepreference to one who would make her Empress of the wide Levant. But Bradamante, though respect forbade her to refuse her mother'sentreaty, would not promise to do what her heart repelled, andanswered only with a sigh, until she was alone, and then gave aloose to tears. 

Meanwhile Rogero, indignant that a stranger should presume to robhim of his bride, determined to seek the Prince of Greece, anddefy him to mortal combat. With this design he donned his armor, but exchanged his crest and emblazonment, and bore instead a whiteunicorn upon a crimson field. He chose a trusty squire, and, commanding him not to address him as Rogero, rode on his quest. Having crossed the Rhine and the Austrian countries into Hungary, he followed the course of the Danube till he reached Belgrade. There he saw the imperial ensigns spread, and white pavilions, thronged with troops, before the town. For the Emperor Constantinewas laying siege to the city to recover it from the Bulgarians, who had taken it from him not long before. 

A river flowed between the camp of the Emperor and the Bulgarians, and at the moment when Rogero approached, a skirmish had begunbetween the parties from either camp, who had approached thestream for the purpose of watering. The Greeks in that affray werefour to one, and drove back the Bulgarians in precipitate rout. Rogero, seeing this, and animated only by his hatred of theGrecian prince, dashed into the middle of the flying mass, callingaloud on the fugitives to turn. He encountered first a leader ofthe Grecian host in splendid armor, a nephew of the Emperor, asdear to him as a son. Rogero's lance pierced shield and armor, andstretched the warrior breathless on the plain. Another and anotherfell before him, and astonishment and terror arrested the advanceof the Greeks, while the Bulgarians, catching courage from thecavalier, rally, change front, and chase the Grecian troops, whofly in their turn. Leo, the prince, was at a distance when thissudden skirmish rose, but not so far but that he could seedistinctly, from an elevated position which he held, how thechanged battle was all the work of one man, and could not choosebut admire the bravery and prowess with which it was done. He knewby the blazonry displayed that the champion was not of theBulgarian army, though he furnished aid to them. Although hesuffered by his valor, the prince could not wish him ill, for hisadmiration surpassed his resentment. By this time the Greeks hadregained the river, and crossing it by fording or swimming, somemade their escape, leaving many more prisoners in the hands of theBulgarians. Rogero, learning from some of the captives that Leowas at a point some distance down the river, rode thither with aview to meet him, but arrived not before the Greek prince hadretired beyond the stream, and broken up the bridge. Day wasspent, and Rogero, wearied, looked round for a shelter for thenight. He found it in a cottage, where he soon yielded himself torepose. It so happened, a knight who had narrowly escaped Rogero'ssword in the late battle also found shelter in the same cottage, and, recognizing the armor of the unknown knight, easily foundmeans of securing him as he slept, and next morning carried him inchains and delivered him to the Emperor. By him he was in turndelivered to his sister Theodora, mother of the young knight, thefirst victim of Rogero's spear. By her he was cast into a dungeon, till her ingenuity could devise a death sufficiently painful tosatiate her revenge. 

Bradamante, meanwhile, to escape her father's and mother'simportunity, had begged a boon of Charlemagne, which the monarchpledged his royal word to grant; it was that she should not becompelled to marry any one unless he should first vanquish her insingle combat. The Emperor therefore proclaimed a tournament inthese words: "He that would wed Duke Aymon's daughter must contendwith the sword against that dame, from the sun's rise to hissetting; and if, in that time, he is not overcome the lady shallbe his. "

Duke Aymon and the Lady Beatrice, though much incensed at thecourse things had taken, brought their daughter to court, to awaitthe day appointed for the tournament. Bradamante, not findingthere him whom her heart required, distressed herself with doubtswhat could be the cause of his absence. Of all fancies, the mostpainful one was that he had gone away to learn to forget her, knowing her father's and her mother's opposition to their union, and despairing to contend against them. But oh, how much worsewould be the maiden's woe, if it were known to her what herbetrothed was then enduring!

He was plunged in a dungeon where no ray of daylight everpenetrated, loaded with chains, and scantily supplied with thecoarsest food. No wonder despair took possession of his heart, andhe longed for death as a relief, when one night (or one day, forboth were equally dark to him) he was roused with the glare of atorch and saw two men enter his cell. It was the Prince Leo, withan attendant, who had come as soon as he had learned the wretchedfate of the brave knight whose valor he had seen and admired onthe field of battle. "Cavalier, " said he, "I am one whom thy valorhath so bound to thee, that I willingly peril my own safety tolend thee aid. " "Infinite thanks I owe you, " replied Rogero, "andthe life you give me I promise faithfully to render back upon yourcall, and promptly to stake it at all times for your service. " Theprince then told Rogero his name and rank, at hearing which a tideof contending emotions almost overwhelmed Rogero. He was set atliberty, and had his horse and arms restored to him. 

Meanwhile, tidings arrived of King Charles' decree that whoeveraspired to the hand of Bradamante must first encounter her withsword and lance. This news made the Grecian prince turn pale, forhe knew he was no match for her in fight. Communing with himself, he sees how he may make his wit supply the place of valor, andemploy the French knight, whose name was still unknown to him, tofight the battle for him. Rogero heard the proposal with extremedistress; yet it seemed worse than death to deny the first requestof one to whom he owed his life. Hastily he gave his assent "to doin all things that which Leo should command. " Afterward, bitterrepentance came over him; yet, rather than confess his change ofmind, death itself would be welcome. Death seems his only remedy;but how to die? Sometimes he thinks to make none but a feignedresistance, and allow her sword a ready access, for never candeath come more happily than if her hand guide the weapon. Yetthis will not avail, for, unless he wins the maid for the Greekprince, his debt remains unpaid. He had promised to maintain areal, not a feigned encounter. He will then keep his word, andbanish every thought from his bosom except that which moved him tomaintain his truth. 

The young prince, richly attended, set out, and with him Rogero. They arrived at Paris, but Leo preferred not to enter the city, and pitched his tents without the walls, making known his arrivalto Charlemagne by an embassy. The monarch was pleased, andtestified his courtesy by visits and gifts. The prince set forththe purpose of his coming, and prayed the Emperor to dispatch hissuit--"to send forth the damsel who refused ever to take inwedlock any lord inferior to herself in fight; for she should behis bride, or he would perish beneath her sword. "

Rogero passed the night before the day assigned for the battlelike that which the felon spends, condemned to pay the forfeit ofhis life on the ensuing day. He chose to fight with sword only, and on foot, for he would not let her see Frontino, knowing thatshe would recognize the steed. Nor would he use Balisarda, foragainst that enchanted blade all armor would be of no avail, andthe sword that he did take he hammered well upon the edge to abateits sharpness. He wore the surcoat of Prince Leo, and his shield, emblazoned with a golden, double-headed eagle. The prince tookcare to let himself be seen by none. 

Bradamante, meanwhile, prepared herself for the combat fardifferently. Instead of blunting the edge of her falchion shewhets the steel, and would fain infuse into it her own acerbity. As the moment approached she seemed to have fire within her veins, and waited impatiently for the trumpet's sound. At the signal shedrew her sword, and fell with fury upon her Rogero. But as a well-built wall or aged rock stands unmoved the fury of the storm, soRogero, clad in those arms which Trojan Hector once wore, withstood the strokes which stormed about his head and breast andflank. Sparks flew from his shield, his helm, his cuirass; fromdirect and back strokes, aimed now high, now low, falling thickand fast, like hailstones on a cottage roof; but Rogero, withskilful ward, turns them aside, or receives them where his armoris a sure protection, careful only to protect himself, and with nothought of striking in return. Thus the hours passed away, and, asthe sun approached the west, the damsel began to despair. But somuch the more her anger increases, and she redoubles her efforts, like the craftsman who sees his work unfinished while the day iswellnigh spent. O miserable damsel! didst thou know whom thouwouldst kill, --if, in that cavalier matched against thee thoudidst but know Rogero, on whom thy very life-threads hang, ratherthan kill him thou wouldst kill thyself, for he is dearer to theethan life. 

King Charles and the peers, who thought the cavalier to be theGrecian prince, viewing such force and skill exhibited, and howwithout assaulting her the knight defended himself, were filledwith admiration, and declared the champions well matched, andworthy of each other. 

When the sun was set Charlemagne gave the signal for terminatingthe contest, and Bradamante was awarded to Prince Leo as a bride. Rogero, in deep distress, returned to his tent. There Leo unlacedhis helmet, and kissed him on both cheeks. "Henceforth, " said he, "do with me as you please, for you cannot exhaust my gratitude. "Rogero replied little, laid aside the ensigns he had worn, andresumed the unicorn, then hasted to withdraw himself from alleyes. When it was midnight he rose, saddled Frontino, and salliedfrom his tent, taking that direction which pleased his steed. Allnight he rode absorbed in bitter woe, and called on Death as alonecapable of relieving his sufferings. At last he entered a forest, and penetrated into its deepest recesses. There he unharnessedFrontino, and suffered him to wander where he would. Then he threwhimself down on the ground, and poured forth such bitter wailingsthat the birds and beasts, for none else heard him, were moved topity with his cries. 

Not less was the distress of the lady Bradamante, who, rather thanwed any one but Rogero, resolved to break her word, and defykindred, court, and Charlemagne himself; and, if nothing elsewould do, to die. But relief came from an unexpected quarter. Marphisa, sister of Rogero, was a heroine of warlike prowess equalto Bradamante. She had been the confidante of their loves, andfelt hardly less distress than themselves at seeing the perilswhich threatened their union. "They are already united by mutualvows, " she said, "and in the sight of Heaven what more isnecessary?" Full of this thought she presented herself beforeCharlemagne, and declared that she herself was witness that themaiden had spoken to Rogero those words which they who marryswear; and that the compact was so sealed between the pair thatthey were no longer free, nor could forsake the one the other totake another spouse. This her assertion she offered to prove, insingle combat, against Prince Leo, or any one else. 

Charlemagne, sadly perplexed at this, commanded Bradamante to becalled, and told her what the bold Marphisa had declared. Bradamante neither denied nor confirmed the statement, but hungher head, and kept silence. Duke Aymon was enraged, and would fainhave set aside the pretended contract on the ground that, if madeat all, it must have been made before Rogero was baptized, andtherefore void. But not so thought Rinaldo, nor the good Orlando, and Charlemagne knew not which way to decide, when Marphisa spokethus:

"Since no one else can marry the maiden while my brother lives, let the prince meet Rogero in mortal combat, and let him whosurvives take her for his bride. "

This saying pleased the Emperor, and was accepted by the prince, for he thought that, by the aid of his unknown champion, he shouldsurely triumph in the fight. Proclamation was therefore made forRogero to appear and defend his suit; and Leo, on his part, causedsearch to be made on all sides for the knight of the Unicorn. 

Meanwhile Rogero, overwhelmed with despair, lay stretched on theground in the forest night and day without food, courting death. Here he was discovered by one of Leo's people, who, finding himresist all attempts to remove him, hastened to his master, who wasnot far off, and brought him to the spot. As he approached heheard words which convinced him that love was the cause of theknight's despair; but no clew was given to guide him to the objectof that love. Stooping down, the prince embraced the weepingwarrior, and, in the tenderest accents, said: "Spare not, Ientreat you, to disclose the cause of your distress, for few suchdesperate evils betide mankind as are wholly past cure. It grievesme much that you would hide your grief from me, for I am bound toyou by ties that nothing can undo. Tell me, then, your grief, andleave me to try if wealth, art, cunning, force, or persuasioncannot relieve you. If not, it will be time enough after all hasbeen tried in vain to die. "

He spoke in such moving accents that Rogero could not choose butyield. It was some time before he could command utterance; at lasthe said, "My lord, when you shall know me for what I am, I doubtnot you, like myself, will be content that I should die. Know, then, I am that Rogero whom you have so much cause to hate, andwho so hated you that, intent on putting you to death, he went toseek you at your father's court. This I did because I could notsubmit to see my promised bride borne off by you. But, as manproposes and God disposes, your great courtesy, well tried in timeof sore need, so moved my fixed resolve, that I not only laidaside the hate I bore, but purposed to be your friend forever. Youthen asked of me to win for you the lady Bradamante, which was allone as to demand of me my heart and soul. You know whether Iserved you faithfully or not. Yours is the lady; possess her inpeace; but ask me not to live to see it. Be content rather that Idie; for vows have passed between myself and her which forbid thatwhile I live she can lawfully wive with another. "

So filled was gentle Leo with astonishment at these words that fora while he stood silent, with lips unmoved and steadfast gaze, like a statue. And the discovery that the stranger was Rogero notonly abated not the good will he bore him, but increased it, sothat his distress for what Rogero suffered seemed equal to hisown. For this, and because he would appear deservedly an Emperor'sson, and, though in other things outdone, would not be surpassedin courtesy, he says: "Rogero, had I known that day when yourmatchless valor routed my troops that you were Rogero, your virtuewould have made me your own, as then it made me while I knew notmy foe, and I should have no less gladly rescued you fromTheodora's dungeon. And if I would willingly have done so then, how much more gladly will I now restore the gift of which youwould rob yourself to confer it upon me. The damsel is more due toyou than to me, and though I know her worth, I would forego notonly her, but life itself, rather than distress a knight likeyou. "

This and much more he said to the same intent; till at last Rogeroreplied, "I yield, and am content to live, and thus a second timeowe my life to you. "

But several days elapsed before Rogero was so far restored as toreturn to the royal residence, where an embassy had arrived fromthe Bulgarian princes to seek the knight of the unicorn, andtender to him the crown of that country, in place of their king, fallen in battle. 

Thus were things situated when Prince Leo, leading by the handRogero, clad in the battered armor in which he had sustained theconflict with Bradamante, presented himself before the king. "Behold, " he said "the champion who maintained from dawn tosetting sun the arduous contest; he comes to claim the guerdon ofthe fight. " King Charlemagne, with all his peerage, stood amazed;for all believed that the Grecian prince himself had fought withBradamante. Then stepped forth Marphisa, and said, "Since Rogerois not here to assert his rights, I, his sister, undertake hiscause, and will maintain it against whoever shall dare dispute hisclaim. " She said this with so much anger and disdain that theprince deemed it no longer wise to feign, and withdrew Rogero'shelmet from his brow, saying, "Behold him here!" Who can describethe astonishment and joy of Marphisa! She ran and threw her armsabout her brother's neck, nor would give way to let Charlemagneand Rinaldo, Orlando, Dudon, and the rest, who crowded round, embrace him, and press friendly kisses on his brow. The joyfultidings flew fast by many a messenger to Bradamante, who in hersecret chamber lay lamenting. The blood that stagnated about herheart flowed at that notice so fast, that she had wellnigh diedfor joy. Duke Aymon and the Lady Beatrice no longer withheld theirconsent, and pledged their daughter to the brave Rogero before allthat gallant company. 

Now came the Bulgarian ambassadors, and, kneeling at the feet ofRogero, besought him to return with them to their country, where, in Adrianople, the crown and sceptre were awaiting his acceptance. Prince Leo united his persuasions to theirs, and promised, in hisroyal father's name, that peace should be restored on their part. Rogero gave his consent, and it was surmised that none of thevirtues which shone so conspicuously in him so availed torecommend Rogero to the Lady Beatrice as the hearing her futureson-in-law saluted as a sovereign prince. 

THE BATTLE OF RONCESVALLES

After the expulsion of the Saracens from France Charlemagne ledhis army into Spain, to punish Marsilius, the king of thatcountry, for having sided with the African Saracens in the latewar. Charlemagne succeeded in all his attempts, and compelledMarsilius to submit, and pay tribute to France. Our readers willremember Gano, otherwise called Gan, or Ganelon, whom we mentionedin one of our early chapters as an old courtier of Charlemagne, and a deadly enemy of Orlando, Rinaldo, and all their friends. Hehad great influence over Charles, from equality of age and longintimacy; and he was not without good qualities: he was brave andsagacious, but envious, false, and treacherous. Gan prevailed onCharles to send him as ambassador to Marsilius, to arrange thetribute. He embraced Orlando over and over again at taking leave, using such pains to seem loving and sincere, that his hypocrisywas manifest to every one but the old monarch. He fastened withequal tenderness on Oliver, who smiled contemptuously in his face, and thought to himself, "You may make as many fair speeches as youchoose, but you lie. " All the other paladins who were presentthought the same, and they said as much to the Emperor, addingthat Gan should on no account be sent ambassador to the Spaniards. But Charles was infatuated. 

Gan was received with great honor by Marsilius. The king, attendedby his lords, came fifteen miles out of Saragossa to meet him, andthen conducted him into the city with acclamations. There wasnothing for several days but balls, games, and exhibitions ofchivalry, the ladies throwing flowers on the heads of the Frenchknights, and the people shouting, "France! Mountjoy and St. Denis!"

After the ceremonies of the first reception the king and theambassador began to understand one another. One day they sattogether in a garden on the border of a fountain. The water was soclear and smooth it reflected every object around, and the spotwas encircled with fruit-trees which quivered with the fresh air. As they sat and talked, as if without restraint, Gan, withoutlooking the king in the face, was enabled to see the expression ofhis countenance in the water, and governed his speech accordingly. Marsilius was equally adroit, and watched the face of Gan while headdressed him. Marsilius began by lamenting, not as to theambassador, but as to the friend, the injuries which Charles haddone him by invading his dominions, charging him with wishing totake his kingdom from him and give it to Orlando; till at lengthhe plainly uttered his belief that if that ambitious paladin werebut dead good men would get their rights. 

Gan heaved a sigh, as if he was unwillingly compelled to allow theforce of what the king said; but unable to contain himself long helifted up his face, radiant with triumphant wickedness, andexclaimed: "Every word you utter is truth; die he must, and diealso must Oliver, who struck me that foul blow at court. Is ittreachery to punish affronts like these? I have plannedeverything, --I have settled everything already with theirbesotted master. Orlando will come to your borders--toRoncesvalles--for the purpose of receiving the tribute. Charleswill await him at the foot of the mountains. Orlando will bringbut a small band with him: you, when you meet him, will havesecretly your whole army at your back. You surround him, and whoreceives tribute then?"

The new Judas had scarcely uttered these words when his exultationwas interrupted by a change in the face of nature. The sky wassuddenly overcast, there was thunder and lightning, a laurel wassplit in two from head to foot, and the Carob-tree under which Ganwas sitting, which is said to be the species of tree on whichJudas Iscariot hung himself, dropped one of its pods on his head. 

Marsilius, as well as Gan, was appalled at this omen; but onassembling his soothsayers they came to the conclusion that thelaurel-tree turned the omen against the Emperor, the successor ofthe Caesars, though one of them renewed the consternation of Ganby saying that he did not understand the meaning of the tree ofJudas, and intimating that perhaps the ambassador could explainit. Gan relieved his vexation by anger; the habit of wickednessprevailed over all other considerations; and the king prepared tomarch to Roncesvalles at the head of all his forces. 

Gan wrote to Charlemagne to say how humbly and submissivelyMarsilius was coming to pay the tribute into the hands of Orlando, and how handsome it would be of the Emperor to meet him half-way, and so be ready to receive him after the payment at his camp. Headded a brilliant account of the tribute, and the accompanyingpresents. The good Emperor wrote in turn to say how pleased he waswith the ambassador's diligence, and that matters were arrangedprecisely as he wished. His court, however, had its suspicionstill, though they little thought Gan's object in bringing Charlesinto the neighborhood of Roncesvalles was to deliver him into thehands of Marsilius, after Orlando should have been destroyed byhim. 

Orlando, however, did as his lord and sovereign desired. He wentto Roncesvalles, accompanied by a moderate train of warriors, notdreaming of the atrocity that awaited him. Gan, meanwhile, hadhastened back to France, in order to show himself free and easy inthe presence of Charles, and secure the success of his plot; whileMarsilius, to make assurance doubly sure, brought into the passesof Roncesvalles no less than three armies, which were successivelyto fall on the paladin in case of the worst, and so extinguish himwith numbers. He had also, by Gan's advice, brought heaps of wineand good cheer to be set before his victims in the first instance;"for that, " said the traitor, "will render the onset the moreeffective, the feasters being unarmed. One thing, however, I mustnot forget, " added he; "my son Baldwin is sure to be with Orlando;you must take care of his life for my sake. "

"I give him this vesture off my own body, " said the king; "let himwear it in the battle, and have no fear. My soldiers shall bedirected not to touch him. "

Gan went away rejoicing to France. He embraced the sovereign andthe court all round with the air of a man who had brought themnothing but blessings, and the old king wept for very tendernessand delight. 

"Something is going on wrong, and looks very black, " thoughtMalagigi, the good wizard; "Rinaldo is not here, and it isindispensably necessary that he should be. I must find out wherehe is, and Ricciardetto too, and send for them with all speed. "

Malagigi called up by his art a wise, terrible, and cruel spirit, named Ashtaroth. "Tell me, and tell me truly, of Rinaldo, " saidMalagigi to the spirit. The demon looked hard at the paladin, andsaid nothing. His aspect was clouded and violent. 

The enchanter, with an aspect still cloudier, bade Ashtaroth laydown that look, and made signs as if he would resort to angriercompulsion; and the devil, alarmed, loosened his tongue, and said, "You have not told me what you desire to know of Rinaldo. "

"I desire to know what he has been doing, and where he is. "

"He has been conquering and baptizing the world, east and west, "said the demon, "and is now in Egypt with Ricciardetto. "

"And what has Gan been plotting with Marsilius?" inquiredMalagigi; "and what is to come of it?"

"I know not, " said the devil. "I was not attending to Gan at thetime, and we fallen spirits know not the future. All I discern isthat by the signs and comets in the heavens something dreadful isabout to happen--something very strange, treacherous, and bloody;and that Gan has a seat ready prepared for him in hell. "

"Within three days, " cried the enchanter, loudly, "bring Rinaldoand Ricciardetto into the pass of Ronces-Valles. Do it, and Ihereby undertake to summon thee no more. "

"Suppose they will not trust themselves with me?" said the spirit. 

"Enter Rinaldo's horse, and bring him, whether he trust thee ornot. "

"It shall be done, " returned the demon. 

There was an earthquake, and Ashtaroth disappeared. 

Marsilius now made his first movement towards the destruction ofOrlando, by sending before him his vassal, King Blanchardin, withhis presents of wines and other luxuries. The temperate butcourteous hero took them in good part, and distributed them as thetraitor wished; and then Blanchardin, on pretence of going forwardto salute Charlemagne, returned, and put himself at the head ofthe second army, which was the post assigned him by his liege-lord. King Falseron, whose son Orlando had slain in battle, headedthe first army, and King Balugante the third. Marsilius made aspeech to them, in which he let them into his design, andconcluded by recommending to their good will the son of his friendGan, whom they would know by the vest he had sent him, and who wasthe only soul amongst the Christian they were to spare. 

This son of Gan, meanwhile, and several of the paladins, whodistrusted the misbelievers, and were anxious at all events to bewith Orlando, had joined the hero in the fatal valley; so that thelittle Christian host, considering the tremendous valor of theirlord and his friends, were not to be sold for nothing. Rinaldo, alas! the second thunderbolt of Christendom, was destined not tobe there in time to meet the issue. The paladins in vain beggedOrlando to be on his guard against treachery, and send for a morenumerous body of men. The great heart of the Champion of the Faithwas unwilling to harbor suspicion as long as he could help it. Herefused to summon aid which might be superfluous; neither would hedo anything but what his liege-lord had directed. And yet he couldnot wholly repress a misgiving. A shadow had fallen on his heart, great and cheerful as it was. The anticipations of his friendsdisturbed him, in spite of the face with which he met them. Perhaps by a certain foresight he felt his death approaching; buthe felt bound not to encourage the impression. Besides, timepressed; the moment of the looked-for tribute was at hand, andlittle combinations of circumstances determine often the greatestevents. 

King Marsilius was to arrive early next day with the tribute, andOliver, with the morning sun, rode forth to reconnoitre, and seeif he could discover the peaceful pomp of the Spanish court in thedistance. He rode up the nearest height, and from the top of itbeheld the first army of Marsilius already forming in the passes. "O devil Gan, " he exclaimed, "this then is the consummation of thylabors!" Oliver put spurs to his horse, and galloped back down themountain to Orlando. 

"Well, " cried the hero, "what news?"

"Bad news, " said his cousin, "such as you would not hear ofyesterday. Marsilius is here in arms, and all the world is withhim. "

The paladins pressed round Orlando, and entreated him to sound hishorn, in token that he needed help. His only answer was to mounthis horse, and ride up the mountain with Sansonetto. 

As soon, however, as he cast forth his eyes, and beheld what wasround about him, he turned in sorrow, and looked down intoRoncesvalles, and said, "O miserable valley! the blood shed inthee this day will color thy name forever. "

Orlando's little camp were furious against the Saracens. Theyarmed themselves with the greatest impatience. There was nothingbut lacing of helmets and mounting of horses, while goodArchbishop Turpin went from rank to rank exhorting and encouragingthe warriors of Christ. Orlando and his captains withdrew for amoment to consultation. He fairly groaned for sorrow, and at firsthad not a word to say, so wretched he felt at having brought hispeople to die in Roncesvalles. Then he said: "If it had enteredinto my heart to conceive the king of Spain to be such a villainnever would you have seen this day. He has exchanged with me athousand courtesies and good words; and I thought that the worseenemies we had been before, the better friends we had become now. I fancied every human being capable of this kind of virtue on agood opportunity, saving, indeed, such base-hearted wretches ascan never forgive their very forgivers; and of these I did notsuppose him to be one. Let us die, if die we must, like honest andgallant men, so that it shall be said of us it was only our bodiesthat died. The reason why I did not sound the horn was partlybecause I thought it did not become us, and partly because ourliege lord could hardly save us, even if he heard it. " And withthese words Orlando sprang to his horse, crying, "Aways againstthe Saracens!" But he had no sooner turned his face than he weptbitterly, and said, "O Holy Virgin, think not of me, the sinnerOrlando, but have pity on these thy servants!"

And now with a mighty dust, and an infinite sound of horns andtambours, which came filling the valley, the first army of theinfidels made its appearance, horses neighing, and a thousandpennons flying in the air. King Falseron led them on, saying tohis officers: "Let nobody dare to lay a finger on Orlando. Hebelongs to myself. The revenge of my son's death is mine. I willcut the man down that comes between us. " "Now, friends, " saidOrlando, "every man for himself, and St. Michael for us all! Thereis not one here that is not a perfect knight. " And he might wellsay it, for the flower of all France was there, except Rinaldo andRicciardetto--every man a picked man, all friends and constantcompanions of Orlando. 

So the captains of the little troop and of the great army satlooking at one another, and singling one another out as the lattercame on, and then the knights put spear in rest, and ran for awhile two and two in succession, one against the other. 

Astolpho was the first to move. He ran against Arlotto of Sorio, and thrust his antagonist's body out of the saddle, and his soulinto the other world. Oliver encountered Malprimo, and, though hereceived a thrust which hurt him, sent his lance right through theheart of Malprimo. 

Falseron was daunted at this blow. "Truly, " thought he, "this is amarvel. " Oliver did not press on among the Saracens, his wound wastoo painful; but Orlando now put himself and his whole band inmotion, and you may guess what an uproar ensued. The sound of therattling of blows and helmets was as if the forge of Vulcan hadbeen thrown open. Falseron beheld Orlando coming so furiously, that he thought him a Lucifer who had burst his chain, and wasquite of another mind than when he purposed to have him all tohimself. On the contrary, he recommended himself to his gods, andturned away, meaning to wait for a more auspicious season ofrevenge. But Orlando hailed him with a terrible voice, saying, "Othou traitor! was this the end to which old quarrels were madeup?" Then he dashed at Falseron with a fury so swift, and at thesame time with a mastery of his lance so marvellous, that, thoughhe plunged it in the man's body so as instantly to kill him, andthen withdrew it, the body did not move in the saddle. The herohimself, as he rushed onwards, was fain to see the end of a strokeso perfect, and turning his horse back, touched the carcass withhis sword, and it fell on the instant!

