Orlando furioso in English heroical verse, by Sr Iohn Haringto[n] of Bathe Knight.

THE XLI. BOOKE

THE ARGVMENT.

His prisners Dudon to Rogero giues, Who in a tempest all were drowned quite, Rogero onely scapes the storme, and liues, And then is Christend, and belleues aright. Neare Lippadusas steepe and craggie clyues, Sixe valiant knights, a combat fierce do fight, Where Sobrine hurt, the Marquesse lame on ground, Good Brandimart receiues a deadly wound.

1

THat odor sweet wherewith an amorous youth Of either sexe, their gar∣ments do perfume, Or head or beard, when (full of louing ruth) In flames of Cupids fire they do consume: We say that odor perfect was in truth, And of his goodnesse we do much presume, If so a good while after it be felt, And that the sweetnesse be long after smelt.

2

That pleasant iuyce that Icarus vnwife, Did cause his men (to his great harme) to tast, And did the Gauls to Italie entise, Where they commited so great spoile and wast, Was doubtlesse perfect good, and of great price, If so at twelumonths end it pleasant last. The tree that doth his leaues in winter nourish, Without all question did in sommer florish.

3

The bountie that so many hundred yeare, In your most Princely stocke did euer shine, Is to the world an open proofe and cleare, That he, from whom was first deriu'd your line, Was sure a great, and worthie minded Peare, And had that noble vertue and deuine, Which chiefly makes a man so rare and od, As in that one, they most resemble God.

4

I shewd you in the booke that went before, How good Rogero tooke great care and heed, That as in other acts he shewd great store Of vertues rare, that other men exceed, So in this fight he shewd as much or more, Then he had done in any other deed: With noble mind ambitious to all good, For glory thirsting still, but not for blood.

5

Good Dudon found (for well discerne he might) How that Rogero him to hurt forbare, How though he had great vantage in the fight, Yet that to vse the same he still did spare; Wherefore though he were ouermatcht in might, Yet therewithall he shewd this speciall care, That though Rogero were in force superiour, Himselfe in courtsie would not be inferiour.

6

Perdie sir let (saith he) our combat cease, Your courtsie hath alreadie conquerd me, I cannot winne, and therefore seeke I peace; And I (saith tother) will to peace agree: I onely craue this grace, that you release, Those seau'n, whom standing there in bonds I see, Those were the kings, whom late near Affrike shore Had taken bene a day or two before.

7

At his request thus Dudon gaue remission, But ere they went, he made them first to sweare, That neither they, nor none by their permission, Gainst any Christen state, should armour beare; He gaue them also leaue on like condition, To take the choisest vessell that was theare, Who no conuenient season ouerslipping, For Affrica immediately tooke shipping.

8

Thus had those kings their ransomes all remitted, And with Rogero shipt themselues that day, And then to faithlesse winds themselues committed, They weigh their ankers, and their sayles display: A frendly gale at first their iourney fitted, And bare them from the shore full farre away: But afterward within a little season, The wind discouerd his deceipt and treason.

9

First from the poop, it changed to the side, Then to the prore, at last it wherled round, In one place long it neuer would abide, Which doth the Pilots wit and skill confound: The surging waues swell still in higher pride, While Proteus flocke did more and more abound, And seeme to them as many deaths to threaten, As that ships sides with diuers waues are beaten.

10

Now in their face the wind, straight in their backe, And forward this, and backward that it blowes, Then on the side it makes the ship to cracke, Among the Mariners confusion growes; The Master ruine doubts, and present wracke, For none his will, nor none his meaning knowes, To whistle, becken, crie, it nought auailes, Somtime to strike, somtime to turne their sailes.

11

But none there was could heare, nor see, nor marke, Their eares so stopt, so dazeld were their eyes, With weather so tempestuous and so darke, And black thick clouds, that with the storme did rise Frō whence somtime great gastly flames did sparke, And thunderclaps, that seemd to rend the skies: Which made them in a manner deafe and blind, That no man vnderstood the Masters mind.

12

Nor lesse, nor much lesse fearfull is the sound, The cruell tempest in the tackle makes, Yet each one for himselfe some busnesse found, And to some speciall office him betakes: One this vntide, another that hath bound, He the Main bowling, now restraines, now slakes: Some take an oare, some at the pumpe take paine, And powre the sea into the sea againe.

13

Behold a horrible and hideous blast, That Boreas from his frozen lips doth send, Doth backward force the sayle against the mast, And makes the waues vnto the skies ascend: Then brake their oares and rudder eke at last, Now nothing left from tempest to defend, So that the ship was swaid now quite aside, And to the waues laid ope her naked side.

