;i i!'":Y; I I,' s.i, S'iil rii'I'IjII,,,~ i;nilliiijiiiii':.;\;; I.iii \,r \?; i ?,i Ii, ii iii! r-i:.? ici'-uoil\r ::Y~`"i:ifijnLi,,,;,?\\ ~~: iL:: iv1 i:Illiii!!jtiiI,,,rIniiiii:ii;iiii iii!r: ii::ri r — ~rl " / :: h:.g-' r;rt I c.;s.IBiiit: d i i::s:;;!;::::::~:l;::s3:!"':i 1 iii!'I: iij ~~ir,::ii::::::;l;)i(:iijj ~~:~~:~-":~;:,~~.~-'~:::":ij iiii iir THE Jerusalem Delivered O F TORQUATO TASSO. TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH SPENSERIAN VERSE WtITH LIFE OF THE AUTHOR, BY J. H. WIFFEN. NEW YORK: HURST & CO., PUBLISHERS, 122 NASSAU STREET. I It~~~ II -I I TO GEORGIANA, DUCHESS OF BEDFORD. 1. YEARS have flown o'er since first my soul aspired In song' the sacred Missal to repeat, Which sainted Tasso writ with pen inspired,Told is my rosary, and the task complete: And now,'twixt hope and fear, with toil untired, I cast the amrbrosial relique at thy feet; Not without faith tthat in thy goodness thou Wilt deign one smile to my acomplish'd vow. 2. Not in dim dungeons to the clank of chains, Like sad Torquato's, have the hours been spent Given to the song, but in oright halls where reigns Uncumiber'd Freedom,-with a mind unbent By walks in woods, green dells, and pastoral plains To sound, far-off, of village merriment; Albeit, perchance, some springs whence Tasso drew His sweetest tones, have touch'd my spirit too. 3. O that, as happier constellations bless My studious life, my verses too could boast Some happier graces, (should I wish for less?) T' atone for charms unseized and splendors lost!No! the rich rainbow mocks the child's caress, Who can but sorrow, as his fancy's cross'd, That e'er so beautiful a thing should rise, T' elude his grasp, yet so enchant his eyes. 4. On the majestic Sorrentine I gazed With a familiar joy —nethought he smiled; But now the vigil's past, I stand amazed At the conceit, and sorrow like the child. __ ~ __ _ I. _ _ i TO GEORGIANA, DUCHESS OF BEDFORD. What second hand can plaint the scenes that blazed In Tasso's brain, with tints as sweet and wild? As much the shapes that on his canvass glow, Their birth to Frenzy as to Genius owe. 5. Yet may I hope o'er generous minds to cast A faint reflection of his matchless skill, For here his own Sophronia, unaghast, Flings firm defiance to her tyrant still;Clorinda bleeds; lovelorn Erminia fast Hies through the forest at hear steed's wild will; And in these pages still Armida's charms Strike the rapt heart, and wake a world to arms. 6. Thus then, 0 Lady, with thy name I grace The glorious fable; fitly, since to thee And thine the thanks are due, that in the face Of time and toil, the Poet's devotee Has raised the enchanted structure on its base, And to thy hand now yields th' unclosing key,Blest, if in one bright intellect like thine, He wins regard, and builds himself a shrine I JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO I. ARGUMENT. GoD to Tortosa sends his Angel down, Whose mandate Godfrey rev'rently pursues: A Council call'd-the knights of most renown Him for their Chief unanimously choose; He under their blest ensigns first reviews The number'd troops, then to the plain that leads To Salem, guides them; troubled by the news, His wrath Judea's aged tyrant feeds With cruel schemes, from which he ling'rixgly recedes. CONTENTS. PAGE DEDICATION..................................... 3 JERUSALEM DELIVERED............................ 5 ARGUMENT........................................ 6 CANTO I...... 9 II..................................... 31 - III...................... 55 IV....................................... 75 -V... 99 VI.................................... 121 VII...... 149 VIII. 1................................ 179 IX-................................ 2 01 X..................................... 225 XI....................................... 245 XII.267 I~TI ~.~........................ XIII........................ 293 XIV................................ 313 XV...................................... 333 XVI.. 351 XVII....... 371 - XVIII................ 375 XIX............. 421 XX...................................... 453. L'ENVOI......................................... 485 NOTES......................... 487 I_ JERUSALE W DE)IYEi' & CANTO I, It 1 1I STNG the pious arms and Chief, who freed,T'lh'e Sepulcher of Christ from thrall profane; Much did he toil in thought, an d. much in deed; Much in the glorious enterprise sustain; And Hell in vain opposed hin,; and in vain Afric and Asia to the rescue pour'd Their mingled tribes; —Heaven recompensed hJs pain And from all fruitless sallies of the sword, True to the Red-Cross flag his wandering friends re, stored. k 2. 0 thou, the Muse, that not with fading palms Circlest thy brows on Pindus, but among The Angels warbling their celestial psalms, Hast for thy coronal a golden throng Of everlasting stars! make thou my song Lucid and pure; breathe thou the flame divine Into'ly bosom; and forgive the wrong, If i; h grave ttr uth light fiction I combine, And:otnetire;e f7aCe my page with other flowers than 3. T'a wo-ride I oa know'st, on tiptoe ever Ilies Enile. waolX rgn n' most Parnassus' fountain winds, Anld Li"at aT t, robed in Song's benign disguie, Has win the cest, sooth'd the sternest minds: So the fond mother her sick infant blinds, Sprinkling tiAe ed-ges of the cup she gives With sweets; delighted with the balm it finds Ron!d tile n;mooth brim, the medicine it receives, Drinlks the delusive draught, and, thus deluded, lives, 10 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CA'N0o E. 4. And thou, Alphonso, who from fortune's shocks And from her agitated sea, didst save, And pilot into port from circling rocks My wandering bark, nigh swallow'd by the wave! Accept with gracious smile-'tis all I craveThese my vow'd tablets, in thy temple hung, For the fresh life which then thy goodness gave; Some day, perchance, may my prophetic tongue Venture of thee to sing what now must rest unsung. 5, Well would it be (if in harmonious peace The Christian Powers should e'er again unite, With steed and ship their ravish'd spoils to seize, And for his theft the savage Turk requite) That they to thee should yield, in wisdom's right, The rule by land, or, if it have more charms, Of the high seas; meanwhile, let it delight To hear our verse ring with divine alarms; Rival of Godfrey, hear, and hearing, grasp thine arms! 6. Six summers new were pass'd, since in the East Their high Crusade the Christians had begun; And Nice by storm, and Antioch had they seized By secret guile, and gallantly, when won, Held in defiance of the myriads dun, Press'd to its conquest by the Persian king; Tortosa sack'd, when now the sullen sun Enter'd Aquarius, to breme winter's wing The quarter'd hosts give place, and wait the coming spring. 7. And now at length those storms were overblown That had the trumpet hush'd, and spring was nigh, When, from his unimaginable throne, Fix'd in the Empyrean-the pure sky, Above the highest of the stars more high Than they from Lucifer's abysmal hall, Th' Eternal Father downward cast his eye, And in an instant, at a glance, mark'd all That pass'd, in light or shade, on earth's terraqueous ball. 8. All things on earth he views; at length his eyes Upon the Christian Powers in Syria rest, And with that clear inspection which descries The most conceal'd affections of the breast, He notices how Godfrey burns to wrest From hand profane the consecrated town, CANTO I. JELUSALEM DELIVERED. 11 And, heaven affecting, in what slight request He holds the meaner joys of earth-renown, Treasure, and purple power, and glory's meteor crown. 9. Baldwin he sees ambitiously aspire The height of human grandeur to attain, And Tancred, victim to a fruitless fire, Life's choicest blessings gloomily disdain, While Bohemond in Antioch builds his reign, And introducing arts and settling laws, The poise of his new kingdom to sustain, By power of solemn right and custom, draws His Turks t' adore aright the one Supernal Cause:10. And so absorb'd herein, he seems to lose All recollection of their first designs; An ardent soul, impatient of repose, The warrior's virtue, in Rinaldo shines,Whiclh nor to lust of gold nor power inclines, But to that quenchless thirst of fame which leads To?enerous acts, and for distinction pilles; On Guelpho's lips he hangs intent, and feeds On themes of antique worth, and high romantic deeds 11. Of these and other hearts the inmost folds And motions as th' Omniscient Mind surveys, Of the angelic splendors him who holds In the first glorious rank the second place, Gabriel he calls, the herald of his grace And faithful messenger, who oft repairs On blessed errands to the human race, And, sweetly solacing the virtuous, bears Back to his mercy-seat the incense of their prayers. I2. To him the Almighty Sire: "To Godfrey go, And ask what languor has his mind possess'd,The war still unrenew'd, unmoved the foe, And Salem's grievous wrongs yet unredress'd. A council iet him call; from slothful rest Rouse the lethargic, and the cold excite; Hilm with the sovereign rule I here invest, As shall the chieftains upon earth,-each knight His comrade now no more, but agent in the fight!" 13. He said, and Gabriel plumed himself to go Swift on the errand of hisyLord; he roll'd The air around his viewless essence, so That mortal eye the vision might behold; 12 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO L, The aspect human, human was the mold Assumed, but mix'd with majesty divine; He wreathes the sunbeams in his locks of gold, And moves a seraph, whose fair looks define The age when youth just seems with boyhood to comQ-~ -bine. 14. White wings sustain him, edged with golden dyes, Unwearied, swift, and pliant in their play; With these he cuts the winds, and clouds, and skies, And high o'er land and ocean sails away: Down to Earth's loftier peaks, in this array, His course the Messenger of Heaven consign'd; And first on sweet Mount Lebanon to stay, He, hovering for an instant, seem'd inclined, And shook his sparkling plumes, self-balanced on the wind: z15. Then downward, where Tortosa's towers arise, Urged his precipitate and circling flight; The sun was rising in the eastern skies, Part seen, part curtain'd by the waves from sight; And Godfrey, mindful of the wonted rite, His matin prayer was offering to the ear Of the Most High, in lowliness contrite; When, like the shining sun, but far more clear, He from the Orient saw the wing'd Archangel steer:16. " Godfrey," he said, "the suited time that calls Beleaguer'd hosts to arms, at length survey; Why, while Oppression sits in Salem's balls, And Fortune beckons, tais supine delay? Call now the Princes of your arm'd array To solemn council, and if sloth dissuade, Spur thou them on the city to assay; Thee God elects to guide their blest crusade, And, chosen of all, by all thy voice shall be obey'd: 17. "His messenger I am, and thus reveal To thee his sacred will; of victory rare What hopes should hence be thine; and 0, what zeal For the brave hosts committed to thy care!" He spoke; he ceased; and, vanishing in air, To the serenest, and the loftiest part Of heaven flew back; long dazzled by the glare Of the bright vision, and amazed at heart, Godfrey with upraised e,yes reniain'd, and lips apart. CANTO I. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 13 18. But when, recovering spirit, he discern'd Who sent,,who came, and what was the command, If late he glow'd, he now with ardor burn'd To end the war committed to his hand: Not that ambition's breath his bosom fann'd Into vain-glorious pride, from so entire A preference o'er. the rest, but as a brand Or living coal in a refulgent fire, In his Lord's will becomes his own desire. 19. Then from their various posts his valiant friends, Not far dispersed, to council he invites; Message on message, scroll on scroll, he sends, And strong entreaty to advice unites; Whatso might most from indolent delights Rouse the reluctant, whatso most might reach And quicken generous natures, he indites; Meets all men's moods, and with such charms of speech, That while he all compels, he wins and pleases each. 20. All, except Bohemond, attend; in train The busy people flock behind; part wait Without, encamp'd upon the ample plain, The rest Tortoso holds from gate to gate: Baron, and prince, and helmed potentate The Consistory crown, a solemn throng, When, with an air august, in ducal state Godfrey arose; majestically strong His graceful periods flow, and charm the soul along. 21. " Warriors of God, by God himself elected, Of his true Faith the breaches to restore! Ye, whom his arm has guided, and protected From storms by sea and ambuscades on shore! So that in these few years that have flown o'er, It has been ours strong monarchies to tame, Realm after realm, rebellious now no more, And through the shaken nations spread the fame Of his triumphant Cross and consecrated name 122. " We left not (do I err?) our native land, Connubial pledges and domestic sweets, Trusting our fortunes to a faithless strand, Where battle rages and wild ocean beats, But to acquire, with its barbaric seats, A crowd's huzza; if upon this we built, How poor th' ambition! sense with scorn repeats 14 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO I. The prize, and all the blood our swords have spilt, Has to our deathless souls been sown in deepest guilt. 23. " But far more glorious were our aims,-we vow'd The noble walls of Sion to obtain, And work redemption for the Faithful, bow'd Beneath subjection's ignominious chain; Founding in Palestine a purer reign Where Piety may rest, and Peace recline In full security, and none restrain The freeborn pilgrim, passing o'er the brine, From offering holy vows at meek Messiah's shrine. 24. " Thus then till now we have risk'd much, toil'd more, Reap'd little good, but for our main intent None whatsoever, if we here give o'er, Or turn to other marks the bow we bent: What will it serve us from the Occident T' have drawn this Splendid force, and to have strown These fires abroad o'er Asia, if th' event Of our so mighty movement be aloneNot glorious kingdoms raised, but ruin'd and o'erthrown! 25. " He who would here raise empires, must not seek On worldly policies the base to found, Where of a fellow. faith his friends are weak And few, amidst the countless Pagans round, The land that people,-here, where he no ground Can have on Grecian succor to presume, And all too distant from his trumpet's sound Lies the far West; ihe builds, but the Simoon Sweeps round, and instant turns his palace to a tomb. 26. " Turks, Persians, Antioch, (an illustrious prize, In fame and fact magnificent.) attest Not our past skillT but the assisting skies; Victory a wonder was: now, if we wrest These purposed blessings to an end unblest, Wronging the Giver who so far has crown'd The hopes we cherish'd,-Chiefs i I tremble, lest WVre vanish to a fable and a sound,The brilliant byword pass'd through the wide nations round. 27. " May there be none among us, O my friends, So to misuse such gifts! your interests see; With these sublime commencements let the ends, CANTO I. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 15 The filament and woof throughout agree. Now that the passes of the land are free, Now that the vernal season clears the plain, Apt for the enterprise, why rush not we The crown of all our conquests to attain? What should prevent the deed? what here our arms detain? 2I 8. "Princes! I vow to you, (and what I vow, Present and future times alike shall hear; The very Angels, while I speak it, bow On their bright thrones, and lend a list'ning ear,) The period is arrived that we should rear Our flag aloft; less fortunate will flow The tide, the longer we delay;, things clear ~Will set in night, and if our course be slow, Egypt-assured I speak-will aid the Syrian foe!" 29. He ceased: a hollow hllun ensued,-but then, The primal author of the high crusade, Peter the Seer, who midst the noblest men Sat private in the council, rose and said: " What Godfrey stirs us to, I well have weigh'd, And second; room for reasoning there is none; He the true path self-evident has made, And through the whole clear argument has run;'Tis yours the plan t' approve,-one word, and I have done. 30. " When I the scorns and discords recollect, As if on purpose by you borne and given, Your froward judgments, and proceedings check'd Just at the moment when they might lave thriven, To a high source, O Princes, am I driven; I trace the ills, in all their forms and kinds, To your void powers! our government is even As a vague pendulum, which each one finds Struck by as many hands as there are various minds. 31.'" Where one alone commands not, upon whom The cast of parts and offices depend, The dues of honor and decrees of doom, There still the helm to some wrong point will tend; Your separate rights, then, amicably blend In some one prince, of influence to restrain The rest,-to one alone dominion lend, And leave hiim free, as wisdom will ordain, A king's prescriptive power and semblance to sustain." 16 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO I. 32. Here ceased the Sage: what thoughts, celestial Fire What hearts, blest Spirit! to thy sweet appeal Are proof? the Hermit's words didst thou inspire, And on all hearts imprint them with thy seal. Ingrafted, e'en innate desires, thy zealThe love of honor, liberty and sway, Check'd in subservience to the public weal So that the noblest were the first to say, "Our Chief let Godfrey be; him swear we to obey!" 33. The rest consent: they marshal on his side, The power to counsel and command; to give The vanquish'd laws, and here or there to guide The war, with uncontroll'd prerogative; While they, but late his peers, are to receive His issued mandates with submissive minds, And aid in ministry executive: This done, the rumor flies abroad, and finds Speed in the tongues of men, and spreads on all the winds. 34. He to the soldiers shows himself, and they Are well content he should the truncheon bear; The warlike greetings and huzzas they pay, Calmly he takes, and with a gracious air: Then, having answer'd courteously and fair To the frank vows of discipline that stamp Their love and loyalty, he bids repair Each to his banner, the collected Camp, And pass review, when Day next lights its shining lamp. 35. Slow in calm glory from its orient bower And with unwonted sheen, the Star of day Rose on the morrow, when from tent and tower, Issuing in polish'd arms and ranged array,?: The squadrons rear their standards and display Their force, wide wheeling round the vast champaign; Sole in the center, whence he might survey Both horse and foot, the Chief observed the chain Of the whole movement pass, in long revolving train. 36. Sibyl divine, that in thy guardian cell Treasurest all story! foe to Night and Time I Aid me with all thine intellect, to tell What troops and heroes come from every clime; Their ancient deeds light up and sound sublime, Now dark and silent grown with years; O bring From thy rich stores to grace my naked rhyme, CANTO I. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. lrT Somewhat with which each list'ning age may ring, And none have power t' efface-smile on me while I sing! 37. First to the field the gallant Franks advance, From where, wide sweeping, four bold rivers spread Beauty and fruitage o'er the Isle of France,Flower of her force, and once by Hugo led, Their good king's brother; but his vital thread Cut short, the flag in whose field-azure flame The Golden Lilies, they beneath the dread Clotharius follow, whom a kingly name Marks, to perfect his worth and more enhance his fame 38. A thousand these, completely fenced in mail, Pace the green turf; a like choice troop succeeds, In courage, discipline, and massive scale Of armor like the first,-on generous steeds Borne to the battle from their Norman meads, Ten gallant hundreds: and the total ten A native prince, the bold Duke Robert leads, From Rollo sprung: two pastor chieftains then, William and Ademar, bring up their marshal'd men. 89. These held of late authority divine, The hallow'd priests of piety and pray'r, Who fearless now in horrid conflict shine, And press beneatli the helm their long black hair: That from the city and dominions fair Of ancient Orange to the fierce alarms Leads full five hundred; this b~neath his care, From whence high Puy the trav'ler's notice charms, An equal number brings, not less renown'd in arms. 40. Next in the muster Baldwin shows, conjoin'd With his own Lorrainers, his brother's band, Which Godfrey to his conduct late resign'd, When made a captain, captains to command; Sagacious counsel and a powerful hand The Count of Chartres grace, who with him leads Four hundred knights, the bravest of the land; And thrice that number, arm'd, on prancing steeds, Baldwin himself conducts:-a noble name succeeds. 41. One whose desert his fortune overweighs, Though equal with the proudest, Guelpho came; Who from his sire by sure deduction lays To Este's princely house ancestral claim, But, German bv inheritance and name, 18 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO I. Is in the Guelphic stem ingraft; his sway Is o'er Carinthia, where barbaric fame The Sueves and Rhetians reap'd in ancient day, Where the rough Danube cleaves, the mild Rhine wins its way. 42. To that maternal heritage his blade A great and glorious acquisition joins: And thence a race he brings, who undismay'd Will march'gainst Death t' achieve his bold designs, A race, that when the wintry sun declines, In warm abodes the sullen hours revive With gay carousals and the flow of wines; Five thousand left their homes,-a third survive Sole from the Persian spear, in battle still to strive. 43. Next comes the fair-hair'd race whose lands incline Betwixt the Frank and German to the main, Bathed by the swelling Meuse and fruitful Rhine,A pastoral people, rich in herds and grain; Th' industrious Islanders augment their train, Whose rampired banks, though fenced with all the powers Of art, th' insulting Ocean scarce sustain,The wild voracious Ocean, which devours Not fleets alone, but realms with all their towns and tow'rs. 44. Two thousand these the hopes of honor bring Beneath a second Robert; somewhat more, William, the young son of the English king, Conducts in arms from Britain's chalky shore; Long bows the English at their shoulders bore, With those whom Ireland, nearer to the pole, Sends from wild woods resounding to the roar Of wintry winds,-the limit of the whole Well-peopled earth, round which its last drear oceans roll. %. 45. Then Tancred follows to the war, than whom, Save young Rinaldo, is no nobler knight, More mild in manners, fair in manly bloom, Or more sublimely daring in the fight I If any shade of error makes less bright His rich endowments and heroic charms, It is the foil of Love, which at first sight Born of surprise, amid the shock of arms, Grows with increase of tears and sorrow's fond alarms. CANTO I. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 19 46. In noon of that auspicious day which wrought The Persian's overthrow, faint with the chase Of fugitives,'tis rumor'd that he sought For his o'erwearied limbs and glowing face, Repose and cool refreshment; with slow pace He reach'd at length, with green seats compass'd round, And summer woods, which shaded all the place, A living spring, that with melodious sound Flowed from a hollow rock, in many a fall profound. 47. To the same warbling of fresh waters drew, Arm'd, but unhelm'd and unforeseen, a maid; She was a Pagan, and came thither too, To quench her thirst beneath the pleasant shade; Her beautiful fair aspect, thus display'd, He sees; admires' and, touch'd to transport, glows With passion rushing to its fountain' head, The heart;'tis strange how quick the feeling grows; Scarce born, its power in him no cool calm medium knows. 48. She reassumed her helm, and threat'ning stood To strike the chief, but others drawing nigh, Within the mazes of the leafy Wood, Conmpell'd by numbers, not by fear to fly, The haughty Lady rush'd; but still her high And warlike image with a faith so true He fosters in his heart, it ne'er can die; The act, the scene where first she charm'd his view, Forever haunt his thoughts, and fan the fire anew. 49. And in his aspect legibly is traced The hopeless flame that frets his life away; He comes with sighings, and his eyes, abased, A melancholy languishment betray: Eight hundred horse have left beneatlL his sway Campania's paradise, a ponmp of scene The noblest sure that Nature in her play Of power e'er shaped-plains, woods, and hills be, tween, Woo'd by the Tyrrhene sea, mild, fertile, smooth and green. 50. Two hundred follow, from Greek heroes sprung, Who nearly void of all defense are found; Sole at their side short crooked swords are hung, And bows and quivers at their backs resound: 20 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO I. Lean coursers have they, in the race renown'd, Proof to fatigue, of diet spare and slight; Mounted on these, they seem to wing the ground; Nimble alike in onslaught and in flight,Wide and dispersed they act, and e'en while flying, fight. 51. Tatine commands the troop, the only Greek Who join'd the Latin arms; oh Greece, let shame Forever sit upon thy passive cheek! The wars are near thee now, yet, meanly tame, Thou sittst a calmn spectator of the game, Thy shield scarce lifted, and thy sword in rust; If now (complain not) destitute of fame, Thou art a vassal humbled to the dust, Thy doom no outrage is, but retribution just. 62. Lo now, the last in order of; command, But first for honor. skill, and glorious scars, The Adventurers come, a brave, unconquer'd band, The dread of Asia, thunderbolts of Mars! Cease, Argo, thy renown'd Adventurers, Thy errant Peers, prince Arthur, cease to cite, Filling our books with fable! fame instars All antique story with a beam less bright Than theirs; —now what fit chief may lead them to the fight? 53. Dudon of Consa! for, as hard it was Their birth and bravery to decide between, All had agreed to rank beneath his laws, As one who most had both achieved and seen. In the last stage of mellowing manhood, keen Shines his gray eye, and with his silver hairs He shows a strength still juvenile and green; While, as in noble proof of what he dares, He many a seam and scar in front imprinted bears. 54. There Eustace ranks, whom much his brother's worth Much native merit for applause marks down; There vaunts Gernando his illustrious birth, His titles, stars, and hoped Norwegian crown. Roger, of Barneville surnamed, Renown And ancient Story with the noblest class;2 Gentorio, Engerlan, Rambaldo own As fair a fame; distinguish'd from the mass, Brave above many brave the two young Gerards pass. CANTO I. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 21 55. Nor Ubald, nor Rosmlondo, the rich heir Of English Lancaster, nor nu:ist the pride Of Tuscan bravery, Obitzo, e'er Sink unredeenl'd to Lethe's greedy tide; Nor to the Lombard brothers, side by side, Achilles, Sforza, Palamed the mild, Nor to strong Otho be the verse denied,Otho, who conquer'd from the Paynim vilde That shield whereon the snake devours a naked child. 3 56. Nor yet shall Guasco nor Ridolpho grieve, Nor the two Guidos, whom the famed admire, Nor Everard, nor Gernier will I leave In mute inglorious silence to expire; My hand falls weary on the numb'ring wire; WVhere force ye me, as though your love I slighted. Edward and sweet Gildippe? all my lyre Is yours,-oh twins, in battle firmly plighted, You, e'en when dead, in song shall not be disunited! 57. WVhat learn we not within the school of love? There she became a heroine of a bride; Nor toil, nor deepest danger can remove The fair fond lady from her husband's side; To the same fortune are their lives allied; The blow falls not that hurts but one,-their pains Are mutual as their joys; for if the tide Of her dear blood bedews the hostile plains, What she in person bears, in spirit he sustains.. 58. But these, and all, the boy Rinaldo far, Oh far excels! supremacy is thrown Upon his forehead like a shining star, And every eye is fix'd on him alone; Hope, and his years he far outstrips; scarce blown Appear his blossoms, than the fruit's reveal'd. So sweetly fierce, that when his face is shown You deem him Love, but Mars, when helln'd and steel'd, He mounts his fiery barb,and fulmines through the field.'59. Him fair Sophia to Bertoldo bore,' Where the clear Adige's swift waters wind, The lovely to the potent; and before He well was wean'd, the infant she consign'd To queen Matilda, who, sincerely kind, Foster'd, and taught him, as in years he grew, All princely arts; her care his docile mind __a_________ ______________________________ ________________________ 22 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO I. Requited well, and thus his calm hours flew, Till in the radiant East the martial trumpet blew. 60. Then, ere his youth could three short lusters boast, Alone he fled by unknown tracks,-he pass'd Th' Egsean billows, the Ionian coast, And reach'd in climles remote the camp at last; A flight well fit some young enthusiast In after days should follow, who would win The like renown;4 three years their fruits had cast, Since with the warring armies he had been, Yet still the tender down scarce feather'd o'er his chin. 61. The horsemen now have pass'd, and Godfrey views, The foot advance with Raymond at their head, Duke of Narbonne, who ruled in fair Toulouse, And his well-disciplined four thousand led, Between the Ocean and the Garonne bred, And misty Pyrenees; a people free, Firm in fatigue, incapable of dread, At all points arm'd; and led they could not be By one of greater skill or hardihood than he. 62. But Stephen of Amboise leads from Blois and Tours Troops full five thousand, register'd aright, A nerveless race unable to endure Fatigue, though wholly sheath'd in armor bright; The land luxurious, delicate, and light, With a rich soil and a delicious air, Produces like inhabitants; in fight, The first assaults impetuously they dare, But quickly tire with strife, and languish through the war. 63. Third comes Alcasto, cradled on the crag, Threat'ning and stern as Capaneus of old Before the Theban town; beneath his flag, From each Helvetian tower and Alpine hold, Six thousand fierce plebeians are enroll'd, Sharp'ning the ploughshare to the sword they rise; And he who turn'd the furrow, watcb'd the fold, Now fearlessly the war's grim ridges eyes, And with the mightiest match'd, the strength of kings defies. 64. The lofty banner next is seen dispread, Which bears Saint Peter's keys and mitred crown, Seven thousand foot, by good Camillus led, CANTO I. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 28 In massive armor sheath'd, beneath its frown: Glad that Heav'n calls him to the sacred town In so divine a cause, he marches on, There to renew his sires' antique renown, Or prove at least, that if in aught outshone By Latin worth,'twill be in discipline alone. 65. But now the whole gay pageant had pass'd by In regular review; when Godfrey sent, And to the noblest chiefs assembled nigh, In brief discourse imparted his intent: "My pleasure is, when next the firmament Yields its first light, that you the hosts array, And ere the foe anticipates th' event, Or vaward scouts our quick descent betray, March to the hallow'd town, as swiftly as we may. 66. A" Thlls, then, prepare you for the march required, -\ And for the strife, and for the victory near!" This daring speech from one so wise, inspired In each, fresh courage, confidence, and cheer. All ready stand for the sublime career, And, unindulgent of the night's repose, Wait with impatience till the morn appear; In Godfrey's breast, albeit, from foresight rose Fears which his cautious mind to no one would disclose. 67. For he by certain tidings understood That Egypt's king was now upon his way To Gaza's towers, a fortress strong and good, Which seaward on the Syrian frontiers lay; Nor could he think a prince so swift to prey On whatso'er his enterprising mind Was fix'd to win, would trifle time away; In him expecting a sharp foe to find, He to his envoy's zeal this secret charge consign'd. 68. " In a light brigandine compact and fleet, Go thou to Greece; where the Propontic sea Washes the seven-hill'd City, thou wilt meet; (As I have word from one who ne'er to me Errs in advice,) of regal dignity, A dauntless youth whose fix'd intentions are Forthwith to bear us martial company; Prince of the Danes, he marches to the war A numerous host from realms beneath the Arctic Star. 24 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO 1. -69. "But since perchance the faithless Byzantine Will practice on him each accustom'd art To turn him back, or on some new design Alien from ours, persuade the youth to start,Counsel him earnestly, my friend, apart, To shun th' advice of that insidious king; Both for his good and ours dispose his heart With all convenient speed his aids to bring; Say, that all stay were now an ignominious thing. 70. " Come not thyself with him; but in the train, And at the court of the Greek prince abide, Those ofttirnes-talk'd-of succors to obtain, By treaty promised, due, but still denied." To speak, instruct, and to his care confide Letter of credence and of greeting fair, Short time sufficed; the herald then applied, His busiest thoughts to expedite th' affair, And Godfrey sought his tent, and gave a truce to care. -'E 71. When now the Orient open'd to the Sun Its shliining gates, the mingled voice profound Of trumpet, tambour, horn, and cymbalon, Cheer'd to the march the stirring troops around; Not half so grateful is the thunder's sound In the hlot dog. days to the world forlorn, Presaging freshness to the thirsty ground, As to these warlike tribes the music drawn From marshal tubes that treat of battles to be born. 72. Straitway, spurr'd on by strong desire, they dress'd Their limllbs in wonted armor; straight, in sheen Of perfect panoply, the soldiers press'd Beneath their several regencies convene; Ranged, the hosts join; and to the winds serene Straight the borne banners all at once are given; And in th' imperial gonfalon is seen The Cross, triumphantly outspread, and driven Abroad in waving folds voluminous to heaven. -73. Meanwlhile the Sun in the celestial fields P, Perpetually advancing, rose in height, ~: And struck from pointed helms and bossy shields, Clear, trembling lusters that torment the sight; The broad air burns with glory, like a bright And boundless conflagration; neighings shrill, From fierce steeds ramping in their wild delight, Mix with the sound of smitten steel, and fill The deafen'd country round, hill answering loud to 1'11. CANTO I. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 25 74. The prudent Chief, to guard from ambuscade His marching army, sent a troop before, Of light-arm'd horse, with orders to invade The hollow woods, and each strange place explore; And first the pioneers advancing, bore Their instruments, whereby the rugged way Gives easy access; rivers are bridged o'er, Dells fill'd, mounts level'd; shaggy woods display Their tracks, and each close pass admits the lively day. 75. There are no moated towers, no massy woods, No levies gather'd by their Pagan foes, Nor bursting streams, nor Alpine solitudes, To countervail their course, or interpose Cause of delay: thus in his grandeur flows The King of Floods, when proudly he disdains His limitary shores,-the torrent grows, Swells o'er its ruin'd banks, and to the plains Roaring sweeps down, nor aught its headlong wrath restrains. 76. The king of Tripoli alone might hope In his munition'd fortress, with success, Powerful in forces, arms, and coin, to cope With the Frank army, or their march distress; But fearful to oppose them or repress, Their jealous doubts he studies to appease WVith entertainments and with gifts, nor less To Godfrey's keep submits the kingdomn's keys, And from his hand accepts the articles of peace. h: 77. There from Mount Seir, which rises on the east Of the nigh city, crowds on crowds descend Of the true Faith,-prince, worshiper, and priest Virgins, and youths, and matron-age attend; Beneath refreshments for the host they bend, Inly rejoiced; and using, side by side, Familiar talk, their wonder knows no end. The pilgrims' arms admiring; —they with pride Furnish, at Godfrey's wish, a sure and friendly guide. 78. Ever in sight of the blue sea his host By unobstructed ways direct he leads, Well knowing that along th' adjacent coast The friendly navy in its course proceeds; Whence whatsoe'er so large an army needs May be supplied, since each Greek island reaps Corn but for him, since but for him Crete feeds 26 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO I. The thousand flocks that range her tangled steeps, And Scio's rocky isle her wine celestial weeps.' 79. The bordering ocean groans beneath the prores' Of the swift vessels and their wealthy freight,'; So that no longer the Levantine shores' To the false Turk give access as of late; Beside the argosies of noblest rate Arm'd by Saint Marlk ana by Saint G3eorge,which there Cruise from rich Venice and the Genoese state Others from fruitful Sicily repair, And England, Belgium, France, alike equip their share. 80. And these, which now in firmest bonds combined With the sublime crusade confederate stand, From various shores are fraught with every kind Of stores that Godfrey may at need demand; Who, finding free the passes of the land, And that the frontiers of the realm present No force, his onward progress to withstand Or question, thither makes his swift descent, Where Christ the pangs of death and darkness underwent. 81. Yet not so swift, but that light Fame, the post Of falsehood as of truth, flies far before, And paints the fortunate, triumphant host, United, moving, indolent lno more; What and how strong the squadrons, o'er and o'er Recounts, with all whose deeds of valor grace The herald's scrolls, from each romantic shore; Narrates their vaunts, and with determined face, The high usurping powers from Salem threats to chase. 82. And look'd-for evil is a greater ill Than the wing'd mischief when it comes; each ear Hangs on each whisper in suspense, and still The face shows sadness, and the eye its tear. A melancholy hum, confused and drear, On wing within, on wing without the gates, The fields and doleful city fills with fear; But the old king, in these momentous straits, Close in his dubious heart ferocious schemes debates. 8'3. This prince, named Aladine, by recent crime Raised to the throne, perpetual cares pursued; He had been cruel once, but mellowing time His native fierceness somewhat had subdued. CANTO I. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 2. He, having now but too well understood That the Franks seek in battle to inclose The town, much muses in his restless mood! On former terror new suspicion grows; Much he his subjects fears, and much he fears his foe. 84. For in his city a mix'd people lived,.., Of adverse Faitlhs: the weaker few retain'd The laws of Christ,-in Mahomet believed The stronger many, and his rule maintain'd; But when the king the crown of Sion gain'd, And sought to'stal)lish there his Court in state, He on his loving Mussulmans ordain'd Taxes and levies of a lighter rate, But on the hapless Franks imposed a tenfold weig;'`t. 85. This thought now fretting into gall, awoke Within him all that cruelty which Time Had lull'd asleep, and giantlike he broke From slumber, thirsting but the more for crime. So the snake slumbers out the winter rime -; So fiercely wakes when summer warms the plain; So the tamed lion from his burning clime Torn, if provoked, assumes his fire again, Rolls the red eye in rage, and shakes the bristling manoe 8 i. "I see," said he, "in this perfidious brood Undoubted signs of new-conceived delight; The public evil is their private good, Our common sorrows but their smiles excite: And now, e'en now perchance, in fraudful spite, Each busy traitor with himself debates How lie may kill me, or at least by night To my stern foe and his consorted mates, May with most sure address unbar the guarded gates. 87. "But no! the fangs of the assaulted snake Have one preventative-I'll wreak my will; Destroy them all; a sharp example make; Safe in the mothers' arms the infants kill, Their temples fire, and to the lowest sill Burn their abodes; these sacrificial cares I owe to those whose blood th' invaders spill; And first on yon scorn'd Sepulcher of theirs, Shall the cowl'd priests be slain, midst all their vows and pray'rs." 28 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO I. 88. Thus he soliloquized; his acting hand VWith his dire scheme,'tis true, but ill concurs; But if he issues not the fierce command, Baseness it is, not pity, that deters; For while one fear to barbarous fury spurs His earnest will, a stronger still in show Keeps it in check, and moves his just demurs; He dreads the means of treaty to forego, Or raise too high the rage of the victorious foe.;- 89. Yet, though thus temper'd was his wolfish wrath, Elsewhere he gives his violence the rein; The rustic's home he levels, and with scath Of fire lays waste the cultivated plain; He leaves no valley green with rising grain, Where the Frank host may pleasantly repose, Or reap subsistence; then with busy brain In every fountain noxious drugs he throws, And the polluted stream with secret poison flows;90. Crafty in cruelty-! meantime no means To reinforce the city he neglects, Strong on three sides; but northward intervenes A rampart less secure,-he there erects Walls on the first alarm, and its defects Repairs with battlements that brave the skies, And scorn subjection; lastly, he collects His: subject troops and subsidized allies, nd from his lofty towers the coming storm defies. END OF CANTO IL JERUSALEM DELIVERED~ CANTO Io ARGUMENT. NEW charms Ismeno tries, which proving vain, The King a slaughter of the Franks decrees; Bashful Sophronia and Olindo fain Would die, his fatal anger to appease: Clorinda, hearing their sad story, frees From ruffian hands th' incomparable pair; Argantes and Alethes treat of peace; Which Godfrey not accepting, they forbear No longer, mortal war against him to declare. *1~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO II. 1. WHILE the vex'd Tyrant thus prepared to arm, Alone to him one day Ismeno drew; Ismeno, who from the closed tomb can charm The dead, and make them feel and breathe anew; Ismeno, who oft, as tales devoutly true Affirm, by whisper'd rhyme and murmur'd spell Unbinds the demons of the deep to do Deeds without name, or chains them in his cell, And makes e'en Pluto pale upon the throne of hell. 2. A Christian once, he now adores Mahound,' Yet former rites not wholly can forego, But oft to foulest use will he confound The laws of both, though well he neither know; And no w from caves where fern and nightshade grow, Far from the vulgar, where in glooms immersed, He his black arts is wont to practice, slow Glides lie to front the storm about to burst,To an acciirsed'king a counselor more accursed..% 3. "Oh king! the dreaded armies come," he cries, "Unlingering, conquering; yet be not dismay'd; Let us but worthy of ourselves arise, Both heaven and earth will give tlie valiant aid; Well as the scepter canst thou wield the blade, And quick to furnish, skillful to foresee, The duties of a king hast thou display'd' To admiration; if all act like thee, For thy advancing foe this land a tomb shall be., 4. "For me, I come my succor to impart,, Thy friend alike in peril and in pain; i? The utmost efforts of my magic art, '32 J:JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO II. And the deep counsels of my aged brain, Are at thy service; yea, I will constrain The Angel hosts from blessedness that fell, Part of th' impending labor to sustain; But where I purpose tp commence the spell, And by what simple means, give audience while I tell..5. " Low in the Christian temple, under earth, Stands in a secret grotto the rich shrine Of her who gave their buried God to birth, The Virgin Mother and the Saint divine; Before the veil that screens her Image shine Undying lamps, that to the mumminery lend Bright pomp; and round, with many a senseless sign, The sapient devotees their gifts suspend, There in long vigils kneel, in dumb devotions bend. 6. " Now this their image i would have convey'd, With thine own hand from their invaded fane, To the chief Mosque, and on it shall be laid Spells of such pow'r, that long as we retain The new Palladium in our keep, a train Of mighty spirits shall protect thy states; TWhile steel attacks and fire assaults in vain, Unrent the wall, impregnable the gates, We shall the war roll back, and disappoint the fates!" 7. He said: the king approved; and all in haste Sped to the Christian sanctuary, and tore Down from its shrine the Image of the Chaste, And with irreverence to the temple bore, Where oft his impious Mussulmans adore, High Heav'n incensing; there in dreadful style His spells the black Magician mumbles o'er The holy image in th' unholy pile,Hymns which insult the skies, and praises which revile; 8. But when in heav'n the morning light appear'd, The startled guardian of the mosque profane Sa'w not the inmage where it had been rear'd T1I previous night, and sought for it in vain Through every part of the extensive fane; Straight to the king the tidings he convey'd, Who fancying now in his mistrustful brain That the illustrious prize had been betray'd Back to some Christian Priest,unbounded rage display'd. CANTO It. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 33 9, Whetlier it were that Christian hands by guile'r- Did bear off secretly the ravish'd prize, is Or that Heav'n, angry.that a place so vile Should shroud her form who walks the glo1ious skies, Put forth its power from these indignities Its Goddess-queen to save, is vainly sought In erring fame; but piety supplies The heav'nly luster that irradiates thought, Nor doubts that Heav'n itself the glorious wonder wrought. 10. In every temple, hermitage, and hall, A long and eager search the monarch made, And tortures or rewards decreed to all Who screen'd the guilty, or the guilt betray'd; Nor ceased the Sorcerer to employ in aid Of the inquiry all his arts, but still Without success; for whether Heav'n convey'd The prize away, or power of human will, Heav'n close the secret kept, and shamed his vaunted skill. 11. But when the king found all expedients vain To trace th' offender, then, beyond disguise, Flamed forth his hatred to the Christians; then, Fed by wild jealousies and sharp surmise, Immoderate fury sparkled in his eyes; Follow what may, he will revenge the deed, And wreak his rage: " Our wrath shall not," he cries, "Fall void, but root up all th' accursed seed; Thus in the general doom the guilty yet shall bleed! 1;. " So that he'scapes not, let the guiltless die. ~ But wherefore thus of guiltlessness debate? Each guilty is, nor'mongst them all know I One, well-affected to the faith and state; And what if some be unparticipate In this new crime, new punishment shall pay For old misdeeds; why longer do ye wait, My faithful Mussulmans? up! up! away! Hence with the torch and sword-seize, fire, lay waste, and slay! ": 13. Thus to the crowd he spake: the mandate flew, And in the bosoms of the Faithful shed Astonishment and stupor; stupor threw On every face the paleness of the dead; None dared, none sought tb make defense, none fled, TASSO-2 84 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO II. None used entreaty, none excuse; but there They stood, like marble monuments of dread, Irresolute,-but Heav'n conceived their prayer, And whence they least had hope, brought hope to their despair. 14. Of generous thoughts and principles sublime, Among them in the city lived a maid, The flower of virgins, in her ripest prime, Supremely beautiful! but that she made Never her care, or beauty only weigh'd In worth with virtue; and her worth acquired A deeper charm from blooming in the shade; Lovers she shunn'd, nor loved to be admired, But from their praises turn'd, and lived a life retired, 15. Yet could not-this coy secrecy prevent Th' admiring gaze and warm desires of one Tutor'd by Love, nor yet would Love consent To hide such lustrous beauty from the sun; Love! that through every change delight'st to run, The Proteus of the heart! who now dost blind, Now roll the Argus eyes that naught can shun! Thou through a thousand guards unseen dost wind, And to the chastest maids familiar access find. 16. Sophronia hers, Olindo was his name; Born in one town, by one pure faith illumed; Modest-as she was beautiful, his flame Fear'd much, hoped little, and in naught presumed; He could not, or he durst not speak, but doom'd To voiceless thought his passion; him she slighted, Saw not, or would not see; thus he consumed Beneath the vivid fire her beauty lighted; Either not seen, ill known, or, known, but ill requited. 17. And thus it was, when like an omen drear That summon'd all her kindred to the grave, The cruel mandate reach'd Sophronia's ear, Who, brave as bashful, yet discreet as brave, Mused how her people she from death might save: Courage inspired, but virginal alarm Repress'd the thought, till maiden shyness gave Place to resolve, or join'd to share the harm; Boldness awoke her shame, shame made her boldness charm. CANTO II. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 35 18. Alone amidst the crowd the maid proceeds, Nor seeks to hide her beauty, nor display; Downcast her eyes, close veil'd in simple weeds, With coy and graceful steps she wins her way: So negligently neat, one scarce can say If she her charms disdains, or would improve,If chance or taste disposes her array; Neglects like hers, if artifices, prove Arts of the friendly Heavens, of Nature, and of Love. 19. All, as she pass'd unheeding all, admire The noble maid; before the king she stood; Not for his angry frown did she retire, But his indignant aspect coolly view'd: " To give,"-she said, " but calm thy wrathful mood, And check the tide of slaughter in its spring,To give account of that thou hast pursued So long in vain, seek I thy face, 0 king! The urged offense I own, the doom'd offender bring!" 20. The modest warmth, the unexpected light Of high and holy beauty, for a space O'erpower'd himrn-conquer'd of his fell despite, He stood, and of all fierceness lost the trace. Were MLi a spirit, or were hers a face Of less severity, the sweet surprise Had melted him to love; but stubborn grace Subdues not stubborn pride; Love's potent ties Are flatt'ring fond regards, kind looks, and smiling eyes. 21. If'twere not love that touch'd his flinty soul, Desire it was,'twas wonder,'twas deljght: "' Safe be thy race! " he said, " reveal"the whole, And not a sword shall on thy people light." Then she: " The guilty is before thy sight,The pious robbery was my deed; these hands Bore the bless'd Image from its cell by night; The criminal thou seek'st before thee stands,Justice from none but me her penalty demands." 22. Thus she prepares a public death to meet, A people's ransom at a tyrant's shrine: O glorious falsehood! beautiful deceit! Can Truth's own light thy loveliness outshine? To her bold speech misdoubting Aladine With unaccustom'd temper calm replied: " If so it were, who plann'd the rash design, Advised thee to it, or became thy guide? Say, with thyself who else his ill-timed zeal allied?" 136 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO IT. 23. " Of this my glory not the slightest part Would I," said she, " with one confederate share; I needed no adviser; my full heart Alone sufficed to counsel, guide, and dare." "If so," he cried, "then none but thou must bear The weight of my resentment, and atone For the misdeed." "Since it has been my care," She said, " the glory to enjoy alone,'Tis just none share the pain; it should be all mine own." 24. To this the tyrant, now incensed, return'd, "'Where rests the Image? " and his face became a Dark with resentment: she replied, " I burn'd The holy image in the holy flame, And deem'd it glory; thus at least no shame Can e'er again profane it-it is free From further violation; dost thou claim The spoil or spoiler? this behold in me; But that, while time rolls round, thou never more shalt see. 25. "Albeit no spoiler I; it was no wrong To repossess what was by force obtain'd:" At this tile tyrant loosed his threatening tongue, Long-stifled passion raging unrestrain'd: No longer hope that pardon may be gain'd, Beautiful face, high spirit, bashful heart! Vainly would Love, since mercy is disdain'd, And Anger flings his most envenom'd dart, Ianaid of you his else protecting shield impart! 2 26 Doom'd in tormenting fire to die, they lay Hands on the maid; her arms with rough cords twining, Rudely her mantle chaste they tear away, And the white veil that o'er her droop'd declining: This she endured in silence unrepining, Yet her firm breast some virgin tremors shook; And her warm cheek, Aurora's late outshining, Waned into whiteness, and a color took, Like that of the pale rote, or lily of the brook. 87. The crowd collect; the sentence is divulged; With them Olindo comes, by pity sway'd; It might be that the youth the thought indulged, What if his own Sophronia were the maid: Thers stand the busy officers array'd For the last act, here swift the flames arise; CANTO It. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 37 But when the pinion'd beauty stands display'd To the full gaze of his inquiring eyes,Tis she! he bursts through all, the crowd before him flies. 28. Aloud he cries: "To her, O not to her The crime belongs, though phrensy may misplead! She plann'd not, dared not, could not, king, incur Sole and unskill'd the guilt of such a deed! How lull the guards, or by what process speed The sacred Image from its vaulted cell? The theft was mine! and'tis my right to bleed! " Alas for him! how wildly and how well He loved th' unloving maid, let this avowal tell. 29. " I mark'd wliere your high Mosque receives the air ~ And light of heaven; I climb'd the dizzy steep; I reacll'd a narrow opening; enter'd there, And stole the Saint, while all were hush'd in sleep: Mine was the crime, and shall another reap The pain and glory? grant not her desire! The chains are mine:'for me the guards may heap Around the ready stake the penal fire; For me the flames ascend;'tis mine, that funeral pyre! " ~<30. Sophronia raised to him her face,-her eye Was fill'd with pity and a starting tear; She spoke-the soul of sad humanity Was in her voice, "What phrensy brings thee here, Unhappy innocent! is death so dear, Or am I so ill able to sustain A mortal's wrath, that thou must needs appear? I have a heart, too, that can death disdain, Nor ask for life's last hour companionship in pain." 31. Thus she appeals to him; but scorning life, His settled soul refuses to retreat: O glorious scene, where in sublimest strife High-minded Virtue and Affection meet! Where death's the prize of conquest, and defeat Seals its own safety, yet remains unblest I But indignation at their fond deceit, And rage, thermore inflames the tyrant's breast, The more this constant pair the palm of guilt contest 32. He deems his power despised, and that in scorn Of him they spurn the punishment assign'd: "Let," he exclaim'd, "the fitting palm adorn 38- JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO II The brows of both! both pleas acceptance find!" Beckoning he bids the prompt tormentors bind Their galling chains around the youth-'tis done; Both to one stake are, back to back, consign'd, Like sunflowers twisted from their worship'd sun, Compell'd the last fond looks of sympathy to shun. 33. Around them now the unctuous pyre was piled, And the fann'd flame was rising in the wind, When, full of mournful thoughts, in accents wild, The lover to his mate in death repined: "' Is this the bond then which I hoped should bind Our lives in blissful marriage? this the fire Of bridal faith, commingling mind with mind, Which, I believed, should in our hearts inspire Like warmth of sacred zeal and delicate desire? 34. " Far other flames Love promised to impart, Than those our envious planets here prepare; Too, ah too long they kept our hands apart, But harshly now they join them in despair! Yet does it sooth, since by a mode so rare Condemn'd to die, thy torments to partake, Forbid by fate thy sweetnesses to share; If tears I shed,'tis but for thy dear sake, Not mine,-with thee beside, I bless the burning stake. 35. " And oh! this doom would be indeed most bless'd, My sharpest sufferings blandishments divine, Might I but be permitted, breast to breast, On thy sweet lips my spirit to resign; If thou too, panting toward one common shrine, Wouldst the next happy instant parting spend Thy latest sighs in sympathy on mine! " Sorrowing he spake; she when his plaints had end Did thus his fond discourse most sweetly reprehend. 36. "Far other aspirations, other plaints Than these, dear friend, the solemn hour should claim. Think what reward God offers to his saints; Let meek repentance raise a loftier aim; These torturing fires, if suffer'd in his name, Will, bland as zephyrs, waft us to the blest; Regard the sun, how beautiful his flame! How fine a sky invites him to the west! These seem to soothe our pangs, and summon us to rest.' CANTO II. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 39 37. The Pagans lifting up their voices wept; In stifled sorrow wept the Faithful too; E'en the stern king was touch'd,-a softness crept O'er his fierce heart, ennobling, pure, and new; He felt, he scorn'd it, struggled to subdue, And lest his wavering firmness should relent, His eyes averted, and his steps withdrew: Sophronia's spirit only was unbent; She yet lamented not, for whom all else lament. ~. 38. In midst of their distress, a knight behold, (So would it seem) of princely port! whose vest, And arms of curious fashion, grain'd with gold, Bespeak some foreign and distinguish'd guest; The silver tigress on the helm impress'd, Which for a badge is borne, attracts all eyes,A noted cognizance, th' accustom'd crest Used by Clorinda, whence conjectures rise, Herself the stranger is-nor false is their surmise. 39. All feminine attractions, aims, and parts, She from her childhood cared not to assume; Her haughty hand disdain'd all servile arts, The needle, distaff, and Arachne's loonm; Yet, though she left the gay and gilded room For the free camp, kept spotless as the light Her virgin fame, and proud of glory's plume, With pride her aspect arm'd; she took delight Stern to appear, and stern, she charm'd the gazer's sight. 40. While yet a girl, she with her little hand Lash'd and rein'd in the rapid steed she raced, Toss'd the huge javelin, wrestled on the sand, And by gymnastic toils her sinews braced; Then through the devious wood and mountain-waste Track'd the struck lion to his enter'd den, Or in fierce wars a nobler quarry chased; And thus in fighting field and forest glen, A man to savage beasts, a savage seem'd to men. 41. From Persia now she comes, with all her skill The Christians to resist, though oft has she Strew'd with their blood the field, till scarce a rill Remain'd, that ran not purple to the sea. Here now arrived, the dreadful pageantry Of death presents itself,-the crowd-the pyreAnd the bound pair; solicitous to see, And know what crime condemns them to the fire, Forward she spurs her steed, and hastens to inquire. 40 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO IL. 42. The throng falls back, and she awhile remains, The fetter'd pair more closely to survey; One she sees silent, one she sees complains, The stronger spirit nerves the weaker prey: She sees him mourn like one whom the sad sway Of powerful pity doth to tears chastise, Not grief, or grief not for himself; but aye Mute kneels the maid, her blue beseeching eyes So fix'd on heaven, she seems in heaven ere yet she dies. 43. Clorinda melts, and with them both condoles; Some tears she sheds, but greater tenderness Feels for her grief who most her grief controls,The silence moves her much, the weeping less; No longer now does she delay to press For information; turning towards one Of reverend years, she said with eagerness, " Who are they? speak! and Oh, what crime has won This death? in Mercy's name, declare the deed they've done!",.44. Thus she entreats; a brief reply lie gives, But such as well explains the whole event: Amazed she hears it, and as soon conceives That they are both sincerely innocent; Her heart is for them, she is wholly bent T' avert their fate. if either arms can aid, Or earnest prayers secure the king's consent; The fire she nears, commands it to be stay'd, That now approach'd them fast, and to th' attendants said: 45. " Let none of You presume to prosecute Your barbarous office, till the king I see; My word I pledge, that at Clorinda's suit Your fault he will forgive, if fault it be:" Moved by her speech and queenlike dignity, The guards obey, and she departs in quest Of the stern monarch, urgent of her plea: Midway they met; the monarch she address'd; And in this skillful mode her gen'rous purpose press'd: 46. " I am Clorinda; thou wilt know perchance The name, from vagtue remembrance or renown; And here I conme to s'ave with sword and lance Our common Faith, and thine endanger'd crown; Impose the labor, lay th' adventure down, Sublime I fear it not, nor low despise,.e~.... ~..... l~~~~~-,~ Thus she entreats; a brief reply he gives, But such as well explains the whole event: Amazed she heard it, and as soon conceives That they are both sincerely innocent; Her heart is for them, she is wholly bent To' avert their fate, if either arms can aid,.Or earnest prayers secure the king's consent; The fire she nears, commands it to be stayed, That now approached them fast, and to the' attend ants said: STANZA XLIV; CANTO I. CANTO II. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 41 In open'd field or in the straiten'd town, Prepared I stand for every enterprise, Where'er the danger calls, where'er the labor lies!" 47. " What region so remote," replied the king, "From the sun's track or Asia's golden zone, To which, heroic maid, on wonder's vwing Thy fame' has not arrived, thy glory flown? Now that with mine thou deign'st to join thine own Unconquer'd sword, I shakle away all sense Of fear, and hope for my assaulted throne; No-I could have no surer confidence, If e'en united hosts were arm'd in my defense! 48. " Now then the mighty Godfrey comes too -late To lly desire; exploits are thy demand, But only worthy thy sublime estate I hold the daring, difficult, and grand; The rule of all our warriors to thy hand Do I concede; thy standard be their guide In battle, and a law thy least command!"She nor assumed his praises, nor denied, But bow'd her grateful thanks, and courteously replied: 49. "'Twould be assuredly a thing most rare, If the reward the service should precede; But of thy bounty confident, I dare For future toils solicit, as my meed, Yon lovers' pardon; since the charge indeed Rests on no evidence,'twas hard to press The point at all, but this I waive, nor plead On those sure signs which, urged, thou must confess. Their hands quite free from crime, or own their guilt far less. 50. "Yet will I say, though here tle common mind Condemns the Christians of the theft, for me, Sufficient reasons in mine own I find To doubt, dispute, disparage the decree; To set their idols in our sanctuary Was an irreverence to our laws, howe'er Urged by the sorcerer; should the Prophet see E'en idols of our own establish'd there? Much less then those of men whose lips his faith forswear! 51. " The Christian statue ravish'd from your sight To Allah, therefore, rather I impute, ~ BC__7_:.i:~ —;=' — ~~ -~~.~~or-~-rYai~fnr~i 42 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO II. In sign that he will let no foreign rite Of superstition his pure place pollute: Spells and enchantments rmay Ismeno suit, Leave him to use such weapons at his will; But shall we warriors by a wand dispute? Now no! our talisman, our hope, our skill, Lie in our swords alone, and they shall serve us still!" 52. She ceased; and he, though mercy could with pain Subdue a heart so full of rage and pride, Relents, her reasons move, her prayers constrain,Suc1h intercessor must not be denied; Thus, though reluctant, he at length complied: "The plea for the fair pleader I receive; I. can refuse thee nothing; this," he cried, "May justice be or mercy,-let them live; Guiltless-I set them free, or guilty I.forgive!" < 53. Restored to life and liberty, how blest, How truly blest was young Olindo's fate! For sweet Sophronia's blushes might attest, That love at length has touch'd her delicate And generous bosom; from the stake in state They to the altar pass; severely tried, In doom and love already made his mate, She now objects not to become his bride, And grateful live with him who for her would have died. 54. But as the tyrant deem'd it insecure That such rare virtues should so near combine, Their pleasant home he forced them to abjure, And banished both the bounds' of Palestine; Nor wholly yet renouncing his design Against the rest, he follows up the blow; Some does he exile, some does he confine; O with what sorrow,yea, with what deep woe, Their babes, their ancient sires, and dwellings they forego! 55. For those alone his jealousy exiled, Of vigorous manhood and sagacious wit:The softer sex, the grandsire, and the child, For daring deeds and fearful aimns unfit, As pledges he retains; the many quit Their homes as wanderers, many brave his hate, And, brooding in rebellion, but submit To his scorn'd power his fall t' accelerate;These join the Christian host now entering Emmaus gate, CANTO II. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 43 56. Emmaus, a city at so short a space From regal Salem, that a youth in June, i Walking for pleasure at a careless pace, From dewy morn, may reach the town by noon; So near, what joys the soldiers' hearts attune! O with what deep desire they burn, to tread The glorious City they shall see so soon! But the sun hastens to his seagreen bed, And Godfrey gives command the evening tents to spread. 57. They were already pitch'd and twilight gloom Was gath'ring fast round eve's declining light, When lo! two Barons in a strange costume, And pomp of foreign bearing, came in sight; Their state seem'd fashion'd to a peaceful plight, And every desultory movement told A friendly purpose; tendant on each knight Rode many a page and armor-bearer bold; From Egypt's king they come, high argument to hold. 58. The one, Alethes, of vile lineage sprung, Who in obscurest shade his course began, Rose, by smooth flatt'ries and a fluent tongue, To the first honors of the grave Divan; A supple, crafty, various-witted man,Prompt at deceit, perfidious in his phrase, He with a smile of sweetness could trepan; And wove his webs in such ingenious ways, That each calumnious charge had all the air of praise. 59. Argantes the Circassian, his compeer, Came to the Court a stranger, but endow'd With valor equal to the loftiest sphere, Was soon a Satrap of the realm avow'd; Impatient, fierce, implacable and proud, In arms unwearied and unmatch'd, he trod: A scorner of all faiths, with vaunts aloud He braved the world; his argument his nod, He made his will his law, and his good sword his God. 60. They ask'd an audience, and on equal feet Enter'd the tent of Godfrey: him they found In simple vesture on a simple seat, Calmly conversing with his chieftains round; But genuine worth, though negligent, is crown'd With a sufficient ornament, array'd In its own excellence; no mark profound Of his respect the frank Argantes paid, But with unstudied ease just bow'd his haughty head. 44 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO Ir. 61. But on his heart Alethes laid his hand, And bow'd his head to earth, and every sign Of honor show'd, that glory could demand, Or the smooth flattery of the East combine. He spake, and from his lips than golden wine More sweet, the floods of eloquence distill'd; And as the Franks the speech of Palestine Now comprehended, and at need could build,'Twas thus his rich-toned voice the mute assembly fill'd. 62. "0 Thou, th' alone deserving to preside O'er these illustrious heroes, who have known Through thy wise councils, hitherto, the pride Of conquest-laurels won, and states overthrown! Thy name, which brooks not in the narrow zone Of brave Alcides' bounds to be confined, E'en to the land of Egypt has been blown;Through all our realms does Fame her clarion wind Sounding thy glorious deeds from Nile to utmost Ind. 63. " Nor midst so many Princes is there one Whose deepest wonder these do not excite; But mine indeed receives them, not alone With admiration, but supreme delight; He joys to show them in each shifting light, And loves in thee what with the rest but cause Envy and fear; admiring thus thy might, And to thy valor yielding meet applause, With thee he seeks to join, in love if not in laws. 64. " Urged then by this benign desire, he sends, The branch of peace to ask and to bestow, And since not Faith can mediate to our ends, Let mutual Virtue wreathe the sacred bough; But since the rumor meets his ear, that thou Art arm'd to drive from Salem his ally, His princely mind he wills that we avow, Ere the full tempest overcasts the sky, So may succeeding ills thy borders come not nigh. 65.''He begs thy generous spirit to forbear, And rest content with what thy sword has won; Nor vex Judea, but all regions spare That lie beneath the favor of his sun He, on his part, no sacrifice will shun To fix thy infant power upon a rock - Whence, should the Turks and Persians seek to o'errun CANTO II. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 45 The land once more, united you shall mock Their overweening hopes, and Smile away the shock. 66. " Thy mighty deeds in this brief period wrought, Years of oblivion shall corrode in vain! Armies and cities conquer'd, perils sought, Fatigues surmounted, unknown wilds made plain! So that the nations far and near remain Dumb with amazement, stupid with dismay: Yet other empires thou perhaps might'st gain, But Glory is thy bankrupt, nor would they, Void of renown, the toil of victory repay. 67. " Now is thy noon of honor, but the night Succeeds to noon; and wise it surely were To shun the dubious accidents of fight,If conqueror, conquest proves a fruitless care; But-once beguiled in Fate's malignant snare, Empire, past spoils, and victories, all are cross'd I He is the fool of fortune who should dare To stake a sure against a doubtful cost, Where slight the gain must prove, but great th' advantage lost! 68. " Yet the advice of some one whom it grieves That others long should keep what they acquire, The having gather'd victory's laurel leaves In every contest, and th' innate desire Which glows, and always lights its fiercest fire In greatest hearts, to see thy harness'd car Drawn by dependent kings,-these will inspire Thy mind, perchance, to banish peace afar, With a more eager zeal than others angry war. 69. " Such will exhort thee to pursue the path Which Fate expands to thy dilating eye, And not to sheathe the famous sword whose wrath Calls down obsequious conquest from the sky, Till Mahomet's tall fanes in ruin lie, And Asia has become one wilderness Resounding only to the dragon's cry: Things sweet to hear, deceits in brilliant dress, But full of dangerous ills, and pregnant with distress. 70. " But if thine eye no keen resentment veils, If it strikes not the light of reason blind, With fear, not hope, must thou regard the scales Of war, and tremble as the beam's inclined; 46 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO II. For Fortune's favor is a varying wind, Wafting now ill, how good,-now joy, now woe! She least rewards us when she seems most kind; Oft serpents lurk where freshest roses blow, And for the loftiest flight a gulf yawns deep below 71. " Say, if Cassano's son with his allies, Persian and Turk, the struggle should renew; If to thy cost all Egypt should arise, In gold, arms, wisdom, mighty to subdue; Whence, as more near the gathering tempests drew, Wouldst thou thine armaments command, or where Escape the peril? wouldst thou seek, anew, From the Greek prince professions yet more fair, And, of his aid assured, the frightful contest dare? 72. " Who knows not to what end the Grecian swears, Yet from a single treason gather all,From thousands rather, for a thousand snares Has he disposed, thy warriors to enthrall; Think of his avarice, his mistrust recall! Will he who own'd your mission, yet withstood, Now risk his life at your beseeching call? He who forbade the route by all pursued, Yield to a tottering cause his own luxurious blood? 73. "But, it may be, that all thy hopes repose On these brave hearts that gird thee as a zone; Perhaps thou think'st to crush united foes Lightly as one by one they were o'erthrown; Although thy squadrons, as thyself must own, Are much reduced by hardships and by fight; Though fresh antagonists surround thy throne; And, numerous as our locusts to the sight, With Turk and Persian both thl' Egyptians may unite. 74. "But granting Heaven's almightiness decree That War's devouring minister, the sword, Which fatal proves to others, harm not thee, Famine will bow thee still! when, unrestored, Life's rosy currents from the heart are pour'd, Where wilt thou turn? what refuge will remain? Quails in the desert will thy God afford? Wave thy bright sword, thy javelin shake! —'tis vain; Victory will nothing be but mockery of thy pain. 75. " The prudent people, politic in need, Have fired their cultured fields, despoil'd their bowers, CANTO IIt JERUSALEM DELIVERED, 47 And ere thy coming stored the golden seed In stubborn walls and high protecting towers; Thou, whose hot zeal spurr'd on the lazy hours To speed thee here, how wilt thou banquet these, Thy horse and foot? Thou wilt reply,' My Powers Are safe, my rich Armada sweeps the seas:' Does then your life depend upon the shifting breeze? 