When the infidels beheld their leader dead such fear fell uponthem that they were for leaving the field to the paladins, butthey were unable. Marsilius had drawn the rest of his forces roundthe valley like a net, so that their shoulders were turned invain. Orlando rode into the thick of them, and wherever he wentthunderbolts fell upon helmets. Oliver was again in the fray, withWalter and Baldwin, Avino and Avolio, while Arch-bishop Turpinhad changed his crosier for a lance, and chased a new flock beforehim to the mountains. 

Yet what could be done against foes without number? Marsiliusconstantly pours them in. The paladins are as units to thousands. Why tarry the horses of Rinaldo and Ricciardetto?

The horses did not tarry, but fate had been quicker thanenchantment. Ashtaroth had presented himself to Rinaldo in Egypt, and, after telling his errand, he and Foul-mouth, his servant, entered the horses of Rinaldo and Ricciardetto, which began toneigh, and snort, and leap with the fiends within them, till offthey flew through the air over the pyramids and across the desert, and reached Spain and the scene of action just as Marsiliusbrought up his third army. The two paladins on their horsesdropped right into the midst of the Saracens, and began makingsuch havoc among them that Marsilius, who overlooked the fightfrom a mountain, thought his soldiers had turned against oneanother. Orlando beheld it, and guessed it could be no other buthis cousins, and pressed to meet them. Oliver coming up at thesame moment, the rapture of the whole party is not to beexpressed. After a few hasty words of explanation they were forcedto turn again upon the enemy, whose numbers seemed perfectlywithout limit. 

Orlando, making a bloody passage towards Marsilius, struck a youthon the head, whose helmet was so strong as to resist the blow, butat the same time flew off, Orlando prepared to strike a secondblow, when the youth exclaimed, "Hold! you loved my father; I amBujaforte!" The paladin had never seen Bujaforte, but he saw thelikeness to the good old man, his father, and he dropped hissword. "O Bujaforte, " said he, "I loved him indeed; but what doeshis son do here fighting against his friends?"

Bujaforte could not at once speak for weeping. At length he said:"I am forced to be here by my lord and master, Marsilius; and Ihave made a show of fighting, but have not hurt a singleChristian. Treachery is on every side of you. Baldwin himself hasa vest given him by Marsilius, that everybody may know the son ofhis friend Gan, and do him no harm. "

"Put your helmet on again, " said Orlando, "and behave just as youhave done. Never will your father's friend be an enemy to theson. "

The hero then turned in fury to look for Baldwin, who washastening towards him at that moment, with friendliness in hislooks. 

"'Tis strange, " said Baldwin, "I have done my duty as well as Icould, yet nobody will come against me. I have slain right andleft, and cannot comprehend what it is that makes the stoutestinfidels avoid me. "

"Take off your vest, " said Orlando, contemptuously, "and you willsoon discover the secret, if you wish to know it. Your father hassold us to Marsilius, all but his honorable son. "

"If my father, " said Baldwin, impetuously tearing off the vest, "has been such a villain, and I escape dying, I will plunge thissword through his heart. But I am no traitor, Orlando, and you dome wrong to say it. Think not I can live with dishonor. "

Baldwin spurred off into the fight, not waiting to hear anotherword from Orlando, who was very sorry for what he had said, for heperceived that the youth was in despair. 

And now the fight raged beyond all it had done before; twentypagans went down for one paladin, but still the paladins fell. Sansonetto was beaten to earth by the club of Grandonio, Walterd'Amulion had his shoulder broken, Berlinghieri and Ottone wereslain, and at last Astolpho fell, in revenge of whose deathOrlando turned the spot where he died into a lake of Saracenblood. The luckless Bujaforte met Rinaldo, and before he couldexplain how he seemed to be fighting on the Saracen side receivedsuch a blow upon the head that he fell, unable to utter a word. Orlando, cutting his way to a spot where there was a greatstruggle and uproar, found the poor youth Baldwin, the son of Gan, with two spears in his breast. "I am no traitor now, " saidBaldwin, and those were the last words he said. Orlando wasbitterly sorry to have been the cause of his death, and tearsstreamed from his eyes. At length down went Oliver himself. He hadbecome blinded with his own blood, and smitten Orlando withoutknowing him. "How now, cousin, " cried Orlando, "have you too goneover to the enemy?" "O my lord and master, " cried the other, "Iask your pardon. I can see nothing; I am dying. Some traitor hasstabbed me in the back. If you love me, lead my horse into thethick of them, so that I may not die unavenged. "

"I shall die myself before long, " said Orlando, "out of very toiland grief; so we will go together. "

Orlando led his cousin's horse where the press was thickest, anddreadful was the strength of the dying man and his tiredcompanion. They made a street through which they passed out of thebattle, and Orlando led his cousin away to his tent, and said, "Wait a little till I return, for I will go and sound the horn onthe hill yonder. "

"'Tis of no use, " said Oliver, "my spirit is fast going anddesires to be with its Lord and Saviour. "

He would have said more, but his words came from him imperfectly, like those of a man in a dream, and so he expired. 

When Orlando saw him dead he felt as if he was alone on the earth, and he was quite willing to leave it, only he wished that KingCharles, at the foot of the mountains, should know how the casestood before he went. So he took up the horn and blew it threetimes, with such force that the blood burst out of his nose andmouth. Turpin says that at the third blast the horn broke in two. 

In spite of all the noise of the battle, the sound of the hornbroke over it like a voice out of the other world. They say thatbirds fell dead at it, and that the whole Saracen army drew backin terror. Charlemagne was sitting in the midst of his court whenthe sound reached him, and Gan was there. The Emperor was thefirst to hear it. 

"Do you hear that?" said he to his nobles. "Did you hear the hornas I heard it?"

Upon this they all listened, and Gan felt his heart misgive him. The horn sounded a second time. 

"What is the meaning of this?" said Charles. 

"Orlando is hunting, " observed Gan, "and the stag is killed. "

But when the horn sounded yet a third time, and the blast was oneof so dreadful a vehemence, everybody looked at the other, andthen they all looked at Gan in a fury. Charles rose from his seat. 

"This is no hunting of the stag, " said he. "The sound goes to myvery heart. O Gan! O Gan! Not for thee do I blush, but for myself. O foul and monstrous villain! Take him, gentleman, and keep him inclose prison. Would to God I had not lived to see this day!"

But it was no time for words. They put the traitor in prison andthen Charles, with all his court, took his way to Roncesvalles, grieving and praying. 

It was afternoon when the horn sounded, and half an hour after itwhen the Emperor set out; and meantime Orlando had returned to thefight that he might do his duty, however hopeless, as long as hecould sit his horse. At length he found his end approaching, fortoil and fever, and rode all alone to a fountain where he hadbefore quenched his thirst. His horse was wearier than he, and nosooner had his master alighted than the beast, kneeling down as ifto take leave, and to say, "I have brought you to a place ofrest, " fell dead at his feet. Orlando cast water on him from thefountain, not wishing to believe him dead; but when he found it tono purpose, he grieved for him as if he had been a human being, and addressed him by name with tears, and asked forgiveness if hehad ever done him wrong. They say that the horse, at these words, opened his eyes a little, and looked kindly at his master, andthen stirred never more. They say also that Orlando then summoningall his strength, smote a rock near him with his beautiful swordDurindana, thinking to shiver the steel in pieces, and so preventits falling into the hands of the enemy, but though the rock splitlike a slate, and a great cleft remained ever after to astonishthe eyes of pilgrims, the sword remained uninjured. 

And now Rinaldo and Ricciardetto came up, with Turpin, havingdriven back the Saracens, and told Orlando that the battle waswon. Then Orlando knelt before Turpin and begged remission of hissins, and Turpin gave him absolution. Orlando fixed his eyes onthe hilt of his sword as on a crucifix, and embraced it, and heraised his eyes and appeared like a creature seraphical andtransfigured, and bowing his head, he breathed out his pure soul. 

And now King Charles and his nobles came up. The Emperor, at sightof the dead Orlando, threw himself, as if he had been a recklessyouth, from his horse, and embraced and kissed the body, and said:"I bless thee, Orlando; I bless thy whole life, and all that thouwast, and all that thou ever didst, and the father that begatthee; and I ask pardon of thee for believing those who broughtthee to thine end. They shall have their reward, O thou belovedone! But indeed it is thou that livest, and I who am worse thandead. "

Horrible to the Emperor's eyes was the sight of the field ofRoncesvalles. The Saracens indeed had fled, conquered; but all hispaladins but two were left on it dead, and the whole valley lookedlike a great slaughter-house, trampled into blood and dirt, andreeking to the heat. Charles trembled to his heart's core forwonder and agony. After gazing dumbly on the place he cursed itwith a solemn curse, and wished that never grass might grow in itagain, nor seed of any kind, neither within it nor on any of itsmountains around, but the anger of Heaven abide over it forever. 

Charles and his warriors went after the Saracens into Spain. Theytook and fired Saragossa, and Marsilius was hung to the carob-treeunder which he had planned his villainy with Gan; and Gan was hungand drawn and quartered in Roncesvalles, amidst the execrations ofthe country. 

RINALDO AND BAYARD

CHARLEMAGNE was overwhelmed with grief at the loss of so many ofhis bravest warriors at the disaster of Roncesvalles, and bitterlyreproached himself for his credulity in resigning himself socompletely to the counsels of the treacherous Count Gan. Yet hesoon fell into a similar snare when he suffered his unworthy son, Charlot, to acquire such an influence over him, that he constantlyled him into acts of cruelty and injustice that in his right mindhe would have scorned to commit. Rinaldo and his brothers, forsome slight offence to the imperious young prince, were forced tofly from Paris, and to take shelter in their castle of Montalban;for Charles had publicly said, if he could take them he would hangthem all. He sent numbers of his bravest knights to arrest them, but all without success. Either Rinaldo foiled their efforts andsent them back, stripped of their armor and of their glory, or, after meeting and conferring with him, they came back and told theking they could not be his instruments for such a work. 

At last Charles himself raised a great army, and went in person tocompel the paladin to submit. He ravaged all the country roundabout Montalban, so that supplies of food should be cut off, andhe threatened death to any who should attempt to issue forth, hoping to compel the garrison to submit for want of food. 

Rinaldo's resources had been brought so low that it seemed uselessto contend any longer. His brothers had been taken prisoners in askirmish, and his only hope of saving their lives was in makingterms with the king. 

So he sent a messenger, offering to yield himself and his castleif the king would spare his and his brothers' lives. While themessenger was gone Rinaldo, impatient to learn what tidings hemight bring, rode out to meet him. When he had ridden as far as hethought prudent he stopped in a wood, and alighting, tied Bayardto a tree. Then he sat down, and, as he waited, he fell asleep. Bayard meanwhile got loose, and strayed away where the grasstempted him. Just then came along some country people, who said toone another, "Look, is not that the great horse Bayard thatRinaldo rides? Let us take him, and carry him to King Charles, whowill pay us well for our trouble. " They did so, and the king wasdelighted with his prize, and gave them a present that made themrich to their dying day. 

When Rinaldo woke he looked round for his horse, and, finding himnot, he groaned, and said, "O unlucky hour that I was born! howfortune persecutes me!" So desperate was he that he took off hisarmor and his spurs, saying, "What need have I of these, sinceBayard is lost?" While he stood thus lamenting, a man came fromthe thicket, seemingly bent with age. He had a long beard hangingover his breast, and eyebrows that almost covered his eyes. Hebade Rinaldo good day. Rinaldo thanked him, and said, "A good dayI have hardly had since I was born. " Then said the old man, "Signor Rinaldo, you must not despair, for God will make allthings turn to the best. " Rinaldo answered, "My trouble is tooheavy for me to hope relief. The king has taken my brothers, andmeans to put them to death. I thought to rescue them by means ofmy horse Bayard, but while I slept some thief has stolen him. " Theold man replied, "I will remember you and your brothers in myprayers. I am a poor man, have you not something to give me?"Rinaldo said, "I have nothing to give, " but then he recollectedhis spurs. He gave them to the beggar, and said, "Here, take myspurs. They are the first present my mother gave me when myfather, Count Aymon, dubbed me knight. They ought to bring you tenpounds. "

The old man took the spurs, and put them into his sack, and said, "Noble sir, have you nothing else you can give me?" Rinaldoreplied, "Are you making sport of me? I tell you truly if it werenot for shame to beat one so helpless, I would teach you bettermanners. " The old man said, "Of a truth, sir, if you did so youwould do a great sin. If all had beaten me of whom I have begged Ishould have been killed long ago, for I ask alms in churches andconvents, and wherever I can. " "You say true, " replied Rinaldo, "if you did not ask, none would relieve you. " The old man said, "True, noble sir, therefore I pray if you have anything more tospare, give it me. " Rinaldo gave him his mantle, and said, "Takeit, pilgrim. I give it you for the love of Christ, that God wouldsave my brothers from a shameful death, and help me to escape outof King Charles's power. "

The pilgrim took the mantle, folded it up, and put it into hisbag. Then a third time he said to Rinaldo, "Sir, have you nothingleft to give me that I may remember you in my prayers?" "Wretch!"exclaimed Rinaldo, "do you make me your sport?" and he drew hissword, and struck at him; but the old man warded off the blow withhis staff, and said, "Rinaldo, would you slay your cousin, Malagigi?" When Rinaldo heard that he stayed his hand, and gazeddoubtingly on the old man, who now threw aside his disguise, andappeared to be indeed Malagigi. "Dear cousin, " said Rinaldo, "prayforgive me. I did not know you. Next to God, my trust is in you. Help my brothers to escape out of prison, I entreat you. I havelost my horse, and therefore cannot render them any assistance. "Malagigi answered, "Cousin Rinaldo, I will enable you to recoveryour horse. Meanwhile, you must do as I say. "

Then Malagigi took from his sack a gown, and gave it to Rinaldo toput on over his armor, and a hat that was full of holes, and anold pair of shoes to put on. They looked like two pilgrims, veryold and poor. Then they went forth from the wood, and after alittle while saw four monks riding along the road. Malagigi saidto Rinaldo, "I will go meet the monks, and see what news I canlearn. "

Malagigi learned from the monks that on the approaching festivalthere would be a great crowd of people at court, for the princewas going to show the ladies the famous horse Bayard that used tobelong to Rinaldo. "What!" said the pilgrim; "is Bayard there?""Yes, " answered the monks; "the king has given him to Charlot, and, after the prince has ridden him the king means to passsentence on the brothers of Rinaldo, and have them hanged. " ThenMalagigi asked alms of the monks, but they would give him none, till he threw aside his pilgrim garb, and let them see his armor, when, partly for charity and partly for terror, they gave him agolden cup, adorned with precious stones that sparkled in thesunshine. 

Malagigi then hastened back to Rinaldo, and told him what he hadlearned. 

The morning of the feast-day Rinaldo and Malagigi came to theplace where the sports were to be held. Malagigi gave Rinaldo hisspurs back again, and said, "Cousin, put on your spurs, for youwill need them. " "How shall I need them, " said Rinaldo, "since Ihave lost my horse?" Yet he did as Malagigi directed him. 

When the two had taken their stand on the border of the fieldamong the crowd the princes and ladies of the court began toassemble. When they were all assembled the king came also, andCharlot with him, near whom the horse Bayard was led, in thecharge of grooms, who were expressly enjoined to guard him safely. The king, looking round on the circle of spectators, saw Malagigiand Rinaldo, and observed the splendid cup that they had, and saidto Charlot, "See, my son, what a brilliant cup those two pilgrimshave got. It seems to be worth a hundred ducats. " "That is true, "said Charlot; "Let us go and ask where they got it. " So they rodeto the place where the pilgrims stood, and Charlot stopped Bayardclose to them. 

The horse snuffed at the pilgrims, knew Rinaldo, and caressed hismaster. The king said to Malagigi, "Friend, where did you get thatbeautiful cup?" Malagigi replied, "Honorable sir, I paid for itall the money I have saved from eleven years' begging in churchesand convents. The Pope himself has blessed it, and given it thepower that whosoever eats or drinks out of it shall be pardoned ofall his sins. " Then said the king to Charlot, "My son, these areright holy men; see how the dumb beast worships them. "

Then the king said to Malagigi, "Give me a morsel from your cup, that I may be cleared of my sins. " Malagigi answered, "Illustriouslord, I dare not do it, unless you will forgive all who have atany time offended you. You know that Christ forgave all those whohad betrayed and crucified him. " The king replied, "Friend, thatis true; but Rinaldo has so grievously offended me, that I cannotforgive him, nor that other man, Malagigi, the magician. These twoshall never live in my kingdom again. If I catch them I willcertainly have them hanged. But tell me, pilgrim, who is that manwho stands beside you?" "He is deaf, dumb, and blind, " saidMalagigi. Then the king said again, "Give me to drink of your cup, to take away my sins. " Malagigi answered, "My lord king, here ismy poor brother, who for fifty days has not heard, spoken, norseen. This misfortune befell him in a house where we foundshelter, and the day before yesterday we met with a wise woman, who told him the only hope of a cure for him was to come to someplace where Bayard was to be ridden, and to mount and ride him;that would do him more good than anything else. " Then said theking, "Friend, you have come to the right place, for Bayard is tobe ridden here to-day. Give me a draught from your cup, and yourcompanion shall ride upon Bayard. " Malagigi, hearing these words, said, "Be it so. " Then the king, with great devotion, took aspoon, and dipped a portion from the pilgrim's cup, believing thathis sins should be thereby forgiven. 

When this was done, the king said to Charlot, "Son, I request thatyou will let this sick pilgrim sit on your horse, and ride if hecan, for by so doing he will be healed of all his infirmities. "Charlot replied, "That will I gladly do. " So saying, hedismounted, and the servants took the pilgrim in their arms, andhelped him on the horse. 

Wher Rinaldo was mounted, he put his feet in the stirrups, andsaid, "I would like to ride a little. " Malagigi, hearing himspeak, seemed delighted, and asked him whether he could see andhear also. "Yes, " said Rinaldo, "I am healed of all myinfirmities. " When the king heard it he said to Bishop Turpin, "Mylord bishop, we must celebrate this with a procession, withcrosses and banners, for it is a great miracle. "

When Rinaldo remarked that he was not carefully watched, he spoketo the horse, and touched him with the spurs. Bayard knew that hismaster was upon him, and he started off upon a rapid pace, and ina few moments was a good way off. Malagigi pretended to be ingreat alarm. "O noble king and master, " he cried, "my poorcompanion is run away with; he will fall and break his neck. " Theking ordered his knights to ride after the pilgrim, and bring himback, or help him if need were. They did so, but it was in vain. Rinaldo left them all behind him, and kept on his way till hereached Montalban. Malagigi was suffered to depart, unsuspected, and he went his way, making sad lamentation for the fate of hiscomrade, who he pretended to think must surely be dashed topieces. 

Malagigi did not go far, but having changed his disguise, returnedto where the king was, and employed his best art in getting thebrothers of Rinaldo out of prison. He succeeded; and all three gotsafely to Montalban, where Rinaldo's joy at the rescue of hisbrothers and the recovery of Bayard was more than tongue can tell. 

DEATH OF RINALDO

THE distress in Rinaldo's castle for want of food grew more severeevery day, under the pressure of the siege. The garrison wereforced to kill their horses, both to save the provision they wouldconsume, and to make food of their flesh. At last all the horseswere killed except Bayard, and Rinaldo said to his brothers, "Bayard must die, for we have nothing else to eat. " So they wentto the stable and brought out Bayard to kill him. But Alardo said, "Brother, let Bayard live a little longer; who knows what God maydo for us?"

Bayard heard these words, and understood them as if he was a man, and fell on his knees, as if he would beg for mercy. When Rinaldosaw the distress of his horse his heart failed him, and he let himlive. 

Just at this time Aya, Rinaldo's mother, who was the sister of theEmperor, came to the camp, attended by knights and ladies, tointercede for her sons. She fell on her knees before the king, andbesought him that he would pardon Rinaldo and his brothers: andall the peers and knights took her side, and entreated the king togrant her prayer. Then said the king, "Dear sister, you act thepart of a good mother, and I respect your tender heart, and yieldto your entreaties. I will spare your sons their lives if theysubmit implicitly to my will. "

When Charlot heard this he approached the king and whispered inhis ear. And the king turned to his sister and said, "Charlot musthave Bayard, because I have given the horse to him. Now go, mysister, and tell Rinaldo what I have said. "

When the Lady Aya heard these words she was delighted, thanked Godin her heart, and said, "Worthy king and brother, I will do as youbid me. " So she went into the castle, where her sons received hermost joyfully and affectionately, and she told them the king'soffer. Then Alardo said, "Brother, I would rather have the king'senmity than give Bayard to Charlot, for I believe he will killhim. " Likewise said all the brothers. When Rinaldo heard them hesaid, "Dear brothers, if we may win our forgiveness by giving upthe horse, so be it. Let us make our peace, for we cannot standagainst the king's power. " Then he went to his mother, and toldher they would give the horse to Charlot, and more, too, if theking would pardon them, and forgive all that they had done againsthis crown and dignity. The lady returned to Charles and told himthe answer of her sons. 

When the peace was thus made between the king and the sons ofAymon, the brothers came forth from the castle, bringing Bayardwith them, and, falling at the king's feet, begged hisforgiveness. The king bade them rise, and received them into favorin the sight of all his noble knights and counsellors, to thegreat joy of all, especially of the Lady Aya, their mother. ThenRinaldo took the horse Bayard, gave him to Charlot, and said, "Mylord and prince, this horse I give to you; do with him as to youseems good. " Charlot took him, as had been agreed on. Then he madethe servants take him to the bridge, and throw him into the water. Bayard sank to the bottom, but soon came to the surface again andswam, saw Rinaldo looking at him, came to land, ran to his oldmaster, and stood by him as proudly as if he had understanding, and would say, "Why did you treat me so?" When the prince saw thathe said, "Rinaldo, give me the horse again, for he must die. "Rinaldo replied, "My lord and prince, he is yours withoutdispute, " and gave him to him. The prince then had a millstonetied to each foot, and two to his neck, and made them throw himagain into the water. Bayard struggled in the water, looked up tohis master, threw off the stones, and came back to Rinaldo. 

When Alardo saw that, he said, "Now must thou be disgracedforever, brother, if thou give up the horse again. " But Rinaldoanswered, "Brother, be still. Shall I for the horse's life provokethe anger of the king again?" Then Alardo said, "Ah, Bayard! whata return do we make for all thy true love and service!" Rinaldogave the horse to the prince again, and said, "My lord, if thehorse comes out again I cannot return him to you any more, for itwrings my heart too much. " Then Chariot had Bayard loaded with thestones as before, and thrown into the water; and commanded Rinaldothat he should not stand where the horse would see him. WhenBayard rose to the surface he stretched his neck out of the waterand looked round for his master, but saw him not. Then he sunk tothe bottom. 

Rinaldo was so distressed for the loss of Bayard that he made avow to ride no horse again all his life long, nor to bind a swordto his side, but to become a hermit. He resolved to betake himselfto some wild wood, but first to return to his castle, to see hischildren, and to appoint to each his share of his estate. 

So he took leave of the king and of his brothers, and returned toMontalban, and his brothers remained with the king. Rinaldo calledhis children to him, and he made his eldest born, Aymeric, aknight, and made him lord of his castle and of his land. He gaveto the rest what other goods he had, and kissed and embraced themall, commended them to God, and then departed from them with aheavy heart. 

He had not travelled far when he entered a wood, and there metwith a hermit, who had long been retired from the world. Rinaldogreeted him, and the hermit replied courteously, and asked him whohe was and what was his purpose. Rinaldo replied, "Sir, I have leda sinful life; many deeds of violence have I done, and many menhave I slain, not always in a good cause, but often under theimpulse of my own headstrong passions. I have also been the causeof the death of many of my friends, who took my part, not becausethey thought me in the right, but only for love of me. And now Icome to make confession of all my sins, and to do penance for therest of my life, if perhaps the mercy of God will forgive me. " Thehermit said, "Friend, I perceive you have fallen into great sins, and have broken the commandments of God, but his mercy is greaterthan your sins; and if you repent from your heart, and lead a newlife, there is yet hope for you that he will forgive you what ispast. " So Rinaldo was comforted, and said, "Master, I will staywith you, and what you bid ane I will do. " The hermit replied, "Roots and vegetables will be your food; shirt or shoes you maynot wear; your lot must be poverty and want if you stay with me. "Rinaldo replied, "I will cheerfully bear all this, and more. " Sohe remained three whole years with the hermit, and after that hisstrength failed, and it seemed as if he was like to die. 

One night the hermit had a dream, and heard a voice from heaven, which commanded him to say to his companion that he must withoutdelay go to the Holy Land, and fight against the heathen. Thehermit, when he heard that voice, was glad, and calling Rinaldo, he said, "Friend, God's angel has commanded me to say to you thatyou must without delay go to Jerusalem, and help our fellow-Christians in their struggle with the Infidels. " Then saidRinaldo, "Ah! master, how can I do that? It is over three yearssince I made a vow no more to ride a horse, nor take a sword orspear in my hand. " The hermit answered, "Dear friend, obey God, and do what the angel commanded. " "I will do so, " said Rinaldo, "and pray for me, my master, that God may guide me right. " Then hedeparted, and went to the seaside, and took ship and came toTripoli in Syria. 

And as he went on his way his strength returned to him, till itwas equal to what it was in his best days. And though he nevermounted a horse, nor took a sword in his hand, yet with hispilgrim's staff he did good service in the armies of theChristians; and it pleased God that he escaped unhurt, though hewas present in many battles, and his courage inspired the men withthe same. At last a truce was made with the Saracens, and Rinaldo, now old and infirm, wishing to see his native land again before hedied, took ship and sailed for France. When he arrived he shunnedto go to the resorts of the great, and preferred to live among thehumble folk, where he was unknown. He did country work, and livedon milk and bread, drank water, and was therewith content. Whilehe so lived he heard that the city of Cologne was the holiest andbest of cities, on account of the relics and bodies of saints whohad there poured out their blood for the faith. This induced himto betake himself thither. When the pious hero arrived at Colognehe went to the monastery of St. Peter, and lived a holy life, occupied night and day in devotion. It so happened that at thattime in the next town to Cologne there raged a dreadfulpestilence. Many people came to Rinaldo, to beg him to pray forthem, that the plague might be stayed. The holy man prayedfervently, and besought the Lord to take away the plague from thepeople, and his prayer was heard. The stroke of the pestilence wasarrested, and all the people thanked the holy man and praised God. 

Now there was at this time at Cologne a bishop, called Agilolphus, who was a wise and understanding man, who led a pure and secludedlife, and set a good example to others. This bishop undertook tobuild the Church of St. Peter, and gave notice to all stonemasonsand other workmen round about to come to Cologne, where theyshould find work and wages. Among others came Rinaldo; and heworked among the laborers and did more than four or five commonworkmen. When they went to dinner he brought stone and mortar sothat they had enough for the whole day. When the others went tobed he stretched himself out on the stones. He ate bread only, anddrank nothing but water; and had for his wages but a penny a day. The head workman asked him his name, and where he belonged. Hewould not tell, but said nothing and pursued his work. They calledhim St. Peter's workman, because he was so devoted to his work. 

When the overseer saw the diligence of this holy man he chid thelaziness of the other workmen, and said, "You receive more paythan this good man, but do not do half as much work. " For thisreason the other workmen hated Rinaldo, and made a secretagreement to kill him. They knew that he made it a practice to goevery night to a certain church to pray and give alms. So theyagreed to lay wait for him, with the purpose to kill him. When hecame to the spot, they seized him, and beat him over the head tillhe was dead. Then they put his body into a sack, and stones withit, and cast it into the Rhine, in the hope the sack would sink tothe bottom, and be there concealed. But God willed not that itshould be so, but caused the sack to float on the surface, and bethrown upon the bank. And the soul of the holy martyr was carriedby angels, with songs of praise, up to the heavens. 