14

Then all aside the staggring ship did reele, For one side quite beneath the water lay, And on the tother side the verie keele, Aboue the water plaine discerne you may. Then thought they al hope past, & down they kneele And vnto God to take their soules they pray, Worse danger grew then this, when this was past, By meanes the ship gan after leake so fast.

15

The wind, the waues, to them no respite gaue, But readie eu'rie houre to ouerthrow them, Oft they wer hoist so high vpon the waue, They thought the middle region was below them; Oft times so low the same their vessell draue, As though that Caron there his boat would show thé Scant had they time and powre to fetch their breath, All things did threaten them so present death

16

Thus all that night they could haue no release, But when the morning somewhat nearer drew, And that by course, the furious wind should cease, (A strange mishap) the wind then fiercer grew, And while their troubles more and more increase, Behold a rocke stood plainly in their vew, And right vpon the same the spitefull blast, Bare them perforce, which made them all agast.

17

Yet did the master by all meanes assay, To steare out roomer, or to keepe aloofe, Or at the least to strike sailes if they may, As in such danger was for their behoofe. But now the wind did beare so great a sway, His enterprises had but little proofe: At last with striuing yard and all was torne, And part thereof into the sea was borne.

18

Then each man saw all hope of safetie past, No meanes there was the vessell to direct, No helpe there was, but all away are cast, Wherefore their common safetie they neglect, But out they get the ship-boat, and in hast, Each man therein his life striues to protect, Of King, nor Prince no man taks heed or note, But well was he could get him in the bote.

19

Among the rest, Rogero doth suppose The safest way to be, to leaue the ship, And being in his dublet and his hose, He nimbly downe into the boat did skip, But after him so great a number goes, Before they could the rope vnwind or slip, The boat at length did sinke with ouerlading, And to the bottome carry'd all her lading.

20

Twas lamentable then to heare the cries, Of companies of eu'rie sort confused, In vaine to heau'n they lift their hands and eyes, And make late vowes, as in such case is vsed, For ouer them the wrathfull sea doth rise, As though to giue them eare it had refused, And made them hold their peace by hard constraint, And stopt the passage whence came out the plaint.

21

Some swamme a while, some to the bottome sanke, Some flote vpon the waue, though being ded, Rogero for the matter neuer shranke, But still aboue the water keeps his hed, And not farre off he sees that rockie banke, From which in vaine he and his fellowes fled: He thither laboureth to get with swimming, In hope to get vpon the same by climing.

22

With legges and armes he doth him so behaue, That still he kept vpon the floods aloft, He blowes out from his face the boistrous waue, That readie was to ouerwhelme him oft. This while the wind aloofe the vessell draue, Which huld away with pase but slow and soft, Fró those, that while they thought their deth to shun Now dide perhaps before their glasse was run.

23

O hopes of men vncertaine, vaine and fraile, The ship that all forsooke; as quite forlorne, When all her wonted guides and helps did faile, Her saylers drownd, and all her tackle torne, A safe course held with broken mast and saile, And by an Eddie from the rocke was borne, And eu'n as if the storme had changd his mind, It went with merrie gale afore the wind.

24

And where with marriners it went awry, Now wanting them, it went to Affricke right, And came on land vnto Biserta ny, And gently on the sands it did alight, What time Orlando then was walking by, Conferring with his fellowes of their fight, The which was vndertaken by them three, Against three Princes of no meane degree.

25

And for they saw the ship was fast on ground, They tooke a boate and went on her aboord, With mind to question whither she was bound, Or what good marchandise she can affoord; But vnder hatches lading none they found, Saue good Rogeros armour, horse, and sword, Which he behind him left, when in bad taking, He tooke the boat, the ship it self forsaking.

26

Orlando vewd them well with good regard, And hauing chiefly markt the noble blade, He knew it was that famous Ballisard, With which he did some yeares before inuade, Fallarius garden, spite of all her guard, Who by strong charms, the sword and garden made It may be you er this haue heard the tale, And how this sword from him Brunello stale.

27

And after to the good Rogero gaue it, Who late had left it in this wofull wracke, Glad was Orlando now againe to haue it, That oft had triall both of edge and backe; He deemd that God, did eu'n of purpose saue it, Now to supply therewith his present lacke: And after oft he said, and thought indeed, That God did send it him at so great need.