76. " Perhaps thy Genius rules the winds to be Stormy or calm, as it may suit thy will! Though proof to prayers and wailings, the deaf sea, Like a lull'd child, will hear thy voice, and still Its stormy waves! but have we then no skill With the brave Turks and Persians to combine, Man the joint navy, to the breezes shrill Spread out its sails, and rushing through the brin'e, Boldly confront those vast leviathans of thine? 77. " A double victory must thou win, to gain In this emprise the merit of success; One battle lost makes all thine efforts vain, Makes glory shame, and luxury nakedness; For if our winged fleets thy fleet oppress At sea, the distant host with hunger dies, And if the host in battle we distress, Thy naval spoils are vain indemnities,Thy watery empire gain'd, an unsubstantial prize I 78. " Now, in this aspect of affairs, if thou The peace and friendship of our king decline, Let truth but license have, she will avow, Thy other virtues far thy sense outshine; But ah, may Heaven, if such be thy design, From the enthralling charm thy mind release! That so at length afflicted PalestineThat Asia so may from her sorrows cease, And thou thy victor's fruits enjoy in perfect peace I 79. " And you, who in deep troubles, perils dark, And fancied glory, are with him combined! Let not kind Fortune tempt you to embark In other wars; but dread the woes behind! The pilot who, from the capricious wind, O'er seas where quicksands lurk and breakers roar Has steer'd his vessel to the port assign'd, Should gather in his canvas, heave ashore, Nor trust the traitor winds nor cruel Ocean more! 48 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. OANTr II. 80. Alethes ceased, and the brave Lords return'd A murmur like the sound of fire, that told How angrily his overtures they spurn'd; Fierce were their gestures, and their action bold; Godfrey his eyes thrice round the circle roll'd; Thrice the knights' faces scann'd with conscious pride; Then, as in act his purpose to unfold, The fluent Copt significantly eyed, And with determined tone thus placidly replied: 81. "Bravely, Ambassador, hast thou set forth, Now mild, now stern, the terms on which you treat: If thy king love me, and applaud our worth, The love is grateful, as the praise is sweet; The after portion of thy speech, replete With threats of war from Heathendom combined, And like denunciations, I will meet, And in the native frankness of my mind Answer in simple words, sincere, if less refined. 82. "Know, then, that we have borne all this distress By land and sea,-war, want, reverses-all! To the sole end that we might gain access To sacred Salem's venerable wall; That we might free the Faithful from their thrall, And win from God his blessing and reward: From this no threats our spirit can appall, For this no terms be esteem'd too hardLife, honors, kingdoms lost, or dignity debarr'd. 83. " For not the lusts of power or gold affect The hearts of those who rank beneath the Cross ~ Heaven's gracious Father chasten and correct The deadly sins, if such our souls engross! Nor let th' insidious plague, the pleasing gloss Of honey'd guilt infect us, or delude! But may his holy fires purge off our dross, Through stony hearts infuse a milder mood, Bind the rebellious will, and teach us to be good! 84. " This lhLs impell'd us, guided, guides us now Through every peril, obstacle, and snare; This makes the vales aspire, the mountains bow; Tempers the summer-heat, the winter air; This makes the loud seas still, the rivers bare, Chains the wild tempest in its secret cave, Sends the four seasons mrild, the blue skies fair, Beats down high bulwarks and unnerves the brave; Scatters our foes in flight, or dooms to the dark grave. CANTO II. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 49 85. " Hence zeal and hope, hence strength, hence safety springs Not from our own force, wasted, worn and frail; Not from the rich Armada's outspread wings; Not from the succors that from Greece may sail! Power, hosts, and fleets, were else of small avail: But since high Heaven our banner thus befrienas, We little reck what other aids may fail; Who knows both how it strikes, and how defends, Will ask none other shield when peril swift descends. 86. " But should our sins, or secret judgment doom Us, of his aid deprived, to pass away, Which of us would not yearn to have his tomb, Where once the limbs of the Celestial lay? Yes, we shall die, nor envy them the play Of being who survive! yes, we shall tall, But fall not unrevenged, in meek array; Asia shall smile not at our funeral; We shall not grieve to die, but furnish grief for all. 87. " As others fear and shun the battle-field, Think not the happy arts of peace we fly; That union with thy king no joy would yield, Or that we should not rate his friendship high; But Palestine does not subjected lie To him; thou know'st it; whence then all this care On its account? would he to us deny Conquest of others' states? let him forbear And rule in peace his own, rich, flourishing, and fair!" 88. Thus answer'd Godfrey, and his calm reply Stung to the quick Argantes' heart of pride, He did not veil it, but approaching nigh, With quivering lips in proud assumption cried: " Who wills not peace the battle can abide! Ne'er was there penury of risk or woe To those whose rashness dared to be defied, Too well a warlike spirit will thou show, If the fair gifts we bring thou carest to forego!'I 89. He took his mantle by the skirt; he curved As to an urn the implicated fold, And holding it on high, his language nerved With angrier eye and malice uncontroll'd: "Ho, thou contemner of strong Fate, behold! I bring thee in this urn both war and peace; Make now thy choice, and quickly be it told — 50 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO II. rWar, peace or war; whichever most may please — What more thou wouldst demand, thine own right hand must seize!" 90, At his fierce gesture and disdainful voice, Inflamed, from all their seats the Barons sprung; They waited not to hear their Leader's choice, "War! war!" they cried, with simultaneous tongue. He far abroad the fatal mantle flung, And shook it in their teeth: "Then evermore Take mortal war i " he cried: so wildly rung The words, it seem'd the adamantine door Which awful Janus keeps, flew open to the roar. 91. It seem'd that from the shaking of the fold Gigantic Discord and mad Fury flew; That in his frightful eyes they might behold Megara and Alecto rise to view; So stood, perchance, the Giant, when he drew To Shinadir's plain his nations, to defy The God of Heaven, and as the huge Tower grew Upward from earth, perchance with such an eye He watch'd it pass the clouds, and threat the starry skl 92. Then Godfrey spake: " Our answer ye have heard, Back to your monarch, and our choice relate: Here let him haste, or, on a Prince's word, Nile shall behold us at Alcairo's gate." Then in mild accents ending high debate, He honors them with gifts of noble price; A splendid helmet, temper'd to rebate The keenest falchion, and of rare device, He to Alethes gave, a spoil from conquer'd Nice. 93. Argantes has a sword of princely cost, Whose hilt and pommel, gay with jewels flame, Set in bright gold so curiously emboss'd, That the rare workmanship might almost shame The rich material; he its temper'd frame Shrewdly examined, the keen edge assay'd, Found the fine steel th' adornments well became, And said to Godfrey, as he sheath'd the blade; "Soon shalt thou see the use that of thy gift is made!' 94. No more he deign'd, but took his leave: " And now, My brave Alethes, let us both begone; I to Jerusalem, to Egypt thou,Thou when morn's roses o'er the skies are strown, CANTO IT. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 51 With our attendant pages, I alone By the nocturnal stars. You need not us, Nor our advices to instruct the throne; Bear thou the answer,-I'll no longer thus Stand trifling here, since arms the subject must discuss." 95. Thus parts the foe who came ambassador: Whether his well or ill-timed haste offend The law of realms and usages of war He thinks not, cares not, so he gains his end; Nor waits to hear the answer which his friend Has on his lips, but through the twilight-shade His steps to high Jerusalem ascend, Impatient of delay; and those who stay'd, Did with no less disdain the slow-paced hours upbraid. 96.'Tis eve;'tis night; a holy quiet.broods O'er the mute world-winds, waters are at peace; The beasts lie couch'd amid unstirring woods, The fishes slumber in the sounds and seas; No twitt'ring bird sings farewell from the trees. Hush'd is the dragon's cry, the lion's roar; Beneath her gloonls a glad oblivion frees The heart from care, its weary labors o'er, Carrying divine repose and sweetness to its core. 97. But not the midnight hush, nor starlight balm, Nor sweet oblivion of all things in sleep, Can to the Chief or army bring the calm Of blest repose, such eager watch they keep, In their desire to see the morning peep, And give that long-sought City to their sight, Where they the fruits of battle hope to reap; Oft looking out to mark if yet the light, Breaking the dappled East, clears up the shades of night, END OF CANTO II. ~~~~~T~~~~- I~~~~~~~-~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~1 - t: vv.8. U~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ = And r~~r JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO III. ARGUMENT. CLORINDA bravely meets the Franks in fight, When at Jerusalem the host arrives; Erminia's love awakens at the sight Of Tancred ill the field; his own revives, When a strange knight, with whom in war he strives, Appears unmask'd; Argantes at a blow The brave Adventurers of their Chief deprives: Dudon interr'd, for timbers to lay low The town, to antique groves the Latin soldiers go. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO III. 1. THE odorous air, morn's messenger, now spread Its wings to herald, in serenest skies, Aurora issuing forth, her radiant head Adorn'd with roses pluck'd in Paradise; When in full panoply the hosts arise, And loud and spreading murmurs upward fly, Ere yet the trumpet sings: its melodies They miss not long, the trumpet's tuneful cry Gives the command to march, shrill sounding to the sk'2. The skillful Captain, with a gentle rein Guides their desires, and animates their force; And though'twould seem more easy to restrain Charybdis in its mad volubil course, Or bridle Boreas in, when gruffly hoarse He tempests Apenninus and the gray Ship-shaking Ocean to its deepest source,He ranks them, urges, rules them on the way; Swiftly they march, yet still with swiftness under sway. 8. Wing'd is each heart, and winged every heel; They fly, yet notice not how fast they fly; But by the time the dewless meads reveal The fervent sun's ascension in the sky, Lo, tower'd Jerusalem salutes the eye! A thousand pointing fingers tell the tale; " Jerusalem!" a thousand voices cry, "All hail, Jerusalem!" hill, down, and dale, Catch the glad sounds, and shout, " Jerusalem,all hail! " 4. Thus, when a crew of fearless voyagers, Seeking new lands, spread their audacious sails In the hoar Arctic, under unknown stars, 56 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO III. Sport of the faithless waves and treach'rous gales; If, as their little bark the billow scales, One views the long-wish'd headland from the mast, With merry shouts the far-off coast he hails, Each points it out to each, until at last They close in present joy the troubles of the past. 5. To the pure pleasure which that first far view In their reviving spirits sweetly shed, Succeeds a deep contrition, feelings new,Grief touch'd with awe, affection mix'd with dread. Scarce dare they now upraise the abject head, Or turn to Zion their desiring eyes, The chosen city! where Messias bled, Defrauded Death of his long tyrannies, New clothed his limbs with life,and reassumed the skies' 6. Low accents, plaintive whispers, groans profound, Sighs of a people that in gladness grieves, And melancholy murmurs float around, Till the sad air a thrilling sound receives, Like that which sobs amidst the dying leaves, W~hen with autumnal winds the forest waves; Or dash of an insurgent sea that heaves On lonely rocks, or lock'd in winding caves, Hoarse through their hollow aisles in wild low cadence raves. 7. Each, at his Chief's example, lays aside His scarf and feather'd casque, with every gay And glitt'ring ornament of knightly pride, And barefoot treads the consecrated way. Their thoughts, too, suited to their changed array, Warm tears devout their eyes in showers diffuse,Tears, that the haughtiest temper might allay; And yet, as though to weep they did refuse, Thus to themselves their hearts of hardness they accuse: 8. " Here, Lord, where currents from thy wounded side Stain'd the besprinkled ground with sanguine red, Should not these two quick springs at least, their tide In bitter memory of thy passion shed! And melt'st thou not, my icy heart, where bled Thy dear Redeemer? still must pity sleep? My flinty bosom, why so cold and dead? Break, and with tears the hallow'd region steep: If that thou weep'st not now, forever shouldst thou weep!" CANTO III. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 57 9. Meanwhile the Guard that from a lofty tower In the far city cast abroad his view, Mark'd the dust rise, and like a thunder-shower Printed in air, turn dark th' ethereal blue; The gloomy cloud seem'd pregnant as it flew With fire,-anon, bright metals flash'd between Its shaken wreaths, and as it nearer drew, Dim through the storm were apparitions seenSpearmen, and issuing steeds, and chiefs of godlike mein 10. He saw, and raised his terrible alarm; -.; "0 rise, all citizens below, arise; Mount to the walls; haste! arm! this instant arm! Lo, what a dust upon the whirlwind flies, And lo, the lightning of their arms! " he cries," The foeman is at hand! " then, yet more loud, He calls, " Shall the swift foe the town surprise? Quick, seize your weapons; mark the dusty cloud That hither rolls! it wraps all heaven within its shroud! " 11. The simple infant and the aged sire, Matrons and trembling maids, to whom belong Nor strength, nor skill to make defense, retire, A pale, disconsolate, and suppliant throng, In sad procession to the mosques: the strong In spirit as in limbs, obey the call; Seizing their arms in haste, they speed along, Part flock to guard the gates, part man the wall: The king to all parts flies, sees, cares, provides for all. 12. His orders given, for every need prepared, He from the thick'ning tumult has withdrawn, And scales a tower that'twixt two portals rear'd, O'erlooks the plain, and holds the hills in scorn. His steps Erminia, lovely as the morn, At call attends; with all respect received, His royal Court her winning charms adorn, Since Antioch by the Christians was achieved, And o'er her kingly sire the orphan-princess grieved. 13. Meantime Clorinda hastes against the Franks, First of her band, with many a gallant knight, While in a secret porch Argantes ranks His troops, prepared for rescue or for fight. Her words, intrepid as her mein, excite Fire in all hearts, as thus the heroine spoke: "Well it becomes us, arm'd in Asia's right, 58 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO IIH To found the loosening of her hated yoke On the auspicious base of some determined stroke! 14. Lo, Fortune, as she speaks, th' occasion yields! A band of Franks sent onward to forecast The army's wants, from foraging the fields, Near them, with flocks and herds returning, pass'd She towards them, and to her rush'd as fast Their Chief, when he beheld her silver crest,Guardo his name, a man of puissance vast, But weak with her the laurel to contest;Onward abrupt they drove, their lances laid in rest, 15. Breathless to earth the hapless Frank was strook By the fierce shock, in either army's sight; From his mischance the shouting Pagans took Their joyous augury of the future fight: Onward she flew upon the rest, the might Of numbers flashing in her single blade; Fast in their serried ranks she pour'd the light; Her warriors follow'd through the gap she made, Where her assault had been, where yet her falchion play'd. L6. Soon from the spoiler they the spoil obtain; The Franks give way, yet to their standard.keep, Till slow the summit of a hill they gain, And stand assisted by the rising steep: When as a tempest, which the whirlwinds sweep Abroad, breaks loose, and in a6rial dance Warm from its skirts the vivid lightnings leap, Tancred at Godfrey's beck made swift advance With his Italian troop, and couch'd his quivering lance. 17. The kind beheld him from his tower, and deem'd Him of all men the choicest cavalier, So young, so resolute, so brave he seem'd, And bore with such a grace his beamy spear: Whence he bespake the fair Erminia near, Whose palpitating heart in secret thrill'd As at the sight of something deeply dear; " Well shouldst thou know, in many a fighting field Mark'd out, each Christian knight, howe'erin arms conceal'd." 18. "Who then is this, that in fierce grace outstrips All other knights?" In room of a reply, The quick breath flutter'd round her lovely lips, CANTO III. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 59 The big tear trembled in her full blue eye: These she reclaim'd, yet not so carelessly As to escape regard,-a conscious red Tinged her averted cheek, the sudden sigh, Choked to a groan, spoke plain of feeling fled, And o'er her tearful eyes a radiant circlet spread. 19. In these delusive words her answer ran Veiling her love beneath the mask of hate; "Too well I know th' inexorable man, And should, amidst a thousand! but of late, His savage soul I saw him satiate v With slaughter,-saw him flesh his angry steel Upon the best of our Assyrian state: Cruel are all his strokes! the wounds they deal, No magic charm can stanch, no breathing balsam heal! 20. "He is Prince Tancred; oh that he, some day, Might be my slave! I would not wish him dead; Glad that he lives, so might I thus repay In sweet revenge my wrongs upon his head! That would indeed be some small joy," she said. And the king fail'd not, as she wish'd, to wrest The meaning of her words, ascribed, instead Of love, to hate: she ceased, but from her breast Stole forth a mournful sigh that would not be repress'd. 21. Meanwhile Clorinda rushes to assail The Prince, and level lays her spear renown'd: Both lances strike, and on the barr'd ventayle In shivers fly, and she remains discrown'd; For, burst its silver rivets, to the ground Her helmet leap'd, (incomparable blow!) And by the rudeness of the shock unbound, Her sex to all the.field emblazoning so, Loose to the charmed winds her golden tresses flow. 22. Then blazed her eyes, then flash'd her angry glance, Sweet e'en in wrath; in laughter then what grace Would not be theirs!-but why that thoughtful trance? And, Tancred, why that scrutinizing gaze? Know'st not thine idol? lo, the same dear face, Whence sprang the flame that on thy heart has prey'd The sculptured image in its shine retrace, Alld in thy foe behold the noble maid, Who to the sylvan spring for cool refreshment stray'd. 60 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO III. 23. He, who her painted shield and silver crest Mark'd not at first, stood spell-bound at the sight; She, guarding as she could her head, still press'd Th' assault, and struck, but he forbore the fight, And to the rest transferring his despite, Plied fast his whirling sword; yet not the less Ceased she to follow and upbraid his flight, With taunt and menace heightening his distress; And, "Turn, false knight! " she cried, loud shouting through the press. 24. Struck, he not once returns the stroke, nor seeks So much to Ward the meditated blow, As in those eyes and on those charming cheeks To gaze, whence Passion's fond emotions flow: "Void," to himself he says, " too cruel foe, Void fall the strokes which that beloved arm Distributes in its wrath! no fatal throe Is that thy cimeter creates; the harm Is in thy angry looks, that wound me while they charm!" 25. Resolved at length not unconfess'd to fall, Though hopeless quite her pity to obtain, That she might know she struck her willing thrall, Defenseless, suppliant, crouching to her chain; "O thou," said he, "that followest o'er the plain Me as thine only foe, of all this wide Presented people! yet thy wrath restrain; The press let us forsake, so may aside Thy force with mine be proved, my skill with thine be tried. 26. " Then shalt thou measure in the face of day Thy strength with mine, nor own my valor less." Pleased she assents, and boldly leads the way, Unhelm'd, —he follows in his mute distress. Already stood th' impatient WVarrioress Prepared, already had she struck, when he Exclaim'd: " Hold! hold! ere we ourselves address To the stern fight,'tis fit we should agree Upon the terms of strife; fix first what these shall be I" 27. Her arm she stay'd; strong love and wild despair A reckless courage to his mind impart; " These be the terms," said he, " since you forswear All peace with me, pluck out my panting heart, Mine own no more! I willingly shall part With life, if farther life thy pride offend; CANTO III. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 6f Long have I pined with love's tormenting smart;'Tis fit the fond and feverish strife should end; Take then the worthless life which I will ne'er defend. 28. " Behold! my arms are offer'd,-I present My breast without defense,-spare not to smite I Or shall I speed the task? I am content To strip my cuirass off, and thus invite Thy cruel steel!" —in harsher self-despite, The mournful youth would have proclaim'd his woes; But suddenly, in craft or panic fright, The Pagans yield to their pursuing foes, And his brave troops rush by, and numbers interpose. 29. Like driven deer before th' Italian band They yield, they fly in swiftness unconfined; One base pursuer saw Clorinda stand, Her rich locks spread like sunbeams on the wind, And raised his arm in passing, from behind, To stab secure the undefended maid; But Tancred, conscious of the blow design'd, Shriek'd out, "Beware!" to warn th' unconscious maid, And with his own good sword bore off the hostile blade. 30. Still the stroke fell, and near the graceful head Her snowy neck received the point, which drew Some rosy drops, that crimson'd, as they shed, Her yellow curls with their bespangling dew, E'en thus gold beams with the blush-rose's hue, Wher round it rubies sparkle from the hand Of some rare artist; trembling at the view, His wrath the Prince no longer may command, But on the caitiff falls, and shakes his threatening brand. 31. The villain flies, and full of rage the knight Pursues,-as arrows swift, they scour the plains: Perplex'd she stands, and keeps them both in sight To a great distance, nor to follow deigns, But quickly her retreating band regains;Sometimes she fronts in hostile attitude Th' arrested Franks, now flies, and now disdains To fly,-fights, flies again, as suits her mood, Nor can she well be term'd pursuer or pursued. 32. So in the Circus the fierce bull turns back To gore the baying mastiffs that pursue; They pause-but still as he resumes his track, 62 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO III, Their ruffian clamors savagely renew. She, as she fled, above her shoulders threw Her guardian buckler, like an orbed sun; So at their sports gymnastic may we view The fugitive Morescos shielded run, Dext'rous the darted balls on nimble feet to shun. 5 33. While these give chase, and those assaulted fly, To the town-walls they now approaching drew, When on the sudden, with a frightful cry, Back on the Christians came the Pagan crew; First wheeling far aloof, and then anew Returning nigh, with circumventing skill They on the wings and rear tempestuous flew; While undisguised Argantes down the hill Moved to assail the front, and shouted wild and shrill. 34. Before his troops the fierce Avenger pass'd, All eager first to pounce upon the prey; Over and over, at one charge he cast The horse and rider that first cross'd his way; And ere to shivers flew his lance, there lay Whole heaps of such in his encumber'd track; Then from its scabbard leaps his sword, and aye Whom it but fully reaches to attack, It either kills, or wounds, or beats affrighted back. 35. In rivalry of him Clorinda slew But though by age untamed, and fenced by two Bold sons, he was not from her sword secure: For a sharp wound which he could ill endure, First from the sire removed his eldest pride, Unblest Alcander; and his trust, the sure Young Polypherne, assistant at his side, For his own menaced life but barely could provide. 36. But Tancred, finding that he vainly chased The ruffian, who a swifter steed display'd, Look'd back and saw how far intemperate haste Hurried the valor of his bold brigade; Hemm'd in he saw it, to the sword betray'd, And spurring back, to the corrected rein, His gallant steed, came quickly to their aid; Nor he alone, but that adventurous train, Who every risk of war unshrinkingly sustain. CANTO III. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 63 37. Dudon's choice phalanx to the rescue throng, The flower of heroes, dragons of the fight; And noblest, bravest, foremost rush'd along, The gay and versatile Rinaldo, light As the wild wind; Erminia knew the knight By his bold port and azure-tinted shield, Where the bird argent spreads its plumes for flight,6 And to the king, who watch'd him through the field, Exclaim'd, " Lo there the youth to whom all knights must yield! 38. " But few or none in tournament can vie With him, though yet but into boyhood grown; Could Europe six such paragons supply, Saleml were not, and Syria were o'erthrown; The South her strong supremacy would own, Kingdoms that lie beneath the morning star Stoop to her rule, and in the burning zone, Vainly perhaps would Nilus seek afar, Amid his secret springs a refuge from the war! 39. " Rinaldo is his name; his angry sword More threats your walls than the most huge machine; But turn to where I point; yon noble lord, Glitt'ring in armature of gold and green, Is gallant Dudon, to whose call convene The band to which I see your eyes advert, Advent'rers chivalrous, —a warrior kieen, Who high-born, active, and in arms expert, GCreatly transcends in years, nor yields in true desert. 40. " That towering figure, sheath'd in brown, has birth From Norway's king, Gernando is his name: No prouder creature breathes, throughout the earth A single foible sullying all his fame. But lo, urged on forever by one aim, Where Edward and his dear Gildippe move! Their mantles, arms, and ornaments the same, Argent! in bridal harmony they rove, Famed both for deeds of arms, and loyalty of love." 41. While thus Erminia communes with the king, Below, yet deeper carnage dyes the fields; There Tancred and Rinaldo break the ring, Dense with conflicting men and serried shields; Then pour th' Adventurers in, and bravely wields Each knight the weapon of his sharp disdain; Argantes' self, the proud Argantes yields; 64 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO III. Beat by Rinaldo backward on the plain In sudden shock, he scarce his footing can regain:42. Nor e'er had he renew'd the stern debate, But the same instant fell Rinaldo's steed, And from the pressure of its cumbrous weight The noble youth not easily was freed. Meanwhile, diffused in flight, with headlong speed, On to the barbican the Pagans hied; Argantes and Clorinda sole impedeMounds to its wrath-th' irruptions of the tide That on them bursts behind with such insulting pride. 43. Last they retire, and the pursuing force Of battle hold in check, and so restrain, That those who flee before, screen'd in their course, With less of ruin gored the city gain. Still Dudon, flush'd with conquest, gave the rein To his curveting horse, that with a bound Bore down the fierce Tigranes; not in vain The sharp sword struck; he headless fell to ground, And, savage e'en in death, superb defiance frown'd. 44. Naught his fine hauberk Algazel avails, Naught his strong helmet Corbano defends; Them through the nape and back he so assails, That through the face and breast the steel protends. With fell Almanzor next two valiant friends, Mahmoud and Amnurath, his trenchant brand From pleasant life to Lethe quickly sends'The valor flashing from his armed hand, Not e'en Circassia's Duke could unannoy'd withstand. 45. He frets within himself, with rage he burns, Oft stops, wheels round, yet still the field forsakes At last so sudden on his foe he turns, And with a spring like the uncoiling snake's, At Dudon's side so fierce a thrust he makes, That deep within, it bathes the griding blade, And from the Chief all power of motion takes; He falls; and his shut eyes, with pain o'erweigh'd, An adamantine sleep and quietude invade. 46. Thrice he unclosed them, and the sun's sweet light Sought to enjoy; thrice on his arm arose, And thrice fell back; then dark the veil of night Involved his eyes, which, tired, forever close. His limbs relax; from all his members flows CANTO III. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 65 A dead cold sweat; the pulses cease their play, And sensibly an icy stiffness grows: Upon the knight now dead, no idle stay The fierce Argantes makes, but instant hies his way. 47. Yet turning, as he speeds his cruel eve On his antagonists, he cries aloud: " This falchion, streaming with so bright a dye, Is that which yesterday your prince bestow'd! Quick! be its quittance to his ear avow'd; Tell him what havoc it has done to-day; Glad will he be to find a gift so proud, Brought to its trial, stand the sharp assay; How I must prize it, think, —how I have used it, say! 48. " Tell him, that soon he may expect to see In his own bowels proof of it more sure; That if he hastes not to the battle, we Will drag him from his tented coverture! " The irritated Franks but ill endure The brutal message and insulting call; All press'd to charge him; but lie pass'd secure Beneath the favor of the guarded wall, And reach'd the rest that fled, unhurt, unharm'd of all. 49. Then from the battlements of either tower, A storm of stones obscured the sleety air, And arrows, an immitigable shower, Innumerable archers fulmine there, From the tough bow; the Christians pause,-they dare No further press, but shrinking from the storm, Perforce the relics of the Pagans spare;'Twas then Rinaldo show'd his martial form, Freed from his fallen horse, as Jove's red lightnings warm. 50. He came, on the barbaric homicide Slain Dudon's debt with usury to repay, And to his pausing troops sublimely cried, " What walt you for! what means this base delay? Slain is the gallant lord, your Chieftain,-say, What is it stays you? what is it appalls? Forward this instant, and the town essay! What! when so great a cause for vengeance calls, Shall we be held in check by these weak mold'ring walls? TASSO-3 66 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO III. 51. "No! though with adamant each charmed tower Were fiank'd or triply fenced with stubborn steel, Safe in its pale th' assassin should not cower, But the full measure of your vengeance feel; On! on! " and seconding the high appeal By instant action, to-the walls, before All else he rushes; in his ardent zeal Scorning with guarded head the shower and roar Of stones and shafts, and darts, that from the engines pour. 52. He shakes his sable plumes, he lifts his face, So full of fierce resolve, that it enchains The energies of all who guard the place,An icy fear runs thrilling through their veins While thus the seized advantage he maintains, And those to menace seeks, and these to cheer, In rushes one who his desire restrains; Godfrey has sent to them the good Sigier, Of his discreet command th' executor severe; 53. Who in his reverenced name commands them back, And chides a step so rash and so absurd: "..This is no time," he cries, "for the attack; Godfrey recalls you from the risk incurr'd. Back! back! " Rinaldo, who the rest had spurr'd To the near danger, thus compell'd to yield, Slowly receded, utt'ring not a word, But inly chafed, and outwardly reveal'd More than one pregnant sign of anger, ill conceal'd. 54. Unharrass'd of the foe, by due degrees, The Franks bore off, and full of sorrow paid The last sad rites, and solemn offices Due to the person of the noble dead; Borne in their pious arms, his friends convey'd The sacred weight along,-while on the height Of fair Mount Olivet, the Duke survey'd The city's strength, appliances, and site; Rampire, and battled crag, and fastness shaped for fight. 55. On two bold hills Jerusalem is seen, Of size unequal, face to face opposed; A wide and pleasant valley lies between, Dividing hill from hill; three sides, the coast Lies craggy, difficult, and high, disposed In steep acclivities; the fourth is cast In gentlest undulations, and inclosed CANTO III. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 67 By walls of height insuperable and vast, That seem to brave the sky, and face the Arctic blast. 56. Cisterns for rain, canals, and living fountains Make glad the thirsty city but around, Barren, and bare, and naked are the mountains, And scarce one solitary flower is found To blosom near: no sylvans, sun-embrown'd, Shut out the fervid noon; no valley shines With lapse of lakes, nor falling waters sound; One forest yet the blue horizon lines, Black with the baleful shades of cypresses and pines. 57. Here, tow'rd the regions of the orient day, The stately Jordan leads its happy wave; There, where the solemn sunset fades away, A sandy shore Levantine billows'lave; North, with Samaria Bethel stands, which gave Fires to the Golden Calf, of hell beguiled; And last, where Auster from his southern cave Let loose the showery winds and tempest wild, Bethlehem, whose matron lap received the Heaven-born Child. 58. Now as the Chief the city's walls espiedIts strength, its site-and in his wisdom weigh'd Where best he could encamp, and on which side The hostile towers might safest be essay'd, To Aladine divine Erminia said, Her eager finger pointing to the place; "That Godfrey is, in purple robes array'd! Observe, with what a military grace He moves! august his port, and dignified his pace! 59. " He of a truth was born for empire: yes! So well he knows to govern and-command; Great as a general, as a knight no less, Scepter and sword were fashion'd to his hand! I know not one of all that countless band, More warlike, or more wise; Raymond the sage, Perhaps in counsel by his side might stand, Rinaldo, Tancred equal warfare wage, These from their sprightlier youth, and Raymond from his age." 60. " Him," the king answer'd, "I remember well: I saw him at the'splendid Court of France, When envoy there from Egypt, and could tell 68 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO IIr. How gallantly in joust he bore his lance; And though his years, which then did scarce advance Beyond gay boyhood, had begun to grave No manly lines on his smooth cheek, his glance Bold deeds, reflective mind, and semblance brave, Of loftiest hopes e'en then a certain presage gave. 61. " Too sure, alas! " and here his troubled eyes He cast to earth, till gath'ring voice, he said: " But who is he that as an equal vies With him, in mantle of resplendent red? How like in form and visage! e'en his tread Betrays a strange similitude, though less I deem his stature:" " That," rejoin'd the maid, " Is Baldwin, like in aspect and'address. But brother most in soul and princely nobleness. 62. " Now mark the man near Godfrey, in the guise Of an adviser; he deserves all praise! That is Earl Raymond, prudent, close, and wise, Of rev'rend tresses white with length of days; Such politic maneuvers none displaysLatin or Frank-in battle to o'erwhelm Or to deceive; but lie that blinds our gaze, The sunshine playing on his gilded helm, Is William, the young hope of Britain's distant realm. 63. " With him is Guelph, in rich estates, high blood, And thirst for honor equal with the best I know him well by his firm attitude, By his broad shoulders and dilated chest: But my chief foe, for whom in eager quest I have so long look'd round, I nowhere see, Fell Bohemond, th' assassin! he oppres'd My subjects, slew my sire, and left to me No joy but that of tears, no friends but Heaven and thee!" 64. Thus commune they; while, having well survey'd The City, Bouillon join'd his hosted train, And as he judged that battery and scalade On all sides else would be essay'd in vain,Against the Northern Gate, on the near plain Fixing his standard, he encamps; and thence His quarter'd troops extending, till they gain The Corner Tower, the whole vast field presents One long continuous scene of equipage and tents. CANTO III. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 69 65. By this extensive circuit the third part Of the devoted City was embraced; And though it baffled all his power and art, (Such was its range) the whole to circumvest, Yet what he could to obviate and arrest All partial aids that to the town might flow, His active genius comnpass'd; he possess'd The heights around, the valley-paths below, And each strong pass that gave admittance to and fro. 66."-~And fortified his camp, and fenced it well With bristling palisade and yawning fosse, Strong to oppose the sallying Infidel, And all eruptions of a foreign force. That task accomplish'd, he would see the corse Of his slain friend; he reach'd the fatal tent, Where, grieving at th' irreparable loss, The soldiers o'er their lifeless Chieftain bent, And one wild sob ran round of anguish and lament. 67. His bosom friends the high bier had adorn'd With ceremonial pomp, a solemn show; And when the Chief appear'd amidst them, mourn'd In louder accents, with a tenderer woe; But pious Godfrey gave no tear to flow, Not all serene, nor clouded was his look; Dumb for awhile, his fix'd eyes seem'd to grow To the loved form they contemplate:-lhe broke Silence at length, and thus in calm dejection spoke: 68. "Tears are not now thy due! from the world's toil, Gone to assume in heaven the brighter birth; A winged Angel, from thy mortal coil Escaped, thy glory lingers yet round earth! Christ's hallow'd warrior living thou went'st forth, Christ's champion didst thou die; and now, blest Shade, The crown and palm of righteousness and worth Thou wear'st, with joys iunspeakable repaid, Feeding thine eyes on things to fancy unportray'd I 69. "Yes! thou liv'st happy; and if yet we keep Vigils of grief, and echo groan for groan,'Tis not for thee, but for ourselves we weep, Whose noblest pillar lies in thee o'erthrown; But though pale Death (a title we disown) Of earthly aid has stripp'd and render'd vain Our arms, bright legions stand before the throne, 70 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO IIT. And raised thyself to that selected train, Still may thy suit for us celestial aids obtain. 70. " And as we saw thee, while a mortal, shield With mortal arms our cause, let us descry Thy conqu'ring hand for our advantage wield Heaven's fatal arms, a spirit of the sky! Hear now the vows we offer up; be nigh, And in the hour of ultimate distress Send down immortal succors from on high; So will we raise to thee for wrought success, Hymns of triumphal praise, and in our temples bless!" 71. He ceased: the last bright beams of day were spent, And eve ascending in the starless air, Imposed a sweet oblivion on lament, Rest to each toil, a truce to every care;.But Godfrey still watch'd, anxious to prepare The mighty engines, without which he knew The toil of war would be a brave despair; Then how to frame their shape, and whence to hew Materials for the work, perplex'd his mind anew. 72. But when the morn look'd forth on Jordan's flood. The fun'ral pageant lie lamenting led; An odoriferous ark of cypress wood, Near a green hill, became Lord Dudon's bed The hill adjoin'd the Camp, and overhead A loftly palm its verdant foliage flung; Last, white-robed Priests their anthem o'er the dead, Slow-moving, hymn'd, and many a tuneful tongue Sweet at the solemn close his requiescat sung. 73. And here and there the tree's proud branches bore Ensigns and arms, the banner and the bow,Spoils, which in fight more fortunate he tore Or from the Syrian or the Persian foe; In midst, his own pierced cuirass they bestow, His hollow helmet, his inverted spearAnd grave this legend onD the trunk below: " Pilgrim, a champion of the Cross revere; And pass this tomb with awe-brave Dudon slumbers here." 74. The Duke, when thus his piety had paid The fun'ral rites, and shed his duteous tears, Sent all his skill'd mechanics to invade The forest, guarded by a thousand spears; CANTO III. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 71 Veil'd by low hills it stood, the growth of years,A Syrian shepherd pointed out the vale, And thither brought the Camp artificers To fabricate the engines doom'd to scale The City's sacred towers, and turn her people pale. 75. Each cheers on each, and to the gen'ral call Unwonted ravage rends the woods around; Hew'd by the iron's piercing edge, down fall, And with their leafy honors heap the ground, Pines, savage ashes, beeches, palms renown'd, Funereal cypresses, the fir-tree high, Maple, and holm with greens eternal crown'd, And wedded elm to which the vines apply Their virgin arms, and curl, and shoot into the sky. 76. Some fell the yews, some fell the warrior-oaks, Whose trunks have budded to a thousand springs, And braved immovable the thousand shocks Of Boreas rushing on his wintry wings; And here the alder nods, the cedar swings On creaking wheels; some bark the trees, some square; With shouts and clang of arms the valley rings,Sick with the sound, the Nymphs their haunts forswear, The stork her nest forsakes, the lioness her lair. EIND OF CANTO III. .-a JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO IV. ARGUMENT. TEE Prince of Darkness in the realms below His powers assembles, and in grief and rage From Orcus lets them loose, a war of woe, With all their art against the Franks to wage. By them incited,'Idraote the Sage Burns with ambition, and in flatt'ring style Studies Armida's influence to engage; Urged, she proceeds to smooth by her sweet smile His way-her only arms, wit, beauty, youth, and guile JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO IV. 1. While thus in fervent toil the artisan His warlike engines framed, of largest size, To storm the city, the grand foe of man Against the Christians turned his livid eyes; And seeing them in glad societies, On the new works successfully engaged, Bit both his lips for fury, and in sighs And bellowings, like a wounded bull enraged, Roar'd forth his inward grief, and envy unassuaged. 2. Then, having run through every mode of thought To work them sharpest ills, he gave command That all his angels should make swift resort To his imperial court, a horrid band! As though it were a trivial thing to stand (O fool!) th' antagonist of God, and spite'His will divine! unmindful of the hand That, thund'ring through all space, from heaven's blest height Iurl'd him of yore down-down to Tartarus and Night. 3. Its hoarse alarm the Stygian trumpet sounded Through the dark dwellings of the damn'd; the vast Tartarean caverns tremblingly rebounded, Blind air rebellowing to the dreary blast: Hell quaked with all its millions: never cast Th' ethereal skies a discord so profound, When the red lightning's vivid flash was past Nor ever with such tremors rock'd the ground,; When in its pregnant womb conflicting fires were bound. 4. The Gods of the Abyss in various swarms From all sides to the yawning portals throng, 76 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO IV. Obedient to the signal-frightful forms, Strange to the sight, unspeakable in song! Death glares in all their eyes; some prance along On horny hoofs,-some, formidably fair, Whose human faces have the viper's tongue, And hissing snakes for ornamental hair, Ride forth on dragon folds that lash the lurid air. 5. There might you hear the Harpy's clang'rous brood, The Python's hiss, the Hydra's wailing yell, Mad Scylla barking in her greedy mood, And roaring Polypheme, the pride of hell; Pale Gorgons, savage Sphinxes, Centaurs fell, Geryons, Chimeras breathing flakes of fire, Figures conceptionless, innumerable, Multiform shapes conjoin'd in monsters dire, To the vast halls of Dis in hideous troops aspire. 6. They took their station right and left around The grisly king; he, cruel of command, Sate in the midst of them, and sourly frown'd, The huge, rough scepter waving in his hand. No Alpine crag, terrifically grand, No rock at sea in size with him could vie; Calpe, and Atlas soaring from the sand, Seem'd to his stature little hills, so high Rear'd he his horned front in that Tartarean sky. 7. A horrid majesty in his fierce face Struck deeper terror, and increased his pride; His bloodshot eyeballs were instinct with rays That like a baleful comet, far and wide, Their fatal splendor shed on every side; In rough barbaric grandeur his hoar beard Flow'd to his breast, and like the gaping tide Of a deep whirlpool his grim mouth appear'd, When he unclosed his jaws, with foaming gore besmear'd. 8. His breath was like those sulph'rous vapors born In thunder, stench, and the live meteor's light, When red Vesuvius showers, by earthquakes torn, O'er sleeping Naples in the dead of night Funereal ashes! while he spoke, affright Hush'd howling Cerberus, the Hydra's shriek; Cocytus paused in its lamenting flight; Th' abysses trembled; horror chill'd each cheek; And these the words they heard the fall'n Archangel speak: CANTO IV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED, 77 9. "PRINCES OF HELL! but worthier far to fill In Heaven, whence each dne sprang, his diamond throne; Ye, who with me were hurl'd from the blest hill, Where brighter than the morning-star we shone, To range these frightful dungeons! ye have known The ancient jealousies and fierce disdains That goaded us to battle; overthrown, We are judged rebels, and besieged with pains, While o'er his radiant hosts the happy victor reigns. 10. " And for th' ethereal air, serene and pure, The golden sun, the starry spheres, his hate Has lock'd us in this bottomless obscure, Forbidding bold ambition to translate Our spirits to their first divine estate; Then, ah the bitter thought!'tis this which aye Stings me to madness,-then did he create The vile worm man, that thing of reptile clay, To fill our vacant seats in those blue fields of day. 11. " Nor this sufficed: to spite us more, he gave His only Son, his darling to the dead; He came, he burst hell's gates, and from the grave, Compass'd our kingdoms with audacious tread; The souls in torment doom'd to us, he led Back to the skies-his richly-ransom'd throng; And, in our teeth, hell's conquer'd ensigns spread, Abroad on heaven's bright battlements uphung, The while ten thousand saints their halleluiahs sung. 12. "But why renew. afflictions so severe, By numb'ring up our wrongs, already known! When, or on what occasion did ye hear He paused in wrath, and left his works undone? No more o'er past indignities I run, But present injuries and future shameShall we pass these? Alas! we cannot shun The consciousness, that now liis envious aim Is the wide nations round from darkness to reclaim. 13. What! shall we pass in sloth the days and hours, Cherish no wrath-born lightnings in our veins, But leave his principalities and powers To reap fresh laurels on the Asian plains? To lead Judea in their servile chains, And spread his worship'd name from clime to clime? Sound it in other tongues, in other strains, 78 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO IV. And on fresh columns sculpture it sublime, To teach the future age, and mock almighty Time? 14. "Must then our glorious idols be o'erthrown? Our altars change to his? our temples nod? Gold, incense, vows, be paid to him alone, And Baiil bow before the shrine of God? In the high Groves where erst we made abode Must priest, nor charm, nor oracle remain? And shall the myriad spirits who bestow'd Tribute on us, that tribute now disdain, And o'er dispeopled realms abandon'd Pluto reign? 15. " No! for our essences are yet the same, The same our pride, our prowess, and our power, As when with sharp steel and engirding flame, In godlike battle we withstood the flower Of heaven's archangels: we in evil hour Were foil'd, I grant; but partial chance, not skill, Gave them the victory,-still we scorn'd to cower; Victory was theirs, but an unconquer'd will Nobly remain'd to us-it fires our spirits still I 16. "Why longer then delay! arise, take wing, My hope, my strength, my trusty cohorts, fly; Plagues and swift ruin on these Christians bring, Ere reinforced by any fresh ally; Haste! quench the spreading flame of chivalry, Ere in its blaze Judea all unites; Your arts exert, your strong temptations ply; Enter at will among their armed knights, Now practice open force, and now use secret sleights. 17. "Let what I will, be fate! give some to rove In exile, some in battle to be slain; Let some, abandon'd to a lawless love, Make woman's smiles and frowns their joy and pain,,And brilliant eyes their idols; let some stain Their swords inecivil strife; let some engage In crimes against their Chief; let murder reign With treason, rage with murder, hate with rage; So perish all-priest, king, prince, noble, serf, and sage!" 18. Ere yet the Anarch closed his fierce harangue, His rebel angels on swift wings were flown, Glad to revisit the pure light; —a clang Of pinions pass'd, and he was left alone. CANTO IV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 79 As in, their deep Eolian grottoes moan The Spirits of the storm-as forth they sweep, Or ere the signal of the winds is blown, With howling sound, high carnival to keep, And in wild uproar all embroil both land and deep;19. So the loosed Fiends o'er valley, wave, and hill, Spreading their nimble wings, themselves dispersed; Solicitous to frame, with demon-skill, New-fancied snares, and urge their arts accursed: But say, sweet Muse! of various ills, what first Their malice wrought, and by what agents, say; Thou know'st it; Fame the tidings has rehearsed, But in the gloom remote of times grown gray, Long ere it reach our ear, her weak voice melts away. 20. A mighty wizard in Damascus reign'd, Prince Idraotes; who from childhood pored O'er dark divining volumes, till he gain'd The potent knowledge which his soul adored: But what avail'd his whole collected hoard Of signs and charms, if he could not foretell The war's uncertain issues? his search soar'd To heaven-no star, no planet own'd the spell, Nor would one parleying ghost divulge the truth from hell. 21. And yet he thought (blind human wit, how vain And crooked are thy thoughts!) that Heaven had bless'd The Paynim arms, and surely would ordain Death to th' unconquer'd armies of the West; He judged that Egypt from their grasp would wrest The palm of war, and from the dazzling game Depart a winning victor, and impress'd With this delusive hope, resolved to claim Part in the grand award of conquest, wealth, and fame. 22. But as their prowess drew his high esteem, The war's vague chances he forbore to dare, And long revolved how by some deep-laid scheme The Christian princes he might best ensnare, And by diminishing their strength, prepare The path for Egypt; when, with ruin rife, Her hosts the conquering sword abroad should bear; His evil angel mark'd the mental strife, Made quick the embryo thought, and push'd it into life. 80 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO IV. 93. He framed the fraud, the counsel he inspired, And made his purpose easy to pursue; He had a niece, whose beauty was admired Of the whole Orient, parallel'd by few, And to the echo vaunted; one who knew Each fine discretion, each beguiling art Of virgin and enchantress; her he drew To his saloon, and thus to her apart, In nectarous words made known the wishes of his heart: 24. "Dear niece! that underneath these locks of gold, And that fair face, so young yet so divine, Dost hide a heart, wise, masculine, and bold, And magic skill transcendent over mine, — I nurse a mighty project: the design But needs thy gentle guidance to command My hopes to sure success; the thread I twine, Weave thou the web, the lively colors blend; What cautious Age begins let dauntless Beauty end. 25. " Go to the hostile camp; weep, tremble, sigh, Each female charm that lures to love employ; Let the lips aid the witchcraft of the eye, Smiles flash through tears, and grief despond in joy: Now shrink from notice, now with prayers annoy; In weeping beauty o'er the wise prevail; Go! storm th' obdurate bosom, win the coy, In seeming truth clothe fiction's specious tale, And with deep maiden shame thy bold advances veil. 26. " First, if thou can'st, take Godfrey in the thrall Of thy sweet looks and amiable address, Till his soul sickens at the trumpet's call, And the world's war dissolves in a caress; But if this feat surpass thy skill, possess His bravest nobles, and in friendship's guise Transport them to some boundless wilderness, Ne'er to return: "- he opens his device, And adds-" All means our faith —our country sanctifies!" 27. Armida, in her youth and beauty's pride, Assumed th' adventure, and at close of day, Eve's vesper star her solitary guide, Alone, untended, took her secret way. In clustering locks and feminine array, Arm'd but with loveliness and frolic youth, She trusts to conquer mighty kings, and slay W~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~iii Antilles~ ~~ A MR.,~ ~ ~ iii CANTO IV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 81 Embattled hosts; meanwhile false rumors soothe The light censorious crowd, sagacious of the truth. 28. Few days elapsed, ere to her wishful view The white pavilions of the Latins rise; The camp she reach'd-her wondrous beauty drew The gaze and admiration of all eyes; Not less than if some strange star in the skies, Or blazing comet's more resplendent tire Appear'd; a murmur far before her flies, And crowds press round, to listen or inquire Who the fair pilgrim is, and soothe their eyes' desire. 29. Never did Greece or Italy behold A form to fancy and to taste so dear! At times, the white veil dims her locks of gold, At times, in bright relief they reappear: So, when the stormy skies begin to clear, Now through transparent clouds the sunshine gleams; Now, issuing from its shrine, the gorgeous Sphere Lights up the leaves, flowers, mountains, vales and streams, With a diviner day-the spirit of bright beams. 30. New ringlets form the flowing winds amid The native curls of her resplendent hair; Her eye is fix'd in self-reserve, and hid Are all Love's treasures with a miser's care; The Rival Roses upon cheeks more fair Than morning light, their mingling tints dispose; But on her lips, from which the amorous air Of paradise exhales, the crimson rose Its sole and simple bloom in modest beauty throws. x 31. Crude as the grape unmellow'd yet to wine, Her bosom swells to sight, lt;s virgin breasts, ~-;- Smooth, soft, and sweet, likelalabaster shine, Part bare, part hid by her invidious vests; Their jealous fringe the greedy eye arrests, But leaves its fond imaginations free, To sport, like doves, in those delicious nests, And their most shadow'd secrecies to see; Peopling with blissful dreams the lively fantasy. 382. As through pure water or translucent glass The sunbeam darts, yet leaves the crystal sound, So through her folded robes unruffling pass The thoughts, to wander on forbidden ground: 82 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO IV. There daring Fancy takes her fairy round, Such wondrous beauties singly to admire; Which, in a pleasing fit of transport bound, She after paints and whispers to Desire, And with her charming tale foments th' excited fire.;Y 33. Praised and admired Armida pass'd amid The wishful multitudes, nor seem'd to spy, Though well she saw, the int'rest raised, but hid In her deep heart the smile that to her eye Darted in prescience of the conquests nigh: While in the mute suspense of troubled pride She sought with look solicitous, yet shy, For her uncertain feet an ushering guide To the fam'd Captain's tent, young Eustace press'd her side. 34. As the wing'd insect to the lamp, so he Flew to the splendor of her angel face, Too much indulgent of his wish to see Those eyes which shame and modesty abase; And, drawn within the fascinating blaze, Gath'ring, like kindled flax, pernicious fire From its resplendence, stupid for a space He stood-till the bold blood of blithe desire Did to his faltering tongue these few wild words inspire: 35. "Oh Lady! if thy rank the name allow, If shapes celestial answer to the call,For never thus did partial Heaven endow With its own light a daughter of the Fall,Say on what errand, from what happy hall, Seek'st thou our camp! and if indeed we greet In thee one of the tribes angelical, Cause us to know-that we, as were most meet, May bend to thee unblamed and kiss thy saintly feet." 36. "Nay," she replied, "thy praises shame a worth Too poor to warrant such a bold belief; Thou seest before thee one of mortal birth, Dead to all joy, and but alive to grief; My harsh misfortunes urge me to your Chief; A foreign virgin in a timeless flight; To him I speed for safety and relief, Trusting that he will reassert my right; So far resounds his fame, for mercy and for might. CANTO it. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 88 37. " But, if indulgent courtesy be thine, To pious Godfrey give me strait access! " "Yes, lovely pilgrim," he replied, " be mine The task to guide thee in thy young distress: Nor is my interest with our Chieftain less Than what a brothel may presume to vaunt; Thy suit shall not be wanting in success; Whate'er his scepter or my sword can grant; Shall in thy power be placed, to punish or supplant." 38. He ceased, and brought her where, from the rude crowd Apart, with captains and heroic peers, Duke Godfrey sate; she reverently bow'd, A sweet shame mantling o'er her cheek, and tears Stifling her speech: lie reassured her fears, Chid back the blush so beautifully bright, Till, sweeter than the music of the spheres, Their captive senses chaining in delight, Her siren voice broke forth, and all were mute as Night. 39. " Unconquer'd Prince!" she said, " whose name suprelme Flies through the world on such a radiant plumne, That kings and nations conquer'd by thee deem Their deed of vassalage a glorious doom,WVell known thy valor shines, thy virtues bloom; And while thy foes revere them and admire, They, on their part, invite us to assume The confidence we need, and to desire Aid at thy hands, and aid requested to acquire. 40. " Thus I, though nurtured in the faith you hate, And strive to cancel from the world's wide page, Hope to regain by thee my lost estate, My scepter, and ancestral heritage: Others, oppress'd by foreign force, engage The succors of their kindred; I, alas, Defrauded of their pity at an age Which claims it most, against my kindred, pass And hostile arms invoke-the ghost of what I was! 41. " To thee I call, on thee depend, for thou Alone canst conquer back mine ancient crown; Nor shouldst thou be less prompt to raise the low, Than on the proud to call destruction down; Lovelier is Mercy's smile than Valor's frown, A suppliant cherish'd than a foe undone: 84 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO IV. And'twere less glorious to thy just renown, Whatever hazards in the task were run, To lay whole realms in dust, than thus relumine one. 42. "But if our varying faiths-my Gentile creedMove thee to disregard my humble prayer, Let my sure faith in thine indulgence plead My cause, nor prove an illusory snare: Lo! before universal Jove I swear,God over all, from whom all empire flows,A juster quarrel never claim'd thy care; But listen! frauds, conspiracies, and foes, Of these my story treats,-a tale of many woes. 43. " The daughter I, of Arbilan who reign'd In fair Damascus-less by birth made great, Than merit; Queen Cariclea he obtain'd In marriage, and with her possess'd the state; Her death, alas, did almost antedate My worthless. life! I issued from the womb As she expired; the self-same hour of fate, (Oh birth too dearly bought! oh ill-starr'd doom!) Me to the cradle gave, my mother to the tomb. 44. "Five summer-suns had scarcely spent their fire, Since Death's pale Angel call'd her to the skies, Than, yielding to the lot of all, my sire Rejoin'd her sainted shade in Paradise; He left his brother, by his last devise, Sole regent of the kingdom and of me; Thinking that if the natural pieties In mortal breast had mansion, they must be Lock'd in his kindred heart with virtue's strictest key 45. " Thus then he play'd the tutor to my youth, And with such show of kindness, that each wind Voiced far and near his uncorrupted truth, Paternal love, and bounty unconfined: Whether the guilty movements of his mind Beneath a flatt'ring face he thought to hide, Or that he then sincerely was inclined To make me happy, as the destined bride Of his ungracious son-'twere idle to decide.46. "I grew in years and with me grew his son; But to no brave accomplishments, no store Of sciences or arts could he be won, He hated knightly deeds and princely lore: CANTO IV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 85 Beneath a hideous countenance he bore A baser soul, while pride and avarice His heart pervaded to its inmost core; Savage in manners, slave to drink and dice, None but himself could be his paragon in vice. 47. " And now it was that my kind guardian strove To wed me with this ill-assorted thing, A goodly gallant for a lady's love, To charm as bridegroom, and to reign as king I Rhetoric he used-l-he used address to bring The ardent hopes with which his fancy swell'd, To their vow'd end, but never could he wring From me the fatal promise,-I rebell'd, And all his golden lures disdainfully repell'd. 48. "At last he left me with a gloomy face, His elvish heart transpicuous in his look; Too well my future story could I trace In the dire leaves of that prophetic book! Thenceforth each night alarming visions shook My slumbers,-in my ears strange outcries shrill'd, And phantoms frown'd on me; my spirit took The ghastly impress of their forms, and thrilli'd With dread forbodings, since-how fatally fulfill'd! 49. " And oft my mother's piteous ghost appear'd;'Ah! how unlike her smiling face portray'e In picture, loving, lovely, and endear'd, Now all illusion, and a pallid shade!'Fly! O my child, fly! fly!' the figure said,'Instant death threatens thee, and swift as light Will the stroke fall;-the traitor's toils are laid;The poison in its gay glass sparkles bright.' This said, it glided by, and melted into night. 50. "But what, alas, avail'd it that my heart Received this presage of the perils near, WVhen, unresolved to act the counsel'd part, My sex and tender age gave way to fear! To rove through deserts, woods, and mountains drear, In willing exile,-undefensed to go From my paternal realm, seem'd more severe Than to yield up the struggle to my foe, And the reto close mine eyes where first they woke in woe. 51. " I dreaded death; yet, (will it be believed?) With death at hand, I durst not flee away; 86 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO IV. I fear'd e'en lest my fear. should be perceived, And thus accelerate the fatal day: Thus restless, thus disturb'd, without one ray Of comfort, I dragg'd on my wretched life, In a perpetual fever of dismay; Like the doom'd victim, who, in thought's last strife, Feels, ere th' assassin stabs, th' anticipated knife. 52. " But, whether my good Genius ruled, or Fate Preserved me yet for days of deeper gloom, One of the noblest ministers of state, Whose youth my sire had foster'd, sought my room; In brief disclosing, that the hour of doom Fix'd by the fiend, was now upon the wing; That he himself had promised to assume The murd'rous office, and the poison wring, That night, in the sherbet my page was wont to bring. 53. "Flight, he assured me, was my sole resource In this my crisis of despair, and pray'd That since bereft of every other force, I wsould accept his own effective aid: His counsels, full of comfort, soon persuade My undetermined spirit; to the wind I gave my fears, and only now delay'd Till eve's gray veil the tell-tale light should blind, To leave all that I loved and hated, far behind. 54. " Night fell; an ebon darkness, more obscure Than usual, its kind shadows round us spread, When with two fav'rite maids I pass'd secure The guarded palace, join'd my guide, and fled: But through the tremblllng tears I ceaseless shed, Long look'd I back on the receding towers, Insatiate with the sight; all objects fed My sorrow; each one spoke of happier hours, The hills, the lamp-lit mosques, and hallow'd cypressbowers. 55. " To them my looks, my thoughts, my sighs were given, As on I speeded, malcontent though free; I fared like an unanchor'd pinnace driven From its loved port by whirlwinds far to sea: All the long night and following day we flee, By paths no human foot had ever press'd; Till on the confines of my realm we see Its last baronial seat,-there, tired, we rest, Just as the sun's slow orb forsook the fulgent west. CANTO IV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 87 56. "It was the castle of the gen'rous knight, Arontes, who had made my life his care; But when the baffled traitor by our flight Perceived I had escaped the mortal snare, His rage flamed forth against us both; and ere I could arraign him, intricate in ill, Gathering a fresh presumption from despair, He charged on us his own all-evil will,The selfsame crime which he was studious to fulfill. 57. " He said I had the false Arontes bribed To mix destroying poisons in his bowl, Impatient of the maxims he prescribed To curb my lust, that free from all control, I might pursue the bias of my soul, And with voluptuous blandishments commend My, beauty to a thousand youths:-Skies! roll Your thunders, let avenging fires descend, Ere I thy sacred laws, blest Chastity, offend! 58. " That avarice and ambition, pride and pique Urge him to shed my guiltless blood, must claim Grief and alarm; but that the wretch should seek To fix dishonor on my spotless name, Goes to my heart: he, fearing now the flame Of pop'lar rage, with smooth-tongued eloquence, Forges a thousand falsehoods to my shame; So that the city fluctuates in suspense, Betwixt the guilt of both, nor arms in my defense. 59. " Yea, though he sits on mine authentic throne, Though my tiara sparkles on his brow, Dominion spurs him but more keenly on, To work me farther injury, shame, and woe: With fire and sword he threatens to o'erthrow Arontes in his fortress, if in chains He yield not, and on me denounces now Not merely war, but stripes and fearful pains, While flows one drop of blood in my rebellious veins. 60. " This-under color of a lively zeal To purge away the stains of my disgrace, And to its ancient purity anneal The golden scepter which my crimes debase! But the true motive is a wish to place His claims beyond dispute: while I remain Heir to the crown, he fears no plea can grace His kingly usurpation, so is fain To build upon my death the basis of his reign. 88 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO TV. 61. "And e'en such end awaits his fell desire; He must enjoy what he is fix'd to gain, And in my heart's blood quench the boundless ire Which all my tears were powerless to restrain If thou, alas, my suppliant prayer disdain! To thee —a wretched girl, weak, innocent, Orphan'd-I fly; must my sad tears in vain Fall on thy holy robes? relent I relent! Oh, by the knees I grasp, forbid his fierce intent. 62. " By these thy feet, that on the proud and strong Triumphantly have trod; by thy right hand; By thy past victories, a choral throng! And by the temples of this sacred land, Freed by the sword, or to be freed,-withstand, Thou only canst, his merciless decree; My crown, my life preserve, secure, command, Merciful Sire! but vain is mercy's plea, If first religious right and justice move not thee. 63. " Beloved of Heaven! thou destined to desire That which is just, and thy desires achieve, Save me! my kingdom thou wilt thus acquire Which I in fief shall thankfully receive; Let ten of these heroic champions leave The camp beneath my conduct; their renown, Spread through the city, will my cause retrieve, Will win my faithful people to strike down With ease the man of crime, and repossess my crown' 64. " Yea, more: a Noble to whose keeping falls A secret gate, has promised me access, At dead of night, to my paternal halls; But some small aid he counsel'd me to press: The least, the least thou grantest to redress The grievances I suffer, will inflame His hopes with surer prospects of success, Than if from other kings whole squadrons came. So high he ranks thy flag, so high thy simple name! 65. She ceased; but still her mute imploring eye Spoke eloquence beyond the reach of prayer: Doubtful alike to grant as to deny, A thousand various thoughts, absorb'd in care, Godfrey revolved; lie fear'd some Gentile snare Couch'd in her tears, some ambuscade of art; He knew who kept not faith with God, would dare Break league with man; still pity pleads her part Pity-which never sleeps within a noble heart. CANTO IV.'JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 89 66. His native ruth inspires the wish that she Deserved the grace; and policy on ruth' Succeeding, whispers it were wise to free, " And fix in rich Damascus one whose truth, Enforced by the dependency of youth, May much avail him, with her feudal arms, The course of his sublime designs to smooth,To minister supplies against th' alarms Of Egypt's muster'd tribes and tributary swarms. 67. While thus from wav'ring thought to thought he flies, Revolves, and.re-revolves, the eager maid Fix'd on his downcast face her pleading eyes, And its least workings breathlessly survey'd: And when his answer longer was delay'd Than she had hoped, she trembled, droop'd, and sigh'd Her quiv'ring lips the heart's alarm betray'd; Pale grew her face: at length the Prince replied, And in these courteous words mildly her suit denied. 68. "If God's own quarrel had not claim'd these swords, Now oath-bound to his cause, thy hopes might rest Thereon in perfect trust,-not pitying words, But valid actions had thy wrongs redress'd; *But while His heritage is thus oppress'd Beneath the harsh rod of a tyrant king, How can we grant, fair Lady, thy request? Divided hosts declining fortunes bring, And check the flowing tide of vic'try in its spring. 69. " But this I promise,-firmly may'st thou trust The word I pledge, and live secure from fear,If e'er we conquer from a yoke unjust These towers, to Heaven and piety so dear, To pity's voice I will incline mine ear, Thee on thy lost throne to exalt; but. now, No pitying sympathies must interfere To cancel what to the Most High we owe, And for a mortal's sake dissolve our solemn vow." 70. At this the mournful Princess droop'd her head, And stirless stood, as Niobe of yore; Then raised her eyes, impearl'd, to heaven, and said While all the woman at their founts ran o'er," Lost! lost! O skies! O stars! what evils more Do ye prescribe? did ever one fulfill A doom so harsh, so merciless before! Woe's me! - all nature's change; the world grows chill; I only vary not, immutable in ill! 90 JERUSALEM DELIVERED., CANTO IV. 71. " Now farewell hope! now welcome misery! All prayer in human breasts has lost its force; Am I to hope the tears that touch'd not thee, Will move the barb'rous tyrant with remorse?Yet, though denied this pitiful resource, With no reproach thy rigor shall be paid; It is my Genius I accuse —the source Of all my ills, —rny Genius, who has made Godfrey's a ruthless heart,-'tis him that I upbraid. 72. "Not to thee, gracious Chieftain? not to thee Lay I this crime, but to imperious Fate; Oh, that her active tyranny would free My weary spirit from a world I hate! VWas't not enough, stern Power, to dedicate Mother and sire e'en in their morn of life To the dark grave, that from my high estate Thou Last now toss'd me on the sea of strife, And giv'n thy victim bound and blinded to the knife! 73. " Now holy sanctitude and maiden shame Urge me to go, but whither shall I fly? There is no refuge for a blighted name; Earth holds no spot beneath the boundless sky So secret, but the tyrant's active eye Will find it, and transpierce me; but-I go; The Angel of Death approaching I descry; Naught now is left but to forestall his blow; None but Armida's arm shall lay Armida low! " 74. She ceased: a gen'rous and majestic scorn Fired all her features to a rose-like red, And then she made as she would have withdrawn, With grief and anger in her farewell tread: Her eyes,'twixt sorrow and resentment, shed Tears thick as summer's heat drops-tears, that shine With the sun's golden rays athwart them spread, Like falling pearls, like crystals argentine, Or sparkling opal-drops from some far Indian mine. 75. Her fresh cheeks, sprinkled with those living showers, Which to her vesture's hem, down gliding, cling, Appear like snowy and vermilion flowers Humid with May dews, when romantic Spring, In shadow of the green leaves whispering, Spreads their closed bosoms to the amorous air;Flowers, to which sweet Aurora oft takes wing, Which with gay hand she culls with such fond care In morn's melodious prime, to bind her vagrant hair. CANTO IV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 91 76. But the clear drops that, thick as stars of, night, On those fair cheeks and on that heaving breast So shine, have all th' effect of fire, and light A secret flame in each beholder's breast: Oh Love! the marv'lous rod by thee possess'd, Forever poweful over Nature, draws Lightning from tears, and gives to grief a zest Beyond the bliss of smiles; but Nature's laws Its magic far transcends, in this thy darling's cause.'77. Her feign'd laments from roughest warriors call Sincerest tears;-their hearts to her incline; Each is afflicted at her grief, and all At Godfrey's speech thus whisp'ringly repine: "Surely he made the vex'd sea-roaring brine His nursing cradle, and wild wolves that rave On the chill crags of some rude Apennine, Gave his youth suck 0, cruel as the grave, Who could view charm like hers, and not consent- to save! " 78. But Eustace, in whose young and gen'rous blood Pity and love flow'd strongest, while the rest But murmur'd and were silent, forward stood, And dauntlessly his brother thus address'd: "My Lord! far too inflexibly thy breast Keeps to the firmness of its first design, If to the common voice which would obtest Thy clemency, thou dost not now incline; Reverent of mercy's claims and quality divine. 