Canto IX

Already the ambassadors had gone,
Who came to search for peace, and sought in vain ;
The joyous conquerors, rather haughty grown,
Resolved the king should not get back again ;
The nuncio, too, supposed whim his own)
He would be sent to Rome and there remain
Within the clutches of a greater foe,
That it might prove to Frederic a severer blow.

During the truce there down the river came,
Floating majestically o'er the tide,
A rapid barge of highly-sculptured frame,
Carrying two heralds, sitting in their pride ;
When at the bridge arrived, their views the same,
They disembarked each on a different side ;
And soon as they approached the tents, a knight
Of either camp they challenged to the fight.

This was the challenge: " To deserve the love
"Of a bright damsel, matchless in her charms ;
"Matchless in valour, all the world above,
"A cavalier now challenges to arms,
"At tourney, every knight his claim to prove ;
"Till one the other gallantly disarms ;
"He only from the conquered asks the shield,
"And he will give his own, if forced to yield."

The challenge was accepted, here and there
The jousters kept themselves prepared for fight,
Thinking as eve was darkening the air,
The combat would begin with morning's light ;
But scarcely had the gloom spread every where,
Shutting the visible world in murky night,
And robbing nature of her various dyes,
When a loud trumpet echoed through the skies.

Three hundred squadrons starting at the sound,
Arrayed themselves in arms, confused, amazed ;
When on the river a huge ship they found
Breasting the swelling waters, proudly raised,
And scattering squibs and rockets all around,
With more than hell's terrific brightness blazed ;
It seemed a ship, but coming rear the bridge,
It looked an isle, the poop a mountain ridge.

Horrid and craggy was that mountain high,
Crowned by a verdant lawn, a lovely mead ;
Which was in length twice sixty paces, by
Thirty or more in breadth; with gentle speed
The prow closed on the bridge, and to the sky
A column rose as straight as any reed ;
And scattered flames with such surprising art,
The prospect was illumed in every part.

Enchanted from the column is suspended
A golden horn, and on the marble fair
A brief inscription shows what is intended ;
"Blow it, all ye who this achievement dare!"
Above the horn, again, there was appended
A silver shield in which the sculptor's care
Was much more precious than the precious ore,
With this inscription, " To the Conqueror !"

Upon it, with a master's hand, was wrought
Martano's battle with Seleucia's chief;
At which emprize, a light so strangely fought,
Damascus was amazed ; in line relief
Griffone, too, was given, immersed in thought,
And almost mad with dreadful shame and grief;
The laughing Court, and Norandin, the sight
Enjoy, but good Martano takes to flight.

The lawn was spread with herbs of freshest green,
And myrtles o'er the stream their shadows threw ;
Landing, the warriors, ravished with the scene,
Traversed the flowery mead, all gemmed with dew ;
But when they found the islet had not been
Inhabited they to the column drew,
And soon among them the dispute ran high
Who should be first the enterprize to try.

They then cast lots, on Galeotto fell
The chance ; that ardent youth soon took the horn
And sounded it, 'twas such a withering knell,
That every one with stupor looked forlorn ;
The islet trembled, influenced by the spell,
River and bank shook, as if upwards borne ;
The fires went out, and all the starry host,
And the calm sky its lovely brightness lost.

And whilst the earthquake lasted a dense cloud
Hid every thing from view; then sudden came
A Hash of lightning, followed quick by loud
And horrible thunder, which convulsed the frame,
And made the blood rush to the heart; all bowed
Appalled, and senseless; — darting vivid flame
A thunderbolt fell on the mountain's breast,
And crackling fires its awful range embraced.