28

At so great need, when as he was to fight, Against Gradasso king of Sericane, Who had, beside his great and passing might, Renaldos horse, and fearfull Dudrindane. Rogeros armour though it looked bright, Yet was it not as thing so precious tane, As being prisd more for the sumptuous show, Then for the goodnesse, which they did not know.

29

And sith himselfe for armour did not care, And neuer did the dint of weapon feare, He doth that armour to his cosin spare, But not the sword, for that himselfe doth weare: The horse, that was of shape and goodnesse rare, Had Brandimart, and thus deuided were, Among these three, in guerdon of their paines, An equall share, and portion in the gaines.

30

Now each prepard against the day of fight, Braue furniture, with cost of many a crowne: Orlando on his quarter, bare in sight, High Babels towre with lightning striken downe: His cosin had a Lyme hound argent bright, His Lyme laid on his backe, he couching downe, The word or Mot was this, vntill he commeth, The rest was rich, and such as him becommeth.

31

But Brandimart, who as I erst made mention, Had heard his fathers death, went all in blacke: Of braueries he now had no intention, Left men might thinke, he did discretion lacke, He ear'd for no deuice, nor new inuention, Nor 〈…〉〈…〉 clothing on his backe, He 〈…〉〈…〉 one border richly set 〈…〉〈…〉, but darkned ouer with a net.

32

A net that Fiordeliege his dearest Queene, With her owne hands against that day did make, But neither then, nor all the time betweene, That first she vndertooke it for his sake, Till she had done it, was she euer seene To laugh, or smile, or any ioy to take: Her heart still heauie was, her looke still sad, And yet herselfe did know no cause she had.

33

But still in feare, and still in doubt she is, Her spouse by death, shall now from her be sunderd: Oft times herselfe hath seene him be, ere this, In greater fights, an hunderd and an hunderd, Yet neuer did her heart so giue amisse, Wherefore at her owne feare she greatly wonderd: And eu'n that reason made her feare the more, Because she was not vsd to feare before.

34

Now when each thing in order fit was set, The chāpions three were shipped with their horses: Vnto Astolfo and to Sansonet, The charge was left of all those Christen forces, But dolefull Fiordeliege, although as yet To hide her sorow, she herselfe inforces, Yet when the wind away the vessell beares, She bursteth out to open cries and teares.

35

With Sansonet Astolfo tooke much paine, To bring her to her chamber from the shore, Who lying on her bed, she still doth plaine, That she hath lost her spouse for euermore: To seeke to comfort her it was in vaine, For talking made her feare increase the more, But now the worthie champions in this while, Were safe arriu'd at Lippadusa Ile.

36

No sooner set they foot vpon the land, But (on the Easterne side) they pitcht a tent, Because perhap that part was nearest hand, Or else vpon some politicke intent: On tother side, with such an equall band, Came Agramant: but sith this day was spent, They all agreed all fight to be forborne, Vntill the verie next ensuing morne.

37

A watch was charged then on either part, That neither side the tother may deceaue, But ere it yet was darke, king Brandimart, (Though not without Orlandos speciall leaue) Doth meane a wondrous fauour to impart To Agramant, if he the same receaue: For why the tone the tother oft had seene As frends, and had in France together beene.

38

Now after ioyning hands, and salutation, The noble minded Brandimart begun To vse vnto the Turke an exhortation, That with Orlando he the combat shun: Affirming vnto him with protestation, Would he beleeue but in the Virgins sonne, That he both present peace would then assure him, And all his Realmes in Affricke safe procure him.

39

Because you are, and haue bene deare to me, Therefore (he saith) this counsell you I geeue, And sith I follow it my selfe you see, Thereby you may be sure I it beleeue; Christ is my God, a God indeed is he; An Idol Mawmet is, that doth not liue: Wherefore deare Sir, I do desire to moue From errors foule, your selfe and all I loue.

40

This is indeed the way of truth and life, All other wayes but this, do leade astray; Why should you liue in error and in strife, When in true peace, and knowledge liue you may? Tempestuous cares this world hath euer rife, And if your present state you would but way, You plainly may perceiue your venter such, As you to win but little hazard much.

41

What if you could the sonne of Milo kill? Or vs that come with him to win, or die? Thinke you that then you shall haue all you will? Thinke you your state you can restore thereby? No sure, the state of Charles is not so ill, But that he quickly can our lacke supply; Wherefore deare Sir, vnto my counsell listen, All would be well, if you would be a Christen.