79. " Think not I urge the princedoms and the powers Who rank dependent tribes beneath their care, To turn their arms from these assieged towers, And the first duties of the camp forswear; But, warriors of adventure, we, who bear Nor feudal flag nor delegated trust, Who act without restriction, well may spare At thy wise choice, and in a cause most just, Ten guardian knights to one so helpless, so august. 80. "'' Know, he assists the cause of God, who toils The rights of outraged virgins to maintain; And precious in his sight must be the spoils Which freemen hang on Freedom's holy fane, The glorious trophies of a tyrant slain: Though then no interest counsel'd to the deed, Duty would urge, and Knighthood would constrain I1 a2 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO IV. Me to assist the damsel in her need, And without scruple go, where'er her voice may lead. 81. " Oh, by yon bright sun, tell it not in France! Publish it not where courtesy is dear! That of our nobles none would break a lance In Beauty's quarrel, let not Europe hear! Henceforth, my lords, sword, corslet, helm and spear. I toss aside, and bid farewell to fame; No gen'rous steed shall bear me in career Witll swordless chiefs,where Chivalry weds Shaie, — I will no longer bear the knight's degraded name!" 82, Thus spoke the youth, and all his Order there, Applausive murmur'd in loud unison; Praised his good counsel, and with urgent prayer Closed round their Captain on his ducal throne. " I yield," at length he said, "but yield alone To the desire of numbers, since the plea Is one my private judgment would disown; Grant we her boon, if such your pleasure be; But know th' advice as yours, it not proceeds from me. 85. " And, far as Godfrey's counsel can persuade, Temper your sympathies, be closely wise::" He said no more, it was enough,-they paid The kind concession with delighted cries. What cannot Beauty, when her pleading eyes From their deep fountains shower down tears of pain, And to her armorous tongue sweet speeches rise? From her divine lips glides a golden chain, That wins to her dear will who most those tears disdain. 84. Eustace recall'd her, took her passive hand, And said, " Now cease, dear Lady, to repine; The utmost succors that thy fears demand, (Weep not) shall all, and speedily be thine:" Then the dark aspect of her face grew fine, — With her white veil she wiped the tears away, And gave a smile so brilliant and benign, You would have thought th' enamor'd God of Day In sunshine kiss'd the lips whose luster shamed his riax. 85. And in her sweet voice and pathetic tone, She gave them thanks for their exceeding grace; Saying it should to the wide world be known, And ever and forever have a place Within her grateful heart: her working face, CANTO IV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 98 And gestures with impassion'd meanings fraught, Told what the tongue was powerless to express; Thus masking in false smiles the end she sought, Her varied web of guile she unsuspected wrought. 86. Who but Armida now exults to see How fortune and kind fate the fraud befriend? Who o'er each dark suggestion broods, but she, To bring the plot to a successful end? With beauty and sweet flat'ries to transcend Whate'er Medea's witchcraft e'er design'd, Or Circe's incantations wrought,-to blend Mischief with mirth, and the most watchful mind As in Elysian sleep with siren songs to bind? 87. All arts th' enchantress practiced to beguile Some new admirer in her well-spread snare; Nor used with all, nor always the same wile, But shaped to every taste her grace and air: Here cloister'd is her eye's dark pupil, there In full voluptuolls languishment is roll'd; Now these her kindness, those her anger bear, Spurr'd on or check'd by bearing frank or cold, As she perceived her slave was scrupulous or bold. 88. If she mark'd some too bashful to advance, Sick if unnoticed, diffident if seen, Forth flew her radiant smile, her thrilling glance, Sunny as summer and as eve serene: Thus reassured, their dying hopes grow keen; The faint belief, the languishing desire Reviving brighten in their eager mien; Those looks a thousand am'rous thoughts inspire. And Fear's pale frost-work melts in Fancy's lively fire. 89. If some make bold to press her. virgin palm, Too rashly building on her former, cheer, She grows a miser of her eye's mild charmi Spares her fond smile, and frowns them into fear; But through the wrath that fires her front austere, And ruffles her sweet cheek, they may discern Rays of forgiving pity reappear; Thus do they droop, but not despair, and yearn Tow'rds her in deepest love when she appears most stern. 90. Sometimes in lonely places she dissembled Deep grief-the voice, the action, and the tread; 94 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO TV. And oft when in her eye the loose tear trembled, Crush'd,'or reclaim'd it to the fountain-head. Soon as those tragic gestures were aread, A thousand striplings, vanquish'd by her art, W'ould come and weep around her: Envy fed Their frenzy, and Love, temp'ring his keen dart In Pity's scalding tears, shot torture through the heart. 91. Anon she starts from her abstraction, wakes With hope's fresh whispers to her spirit: seeks Her many lovers, talks to them, and shakes The bright locks on her brow for joy, that speaks Life to her lips, and to her glowing cheeks New smiles; her eyes then sparklle as in scorn Of their late griefs,-as when Apollo streaks With fire the op'ning eyelids of the morn, And every dark'ning cloud to distance has withdrawn. 92. But while she sweetly speaks and sweetly smiles, And with this twofold sweetness lulls the sense, She from its blissful cage well-nigh exiles The soul, unused to rapture so intense; Ah cruel Love! whether thy hand dispense, Wreath'd with the cypress or the lotos-leaf, Thy gall or nectar-cup, its quintessence * Maddens with ecstasy, or blights with grief; Fatal thy sickness is, and fatal thy relief! 93. Through all these shifting tempers, while each knight Fluctuates disturb'd, uncertain of her choice, Through fire and frost, smiles, tears, fear, hope, delight, The beauteous witch his agony enjoys: If any e'er presumes with trembling voice To tell his secret pain, her guilefulness The glorious vision of his soul destroys; She nor perceives his meaning, nor can guess,The very fool'of Love and frank unconsciousness. 94. Or, casting down to ground her bashful eyes, The blush of honor o'er her face she throws, So that the alabasterwhite, which lies In sweet confusion underneath the rose That her celestial cheek irradiates, glows Like the rich crimson on Aurora's face, When from the Orient first her form she shows And the red flush of anger keeping pace With shame, combines to shed round shame a sweeter grace. CANTo IV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 95 95. But if she one perceives resolved t' avow His warm desire, she stops her charmed ears Now shuns his converse, grants an audience now, Then flies, returns, smiles, frowns, and disappears: Thus in a war of wishes, sighs, and tears, in vain pursuit he wastes his life away; And with deluding hopes, afflicting fears, Fares like the hunter who at dying day Has lost in pathless woods all traces of his prey.96. These were the arts by which Arnmida took A thousand spirits captive to her sleight, Or rather, these the arms, with which she strook, And made them bondslaves in their own despite. What marvel elder Love subdued the might Of Theseus fierce, and Hercules the strong; When those who drew the sword in Jesu's right, Sooth'd by a siren's smile, —a siren's song, Wore his enfeebling chains, and gloried in the wrong END OF CANTO IV. I _ _ t~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~i _ _ _ _ _ ~ _ I JERUSALEM DELIVEREDE CANTO V. TASSO-4 ARGUMENT. GEwRNNDO scorns Rinaldo should aspire To the command which he himself would fain Receive; and, urged by jealousy and ire, ]nsults the youth, and is in duel slain; The slayer lingers not till gyve or chain Binds his free limbs, but into exile flees Content, Armida with a splendid train Departs, while Godfrey from the navied seas Bears news of sharp concern, that leaves him ill at ease. JERUSALEMI DELIVERED. CANTO V. q 1. WHILE thus th' insidious Beauty, day by day, Lured to her love the Nobles, and beside The promised number, thought to charm away, At stealth, fresh vassals to her power and pride, Godfrey revolved to whom he should confide Her dubious restoration, through the host Casting his thoughts; nor could at first decide,As all th' Adventurers wish'd the pleasing post, And each had bravery, rank, or excellence to boast. 2. But he at last adopts the wise resolve,? To urge them first a Leader to elect In Dudon's room, and. after to devolve On him the charge to single or reject Those who aspire the Damsel to protect; Thus, none, aggrieved, his partial choice could blame; While he himself would show supreme respectA tribute their achievements justly claimTo that illustrious band, the glorified of fame. 3. To him he call'd them then, and thus address'd: "Knights! you have heard our sentiments, which were Not to refuse the Syrian maid's request, But our intended succors to defer To a maturer season; I recur To the same charge,-your judgment yet is free To follow my proposal; in the stir Of this unstable world, how oft we see That'tis true wisdom's part to change her own decree. 4. " But yet, if still you deem it base to shun The risk, if still your gen'rous hearts disdain 100 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO V. My wary counsels as the fears of one Too coldly scrupulous, —your own retain; Go! ne'er shall it be said that I constrain Reluctant minds, revoke a gift once given, Or bind your wishes with a forceful chain; No! gentle be my rule, and gracious, even As the mild starlight dews and influences of heaven. 5. " Proceed or stay then at your own free will; To your discretion I the choice confide; But first by suffrage fix on one to fill Slain Dudon's post, your arm'd array to guide; He on your high pretensions shall decide, But choose not more than ten: to me you gave. Powers paramount, to royalty allied; This my prerogative I cannot waive; No! for a powerless Chief is but a glorious slave." 6. Thus Godfrey spake; and to his word of grace By joint consent young Eustace made reply: "As that deliberate judgment is thy praise Which looks far into futurity, So strength of heart and hand, a courage high, Prompt the first risks of enterprise to face, Are ask'd of us, the Lights of Chivalry; And that ripe tardiness, which in the case Of some would prudent be, in us would prove most base.'7. " Then, since the hazard is so far outweigh'd By the advantage, let them straight proceed, The chosen ten, in wrong'd Armida's aid, And boldly dare the meritorious deed." With this adorn'd pretense he strives to lead Opinion blinded to his fervent flame, By show of knightly zeal; tihe others read His secret passion and dissembled aim, Favor the fond deceit, and counterfeit the same. 8. But am'rous Eustace whenso'er he eyed Rinaldo's excellences, as mental grace More winningly attracts when beautified By a brave figure and a handsome face, Wish'd him away; and shrewdness, keeping pace With anxious jealousy's increasing smart, Urged him at length his rival to displace, By deep address; whence, drawing him apart, He thus his proem tuned with all the fiatterer's art CANTO V. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 101 9. "0, of great father greater son I O thou, The young Achilles of this glorious land I What Chevalier shall lead to conquest now The gallant warriors of our matchless band? I, who to noble Dudon's mild command Could scarcely stoop, who only bent the knee In rev'rence of his silver locks, who stand So near our Chief in kindred and degree, To whom should I submit? to none, if not to thee. 10. " Thee! who art equal to the best in birth, Whose splendid merits cast a shade on mine; Not e'en would Godfrey scorn to own his worth In the stern proof of battle, less than thine! Thee for our Chief I claim then, if to shine The bold assertor of this lady's right Be not thy wish; and ne'er canst thou design To challenge praise achieved by secret sleight, Or round thy brows to bind the laurels reap'd by- night. 11. " Here may'st thou feats accomplish, that will hand Thy name, embalm'd by some celestial Muse, To long posterity; the chief command Will I procure (away with vain excuse!) From the assenting Knights who cannot choose But sanction what my praise shall recommend, If, when elected, thou wilt not refuse The favor to thine undecided friend, At will to war with thee, or with Armida wend." 12. He spake not this without a blush that sped Its deep confusion to the guilty eyes; His glowing secret well Rinaldo read, And archly smiled at the ill-dress'd disguise: But he was studious of a loftier prize, And if a chance-shaft from Armida's bow Grazed him, its challenge he could half despise; He neither in a rival fear'd a foe,,Nor cared for love the chase of glory to forego. 13. But deeply sculptured in his thoughts sublime Memory of Dudon's bitter death he kept, And deem'd it a disparagement and crime That yet Argantes lived, and vengeance slept; Then to hear Eustace urge him to accept The proffer'd honor, made his heart rejoice; And while into his ear the music crept 102 JERUSALEM DELIVERED CANTO V. Of praise, his spirit echo'd the sweet voice, Whisp'ring, his early worth deserved the flatt'ring choice. 14. Whence frankly he replied: "The first degree I wish to merit rather than acquire, And if by worth sublimed, the dignity Of rule I need not envy, nor desire; But since to this invited to aspire, Since worthy of the noble trust I seem, I'll not decline th' acceptance you require; And of this perfect proof of pure esteem, Dear to a warrior's pride most gratefully I deem. 15. " Amidst the elected champions, thou, besure, Shalt rank, if I obtain the vacant post: " Eustace, this heard, departed to secure, Apt to his wish, the homage of the host But prince Gernando to himself proposed The prize; for though Armida had not fail'd T' engage his thoughts, an innate pride opposed Her power, and lady-love with him prevail'd Less than the lust of rule, which most his heart assail'd. ~ 16. He from the blood of royal Norway springs, To whom unnumber'd thanes in homage crowd; A long succession of ancestral kings, Of coronets and scepters, made him proud: To grander Gods Rinaldo's spirit bow'd,Of his own actions haughtier than the bright, Blue scutcheon of his fathers,-self endow'd Yet full five hundred years, as heralds write, Had these stood famed in peace, and unsubdued in fight. 17. But the barbaric Peer, who all things weigh'd By gold, and rank, and amplitude of state, Whose fancy cast all excellence in shade That crowns and stars did not illuminate, Could not endure that any should debateMuch less Rinaldo-the command with him; To such excess did anger, scorn and hate Transport him, reason's guiding light grew dim, And Passion's mustering storm distended ev'ry limb. 18. So that of Hell's foul sprites the most malign, WVho saw unwatch'd the op'ning avenue, Crept to his heart with still coils serpentine, And at the helm of thought reclining, blew ~~M-~ln. ~mn~ D*~B~~e~O~-I. I ~~~~a~~~~-~-~I~ CANTO V JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 103 To flame the sparks of hatred, till they grewn Hot for revenge; yet still he piqued, still stung His angry soul to agony anew; The while, as warbled by a siren's tongue, Clear through his haughty heart this flatt'ring prelude rung. 19. " What! were his antique chiefs lords paramount Of earth, that thus with thee Rinaldo vies? Since he will mate with thee, let him recount His govern'd millions and subdued allies, Let him bring forth his crowns, and equalize His scepter'd ghosts with thy live kings; can onr, The owner of a few poor seignories, Born beneath Italy's inglorious sun, Dare to aspire so high?-what frenzy goads him oi? 20. " But, win or lose, he reap'd a victor's bays X; When first he thought thy title to transcend. The world will say, (to him the highest praise), t'Lo, with Gernando this man dared contend!' The station fill'd by thy departed friend Glory and splendor round thy path may shower, But not less honor thou to that wilt lend,The prize lost half its value from the hour When he desired it too, and sought to mate thy power 21. " And if the soul, when left this breathing frame To our affairs its conscious thoughts apply, Think with how brave a wrath th' ambitious aim Fires good old Dudon in the radiant sky, When on this forward Page he casts his eye, And sees his pride so far the dues subvert Of rev'rend age, as with himself to vie; And, while but yet a child and unexpert, Stand for a public post of such sublime desert. 22. " Yea, this he hopes, this he attempts, and bears Honor and praise, not chastisement abroad. And some there are who second what he dares, (O common shame!) and what he dares, applaud: But if Duke Godfrey, seeing him defraud Thee of thy dues, should countenance the plan, Endure it not; but openly, unawed By power or threats, confront the mighty man, And show both who thou art, and what thy yw!or can!" 104 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO V. -23. At the shrill music of these words, disdain G(low'd like a torch when shaken in the wind; It fired his heart, swell'd in each pregnant vein, Flash'd in his eye, and in his tongue repined; Whatever fancied foible he could find In young Rinaldo, he exposed to shame; He paints him vain and arrogant of mind, And styles his valor rashness; each fond aim Of his ingenuous mind industrious to defame. 24. All that in him was glorious, graceful, pure, Gen'rous, or great, or beautiful, or wise, While his invidious arts the truth obscure, He boldly censures as the height of vice: This vital scorn, these wide-wing'd calumnies His rival gathers in the public breath; Yet still with no less rancor he decries The noble Child, nor less he scorns to sheath In silence the keen tongue that tempts him to his death. 25. For the vile fiend whose motions ruled his tongue In lieu of judgment, influenced hint to frame, Hour after hour, fresh outrages and wrong, Still adding fuel to the bosom'd flame;Wide space was there in camp, where daily came A band of gallant youths with spear and shield; Where in gay tournay and gymnastic game They perfected their skill, their courage steel'd, And nerved their strenuous limbs to bide a ruder field. 26. There, at an hour when thickest was the crowd, Urged by the whisp'rings of the inward snake, His tongue its customary scorn avow'd, Infused with venom of th' Avernian lake; The knight, in hearing of the words he spake, To irrepressible resentment stirr'd,! Fix'd the long dues of vengeance now to take, Shouted, " Thou liest! " and sudden as the word, Cross'd the traducer's path, and drew his poignant sword. 27. His voice the thunder seem'd, his sword the flash Which of its coming warns the world; too late Repenting fears the criminal abash,He saw no refuge from impending fate; Yet in this last, irreparable strait, As all the Camp were witnesses, he made Proud show of courage, with a look elate Awaited the stern foe, his distance weigh'd, And in the guarding act unsheath'd the battle-blade.'"" ----— P —---— ~-, CANTO V. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 105 28. Instant a thousand lifted swords were seen All sparkling to one center, and a swarm Of warriors from all sides rushed to the scene Of strife, to stay each warrior's angry arm. All was vague clamor and confused alarm And such a sudden whirl of voices tore The startled air, as in the gath'ring storm, Among the pendent cliffs of the wild shore, Sound the shrill murm'ring winds to the loud sea-wave's roar. 29. But not the prayers of thousands can allay Th' offended hero's agony of ire; The shout, the press, the concourse of the way, He scorns, and dares to vengeance still aspire; Through men and arms in many a giddy gyre His fulminating sword darts, and demands A vacant space; the daunted crowd retire,And to the shame of all his guardian bands, Free to his fierce affronts, Gernando singly stands. 30. His hand, unmaster'd by his rage, at will A thousand stabs delivers, and divides With the head, heart, and bosom, as his skill Instructs, or the unguarded part provides; Impetuous, rapid as the foam that rides The whirlpool, his all-present steel appears, The eye bewilders, and its art derides; Where least expected, there it most careers; There most it strikes and wounds, where least his rival fears. 81. Nor did it cease, until its point had found Twice the pure life-blood of his bosom gored; The hapless Prince sank grov'ling on his wound, His vital spirits from the fount were pour'd, And through the twofold pass his spirit soar'd The knight stay'd not; his steel, incarnadined As it had been, he, to the sheath restored; Then stalk'd away, and with the scene resign'd His own inflamed desires and ruthlessness of mind. 32. To the loud uproar Godfrey drawn meanwhile Saw dismal cause of unexpected pain,Gernando, his loose locks and mantle vile Reeking with blood, with visage where, too plain, Death spread the pallid banners of his reign; And there were tears on many a soldier's lid, 106 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO V. Outcies, and shrieks, and wailings for the slain: Amazed he asks, there where'twas most forbid, Whose so audacious hand the deed of horror did. 33. Arnaldo, dearest to the Prince bewail'd, In terms that sought the guilt to aggravate, Tells how Rinaldo had his friend assail'd In the blind fury of intemp'rate hate, Built on a slight and frivolous debate; Thus, the sword vow'd to Christ's blest service, he Had turn'd against Christ's hallow'd delegate: Scorning not less his rule, than the decree Long since promulged, whereof he ignorant could not be. 34. And that the law had thus already sign'd The warrant of his death;-'twas clear, the case; First, as the fact was of a heinous kind, Next, as committed in a sacred place: For such a crime were he to meet with grace, Fresh criminals would rise, both bold and strong, In his escape to beard you to your facs, And execute revenge for ev'ry wrong, Which to the Judge alone for judgment should belong. 35.- Thus discord, thus dispute, thus civil ire, Would raven all, as with a tiger's tooth; All that disdain and pity could inspire, He pleads in merit of the murder'd youth: But Tancred with the jealousy of truth His tale impugns, and paints in colors clear The actual cause of strife; to which in sooth The just Judge listens, but his brow severe Seems less t' encouragelhope than countenance his fear 36. "My Lord," he adds, "in wisdom weigh both who And what Rinaldo is-his deeds recount; Judge what regard to his deserts is due; From princely sire to sire illustrious mount,Trace his long flow of glory to the fount,Think on his uncle Guelpho's high estate; All equal crimes are not of like account, Nor should the self-same punishment await Vassal and highborn lord, the lowly and the great." 37. Godfrey replied, "'Tis for the great to give Proof of obedience to the lowly; ill Are these thy counsels, Tancred, which would leave The Mighty to their own unbridled will. X1ANTO V. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 107 Think what our empire were, did we fulfill Its functions only to the vile and base,A powerless scepter, or, more shameful still, An execrated rod, derided mace! If with such laws'twas given, I spurn your gift of grace. 38. "But frank and awful was it given, unsought, Nor shall its virtue be abridged by me; And well I know both where and when I ought To punish and reward, and now to be The prompt reverser of my own decree, Yet still between the lowly and the high Hold even Law's just balance." Thus spoke he; Nor aught could Tancred venture to reply, Awed by his righteous words and his majestic eye. 39. Stern pupil of austere Antiquity, Raymond commended his discourse, and said: "These are the arts by which true sov'reignty Becomes revered,-for discipline is dead, Or at the least defective, where, instead Of pain, Guilt looks for pardon; to be mild, Power should be based in fear; when rulers spread Too wide their mercy, Liberty runs wild, And States decay." He ceased, and like a Spartan smiled. 40. Tancred of his advice took silent heed; Longer he linger'd not, but leap'd astride His manageable horse, whose hoofs for speed Seem'd fledged with wings, and to Rinaldo hied He, soon as he had quell'd the boist'rous pride Of fierce Gernando, to his private tent Retired, the issues calmly to abide; Here Tancred found him, and with discontent Detail'd in every point the late sharp argument. 41. " And though," he adds, " I deem the visnomy But a fallacious index of the heart, Since oft the thoughts of mortals secret lie, In depths that mockl th' observer's nicest art; Yet, from what Godfrey's face betray'd in part To my perusing eye, with what his mind Clearly avow'd, I fear not to assert, That as a common culprit he would bind With gyves thy warrior limbs, to Law's strict power resign'd." 108 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO V. 42. Rinaldo smiled; but breaking through his smile A flash of high defiance might you see: " Let him defend his cause in fetters vile Who vassal is, or vassal deigns to be! Free was I born; free have I lived; and free Will I expire, ere one base fetter weighs My hands down in its cank'ring tyranny,They have been used to no snuchll slave-essays, But to consult the sword, and reap victorious bays. 43. " If Godfrey thus reward our worth, if thus As a base slave he would incarcerate, And fix his foul plebeian bonds on us, Here let him come in all his pomp of state; I place my proud foot on the ground, and wait His unfear'd presence and his scorn'd decree; Sharp arms shall be our only jurors, Fate Sole arbitress, and foemen flock to see The sportful Drama play'd, —a deep, deep tragedy!" 44. He shouted for his armor, robed his form In helm and brigandine of steel, applied The shield enormous to his active arm, And hung the dancing falchion at his side: Magnificent, august, and fiery-eyed, He sparkled in his arms like flashing levin, And look'd the God of Battle when in pride Descending front the fifth red sphere of heaven, In rattling iron girt, by Fright and Fury driven. 45. Tancred this while used every art to soothe His wounded pride and his intemp'rate rage "I know," said he, "that thou, unconquer'd youth, Wouldst in the hardiest enterprise engage; That ever amid arms and on the edge Of doom, thy valor is secure from harm; But Heaven forbid that e'er on such a stage Thou shouldst let loose the gladiator's arm, To work our army woe, and break the magic charm. 46. " Say, what is thine intent? wilt thou imbrue Thy hands in kindred blood? with frantic aim Wounding thy friends, transpiercing Christ anew, Whose members they, and part of whom I am? Shgll the vain lust of transitory fame, That like a summer sea-wave swells and dies As the wind lists, enforce a stronger claim Than that which faithborn piety supplies, Of bliss all bliss beyond, eternal in the skies? CANTO V. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 109 47. "No! be the victor of thyself, and still This raging gust, this whirlwind of the mind;: Yield! from no fear, but from a virtuous will; With worthier pallns compliancy will bind Thy brows, than ever were to pride assign'd: And if mine unripe years, though young and few, May yield th' example, I by acts unkind Was also once provoked, yet never drew My sword in civil strife, but did my wrath subdue. 48. "I took Cilicia, and on Tarsus' towers Planted the Cross before all people's eyes, But Baldwin came, and with his peaceful Powers Admitted, basely robb'd me of my prize; Such friendship he profess'd, so fair a guise Mask'd his ambitious purpose from my sight, That ere I was aware, his avarice Had sprung the mine: yet would not I by fight The spoils regain, although e'en yet perhaps I might. 49. "But if indeed those ignominious bands As a base weight thy spirit would refuse, Following the nice opinions and demands, The subtile laws which men of honor use, Leave it to me thy anger to excuse; To Antioch fly,-with Bohemond, thy friend, Seek an asylum secret and recluse; To wrath's first gust I deem. it best to bend; A cause by Power prejudged'twere fruitless to defend. 50. " But rest assured, if vig'rously assail'd, If round us Egypt or the Arabs swarm, Deeply indeed thy flight will be bewail'd; WXlhile, at a distance from the vast alarm, Thy valor will acquire a tenfold charml Without thy sword, the nerveless camp must prove A trunk deprived of its protecting arm: " Here Guelph arrives, his lips the speech approve, Urging him straight from Camp discreetly to remove. 51. To their grave counsels the disdainful heart Of the bold youth at length inclining, bends, And he no longer scruples to depart In willing exile: of his faithful friends Meanwhile a numn'rous crowd his course attends; To share his flight and fortunes each aspires, And earnestly solicits; he commends Their zeal with thanks, but takes alone two squires'Vaults on his sprightly steed, and from the camp retires. 110 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANtO V. 52. He rides-the thirst of pure and endless glory Inflames his spirit to the inmost core; Exploits he plans shall shame the vaunts of story, Ten thousand glorious deeds undream'd before,To rush, in favor of the Cross he bore, Midst hostile millions, gath'ring in his course Cypress or noble palms, scour Egypt o'er As on the Samiel's wing, and passage force E'en to the awful depths of Nile's mysterious source! 53. But Guelpho, when the fervent boy at last, Press'd to depart, had bade his last adieu,; No longer there delay'd, but forward pass'd Where likeliest Godfrey might arrest his view;Who, seeing him, exclaim'd, "Hail, Guelph! for you I have long sought, and but this moment sent Some of my fleetfoot heralds to pursue The search throughout the camp, from tent to tent, Well does thy coming now their diligence prevent!" 54. He bade all else withdraw, and in a tone Of graver utt'rance his discourse renew'd; "Deeply, my lord! do I regret to own The lengths to which thy nephew has pursued The rage admitted in his hasty mood: He ill, moethinks, can justify the brawl, Much less the frightful issue of the feud; Glad shall I be, if so it should befall, But Godfrey still must act impartially to all. 55. " The sacred claims of lawful and of just Defend I will, on all and each occasion, Preserving ever, in my sov'reign trust, A heart unsway'd by prejudice or passion. Now if, as some say in extenuation, Rinaldo was compell'd his wrongs to quit,'Gainst the known edict, and in violation Of martial rule, why let him, as is fit, Come, and his proofs at once to our award submit. 56. " And let him come unmortified by chains, The grace I can, I to his worth allow; If this his high rebellious heart disdains (And well his fiery temperament I know To be rebellious), be it thine to show His pride the path of duty; ere he draws A man by nature merciful, and slow To cherish wrath, but stern should he give cause, T' avenge his power defied and violated laws." CANTO v. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 111 57. He ceased, and Guelph made answer: "Where's the soul Free from all infamy, that if it heard The voice of insult, haughty, false, and foul, Would not with scorn resent th' injurious word! And if the sland'rer fall beneath the sword, Who can place bounds to a just wrath? who suit Exact acquittance to the guilt incurr'd, Or weigh revenge out in a scale minute, While in full fury glows th' unscrupulous dispute? 58. " But that the youth, as you require, should yield To your just judgment, which he ought, of right, Cannot, it grieves me, be; since far from field He has withdrawn in no imprudent flight; But here I offer with my sword to write Liar on his false forehead who again Impugns his act,-on whatsoever knight Wounds his good name; and fearlessly maintain, The Prince was justly served for his unjust disdain. 59. " With reason, I aver, he shore the crest Of arrogant Gernando; if in aught He err'd,'twas this, that thy supreme behest He for an instant in his wrath forgot; This I lament, and this extenuate not:" "'Tis well," the other answer'd, " let him wend, And brawl elsewhere; nor foster in thy thought The seeds of fresh dispute, but here, my friend, Let all dissensions cease, and discord have an end!" 60. Thus they; meanwhile the smiling Traitress never Ceased importuning for the promised aid; Throughout the livelong day each strong endeavor Of genius, art, and beauty she essay'd; But when pale Eve, in twilight stole array'd, Far in the west the dying Day inurn'd, Betwixt two knights and matron dames convey'd Back to her rich pavilion she return'd, Till o'er blue orient hills resurgent morning burn'd. 61. But though Persuasion seem'd her spell-bound slave. Spite of her bland words, her refined address, And beauty such as nature never gave, Before or since, dear woman to possess; Though in the trammels of her golden, tresse A deep o'ermast'ring transportxhad enchain'd The noblest heroes, not with all her stress 112 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO V. Of artifice, could Godfrey's heart be gain'd; Unmoved, her charming smiles and fiatt'ries he sustain'd. 62. In vain she studied to inflame his eye With sweet temptations to a life of love, For as the gorged falcon scorns to fly When the pleased hawker points the passing dove,So he his wishes fix'd on joys above, Sick of the world, with mortal pleasures cloy'd, Despised the lure; her beauty fail'd to move, And all th' enchanting dalliance she employ'd, Tutor'd by faithless love, his virtue render'd void. 63. No obstacle can turn his pious steps From Duty's circumscribing walk; she tries A thousand arts, in thousand changeful shapes Appears before him, and with Proteus vies In ev'ry form of magical disguise; She has fond looks, lithe motions, bland alarms, T' attract his gaze, and melt away the ice From his cold heart, but heavenly grace disarms Of power her visor'd trains, and shames her blandish'd charms.' 64. She, who had thought one blink of her bright eyes Would kindle passion in the purest mind, How was she mortified! with what surprise, Yea, with what scorn and anger she repined; Frowning, her purpose she at length resign'd, And muster'd for an enterprise more fair Her charming force; so chieftains, when they find Impregnable the tower they gird, forbear To press th' unprosp'rous siege, and turn their arms elsewhere. 65. Nor less was Tancred proof to the control Of her seducing beauty; he could share With no new face th' affections of his soul; Clorinda only held dominion there: For, as used poisons oft to poisons bear Strong counter charms, e'en so'twixt dame and dame, Love neutralizes love; Armida's snare These shunn'd,-all others idolized her name, And sported more or less around th' enchanting flame. 66. She, though she mourn'd that her designs should prove But half successful, somewhat was consoled, CANTO v. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 113 When she review'd the multitudes, which Love Beneath her conqu'ring colors had enroll'd; And thus, ere chance to any should unfold Her schemes, or ere her false mask should slip by, Resolved to lead them to a stronger hold, And forge them fetters of a stricter tie, Than those same flow'ry bands in which e'en yet they lie. 67.- When therefore the declining day was flown, By Godfrey fix'd to grant the promised aid, Before him she appear'd, and bending down In humble rev'rence at his footstool, said: " The period, gracious Sire, prefix'd is fled; And if the barb'rous tIyrant from his spies Shall learn that I for succors here have fled, He will prepare his powers against surprise, And much more dang'rous then will be the bold emprise. 68. " Ere then his couriers or discursive fame Th' important tidings to his ear betray, Let thy Compassion mine avengers name, And send us forth, preventing all delay: When, if the eye of Heaven with grace survey Th' affairs of mortals, if the innocent's plea Be in its sacred scrine recorded, they Will throne me in my realm, which thus shall be Ever, in peace and war, subsidiary to thee." 69. She said; the Chief, unable to recede From his engagement, bow'd to her request; And as she seem'd so urgent to proceed, Saw well th' election with himself must rest: But of her vow'd idolaters all press'd To be admitted of the guardian band; While Jealousy, infix'd in every breast, Kept dragon watch his rivals to withstand, And deepen'd with his cry th' importunate demand. 70. She, who the sparkling secret clearly read, Made it at once subserve her ill intent, Using the spur of envy and of dread, Their ling'ring course to quicken and torment, For well she knew without some impulse lent To stir the long dejection of the mind, The flow of love in stagnancy is spent; Slow runs the steed that can outstrip the wind, If one speeds not before, or follows fast oehind. 114 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO V. 71. The glance that flatter'd and the smile that woo'd, She shared with words so seemingly sincere, That each grew envious of the other's good, And hope stood trembling on the brink of fear; Her lovers, sanction'd by her gracious cheer, And the false charter of her loving look, Rush'd headlong on in folly's wild career, By principle uncurb'd, of shame forsook, Reckless of Godfrey's frown, keen scorn, or sharp rebuke. 72. He, who made justice his supreme delight, Partial to none, to gladden all aspired; And though the follies of each am'rous knight With anger and deep shame his bosom fired; Yet, seeing that which blindly they desired Determinedly persisted in, he tried Another mode to grant the boon desired: "Each separate warrior write his name," he cried; "A vase shall hold the lots, and chance the cause decide." 73. Their names the Chiefs with acclamations write, Collect, and shake within an urn of gold; At hazard drawn, the first that leaps to light, 3 Is Pembroke's Earl, Artemidore the bold: The next whose title the blind Fates unfold, On its white leaf the name of Gerard bears; A third the fears of Vincilas consoled, Who, late so grave and wise in all affairs, Now plays the lovesick youth, and shames his hoary hairs. 74. Oh, what delight these three first chosen show At their extreme good fortune! their fond eyes With tears that from the full heart overflow, Grow big, and sparkle o'er the happy prize; The rest, whose doom still undetermined lies In the dark urn, show signs of secret hate, Sore jealousy, and panting, pale surmise; Mute on the herald's lips they hang, and wait, Breathless, the brief decree that seals their future fate. 75. To Guasco fourth, succeeds Ridolpho's name; The sixth the fates to Olderic accord; With Count Roussillon next, two peers of fame, Henry the Frank, Bavarian Everard, And, last, Rambaldo closed the blind award; CAN'TO V. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 115 Rambaldo, who for love of that false maid (Has Love indeed such power?) renounced his Lord, A traitor knight, a perjured renegade,The rest, shut out from hope, their fortune loud upbraid.'i 76. Inflamed with envy, jealousy, and rage, They call her partial, wicked, and unkind; They e'en accuse thee, Love, that thou shouldst gage Thy judgment to an arbitress so blind: But, as instinctively the human mind More ardently desires what Heaven denies, Many, in spite of fortune, have design'd To follow yet their Lady in disguise, Soon as night's falling shades obscure the lucid skies. 77. Follow they will, in sunshine and in shade, And venture life in battling for her right: She her last thanks to all saluting p:id, With broken hints and sighings, that incite The Chiefs yet more to their intended flight; With this, with that she grieved, or seem'd to grieve, That she must part without the dear delight Of his desired society;-'tis eve; Th' elected Champions arm, and throng to take the;r leave. 78. Each after each the Chief advised apart. That Pagan faith was but a hollow reed, As light and insecure; and with what art? They should from snares and adverse ills recede, His words are utter'd to the winds,-none heed His wise advise, for when did Wisdom sway The ear of Love? permitted to proceed At length they part; Armida leads the way, All too impatient she to wait the dawn of day. i79. Conqueress she parts, and in a sumptuous train, Triumphal, leads along her rival foes; While still behind a countless throng remain, Lovelorn, abandon'd to a thousand woes. But when the Night on silent wings arose, By Peace consorted in her gentle mood, And Dreams, the erring pupils of Repose,With Love's divine intelligence endued, Their Lady's printless path they secretly pursued. 80.-First Eustace follow'd b scarcely could he wait ee The ling'ring hours of ebbing eve,-he hied 116 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO V. Swiftly away, with heart and hope elate, Through the blind darkness, led by his blind guide; All the moist night serene he wander'd wide; But when the sky's proud Sultan had possess'd The ruby gates of Morning, he descried With all her guards the Lady of his quest, In a small village near, her last night's bower of rest. 81. Him by his arms at once Rambaldo knew, As on fleet foot he moved to join the maid, And cried aloud: "What seek'st thou? with what view Com'st thou to us, in helm and mail array'd?" "I come," said Eustace, "'in Armida's aid; Nor shall she have, if she my zeal approve, A trustier friend:" "And who," Rambaldo said, " On this high task commission'd thee to move? Who authorized thy flight?" "Love," Eustace answer'd, "Love i 82. "Venus was my Electress, Fortune thine; Advise which has the most authentic grant " To whom Rambaldo: "Off! the claim resign; False is thy title, and impugn'd thy vaunt; With us, legitimately call'd to planit This virgin lily, ne'er shalt thou ally Thy lawless aid!" Indignant at the taunt, The youth rejoin'd, "And who will dare deny My claims at-proof of sword! " Ramlbaldo answer'd, " I! 83. "That which I dare avow, I dare maintain At my sword's point! " he said, and saying, drew: Not with less ardor, not with less disdain, Insulted Eustace to the quarrel flew: But here their Mistress rush'd betwixt the two; Staying their swords, she sooth'd their angry vein: To that she utter'd, "' What is it you do; If you a comrade, I a champion gain, Why should you take offense? of what can I complain? 84. "Seek you my safety? why would you deprive My straighten'd cause of so renown'd a knight?" To Eustace then, "Most welcome! you arrive In happy hour, protector of my right What shade of reason can I have to slight So grateful an ally, the prince of Franks! Fortune forbid I should the zeal requite CANTO V. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 117 With rude neglect! " while yet she paid her thanks, From ev'ry quarter round, fresh champions join'd her ranks. -85. Unknown to each they came, and frown'd askance With hatred at their rivals; she received All with the like smooth smiling countenance, And whisper'd them what comfort she conceived From their arrival; now when Light relieved The dusky watch of morning, Godfrey knew Of their defection and his loss; he grieved, Deeply he grieved o'er the prophetic view Seal'd on his sight, of ills that hence must needs ensue. 86&, While musing thus, a messenger appears, Swift, dusty, out of breath, a shape of woe; a;; Like one who news of bitter import bears, With grief engraven on his gloomy brow: "Signior," he said, "th' Egyptian fleets e'en now Put out to sea, and crowd all sails in air; Gray ocean whitens with the moving show: William the Admiral, beneath whose care The Genoese navy ranks, this message bids me bear. 87. " Nay, more; our convoy from the navied seas, Well victuall'd for the camp, its fate has found; One night, encamp'd among palmetto trees, The steeds and burden'd camels grazing round, A horde of Arabs in the glen profound.. Ambush'd, sprang forth, the slumberers to assail In front or flank; they slew them, or they bound As slaves of war; nor from the fatal vale Did one escape, but he who bore th' afflicting tale. 88. "Th' audacity of these marauding bands Is now grown so licentious, that they spread Like an o'erwhelming torrent from the sands, Without control, and to a desert tread The fruitful fields they traverse; to strike dread Into their hearts,'tis fit that thou ordain A troop of horse their coverts to invade; And from the sea of Palestine, the plain That to the army leads, inviolate maintain." 89. These tidings, magnified from tongue to tongue, Known in a moment, palsied ev'ry ear; On ev'ry rumor the light vulgar hung, In all th' uncertainty of anxious fear; 118 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO V. For fancied Famine was already near, And the grim skeleton of Death: the Chief, Who saw their courage droop, essay'd to cheer Their dying hopes, and to disperse their grief, With lively looks-and words persuasive of relief. 90. "Ye, who through thousand perils, long flown o'er, Have pass'd secure with me, in war and peace! Champions of God, elected to restore His frustrate faith! who over hills and seas, The arms of Persia, the designs of Greece, Thirst's burning torment, hunger's keen distress. Frost, whirlwind, storm, the billow and the breeze, Have triumph'd gloriously, O say, for less Alarms shall daunting fear your spirits now possess? 91. "In the good care of God, whose Spirit gave Your mind its impulse, can ye not confide? Is his arm shorten'd, that it cannot save? That arm so oft in deeper perils tried! A time will come not distantly descried, When to remember ev'ry past dismay Will be no less a pleasure than a pride; Hold then courageous on, and keep, I pray, Your noble hearts in cheer for that victorious day." 92. These words of Godfrey, and his lively air, Exiled their terror, and revived their pride; But many a preying thought and anxious care, Deeply secreted, in his breast abide; How for such various nations to provide In the prevailing scarceness: how afford Help to his navy on the ocean wide, Against th' Egyptian fleet! and how his sword May fitly reach and quell the Arabs' plund'ring horde. AND OF CANTO V. JERUSALEM DELIVERED CANTO VI. ARGUMENT. ARGANTES dares the Franks to single fight; His prowess first undaunted Otho shows, Too rashly; tumbled from his steed, by right Of martial law he into thraldom goes. Tancred, whom Godfrey for his champion choose, Renews the conflict, and his falchion plies Till twilight's gathering glooms a truce impose To cure her wounded lord, Erminia hies From the wel-e.uarded town, at dew-fall in disguise. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VI. 1. BUT better hopes inspirit and make blithe The hearts of the besieged: beside the grain Stored from the reaping sickle and the scythe, Beneath night's fav'ring darkness they obtain Fresh stores; and flank, and fortify amain With engines and grim frieze the Northern wall, Which, grown to giant height, seems to disdain The shock of brazen rams, as idle all, Nor dreads what man can do to work its purposed fall. P.lOYet still at morn, at eve, at radiant noon, The Monarch higher gives his towers to soar; Nor quits his labor when the stars and moon Silver the dusk of night; and evermore, New arms for battle forging to the roar Of swelt'ring fires, armorer and artisan Toil with strong limbs, till vigor'be no more As thus th' intolerable moments ran, To him Argantes came, and boastful thus began: 8. "How long in these vile walls must we be bound, Rebellious pris'ners, tamed by slow blockade? I hear the clang of anvils; the shrill sound From hauberk, helm, and shield, my ears invade; But to what purpose is the proud parade? These robbers at their license don the crest; Scour all our fields; our palaces invade; Yet none of us their progress dare molest, Or one clear trumpet sound, to scare their golden rest.' 4. "' Them the gay lute and bounding dance employ. Unbroken banquets and secure delights: Their day is one long carnival of joy, 122 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VI. And ease and quiet crown their blissful nights: But thou at length, when fiercely famine bites, Conquer'd must fall, and with submission buy The victor's insults and the foe's despites; Or die without a blow, as cowards die, If Cairo send not soon our ling'ring, late ally. 5. " Ne'er o'er the dial of my life shall run The oblivious darkness of a death it hates Not e'en the luster of another sun Shall see me shut within these cursed gates: With this, my life's poor fragment, let the Fates Do what is fix'd for it in heaven or hell; None e'er shall say in these inglorious straits, That with his sword in sheath Argantes fell; He will revenge disgrace, and earn his tomb too well. 6. "But if one spark of thy first chivalry Still in thy bosom shed its fervent charm, I should not hope in noble strife to die, But live, enrich'd with honor's proudest palm; With one accord let us resolve to arm, Confront the Christians, and the field contest; How oft in deepest peril and alarm, The most audacious strokes have proved the best; And ills which Care increased, Distraction has red ess'd. 7. " But if thou dread'st to play so bold a game;,df to stake all thy forces to decide The war at once, be judged a frantic aim,At least in duel let the strife be tried: And that with livelier willingness and pride The Captain of the Franks may entertain Our challenge, and th' arbitrament abide, Let him choose arms, take vantage of the plain, And fix the terms of fight as he himself may deign 8. " Then, if no hundred-handed Briareus Arm on his side, how fierce soe'er he be, Dread not that evil chance thy cause will lose, Upheld by justice, and secured by me;. In place of fate and fortune's blind decree, My strong right hand shall from the stars pluck down Consummate conquest for thy realms and thee: Grasp it in pledge; now, by my old renown, Trust me, they shall not shake one jewel from thy crown!" CANTO VI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 123 9. He ceased, and Aladine replied: " In truth, Though Age my pristine vigor has defaced, Think not this scrupulous hand, too fervent youth, A traitor to the sword it once embraced; Think not my spirit slothful or debased; Sooner with honor by the sword or spear Would I expire, than die a death disgraced; If I could entertain misdoubt or fear That the distressful ills, announced, were really near. 10. "Allah such shame avert! What deep my art From others hides, to thee shall now be shown: The mighty Solyman, who burns in part T' avenge the loss of his Nicean throne, Has roused Arabia from her utmost zone Of sand to AlcaYro, and relies On all her tribes, when once his trumpet's blown, In the black night the foeman to surprise, And pour into the town fresh succor and supplies. 11. " Soon will he join us; if meanwhile they reign In our spoil'd castles, blinded by conceit And careless ease, fret not, while I retain My purple mantle- and imperial seat; But that rash courage and intemp'rate heat Which hurries thee to such excess, abate; And for a dignified occasion, meet For thy renown and my deep vengeance, wait; Soon the black storm will burst, and lightnings seal their fate." 12. The haughty Pagan frown'd at this: high pride And bitter spite boil'd in his breast, to hear How on this Nicene prince the king relied, His ancient rival and most fierce compeer: "' Sir," he replied, in icy tone austere, "'Tis thy undoubted right to wage or end War at thy pleasure; I have done; wait here The shiver'd sword of Solyman thy friend; Let him who lost his own thy kingdoms safe defend. 13. " Proud as a patron God let him advance To free thy people from their yoke abhorr'd; Myself am my palladium'gainst mischance, Nor freedom ask but from this single sword. But while the rest repose, the grace accord, That I at least may my own wrongs requite; That from the town descending to the sward, 124 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VI. Not as thy champion but a private knight, I may at least engage the Franks in single fight." 14. The king replied, " Although tllou shouldst reserve Thy sword and anger for a nobler use, That thou defy some knight, if that will serve Thy purpose, Aladine will not refuse." His herald then without a moment's truce Argantes spake, and with the daring boast Dilating, said: "Give all thy swiftness loose; And let this not mean challenge be proposed To the Frank Duke below, in hearing of his host. 15. "Say, that a knight who longer scorns to crouch Within the marble ramparts of the town, Burns in the eye of angels to avouch, By fact of arms, his prowess and renown; That he to duel hastens to come down Upon the plain midway'twixt tent and tower; To prove his valor on the golden crown Of whatsoever Frank, of Franks the flower, Dares to accept the gage, and try his martial power. 16i. " And that not only is he girt to wage Victorious battle with a single foe, But with the third, fourth, fifth he will engage, Villain or lord, with high-born or with low; The vanquish'd shall the victor serve, for so The rules of war ordain:" his message done, The silver-scepter'd herald turn'd to go, And lightly threw his purple surcoat on, Emblazed with golden arms that glitter'd in the sun. 17. When reach'd the tent of Godfrey the divine, In presence of his Barons, "Prince," he said, "May perfect liberty of speech be mine To tell a daring message without dread?" He in assent inclined a haughty head, And answer'd, " Ay! without the thought of fear, Before us be the mighty venture spread: " Then thus the herald, " Now will it appear If the great news sound sweet or frightful to your ear. 18. The knight's defiance he'at large exposed, In glorying terms, magnificent and high;Loud murmur'd the fierce Lords, and round him closed, Scorn on each lip, and pride in ev'ry eye: jra: - - --- -- -- ~- -------— ~ —-- CANTO VI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 125 Quickly their Lion-leader gave reply: "A modest task methinks the knight has mused; What think ye, Peers? dare we the battle try? Much I misdoubt when he his sword has used On the-fourth knight. the fifth will wish to stand excused! 19. "But let him put it to the proof; I grant Safe field and lib'ral; we have some shall dare Advance, to lessen his presumptuous vaunt,They shall no vantage use, nor fact unfair, I lift my scepter to the stars, and swear! " This heard, the sov'reign of the silver mace Turn'd back by the same path he trod whilere: Nor till he saw Argantes face to face, Slack'd, for a moment slack'd, the swiftness of his pace. 20. " Arm!" he exclaim'd, "why hesitate to arm? The challenge they accept with glad surprise; Like sov'reign heroes there the meanest swarm To front you,-visors close, and lances rise; I saw'rage lighten in a thousand eyes; I saw a thousand hands caress tile sword In passion for the fight; hark, how the skies Sound to their shout, as though a river roar'd!Safe guard and ample field their Captain will afford!" 21. He heard, he call'd his Squire, and hurriedly Braced on his mail, impatient for the plain; While to the fair Clorinda standing by, The king exclaim'd: " Brave Lady! to abstain From arms, and in the city to remain, While free Argantes issues out to fight, Suit not thy rank; take then an armed train For surer safety, and attend the knight; At distance range their spears, but keep the lists in sight." 22. He ceased, and soon under the open sky The troop rode forth in beautiful array, And mark'd far on before how gallantly The knight, in wonted arms and trappings gay, Cheer'd to the frequent spur his ardent bay;A plain there was, seem'd, form'd by art, between The camp and town; of wide extent it lay, As though the Campus Martius it had been Before another Rome, unswelling, smooth, and green. 12B JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VI. 23. There singly he descended; there, in sight Of the collected camp his station took; By his brave heart, great bulk, and brawny might Magnificent, and menacing in look As huge Goliath by the vale's clear brook, Or grim Enceladus, before whose stride Th' aerial pines, and fields of Phlegra shook; But many without fear the giant eyed, For none his utmost strength in battle yet had tried. 24. Though Godfrey yet no champion had selected, Whose brav'ry best the Camp might represent, It was no secret whom they most affectedAll eyes, hopes, wishes were on Tancred bent; To him the favor of all faces lent, Spoke him th' ascendant genius of the crowd; And first a whisper round the circle went, Which, faint awhile, grew momently more loud; Nor less the General's looks his own desire avow'd. 25. To him the rest give place, nor silent then Remain'd the Duke; " The tilt be thine," he cried; " Tancred, meet thou the ruffian Saracen, Repress his fury, and abase his pride:" In Tancred's face I would you had descried What exultation shone, what boldness glow'd; Proud to be named th' antagonist defied, He call'd for helm and steed; his steed bestrode; And straight with nuim'rous friends from forth the intrenchments rode. 26. Within a bowshot of the ample field Wherein Argantes for his champion stay'd, On the near hill, upgazing, he beheld The warlike figure of his Persian maid: White were the vests that o'er her armor stray'd, As snows on Alpine glaciers, and her face (For she her visor had thrown up) display'd Grandeur sublime so sweet'ning into grace,The region seem'd to him some heavenly-haunted place. 27. He noted not where the Circassian rear'd His frightful face to the affronted skies, But to the hill-top where his Love appear'd, Turn'd, slack'ning his quick pace, his am'rous eyes, Till he stood steadfast as a rock, all ice Without, all glowing heat within;-the sight To him was as the gates of Paradise; CANTO VI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 127 And from his mind the mem'ry of the fight Pass'd like a summer cloud, or dream at morninglight. 28. Th' impatient Pagan, seeing none appear In act preparative for battle, cried: "Desire of gallant conflict brought me here, Come forward one, and let the tilt be tried." Still Tancred stood as he were stupified; The hero's shout broke not his thoughtful trance But Otho, striking in his courser's side His shining rowels, bravely'made advance First in the vacant lists, and couch'd his eager lance. 29. He was of those whose ardent hope and aim It was, with fierce Argantes to have fought; To Tancred he indeed resign'd his claim, And with the rest that Prince to battle brought But noticing him now, absorb'd in thought, Fail the desired advantage to employ,Seeing the tournay he before had sought Free to his lance, the bold impatient boy Seized on the offer'd chance with rash and greedy joy. 30. Swift as the tiger or voracious pard Springs through the crashing forest, Otho press'd To the stout Mussulman, who, on good guard, Laid his tremendous spear in sudden rest: Then Tancred first'awoke; then from the zest Of am'rous thoughts as from a sweet dream started; And cried, " The fight is mine!-his course arrest!" But the young champion now too far had darted Within the lists, to be from his opponent parted. 31. Therewith he stay'd, while wrath and crimson shame Glow'd on his cheek, and in his bosom boil'd, Deeming it worse than falsehood to his fame, Thus of the field's first risks to be beguiled: Meantime in mid career the hardy Childe Struck the Circassian's burganet, and tore The feathers from its crown; but he, half wild, With naked spear implacable for gore, Quite clove his Redcross shield, and through the breast plate bore! 32. Push'd from his seat by rudeness of the blow, The Christian fell, half senseless from the shock; But his more vig'rous and athletic foe Bore it unbow'd, impassive as a rock; 128 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VI. And thus began the prostrate knight to mock,Fierce was his gesture, insolent his tone,Y' ield thee my slave i! where proudest nobles flock,'Twill be enough for thy renown, to own That thou hast fought with me and thus been overthrown!" 33. " No!" said the youth, " not quite so soon we use To yield our arms and ardor on command; Let others as they list my fall excuse, I will revenge it, or die sword in hand! " Fierce as Alecto, pitilessly grand, With all the Gorgon raging in his face, And breath like that of Ate's flaming brand, Argantes said, " And scorn'st thou my good grace? Learn then my power!" he spoke, and speaking spurn'd the place. 34. His rampant steed he drove at him, nor heeded *What to his chivalry was due; the Frank From the rude onset, quick as thought, receded, And dealt, in passing, at his dexter flankA stroke so strong, that through his armor sank The sword, incarnadine with blood;-the ground Some rosy drops of the libation drank; But what avail'd it to inflict a wound That raised the conqu'ror's rage, and left his vigor sound? 35. He curb'd his courser, whirl'd him round, bore back, Ere his charged foe could guard against th' attack, Trampled him down in grim ferocity: Short drew his breath; quiver'd in agony His legs, and with a faint, lamenting shriek He swoon'd away; now low behold him lie,On the llard earth thrown panting, bruised, and weak; Half closed the languid eye, and pale the suff'ring cheek. 36. Argantes, drunk with rage, enforced his way With high curvetings o'er his victim's chest; And cried, "Let all proud knights obedience pay, Like him whom thus my horse's hoofs have press'd;" Undaunted Tancred in his manly breast At this barbaric action could restrain His wrath no longer; shaking his black crest, CANTO VI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 129 He forward spurr'd, ambitious to regain His wonted fame eclipsed, and clear its recent stain. 37. " And 0," he cried, advancing, "spirit base! E'en in thy conquests, infamous! what meed, What title to esteem, what claim to praise Iiop'st thou, accursed, from such a villain's deed I With Arab robbers or the like fierce breed Of ruffians, surely thou wert bred;-away! Back to thy loathed den of darkness speed; Midst hills and woods go raven for thy prey With other wolves by night, more savage far than they!" 38. The Pagan Lord, to such affronts unused, Bit both his iips, wrath's strangled orators; He would have spoke, but only sounds confused Broke forth, such sounds as when a lion roars; Or, as when lightning cleaves the stormy doors Of heaven, to rouse from its reluctant rest The thunder growling as the tempest pours; For ev'ry word which he with pain express'd, Escaped in tones as gruff, from his infuriate breast. 39. When by ferocious threats they each had fired His rival's pride, and fortified his own, Some paces back they rapidly retired, And met, like two black clouds together blown. Queen of the Lyre! down from thy Delphic throne Descend with all thy talismans and charms; Breathe in my ringing shell thy hoarsest tone, That to their rage attemper'd, its alarms May with the shock, repeat the clangor of their arms! 40. Both placed in rest, and level'd at the face Their knotty.,lances;-ne'er did tiger's spring, Nor ardent charger in the rushing race, Match their swift course, nor bird of swiftest wing; Here Tancred, there Argantes came!-to sing The force with which they met, would ask the cry Of angels,-sudden the shock'd helmets ring; Their spears are broke; and up to the blue sky A thousand lucid sparks, a thousand shivers fly. 41. That shrill blow shook Earth's firm volubil ball; The mountains, sounding as the metals clash'd, Pass'd the dire music to the towers, till all The City trembled; but the shock, which dash'd TASSO-5 130 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VI. Both steeds to earth, as each for anguish gnash'd Its teeth, and shriek'd its noble life away, Scarce bow'd their haughty heads; they, unabash'd, Sprang lightly up, war's perfect masters they, Drew their gold-hilted swords, and stood at desp'rate bay. 42. Warily deals each warrior's arm its thrust, His foot its motion, its live glance his eye; To various guards and attitudes they trust; They foin, they dally, now aloof, now nigh, Recede, advance, wheel, traverse, and pass by, Threat where they strike not, where they threat not dart The desp'rate pass; or, with perc;eption sly, Free to the foe leave some unguarded part, Then his foil'd stroke revenge, with art deriding art. 43. Prince Tancred's thigh the Pagan knight perceives But ill defended, or by shield or sword; He hastes to strike, and inconsid'rate leaves His side unshielded as he strides abroad; Tancred fail'd not instinctively to ward The stroke, beat back the weapon, and, inspired With eager hope, the guardless body gored; Which done, of either gazing host admired, He nimbly back recoil'd, and to his ward retired. 44. The fierce Argantes, when he now beheld Himself in his own gushing blood baptized, In unaccustom'd horror sigh'd and yell'd, With shame discount'nanced, and with pain surprised And, both by rage and suff'ring agonized, Raised with his voice his sword aloft, to quit The sharp rebuke; but Tancred, well advised Of his intent, afresh th' assailant ssmit, Where to the nervous arm the shoulder-blade was knit. 45. As in its Alpine forest the grim bear, Stung by the hunter's arrow, from its haunts Flies in the face of all his shafts, to dare Death for the wild revenge, no peril daunts; Just so the mad Circassian fares, so pants For blood, as thus the foe his soul besets, When shame on shame, and wound on wound he plants; And his revenge his wrath so keenly whets, That he all danger scorns, and all defense forgets. CANTO VI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 131 46. Joining with courage keen a valor rash, And untired strength with unexampled might. He showers his strokes so fast, that the skies flash, And earth e'en trembles in her wild affright: No time has the alarm'd Italian knight To deal a single blow; from such a shower Scarce can he shield himself, scarce breathe; no sleight Of arms is there t' assure his life an hour From the man's headstrong haste and brute gigantic power. 47. Collected in himself, he waits in vain Till the first fury of the storm be past; Now lifts his moony targe; now round the plain Fetches his skillful circles, far and fast; But when he sees the Pagan's fierceness last Through all delay, his own proud blood takes fire, And, staking Ml his fortunes on the cast, He whirls his sword in many a, giddy gyre, Requiting strength with strength, and answ'ring ire with ire. 48. Judgment and skill are lost in rage; rage gives Resentment life; fresh force resentment lends; Where falls the steel, it either bores or cleaves Chainplate or mail; plumes shiver, metal bends, HIelms crack, and not a stroke in vain descends; The ground is strew'd with armor hewn asunder, Armor with blood, with ruby blood sweat blends; Each smiting sword appears a whirling wonder, Its flash the lightning's fire, its sullen clang far thunder. 49. Both gazing nations anxious hung suspended Upon a spectacle so wild and new; With fear, with hope, the issue they attended, Some good or ill perpetually in view; Not the least beck or slightest whisper flew Mid the two hosts so lately in commotion; All nerve alone, all eye, all ear, they grew Fix'd mute, and soundless as an eve-lull'd ocean, Save what the beating heart struck in its awful motion, 50. Now tired were both; and both their spirits spent, Had surely perish'd on the field of fight, Had not dim eve her len gth'ning shadows sent, And e'en of nearest things obscured the sight; 132 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VI. And now on either side in apposite Array, a rev'rend herald rose, and sought From the keen strife to sep'rate each his knight; This Aridos, Pindoro that, who brought Of late th' insulter's boast, and terms on which they fought. 51. Safe in the sacred laws of nations kept Religiously from hallowing age to age, The swords of both they dare to intercept With their pacific scepters, and the sage Pindoro spoke: " Suspend, my sons, your rage; Equal your glory, equal is your might; No longer then th' invet'rate warfare wage, Nor with rude sounds unainiable affright Rashly the holy ear of quiet-keeping Night! 52. " Lull'd in soft rest by night each creature lies; Man should but toil while shines the daily sun, And noble bosoms will but lightly prize E'en noble deeds in silent darkness done." Argantes then: " To quit the strife begun Pleases me ill, though darkness ride the air; Yet worthier far will be my conquest won Beneath the eye of day; then let him swear, Here for fresh proof of arms again to make repair." 583. To whom the high Italian: "Thou too plight Thy promise to return, and bring with thee Thy captive to the lists, or ne'er, proud knight, Look thou for other time than this from me." Thus swear they both by what may holiest be; And the choice heralds meditate what time Mav best subserve the combat; they decree (Consid'rate of their wounds) the hour of prime, When the sixth morning's breeze sheds coolness through the clime. 54. This dreadful battle left in every heart Deep horror, mighty wonder, and chill fear, Which cannot be forgot, nor soon depart, And open gloom and counterfeited cheer. The force and valor shown by either peer Alone the talk of all employ'd-how well, And stubbornly they fought; but which with clear Pre-eminence of power did most excel, Perplex'd the vulgar thought; in sooth no tongue could tell. CANTO VI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED.'133 55. All wait in deep anxiety to see What fate will crown the strife; if rage shall quail To the calm virtue of pure chivalry, Or giant strength o'er hardihood prevail: But deepest cares and doubts distract the pale And sensitive Erminia; her fond heart A thousand agonies and fears assail; Since, on the cast of war's uncertain dart, Hangs the sweet life she loves, her soul's far dearer part. 56. She, daughter to Cassano, who the crown Wore of imperial Antioch, in the hour When the flush'd Christians won the stubborn town, With other booty fell in Tancred's power: But he received her as some sacred flower, Nor harmed her shrinking leaves; midst outrage keen, Pure and inviolate was her virgin-bower; And her he caused to be attended, e'en Amidst her ruin'd realms, as an unquestion'd queen. 57. The gen'rous knight in ev'ry act and word Honor'd her, served her, sooth'd her deep distress, Gave her her freedom, to her charge restored Her gems, her gold, and bade her still possess Her ornaments of price: the sweet Princess, Seeing what kingliness of spirit shined In his engaging form and frank address, Was touch'd with love; and never did Love bind With his most charming chain a more devoted mind. 58. Thus, though in person free, her spirit ever Remain'd his willing thrall; and many a tear, Many a last look, many a vain endeavor, It cost her to depart from one so dear, And quit her blissful cage; but shame austere, And princely chastity, whose least command The high-soul'd lady ever must revere, Forced her to take her aged mother's hand, And an asylum seek in some far friendly land. 59. To tower'd Jerusalem she came, and thereWas richly entertain'd; but'twas her doom Too soon the sable vests of woe to wear, And plant the cypress round her mother's tomb; But not the grief, the sickness, and the gloom, Not all that bitter exile could inspire, 134 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VI. From her delicious cheek might brush the bloom, The rosy bloom of amorous desire, Or quench in her soft heart pure Passion's ling'ring fire. 60. She loved, she glow'd, poor girl! and yet was far From happy, for her love hoped no return; Indeed, she turn'd far oftener to the star Of Mem'ry, than of Hope; as in an urn Hiding within her breast the thoughts that burn Fiercest in secret: to foment the flame, Vain as it was, was long her sole concern; Till with the war to Salem, Tancred came, And Hope again flash'd forth like lightning through her frame. 61. Others beheld with gloom and pale dismay Such tameless numbers to the plain advance: But her dark looks at once grew bright, and gay She mark'd the banners float, the white plumes dance, And roll'd throughout the host an eager glance, The gen'rous hero of her heart to see; Oft the vain search her sadness would enhance; Yet oft she recognized him, in fond glee Shook her rich locks, and said: "'That, that indeed is he!" 62. Near to the walls, within the palace, soar'd A lofty tower antique, from whose steep height The eye at its own pleasant will explored The camp, the mountains, and the field of fight; There would she sit from the first hour that light Bathed the gray battlements, till seas and skies Grew dark with the impurpling hues of night;There would she sit, fond dreamer! with her eyes Turn'd to the Christian camp, and spend her soul in sighs. 