The groaning mountain burned, and in a trice
Converted every object into flame ;
And midst the blaze with many a rare device
A gay pavilion rose, of wondrous frame ;
Fitting an eastern emperor's curious choice,
And fibres incombustible name wire.
Asbestos) were seen glittering in the fire :
Strange flax for weaving cloth, the threads like red-hot

The mountain was reduced to dust, and clear
And cloudless grew the heavens, serenely blue ;
Meanwhile a hundred trumpets struck the ear
With warlike sounds, harmonious, full, and true ;
Back came the light which had gone out, and near
The column flared, when straight wide open flew
The gay pavilion, through the portals rolled
A hundred pages, dressed in white and gold.

They all seemed Ethiopians, black as jet,
A poet would compare them, not unmeetly
To flies ill milk, or sloes in lilies set ;
The sable troop, thus decorated neatly,
Came out with lighted torches ; first they met,
And then divided in two lines completely
Leaving a space between, a passage free
For those engaged in glorious chivalry.

A squire meantime had on the other side
Carried a quantity of shining spears.
Now Galeotto with a warrior's pride
In green apparel, helm, and arms, appears ;
A Thracian horse, all beautifully pied,
Beneath him, fetlocks white, erect his ears,
Curvetting, springing with an eager bound,
And spurning, at the spur, the smoking ground.

Prepared was every thing excepting one,
The Cavaliero of the enterprize ;
But when the trumpet sounded, he anon
Quitted the bright pavilion : wondering eyes
Beheld his wonderous vest, which sparkling shone
With gems ; his armour, a prodigious prize,
Was of pure silver, and his helmet too,
But blacker was his horse than blackest crow.

Raised was his visor, and the youth in age
Seemed sixteen summers, beautiful and fair ;
Gentle in aspect, courteous as a page,
His habit added to his winning air ;
He bowed as if all hearts he would engage,
And the fierce steed he managed with such care,
He made him still on the same footsteps prance ;
And then with graceful ease he grasped his lance.

He lowered his visor, and with patience waited
The sonorous summons from the trumpet's clang ;
And soon as heard with confidence elated,
Like flame, or wind, from either side they sprang ;
Full in the midst they met, thus stimulated,
Their javelins, breaking into splinters, rang ;
Their helmets flashed with sparks, above, around,
Till Galeotto neatly pressed the ground.

To contemplate so beautiful a sight,
Both camps upon the river's banks remained ;
And both Podestas, in the lucid light,
Admired the combat gallantly maintained,
Beneath umbrellas they beheld the plight
Of Galeott, and saw his foe extend
A generous hand to stop his frightened horse,
Ready to gallop off along the course.

Confounded, Galeotto soon resigned
To the proud conqueror his burnished shield,
Whose rim with emblems curiously entwined,
Quickly displayed his name to all the field ;
Meanwhile a cavalier of haughty mind,
Pompous in gold and azure stood revealed,
And on a dappled steed with points all black,
Grasping his lance, began a fierce attack.

Upon the buckler's edge his huge lance broke,
And the air buzzed and echoed with the snap ;
But shortly he received a mighty stroke,
Which threw him down on earth's enamelled lap ;
Scarce had he fallen ere his sword he took;
And sought for vengeance for his sad mishap,
But shrunk the other back, when, lo ! a blast
Blew out the lights and all in darkness cast.

The islet trembled, vomiting on high
Red waving flames and thunders ; towering then
A horrid giant rose with scowling eye,
Enough to frighten heaven and earth ; and when
He came, against the warrior spitefully
He rushed, infuriate from his sulphurous den ;
Him like a pullet in his grasp he wrung,
And horse and all amidst the river flung.

Hence 'twas with struggle hard he saved his life,
Swimming ; his shield the name Irneo bore ;
Again the isle was rent, in wonders rife,
And the fierce giant form was seen no more ;
Again the champion showed himself for strife,
The light had made as brilliant as before
Th' extinguished torches ; and the rushing sound
Of wind had ceased, nor longer rocked the ground.

The third bold combatant was Valentino,
Who rode a sorrel horse of gentle pace,
And then the fourth, the valorous Jacopino,
Upon a jennet of the Moorish race,
Shod, not with iron, but argento fino ;
Saddle and bridle trimmed with golden lace,
And pearls ; yet, vanquished, both the island quitted,
Without their shields, in haste, and eke unpitied.