42

Thus much said Brandimart, and more beside He would haue said, to peace him to exhort, Saue that with scornfull speech, and full of pride, Fierce Agramant this wife, did cut him short; A madnesse meere it is (thus he replide) In you, or any man that in such sort, Will counsell and aduise men what to do, Not being cald of counsell thereunto.

43

And where you say, to this loue mou'd you chiefe, That you haue borne, and still do beare to me, Herein you pardon must my hard beliefe, While in Orlandos companie you be; I rather thinke dispaire, and spite, and griefe, Hath mou'd you hereunto, because you see, Your soule is damned to eternall fire, To draw vs thither with you you desire.

44

What victories, or else what ouerthrowes, I shall hereafter haue, God onely knoweth, Not you nor I, nor yet Orlando knowes, God onely where he lift, the same bestoweth•• But as for me, no feare nor foolish showes, Shall daunt my courage, how so ere it goeth, Die first I will with torment and with paine, Much rather then to yeeld, my stocke to staine.

45

Now when you list, depart from hence you may, As little thankt, as slenderly rewarded, And if to morrow you the Champion play No better, nor no more to be regarded, Then you haue plaid the Orator to day, Orlando sure will be but weakely guarded; And these last words, in manner such he said, As that thereby much choller he bewraid.

46

Thus parted they, and rested all that night, But readie they were all by breake of day, All armd, and readie for the future fight, Small speech was vsd, no lingriug, nor no stay, They couch their spears, & run with all their might: But while I tell you of this bloody fray, I doubt I do vnto Rogero wrong, To leaue him swimming in the sea so long.

47

The gallant youth had labourd many an howre, To swim, and saue himselfe from being drownd, The surging waue still threats him to deuowre, But guiltie conscience more doth him confound; He thinks that God will of his mightie powre, Sith he foreslowed when he was on ground, To be baptizd in waters fresh, and fitter, To sowse him now in waues both salt and bitter.

48

He now remembers he had plighted troth, To Bradamant, nor done as he had spoken, How to Renaldo he had made an oth, And that the same by him was fouly broken; Most earnestly he now repents them both, And calls to God for mercie, and in token Of true contrition voweth out of hand, To be baptizd, if ere he come to land.

49

And that he would renownce all Turkish lawes, Nor gainst a Christen Prince once weapon carrie, But serue king Charles, and aid the Churches cause, And from the same hereafter not to varie, And neuer seeke delay or farther pause, His vertuous spouse Dame Brandamant to marrie. (Twas strange) no sooner he this vow had ended, But that his strength increast, & swimming mended.

50

And where before he greatly was affrayd, That those same surging waters him would drowne, He thinketh now they do his swimming ayd: And sometime rising, sometime going downe, He passeth on with courage vndismayd, And scarce he seemed once to wet his crowne: That so with cunning part, and part with strength, He reached to the little Ile at length.

51

The rest of all his company was drownd, Nor euer was a man of them seene more, But by Gods onely grace, Rogero found This little Ile, and clammerd vp the shore: And finding it a small and barren ground, A new feare rose, no lesse then that before, Least in a place of needfull things too seant, He should be staru'd with penurie and want.

52

But yet with constant mind and vnappald, Resolu'd to suffer all that God would send, Vpon the rocke with much a do he crald, And gat vpon the leuell ground in th' end; When lo an aged man, whose head was bald, And beard below his girdle did descend, That was an Hermit that did there inhabit, Came forth to him in godly reu'rent habit.

53

And comming neare he cride, ô Saul, ô Saul, Why persecutest thou my people so? As erst our Sauiour spake vnto Saint Paul, Then, when he gaue to him that blessed blow. Behold how God when pleaseth him can call, From sea, from land, from places high and low, When you did weene him farthest he was nighest, So strong an arme, so long reach hath the highest.

54

Thus spake this Hermit so deuout and old, Who by an Angell in his sleepe that night, Of good Rogeros comming was foretold, And of all chances should on him allight, With all his valiant actions manifold, That he had done, and should performe in fight, And of his death, and of his noble race, That should succeed him after in his place.

55

Now (as I said) this wise, this Hermit spoke, And part doth comfort him, and part doth checke, He blameth him, that in that pleasant yoke, He had so long deferd to put his necke, But did to wrath his maker still prouoke, And did not come at his first call and becke, But still did hide himselfe away from God, Vntill he saw him comming with his rod.