63.'Twas thence she view'd the battle, whose least blow Made her heart tremble in its dainty cell, And send its strong pulsations to and fro, As if in solemn tone it toll'd the knell Of hope, and sounded to her soul-" Farewell To Tancred! " troubled thus, with fear profound She watch'd each fortune that her knight befell; And ever as the Pagan's sword flew round Felt in her own fond heart and brain th' inflicted wound. CANTO VI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 135 64. But when the fatal tidings reach'd her ear That the fierce conflict must afresh be tried, Her sick blood curdled in its flow; blank fear Appall'd her, and her heart within her died; Now she pour'd forth wild tears; now sorely sigh'd; And now to unseen glooms stole, seeking there The strong convulsions of ker soul to hide; Grief in her gaze, distraction in her air, She seem'd the passive slave and picture of Despair. 65. And frightful shapes and images possess'd The organs of her fancy; types and themes More drear than death, if e'er she sank to rest, Throng'd to her sleep, and shook her midnight dreams. Now to her sight her loved Crusader seems Mangled and bleeding, or assaulted rears To her his fond beseeching arms, and screams For her vain help; till, leaping with her fears, She wakes, and finds her eyes and bosom bathed with tears. 66. But dread of future ills was not the worst Of her solicitudes; rude visitings Of fancy thoughtful of his wounds unnursed, Ruffled her soul, and loosed its silver springs; Nor less each fresh report that Rumor brings In her fallacious circuit, magnifies Her pict'rings of unknown and distant things, Till she at length admits the wild surmise, That at the point of death her languid warrior lies. 67. And as her mother taught her in her youth The virtues of all herbs by saint or sage For medicine cull'd, with all the charms that soothe The thrilling wound, and calm the fever's rage,An art which from the Patriarchal Age The East's prescriptive usages accord To virgins e'en of princely parentage,With her own hand would she, of risk unaw'd, Tend, and to health restore the bruises of her lord. 68. To heal her love was her desire, to cure His foe her bitter task: she thought to seek Sometimes for pois'nous herbs that might ensure His death; but such malignant arts her meek And pious hands recoil'd from-she could speak, Not execute the scheme: but she might nurse At least the wish, her piety to pique, 136 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO vY. That some kind power the blessings would reverse Of all her balms and spells, and change them to a curse. 69. She had no fear to go midst adverse nations, Who was so much a pilgrim; she had seen The anarchy of battle, desolatioris, Adversities, and slaughters; and had been So toss'd by Fate through each tumultuous scene, That now her gentle mind a strength display'd That was not in its nature,-fix'd, serene; No more to shake with ev'ry wind that play'd Amongst the midnight woods, nor shriek at ev'ry shade. 70. But more than all, Love, headstrong Love, removed From her all sense of fear: She would have faced, Devoid of terror, for the man she loved, The snakes and lions of the Lybian waste, And deem'd her passage sure; but though in haste To please her will existence she disdain'd, She trembled lest her name should be disgraced; Two potent rivals, Love and Honor, reign'd Within her maiden breast, and dubious strife maintain'd. 71. " Beloved young Virgin," Honor whisper'd, "well Hast thou preserved my statutes to this hour! Think how I kept, by mine immortal spell, Chaste thy fair limbs when in the spoiler's power; And wilt thou, now that thou art free, the flower Of holy Chastity unwoo'd resign, So closely treasured then? beshrew thy bower? How canst thou once indulge the dread design! What thoughts, alas, what hopes, dear maid, are these of thine! 72. "Hold'st thou thy glory at a price so slight, The priceless glory of a maiden's fame, That thou must go, Love's paranympli, by night Mid adverse hosts to court unquestion'd shame?'No,' the proud victor coolly will exclaim,'Thou with thy throne thy dignity of mind Hast lost, —a prize so worthless I disclaim;'Say, canst thou brook to be by one so kind To some more vulgar feere contemptuously resign'd!" 73. Next Love, the flatt'ring sophist, with a tongue Sweet as the nightingale's, her soul beguiled: " Thou wert not, gentle maid, from rude rocks sprung, Or nursed by wild wolves in the fruitless wild, That thou shouldst scorn soft Cytherea's child, CANTO VI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 137 His admirable bow and dulcet dart, Foreswearing bliss; then blush not to be styled His votaress, young and charming as thou art,Heaven ne'er has cursed to.at form with an unyielding heart. 74. " Go then where mild Desire thy steps invites I Canst thou conceive thy victor harsh or vain, Who know'st how much thy grief his grief incites, How thy complaints e'en move him to complain?'Tis not his harshness then, but thy disdain That thou shouldst deprecate, who with so slow An inclination mov'st to ease his pain; Thy virtuous Tancred dies, stern girl, and loThou must be sitting here to aid his worthless foe! 75. " Yes, cure Argantes, that his sword may smite Thy benefactor to the dead! what then, Wouldst thou thus cancel, wouldst thou thus requite Th' unmeasured kindness of the best of men? Canst thou once doubt, that the vile Saracen Will fail on Tancred and on thee to bring Yet sharper pangs, restored to arms again? Let the mere dread and horror of the thing Suffice to speed thee hence as on the turtle's wing. 76. " It would be some humanity to stand His dutiful physician! what delight Would it not be to lay thy healing hand Upon the brave man's breast! how exquisite To watch, as at thy call, the roseate light Of health descend with freshness to displace The pallid hues which inow his beauty blight, And on the coloring roses of his face, As on thine own rich gifts, admiringly to gaze! 77. " So shouldst thou share in all the after-fame Of his romantic exploits; so should sweet And unreproved caresses crown thy flame; And prosp'rous nuptials make thy joy complete: Then into beauteous Italy, the seat Of high-born worth, thou go'st, a glorious bride; Wrhile Latin girls and mothers at thy feet Scatter young flowers, and point at thee with pride, Seated in Tancred's car. like Love by Valor's side." 73. With these light hopes, sweet simple girl, upbuoy'd, She fondly deem'd all Paradise her own; 188 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VI. Yet still a thousand doubts her mind annoy'dHow could she pass out through the gates, unknown? For trumpets at the least alarm were blown, And station'd guards paraded without pause, The court, the streets, and ramparts of the town; Nor might the gates, by Aladine's wise laws, Be night or day unbarr'd, but on some urgent cause 79. It was Erminia's wont, long hours, to hold Converse with brave Clorinda: them the sun Together view'd, as down the skies he roll'dThem, when his orient progress was begun; And when his circuit through the heavens was run, On the same couch together they reposed; And all. her thoughts and feelings, save the one Her glowing spirit loved and mused on most, Were to the Persian maid familiarly disclosed. 80. This only secret to herself alone She kept; and if she did but once complain, Or unawares let fall a sigh or groan, Straight she disguised it on pretence of pain For her remember'd home: so strict the chain Of their connection now was grown, that ne'er Did mute or maiden offer to restrain Erminia's access to her, whatsoe'er Might be th' immediate theme that claim'd their Lady s care. 81. She came one eve-Clorinda was away,Yet pensive she sat down, and inly weigh'd Each mode of art by wlhich she might essay The so-much-wished departure, unbetray'd; There while a thousand thoughts her mind, unstay'd In its designs, revolved, nor could decide Which to adopt, by the mild light that play'd On the white walls, suspended she descried Clorinda's arms and vest: she saw them and she sigh'd: 82. And sighing, thus exclaim'd: " Heroic dame, IHow envy I thy fortune! not that thou Art lovely in thy might,-not for the fame And vaunt of thy wild beauty, Dearest, no! But thee no envious cell restrains; no flow Of cumbrous garments curbs thy steps,-thy weeds Are of the beaten Silver; thou canst go CANTO VI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED, 139 By night or day where'er thy humor leads; No fear thy course controls, no bashfulness thy deeds. 83. "Ah, wherefore did not Heaven to me accord A strength like hers! then might I change the veil For the plumed helm, the quiver for the sword, And pall of purple for the shirt of mail: Then neither thunder, heat, nor hoary hail Should mew my love within these towers of stone: But or in open day, or by the pale Pure planet of the night, would I begone, Airm'd, to the Christian camp, attended or alone. 84. " Then thou, accursed Argantes, hadst not fought First with my lord: I would have sought the plain, And struck, perhaps a noble conquest wrought, And hither brought my vassal to sustain, Forged by revengeful Love, a red-rose chain Gay as the light, and playful as the air; Charm'd with that fond beguilement of my pain, I should have felt the bonds he makes me wear, Sweet for my servant's sake, and passing light to bear. 85. " Or else his hand the passage had explored To my poor heart, and piercing through my breast, His kindly-cruel and unhinder'd sword Had cured the wound his image there impress'd: Then would my weary spirit be at rest; Perchance the victor, piteous of my doom, With one kind tear my obsequies had graced; Raised the lone urn, and o'er my early tomb Bade the green cypress wave, th' unwith'ring laurel bloom. 36. "Alas, I dream wild things! what have I said? My thoughts are in a maze of follies lost; Shall I then stay, lamenting, yet afraid To act, like a weak slave or shiv'ring ghost? I will not! no! mount, spirits, to your post I My bold heart, fortify my tim'rous cheek! Can I not use these arms for once? at most, It is but a brief hardship that I seek; Can I not bear their weight, though tender, faint, and weak? B7. "I can; I will! true Love will make me strong,Love gives the weakest strength: e'en the tame deer, Prick'd by his kindly heat, to battle throng 140 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VI. In antler'd vigor, without care or fear: I have no wish indeed with helm or spear To war, like them; but only, by their rape, Like my beloved Clorinda to appear; If I of her but take the armed shape, Beneath the pleasant fraud I make my sure escape. 88. " The warders willnot dare but ope for her The portal-gates, and a free pass allow; I think again.... no other means occur; This method only can avail my vow. O,.gentle Love! in this sharp need, do thou Favor my flight, as thou inspir'st my wit; And Fortune, stand benignant! even now Prove I your power,-this is the time most fit, While yet Clorinda's cares the mask'd attempt permit!" 89. Thus, fix'd was her resolve; delay was none; By the rash fervor of her passion sway'd, From her friend's near apartment to her own, Clorinda's arms she secretly convey'd,For at her entrance each attendant maid Retired, and she remain'd alone; while Night, Blind patroness of thefts and frolics play'd By gentle lovers, fav'rer of her flight, Rose o'er the silent world, and hid the spoils from sight. 90. She, when she saw the bloom of sunset fade, And Love's pale star put forth its sparkling fire, No moment of her precious time delay'd, But sent a secret summons for her squire, And for her fav'rite maid, in whose entire Devotion to her person she reposed Implicit trust: to them her strong desire To quit th' invested city she disclosed; But feign'd that other cause the timeless step imposed. 91. Quick was the Squire, and active to provide What for the journey he conceived was meet; While young Erminia laid her vests aside, That hung for pomp below her graceful feet; And to her flower'd cymar disrobed complete. Never did virgin bride a shape display So elegantly slender; charms so sweet Surpass the power of fancy to portray: Prompt stands the fav'rite maid her Lady to array. CANTO VI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 141 92. The hard cold steel oppresses and offends Her delicate smooth neck and golden hair; Her arm, unequal to the burden, bends Beneath the huge shield she aspires to bear: Arm'd, the bright Virgin cast a dazzling glare, And fashion'd her nice step and. aspect mild To a proud stride and military air; Love near her clapp'd his little wings, and smiled, As when in female weeds Alcides he beguiled. 93. Oh, how fatiguing every moment grew Th' unequal weight! how slow her falt'ring pace! Faint to her handmaid for support she drew, And by her help moved onward a short space; But Love renews her spirits, bright hopes brace Her sinews strength'ning as her fear abates; So that at length they reach the chosen place, Where the mute Squire for their arrival waits, Vault on their steeds, and seek at once the guarded gates. 94. Disguised they went, the least-frequented ways Selecting well; yet pass'd they many a band Of soldiers under arms, and saw the blaze Of bick'ring armor flash on ev'ry hand; But none of those they met with durst withstand Their uncommission'd progress, nor presume E'en to require the signal of command; Awed they pass'd on, for through the evening gloom All knew the silver arms and dreaded tigress plume. 95. Erminia, though this homage had dispersed The strongest of her doubts, was ill at ease; Still for her bold design she fear'd the worst; And heard discov'ry sound in ev'ry breeze. But now the portals of the town she sees; Checks her alarm, and in commanding state Boldly confronts the keeper of the keys: " For Aladine! " she cries, "unbar the gate! Heave the portcullis up! the hour is waxing late." 96. Her female tone and form give added power To the masked fraud; (for who would think to see Arm'd and in saddle, at so dusk an hour, A gentle lady of her high degree?) So that the guard obeys at once, and she, With the two press'd attendants that partake Her flight, proceeds; for full security 142 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VI. Resolved to thread the vales, by bush and brake Gliding in noiseless stealth, long winding tracks they take. 97. But when Erminia saw herself at last Deep in the lonely vales, she curb'd her steed; For her first peril she accounted past,And well aware that she had now no need For apprehension, gave attentive heed To the still voice of prudence, which, she grieved, Had been in her desire's impetuous speed Pass'd by unheard: her access she perceived Would prove more hard to win than she at first be. lieved. 98. She now perceived the folly of a flight In borrow'd arms amid her angry foes; Nor, on the other hand, till to the knight She came. would-she her rank or name disclose; But, secret and reserved as the moss-rose In its infolding leaves, would first acquire Pledge of deserved reception; whence she goes More gently o'er the grass, and her desire, Lower'd to cool caution's key, thus trusts to her sure squire. 99. "My faithful servant; thee have I design'd For my precursor; but be swift and wise: Haste to the camp, and some auxiliar find To introduce thee where Prince Tancred lies; Him of my coming tranquilly apprize: Say,'That a pitying lady comes to pour Oil in his wounds, and on his grace relies For peace, whom warring Love has wounded sore; So may our'mutual gifts our mutual ease restore! 100. "' One, who on him does such full trust repose, That in his hands she fears nor wrong nor scorn: This only-to his private ear disclose, And if he wishes aught beside to learn, Tell nothing, nothing know, but straight return; I (for the spot a sense of safety brings) Will maenwhile in the valley make sojourn:" This said, her faithful herald forward springs; And scours the vale as though endued with actual wings. 101. With such a dext'rous skill his aim he wrought, He won the jealous sentries, pass'd them clear, And to the warrior on his couch was brought, CANTO VI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 143 Who heard the message with delighted ear. Left to himself, th' astonished cavalier Lay full of thought, and in his fancy weigh'd A thousand doubtful things, by hope and fear At once possess'd: the answer which he made Was, that she safe might come, and secret as the shade. 102. But she meanwhile impatient, in whose eyes Each moment seem'd an age, to care a prey, Counts to herself each sep'rate step, and cries, " Now he arrives, now speaks, now hastes away;" Next she upbraids his indolent delay; Chides his unusual want of diligence; And, weary grown of his eternal stay, Spurs till she gains the nearest eminence, Whence her dilating eye discerns the distant tents. 103. On high were the clear stars; the gentle Hours Walk'd cloudless through the galaxy of space, And the calm moon rose, lighting up the flowers With frost of living pearl: like her in grace, Th' enamor'd maid from her illumined face Reflected light where'er she chanced to rove; And made the silent Spirit of the place, The hills, the melancholy moon above, And the dumb valleys round, familiars of her love. 104. Seeing the Camp, she whisper'd: "O ye fair Italian tents! how amiable ye show I The breathing winds that such refreshment bear, Ravish my soul, for'tis from you they blow! So may relenting Heaven on me bestow,On me, by froward Fate so long distress'd,A chaste repose from weariness and woe, As in your compass only lies my quest; As'tis your arms alone can give my spirit rest. 105. " Receive me then, and in you let me find Love's gentle voice, which spoke of pity, true; And that delightful music of the mind, Which in my bless'd captivity I drew From my lord's mercy; patronized by you, I have no wish to reobtain and wear My regal crown,-adieu, vain pomps, adieu! Enough for me if Tancred grants my prayer; More bless'd in you to serve, than reign a queen elsewhere." 144 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VI. 106. Ah, little does she think, while thus she dreams, What is prepared for her by Fortune's spite! She is so placed, that the moon's placid beams In line direct upon her armor light: So far remote into the shades of night The silver splendor is convey'd, and she Surrounded is, with brilliancy so bright, That whosoe'er might chance her crest to see, Would of a truth conclude it must Clorinda be. 107. And, as Fate will'd, close couch'd in the high fern, In stations due of distance interposed, Two brave Italian brothers, Polypherne, And, paramount, Alcander, had disposed Full fifty youths, the flower of Tancred's host, To intercept the Saracens' supply Of flocks and herds from the Arabian coast; Erminia's servant but escaped their eye By his long winding track, and speed in gliding by. 108. Watchful young Polypherne, whose aged sire Before his eyes Clorinda lately slew, Saw the white arms, the feminine attire, And the charged helmet for Clorinda's knew; Rash and unguarded in his wrath, he drew His urged attendants from the covert near; And, as on fire for vengeance forth he flew, Shouted aloud, "'Tis well; death waits thee here I" And lanced, but lanced in vain, his formidable spear. 109. As when a hind, inflamed with fervid thirst, Seeking the cool refreshing fountains, sees A clear spring gushing from a crag, or burst Of some cascade o'erbower'd with leafy trees,If, while she thinks to taste the shade at ease, And quaff the waves up that so sweetly roar, The hunter's horn sounds shrilly in the breeze, Back, back she rushes, nor remembers more The faintness, thirst, and heat, that fired her limbs before, 110. So she, who thought in Tancred's pure embrace To quench the love which she began to find Inflame her heart, and, anchor'd on his grace, To woo repose to her so weary mind, Hearing the clang of weapons on the wind, And the loud menace of the hunters arm'd To thwart her pleasures, tremblingly resign'd CANTO VI JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 145 Thought of the joy that woo'd, the wish that warm'd, And spurr'd her courser back, distracted and alarm'd. 111. Away the Princess flies, her snorting steed Trampling with swift intelligential feet The echoing soil; with imitative speed Flies too her handmaid, while with steps less fleet The troop pursue; and now the squire discreet, With his untimely tidings comes in sight Of the pale maid, perceives her in retreat, And, press'd, participates her dubious flight; Wide o'er the plains they speed, diversely driven by fright. 112. But the more wise Alcander, though he too Had the same counterfeit Clorinda seen, Would not th' already challenged maid pursue, But kept still close within his leafy screen: And sent to say, that through the valleys green Nor fleecy sheep had pass'd, nor lowing steer; And that no foe had intercepted been, But strong Clorinda, who in panic fear Fled from his brother's call and close-pursuing spear. 113. And that he could not reas'nably conceive That she, the Lady Chieftain of the land, Not a mere warrioress, would choose to leave The town at such an hour, but on some grand And hardy enterprise, for mischief plann'd Against the camp; yet, ere he shifted thence,.He look'd for Godfrey's counsel or command: The scout that brought the news of these events, Passing, divulged it first amid th' Italian tents. 114. Tancred, who yet had scarce the doubts allay'd Raised by the message which the Syrian bore, Thinks, what if for my sake the courteous maid Risks her dear life! ah! what if all be o'er! He leaps from off his couch, assumes no more Than half his arms, in still and secret haste Climbs to his steed, the strange event t' explore, And, following the clear footmarks freshly traced, Glides like a shooting star across the moonbright waste. END OF CANTO VI. 10 JERUSALEM DELIVEREDo CANTO VII. ARGUMENT. A HOSPITABLE shepherd entertains Forlorn Erminia; her undaunted knight, Seeking the frighted Damsel, in the trains Of false Armida, is entrapp'd by sleight. Raymond with proud Argantes dares the fight And gains an Angel for his guard; betray'd By rage to deepest risk, in helpless plight The Pagan stands, till Belzebub, in aid, Blends the two gazing hosts in uproar, storm, and shade. I. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VII. 1. THROUGHa the brown shade of forests ivied o'er With age, meanwhile, divine Erminia fled; Her trembling hand the bridle ruled no more; And she appear'd betwixt alive and dead. The steed that bore her with th' instinctive dread Of danger, at its own wild mercy, through Such winding paths and bosky mazes sped, That it at length quite rapt her from the view; Baffling the eager hopes of those that would pursue. 2. As when, after some long and toilsome chase, The hounds return, a sad and panting train, Leaving the prey it mocks their skill to trace, Lodged in some thicket from the open plain; So, full of shame, resentment, and disdain, Their far pursuit the, weary knights resigned; Yet still the timid Virgin fled amain Through the drear woods, disconsolate of mind, Nor once look'd back to mark if yet they press'd be hind. 8. All night she fled; and all the day succeeding, Still without guidance or reflection, flies O'er dale and hill, naught list'ning to, or heeding, But her own tears, but her own mournful cries; Till now, what time the sun, descending, dyes The clouds with crimson, leaving earth in shade, Fair Jordan's lucid current she descries; There first her steed's bewilder'd step she stay'd; Her bed the chill green bank, her bower the wild woods made. 150 JERUSALEM DELIVERED, CANITO VII. 4. Repast she yet had none; her only diet The food that sorrow from remembrance brings; But Sleep at length, pain's balm, and care's sweet quiet, O'er her closed eyes displays his brooding wings; Seals with his opiate rod the many springs Of thought, and in serene oblivion steeps Her sense of grief; but forms of vision'd things Disturb her flutt'ring spirit while she sleeps,Still Fancy's pictured porch unsilenced Passion keeps. 5. She slept, till in her dreaming ear the bowers Whisper'd, the gay birds warbled of the dawn; The river roar'd; the winds to the young flowers Made love; the blithe bee wound its dulcet horn: Roused by the mirth and melodies of morn, Her languid eyes she opens, and perceives The huts of shepherds on the lonely lawn; VTWhile seeming voices,'twixt the waves and leaves, Call back her scatter'd thoughts,-again she sighs and grieves.. Her plaints were silenced by soft music, sent As from a rutal pipe, such sounds-as cheer The Syrian shepherd in his summer tent, And mix'd with past'ral accents, rude but clear. She rose; and gently, guided by her ear, Came where an old man on a rising ground In the fresh shade, his white flocks feeding near, Twig-baskets wove, and listen'd to the sound Trill'd by three blooming boys, who sate disporting round. 7. They at the shining of her silver arms Were seized at once with wonder and despair; But sweet Erminia sooth'd their vain alarms, Discov'ring her dove's eyes, and golden hair. " Follow," she said, " dear innocents, the care Of fav'ring Heaven, your fanciful employ! For the so formidable arms I bear, No cruel warfare bring, nor harsh annoy, To your engaging tasks, to your sweet songs of joy! 8. " But, Father, say, while the destructive fire Of war lays waste the country wide and far, How live you free from military ire, Beneath the charm of what benignant star?" "My son," said he, "from the rude wrongs of war CANTO VII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 151 My family and flocks in this lone nook Were ever safe; no fears my quiet mar; These groves to the hoarse trumpet never shook; Calm rolls yon stately stream, calm flows yon woodland brook. 9. " Whether it be that Heaven protects in love The chaste humility of shepherd swains, Or, as its lightnings strike the crag's tall grove, But leave untouch'd the roses of the plains,That so the wrath of foreign swords disdains To harm the meek heads of the lowly poor, Aiming alone at lofty kings,-our gains Tempt not the greedy soldier to our door; Safe stands our simple shed, despised our little store. 10. "Despised by others, but so dear to me, That gems and crowns I hold in less esteem; From pride, from avarice is my spirit free, And mad ambition's visionary dream. My thirst I quench in the pellucid stream, Nor fear lest poison the pure wave pollutes; With flocks my fields, my fields with herbage teem; My garden-plot supplies nutritious roots; And my brown orchard bends with Autumn's wealthiest fruits. 11. "Few are our wishes, few our wants; Man needs But little to preserve the vital spark: These are my sons; they keep the flock that feeds, And rise in the gray morning with the lark. Thus in my hermitage I live; now mark The goats disport amid the budding brooms; Now the slim stags bound through the forest dark; The fish glide by; the bees hum round the blooms; And the birds spread to heaven the splendor of their plumes. 12. " Time was (these gray hairs then were golden locks) When other wishes wanton'd in my veins; I scorn'd the simple charge of tending flocks, And fled disgusted from my native plains. Awhile in Memphis I abode, where reigns The mighty Caliph; he admired my port, And made me keeper of his flower-domains; And though to town I rarely made resort, Much have I seen and known of the intrigues of court. 152 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VII. 13. "Long by presumptuous hopes was I beguiled, And many, many a disappointment bore; But when with youth false hope no longer smiled, And the scene pall'd that charm'd so much before,I sigh'd for my lost peace, and brooded o'er Th' abandon'd quiet of this humble shed; Then, farewell State's proud palaces! once more To these delightful solitudes I fled; And in their peaceful shades harmonious days have led." 14. This his discourse so sweetly did subdue The secret sorrows of the list'ning maid, Each word, descending to her heart, like dew, The fev'rish passion of her soul allay'd: That, when the measure she had inly weigh'dHer present peace, and her so late dismay,She stood resolved within the silent shade Of these s~weet solitudes, at least to stay, Till for her safe return kind Heaven might smooth the way; 15. And thus replied: " 0 fortunate and wise! Who hast thyself experienced, nor forgot The ills of cruel fortune! if the skies Be nothing jealous of thy blissful lot, Pity my woes, and to this pleasant spot Deign to receive me, stung with sorrow's smart; In the safe shelter of thy welcome cot And these still shades, I may perhaps in part Lose the oppressive weight that hangs around my heart. 16. "And if what crowds fall Cown to and adore As idols, gold and jewels, thou shouldst prize, Rich e'en in ruin, I have here a store That well thine utmost wishes may suffice." Then, show'ring from her bright benignant eyes Tears like those dropp'd from heaven's resplendent bow, Part of her story she told: with sighs And tears, in concord with her own that flow, The pitying shepherd heard the narrative of woe; 17. And straight, with all a father's love and zeal, He took her to his heart, sooth'd her distress, And to his wife, whose heart alike could feel For others' sorrows, led the fair Princess. Her arms she changes for a pastoral dress, And with rude ribbon binds her dainty hair; CANTo VIi. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 1.53 Yet still, her graceful manner of address, Movement of eyes and steps the truth declare,Was never woodland girl so delicately fair! 18. Those rustic weeds hid not the princely fire And grandeur so instinctively her own; In every action through her quaint attire, The latent spirit of the Lady shone; Whether she drove her flocks to range alone The thymy down, or penn'd them in the fold; Or, to wild ditties sung in mournful tone, The dulcet cream in churns revolving roll'd, Till firm the fluid fix'd, and took the tinge of gold 19. Oft when her flocks, from summer's noontide rays, Lay in cool shades o'erarch'd by gadding vines, She carved on beeches and immortal bays Her Tancred's name, and left the mossy pines With sad inscriptions flourish'd, silent signs Of the unhappy flame her fancy fed; And when again she saw her own fond lines, As she the melancholy fragments read, Fresh tears of grief uncheck'd her lovely eyes would shed: 20. And weeping she would say: " Forever be, O ye dear trees, historians of my woe! That when two faithful lovers rest, like me, In the cool shade your verdant boughs bestow, Their hearts with gen'rous sympathy may glow: And, as this volume of my griefs they view, Say to themselves,' Al, never may we know Her pangs, poor nmaid!'tis hard a love so true Should be so ill repaid by Love and Fortune too.' 21. "Perhaps, if Heaven benignly hears the vow And prayer affectionate of girls unblest, He who cares nothing for Erminia now May wander to these woods, where buried rest Her virgin relics, early dispossess'd Of life's pure fire,-may, glancing on my grave, White with spring's violets, beat his manly breast, And to.my griefs —the first he ever gaveYield a few gracious tears, too late, alas, to save! 22. " Thus, though in life most miserable, in death Bliss to my spirit shall at least arise; And my cold ashes, quicken'd by his breath, 154 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VII. Enjoy what now my evil star denies." While thus, the tears fast streaming from her eyes, To the deaf trees she talk'd in fondest phrase, Th' unconscious object of her plaintive cries, As chance or froward fortune guides him, strays In search of her, far-off, through dark and dreary ways. -23. Following the impress of her horse's hoof, He reach'd the neighb'ring wood; there brier and fern So choked the way, and from its leafy roof The checker'd shade grew momently so stern, That he no more could'mid the trees discern The recent prints, but through the gloom profound Wander'd perplex'd; at almost every turn List'ning if, chance, from the deep glens around, Of arms or trampling steeds his ear might catch the sound. 24. And if but the night breeze in beech or oak Shook the still leaves, if but a timid bird Sped through the rustling boughs, from slumber woke, Or fiercer creature in the thicket stirr'd, To the vague murmur instantly lie spurr'd; At length he issued from the wood's blind maze, And to a noise mysterious, which lie heard Remote,-beneath the yellow moon's bright rays, Rode, till he held the cause subjected to his gaze. 25. A steep he reach'd, where from the living stone Fell in full streams a beautiful cascade; Which, curb'd into a flood, went roaring on, And the whole valley like a garden made. Here he his fruitless steps dejected stay'd; He call'd-but Echo of his eager cries Made mock'ry, vocal from the greenwood shade,None else; meanwhile he saw-with tranquil eyes, Blooming with white and red the new Aurora rise. 26. He sigh'd, he storm'd, he angrily repined, And of his disappointment Heaven accused; But deepest vengeance vow'd, if he should find That the dear maid had been at all abused. Back to the Camp at length, when he had mused What step to take, his course he fix'd to steer, Although the way was dubious and confused; For well he knew the stated time drew near, When he again should fight th' Egyptian cavalier. CANTO VII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 155 27. Through many a winding path as he advanced, He heard the sound of hoofs; nor was it long, Ere up the narrow vale in prospect, pranced One, courier-like, who shook a waving thong; Gay at his side by chains of silver hung An ivory horn, in our Italian mode Across his shoulders.negligently slung; Tancred of him inquired the nearest road To Godfrey's camp, which straight the ready stranger show'd. 28. Adding in Tuscan: "Thither am I bent, By Bohemond's command; " the knight, this heard, Deem'd him his uncle's post, and with him went, In full reliance on his guileful word. They came at length to where, alike unstirr'd By breeze or stormn, a stagnant lake embay'd A castle; huge the pile its waters gird; On the dark towers the sun one moment play'd, Then sudden sank to sea, and left the world in shade. 21a. Arrived, the courier blew his signal horn, Instant a drawbridge fell athwart the fosse; "Sir Knight," he said, "thou here canst rest till morn, If Frank thou art, or follower of the Cross; These towers Cosenza's Earl, with little loss, Three days since wrested from the Turk:" the knight Gazed on the antique structure,-gray with moss, Gloomy, yet grand it show'd, of giant height, Nobly defensed by art, impregnable in site. 80. A pile so strong, conceal'd, he was afraid, Some secret treason or malignant charm; But, to all risks accustom'd, he betray'd Neither by sound nor sign the least alarm; For well he trusted in his own right arm, Where'er by choice or Fortune led, to make Terms of complete security from harm; But, pledged already, and his fame at stake, No fresh adventure now he cared to undertake. 31. Before the Castle, where in the green lea The drawbridge ceased to span the sullen tide, He therefore paused; nor would persuaded be To follow o'er the flood his wily guide. But now an armed warrior he descried 156 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VII. On the pontoon, of fierce and scornful mien; Sublime his statue, haughty was his stride; In his right hand a naked sword was seen, And thus he spake in terms decisive, stern, and keen. 32. " 0 thou whom choice conducts, or fortune charms To tread, beguiled, Armida's fatal lands! Think not of flight; strip off those idle arms, And to her chains submit thine abject hands. Free to thy feet her guarded palace stands, The bliss to taste, the fealty to swear, Which she to others offers,'and commands; Look not to see heaven's sunshine more, whate'er May be thy youth of years, or hoariness of hair:33. "Unless thou swear her edicts to enforce, And with her other slaves to death pursue All Christ's detested sons;" at this discourse The knight regarded him, on closer view, The arms and accents recognized, and knew Rambaldo for his foe,-the Gascon base, Who with Armida from the camp withdrew, Pagan became, and here, to his disgrace, Maintain'd the evil rules and customs of the place. 34. The pious warrior blush'd with holy scorn, And answer'd: " Cursed apostate i know that I That Tancred am, who aye for Christ have borne The warrior's weapon on my martial thigh. Strong in his strength, his rebels I defy, And tanle; as thou, if thou but enterprise Thy sword with mine, shalt surely testify; For the just anger of th' insulted skies Has chosen this strong right hand thy treason to chastise. 35. Aghast at mention of his glorious name Stood the false knight, but cloak'd his fear, and said: "Ill-starr'd the hour when to these shores you came, In Eblis' halls to join the silent dead! Here shall thy crest be shorn, thy spirits shed; To the last drop thy heart's blood will I spill, And to your Captain send that haughty head, In gift of grace, if but my prowess still Be, what it ever was, consistent with my will." 36. While thus the Pagan spoke, the shades of night Shut up their view; when swift, around, on high. CANTO VII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 157 Cressets, and lamps, and urns of golden light Fill'd the dusk element with brilliancy: Gay shone the Castle to th' enchanted eye, As in a theater the shifted scene, When gorgeous Tragedy sweeps scepter'd by; And in her lofty latticed bower, the Queen Unmark'd spectatress sate, and smiled behind her screen. 37. Meanwhile the Christian Chief begins to fit His arms and courage to the coming fight, Nor on his feeble courser will he sit, His foe on foot, but gen'rously alight. The foe comes cover'd with his buckler; bright The helmet glitters on his head, and bare Shines his raised cimeter in act to smite;'Gainst him the Prince too flies, his worst to dare, Like thunder sounds his voice, his eyes like lightnings glare. 38. That, in wide circles wheels averse, in strict Defence of art, feigns, motions, falsifies; This though late wounds and faintness sore afflict With bold impatience the near conflict plies; - And when his foe draws back, in quick surprise Springs with the utmost speed he can command, To intercept, or smite himl as he flies; While ever and anon his active hand To the unguarded face directs its flashing brand( 39. With yet more eagerness the Prince assails The vital parts, and every stroke he deals Quits with high threats; the Gascon's courage fails, His ears ring inward, and his blood congeals; Now here, now there in panic fear he wheels, Lithe and alert as an assaulted snake; With live eye circumspect his blows he steals; And now with sword, now shield, essays to make The knight's impetuous steel a slant direction take. 40. But he to ward off harm is not so swift As that fierce foe is active to assail; Batter'd his helm, his shield's already cleft, And bored and bloody is his plated mail. Of Tancred's meditated blows, none fail Of their effect, not one descends in vain;Each keenly wounds; the renegade turns pale, And his heart writhes at oice beneath the pain Of anger, pride, remorse, love, conscience, and disdain. 158 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VIr. 41. On one last effort of despairing pride Resolved at length his dying hopes to set, He casts the fragment of his shield aside, Grasps with both hands his sword, uncrimson'd yet. And, closing nimbly with his foe, to get The full command and vantage of the ground, Quits with so sharp a stroke his heavy debt, That through both plate and mail the flesh it found And in the warrior's side impress'd a grisly wound. 42. Next on his spacious brows he struck,-the steel Like an alarm-bell rang; a stroke so dire And unexpected made the warrior reel Some paces back, yet left the helm entire. Red grew the prince's cheeks for very ire; In agony of shame his teeth he gnash'd; His eyes were like two coals of living fire, And ev'ry glance that through his visor flash'd, Blasted the Gascon's pride, both blasted and abash'd. 43. He heard the hissing of th' Avenger's steel, Brandish'd aloft; its shining he descried; Already in his breast he seem'd to feel Th' accelerated sword his heart divide, And tremblingly recoil'd; the blow fell wide On an antique pilaster that emboss'd The marble bridge,-sparks flash'd on ev'ry side: Fragments sprang forth and in the skies were lost; Wlyle to the traitor's heart fear shot its arrowy frost. 44. Back to the bridge he rush'd, in speed reposing His hopes of life,-behind, th' Avenger hung On his fleet steps, now near, now nearer closing, One hand already to his shoulder clung; When lo! from trembling air the lights are wrung; The cressets disappear; the tapers die;Gone was each star that in blue ether hung; The yellow moon drew in her horns on high; And all grew hideous shade beneath the vacant sky. 45. Through the thick glooms of witchcraft and of night Naught could the Prince distinguish to pursue; Still he press'd on, though ignorant if aright, His steps confused and dubious as'his view: Bewilder'd thus, he to the portals drew, By evil chance the threshold he pass'd o'er, And of his fatal entrance nothing knew, Till hoarse behind, with repercussive roar, The sullen hinge flew back, and lock'd the closing door. CANTO VII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 159 46. As from our seas to the Comacchian bay, Urged by the fury of the driving tide, The vex'd fish joys to cleave its wanton way Where calm and smooth the silent waters glide, And locks itself unconsciously inside The marshy jail; nor finds, till it would dart Back to the ocean, all escape denied; For the strange estuary, with curious art, To all free access yields, but lets not one depart. 47. So Tancred there (such artful springs involved The wizard work of that mysterious den) Enter'd with ease, but found, on flight resolved, No human foot might pass its walls again. He shook the massy gate with might and main; The lock essay'd; the brazen hinges tried; But found the effort void, the project vain * " In vain," a loud voice in the distance cried, " Seek'st thou to flee from hence, lorn thrall of queen Armide! 48. "Here thou, thus livingly entomb'd, shalt waste (Fear not for death) thy days and years alone;" The hardy knight replied not, but compress'd Within his heart affliction's rising groan. Love inlyv he accused, —love, fate, his own Small wit, and his false guide's deceptions fell; "'Tis not," he murmur'd in desponding tone, "'Tis not to bid the cheerful sun farewell Can make my heart with grief or proud resentment swell. 49." That were small suff'ring; but I lose, alas, Of a diviner sun the lovelier grace I Ignorant if e'er these gates I shall repass, Or e'er again the blissful sight embrace Of my love's stately form and radiant face;" Therewith the image of Argantes came, And deepen'd his distress; " 0 dire disgrace!" He cried; "' with too just cause will he defame My truth; alas th' affront! the fix'd eternal shame!' 50. While love, while honor thus his spirit stings, Nor peace, nor rest the fierce Argantes knows On his soft pillow; from the couch he springs, And such his scorn of indolent repose, Such lust for glory in his bosom glows, That though his former wounds are yet unsealed, 160 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VII. And twinge him still with intermittent throes, He burns to see the sixth day-dawn revealed, And hear the trumpet sing his summons to the field. 51. Scarce could the Paynim rest the previous night, Scarce close an eyelid; restless with desire, He rose while heaven was starry, long ere light Had touch'd the mountain-peaks with ruddy fire; And " Bring my arms! " he shouted to his squire,His ready arms the active servant brought; Not those he wont to wear, but bright attire Of plate, which Aladine had late besought The man t' accept, with skill and wondrous labor wrought. 52. He takes them, little curious of their pride, Not ill his limbs the weighty burden bear; And last, his wonted saber to his side He girds, of purest steel, antique and rare. As with its bloody locks let loose in air, Horribly bright, the Comet shows whose shine', Plagues the parch'd world, whose looks the nations scare, Before whose face states change, and powers decline, To purple Tyrants all an inauspicious sign,53. So in his arms he sparkled, and askance His eyes, with blood and rage inebriate, roll'd A mortal menace shone in ev'ry glance, Nor of his vassals was there one so bold, As trembled not sincerely, to behold fHis face of horror, and the scorn display'd In fierce gesticulations; in his hold Hie strain'd, he raised, he shook his naked blade Wounding the empty air and unessential shade. 54. "Right soon," he cried, "shall the vain-glorious wretch That in close fight with me presumed to stand, Faint at my feet his bleeding carcass stretch, And soil his flowing tresses in the sand. Yet shall he live to see my conqu'ring hand Despite his baffled God, triumphant tear His arms away, shall with entreaties bland Beg me, but vainly beg, his limbs to spare, Vow'd to the growling dogs, and griffins of the air!" CATO VII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 161 55. E'en as a bull, that, stung with hot desire, Horribly roars, and with his roaring shakes The nodding groves, thus cherishing his ire, Till anger burns, and all the brute awakes: He whets his horns against the oaks, and makes As he to battle would the winds invite, With empty strokes; then from the thicket breaks, And spurns the yellow sands with hoofs that cite The rival of his love, far-off, to mortal fight. 56. With such blind fury moved, Argantes sent To call the herald, and abruptly cried: " Go to the Camp, and bid, in Godfrey's tent, The Christian champion fiercely be defied'!" For none he waits, but with impatient pride Vaults to his saddle, and commands to lead The conquer'd Otho fetter'd at his side; Then, issuing from the town, his snorting steed Spurs down the vales in rash and unrelaxing speed. 57. He blew his hollow horn,-the startling sound Roll'd o'er the hills in echoes far away, And like the thunder the dark storm flings round, Fill'd both the ear and spirit with dismay. Soon within Godfrey's tent in fair array The Christian knights were met; his haughty claim The herald made,-with all his challenge lay, But Tancred he distinguish'd first by name, Then on insulting heel turn'd back to whence he came. ~8. In deep suspense, with slow and serious glance, Godfrey contemplated each chief and knight; Long grew his gaze, yet would not one advance To undertake the formidable fight. His bravest Chiefs were wanting to his sight,Tidings were none of Tancred, since the hour Of his alarm and surreptitious flight, Bohemond far, and self-exiled the flower Of all his force, the knight who quell'd G(ernando's power. 59. While yet, beside the chance-elected ten, His most experienced, most renown'd in wars Following had join'd Armida's subject train, Beneath the favor of the midnight stars; The rest, coy fav'rites of a feebler Mars, Though blushing for the fault, stood mute and tame; None cared at such a risk to purchase scars, TASSO-6 162 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VI; Though with sure promise of a glorious fame, So much their sense of fear o'erpower'd their sense of shame. 30. In their long silence, in their looks, too plain In ev'ry sign he traced the thoughts that scare Their timid souls; and with sublime disdain Upstarting sudden from his ducal chair, Said: "Most unworthy should I be to bear Life, O my Peers, if, raised to this high post, That life to hazard I should now forbear, Leaving it in a Pagan's power to boast He under-foot had trod the honor of our host. 61. " Sit still, my knights, and safe from all alarms View at your perfect ease the risk I run; Bring me my arms, Sigero, bring my arms!" Decisively he spoke, and it was done. But Raymond, who from ripe old age had won Like ripe discretion and consistent thought, Whose strength, still verdant, was surpass'd by none In that assembly, better counsels brought, Stood forth, turn'd to his Chief, and turning, thus besought: 62. " Ah no, my Prince I stake not the lives of all Upon the hazard of thine own! look round; No simple soldier art thou; shouldst thou fall, The grief were public, public were the wound: On thee our Faith and empire rest, renown'd By thy wise rule; on thee it is we build Our hopes to raze this Babel to the ground: To others leave the use of sword and shield Fight thou by mind alone, alone the scepter wield. 63. " I, though bow'd down by age, will not refuse The fight,-let others shrink when Battle rears His frightful voice,-gray hairs shall not excuse My spirit, joyful in the strife of spears - O that I were but in my youth of years, Like you, my gallants, who with downcast eyes Stand spell-bound thus, enslaved by empty fears, Whom wrath nor shame can influence to chastise The man who to your teeth all Christendom defies! 64. " Such as I was, when, gazed by all the peers Of Germany; at Conrad's court I drew My maiden sword on Leopold the fierce, CANTO VII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 163 Reach'd his mail'd bosom, and at odds o'erthrew! To spoil a warrior brave as him I slew, Was sure a deed that claims superior praise Than here, unarm'd, unaided, to subdue, Put to foul flight, and singly hold in chase, Whole herds of foes like these, superlatively base. 65. " If still that vigor braced my limbs austere, I had by this time quell'd that haughty foe; Old as I am, I am too young to fear, Nor is my blood all frozen in its flow; And, if it be my fate to be laid low, While my soul burns in brightness to the last, Homne with content my Victor shall not go! Arm them A will; this brilliant day shall cast Light over all my track, and shame the luster past." 66. Thus spoke the sage: his words like spurs awake Their slurnb'ring worth, that they who late were dumb And timid, now brave show of courage make, And loudly clamor for the fight to come: Not only terror does not now benumb Their hearts to shun the quarrel, but the prize Is sought by all, contended for by some; Baldwin demands it, Guelph, the two bold Guys, And with Rogero Stephen, with Stephen Gernier vies: 67. And Pyrrhus, whose praised stratagem betray'd'io Bohemond proud Antioch, forward press'd; The battle too, for battle well array'd, Rosmond, Fitz-raphe, and Everard request,All from the sister-lkingdoms of.the West, Albion, Ierne, and blue Scotia-lands Barr'd froml our world by seas that never rest; With Edward last, divine Gildippe stands, And each with equal warmth the challenged fight demands. 68. But in the good old Count Tolouse is shown The liveliest ardor and most keen desire; Arm'd cap-a-pie he stands, or wants alone His lucid helm to make the suit entire: To whom the Chief; " 0 venerable Sire 1 Mirror of ancient zeal, in whom we see, And seeing learn the virtues we admire; Art, honor, discipline, and worth in thee, Shining with knightly grace, harmoniously agree." 164 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VII. 69. "If but ten more, thine equals in desert, Of vig'rous years, were in my aid combined, This haughty Babel soon would I subvert, And spread the Cross from Thule e'en to Ind: But be this needless enterprise resign'd To younger champions; for a nobler fight Reserve thy vig'rous arm and ardent mind; And leave these candidates their names to write, And in a helmet cast,-let chance select the right;70. " Or rather, Providence on high, whose will Fortune and Chance, his ministers, unfold;" But Raymond in his claim persisted still,. And with -he other knig'hts his name enroild. In his, n'n helmet rimm'd with ining gold, Godfrey received, and carelessly anew Mingled the s ken papers; when, behold, The first chance scrill which thence at ease he drew The name of Count Toulouse exhibited to view! — 71. Loud acclamations follow; none presume To')lame he lot; an, Raymond's visage clears, His hear trunk seems rebursting into bloom, Rcenew'd no less in vig^ — than in years: i'xl: the blit'ie snake when renovated rears -igh the gayr c::est, and proudly in the sun Blazons it-: olden coil.,: the rival Peers, But GO-dfrey most, extoll'd him as he shone, Promised him sure success, and cheer'd with praises on. 72. Then from his side his poignant sword he took, And giving it to Raymond, said: " This blade Is that which once the mighty rebel Duke, Rodolph of Saxony, in battle sway'd; From him by force I took it, and repaid At the same moment, by a death condign, A life by thousand crimes notorious made: In my caress,'tis Victory's surest sign; Take it, and may it prove as fortunate in thine I" 73. Meanwhile, impatient of their long delay, In fierce derision the Circassian cries: " Io, men unmatch'd! ho, Europe's brave array Of chiefs!'tis but one man your host-defies: Since on his prowess he so much relies, Send now your late stern Tancred to the fight; Or on soft down does he prefer with wise CANTO VII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 165 Consistency to wait, until the night, Which saved him once before, again shall blind my sight? 74. " Send others, if he fears me; band on band, Horsemen, foot, all, come all, it recks not me, Since none dares singly meet me hand to hand, Of all your.Barons, thousands though there be. On to the tott'ring Town! look up, and see The Sepulcher where lies the Son adored Of sweet saint Mary i lo, the path is free! Why pay ye not your vows, thereto restored? For what more sapient use reserve you now the sword?" 75. With such like taunts the savage Pagan lash'd The minds of all; but most his words inflame The Count Toulouse,-his eyes defiance flash'd, And ill could he endure th' imputed shame: His courage, stigmatized, more fierce became, Ground on tile whetstone of his wrath; that, freed From all prevention, a delay so tame He breaks, and leaps to Aquiline his steed, Named from the Northern Wind, and like that wind in speed. 76. Upon the banks of Tagus was he bred, AWhere oft the mothers of those martial steeds, CWhen with her warmth inspiring Spring has fed The eager heat which genial instinct breeds, Mad o'er the mountains, o'er the spacious meads, Run open-mouth'd against the winds of May, And greedily receive their fruitful seeds; Whence growing quick, they (singular to say) Give, when ripe time rolls round, their issue to the day. 77. And, to see Aquiline, you would say None but the sprightly Wind could be his sire, So instantly his feet cut short the way; Swift to rush forward, nimble to retire, And wheel to right and left in narrowest gyre, Yet leave no print upon the sands he trode,Playful, yet proud; though gentle, full of fire; Such the Count's steed: he, as to war he rode, Thus with uplifted eyes preferr'd his prayers to God. 78. "O Thou, that to Goliath's brow didst guide, By Terebinth's sad vale and sanguine spring, Urtutor'd arms, so that the Scorner died 166 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VII. By the first pebble from a stripling sling!. Like aid, O Lord! to-day vouchsafe to bring; That, struck by me, this ruffian with like shame May vanquish'd fall to earth; with vigor string My feeble Age his arrogance to tamne, As feeble Youth of yore th' uncircumcised o'ercame!' 79. Thus pray'd the noble veteran; and his prayer, Wing'd by firm faith and piety sincere, Soar'd, naturally as fire ascends in air, Swifter than thought to the celestial sphere: Th' Eternal Father bent a gracious ear To the request, and from th' angelic band That round in glorious sanhedrim appear, Appointed one in his defence to stand, And thus restore him safe from foil'd Argantes' hand. 80. The destined Angel to whose charge was given The guardianship of Raymond, from his prime, When new and naked to the light of heaven He first began to run the race of time,Soon as the king of the celestial clime This welcome duty had afresh imposed, Flew to a crystal rock that soars sublime Above all height, where of Heaven's total host The fine refulgent arms from battle are disposed. 81. Here does the lance that pierced th' old Serpent lie, With the pernicious shafts that smite the earth,Those shafts, invisible to mortal eye, That give the horrid plague and fever birth; And here, suspended with the darts of dearth, Are hung the writhen bolts, midst pennons furl'd, Which turn to deepest dread all human mirth, When, through the steadfast empyrean hurl'd, Cities are ground to dust, andEarthquake rocks the world 82. Here too with chariots, harnessries, and -helms, A dazzling shield of brightest diamond blazed, Whose sphere might cover half the lands and realms That lie'twixt Atlas and the Scythian waste: Herewith are holy kings and cities chaste In ev'ry age defensed and fortified; This on his arm the plumed Seraph braced, Shot down to earth in secret, undescried, And took his station'd watch by good Count Raymond's side. CANTO VII JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 167 83. And now the turban'd Moslem, young and old, Swarm to the walls; and, such the tyrant's will, Clorinda with her band moved on to hold, Firmly conjoin'd, the midway of the hill. In order ranged of military skill, Arm'd, on the other hand, a Christian force Like space at ceremonial distance fill; And to the champions leave a spacious course, Betwixt both gazing hosts, for ev'ry chance resource. 84. Argantes look'd-no Tancred could he see, But the strange figure of an unknown knight, Who now came up, and "Thank thy stars," said he, " Absent's the chief for whom thou strain'st thy sight; Yet vapor not, while I the loss requite; For here I stand, prepared to prove again The utmost rage and malice of thy might; As Tancred's substitute I seek the plain, Or on mine own account th' engagement good maintain." 85. At this the Pagan proudly smiled, and said: "What then does Tancred? where does he abide?'Of late he braved all heaven, and now is fled; In dancing heels alone can he confide! In the deep main; no place shall bar. from me The flying wretch!" " Thou liest," the knight replied, " To say that he, th' unmatch'd in fight, that he Flies from thy arms: his worth outvalues ten like thee!" 86. Wrathful, the piqued Circassian cut him short: " Take then his pla6e, the favor I accord; We shall see shortly how thou wilt support The rash bravade of that injurious word." Thus to the tilt they moved; their chargers spurr'd And their long lances to the helm address'd; Raymond, whose practiced arm but rarely err'd, Struck where he aim'd, the visor he impress'd, But shook his rival not, scarce bow'd his haughty crest 87. But fierce Argantes less successful fared, The lance struck not which rarely fail'd to wound, Driv'n far aslant by the Celestial guard, Whose shield the good old Earl encompass'd round. Grimly the disappointed Pagan frown'd, And bit his lips, and forth wild curses threw; His faithless spear he sfiapp'd against the ground, And with drawn sword upon his rival flew, Burning with tenfold rage to try the course anew. 168 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VII. 88. His coal-black steed he urged with all his might, As butting rams their horned foreheads bow; But Raymond shunn'd th' encounter, to the right Wheel'd, and in passing, struck his scowling brow: Back rush'd the Egyptian Cavalier, and now Back wheel'd the Earl with swiftness uncontroll'd, And on his helmet dealt a nobler blow; But still in vain; the helmet's massy mold Had all the temper'd strength of adamant or gold. 89. The Pagan, weary of such futile play, To gripe his foe next tries each strong resource; But he, lest the colossal bulk should weigh To earth both steed and rider, shuns his force; Now strikes; now yields; and in his circling course, As though endued with viewless wings, maintains The rotatory war; his matchless horse Obeys each mandate of the flutt'ring reins: Nor one false footstep e'er its nimbleness restrains. 90. And as the Chief who some strong tower essays Amid cloud-kissing hills or marshy vales, Seeks access by a thousand wiles and ways, So the Earl scans the giant he assails; And, as no power of his can cleave the scales That shield his breast, nor all his thousand arts Shiver the glist'ning burganet that veils His brows, he long explores the quilted parts, And there'twixt joint and joint his active falchion darts. 91. Those arms, in many points already bored, Are red with streaming blood, while his remain Untouch'd, nor from his helmet has the sword Struck one gay plume, or cut one sparkling chain; In vain Argantes rages, strikes in vain, Yet stubbornly toils on, with careless skill; He fails not, faints not, flags not in his pain, But doubles ev'ry pass, —from erring skill Deriving fiercer strength, a more impetuous will. 92. After a thousand blows, the Saracine At last struck one when Raymond was so nigh, That'twas believed his nimble Aquiline Could scarcely from its sweeping fury fly; But not the watchful Seraph of the sky, In the pure sunshine at his side conceal'd, Fail'd hini at need; his arm he stretch'd on high, And on his heavenly adamantine shield Took the pernicious sword, and all its rage repeal'd. CANTO VII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 169 93. The saber broke; for, not with all the charms Of art, can metals forged by earthly hand, The unalloy'd imperishable arms Temper'd by heaven's own alchemy, withstand: In million sparks, minuter than the sand, Its fragments fell,-the Emir saw them shineNaught but the golden hilt was in his hand; Yet doubted he the fact, nor could divine What arms his rival bore, so magically fine. 94. Amazed he stood, and thought the brittle blade Shiver'd on Raymond's shield,-so deem'd the knight Who nothing knew of the celestial aid, Sent to protect him from the Pagan's might: And when he saw th' informidable plight Of the disarm'd Circassian, he remain'd In doubt if longer he should press the fight; A vile inglorious laurel he disdain'd, Nor-could the vict'ry prize by pure advantage gain'd. 95. " Go, seek," he would have said, "another brand," But a new thought within his breast aroseThe public cause was trusted to his hand, And should he fall, he would dishonor those For whom he fought; thus neither could he close In shameful fight to win inglorious bays, Nor Godfrey's honor to vain risks expose; While thus he stood debating on the case, Argantes hurl'd the hilt and pommel in his face,96. And forward spurr'd, by grappling to o'erwhelm His gaunt antagonist; the darted blow Struck fiercely on his bright Tolosan helm, And bent the batter'd visor to this brow. But he, undiscomposed, wheel'd round, and so Shunning th' encounter, gash'd the hand he saw Stretch'd out in muscular disdain, as though To grasp its prey, unsparing as the paw Of the voracious wolf, or vulture's horny claw. 97. Now there, now here, the circled sands he spurnwd; Then back again wheel'd round, now here, now there; Nor when he spurr'd abroad, nor when return'd, Did his eye pity, or his falchion spare. Whate'er he can of strength; of art whate'er; Whate'er of old disdain or present ire The knight can muster, he now brings to bear Against the foe: and with his strong desire To end the conflict, Heaven and Fortune both conspire. 170 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VIr. 98. Fenced in fine arms and in himself, the foe Yet braves his mighty strokes, from all fears free; Like a vast ship with shatter'd sails, whose prow At random drives upon a stormy sea; Which, though she bears all Neptune on her lee, Ribb'd round with heart of oak, firm, stubborn, stout, Starts not a plank, but in proud majesty Endures the rushing waves, with not a doubt That her well-timber'd frame will ride the tempest out. 99. Such was thy risk, Argantes! when to aid Thy cause, the Prince of Air himself address'd; Straight of a painted cloud the empty shade He to the figure of a man compress'd; And on the visionary shape impress'd Clorinda's likeness,-the same lively grace, Rich shining armor, and embroider'd vest'; Gave it organic breath; and in the place Of mind, her well-known voice, demeanor, port and pace. 10l. To Oradine, a man of matchless skill In archery, the beauteous Image came, And whisper'd: " Prince of shooters! who at will Canst strike all marks at which thou takest aim,Judge what would be our loss, and what our shame, Should Syria's brave protector thus expire, And, supercilious in the victor's claim, By law of arms yon Christian should acquire His ornamental spoils, and safe to Camp retire! 101. " Now prove thy cunning; give thine arrows wing; And quick and sure let the Frank villain bleed; Beside th' eternal glory of the thing, Expect rewards proportion'd to the deed." Charm'd with the promise of the future meed, Th' unhesitating Traitor smiled assent; Then from his weighty quiver snatch'd a reed, Its notch adapted to the bowstring, bent With ease the tough yew bow, and prophesied th' event. 102. Twangs the tense cord, and with a whistling sound The feather'd arrow flies its mark to win; Aim'd where the decorated belt clasps round The hero's waist, it strikes, and enters in: Cleaves the rich buckles; cleaves the armor thin, And dyes its point with blood; there, short of fate, It stays, just piercing through the tender skin; CANTO VII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 171 For the prompt Angel did its force abate, Nor let the eager steel too deeply pierce the plate. 103. The blood spun largely from the wounded vein, Soon as the Count essay'd the shaft to draw;'And, fill'd with gen'rous anger and disdain, He chid the Pagan for the breach of law: Godfrey, who could not his charm'd eyes withdraw A single instant from his much-loved knight, Moved with the liveliest indignation, saw The flying shaft, and knowing not how slight Th' inflicted puncture was, grew pale with sore affright. 104. With hand and tongue at once alarumn sounding, He urged his knights to see the wrongs redress'd; Then were seen visors closing, war-barbs bounding, Tight bridles slacked, and lances laid in rest. So instantly both hosts to battle press'd, Their course was finish'd as it seem'd begun; Sands, stamped to dust, the vanish'd space confess'd, WVhich, whirl'd in breezy billows, dense and dun, Soar'd to the steep of heaven, and veil'd the shining sun. 105. Of helms, and clashing shields, and lances brast In the first shock, loud rumor roars around; Here rolls a steed, and there, his rider cast, One gallops, madd'ning at the trumpet's sound. Here lies a warrior lifeless on the ground; And here another, compass'd by his foes, Groans in the anguish of his mortal wound; Dire is the fight, and still, the more they close, And mix, more bloody, sharp, and obstinate it grows. 106. Light leap'd Argantes in the midmost throng, And from a soldier wrung his iron mace; Bursting the dense crowd as he rode along, He whirl'd it round, and soon made ample space: Raymond alone he looks for; holds in chase; With Raymond only struggles to engage; Pressing against him with a giant's pace, He like a wolf seem'd burning to assuage, With his quaff'd blood, the thirst and hunger of his rage. 107. But many a harsh impediment he met; Still fierce encounters his rash course controll'd; Him the two Gerards, with Ormane beset, Guido and Barneville, the brave and bold: E~~~~~~~~~ 173 ~~saJERUSALEM' DELIVERED. CANTO VII. Yet not e'en these hiS progress can withhold; Foaming he toils, he struggles to the last; As cavern'd streams, or fires in prison roll'd, WTage fiercer war when loose outbursts the blast, So raged his power opposed, so forth in splendor pass'd. 108. He slew Ormano, wounded Guido, fell'd Barneville, stunn'd and stretch'd amidst the slain; But fast the gath'ring crowd against him swell'd, And circling lock'd him in a tenfold chain Of men and arms that pinion and restrain His giant powers;-while by his single hand The scales of war an equal poise maintain, To Baldwin, Godfrey issues his command: "Now to the conflict move thy gallant Frison band; 109. " And on the left, where most the battle raves, Charge them in flank!" he heard, and he obeyed: Swift'as the roll of ocean's mountain waves Before the wind, was the encounter mnade: An energy so mountainous o'erweighed The Asian troops, too languid to sustain The Frank's fresh shock,-in ruin retrograde They bend-their lines are.broke —and on the plain Roll horsemen, horses, flags, and pennons snapp'd in twain. 110. From the same charge the right wing turned and fled; None, save Argantes, made defense or stay; With gory rowels and loose reins they sped In haste, urged headlong by supreme dismay; Alone the bold Argantes stood at bay; He faced the driven storm; the rushing bands; Nor made less havoc on that signal day, Than if Earth's Titan with his hundred hands, Had brandish'd fifty shields, and fifty flashing brands. 111. The thrust of swords, the shock of lances thrown, The clang of maces and career of steeds He braves, to all sufficient, though alone, And dares on ev'ry side stupendous deeds. His limbs all bruised, his marr'd arms cleft,he bleeds, And sweat rolls down with blood, yet, fenced with phlegm, He heeds it not; but crowd to crowd succeeds; Press'd, overborne, he fails the tide to stem Onward abrupt the, drive, and he perforce with them. CANTO VII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 173 112. To the wild fury of the tide lie bends, That like a cataract hurries him along; Not like a man that flies, his heart commends Fresh acts of slaughter to a hand still strong: His eyes yet keep the terrors that belong To their grim balls; he still in high disdain Hurls forth defiance, and his flying throng Seeks by all modes in battle to retain,But no! his earnest toils their stupor renders vain. 113. His noble spirit neither can restrain, Nor regulate their flight; for hasty fear Casts off all conduct, foams against the rein, And like the adder closes its deaf ear To prayers though mild, and threats howe'er severe; But the wise Chief, to whose reflective eye Fortune and beck'ning Victory appear To crown his hopes, sends forth fresh troops to ply The glad pursuit, and cast the day's decisive die. 114. And, but the special day prefix'd by God, Was not yet given to run its golden round, The Christians then in Salem's courts had trod, And a blest period to their labors found: But Hell's black Angels, from the Deep unbound, Who saw how fast their tyranny declined In the tremendous conflict, swarm around (Of heaven permitted) in an instant bind The air in billowy clouds, and raise th' ungoveru'd wind. 115. From mortal eyes dark vapors snatch the sun; Fires flash; the kindred elements rebel; All heaven burns black, and, smold'ring, shows more dun E'en than the horrible obscure of hell Mid showers of hail the long, loud thunders yell; Fields float; the leas are drown'd; not boughs alone Crash in the rushing blast's sonorous swell, But oaks, rocks, hills to their foundation-stone, Quake to the roaring storm, or in the whirlwind groan. 116. At once the hail, the lightning, and the wind Full in the Christians' eyes with fury play'd; Forced, they recede! blank sadness fills each mind, And sudden terrors their stout hearts invade. Few, few (as little through the hideous shade Could be discern'd) around their flags abide; Which when Clorinda distantly survey'd, 174 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VII. She seized the sign, and with inspiring pride Shaking aloft her sword, thus to her soldiers cried: 117. "Lo, friends, Heaven fights for us! the hours are number'd, And Fate and Justice to our aid arise; Our faces are untouch'd, our hands uncumber'd, The storm beats only in the Christians' eyes; On them alone the irritated skies Pour doubt and death, pour ruin and dismay; And Heaven strikes down their lances, and denies To their bewilder'd view the light of day; On! where God's finger points,'tis Vict'ry leads the way!" 118. Thus cheer'd the Amazon her drooping ranks, And, bearing on her back the horrid rain Of hell, in furious charge assail'd the Franks, And scorn'd the idle thrusts they gave again. Then too Argantes turn'd his bridle rein, And dreadful slaughter of the victors made; Who the fierce brunt ill able to sustain, Yielded the point, and but their backs display'd To bide the infuriate storm, and sharp vindictive blade. 119. The rage immortal and the mortal sword Upon their shoulders smote them as they fled, WVhose blood, in union with the rain that pour'd, Fell in fast showers, and dyed th' arena red. Here midst the heap of dying and of dead, Pyrrhus and good Ridolpho slumber'd calm; Death on their eyes his purple finger laid: This sigh'd out life beneath Argantes' Arm,Of that, Clorinda boasts th' imperishable palm. 120. Thus fled the Franks; nor meanwhile ceased all hell, Nor ceased the Syvrians still to give them chase; Sole against arms, threats, hailstones, the dire swell Of whirlwind, thunder, and the arrowy blaze Of momentary lightnings, his bold face Godfrey advanced; and with supreme disdain Chiding his Barons for a flight so base, Spurr'd forth, the Camp-Gate sternly to maintain, And in the trenches saved his scared and scatter'd train. 121. And twice, despite the hurricane that roar'd, Against Argantes furiously he flew; Twice beat him back; as oft, his naked sword CANTO VII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 175 Pierced the thick phalanx, bathed inlightnings blue. At last within the ramparts he withdrew In the lorn rear of his disorder'd ranks, And conquest yielded to th' infernal crew; The foe returns, and the dishearten'd Franks Rest, like a flood retired within its reed-crown'd banks. 122. Nor can they wholly yet the furies shun Of the black storm, which lightens, rains, and hails; Quench'd are their lights and torches one by one, And the flood deepens, and the wind prevails; Breaks the strong cordage; splits the beams and rails, Plucks up whole tents, which far, far off are whirl'd; The rains beat time to the loud-roaring gales; And in the tune from Heaven's dread organ hurl'd, q[ell's bellowing thunders join, and stun th' aftrighted ENP OF CANTO VIL r~~~2t~~i~~r~zr~~ ~ I~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~fi_ -c..t........ I t~~~~~p~~B~~l JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VIII. ARGUMENT. A XNIGHT, to Godfrey sent, relates with tears The valiant deeds and downfall of the Dane: Th' Italians, trusting to vague signs and fears Of treach'ry, deem their loved Rinaldo slain. Her torch Alecto whirls, and with disdain And lust of vengence sets their souls ablaze; They menhce Godfrey with their threats insane; But he, unawed, to Heaven for succor prays, And with his voice alone th' infuriate storm allays, JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VIII. 1. THE roar of the loud tempest now was ceased; Whist were the winds; the bellowing thunders mute; And the calm morn, in the cerulean east, With cheek of rose and golden-sandal'd foot, Left her divine pavilion to salute With smiles the world: but they whose wrath awoke The storm, yet ceased not their malign dispute And damned charms; first Aslitaroth silence broke, And to Alecto thus, her snaky sister, spoke: i 2. " Alecto! mark, where, posting o'er the sands Fleet as an angry ghost, careers yon knight, Who living has escaped the Soldan's hands, Nor is it in our power to stay his flight! Grave deeds he very soon will bring to light; Deeds sore upon the Frank,-his comrades' fall, Thousands left stark upon the field of fight With their hot Chief,-from which, I doubt not, all The Christian host will urge Rinaldo's quick recall. 3. " How fatal this were, judge; we mustoppose Our force and craft to the consulting Peers; Arouse thee, then; descend amidst our foes, And what this herald to insatiate ears Tells with good purpose, turn to blood and tears; Up! up! breathe fire, breathe poison in the veins Of the mix'd nations; stir up tumults fierce; Move wrath, revenge; move discord, and disdains, Till through the total Camp unbounded uproar reigns I 4. "This work becomes thee and the noble vaunt Made to our Prince;" —the monster naught replied, — It was enough-the words her soul enchant, JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VIILI The project charms,-she spreads her hoarse wings wide, And downward hurries with the morning tide. The Knight, meanwhile, who thus their notice took, The Camp approach'd, and to the warders cried, With haste and deep emotion in his look,'Warriors, I claim your grace; conduct me to your Duke I " ~. Numbers were ready of the curious crowd Eager to hear the news he had to name, To guide him to their Chief; he lowly bow'd, And kiss'd the honor'd hand that made the frame Of empires tremble: " Sire," he said, " whose fame Is bounded only by th' Atlantic beach And starry roof of heaven! would that I came Knowledge of happier incidents to teach! "Awhile his face he veil'd, then thus resumed his speech: 6. "Sweno, the Thane of Denmark's only son, The stay and glory of his failing years, Burn'd to be rank'd with those thy gonfalon Conducts, the valiant troop of chevaliers Who wield the sword for Jesus; not the fears Of toil and peril, not the hope t' acquire Soon the void throne, not e'en th' appealing tears Shower'd from the fond eyes of his aged sire, Could in his gen'rous heart control the high desire. 7. " He glow'd to learn the military artPerils to dare and hardships to endure, Of thee, their noble Chief; he felt, in part, Shame and resentment for his name obscure, Hearing on every hand what praise mature In his green youth Rinaldo had acquired; But that which most his spirit did allure, Was less the wish of man to be admired, Than zeal for God's renown, by lively faith inspired. 8. " The shrewd delays his father's fears contrived He baffled, form'd an army bold and brave, And, marching straight for Thrace, at length arrived Where throned Byzantium towers above the wave. Here the Greek Ceesar in his palace gave The Prince warm welcome; here an envoy came From thee, who, prompt the onward path to pave Of our adventure, told at large the fame Of Antioch won, and held to Persia's lasting shame; — CANTO VIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 181 9. "Held in despite of Persia, who at, once Moved to invest it, with the boast rebuoy'd Of powers so vast, it seem'd that all her sons Swarm'd to her war and left her kingdoms void; First upon thee, on others next he joy'd To touch-on Raymond's prudence, Tancred's might, Till to Rinaldo passing, he employ'd A world of words to paint his first bold flight, And each fair wreath which since his sword has reap'd in fight. 10. " He told, in fine, how that your hosts around These towers already in strict siege were cast; And woo'd him, yet unlaurel'd, to be found In this proud field, the noblest and the last: His words roused Sweno's spirit like a blast Of trumpets, and in his young bosom bred A wish so strong, that ev'ry hour he pass'd Appear'd an age, till he himself should tread The hallow'd soil, and turn his unflesh'd falchion red. 11. " Your glory prey'd on him; the world's applause Seem'd to upbraid his spiritless career; Those who or begg'd or counsel'd him to pause, Alike he heard not, or disdain'd to hear; No fear of peril knew he but the fear Lest he too late should be in thine to share,This only hazard seem'd to him severe; Those with which others peopled their despair He either not perceived, or stood resolved to dare. 12. " His own brave zeal precipitates his fate, Fate-his woo'd guide, and our enforced ally, Since scarce for his departure would he wait Till the first rays of morning streak'd the sky: Of various routes, he counted the most nigh The best,-enough! it was our Chief that chose; No pass so close, no mountain shows so high, Too deep no forest waves, no torrent flows, For us to scale or stem, though held by furious foes. 13. " Now round our steps the arm'd barbarians press, Mow spring from ambush: hunger, toil, and pain In turn we bore; but over all distress We triumph'd,-scatter'd were our foes, or slain; Success assured us, vict'ry made us vain, And, day by day, more confident we grew; Till one fair eve we camp'd upon the plain, K _ 182 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VWII. With Palestine's green hills almost in view, Blind to th' events, alas, that did so soon ensue! 14. " Sudden our scouts return'd;'they had beheld The Turkish Crescent in our van appear, Had caught the sullen clang of sword and shi6eld, And deem'd, by various signals to the ear And eye, some vast embattled army near: On many a soldier's face these tidings spread The pallid whiteness of despairing fear; Sweno alone, of all the host he led, Changed not in thought or look, in gesture, voice, or tread. 15. "'Brothers, he cried,' O now, how near we clasp The victor's laurel, or the martyr's crown! The first I hope, nor less desire to grasp The greater merit with the like renown: This very field, let fate or smile or frown, Shall Memory vest with an immortal bloom, And as a hallow'd spot deliver down To future times, which, glorying in our doom, Shall either point our spoils, or flower-intwine our tomb!' 16. "This said,-our posts mark'd out, the watch disposed, He bade us all upon our shields to rest; Nor, while in needful slumber he reposed, Would he of helm or mail himself divest.'Twas midnight: Sleep on every eye had press'd Th' oblivious sweetness of her tranquil spell, And the tired soldier was in visions blest, When instantaneously a barb'rous yell Rose to the silent stars, and shook th' abyss of hell. 17. "'To arms!' we shout,'to arms!' and, cased in arms, See Sweno first before.all else aspire; While, gath'ring grandeur from the loud alarms, His eyes and cheeks are flush'd with gen'rous fire. Lo, we are charged! a circle deep and dire Fronts and assails us, wheresoe'er we move: And thick'ning, deep'ning, drawing nigh and nigher, Round us of swords and spears a twilight grove Frowns, and an arrowy cloud falls hissing from above. CANTO VIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 183 18. " Uneven the fight! against a single Dane Full twenty Arabs laid their weapons bare; Many of these were wounded, many slain By darts toss'd blindly through the gloom of air; But of the numbers struck or slaughter'd there, And by what hands, the dusky shades amid, No mortal eye could mark, nor tongue declare; The Night our loss beneath her mantle hid, And, with the loss we bore, the valiant deeds we did. l9. " But through the thick press of the fighting crowd, And through the dark concealment of the hour, Prince Sweno shone; his valor was avow'd By a sublime ubiquity of power, Surpassing all belief; of blood a shower, And heaps of slaughter'd form'd around the slaver A crimson moat-a rampart and a tower; And, wheresoe'er he rush d, he seem'd to bear Death in his red right-hand, and in his eyes despair. 26. " Thus fought we, till the Virgin of the Morn Arising totch'd the heavens with rosy red; But when the night's dusk horrors were withdrawn That hid from view the horror of the dead, The so long-wish'd-for light before us spread A scene, oh God! the stoutest to appal, Of grief, of pity, agony, and dread; The Camp was piled with corpses, as though all Were of our army swathed in Death's purpureal pall. 21. " Of full two thousand, ninety scarce remain; When Sweno saw the multitudes that slept Pale in their gore, if aught of grief or pain, If aught of sadness o'er his brave heart crept, He showed it not,-his eye its luster kept, His voice its tone:' Come, follow,' was his cry,' These brave companions who have far o'erstepp'd The streams of Tartarus, and with footsteps high Printed in glorious blood our pathway to the sky!' 22. "He said: and glad, I think, of hasting fate No less in spirit than in aspect, bore With breast intrepid and with brow elate Against the ruinous assault and roar Of the barbarians; not the plate they wore, Although'twere thrice refined, nor cap of steel, Though into diamond charm'd by wizard lore, Might stand the strokes his tire and fury deal, Into one total wound till gash'a from head to heel. 184 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VIII. 23. "It was not life, but valor's subtle fire Sustain'd the living corse no strength could tame; Struck, he re-strikes, nor yet his members tire, The more they maim him, more he them doth maim; When lo! loose-raging from the bloody game, A Turk arrived, who all the rest surpass'd In savage aspect and gigantic frame;Long time they obstinately fought; at last, By numbers press'd, to ground the dauntless youth was cast. 24. "He fell-ah, bitter fate!-nor left behind One that could yield revenge: oh, blood well-pour'd, Oh bones, abandon'd to the bleaching wind, Poor mangled relics of my Prince adored! I summon you; speak! if I sought to hoard My hated life, if then I did deny, My breast to spear, mace, saber, shaft, or sword. No! had it pleased our Arbiter on high, Death had I dared enough, to be allow'd to die. 25. " Senseless amid my slaugter'd friends I fell, And there was left for dead; nor what our foes Since or sustain'd or acted can I tell,An icy torpor all my senses froze; But when at length my faint eyes did unclose From blank unconsciousness, the wings of Night Seem'd o'er the shadowy landscape to repose; Feebly I oped them, and a glimm'ring light Far-off appear'd by fits to swim before my sight. 2S6. "Albeit, no strength had I to recognize E'en nearest objects through the void opaque, But saw as one whose overwearied eyes, Nor all asleep, nor openly awake, Close and unclose without the power to take Regard or cognizance of things most nigh; And now my cruel wounds began to ache, Bit by the keen night air, doom'd thus to lie, Faint, on the naked earth, beneath a freezing sky. 27. "Meanwhile the light drew momently more near Till it arrived and rested at my side; Then gentle whisp'rings murmur'd in my ear,I raised with pain my eyelids, and descried Two tall commanding figures near me glide, Clothed in long robes, and shaking in the air Two torches;'Son,' I heard them say,' confide CANTO VIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 185 In Him who oft consents the good to spare, And with his grace forestalls the sacrifice of prayer. 28. " And speaking thus, the awful two their palms O'er me in holy benediction spread, And in low accents murm'ring mystic psalms, Then little heard and less conceived, they said:' Arise!' all lightly from my grass-green bed I rose; new light flow'd to my eye-balls dim; My wounds were healed; my thrilling pains were fled; O marv'lous grace! I seem'd in bliss to swim, And felt new life and strength uplifting ev'ry limb. 26. " Awe-struck I view'd them, and could scarce believe The truths that struck my dazzled sprite, till one Of the cowl'd sages said:'What doubts affright? On what illusions do thy fancies run, O thou of little faith? in us, my son, Men of like flesh and blood thy wonder meets; Servants of Jesu, we have wish'd to shun The flatt'ring world, its fables and false sweets, And here as hermits live in rocks and lone retreats. 30. "' Me to this service did that God ordain, Whose throne is builded in ubiquity; Who by ignoblest means does not disdain To work his will, the wonderful and high: He would not that the form, which to his eye Inclosed of late so beautiful a sprite, Should on these lonely wilds neglected lie,The which, when made immortal, robed in light, Yet with its radiant twin shall one day reunite;31. "' No! Swenio's sanctified remains must have A tomb befitting valor so sublime, To which alike the beautiful and brave, Virgins and chevaliers from every clime, Shall point the finger through all future time; But lift thine eyes now to the stars, and mark The one that to the crown of heaven doth climb As on its golden car! that sunlike spark Shall to his noble corse direct us through the dark.' 32. "I look'd; and as the brilliant meteor roll'd (Or rather midnight sun) a ray descended, Which, like a glorious line of liquid gold Ruled by some pencil, to the earth extended; And o'er the body, when its.flight was ended, 186 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VIN. Shook from its skirts so beautiful a flood Of color'd light, that all its wounds shone splendid, Each like a ruby ring or golden stud, And straight the face I knew, in its grim mask of blood. 33. "He lay not prone, but as his high desire Was ever turn'd toward the stars, his face, E'en as the martyr's from his couch of fire, Look'd upward still to heaven's blue fields of space: Closed was his red right-hand in strict embrace Grasping that sword, in act to strike, whose blade Such ravage wrought; his left, with careless grace In mneek devotion on his breast was laid, As though for peace to God the parting spirit pray'd. 34. "While I his wounds bedew'd with tears, that eased None of my anguish for his fall deplored, The ancient sage drew forward, and released From his reluctant hand th' inviolate sword; And said to me:'This crimson glave which pour'd Such streams of blood from bosoms of the foe, Observe! perhaps the world cannot afford(Its strength none better than thyself can know)One or of finer mold or more superb in show. 35. "' Hence, Heaven wills not, although a timeless doom Has from its lord divorced the glorious brand, That here with sordid rust it should consume But pass admired from martial hand to hand;To one who, with a spirit no less grand, Shall with like force and skill its lightnings sway For longer time, a happier fate command, And with it wreak,-his ghost awaits the dayFull vengeance wreak on him, who did Lord Sweno slay. 36. "'Twas Solyman slew Sweno; Solyman Must therefore by the sword of Sweno fall! Take it, and bear it then where breezes fan The Christian banners round high Salem wall; Nor let a single fear thy mind appal, That in these regions, or by night or day, Fresh obstacles shall rise, or ills befall; For He who sends thee forth, shall, when astray, Guide thee, and smooth with flowers the roughness of thy way. CANTO VIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 187 37. "' There'tis his will that thou declare at length, For to this end art thou to health restored, The zeal, the piety, and valiant strength Which thou hast witness'd in thy darling lord; That others on their mantles bright and broad May stamp the purple Cross, with holy aim Caught from -this tale,-a tale for Time to laud Through long futurity, the while his name In like illustrious minds lights up young Glory's flame. 38. "' What Christian hero may deserve the meed Of this bequest, remains to be made known; It is Rinaldo, to whom all concede The palm of prowess, yet, a branch scarce blown. Bear it to him, and say, to him alone The eyes alike of men and angels look T' avenge his death, and for his loss atone;' While on his lips I hang, in wonder's book A new portentous page my charm'd attention took. 39. " For sudden, where the warrior's corse reposed, A rich sarcophagus was seen to rise, Which in its heart his relics had inclosed, I know not how, nor by what rare device; And, briefly blazon'd with heraldic dyes, Shone forth the name and virtues of the dead; From the strange sight my fascinated eyes I could not lift; each glance fresh marvel bred; Now I the porphyry scann'd, and now th' inscription read. 40. "' Here,' said the ancient,'near his friends shall lie Thy prince's corse, safe shrined from vulgar sight While their pure spirits, pass'd into the sky, From the full fountain of divine delight Quaff endless joy; but thou the last sad rite Of tears-the all that piety can pay, Hast paid, and nature claims repose; this night I claim thee for my guest, until the ray Of the new morning rise, to light thee on. thy way.' 41. " O'er hill and dale we walk'd, a devious track; Scarce could my weary steps with theirs keep pace; Till high, midst toppling crags and cedars black, A hollow cave received us, round whose face Green ivies cluster'd,-his lone dwelling-place Romantic; here amongst the wolves and bears With his disciple safe he spends his days; 188 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VIII. Clear Innocence his shield, his breastplate prayers, Armor of trustier proof than aught the warrior wears! 42. " My food was roots,-moss, leaves, and dulcet thyme The couch whereon I slept fatigue away; But soon as zephyr rang his earliest chime Among the pines, and morn's arising ray Tinted the eastern cliffs with gold and gray, The watchful Hermits rose to matin prayer, And I with them; I next inquired my way Through the strange region; of the holy pair Grateful my farewell took; and here my tale declare." 43. He ceased, and Godfrey answer'd: "Tears, Sir Knight, Tears for thy tale,'tis all we can, receive; Things strange and doleful hast thou brought to light, Whence we with reason veil our face, and grieve; Alas th' injustice of that cruel eve!. That friends so full of zeal, so brave in fight, Fate should from pleasant life so soon bereave! Thy valiant Lord was, like a flash of light, One glitt'ring instant shown, then sudden snatch'd from sight. 44. " But wherefore grieve? the prize of realms and gold Shows mean, compared with this their blissful doom; Never were bays so glorious, e'en of old, Giv'n in the car-climed Capitol of Rome! Throned in Heaven's star-lit temple, they assume Scepters of palm, and crowns of flowers that grow In Eden, odorous with immortal bloom; There, to the radiant wounds received below, Each joyous martyr points, and glories in the show. 45. " But thou, who for fresh toils and dangers new With the church militant art left behind, Shouldst in their blissful triumphs triumph too, And, to the wise decrees of Heaven resign'd, Give now to joy thy melancholy mind; And, for Bertoldo's son,-know that he strays Far from the camp,-the wand'rer who may find? But tempt not thou the desert's doubtful ways In search,till certain news instructs us where he strays." 46. This their discourse in others' breasts renew'd Their latent love for fair Sophia's son; CANTO VIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 189 And some exclaim'd, "Through what wild desert rude Does not the youth now rove? what risks not run From the marauding hordes?" nor was there one That had not some brave story in his praise To tell the Dane, of laurels nobly won; The long bright tissue of his deeds they blaze; Which he with transport hears, and undisguised amaze. 47. When now remembrance of the absent youth Had touch'd all hearts, and melted many an eye To tears of tenderness, and anxious ruth, Behold, the troops, commission'd to supply The camp, from nightly forage far and nigh Return! vast flocks and herds with them they lead, That fill the region with their welcome cry; Corn, though not much, and fragrant hay to feed, With the fat beeves they bring, each knight his hungry steed. 48. And last, not least, a too decisive sign Of tragic chance, severely to be rued,The good Rinaldo's vests and armors fine, Those rent and bloody, these all hack'd and hew'd t Quick through the host, in sad incertitude, And keen alarm, the sudden rumor flew; For who such things could hide? the multitude, Sore grieving at the tidings, thronged to view The brave young hero's arms,-they saw them, and they knew. 49. Too well they knew his hauberk's pond'rous plates And moony shield, far-flashing, on whose face Is seen emblazed the bird which educates Her unquill'd infants on the sun to gaze, With eyes undazzled by its ardent rays; Or first, or all alone, it used to strain Its proud wings fearless, giving glory chase; Now, not without deep pity, wrath, and pain, They see it cleft, and streak'd with many a sanguine stain. 50. While the crowd whisper, and the dark event In various wise account for each to each, The virtuous Duke for Aliprando sent, Chief of the troop, a man sincere of speech, And whose ingenuous words might none impeach, Stamp'd as they were with truth's inviolate seal; 190 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VIII. Then thus: " The meaning of this mystery teach; Both how and whence these arms were had, reveal, Nor, whether good or bad, the slightest fact conceal," 51. " For as an active trav'ler may attain In two days' journey hence," the knight replied, "In hollow of high hills, a little plain Lies from the road to Gaza somewhat wide; To which a brook's slow waters gurgling glide'Twixt brier and bough, from tangled steep to steep; Low down, o'erarching oaks on every side Fling their brown shadows o'er a dingle deep; Fit screen for ambush'd men their watch unseen to keep. 52. "And as we sought in this sequester'd nook, For herds or flocks that to its grass-green bed Might come to graze, we saw beside the brook, Stretch'd on the purpled herbs, a knight lie dead; Crimson his vests, his arms were dropp'd with red; Through every heart instinctive horror shot, For well we knew them, though with blood o'erspread. To view his face, I, hast'ning to the spot, Found but a headless trunk-the sever'd head was not! 53. " The right hand too was gone, and many a wound His noble body bore, from back to breast; Hard by, the argent Eagle on the ground Lay with his vacant helm and batter'd crest: While round the greenwood shade we gazed, in guest Of some one to explain so strange a case, A peasant pass'd, who, spying us, repress'd His steps, and from the solitary place, In instant act to fly, turn'd back his frighted face 54. " But, chased and taken, to our stern demand And inquisition, he at length replied, That he, the day before, had seen a band Of armed soldiers from the forest ride; One bore a head fresh sever'd at his side, Grasp d by its golden gory locks; his scan Was keen-the visage clearly he descried, And to his judgment (so his story ran)'Twas of a beardless youth maturing into man. 55. " In shawl of satin soon the murderer slung, And bore it pendent at his saddle-bow: He knew them Christians by their foreign tongue And red-cross habits, or he judged them so: i~~~~~~~~~~~i-.'~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.4 CANTO VIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 191 Weeping I stripp'd the body, nor was slow To speak my apprehensions; paid the brave The last sad rites, the best I could bestow;His dirge was chanted by the whisp'ring wave, And the gray rustling woods sang requiem o'er his grave:56.. "But if the corse be his whom I bewail, A nobler tomb his relics should receive:" Naught left untold of his mysterious tale, Good Aliprando took his mournful leave. Godfrey stood pensive, and the livelong eve Sigh'd as the subject inly he discuss'd; No clear assurance could his doubts relieve; And much he wish'd, by signs of surer trust, To know the mangled trunk and homicide unjust. 57. The night has risen, and silently unfurl'd O'er heaven's blue infinite her brooding wings; And sorceress Slumber, walking through the world, On every eye her dulcet sirup flings; Thou, Argillan, alone, by grief's sharp stings Pierced to the quick, her blandishments dost slight, Busying thy brain on mighty thoughts and things; Nor giv'st to thy wild eyes and troubled sprite, Mute quiet's peaceful calm, or slumber's soothing rite. 58. He, of a fervid and impetuous mood, Active of hand, and turbulent of tongue, Was on the Tronto born; in civil feud Nursed by fix'd hatred, and exiled while young; Thus, by strong passions to resentment stung, In woods and wilds a robber he became, And stain'd with blood the rocks from which lie sprung; Till, into Asia summon'd, he his fame Bravely redeem'd in war, and gain'd a nobler name. 59. At length, tow'rd morn he closed his eyes and slept,No calm, sweet sleep, but the dull synonym Of death; —through his thidk blood deep stupor crept, Possess'd each sense, and lock'd up every limb In dreadful nightmare; then, delusions dim Swarm'd to his brain, by cursed Alecto sent; He slept, not rested; for the Fury grim, In strangling dreams of terrible portent, Her own alarming shape did darkly represent. 192 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VIII. 60. A headless trunk of monstrous size she feign'd, Shorn of its better arm; the left, the head Fast by its horrent hair aloft sustain'd, Disguised'twixt livid pale and sanguine red. The lips still breathed, and breathing spoke, though dead; Dripp'd the dark blood; and many a doleful sigh Shrill'd from the skull, as hollowly it said, "Lo, Argillan!'tis daylight in the sky! Fly, fly these dreadful tents! their impious Chieftain fly. 61. "From his cursed frauds which kill'd me, but of late, Who, comrades dear, shall keep you or defend? Th' insidious Traitor, in his rancorous hate, Thinks to slay you, as late he slew your friend; But if that hand so eager to transcend Th' undying fame which Brutus dared to seize, Can on its own audacity depend,Fly not; but let the tyrant's blood appease My angry ghost, and give th' unquiet spirit ease 62. " I will be with thee, a pale shade, and yield Arms to thy hand, and anger to thy breast! " She said; and breathing, all his spirit fill'd With a new fury not to be repress'd: He broke from sleep; and trembling roll'd distress'd, While madness sparkled in each straining ball, His poisonous eyes, of all the Fiend possess'd: Arm'd as he was, he flew to summon all Italia's fiery sons, obsequious to the call. 63. He led them where Rinaldo's arms were hung In funeral pomp around his vacant tent; And thus, with pride and indignation stung, His grief divulged, and gave his passion vent; " Shall then a vile tyrannic race, whose bent No faith can bind, no reason can restrain,Kites, never gorged, though ever on the scent For blood and gold, shall they with iron rein Curb our proud necks, and tame our spirits to the chain? 64. " What we have borne in suff'rings, shame, and tears Six summers now, beneath their fatal spell, Is such that Rome will, for a thousand years, With anger burn, and with disdain rebel; I will not, no, brave souls! I will not tell How genius, prowess, arms were render'd void, CANTO VIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 193 When Tancred triumph'd and Cilicia fell; What wonted arts the traitor Frank employ'd, When that which Valor won, usurping Guile enjoy'd! 65. " I will not tell, when need and time require Firm thought, bold heart, and executing hand, How through a thousand deaths we all aspire With axe, mace, dagger, truncheon, blade, or brand; First where the prize is fix'd, the peril plann'd,But when the palms, but when the prey they share, The pride, the praise, the glory, gold or land, These are not ours-'tis but for us to stare, As they the trophies claim, the plunder homeward bear. 66. " Peace to the thought! there was perhaps a time When serious and severe such wrongs would show; Now let them pass-this last tremendous crime Has made their seeming scarlet white as snow; Rinaldo have they slain, insulting so All laws divine and human; in his bloom Cut off, the beautiful, the brave; and lo! Flash not the skies? cleaves not, O earth, thy womb, In its perpetual night the monsters to entomb! 67. " They've slain Rinaldo, of our faith the shield And sword! and lies he unrevenged?-he lies Yet unrevenged; and on the naked field, Unhymn'd, untomb'd, beneath the freezing skies, Laced o'er with wounds in terrible disguise; Ask you what barb'rous ruffian smote him down? Of him who can be ignorant? you have eyes! Who marks not, jealous of our high renown, Both Godfrey's damning praise and Baldwin's envious frown? 68. "But why debate? I swear by Heaven, that Heaven Which not unpunish'd lets the perjured pass,'Twixt light and dark, before my sight was driven His wand'ring ghost, a pale and mangled mass; A sight how wildly horrible! alas, What frauds from Godfrey did it not divine I It was no dream; my brain is as a glass,I see it yet; where'er my eyes incline, There the red figure stalks, the eyeballs dimly shine. 69. " What shall we do? to that imperious hand Which so unjust a death yet foully stains, Submit for aye? or seek the far-off land, TASSO-7 194 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VIII. Where rich Euphrates laves th' Assyrian plains, And many a city, many a town sustains, Held by a feeble and unwarlike race, Soon to be tamed, I ween! with little pains This may we win; no Frank shall there find place, To share our hard-earn'd spoils, or brand us with disgrace. 70. " Yes, go, and let the guiltless hero lie All unrevenged, if so it seemeth good; Though, if your chill and stagnant blood boil'd high, Oh, boil'd it high and ardent as it should! This poisonous snake that has devour'd for food The flower and pride of our Italian clime, Should to the rest of his accursed brood, By his own pangs and death, of punish'd crime A noted warning give, through long succeeding time. 71. " I, I, if courage serves your wish to dare All that it should, will first assail his crest I This very hour my dagger will I bear, To probe his heart, malignant treason's nest!" He said; and on the spirits of the rest, His wrathful genius and electric eye Their own tumultuous energy impress'd; And, "Arm, O arm you!" was the madman's cry: "Arm! arm!" th' indignant youth in unison reply. 72. Midst them Alecto whirl'd her torch, and fire Commix'd with poison in their bosoms blew; Th' infernal thirst for blood, the frenzied ire, Each dreadful instant more controlless grew: Forward the snaky witch dilating flew, And to the Swiss from the Italians pass'd, Storms in their fiery hearts alike to brew; Thence mid the British troops her plagues she cast; All lend a gaping mouth, and take th' infection fast. 73. Nor did the public loss and grief alone Rouse in these foreign bands disdain so deep; They had old piques and grudges of their own; Whence, this new wrong but added to the heap Fresh nutriment; each scorn, long lull'd asleep, Revived,-the Franks as tyrants were accursed; Their wrath and hate all limits overleap; Swell in proud threats, and, fix'd to dare the worst, Loud as a roaring stream, restraint's strong floodgates burst. CANTO VIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 195 74. So water, boiling in a brazen vase With fire too fervent, gurgles, fumes, and glows; Till, hot at heart, it lifts its raging face Above the brim, frets, froths, and overflows. No remedy remains; too few were those Whose truth-illumined minds went not astray, The headstrong crowd's distraction to compose; Tancred, Camillo, William, were away, And all whose sov'reign power their heat might else allay. 75.'Tis uproar all; like tipsy bacchanals The crowd to arms precipitately spring; And now are heard fierce cries, seditious calls, Shields clash, hoarse trumpets stern defiance fling, And beardless boys heroic ditties sing. Meanwhile swift messengers, on ev'ry hand, To Godfrey warning of rebellion bring; And armed Baldwin with his unsheath'd brand Fast by his brother's side in silence takes his stand. 76. Hearing the charge, his eyes to heaven he turns, And to his God for wonted succor flees: "Lord! thou who seest how much my spirit spurns Th' imputed crime-thy sight all spirits sees,Rend the dark mantle of the mind from these; Their hearts illumine with thy light divine; Rebuke the furies of the crowd to peace, And give mine unstain'd innocence to shine, Pure in the world's dint sight, as pure it beams in thine!" 77. He ceased; and felt new life and vigor dart Warm thro' his veins, from heaven imbreath'd, which shed Light o'er his face, and fortified his heart With faith; surrounded by his friends, he sped'Gainst those who thought t' avenge th' ideal dead; Though bristling arms illumined all the place; Though hate and rage in ev'ry glance he read; Though there were some reproach'd'him to his face, Stately he still held on, with firm, unfalt'ring pace. 78. He had his hauberk on,-a vest of white, Richly embroider'd, from his shoulders flow'd; Bare were his hands and head; and, to the height Of dignity sublimed, his features glow'd, Bright as an Angel's fromn his blest abode 196 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO VIII. Sent sceptered forth: such was his port; he trod As on the winds; no arms at need he show'd, Dared them without,-but shook his golden rod; And when he spoke, all seem'd to hear the voice of God. 79. " What senseless threats are these that brave the skies? What idle clang of arms is this I hear? Who stirr'd these tumults? is it in this wise That your so-long-proved ruler ye revere? Godfrey of guile what whisp'rer is the ear Arraigns? who brings the accusation? who Abets the charge? stand forth! let him appear! Ye look perchance that I with prayers should sue, Number my proofs in plea, and mercy crave from you. 80. "No! never shall the world that with my name Resounds, to such debasement see me bend! Me, Truth, the memory of my deeds, my fame, And this starr'd scepter only shall defend: Justice for once to grace shall condescend; For once remit the dues she should receive, Nor o'er the guilty her just scales suspend; For former worth this error I forgive; Live, to regret your fault, for young Rinaldo live! 81. " Th' Arch-culprit only with his blood must wash Away the treason-Argillan shall die; Who, moved by mere suspicion, base as rash, Led the revolt, and bribed you with a lie! " While thus he spake, his more than kinglike eye In pomp of horror on the ruffian shook Lightnings and frowns, as from a living sky; That Argillan, amazed, of force forsook, Turn'd (who would think it?) pale, o'ermaster'd by a look. 82. The crowd too, late so insolent, that roar'd Such bold' defiance forth of spite and pride, Whose hands had been so swift to seize on sword, Axe, torch, or javelin, as the fiend supplied (Hush'd at his golden words), could not abide His glance; but cast their guilty eyes to ground, While shame their cheeks to deepest crimson dyed; And suffer'd Argillan, though bristled round With all their ported spears, in fetters to be bound. CANTO VIII, JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 197 83. So when a lion, roaring in his rage, Shakes high against the sun his frightful mane, If he who tamed his wildness to the cage, But knits his brows in visible disdain,His harsh rule fearing, fearing to sustain His threats, he pays obedience to the spell, Foregoes his fire, and crouches to the chain; Nor can his teeth, arm'd paws, or malice fell, Spirit him up with pride, or tempt him to rebel. 84.'Tis famed that there was seen, of cruel look And threat'ning gesture, but celestial mold, A winged warrior, who with one arm shook Before the pious prince a targe of gold; And with his right hand, dreadful to behold, Brandish'd the lightnings of a naked sword, From which some recent drops of crimson roll'd: The blood perhaps of realms on which were pour'd, In his long-slumb'ring wrath, the vials of the Lord. 85. The tumult thus composed, they cast aside Their arms and evil wills with one consent; And Godfrey, slowly, and in decent pride Return'd, admired, to his imperial tent: On various cares and new engagements bent, He now determines to attack the town, Ere or the second or third day be spent; And oft surveys the timbers late cut down, That now in huge machines tremendous battle frown. END OF CANTO VIIIL KN. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO IX. ARGUMENT. THE Fury spurs on Solyman to make A sharp assault upon the Franks by night; God, who beholds th' infernal spirit take Part in the charge, to countervail their spite,. Sends Michael down to -earth, who puts to flight Their evil host; when freed from their array, The troup inthrall'd by fair Armida's sleight, Returning, aid the Franks; at dawning day His loss the Soldan sees, and murmuring flees away. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO IX. 1. Bufo Hell's great Plague, who saw her rule dissolved, The heats'allay'd, the passions lull'd to peace, Immutable of mood, and still resolved To war on fate and the divine decrees, Departs,-and where she passes, the green trees Fade, the sick sun turns pale, the living springs Stagnate, and cankers blight the flowery leas; Charged with fresh furies, pond'ring fiercer things, Headlong she shoots abroad, and claps her sounding wings. 2. She, knowing well how by the busy arts Of her foul consorts, to the Camp were lost Rinaldo, Tancred, and the rest whose parts. In war, were fear'd and celebrated most, Exclaim'd: "What wait we for, since clear the coast? Now let our Solyman, when midnight lowers, Unlook'd-for come, and slay the sleeping host; From a discordant camp, exhausted powers, Surely (or much I hope) the vict'ry will be ours " 8. This said, to the Arabian bands she flew, Where, made their captain, Solyman remain'd; Than whom no fiercer man the saber drew In Christ's defiance, or his laws disdain'd; Not if the Titans were from hell unchain'd,Not if the earth were now to renovate Her big-boned Giants; o'er the Turks he reign'd, And held his court in princely Nice of late, In all the pomp and pride of oriental state. 4. He ruled the lands from Sangar's silver springs To crook'd Meander and the Grecian shore, 202 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO IX. Where the famed Phrygian and Bithynian kings, The Mysians and the Lydians lived of yore, With all who hear the stormy Euxine roar: But when against the Turks, in Asian sky, The pilgrim armies first their ensigns bore, Conquer'd his realms, his Paynim chivalry, Twice fought in tented field, were twice compell'd to fly. 5. When fortune oft he had in vain essay'd, Forced to abandon the loved kingdom lost, He to the Court of Egypt pass'd, in aid Of its brave King, who proved a noble host; Glad that a warrior so renown'd, the boast Of Asiatic story, should combine With him in plans which all his soul engross'd,To drive the Christian powers from Palestine, And to their pilgrims still deny the sacred shrine. 6. But, ere he openly denounced on them Decided war, to make success more sure, He would that Solyman, with gold and gem Giv'n for that use, the Arabs should secure; While he the Asian and barbaric Moor Bribed to his ported flag; at his desire The Soldan went; and quickly to his lure Attach'd the greedy Arabs' souls of fire, Robbers in ev'ry age, and myrmidons of hire. 7. Thus made their Chief, he now with blade and bow O'erran Judea, gath'ring ample prey; So that he barr'd all access to and fro Betwixt the tented camp and navied bay: And brooding deep, from bitter day to day, Over his ancient power, his present lotA ruin'd name, an empire pass'd away,Some greater deed his wrath resolved to plot, Though yet he had not judged, or well determined what. 8. To him Alecto hurried, in the guise Of a grave man right venerably old, With bearded lip, smooth chin, and piercing eyes, And wrinkled aspect, bloodless to behold: Her head a Turkish shawl in many a fold Wreath'd round; the vest across her shoulders flung Flow'd to her heel; a cimeter in gold Shone at her side; aback a quiver hung; And in her martial hand she bore a bow unstrung. CANTO IX, JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 203 9. " While we," she said, " but traverse empty plains, A howling wilderness of sands forlorn, Where now no rapine to be reap'd remains, Nor conquest gain'd but such as we should scorn, Godfrey to very heaven exalts his horn, Smiting the City with his muster'd powers; And now his engines to the walls are drawn; And we must see, if unimproved the hours, Fire ride the flaring wind, and scale her topless towers. 10. "Shall plunder'd herds, raped flocks, and hamlets burn'd Be the sole spoils of Solyman? what then, Are thus thy realms retrieved, thy wrongs return'd, Rule reacquired, or grandeur thine again? Rouse thee, arouse! lead forth thine armed men; Let Dedanim awake; let Kedar rise, And storm the Dragon in his midnight den! Trust to thine own Araspes, whose advice Has, both in good and ill, approved itself of price. 11. "He looks not for us, dreads us not, disdains The naked Arab as a tim'rous slave; Nor dreams that tribes whom custom only trains To spoils and flight, would dare a deed so grave. But thy brave worth shall make the rovers brave Against an armed camp, which slumbers bind Apt for the sword!" Her counsel thus she gave: And breathing all her furies in his mind, Mounted the passing cloud, and mingled with the wind. 12. He, lifting up his arm toward the skies, Shouts to her,-" Thou, who fir'st my spirit so! No man art thou, though under man's disguise; I know thee-follow thee, behold i I go: Where plains extended, mountains now shall grow, Mountains of lifeless people gash'd and stark; Where burn'd the desert, streams of blood shall flow; Be now my Genius; lead me to the mark; And rule my lifted lance to conquer through the dark!" 13. No dallying; no delay! he sounds his swarms, C6tlects, harangues them, wins them to combine; And with his own electric ardor warms The Camp to second his matured design: All stand prepared; Alecto gave the sign; 204 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO IxL With her own lips the sounding brass she blew, And loosed the banner on its breezy pine; Swift march the hosts, but still as falling dew,So still, so swift, they e'en the course of fame outflew. 14. Alecto led, then left them; she assumed A courier's likeness and succinct array, And at the time when check'ring twilight gloom'd, And earth,'twixt serious night and cheerful day, Seem'd pond'ring which dominion to obey, Entering the City, to the king's divan, Through the mix'd multitudes she made her way; And to his ear disclosed what Solyman Purposed by night-the hour, the signal, and the plan. 15. But now black shadows, flush d with vapors red, Curtain'd the moon; the weeping stars withdrew; And the chill skies, in lieu of hoar-frost, shed On earth the semblance of a bloody dew; Pale meteors fell; malignant goblins flew Through heaven; and groans that froze the soul with fright Were heard, while from his grots of brimstone blue The King of Ghosts let loose each damned sprite, And from the void abyss spumed forth his densest night. 16. Through these drear glooms the fiery Solyman Sought the devoted tents; but when Night's wain Had measured half its journey, and began Sheer down heaven's western steep to drive amain, Within a mile of the pavilion'd plain, Where the lull'd Christian in his martial cloak Slept unsuspecting, he his barb'rous train With food refresh'd; then, farther to provoke Their souls to deeds of blood, thus eloquently spoke: 17. " Look on yon Camp, with thousand thefts and spoils Dress'd out, more widely famed than strongly mann'd, That, like a sea, into its greedy coils Has gather'd all the wealth of Asian land! This now boon Fortune offers to your hand, The amplest booty with the slightest cost And the least peril; all is at command,Steeds, clothed in scarlet, arms, with gold emboss'd, Woo you, not proft them; all, all shall be engross'd! CANTO IX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 205 18. " This is no more the host whose arms subdued Imperial Nice, and clove the Persian's crest; For in a war so long as hath ensued, The greater part, of life lie dispossess'd: Yet, grant it were entire,-in deepest rest Is it not drown'd! the saber in the sheath? Unlaced the hauberk? he is soon oppress'd Who sleeps,-his life hangs by a slender breath; Warriors! the cell of sleep is but the porch to death. 19. " On then, come on! I first will cleave a path Through the grim guards within the enter'd wall; Let all swords strike like mine! pattern your wrath By mine; by mine your cruelty and gall! Now let the Galilean's empire fall; Now write you glorious in immortal gore; And free your Asia from the tyrant's thrall!" Thus he inflamed their spirits to the core; Then to the deed of death moved stilly as before. 20. Lo, through the gloom the sentinels he spies, By the faint twinkling of a casual lamp! Nor can he longer hope in full surprise To take the cautious Duke and slumb'ring Camp. The sentries soon beheld his lion-ramp, And, their alarum sounding loud, bear back, Warn'd of his numbers by their sullen tramp; So that the foremost guards were roused, nor slack To seize their ready'arms, and face the near attack. 21. Sure of discov'ry now, the Arabs wound Their barb'rous horns, and raised their yelling cry, " Lillah il Allah!" to the Nvell-known soundNeigh'd all their steeds-earth rang as they rush'd by, Bellow'd the monntains, roar'd the rifted sky, Roar'd the deep vales; th' abysses caught the tone, And answer'd in drear thunder, while on high, Alecto the blue torch of Phlegethon Shook toward Zion hill, and sign'd her legions on. M. First rush'd the Soldan on the guard, e'en then In lax confusion, unarrangedi; less swift Leaps the grim lion from his'bosky den, Shoots the fierce eagle from her mountain clift: Floods, that pluck up and in their rapid drift Roll down huts, rocks, and trees; lightnings that blast Strong towers with bolts that leave a burning rift; 206 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO IX. Earthquakes, whose motions turn the world aghast, Are symbols weak to paint the force with which he pass'd. 23. His saber never through the grisly shade Falls, but it smites; nor smites without a wound; Nor wounds, but straight it kills; should more be said, The truth would like romance or falsehood sound. Pain he dissembles, or he has not found, Or scorns the blows which feebler arms imprint; Yet oft his burganet of steel rings round Like loud alarm-bells with the lively dint Of pole-axe, spear, or sword, and sparkles like a flint. 24. Just as his single sword to flight delivers This foremost phalanx, a gigantic deed, Like a sea swell'd with thousand mountain-rivers, His rushing Arabs to the charge succeed.. Then the scared Franks flew tent-ward at full speed, Th' audacious Victor following as they fled; And with them, rapt sublime on his black steed, Ent'ring the camp-gate, he on all sides spread Havoc, and grief, and pain; loud wailings, rage, and dread. 25. High on the Soldan's helm, in scales of pearl, With writhen neck, raised paws, outflying wings, And tail roll'd downward, ending in a curl, A rampant dragon grinn'd malignant things: Its lips froth'd poison; brandishing three stings, You almost heard its hiss; at ev'ry stroke Heap'd on its crest, through all its livid rings It seem'd the monster into motion woke, Spit forth its spiteful fire, and belch'd Tartareaas smoke. 26. Such and so Gorgon-like the Soldan's form Show'd by those fires to the beholders' sight, As Ocean tossing in a midnight storm To sailors, with her million waves alight. Some give their timid trembling feet to flight; Some, their brave hands to the revenging blade; And still th' infuriate Anarch of the Night Increased the risks by dark'ning them in shade, And to the midnight winds tumultuous discord bray'd. CANTO IX. JERUSALEM DIELIVERED. 207 27. Of those who show'd in this tremendous hour The stoutest heart, was old Latinus, bred On Tiber's banks: toils had not quell'd his power,He stood an oak with all its leaves unshed, Green, though in age; five sons to war he led, Who, nobly envying his exploits sublime, His steps attended with unequal tread; In iron armors, they their unripe prime, And their yet growing limbs, clothed long before their time. 28. The sire's example whets their souls to slake In blood their eager wrath ~ " And come," he cries, " Come where ye see yon tyrannous proud Snake Devour the crowd that from his fierceness flies. Let not the sanguine crimes and butcheries Which he on others perpretrate, unbrace Your usual courage; fame through peril lies; And honor, O my boys, itself is base, Which no surmounted toils of jeopardy aggrace!" 29. So the fierce lionness her.tawny whelps, Ere mane invests their neck, or nails their paws, Ere time with power their native malice helps, Or teeth and whiskers jag their horrid jaws, Leads sternly with her to the sylvan wars, And by her own inflames their savage moods Against the hunter who to flight o'erawes The weaker beasts, and insolent intrudes Upon the holy gloom and quiet of her woods. 30. At once before, beside him, and behind, The sire and his imprudent little crew, As though incited by one heart and mind, In sudden impulse on the Soldan flew; Five long sharp lances they or thrust or threw; But his the eldest son in daring vein Rashly abandon'd, and with ardor drew The keen-edged sword, presuming, but in vain, The warrior's prancing steed at vantage to have slain. 31. But as a cliff, exposed to storms, which towers, Smit by a sea that ever howls and raves, Firm in itself, sustains the wrath of showers, Heaven's hail, fire, thunder, winds, and mountain waves: So the strong Soldan lifts his front, so braves, Unshaken in his seat, th' encounter weak 208 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO IX. Of sword and spear: himself from harm he saves And of the son that on his steed would wreak Revenge, the head disparts, betwixt the eyes and cheek. 32. Fond Amarante, to aid the falling youth, Stretch'd forth his pious arm; O zeal misplaced, Vain tenderness, and inconsid'rate ruth! That to his brother's ruin he must haste To join his own! twined fondly round the waist, That arm the Turkish saber from his side Lopp'd off,-down sank embracer and embraced; And lip to lip, with melancholy pride, Mixing their last faint sighs, like drooping roses died. 33. Then, having cut Sabino's lance in twain, That vex'd him from afar, he spurr'd his horse, Which, bounding on him with a loosen'd rein, O'erturn'd and trampled so without remorse On his fair breast, that from the youthful corse In dreadful throes the spirit pass'd forlorn; Sorely repining at its foul divorce From those delightful visions which adorn, With such sweet hues, the birth of Boyhood's fresh May-morn. 34. But Picus and Laurentes yet had life; Twins, born so similar in face and size, Their persons oft set strangers at sweet strife, And caused fond error in their parents' eyes: Th' illusion now which with an art so nice Nature had raised, Rage disenchants to dust; The saber harshly cancels all disguise; One through the heart the savage Soldan thrust, And one he sunder'd quite, and left a breathless bust. 35. The father (ah, no father now 1) bereft Of his brave infants in so short a space, Felt his own death in those five deaths, which left To him no scion of his name or race: In such sharp agonies how strength could brace His aged heart, or reason aid his brain Still to live on and combat face to face, I know not; but perhaps he saw not plain The looks, the dying pangs, and paleness of the slain. 38. Perchance the Night with friendly pinions dim Hid half their anguish from the parent's view; Still he felt conquest would be naught to him, CANTO IX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 209 Unless with full revenge he perish'd too: Then of his own blood prodigal he grew, And of the Soldan's than a bird of prey More greedily voracious; nor well knew Which best his passionate desire would pay,Or to be kill'd outright, or suffer on, and slay. 37. But cried aloud: " Is then this arm so frail, So scorn'd as old, or ridiculed as dead, That all its efforts do not yet avail, To call down wrath on my defenseless head?" He said, and hurl'd with fury as he said, His spear at the majestic homicide; Straight to the mark the whizzing weapon fled, Shiver'd both plate and mail, and pierced his side; Whence the bright blood outgush'd, and all his armor dyed. 38. Roused by the wound, the Turk against him drove, Sternly severe; his sword quick passage found Through the knight's mail, —the target first it clove, Which seven bull-hides in vain encompass'd round, And in his bowels sheath'd its point profound: The forcible assault from saddle push'd The hapless knight; he sigh'd, and from his wound, And from his mouth a purple vomit gush'd, That all with blood the sands, with blood the herbage blush'd. 89. But as an Alpine oak which scorn'd the strength Of Aquilo and Eurus, firm and sound, By some unusual wind torn up at length, Down tumbles, widely ravaging around The pines and crashing cedars, so to ground Latinus fell, and to destruction drew More foes than one, round whom his arm she wound, Fit end for one so brave! that overthrew, E'en when o'erthrown himself, and e'en when slaughter'd, slew. 40. While, wreaking thus his inward hate, the Turk Broke his long fast of battle, in their turn His active Arabs in their barb'rous work Make quick dispatch, and all resistance spurn I Henry, the English knight, and Olopherne, The proud Bavarian, stretch'd on earth supine, Expire beneath thy hand, Dragutes stern! Gilbert and Philip, Ariadene! by thine, Born in fair castles both, beside th' enchanting Rhine. 210 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO IX. 41. Albatzar's mace Ernesto slew; the blade Of Algazel, Eng6rlan; but to tell What various modes of death the field display'd, And the ignoble multitudes that fell, Mocks all attempt; at the first " Lillah" yell And blast of trumpets, in his martial bed Godfrey was woke, was up, was arm'd, in selle; Gather'd a massy squadron; at their head Placed himself; ranged their ranks; and on to battle led. 42. He, when he heard the uproar that was raised Grow momently more wild, was well advised That the marauding wand'rers of the waste In sudden insult had the camp surprised; Having by frequent message been apprised, That they the regions round for spoil laid bare; This well he knew; but never had surmised, That such wild vagabonds would ever dare To beard, in very deed, the lion in his lair. 43. But riding on, he heard alarum given Elsewhere,-" To arms! to arms!" the trumpet jars And barb'rous howls all horribly to heaven, Loud as the clang and whirl of countless cars, Ascend, and in loud thunder climb the stars This was Clorinda, who to battle hied With the king's troops, and, terrible as Mars, Argantes, breathing fury, at her side; To Guelph, his viceroy, then the Captain turn'd, and cried: 44. " Hear what new war-cry swells from yonder part, That lies toward the hills and city! there, We need thy utmost courage, strength, and art, The sallier's first insulting shocks to bear: Go then! to guard that quarter be thy care; And with thee half of these my troops array In closest cube; while I myself prepare, Where southward the hoarse horns defiance bray, To front the hostile charge, and stand at desp'rate bay." 45. The plan mark'd out, to right and left they wheel'd, By different paths, an equal risk to face,Guelph to the hills, and Godfrey to the field Where now the Arabs hold his men in chase; Proceeding, he gains strength; at ev'ryvpace, 'CANTO IX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 211 To his uplifted standard numbers throng: Which, by the time he reach'd the special place Where the grim Soldan slaught'ring pass'd along, Had grown a mighty host, firm, massy, stout, and strong. 46. Thus, humbly gliding from his native mountain, The Po at first fills not his narrow bed; But aye the more, the farther from the fountain, With added forces his proud waters spread; O'er the burst banks his curl'd brows tower; with tread Conqu'ring and swift, he takes his giant leap Down the whelm'd vales, and with his horned head Rebuts the Adrian waves: nor, in his sweep, Seems to pay tax, but wage fierce warfare with the deep. 47. When Godfrey saw his troops affrighted fly, He spurr'd, and shouted: "Shame! what new disgrace, What dastard fear is this? tell me but why You run, behold at least who gives you chase;A heartless crowd, irresolute and base, Reeds shaken by a breeze; they neither know To strike a gallant soldier to his face, Nor take a stroke in front; your faces show! That will alone suffice to scare the craven foe 1" 48. This said, he spurr'd his horse, and onward flew Where he beheld the Soldan's shining snake; Through blood and dust, through sabers not a few, And groves of spears his progress did he make; With stroke and onset he dissolved and brake Ranks the most strong, and masses most compact; And everywhere to earth was seen to shake, With a bold arm, attacking or attack'd, Warrior and war-horse, shield and shielded cataphract. 49. O'er the mix'd heap of men and arms made black With bloodshed, bounds his barb, oT nothing shy; Th' intrepid Soldan saw the coming wrack, And'neither fled, nor had the wish to fly; But spurr'd abroad to meet him, and on high Raised his Damascus cimeter to smite The moment they should meet; —thus drew they nigh. 212 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO IX. O what two Peers did Fortune there unite, From the world's wide extremes, to prove their matchless might I 50. Fury in narrow lists with virtue strove For Asia's boundless empire: who can tell The fierceness of the fight! how saber drove At sword! how swift and strong the strokes that fell Their dreadful deeds I pass unsung; they dwell With unessential Night, whose awful screen Hid them from notice! they were deeds that well Deserved a noonday sun, and to have been By the whole world at once in cloudless glory seen. 51. The Christians, cheer'd by such a glorious guide, Wax bold, and push the battle to the gate; And round the dragon crested homicide, Dense grows the crowd, arm'd best in proof of plate; Foot press'd to foot, no ground repining hate Concedes; nor this nor that side wins or quails Faithful and infidel alike elate, The victor falls, the vanquish'd now prevails; And life and grisly death are hung in equal scales. 52. As with like rage and strength to battle fly Here the strong South-wind, there the ruffian North,They cuff, they rave, they clash; and sea and sky To neither yield themselves, though ]ash'd to froth, But cloud for cloud, and wave for wave send forth: So fought both hosts beneath the hideous shadeUnyielding, firm, sharp, obstinate, and wroth; Front shocking front, in horrible parade, Shield with shield, helm with helm, and blade loud clash'd with blade. 53. Nor toward the City shock the charging hosts Meanwhile with less loud uproar; nor less dense Glooms their array; a thousand thousand ghosts And Stygian fiends the cope of heaven immense Fill, and in Pagan bosoms breathe intense Resolve and fortitude; that none desire, Or even think to stir a footstep thence; While with new rage Argantes they inspire, Enough inflamed before with his accustom'd fire. 54. He too the guards repulsed, and at one bound Clear o'er the deep fosse and high ramparts leap'd, CANTO TX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 213 Level'd the outworks, smooth'd the lofty mound, And with the Franks he slew, the trenches heap'd; So that his knights with ease pursuing, steep'd The ground with gore, and to a purple red Dyed the white tents; like praise Clorinda reap'd Fast by his side, or following where he sped; With much disdain that she th' assailants did not head. 55. And now the Christians were in flight, when Guelph The field of slaughter opportunely gain'd; He made them turn their faces; he himself Bore the foe's onset, and his rage restrain'd. Thus fought they; and on both sides the blood rain'd In equal showers, and equally they earn'd The dreary laurels of revenge distain'd: His eyes meanwhile where hot the battle burn'd, From his empyreal seat the King of Glory turn'd. 56. There He abides; there, full of truth and love, Creates, adorns, and governs all that be, High o'er this narrow-bounded world, above The reach of reason and of sense; there He Presides from all to all eternity, Sublime on solemn throne, unbuilt with hands, Three Lights in One! while in meek ministry, Beneath his feet, with Fate and Nature stands Motion, and He whose glass weighs out her golden sands: 57. With Place and Fortune, who, like magic dust, The glory, gold, and power of things below, Tosses and whirls in her capricious gust, Reckless of human joy and human woe: There He in splendor shrouds himself from show, Which not e'en holiest eyes unshaded see; And round about him, in a glorious bow, Millions of happy souls keep jubilee,Equals alike in bliss, though diff'ring in degree. 58. As the loud harmony of angel hymns Joyous through heaven's resounding palace roll'd, Michael he summon'd, whose seraphic limbs Sparkle and burn in adamant and gold; And thus serenely spake: " Dost thou behold How from th' abyss yon fiends are risen, to spoil The faithful flock beloved of my fold? Seest thou then, arm'd with malice, how they toil In wrack and uproar wide those kingdoms to embroil? 214 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO IX. 59 "Go! bid them all avaunt, and leave the care Of war to warriors, as is just and right; Nor tempest and infect the earth and air Longer, with their foul charms and evil flight; But bid them back to the abyss of night, Their merited abode of wail and pain; There to torment themselves, and wreak their spite On the lost spirits subject to their chain; Lo, this my bidding is, and thus do I ordain!" 60. This said, the wing'd Archangel low inclined In rev'rent awe before th' Almighty's throne; Then spread his golden pinions on the wind, And, swifter than all thought, away is flown: He pass'd the regions which the Blessed own For their peculiar home, a glorious sphere Of fire and splendor; next, the milder zone Of whitest crystal; and the circle clear, Which, gemm'd with stars, whirls round, and charms his tuneful ear. 61. To left, distinct in influence and in phase, He sees bright Jove and frigid Saturn roll; And those five other errant fires, whose maze Of motion some angelic spark of soul Directs with truth unerring to the goal: Through fields of endless sunshine he arrives Where thunders, winds, and showers from pole to pole Waste and renew, as each for mast'ry strives, Green Earth, that fades to bloom, and to decay revives. 62. The horrors of the storm, the shadowy glooms, With his immortal fans he shakes away; The splendor falling froim his face illumes Night with a sunshine luminous as day: So after rain in April or in May, The sun with colors fine of ev'ry hue Paints the most clouds, green, crimson, gold, and gray; Cleaving the liquid sky's calm bosom blue, So shines a shooting star in momentary view. 63. But when he came where the malignant Fiends Inflamed the Turks, he check'd his swift career; Balanced his vig'rous pinions on the winds; Then spoke, and, speaking, shook his dreadful spear: CANTO IX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 215 "Not yet, Accursed! have ye learn'd to fear That God whose blazing thunderbolts of yore Scorch'd your gay wings, and to the nether sphere Smote you? have ages, spent in torments sore, Left you rebellious still, and haughty as before? 64. "Lo! Heaven hath sworn, that to the Cross shall nod Yon towers, and Sion ope her portal gates; Who shall withstand the oracles of God; Provoke his wrath, and fight against the Fates, Depart, ye Cursed! to your native states, The regions of perpetual death and pain, To you devote; the fiery surge awaits Your coming, and rears bright its blazing mane; There urge your impious wars, your triumphs there ordain! 65. "There o'er the guilty tyrannize; there wreak Your rage, and muster all the pangs ye know, Mid racks of iron, shaken chains, the shriek And gushing of interminable woe!" This heard, they fled; whom he perceived more slow, The Angel, with his fatal lance divine, Goaded and drove: with sullen groans they go; To realms of smiling light, and golden shine Of the gay morning-stars reluctant to resign. 66. And spread tow'rd Hell their dragon wings, to tease, And tear with sharper pangs the tortured ghosts; Not swallows in such flocks pass o'er the seas, Gath'ring to milder suns and warmer coasts; Not leaves in woods, when Autumn's first night-frosts Nip their sear'd beauty, in such numbers e'er Heap the low valleys: freed from their foul hosts, The joyous earth shook off her black despair, And cheer'd with flowers the ground, with harmony the air. 67. Yet not for this the valor or the ire In fierce Argantes' breast decay'd or sank; Though there Alecto breathed not now her fire, Nor with her whip of scorpions lash'd his flank; But evermore, where frown'd the closest rank, He keenly plied his sharp, vindictive blade; He mow'd down Briton, Greek, Italian, Frank, The proud, the mean, the potent equal made; And the plumed liege beside his plumeless vassal laid. 216 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO IX. 68. Not far behind, the Camp Clorinda strow'd With sever'd limbs, and with as keen a gust; Through Berlinger's proud heart, the warm abode Of life and sense, her cimeter she thrust,True to her wish; and to her aim so just, Its red point issued from the back; she left The hapless warrior grov'ling in the dust, Then through the navel Albino bereft Of life, and Gallo's skull, though helm'd, in sunder clefr. 69. Gernier's right hand, that gash'd her as she pass'd, She cut sheer off; which yet did not abstain From grasping with its quiv'ring fingers fast, Half animate, the sword, and on the plain Glid like a snake's lithe tail, that, cut in twain By some stung passenger, twists to and fro, And fiercely strives to reunite, in vain Thus lopp'd, he writhed; the Heroine left him so, Then at Achilles flew, and dealt a nobler blow. 70. Betwixt the nape and neck the saber smit, And cut the nerves and sinews that sustain'd The head, which, falling, on the earth alit, And in foul dust the beauteous face profaned, Ere the trunk fell; erect the trunk remnain'd (A sight of horror!), nor its seat forsook; Till the sagacious steed, no longer rein'd By the strong hand that wont its pride to brook, Rampant from off its back the useless burden shook. 71. While thus the dauntless Heroine gored and scourged The Western Lords, and thinn'd their serried lines, Her steed against her brave Gildippe urged, Nor made less slaughter on the Saracines: Their sex the same, the same wild beauty shines In each; in each the fire of glory glows; At her courageous rival each repines; But face to face in battle thus to close, Fate grants it not, —their lives are owed to mightier foes. 72. Here one, and there the other shock'd and charged, Nor this nor that could clear the fighting crowd; But gen'rous Guelph press'd forward, and discharged At his fair foe, with broad-sword raised, a proud Aspiring stroke; it linger'd not, but plow'd Her side, and purple turn'd its purest white; Heroic scorn her flashing smile avow'd, VANTO IX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 217 She with a thrust sharp answer made the knight, And'twixt the ribs his wound did passing well requite. 73. A second, stronger blow Lord Guelpho strook, Which err'd as tall Osmida, passing by, By chance upon his turban'd- forehead took The wound unmeant, gash'd deep from eye to eye. But here, for glory fierce, the company Which (Guelph commanded, interposing, drew In numbers round; while, fix'd to do or die, Of the press'd Pagans crowds on crowds throng'd too, So that the madd'ning fight more wild each moment grew. 74. Meanwhile Aurora sweet her roseate face'Shows from the balcony of heaven; and lo! Burst from his bonds, and fervent from disgrace, Where the press thickens and the tumults grow, Comes Argillan, abrupt; from top to toe Sheathed in such arms as chance for the assault First offers,-good or bad, he cares not, so They do but serve him to amend his fault, And by new deeds to praise his tarnish'd name exalt. 75. As when a wild steed in the stalls of kings Fed for the battle, from his manger breaks; O'er vales, o'er mountains to his loves he springs, Seeks the known meads, or to the river takes; His curl'd inane dances on his back; he shakes His haughty neck aloft; his broad hoofs sound Like the black thunder; with the bright fire-flakes Struck forth from his swift trampling, burns the ground And with his neighings shrill he fills the world around; 76. So issues Argillan-; his fierce eyes blaze, Intrepid shows his brow, sublimely strong His lifted arm; his swift feet leave no trace, Scarce stir the light dust as fhey bound along: And now, the turban'd multitudes among, He lifts his voice like one that laughs to scorn All jeopardy and fear: " 0 ye vile throng! Dregs of the world! what impudence has drawn You to a field of war, amidst wild asses born? 77. "'Tis not for you the shield and battle blade To shake aloft, or wear the warrior's weed; But to commit, half naked and afraid, 218 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO I-X. Wounds to the wind, your safety to the steed! All your achievements and brave schemes, indeed, Are wrought by night, blind Night your sole resource And tower of strength! now she has fled, you need Valor and arms of more efficient force; To what kind guardian Power will you now have recourse?" 78. While thus he spoke, on Algazel's bare cheek So fierce a stroke he took at bold surprise, As clove his jaws, and, as he sought to speak, Cut short his answ'ring accents; o'er the eyes Of the poor wretch a misty horror flies; An icy frost runs chill from vein to vein; He groans, he falls, and in the agonies Of death, still fill'd with fury and disdain, Bites with his gnashing teeth th' abominated plain. 79. By various deaths then Agricalt he slew, Strong Muleasses, stronger Saladine; Then at Aldlazel exulting flew, And clove the haughty Arab to the chine; Next wounding in the breast bold Ariadine, He beat him down, and with fierce vaunts of pride Taunted the youth; he, stretch'd on earth supine, His languid eyes uplifting ere he died, Thus to his glorying words presagingly replied: 80. " Not thou, whoe'er thou art, shalt glory long In this my death, short-sighted homicide! Like chance awaits thee; soon a hand more strong Shall stretch thee pale and breathless by my side!" G(rimly he smiled; and "Of my fate," he cried, "Let Heaven take care; meanwhile die thou, and fill The maw of birds and hounds! " then with a stride Of haughtier vaunt, he press'd him with his heel, And drew at once away the spirit and the steel. 81. Mix'd with the lancers rode the Soldan's pageHis fav'rite page, angelically fair; On whose Amooth chin the flowers that vernal age Strews in its deep'ning ripeness yet were rare; A poet's fancy would the pearls compare That in moist silver his warm cheeks inchase, To dews on April roses; to his hair, Untrimm'd, the golden gather'd dust gave grace, And even severe disdain show'd sweet in such a face. CANTO IX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 219 82. His steed for whiteness match'd the snows that drift On the high Apennines; the lights that glance In Arctic skies are not more lithe and swift Than he to run, to twine, to wheel, to prance: Grasp'd in the midst he shook a Moorish lance, And a short saber graced his side; with bold Barbaric pomp, as in antique romance, He shone in purple, glorious to behold, Fretted witlh blazing gems, and damask'd o'er with gold, 83. While the fair boy whose mind the new delight Of glory charm'd, with uncheck'd conquest warm, Hither and thither in his childish sleight Drove the bewilder'd crowd with little harm, Like a grim lion couching cool and calm, Fierce Argillano to his motions lent Regard; watch'd well his time; then raised his arm,Loud whizz'd the lance, and, true to his intent, At stealth the white steed slew, and down the rider went. 84.. At his sweet face, where suppliant pity mild For mercy, mercy, vainly made appeal, The victor-churl struck, hoping to have spoil'd That masterpiece of beauty; but the steel, Humaner than the man, appear'd to feel Pain for the wrong, and lighted flat; alas, What could it serve him! soon his cruel skill The -fault retrieved,-he made a surer pass; Deep gash'd the sword his cheek, and stretch'd him on the grass. 85. The Soldan, who at no great distance fought, By Godfrey in the battle kept at bay, Turn'd his spurr'd steed the moment he had caught Sight of the risk, and through the wedged array Of charged and charging squadrons clove his way, And came in time-for vengeance, not for aid; O grief! O anguish! he beheld his gay And late so smiling Lesbin lowly laid, Like a fine flower cut down, and drooping undecay'd. 86. His graceful head fell with an air so meek; Life's flitting sunshine languish'd into night O'er his blue eye, and on the suff'ring cheek, Strew'd by Death's Angel in his love, the white Rose breathed so sweetly, that, in pride's despite, His marble heart was touch'd;, and from his brain, 220 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO MX. In midst of rage, the tears gush'd big and bright: What! can he weep, who saw his ancient reign Pass by without one tear to mark his parting pain? 87. He weeps! but when the smoking sword he views In Lesbin's blood imbrued, all softness dies; His spirit is ablaze; his rage renews; The scorch'd tears stagnate in his stormy eyes, That flash with fire; on Argillan he flies, Lifts his drawn sword, and splits from thong to thong, First the raised buckler with its proud device, And next his helmed head-a stroke most strong, Worthy a Sultan's scorn who writhed beneath such wrong. 