Now at that time the people of Dortmund had become converted tothe Christian faith; and they sent to the Bishop of Cologne, anddesired him to give them some of the holy relics that are in suchabundance in that city. So the Bishop called together his clergyto deliberate what answer they should give to this request. And itwas determined to give to the people of Dortmund the body of theholy man who had just suffered martyrdom. 

When now the body with the coffin was put on the cart, the cartbegan to move toward Dortmund without horses or help of men, andstopped not till it reached the place where the church of St. Rinaldo now stands. The Bishop and his clergy followed the holyman to do him honor, with singing of hymns, for a space of threemiles. And St. Rinaldo has ever since been the patron of thatplace, and many wonderful works has God done through him, as maybe seen in the legends. 

HUON OF BORDEAUX

WHEN Charlemagne grew old he felt the burden of government becomeheavier year by year, till at last he called together his highbarons and peers to propose to abdicate the empire and the throneof France in favor of his sons, Charlot and Lewis. 

The Emperor was unreasonably partial to his eldest son; he wouldhave been glad to have had the barons and peers demand Charlot fortheir only sovereign; but that prince was so infamous, for hisfalsehood and cruelty, that the council strenuously opposed theEmperor's proposal of abdicating, and implored him to continue tohold a sceptre which he wielded with so much glory. 

Amaury of Hauteville, cousin of Ganelon, and now head of thewicked branch of the house of Maganza, was the secret partisan ofCharlot, whom he resembled in his loose morals and baddispositions. Amaury nourished the most bitter resentment againstthe house of Guienne, of which the former Duke, Sevinus, had oftenrebuked his misdeeds. He took advantage of this occasion to do aninjury to the two young children whom the Duke Sevinus had leftunder the charge of the Duchess Alice, their mother; and at thesame time, to advance his interest with Charlot by increasing hiswealth and power. With this view he suggested to the prince a newidea. 

He pretended to agree with the opinion of the barons; he said thatit would be best to try Charlot's capacity for government bygiving him some rich provinces before placing him upon the throne;and that the Emperor, without depriving himself of any part of hisrealm, might give Charlot the investiture of Guienne. For althoughseven years had passed since the death of Sevinus, the young Duke, his son, had not yet repaired to the court of Charlemagne torender the homage due to his lawful sovereign. 

We have often had occasion to admire the justice and wisdom of theadvice which on all occasions the Duke Namo of Bavaria gave toCharlemagne, and he now discountenanced, with indignation, theselfish advice of Amaury. He represented to the Emperor the earlyage of the children of Sevinus, and the useful and gloriousservices of their late father, and proposed to Charlemagne to sendtwo knights to the Duchess at Bordeaux, to summon her two sons tothe court of the Emperor, to pay their respects and render homage. 

Charlemagne approved this advice, and sent two chevaliers todemand the two young princes of their mother. No sooner had theDuchess learned the approach of the two knights, than she sentdistinguished persons to receive them; and as soon as they enteredthe palace she presented herself before them, with her elder andyounger sons, Huon and Girard. 

The deputies, delighted with the honors and caresses theyreceived, accompanied with rich presents, left Bordeaux withregret and on their return represented to Charlemagne that theyoung Duke Huon seemed born to tread in the footsteps of his bravefather, informing him that in three months the young princes ofGuienne would present themselves at his court. 

The Duchess employed the short interval in giving her sons herlast instructions. Huon received them in his heart, and Girardgave as much heed to them as could be expected from one so young. 

The preparations for their departure having been made, the Duchessembraced them tenderly, commending them to the care of Heaven, andcharged them to call, on their way, at the celebrated monastery ofCluny, to visit the Abbot, the brother of their father. ThisAbbot, worthy of his high dignity, had never lost an opportunityof doing good, setting an example of every excellence, and makingvirtue attractive by his example. 

He received his nephews with the greatest magnificence; and, awarehow useful his presence might be to them with Charlemagne, whosevalued counsellor he was, he took with them the road to Paris. 

When Amaury learned what reception the two deputies of Charlemagnehad received at Bordeaux, and the arrangements made for the visitof the young princes to the Emperor's court, he suggested toCharlot to give him a troop of his guards, with which he proposedto lay wait for the young men in the wood of Montlery, put them todeath, and thereby give the prince Charlot possession of the duchyof Guienne. 

A plan of treachery and violence agreed but too well withCharlot's disposition. He not only adopted the suggestion ofAmaury, but insisted upon taking a part in it. They went outsecretly, by night, followed by a great number of attendants, allarmed in black, to lie in ambuscade in the wood where the brotherswere to pass. 

Girard, the younger of the two, having amused himself as he rodeby flying his hawk at such game as presented itself, had ridden inadvance of his brother and the Abbot of Cluny. Charlot, who sawhim coming, alone and unarmed, went forth to meet him, sought aquarrel with him, and threw him from his horse with a stroke ofhis lance. Girard uttered a cry as he fell; Huon heard it, andflew to his defence, with no other weapon than his sword. He cameup with him, and saw the blood flowing from his wound. "What hasthis child done to you, wretch!" he exclaimed to Charlot. "Howcowardly to attack him when unprepared to defend himself!" "By myfaith, " said Charlot, "I mean to do the same by you. Know that Iam the son of Duke Thierry of Ardennes, from whom your father, Sevinus, took three castles; I have sworn to avenge him, and Idefy you. " "Coward, " answered Huon, "I know well the baseness thatdwells in your race; worthy son of Thierry, use the advantage thatyour armor gives you; but know that I fear you not. " At thesewords Charlot had the wickedness to put his lance in rest, and torun upon Huon, who had barely time to wrap his arm in his mantle. With this feeble buckler he received the thrust of the lance. Itpenetrated the mantle, but missed his body. Then, rising upon hisstirrups, Sir Huon struck Charlot so terrible a blow with hissword that the helmet was cleft asunder, and his head too. Thedastardly prince fell dead upon the ground. 

Huon now perceived that the wood was full of armed men. He calledthe men of his suite, and they hastily put themselves in order, but nobody issued from the wood to attack him. Amaury, who sawCharlot's fall, had no desire to compromit himself; and, feelingsure that Charlemagne would avenge the death of his son, he saw nooccasion for his doing anything more at present. He left Huon andthe Abbot of Cluny to bind up the wound of Girard, and, havingseen them depart and resume their way to Paris, he took up thebody of Charlot, and, placing it across a horse, had it carried toParis, where he arrived four hours after Huon. 

The Abbot of Cluny presented his nephew to Charlemagne, but Huonrefrained from paying his obeisance, complaining grievously of theambush which had been set for him, which he said could not havebeen without the Emperor's permission. Charlemagne, surprised at acharge which his magnanimous soul was incapable of meriting, askedeagerly of the Abbot what were the grounds of the complaints ofhis nephew. The Abbot told him faithfully all that had happened, informing him that a coward knight, who called himself the son ofThierry of Ardennes, had wounded Girard, and run upon Huon, whowas unarmed; but by his force and valor he had overcome thetraitor, and left him dead upon the plain. 

Charlemagne indignantly disavowed any connection with the actionof the infamous Thierry, congratulated the young Duke upon hisvictory, himself conducted the two brothers to a rich apartment, stayed to see the first dressing applied to the wound of Girard, and left the brothers in charge of Duke Namo of Bavaria, who, having been a companion in arms of the Duke Sevinus, regarded theyoung men almost as if they were his own sons. 

Charlemagne had hardly quitted them when, returning to hischamber, he heard cries, and saw through the window a party ofarmed men just arrived. He recognized Amaury, who bore a deadknight stretched across a horse; and the name of Charlot was heardamong the exclamations of the people assembled in the court-yard. 

Charles's partiality for this unworthy son was one of hisweaknesses. He descended in trepidation to the court-yard, ran toAmaury, and uttered a cry of grief on recognizing Charlot. "It isHuon of Bordeaux, " said the traitor Amaury, "who has massacredyour son before it was in my power to defend him. " Charlemagne, furious at these words, seized a sword, and flew to the apartmentof the two brothers to plunge it into the heart of the murderer ofhis son. Duke Namo stopped his hand for an instant, while Charlestold him the crime of which Huon was accused. "He is a peer of therealm, " said Namo, "and if he is guilty, is he not here in yourpower, and are not we peers the proper judges to condemn him todeath? Let not your hand be stained with his blood. " The Emperor, calmed by the wisdom of Duke Namo, summoned Amaury to hispresence. The peers assembled to hear his testimony, and thetraitor accused Huon of Bordeaux of having struck the fatal blowwithout allowing Charlot an opportunity to defend himself, andthough he knew that his opponent was the Emperor's eldest son. 

The Abbot of Cluny, indignant at the false accusation of Amaury, advanced, and said, "By Saint Benedict, sire, the traitor lies inhis throat. If my nephew has slain Charlot it was in his owndefence, and after having seen his brother wounded by him, andalso in ignorance that his adversary was the prince. Though I am ason of the Church, " added the good Abbot, "I forget not that I ama knight by birth. I offer to prove with my body the lie uponAmaury, if he dares sustain it, and I shall feel that I am doing abetter work to punish a disloyal traitor, than to sing lauds andmatins. "

Huon to this time had kept silent, amazed at the black calumny ofAmaury; but now he stepped forth, and, addressing Amaury, said:"Traitor! darest thou maintain in arms the lie thou hast uttered?"Amaury, a knight of great prowess, despising the youth and slightfigure of Huon, hesitated not to offer his glove, which Huonseized; then, turning again to the peers, he said: "I pray you letthe combat be allowed me, for never was there a more legitimatecause. " The Duke Namo and the rest, deciding that the questionshould be remitted to the judgment of Heaven, the combat wasordained, to which Charlemagne unwillingly consented. The youngDuke was restored to the charge of Duke Namo, who the next morninginvested him with the honors of knighthood, and gave him armor ofproof, with a white shield. The Abbot of Cluny, delighted to findin his nephew sentiments worthy of his birth, embraced him, gavehim his blessing, and hastened to the church of St. Germains topray for him, while the officers of the king prepared the listsfor the combat. 

The battle was long and obstinate. The address and agility of Huonenabled him to avoid the terrible blows which the ferocious Amauryaimed at him. But Huon had more than once drawn blood from hisantagonist. The effect began to be perceived in the failingstrength of the traitor; at last he threw himself from his horse, and kneeling, begged for mercy. "Spare me, " he said, "and I willconfess all. Aid me to rise, and lead me to Charlemagne. " Thebrave and loyal Huon, at these words, put his sword under his leftarm, and stretched out his right to raise the prostrate man, whoseized the opportunity to give him a thrust in the side. Thehauberk of Huon resisted the blow, and he was wounded butslightly. Transported with rage at this act of baseness, he forgothow necessary for his complete acquittal the confession of Amaurywas, and without delay dealt him the fatal blow. 

Duke Namo and the other peers approached, had the body of Amaurydragged forth from the lists, and conducted Huon to Charlemagne. The Emperor, however, listening to nothing but his resentment andgrief for the death of his son, refused to be satisfied; and underthe plea that Huon had not succeeded in making his accuser retracthis charge seemed resolved to confiscate his estates and to banishhim forever from France. It was not till after long entreaties onthe part of Duke Namo and the rest that he consented to grant Huonhis pardon, under conditions which he should impose. 

Huon approached, and knelt before the Emperor, rendered hishomage, and cried him mercy for the involuntary killing of hisson. Charlemagne would not receive the hands of Huon in his own, but touched him with his sceptre, saying, "I receive thy homage, and pardon thee the death of my son, but only on one condition. You shall go immediately to the court of the Sultan Gaudisso; youshall present yourself before him as he sits at meat; you shallcut off the head of the most illustrious guest whom you shall findsitting nearest to him; you shall kiss three times on the mouththe fair princess, his daughter, and you shall demand of theSultan, as token of tribute to me, a handful of the white hair ofhis beard, and four grinders from his mouth. "

These conditions caused a murmur from all the assembly. "What!"said the Abbot of Cluny; "slaughter a Saracen prince without firstoffering him baptism?" "The second condition is not so hard, " saidthe young peers, "but the demand that Huon is bound to make of theold Sultan is very uncivil, and will be hard to obtain. "

The Emperor's obstinacy when he had once resolved upon a thing iswell known. To the courage of Huon nothing seemed impossible. "Iaccept the conditions, " said he, silencing the intercessions ofthe old Duke of Bavaria; "my liege, I accept my pardon at thisprice. I go to execute your commands, as your vassal and a peer ofFrance. "

The Duke Namo and Abbot of Cluny, being unable to obtain anyrelaxation of the sentence passed by Charlemagne, led forth theyoung Duke, who determined to set out at once on his expedition. All that the good Abbot could obtain of him was, that he shouldprepare for this perilous undertaking by going first to Rome, topay his homage to the Pope, who was the brother of the DuchessAlice, Huon's mother, and from him demand absolution and hisblessing. Huon promised it, and forthwith set out on his way toRome. 

HUON OF BORDEAUX (Continued)

HUON, having traversed the Apennines and Italy, arrived at theenvirons of Rome, where, laying aside his armor, he assumed thedress of a pilgrim. In this attire he presented himself before thePope, and not till after he had made a full confession of his sinsdid he announce himself as his nephew. "Ah! my dear nephew, "exclaimed the Holy Father, "what harder penance could I imposethan the Emperor has already done? Go in peace, my son, " he added, absolving him, "I go to intercede for you with the Most High. "Then he led his nephew into his palace, and introduced him to allthe Cardinals and Princes of Rome as the Duke of Guienne, son ofthe Duchess Alice, his sister. 

Huon, at setting out, had made a vow not to stop more than threedays in a place. The Holy Father took advantage of this time toinspire him with zeal for the glory of Christianity, and withconfidence in the protection of the Most High. He advised him toembark for Palestine, to visit the Holy Sepulchre, and to departthence for the interior of Asia. 

Loaded with the blessings of the Holy Father, Huon, obeying hiscounsels, embarked for Palestine, arrived, and visited with thegreatest reverence the holy places. He then departed, and took hisway toward the east. 

But, ignorant of the country and of the language, he lost himselfin a forest, and remained three days without seeing a humancreature, living on honey and wild fruits which he found on thetrees. The third day, seeking a passage through a rocky defile, hebeheld a man in tattered clothing, whose beard and hair coveredhis breast and shoulders. This man stopped on seeing him, observedhim, and recognized the arms and bearing of a French knight. Heimmediately approached, and exclaimed, in the language of theSouth of France, "God be praised! Do I indeed behold a chevalierof my own country, after fifteen years passed in this desertwithout seeing the face of a fellow-countryman?"

Huon, to gratify him still more, unlaced his helmet, and cametowards him with a smiling countenance. The other regarded himwith more surprise than at first. "Good Heaven!" he exclaimed, "was there ever such a resemblance? Ah, noble sir, " he added, "tell me, I beseech you, of what country and race you come?" "Irequire, " replied Huon, "before telling you mine, that you firstreveal your own; let it suffice you at present to know that I am aChristian, and that in Guienne I was born. " "Ah! Heaven grant thatmy eyes and my heart do not deceive me, " exclaimed the unknown;"my name is Sherasmin; I am brother to Guire, the Mayor ofBordeaux. I was taken prisoner in the battle where my dear andillustrious master, Sevinus, lost his life. For three years Iendured the miseries of slavery; at length I broke my chains andescaped to this desert, where I have sustained myself in solitudeever since. Your features recall to me my beloved sovereign, inwhose service I was from my infancy till his death. " Huon made noreply but by embracing the old man, with tears in his eyes. ThenSherasmin learned that his arms enfolded the son of the DukeSevinus. He led him to his cabin, and spread before him the dryfruits and honey which formed his only aliment. 

Huon recounted his adventures to Sherasmin, who was moved to tearsat the recital. He then consulted him on means of conducting hisenterprise. Sherasmin hesitated not to confess that success seemedimpossible; nevertheless he swore a solemn oath never to abandonhim. The Saracen language, which he was master of, would beserviceable to them when they should leave the desert, and minglewith men. 

They took the route of the Red Sea, and entered Arabia. Their waylay through a region which Sherasmin described as full of terrors. It was inhabited by Oberon, King of the Fairies, who made captivesuch knights as were rash enough to penetrate into it, andtransformed them into Hobgoblins. It was possible to avoid thisdistrict at the expense of somewhat lengthening their route; butno dangers could deter Huon of Bordeaux; and the brave Sherasmin, who had now resumed the armor of a knight, reluctantly consentedto share with him the dangers of the shorter route. 

They entered a wood, and arrived at a spot whence alleys branchedoff in various directions. One of them seemed to be terminated bya superb palace, whose gilded roofs were adorned with brilliantweathercocks covered with diamonds. A superb chariot issued fromthe gate of the palace, and drove toward Huon and his companion, as if to meet them half-way. The prince saw no one in the chariotbut a child apparently about five years old, very beautiful, andclad in a robe which glittered with precious stones. At the sightof him, Sherasmin's terror was extreme. He seized the reins ofHuon's horse, and turned him about, hurrying the prince away, andassuring him that they were lost if they stopped to parley withthe mischievous dwarf, who, though he appeared a child, was fullof years and of treachery. Huon was sorry to lose sight of thebeautiful dwarf, whose aspect had nothing in it to alarm; yet hefollowed his friend, who urged on his horse with all possiblespeed. Presently a storm began to roar through the forest, thedaylight grew dim, and they found their way with difficulty. Fromtime to time they seemed to hear an infantine voice, which said, "Stop, Duke Huon; listen to me: it is in vain you fly me!"

Sherasmin only fled the faster, and stopped not until he hadreached the gate of a monastery of monks and nuns, the twocommunities of which were assembled at that time in a religiousprocession. Sherasmin, feeling safe from the malice of the dwarfin the presence of so many holy persons and the sacred banners, stopped to ask an asylum, and made Huon dismount also. But at thatmoment they were joined by the dwarf, who blew a blast upon anivory horn which hung from his neck. Immediately the goodSherasmin, in spite of himself, began to dance like a youngcollegian, and seizing the hand of an aged nun, who felt as if itwould be her death, they footed it briskly over the grass, andwere imitated by all the other monks and nuns, mingled together, forming the strangest dancing-party ever beheld. Huron alone feltno disposition to dance; but he came near dying of laughter atseeing the ridiculous postures and leaps of the others. 

The dwarf, approaching Huon, said, in a sweet voice, and in Huon'sown language, "Duke of Guienne, why do you shun me? I conjure you, in Heaven's name, speak to me. " Huon, hearing himself addressed inthis serious manner, and knowing that no evil spirit would dare touse the holy name in aid of his schemes, replied, "Sir, whoeveryou are, I am ready to hear and answer you. " "Huon, my friend, "continued the dwarf, "I always loved your race, and you have beendear to me ever since your birth. The gracious state of consciencein which you were when you entered my wood has protected you fromall enchantments, even if I had intended to practise any upon you. If these monks, these nuns, and even your friend Sherasmin, hadhad a conscience as pure as yours, my horn would not have set themdancing; but where is the monk or the nun who can always be deafto the voice of the tempter, and Sherasmin in the desert has oftendoubted the power of Providence. "

At these words Huon saw the dancers overcome with exertion. Hebegged mercy for them, the dwarf granted it, and the effect of thehorn ceased at once; the nuns got rid of their partners, smoothedtheir dresses, and hastened to resume their places in theprocession. Sherasmin, overcome with heat, panting, and unable tostand on his legs, threw himself upon the grass, and began, "Didnot I tell you"--He was going on in an angry tone, but the dwarf, approaching, said, "Sherasmin, why have you murmured againstProvidence? Why have you thought evil of me? You deserved thislight punishment; but I know you to be good and loyal; I mean toshow myself your friend, as you shall soon see. " At these words hepresented him a rich goblet. "Make the sign of the cross on thiscup, " said he, "and then believe that I hold my power from the Godyou adore, whose faithful servant I am, as well as you. " Sherasminobeyed, and on the instant the cup was filled with delicious wine, a draught of which restored vigor to his limbs, and made him feelyoung again. Overcome with gratitude, he threw himself on hisknees, but the dwarf raised him, and bade him sit beside him, andthus commenced his history:

"Julius Caesar, going by sea to join his army, was driven by astorm to take shelter in the island of Celea, where dwelt thefairy Glorianda. From this renowned pair I draw my birth. I am theinheritor of that which was most admirable in each of my parents:my father's heroic qualities, and my mother's beauty and magicart. But a malicious sister of my mother's, in revenge for someslight offence, touched me with her wand when I was only fiveyears old, and forbade me to grow any bigger; and my mother, withall her power, was unable to annul the sentence. I have thuscontinued infantile in appearance, though full of years andexperience. The power which I derive from my mother I usesometimes for my own diversion, but always to promote justice andto reward virtue. I am able and willing to assist you, Duke ofGuienne, for I know the errand on which you come hither. I presagefor you, if you follow my counsels, complete success; and thebeautiful Clarimunda for a wife. "

When he had thus spoken he presented to Huon the precious anduseful cup, which had the faculty of filling itself when a goodman took it in his hand. He gave him also his beautiful horn ofivory, saying to him, "Huon, when you sound this gently, you willmake the hearers dance, as you have seen; but if you sound itforcibly, fear not that I shall hear it, though at a hundredleagues' distance, and will fly to your relief; but be careful notto sound it in that way, unless upon the most urgent occasion. "

Oberon directed Huon what course he should take to reach thecountry of the Sultan Gaudisso. "You will encounter great perils, "said he, "before arriving there, and I fear me, " he added, withtears in his eyes, "that you will not in everything obey mydirections, and in that case you will suffer much calamity. " Thenhe embraced Huon and Sherasmin, and left them. 

Huon and his follower travelled many days through the desertbefore they reached any inhabited place, and all this while thewonderful cup sustained them, furnishing them not only wine, butfood also. At last they came to a great city. As day wasdeclining, they entered its suburbs, and Sherasmin, who spoke theSaracen language perfectly, inquired for an inn where they couldpass the night. A person who appeared to be one of the principalinhabitants, seeing two strangers of respectable appearance makingthis inquiry, stepped forward and begged them to accept theshelter of his mansion. They entered, and their host did thehonors of his abode with a politeness which they were astonishedto see in a Saracen. He had them served with coffee and sherbet, and all was conducted with great decorum, till one of the servantsawkwardly overturned a cup of hot coffee on the host's legs, whenhe started up, exclaiming in very good Gascon, "Blood and thunder!you blockhead, you deserve to be thrown over the mosque!"

Huon could not help laughing to see the vivacity and the languageof his country thus break out unawares. The host, who had no ideathat his guests understood his words, was astonished when Huonaddressed him in the dialect of his country. Immediatelyconfidence was established between them; especially when thedomestics had retired. The host, seeing that he was discovered, and that the two pretended Saracens were from the borders of theGaronne, embraced them, and disclosed that he was a Christian. Huon, who had learned prudence from the advice of Oberon, to testhis host's sincerity, drew from his robe the cup which the Fairy-king had given him, and presented it empty to the host. "A faircup, " said he, "but I should like it better if it was full. "Immediately it was so. The host, astonished, dared not put it tohis lips. "Drink boldly, my dear fellow-countryman, " said Huon;"your truth is proved by this cup, which only fills itself in thehands of an honest man. " The host did not hesitate longer; the cuppassed freely from hand to hand; their mutual cordiality increasedas it passed, and each recounted his adventures. Those of Huonredoubled his host's respect; for he recognized in him hislegitimate sovereign: while the host's narrative was in thesewords:

"My name is Floriac; this great and strong city, you will hearwith surprise and grief, is governed by a brother of Duke Sevinus, and your uncle. You have no doubt heard that a young brother ofthe Duke of Guienne was stolen away from the sea-shore, with hiscompanions, by some corsairs. I was then his page, and we werecarried by those corsairs to Barbary, where we were sold forslaves. The Barbary prince sent us as part of the tribute which heyearly paid to his sovereign, the Sultan Gaudisso. Your uncle, whohad been somewhat puffed up by the flattery of his attendants, thought to increase his importance with his new master by tellinghim his rank. The Sultan, who, like a true Mussulman, detested allChristian princes, exerted himself from that moment to bring himover to the Saracen faith. He succeeded but too well. Your uncle, seduced by the arts of the Santons, and by the pleasures andindulgences which the Sultan allowed him, committed the horridcrime of apostasy; he renounced his baptism, and embracedMahometanism. Gaudisso then loaded him with honors, made himespouse one of his nieces, and sent him to reign over this cityand adjoining country. Your uncle preserved for me the samefriendship which he had had when a boy; but all his caresses andefforts could not make me renounce my faith. Perhaps he respectedme in his heart for my resistance to his persuasions, perhaps hehad hopes of inducing me in time to imitate him. He made meaccompany him to this city, of which he was master, he gave me hisconfidence, and permits me to keep in my service some Christians, whom I protect for the sake of their faith. "

"Ah!" exclaimed Huon, "take me to this guilty uncle. A prince ofthe house of Guienne, must he not blush at the cowardlyabandonment of the faith of his fathers?"

"Alas!" replied Floriac, "I fear he will neither be sensible ofshame at your reproaches, nor of pleasure at the sight of a nephewso worthy of his lineage. Brutified by sensuality, jealous of hispower, which he often exercises with cruelty, he will moreprobably restrain you by force or put you to death. "

"Be it so, " said the brave and fervent Huon, "I could not die in abetter cause; and I demand of you to conduct me to him to-morrow, after having told him of my arrival and my birth. " Floriac stillobjected, but Huon would take no denial, and he promisedobedience. 

Next morning Floriac waited upon the Governor and told him of thearrival of his nephew, Huon of Bordeaux; and of the intention ofthe prince to present himself at his court that very day. TheGovernor, surprised, did not immediately answer; though he at oncemade up his mind what to do. He knew that Floriac loved Christiansand the princes of his native land too well to aid in any treasonto one of them; he therefore feigned great pleasure at hearing ofthe arrival of the eldest born of his family at his court. Heimmediately sent Floriac to find him; he caused his palace to beput in festal array, his divan to be assembled, and after givingsome secret orders, went himself to meet his nephew, whom heintroduced under his proper name and title to all the greatofficers of his court. 

Huon burned with indignation at seeing his uncle with foreheadencircled with a rich turban, surmounted with a crescent ofprecious stones. His natural candor made him receive with pain theembraces which the treacherous Governor lavished upon him. Meanwhile the hope of finding a suitable moment to reproach himfor his apostasy made him submit to those honors which his unclecaused to be rendered to him. The Governor evaded with address thechance of being alone with Huon and spent all the morning intaking him through his gardens and palace. At last, when the hourof dinner approached, and the Governor took him by the hand tolead him into the dining-hall, Huon seized the opportunity andsaid to him in a low voice, "O my uncle! O Prince, brother of theDuke Sevinus! in what condition have I the grief and shame ofseeing you!" The Governor pretended to be moved, pressed his hand, and whispered in his ear, "Silence! my dear nephew; to-morrowmorning I will hear you fully. "

Huon, comforted a little by these words, took his seat at thetable by the side of the Governor. The Mufti, some Cadis, Agas, and Santons, filled the other places. Sherasmin sat down withthem; but Floriac, who would not lose sight of his guests, remained standing, and passed in and out to observe what was goingon within the palace. He soon perceived a number of armed mengliding through the passages and antechambers connected with thedining-hall. He was about to enter to give his guests notice ofwhat he had seen when he heard a violent noise and commotion inthe hall. The cause was this. 