The fifth was Levizzano's lord, well known
As proud Celinda's lover, though in vain;
For her, struck in the breast and overthrown,
He nearly perished on that fatal plain ;
The splinters of the lance which hurled him down,
Passed through the visor, menacing his brain ;
His eyebrow was transfixed as with a knife,
To the great peril of his sight and life.

The Potta turned to Zaccaria, who
Was sitting near him, and said softly : " Master !
"All this is downright sorcery, I vow;
"To all, this cavalier will bring disaster."
The old man answered : "On my life, 'tis true !
"It seems the same to me, and all imposture ;
"Nor do I see what profit they can gain
"By battling thus with demons and their train

"Of vile enchanters ; hence I would direct
"That none of mine should hazard the adventure."
The Potta took the hint with due respect,
And ordered that no more the isle should enter ;
And silent sat in attitude erect,
Waiting to witness what the enemy meant, or
Proposed to do; he saw two, gaily drest
In brown and gold both mounted like the rest.

One forward rushed, but with a touch he soon
Was tumbled from his saddle on the ground ;
And yet he seemed a knightly brave dragoon,
Valorous of heart and hand, in honour sound ;
The other too was thrown, whilst falling down
His horse had to a distance made a bound ;
Then the first rose, with an aspect ever
Fearless and proud addressed Him of the River.

"Warrior! if thou art not through magic strong,
"And powerful with thy lance, pri'thee alight,
"And with thy sword, however broad and long,
"In courtesy remove from me this slight ;
"But if thou art afraid, or think'st it wrong,
"The combat to disturb, go on, and fight,
"Provided I may try my falchion's power,
"Upon thee once or twice ; I ask no more."

The champion of the islet thus replied :
"To alight, perhaps, I should have been compelled
"It' I had come in vengeance, hate, or pride,
"Armed to the combat on this chosen field ;
"I came to joust, with love alone my guide ;
"And my design to all has been revealed ;
"I am not, therefore, bound at your desire,
"To change the combat which my vows require.

"But that you may not deem my spirit tame,
"And cowardly, refusing such request ;
" Let me complete my enterprize, your claim
"Shall then be answered as may suit you best ;
"If for the shield you ask, and that's your aim,
"I'll give it back, but harbour in your breast
"No thought of gaining it by other measure,
"Nor that I'll change the combat at your pleasure."

"But thou shalt change it in thine own despite."
The other quick replied: " thou foul magician!"
And with the lance-shaft on his helmet bright
Gave him a blow, then drew with expedition
His sword, and instantly, as with affright,
The island trembled in a strange condition ;
The lights went out, heaven wrung with horrid crashes,
Earth opened, and out issued smoke and Hashes.

Sparkled the smoke — and presently then came
Two bulls of form prodigious into view ;
Whose eyes of fire, and breath of crimson flame,
Appeared to scorch the flowers, and change their hue ;
The warriors joined — and desperate in their aim
Without a sign of fear, their falchions drew ;
The bulls approached — both armies, with surprise,
Trembled to see their dreadful flashing eyes.

The champion of the islet stept aside,
Safely to watch the formidable fight ;
The furious beasts each other's wrath defied,
And thundering stamped the ground with all their might;
And as they came the two brave warriors tried
Their strength to part them, each a valiant knight ;
Both cut and slashed them, but their swords were dull,
And seemed to fall on feathers soft, or wool.

'I'he bulls return, and still the warriors bear
Upon them, striking at their curly brows,
Which send forth sparks of fire that shine afar,
But their hot fury is not cooled by blows ;
High with their horns the knights are tossed in air,
And plunged into the stream ; their shields disclose
Two names in characters of burnished gold,
Perinto proud, and Periteo bold.