88. Nor thus content, he from his steed alights, And makes fierce battle vwith the corse he slew; Like a struck mastiff, that in vengeance bites The stone some passenger in anger threw: O vain relief of anguish! to pursue With rage the dust insensible to pain: But meanwhile Godfrey and his circling crew Of chevaliers, against the Soldan's train Spent not in vain their powers, struck not their blows in vain. 89. A thousand Turks were there fromn head to heel Sheathed in fine mail, with plated shields; their frame, Untired by toil, was stubborn as the steel That arm'd their limbs; their daring souls the same,Versed in all movements of the martial game: The Soldan's ancient body-guard, they pass'd With him to the Arabian wilds, when came His evil hour, and to his fortunes fast Adhered through bright and dark, confed'rates to the last. 90. These, press'd together close in firmest rank, Little or nothing to the Franks gave place; Among them Godfrey charged, and in the flank Wounded Rostene, Corcutes in the face; From Selin, lifting high his Moorish mace, He shore the head; then to Rosseno drew, Lopp'd off both arms, and in that piteous case Left him to die, while on the rest he flew; And many a Paynim maim'd, and many a Paynim slew. CANTO IX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 221 91. While thus he strikes, and on his moony shield Takes all their strokes, invincible as bold, Nor in one point the gruff barbarians yield, Their hopes yet ardent, nor their courage cold, Fresh clouds of drifted dust ride nigh, that hold Lightnings of war within their womb; and lo i Nearer and nearer as their skirts are roll'd, A sudden shine of arms moves to and fro, That fills with deep alarm the bosoms of the foe. 92. Here fifty knights to battle came, who bore In argent field the Red-cross of their Lord; Had I a hundred mouths and tongues, yea, more, Throat, lungs, and breath of brass to sound abroad Their deeds, I could not fittingly record What numbers lifeless sank upon the plain In their first charge; the valiant Turk that warr'd, And Arab that warr'd not, but sought to gain The gates for flight, alike was met, was pierced, was slain. 93. Grief, Scorn, Pain, Horror, Cruelty, and Fear, Ran shrieking on all sides, and you might see Death the Destroyer stride from van to rear, In thousand guises, butch'ring those that flee; Conqu'ring the brave; and with a bloody sea Billowing the ground: —the king with many a knight Had issued from the walls, in certainty Of full success, and with the morning light Beheld the subject plain and uncompleted fight. 94. But when, no longer dubious of th' event, He the main army saw in disarray, He bade the trumpet sound retreat, and sent Repeated heralds to command and pray Argantes and Clorinda back; but they, Intoxicate with blood, and blind with ire, Long time refuse his message to obey; At length they yield, but jointly still aspire To orb their scatter'd troops and in- firm rank retire. 95. But who a coward host can rule or guide? The flight is taken, and the fierce foe nigh; One casts his shield, and one his sword aside, As more encumber'd than defensed thereby: Stretch'd from the South toward the Western sky, A rugged valley winds, abrupt and deep, Near Salem,-thither do the many fly, 222 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO IX. In crowds on crowds rude rushing down the steep,Dark clouds of dust arise, and to the city sweep. 96. While down the hill precipitate they ran, The Christian host vast slaughter of them made; But when they cross'd the valley, and began To climb the rocks in bowshot of the aid Sent by the king, his forces Guelpho stay'd; For, at such disadvantages of height, He would not risk th' uncertain escalade; Thus safe within the walls, the king from flight Received the small remains of that unprosp'rous fight. 97. All that to human efforts Nature grants, The Soldan now had done; with sweat and gore His members are bedew'd; he gasps and pants, Sharp anguish shakes his frame, he can no more. Weak grew his arm beneath the shield it bore; His red right-hand, with slaughter overspent, Scarce waved the sword; that sword, so sharp before, Now only bruised, so blunted, hack'd, and bent, It long had lost the use for which the shape was lent. 98. Feeling thus faint, he hesitating stands In dubious mood,'twixt warring counsels toss'd,Or should he perish by his own proud hands, Since hope afresh was wreck'd and honor lost, So none the glory of his death could boast, Or, should he care to save his life, and flee Far from the field where lay his vanquish'd host? "Fortune," at last he cried; "I yield to thee; And let my flight the seal of thy scorn'd conquest be:99. " Let Godfrey view once more, and smile to view My second exile;-soon shall he again See me in arms return'd, to vex anew His haunted peace and never stable reign. Yield I do not; eternal my disdain Shall be as are my wrongs; though fires consume My dust, immortal shall my hate remain; And aye my naked ghost fresh wrath assume, Through life a foe most fierce, but fiercer from the tomb I" END OF CANTO IX. dir b A rude SlJenus oft the days of old Have seen unclose, and. yield somne Goddess fair, But never yet diCd sylvan image hold Charnms such as issued fron -the nrt tle are: For forth a Lady stept wxith golden hair, With angel beauty-, angel mien and grace; InI -whom, albeit of visionary air, Rinaldo starts A.rmida's form to trace, Thle same expressive eye,:fond smile, and radiant face. TA NZA xxx; CANTO XVII.T JERUSALEM DELIVERED, CANTO X. ARGUMENT. BEFORE the Soldan, as he sleeps, Ismen Presents himself, and secretly conveys The Prince to Sion, where his courage keen, And the unbending firmness he displays, Soon cheers the drooping Tyrant; Godfrey prays Of his stray knights the story of their woes; And when the fear which on his spirit preys For lost Rinaldo finds a happy close, His sons' renown and worth the gifted Seer foreshows JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO X. 1. WHILE yet he spoke, a steed, from battle stray'd, Came bounding up to him, on whose free rein A hot and hasty hand the Soldan laid, And leap'd across him, faint with toil and pain: The dragon crest, that with such, length of train Of late in air rose dreadful, shorn away, Leaves the proud helm undignified and plain; Rent are his glorious robes, his trappings gay; Nor has he left one sign of pomp or kingly sway. 2. As from the wattled pens the villain wolf Chased out, scuds darkling to the forests hoar, Which, though he well has fill'd the rav'nouns gulf Of his vast stomach with the flesh and gore Of many a victim, thirsting yet for more, Laps off the bloody froth his jaws distil, With greedy tongue; e'en so the Soldan bore From that night's slaughter an unsated will, For boundless fields of blood athirst and hung'ring still 3. As was his fortune, from the drizzly cloud Of sounding arrows that around him flew, From groves of' lnces, ranks of swords, a crowd Of hostile hkr',its, securely he withdrew; And ever as -te rode, unknown to view, The most untrod and wildest ways he sought; While, unresolved what measure to pursue, With each fresh billow of conflicting thought, Fluctuates his stormy mind, still fixing, fix'd on naught 4. At length to Eg'ypt he resolved to hie, Where now the Caliph his vast hosts array'd; And, join'd with him, the arms and fate to try TASSO-8 226 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO X. Of afresh conflict; this decision made, In his mid course no longer he delay'd, But with the speed his urgency demands, Rode for the South; he needed none in aid, To show the way where on the seashore sands, Right strongly tower'd, the town of antique Gaza stands. 5. Nor, though sharp pangs upon his members seize, And his weak frame grows weary, will he lay His arms aside to taste the bliss of ease, But in sore travel spends the total day, Till from his sight the landscape swims away, And shadows tinge the sky's sweet colors brown; He then alights; then swathes, as best he may, His thrilling wounds; and from the lofty crown Of overnodding palms ambrosial fruit shakes down. 6. And, thus refreshed, on the bare earth he sought, His head reclining on his shield, to gain Rest to his wearied side, and still the thought, The restless thought that tired his busy brain: But every moment miserable pain Stung the sick slumb'rer on his couch of thorn; Oft a swift horror shot from vein to vein; While by the inward vultures, Grief and Scorn, His sad heart still was pierced, his liver fiercely torn. 7. At length, when Night had reacll'd her deepest noon, And lull'd in solemn trance all things around, Conquer'd with weariness, in softest swoon His vexing mem'ries and regrets he drown'd: Brief languid quiet his shut eyelids crown'd, And a benumbing torpor, dull but dear, Its soothing coils about his members wound;While yet he slept, a sudden voice severe, Toned like the thunder, thus resounded in his ear: 8. "SolySolyman! Solyman! this lazy rest To a more suited time reserve; still groans The land thou'st ruled-a weeping slave, oppress'd Beneath the yoke of foreign myrmidons: And sleep'st thou here, upon a soil that owns So deep a vestige of thy late disgrace? Hast thou the sad remembrance lost, whose bones Untomb'd it holds? is it in such a place That thou must idly wait to give the morning chase?" CANTO x. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 227 9. The Soldan, waking, raised his eyes, and view'd A man beneath a hundred winters bent; Who, with a writhen staff from the wild wood, Guided his feeble steps where'er he went; " And who art thou?" he utter'd, malcontent, " Officious goblin i whose ill ministry Is thus to haunt lone passengers o'erspent, And scare off their brief sleeps? take wing, and flee What is my proud revenge, what my disgrace to thee! " 10. " I," said the bearded Sire, "am one to whom Is known in part the scope of your new scheme; And as a friend more watchful of vour doom And cherish'd int'rests than you yet may deem, i come; nor let my bitter sarcasm seem Severe in vain; scorn is the quick'ning spur Of virtue and ennobling self-esteem; Let not my accents then, which serve to stir The latent fire to flame, your anger thus incur. 11. " Though now (if I your purpose read aright) Your steps to the Egyptian Court incline, A dang'rous journey and a fruitless flight, If yet you pause not in your rash design, My mystic art, from many a hostile sign, Predicts; since, whether you remain or go, No less the forces of the Saracine Will march; and there, what valor can you show, Or how your genius use against our common foe? 12. "But, if you trust to me, within those walls Which fast the Latin arms in leaguer gird, In open day, and to the inmost halls Of Salem, without sword, I pledge my word To bring you safe, unnoticed and unheard; There take your fill of glory and delight: With arms and zeal to fit exploits transferr'd, Defend her towers, till, to renew the fight, The hosts of Egypt come, and conquest crowns yo-r right!i" 13. While thus he spoke, the fierce Turk with amaze The ancient man's electric aspect eyed; His voice was like a spell; and from his face, And from his savage mind all signs of pride And rage lie banish'd: " Father!" he replied, "This instant I am ready, I am swift To follow wheresoe'er thy will may guide; 228 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO X. That counsel's best which promises to lift -y steps with most of toil to Danger's loftiest clift! " 14. The Ancient praised his zeal, and straightway pour'd Into his smarting wounds, which Night had chill'd, A sov'reign juice that soon his strength restored, Stanch'd the red ichor, the sore bruises heal'd; And, seeing now the sun begin to gild The orient clouds yet purple from their play Round young Aurora, " Rise from off thy shield!" He said, "'tis time to go; since breaking day, Which calls the world to toil, already lights our way." 15. His magic car stood ready at command;They mount; the Stranger, shunning all delay, Shook the rich reins, and with a master's hand Lash'd the black steeds, that, ramping, scour'd away So swift, that not the sands a trace betray Of hoof or wheel; they vanish as they come, Proudly precipitant, and snort, and neigh, Paw the parch'd soil, and, ardent for their home, Champ their resplendent bits all white with fleecy foam. 16. Away! away! and still as fast and far They fly, the air to clouds condensing roll'd In heaps around, and draped th' enchanted car; Yet not a wreath could human eye behold; Nor stone nor rock, (surprising to be told), Hurl'd from the most magniificent machine, Might of its crapelike volume pierce the fold! Yet by the two within were all things seen — The clouds, air, earth, and sky, all rosily serene. 17. With wrinkling forehead and arch'd brow,the knight On cloud and car gazed stupidly intent,Its wheels seem'd wings, and its career a flight, So swift and soundless on its way it went O'er the smooth soil; the Sage plenipotent, Who saw his raptured spirit stand aghast At the sublime and mystical portent, From his abstraction roused him; voice at last Came to his lips,from which these eager questions pass'd. 18. " Whoe'er thou art that, passing mortal man, Mak'st pliant Nature thus thy freaks fulfill, Who, reading thought and purpose at a scan, The-heart's close chambers rangest at thy will; O i if it be within thy gifted skill, CANTO X. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 229 Far peeping into Time, to see the shows Of things yet dark, and spell their good or ill, Say, prophet, sayv, what ruin or repose Do the mysterious stars foredoom from Asia's throes? 19. " But first thy name declare, and by what art Thou work'st things thus beyond weak Fancy's reach; For, in this stupor of the mind and heart, How else can I attend thy wondrous speech?" The Wizard smiled; " Of that which you beseech, Part I, at least," said he, "will grant; one page We may turn over, and its secrets teach; Ismeno 1, the Syrian Archimage, Named from the magic arts in which I love t' engage. 20 "But, Prince, to glance through dark futurity, And of far fate th' eternal leaves to read, Were an attempt too arrogant and high; Nor do the Heavens to man such power concede To face the ills and suff'rings here decreed, All spirit, wisdom, strength, let each assume; For oft the valorous and the wise succeed In striking brightness from the deepest gloom, And from the spheres shape out their own triumphant doom. 21. "For thee'twill be a little thing, the powers And pillars of Frank rule to shake; prepare Not to flank only, nor to shield the towers, Which those fierce hosts with such unceasing care Strongly inclose,-'gainst steel,-'gainst fire lay bare Thine all unconqu'rable arms; be bold; Hope all things, suffer all things, all things dare; Myself hope much; to thee shall now be told, What through the mist of years obscurely I behold. 22. "I seem to see, ere many an annual round Yon dancing planet runs, a Chief arise, Who shall grace Asia with his deeds renown'd, And with the scepter of the Ptolemies Rule fruitful Egypt; on the policies, Industrious arts, and blessings of his reign, I'm mute,-their number pains my straining eyes: This be content to know, the Christian chain With equal scorn and strength his hand shall shake in twain. -~~ —--------— ~~~.1 230 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO X. 23. " Yea, from its very base their rule unjust Shall in his last proud field uprooted be; And the lone remnant for their safety trust A petty rock beside the howling sea, Protected only by its waves.; from thee This Chief shall spring!'7.here hush'd the prophet's voice; "And O! " the Turk replied, "thrice happy he, Destined to such a noble task!" the choice His vulture thoughts half grudge, yet, while they grudge, rejoice. 24. " Let Fortune," he subjoin'd, " for good or ill Come or come not, as is prescribed on high; She sways not me, but shall behold my will Unconquer'd aye, and steadfast as the sky: First shall the moon from her blue circuit fly First shall the stars' immortal footsteps reel From the path fix'd for them to tread, ere I Swerve but a step to shun her whirling wheel!" He said, and crimson turn'd, with scorn and fervent zeal. 25. Thus commune they; and now the plain they pass, Near which their domes the white pavilions rear; There what a cruel sight was seen! alas, In what unnumber'd shapes did death appear! To Solyman's stern eyes a troubled tear Of grief and passion rose at the survey, And fill'd his face with gloom; afar and near, In what wild havoc, how insulted, lay His arms and ensigns, fear'd, so fear'd of yesterday! 26. He saw the Franks in carnival o'erspread The field, oft trampling on the faces pale Of his slain friends, as from th' unburied dead They tore the gorgeous vests and shirts of mail, With rude insulting taunts: down the far vale, In long, long order, many a fun'ral choir Was seen attending with the voice of wail Bodies beloved, while some brought careless fire, And Turks and Arabs heap'd in one commingling pyre. 27. He deeply sigh'd, he drew his sword in rage, And from his seat leap'd, eager in their blood T' avenge the insult; but the Archimage His mad resolve inflexibly withstood; And, curbing by rebuke his furious mood, Made him perforce resume the seat resign'd; CANTO X. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 231 Then to the loftiest hills his course pursued, Baffling the rival pinions of the wind, Until the hostile tents in distance sank behind. 28. Alighting then, the chariot disappear'd, And side by side on foot the trav'lers went; Still curtain'd in the cloud, their course they steer'd Down a deep vale of difficult descent, Till they arrived where to the Occident Sublime Mount Sion turn'd its shoulders wide, In rocks and cliffs fantastically rent; There paused the Sorcerer, and its fissured side Coasting from steep to steep, in close perusal eyed. 29. Scoop'd in the bosom of the living stone, Time immemorial, yawns a hollow grot, Whose mouth, from long disuse, was overgrown With briers and herbs that mantled all the spot, By all but the Magician long forgot; He clear'd the way, the entrance he explored, And, bending low his body, scrupled not Darkling to creep into the cave, unawed, Holding his right hand out to guide the Turkish lord. 80. Out then spake Solyman: "What uncouth cave Is this, through which my stealing steps must glide? Far nobler passage with my trusty glave Would I have cleft, if thou hadst not denied:" " Reluctant soul!" the Archimage replied, "Let not thy proud feet spurn the gloomy ways, Which potent Herod has so often tried,Which Herod ofttimes trod in ancient days, Whose deeds in arms are yet the theme of Syrian praise. 81. " This cave the monarch scoop'd, when with a power More strict his froward Jews he wish'd to bend; By this he could with ease from yonder tower, (Then named Antonia from his noble friend,) Either, invisible to all descend To the grand Temple, and secure his flight, If aught of tumult threaten'd to impend In the rebellious city, or, by night Fresh forces introduce, nor shock the public sight. 32. " This dark and solitary cave, of all Existent beings but to me is known; It now shall be our usher to the hall, WThere in divan the mightiest of his throne, 232 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO X Emir, and sage, and Persic Amazon Are gather'd by the King, who seems to fear, Somewhat too much, misfortune's angry frown; Much needed shalt thou come; stand still, give ear, Then move, at suited time, bold words of lively cheer." 33. He said: the Prince no longer now disdains To enter the strange cavern; but by ways Where ever-during night, and silence reigns, Follows the Wizard through the winding maze; At first low stooping, but the grot in space Loftier dilates, the farther they explore Its labyrinthine depths, until they pace At utmost ease of height the chisel'd floor, And midway, soon approach a little grated door. 34. Ismeno shot the lock; and to the right They climb'd a staircase, long untrod, to which A feeble, glimm'ring, and malignant light Stream'd from the ceiling through a window'd niche. At length by corridors of loftier pitch They sallied into day, and access had To an illumined hall, large, round, and rich; Where, sceptered, crown'd, and in dark purple clad, Sad sat the pensive King, amid his Nobles sad. 35. The Turk, unseen within the hollow cloud, His eager eyes around th' assembly roll'd; And heard meanwhile the monarch, from his proud Enamel'd seat of elephant and gold, His changed imaginations thus unfold: " Oh, ruinous indeed the day gone by Proved to our rule! my eagle heart is cold; Cold, O my friends! and, cast from hopes so high, Egypt is now the all on which we can rely. 36. " But well ye see how distant af'e her arms From our so pressing exigence, alas, Our risks! for your advice in these alarms We all are met,-each speak the thoughts he has:" He ceased; sad sounds around repining pass, Like hollow winds in woods when dark the year Weeps into winter; but, with front of brass, Lively of look and confident of cheer, Argantes straight uprose, and hush'd each whisp'ring peer. OANTO x. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 233 37. " What, most magnificent of Kings! what now?" Were the first words of the undaunted Knight; " What trial's this? who does not know that thou Need'st not our judgments to decide aright? Yet will I say, be all our hopes in fight Placed in ourselves; and if, as schoolmen tell. No ills can harm true Virtue, nor affright, Be that our spear, our shield, our citadel,Let us her dictates use, nor love our lives too well. 38. " I say not this as hopeless of the aid, The most sure aid our Court did late decree To doubt the promises my lord has made, Were neither just in you, nor right in me: But; this I say, because I wish to see In some of us an energy more brave; A soul prepared for whatsoe'er may beTo s!'orn the chance that guides us to the grave, And look on vict'ry still as our predestined slave." 39. Thus spoke Argantes; nothing more he chose To say, as useless in so clear a case; When with an air of state Orcano rose, A peer descended from a princely race: With warriors once he held respected place; But, married to a young and beauteous bride, His courage melted in her sweet embrace; And in his babes now placing his chief pride, Sad o'er the risks of war the sire and husband sigh'd. 40. "My Prince," he thus began, " I ne'er can blame The warmth of words magnificent, that start Bright with the impress of young Glory's flame, Which will not be confined in the close heart; And if the good Circassian, in the smart Of ardent feeling, oft in speech exceeds Cool caution's bounds and overplays his part, This let him claim; for, hotly as he pleads, His glorying words are match'd by no less glorious deeds. 41. " But it behooves thee, whom the wider ken Of times and actions so discreet has made, Such spirits by thy wisdom to restrain, When by enthusiast heat too far betray'd: To balance with thy hopes of distant aid Our present perils-what may yet befall,And to contrast, in this their fierce crusade, The arms, the zeal, the genius of the Gaul, With each new builded work and immemorial wall. 234 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO X. 42. "Our town (if freely I may speak my thought) Is strong by nature, stronger yet by art; But what sublime and strong machines are brought Against its bulwarks, on the adverse part! What is to happen,. I know not,-my heart Both hopes and fears the issue, as the scale Vibrates of war; but hope must soon depart, Hope must depart, for sustenance will fail, If they in stricter siege invest us, and assail. 43. " But, as respects the store of herds and grain That yesternight within the walls was brought, While the press'd Franks, in yon pavilion'd plain Crimsoning their swords, on conquest only thought, (And at the greatest hazard it was wrought,) What will it be in this large town? at most, Scant for our need, if the siege lasts; nor short The siege must prove, e'en though the Egyptian host Come punctual to the day and hour at first proposed. 4i. "But what, if longer they delay? or grant That they our hopes outstrip, and well fulfill Their plighted promise, is there naught to daunt? Is the war-storm roll'd back from Zion hill? Is vict'ry ours? —No, King! we must fight still With this redoubted Godfrey, as at first; With the same captains, the-same hosts, whose skill So oft has baffled the fair hopes we nursed, And Arabs, Persians, Turks, in utter rout dispersed! 15. " Their bravery, brave Argantes! thou hast known, Who oft in field hast yielded quick retreat, Oft to the conqu'ring foe thy shoulders shown, Oft turn'd for safety to thy wind-swift feet; Coupled with thee in danger and defeat, This knows Clorinda, this know I; not one In the divan has cause for self-conceit Above the rest; my lord, I censure none; All that the might of man can do, ourselves have done. 46. " Yet will I say, though he should frown to hear The truth, and fiercely take the dues of hate, I see, alas, by tokens but too clear, The dreaded Franks led onward by a fate Not to be shunn'd! no force, however great, Nor harnessries of steel, nor towers of stone Will bar their final conquest; this I state, (Bear witness, righteous Heaven!) from zeal alone,Zeal for my country's goQd, and duty to the throne. CANTO X. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 235 47. " How wise the King of Tripoli.! he knew How with calm peace his kingdom to retain, While by his stubbornness the Soldan drew Their vengeance down, and either now lies slain, Or vilely groans beneath the victor's chain; Or into exile, of each face afraid, Flies, ekeing out a life of care and pain; He too, had he but yielded part, and paid Tribute or gifts of price, might still his realms have sway'd." 48. In these ambiguous words the Syrian gave A dubious glimpse of his oblique device; For, to buy peace and live a feudal slave He durst not openly the king advise: But the impetuous Solyman of Nice, With deepest scorn and indignation stung, No longer could endure such calumnies; And first the Wizard whisper'd him, "How long Art thou disposed to bear the taunts of such a tongue?" 49. "Against my will," he answer'd, " well you wist, Keep I thus mute; I burn with rage and scorn!" Scarce had he said, than the gross web of mist That like a garment mantled them, was torn, And into open heaven dissolving borne; At once refulgent from the rending cloud The Prince stood forth in the clear light of morn; With fiery eye, magnificent and proud,Into the hall he strode, and sudden spake aloud: 50. " Lo, I of whom ye prate before you stand, No tim'rous wretch that into exile flies, But ready e'en with this war-wearied hand, To prove how foully yon pale craven lies! And is it I, who shed in all men's eyes Such streams of blood; who fought, the livelong night Till the smooth plain did into mountains rise,I, who with thousands still sustain'd the fight, Of every friend deprived —am I accused of flight? 51. " But mark me well! if he, or any such, False to his faith, his country, and his kind, Dares on so base a theme again to touch, This sword shall stab the mischief in his mind: First lambs and wolves shall in one fold be join'd; First doves and snakes shall in one nest embrace; Ere on one soil affianced peace shall bind 236 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO X. Our hands in friendship with this hated race; No! first the stable globe shall perish from its place." 52. While speaking, he his terrible right hand Laid on his sword in threatful attitude; As statues mute, the Magnates of the land Sate, by his words and Gorgon face subduedThen with a gentler tone, in milder mood, He greeted courteously the King, and said: "No more, my lord, on past reverses brood, Since I am here, who bring no trivial aid; Let this to livelier hopes thy fainting heart persuade.' 53. He, rising to salute him, made reply: "Oh with what joy do I behold thee here! Now, neither of my slaughter'd chivalry Feel I the loss, nor for the future fear; Thou of a truth art come, companion dear! My power to fix, and in good time renewUnless the flatt'ring stars prove insincereThine own;" thus saying, to the Prince he drew, And round his neck his arms in strict embracement threw. 54. Their greetings paid, his own rich chair of state The King conceded to the brave Nicene; Then on a damask throne beside him sate, And on his left hand placed the sage Ismene: While of their wondrous coming unforeseen Curious the King for explanation press'd The Archimage apart, Clorinda sheen Came from her seat and to the royal guest Respectful homage paid; him honoring, rose the rest; 55. And with them brave Ormusses, who, indued Of late by Solyman with powers to guide A troop of Arabs to the town, pursued Ways long disused, and while the fight was plied With sternest resolution, undescried Through the dark midnight, had the skill to gain The straiten'd town in safety; and beside His armed force, brought store of herds and grain; Aids, which the pining host had look'd for long in vain 56. Sole with an aspect full of surly scorn, Silent the piqued Circassian kept his place; Like a grim lion, that at sound of horn Rolling his eyes, disdains to stir one pace: 0 CANTO x. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 231 Abash'd Orcano durst not e'en upraise His eyes; but, prick'd by shame's compunctious sting Shrunk from his wrong'd opponent's angry gaze: The Soldan thus and nobles in a ring Leave we in deep divan, around the Syrian King. 57. But Godfrey, following fast as victory led, Had clear'd the ainbush'd straits, the guarded heights, And paid meanwhile to his lamented dead, The last funereal pomps and pious rites: And now he gives command that all his knights Be ready, when the matin trumpet calls, To move th' assault; their ardor he incites; And wheeling round, in prospect of the walls, Yet mightier rainms and towers, the townsmen more appals. 58. And when he knew the noble troop that came In- the last fight so timely to his aid For his own knights, who, through their amorous flalle, Had follow'd late the fair insidious maid,And with them Tancred, whom we saw betray'd To powerless bondage in Armida's cage, After his fancied Lady as he stray'd, — Alone before the Solitary Sage And his chief friends, he sent, their presence to engage. 59. Soon as they came, " Let one of you," he said, "Of your brief wand'rings the events relate; And by what turn of fortune you were led To bring such succor in so sharp a strait:" They blush'd; since, e'en for venial errors, great Is the remorse of virtue; each would shun The task, and downcast stood with looks sedate; Raising his eyes at length, th' illustrious son Of British William rose, and bashful thus begun. 60. " We, whose void lots remlain'd undrawn, while night Favor'd us, secretly from camp withdrew; Following, I do not deny, Love's meteor light, And a fair face insidious to undo; WVe went by crooked by-ways, trod by few, In discord, jealousy, and fierce debate; And oft the witch imnpassion'd glances threw, [late!) Sweet words, and sweeter smiles, (seen through too Which, while they fed our love, increased our mutual hate. 238 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO X. 61. "At length we reach'd th' accursed spot, where Heaven Rain'd down its flaky fire in ancient time, Revenging outraged Nature on the leaven Of foul Gomorrah and her coasts of crime: Once fruitful was the land, and pure the clime; Where odious winds now fret, and billows yell, Roll'd on a wild lagoon of bubbling slime Bituminous, that, smoking as they swell, Breathe in gross air the hue and sulph'rous scent'of hell. 62. " This is the pool in which whate'er is thrown Will never sink, but on the surface float; Men, iron, marble, brass, and solid stone, All that has weight, is buoy'd up as a boat; A castle crowns the flood, and o'er its moat A narrow bridge gives access to the pile; Thither we went; within, sweet mysteries smote Our senses, —Nature wore her brightest smile; Gay shone the summer sea, and laugh'd th' enchanted isle. 63. " The air was mild, Heaven. calm, the joyous bowers Fresh, the woods green, the waters bright and blue: Midst myrtles, lilacs, and divinest flowers, A fountain to the sun in silver flew; The crisp leaves made soft music, as to woo Tired eyes to slumber in the shaded grass; Heard was the bee to hum, the dove to coo, Nor mute was Heavenly Philomel; I pass The glorious structures wrought in marble, gold, and glass. 64. "' On the smooth turf, near the melodious wave, In brownest shade were ivory tables set; With sculptured vases deck'd and viands brave Of every clime and season,-all that yet Art dress'd, or taste purvey'd, or rifling net Snared from the leafy wood or billowy sound, With every flavorous wine and rich sherbet; A hundred charming nymphs, with roses crown'd, Skillful as Hebe, served, and sped the banquet round. 65. " With radiant smiles and fond engaging speech She brew'd enchantments fatal to our fame; While at the feast, from Love's full goblet each Quaff'd off a long forgetfulness to shame, CANTO X. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 239 She, rising, said, C I soon return;' she came,But with a face less tranquil than before; Her cheek's rose-hues were deepen'd into flame; A small enchanting wand her right hand bore, Her left a book,whence she strange mysteries murmur'd o'er. 66. " Fast as she read, I felt a secret change Invest at once volition, sense, and thought; I long'd the watery element to range, Leap'd from my seat, and flounced in amorous sport Through the smooth wave, —so wonderfully wrought Her spell! my legs combined; my arms began T' incorporate; my tall form grew spare and short; O'er all my skin bright scales of silver ran; And the mute fish possess'd the late majestic man. 67. " Changed like myself in form and instincts, all Swam the clear silver of the living stream; What then my feelings were I now recall As through the medium of a brain-sick dream: At length it pleased the enchantress to redeem Our spirits from the spell; our shapes we took, But wonder kept us dumb, and awe supreme; When, still some anger lowering in her look, She, threat'ning thus, our hearts with fresh commotion shook: 68. "' Lo, now at length ye know my height of power, My empire o'er you! in my will it lies, To shut you up forever in yon tower, Dead to the sunshine of the cheerful skies; Or rib you into rocks of stone or ice, To bear the fury of all winds that blow; To wing you into birds; or, in a trice, Root you in earth to germinate and grow; In shaggy hides to howl, or in cold fountains flow. 69. "' You yet may shun my anger, if ye choose T' adapt your conduct to my sov'reign will; Change but your faith, and in our service use Your swords the impious Lorrainer to kill:' All scorn'd the cursed conditions to fulfill, Save base Rambaldo; him, and him alone She won, —while we (for'gainst her magic skill What could avail?) in darksome cells were thrown, Beneath a weight of chains, for long, long moons to groan, 240 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO x. 70. "To the same castle came in evil hour Bold Tancred, who by guile was captured too: But the fair, false Enchantress in her tower Not long detain'd us; for, if fame say true, An envoy with an armed retinue Came with Prince Idraotes' signet ring From rich Damascus,-of the maid to sue, That he our troop, disarm'd and chain'd, might bring As an obliging gift before th' Egyptian king. 71. "Watch'd by a hundred guards we went our way; When, as the providence of Heaven decreed, The good Rinaldo, who from day to day Goes adding by some new heroic deed Fresh grace to glory, on his sprightly steed Met us, nor paused a moment to assail. The knights our guard;-most nobly did he speed; Victorious fromn the foe our shirts of mail Stripp'd, and to us restored, attest the certain tale. 72. " I saw, all saw him! to his robes we clung, Heard his kind voice, and grasp'd his hand; thus then, False is the rumor that from tongue to tongue Sounds through the Camp, which misreports him slain; The youth is safe; but thrice the sun's bright wain Has circled Heaven, since, with a pilgrim guide Parting from us, lie took the sandyplain That leads to Antioch; having first aside His shatter'd armor cast, to deepest crinison dyed."'73. He ceased; meanwhile his eyes the hermit raised To Heaven,-his color changed, diviner grew His sainted form; quick feelings feelings chased, And all his features into sunshine threw; Full of the Deity, his spirit flew On rapture's glowing wings, in glorified Trance to the sanhedrim of Angels,-drew The curtains of the sanctuary aside, And the eternal march of unborn years descried. 74. Unlocking then in more than mortal sound His lips, of things to come the Prophet tells The rest in wonder at the change stand round, Attentive to his thunder'd oracles: " He lives," he cried, " Rinaldo! and all else Are but the wiles of feminine deceit; He lives; and God, the living God that dwells CaNTO x. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 241 In splendors beaming round the Mercy-seat, Reserves his unripe youth for glories more complete. 75. " Trivial as yet and infantile appears Each feat of his wherewith awed Asia rings; I see, I see him with the rushing years Tame the strong crimes of Coesars and of kings; And with the mild shade of its silver wings, I see his brooding Eagle overspread Th' Eternal City and the Church, that springs From the wolf's paw, redeem'd as from the dead, And many a worthy son shall bless his happy bed;76. " Children, and children's sons, who shall be styled Illustrious patterns of their sires' renown; And guard from wicked courts and traitors viled The papal miter and the ducal crown, With the religious temples; to strike down The haughty, raise the weak, the guilty goad, And shield young merit from misfortune's frownThese be their arts; and in this glorious mode Shall Este's Eagle soar beyond the Solar road. 77. "And just it is, that, as by power unawed She strikes for truth, rejoicing in the light, From Peter's'hands her pounce should bear abroad The mortal thunders; wheresoe'er the fight Waxes for Christ, her baffling pinions bright With triumph aye shall spread; this brilliant track Heaven, and her inborn virtue to her flight Accord;-thus, home to the sublime attack Whence she hath flown,'tis will'd the trumpets call her back!" 78. The griefs and fears that each had entertain'd, Wise Peter's words did wholly dissipate; Sole in the general joy the Duke remain'd Silent, giv'n up to themes of gravest weight: Meanwhile the sun had reach'd Eve's golden gate; Still Night o'er earth her solemn mantle throws; Home to their several tents the Chiefs of state Return, and give their members to repose; But Godfrey's studious mind no rest in slumber knows. END OF CANTO X. :K - -. I *U. I He - JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XI. ARGUMENT. WITH holy hymns, pure sacrifice, and prayer, The Christian hosts invoke celestial aid; Then storm the town; and to their rage lay bare The yawning walls,-some tempt the escalade; The breach is widene'd, when the Persian maid Shoots at the Captain from her mural height; With the sore wound his high success is stay'd Cured by an Angel, he renews the fight, But the sun soon rolls down, and Mars gives place to Night. JERUSALEM DELIVERED, CANTO XI. 1. WHILE thus the Captain of the Christian nations, Whose constant thoughts on the assault were bent, Prepared to shake to their most deep foundations The city walls, each warlike instrumentForth camne the Hermit from his morning tent; And, taking him aside with solemn air, In these grave words arrested his intent: " Arms of this world, O Chief, dost thou prepare? Know,'tis celestial aid that first should claim thy care. 2. " Begin from Heaven; invoke with holy hymn, With public prayer and reverential deed, The armed host of Saints and Seraphim, By whose bless'd aid success may be decreed; In sacred garments let the Priests precede, And tuneful psalms with suppliant voices raise; While thou and thy illustrious Nobles lead The multitude along, that, as they gaze, Shall catch from you the flame of piety and praise." 3. Severely spake the army's ghostly guide, And virtuous Godfrey own'd the words were wise; " Servant approved of Jesus! " he replied, " Well pleased I follow thy inspired advice; Thus then, while I to these solemnities My captains, lords, and chevaliers invite, Seek thou the ministers of sacrifice, William and Ademar; with them unite,The sacred pomp prepare, and ceremonial rite." 4. The Seer, the bishops, and the monks next morn, Writh all the canons of inferior class, Meet in a valley far from camp withdrawn, 246 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XI. Where, round an altar on the hallow'd grass, The Priests were wont to solemnize high mass; White robes they wear; the Pastors of the flocks Have on their sacerdotal albs, which pass In front divided o'er their golden frocks, Clasp'd with aigraffes of pearl; starr'd miters crown their lcks. 5. Peter alone, before, spread to the wind The sacred sign which Seraphim revere; The choir with slow and solemn steps behind In two long ranks, apart, their voices rear In Heavenly hymns and anthems, that insphere The spirit of sweet praise and humble prayer, Sung in alternate chorus; last appear William and Ademar,-the reverend pair Bring up their arriere bands in order passing fair. 6. Great Bouillon next, without companion, pass'd, As kings and princes use; by two and two The Captains follow'din his steps; and last, The total host in distribution due, Arm'd for defense; thus marshal'd, they march'd through The portal-gates; all tumult far was flown; Nor brazen horn ferocious clamors blew, Nor war-cry shrill'd; to Heaven arose alone Piety's suppliant voice in music's melting tone. 7. Thee, Father! thee they sing, coequal Son! And thee, bless'd Spirit! in whom both combine; All-pitying, saving, all-consoling One! Thee, Virgin-Mother of the man Divine! And ye, who o'er the bright-wing'd hosts that shine ArQund, in triple orbs vicegerence have, Princedoms! your succor they invoke; and thine, Baptist beloved! that in the less pure wave, Pure Mary's sacred Son immaculate didst lave. 8. Thee too they hail, the strong, the stable rock Whereon the Church is built; whose gentle pleas Win now thy new successor to unlock The gracious gates of pardon and of peace; And the twelve heralds who o'er lands and seas Advent'ring, publish'd with their latest breatIl Their Lord's triumphant apotheosis; And those who, seized, tormented for the Faith, Proved with their blood its power, and seal'd its truth with death. CANTO XI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 247 9. To saints whose writings point the path to truth And bliss, no less soft supplications swell; To Christ's dear handmaid, who in bloom of youth The nobler part of life selected well; To the chaste virgins that in cave or cell With solemn nuptials were espoused to God; And those, who, braving kings and nations fell, The lictor's axe, the proetor's torturing rod, Strait Virtue's thorny path magnanimously trod. 10. Thus worshiping, thus chanting in their zeal, Circling the long, long plain, the people came With easy pace to Olivet, a hill Fruitful in olives, whence it takes its name: A hill long signalized by sacred fame Through the wide world; like a majestic queen East of the town it soars, as if to claim Th' ascendant, parted only by the green Vale of Jehoshaphat, which fills the space between. 11. Thither the tuneful army tends, and fills The Heaven with melody; the vales ring round, And answ'ring Echo from her haunted-hills, From secret caves, and hollow glens profound, A thousand times repeats the charming sound; You would have thought a choir of Dryads near Sang from the groves and grottoes underground: So variously, and aye so sweet and clear, Jesu, Maria's name rewarbled back they hear. 12. On the town walls the curious Pagans stand, Silent as summer night; in much amaze At rites so strange, unwonted pomps so grand, Their solemn march, and humble hymns of praise; Long on the sacred spectacle they gaze; But when the novelty of show is o'er, A scornful yell the wicked miscreants raise, That with loud blasphemies the mountains hoar, Woods, torrents, towers the rocks and winding valleys roar. 13. But not for this their pure, melodious song The Christians cease; the clamors of their foes Unmoved they slight, as they would slight a throng Of chatt'ring swallows or loquacious crows; Nor can the arrows which their strong cross-bows Loose, at such distance, from the dancing string, Their orderly array to discompose, 246 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XI. Strike them with fear, or mar the notes they sing; Full to their purposed close the hymns commenced they bring. 14. Next, for communion, on the mountain's height, The sacramental altar beautified With sculptured images they raise, and light The golden lamps that stand on either side; Then other vestments more divinely dyed, With gold ingrain'd, the pontiff William wears; And, after silent thought, to God their guide Lowly he bends, and asks, in fervent prayers, Peace for sins past, and grace against impending snares. 15. While humbly round the near spectators bend, The more remote attend with steadfast eyes His speaking lips; when now there was an end Of the pure rites and mystic sacrifice, The Bishop turn'd, and lifting tow'rd the skies His sacerdotal hands, the armies bless'd; Then cried to them " Depart!" the companies, With silent pomp slow wheeling to the West, By the same path return'd which they before had press'd. 16. Th' intrenchments enter'd, people, duke, and prince, Fill'd with sweet peace to their pavilions went; Whllile thousands, proud their homage to evince, Escorted Godfrey as with one consent E'en to the threshold of his curtain'd tent, Parting with fond farewells: but lie recall'd The captains, and, as midnoon now was spent, To a plain feast the party seneschal'd, And in the second seat the Count Toulouse install'd. 17. When they with drinks and viands had appeased Nature's keen appetites, the General rose, And thus his knights addressed: "When next the East Shows morning, all things for th' assault dispose;'Twill be a day of bloodshed and of blows, Havoc, and sweat, and toil, as this is one Of preparation, quiet, and repose; Go then, prepare yourselves and troops; that done, Rest all,-the dial's shade has yet some hours to run." 18. This said, they take their leave; the heralds then By blast of trumpet give commands, that all Stand ready under arms when first they ken The breaking day, to storm the Northern wall: CANTO XI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 249 Brisk was the tending of the steeds in stall, Hamm'ring of armor, trimming of the crest, And deep the hum of wassail, till the call To vespers, and still Night, the friend of rest, Giving new truce to toil, all eyes in slumber bless'd. 19. Dubious and dusk, the Lady of the dawn Not yet had ris'n to walk her rosy round; The shepherd sought not yet his custom'd lawn, Nor shining share turn'd up the fallow ground; Still in their nests the blithe birds slumber'd sound; Not yet the lark upsoar'd on flick'ring wing, Nor forest echo'd to the born or hound; When first the matin trump was heard to sing, "To arms! "-" to arms!" the skies and misty valleys ring. 20. Ten thousand tongues take up the welcome words, " To arms!" and still " to arms!" is all their cry; Godfrey awakes, but not this morning girds The wonted cuishes on his martial thigh; His greaves and iron mail are hung on high, And on his back is borne a suppler suit, Of lighter mnake and less validity,Arms, only worn by such as fight on foot; When in good Raymond comes, to pay the morn's salute. 21. The Count, perceiving him arm'd thus, soon guess'd His purpose, and exclaim'd: " How's this, my lord? Where is your solid breastplate? where the rest Of your steel armors, hard and strong to ward Strokes, that may else prove fatal? what! abroad But half array'd, in a juppon so weak! This negligence we never can applaud; It would appear our Chief was bent to seek Mean glory's course; of such these habits seem to speak. 22. " What! look you for the private palm of those That mount the breach? to others leave the task, And some less serviceable souls expose To risks adapted to the meed they ask; Resume, my lord, your customary casque, Vant-brace, and hauberk; know your proper post; For ours, if not for your protection, mask Your face; for Heaven's sake, go not thus exposed! You are the soul, the strength, the life-blood of the host." 250 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XI. 23. "When," said the Chief, "Pope Urban girt this blade On me in Clermont, and the holy Seer Bade me perform in this divine crusade The duties of a gallant chevalier, I made a secret vow to God, that here I would not act on this eventful day, Come when it might, as Captain or as Peer; But thus assume the arms and plain array Which simple soldiers use, and combat e'en as they. 24. " When, therefore, these my armies marshal'd stand Iil war-bravade against the town,-when I Have fully seen to all points that demand The Chief's consid'rate head and judging eye, Reason it is, nor thou the need deny, That, faithful to my vow, I. strive to reap A soldier's laurels, to the walls dria'w nigh, And, sword in hand, upon the ramparts leap; Heaven will my ventured life in safe protection keep." 25. He ceased; and the Frank knights with loud acclaim Th' example took; his brothers and the rest Of tile confed'rate barons did the same, And in light mail their limbs as footmen dress'd: Meantime the Pagans to the quarter press'd That fronts Arct6phylax, the icy Bear, And thence wheels round toward the golden West; For more accessible the site, and there Less stubborn show the walls, impregnable elsewhere. 26. Elsewhere, the crag-built town would scorn the war Of hosting millions; thither not alone Does the fierce tyrant the strong burghers draw, The hireling aids, and satraps of his throne, But them o'er whom advancing Age has strown Its chill snows bearded sires and bovs-he calls To dangers and fatigues till now unknown; These hie and serve the warriors on the walls Wiih stones, bitumen, lime, oil, darts and brimstone balls. 27. With bristling arms and many a fix'd machine, Lined are the walls that overlook the plain; Breast-high above them is the Soldan seen, Like a grim Giant, while, with fell disdain Forever working in his fretful brain, Elsewhere, far-off discern'd, Argantes rears His bulk enormous; and, betwixt the twain, ~~4r~~~-'~~ — - P-U- l~-~~ —1~-~(~O~~DLI CANTO XI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 251 High on the topmost tower, Clorinda fierce, Known by her silver arms, conspicuously appears. 28. Her costly quiver, with sharp arrows stored, Hangs at her back,-the bow is in her hands, Bent,-the shaft dances on the chord, the chord Is ready drawn, and oft her eye demands The instant coming of the Christian bands: Burning to twang the string against the crowd, With lips apart the lady archer stands As Dian stoodf, when from the radiant cloud She loosed her vengeful darts at Niobe the proud. 29. Below, on foot; the aged Monarch hies From gate to gate, upon the walls surveys His first arrangements with observant eyes, And cheers his troops with speeches full of praise Here he recruits their ranks, and there displays Store of fresh arms and engines, and with care Provides for all; but, in the public ways, Throngs of sad matrons to the mosques repair, And to their Prophet false bend low in senseless prayer. 30. " O Mahmoud! with thy strong and righteous hand In twain the spear of this Frank spoiler break! Check, and confound, and stretch him on the sand Beneath our walls, for thine own glory's sake, Which he so much has outraged! " thus they spake; But their words reach'd not him, who, pierced with pains Eternal, tosses on the fiery lake; — While for defense each nerve the City strains, Musters the Christian Chief his army on the plains. 31. And first from camp his infantry he guides, With wondrous providence and art disposed, And.'gainst the walls to ruin doom'd, divides Transversely into two the massy host: In center the wheel'd engines take their post,Structures of unimaginable powers,Scorpions and strong ballistee; whence are toss'd, Like lightning and like thunder on the towers, Lances, and quarried rocks, and sleet of arrowy showers. 32. His heavier-arm'd he places in the rear For surer guard, his light-horse in the wings; Then gives the word, and instant in the ear Of either host the signal-trumpet rings: 252 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XI. Tremendous is the cast of stones from slings, Javelins from engines, quarrels from cross-bows, And mortal arrows from resounding strings; Some fall, some flee; and thinn'd and broken shows, On the defended wall, the phalanx late so close. 33. Then with all speed the eager Franks impel Their progress; part into a tortoise form, Shield lock'd with shield, beneath its iron shell Secure; while part slink from the sounding storm > Of stones and raining darts, in cubiform Battalia underneath the vines; they gain Thus screen'd, the counterscarp, and ceaseless swarm Fervent as summer-emmets, nor in vain, The hollow depth to fill, and equal with the plain. 34. The circling moat was not of marshy sward, (This the dry soil forbade,) nor soft with mud; So that they fill'd it soon, though large and broad, With turf, stones, timber, and fascines of wood: Daring Adrastus was the first that stood From forth the shell of shields; he raised sublime A scaling-ladder, and, despite the flood Pour'd from above, of boiling pitch and lime, Dauntless his crest advanced, and stood resolved to climb. 35. The fiery Switzer in his rash neglect Of life, on high with wonder they survey, Mark to a thousand arrows, and uncheck'd By all that would his course audacious stay; Half had he finish'd his aerial way, When sudden, by the strong Circassian thrown, A huge round rock with quick tempestuous sway, As from a mortar shot, upon his crown Alit, and rudely beat th' heroic soldier down. 36. Not mortal is the stroke; but still the fall Stuns him, and mute and motionless he lies; Loud shouted then the victor on the wall," Fall'n is the first! who next the venture tries? Why not assail us in the open skies? Come from your caves; skulk not like foxes there,I skulk not; nothing shall your strange device Save you, but like the badger and the bear Die in your dens ye shall; by Mohamet I swear!" CANTO XI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 253 37. Not for his taunt the Franks their toil refrain, But, close in curtain of their sheds conceal'd, Safe the barb'd darts and heavy weights sustain, Man link'd with man, and shield compact with shield, While to the basis of the walls are wheel'd Batt'ries, of beams immeasurable, with plates Of hammer'd iron thrice with fire anneal'd, Fronted like rains; at whose assailing threats Tremble the lofty walls, and shake the echoing gates. 38. Meanwhile a hundred hands upon the walls Have heavecd, and hung in terrible libration O'er the blind tortoise a huge crag; as falls The loosed lavange from its aerial station, Down, down it roll'd,-in thund'ring dislocation Crush'd the dense shell of shields, crush'd helm and head, And left the batter'd ground, in agitation From the o'erwhelming mountain, overspread With blood, with brains, with bones, and arms of sanguine red. 39. No longer now beneath the shelt'ring roof Of their machines the Franks themselves confine, But from the latent risks to open proof Of danger rush, and give their light to shine; Some raise scalados, nor to mount decline, Though in the face of peril and mishap; Others the deep foundations undermine; Then rock the walls, and many a glorious gap Starts in the shrinking base and buttresses they sap. 40. And fall'n they had, so fast its boist'rous blows Thereon the huge bombarding ram repeats, But from the battlements the Turks oppose The wonted artifice that most defeats -Its horned might; where'er the vast beam beats, Packs of soft wool elastic they suspend; With which, when as the butting engine meets, The substance yields, the pliant swathes distend, Break the rude shock, and safe th' endanger'd wall defend. 41. While in this valiant mode the daring bands Round the climb'd walls in clusters fight and bleed, Seven times Clorinda bends, seven times her hands Twang the tough bow, and loose the eager reed; As many shafts as from the ivory speed, 254 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XI So many stain their points and gray-goose wings, Not in plebeian blood-so mean a deed Her spirit had disdain'd,-but that which springs In the more noble veins of heroes, chiefs, and kings. 42. The first brave knight that by her arrow bled, Was the young heir of Britain's happy land; Scarce from the tortoise had he raised his head,The shaft came down, and pierced his better hand; His glove of steel avail'd not to withstand The deadly weapon,-from the wounded vein Gush'd the bright blood, and purpled all the sand: Disabled thus for fight, he left the plain, And, groaning, gnash'd his teeth, but more from rage than pain. 43. The good Count Amboise on the fosse's bank, And in the high scalade Clotharius died; The former pierced from breast to back, the Frank More dreadfully transfix'd from side to side; Again she shot; and as the Flemings' guide Swung the huge ram, her arrow cut the wind, And pierced his arm: to draw the dart he tried; But ill the shaft obey'd his ardent mind, The shaft indeed he drew, but left the head behind. 44. As too rash Ademar, the grave and good, Watch'd the assault far off, the fatal cane, Charged with hot wrath, came whizzing where he stood, And grazed his brow; impatient of the pain, He clapp'd his hand upon the wounded vein, When lo, a second nail'd it to his head, And quiv'ring fix'd in his bewilder'd brain! He falls-his holy blood, by woman shed, Floats o'er his priestly robes, and dyes the sable red. 45. As Palamed, the young, the bold, and brisk, Climb'd the tall steps, and on the steep tower's height Just placed his foot, disdaining every risk, To his right eye the seventh shaft took its flight; Pass'd its orb'd ceil, and through the nerves of sight Issued, vermilion,. at the nape; he fell, Blind with the shadows of fast-hasting night, And sigh'd out life beneath the citadel Which he had hoped to win, and had assail'd so well. CANTO XI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 255 46. Thus shot the maid! the Duke meanwhile oppress'd In fresh assaults, beside the Northern gate, Th' embattled guard; and to the walls address'd The most colossal of his engines great,A tower of cedar, built sublime to mate The topmost walls, stupendous to behold! Pond'rous with ported arms, and fraught with fate, With half a squadron in its spacious holdOn thund'rous wheels it moved, and near the turrets roll'd. 47. Onward it came; far shooting, as it drove, Lightnings of arrows at its facing foes; And, as ships use with ships in sea-fights, strove By instant grappling with the walls to close: But this the Pagans at all points oppose; Now pushing back the fabric, batt'ring now Its front and timber'd sides with clubs, with crows, And Moorish maces; with the rocks they throw, Creak the huge beams above, the heaving wheels below. 48. Such was from this part, such from that the flight Of stones and darts, that Titan seem'd to shroud His face, blue Heaven sllow'd brown as summernight, And cloud, rebounding, clash'd in air with cloud, Like two thwart tides: as leaves from forests bow'd By showers congeal'd in winter's icy hall To hail,-as apples shook by whirlwinds loud In unripe greenness from the stalk,-so fall In heaps the Moslem foe from the dismantled wall. 49. For'twas on them the shot most havoc made, As less defensed and shelter'd from its power; Of the forlorn survivors, numbers fled, In utter terror of the fulmined shower, And thunder of the strong stupendous tower; But still the Soldan stay'd, and round him drew A few bold spirits unalarm'd, the flower Of Syrian bravery; Argantes too, Arm'd with a pond'rous beam, against the fabric flew 50. Back with vast force, the length of all the pine, He push'd, and kept it distant; to his side Came from her tower the Lady palatine, With them in glory and in risk allied; Meanwhile the Christians with long scythes divide From the wall's headlong perpendicular, 256 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTU XI. The ropes to which the pendent bales were tied; Which, down descending, leave the ramparts bare To all the rude affronts and thunder-strokes of war. 51. And thus the tower above and ram below Play with such fury now, that they begin, Crush'd, cleft and undermined, to yawn, and show The houses, mosques, and peopled streets within Thither the army swarms with lively din, By Godfrey led beneath the battled marge; Who, fully bent the tott'ring wall to win, Moves under compass of that ampler targe, Which never loads his arm, but on some desp'rate charge. 52. Thence-he perceives Prince Solyman descend Down to the gaping beach, and, sword in hand, Th' attempted pass at all risks to defend, With fix'd resolve, imperatively grand, Amidst the ruins take his haughty stand; Leaving on guard, with providence discreet, Clorinda and Argantes, to command The walls; he sees, and feels his bosom beat With gen'rous scorn of life, and glory's fervent heat..53. And to the good Sigier, who bore behind His bow and buckler, he directs his speech: " Give me, my friend, that lighter shield refined, Whose temper axe nor saber can impeach; Quick! to yon ruin'd rocks I mean to reach; And of these multitudes the first to be That pass victorious through the guarded breach; High time it is, that of my chivalry Some such transcendent proof the host at length should see! " 54. Scarce, changing shields, had he said this, than swift A barbed arrow on sonorous wing, Shot from the summit of the mural clift, Transfix'd his leg, where keenest was the sting, The nervous region whence its sinews spring;'Twas thou, Clorinda, if report say true, Sent the fell shaft, and'tis thy praise we sing; Front thrall, from death, if then thy Pagan crew Escaped, to thee alone the laurel-leaves are due. 55. But the brave Chief, as though he did not feel The deadly anguish of the hurt he bore, CANTO XI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 257 Ceased not his course, but climb'd with daring zeal The breach, and down fresh rocky fragments tore, Cheering his party on; but stiff and sore The wound soon wax'd; and the encumb'ring foot His active labors can sustain no more; Through all the limb keen shiv'ring horrors shoot; Forced, he at length gives o'er, and quits the wish'd pursuit. 56. Beck'ning Guelph therefore to his side, he said: " Withdraw I must; sustain, my friend, I pray, The Captain's place and person ill my stead, Supply mine absence in this sharp assay; Short, at the worst, will be the time I stay; I do but go and coine,-my hurt bites keen, Though but a bruise;" this said, without delay, On a light steed he leap'd, and o'er the green Rode to the Camp, but not, as he supposed, unseen. 57. WVith him good fortune from his host departs In favor of the foe, whose hopes rose high; Strength and fresh spirits lift their dancing hearts, Knit the slack arm; and fire the languid eye; But with the Franks all strength and ardor die; Weak grow their onsets; they maintain their ground, But short of blood their darted weapons fly; The sword still strikes, but strikes without a wound; And e'en th' appealing trumps more languishingly sound. 58. And now again the crowded ramparts show Those who in panic late were scatter'd thence; The very women, with the genuine glow Of patriotic rage and martial confidence Caught from Clorinda, rush to their defense; With robes succinct and loose locks they appear, Ranged all along the spacious ramparts, whence They toss the dart, nor show the slightest fear T' expose their beauteous breasts for fortresses so dear. 59. But that which most dismay'd the Franks, and most Revived the guardians of the sacred town, Was, that a rock, in sight of either host, Came from afar, and struck Lord Guelpho down; Amidst a thousand as he climb'd, the stone Fell where the sinews of the knee were knit, And ground its shiv'ring armor to the bone ~ TASSO-9 258 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XI. At the same moment, a like mass alit On Raymond's morion'd brows, and him too backward smit. 60. Eustace is next hurt sore, as from the bank Of the broad fosse he purposes to spring; Nor in this hour so adverse to the Frank, Was there one weapon sent upon the wing, From horn or hand, from catapult or sling, That did not, to their cost, or tear apart Spirit from flesh, or bruise, or keenly sting; In this success, wild wax'd Argantes' heart, And thus he roar'd in sounds that made both armies stars. 61. " This is not Antioch, nor is this the night' Friendly to Christian guile; look up! survey The shining sun, troops wakeful, and the fight Of a far diff'rent nature and array: Is then your ancient love of praise and prey Quite gone? extinct each spark of former fire? Tliat ye with such admired address give way, And, spent so soon, from the assault retire, O foemen!-nay, not men, but maids in men's attire." 62. By such-like taunts the haughty Chevalier To such excess of rage his temper wrought, That the large city seem'd too small a sphere For his hot spirit and capacious thought: Up, with a shout, his strong beech-spear he caught Down leaping from the ramparts, made more wide The ruin of the breach; and, as he brought His bulk beneath it, seeing at his side The dauntless Soldan, thus magnanimously cried: 63. " Lo, Solyman, the place! and lo, the time, That may at length decide our proud dispute! What wait you for? what fear? now first let him Leap forth, who most the laurel and the fruit Of sov'reig'nty desires!" with this salute, Out at once rush'd they through the broken wall, Their daring deeds to their demands to suit; That, headstrong rage provoked and native gall This, rival honor much, and much the rival's call. 64. Sudden and unforeseen upon the Franks, In desp'rate rivalship, with shouts they flew; And from amidst their dissipated ranks So many soldiers pierced, so many slew, CANTO XI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 259 And bucklers split, and helmets cleft in two, And ladders broke, and swinging rams cut down, That it might seem a second rampart grew, On failure of the first. hill-high, to crown The ruin'd heap, and fend afresh th' endanger'd town. 65. The crowds that late were ardent to ascend The walls, to danger urged by the desire Of mural crowns, now scarce themselves defend, Much less to climb the rifted breach aspire, But from the fierce assault, dismay'd, retire; Their rams, their vines, their catapults they quit; Which, left a prey to the revenging ire Of the two Pagans, batter'd, crush'd, and split, Are for all future use soon render'd quite unfit. 66. Like rapt Demnoniacs loose, the dreadful pair Wide and more wide the field of battle scour; Call to the citizens for fire, and bear Two blazing pines against the cedarn tower: Forth from the gates of their Tartarean bower, So cursed Megara with Alecto breaks, To set the world in uproar, with the power Of Dispossess'd; so each fell Sister shakes Abroad her sparkling brand and bacchanalian snakes. 67. But Tancred, who elsewhere, yet unrepell'd, Cheer'd on his troops forth issuing from the vines, Soon as that bold achievement he beheld, The double brandish'd flames, the burning pines,Broke short his speech, and to the Saracines Rush'd, to chastise their rage and stay their wrack; And of his prowess gave such pregnant signs, That they who late as conqu'rors press'd th' attack, Forbore the chase, and fled themselves affrighted back. 68. Fled. the grim Soldan, fled the Mamaluke; With humbler crests the way they came they went; Thus changed the war! meanwhile the wounded Duke Had reach'd with pain the threshold of his tent; And now'twixt Baldwin and Segier stood bent On instant succor; crowds on crowds succeed, Who fill the air with sighing and lament: He, while endeavoring from the flesh with speed To draw at once the steel, broke short the rooted reed. 69. Thus baffled, careless of the coming smart, He bade them take at once the shortest way -I260 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XI. For cure, to largely lance the wounded part, And bared to sight the barbed weapon lay: " Send me but back to war, ere closing day Invalidate our arms, or cool our zeal!" He said; and straight, forbidding all delay, Propp'd on his lance, to the physician's steel Stretch'd out the afflicted limb, firm resting on his heel. 70. G(ray Erotimus, born beside the Po, Came to his aid: a sage, -who knew the use And secret virtues of all springs that flowrOf all green herbs the hills and woods produce;. He too was smiled on by the partial Muse, But valued sweet Castalia's warbling wave Less than the mute fall of Pceonian dews; His science wounded men from death could save, And cancel'd names in verse immortally engrave. 71. Supported stands the Chief, serene; he grieves But to behold his friends lamenting round; The ready leech tuck'd up his long loose sleeves, And with a belt his flowing tunic bound; With sov'reign herbs attractive, he the wound Soothld, with kind, hand soliciting the dart, Which yet stirr'd not; when this the Ancient found, With nipping pincers he perform'd his part; Still the vex'd steel adhered, and mock'd his nicest art. 72. No way seems Fortune willing to assist His purpose or his skill; and Godfrey shows Signs of sharp agony,-a deathlike mist Swims o'er his sight, and from his members flows A dead cold sweat: but piteous of his throes, His guardian Angel from Mount Ida flies With gather'd dittany: an herb that blows WVith purple flowers, delightful to the eyes, In whose young downy leaves divinest virtue lies. 73. The secret powers of this celestial plant, Maternal Nature to the mountain goat Suggests, when, wounded in its healthy haunt, The shaft adheres within its shaggy coat; This now, though from a region so remote, The winged Angel in a moment bears; And, so that none the Heavenly succor note, In the warm bath which next the sage prepares, Distills the sprightly juice, nor other med'cines spares. CANTO XI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. "I 74. Dews from the Lydian well, ambrosial oils, And odorous panacea therein he flings: The Sage with this the thrilling wound embroils. And, thus fomented, the barb'd steel outsprings With voluntary impulse,-pain's sharp stings Cease, the blood stanches, the cleft parts combine And a fresh vigor each lax tendon strings: "Lo!" cried the leech, " this is no cure of mine: This is not art's effects but done by hands divine. 75. " Some Angel, shooting from the stars unspied, Has been thy surgeon; of his Heavenly hand I see the tokens; arm then, arm!" he cried, "Why linger? back, the battle to command!" His leg the Chieftain with a purple band Wrapp'd round, and, ardent for the war, in haste Seized his ash-spear immeasurably grand, Again upon his arm his buckler braced, And on his cheerful brows the glist'ning helmet laced. 76. And from his tent toward the shaken town, Turn'd with a thousand knights, and left the camp; Clouds of raised dust the sapphire skies embrown, In Heaven's bright temple fades th' immortal lamp; Trembles the firm earth underneath their stamp; And, far-off as the foes his coming spy, Chill flows their blood; their zeal faint horrors damp, And through their bones fear's shiv'ring lightnings fly;Loud shouted Godfrey thrice, loud thunder'd thrice the sky. 77. Well knew his men the tones, which in them breathe Zeal for the strife, and sorrow for their fault; Their faintness, fears, they to the winds bequeath, And rush, renew'd like lions, to th' assault: Press'd home, the two ferocious Pagans vault Into the mural breach; thence quick protend Their poignant spears, their moony shields exalt, And stubbornly the rifted pass defend From Tancred's knights, that thick as buzzing bees ascend. 78. Hither came Godfrey, gloriously emboss'd In arms, wrath flashing from his looks severe; And the next moment at Argantes toss'd The Jove-like lightnings of his awful spear; Never from town or tower did engineer 262 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XI. From the strong scorpion rock or javelin cast With more consummate force or swift career,The knotty beam e'en thunder'd as it pass'd; Up raised the knight his shield,to meet it naught aghast. 79. The poignant ash his shield in sunder clove, Nor could his coat of mail its flight restrain; Through shield, belt, corselet, ruining it drove, And in pure vermeil did its point ingrain; But the fierce knight, impregnable to pain, From his pierced veins and shatter'd brigantine Pluck'd the fix'd steel; and, hurling it amain At Godfrey, cried: " To thee I re-consign The gift; look thou thereto; it is no toy of mine!" 80. Back on its mission of revenge, the spear Through the known path careering flew, but now Struck not the mark at which'twas aim'd; the Peer Its flight foreseeing, bent his plumed head low And fairly shunn'd the meditated blow: Yet void it fell not! deep the weapon lies In Sigier's throat; he dies, but not ill woe; Since in the stead of his loved lord he dies, Glad from its cherish'd shrine the faithful spirit flies. 