Huon and Sherasmin were well enough suited with the first courseand ate with good appetite; but the people of their country notbeing accustomed to drink only water at their meals, Huon andSherasmin looked at one another, not very well pleased at such aregimen. Huon laughed outright at the impatience of Sherasmin, butsoon, experiencing the same want himself, he drew forth Oberon'scup and made the sign of the cross. The cup filled and he drank itoff, and handed it to Sherasmin, who followed his example. TheGovernor and his officers, seeing this abhorred sign, contractedtheir brows and sat in silent consternation. Huon pretended not toobserve it, and having filled the cup again handed it to hisuncle, saying, "Pray, join us, dear uncle; it is excellentBordeaux wine, the drink that will be to you like mother's milk. "The Governor, who often drank in secret with his own favoriteSultanas the wines of Greece and Shiraz, never in public drankanything but water. He had not for a long time tasted theexcellent wines of his native land; he was sorely tempted to drinkwhat was now handed to him, it looked so bright in the cup, outshining the gold itself. He stretched forth his hand, took thebrimming goblet, and raised it to his lips, when immediately itdried up and disappeared. Huon and Sherasmin, like Gascons as theywere, laughed at his astonishment. "Christian dogs!" he exclaimed, "do you dare to insult me at my own table? But I will soon berevenged. " At these words he threw the cup at the head of hisnephew, who caught it with his left hand, while with the other hesnatched the turban, with its crescent, from the Governor's headand threw it on the floor. All the Saracens started up from table, with loud outcries, and prepared to avenge the insult. Huon andSherasmin put themselves on their defence, and met with theirswords the scimitars directed against them. At this moment thedoors of the hall opened and a crowd of soldiers and armed eunuchsrushed in, who joined in the attack upon Huon and Sherasmin. ThePrince and his followers took refuge on a broad shelf or side-board, where they kept at bay the crowd of assailants, making themost forward of them smart for their audacity. But more troopscame pressing in and the brave Huon, inspired by the wine ofBordeaux, and not angry enough to lose his relish for a joke, blewa gentle note on his horn, and no sooner was it heard than itquelled the rage of the combatants and set them to dancing. Huonand Sherasmin, no longer attacked, looked down from their elevatedposition on a scene the most singular and amusing. Very soon theSultanas, hearing the sound of the dance and finding their guardswithdrawn, came into the hall and mixed with the dancers. Thefavorite Sultana seized upon a young Santon, who performed jumpstwo feet high; but soon the long dresses of this couple gotintermingled and threw them down. The Santon's beard was caught inthe Sultana's necklace, and they could not disentangle them. TheGovernor by no means approved this familiarity, and took two stepsforward to get at the Santon, but he stumbled over a prostrateDervise and measured his length on the floor. The dancingcontinued till the strength of the performers was exhausted, andthey fell, one after the other, and lay helpless. The Governor atlength made signs to Huon that he would yield everything if hewould but allow him to rest. The bargain was ratified; theGovernor allowed Huon and Sherasmin to depart on their way, andeven gave them a ring which would procure them safe passagethrough his country and access to the Sultan Gaudisso. The twofriends hastened to avail themselves of this favorable turn, andtaking leave of Floriac, pursued their journey. 

HUON OF BORDEAUX (Continued)

HUON had seen many beauties at his mother's court, but his hearthad never been touched with love. Honor had been his mistress, andin pursuit of that he had never found time to give a thought tosofter cares. Strange that a heart so insensible should first betouched by something so unsubstantial as a dream; but so it was. 

The day after the adventure with his uncle night overtook thetravellers as they passed through a forest. A grotto offered themshelter from the night dews. The magic cup supplied their eveningmeal; for such was its virtue that it afforded not only wine, butmore solid fare when desired. Fatigue soon threw them intoprofound repose. Lulled by the murmur of the foliage, andbreathing the fragrance of the flowers, Huon dreamed that a ladymore beautiful than he had ever before seen hung over him andimprinted a kiss upon his lips. As he stretched out his arms toembrace her a sudden gust of wind swept her away. 

Huon awoke in an agony of regret. A few moments sufficed to affordsome consolation in showing him that what had passed was but adream; but his perplexity and sadness could not escape the noticeof Sherasmin. Huon hesitated not to inform his faithful followerof the reason of his pensiveness; and got nothing in return buthis rallyings for allowing himself to be disturbed by such acause. He recommended a draught from the fairy goblet, and Huontried it with good effect. 

At early dawn they resumed their way. They travelled till highnoon, but said little to one another. Huon was musing on hisdream, and Sherasmin's thoughts flew back to his early days on thebanks of the flowery Garonne. 

On a sudden they were startled by the cry of distress, and turningan angle of the wood, came where a knight hard pressed wasfighting with a furious lion. The knight's horse lay dead, and itseemed as if another moment would end the combat, for terror andfatigue had quite disabled the knight for further resistance. Hefell, and the lion's paw was raised over him, when a blow fromHuon's sword turned the monster's rage upon a new enemy. His roarshook the forest, and he crouched in act to spring, when, with therapidity of lightning, Huon plunged his sword into his side. Herolled over on the plain in the agonies of death. 

They raised the knight from the ground, and Sherasmin hastened tooffer him a draught from the fairy cup. The wine sparkled to thebrim, and the warrior put forth his lips to quaff it, but itshrunk away, and did not even wet his lips. He dashed the gobletangrily on the ground, with an exclamation of resentment. Thisincident did not tend to make either party more acceptable to theother; and what followed was worse. For when Huon said, "Sirknight, thank God for your deliverance, "--"Thank Mahomet, rather, yourself, " said he, "for he has led you this day to render serviceto no less a personage than the Prince of Hyrcania. "

At the sound of this blasphemy Huon drew his sword and turned uponthe miscreant, who, little disposed to encounter the prowess ofwhich he had so lately seen proof, betook himself to flight. Heran to Huon's horse, and lightly vaulting on his back, clappedspurs to his side, and galloped out of sight. 

The adventure was vexatious, yet there was no remedy. The princeand Sherasmin continued their journey with the aid of theremaining horse as they best might. At length, as evening set in, they descried the pinnacles and towers of a great city full beforethem, which they knew to be the famous city of Bagdad. 

They were well-nigh exhausted with fatigue when they arrived atits precincts, and in the darkness, not knowing what course totake, were glad to meet an aged woman, who, in reply to theirinquiries, offered them such accommodations as her cottage couldsupply. They thankfully accepted the offer, and entered the lowdoor. The good dame busily prepared the best fare her storessupplied, --milk, figs, and peaches, --deeply regretting that thebleak winds had nipped her almond-trees. 

Sir Huon thought he had never in his life tasted any fare so good. The old lady talked while her guests ate. She doubted not, shesaid, they had come to be present at the great feast in honor ofthe marriage of the Sultan's daughter, which was to take place onthe morrow. They asked who the bridegroom was to be, and the oldlady answered, "The Prince of Hyrcania, " but added, "Our princesshates him, and would rather wed a dragon than him. " "How know youthat?" asked Huon; and the dame informed him that she had it fromthe princess herself, who was her foster-child. Huon inquired thereason of the princess's aversion; and the woman pleased to findher chat excite so much interest, replied that it was all inconsequence of a dream. "A dream!" exclaimed Huon. "Yes! a dream. She dreamed that she was a hind, and that the Prince, as a hunter, was pursuing her, and had almost overtaken her, when a beautifuldwarf appeared in view, drawn in a golden car, having by his sidea young man of yellow hair and fair complexion, like one from aforeign land. She dreamed that the car stopped where she stood, and that, having resumed her own form, she was about to ascend it, when suddenly it faded from her view, and with it the dwarf andthe fair-haired youth. But from her heart that vision did notfade, and from that time her affianced bridegroom, the Hyrcanianprince, had become odious to her sight. Yet the Sultan, herfather, by no means regarding such a cause as sufficient toprevent the marriage, had named the morrow as the time when itshould be solemnized, in presence of his court and many princes ofthe neighboring countries, whom the fame of the princess's beautyand the bridegroom's splendor had brought to the scene. "

We may suppose this conversation woke a tumult of thoughts in thebreast of Huon. Was it not clear that Providence led him on, andcleared the way for his happy success? Sleep did not early visitthe eyes of Huon that night; but, with the sanguine temper ofyouth, he indulged his fancy in imagining the sequel of hisstrange experience. 

The next day, which he could not but regard as the decisive day ofhis fate, he prepared to deliver the message of Charlemagne. Cladin his armor, fortified with his ivory horn and his ring, hereached the palace of Gaudisso when the guests were assembled atthe banquet. As he approached the gate a voice called on all truebelievers to enter; and Huon, the brave and faithful Huon, in hisimpatience passed in under that false pretention. He had no soonerpassed the barrier than he felt ashamed of his baseness, and wasoverwhelmed with regret. To make amends for his fault he ranforward to the second gate, and cried to the porter, "Dog of amisbeliever, I command you in the name of Him who died on thecross, open to me!" The points of a hundred weapons immediatelyopposed his passage. Huon then remembered for the first time thering he had received from his uncle, the Governor. He produced it, and demanded to be led to the Sultan's presence. The officer ofthe guard recognized the ring, made a respectful obeisance, andallowed him free entrance. In the same way he passed the otherdoors to the rich saloon where the great Sultan was at dinner withhis tributary princes. At sight of the ring the chief attendantled Huon to the head of the hall, and introduced him to the Sultanand his princes as the ambassador of Charlemagne. A seat wasprovided for him near the royal party. 

The Prince of Hyrcania, the same whom Huon had rescued from thelion, and who was the destined bridegroom of the beautifulClarimunda, sat on the Sultan's right hand, and the princessherself on his left. It chanced that Huon found himself near theseat of the princess, and hardly were the ceremonies of receptionover before he made haste to fulfill the commands of Charlemagneby imprinting a kiss upon her rosy lips, and after that a second, not by command, but by good will. The Prince of Hyrcania criedout, "Audacious infidel! take the reward of thy insolence!" andaimed a blow at Huon, which, if it had reached him, would havebrought his embassy to a speedy termination. But the ingratefailed of his aim, and Huon punished his blasphemy and ingratitudeat once by a blow which severed his head from his body. 

So suddenly had all this happened that no hand had been raised toarrest it; but now Gaudisso cried out, "Seize the murderer!" Huonwas hemmed in on all sides, but his redoubtable sword kept thecrowd of courtiers at bay. But he saw new combatants enter, andcould not hope to maintain his ground against so many. Herecollected his horn, and raising it to his lips, blew a blastalmost as loud as that of Roland at Roncesvalles. It was in vain. Oberon heard it; but the sin of which Huon had been guilty inbearing, though but for a moment, the character of a believer inthe false prophet, had put it out of Oberon's power to help him. Huon, finding himself deserted, and conscious of the cause, losthis strength and energy, was seized, loaded with chains, andplunged into a dungeon. 

His life was spared for the time, merely that he might be reservedfor a more painful death. The Sultan meant that, after being madeto feel all the torments of hunger and despair, he should beflayed alive. 

But an enchanter more ancient and more powerful than Oberonhimself interested himself for the brave Huon. The enchanter wasLove. The Princess Clarimunda learned with horror the fate towhich the young prince was destined. By the aid of her governanteshe gained over the keeper of the prison, and went herself tolighten the chains of her beloved. It was her hand that removedhis fetters, from her he received supplies of food to sustain alife which he devoted from thenceforth wholly to her. After themost tender explanations the princess departed, promising torepeat her visit on the morrow. 

The next day she came according to promise, and again broughtsupplies of food. These visits were continued during a wholemonth. Huon was too good a son of the Church to forget that theamiable princess was a Saracen, and he availed himself of theseinterviews to instruct her in the true faith. How easy it is tobelieve the truth when uttered by the lips of those we love!Clarimunda ere long professed her entire belief in the Christiandoctrines, and desired to be baptized. 

Meanwhile the Sultan had repeatedly inquired of the jailer how hisprisoner bore the pains of famine, and learned to his surprisethat he was not yet much reduced thereby. On his repeating theinquiry, after a short interval, the keeper replied that theprisoner had died suddenly, and had been buried in the cavern. TheSultan could only regret that he had not sooner ordered theexecution of the sentence. 

While these things were going on the faithful Sherasmin, who hadnot accompanied Huon in his last adventure, but had learned bycommon rumor the result of it, came to the court in hopes of doingsomething for the rescue of his master. He presented himself tothe Sultan as Solario, his nephew. Guadisso received him withkindness, and all the courtiers loaded him with attentions. Hesoon found means to inform himself how the Princess regarded thebrave but unfortunate Huon, and having made himself known to her, confidence was soon established between them. Clarimunda readilyconsented to assist in the escape of Huon, and to quit with himher father's court to repair to that of Charlemagne. Their unitedefforts had nearly perfected their arrangement, a vessel wassecretly prepared, and all things in forwardness for the flight, when an unlooked-for obstacle presented itself. Huon himselfpositively refused to go leaving the orders of Charlemagneunexecuted. 

Sherasmin was in despair. Bitterly he complained of the ficklenessand cruelty of Oberon in withdrawing his aid at the very crisiswhen it was most necessary. Earnestly he urged every argument tosatisfy the prince that he had done enough for honor, and couldnot be held bound to achieve impossibilities. But all was of noavail, and he knew not which way to turn, when one of those eventsoccurred which are so frequent under Turkish despotisms. A courierarrived at the court of the Sultan, bearing the ring of hissovereign, the mighty Agrapard, Caliph of Arabia, and bringing thebow-string for the neck of Gaudisso. No reason was assigned; nonebut the pleasure of the Caliph is ever required in such cases; butit was suspected that the bearer of the bow-string had persuadedthe Caliph that Gaudisso, whose rapacity was well known, hadaccumulated immense treasures, which he had not duly shared withhis sovereign, and thus had obtained an order to supersede him inhis Emirship. 

The body of Gaudisso would have been cast out a prey to dogs andvultures, had not Sherasmin, under the character of nephew of thedeceased, been permitted to receive it, and give it decent burial, which he did, but not till he had taken possession of the beardand grinders, agreeably to the orders of Charlemagne. 

No obstacle now stood in the way of the lovers and their faithfulfollower in returning to France. They sailed, taking Rome in theirway, where the Holy Father himself blessed the union of hisnephew, Duke Huon of Bordeaux, with the Princess Clarimunda. 

Soon afterward they arrived in France, where Huon laid histrophies at the feet of Charlemagne, and, being restored to thefavor of the Emperor, hastened to present himself and his bride tothe Duchess, his mother, and to the faithful liegemen of hisprovince of Guienne and his city of Bordeaux, where the pair werereceived with transports of joy. 

OGIER, THE DANE

OGIER, the Dane, was the son of Geoffrey, who wrested Denmark fromthe Pagans, and reigned the first Christian king of that country. When Ogier was born, and before he was baptized, six ladies ofravishing beauty appeared all at once in the chamber of theinfant. They encircled him, and she who appeared the eldest tookhim in her arms, kissed him, and laid her hand upon his heart. "Igive you, " said she, "to be the bravest warrior of your times. "She delivered the infant to her sister, who said, "I give youabundant opportunities to display your valor. " "Sister, " said thethird lady, "you have given him a dangerous boon; I give him thathe shall never be vanquished. " The fourth sister added, as shelaid her hand upon his eyes and his mouth, "I give you the gift ofpleasing. " The fifth said, "Lest all these gifts serve only tobetray, I give you sensibility to return the love you inspire. "Then spoke Morgana, the youngest and handsomest of the group. "Charming creature, I claim you for my own; and I give you not todie till you shall have come to pay me a visit in my isle ofAvalon. " Then she kissed the child and departed with her sisters. 

After this the king had the child carried to the font and baptizedwith the name of Ogier. 

In his education nothing was neglected to elevate him to thestandard of a perfect knight, and render him accomplished in allthe arts necessary to make him a hero. 

He had hardly reached the age of sixteen years when Charlemagne, whose power was established over all the sovereigns of his time, recollected that Geoffroy, Ogier's father, had omitted to renderthe homage due to him as Emperor, and sovereign lord of Denmark, one of the grand fiefs of the empire. He accordingly sent anembassy to demand of the king of Denmark this homage, and onreceiving a refusal, couched in haughty terms, sent an army toenforce the demand. Geoffroy, after an unsuccessful resistance, was forced to comply, and as a pledge of his sincerity deliveredOgier, his eldest son, a hostage to Charles, to be brought up athis court. He was placed in charge of the Duke Namo of Bavaria, the friend of his father, who treated him like his own son. 

Ogier grew up more and more handsome and amiable every day. Hesurpassed in form, strength, and address all the noble youths hiscompanions; he failed not to be present at all tourneys; he wasattentive to the elder knights, and burned with impatience toimitate them. Yet his heart rose sometimes in secret against hiscondition as a hostage, and as one apparently forgotten by hisfather. 

The King of Denmark, in fact, was at this time occupied with newloves. Ogier's mother having died, he had married a second wife, and had a son named Guyon. The new queen had absolute power overher husband, and fearing that, if he should see Ogier again, hewould give him the preference over Guyon, she had adroitlypersuaded him to delay rendering his homage to Charlemagne, tillnow four years had passed away since the last renewal of thatceremony. Charlemagne, irritated at this delinquency, drew closerthe bonds of Ogier's captivity until he should receive a responsefrom the king of Denmark to a fresh summons which he caused to besent to him. 

The answer of Geoffroy was insulting and defiant, and the rage ofCharlemagne was roused in the highest degree. He was at firstdisposed to wreak his vengeance upon Ogier, his hostage; but atthe entreaties of Duke Namo, who felt towards his pupil like afather, consented to spare his life, if Ogier would swear fidelityto him as his liege-lord, and promise not to quit his courtwithout his permission. Ogier accepted these terms, and wasallowed to retain all the freedom he had before enjoyed. 

The Emperor would have immediately taken arms to reduce hisdisobedient vassal, if he had not been called off in anotherdirection by a message from Pope Leo, imploring his assistance. The Saracens had landed in the neighborhood of Rome, occupiedMount Janiculum, and prepared to pass the Tiber and carry fire andsword to the capital of the Christian world. Charlemagne hesitatednot to yield to the entreaties of the Pope. He speedily assembledan army, crossed the Alps, traversed Italy, and arrived atSpoleto, a strong place to which the Pope had retired. Leo, at thehead of his Cardinals, advanced to meet him, and rendered himhomage, as to the son of Pepin, the illustrious protector of theHoly See, coming, as his father had done, to defend it in the hourof need. 

Charlemagne stopped but two days at Spoleto, and learning that theInfidels, having rendered themselves masters of Rome, werebesieging the Capitol, which could not long hold out against them, marched promptly to attack them. 

The advanced posts of the army were commanded by Duke Namo, onwhom Ogier waited as his squire. He did not yet bear arms, nothaving received the order of knighthood. The Oriflamme, the royalstandard, was borne by a knight named Alory, who showed himselfunworthy of the honor. 

Duke Namo, seeing a strong body of the Infidels advancing toattack him, gave the word to charge them. Ogier remained in therear, with the other youths, grieving much that he was notpermitted to fight. Very soon he saw Alory lower the Oriflamme, and turn his horse in flight. Ogier pointed him out to the youngmen, and seizing a club, rushed upon Alory and struck him from hishorse. Then, with his companions, he disarmed him, clothed himselfin his armor, raised the Oriflamme, and mounting the horse of theunworthy knight, flew to the front rank, where he joined DukeNamo, drove back the Infidels, and carried the Oriflamme quitethrough their broken ranks. The Duke, thinking it was Alory, whomhe had not held in high esteem, was astonished at his strength andvalor. Ogier's young companions imitated him, supplying themselveswith armor from the bodies of the slain; they followed Ogier andcarried death into the ranks of the Saracens, who fell back inconfusion upon their main body. 

Duke Namo now ordered a retreat, and Ogier obeyed with reluctance, when they perceived Charlemagne advancing to their assistance. Thecombat now became general, and was more terrible than ever. Charlemagne had overthrown Corsuble, the commander of theSaracens, and had drawn his famous sword, Joyeuse, to cut off hishead, when two Saracen knights set upon him at once, one of whomslew his horse, and the other overthrew the Emperor on the sand. Perceiving by the eagle on his casque who he was, they dismountedin haste to give him his deathblow. Never was the life of theEmperor in such peril. But Ogier, who saw him fall, flew to hisrescue. Though embarrassed with the Oriflamme, he pushed his horseagainst one of the Saracens and knocked him down; and with hissword dealt the other so vigorous a blow that he fell stunned tothe earth. Then helping the Emperor to rise, he remounted him onthe horse of one of the fallen knights. "Brave and generousAlory!" Charles exclaimed, "I owe to you my honor and my life!"Ogier made no answer; but, leaving Charlemagne surrounded by agreat many of the knights who had flown to his succor, he plungedinto the thickest ranks of the enemy, and carried the Oriflamme, followed by a gallant train of youthful warriors, till thestandard of Mahomet turned in retreat, and the Infidels soughtsafety in their intrenchments. 

Then the good Archbishop Turpin laid aside his helmet and hisbloody sword (for he always felt that he was clearly in the lineof his duty while slaying Infidels), took his mitre and hiscrosier, and intoned Te Deum. 

At this moment Ogier, covered with blood and dust, came to lay theOriflamme at the feet of the Emperor. He was followed by a trainof warriors of short stature, who walked ill at ease loaded witharmor too heavy for them. Ogier knelt at the feet of Charlemagne, who embraced him, calling him Alory, while Turpin from the heightof the altar, blessed him with all his might. Then young Orlando, son of the Count Milone, and nephew of Charlemagne, no longer ableto endure this misapprehension, threw down his helmet, and ran tounlace Ogier's, while the other young men laid aside theirs. Ourauthor says he cannot express the surprise, the admiration, andthe tenderness of the Emperor and his peers. Charles folded Ogierin his arms, and the happy fathers of those brave youths embracedthem with tears of joy. The good Duke Namo stepped forward, andCharlemagne yielded Ogier to his embrace. "How much do I owe you, "he said, "good and wise friend, for having restrained my anger! Mydear Ogier! I owe you my life! My sword leaps to touch yourshoulder, yours and those of your brave young friends. " At thesewords he drew that famous sword, Joyeuse, and while Ogier and therest knelt before him, gave them the accolade conferring on themthe order of knighthood. The young Orlando and his cousin Olivercould not refrain, even in the presence of the Emperor, fromfalling upon Ogier's neck, and pledging with him that brotherhoodin arms, so dear and so sacred to the knights of old times; butCharlot, the Emperor's son, at the sight of the glory with whichOgier had covered himself, conceived the blackest jealousy andhate. 

The rest of the day and the next were spent in the rejoicings ofthe army. Turpin in a solemn service implored the favor of Heavenupon the youthful knights, and blessed the white armor which wasprepared for them. Duke Namo presented them with golden spurs, Charles himself girded on their swords. But what was hisastonishment when he examined that intended for Ogier! The lovingFairy, Morgana, had had the art to change it, and to substituteone of her own procuring, and when Charles drew it out of thescabbard, these words appeared written on the steel: "My name isCortana, of the same steel and temper as Joyeuse and Durindana. "Charles saw that a superior power watched over the destinies ofOgier; he vowed to love him as a father would, and Ogier promisedhim the devotion of a son. Happy had it been for both if they hadalways continued mindful of their promises. 

The Saracen army had hardly recovered from its dismay whenCarahue, King of Mauritania, who was one of the knights overthrownby Ogier at the time of the rescue of Charlemagne, determined tochallenge him to single combat. With that view he assumed thedress of a herald, resolved to carry his own message. The Frenchknights admired his air, and said to one another that he seemedmore fit to be a knight than a bearer of messages. 

Carahue began by passing the warmest eulogium upon the knight whobore the Oriflamme on the day of the battle, and concluded bysaying that Carahue, King of Mauritania, respected that knight somuch that he challenged him to the combat. 

Ogier had risen to reply, when he was interrupted by Charlot, whosaid that the gage of the King of Mauritania could not fitly bereceived by a vassal, living in captivity; by which he meantOgier, who was at that time serving as hostage for his father. Fire flashed from the eyes of Ogier, but the presence of theEmperor restrained his speech, and he was calmed by the kind looksof Charlemagne, who said, with an angry voice, "Silence, Charlot!By the life of Bertha, my queen, he who has saved my life is asdear to me as yourself. Ogier, " he continued, "you are no longer ahostage. Herald! report my answer to your master, that never doesknight of my court refuse a challenge on equal terms. Ogier, theDane, accepts of his, and I myself am his security. "

Carahue, profoundly bowing, replied, "My lord, I was sure that thesentiments of so great a sovereign as yourself would be worthy ofyour high and brilliant fame; I shall report your answer to mymaster, who I know admires you, and unwillingly takes arms againstyou. " Then, turning to Charlot, whom he did not know as the son ofthe Emperor, he continued, "As for you, Sir Knight, if the desireof battle inflames you, I have it in charge from Sadon, cousin ofthe King of Mauritania, to give the like defiance to any Frenchknights who will grant him the honor of the combat. "

Charlot, inflamed with rage and vexation at the public reproofwhich he had just received, hesitated not to deliver his gage. Carahue received it with Ogier's, and it was agreed that thecombat should be on the next day in a meadow environed by woodsand equally distant from both armies. 

The perfidious Charlot meditated the blackest treason. During thenight he collected some knights unworthy of the name, and likehimself in their ferocious manners; he made them swear to avengehis injuries, armed them in black armor, and sent them to lie inambush in the wood, with orders to make a pretended attack uponthe whole party, but in fact, to lay heavy hands upon Ogier andthe two Saracens. 

At the dawn of day Sadon and Carahue, attended tonly by two pagesto carry their spears, took their way to the appointed meadow; andCharlot and Ogier repaired thither also, but by different paths. Ogier advanced with a calm air, saluted courteously the twoSaracen knights, and joined them in arranging the terms of combat. 

While this was going on the perfidious Charlot remained behind andgave his men the signal to advance. That cowardly troop issuedfrom the wood and encompassed the three knights. All three wereequally surprised at the attack, but neither of them suspected theother to have any hand in the treason. Seeing the attack madeequally upon them all, they united their efforts to resist it, andmade the most forward of the assailants bite the dust. Cortanafell on no one without inflicting a mortal wound, but the sword ofCarahue was not of equal temper and broke in his hands. At thesame instant his horse was slain, and Carahue fell, without aweapon, and entangled with his prostrate horse. Ogier, who saw it, ran to his defence, and leaping to the ground covered the princewith his shield, supplied him with the sword of one of the fallenruffians, and would have him mount his own horse. At that momentCharlot, inflamed with rage, pushed his horse upon Ogier, knockedhim down, and would have run him through with his lance if Sadon, who saw the treason, had not sprung upon him and thrust him back. Carahue leapt lightly upon the horse which Ogier presented him, and had time only to exclaim, "Brave Ogier, I am no longer yourenemy, I pledge to you an eternal friendship, " when numerousSaracen knights were seen approaching, having discovered thetreachery, and Charlot with his followers took refuge in the wood. 

The troop which advanced was commanded by Dannemont, the exiledking of Denmark, whom Geoffroy, Ogier's father, had driven fromhis throne and compelled to take refuge with the Saracens. Learning who Ogier was, he instantly declared him his prisoner, inspite of the urgent remonstrances and even threats of Carahue andSadon, and carried him under a strong guard to the Saracen camp. Here he was at first subjected to the most rigorous captivity, butCarahue and Sadon insisted so vehemently on his release, threatening to turn their arms against their own party if it wasnot granted, while Dannemont as eagerly opposed the measure, thatCorsuble, the Saracen commander, consented to a middle course, andallowed Ogier the freedom of his camp, upon his promise not toleave it without permission. 

Carahue was not satisfied with this partial concession. He leftthe city next morning, proceeded to the camp of Charlemagne, anddemanded to be led to the Emperor. When he reached his presence hedismounted from his horse, took off his helmet, drew his sword, and holding it by the blade presented it to Charlemagne as heknelt before him. 

"Illustrious prince, " he said, "behold before you the herald whobrought the challenge to your knights from the King of Mauritania. The cowardly old King Dannemont has made the brave Ogier prisoner, and has prevailed on our general to refuse to give him up. I cometo make amends for this ungenerous conduct by yielding myself, Carahue, King of Mauritania, your prisoner. "

Charlemagne, with all his peers, admired the magnanimity ofCarahue; he raised him, embraced him, and restored to him hissword. "Prince, " said he, "your presence and the bright exampleyou afford my knights consoles me for the loss of Ogier. Would toGod you might receive our holy faith, and be wholly united withus. " All the lords of the court, led by Duke Namo, paid theirrespects to the King of Mauritania. Charlot only failed to appear, fearing to be recognized as a traitor; but the heart of Carahuewas too noble to pierce that of Charlemagne by telling him thetreachery of his son. 