56

Then did he comfort him, and make him know, That grace is nere denide to such as aske: (As do the workmen of the Gospell show, Receiuing pay alike for diuers taske) Prouided that our prayre of zeale do grow, And serue not as a viser or a maske: This did the man of God Rogero tell, And so from thence he led him to his cell.

57

The cell a chappell had on th' Easterne side, Vpon the Wester side a groue or berie, Forth of the which he did his food prouide, Smal chear God wot, wherwith to make folk merie Yet fortie yeare he had that liuing tride, And yet thereof it seemd he was not werie: But eating berries, drinking water cleare, He had in strength and health liu'd fourscore yeare.

58

Now kindled had the man of God some woed, And on his boord he set a little frute, The youth to drie his cloths, not farre of stood, For why, to change he hath no other sute; Then he by th' old mans teaching vnderstood The faith, and how to Christ he must impute The pardon of his sinnes; yet neare the later, He told him he must be baptizd in water.

59

And so he was the next ensuing day, And afterward he rested in that place A while, and with the man of God did stay, Resoluing him of eu'rie doubtfull case: Sometime of heau'n, and of the later day, Sometime of earth, and of his noble race, That should in time to come, hold mightie Reames As was reueald to him in former dreames.

60

And further vnto him he doth repeat, How his chiefe house should be sirnamed Esté, Because in time to come king Charles the great, Should say to them in Latin words, Hic este, Which is as much to say, be here the seat, In which you shall hereafter euer rest ye, And many future things to him he told, Which were too long for me now to vnfold.

61

This while Orlando and king Brandimart, With Marquesse Oliuero, as I told, Met with those three of the contrarie part, Young Agramanté and Gradasso bold, With good Sobrino, who for valiant hart, Giues place to few of them, though being old; Each spurrres his horse, that ran a wondrous pace, And of their blowes resounded all the place.

62

In this same course, each plaid his part so well, That vp to heau'n flew shiuerd eu'rie lance, The hideous noise did cause the seas to swell, And some report, twas heard as farre as France; Gradasso and Orlando as befell, Did meet together, were it choice or chance; The match seemd eu'n, saue that their horses differ, And made Gradasso seeme to runne the stiffer.

63

The weaker horse on which Orlando rode, Was brused so with this so fearfull shocke, As now he could no longer beare his lode, But sinking downe, lay senslesse with the knocke; Orlando then did make but small abode, His courser lying senslesse like a stocke, Sith that with neither raines nor spurres he sturd, He left his saddle, and drew forth his sword

64

With Agramant the Marquesse hand to hand Did most, betweene them equall went the game, Sobrino was by Brandimartés hand, Cast from his horse, I know not how it came, But at that time it could not well be scand, If so the horse or horseman were to blame: But whether beast or rider wanted force, Sobrino certaine downe was from his horse.

65

King Brandimart nere offerd once to tuch Sobrino, when he saw him downe in vew, But to Gradasso that had done as much Vnto Orlando, in great hast he flew; The Marquesse fight with Agramant was such, As which side had the vantage no man knew, For when their staues were shiuerd all and rent, Their axes then they vsd incontinent.

66

Orlando who by hap a horse did lacke, And saw Gradasso bent another way, Whom Brandimart did hold so hardly tacke, That he enforced him thereby to stay; I say the Palladine then looking backe, Saw old Sobrino standing in his way, And toward him he go'th with looke so fierce, As though his eye, as well as sword could pierce.

67

Sobrino gainst the force of such a man, Sought with his surest ward himselfe to saue, And as a Pilot doth the best he can, To shunne the furie of the surging waue, Eu'n so this well experienc't Turke began, Himselfe in this great danger to behaue, With sword and shield his best defence he made, Against the fearfull edge of that same blade.

68

Which blade, of such an edge, in such an arme, No maruell if to pierce it seldome faile, Against the which in vaine was any charme, For though his shield was steeld, his cote of maile, Yet quite through shield and armour it did harme, To saue his shoulder all could not auaile. But he to wound Orlando was not able, For God had made his skinne impenetrable.

69

The valiant Earle redoubled still his blow, And thinks from shoulders off to cut his head, He, that the force of Clarimont did know, Gaue backward, or his ground still trauersed, But in his trauersing he was so slow, That with one blow he laid him downe for dead, The blow fell flatling, but with force so maine, As crusht his helmet, and amazd his braine.

70

Downe fell Sobrino backward on the ground, From whence long time it was er he arose, Orlando thinks that he was safe and sound, And that he was starke dead he doth suppose: Wherefore since single foe he no where found, Vnto Gradasso presently he goes, To whom king Brandimart in armes, and horse, In sword, inferiour was, perhaps in force.