81. At the same instant, with a pointed rock, The powerful Soldan smote the Norman lord; Who stagg'ring, reeling, dizzied with the shock, E'en like a whirling top from the child's cord, Spun round, and senseless sank upon the sward: Godfrey no longer could his wrath command; But, brandishing his unsheath'd blade abroad, Clamber'd high up the ruin'd heap, where stand The two colossal knights, and braved thenl, hand to hand. 82. Then glorious deeds he did, and would have done, For sharp and deadly were the strokes he gave; But, curtain'd in red clouds, the slumb'rous sun Went down, and from her dark Cimmerian cave Night came, pacific, o'er the world to wave Her arbitrary scepter, and allay The rage of wretched mortals; Bouillon brave Thus ceased from fight, and through the shadows gray Led back his hosts to camp: so pass'd that bloody day. 2 CANTO XI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 263 83. But, ere the pious Chief forsook the field, He saw the wounded borne in spacious car Safe to the tents, nor to the foe would yield In prey an atom of his works of war; The tower that did with most of havoc mar The marble walls, and scared with most affright,. Remain'd entire, though seam'd with many a scar; The dreadful storm and thunders of the fight, Though they had bruised its frame, had left the timbers tight. 84. Scaped the dire perils of the strife, it leaves For a safe spot the scene of enterprise; But, as a vessel crowding sail, that cleaves The roaring sea and its vex'd waves defies, Just as its wish'd-for port the captain spies Clear through his optic tube, in sudden squall, Strikes on hid rocks,-or as a steed, that plies With sure-foot speed his journey safe through all The rugged lanes, drops down, in sight of his sweet stall;85. So the tower struck, so stumbled! on the side Which had sustain'd th' artillery of the foe, Two wheels broke down whereon the piece should slide, Already crazed by some tempestuous blow; That the huge engine stay'd its motion slow, And overhead hung ruinous in air; But they with beams support it from below, Till the prompt architects with skillful care Uprear th' enormous bulk, its breaches to repair. 86. Thus Godfrey bade, that the stupendous mass Might be refitted, ere the morning smile; Then with his soldiers occupied each pass, And station'd guards around the spacious pile; But with the shrill sound of the saw and file, Commingling rumors of the Chief's designs Are by the townsmen clearly heard; the while A thousand lights around the structure shine, Whereby the work they watch, the latent scheme divine. END OF CANTO XI. :... I - -—. I JERUSALEM DELIVEREDo CANTO XII. ARGUMENT. I FIST from her faithful slave Clorinda learns The secret story of her birth; then goes, Mask'd, on a high adventure, and returns Safe to the gates, successful o'er her foes; But, chased by Tancred to the vales, they close In mortal battle, and she falls; yet ere She dies the right of baptism he bestows; Sorely the Prince bewails his slaughter'd fair;'Argantes vows revenge, and soothes the crowd's despair. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XII. 1'TWAS night; nor yet had either wearied host Found soft refreshment in the arms of sleep; But here the Christians, wakeful at their post, Guard o'er the workmen round the engine keep; And there the Pagans their defenses steep, Trembling and nodding to their fall, repair; And, to build up the breaches wide and deep Of the dismantled walls, no labor spare; And each their wounded tend,with like consid'rate care. 2. At length the wounds are bandaged, and complete Is every one of their nocturnal tasks; The rest they leave; and, woo'd to slumber sweet By gentler quiet, and the gloom that masks The world at noon of night, their cumbrous casques They cast aside; not so the Warrior maid: Hung'ring for fame, she still for action asks,Action, from which fatigues all else dissuade; With her Argantes walk'd, and ina.y thus she said: 3. " Deeds rare and wonderful indeed this day Have the bold Soldan and divine Argaunt Accomplish'd, by themselves to take their way, Huge towers beat down, and hostile millions daunt; While I, (the utmost merit I can vaunt,) Coop'd in on high, with distant shafts but check'd Their eager escalade; my shafts, I grant, Flew fair enough, some fatal, I suspect; But is this then the whole we women can effect? 4. " Better it were in woods and wilds again To stags and wolves my arrows to confine, Than trifle thus, a damsel, in the train 268 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XII. Of knights whose actions so superior shine; Why ilot the cuirass and the sword resign? Resume my woman's weeds, and live dissolved In careless ease? " thus mused she; but in fine A daring project in her breast revolved,Turn'd to the knight, and thus broke forth with soul resolved: 5. " I know not what blest ardor sets ablaze My restless mind,-or do the Gods inspire The daring thought that on my spirit preys? Or make we Gods of each sublime desire? Far lie the Franks encamp'd: look forth; admire The twinkling lights that burn toward the West; There will I go with torch and sword, and fire Their rolling fort; this passion of my breast Let me but see fulfill'd, and Heaven arrange the rest! 6. " But, if I chance to be by Fate debarr'd From measuring back my steps to thee, my friend, The man that loves me with a sire's regard, And my devoted damsels I commend: Each kind protection to their griefs extend, And back to Egypt, with the dear old sage, Th' inconsolable girls in safety send; Promise me this! their sex and his great age May well thy care demand, thy sympathies engage." 7. Argantes stood amazed; touch'd in his breast WNere all the springs of glory, and he cried: " Wilt thou do this? and leave thy friend, disgraced' Here with th' inglorious vulgar to abide? Safe from the risk, shall I with joy or pride See the fire kindle? no, Clorinda, no i If I have ever been in arms allied With thee, with thee this night too will I go, And all thy fortune share, betide me weal or woe! 8. " I have a heart too can scorn death, and feel The bauble life well flung for fame away:" "To this," she answer'd, "an eternal seal Didst thou in thy brave sally set to-day; But I am a mere woman in the way; Feeble indeed are my poor powers, and small The aid I lend; my death would none dismay;'; But (Heaven avert the omen!) shouldst thou fall, Who will remain to ga.rd the sacred wall?" CANTO XII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 269 9. "Why these excuses vain?" the knight replied;, "Fix'd is my will, and settled mine intent; Allow'd, I follow; but, if once denied, I go before thee, and thy zeal prevent:" Thus overpower'd, Clorinda gave consent,They seek the King, with EmIir, prince, and peer Engaged in high and serious argument; Then thus the Virgin spoke; " 0 Sire, give ear, And what we wish to say with kind acceptance hear! 10. " Argantes swears (nor vain will be the boast) To fire yon rolling fort, —the same swear I; We wait alone till on the guardian host Deep sleep falls heavy; those who wake shall die!" The hoary King held up his hands on high; A tear of joy stream'd down his wither'd cheek; "And praised," he said, " be Thou, who yet dost e ye With gracious care thy worshipers, and seek Still to preserve my crown, and guard these kingdoms weak! 11. "Fall they shall not, while in their sure defense Two such undaunted demigods are found; To your deserts what equal recompense Can I decree? 0, evermore renown'd! Let Fame her golden trumpet take, and sound Your glory, tuned to music's loftiest pitch, And fill th' enchanted Universe around! The deed itself be your reward; to which No trifling part I add of realms esteem'd as rich 1" 12. He said, and fondly to his bosom strain'd Now him, now her; to equal transport charmll', The Soldan stood, nor in his heart contain'd The gen'rous envy that his spirit warm'd; But cried: "And not for nothing am I arm'd With this good sword, noS shall I be less slow To toss the fires i " the Amazon, alarm'd For her endanger'd fame, replied, " Not so; Are all to make th' attempt? who stays,if thou shouldst go?" 13 Argantes too, with features full of pride, Stood ready to reject his scorn'd request; But this the King forestall'd, and first replied With placid aspect to his regal guest: "Forward thou ever art to manifest Thyself emphatically great, a knight 270 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XII. Prompt to dispute the laurel with the best, Consistent with thyself, untired in fight, Whom no new shape of death or danger can affright! 14. " I know that, sallying forth, thou deeds wouldst do Worthy the Soldan; but for all to quit Your wonted stations in the town, of you, My bravest heroes, were a thing unfit, Fraught with alarm; I would not e'en permit These to depart, with such a jealous care Guard I their lives, if I could well commit To other hands the enterprise they dare,Or if the deed.itself of less importance were. 15. "But since around th' immeasurable tower The guards so thick are station'd that a few Would not suffice, and numbers at this hour Could not conveniently be spared on new Fatiguing services, e'en let the two That, to such risks accustom'd, first proposed The noble task, with prosp'ring stars pursue Their schemes alone, and realize a boast Made in no idle mood; they are themselves a host. 16. "Do thou, as best becomes a king, remain As regent of the gates; and when the pair, Of whose success sure hopes I entertain, Have fired the pile and back their footsteps bear, Press'd by the Christians, with thy Turks repair, Beat off the fierce pursuers, and prevent The harms which else revenging rage may dare." Thus spoke the King; the Soldan, ill content, Said not another word, but smiled a sour assent. 17. "Yet go not," said Ismeno, "till I mix, Of various grain impregn'd with fiery spume, Tartareous balls, that where they strike shall fix, Fixing ignite, and blazing, soon consume The tower to dust; the witching hour of gloom Draws nigh; by then the soldiers may remit Their watch, o'erpower'd by languor, \and the fum Of sleep;" all praise the sorcerer's pregnant wit, And parting wait the hour by him determined fit. 18. Her sculptured helm, her greaves of silver plate And burnish'd mail aside Clorinda laid; And in a suit prophetic of her fate, Sable, and rough with rust, her limbs array'd, CANTO XII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 271 Where no bright jewel flash'd, nor plumage play'd: For thus she thought unseen to leave beguiled The watch, swift stealing through the friendly shade;'Twas then her eunuch came, Arsetes mild, Who had her cradle rock'd, and nursed her from a child. 19. All careless of fatigue, the good old man Tended hertill; and, chancing now to see The surreptitious arms, he soon began To comprehend her risk; and on his knee Sore weeping, by the pious memory Of his past offices, by locks grown gray In her dear service, and by every plea Of love and pity, did he long time pray Her to resign th' attempt, and still she answer'd nay. 20. At.length he said: " Since in its wrong thy mind Is obstinate, since to my lo eble years, Since to my silver tresses thou art blind, Blind to my love, and proof to all my tears, My piteous prayers, and too prophetic fears,Lo, from thy hitherto unknown descent I rend the veil! that known, do what appears Good in thy sight;" —amazed, Clorinda bent On him her large dark eyes, and thus the story went. 21. " In former days o'er Ethiopia reign'dHappy perchance reigns still-Senapo brave; Who with his dusky people still maintain'd The laws which Jesus to the nations gave:'Twas in his court, a Pagan and a slave, I lived, o'er thousand maids advanced to guard, And wait, with authorized assumption grave, On her whose beauteous brows the crown instarr'd; True, she was brown, but naught the brown her beauty marr'd. 22. " The King adored her, but his jealousies Fiual'd. the fervors of his love; the smart At length of sharp suspicion by degrees Gain'd such ascendence in his troubled heart, That from all men in closest bower apart He mew'd her, where e'en Heaven's chaste eyes, the bright Stars, were but half allow'd their looks to dart; While she, meek, wise, and pure as virgin light, Made her unkind lord's will her rule and chief delight. 272 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XII. 23. "Hung was her room with storied imageries Of martyrs and of saints; a Virgin here, On whose fair cheeks the rose's sweetest dyes Glow'd, was depicted in distress; and near, A monstrous dragon, which with poignant spear An errant knight transfixing, prostrate laid: The gentle Lady oft with many a tear Before this painting meek confessiln made Of secret faults, and mourn'd, and Heaven's forgiveness pray'd. 24. " Pregnant meanwhile, she bore (and thou wert she) A daughter white as snow; th' unusual hue, With wonder, fear, and strange perplexity Disturb'd her, as though something monstrous too; But, as by sad experience well she knew His jealous temper and suspicious haste, She cast to hide thee from thy father's view; For in his mind, (perversion most misplaced!) Thy snowy chasteness else had argued her unchaste. 25. " And in thy cradle to his sight exposed A negro's new-born infant for her own; And, as the tower wherein she lived inclosed, Was kept by me and by her maids alone,To me whose firm fidelity was known, Who loved and served her with a soul sincere, She gave thee, beauteous as a rose unblown, Yet unbaptized; for there, it would appear, Baptized thou couldst not be in that thy natal year. 26. "Weeping she placed thee in my arms, to bear To some far spot; what tongue can tell the rest I The plaints she used; and with what wild despair She clasp'd thee to her fond maternal breast: How many times'twixt sighs,'twixt tears caress'd; I-low oft, how very oft her vain adieu Seal'd on thy cheek; with what sweet passion press'd Thy little lips! at length a glance she threw To Heaven, and cried:'Great God, that look'st all spirits through!27. "' If both my heart and members are unstain'd, And naught did e'er my nuptial bed defile,(I pray not for myself; I stand arraign'd Of thousand sins, and in thy sight am vile;) Preserve this guiltless infant, to whose smile The tend'rest mother must refuse her breast, iT'c? -r~;~ ~ r i ~~.;";;~:::~:;:;..ih ):'* ""::' I :~~':i)S:~I~:;:l*czmsu/lvr1EiarsoirY 1.1 2~ 1..^ 8:.i ~i~:;:jb$~~, i~ — c ~ ;'"li~,;IB'IL3125ibP;j gggspii_ 2:nil,, \~ ~r,,'-*:; ~;(lli=~4mr:ls(i\(mVilZR-*X( (I Z1ID/r~..~;-bCI ilW:YnrYCb`(RWPP*UU~RCi:hTI iiiii ~j.M1711?lj)14 1:.:ill: 1~;::: ::r: R.::::~: ~~~~~'I:.I::::::; s.ill~'~:,:,:.:::I: ~~.~; -i, ~:::: I, ii:'~ I: ~si%i. CANTO XII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 273 And from her eyes their sweetest bliss exile! May she with chastity like mine be bless'd; But stars of happier rule have influence o'er the rest! 28. "' And thou, bless'd Knight, that from the cruel teeth Of the grim dragon freed'st that holy maid, Lit by.my hands if ever odorous wreath Rose from thy altars; if I e'er have laid Thereon gold, cinnamon, or myrrh, and pray'd For help through ev'ry chance of life display, In guardianship of her, thy powerful aid!' Convulsions choked her words,-she swoon'd awayAnd the pale hues of death on her chill temples lay. 29. " With tears I took thee, in a little ark So hid by flowers and leaves that none could guess The secret, brought thee forth'twixt light and dark, And, unsuspected, in a Moorish dress, Pass'd the town walls: as through a wilderness Of forests horrid with brown glooms, I took My pensive way, I saw, to my distress, A tigress issuing from a bosky nook, Rage in her scowling brows,, and lightning in her look. 30. "Wild with affright, I on the flowery ground Cast thee, and instant climb'd a tree close by; The savage brute came up, and glancing round In haughty menace, saw where thou didst lie; And, soft'ning to a mild humanity Her stern regard, with placid gestures meek, As by thy beauty smit, came courteous nigh; In am'rous pastime fawning lick'd thy cheek; And thou on her didst smile, and stroke her mantle sleek. 31. " With her fierce muzzle and her cruel front Thy little hands did innocently play; She offer'd thee her teats, as istl4e vont With nurses, and adapted them, as they, To thy young lips; nor didst thou turn away,She suckled thee! a prodigy so new Fill'd me with fresh confusion and dismay: She, when she saw thee satisfied, withdrew Into the shady wood, and vanish'd from my view. 32. "Again I took thee, and pursued my way Through woods, and vales, and wildernesses dun; Till in a little village making stay, I gave thee secretlv in charge to one 274 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XII. Who fondly nursed thee till the circling sun, With sixteen months of equatorial heat, Had tinged thy face; till thou too badst begun To prattle of thy joys in murmurs sweet, And print her cottage floor with indecisive feet. 33. " But having pass'd the autumn of my years, As sprightly vigor fail'd and life declined, Rich in the gold that with her farewell tears Thy bounteous mother to my hands consign'd, I for my native country inly pined; After my many toils and wand'rings wide, I longed amidst old faces left behind In my dear birthplace tranquil to reside, And spent life's wintry eve at my own warm fireside. 34. " To Egypt then, where first my eyes unclosed, I took, conducting thee, a secret road, And reach'd a flood, to equal risks exposed,Here robbers chased me, there the torrent flow'd: What should I do! resign my cherish'd load? No! yet how shun the meditated theft? A moment's thought hereon when I bestow'd I braved the stream; witli one bold arm I cleft Venturous the roaring waves, and bore thee in my left. & 35. " Swift as an arrow flow'd the flood; midway, The jangling tides forever boil and spin; There, as a curling snake devours its prey, The volumed whirlpool gaped, and suck'd me in; Giddy, toss'd round, distracted with the din, Thee then I miss'd; but the wild waves upbore,-. Propitious breezes caught thy garments thin, And laid thee safe on the smooth sandy shore; Which I at length too reash'd, when hope almost was o'er. 36. " With joy I took thee up; eve's dusky light The landscape veil'd, when, slumb'ring on the sand, Methought the figure of a frowning knight Came near, and pointing at my breast his brand, Imperiously exclaiml'd:' No more withstand The solemn charge with which thou long hast striven, A mother's precept! christen, I command, This babe, the choice inheritant of Heaven; — To my peculiar care the orphan child is given. CANTO XII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 275 37. "'Twas I gave mercy to th' infuriate brute, Life to the wind, and mildness to the stream; And woe to thee, if thou my words dispute, Or as a vacant phantom disesteem The Heavenly form I am;' with morn's first beam I woke, and, shaking off the dews of night, Went forward; but, as false I judged the dream, And true my faith, I scrupled not to slight, The angel's threat, and still withheld the sacred rite;-~ 38. "But as a Pagan bred thee, nor reveal'd The secret of thy birth; while thou hast grown Valiant in arms, the phoenix of the field, And o'er thy sex and Nature's self hast shown Thyself victorious; hosts hast thou o'erthrown; Won richles, realms, and palms forever green;What since has happen'd, thou thyself hast known, And how in peace, in battle, I have been Thy sire at once and slave, through each succeeding scene. 39. " Last morn a sleep, the simile of death, Ere yet the stars had faded from the sky, Sank on my soul, and by our holy faith Again thy Genius in my sleep pass'd by; But haughtier was his look, more fierce his cry,-' Traitor 1' he said,'the hour to disunite Clorinda from the bonds of earth draws nigh; Mine shall she yet become in thy, despite; Be thine the woe!'-he frown'd, and Heavenward took his flight. 40. " Thus, then, be warn'd! for sadly I suspect O'er thee, my love, strange accidents impend; Perhaps the Heavens are wroth when we reject The faith our wise forefathers did commend; Perhaps that faith is true; oh, condescend, Deign, I entreat thee, to put off this vest Of sable, deign thy purpose to suspend!" He ceased, and wept; fear thrill'd her pensive breast, For on her heart a like remember'd vision press'd.. 41. But soon her aspect she serened, and said: " This faith, which surely strikes my mind as true, Which thou wouldst have me doubt in thy vain dread, The faith that with my nurse's inilk I drew, Still will I keep; nor yet resign, (beshrew The soul that would!) my old heroic spear, 276 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTo xir. And plighted purpose; no, not if I knew That Death, with that fierce visage which strikes fear Into the hearts of men, would dog me as a deer! " 42 She soothes him, smiles on him, and straight retires, For now the hurrying hours to action call; And with the dauntless hero who desires To share her hazard, seeks the palace hall; Ismeno joins them, and with words of gall Spurs on the daring hearts that little need Renew'd excitements; gives to each a ball Of pitch and sulphur; in a hollow reed Shuts up the fatal flame, and bids them do the deed. 43. Charged, they depart; and over dale and hill Circling the valleys, through the darkness scud With.speed incessant, side by side, until They near the spot where the vast engine stood; There high their spirit rises, hot the blood Boils in their veins; desire and scorn combine To cheer them on, and in their madding mood, Drawn are their swords; the watch behold the shine Of coming arms, and loud demand the passing sign 44. Mute they move on; " To arms! " exclaim the guard. Their sudden shouts the valiant couple stun, But naught their gen'rous enterprise retard,They bound abroad, and all concealment shun; As from th' electric cloud or level'd gun, At the same instant comes the flash, the thunder, And bolt of ruin; so for them to run, Arrive, strike, penetrate, and cleave asunder The phalanx, is but one, one moment's work of wonder. 45. Through thousand arms, amidst a thousand blows They pass, and execute their glorious aim; Their glimm'ring lights secreted they disclose, And tip the black combustible with flame: Toss'd, to the tower it fixes; words are tame To picture how it creeps, expands, aspires; How soon it runs o'er all the timber'd frame; How thick the smoke, and in what billowy gyres, Climbs to the lofty stars, and cloaks their shining fires. 46. Vast globes of fire amid the ceaseless whirl Of smoke voluminous, now dim, now bright, As the cloud fluctuates, high to Heaven upcurl,The blust'ring winds add fury to their flight: ~~~~te lu lctaehiht eve pul- - CANTO XII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 277 Then join the scatter'd flames; a sudden light Strikes the awed host,-they arm in mute amaze;'Tis done! the pile so terrible in fight, Sinks in a lofty, broad, columnar blaze; And one brief hour destroys the workmanship of days. 47. Two bands meantime to where tile pile is burning Haste from the Camp; which when Argantes sees, He shouts, " Your blood shall quench the fire!" and turning His sword against them, with wild menaces Keeps them at bay; but, yielding by degrees, With fair Clorinda to the brown hill's bent Retires, while fast behind the crowds increase, Like headlong floods which August rains augment; Hotly they press the chase, and climb with them th' ascent. 48. The Golden Gate turns on its hinge, and there, With his arm'd people stands the Tllrkish King, Ready to welcome back the dauntless pair, If favoring fortune should them homeward bring; High o'er the ruins of the fosse they spring Before a grove of spears,-the Soldan stout Gives the known word, the portals wide they fling, Drive back the Franks, and, wheeling swift about, Close the strong gates,-alas! these shut Clorinda out. 49. For at the moment when the Turks let fall The pendulous portcullis, forth she flew To wreck her ire on Arimon the tall, Whose daring sword had cut her hauberk through; This she revenged, nor yet Argantes knew That she was separate from his side; the glare Of steel, the anarchy of fight, the crew That press'd behind, and denseness of the air, Wholly his sight confused, distracting every care. 50. But when her sultry anger she had quench'd In the proud blood of dying Arimon, Saw the gates closed, and how she stood intrench'd, She deem'd Clorinda utterly undone, And look'd alone for death; but soon, as none Pierced her disguise, fresh hopes of safety rose. With other turns of wit, she feigns her one Of the same troop, a bold demeanor shows, And with cool unconcern slips in amidst her foes. 278 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XII. 51. Then, as the still wolf glides to the green wood, Conscious of crime, and in close ambush lies: So, by the tumult favor'd, and unview'd, Through the dun shade of the nocturnal skies, Dissever'd from the press, Clorinda flies: Tancred, alone, it seems, the secret knew Both of her fatal chance and sly device; Arriving there as Arimon she slew, He saw her,mark'd her out,and kept in constant view 52. Her would he fight with, deeming her a man Glorious in arms as lively in address; Around the winding ramparts swift she ran, In at some other gate to gain access; As swift behind her did th' avenger press: Nor was it long, ere on the gusty breath Of the night-wind she heard, with some distress, The sound of arms; whence, turning, "Halt! " she saith; "What fleet foot news bring'st thou?" He answer'd, "War and death!" 53. " War shalt thou have," said she," and death, if these Are thy request;" and here her step she stay'd; Tancred his steed abandons, when he sees His foe on foot, by lonely hills embay'd: Then she her saber, he his poignant blade, Draws from the sheath; they stand as mortal foes; Wrath nerves the hero, haughtiness the maid; Like two young bulls, each smarting with the throes Of envy, rage, and love, in desp'ra e strife they close. 54. Worthy of royal lists, and the clear shine Of suns would be the battle, if descried; Dark Abbess! thou that in thy Gothic scrine The mold'ring relics of their tale dost hide, Grant me to lift thy cowl, to waft aside The curtain, and in radiant numbers braid Their deeds, for endless ages to abide; So with their glory, glorious shall be made, In page of high Romlance, the mem'ry of thy shade. 55. They shrink not, trifle not, strive not to smite By artificial rules with wary will; Stand not on postures or on points, the night And their blind rage forbid the tricks of skill; But swords clash horribly with swords, and shrill The mountain echo shrieks along the plain; CANTO XII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 279 Not a foot stirs,-where stood, there stand they still; But aye their hands in motion they maintain; And not a lounge, or foin, or slash descends in vain: 56. Shame stings disdain to vengeance, vengeance breeds New shame,- thus. passion runs a ceaseless round: To spite despite, to rage fresh rage succeeds, The agony to strike, the lust to wound And now the battle blends in narrower ground; No room have they to foin, no room to lash; Their blades flung back, like butting rams they bound, Fight with the hilts, wild, savage, raging, rash, And shield at sounding shield, and helm at helmet dash. 57. Thrice in his boist'rous arms the maid he press'd, And thrice was forced to loose his sinewy clasp; She had no fancy to be so caress'd; Impassion'd Love is not an angry asp. Again with eagerness their swords they grasp, And tinge them ruddy as Vesuvian fire, In blood of many wounds; till, tired, they gasp For very breath, —some paces back retire; And from their long fatigues all pantingly respire. 58. Faint on their swords, with like exhausted frame, Alike they rest, and echo gaze for gaze; Fades the last star; Aurora, robed in flame, Unbars Elysium, and the morning plays; Tancred perceives, beneath its grateful rays, From her the trickling blood profusely rain, And glories in the languor she displays; Oh1 man, vain man! poor fool of pride and pain! Puff'd up with every breath from Fortune's wav'ring vane! 59. Why that proud smileu? sad, O how sad, shall be Thy acted triumphs when th' illusion clears I Thine eyes shall weep, if still the light'they see, For every drop of blood a sea of tears! Thus resting, gazing, full of hopes and fears, The bleeding warriors, silent as the dead, Stood for a space; at length some feelings fierce Tancred deposed,-kind thoughts rose in their stead; He wish'd her name to know, ~nd breaking silence, said: 60. "Hard is our chance, our prowess thus to spend On deeds which silence and these shades conceal; To which thwart Fortune yields no praise, no friend 280 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XII. On our view'd acts to set his speaking seal! Yet, if amid the sullen shock of steel Prayers may have access, courtesies find place, Thy name, thy country, and thy rank reveal; That I, whatever issue crown the case, May know at least who gives my death or victory grace." 61. Sternly she said: " Thy p]rayer no access wins; Custom forbids; but whatsoe'er my name, Thou seest before thee one of those brave twins Who gave your towering structure to the flames." Fired at her answer, Tancred made exclaim: " In evil hour hast thou thy guilt avow'd; Thy speech and silence are to me the same, Discourteous wretch, contemptible as proud! Both chide my sloth, and both for vengeance plead aloud." 62. Rage to their hearts returns, and spurs them on, Though weak, to war; dire war! from which the sleights Of art are banish'd, whence all strength is gone, And in the room of both, brute fury fights: Oh, sharp his falchion, sharp her saber smites! What bloody gaps they make through plate and chain, In their soft flesh! revenge, revenge requites; If life parts not,'tis only that disdain Knits it in pure despite to the rebellious brain. 63. As the deep Euxine, though the wind no more Blows, that late toss'd its billows to the stars, Stills not at once its rolling and its roar, But with its coasts long time conflicting jars; Thus, though their quickly ebbing blood debars Force from their blades as vigor from their arms, Still lasts the frenzy of the flame which Mars Blew in their breasts; sustain'd by whose strong charms, Yet heap they strokes on strokes, yet harms inflict on harms. 64. But now, alas, the fatal hour arrives That must shut up Clorinda's life in shade; In her fair bosom deep his sword he drives;'Tis done-life's purple fountain bathes the blade I The golden-flower'd cymar of light brocade, That swathed so tenderly her breasts of snow, Is steep'd in the warm stream: the hapless maid CANTO xII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 281 Feels her end nigh; her knees their strength forego: And her enfeebled frame droops languishing and low. 65. He, following up the thrust with taunting cries, Lays the pierced Virgin at his careless feet; She, as she falls, in mournful tones outsighs Her last faint words, pathetically sweet; Which a new spirit prompts, a spirit replete With charity, and faith, and hope serene, Sent dove-like down from God's pure Mercy-seat, Who, though through life his rebel she had been, Would have her die a fond, repentant Magdalene. 66. " Friend! thou hast won; I pardon thee, and O Forgive thou me! I fear not for this clay, But my dark soul-pray for it, and bestow The sacred rite that laves all stains away:" Like dying hymns heard far at close of day, Sounding I know not what in the soothed ear Of sweetest sadness, the faint words make way To his fierce heart, and, touch'd with grief sincere, Streams from his pitying eye th' involuntary tear. 67. Not distant, gushing from the rocks, a rill Clash'd on his ear; to this with eager pace He speeds-his hollow casque the waters fillAnd back he hurries to the deed of grace; His hands as aspens tremble, while they raise The lock'd aventayle of the unknown knight;God, for thy mercy!'tis her angel face! Aghast and thunder-struck, he loathes the light; Ah, knowledge best unknown! ah, too distracting sig}at I 68. Yet still he lived; and, must'ring all his power To the sad task, restrain'd each wild lament, Fain to redeem by those baptismal showers The life his sword bereft; while thus intent The hlallowing words he spoke, with ravishment Her face transfigured shone, and half apart Her bland lips shed a lively smile that sent This silent speech in sunshine to his heart: "Heaven gleams; in blissful peace behold thy friend depart! " 69. A paleness beauteous as the lily's mix'd With the sweet violet's, like a gust of wind Flits o'er her face; her eyes on Heaven are fix'd, And Heaven on her returns its looks as kind; 282 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIL Speak she can not; but her cold hand, declined, In pledge of peace on Tancred she bestows; And to her fate thus tenderly resign'd, In her meek beauty sheexpires, and shows But as a smiling saint indulging soft repose. 70. But when he saw her starlike spirit set, The self-possession which had mann'd his soul Bent to the storm of anguishing regret That o'er his bosom burst beyond control: Pangs of despair convulsed his heart; life stole As to its last recess; death's icy dew Bathed his pale brow; his blood forebore to roll; Till like the breathless dead the living grew, In chillness, silence, air, and attitude, and hue. 71. And sure his life, impatient of the light, Struggling had burst in its rebellious scorn From its weak chain, and follow'd in its flight The beauteous spirit, that, but just reborn, Had spread its wings in sunshine of the morn,Had not a party of the Franks, dispread In search of water o'er the gleaming lawn, By providential guidance thither led, Seen where lie lay supine, the dying by the dead.'72. Their Chief, though distant, by his armor knew The Latin Prince, and hasten'd to the place; The lifeless beauty he remember'd too For Tancred's love, and mourn'd her fatal case; He would not leave a form so full of grace, Albeit a Pagan, as he deern'd, a prey To wolves, but lifting, in a little space, To others' arms both bodies whence they lay, Took straight to Tancred's tent his melancholy way. 73. Not yet the knight, so equably and slow They march'd, from his dark trance awaken'd was, But feeble groans at intervals might show Some sands still glided in his vital glass; The Lady lay a mute and stirless mass, Nor breath, nor pulse gave hope that life was there Incorporate with its beauty: thus they pass; Thus, side by side, the two, lamenting, bear; And in adjoining rooms dispose with silent care. 74. His pitying squires drew nigh; with busy pain Chafed his chill temples, and his mail unbound; CANTO XII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED, 283 His languid eyes at length he oped again, Felt the physician's hand, the smarting wound, And heard, yet dubious of his sense, the sound Of whisp'ring lips,-where was he, and with whom? Long with bewilder'd gaze he look'd around; At length his squires, at len'gth he knew the room, Anld in low feeble words lamented thus his doom: 75. "Yet do I breathe? yet live to view the beams Of this cursed day, more odious than the shade? Clear witness of my blind misdeed, it streams T' accuse my rashness, and my guilt upbraid: Ah, coward hand! why now art thou afraid, Thou, so well versed in all the turns of strife, The impious minister of death repaid In infamy, to grasp the vengeful knife, And cut the pall-black thread of this opprobrious life! 76. " Take the fell steel, and hide it to the hilt Within me,-Mmy sad heart in sunder cleave! But thou, perhaps, inured to deeper guilt, May'st deem it mercy such quick ease to give: Then as a dire example let me live, Monster of luckless Love! a mark for men To point at, and abhor; this base reprieve To shameful life will be th' alone fit pain For such enormous guilt, and of so dark a grain. 77. "Vex'd by just Furies, anguish, grief, and care, A wand'ring maniac must I live-to run, Shrieking, from phantoms with which sleep shall scare My soul, when Night her orgies has begun; To hold in horror and in hate the Sun, That did my fatal error show; to eye Myself with fear, and strive myself to shun;Evermore flying, evermore to fly, VWhile hell's pursuing fiends are ever howling nigh! 78: "'But where, alas, where lie the relics chaste Of my slain angel? what my cruel scorn Left whole, perchance some savage of the wasteThe lion mangles, or the wolf has torn; Ah spoils for them too rich! dear beauty, born To different end! too sweet, too precious fruit! Poor injured maiden! whom the shades forlorn And lone hills have betray'd, first in dispute To me, and next in prey to some ferocious brute. 284 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XII. 79. "Yet will I go, and the loved spoils collect; Dear limbs! where late the hues of beauty bloom'd; But if the wolf, in hungry disrespect, Those virgin relics has indeed consumed, In the same cavern let me be intomb'd, Let the same jaws ingulph me! hail'd by me Will the stroke come; but, prey'd on or inhumed, A glorious sepulcher, my love,'twill be, Where'er thy bones are cast, to be inurn'd with thee! 80. But being told that her lamented form Lay in his tent, a beamn of joy appear'd, Like lightning flashing through a sable storm, To light his aspect. and the darkness clear'd: Straight from the couch of his repose he rear'd The heavy burden of his limbs, and slowWeak as an infant, full of pain, but cheer'd By her dear image, thither strove to go, On frail unsteady steps, loose staggering to and fro. 81. But when he came, and in her beauteous breast Saw the red gash his nurd'rous hand had made, And her late radiant aspect calm'd to rest, Like a nocturnal sky, in livid shade,His height'ning color was perceived to fade; A trembling ague rock'd his frame; and there Woald he have sunk, but for immediate aid; " Sweet face!" he sigh'd, "thou canst make death look fair, But has not power to soothe, or sweeten my despair! 82. "Fair hand! dear pledge of pard'ning amity! Late forceful pleader, utt'ring love's farewell! VWhat do I find thee now? ah, what am I! And you, light limbs, that did in flight excel The graceful motions of the fleet gazelle, What but upbraiding vestiges are ye Of my irreparable rage? too well My stony eyes and cruel hand agree, When,what the one destroy'd, the other brooks to see;83. " And see without a tear! then weep, my blood, Since my remorseless eyes to weep forbear! " Frantic le spoke; and in his madding mood, Strong with desire of death, began to tear His hands away, and to his nails laid bare Each irritated wound,-the blood like rain Gush'd forth, and in this fit of wild despair CANTO XII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 285 He must have died, had not excess of pain Caused him to swoon away, and life perforce retain. I 84. Borne to his bed again, his flutt'ring sprite Back to its hated mansion they reclaim; The dire mischance and anguish of the knight This while was widely spread by babbling fame; And thither came the Chief, and thither came, With his loved friends, the Solitary Sage; But neither grave admonishment could tame, Nor pity soothe, nor gentlest prayers assuage Of his distracted grief the stubbornness and rage. 85. As in a tender limb the serpent's sting, With oils fomented, doth the keener smart: So their kind solaces of love but bring Acuter pangs to his afflicted heart! But reverend Peter, who the faithful part Of a good shepherd ever undertook With his sick flock, bless'd counsels to impart, His long romantic passion would rebuke, And from its frenzied trance his willful spirit shook: 86. " Ta Tancred! Tancred! how unlike that mind, Whose first unfoldings did so bright appear! What cloud, what darkness does thy vision blind? What sorcery shuts thy intellectual ear? This thy sore trouble is instruction clear Sent from the Lord; dost thou not see the ray That would direct thy feet? dost thou not hear The voice that calls thee to the safer way, Wherein thou first didst walk, whence now thy footsteps stray? 87. " To actions worthy thy first love, his voice Recalls thee, vow'd to this divine crusade; Which thou hast left (unwise, unworthy choice!) For the blind worship of a Pagan Inaid. Happy misfortune! Heaven on thee has laid In tend'rest clemency its chast'ning rod; Thy fault, thyself has it the agent made Of thine own good; and is it in this mode That thou the gift receiv'st, and own'st the grace bestow'd?:88. " Scorn'st thou then, ingrate, the salubrious gift Of God, with God incensed? unhappy! think Whither this angry whirlwind bears thee-swift 28B6 4PIIJERUSAILEM DELIVERED. OCANTO XIl. O'er dark Eternity's tremendous brink; Down the deep precipice about to sink, Thou hang'st at mercy of the slenderest breath; Call, I entreat, call back thy senses, shrink From the momentous danger, look beneath, And curb this impious woe, that leads to endless death! 89. That second death the sufferer's soul alarm'd, And, all relinquishing his wish to die, Their soothing words he entertain'd, and calm'd The hurricane within; yet still a sighA groan at times escaped; by fits his eye Would weep, and his sad tongue lament aloud, Now holding with himself wild colloquy, Now with his love, who from some rosy cloud To his fond plaints perchance an ear of pity bow'd. 90. On her at smile of morn, for her at frown Of eve he calls, lie murmurs, and complains; Like a lorn nightingle when some rude clown Has stol'n her pl umeless brood; in piercing strains She fills the dying winds, and woods, and plains With her sweet quarrel; all night long she weeps, And to the list'ning stars repeats her pains, Till morn with rosy tears the forest steeps;Then on his streaming eyes awhile calm slumber creeps. 91. And, clad in starry robes, the maid for whom He mourn'd, appears amid his morning dreams; Fairer than erst, but by the deathless bloom And Heavenly radiance that around her beams, Graced, not disguised; in sweetest act she seems To stoop, and wipe away the tears that flow From his dim eyes: "Behold what glory streams Round me," she cries; " how beauteous now I show, And for my sake, dear friend this waste of grief forego: 92. " Thee for my bliss I thank; Earth's sordid clod Thou by a happy error forced to quit, And for the glorious Paradise of God By sacred baptism mad'st my spirit fit: There now midst angels and bless'd saints I sit, In rapturous love and fellowship divine; There may our souls together yet be knit, And there in fields where suns eternal shine, Shalt thou at once enjoy their loveliness and mine; CANTO XII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 28'7 93. " If by thy passions unseduced, if thou Grudge not thyself the bliss; live then, Sir Knight, Know that I love thee, far as Love can bow For aught of earthly mold a Child of Light.!" As thus she spoke, her glowing eyes shone bright With an immortal's fervor, —rosy red, She in the mild irradiance shut from sight Her face, like a sweet flower, her fans outspread, And in his drooping soul celestial comfort shed. 94. Soothed he awoke, and to the hands discreet Of skill'd practitioners his wounds resign'd; The while his friends interr'd, with spices sweet, The limbs late vital with so great a mind; And if the tomb to which they were consign'd Was not of pure Pentelican, nor graced With sculptures plann'd by architects refined, The stone was choice, and wrought with all the taste The urgent tinie allow'd, in form antiquely chaste. 95. There by bright lamps that in long order shine, With many a dirge, her bones in earth they lay; And on the smooth trunk of a leafless pine Her arms, hung round with cypress and with bay, In trophy to her fame aloft display; And thither did the Prince his footsteps turn All languid as he was, at break of day, With awe and melancholy calm concern, Unseen her grave to view,and clasp her reverenced urn96. When reach'd the tomb, his spirit's dolorous jail, Prescribed by Heaven's inscrutable decree, Vi Long on the pile, mute, motionless and pale, His hollow eyes in absent reverie He fix'd: at length to his relief a sea Of tears gush'd forth; and, gath'ring voice, he said, His accents prefaced with a sigh: " O ye So lov'd, so honor'd tablets of the dead, In which my soul abides, o'er which my tears are shed!97. " Not of unlihing dust are ye the shrine, But Love's quick ashes, canonized by woe; From you I catch his wonted fires divine, Less sweet, less grateful, but as warm they glow; Take the sad sighs and kisses I bestow, Bathed in the fondest tears that ever bless'd The grave of luckless beauty; take, and O Convey each sigh breathed forth, each kiss impress'd, To the beloved remains that in your bosom rest I 288 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XII 98. "For if to her fair spoils that fairest Saint E'er gives a glance, thy pity and my love Will not offend; since, neither can the taint Of scorn or hatred reach the blest above; She who forgave my crime, can ne'er reprove My zeal,-this hope alone my tears can dry; It was, she knows, my hand alone that drove The murd'ring sword; nor can it irk that I, Who lived adoring her, adoringly should die. 99. " And die adoring her I shall; blest day, Whenever it arrives! but far more blest, If as now round thy polish'd sides I stray, I then be taken to thy sacred breast! Ah! let our blending souls together rest In Heaven, our ashes in the self-same tomb: If I by death be of the bliss possess'd Which life denied me, —might I but presume This, this to hope indeed, delightful were my doom!". 100. Meanwhile in Salem, of Clorinda's fall At first confused and floating whispers rise; Till, ascertain'd and soon divulged, through all Th' astonish'd City the loud rumor flies, Mingled with tears, and shrieks, and women's cries: As though the town itself, the sacred town, Were now by storm become the victor's prize And in the rage of flying flames went down Their temples, spires, abodes, and towers of old renown. 101. But every eye was on Arsetes turn'd, a Who stood, a piteous spectacle of care; He not as others his dear mistress mourn'd; His eyeballs, stony with supreme despair, Shed not a tear; but fiercely did he tear His face, his bosom, and with ashes strow'd The hoary honors of his silver hair: As thus he drew th' attention of the crowd, Midst them Argantes came, and thus harangued aloud. 102. " Much did I wish, when conscious that the gate Was closed against th' incomparable maid, To follow straight,-I ran to share her fate, Protect her life, or be beside her laid; What did I not? what said I not? I pray'd, Adjured the King, by all that was most dear, T' unbar the gates: he, of the Franks afraid, Denied my suit, though tender'd with a tear; And, men of Syria! he has sole dominion here. CANTO XII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 289 103. " Ah! had I then gone forth, or safe from strife I the brave heroine had brought off, or closed Where she has made earth purple, my sad life In memorable decease, a glorious ghost! But what could I do more? the starry host, And counsels both of Gods and men were set In adverse influence, to my wish opposed; Cold in her grave the Virgin lies; but yet, There are some mournful dues which I will ne'er forget. 7. 104. " Hear, all Jerusalem, my vow! Heaven, hear! And, if I fail my promise to fulfill, Blast me with fire! deep, deep revenge I swear, On the base Frank that did Clorinda kill! Never from battle shall my sword lie still, However fully flesh'd upon the foe; Ne'er be dissever'd from my side, until I stab cursed Tancred to the heart, and throw His ruffian carcass out, to feed the hound and crow!" 105. The warrior ceased; and to his fierce harangue From the soothed crowds applauding shouts succeed: Hush'd their sore weeping, lost is every pang In the mere fancy of th' expected deed. O blind, presunmptuous vow! far different seed Than flow'ring hope imagines, to his scythe Time will devote; thyself, thyself shalt bleed, In equal battle bleed, and dying writhe Beneath his sword o'er whom thou now exultest blithe! END OF CANTO XII, TASSO-10 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIII. ARGUMENT ISMENO frees the Demons of the Deep To guard the forests; the mere sight of these, Scares from the regions they are set to keep, The men who come to cut the shady trees: There Tancred boldly ventures, and with ease Enters the grove, but foolish love o'erpowers His show of courage; meanwhile not a breeze Stirs,-heat, excessive heat the earth devours, And the sick camp decays, till blest with copious showers. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIII. 1. SCARCE was the vast, tower-tempesting machine To ashes sunk, than, further to secure The City, respited from storm, Ismlene New artifices plann'd, by rites impure, And added spells tremendous, to insure'The army's ruin, and prevent the fall Of fresh materials from the groves obscure: That so, no second store of engines tall Might Sion's gates bombard, or rend her sacred wall. 2. Near the encampment of the Christians, grows, Mid solitary valleys, old and vast, A forest, thick with mossy trees, whose boughs A solemn horror far in compass cast: There, when the golden sun at noon rides past In clearest glory, a discolor'd light, Malignant, such as falls from skies o'ercast, When night with day, or day disputes with night, Streams through its hoary glades, and daunts ch' unicertain sight. 3. But when the sun departs, immediate clouds, And horror, black as hell, the place invade; Darkness which blinds the vision, and which crowds The heart with fears; for pasture or for shade, There never goat-herd drives his goats, dismay'd, Herdsman his herds; there never shepherds sound Their lively reeds; nor in its nodding glade Enter faint pilgrims, but with awe profound, Point as they pass, and shun far off th' unlucky ground. 4. Here at deep midnight, borne on clouds and storms, Foul witches gather to their blasted green, 29S4 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIII. Each with her mate, and take the frightful forms Of dragon, pard, or bearded goat obscene, A council loathesome, infamous, unclean; That oft with false presentments and delights, Allure from goodness: hither they convene, To hold in pomp, by Hecate's pale lights, Their impious marriage feasts and bacchanalian rites. 5. So goes belief: and from its haunted bowers Nor bough nor twig the natives ever rent; But these the Franks, since for their rams and towers None others served, invade with one consent. Here now the Sorcerer came, malevolent, At next dead noon of night,-the hour that best Suits his black science: not a whisper went Through the wild woods,when,wrapp'd in coal-black vest. His magic rounds he traced, his mystic signs impress'd. 6. One naked foot he in the charmed ring Set, murm'ring mighty rhymes; nor fail'd to turn Thrice to the clime whence first the sunbeams ~pring; Thrice to the region gaped where last they burn Thrice shook the wand that from the dreary urn Calls buried phantoms to walk forth again Incorporate; three times gloomily and stern, Stamp'd with his foot unshod: then spake he; then, Ran these tremendous words through each rebellowing glen. 7. " Hear! hear, O ye, whom from the stars of yore God's flashing thunders smote to deepest hell! Hear, ye that walk the clouds! hear, ye that pour The storms abroad, and in the whirlwinds yell! And you, dark elves of fog, of fire, and fell Demons, and ghosts, and demogorgons dire! Hear, all ye devils that in Avernus dwell, Grim torturers of the damn'd! and thou, their sire, King of lost kings, that rul'st the shadowy world of fire. 8. " Guard well these groves: elm, cedar, ivy, oak, I give you told and chronicled aright; As souls of men in bodies, I invoke You so to haunt their branches, every sprite; Chase back with fury, or at least affright Th' insulting Christians, soon as they essay To reach and fell them!" many an impious rite, Fell charm, and dreary spell the Wizard gray Join'd, which'twere sin to hear, and blasphemy to say. CANTO XIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 295 9. At these fell words each bright star that adorns The blue of midnight, quench'd its fires divine; The moon, disturb'd, drew in her golden horns, Cloak'd in black clouds, nor after dared to shine: Incensed he turns, with aspect more malign, And stamping shouts: " Not yet do ye appear, Charged spirits? each to his appointed shrine! Why this delay? perchance ye wait to hear Voices more potent yet, and curses more severe! 10. " I have not yet forgot, from long disuse, My cruel arts of more effectual fame; This tongue, I know, can, blooded o'er, break loose With perfect ease from its control, and frame That so tremendous sound, that mighty Name, Which heard, e'en Pluto must start up dismay'd, And hither hurry from his throne of flame; Which! oh, which if-" more yet he would have said, But that he inly knew the summons was obey'd. 11. Infinite spirits numberless come down; All that through air on Hell's drear errands flee,Ghosts of thll' abyss, and elves from forests brown, From cave, mine, fountain, fire, and roaring sea: Slow, and still trembling at the late decree Prohibiting from battle, comes and grieves The universal swarm; but, bound to be Seals of th' enchantment, each his charge receives, Shrined in the mossy trunks, gray tJoughs, or fluttering leaves. 12. Straight to the King the Sorcerer, when aware That the protecting charm was now complete, Hied and exclaim'd: " Leave every doubt and care; Thy heart refresh, and of enjoyment treat! Henceforth in safety stands thy regal seat; For never shall the Franks have power or heart Their engines to renew,-so brave a feat Have I perform'd;" thus glorying, part by part He the success narrates of his mysterious art: 13. Then thus continues: " With my spell the stars ~ Themselves are charm'd, to my no less delight;; Know, that in Heavenly Leo raging Mars *? Must with the splendid sun erewhile unite In blest conjunction, and with fever smite The hostile arnmies; naught shall cool the glow,Winds, airs, nor rains by day, nor dews by night; 296 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIII, Since all the Influences in Heaven foreshow A time of burning heat,-pain, wailing, want, and woe, 14. " Drought more intolerable than e'er distress'd Ind, or adust Zahara! us the heat Will little harm, within a town so blest With cool delights-fresh shades, and fountains sweet, But most the sunbeams on our foes will beat Who, stretch'd on sands insuff'rable as they, Denied refreshment, hopeless of retreat, Will to th' Egyptians fall an easy prey, First smit by Heaven, then swept like locusts clean away. 15. "' Thou, sitting still, shalt conquer;'twere not wise To tempt of Fortune then the doubtful smile; But if the rash Circassian, who decries All, even hon'rable repose, revile, And importune thee in his usual style, Find thou the means his willfulness to rein Since Heaven's kind Sov'reign shall to thee erewhile Send peace, and to thy foes, consumed with pain, The sword which, smIiting once,' need never smite again.": 16. Soothed by this speech, the King recovers heart, And the whole force of Godfrey inly mocks; He had already well repair'd in part The walls late shatter'd by the ram's rude shocks; The rest with iron cramps and mortised blocks He now secures; nor yet his cares relax; Round hli the total population flocks,Freeman, liege, slave,-on all he lays the tax Of hard, unceasing toil; and warm their labors wax. 17. Meantime the pious Prince resolved no more To storm by force of arms the strengthen'd town, Till rams and towers yet mightier than before, Should with more sure success his prospects crown; He therefore sent his soldiers to cut down Fresh timber for the work: at morning light They go; in mist the silent forests frown,But scarce their sable skirts appear in sight, Than awe arrests their steps, and fills their souls with fright. 18. As boys on ivied towers and haunted rooms At fall of twilight dare not cast an eye, cl~~~~~~~~~~~~6 CANTO XII1. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 297 Fancy a ghost in every thing that glooms, And, hair on end, from the grim fancy fly: So when beyond the hills these men descry The hoar wood nodding to the wind's light wings, Alarm'd, they turn and flee; unconscious why, Unless that fear before their senses brings Goblins, chimeras, ouphes, and all unholy things. 19. Back they return, sad, timid, trembling, pale, Their words confused and various as their fears; That not a soldier entertains their tale, But turns to mirth the monstrous things he hears. Indulgent Godfrey of his cavaliers Sends a choice troop, in shining arms array'd, Who, faced with boldness, strength'ning with their spears The men from harm, might their faint souls persuade To do his late commands, and pierce the tangled shade. 20. Approaching where, in blackest seats embower'd Of savage shade, the wicked fiends fulfill The wizard's charge, the gloomy forest lower'd In sight,-they tremble, and their blood runs chill; Yet onward they proceed, concealing ill Their vile dismay beneath a lively face; In sinuous windings they descend the hill; And have so far advanced, that little space Sep'rates their footsteps now from off th' enchanted place. 21. Sudden a sound comes from the wood, as when Earth yawns, towers tremble, steadfast mountains quake, South winds repine in Autumn's yellow glen, And murm'ring billows on the shingles break: The lion's roar, the hissings of the snake, The night-wolf's howls are heard, the bear's low moans: Trumpets and thunders, whisp'rings that awake Hideous alarms, and melancholy groansAll speak in that one sound, though under various tones. 22. The cheeks of all grew pale as death; their fear A thousand guilty signs declared too plain; Nor discipline could nerve, nor reason cheer,They neither could advance, nor durst remain:'Weak were their efforts, their protection vain Against the secret influence that confused 298 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIII. Their pride, their courage, and their self-disdain; At length they fled: their boldest, introduced To Godfrey's presence, spoke, and thus their flight excused: 23. "Signior! not one of us can longer vaunt The power or will those guarded woods to fell: Spirits I swear posses each moving plant; There grisly Pluto has transferr'd all hell. The heart that fearless ventures where they dwell, Must be of diamond, diamond to the core; But none save madmen, scornful of the spell That guards the entrance, would the depths explore, So loud the savage grove rebellows to their roar: 24. Thus went his tale. Among the curious crowd That gather'd round, by chance Alcasto stood, Who both at death and danger laugh'd aloud, Rash, stupid, stern, and obstinate of mnood; N(ot the wild lion roaring o'er his brood, Nor aught that seems tremendous to mankind, Ghost, dragon, murd'rer, wizard of the wood, Lightning, nor earthquake could appall his mind, Nor aught that haunts the flood, or walks the roaring wind. 25. He toss'd his haughty head, and smiling cried: " Thither whence this man shrinks let mne repair; I will invade the peopled wood with pride, Despite its hollow sounds-and shapes of air: No grinning goblin shall my spirit scare, Nor roar of boughs around, nor scream o'erhead Of savage birds; most freely will I dare Its frightful glooms and tangled paths to tread, Though through the throat of hell descending to the dead." 26. He waved his armed hand, and with a proud Contempt stalk'd off; the wood was soon in view; Soon the strange roar was heard, rebellowing loud, The timbrels rang, the dreary trumpets blew; Yet not a step th' audacious man withdrew; Secure and scornful as at first, he sought An open glade of pine and spreading yew; The charmed soil he trod,-when, swift as thought, Upsprang a guard4. Iiye, a;nd with th' intruder fought. CANTO XIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 299 27. Wide and aloft the smoking fires extend, And, in the form of high embattled walls, Gird the green wood and from his blade defend, That not the slend'rest branch or sapling falls; The loftier flames roll into gorgeous halls Fantastically tower'd, and fortified With warlike engines darting sulph'rous balls, To guard this new Gehenna; while, more wide, Rocks climb'd the clouds, with gold and burning crimlL son dyed. $8. 0, what strange monsters, arm'd, in guard appear On the tall battlements! a hideous row! Glare with their Gorgon eyes, and frequent rear Their clashing arms, with many a menaced blow! At length he fled; and though his flight was slow As the grim lion's when in distant chase Held by the hunter, still he fled the foe: Sad fear-till then a thing unknown, found place WVithin his boist'rous heart, and paled his daring face. 69. Nor was he conscious that he fled, e'en yet; But when to distance he had gone, disdainA wild amazement, anguishing regret, And deep repentance stung his fretful brain: Crimsoning'twixt shame and grief,he pass'd the plain Turn'd from the crowd his devious steps aside; And, stealing to his tent, essay'd in vain From human eyes his downcast face to hideThat face, so late the seat of all-despising pride. 80. To Godfrey call'd, he lingers, makes delays, And tries to shun the summons, all he can; Forced, he at length arrives, but nothing says, Or wildly babbles like a sleeping man: Well in his falt'ring speech, and face now wan, Now flush'd with shame unusual, Godfrey saw Flight and defeat; and " How," he thus began, " Is this? or is it witchcraft strikes this awe, Or Nature's high portents, transcending Nature's law? 81. " But if there yet be one whose noble breast To pierce the grove with brave ambition beats, Free let him try th' adventure, and at least Bring news more certain from its dark retreats." Thus spake the Duke: and thrice those savage seats Were tried, successive days, at his desire, By chiefs most famed for high romantic feats, 300 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIII. Yet forced, yet fain was each one to retire, Scared by the sounds, the sights, the monsters, and the fire. 32. This chanced while Tancred paid the last sad rite To his loved lady: weak he was, and pale; His eyes still sicken'd at the cheerful light, His steps were feeble, and his members frail; Ill could he bear the weight of helm or mail; Yet now, since all his wish'd assistance claim, Nor toil deters him, nor can danger quail; Warm to his heart fresh life with courage came, New strung his sinewy joints, and fortified his frame. 33. He, silent, calm, collecting all his soul, Fearless, yet heedful, sought the forest vast; And the drear aspect of the wood, the roll Of thunder, clouds, the earthquake and the blast, Firmly sustain'd, amazed, but not aghast;His heart a little moment beat more high, But sank as soon; and forward still he pass'd: When, sudden, in the sylvan region nigh., The fiery city rose, whose turrets touch'd the sky. 34. Back stepp'd the Prince, and made a moment's pause, Inly debating: " What'will arms serve here? In the devouring flames and monsters' jaws Shall I leap headlong then? yet wherefore fear! Ne'er will the brave man count his life too dear, When public good the sacrifice demands; But neither will he draw too rashly near The scene where Ruin with a hundred hands Deals death; and surely such is this which here expands. 35. Yet, if I fly, what will our armies say? What other forest can they hope to fell? Will Godfrey cease th' adventure to essay? And shall another break th' unholy spell? This fire, although the simile of hell, May be in fact less fierce, by fiends prepared To daunt, not harm;-whichever way,'tis well; Let the worst come i" this said, with blade unbared, He through th' eruption leap'd,-O, risk divinely dared. 36. He felt no raging heat, no fervent glow, His arms undimm'd, unscorch'd his naked face; If real flame, or glitt'ring fairy show, CANTO XIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 301 He knew not rightly, in so short a space; For, soon as touch'd, the visionary blazeTurrets, domes, towers, and apparitions drear, Melted in mist, blue mist, that in their place Brought glooms and clouds; the wind and tempest near Hail'd, thunder'd, howl'd,-dispersed, and Heaven again shone clear. 37 Amazed, but still intrepid, Tancred stood; And, when the echoing storm at distance died, Trod with slow steps secure th' unhallow'd wood, And all its hoary scenes and secrets eyed; No farther signs or prodigies he spied; N'or elf before, nor goblin glared behind; Naught gave prevention, access naught denied, Save the gray trees, that, thickly intertwined, His steps entangled oft, and oft his sight confined. 38. He reach'd at length a fair and spacious plot, Shaped like a circus; in whose center waved One single tree-a cypress, that upshot Like a green pyramid to Heaven, and braved The winds with beauty; sweetest flow'rets paved The mossy floor: the prospect he perused; Advanced, and saw on the smooth rind engraved, Symbols like those mysterious Egypt used, Long ere her graphic art young Greece had introduced. 39. Mid these dark types, some Syriac words appear'd, A tongue to him familiar,-thus they ran: " O thou, who in these aisles of death hast dared To place thy glorying foot, audacious man I Ah! if thou be not under pity's ban, Cruel as bold, disquiet not, nor tread This secret seat; but, if thy spirit can, Pardon the hapless souls to darkness wed; Why shouldst thou come to fight,-the living with the dead!" 40. Thus spake th' inscription: while in pensive mood He sought their mystic sense, he heard behind, Amidst the leaves of the enchanted wood And weeping boughs above, the serious wind Frame a low melancholy dirge, that pined Sadly harmonious, sounding in his ear Like human sighs; a sound, that in his mind Instill'd I know not what confusedly dear Of pity, pain divine, sweet grief, and sweeter fear. 302 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XII,. 41. He drew his sword at length, and with full force Struck the tall tree; 0 wonderful! the wound, As bursts a fountain from its sylvan source, Gush'd forth with blood,and crimson'd all the ground. Chill horror seized the knight: yet, fix'd o sound The mystery to its depth, and desp'rate grown, Again he struck; when, hollow and profound, As from a vaulted grave, in piteous tone, Murm'ring within he heard a spirit deeply moan. 42. " Too much already, Tancred, has thy blade Wrong'd me!" the sad voice feebly made exclaim; " My late so happy home didst thou invade, And rudely drive my spirit from the frame, In and through which it lived: why wilt thou maim Still the poor trunk to which my doom unbless'd Binds me? can wrath so far the heart inflame, Cruel! that in their shrouds thou must molest Thy foes, when Death has seal'd, and reverences their rest? 43. "I was Clorinda: nor does her sad sprite Alone in heart of oak or cypress dwell. But ev'ry other Frank or-Pagan knight, That before Salem in proud battle fell, Is here by magic's most mysterious spell Immanacled, I know not if to say In vital body, or funereal cell; With sense the trunks, with life the branches play: And thou a murd'rer art, if thou one sapling slay." 44. As a sick man, that in his sleep perceives Some fiery dragon or chimera grim; Though he suspects, or firmly e'en believes That the whole show is but a feverish dream, Yet strives to fly, with many a shriek and scream, Such fright the dire and horrid semblance breeds 1 So, though th' enamor'd knight cannot but deem False the sad voice that for his pity pleads, He yet th' illusion fears; and trembles, and recedes. 45. At once pain, pity, love, fear, grief, surprise, Rush o'er his heart; half frenzied and unmann'd, Cold on his brow the dew of horror lies, And the sword falls from his relaxing hand: He sees in thought his murder'd lady stand, Weeping, imploring him with groans to spare Her suff'ring tree, and sheath his dreadful brand; CANTO XIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 308 Nor can his harrow'd fancy longer bear To view her gushing blood, and hear her piteous prayer. 46. Thus he on whose brave heart no blind alarm Of danger or of death could e'er intrude, Powerless and soft alone at Love's deep charm, A spirit false did with vain plaints delude: Meanwhile a whirlwind, roaring from the wood, Caught up his sword, and bore it out of ken Through the dark grove; the warrior, thus subdued, At length retired; and from the bosky glen Issuing, his falchion found, and gladly grasp'd again. 47. Yet durst he not return, to pierce anew Of these mysterious bowers the shadowy screen, But as to Godfrey's presence near he drew, Call'd back his spirits, and composed his mien; Then thus address'd him: " Listen! I have seen Things passing all belief; things which to you Will sound like fables! of the forest green The tales you have been told-the dreary view, And loud appalling sounds, in ev'ry point are true. 48. "First rose a wondrous fire, self-kindled, bright, Rose in an instant, building high and wide Towers, whereonn, arm'd and shielded for the fight, Whole hosts of monsters all access denied: Yet these I pass'd, unhardll'd, unterrified Or by the brandish'd blades, or volumed train Of the fierce fliames, —they vanisll'd, when defied: Night fell, winds roar'd, rain dash'd; but straight again Day smiled,the winds were hush'd, and sunshine chased the rain. 49 " Yet more! with feeling, life; and speech indued, A human spirit in each tree is shrined; I heard one feebly wailing in the wood, That wild, sad voice, still, still it haunts my mind: While, as though actual flesh the members lined Of ev'ry hoary trunk and sapling spray, Blood at each stroke ran trickling from the rind; I own myself subdued, nor dare essay Again the bark to strip, or rend one branch away." 50. While thus he speaks, a tide of tossing thought Absorbs the soul of Godfrey what if he In his own person the enchantment sought, e304 J'ERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIIr. And with his scepter made those demons flee, Which, as he judged, by power of sorcery Possess'd the forest! or should he provide Elsewhere his timbers, which perchance might be, If from a distance, with more ease supplied? Him from this trance of thought the hermit roused and cried: 51. "Forego thy daring fancy: other hands Must from yon forest cut the charmed trees; Lo, on the far, the solitary sands Grates the doom'd bark, and gathers from the breeze Her golden sails! from loose inglorious ease, Love's siren chains and zoneless Beauty's bribes, Th' expected Knight his captive spirit frees; And soon will come the time which Heaven prescribes For Sion's destined fall, despite her guardian tribes!" 52. He spake with voice seraphic; while his face Shone with a light approaching to divine: Godfrey to his prophetic words gave place, And turn'd his thoughts, which never lie supine, To other projects; but the radiant sign Of Cancer now receives the sun, which foils His schemes, and traverses each wise design: Heat, unremitted heat the clime embroils, And wearying, quite unfits his host for martial toils. 53. Th' Elysian PleYads quench their friendly lamps; In Heaven's blue sphere swart planets tyrannize; Whence streams an influence, that informs, and stamps On air th' impression of their baleful dies; More and more sultry grow the noxious skies; Yet wide and wider sickness sheds its seeds; More mortal heats descend, and vapors rise; To torturing day more torturing night succeeds; And still the next, and next, superior mischief breeds. 54. The glimm'ring Sun ne'er issues from the deep, But roseate mists his angry face inclose; Ne'er sets, but tears of blood his eyeballs weep, - Tears, of a tincture that too well foreshows A melancholy morrow doom'd to close With the like drops, sweat from his sanguine veins, Threat'ning to rise'more fierce than last he rose, And sharp'ning thus the sufferings each sustains, With long foretasted griefs, and dread of future pains. CANTO XITI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 305 55. Then when at noon he darts his radiance down, In compass far as mortal eye surveys, The fair flowers languish, the green turf turns brown, The leaves fall yellow from their sapless sprays; Earth gapes in chinks; th' exhausted fountain.plays No more its music; shrunk the streams and lakes, He subjects all things to his ardent rays; The barren cloud, In air expanded, takes Semblance of sheeted fire, and parts in scarlet flakes. 56. Heaven seems a sable furnace: not a thing Speaks freshness to the sight; the frolicsome Sweet Zephyr, silent, waving not a wing, His grotto keeps; mellifluous air is dumb. Not a bird's flutt'ring, not an insect's hum, Breaks the still void; or on its sultry gloom If winds intrude,'tis only such as come From the hot sands, Sirocco or Simoom, Which, blown in stifling gusts, the springs of life consume. 57. Nor brings the Night more comfort: on her shade The glowing Sun his radiant impress leaves; With comets, lightnings, and the golden braid Of other kindling fires her veil she weaves Thee too, sad Earth, tile niggard Moon bereaves Of her delightful dew-drops! not as erst In amorous song her Druid minstrel grieves; And all the wild-wood bells and blossoms thirst For the moist juice which late their fragrant spirits nursed. 58. Through these unquiet nights, sweet Sleep, exiled, Fled from the languid lids of weeping men; Nor would by amorous courtship be beguiled, Or flatt'ring words, to spread his wings again: But yet their worst of evils was the pain, The rage of thirst: Judea's impious king With secret herbs, and drugs of deadlier grain Than Styx or sable Acheron could wring From their malignant waves, had poison'd every spring. 59. And Siloa's brook, that, gliding clear and swift, Gave affluent beverage to the Franks before, Has now no fresh'ning virtue in its gift, Scarce with warm waves o'erspreads its sandy floor. Not the broad Po in May, when amplest pour His floods, nor Ganges, which the Indian deems 306 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIII. A God, nor seven-mouth'd Nile, when floating o'er Green Egypt's boundless plains with even streams, To their inflamed desires at all superfluous seems. 