Meanwhile the Saracen army was rent by discord. The troops ofCarahue clamored against the commander-in-chief because their kingwas left in captivity. They even threatened to desert the causeand turn their arms against their allies. Charlemagne pressed thesiege vigorously, till at length the Saracen leaders foundthemselves compelled to abandon the city and betake themselves totheir ships. A truce was made; Ogier was exchanged for Carahue, and the two friends embraced one another with vows of perpetualbrotherhood. The Pope was reestablished in his dominions, andItaly being tranquil, Charlemagne returned with his peers andtheir followers to France. 

OGIER, THE DANE (Continued)

CHARLEMAGNE had not forgotten the offence of Geoffroy, the King ofDenmark, in withholding homage, and now prepared to enforcesubmission. But at this crisis he was waited upon by an embassyfrom Geoffroy, acknowledging his fault, and craving assistanceagainst an army of invaders who had attacked his states with aforce which he was unable to repel. The soul of Charlemagne wastoo great to be implacable, and he took this opportunity to testthat of Ogier, who had felt acutely the unkindness of his father, in leaving him, without regard or notice, fifteen years incaptivity. Charles asked Ogier whether, in spite of his father'sneglect, he was disposed to lead an army to his assistance. Hereplied, "A son can never be excused from helping his father byany cause short of death. " Charlemagne placed an army of athousand knights under the command of Ogier, and great numbersmore volunteered to march under so distinguished a leader. He flewto the succor of his father, repelled the invaders, and drove themin confusion to their vessels. Ogier then hastened to the capital, but as he drew near the city he heard all the bells sounding aknell. He soon learned the cause; it was the obsequies ofGeoffroy, the King. Ogier felt keenly the grief of not having beenpermitted to embrace his father once more, and to learn his latestcommands; but he found that his father had declared him heir tohis throne. He hastened to the church where the body lay; he kneltand bathed the lifeless form with his tears. At that moment acelestial light beamed all around, and a voice of an angel said, "Ogier, leave thy crown to Guyon, thy brother, and bear no othertitle than that of 'The Dane. ' Thy destiny is glorious, and otherkingdoms are reserved for thee. " Ogier obeyed the divine behest. He saluted his stepmother respectfully, and embracing his brother, told him that he was content with his lot in being reckoned amongthe paladins of Charlemagne, and resigned all claims to the crownof Denmark. 

Ogier returned covered with glory to the court of Charlemagne, andthe Emperor, touched with this proof of his attachment, loaded himwith caresses, and treated him almost as an equal. 

We pass in silence the adventures of Ogier for several ensuingyears, in which the fairy-gifts of his infancy showed their forcein making him successful in all enterprises, both of love and war. He married the charming Belicene, and became the father of youngBaldwin, a youth who seemed to inherit in full measure thestrength and courage of his father and the beauty of his mother. When the lad was old enough to be separated from his mother, Ogiertook him to court and presented him to Charlemagne, who embracedhim and took him into his service. It seemed to Duke Namo, and allthe elder knights, as if they saw in him Ogier himself, as he waswhen a youth; and this resemblance won for the lad their kindregards. Even Charlot at first seemed to be fond of him, thoughafter a while the resemblance to Ogier which he noticed had theeffect to excite his hatred. 

Baldwin was attentive to Charlot, and lost no occasion to beserviceable. The Prince loved to play chess, and Baldwin, whoplayed well, often made a party with him. 

One day Charlot was nettled at losing two pieces in succession; hethought he could, by taking a piece from Baldwin, get some amendsfor his loss; but Baldwin, seeing him fall into a trap which hehad set for him, could not help a slight laugh, as he said, "Check-mate. " Chariot rose in a fury, seized the rich and heavychess-board, and dashed it with all his strength on the head ofBaldwin, who fell, and died where he fell. 

Frightened at his own crime, and fearing the vengeance of theterrible Ogier, Charlot concealed himself in the interior of thepalace. A young companion of Baldwin hastened and informed Ogierof the event. He ran to the chamber, and beheld the body of hischild bathed in blood, and it could not be concealed from him thatCharlot gave the blow. Transported with rage, Ogier sought Charlotthrough the palace, and Charlot, feeling safe nowhere else, tookrefuge in the hall of Charlemagne, where he seated himself attable with Duke Namo and Salomon, Duke of Brittany. Ogier, withsword drawn, followed him to the very table of the Emperor. When acupbearer attempted to bar his way he struck the cup from his handand dashed the contents in the Emperor's face. Charles rose in apassion, seized a knife, and would have plunged it into hisbreast, had not Salomon and another baron thrown themselvesbetween, while Namo, who had retained his ancient influence overOgier, drew him out of the room. Foreseeing the consequence ofthis violence, pitying Ogier, and in his heart excusing him, Namohurried him away before the guards of the palace could arrest him, made him mount his horse, and leave Paris. 

Charlemagne called together his peers, and made them take an oathto do all in their power to arrest Ogier, and bring him to condignpunishment. Ogier on his part sent messages to the Emperor, offering to give himself up on condition that Charlot should bepunished for his atrocious crime. The Emperor would listen to noconditions, and went in pursuit of Ogier at the head of a largebody of soldiers. Ogier, on the other hand, was warmly supportedby many knights, who pledged themselves in his defence. Thecontest raged long, with no decisive results. Ogier more than oncehad the Emperor in his power, but declined to avail himself of hisadvantage, and released him without conditions. He even imploredpardon for himself, but demanded at the same time the punishmentof Charlot. But Charlemagne was too blindly fond of his unworthyson to subject him to punishment for the sake of conciliating onewho had been so deeply injured. 

At length, distressed at the blood which his friends had lost inhis cause, Ogier dismissed his little army, and slipping away fromthose who wished to attend him, took his course to rejoin the DukeGuyon, his brother. On his way, having reached the forest ofArdennes, weary with long travel, the freshness of a retiredvalley tempted him to lie down to take some repose. He unsaddledBeiffror, relieved himself of his helmet, lay down on the turf, rested his head on his shield, and slept. 

It so happened that Turpin, who occasionally recalled to mind thathe was Archbishop of Rheins, was at that time in the vicinity, making a pastoral visit to the churches under his jurisdiction. But his dignity of peer of France, and his martial spirit, whichcaused him to be reckoned among the "preux chevaliers" of histime, forbade him to travel without as large a retinue of knightsas he had of clergymen. One of these was thirsty, and knowing thefountain on the borders of which Ogier was reposing, he rode toit, and was struck by the sight of a knight stretched on theground. He hastened back, and let the Archbishop know, whoapproached the fountain, and recognized Ogier. 

The first impulse of the good and generous Turpin was to save hisfriend, for whom he felt the warmest attachment; but hisarchdeacons and knights, who also recognized Ogier, reminded theArchbishop of the oath which the Emperor had exacted of them all. Turpin could not be false to his oath; but it was not without agroan that he permitted his followers to bind the sleeping knight. The Archbishop's attendants secured the horse and arms of Ogier, and conducted their prisoner to the Emperor at Soissons. 

The Emperor had become so much embittered by Ogier's obstinateresistance, added to his original fault, that he was disposed toorder him to instant death. But Turpin, seconded by the good DukesNamo and Salomon, prayed so hard for him that Charlemagneconsented to remit a violent death, but sentenced him to closeimprisonment, under the charge of the Archbishop, strictlylimiting his food to one quarter of a loaf of bread per day, withone piece of meat, and a quarter of a cup of wine. In this way hehoped to quickly put an end to his life without bringing onhimself the hostility of the King of Denmark, and other powerfulfriends of Ogier. He exacted a new oath of Turpin to obey hisorder strictly. 

The good Archbishop loved Ogier too well not to cast about forsome means of saving his life, which he foresaw he would soon loseif subjected to such scanty fare, for Ogier was seven feet tall, and had an appetite in proportion. Turpin remembered, moreover, that Ogier was a true son of the Church, always zealous topropagate the faith and subdue unbelievers; so he felt justifiedin practising on this occasion what in later times has beenentitled "mental reservation, " without swerving from the letter ofthe oath which he had taken. This is the method he hit upon. 

Every morning he had his prisoner supplied with a quarter of aloaf of bread, made of two bushels of flour, to this he added aquarter of a sheep or a fat calf, and he had a cup made which heldforty pints of wine, and allowed Ogier a quarter of it daily. 

Ogier's imprisonment lasted long; Charlemagne was astonished tohear, from time to time, that he still held out; and when heinquired more particularly of Turpin, the good Archbishop, relyingon his own understanding of the words, did not hesitate to affirmpositively that he allowed his prisoner no more than the permittedration. 

We forgot to say that, when Ogier was led prisoner to Soissons, the Abbot of Saint Faron, observing the fine horse Beiffror, andnot having at the time any other favor to ask of Charlemagne, begged the Emperor to give him the horse, and had him taken to hisabbey. He was impatient to try his new acquisition, and when hehad arrived in his litter at the foot of the mountain where thehorse had been brought to meet him mounted him and rode onward. The horse, accustomed to bear the enormous weight of Ogier in hisarmor, when he perceived nothing on his back but the light weightof the Abbot, whose long robes fluttered against his sides, ranaway, making prodigious leaps over the steep acclivities of themountain till he reached the convent of Jouaire, where, in sightof the Abbess and her nuns, he threw the Abbot, already half deadwith fright, to the ground. The Abbot, bruised and mortified, revenged himself on poor Beiffror, whom he condemned, in hiswrath, to be given to the workmen to drag stones for a chapel thathe was building near the abbey. Thus, ill-fed, hard-worked, andoften beaten, the noble horse Beiffror passed the time while hismaster's imprisonment lasted. 

That imprisonment would have been as long as his life if it hadnot been for some important events which forced the Emperor to setOgier at liberty. 

The Emperor learned at the same time that Carahue, King ofMauritania, was assembling an army to come and demand theliberation of Ogier; that Guyon, King of Denmark, was prepared tosecond the enterprise with all his forces; and, worse than all, that the Saracens, under Bruhier, Sultan of Arabia, had landed inGascony, taken Bordeaux, and were marching with all speed forParis. 

Charlemagne now felt how necessary the aid of Ogier was to him. But, in spite of the representations of Turpin, Namo, and Salomon, he could not bring himself to consent to surrender Charlot to suchpunishment as Ogier should see fit to impose. Besides, he believedthat Ogier was without strength and vigor, weakened byimprisonment and long abstinence. 

At this crisis he received a message from Bruhier, proposing toput the issue upon the result of a combat between himself and theEmperor or his champion; promising, if defeated, to withdraw hisarmy. Charlemagne would willingly have accepted the challenge, buthis counsellors all opposed it. The herald was therefore told thatthe Emperor would take time to consider his proposition, and givehis answer the next day. 

It was during this interval that the three Dukes succeeded inprevailing upon Charlemagne to pardon Ogier, and to send for himto combat the puissant enemy who now defied him; but it was noeasy task to persuade Ogier. The idea of his long imprisonment andthe recollection of his son, bleeding and dying in his arms by theblow of the ferocious Charlot, made him long resist the urgency ofhis friends. Though glory called him to encounter Bruhier, and thesafety of Christendom demanded the destruction of this proud enemyof the faith, Ogier only yielded at last on condition that Charlotshould be delivered into his hands to be dealt with as he shouldsee fit. 

The terms were hard, but the danger was pressing, and Charlemagne, with a returning sense of justice, and a strong confidence in thegenerous though passionate soul of Ogier, at last consented tothem. 

Ogier was led into the presence of Charlemagne by the three peers. The Emperor, faithful to his word, had caused Charlot to bebrought into the hall where the high barons were assembled, hishands tied, and his head uncovered. When the Emperor saw Ogierapproach he took Charlot by the arm, led him towards Ogier, andsaid these words: "I surrender the criminal; do with him as youthink fit. " Ogier, without replying, seized Charlot by the hair, forced him on his knees, and lifted with the other hand hisirresistible sword. Charlemagne, who expected to see the head ofhis son rolling at his feet, shut his eyes and uttered a cry ofhorror. 

Ogier had done enough. The next moment he raised Charlot, cut hisbonds, kissed him on the mouth, and hastened to throw himself atthe feet of the Emperor. 

Nothing can exceed the surprise and joy of Charlemagne at seeinghis son unharmed and Ogier kneeling at his feet. He folded him inhis arms, bathed him with tears, and exclaimed to his barons, "Ifeel at this moment that Ogier is greater than I. " As for Charlot, his base soul felt nothing but the joy of having escaped death; heremained such as he had been, and it was not till some yearsafterwards he received the punishment he deserved, from the handsof Huon of Bordeaux, as we have seen in a former chapter. 

OGIER, THE DANE (Continued)

WHEN Charlemagne had somewhat recovered his composure he wassurprised to observe that Ogier appeared in good case, and had ahealthy color in his cheeks. He turned to the Archbishop, whocould not help blushing as he met his eye. "By the head of Bertha, my queen, " said Charlemagne, "Ogier has had good quarters in yourcastle, my Lord Archbishop; but so much the more am I indebted toyou. " All the barons laughed and jested with Turpin, who onlysaid, "Laugh as much as you please, my lords; but for my part I amnot sorry to see the arm in full vigor that is to avenge us on theproud Saracen. "

Charlemagne immediately despatched his herald, accepting thechallenge, and appointing the next day but one for the encounter. The proud and crafty Bruhier laughed scornfully when he heard thereply accepting his challenge, for he had a reliance on certainresources besides his natural strength and skill. However, heswore by Mahomet to observe the conditions as proposed and agreedupon. 

Ogier now demanded his armor, and it was brought to him inexcellent condition, for the good Turpin had kept it faithfully;but it was not easy to provide a horse for the occasion. Charlemagne had the best horses of his stables brought out, exceptBlanchard, his own charger; but all in vain, the weight of Ogierbent their backs to the ground. In this embarrassment theArchbishop remembered that the Emperor had given Beiffror to theAbbot of St. Faron, and sent off a courier in haste to re-demandhim. 

Monks are hard masters, and the one who directed the laborers atthe abbey had but too faithfully obeyed the orders of the Abbot. Poor Beiffror was brought back, lean, spiritless, and chafed withthe harness of the vile cart that he had had to draw so long. Hecarried his head down, and trod heavily before Charlemagne; butwhen he heard the voice of Ogier he raised his head, he neighed, his eyes flashed, his former ardor showed itself by the force withwhich he pawed the ground. Ogier caressed him, and the good steedseemed to return his caresses; Ogier mounted him, and Beiffror, proud of carrying his master again, leapt and curvetted with allhis youthful vigor. 

Nothing being now wanted, Charlemagne, at the head of his army, marched forth from the city of Paris, and occupied the hill ofMontmartre, whence the view extended over the plain of St. Denis, where the battle was to be fought. 

When the appointed day came the Dukes Namo and Salomon, as secondsof Ogier, accompanied him to the place marked out for the lists, and Bruhier, with two distinguished Emirs, presented himself onthe other side. 

Bruhier was in high spirits, and jested with his friends, as headvanced, upon the appearance of Beiffror. "Is that the horse theypresume to match with Marchevallee, the best steed that ever fedin the vales of Mount Atlas?" But now the combatants, having metand saluted each other, ride apart to come together in fullcareer. Beiffror flew over the plain, and met the adversary morethan half-way. The lances of the two combatants were shivered atthe shock, and Bruhier was astonished to see almost at the sameinstant the sword of Ogier gleaming above his head. He parried itwith his buckler, and gave Ogier a blow on his helmet, whoreturned it with another, better aimed or better seconded by thetemper of his blade, for it cut away part of Bruhier's helmet, andwith it his ear and part of his cheek. Ogier, seeing the blood, did not immediately repeat his blow, and Bruhier seized the momentto gallop off at one side. As he rode he took a vase of gold whichhung at his saddle-bow, and bathed with its contents the woundedpart. The blood instantly ceased to flow, the ear and the fleshwere restored quite whole, and the Dane was astonished to see hisantagonist return to the ground as sound as ever. 

Bruhier laughed at his amazement. "Know, " said he, "that I possessthe precious balm that Joseph of Arimathea used upon the body ofthe crucified one, whom you worship. If I should lose an arm Icould restore it with a few drops of this. It is useless for youto contend with me. Yield yourself, and, as you appear to be astrong fellow, I will make you first oarsman in one of mygalleys. "

Ogier, though boiling with rage, forgot not to implore theassistance of Heaven. "O Lord!" he exclaimed, "suffer not theenemy of thy name to profit by the powerful help of that whichowes all its virtue to thy divine blood. " At these words heattacked Bruhier again with more vigor than ever; both struckterrible blows, and made grievous wounds; but the blood flowedfrom those of Ogier, while Bruhier stanched his by the applicationof his balm. Ogier, desperate at the unequal contest, graspedCortana with both hands, and struck his enemy such a blow that itcleft his buckler, and cut off his arm with it; but Bruhier at thesame time launched one at Ogier, which, missing him, struck thehead of Beiffror, and the good horse fell, and drew down hismaster in his fall. 

Bruhier had time to leap to the ground, to pick up his arm andapply his balsam; then, before Ogier had recovered his footing, herushed forward with sword uplifted to complete his destruction. 

Charlemagne, from the height of Montmartre, seeing the brave Ogierin this situation, groaned, and was ready to murmur againstProvidence; but the good Turpin, raising his arms, with a faithlike that of Moses, drew down upon the Christian warrior the favorof Heaven. 

Ogier, promptly disengaging himself, pressed Bruhier with so muchimpetuosity that he drove him to a distance from his horse, towhose saddle-bow the precious balm was suspended; and very soonCharlemagne saw Ogier, now completely in the advantage, bring hisenemy to his knees, tear off his helmet, and, with a sweep of hissword, strike his head from his body. 

After the victory, Ogier seized Marchevallee, leaped upon hisback, and became possessed of the precious flask, a few drops fromwhich closed his wounds and restored his strength. The Frenchknights who had been Bruhier's captives, now released, pressedround Ogier to thank him for their deliverance. 

Charlemagne and his nobles, as soon as their attention wasrelieved from the single combat, perceived from their elevatedposition an unusual agitation in the enemy's camp. They attributedit at first to the death of their general, but soon the noise ofarms, the cries of combatants, and new standards which advanced, disclosed to them the fact that Bruhier's army was attacked by anew enemy. 

The Emperor was right; it was the brave Carahue of Mauritania, who, with an army, had arrived in France, resolved to attempt theliberation of Ogier, his brother in arms. Learning on his arrivalthe changed aspect of affairs, he hesitated not to render a signalservice to the Emperor, by attacking the army of Bruhier in themidst of the consternation occasioned by the loss of itscommander. 

Ogier recognized the standard of his friend, and leaping uponMarchevallee, flew to aid his attack. Charlemagne followed withhis army; and the Saracen host, after an obstinate conflict, wasforced to surrender unconditionally. 

The interview of Ogier and Carahue was such as might beanticipated of two such attached friends and accomplished knights. Charlemagne went to meet them, embraced them, and putting the Kingof Mauritania on his right and Ogier on his left, returned withtriumph to Paris. There the Empress Bertha and the ladies of hercourt crowned them with laurels, and the sage and gallantEginhard, chamberlain and secretary of the Emperor, wrote allthese great events in his history. 

A few days after Guyon, King of Denmark, arrived in France with achosen band of knights, and sent an ambassador to Charlemagne, tosay that he came, not as an enemy, but to render homage to him asthe best knight of the time and the head of the Christian world. Charlemagne gave the ambassador a cordial reception, and mountinghis horse, rode forward to meet the King of Denmark. 

These great princes, being assembled at the court of Charles, heldcouncil together, and the ancient and sage barons were called tojoin it. 

It was decided that the united Danish and Mauritanian armiesshould cross the sea and carry the war to the country of theSaracens, and that a thousand French knights should rangethemselves under the banner of Ogier, the Dane, who, though not aking, should have equal rank with the two others. 

We have not space to record all the illustrious actions performedby Ogier and his allies in this war. Suffice it to say, theysubdued the Saracens of Ptolemais and Judaea, and, erecting thoseregions into a kingdom, placed the crown upon the head of Ogier. Guyon and Carahue then left him, to return to their respectivedominions. Ogier adopted Walter, the son of Guyon of Denmark, tobe his successor in his kingdom. He superintended his education, and saw the young prince grow up worthy of his cares. But Ogier, in spite of all the honors of his rank, often regretted the courtof Charlemagne, the Duke Namo, and Salomon of Brittany, for whomhe had the respect and attachment of a son. At last, findingWalter old enough to sustain the weight of government, Ogiercaused a vessel to be prepared secretly, and, attended only by onesquire, left his palace by night, and embarked to return toFrance. 

The vessel, driven by a fair wind, cut the sea with the swiftnessof a bird; but on a sudden it deviated from its course, no longerobeyed the helm, and sped fast towards a black promontory whichstretched into the sea. This was a mountain of loadstone, and, itsattractive power increasing as the distance diminished, the vesselat last flew with the swiftness of an arrow towards it, and wasdashed to pieces on its rocky base. Ogier alone saved himself, andreached the shore on a fragment of the wreck. 

Ogier advanced into the country, looking for some marks ofinhabitancy, but found none. On a sudden he encountered twomonstrous animals, covered with glittering scales, accompanied bya horse breathing fire. Ogier drew his sword and prepared todefend himself; but the monsters, terrific as they appeared, madeno attempt to assail him, and the horse, Papillon, knelt down, andappeared to court Ogier to mount upon his back. Ogier hesitatednot to see the adventure through; he mounted Papillon, who ranwith speed, and soon cleared the rocks and precipices which hemmedin and concealed a beautiful landscape. He continued his coursetill he reached a magnificent palace, and, without allowing Ogiertime to admire it, crossed a grand court-yard adorned withcolonnades, and entered a garden, where, making his way throughalleys of myrtle, he checked his course, and knelt down on theenamelled turf of a fountain. 

Ogier dismounted and took some steps along the margin of thestream, but was soon stopped by meeting a young beauty, such asthey paint the Graces, and almost as lightly attired as they. Atthe same moment, to his amazement, his armor fell off of its ownaccord. The young beauty advanced with a tender air, and placedupon his head a crown of flowers. At that instant the Danish herolost his memory; his combats, his glory, Charlemagne and hiscourt, all vanished from his mind; he saw only Morgana, he desirednothing but to sigh forever at her feet. 

We abridge the narrative of all the delights which Ogier enjoyedfor more than a hundred years. Time flew by, leaving no impressionof its flight. Morgana's youthful charms did not decay, and Ogierhad none of those warnings of increasing years which less favoredmortals never fail to receive. There is no knowing how long thisblissful state might have lasted, if it had not been for anaccident, by which Morgana one day, in a sportive moment, snatchedthe crown from his head. That moment Ogier regained his memory, and lost his contentment. The recollection of Charlemagne, and ofhis own relatives and friends, saddened the hours which he passedwith Morgana. The fairy saw with grief the changed looks of herlover. At last she drew from him the acknowledgment that he wishedto go, at least for a time, to revisit Charles's court. Sheconsented with reluctance, and with her own hands helped toreinvest him with his armor. Papillon was led forth, Ogier mountedhim, and, taking a tender adieu of the tearful Morgana, crossed atrapid speed the rocky belt which separated Morgana's palace fromthe borders of the sea. The sea-goblins which had received him athis coming awaited him on the shore. One of them took Ogier on hisback, and the other placing himself under Papillon, they spreadtheir broad fins, and in a short time traversed the wide spacethat separates the isle of Avalon from France. They landed Ogieron the coast of Languedoc, and then plunged into the sea anddisappeared. 

Ogier remounted on Papillon, who carried him across the kingdomalmost as fast as he had passed the sea. He arrived under thewalls of Paris, which he would scarcely have recognized if thehigh towers of St. Genevieve had not caught his eye. He wentstraight to the palace of Charlemagne, which seemed to him to havebeen entirely rebuilt. His surprise was extreme, and increasedstill more on finding that he understood with difficulty thelanguage of the guards and attendants in replying to hisquestions; and seeing them smile as they tried to explain to oneanother the language in which he addressed them. Presently theattention of some of the barons who were going to court wasattracted to the scene, and Ogier, who recognized the badges oftheir rank, addressed them, and inquired if the Dukes Namo andSalomon were still residing at the Emperor's court. At thisquestion the barons looked at one another in amazement; and one ofthe eldest said to the rest, "How much this knight resembles theportrait of my grand-uncle, Ogier the Dane. " "Ah! my dear nephew, I am Ogier the Dane, " said he; and he remembered that Morgana hadtold him that he was little aware of the flight of time during hisabode with her. 

The barons, more astonished than ever, concluded to conduct him tothe monarch who then reigned, the great Hugh Capet. 

The brave Ogier entered the palace without hesitation; but when, on reaching the royal hall, the barons directed him to make hisobeisance to the King of France, he was astonished to see a man ofshort stature and large head, whose air, nevertheless, was nobleand martial, seated upon the throne on which he had so often seenCharlemagne, the tallest and handsomest sovereign of his time. 

Ogier recounted his adventures with simplicity and affectedness. Hugh Capet was slow to believe him; but Ogier recalled so manyproofs and circumstances, that at last he was forced to recognizethe aged warrior to be the famous Ogier the Dane. 

The king informed Ogier of the events which had taken place duringhis long absence; that the line of Charlemagne was extinct; that anew dynasty had commenced; that the old enemies of the kingdom, the Saracens, were still troublesome; and that at that very timean army of those miscreants was besieging the city of Chartres, towhich he was about to repair in a few days to its relief. Ogier, always inflamed with the love of glory, offered the service of hisarm, which the illustrious monarch accepted graciously, andconducted him to the queen. The astonishment of Ogier wasredoubled when he saw the new ornaments and head-dresses of theladies; still, the beautiful hair which they built up on theirforeheads, and the feathers interwoven, which waved with so muchgrace, gave them a noble air that delighted him. His admirationincreased when, instead of the old Empress Bertha, he saw a youngqueen who combined a majestic mien with the graces of her time oflife, and manners candid and charming, suited to attach allhearts. Ogier saluted the youthful queen with a respect soprofound that many of the courtiers took him for a foreigner, orat least for some nobleman brought up at a distance from Paris, who retained the manners of what they called the old court. 

When the queen was informed by her husband that it was thecelebrated Ogier the Dane whom he presented to her, whosememorable exploits she had often read in the chronicles ofantiquity, her surprise was extreme, which was increased when sheremarked the dignity of his address, the animation and even theyouthfulness of his countenance. This queen had too muchintelligence to believe hastily; proof alone could compel herassent; and she asked him many questions about the old court ofCharlemagne, and received such instructive and appropriate answersas removed every doubt. It is to the corrections which Ogier wasat that time enabled to make to the popular narratives of hisexploits that we are indebted for the perfect accuracy andtrustworthiness of all the details of our own history. 

King Hugh Capet, having received that same evening couriers fromthe inhabitants of Chartres, informing him that they were hardpressed by the besiegers, resolved to hasten with Ogier to theirrelief. 

Ogier terminated this affair as expeditiously as he had so oftendone others. The Saracens having dared to offer battle, he borethe Oriflamme through the thickest of their ranks; Papillon, breathing fire from his nostrils, threw them into disorder, andCortana, wielded by his invincible arm, soon finished theiroverthrow. 

The king, victorious over the Saracens, led back the Danish heroto Paris, where the deliverer of France received the honors due tohis valor. Ogier continued some time at the court, detained by thefavor of the king and queen; but erelong he had the pain towitness the death of the king. Then it was that, impressed withall the perfections which he had discerned in the queen, he couldnot withhold the tender homage of the offer of his hand. The queenwould perhaps have accepted it, she had even called a meeting ofher great barons to deliberate on the proposition, when, the daybefore the meeting was to be held, at the moment when Ogier waskneeling at her feet, she perceived a crown of gold which aninvisible hand had placed on his brow, and in an instant a cloudenveloped Ogier, and he disappeared forever from her sight. It wasMorgana, the fairy, whose jealousy was awakened at what shebeheld, who now resumed her power, and took him away to dwell withher in the island of Avalon. There, in company with the great KingArthur of Britain, he still lives, and when his illustrious friendshall return to resume his ancient reign he will doubtless returnwith him, and share his triumph. 