71

But yet the noble minded Brandimart, Vpon Rogeros horse Frontino mounted, With that same Sarasin so plaid his part, As if his forces he but little counted: And sure Gradasso not in skill, not hart, But in his sword and armour him surmounted: Enforcing him ofttimes to stand aloofe, Because his armour was of no good proofe.

72

But good Frontino bare away the bell, For being readie to the riders hand, It seemd where euer Durindana fell, Frontino had such wit to vnderstand, That euer more he did escape it well: But all this while it hardly could be scand, In tother twaine on which side fortune works, In Oliuero, or the king of Turks.

73

Orlando had (as late before I told) Left good Sobrino on the gound for ded, Wherefore on foot he goes with courage bold, To succour Brandimart if ill he sped; But in the way by hap he did behold, Sobrinos horse that without rider fled, Orlando straight into the saddle valted, Not looking if he went vpright or halted.

74

One hand his sword, the tother holds his raine, And so he rideth to Gradasso ward, Who when he saw him come, did not refraine, But to encounter with him straight prepard: To fight with one of them, or else with twaine, It seemd he little reckoned nor car'd; He minds and hopeth to effect it soone, To make them both to thinke it night ere noone.

75

Yet for a while king Brandimart he leaues, And turnes him to the Earle, and with a thrust Whereas his armour weakest he perceaues, There doth the fierce Gradasso hit him iust, And enterd, but his cunning him deceaues, Orlandos skin be pierced neuer must. But when with Ballisard Orlando strake, His helmet, coate of maile, and shield he brake.

76

So that both in his face, his breast, and side, He wounded sore the king of Sericane, Who maruels much what strange chance did betide For neuer erst such sore hurt he had tane: He thought there could not be a blade beside To pierce his coate, he hauing Durindane; And sure that blow had him dispatched clearly, If it had had more strength, or come more nearly.

77

He sees that now he must take better heed, And not trust armour, but a surer ward, To seeke to saue himselfe he now hath need, And looke vnto his limbs with more regard: Now while twixt them the fight did thus proceed, Good Brandimart did see he might be spard, Wherefore to breath himselfe he then retired, Still ready t'ayd each part, if cause required.

78

Now had Sobrino long laine in a trance, With that same bruse, and with that bloody wound, Giu'n him by that great Palladine of France, That at two blowes had laid him on the ground, With much a do he doth himselfe aduance, And standing on his feet, and looking round, He thought his Master was in weakest case, And to his aid he moues his silent pace.

79

At Oliueros backe he comes vnspide, Who sole on Agramant did fixe his eyes, And that same horse that Oliuer did ride, He hought behind in such despitefull wise, That wanting strength, he fell downe on his side, And was not able any more to rise: And which was worse then his vnlookt for fall, His foot hung in the stirop therewithall.

80

Sobrino doubled then his blowes againe, Thinking from shoulders off his head to pare, But yet the steele made that attempt but vaine, That Vulcan temperd erst, and Hector ware: King Brandimart at Sobrin runnes amaine, When of his doings he was well aware, And ouerthrew him quite, and stoutly smote him, But th'old fierce man, soone on his feet vp got him.

81

And once againe at Oliuer he flies, And once againe he thinketh him to kill, Or at the least cause him he shall not rise; But he that had his better arme at will, Layd with his sword about him in such wise, As that he kept himselfe from further ill And made his foe, that was of no great strength Stand distant from him, almost twise his length.

82

The Marquesse hopes ere long to ease his paine, If he can cause Sobrino stand aloofe, Who bled so fast, as now from fight t'abstaine He thought it would be best for his behoofe: Now Oliuero all his force doth straine, And to get loose he maketh manie a proofe, But still his foot was fast to his great hurt, And still the horse lay tumbling in the durt.

83

This while king Brandimart doth go to find Traianos sonne, and now he hath him found, Frontino now before, and straight behind, That good Frontino that can turne so round: The horse was sure and of a passing kind, The Sotherne kings was readie, strong, and sound: He had that famous courser Brigliadore, The which Rogero gaue him late before.

84

But sure the Turke great ods in armour had, For he had one of proofe, well tride, and sure, And Brandimartés was indeed but bad. Such as he could in warning short procure, Wherefore to change it now he would be glad, And that he shall, his heart doth him assure: So that he waxed stouter still and bolder, Though Agramant had hurt him in the shoulder.