The bulls plunged headlong with the cavaliers
Amidst the stream — and instant disappeared ;
The former splendour now the landscape cheers,
The heavens resume their aspect mild and clear ;
The verdant isle no more convulsed appears,
But breathes of mirth and joy. Untouched by fear,
The champion who retired returns again ;
He comes, preparing for a new campaign.

But long he waits to brave another fight —
For all were in confusion, and afraid ;
Till from the bridge descended a new knight
Upon a tawney courser ; — bridle-braid,
And harness, shone with gold and silver bright ;
He was in rich embroidery arrayed,
And came to break a lance, he asked for one,
And in a moment what he wished was done.

The trumpet sounded, and as lightnings fly
Through fields of air, to which earth, heaven, and sea,
Give way, and with them carry, blustering high,
Tempest and hail — with such velocity
The knights strike with their spears — and to the sky
Splinters and sparks from helms successively
Fly upwards ; so terrific to behold
That every heart felt paralyzed and cold.

The steeds encountered front to front, and that
Belonging- to the champion of the isle,
O'erthrew the other with his master flat,
And passed straight on, right rapidly the while ;
The champion of the bridge, the time being pat
Sprung up again with overwhelming bile ;
Seeking revenge — another lance he wanted,
And all he asked was most politely granted.

Another horse too came, a glossy roan,
And up he vaulted on him with a spring;
With his left hand he turned, then spurred him on,
And made him prance all frisky to the ring ;
And when he reached his post he thought to atone
For past disgrace, and do away the sting ;
So forward pushed — but scarcely by the hand
Touched, ere he tumbled backward on the sand.

Rising he said : " Here take my forfeit shield,
"I see thou art a sorcerer, a magician ;
"Neither with thee, nor demon, ill concealed,
"Will I my valour trust in competition ;
"Perhaps thou mayst upon this very field
"Pay dearly for it — lowered in thy condition,
"For foulest arts—here with the devil stay,
"The devil, who is thy patron saint to day."

This saying-, he departed ; Tognon blazed
Upon the captured shield. Then came in view
Two cavaliers of generous look, who raised
Their spears against the island chief, but drew
Disgrace upon themselves ; one, in amaze,
Fell ; then the other, and their lances flew
Broken asunder — topsy-turvy they,
Tumbling upon the ground, inglorious lay.

Their shields remained, and on their rims were seen,
"Paulo" and " Sagramora" richly chaced ;
Upon his mulberry courser, proud of mien,
A cavalier, whose golden upper vest
Shone bright with pearls, as he a prince had been,
Next moved to joust; high plumes his helmet graced ;
His pages, an obsequious brotherhood,
In glittering liveries round the hero stood.

This was a champion not before described,
The hopeful offspring of a Roman cheat ;
A pedlar once, he next his conscience bribed,
And grew a rogue in grain, in camp and street ;
From being poor and sorely circumscribed,
He then turned signor, gentleman complete ;
And to improve his hopeful son's career,
On this adventure sent him boasting here.

He came—a bladder well blown up with wind ;
Erect, as if a poker he had bolted ;
Known by his arms, and dress of rarest kind,
And gayest liveries, clothing many a dolthead ;
With what compare his aspect and his mind !
O, what could equal being so exalted!
The attempt would be with wildest folly blended,
And foppishness itself be quite offended.

Proudly and pompously he rode along,
And kept his horse from prancing, till he gained
The starting place, (himself a host so strong)
Ready the combat to commence, well trained,
Called by the trumpet's voice, with javelins long,
Both came, earth trembling shook as they sustained
The onset, and the shores rung with the fray ;
But neither of the warriors would give way.

This was the first who bravely kept his seal,
Unmastered by the champion of the isle ;
And 'twas a marvel to behold the feat ;
All wondered, scarce believing it the while ;
The island cavalier then deemed it meet
To pause, and midst that honourable broil,
Spoke to his people. Both were now supplied
With stronger spears the contest to decide.