GLOSSARY

Abdalrahman, founder of the independent Ommiad (Saracenic) powerin Spain, conquered at Tours by Charles Martel

Aberfraw, scene of nuptials of Branwen and Matholch

Absyrtus, younger brother of Medea

Abydos, a town on the Hellespont, nearly opposite to Sestos

Abyla, Mount, or Columna, a mountain in Morocco, near Ceuta, nowcalled Jebel Musa or Ape's Hill, forming the Northwesternextremity of the African coast opposite Gibraltar (See Pillars ofHercules)

Acestes, son of a Trojan woman who was sent by her father toSicily, that she might not be devoured by the monsters whichinfested the territory of Troy

Acetes, Bacchanal captured by Pentheus

Achates, faithful friend and companion of Aeneas

Achelous, river-god of the largest river in Greece--his Horn ofPlenty

Achilles, the hero of the Iliad, son of Peleus and of the NereidThetis, slain by Paris

Acis, youth loved by Galatea and slain by Polyphemus

Acontius, a beautiful youth, who fell in love with Cydippe, thedaughter of a noble Athenian. 

Acrisius, son of Abas, king of Argos, grandson of Lynceus, thegreat-grandson of Danaus. 

Actaeon, a celebrated huntsman, son of Aristaeus and Autonoe, who, having seen Diana bathing, was changed by her to a stag and killedby his own dogs. 

Admeta, daughter of Eurystheus, covets Hippolyta's girdle. 

Admetus, king of Thessaly, saved from death by Alcestis

Adonis, a youth beloved by Aphrodite (Venus), and Proserpine;killed by a boar. 

Adrastus, a king of Argos. 

Aeacus, son of Zeus (Jupiter) and Aegina, renowned in all Greecefor his justice and piety. 

Aeaea, Circe's island, visited by Ulysses. 

Aeetes, or Aeeta, son of Helios (the Sun) and Perseis, and fatherof Medea and Absyrtus. 

Aegeus, king of Athens. 

Aegina, a rocky island in the middle of the Saronic gulf. 

Aegis, shield or breastplate of Jupiter and Minerva. 

Aegisthus, murderer of Agamemnon, slain by Orestes. 

Aeneas, Trojan hero, son of Anchises and Aphrodite (Venus), andborn on Mount Ida, reputed first settler of Rome, Aeneid, poem by Virgil, relating the wanderings of Aeneas fromTroy to Italy, Ae'olus, son of Hellen and the nymph Orseis, represented in Homeras the happy ruler of the Aeolian Islands, to whom Zeus had givendominion over the winds, Aesculapius, god of the medical art, Aeson, father of Jason, made young again by Medea, Aethiopians, inhabitants of the country south of Egypt, Aethra, mother of Theseus by Aegeus, Aetna, volcano in Sicily, Agamedes, brother of Trophonius, distinguished as an architect, Agamemnon, son of Plisthenis and grandson of Atreus, king ofMycenae, although the chief commander of the Greeks, is not thehero of the Iliad, and in chivalrous spirit altogether inferior toAchilles, Agave, daughter of Cadmus, wife of Echion, and mother of Pentheus, Agenor, father of Europa, Cadmus, Cilix, and Phoenix, Aglaia, one of the Graces, Agni, Hindu god of fire, Agramant, a king in Africa, Agrican, fabled king of Tartary, pursuing Angelica, finally killedby Orlando, Agrivain, one of Arthur's knights, Ahriman, the Evil Spirit in the dual system of Zoroaster, SeeOrmuzd

Ajax, son of Telamon, king of Salamis, and grandson of Aeacus, represented in the Iliad as second only to Achilles in bravery, Alba, the river where King Arthur fought the Romans, Alba Longa, city in Italy founded by son of Aeneas, Alberich, dwarf guardian of Rhine gold treasure of the Nibelungs

Albracca, siege of, Alcestis, wife of Admetus, offered hersell as sacrifice to spareher husband, but rescued by Hercules, Alcides (Hercules), Alcina, enchantress, Alcinous, Phaeacian king, Alcippe, daughter of Mars, carried off by Halirrhothrus, Alcmena, wife of Jupiter, and mother of Hercules, Alcuin, English prelate and scholar, Aldrovandus, dwarf guardian of treasure, Alecto, one of the Furies, Alexander the Great, king of Macedonia, conqueror of Greece, Egypt, Persia, Babylonia, and India, Alfadur, a name for Odin, Alfheim, abode of the elves of light, Alice, mother of Huon and Girard, sons of Duke Sevinus, Alphenor, son of Niobe, Alpheus, river god pursuing Arethusa, who escaped by being changedto a fountain, Althaea, mother of Meleager, whom she slew because he had in aquarrel killed her brothers, thus disgracing "the house ofThestius, " her father, Amalthea, nurse of the infant Jupiter in Crete, Amata, wife of Latinus, driven mad by Alecto, Amaury of Hauteville, false hearted Knight of Charlemagne, Amazons, mythical race of warlike women, Ambrosia, celestial food used by the gods, Ammon, Egyptian god of life identified by Romans with phases ofJupiter, the father of gods, Amphiaraus, a great prophet and hero at Argos, Amphion, a musician, son of Jupiter and Antiope (See Dirce), Amphitrite, wife of Neptune, Amphyrsos, a small river in Thessaly, Ampyx, assailant of Perseus, turned to stone by seeing Gorgon'shead, Amrita, nectar giving immortality, Amun, See Ammon

Amymone, one of the fifty daughters of Danaus, and mother byPoseidon (Neptune) of Nauplius, the father of Palamedes, Anaxarete, a maiden of Cyprus, who treated her lover Iphis withsuch haughtiness that he hanged himself at her door, Anbessa, Saracenic governor of Spain (725 AD), Anceus, one of the Argonauts, Anchises, beloved by Aphrodite (Venus), by whom he became thefather of Aeneas, Andraemon, husband of Dryope, saw her changed into a tree, Andret, a cowardly knight, spy upon Tristram, Andromache, wife of Hector

Andromeda, daughter of King Cephas, delivered from monster byPerseus

Aneurin, Welsh bard

Angelica, Princess of Cathay

Anemone, short lived wind flower, created by Venus from the bloodof the slain Adonis

Angerbode, giant prophetess, mother of Fenris, Hela and theMidgard Serpent

Anglesey, a Northern British island, refuge of Druids fleeing fromRomans

Antaeus, giant wrestler of Libya, killed by Hercules, who, findinghim stronger when thrown to the earth, lifted him into the air andstrangled him

Antea, wife of jealous Proetus

Antenor, descendants of, in Italy

Anteros, deity avenging unrequited love, brother of Eros (Cupid)

Anthor, a Greek

Antigone, daughter of Aedipus, Greek ideal of filial and sisterlyfidelity

Antilochus, son of Nestor

Antiope, Amazonian queen. See Dirce

Anubis, Egyptian god, conductor of the dead to judgment

Apennines

Aphrodite See Venus, Dione, etc. 

Apis, Egyptian bull god of Memphis

Apollo, god of music and song

Apollo Belvedere, famous antique statue in Vatican at Rome

Apples of the Hesperides, wedding gifts to Juno, guarded bydaughters of Atlas and Hesperis, stolen by Atlas for Hercules, Aquilo, or Boreas, the North Wind, Aquitaine, ancient province of Southwestern France, Arachne, a maiden skilled in weaving, changed to a spider byMinerva for daring to compete with her, Arcadia, a country in the middle of Peloponnesus, surrounded onall sides by mountains, Arcady, star of, the Pole star, Arcas, son of Jupiter and Callisto, Archer, constellation of the, Areopagus, court of the, at Athens, Ares, called Mars by the Romans, the Greek god of war, and one ofthe great Olympian gods, Arethusa, nymph of Diana, changed to a fountain, Argius king of Ireland, father of Isoude the Fair, Argo, builder of the vessel of Jason for the Argonauticexpedition, Argolis, city of the Nemean games, Argonauts, Jason's crew seeking the Golden Fleece, Argos, a kingdom in Greece, Argus, of the hundred eyes, guardian of Io, Ariadne, daughter of King Minos, who helped Theseus slay theMinotaur, Arimanes SEE Ahriman. 

Arimaspians, one-eyed people of Syria, Arion, famous musician, whom sailors cast into the sea to rob him, but whose lyric song charmed the dolphins, one of which bore himsafely to land, Aristaeus, the bee keeper, in love with Eurydice, Armorica, another name for Britain, Arridano, a magical ruffian, slain by Orlando, Artemis SEE Diana

Arthgallo, brother of Elidure, British king, Arthur, king in Britain about the 6th century, Aruns, an Etruscan who killed Camilla, Asgard, home of the Northern gods, Ashtaroth, a cruel spirit, called by enchantment to bring Rinaldoto death, Aske, the first man, made from an ash tree, Astolpho of England, one of Charlemagne's knights, Astraea, goddess of justice, daughter of Astraeus and Eos, Astyages, an assailant of Perseus, Astyanax, son of Hector of Troy, established kingdom of Messina inItaly, Asuias, opponents of the Braminical gods, Atalanta, beautiful daughter of King of Icaria, loved and won in afoot race by Hippomenes, Ate, the goddess of infatuation, mischief and guilt, Athamas, son of Aeolus and Enarete, and king of Orchomenus, inBoeotia, SEE Ino

Athene, tutelary goddess of Athens, the same as Minerva, Athens, the capital of Attica, about four miles from the sea, between the small rivers Cephissus and Ilissus, Athor, Egyptian deity, progenitor of Isis and Osiris, Athos, the mountainous peninsula, also called Acte, which projectsfrom Chalcidice in Macedonia, Atlantes, foster father of Rogero, a powerful magician, Atlantis, according to an ancient tradition, a great island westof the Pillars of Hercules, in the ocean, opposite Mount Atlas, Atlas, a Titan, who bore the heavens on his shoulders, aspunishment for opposing the gods, one of the sons of Iapetus, Atlas, Mount, general name for range in northern Africa, Atropos, one of the Fates

Attica, a state in ancient Greece, Audhumbla, the cow from which the giant Ymir was nursed. Her milkwas frost melted into raindrops, Augean stables, cleansed by Hercules, Augeas, king of Elis, Augustan age, reign of Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar, famed formany great authors, Augustus, the first imperial Caesar, who ruled the Roman Empire 31BC--14 AD, Aulis, port in Boeotia, meeting place of Greek expedition againstTroy, Aurora, identical with Eos, goddess of the dawn, Aurora Borealis, splendid nocturnal luminosity in northern sky, called Northern Lights, probably electrical, Autumn, attendant of Phoebus, the Sun, Avalon, land of the Blessed, an earthly paradise in the WesternSeas, burial place of King Arthur, Avatar, name for any of the earthly incarnations of Vishnu, thePreserver (Hindu god), Aventine, Mount, one of the Seven Hills of Rome, Avernus, a miasmatic lake close to the promontory between Cumaeand Puteoli, filling the crater of an extinct volcano, by theancients thought to be the entrance to the infernal regions, Avicenna, celebrated Arabian physician and philosopher, Aya, mother of Rinaldo, Aymon, Duke, father of Rinaldo and Bradamante, B

Baal, king of Tyre, Babylonian River, dried up when Phaeton drove the sun chariot, Bacchanali a, a feast to Bacchus that was permitted to occur butonce in three years, attended by most shameless orgies, Bacchanals, devotees and festal dancers of Bacchus, Bacchus (Dionysus), god of wine and revelry, Badon, battle of, Arthur's final victory over the Saxons, Bagdemagus, King, a knight of Arthur's time, Baldur, son of Odin, and representing in Norse mythology the sungod, Balisardo, Orlando's sword, Ban, King of Brittany, ally of Arthur, father of Launcelot, Bards, minstrels of Welsh Druids, Basilisk SEE Cockatrice

Baucis, wife of Philemon, visited by Jupiter and Mercury, Bayard, wild horse subdued by Rinaldo, Beal, Druids' god of life, Bedivere, Arthur's knight, Bedver, King Arthur's butler, made governor of Normandy, Bedwyr, knightly comrade of Geraint, Belisarda, Rogero's sword, Bellerophon, demigod, conqueror of the Chimaera, Bellona, the Roman goddess of war, represented as the sister orwife of Mars, Beltane, Druidical fire festival, Belus, son of Poseidon (Neptune) and Libya or Eurynome, twinbrother of Agenor, Bendigeid Vran, King of Britain, Beowulf, hero and king of the Swedish Geats, Beroe, nurse of Semele, Bertha, mother of Orlando, Bifrost, rainbow bridge between the earth and Asgard

Bladud, inventor, builder of the city of Bath, Blamor, a knight of Arthur, Bleoberis, a knight of Arthur, Boeotia, state in ancient Greece, capital city Thebes, Bohort, King, a knight of Arthur, Bona Dea, a Roman divinity of fertility, Bootes, also called Areas, son of Jupiter and Calisto, changed toconstellation of Ursa Major, Boreas, North wind, son of Aeolus and Aurora, Bosporus (Bosphorus), the Cow-ford, named for Io, when as a heifershe crossed that strait, Bradamante, sister to Rinaldo, a female warrior, Brademagus, King, father of Sir Maleagans, Bragi, Norse god of poetry, Brahma, the Creator, chief god of Hindu religion, Branwen, daughter of Llyr, King of Britain, wife of Mathclch, Breciliande, forest of, where Vivian enticed Merlin, Brengwain, maid of Isoude the Fair

Brennus, son of Molmutius, went to Gaul, became King of theAllobroges, Breuse, the Pitiless, a caitiff knight, Briareus, hundred armed giant, Brice, Bishop, sustainer of Arthur when elected king, Brigliadoro, Orlando's horse, Briseis, captive maid belonging to Achilles, Britto, reputed ancestor of British people, Bruhier, Sultan of Arabia, Brunello, dwarf, thief, and king

Brunhild, leader of the Valkyrie, Brutus, great grandson of Aeneas, and founder of city of New Troy(London), SEE Pandrasus

Bryan, Sir, a knight of Arthur, Buddha, called The Enlightened, reformer of Brahmanism, deifiedteacher of self abnegation, virtue, reincarnation, Karma(inevitable sequence of every act), and Nirvana (beatificabsorption into the Divine), lived about

Byblos, in Egypt, Byrsa, original site of Carthage, C

Cacus, gigantic son of Vulcan, slain by Hercules, whose capturedcattle he stole, Cadmus, son of Agenor, king of Phoenicia, and of Telephassa, andbrother of Europa, who, seeking his sister, carried off byJupiter, had strange adventures--sowing in the ground teeth of adragon he had killed, which sprang up armed men who slew eachother, all but five, who helped Cadmus to found the city ofThebes, Caduceus, Mercury's staff, Cadwallo, King of Venedotia (North Wales), Caerleon, traditional seat of Arthur's court, Caesar, Julius, Roman lawyer, general, statesman and author, conquered and consolidated Roman territory, making possible theEmpire, Caicus, a Greek river, Cairns, Druidical store piles, Calais, French town facing England, Calchas, wisest soothsayer among the Greeks at Troy, Caliburn, a sword of Arthur, Calliope, one of the nine Muses

Callisto, an Arcadian nymph, mother of Arcas (SEE Bootes), changedby Jupiter to constellation Ursa Minor, Calpe, a mountain in the south of Spain, on the strait between theAtlantic and Mediterranean, now Rock of Gibraltar, Calydon, home of Meleager, Calypso, queen of Island of Ogyia, where Ulysses was wrecked andheld seven years, Camber, son of Brutus, governor of West Albion (Wales), Camelot, legendary place in England where Arthur's court andpalace were located, Camenae, prophetic nymphs, belonging to the religion of ancientItaly, Camilla, Volscian maiden, huntress and Amazonian warrior, favoriteof Diana, Camlan, battle of, where Arthur was mortally wounded, Canterbury, English city, Capaneus, husband of Evadne, slain by Jupiter for disobedience, Capet, Hugh, King of France (987-996 AD), Caradoc Briefbras, Sir, great nephew of King Arthur, Carahue, King of Mauretania, Carthage, African city, home of Dido

Cassandra, daughter of Priam and Hecuba, and twin sister ofHelenus, a prophetess, who foretold the coming of the Greeks butwas not believed, Cassibellaunus, British chieftain, fought but not conquered byCaesar, Cassiopeia, mother of Andromeda, Castalia, fountain of Parnassus, giving inspiration to Oracularpriestess named Pythia, Castalian Cave, oracle of Apollo, Castes (India), Castor and Pollux--the Dioscuri, sons of Jupiter and Leda, --Castor a horseman, Pollux a boxer (SEE Gemini), Caucasus, Mount

Cavall, Arthur's favorite dog, Cayster, ancient river, Cebriones, Hector's charioteer, Cecrops, first king of Athens, Celestials, gods of classic mythology, Celeus, shepherd who sheltered Ceres, seeking Proserpine, andwhose infant son Triptolemus was in gratitude made great by Ceres, Cellini, Benvenuto, famous Italian sculptor and artificer inmetals, Celtic nations, ancient Gauls and Britons, modern Bretons, Welsh, Irish and Gaelic Scotch, Centaurs, originally an ancient race, inhabiting Mount Pelion inThessaly, in later accounts represented as half horses and halfmen, and said to have been the offspring of Ixion and a cloud, Cephalus, husband of beautiful but jealous Procris, Cephe us, King of Ethiopians, father of Andromeda, Cephisus, a Grecian stream, Cerberus, three-headed dog that guarded the entrance to Hades, called a son of Typhaon and Echidna

CERES (See Demeter)

CESTUS, the girdle of Venus

CEYX, King of Thessaly (See Halcyone)

CHAOS, original Confusion, personified by Greeks as most ancientof the gods

CHARLEMAGNE, king of the Franks and emperor of the Romans

CHARLES MARTEL', king of the Franks, grandfather of Charlemagne, called Martel (the Hammer) from his defeat of the Saracens atTours

CHARLOT, son of Charlemagne

CHARON, son of Erebos, conveyed in his boat the shades of the deadacross the rivers of the lower world

CHARYB'DIS, whirlpool near the coast of Sicily, See Scylla

CHIMAERA, a fire breathing monster, the fore part of whose bodywas that of a lion, the hind part that of a dragon, and the middlethat of a goat, slain by Bellerophon

CHINA, Lamas (priests) of

CHOS, island in the Grecian archipelago

CHIRON, wisest of all the Centaurs, son of Cronos (Saturn) andPhilyra, lived on Mount Pelion, instructor of Grecian heroes

CHRYSEIS, Trojan maid, taken by Agamemnon

CHRYSES, priest of Apollo, father of Chryseis

CICONIANS, inhabitants of Ismarus, visited by Ulysses

CIMBRI, an ancient people of Central Europe

Cimmeria, a land of darkness

Cimon, Athenian general

Circe, sorceress, sister of Aeetes

Cithaeron, Mount, scene of Bacchic worship

Clarimunda, wife of Huon

Clio, one of the Muses

Cloridan, a Moor

Clotho, one of the Fates

Clymene, an ocean nymph

Clytemnestra, wife of Agamemnon, killed by Orestes

Clytie, a water nymph, in love with Apollo

Cnidos, ancient city of Asia Minor, seat of worship of Aphrodite(Venus)

Cockatrice (or Basilisk), called King of Serpents, supposed tokill with its look

Cocytus, a river of Hades

Colchis, a kingdom east of the Black Sea

Colophon, one of the seven cities claiming the birth of Homer

Columba, St, an Irish Christian missionary to Druidical parts ofScotland

Conan, Welsh king

Constantine, Greek emperor

Cordeilla, daughter of the mythical King Leir

Corineus, a Trojan warrior in Albion

Cornwall, southwest part of Britain

Cortana, Ogier's sword

Corybantes, priests of Cybele, or Rhea, in Phrygia, whocelebrated her worship with dances, to the sound of the drum andthe cymbal, 143

Crab, constellation

Cranes and their enemies, the Pygmies, of Ibycus

Creon, king of Thebes

Crete, one of the largest islands of the Mediterranean Sea, lyingsouth of the Cyclades

Creusa, daughter of Priam, wife of Aeneas

Crocale, a nymph of Diana

Cromlech, Druidical altar

Cronos, See Saturn

Crotona, city of Italy

Cuchulain, Irish hero, called the "Hound of Ireland, "

Culdees', followers of St. Columba, Cumaean Sibyl, seeressof Cumae, consulted by Aeneas, sold Sibylline books to Tarquin

Cupid, child of Venus and god of love

Curoi of Kerry, wise man

Cyane, river, opposed Pluto's passage to Hades

Cybele (Rhea)

Cyclopes, creatures with circular eyes, of whom Homer speaks as agigantic and lawless race of shepherds in Sicily, who devouredhuman beings, they helped Vulcan to forge the thunderbolts of Zeusunder Aetna

Cymbeline, king of ancient Britain

Cynosure (Dog's tail), the Pole star, at tail of ConstellationUrsa Minor

Cynthian mountain top, birthplace of Artemis (Diana) and Apollo

Cyprus, island off the coast of Syria, sacred to Aphrodite

Cyrene, a nymph, mother of Aristaeus

Daedalus, architect of the Cretan Labyrinth, inventor of sails

Daguenet, King Arthur's fool

Dalai Lama, chief pontiff of Thibet

Danae, mother of Perseus by Jupiter

Danaides, the fifty daughters of Danaus, king of Argos, who werebetrothed to the fifty sons of Aegyptus, but were commanded bytheir father to slay each her own husband on the marriage night

Danaus (See Danaides)

Daphne, maiden loved by Apollo, and changed into a laurel tree

Dardanelles, ancient Hellespont

Dardanus, progenitor of the Trojan kings

Dardinel, prince of Zumara

Dawn, See Aurora

Day, an attendant on Phoebus, the Sun

Day star (Hesperus)

Death, See Hela

Deiphobus, son of Priam and Hecuba, the bravest brother of Paris

Dejanira, wife of Hercules

Delos, floating island, birthplace of Apollo and Diana

Delphi, shrine of Apollo, famed for its oracles

Demeter, Greek goddess of marriage and human fertility, identifiedby Romans with Ceres

Demeha, South Wales

Demodocus, bard of Alomous, king of the Phaeaeians

Deucalion, king of Thessaly, who with his wife Pyrrha were theonly pair surviving a deluge sent by Zeus

Dia, island of

Diana (Artemis), goddess of the moon and of the chase, daughter ofJupiter and Latona

Diana of the Hind, antique sculpture in the Louvre, Paris

Diana, temple of

Dictys, a sailor

Didier, king of the Lombards

Dido, queen of Tyre and Carthage, entertained the shipwreckedAeneas

Diomede, Greek hero during Trojan War

Dione, female Titan, mother of Zeus, of Aphrodite (Venus)

Dionysus See Bacchus

Dioscuri, the Twins (See Castor and Pollux)

Dirce, wife of Lycus, king of Thebes, who ordered Amphion andZethus to tie Antiope to a wild bull, but they, learning Antiopeto be their mother, so treated Dirce herself

Dis See Pluto

Discord, apple of, See Eris. 

Discordia, See Eris. 

Dodona, site of an oracle of Zeus (Jupiter)

Dorceus, a dog of Diana

Doris, wife of Nereus

Dragon's teeth sown by Cadmus

Druids, ancient Celtic priests

Dryades (or Dryads), See Wood nymphs

Dryope, changed to a lotus plant, for plucking a lotus--enchantedform of the nymph Lotis

Dubricius, bishop of Caerleon, Dudon, a knight, comrade of Astolpho, Dunwallo Molmu'tius, British king and lawgiver

Durindana, sword of Orlando or Rinaldo

Dwarfs in Wagner's Nibelungen Ring

E

Earth (Gaea); goddess of the

Ebudians, the

Echo, nymph of Diana, shunned by Narcissus, faded to nothing but avoice

Ecklenlied, the

Eddas, Norse mythological records, Ederyn, son of Nudd

Egena, nymph of the Fountain

Eisteddfod, session of Welsh bards and minstrels

Electra, the lost one of the Pleiades, also, sister of Orestes

Eleusian Mysteries, instituted by Ceres, and calculated to awakenfeelings of piety and a cheerful hope of better life in the future

Eleusis, Grecian city

Elgin Marbles, Greek sculptures from the Parthenon of Athens, nowin British Museum, London, placed there by Lord Elgin

Eliaures, enchanter

Elidure, a king of Britain

Elis, ancient Greek city

Elli, old age; the one successful wrestler against Thor

Elphin, son of Gwyddiro

Elves, spiritual beings, of many powers and dispositions--someevil, some good

Elvidnir, the ball of Hela

Elysian Fields, the land of the blest

Elysian Plain, whither the favored of the gods were taken withoutdeath

Elysium, a happy land, where there is neither snow, nor cold, norram. Hither favored heroes, like Menelaus, pass without dying, andlive happy under the rule of Rhadamanthus. In the Latin poetsElysium is part of the lower world, and the residence of theshades of the blessed

Embla, the first woman

Enseladus, giant defeated by Jupiter

Endymion, a beautiful youth beloved by Diana

Enid, wife of Geraint

Enna, vale of home of Proserpine

Enoch, the patriarch

Epidaurus, a town in Argolis, on the Saronic gulf, chief seat ofthe worship of Aeculapius, whose temple was situated near the town

Epimetheus, son of Iapetus, husband of Pandora, with his brotherPrometheus took part in creation of man

Epirus, country to the west of Thessaly, lying along the AdriaticSea

Epopeus, a sailor

Erato, one of the Muses

Erbin of Cornwall, father of Geraint

Erebus, son of Chaos, region of darkness, entrance to Hades

Eridanus, river

Erinys, one of the Furies

Eriphyle, sister of Polynices, bribed to decide on war, in whichher husband was slain

Eris (Discordia), goddess of discord. At the wedding of Peleus andThetis, Eris being uninvited threw into the gathering an apple"For the Fairest, " which was claimed by Hera (Juno), Aphrodite(Venus) and Athena (Minerva) Paris, being called upon forjudgment, awarded it to Aphrodite

Erisichthon, an unbeliever, punished by famine

Eros See Cupid

Erytheia, island

Eryx, a mount, haunt of Venus

Esepus, river in Paphlagonia

Estrildis, wife of Locrine, supplanting divorced Guendolen

Eteocles, son of Oeipus and Jocasta

Etruscans, ancient people of Italy, Etzel, king of the Huns

Euboic Sea, where Hercules threw Lichas, who brought him thepoisoned shirt of Nessus

Eude, king of Aquitaine, ally of Charles Martel

Eumaeus, swineherd of Aeeas

Eumenides, also called Erinnyes, and by the Romans Furiae orDiraae, the Avenging Deities, See Furies

Euphorbus, a Trojan, killed by Menelaus

Euphros'yne, one of the Graces

Europa, daughter of the Phoenician king Agenor, by Zeus the motherof Minos, Rhadamanthus, and Sarpedon

Eurus, the East wind

Euyalus, a gallant Trojan soldier, who with Nisus entered theGrecian camp, both being slain, Eurydice, wife of Orpheus, who, fleeing from an admirer, waskilled by a snake and borne to Tartarus, where Orpheus sought herand was permitted to bring her to earth if he would not look backat her following him, but he did, and she returned to the Shades, Eurylochus, a companion of Ulysses, Eurynome, female Titan, wife of Ophlon

Eurystheus, taskmaster of Hercules, Eurytion, a Centaur (See Hippodamia), Euterpe, Muse who presided over music, Evadne, wife of Capaneus, who flung herself upon his funeral pileand perished with him

Evander, Arcadian chief, befriending Aeneas in Italy, Evnissyen, quarrelsome brother of Branwen, Excalibar, sword of King Arthur, F