85

Gradasso further had about his thye, Him giu'n a blow, not to be tane in sport, But yet the king did so the fight apply, And laid on loade in so couragious sort, As that he wounded his left arme thereby, And pricked his right hand (thus they report) But all this was but May game and delight, Vnto Gradassos and Orlandos fight.

86

Gradasso hath Orlando halfe disarmd, And made him with one blow his shield forsake, He could not wound him, for his skin was charmd, But yet his headpeece on both sides he brake: But him Orlando hath in worse sort harmd, Beside that hurt of which before I spake, He hath drawne blood of him in many a place, As namely in breast, in throate, and in his face.

87

Gradasso sees himselfe with blood besmeard, And smarting paine in many places found, And sees that Earle like one that nothing feard, Stand whole, and quite vnwounded safe and sound; Wherefore with both his hands his sword he reard, With mind to cleaue him, rather then to wound, And eu'n as he desir'd, with all his strength, He strake him on his head, at halfe sword length.

88

And sure had clou'd him to the saddle bow, Had it another then Orlando bene, But now as if it had falne flatling thoe, The blade rebounded from him bright and cleene, But yet that Earle was daz'd so with the bloe, I thinke some starres on ground by him were seene; He lost his bridle, and his sword had mist, Saue that a chaine did bind it to his wrist.

89

The horse on which the good Orlando rode, Was eke so scared with the fearfull sound, As there he durst no longer make abode, But on the sands at randon runneth round, And beares Orlando as a senslesse lode, That with the paine still stood as in a sound, And had Gradasso little harder spurred, He might haue tane the Earle ere he had sturred.

90

But as he rode, he saw king Agramant, Vnto extreamest point of danger brought, For why the valiant sonne of Monodant, Had loosd his beauer, and such hold had caught Vpon his gorget, that but small did want, Eu'n with one stab his last end to haue wrought: For why the noble minded Christen Prince, Had wonne his sword from him a good while since.

91

Gradasso doth no more that Earle pursew, But maketh hast king Agramant to ayd, And vnto Brandimart that nothing knew, Nor of no such misfortune was affrayd, He comes behind his backe quite out of vew, And both his hands at once on sword he layd, And in that sort, he strake with all his might, Full on the helmet of the noble knight.

92

Oh heau'nly Father grant a resting place In Paradice, for this thy Martyrs spirit, That hauing runne all his tempestuous race, He may with thee an harbour safe inherit. Ah Durindan, hadst thou so little grace, So ill to quite thy noblest Masters merit, That in his sight thou could of life depriue, His best and kindest frend he had aliue?

93

The sword did pierce a double plate of steele, That little lesse was then two fingers thicke, Good Brandimart gan with the blow to reele, It pierced had so deepe vnto the quicke, His braines all cut therewith he plaine did feele, And downe he fell like one most deadly sicke; A streame of blood out of the grieuous wound, Ran forth, and dyde with crimsen all the ground.

94

By this Orlando waked, and behild His Brandimart that lay now a la mort: He sees the Sericane that him had kild, This angerd him, and grieu'd him in such sort, Twas hard to say which more his stomacke fild, His wrath or griefe; but time to mourne was short, That griefe gaue place, and wrath bare chiefest sway But now I thinke it best a while to stay.

In this booke may be noted the notable fondnesse of those men, that in avoiding of the lesse danger, fal into the greater, as they did that forsooke the ship, and leapt into the boat, where they were all cast away, and the ship it selfe saued. In that Rogero in his extremity of danger, feeleth a remorse of conscience, & straight hath recourse to God by prayer and vow, it is a good president for others to do the like, though indeed most men are apt to do so, but all the matter is, to performe the effect of their vow & promise to God after, for that few care for, according to that saying, made a prouerb in Italian,

Scampato il pericolo giabbato il santo, When danger is scaped, the Saint is — mocked.

But the example of Rogero may moue vs to more true deuotion; and this speech of the good old Hermit, let euerie one ap∣ply to himselfe that hath need of it, and it may fortune do him as much good as a sermon; for indeed it is most sweet and comfortable and verie true doctrine, and well beseeming the person of a deuout old man (as I called him in the 54 staffe) for seldome goeth deuotion with youth, be it spoken without offence of our Peckedeuanted Ministers: as there goes an old tale of three things that a blind man could see, for when his boy told him that there was brought a verse braue horse, then saith the blind man, I see he is far: the boy maruelled how he knew it; next he told him, there came by a passing faire woman, then I see she is young (quoth the blind man) well guessed Master said his boy. Lastly, came by a deuout preacher: Sir quoth the boy, here comes a good Priest, then he is old said the blind man, and that guesse was so right, the boy was affraid his Master had had his eyes againe. For indeed age and bodies chastised with fasting and studie, are companions of deuotion: as a frend of mine was wont to say in Italian,

Dio mi guarda Da medico rognoso, Dio mi guarda Da alchumista stracciato, Dio mi guarda Da monacho ingrossato.