But fragile, like the others, they were broken,
Their splinters driven the twinkling stars to greet';
Both cavaliers drooped down, a certain token
That each had nearly forfeited his seat ;
In fact the Roman, softly be it spoken,
Had lost his stirrup, and was almost beat;
But hearing how his name was noised around,
His courage gave another vigorous bound.

As swells the Tyrrhene sea when Eurus blows,
And rolls its waters foaming up and down ;
So swells his wind-puffed heart, and ardent glows
At popular applause ; — with angry frown,
And yet o'erjoyed, erect and proud he goes,
Swaggering to see all eyes his prowess own ;
And having thus shown off in foppish vein,
Asks for another lance, to fight again.

Perint and Peritéo burned with rage
To sec him keep his saddle, unsubdued ;
The trumpets soon the third time to engage.
Called forth the mighty heroes ; both renewed
The hardy contest, scorning umpirage,
And rushing on with desperate fortitude,
At last, struck on the helm, the Romanesco,
Fell on the grass to cool himself, al Fresco.

Indignant he rose up, and with his sword
Ripped up the belly of his guiltless steed ;
As if the helpless animal had floored
His master purposely ; and, in his need,
Then to the island-chief addressed a word,
Or two : " Thou must have patience — yes, indeed,
"A shield of other stamp, must glad thy eyes,
"Since I wont part with this, 'tis such a prize."

The island-champion smiled and firmly said :
"This I will have, by laws of fighting mine !
"My own is better, costlier, too, inlaid,
"Yet must not I the proffered terms decline."
The Romanesco then : " Am I afraid !
"I swear by heaven I will not this resign."
And drew his sword, when, as before, the ground
Shook, but the brilliant lights still gleamed around ;

And out there issued a young ass — which wore
For ears two boots, intestines for a tail ;
And with the ears death-blows it gave ; a store
Of hog-wash filled the gut it brandished well ;
Dreadful its voice, its kick would kill a score;
Its hide was diamond-hard, sans parallel ;
And when it found the warrior near enough,
Darted upon him mo.st savoury stuff.

It looked like croquets boiled in ink, and spread
Infectious odours for a mile around ;
Titta di Cola faced the quadruped,
(Such was the name the Romanesco owned)
And o'er his vest abundantly was shed
Embroidery, not of pearls—far different found ;
He struck the monster with his sword, but where
The blow fell, scarcely ruffled was a hair.

The nimble ass his pair of heels presents,
Then shakes his tail-intestine with disdain ;
And at the same time opens its contents,
And braying makes the forest ring again ;
Flaps with his ears, and thus his anger vents
Upon the warrior's shoulders, sides, and brain ;
Turns round his poop, and thunders, lightens too,
Painting his visage of a dirty hue.

The gallant Roman feeling thus the storm,
Threw down his favourite shield and took to flight ;
The island chief laughed at the foe's alarm,
And turned to the pavilion, for the night
Was hastening to the west, and, fearing harm,
No other champion ventured forth to fight;
Therefore he shut himself within his tent,
As the shrill cocks began their matin merriment.

All day the combatant continued there,
And was invisible to every one ;
But when the owls and owlets winged the air,
And roosting, on the houses, hailed the moon ;
Quick at the trumpet's voice, in armour rare,
He showed himself; his vest, and helmet brown ;
Brown was his garniture ; of noble breed,
And whiter far than silver was his steed.

The pages who as candlesticks had stood,
And negroes seemed, now seemed like angels bright,
Descended from above ; the serving brood
Had changed in livery as in face to sight ;
And all their robes looked black as ebon-wood,
With scolloped borders, fancifully dight ;
And hence the people ran, Perugians keen
And Florentines, to view the coming scene.

The youthful Averardo who had never
Before that time exposed himself in war;
Was the first gallant knight upon the river,
And first, unhorsed, to kick his heels in air;
He was not loth his buckler to deliver,
But raised his visor, stopped, and curious there
Questioned the pages, and the warrior's name,
His knightly story and his deeds of fame.