Fafner, a giant turned dragon, treasure stealer, by the SolarTheory simply the Darkness who steals the day, Falerina, an enchantress, Fasolt, a giant, brother of Fafner, and killed by him, "Fasti, " Ovid's, a mythological poetic calendar, FATA MORGANA, a mirage

FATES, the three, described as daughters of Night--to indicate thedarkness and obscurity of human destiny--or of Zeus and Themis, that is, "daughters of the just heavens" they were Clo'tho, whospun the thread of life, Lach'esis, who held the thread and fixedits length and At'ropos, who cut it off

FAUNS, cheerful sylvan deities, represented in human form, withsmall horns, pointed ears, and sometimes goat's tail

FAUNUS, son of Picus, grandson of Saturnus, and father of Latinus, worshipped as the protecting deity of agriculture and ofshepherds, and also as a giver of oracles

FAVONIUS, the West wind

FEAR

FENRIS, a wolf, the son of Loki the Evil Principle of Scandinavia, supposed to have personated the element of fire, destructiveexcept when chained

FENSALIR, Freya's palace, called the Hall of the Sea, where werebrought together lovers, husbands, and wives who had beenseparated by death

FERRAGUS, a giant, opponent of Orlando

FERRAU, one of Charlemagne's knights

FERREX. Brother of Porrex, the two sons of Leir

FIRE WORSHIPPERS, of ancient Persia, See Parsees FLOLLO, Romantribune in Gaul

FLORA, Roman goddess of flowers and spring

FLORDELIS, fair maiden beloved by Florismart

FLORISMART, Sir, a brave knight, FLOSSHILDA, one of the Rhine daughters

FORTUNATE FIELDS

FORTUNATE ISLANDS (See Elysian Plain)

FORUM, market place and open square for public meetings in Rome, surrounded by court houses, palaces, temples, etc

FRANCUS, son of Histion, grandson of Japhet, great grandson ofNoah, legendary ancestor of the Franks, or French

FREKI, one of Odin's two wolves

FREY, or Freyr, god of the sun

FREYA, Norse goddess of music, spring, and flowers

FRICKA, goddess of marriage

FRIGGA, goddess who presided over smiling nature, sendingsunshine, rain, and harvest

FROH, one of the Norse gods

FRONTI'NO, Rogero's horse

FURIES (Erinnyes), the three retributive spirits who punishedcrime, represented as snaky haired old woman, named Alecto, Megaeira, and Tisiphone

FUSBERTA, Rinaldo's sword

G

GAEA, or Ge, called Tellus by the Romans, the personification ofthe earth, described as the first being that sprang fiom Chaos, and gave birth to Uranus (Heaven) and Pontus (Sea)

GAHARIET, knight of Arthur's court

GAHERIS, knight

GALAFRON, King of Cathay, father of Angelica

GALAHAD, Sir, the pure knight of Arthur's Round Table, who safelytook the Siege Perilous (which See)

GALATEA, a Nereid or sea nymph

GALATEA, statue carved and beloved by Pygmalion

GALEN, Greek physician and philosophical writer

GALLEHANT, King of the Marches

GAMES, national athletic contests in Greece--Olympian, at Olympia, Pythian, near Delphi, seat of Apollo's oracle, Isthmian, on theCorinthian Isthmus, Nemean, at Nemea in Argolis

GAN, treacherous Duke of Maganza

GANELON of Mayence, one of Charlemagne's knights

GANGES, river in India

GANO, a peer of Charlemagne

GANYMEDE, the most beautiful of all mortals, carried off toOlympus that he might fill the cup of Zeus and live among theimmortal gods

GARETH, Arthur's knight

GAUDISSO, Sultan

GAUL, ancient France

GAUTAMA, Prince, the Buddha

GAWAIN, Arthur's knight

GAWL, son of Clud, suitor for Rhiannon

GEMINI (See Castor), constellation created by Jupiter from thetwin brothers after death, 158

GENGHIS Khan, Tartar conqueror

GENIUS, in Roman belief, the protective Spirit of each individualman, See Juno

GEOFFREY OF MON'MOUTH, translator into Latin of the Welsh Historyof the Kings of Britain (1150)

GERAINT, a knight of King Arthur

GERDA, wife of Frey

GERI, one of Odin's two wolves

GERYON, a three bodied monster

GESNES, navigator sent for Isoude the Fair

GIALLAR HORN, the trumpet that Heimdal will blow at the judgmentday

GIANTS, beings of monstrous size and of fearful countenances, represented as in constant opposition to the gods, in Wagner'sNibelungen Ring

GIBICHUNG RACE, ancestors of Alberich

GIBRALTAR, great rock and town at southwest corner of Spain (SeePillars of Hercules)

GILDAS, a scholar of Arthur's court

GIRARD, son of Duke Sevinus

GLASTONBURY, where Arthur died

GLAUCUS, a fisherman, loving Scylla

GLEIPNIR, magical chain on the wolf Fenris

GLEWLWYD, Arthur's porter

GOLDEN FLEECE, of ram used for escape of children of Athamas, named Helle and Phryxus (which See), after sacrifice of ram toJupiter, fleece was guarded by sleepless dragon and gained byJason and Argonauts (which See, also Helle)

GONERIL, daughter of Leir

GORDIAN KNOT, tying up in temple the wagon of Gordius, he whocould untie it being destined to be lord of Asia, it was cut byAlexander the Great, 48

Gordius, a countryman who, arriving in Phrygia in a wagon, wasmade king by the people, thus interpreting an oracle, 48

Gorgons, three monstrous females, with huge teeth, brazen clawsand snakes for hair, sight of whom turned beholders to stone, Medusa, the most famous, slain by Perseus

Gorlois, Duke of Tintadel

Gouvernail, squire of Isabella, queen of Lionesse, protector ofher son Tristram while young, and his squire in knighthood

Graal, the Holy, cup from which the Saviour drank at Last Supper, taken by Joseph of Arimathea to Europe, and lost, its recoverybecoming a sacred quest for Arthur's knights

Graces, three goddesses who enhanced the enjoyments of life byrefinement and gentleness; they were Aglaia (brilliance), Euphrosyne (joy), and Thalia (bloom)

Gradas'so, king of Sericane

Graeae, three gray haired female watchers for the Gorgons, withone movable eye and one tooth between the three

Grand Lama, Buddhist pontiff in Thibet

Grendel, monster slain by Beowulf

Gryphon (griffin), a fabulous animal, with the body of a lion andthe head and wings of an eagle, dwelling in the Rhipaeanmountains, between the Hyperboreans and the one eyed Arimaspians, and guarding the gold of the North, Guebers, Persian fire worshippers, Guendolen, wife of Locrine, Guenevere, wife of King Arthur, beloved by Launcelot, Guerin, lord of Vienne, father of Oliver, Guiderius, son of Cymbeline, Guillamurius, king in Ireland, Guimier, betrothed of Caradoc, Gullinbursti, the boar drawing Frey's car, Gulltopp, Heimdell's horse, Gunfasius, King of the Orkneys, Ganther, Burgundian king, brother of Kriemhild, Gutrune, half sister to Hagen, Gwern son of Matholch and Branwen, Gwernach the Giant, Gwiffert Petit, ally of Geraint, Gwyddno, Garanhir, King of Gwaelod, Gwyr, judge in the court of Arthur, Gyoll, river, H

Hades, originally the god of the nether world--the name laterused to designate the gloomy subterranean land of the dead, Haemon, son of Creon of Thebes, and lover of Antigone, Haemonian city, Haemus, Mount, northern boundary of Thrace, Hagan, a principal character in the Nibelungen Lied, slayer ofSiegfried, HALCYONE, daughter of Aeneas, and the beloved wife of Ceyx, who, when he was drowned, flew to his floating body, and the pityinggods changed them both to birds (kingfishers), who nest at seaduring a certain calm week in winter ("halcyon weather")

HAMADRYADS, tree-nymphs or wood-nymphs, See Nymphs

HARMONIA, daughter of Mars and Venus, wife of Cadmus

HAROUN AL RASCHID, Caliph of Arabia, contemporary of Charlemagne

HARPIES, monsters, with head and bust of woman, but wings, legsand tail of birds, seizing souls of the wicked, or punishingevildoers by greedily snatching or defiling their food

HARPOCRATES, Egyptian god, Horus

HEBE, daughter of Juno, cupbearer to the gods

HEBRUS, ancient name of river Maritzka

HECATE, a mighty and formidable divinity, supposed to send atnight all kinds of demons and terrible phantoms from the lowerworld

HECTOR, son of Priam and champion of Troy

HECTOR, one of Arthur's knights

HECTOR DE MARYS', a knight

HECUBA, wife of Priam, king of Troy, to whom she bore Hector, Paris, and many other children

HEGIRA, flight of Mahomet from Mecca to Medina (622 AD), era fromwhich Mahometans reckon time, as we do from the birth of Christ

HEIDRUN, she goat, furnishing mead for slain heroes in Valhalla

HEIMDALL, watchman of the gods

HEL, the lower world of Scandinavia, to which were consigned thosewho had not died in battle

HELA (Death), the daughter of Loki and the mistress of theScandinavian Hel

HELEN, daughter of Jupiter and Leda, wife of Menelaus, carriedoff by Paris and cause of the Trojan War

HELENUS, son of Priam and Hecuba, celebrated for his propheticpowers

HELIADES, sisters of Phaeton

HELICON, Mount, in Greece, residence of Apollo and the Muses, with fountains of poetic inspiration, Aganippe and Hippocrene

HELIOOPOLIS, city of the Sun, in Egypt

HELLAS, Gieece

HELLE, daughter of Thessalian King Athamas, who, escaping fromcruel father with her brother Phryxus, on ram with golden fleece, fell into the sea strait since named for her (See Golden Fleece)

HELLESPONt, narrow strait between Europe and Asia Minor, named forHelle

HENGIST, Saxon invader of Britain, 449 AD

HEPHAESTOS, See VULCAN

HERA, called Juno by the Romans, a daughter of Cronos (Saturn)and Rhea, and sister and wife of Jupiter, See JUNO

HERCULES, athletic hero, son of Jupiter and Alcmena, achievedtwelve vast labors and many famous deeds

HEREWARD THE WAKE, hero of the Saxons

HERMES (Mercury), messenger of the gods, deity of commerce, science, eloquence, trickery, theft, and skill generally

HERMIONE, daughter of Menelaus and Helen

HERMOD, the nimble, son of Odin

HERO, a priestess of Venus, beloved of Leander

HERODOTUS, Greek historian

HESIOD, Greek poet

HESPERIA, ancient name for Italy

HESPERIDES (See Apples of the Hesperides)

HESPERUS, the evening star (also called Day Star)

HESTIA, cilled Vesta by the Romans, the goddess of the hearth

HILDEBRAND, German magician and champion

HINDU TRIAD, Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva

HIPPOCRENE (See Helicon)

HIPPODAMIA, wife of Pirithous, at whose wedding the Centaursoffered violence to the bride, causing a great battle

HIPPOGRIFF, winged horse, with eagle's head and claws

HIPPOLYTA, Queen of the Amazons

Hippolytus, son of Thesus

HIPPOMENES, who won Atalanta in foot race, beguiling her withgolden apples thrown for her to

HISTION, son of Japhet

HODUR, blind man, who, fooled by

Loki, threw a mistletoe twig at Baldur, killing him

HOEL, king of Brittany

HOMER, the blind poet of Greece, about 850 B C

HOPE (See PANDORA)

HORAE See HOURS

HORSA, with Hengist, invader of Britain

HORUS, Egyptian god of the sun

HOUDAIN, Tristram's dog

HRINGHAM, Baldur's ship

HROTHGAR, king of Denmark

HUGI, who beat Thialfi in foot races

HUGIN, one of Odin's two ravens

HUNDING, husband of Sieglinda

HUON, son of Duke Sevinus

HYACINTHUS, a youth beloved by Apollo, and accidentally killed byhim, changed in death to the flower, hyacinth

HYADES, Nysaean nymphs, nurses of infant Bacchus, rewarded bybeing placed as cluster of stars in the heavens

HYALE, a nymph of Diana

HYDRA, nine headed monster slain by Hercules

HYGEIA, goddess of health, daughter of Aesculapius

HYLAS, a youth detained by nymphs of spring where he sought water

HYMEN, the god of marriage, imagined as a handsome youth andinvoked in bridal songs

HYMETTUS, mountain in Attica, near Athens, celebrated for itsmarble and its honey

HYPERBOREANS, people of the far North

HYPERION, a Titan, son of Uranus and Ge, and father of Helios, Selene, and Eos, cattle of, Hyrcania, Prince of, betrothed to Clarimunda

Hyrieus, king in Greece, I

Iapetus, a Titan, son of Uranus and Ge, and father of Atlas, Prometheus, Epimetheus, and Menoetius, Iasius, father of Atalanta

Ibycus, a poet, story of, and the cranes

Icaria, island of the Aegean Sea, one of the Sporades

Icarius, Spartan prince, father of Penelope

Icarus, son of Daedalus, he flew too near the sun with artificialwings, and, the wax melting, he fell into the sea

Icelos, attendant of Morpheus

Icolumkill SEE Iona

Ida, Mount, a Trojan hill

Idaeus, a Trojan herald

Idas, son of Aphareus and Arene, and brother of Lynceus Idu'na, wife of Bragi

Igerne, wife of Gorlois, and mother, by Uther, of Arthur

Iliad, epic poem of the Trojan War, by Homer

Ilioheus, a son of Niobe

Ilium SEE Troy

Illyria, Adriatic countries north of Greece

Imogen, daughter of Pandrasus, wife of Trojan Brutus

Inachus, son of Oceanus and Tethys, and father of Phoroneus andIo, also first king of Argos, and said to have given his name tothe river Inachus

INCUBUS, an evil spirit, supposed to lie upon persons in theirsleep

INDRA, Hindu god of heaven, thunder, lightning, storm and rain

INO, wife of Athamas, fleeing from whom with infant son she spranginto the sea and was changed to Leucothea

IO, changed to a heifer by Jupiter

IOBATES, King of Lycia

IOLAUS, servant of Hercules

IOLE, sister of Dryope

IONA, or Icolmkill, a small northern island near Scotland, whereSt Columba founded a missionary monastery (563 AD)

IONIA, coast of Asia Minor

IPHIGENIA, daughter of Agamemnon, offered as a sacrifice butcarried away by Diana

IPHIS, died for love of Anaxarete, 78

IPHITAS, friend of Hercules, killed by him

IRIS, goddess of the rainbow, messenger of Juno and Zeus

IRONSIDE, Arthur's knight

ISABELLA, daughter of king of Galicia

ISIS, wife of Osiris, described as the giver of death

ISLES OF THE BLESSED

ISMARUS, first stop of Ulysses, returning from Trojan WarISME'NOS, a son of Niobe, slain by Apollo

ISOLIER, friend of Rinaldo

ISOUDE THE FAIR, beloved of Tristram

ISOUDE OF THE WHITE HANDS, married to Tristram

ISTHMIAN GAMES, See GAMES

ITHACA, home of Ulysses and Penelope

IULUS, son of Aeneas

IVO, Saracen king, befriending Rinaldo

IXION, once a sovereign of Thessaly, sentenced in Tartarus to belashed with serpents to a wheel which a strong wind drovecontinually around

J

JANICULUM, Roman fortress on the Janiculus, a hill on the otherside of the Tiber

JANUS, a deity from the earliest times held in high estimation bythe Romans, temple of

JAPHET (Iapetus)

JASON, leader of the Argonauts, seeking the Golden Fleece

JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA, who bore the Holy Graal to Europe

JOTUNHEIM, home of the giants in Northern mythology

JOVE (Zeus), chief god of Roman and Grecian mythology, See JUPITER

JOYOUS GARDE, residence of Sir Launcelot of the Lake

JUGGERNAUT, Hindu deity

JUNO, the particular guardian spirit of each woman (See Genius)

JUNO, wife of Jupiter, queen of the gods

JUPITER, JOVIS PATER, FATHER JOVE, JUPITER and JOVE usedinterchangeably, at Dodona, statue of the Olympian

JUPITER AMMON (See Ammon)

JUPITER CAPITOLINUS, temple of, preserving the Sibylline books

JUSTICE, See THEMIS

K

KADYRIATH, advises King Arthur

KAI, son of Kyner

KALKI, tenth avatar of Vishnu

KAY, Arthur's steward and a knight

KEDALION, guide of Orion

KERMAN, desert of

KICVA, daughter of Gwynn Gloy

KILWICH, son of Kilydd

KILYDD, son of Prince Kelyddon, of Wales

KNEPH, spirit or breath

KNIGHTS, training and life of

KRIEMHILD, wife of Siegfried

KRISHNA, eighth avatar of Vishnu, Hindu deity of fertility innature and mankind

KYNER, father of Kav

KYNON, son of Clydno

L

LABYRINTH, the enclosed maze of passageways where roamed theMinotaur of Crete, killed by Theseus with aid of Ariadne

LACHESIS, one of the Fates (which See)

LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN, tale told by Kynon

LAERTES, father of Ulysses

LAESTRYGONIANS, savages attacking Ulysses

LAIUS, King of Thebes

LAMA, holy man of Thibet

LAMPETIA, daughter of Hyperion LAOC'OON, a priest of Neptune, inTroy, who warned the Trojans against the Wooden Horse (which See), but when two serpents came out of the sea and strangled him andhis two sons, the people listened to the Greek spy Sinon, andbrought the fatal Horse into the town

LAODAMIA, daughter of Acastus and wife of Protesilaus

LAODEGAN, King of Carmalide, helped by Arthur and Merlin

LAOMEDON, King of Troy

LAPITHAE, Thessalonians, whose king had invited the Centaurs tohis daughter's wedding but who attacked them for offering violenceto the bride

LARES, household deities

LARKSPUR, flower from the blood of Ajax

LATINUS, ruler of Latium, where Aeneas landed in Italy

LATMOS, Mount, where Diana fell in love with Endymion

LATONA, mother of Apollo

LAUNCELOT, the most famous knight of the Round Table

LAUSUS, son of Mezentius, killed by Aeneas

LAVINIA, daughter of Latinus and wife of Aeneas

LAVINIUM, Italian city named for Lavinia

LAW, See THEMIS

LEANDER, a youth of Abydos, who, swimming the Hellespont to seeHero, his love, was drowned

LEBADEA, site of the oracle of Trophomus

LEBYNTHOS, Aegean island

LEDA, Queen of Sparta, wooed by Jupiter in the form of a swan

LEIR, mythical King of Britain, original of Shakespeare's Lear

LELAPS, dog of Cephalus

LEMNOS, large island in the Aegean Sea, sacred to Vulcan

LEMURES, the spectres or spirits of the dead

LEO, Roman emperor, Greek prince

LETHE, river of Hades, drinking whose water caused forgetfulness

LEUCADIA, a promontory, whence Sappho, disappointed in love, wassaid to have thrown herself into the sea

LEUCOTHEA, a sea goddess, invoked by sailors for protection (SeeIno)

LEWIS, son of Charlemagne

LIBER, ancient god of fruitfulness

LIBETHRA, burial place of Orpheus

LIBYA, Greek name for continent of Africa in general

LIBYAN DESERT, in Africa

LIBYAN OASIS

LICHAS, who brought the shirt of Nessus to Hercules

LIMOURS, Earl of

LINUS, musical instructor of Hercules

LIONEL, knight of the Round Table

LLYR, King of Britain

LOCRINE, son of Brutus in Albion, king of Central England

LOEGRIA, kingdom of (England)

LOGESTILLA, a wise lady, who entertained Rogero and his friends

LOGI, who vanquished Loki in an eating contest

LOKI, the Satan of Norse mythology, son of the giant Farbanti

LOT, King, a rebel chief, subdued by King Arthur, then a loyalknight

LOTIS, a nymph, changed to a lotus-plant and in that form pluckedby Dryope

LOTUS EATERS, soothed to indolence, companions of Ulysses landingamong them lost all memory of home and had to be dragged awaybefore they would continue their voyage

LOVE (Eros) issued from egg of Night, and with arrows and torchproduced life and joy

LUCAN, one of Arthur's knights

Lucius Tiberius, Roman procurator in Britain demanding tributefrom Arthur

LUD, British king, whose capital was called Lud's Town (London)

LUDGATE, city gate where Lud was buried, 387

LUNED, maiden who guided Owain to the Lady of the Fountain

LYCAHAS, a turbulent sailor

LYCAON, son of Priam

LYCIA, a district in Southern Asia Minor

LYCOMODES, king of the Dolopians, who treacherously slew Theseus

LYCUS, usurping King of Thebes

LYNCEUS, one of the sons of Aegyptus

M

MABINOGEON, plural of Mabinogi, fairy tales and romances of theWelsh

MABON, son of Modron

MACHAON, son of Aesculapius

MADAN, son of Guendolen

MADOC, a forester of King Arthur

MADOR, Scottish knight

MAELGAN, king who imprisoned Elphin

MAEONIA, ancient Lydia

MAGI, Persian priests

MAHADEVA, same as Siva

MAHOMET, great prophet of Arabia, born in Mecca, 571 AD, proclaimed worship of God instead of idols, spread his religionthrough disciples and then by force till it prevailed, withArabian dominion, over vast regions in Asia, Africa, and Spain inEurope

MAIA, daughter of Atlas and Pleione, eldest and most beautiful ofthe Pleiades

MALAGIGI the Enchanter, one of Charlemagne's knights

MALEAGANS, false knight

MALVASIUS, King of Iceland

MAMBRINO, with invisible helmet

MANAWYD DAN, brother of King Vran, of London

MANDRICARDO, son of Agrican

MANTUA, in Italy, birthplace of Virgil

MANU, ancestor of mankind

MARATHON, where Theseus and Pirithous met

MARK, King of Cornwall, husband of Isoude the Fair

MARO See VIRGIL

MARPHISA, sister of Rogero

MARSILIUS, Spanish king, treacherous foe of Charlemagne

MARSYAS, inventor of the flute, who challenged Apollo to musicalcompetition, and, defeated, was flayed alive

MATSYA, the Fish, first avatar of Vishnu

MEANDER, Grecian river

MEDE, A, princess and sorceress who aided Jason

MEDORO, a young Moor, who wins Angelica

MEDUSA, one of the Gorgons

MEGAERA, one of the Furies

MELAMPUS, a Spartan dog, the first mortal endowed with propheticpowers

MELANTHUS, steersman for Bacchus

MELEAGER, one of the Argonauts (See Althaea)

MELIADUS, King of Lionesse, near Cornwall

MELICERTES, infant son of Ino. Changed to Palaemon (See Ino, Leucothea, and Palasmon)

MELISSA, priestess at Merlin's tomb

MELISSEUS, a Cretan king

MELPOMENE, one of the Muses

MEMNON, the beautiful son of Tithonus and Eos (Aurora), and kingof the Ethiopians, slain in Trojan War

MEMPHIS, Egyptian city

MENELAUS, son of King of Sparta, husband of Helen

MENOECEUS, son of Creon, voluntary victim in war to gain successfor his father

MENTOR, son of Alcimus and a faithful friend of Ulysses

MERCURY (See HERMES)

MERLIN, enchanter

MEROPE, daughter of King of Chios, beloved by Orion

MESMERISM, likened to curative oracle of Aesculapius at Epidaurus

METABUS, father of Camilla

METAMORPHOSES, Ovid's poetical legends of mythicaltransformations, a large source of our knowledge of classicmythology

METANIRA, a mother, kind to Ceres seeking Proserpine

METEMPSYCHOSIS, transmigration of souls--rebirth of dying menand women in forms of animals or human beings

METIS, Prudence, a spouse of Jupiter

MEZENTIUS, a brave but cruel soldier, opposing Aeneas in Italy

MIDAS

MIDGARD, the middle world of the Norsemen

MIDGARD SERPENT, a sea monster, child of Loki

MILKY WAY, starred path across the sky, believed to be road topalace of the gods

MILO, a great athlete

MLON, father of Orlando

MILTON, John, great English poet, whose History of England is herelargely used

MIME, one of the chief dwarfs of ancient German mythology

MINERVA (Athene), daughter of Jupiter, patroness of health, learning, and wisdom

MINOS, King of Crete

MINO TAUR, monster killed by Theseus

MISTLETOE, fatal to Baldur

MNEMOSYNE, one of the Muses

MODESTY, statue to

MODRED, nephew of King Arthur

MOLY, plant, powerful against sorcery

MOMUS, a deity whose delight was to jeer bitterly at gods and men

MONAD, the "unit" of Pythagoras

MONSTERS, unnatural beings, evilly disposed to men

MONTALBAN, Rinaldo's castle

MONTH, the, attendant upon the Sun

MOON, goddess of, see DIANA

MORAUNT, knight, an Irish champion

MORGANA, enchantress, the Lady of the Lake in "Orlando Furioso, "same as Morgane Le Fay in tales of Arthur

MORGANE LE FAY, Queen of Norway, King Arthur's sister, anenchantress

MORGAN TUD, Arthur's chief physician

MORPHEUS, son of Sleep and god of dreams

MORTE D'ARTHUr, romance, by Sir Thomas Mallory

MULCIBER, Latin name of Vulcan

MULL, Island of

MUNIN, one of Odin's two ravens

MUSAEUS, sacred poet, son of Orpheus

MUSES, The, nine goddesses presiding over poetry, etc--Calliope, epic poetry, Clio, history, Erato, love poetry, Euterpe, lyricpoetry; Melpomene, tragedy, Polyhymnia, oratory and sacred songTerpsichore, choral song and dance, Thalia, comedy and idyls, Urania, astronomy

MUSPELHEIM, the fire world of the Norsemen

MYCENAS, ancient Grecian city, of which Agamemnon was king

MYRDDIN (Merlin)

MYRMIDONS, bold soldiers of Achilles

MYSIA, Greek district on northwest coast of Asia Minor

MYTHOLOGY, origin of, collected myths, describing gods of earlypeoples

N

NAIADS, water nymphs

NAMO, Duke of Bavaria, one of Charlemagne's knights

NANNA, wife of Baldur

NANTERS, British king

NANTES, site of Caradoc's castle

NAPE, a dog of Diana

NARCISSUS, who died of unsatisfied love for his own image in thewater

NAUSICAA, daughter of King Alcinous, who befriended Ulysses

NAUSITHOUS, king of Phaeacians

NAXOS, Island of

NEGUS, King of Abyssinia

NEMEA, forest devastated by a lion killed by Hercules

NEMEAN GAMES, held in honor of Jupiter and Hercules

NEMEAN LION, killed by Hercules

NEMESIS, goddess of vengeance

NENNIUS, British combatant of Caesar

NEOPTOLEMUS, son of Achilles

NEPENTHE, ancient drug to cause forgetfulness of pain or distress

NEPHELE, mother of Phryxus and Helle

NEPHTHYS, Egyptian goddess

NEPTUNE, identical with Poseidon, god of the sea

NEREIDS, sea nymphs, daughters of Nereus and Doris

NEREUS, a sea god

NESSUS, a centaur killed by Hercules, whose jealous wife sent hima robe or shirt steeped in the blood of Nessus, which poisoned him

NESTOR, king of Pylos, renowned for his wisdom, justice, andknowledge of war

NIBELUNGEN HOARD, treasure seized by Siegfried from theNibelungs, buried in the Rhine by Hagan after killing Siegfried, and lost when Hagan was killed by Kriemhild, theme of Wagner'sfour music dramas, "The Ring of the Nibelungen, "

NIBELUNGEN LIED, German epic, giving the same nature myth as theNorse Volsunga Saga, concerning the Hoard

NIBELUNGEN RING, Wagner's music dramas

NIBELUNGS, the, a race of Northern dwarfs

NIDHOGGE, a serpent in the lower world that lives on the dead

NIFFLEHEIM, mist world of the Norsemen, the Hades of absentspirits

NILE, Egyptian river

NIOBE, daughter of Tantalus, proud Queen of Thebes, whose sevensons and seven daughters were killed by Apollo and Diana, at whichAmphion, her husband, killed himself, and Niobe wept until she wasturned to stone