God defend me from a mangie Phisition, (for the Phisition that cannot cure the itch in himselfe, will hardly cure other greater diseases in another.) From a ragged or beggerly Alcumist, for he that cannot get himself good clothes, will hard∣ly turne lead into gold. From a corpulent or fat fed Frier: for he that feeds his owne bodie fat, is not likely to giue of the best spirituall food of the soule.

In Brandimart that laboreth to perswade Agramant to peace, we may note a noble disposition, and excellent good na∣ture, that being verie stout, and treating of peace (as they say) with his sword in his hand, yet endeuoured to take up the qûarrell before it came to bloud, which though it be a thanklesse office many times (as here it hapned to Brandimart to be scorned for his labour) yet ought not that to terrifie a good mind from so honest an office. And sure the cause why great quarrels rise vpon small matters, betweene great personages, and are afterward so long ere they be reconclied, and so hollowly reconciled at last; is that some of a wicked pollicie, seeke to keepe them at variance, thinking it (as the prouerbe saith) best fishing in troubled waters: but neither S. Peter that was the good fisher of men nor his Master, were of that opinion, but do say contrarily, Beati pacifici.

Of the house of Este, it was first called Ateste, but after (as mine Author hath deliuered) it was turned to Este, by reason of that speech, Hic este Domini, and Fornarius writing vpon this place affirmes the same.

In the deuises or impreises of Orlando and Oliuero, may be noted the decorum they vsed, for Orlando being a known and approved warrior, giues a more terrible deuice, yet referring the honor to God, in most Christian manner, of striking down and confounding his enemies with lightning. Oliuero whose deuice is the spaniell, or lyam hound couching with the word fin che vegna, doth with great modestie shew therby, that the spaniell or hound that is at commandement, waiteth, till the fowle, or deare he stricken, and then boldly leapeth into the water, or draweth after it by land: so he being yet a young man, waited for an occasion to shew his valew, which being come, he would no longer couch, but shew the same.

In this kind we haue had many in our time, as the happie 17. day of Nouember can witnesse, that haue ex∣celled for ex∣cellencie of deuice: of which if I should speake at large, it would aske a volume by it selfe. My selfe, have chosen this of O∣liuero for mine owne, partly liking the modestie thereof, partly (for I am not ashamed to confesse it) because I fancie the spaniell so much, whose picture is in the deuice, and if any make merrie at it. (as I doubt not but some will) I shall not be sorrie for it: for one end of my trauell in this worke, is to make my frends merrie, and besides I can alledge many exam∣ples of wise men, and some verie great men, that haue not onely taken pictures, but built cities in remembrance of ser∣uiceable beasts. And as for dogges, Doctor Caynes a learned Phisition and a good man, wrote a treatise in praise of them, and the Scripture it selfe hath voutchsafed to commend Tobias dogge.

Here end the annotations of the 41. booke

Notes

• Simile.
• Simile. The Icarus was not sonne of De∣dilus, but of Bacchus.
• Simile.
• Horace sauh, 〈…〉〈…〉 forsibus. Est in lunencis est in e∣quis patris 〈◊〉〈◊〉 &c. That vertue is clemencie and gratefulnesse.
• 〈…〉〈…〉.
• 〈…〉〈…〉
• Vir. 1. Aenead Praeseniemque 〈…〉〈…〉 omnia moriem.
• They that haue bene at the sea do understand these phrases
• He turnes to Ro¦gero againe in the 47 staffe of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 booke.
• Orlando.
• All this hath re∣ference to B••••••••. dos booke.
• Looke in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• Fiordeliege,
• 〈…〉〈…〉.
• 〈…〉〈…〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• 〈…〉〈…〉.
• Rogero.
• In the Acts of the Apostles
• Sentence.
• Of age and de∣uotion ••oo••e in the Morall.
• Iugum Christi sua••e.
• The house of 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• He turnes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to Rogero in the 43. booke. 188••
• The combat of the sixe knight
• 〈…〉〈…〉
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the house 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• Morall.
• Historie.
• Allusion.