Meantime, by many a light encompassed round,
A damsel from the island came, arrayed
In robes of white, which swept the flowery ground,
Courteous and lovely was the blooming maid ;
She, where Renoppia's tent the lawn imbrowned
Went with two squires, two pages horsed, and laid
The conquered shields before her—then began
Her message from her lord — and thus it ran :

She said, the fame her bravery won that day
On which the hostile troops were by her power
Baffled, and valiantly kept at bay,
When victory seemed to be their certain dower,
Had gained his heart, and thence in armour gay,
He chose this combat, for her love ; — the flower
Of woman-kind — and begged she would not frown,
Because his heart was fired by her renown.

Renoppia blushed with shame, and angry said :
"Sweet Ruffianella, cunning child ! on me
"Thy warrior throws away his conjuring trade ;
"For I was never fond of sorcery ;
"But thou art fair, in beauteous looks arrayed,
"And stay'st with lum i'the dark, all privately,
"Why dost thou then thy hopes of pleasure smother,
"And suffer him to combat for another."

"I'm but a servant," answered the Donzella,
"For me too much would be the rank and honour ;
"My lord possesses terre, e castella,
"And would not of such grandeur be the donor."
Renoppia, beautiful and bright as Stella,
Replied, and cast a knowing look upon her ;
"It' it be so, I owe him recognition
"For homage done me by this exhibition.

"And though, perhaps, I should have liked it more
"If succouring us, he had come forth in arms,
"Like a true Mars, for one he would adore,
"Without a countless host of magic charms ;
"However, I accept, and thank him for
"The pledged affection which his bosom warms ;
"Tell him so !" — then she, never at a loss,
Drew from her breast at once a crystal cross,

In which a tooth, San Gemignano's, shone,
By Pope Onorio sanctified ;—and sought
Within her hand to place the lucid stone,
A present for her lord ; but, quick as thought,
Touched bv the cross, the Demosel was gone,
Vanishing like a dream that ends in nought;
Pages and squires too vanished from the green
And nothing save the bucklers marked the scene.

Renoppia read the names, returning those
She found belonging- to her warrior friends ;
The others, she, as trophies of her foes,
Retained.— Meantime the champion forward bends,
Continuing his emprize ; with conquering blows
Always successful, compassing his ends ;
When mounted on a mare, in yellow vest,
Fierce on the bridge an unknown warrior prest.

Longest by two good palms his javelin beamed,
A panther frowned upon his helmet-crest ;
But doubtingly he came, by which it seemed
He came against his will, and sore distrest ;
The trumpets sounded, and that sound which teemed
With joy to others — his poor soul opprest ;
He galloped round, and showed in every part,
His charter carried him, and not his heart.

still he rides on, and down he lowers his lance,
And as he fast approaches shuts his eyes,
And grinds his teeth, and seemeth to advance,
As driven by shame alone, where honour lies ;
And in the shock, such was the wonderous chance,
O'erturns the foe — all stare with vast surprise
Then universal is the shout and strong, —
"Huzza! Long live the panther-champion, long !"

Wondering he turned to hear the loud Huzza!
And saw his rival stretched upon the ground ;
Amazed, beside himself with glee, and gay,
He stopped to look in admiration round ;
But quick the warrior, who had lost the day,
Sprung up and-burning with disdain profound,
Fierce with his foot the solid earth he struck,
And all the plains around convulsive shook.

The lights went out, and the pavilion, too,
Midst thunder deep and lightnings, disappeared ;
The isle became a barge, to magic true,
With dung and straw and faggots filled and smeared,
Not one remained there of the numerous crew
Which filled its space every nook was cleared)
Except the victor, and a dwarf who held
A lantern in his hand, and eke a shield.