NISUS, King of Megara

NOAH, as legendary ancestor of French, Roman, German, and Britishpeoples

NOMAN, name assumed by Ulysses

NORNS, the three Scandinavian Fates, Urdur (the past), Verdandi(the present), and Skuld (the future)

NOTHUNG, magic sword

NOTUS, southwest wind

NOX, daughter of Chaos and sister of Erebus, personification ofnight

Numa, second king of Rome

NYMPHS, beautiful maidens, lesser divinities of nature Dryads andHamadryads, tree nymphs, Naiads, spring, brook, and river nymphs, Nereids, sea nymphs Oreads, mountain nymphs or hill nymphs

O

OCEANUS, a Titan, ruling watery elements

OCYROE, a prophetess, daughter of Chiron

ODERIC

ODIN, chief of the Norse gods

ODYAR, famous Biscayan hero

ODYSSEUS See ULYSSES

ODYSSEY, Homer's poem, relating the wanderings of Odysseus(Ulysses) on returning from Trojan War

OEDIPUS, Theban hero, who guessed the riddle of the Sphinx (whichSee), becoming King of Thebes

OENEUS, King of Calydon

OENONE, nymph, married by Paris in his youth, and abandoned forHelen

OENOPION, King of Chios

OETA, Mount, scene of Hercules' death

OGIER, the Dane, one of the paladins of Charlemagne

OLIVER, companion of Orlando

OLWEN, wife of Kilwich

OLYMPIA, a small plain in Elis, where the Olympic games werecelebrated

OLYMPIADS, periods between Olympic games (four years)

OLYMPIAN GAMES, See GAMES

OLYMPUS, dwelling place of the dynasty of gods of which Zeus wasthe head

OMPHALE, queen of Lydia, daughter of Iardanus and wife of Tmolus

OPHION, king of the Titans, who ruled Olympus till dethroned bythe gods Saturn and Rhea

OPS See RHEA

ORACLES, answers from the gods to questions from seekers forknowledge or advice for the future, usually in equivocal form, soas to fit any event, also places where such answers were givenforth usually by a priest or priestess

ORC, a sea monster, foiled by Rogero when about to devour Angelica

OREADS, nymphs of mountains and hills

ORESTES, son of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra, because of his crimein killing his mother, he was pursued by the Furies until purifiedby Minerva

ORION, youthful giant, loved by Diana, Constellation

ORITHYIA, a nymph, seized by Boreas

ORLANDO, a famous knight and nephew of Charlemagne

ORMUZD (Greek, Oromasdes), son of Supreme Being, source of goodas his brother Ahriman (Arimanes) was of evil, in Persian orZoroastrian religion

ORPHEUS, musician, son of Apollo and Calliope, See EURYDICE

OSIRIS, the most beneficent of the Egyptian gods

OSSA, mountain of Thessaly

OSSIAN, Celtic poet of the second or third century

OVID, Latin poet (See Metamorphoses)

OWAIN, knight at King Arthur's court

OZANNA, a knight of Arthur

P

PACTOLUS, river whose sands were changed to gold by Midas

PAEON, a name for both Apollo and Aesculapius, gods of medicine, PAGANS, heathen

PALADINS or peers, knights errant

PALAEMON, son of Athamas and Ino

PALAMEDES, messenger sent to call Ulysses to the Trojan War

PALAMEDES, Saracen prince at Arthur's court

PALATINE, one of Rome's Seven Hills

PALES, goddess presiding over cattle and pastures

PALINURUS, faithful steersman of Aeeas

PALLADIUM, properly any image of Pallas Athene, but speciallyapplied to an image at Troy, which was stolen by Ulysses andDiomedes

PALLAS, son of Evander

PALLAS A THE'NE (Minerva)

PAMPHA GUS, a dog of Diana

PAN, god of nature and the universe

PANATHENAEA, festival in honor of Pallas Athene (Minerva)

PANDEAN PIPES, musical instrument of reeds, made by Pan inmemory of Syrinx

PANDORA (all gifted), first woman, dowered with gifts by everygod, yet entrusted with a box she was cautioned not to open, but, curious, she opened it, and out flew all the ills of humanity, leaving behind only Hope, which remained

PANDRASUS, a king in Greece, who persecuted Trojan exiles underBrutus, great grandson of Aeneas, until they fought, captured him, and, with his daughter Imogen as Brutus' wife, emigrated to Albion(later called Britain)

PANOPE, plain of

PANTHUS, alleged earlier incarnation of Pythagoras

PAPHLAGNIA, ancient country in Asia Minor, south of Black Sea

PAPHOS, daughter of Pygmalion and Galatea (both of which, See)

PARCAE See FATES

PARIAHS, lowest caste of Hindus

PARIS, son of Priam and Hecuba, who eloped with Helen (which. See)

PARNASSIAN LAUREl, wreath from Parnassus, crown awarded tosuccessful poets

PARNASSUS, mountain near Delphi, sacred to Apollo and the Muses

PARSEES, Persian fire worshippers (Zoroastrians), of whom thereare still thousands in Persia and India

PARTHENON, the temple of Athene Parthenos ("the Virgin") on theAcropolis of Athens

PASSEBREUL, Tristram's horse

PATROCLUS, friend of Achilles, killed by Hector

PECHEUR, King, uncle of Perceval

PEERS, the

PEG A SUS, winged horse, born from the sea foam and the blood ofMedusa

PELEUS, king of the Myrmidons, father of Achilles by Thetis

PELIAS, usurping uncle of Jason

PELION, mountain

PELLEAS, knight of Arthur

PENATES, protective household deities of the Romans

PENDRAGON, King of Britain, elder brother of Uther Pendragon, who succeeded him

PENELOPE, wife of Ulysses, who, waiting twenty years for hisreturn from the Trojan War, put off the suitors for her hand bypromising to choose one when her weaving was done, but unravelledat night what she had woven by day

PENEUS, river god, river

PENTHESILEA, queen of Amazons

PENTHEUS, king of Thebes, having resisted the introduction ofthe worship of Bacchus into his kingdom, was driven mad by the god

PENUS, Roman house pantry, giving name to the Penates

PEPIN, father of Charlemagne

PEPLUS, sacred robe of Minerva

PERCEVAL, a great knight of Arthur

PERDIX, inventor of saw and compasses

PERIANDER, King of Corinuh, friend of Arion

PERIPHETES, son of Vulcan, killed by Theseus

PERSEPHONE, goddess of vegetation, 8 See Pioserpine

PERSEUS, son of Jupiter and Danae, slayer of the Gorgon Medusa, deliverer of Andromeda from a sea monster, 116 122, 124, 202

PHAEACIANS, people who entertained Ulysses

PHAEDRA, faithless and cruel wife of Theseus

PHAETHUSA, sister of Phaeton, 244

PHAETON, son of Phoebus, who dared attempt to drive his father'ssun chariot

PHANTASOS, a son of Somnus, bringing strange images to sleepingmen

PHAON, beloved by Sappho

PHELOT, knight of Wales

PHEREDIN, friend of Tristram, unhappy lover of Isoude

PHIDIAS, famous Greek sculptor

PHILEMON, husband of Baucis

PHILOCTETES, warrior who lighted the fatal pyre of Hercules

PHILOE, burial place of Osiris

PHINEUS, betrothed to Andromeda

PHLEGETHON, fiery river of Hades

PHOCIS

PHOEBE, one of the sisters of Phaeton

PHOEBUS (Apollo), god of music, prophecy, and archery, the sungod

PHOENIX, a messenger to Achilles, also, a miraculous bird dyingin fire by its own act and springing up alive from its own ashes

PHORBAS, a companion of Aeneas, whose form was assumed by Neptunein luring Palinuras the helmsman from his roost

PHRYXUS, brother of Helle

PINABEL, knight

PILLARS OF HERCULES, two mountains--Calpe, now the Rock ofGibraltar, southwest corner of Spain in Europe, and Abyla, facingit in Africa across the strait

PINDAR, famous Greek poet

PINDUS, Grecian mountain

PIRENE, celebrated fountain at Corinth

PIRITHOUS, king of the Lapithae in Thessaly, and friend ofTheseus, husband of Hippodamia

PLEASURE, daughter of Cupid and Psyche

PLEIADES, seven of Diana's nymphs, changed into stars, one beinglost

PLENTY, the Horn of

PLEXIPPUS, brother of Althea

PLINY, Roman naturalist

PLUTO, the same as Hades, Dis, etc. God of the Infernal Regions

PLUTUS, god of wealth

PO, Italian river

POLE STAR

POLITES, youngest son of Priam of Troy

POLLUX, Castor and (Dioscuri, the Twins) (See Castor)

POLYDECTES, king of Seriphus

POLYDORE, slain kinsman of Aeneas, whose blood nourished a bushthat bled when broken

POLYHYMNIA, Muse of oratory and sacred song

POLYIDUS, soothsayer

POLYNICES, King of Thebes

POLYPHEMUS, giant son of Neptune

POLYXENA, daughter of King Priam of Troy

POMONA, goddess of fruit trees (See VERTUMNUS)

PORREX and FER'REX, sons of Leir, King of Britain

PORTUNUS, Roman name for Palaemon

POSEIDON (Neptune), ruler of the ocean

PRECIPICE, threshold of Helas hall

PRESTER JOHN, a rumored priest or presbyter, a Christian pontiffin Upper Asia, believed in but never found

PRIAM, king of Troy

PRIWEN, Arthur's shield

PROCRIS, beloved but jealous wife of Cephalus

PROCRUSTES, who seized travellers and bound them on his iron bed, stretching the short ones and cutting short the tall, thus alsohimself served by Theseus

PROETUS, jealous of Bellerophon

PROMETHEUS, creator of man, who stole fire from heaven for man'suse

PROSERPINE, the same as Persephone, goddess of all growingthings, daughter of Ceres, carried off by Pluto

PROTESILAUS, slain by Hector the Trojan, allowed by the gods toreturn for three hours' talk with his widow Laodomia

PROTEUS, the old man of the sea

PRUDENCE (Metis), spouse of Jupiter

PRYDERI, son of Pwyll

PSYCHE, a beautiful maiden, personification of the human soul, sought by Cupid (Love), to whom she responded, lost him bycuriosity to see him (as he came to her only by night), butfinally through his prayers was made immortal and restored to him, a symbol of immortality

PURANAS, Hindu Scriptures

PWYLL, Prince of Dyved

PYGMALION, sculptor in love with a statue he had made, brought tolife by Venus, brother of Queen Dido

PYGMIES, nation of dwarfs, at war with the Cranes

PYLADES, son of Straphius, friend of Orestes

PYRAMUS, who loved Thisbe, next door neighbor, and, their parentsopposing, they talked through cracks in the house wall, agreeingto meet in the near by woods, where Pyramus, finding a bloody veiland thinking Thisbe slain, killed himself, and she, seeing hisbody, killed herself (Burlesqued in Shakespeare's "MidsummerNight's Dream")

PYRRHA, wife of Deucalion

PYRRHUS (Neoptolemus), son of Achilles

PYTHAGORAS, Greek philosopher (540 BC), who thought numbers to bethe essence and principle of all things, and taught transmigrationof souls of the dead into new life as human or animal beings

PYTHIA, priestess of Apollo at Delphi

PYTHIAN GAMES

PYTHIAN ORACLE

PYTHON, serpent springing from Deluge slum, destroyed by Apollo

Q

QUIRINUS (from quiris, a lance or spear), a war god, said to beRomulus, founder of Rome

R

RABICAN, noted horse

RAGNAROK, the twilight (or ending) of the gods

RAJPUTS, minor Hindu caste

REGAN, daughter of Leir

REGILLUS, lake in Latium, noted for battle fought near bybetween the Romans and the Latins

REGGIO, family from which Rogero sprang

REMUS, brother of Romulus, founder of Rome

RHADAMANTHUS, son of Jupiter and Europa after his death one ofthe judges in the lower world

RHAPSODIST, professional reciter of poems among the Greeks

RHEA, female Titan, wife of Saturn (Cronos), mother of the chiefgods, worshipped in Greece and Rome

RHINE, river

RHINE MAIDENS, OR DAUGHTERS, three water nymphs, Flosshilda, Woglinda, and Wellgunda, set to guard the Nibelungen Hoard, buriedin the Rhine

RHODES, one of the seven cities claiming to be Homer's birthplace

RHODOPE, mountain in Thrace

RHONGOMYANT, Arthur's lance

RHOECUS, a youth, beloved by a Dryad, but who brushed away a beesent by her to call him to her, and she punished him withblindness

RHIANNON, wife of Pwyll

RINALDO, one of the bravest knights of Charlemagne

RIVER OCEAN, flowing around the earth

ROBERT DE BEAUVAIS', Norman poet (1257)

ROBIN HOOD, famous outlaw in English legend, about time of RichardCoeur de Lion

ROCKINGHAM, forest of

RODOMONT, king of Algiers

ROGERO, noted Saracen knight

ROLAND (Orlando), See Orlando

ROMANCES

ROMANUS, legendary great grandson of Noah

ROME

ROMULUS, founder of Rome

RON, Arthur's lance

RONCES VALLES', battle of

ROUND TABLE King Arthur's instituted by Merlin the Sage forPendragon, Arthur's father, as a knightly order, continued andmade famous by Arthur and his knights

RUNIC CHARACTERS, or runes, alphabetic signs used by earlyTeutonic peoples, written or graved on metal or stone

RUTULIANS, an ancient people in Italy, subdued at an early periodby the Romans

RYENCE, king in Ireland

S

SABRA, maiden for whom Severn River was named, daughter of Locrineand Estrildis thrown into river Severn by Locrine's wife, transformed to a river nymph, poetically named Sabrina

SACRIPANT, king of Circassia

SAFFIRE, Sir, knight of Arthur

SAGAS, Norse tales of heroism, composed by the Skalds

SAGRAMOUR, knight of Arthur

St. MICHAEL'S MOUNT, precipitous pointed rock hill on the coast ofBrittany, opposite Cornwall

SAKYASINHA, the Lion, epithet applied to Buddha

SALAMANDER, a lizard like animal, fabled to be able to live infire

SALAMIS, Grecian city

SALMONEUS, son of Aeolus and Enarete and brother of Sisyphus

SALOMON, king of Brittany, at Charlemagne's court

SAMHIN, or "fire of peace, " a Druidical festival

SAMIAN SAGE (Pythagoras)

SAMOS, island in the Aegean Sea

SAMOTHRACIAN GODS, a group of agricultural divinities, worshippedin Samothrace

SAMSON, Hebrew hero, thought by some to be original of Hercules

SAN GREAL (See Graal, the Holy)

SAPPHO, Greek poetess, who leaped into the sea from promontory ofLeucadia in disappointed love for Phaon

SARACENS, followers of Mahomet

SARPEDON, son of Jupiter and Europa, killed by Patroclus

SATURN (Cronos)

SATURNALIA, a annual festival held by Romans in honor of Saturn

SATURNIA, an ancient name of Italy

SATYRS, male divinities of the forest, half man, half goat

SCALIGER, famous German scholar of 16th century

SCANDINAVIA, mythology of, giving account of Northern gods, heroes, etc

SCHERIA, mythical island, abode of the Phaeacians

SCHRIMNIR, the boar, cooked nightly for the heroes of Valhallabecoming whole every morning

SCIO, one of the island cities claiming to be Homer's birthplace

SCOPAS, King of Thessaly

SCORPION, constellation

SCYLLA, sea nymph beloved by Glaucus, but changed by jealous Circeto a monster and finally to a dangerous rock on the Siciliancoast, facing the whirlpool Charybdis, many mariners being wreckedbetween the two, also, daughter of King Nisus of Megara, who lovedMinos, besieging her father's city, but he disliked her disloyaltyand drowned her, also, a fair virgin of Sicily, friend of seanymph Galatea

SCYROS, where Theseus was slain

SCYTHIA, country lying north of Euxine Sea

SEMELE, daughter of Cadmus and, by Jupiter, mother of Bacchus

SEMIRAMIS, with Ninus the mythical founder of the Assyrian empireof Nineveh

SENAPUS, King of Abyssinia, who entertained Astolpho

SERAPIS, or Hermes, Egyptian divinity of Tartarus and ofmedicine

SERFS, slaves of the land

SERIPHUS, island in the Aegean Sea, one of the Cyclades

SERPENT (Northern constellation)

SESTOS, dwelling of Hero (which See also Leander)

"SEVEN AGAINST THEBES, " famous Greek expedition

SEVERN RIVER, in England

SEVINUS, Duke of Guienne

SHALOTT, THE LADY OF

SHATRIYA, Hindu warrior caste

SHERASMIN, French chevalier

SIBYL, prophetess of Cumae

SICHAEUS, husband of Dido

SEIGE PERILOUS, the chair of purity at Arthur's Round Table, fatalto any but him who was destined to achieve the quest of theSangreal (See Galahad)

SIEGFRIED, young King of the Netherlands, husband of Kriemhild, she boasted to Brunhild that Siegfried had aided Gunther to beather in athletic contests, thus winning her as wife, and Brunhild, in anger, employed Hagan to murder Siegfried. As hero of Wagner's"Valkyrie, " he wins the Nibelungen treasure ring, loves anddeserts Brunhild, and is slain by Hagan

SIEGLINDA, wife of Hunding, mother of Siegfried by Siegmund

SIEGMUND, father of Siegfried

SIGTRYG, Prince, betrothed of King Alef's daughter, aided byHereward

SIGUNA, wife of Loki

SILENUS, a Satyr, school master of Bacchus

SILURES (South Wales)

SILVIA, daughter of Latin shepherd

SILVIUS, grandson of Aeneas, accidentally killed in the chase byhis son Brutus

SIMONIDES, an early poet of Greece

SINON, a Greek spy, who persuaded the Trojans to take the WoodenHorse into their city

SIRENS, sea nymphs, whose singing charmed mariners to leap intothe sea, passing their island, Ulysses stopped the ears of hissailors with wax, and had himself bound to the mast so that hecould hear but not yield to their music

SIRIUS, the dog of Orion, changed to the Dog star

SISYPHUS, condemned in Tartarus to perpetually roll up hill a bigrock which, when the top was reached, rolled down again

SIVA, the Destroyer, third person of the Hindu triad of gods

SKALDS, Norse bards and poets

SKIDBLADNIR, Freyr's ship

SKIRNIR, Frey's messenger, who won the god's magic sword bygetting him Gerda for his wife

SKRYMIR, a giant, Utgard Loki in disguise, who fooled Thor inathletic feats

SKULD, the Norn of the Future

SLEEP, twin brother of Death

SLEIPNIR, Odin's horse

SOBRINO, councillor to Agramant

SOMNUS, child of Nox, twin brother of Mors, god of sleep

SOPHOCLES, Greek tragic dramatist

SOUTH WIND See Notus

SPAR'TA, capital of Lacedaemon

SPHINX, a monster, waylaying the road to Thebes and propoundingriddles to all passers, on pain of death, for wrong guessing, whokilled herself in rage when Aedipus guessed aright

SPRING

STONEHENGE, circle of huge upright stones, fabled to be sepulchreof Pendragon

STROPHIUS, father of Pylades

STYGIAN REALM, Hades

STYGIAN SLEEP, escaped from the beauty box sent from Hades toVenus by hand of Psyche, who curiously opened the box and wasplunged into unconsciousness

STYX, river, bordering Hades, to be crossed by all the dead

SUDRAS, Hindu laboring caste

SURTUR, leader of giants against the gods in the day of theirdestruction (Norse mythology)

SURYA, Hindu god of the sun, corresponding to the Greek Helios

SUTRI, Orlando's birthplace

SVADILFARI, giant's horse

SWAN, LEDA AND

SYBARIS, Greek city in Southern Italy, famed for luxury

SYLVANUS, Latin divinity identified with Pan

SYMPLEGADES, floating rocks passed by the Argonauts

SYRINX, nymph, pursued by Pan, but escaping by being changed to abunch of reeds (See Pandean pipes)

T

TACITUS, Roman historian

TAENARUS, Greek entrance to lower regions

TAGUS, river in Spain and Portugal

TALIESIN, Welsh bard

TANAIS, ancient name of river Don

TANTALUS, wicked king, punished in Hades by standing in waterthat retired when he would drink, under fruit trees that withdrewwhen he would eat

TARCHON, Etruscan chief

TARENTUM, Italian city

TARPEIAN ROCK, in Rome, from which condemned criminals werehurled

TARQUINS, a ruling family in early Roman legend

TAURIS, Grecian city, site of temple of Diana (See Iphigenia)

TAURUS, a mountain

TARTARUS, place of confinement of Titans, etc, originally a blackabyss below Hades later, represented as place where the wickedwere punished, and sometimes the name used as synonymous withHades

TEIRTU, the harp of

TELAMON, Greek hero and adventurer, father of Ajax

TELEMACHUS, son of Ulysses and Penelope

TELLUS, another name for Rhea

TENEDOS, an island in Aegean Sea

TERMINUS, Roman divinity presiding over boundaries and frontiers

TERPSICHORE, Muse of dancing

TERRA, goddess of the earth

TETHYS, goddess of the sea

TEUCER, ancient king of the Trojans

THALIA, one of the three Graces

THAMYRIS, Thracian bard, who challenged the Muses to competitionin singing, and, defeated, was blinded

THAUKT, Loki disguised as a hag

THEBES, city founded by Cadmus and capital of Boeotia

THEMIS, female Titan, law counsellor of Jove

THEODORA, sister of Prince Leo

THERON, one of Diana's dogs

THERSITES, a brawler, killed by Achilles

THESCELUS, foe of Perseus, turned to stone by sight of Gorgon'shead

THESEUM, Athenian temple in honor of Theseus

THESEUS, son of Aegeus and Aethra, King of Athens, a great hero ofmany adventures

THESSALY

THESTIUS, father of Althea

THETIS, mother of Achilles

THIALFI, Thor's servant

THIS'BE, Babylonian maiden beloved by Pyramus

THOR, the thunderer, of Norse mythology, most popular of the gods

THRACE

THRINA'KIA, island pasturing Hyperion's cattle, where Ulysseslanded, but, his men killing some cattle for food, their ship waswrecked by lightning

THRYM, giant, who buried Thor's hammer

THUCYDIDES, Greek historian

TIBER, river flowing through Rome

TIBER, FATHER, god of the river

TIGRIS, river

TINTADEL, castle of, residence of King Mark of Cornwall

TIRESIAS, a Greek soothsayer

TISIPHONE, one of the Furies

TITANS, the sons and daughters of Uranus (Heaven) and Gaea(Earth), enemies of the gods and overcome by them

TITHONUS, Trojan prince

TITYUS, giant in Tartarus

TMOLUS, a mountain god

TORTOISE, second avatar of Vishnu

TOURS, battle of (See Abdalrahman and Charles Martel)

TOXEUS, brother of Melauger's mother, who snatched from Atalantaher hunting trophy, and was slain by Melauger, who had awarded itto her

TRIAD, the Hindu

TRIADS, Welsh poems

TRIMURTI, Hindu Triad

TRIPTOL'EMUS, son of Celeus, and who, made great byCeres, founded her worship in Eleusis

TRISTRAM, one of Arthur's knights, husband of Isoude of the WhiteHands, lover of Isoude the Fair, TRITON, a demi god of the sea, son of Poseidon (Neptune) andAmphitrite

TROEZEN, Greek city of Argolis

TROJAN WAR

TROJANOVA, New Troy, City founded in Britain (See Brutus, andLud)

TROPHONIUS, oracle of, in Boeotia

TROUBADOURS, poets and minstrels of Provence, in Southern France

TROUVERS', poets and minstrels of Northern France

TROY, city in Asia Minor, ruled by King Priam, whose son, Paris, stole away Helen, wife of Menelaus the Greek, resulting in theTrojan War and the destruction of Troy

TROY, fall of

TURNUS, chief of the Rutulianes in Italy, unsuccessful rival ofAeneas for Lavinia

TURPIN, Archbishop of Rheims

TURQUINE, Sir, a great knight, foe of Arthur, slain by SirLauncelot

TYPHON, one of the giants who attacked the gods, were defeated, and imprisoned under Mt. Aetna

TYR, Norse god of battles

TYRE, Phoenician city governed by Dido

TYRIANS

TYRRHEUS, herdsman of King Turnus in Italy, the slaying of whosedaughter's stag aroused war upon Aeneas and his companions

U

UBERTO, son of Galafron

ULYSSES (Greek, Odysseus), hero of the Odyssey

UNICORN, fabled animal with a single horn

URANIA, one of the Muses, a daughter of Zeus by Mnemosyne

URDUR, one of the Norns or Fates of Scandinavia, representing thePast

USK, British river

UTGARD, abode of the giant Utgard Loki

UTGARD LO'KI, King of the Giants (See Skrymir)

UTHER (Uther Pendragon), king of Britain and father of Arthur, UWAINE, knight of Arthur's court

V

VAISSYAS, Hindu caste of agriculturists and traders

VALHALLA, hall of Odin, heavenly residence of slain heroes

VALKYRIE, armed and mounted warlike virgins, daughters of the gods(Norse), Odin's messengers, who select slain heroes for Valhallaand serve them at their feasts

VE, brother of Odin

VEDAS, Hindu sacred Scriptures

VENEDOTIA, ancient name for North Wales

VENUS (Aphrodite), goddess of beauty

VENUS DE MEDICI, famous antique statue in Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy

VERDANDI, the Present, one of the Norns

VERTUMNUS, god of the changing seasons, whose varied appearanceswon the love of Pomona

VESTA, daughter of Cronos and Rhea, goddess of the homefire, orhearth

VESTALS, virgin priestesses in temple of Vesta

VESUVIUS, Mount, volcano near Naples

VILLAINS, peasants in the feudal scheme

VIGRID, final battle-field, with destruction of the gods indtheir enemies, the sun, the earth, and time itself

VILI, brother of Odin and Ve

VIRGIL, celebrated Latin poet (See Aeneid)

VIRGO, constellation of the Virgin, representing Astraea, goddessof innocence and purity

VISHNU, the Preserver, second of the three chief Hindu gods

VIVIANE, lady of magical powers, who allured the sage Merlin andimprisoned him in an enchanted wood

VOLSCENS, Rutulian troop leader who killed Nisus and Euryalus

VOLSUNG, A SAGA, an Icelandic poem, giving about the same legendsas the Nibelungen Lied

VORTIGERN, usurping King of Britain, defeated by Pendragon 390, 397

VULCAN (Greek, Haephestus), god of fire and metal working, withforges under Aetna, husband of Venus

VYA'SA, Hindu sage

W

WAIN, the, constellation

WELLGUNDA, one of the Rhine-daughters

WELSH LANGUAGE

WESTERN OCEAN

WINDS, THE

WINTER

WODEN, chief god in the Norse mythology, Anglo Saxon for Odin

WOGLINDA, one of the Rhine-daughters

WOMAN, creation of

WOODEN HORSE, the, filled with armed men, but left outside of Troyas a pretended offering to Minerva when the Greeks feigned to sailaway, accepted by the Trojans (See Sinon, and Laocoon), broughtinto the city, and at night emptied of the hidden Greek soldiers, who destroyed the town

WOOD NYMPHS

WOTAN, Old High German form of Odin

X

XANTHUS, river of Asia Minor

Y

YAMA, Hindu god of the Infernal Regions

YEAR, THE

YGDRASIL, great ash-tree, supposed by Norse mythology to supportthe universe

YMIR, giant, slain by Odin

YNYWL, Earl, host of Geraint, father of Enid

YORK, Britain

YSERONE, niece of Arthur, mother of Caradoc

YSPA DA DEN PEN'KAWR, father of Olwen

Z

ZENDAVESTA, Persian sacred Scriptures

ZEPHYRUS, god of the South wind, ZERBINO, a knight, son of the king of Scotland

ZETES, winged warrior, companion of Theseus

ZETHUS, son of Jupiter and Antiope, brother of Amphion. See Dirce

ZEUS, See JUPITER

ZOROASTER, founder of the Persian religion, which was dominant inWestern Asia from about 550 BC to about 650 AD, and is still heldby many thousands in Persia and in India