The shield presenting to the cavalier,
He said : " This is the conqueror's reward ;
"Just from the column taken down, and here
"Left for the victor by my vanquished lord,
"Wlio now requests with courtesy sincere,
"That as you've shown such valour, you'll record,
"As best may suit your pleasure in the case,
"Your name, your country, and your natal place."

The victor leapt with joy, and thus replied: —
"Say to thy lord, that from a lineage old
"Of Spain I am descended ; regions wide
"Beyond the East have their achievements told ;
"That Don Chisott, of errants prince and guide,
"So great in arms, magnanimous and bold,
"Out of a foreign lady, in his bounty,
"Begot my sire, the gay Don Flegetonte.

"In Italy he held dominion, and
"Through every realm extended his renown ;
"And to complete the glory of his brand,
"Wanted but Turpin's suffrage—who made known
"Orlando's feats ; no knight of Holy Land
"Equalled him, second to his sword alone ;
"And that no secret may remain concealed,
"Say, that the Count Culagna won the shield !

"But since my story is before you laid,
"And all your wishes have been satisfied,
"Tis surely right that I should be obeyed,
"And told your master's name, and how allied."
The dwarf rejoined : " Attention shall be paid
"To your desires — but, to the river's side —
"There, many cavaliers in expectation,
"Are ready waiting for that information."

They reached, the grassy bank, where anxious stood
The numerous warriors in their several stations ;
Who when the dwarf had left the rippling flood,
Crowded around him with interrogations ;
The dwarf turned to them, as 'twas right he should,
And volubly fulfilled their expectations ;
"To satisfy you, promptly I obey,
"Listen, but be not wroth at what I say.

"After the faction was expelled
"By the fierce Ghibellines from Modena,
"Their chief, the Count Vallestra, was compelled
"To fly beyond the province far away ;
"And found, by magic art, which never failed,
"A prize ; and formed among the mountains gray,
"Close to his castle, an enchanted cell,
"Where he remains, still framing charm and spell.

"And there he doating keeps an only child,
"His name Melindo, of a tender age ;
"Whose noble manners, and deportment mild,
"The old man's fondness constantly engage ;
"This stripling, by a damsel's fame beguiled,
"Charmed by her feats, and beauty's cozenage,
"Felt sick at heart with ever new desire,
"And burned with unextinguishable fire.

"By prayers and sighs, he from his sire obtained
"Permission to come here, his love to show ;
"And, therefore, on this island he maintained
"The beautiful combat, armed from top to toe ;
"But the old man was timorous, and ordained
"amorous youth being- weaker than the foe)
"That he through magic art should never yield,
"Nor strength nor valour make him quit the field.

"Such was the incantation, that no force
"Could hurl the loved Melindo to the ground ;
"Unless a warrior came, with spear and horse,
"The greatest coward that was ever found ;
"The stronger the attack, so much the worse,
"Victory more easily Melindo crowned ;
"As the red bolt bursts with augmented wrath
"The greater the resistance to its path.

"Javelin and horse, the armour which he wore,
"All were enchanted, and the knight who drew
"His sword soon saw the unequal contest o'er,
"Forced from the island headlong out of view ;
"Changing the lance was reckon'd fit—no more—
"Even then not one the champion could subdue,
"Unless he was discovered to be quite
"Inferior to Melindo in the fight."

Here ceased the dwarf"; chagrin was turned to joy
Among the conquered cavaliers ; but Count
Culagna felt the bitter words annoy,
And wrath was seen upon his face to mount ;
He drew his sword against the ancient boy,
Who fearless thought his threat of small account ;
"Thou liest, false wretch !" the angry hero said:
"This sword shall prove it on thy villain's head.

"Wouldst thou my victory stain ? But thou shalt not,
"Thou ugly hunch-back! Is not every where
"My glory known, without reproach, or blot?
"Thy master has not an excuse to spare !"
The dwarf refused to parly with the sot,
But humbly bowed to all the signors there ;
And whilst the count kept wrangling on — " Good night,"
Was his reply, and then blew out the light.