60. If any e'er'twixt shady woods had seen Cool glassy lakes in liquid silver sleep, Quick fountains, bubbling up from mosses green, Slide down smooth hills, brooks querulously creep O'er lustrous stones, or Alpine torrents leap Roaring from Heaven, he paints them o'er and o'er To his enamor'd wish, sweet, icy, deep, And, tasting them in fancy, tortures more A heart already fired, tormented to its core. 61. Warriors robust, whose frames of sturdiest mold, Not the long march through asp'rous regions rude, Nor iron mails that aye their limbs infold, Nor weapons thirsting for their death, subdued,Tamed by the sultry heat, with sweat imbrued, Lie both a burden to themselves, and prey; Faint, weak, dissolved in idlest lassitude, A secret fire lives in their veins, whose ray Eats by degrees their flesh, and melts their bones away. 62. Sickens the late fierce steed; untasted, loathed, Stands his once relish'd, once saluted corn; The dancing mane and ck with thunder clothed, But late superbly in the battle borne, Droops to the ground; the pride of laurels worn No more dilates his nostrils, swells his veins; Glory his hatred, vict'ry seems his scorn; His rich caparisons, embroider'd reins, And sumptuous trophies, all-as baubles he disdains. 63. Sickens the faithful dog, and for his lord And once beloved abode no longer cares; Couchant he lies, by inward furies gnaw'd, And, scorch'd, gapes momently for lighter airs; But respiration, though it oft repairs Nature's disorders, and corrects the fire In feverish bosoms, charm'd from healing, bears Not now the cool refreshment they require; So hot and stifling blow the breezes they inspire. 64. Thus languishes the earth; in this estate The wretched troops lie sick'ning in their tents; And, desp'rate grown of vict'ry, meditate What deadlier ills must crown these dire events: CANTO XIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 307 On every side the spacious camp presents Some dreadful scene; on every side the noise Is heard of murmurs, weepings, and laments; "What more hopes Godfrey?" cry they with one voice; "Waits lie till hasting death the total camp destroys? 65. "Ali! with what forces does he hope to be Lord of these towers? whence now his rams and vines Can he expect? does he alone not see Heaven's wrath reveal'd against our rash designs? By thousand prodigies and thousand signs To us its adverse spirit stands display'd; While on our heads the sun so hotly shines, That not the Indian, or the Ethiop laid On burning sands, more needs refreshment, showers, and shade! 66. " Thinks he it then a thing of no concern, That we, a worthless and neglected train, Vile, useless myrmidons, to death should burn, That he his kingly scepter may maintain? And seems it then so great a bliss to reign, That man should guard it at a price so high? That he should seek his empire to retain With soul so greedy, when, before his eye, Of his own subjects thus such numbers faint or die? 67. " Mark the said pious Prince, his insight deep, Humane to aid, prophetic to purvey! Our good he quite forgets, so he can keep His hurtful honor and vain-glorious sway: He sees both streams and fountains waste away From us, yet for himself cool waters sweet Brings from far Jordan; and at banquets gay, With a few Magnates, shaded from the heat, Mingles the fresh clear wave with costly wines from Crete!" 68. Thus the Franks murmur'd; bult the Grecian guide, Long weary of the war, aloud repined: "And why should I or my brave troops," he cried, "Stay to be stifled by this scorching wind? If Godfrey will be so insanely blind, Let him and his obsequious people look To the result! are we to be combined In their destruction? "- no farewell he took; But in the silent night, silent the camp forsook. 308 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIII. 69. This base desertion with the morning star Was clearly seen, and wide th' infection spread; Those who the pastoral voice of Ademnar Lately obey'd, the troops Clotharius led, And other chiefs now number'd with the dead, Freed from their oaths of duty by the Power That of all human ties dissolves the thread, Already treat of flight; and some, the flower Thereof, at once depart, at midnight's shadowy hour. 70. This Godfrey saw, and had been swift to take Judgment's just dues, but such his soul abhorr'd; And, full of living faith, faith which can make Hills move, and floods stand steadfast, he implored In deep devotion earth's almighty Lord, That he his ancient mercies would reveal, And shed the fountains of his grace abroad; His hands lie clasp'd, and, full of sacred zeal, Thus with eyes raised to Heaven, to Heaven he made appeal. 71. " Father and Lord! if in a thirsty land Thou on thy hosts e'er rain'd ambrosial dew, E'er with thy power indued a mortal hand, To smite the flinty rocks, till, cleft in two, They gush'd with living streams, O now renew On these the like sure mercies! and if we Seem less deserving in thy holy view, Thy grace that want supply! that all may see They are thy warriors still, and call'd, O Lord, by thee! " 72. These prayers sincere, derived from a desire Upright and humble, were not slow, but light And swift as winged turtles, to the Sire Of men and seraphs took their instant flight: Th' Eternal heard, and from his holy height, On his faint hosts, as o'er his suff'ring child A sympathizing parent, cast his sight, In looks where pity beam'd, where mercy smiled, And thus in gracious words, benevolent and mild: 73. " Till now these dear and faithful hosts of mine Have suffer'd peril, pain, fatigue, and woe;'Gainst them, with arms and secret arts malign, The world around and powers of hell below Have both conspired to work their overthrow; Now a new series of events shall run; Smooth to the end shall their adventure flow: CANTO XIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 309 Let rains descend, return Bertoldo's son, And Egypt's hosts arrive, to grace his laurels won I" 74. He bow'd his head: the Heavens with all their hosts, The fix'd, the wand'ring stars in their bright stations, Shook at the sign; shook hills, and seas, and coasts, And Orcus trembled to its deep foundations. Instant from north to east swift coruscations Flash'd through the skies, and with a golden sound Roll'd the clear thunder; with glad shouts the nations Hail the bright shining, hail'd the roll profound, And wonder, hope, and joy in every heart abound. 75. Lo! sudden clouds, not those exhaled from earth By the sun's rays, but from the Heavens-that rend, And all their secret springs unlock, take birth, Collect, combine, and fast to earth descend: The glooms of night, ere noon is at an end, Surprise the day; and, spreading quickly o'er Th' encompass'd world, all things in shadow blend; Then swell the winds, the rains impetuous pour, And, o'er their banks escaped, the brooks and fountains roar. 76. As in the burning heats of summer, when At length the long-wish'd rains of Heaven descend, A flight of babbling wild-ducks in the fen, With hoarse glad cries the coming shower attend; Spread their dry wings to the cool moisture, bend Their gray necks back to wet the thirsty bill, And proyne their plumes, and as the waters blend Into a pool, hoarse-chatt'ring, clamoring still, Rush, duck, and flounce, and dive, and quaff the waves at will; 77. So they with glad huzzas the showers salute, Which Heaven, in answer to their Chief's request, Pours down in bounty; noG a voice is mute; This one his tresses, that one soaks his vest: From glasses some, some from their helms with zest Quench their deep thirst; in the fresh wave profuse Some lave their faces, some their brows; the rest, More prudent, vases, urns, and ewers produce, And the mellifluous streams store up for future use. 78. Nor is the drooping spirit of mankind Alone rejoiced and eased of all its pains; But Earth, of late afflicted, scorch'd, and pined, 310 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIII. A like refreshment and repose obtains: Her chinks by virtue of the falling rains Are closed, renew'd her vegetative powers; And the rich moisture through her inmost veins Received, she ministers in plenteous showers, To her reviving shrubs, and freshly-smelling flowers. 79. As a sick maid, when sprightly balms appease The fever, late that scorch'd her life away, Now disencumber'd of the long disease That made her beauty its repast and prey, Strengthens, revives, and flourishes as gay As when her cheek with brightest roses bloom'd,So Earth, forgetful of her late decay, The griefs and ills that had her strength consumed, Joyful her flow'ry crowns and garlands green resumed. 80. The rains are o'er, the sun returning glows, But with a sweet, benign, and temp'rate ray, Yet full of virtual power, as at the close Of show'ry kpril or the birth of May. O faith divine! the Good and Just who pray In thy devoted strength, can dissipate Infectious airs, malignant heats allay, The series of the seasons change, abate The rage of angry stars, and vanquish Time and Fate! END OF CANTO XIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED CANTO XIV. ARGUMENT. GODFnREy, in vision rapt to Paradise, Is ivarn'd of God to call back to the host The good Rinaldo, wherefore he replies, When his recall the princes have proposed, With favor; Peter, whom the Holy Ghost Had previously instructed, now prepares To send two knights where on the nigh sea-c(,ast A courteous wizard lives, who first declares To them Armide's deceits, then how to'scape her snares. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIV. 1. Now from the soft fresh lap and twilight bower Of her still mother flew the gentle Queen Of Shade, with light airs compass'd, and a shower Of starlight dews, pure, precious, and serene; And, shaking o'er the universal scene The humid border of her veil, inlpearl'd With honey-balm the flowers and forests green; While the sweet zephyrs their still wings unfurl'd, And fann'd to dulcet sleep and peace th' o'erwearied world. 2. Each busy thought of rude disturbing day In sweet oblivious quietude was drown'd; But He, whose wisdom Heaven and earth doth sway, Yet kept his ruling watch, insphered and crown'd With ceaseless light; and from Heaven's starry round Casting on Godfrey the ecstatic beam Of his mild eye, to him in sleep profound, By silent precept of a mission'd dream, Of his Almighty Mind reveal'd the will supreme. 8. In the rich Orient, near the valves of gold Whence the Sun sallies, turns a crystalline Clear gate, whose doors in harmony unfold, Ere pale the planets, and the day-beams shine:'Tis thence the glorious dreams which the Divine In grace to pure and holy spirits sends, Issuing fly forth; from that pictorial shrine This dream to pious Godfrey now descends, And o'er his placid face its radiant wings extends. 4. Nor dream nor gifted vision e'er portray'd Such beautiful or lively forms, as here 314 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIV. To Godfrey's fancy this, which now display'd Of Heaven and of its stars the secrets clear; As in the mirror of a glassy sphere, All was at once presented to his sight That in them is, he seem'd, in swift career, Caught up to an expanse of perfect white, Adorn'd with thousand flames that gave a golden light. 5. Here, as the moving spheres, the vast blue sky, The lights, and the rich music he admires, Lo, to his side a winged knight draws nigh, With sunbeams crown'd, and circumfused with fires! And in a voice to which the clearest choirs And perfect marriage of sweet sounds below, Breathed out from beauteous lips or golden wires, Would be but discord, said: " Canst thou bestow No smile, or dost thou not thy once-loved Hugo know? " 6, To which the Duke replied: "That aspect new, Which like the glowing sun so brightly shines, Has dazzled so my intellectual view, That it can ill recall its ancient lines:" And saying this, to greet him he inclines; Thrice with a fond affectionate embrace Around his neck his loving arms he twines; And thrice th' encircled form and radiant face Fly like a summer cloud, or shade the sunbeams chase. 7. Prince Hugo smiled; "And think not, as of old," He said, "that earthly robes my limbs invest; My naked spirit here dost thou behold, A simple shape; I dwell, a glorious guest, In this th' illumined City of the Bless'd: This is the temple of our God, th' abode Of his true knights; and here thou too shalt rest:" " Ah, when? " he cried; " if aught ifi me this mode Of bliss obstruct, loose now, 0 loose th' encumb'ring load!" 8. " Soon!" replied Hugo; "soon in glory thou Shalt gather'd be to our triumphant band; But many a laurel first must grace thy brow, Much blood be shed by thy victorious hand; The Pagan armies yet thou must withstand, And from their grasp by many a toilsome deed Wresting the scepter of the Holy Land, Fix the Frank empire; then it is decreed, That to thy gentle rule thy brother shall succeed. CANTO XIV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 315 9. " But now look round more fixedly; beholdTo quicken for the skies thy pure desires, These lucid halls and starry orbs of gold,'Nhich, whirling round, th' Eternal Mind inspires.! Observe the beauty of those siren choirs Of seraphs; hear th' angelical sweet strains, In concord sung to their celestial lyres; Next view," he said, and pointed to the plains Of earth, below, " what yon terrestrial globe contains. 10. "Think of your earthly titles and designs; With what a vile reward is virtue crown'd! Mark what a little ring your pride confines! What naked deserts your vain glories bound I! Earth like an island the blue sea flows round. Now, call'd the Mighty Deep from coast to coast, Now, the vast Ocean; to that pompous sound Naught corresponds, to auth'rize such a boast-'Tis but a shallow pool, a narrow marsh at most." 11. The Spirit said: and he his sight let fall On earth, and smiled with a serene disdain; Shrunk to a point, seas, streams, and mountains tall He sees, remote, but here distinguish'd plain; And much he wonder'd that weak man should strain At shades and mists, that swim before his eyes, And chase those radiant bubbles of the brainCapricious Fame, and Power, that, follow'd, flies, ]Nor heed th' inviting voice that calls him to the skies. 12. Wherefore he answer'd: "Since not yet thy God Is pleased to call me from this cage of clay, Which path of life is safest to be trod Mid Earth's erroneous windings, deign to say." Hugo replied: " The least fallacious way To happiness, indeed th' alone sure track Is that thou walkest; turn not then astray; Alone I would advise thee, be not slack From his far exile now to call Rinaldo back. A13. " For, as by Providence divine to thee The golden scepter, the supreme command Of that adventure is consign'd, so he As sov'reign agent of thy schemes, must stand Assistant to the task: the first and grand Office is thine; the second the Most High Concedes to him; lie is the army's hand, And thou the head, —none other can supply His place, not e'en thyself, thy state does this deny. 316 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIV. 14. "He, he alone has license to cut down The forest guarded by such magic art; From him thy troops, despairing of the town From the deserters they have seen depart, On flight themselves debating, shall take heart, And, nerved with livelier strength by the mere sight Of one so valiant, fresh for conquest start; The bulwarks he shall shatter, scale their height, And the vast Memphian hosts o'erpower in mortal fight." 15. He ceased, and Godfrey answer'd; " His return Would be most grateful to my feelings: thou, Who every secret purpose dost discern, Know'st if I love him, as I here avow; But say, what offers must I make him? how Sooth his vex'd spirit? where my heralds send? Wilt thou that I for his recall allow Courtship, or use command? declare, blest friend, How I to make this suit may fitly condescend.," 16. "God," in reply th' angelic spirit said, " Who with such high regards thy rank has graced, Wills, that to thee all reverence yet be paid By those who under thy command are placed; Show thou not then facility nor haste; Make no request; for, haply, this would lead To scorn, and thus thy dignity,' debased, Might fall into contempt; but ask'd, concede And yield, when first thy knights shall for forgiveness plead. 17. "Guelph shall petition thee (by God inspired) T' absolve the headstrong youth of that offense, To which intemp'rate wrath his spirit fired, That he to honor may return; dispense Thy grace; and though in loosest inddlence And love intoxicate, he now reclines On a far foreign shore, doubt not but thence He will return, ere many a morning shines, Apt for thy pressing needs and difficult designs. 18. " Your Hermit Peter, to whose piercing sight Heaven of its secrets gives perception clear, Shall thy sent messengers direct aright, Where certain tidings they of him shall hear; The sage to whose abode their ship must steer, Will show the arts and methods they nmust use To free, and home conduct the wand'iing peer; CANTO XIV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 317 Thus Heaven at length shall, partial to thy views, Beneath the sacred Cross each errant chief reduce. 19. "Farewell! yet ere I end, hear one brief thing, Which will, I know, delight thy noble mind; Your blood shall mix, and from that union spring A glorious issue, dear to all mankind! "10 He said; and like a cloud before the wind, Or azure mist upon the mountain's crest By the hot shining of the sun refined, Vanish'd away; sleep fled, and left his breast With wonder and deep joy confusedly possess'd. 20. His eyes he opes, and sees the Orient blaze With the high:-risen Aurora; from repose He starts, in iron robes his limbs arrays, And o'er his back the purple mantle throws; Then takes his seat; for, soon as morning glows, To his pavilion throng the knights of state, In customary council to expose Their sentiments, and of the war debate; Thither they all were met, and round in silence sate. 21. Then Guelph arose, full of the new design Which had his mind inspired, and drawing near, To Godfrey thus made suit: " O, Prince benign, What I propose receive with favoring ear! I come to ask, with all thy nobles here, Grace for a crime, and, if it must be said, A crime yet recent; whence it may appear, Perchance, that my request is hasty made, In an untimely hour, ere yet maturely weigh'd. 22. "But when I think that to a Prince so mild My suit is proffer'd, and for whose brave sake, That, too, the intercessor is not viled Nor mean of rank, I cannot choose but take The prayer for granted, which will surely make All happy, and obtain deserved applause; Recall Rinaldo! I my honor stake That lhe his blood will, in the common cause, Shed to redeem his fault, and satisfy the laws. 23. " What daring hand but his those haunted bowers, So fear'd, shall e'er successfully assail? Who, of a firmer heart, more vig'rous powers, May hope the risks of death to countervail X Thou shalt behold him o'er yon towers prevail, 318 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIV. Shatter the wall, beat down the brazen door, And singly, before all, the rampart scale; Restore him to the camp, kind Sire, restore! Its hope, its heart, its hand! by Jesu I implore! 24. " To me a nephew, to thyself restore An agent, prompt for each sublime attack; Leave him not sunk in slumber, I implore,To glory, to himself, invite him back; 2; Let him but follow the triumphal track Of thy bless'd flag, the world shall witness be Of his improvement: he shall not be slack To do illustrious deeds, beholding thee, Rank'd beneath thy command, fulfilling thy decree!" 25. Thus sued the high-born Guelpho, and the rest With partial murmurs the request improved; Godfrey, as though revolving in his breast A thing before unthought of, as behooved, Paused, and made answer: " Can I but be moved To grace and mercy, when you all are bent To press me? your petition stands approved; Let rigor yield,-what you with one consent Desire, shall be my law: I yield, and am content. 26. "Let the brave youth return, but let him rein Henceforth his rage more wisely; and take heed, That the high hopes our armies entertain Of his maturing years, be match'd indeed By equal actions;-now, my lord, proceed,-'Tis fit the wand'rer be recall'd by thee; Return he will, I trust, with willing speed; Choose then the messengers, and o'er the sea Or sands direct them where you judge the knight to be." 27. He ceased, and thus the warrior Dane: "I pray To be the man commission'd; I shall slight All danger, doubt, or distance of the way, So I may give this sword to whom of right It henceforth must belong: " the Danish knight Was resolute of heart, and brave of hand; The offer thus gave Guelpho much delight: " Thy wish," said he, " is mine; and with thee bland Ubaldo, sage and sure, the mission will demand." 28. Ubald in early lifetime had survey'd Much of the world, in various realms had been; CANTO xIv. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 319 From frozen zones to where palmettoes shade The sultry Ethiop, had most nations seen; Their rites observed, and with perception keen Learn'd at whatever port his bark might touch, To imitate the language, mode, and mien Of the rude native; thus, his parts were such, That, in his court retain'd, Lord G(uelpho loved him much. 29. These were the knights appointed to recall The noble fugitive; and Guelph ordain'd, That they should shape their journey to the hall Where Bohemond in kingly splendor reign'd; For that the warrior there was entertain'd, By public fame had through the host been spread, And as a certain fact was still maintain'd: The Hermit, knowing they were much misled, Amidst them enter'd now, and interposing said: 30. "In following, Signior, the fallacious breath Of public rumor, you pursue a guide Headstrong and treacherous, which, if not to death, From the right path will lead your steps aside: No! give your pinnace o'er the sea to glide; To Ascalon's near shores your sails commend; Where a swift stream rebuts the salt sea-tide, A hermit you will meet, my trusty friend, Of your intent forewarn'd,-to all his words attend. 31. " Much from the foresight of his own clear mind, Much of your voyage has he learn'd from me; Wise as he is, the Senior you will find As much distinguish'd for his courtesy, His affable discourse, and manners free." Instructed thus, no more did Charles inquire, Nor Ubald more; but, as a fix'd decree, Obey'd those accents, which celestial fire Was, as they surely knew, accustom'd to inspire. 32. They bid adieu; impatience spurs them on,Without delay they launch, and drive before The willing wind direct for Ascalon, Where the blue ocean breaks against the shore; Scarce had they caught the hoarse and hollow roar Of breakers on the coast, than they beheld Th' anticipated stream its waters pour Into the sea, by recent torrents swell'd, And o'er its rocky banks with headlong force impell'd. 320 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIV. 33. High o'er its banks the unrestricted flood, Swift as a flying shaft, its waters roll'd; While in confusion and suspense they stood. A Sire appear'd, right venerably old, Crown'd with beach-leaves; long robes his limbs infold Of whitest grain,-he shook a charming-rodThe surge grew calm; and, curious to behold, With unwet feet, in only sandals shod, He on the waters walk'd, and tow'rd the vessel trod. 34. As o'er the Rhine when winter its broad tide Has in smooth chains of solid silver bound, The village girls in crowds securely glide, With long swift strokes, in many a playful round; So on these orient waves, though neither sound, Nor crystallized to ice, this ancient man. Walk'd to the deck on which in awe profound The knights stood fix'd, stood stupefied to scan This singular, strange sight; he came, and thus began: 35. "O friends, a perilous and painful quest You urge, and much in need of guidance stand! The knight you seek, far in the golden West Lies on a wild, unknown, and Gentile strand: Much, O how much for you remains on hand To dare and do! what coasts must you not clear, What spacious seas, and what long tracts of land! Beyond the limits of our Eastern sphere, You must your search extend, your winged pinnace steer! 36. "Yet scorn not first to view the hidden cell Which I my secret hermitage have made; Momentous things you there shall hear me tell, 1 Most requisite for you to know; "-he said, And made the waves yield passage; they obey'd — Murmuring sweet music, they receded swift; And, here and there dividing, high o'erhead Hung curling, like some proud and beetling clift, That o'er the mining deep is seen its brows to lift. 37. He took them by the hand, and led them down The river's depth beneath the roaring main, By such pale light, as through some forest brown Streams from the yellow moon, when in her wane: They see the spacious caverns that contain The weight of waters which above-ground break CANTO XIV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 321 So freely forth; that in one lucid vein Burst in clear springs, or, more expansive, make The broad smooth-sliding stream, slight pool, or sheeted lake. 38. The cisterns there whence Ganges takes his course, Po, and renown'd Hydaspes, strike their eye; Don, Efuphrates, and Tanais; nor its source Mysterious does the Nile to them deny; More deep, a river flowing brightly by O'er beds of living sulphur they behold, Brimm'd with quicksilver; these the sun on high Ripens, refines, and in their secret mold Binds in resplendent veins of silver, zinc, or gold. 39. And the rich flood did all its banks instar With precious stones, enchanting to the sight; Which, like bright lamps, illumined wide and far The den's black gloom with luxury of light: There, in blue luster, shone the sapphire bright, Heaven's native tint; tile jacinth glister'd mild; Flamed the fine ruby, flash'd the diamond white, In virgin state, on sparkling opals piled, And, gay with cheerful green, the lovely emerald smiled. 40. In dumb amazement the two warriors pass'd, And all their thoughts to these strange scenes applied, Said not a word! Ubaldo spake at last, And thus in falt'ring speech address'd his guide: " O Father, say where now we are! this tideWhere does it flow? thine own estate explain; Do I behold aright? or is this pride And prodigality of wealth a vain Illusion? scarce I know, such wonder wraps my brain." 41. " You," he replied, " are in the spacious womb Of earth, the general mother! not e'en ye Could ever thllus have pierced into.the gloom Of her rich bowels, unless brought by me: I lead you to my home, which you will see Illumed with curious light, a splendid placeI was by birth a Pagan; but, set free From Pagan sin, regenerate grown by grace, I was baptized, and now Christ's holy rule embrace. 42. " Think not my maogic wonders wrought by aid Of Stygian angels summon'd up from hell; Scorn'd and accursed by those who have essay'd TASSO —-1i 322 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIV. Her gloomy Dives and Afrits to compel,"I By fumes or voices, talisman or spell!But my perception of the secret powers Of mineral springs, in Nature's inmost cell, Of herbs, in curtain of her greenwood bowers, And of the moving stars, on mountain-tops and towers. 43. " For in these caves mid glooms and shadows brown, Far from the sun, not always I abide; But oft on sacred Carmel's flow'ry crown, And oft on odorous Lebanon reside; There without veil I see the planets glide; Notice each aspect; chronicle each phase Of Mars and Venuis; every star beside, That, swift or slow, of kind and froward rays, Revolves and shines in Heaven, is naked to my gaze. 44. "Beneath my feet I view, or rare or dense, The clouds, now dark, now beautiful in show; Of rains and dews the generation; whence, Th'llwart or direct, the winds and tempests blow; How lightnings kindle, why they dart below In orb'd or writhen rays; so near I scan The fireball, comet, and the show'ry bow Wove in Heaven's loom, that I at length began, Puff'd up with pride, myself to fancy more than mlan. ~ 45. " S overweening of myself, that now I thought my powers could compass or command Knowledge of all above, around, below, That sprang to birth from God's creative hand But when your Hermlit, visiting this strand, From sin my soul, from error purged my mind, He taught my thoughts to soar, my views t' expand, And I perceived how little and confined They of themselves had been, how vain, how w~mk. how blind I 46. " I saw how, like night-owls at rise of sun, Our minds with Truth's first rays are stupefied; Smiled at the futile webs my folly spun; Scorn'd my vain-glory, and renounced my pride; But still my genius, as he wish'd, applied To the deep arts and philosophic quest In which I joy'd before, but, purified And changed from what I was, with nobler zest Ruled by the Seer on whom implicitly I rest; CANTO XIV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 323 47. " My guide and lord! what his sagacious wit Points out, I execute; he not disdains Now to my poor direction to commit Works that might grace himself,-from servile chains To free th' unconquer'd knight whom sloth detains By strong enchantment in a witch's hold, Where amorous Revel high misrule maintains; Long for your coming have I look'd, of old By the prophetic Seer in signs to me foretold." 48. While with this tale the knights he entertain'd, They reach'd his dwelling; large it was and fair; Shaped like a grot, and in itself contain'd Galleries, and rooms, and spacious halls, whate'er Of wild or precious, beautiful or rare, Earth breeds in her rich veins, shone forth to view; Nor one romantic ornament was there, That from arranging art its glory drew, But, form'd in Nature's freaks, in native wildness grew. 49. Nor fail'd there pages, numberless, untold, To serve the guests with ready active haste; Nor fail'd there urns of crystal, pearl, and gold, On stands magnificent of silver placed, Heap'd high with whatsoe'er might please the taste: And when with meats and wines their appetite Was satisfied, rich fruits the table graced; And the sage spoke; "'Tis time that I invite To what will be, rethinks, of more refined delight. 50. " Armida's deeds, her purposes, her guile, And secret snares in part to you are known; How to your camp she came, and by what wile She charm'd and led your warriors to her lone Enchanted fortress; how they then were thrown By their false hostess into chains, and lay Long time, their am'rous follies to atone; Till, sent withl thousand guards to Gaza, they Were by Rinaldo freed; —mark well what now I say. 51. " Things yet unknown to you do I declare, Strange,but most true; when the fair witch perceived That the rich prey it took such toil to snare, Was rescued from her grasp, she storm'd, she grieved Stamp'd, and in anger scarce to be conceived, That her designs should be so clearly cross'd, Burst forth;' Let not the wretch be so deceived, As to suppose the pris'ners I have lost, Are to be repossess'd without revenge or cost! 324 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIV. 52. "' If he has set them free, he in their place Shall suffer ling'ring misery, hopeless thrall: Nor shall this serve; the dues of my disgrace Shall on the whole cursed Camp in vengeance fall!' And, raving thus, she in her heart of gall Framed what I now disclose to you, a sleight The most malignant and refined of all; She came where young Rinaldo had in fight Her warriors late subdued, or massacred outright. 53. " Rinaldo there had thrown his arms aside, And in a Turkish suit himself disguised; Thinking perchance that he should safer ride, In an array less known and signalized: Th1' Enchantress came; his arms she recognized; A headless figure in them cased, and threw Upon a brook's green banks, where, she surmised, It would be sure to meet the Christians' view, When to the shaded stream for waters fresh they drew: 54. " Nor was their coining hard to be foreseen For she a thousand spies on all sides sent, Who every day brought tidings to their queen Of the far Camp, who came, return'd, or went: Oft too her dex'trous spirits would present, After long talk with them in hall or grot, Familiar picturings of each fresh event; And thus the corse she cast in such a spot, As best subserved her aim, and deep insidious plot. 55. " Near, the most shrewd of her deceitful train She slyly placed, in shepherd's weeds array'd; And, what he was to do, to say, to feign, Taught in all points, and was in all obey'd; He, seized while hurrying from the forest shade, Spoke with your soldiers, and among them sow'd Seeds of suspicion; which, maturing, sway'd The Camp to discord; till rebellion show'd Fearless her face abroad, and fires intestine glow'd. 56. " For, as she plann'd, all thought Rinaldo dead, By Godfrey slain, his error to atone; Albeit indeed their vague suspicions fled, When the first beams of truth prevailing shone. Thus with a craft peculiarly her own, Armida wove her wiles; the second well Chimed with the first, as will be seen anon; The sequel of her scheme I now shall tell, How she Rinaldo chased, and what from thence befelL CANTO XIV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 325 57. "O'er hill and dale Armida watch'd the youth, Till now his steps the swift Orontes stay'd, Where the clear stream its waters parting smooth, Soon to rejoin, a flowery island made: Here on the banks, under the greenwood shade, A sculptured column might the Prince behold, Near which a little shallop floating play'd; The marble white, its workmanship, and mold, As he admired, lie read in words engraved of gold:58. "' 0 thou, whoe'er thou art, whom sweet self-will, Or chance, or idlesse to this region guides i No greater wonder in design or skill Call the wor;d show, than that this islet hides; Pass o'er and see!' Enticed, he soon divides The boat's gilt chain, and, so divinely smile Those summer waters, o'er them tilting rides; But as the skiff was slight, he leaves the while His knights ashore, and seeks alone th' inviting isle. 59. " Landing, he looks around: yet nothing sees To claim his curious sight but waters sheen, Rocks, mossy grots, dells, fountains, flowers, and trees, So that he deems his fancy to have been Mock'd by the marble; yet the place, the scene, Were such as might enchant the rudest minds; So down he sits on banks of pleasant green, Disarms his face, and sweet refreshment finds In the cool fanning breath- of odoriferous winds. 60. "Meanwhile the river gurgles with a sound New to his ear, and thither calls his sight; One placid billow in the midst whirl'd round, And sudden sank, then rose to greater height; From which peep'd forth, with golden tresses bright, A virgin's beauteous face —her neck-her breastThen her two lily paps of purest white, Their budded nipples rosily express'd;While whisp'ring billows flung their silver round the rest. 61. " So on the midnight stage some water-maid, Or fairy-queen slow rises from the floor; And though no Siren, but a painted shade, Yet all the fascinating grace she bore Of those same treach'rous Sisters, that of yore Haunted the smooth sunshiny waters nigh The Tuscan coast; as bright a bloom she wore; 326 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIV. As musical her voice, her smile as shy; And thus aloud she sang, enchanting air and sky. 62. "' 0 happy youths, whom Spring with roses sweet Robes and adorns! let not false glory's ray, Nor virtue's smooth insidious beauty cheat Your tender minds, and lead your steps astray; Who crops the lily ere it fades away, Who follows pleasure, he alone is sage! Press then the purple grape of life-be gayThis Nature bids, and will you warfare wage With her divine decrees, nor fear the frowns of age? 63. "' Fools! to fling from you, without taste or care, The brief enjoyments of your passing prime; Names without object, idols all of air, Are the vain toys to which you warriors climb: The fame which charms with such a golden chime Proud heroes' hearts, the glories that persuade, Are but an echo in the ear of Time,- A dream, a shade, the shadow of a shade; With the bright rainbow born, they swift as rainbows fade. 64. "'But let your tranquil souls with all sweet things Your happy senses cheer, while fresh and fair; Past woes forget; nor with the anxious wings Of expectation speed the steps of care: Heed not if thunders roll, or lightnings glare; Let the storm threaten as it will, rejoice! With languor rest, with rest enjoyment share, This is Elysium, this true Wisdom's choice, This Nature's self requires,-slight not her charming voice' 65. " So sings the Phantom, and her soft sweet tune To settling sleep allures his heavy eyes; Sense after sense dissolves in gentle swoon; From limb to limb lethargic sweetness flies; Till he of death the passive picture lies, Nor e'en the bellowing thunder now could break The magic trance; when this Armida spies, She, issuing swift and silent as the snake, From her close ambush runs, her sworn revenge to take. 66. "But on his face when she had gazed awhile, And saw how placidly he breathed, how sweet A light seem'd e'en in his closed eyes to smile, CANTO XIV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 327 (Al, were they open, what were her conceit!) She paused in doubt, and near him took her seat; The more she gazed, the more fond pity sprung To her stern heart; till, of all angry heat Charm'd, o'er the boy, those greens and flowers among With loving, lovely eyes, Narcissus-like she hung. 67. " The living heat-dews that impearl'd his face, She with her veil wiped tenderly away; And, to cool more the fervors of the place, Her turban took, and fann'd him as he lay; And call'd the mild winds of the West, to play Round the rich cheeks that so divinely glow; Mark but the change! Love's intellectual ray Has from her savage bosom thaw'd the snow, And to the kindest friend transform'd the sternest too, 68. " With bluebells, lilies, woodbines, and wild roses, That flower'd in thousands through those pleasant plains, She next with admirable skill composes Garlands, festoons, and odoriferous chains, Which round his neck, and arms, and feet she strains Tightly yet tenderly; and o'er his eyes While Sleep her shadowy government maintains, Bears upon tiptoe the imprison'd prize To her enchanted car, and, mounting, cuts the skies. 69. " Not now to rich Damascus does she fly, Nor where her castle crests th' Asphaltine tide; But, jealous of a pledge so dear, and shy Of her new passion, betwixt shame and pride, In the Atlantic sea resolves to hide, Where rarely mortal oar was known to comb, Or ne'er, green Neptune's curling waves; there, wide Of all mankind, she singles for her home A little Isle, round which the billows loneliest foam. 70. " One of a cluster to which Fortune lends Her name, th' Elysian fields of old renown; There she a mountain's lofty peak ascends, Unpeopled, shady, shagg'd with forests brown; Whose sides, by power of magic, half way down She heaps with slippery ice, and frost, and snow, But sunshiny and verdant leaves the crown With orange woods and myrtles,-speaks-and lo! Rich from the bordering lake a palace rises slow. 328 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIV. 71. "Here in perpetual May her virgin sweets She yields him, lapp'd in amorous wild delight; From that far palace, from those secret seats, Your tasks must be to disenthrall the knight; To brave, encounter with, and put to flight The guards her tim'rous jealousy has set, To keep the marble hall and shaded height; Nor shall you need or guide or gondolet, Nor added arms divine, th' adventure to abet. 72. " A damsel, old in years though younc in show, When from the stream we issue, you will find, With long rich tresses curling round her brow, And garments beauteous as the bird of Ind; She, through the ocean, swifter than the wind Or wing of eagles, shall direct.your track, And leave the lightning in her flight behind; Nor will you find her as a guide less slack, Or less secure of trust, to speed you safely back. 73. " At the hill's foot whereon the Sorceress reigns, Bulls bellow, hydras roar, and serpents hiss, Revengeful lions rear their f riglltful manes, And bears and panthers ope the grimn abyss Of their devouring j',ws; shake then but this My fascinating wand, and at the sound They will recede, or criouch your feet to kiss: But on the summit of that guarded ground More fearful perils lurk,-and subtler charms abound. 74. " For there a fountain plays, whose dancing, pure, And smiling rills the gazer's thirst excite, Yet the cool crystals but to harni allure,Strange poison lurks within its waves of light; One little draught the soul inebriates quite, Mounts to the brain, and to the wit supplies A host of gay ideas; till delight Starts into voice, shrill peals of laughter rise, Mirth overpowers the man, he laughs, and laughing dies. 1 75. "Turn then, 0 turn your lips away with dread; Scorn the false wave that to such ills persuades; Be not allured by wines or viands spread By fountain sides, or under green alcades; Let no fond gestures of lascivious maidsThe smile that flatters, or the tune that calls To amorous blandishments in myrtle shades, CANTO xiv. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 329 Move the fine pulse; each glance, each word that falls, Leave for the ivory gates, and tread th' interior halls. 76. " Within, a maze of circling corridors Verge and diverge a thousand winding ways; But of its various galleries, walks, and doors, A lucid plan this little chart displays, To guide your steps: in center of the maze, A spacious garden flings its fragrance round, Where not a light leaf shakes, or zephyr strays, But breathes out love; here, on the fresh green ground, In his fair lady's lap the warrior will be found. 77. " But when th' Enchantress quits her darling's side, And elsewhere turns her footsteps from the place, Then, with the diamond shield which I provide, Step forth, and so present it for a space, That he may start at his reflected face, His wanton weeds and ornaments survey; The sight whereof, and sense of his disgrace, Shall make him blush, and without vain delay From his unworthy love indignant break away. 78. " Enough! it were superfluous to say more, Than that to-morrow you may hence proceed; And when your pleasant voyage ends, explore The secret paths that to the lovers lead, With safe success and all convenient speed; For neither shall the powers of sorcery Your voyage hinder or your plans impede; Nor, (so superior will your guidance be,) Shall the fair witch have skill your coming to foresee. 79. " Nor less securely from her fairy halls Shall you depart and wend your homeward way; But now the midnight hour to slumber calls, And we must be abroad by break of day." This said, he rose; and, ushering them the way, His wond'ring guests to their apartments brought; And leaving them to slumber's peaceful sway,' In reveries of glad and solemn thought, His own nocturnal couch the good old Hermit sought. END OF CANTO XIV. ! Be —v~~~~~~~~.1 I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~A ____ JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVo. 2 r y~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ k~~~~~~ ARGUMENT. THE Seer's instructions the two knights pursue: They reach the ready ship that rides in port, Embark, set sail, and in the distance view The fleet and army of th' Egyptian court. Propitious winds within the canvas sport, Fast bounds the vessel to the pilot's hand O'er the blue ocean, making long seem short; On a lone isle remote at last they land, And every tempting sound and spectacle withstand. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XV, 1. SCARCE had Aurora risen with grateful ray, Or Syrian shepherd led his flocks from fold, Than the Sage coming where the warriors lay, Produced the chart, the shield, and wand of gold; And "Rise " lie said, " ere yet the sun has told His rosary on the hills,-soft breezes swell To waft you on your voyage; here behold The promised gifts that will have power to quell Armida's witchcrafts all, and thaw each murmur'd spell." 2. But they th' expected summons had forerun, Were up, and robed in arms from head to feet, And straight, by paths ne'er gazed on by the sun, Following their host, returning they repeat The steps they took to his romantic seat The previous day; but to the river side When they were come, the Senior stay'd to greet His parting guests: "Farewell, my friends!" he cried; "Here must I leave you; go, good-fortune be your guide!" 3. Embark'd, the river with harmonious flow The stranded vessel buoyantly upbore, As, toss'd into the stream, a leafy bough Is wont to rise, and, without sail or oar, Floated them gently to the verdant shore; There, as the spacious ocean they survey'dA little vessel with vermilion prore \ Steer'd nigh, wherein was seen the destined maid, And well the bounding bark her guiding hand obey'd. -j 334 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XV. 4 Her locks hung curl'd around her brow; her eyes Were like the dove's, kind, tender, calm, and true; Her face an angel's, bright, and Paradise Was in each radiant smile and look she threw Her robe from white to red, from red to blue, Lilac, green, purple, fleetingly and fast, Long as you look'd, diversified its hue; You gaze again, the precious purple's past, And a fresh tint appears, diviner than the last. 5. The feathers thus which on the neck genteel Of the impassion'd dove their circles spread, Not for one moment the same tint reveal, But in the sun ten thousand colors shed; Now they a necklace seem of rubies red, Of em'ralds now they imitate the light, Then-let the gentle bird but turn its headThey shift from green to black, from black to bright, Then take the tints of all, still more to charm the sight. 6. "Enter," she said, " O happy youths! the bark, Wherein from sea to sea I safely ply; In which the heaviest weights grow light, the dark Rough billows smooth, and calm the stormiest sky; Me in his love and favor, the Most High Sends as your guide:" the Lady spake, and now Guilding her painted gondola more nigh, O'er the glad waves that round in homage bow, The green saluted shore strikes lightly with her prow. 7. Her charge received, the cable she upcurls, Frees the fix'd keel, and launches from the land; Loose to the wind the silken sail unfurls, And rules the rudder with a dext'rous hand: Swell the full sails, as glorying to be fann'd: Heaves the swolen stream, so deep with recent rain, It might have borne a fleet well gunn'd and mann'd; But her light frigate it would well sustafn, Though to its usual state the waters were to wane. 8. Shrill airs unusual sing within the sails, And swiftly speed them from the verdant shore; The waters whiten to the active gales, And round the vessel murmur, foam, and roar. But now they reach to where its loud waves hoar, The river quiets in a broader bed; There, by the greedy sea embraced, its store CANTO xv. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 335 Melts into naught, or naught apparent, wed With the vast world of waves before them greenly spread. 9. The sounding margin of the rough rude main Is scarcely touch'd by the enchanted pine, Than the black clouds that lower'd, presaging rain, Clear off at once, and leave the morning fine; The mountain-waves, smooth'd by a charm divine Fall fiat, or if a zephyr intervene, It does but curl the clear blue hyaline; And ne'er in Heaven's benignant face was seen A smile so sweet as now, a purple so serene. 10. She sails past Ascalon, and cheerly drives Her beauteous bark betwixt the south and west; And near to stately Gaza soon arrives, Once but a haven held in slight request, But year by year increasing as the rest Went to decay, a city now it stands, Of power, and strength, and merchandise possess'd; And at this instant, countless as its sands, Myriads of armed men o'erspread the bord'ring lands. 11. To land the warriors look, and see the plains With countless rich pavilions whiten'd o'er, And knights, and squires, and steeds with glist'ning reins Pass to and fro betwixt the town and shore; Camels and burden'd elephants, whose roar Comes mellow'd o'er the main, pace side by side, And stamp the sands to dust; with many an oar Flash the vex'd waves, and in the harbor wide, Galleys, and light caiques, and ships at anchor ride. 12. Some with strong rowers brush'd the buxom wave; Some spread their wings out to the winds, and flew; Their sharp swift beaks the liquid seas engrave, Foam the raised billows as the keels glide through.' Though," said the Lady then, " the ocean blue And yellow plains are fill'd, as you behold, With hosts and navies of the trustless crew, Fresh bands on bands, beneath his moon of gold, By the strong tyrant yet remain to be enroll'd. 13. " Sole from his own or neighboring realms are drawn These troops; more distant aid he yet awaits; For to the regions of the noon and morn 336 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XV. Extends his influence with barbaric states; So that I hope we shall, with prosp'rous fates, Have made return, ere from this subject-coast He to Jerusalem his camp translates; He, or whatever Captain in his post May o'er his other chiefs be raised to rule the host.?' 14. Then as an eagle passes one by one All lesser birds, and soars to such a height, That she appears confounded with the sun, Her form unfix'd by the acutest sight;So, betwixt ship and ship, her rapid flight The gay and graceful Gondola holds on, Without a fear or care, however slight, Who may arrest or chase her, and anon Is from the sailors flit, and out of prospect gone. 15. Past Raffia town she in a moment flew, The first in Syria seen by those who steer From fruitful Egypt, and had soon in view The barren isle of lonely Rhinocere; Not distant, trees o'er waving trees appear To clothe a hill embrowning all the deep That bathes its base;13 not unremember'd here, Urn'd in its heart, the bones of Pompey sleep; Round sigh the winds and woods; beneath, the waters weep. 16. They next behold, by Damietta driven, How to the sea proud Nile the tribute pays Of his celestial treasures, by his seven Famed mouths, and by a hundred minor ways. Then past the city built in ancient days By the brave youth of Macedon who bore Palms from all lands, she sails, and soon surveys The Pharian isle, an isle at least of yore, But by an isthmus now connected with the shore. 17. She leaves to starboard Rhodes and Crete unseen. And to th' adjacent shore of Libya stands; Along the sea productive, till'd, and green, But inly throng'd with snakes and barren sands: Barca she passes, passes by the lands Where stood Cyrene, who no more presides, Queen of the silent waste! and soon commands With Ptolomet the Cypress wood, whence guides Lethe the fabled flow of his oblivious tides. CANTO XV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 337 18. Syrtes, the seaman's curse, before the wind She flies aloof, and far to seaward steers; And, doubling Cape Judeca, leaves behind Swift Magra's stream, till Tripoli appears, Crowning the coast; due north, low Malta rears Her cliffs, but Malta they not now behold; To shun the lesser Syrtes, which she fears, She tacks j but past Alzerbo, coasts more bold The land where dwelt the mild Lotophagi of old. 19. Next on the crooked shore they Tunis see, Whose bay a hill on either side eInbrowns, — Tunis, rich, stately, hon'rable, and free, Beyond all Mauritanian towns; Right opposite to which Sicilia crowns The sea, and, roughly rising o'er the flood, In somber shade Cape Lilybaeum frowns, Here now the damsel points where Carthage etood, Rival so long with Rome, and drunk with Roman blood 20. Low lie her towers; sole relics of her sway, Her desert shores a few sad fragments keep; Shrines, temples, cities, kingdoms, states decay; O'er urns and arcs triumphal deserts sweep Their sands, or lions roar, or ivies creep; Yet man, proud worm, resents that coming Night Should shroud his eyes, in no perpetual sleep: Biserta now they reach in silent flight Sardinia's distant isle receding on the right. 21. Then scudding by the vast Numidian plains, Where wand'ring shepherds wont their flocks to feed. Bugia and Algiers, the accursed dens Of corsairs, rise, approach, and retrocede; By Oran's towers they pass with equal speed, And, coasting the steep cliffs of Tingitan, Now named Morocco, famous for its breed Of elephants and lions, they began Granada's adverse shores through azure mists to scan. 22. And now Al Tarik's Straits they intersect, Alcides' work, as gray traditions feign; Haply an isthmus did the shores connect, Till some concussion rent its rocks in twain; And, by irruption of the horned main, Abyla here and Calpe there was placed; And Libya, sunder'd from romantic Spain, 338 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XV. No more as friends, but foes each other faced,Such power Time hath to change, and lay strong bulwarks waste. 23. Four times the morn has tinted Ocean's cheek, Since the gay bark its voyage first begun; Nor has it enter'd once or port or creek, For rest or stores, -well furnish'd, need was none It now the entrance of the strait has won, Shoots the slight pass, and, far as sight can flee, Into the pathless infinite is run: If, land-lock'd, here so spacious seems the sea, There, where it rolls round earth, what must th' appear' ance be I 24. No longer now each city that succeeds Rich Cadiz, o'er the billows they descry; Fast wealthy Cadiz, fast all land recedes, Sky girds the Ocean, Ocean bounds the sky: Said Ubald then: " Fair pilot! make reply, If on the boundless sea through which we glide So swift, bark ere before was known to ply,And if beyond this world of waves reside Men of like modes with ours? " The Gondolier replied. 25. "When Hercules the monsters had subdued That haunted Libya and the realms of Spain, Through all your coasts his conquests he pursued, Yet durst not tempt thll' unfathomable main; Here then he raised his Pillars, to restrain In too close bounds the daring of mankind; But these his marks Ulysses did disdain, And, fond of knowledge still, his curious mind E'en by Alcides' laws refused to be confined. 26. " The straits he pass'd, and on th' Atlantic sail'd, Bold as the Sea. God in his fish-drawn shell; But naught, alas, his naval skill avail'd, The roaring billows rang his funeral knell I The secrets of his fate no records tell, Where bleach'd his bones, or whither drove his sail: If any since were driv'n out by the swell Of wave or wind, they perish'd in the gale, Or came not back, at least, to tell th' adventurous tale. 27. "Thus still this sea rests unexplored; it boasts A thousand isles, a thousand states unknown; Not void of men, nor barren are the coasts, CANTO XV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED 339 But fertile, rich, and peopled as your own; Nor can the sun which cheers your milder zone, Be in its quick'ning virtues lifeless there, But earth is heap'd with fruits and blossoms blown;" Said Ubald then: " Of this new world so fair, Be pleased the worship, laws, and customs to declare." 28. "As various as the tribes," she made reply, "Their rites, and languages, and customs are; Some Earth, the general mother, glorify, Some worship beasts, the sun, and morning star; While somhe in woods and wildernesses far Spare not to deify the Prince of Hell, And heap their boards with captives slain in war; In short, most impious are their rites, and fell The faith of all the tribes that west of Calpe dwell." 29. " Will then," the knight rejoin'd, "that God who came From Heaven t' illuminate the human heart, Shut ev'ry ray of Truth's celestial flame From that, which of earth so large a part?" " No," she replied, " each humanizing art Shall yet be theirs; e'en kings shall coincide The holy Faith and Gospels to impart; Nor think indeed that this extent of tide Shall from your world these tribes forever thus divide. 80. " The time shall come,when ship-boys e'en shall scorn To have Alcides' fable on their lips, Seas yet unnamed, and realms unknown adorn Your charts, and with their fame your pride eclipse; Then the bold Argo of all future ships Shall circumnavigate and circle sheer Whate'er blue Tethys in her girdle clips, Victorious rival of the Sun's career,And measure e'en of Earth the whole stupendous sphere. 31. " A Genoese knight shall first th' idea seize, And, full of faith, the trackless deep explore; No raving winds, inhospitable seas, Thwart planets, dubious calms, or billows' roar, Nor whatso'er of risk or toil may more Terrific show, or furiously assail, Shall make that mighty mind of his give o'er The wonderful adventure, or avail In close Abyla's bounds his spirit to impale. 340 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CaNTo XV. 32. "'Tis thou, Columbus, in new zones and skies, That to the wind thy happy sails must raise, Till fame shall scarce pursue thee with her eyes. Though she a thousand eyes and wings displays. Let her of Bacchus and Alcides praise The savage feats, and do thy glory wrong, With a few whispers toss'd to after days; These shall suffice to make thy mem'ry long In history's page endure, or some divinest song.'"14 33. She said, and sliced through foam toward the West Her course awhile, then to the South inclined, And saw-now Titan rolling down to rest, And now the youthful Morning rise behind; And when with rosy light And dews refined Aurora cheers the world, more sail she crowds; Till, in blue distance breaking, as the wind Curls off the mist that all th' horizon shrouds, They see a mountain rise, whose summits reach the clouds. 34. As they advance the vapors melt, nor more Their wish'd inspection of the isle prevent; Like the vast pyramids'twas seen to soar, Sharp in its peak, and widening in extent Down to its base; it seem'd to represent The burning hill'neath which the Giant lies That warr'd on Jove, for with like sulph'rous scent It smokes by day, and still, as daylight dies, With ruddy fires lights up the circumambient skies. 35. Then other islands, other mountains mild, Less steep and lofty, their regards engage; The Happy Isles, the Fortunate! so styled By the fond lyrists of the antique age; Which warrior, sophist, priest, and gifted sage Believed so favor'd by the Heavens benign, As to produce, untill'd, in every stage Of growth, its fruits; unpruned the fancied vine At once flower'd, fruited, fill'd, and gush'd with gen'rous wine. 36. Here the fat olive ever buds and blooms, And golden honeys from old oaks distill, And rivers slide from mountain-greens and glooms, In silver streams, with murmurs sweet or shrill; And here cool winds and dews all summer chill The heats, and the calm halcyon builds her nest, F: I --- -E CANTO xv. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 341 With every beauteous bird of tuneful bill; And here are placed th' Elysian Fields, where rest, In fair unfading youth, the spirits of the blest. 37. To these the Lady made: " And now," said she, "The destined haven of your hopes is near; The promised isles of Fortune now you see, Whose fame has reach'd, if not fatigued your ear With its uncertain echoes; Fiction here Has not been idle; rich they are, and gay, And pleasant, but not quite what they appear In poesy:" she said, and in her way, Pass'd the first isle of ten that clear in prospect lay. 38. Then Charles: " If, Lady, with our enterprise Th' excursion suits, now let us leap ashore, And nmark what yet no European eyes Have view'd —the people see, the place explore, The rites they use, the Genius they adore, And whatsoe'er may prompt th' inquiry keen Of envying sages; that, recounting o'er The perils braved, the strange new objects seen, I may with honest pride exclaim,'Yes! there I've been! " 39. " Worthy," the Gondolier replied, "of thee, Th' entreaty surely is; but what can I, If Heaven's severe, inviolable decree The least compliance with thy wish deny? The perfect period fix'd by God on high To give this great discov'ry to the day, Is not yet come; and thus for you to eye The Secrets of the Deep, and back convey Th' authentic news, would be his will to disobey. 40. " To you'tis granted, by peculiar grace And superhuman skill, the fame t' acquire Of rescuing to your world from thraldom base, A youth whom nations ardently desire; Let this suffice, for farther to aspire, Would be to war with fate: " while she replies, The first green isle seems less'ning to retire From notice, and the next sublime to rise, So blithely o'er the wave the charmed pinnace flies. 41. They now behold, how in the same degree All in long order shun the realms of morn, And by what equal distances of sea 342 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XV. The happy isles are each from each withdrawn: Huts, curling smoke, white flocks, and ripening corn Spoke seven of them inhabited; the rest Were waste, o'errun with heath and shagg'd with thorn; Where, fix'd in long hereditary rest, Secure the lion prowls, the vulture builds her nest. 42. In one they find a lone sequester'd place, Where, to a crescent curved, the shore extends Two moony horns, that in their sweep embrace A spacious bay,-a rock the port defends; Inward it fronts, and broad to ocean bends Its back, whereon each dashing billow dies, WThen the wind rises and the storm descends; While here and there two lofty crags arise, Whose towers, far out at sea, salute the sailor's eyes. 43. Safe sleep the silent seas beneath; above, Black arching woods o'ershade the circled scene: Within, a grotto opens in the grove, Pleasant with flowers, with moss, with ivies green, And waters warbling in the depth unseen; Needed nor twisted rope nor anchor there For weary ships: into that so serene And shelter'd hermitage, the maiden fair Enter'd, her slender sails unfurling from the air. 44. "Behold," she said, " the cupolas and towers That on yon mountain's lofty summit shine! There Christ's lethargic champion wastes his hours In dalliance, idlesse, folly, feast, and wine: That slipp'ry, steep ascent of palm and pine' Mount with the rising sun; nor let delay Seem to you grievous; influences malign Th' important scheme to ruin will betray, If any hour but that be fix'd for the essay. 45. " You yet with easy speed may reach the foot Of the seen mountain, ere the day's expired;" Their lovely guide in parting they salute, And lightly pace at length the shore desired. They found the way so much to be admired, So full of goodly prospects, cool with shade, And smooth withal to tread, that nothing tired; And when they issued from the last green glade, High o'er the landscape yet the evening's sunbeams play'd. CANTO XV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 343 46. Thley see that to the mountain's stately head O'er nodding crags and ruins they must climb; Below, with snows and frosts each path was spread, For bloomy heath exchanged and odorous thyme; Cedar, and pine, and cypress more sublime Round its white shoulders toss'd their verdant locks, Sweet lilies peep'd from forth the hoary rime, While (force of magic!) pinks, geraniums, stocks, And roses, fully flower'd, hung clust'ring round the rocks. 47. Within a savage cave beneath the mount, Closed in with shades, the warriors pass'd the night; But when the Sun from Heaven's eternal fount Through the brown forest shed his golden lighti " Up, up!" at once they cried; and either knight With rival zeal along the track of frost Began th' ascent; when, on their startled sight, Whence they knew not, in various colors gloss'd, Their onward path a fierce and frightful serpent cross'd. 48. Her head and scaly crest of pallid gold She raised erect, and swelled her neck with ire; Lighten'd her eyes; and, hiding as she roll'd A length of way, she poison breathed and fire; Now she recoil'd into herself, now nigher Her tangled rings distending many a yard, She slid along with mischievous desire, Presenting all her stings the pass to guard,Much she the knights amazed, but did not much retard. 49. Already Charles, the monster to assail, Had drawn his sword, when out Ubaldo spake: " Soft! what is it you do? by arms so frail How can you hope to quell th' enchanted snake?" His golden wand of an immortal make He shook, so that the demon, smit with fear, No longer hissing, sought the. tangled brake; Needed no second sound to warn its ear; Instant it slipp'd away, and left the passage clear. 50. A little further on, with sour disdain A roaring lion the strict pass denied; Tossing aloft the terrors of his mane, And his voracious jaws expanding wide, He with redoubling fury lash'd his side, And to the knights advanced with hasty tread; But when the wand immortal he espied, 344 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XV. A secret instinct chill'd his heart with dread, And quell'd his native fire; he howl'd, and howling fled. 51. Their track the venturous couple follow fast, But numerous legions yet before them rise Of savage beasts, terrific as the past, Differing in voice, in movement, and in guise; All monstrous forms, all wild enormities, All the grim creatures in their sternest moods That betwixt Nile and Atlas, Titan eyes, Seem'd gather'd there, with all the raging broods That haunt th' Ercynian caves or old Hyrcanian woods. 52. But e'en this phalanx, massy, fierce, and bold As it appear'd, could not the pair affright, Much less repel; for of the wand of gold A single motion put them all to flight. And now they climb victorious to the height Of the rude precipice, without delayv Save that the Alpine cliffs and glaciers, white With drifted snows that round austerely lay, Of their sublime ascent more tedious make the way. 53. But when at length the steep acclivity Is scaled, and pass'd the snows and breezes keen, Beneath the sunshine of a summer sky They find an even, smooth, and spacious green. Here in a clime delightfully serene His wings the everlasting Zephyr shakes, And breathes a ceaseless sweetness o'er the scene; For here the sun one golden measure makes, Nor ever charms asleep, nor e'er the wind awakes. 54. Not as elsewhere with fervors frosts severe, Or clouds with calms divide the happy hours; But Heaven, than whitest crystal e'en more clear, A flood of sunshine in all seasons showers; Nursing to fields their herbs, to herbs their flowers, To flowers their smell, to leaves the immortal trees, Here by its lake, the splendid palace towers On marble columns rich with golden frieze, For leagues and leagues around o'ergazing hills and seas. 55. The warriors weary found themselves and faint, From their long travel up the steep rough hill; And loitering through the pleasant gardens went, Walking or resting at their own sweet will; When lo, a fountain whose light music shrill CANTO XV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 345 Allures the thirsty pilgrim, gleam'd in view! In one tall column it descended chill, And in a thousand crystal fragments flew, Sprinkling with orient pearl the plants that round it blew. 56. But through the grass these delicate cascades The same deep channel in conclusion found, And under curtain of perpetual shades Ran warbling by, cool, tranquil, and embrown'd; Yet still so clear, that in its depth profound Each glist'ning wave amid the sands was seen, With all its curls of beauty; while around, The mossy banks form'd couches soft and green, Inlaid with odorous herbs, and violets strown between. 57. "See here the fount of laughter! see the stream To which such fatal qualities belong! Now," they exclaim'd, " let us avoid the dream Of warm desire, and in resolve be strong; Now shut our ears to the fair Siren's song, And to each smile of feminine deceit Close the fond eye! " thus warn'd, they pass along, Until they reach to where the waters sweet Break out a broader bed, and form a spacious sheet. 58. Here, served on ivory, stood all sumptuous food. That Taste could wish, or Luxury purvey, And, chatt'ring, laughing, in the crystal flood Two naked virgins, fall of wanton play; Now kissing, wrestling, breaking now away, Now striving which the other should outswim: Now diving, floating, as the waters sway, Sometimes above, sometimes below the brim, Marking their course conceal'd by some voluptuous limb. 59. These swimming damsels, beautiful and bare, The warriors' bosoms somewhat did subdue; So that they stay'd to watch them, while the pair Seem'd all intent their pastimes to pursue: One meanwhile, starting upward, full to view Of the clear Heavens her swelling breasts display'd, And all that might with rapture more indue The eye, to the white waist; the waves that play'd Round her, each limb beneath pellucidly array'd. 60. As from the waves the glitt'ring Star of niorn Comes, dropping nectar; or as rising slow From Ocean's fruitful foam when newly born, 346 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XV. The Queen of Love and Beauty seeml'd in show, So she appear'd, so charm'd; her tresses so From all their golden rings bright humor rain'd, Rich with the colors of the show'ry bow; While looking round, the knights but then she feign'd To see, and back recoil'd offended, shock'd, and pain'd. 61. Her tresses knotted in a single braid, She in an instant loosen'd and shook down; Which, thickly flowing to her feet, array'd Her polish'd limbs as with a golden gown: But O! when fell the curtain from her crown, What an enchanting spectacle was fled! Yet'twas enchantment, so-to find it flown: Thus gloriously with locks and waves o'erspread, She from them turn'd askance, rejoicing, rosy red... 62. She smiled, she crimson'd deep, and all the while Her smile the sweeter show'd the more she blush'd, And the sweet crimson sweeter for the smile That o'er her tender face in sunshine rush'd; Then with a voice so mild it might have hush'd The nightingale, and taken an angel prey, Rich from her warbling lips these accents gush'd: "0 happy pilgrims! favor'd to survey Regions so full of peace, a Paradise so gay! 63. " This is the haven of the world; here Rest Dwells with Composure, and that perfect bliss, Which in the Golden Age fond men possess'd, In liberty and love unknown to this; You now may lay aside th' incumbrances Of arms, and safely hang them on the trees, Sacred to Peace; all else but folly is; Seek then soft quiet, seek indulgent ease, Love's the sole captain here, young Love's the lord to please. 64. " The fields of battle here are mosses green And beds of roses, where-you dream the rest; We will conduct you to our fairy queen, The queen whose bounty makes her servants blest. You of that happy band shall be impress'd, Whom she has destined for her joys; but first, Your weary limbs of those rude arms divest, In these cool waters be your dust dispersed, And at yon board indulge your hunger, taste, and thirst." CANTO XV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 347 65. Thus sang the one; her sister play'd the mime, In act and glance outpleading her appeal, As swift or slow to the melodious chime Of lutes and viols the blithe dancers wheel; But to these wiles the knights in triple steel Of stern resolve had shut their souls; and hence, The tunes they sing, the beauties they reveal, Their angel looks and Heavenly eloquence, But circle round and round, nor reach the seat of sense. 66. Or if of such sweet airs and glowing charms Aught stirs the soil where buds unchaste Desire, The heart soon Reason fills with her alarms, And with strong hand roots up each rising brier: Vanquish'd the nymph's remain; the knights retire, And, without bidding them adieu, pass on; These reach the palace, those with fruitless ire Crimsoning afresh at the repulse anon Dive in the waves, and deep beyond all sight are gone. END OF CANTO XV. .....e.. JERUSALEM DELIVERED, CANTO XVI. ARGUMENT. I'E spacious palace of th' enchanting Dame The warriors tread, where lost Rinaldo lies; And speed so well, that, full of wrath and shame, He bursts his bonds, and with them quickly flies: She, to retain her loved deserter, tries All powers of language and of tears-in vain,He parts; t' avenge her wrongs, on Dis she cries, Destroys her palace, and, in high disdain Flies through the stormy skies in her adriat wain. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVI. 1. ROUND is the spacious pile; and in its heart, Set like a gem, a garden is insphered, More deck'd by nature and enrich'd by art, Than the most beautiful that e'er appear'd To flower in old romance; and round it, rear'd The Stygian sprites unnumber'd galleries, Harmonious, seen at distance, but, when near'd, A trackless maze discordant to the eyes,Through all these tortuous coils their secret passage lies. 2. Through the chief gate they tread the marble floors, For full a hundred grace the spacious hold; Of fine and figured silver here the doors On their smooth hinges sing, of shining gold: Awhile they pause the figures to behold Cast on the squares; for, with extreme surprise, They see the metal rival'd by the mold; Speech fails alone, but, to the trusting eyes, The sprightly shapes e'en speak, and limib'd with life arise. 3. Here midst Mseonian girls the Grecian Mars Sits, telling fond romantic tales: and lihe eWho storm'd black Orcus, and upheld the stars Now twirls the spindle with a maiden's glee; Young Love looks on and laughs; while lole In her unwarlike hands is seen to bear His murd'rous arms with proud mock-majesty, And on her back the lion's hide to wear, Too rough a vest for limbs so finely turn'd and fair! 4. Near heaved a sea whose azure surface changed, As close you look'd, and into silver splash'd; 352 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVI. Two adverse navies in the midst were ranged For war-blue lightnings from the armor flash'd; In gold the bright and burning billows dash'd, And all Leucate did on fire appear, Ere the beaks grappled, and the falchions clash'd; Augustus there all Rome, Antonious here, Brought up his Eastern kings, and couch'd his Memphian spear. 5. You would declare the rifted Cyclades Concurr'd, and mountains did with mountains jar, When with their tower-like vessels those and these Rush'd o'er the brine, and shock'd in mortal war; Here, like the sparkles of a glancing star, Darts fly, and fire-balls blaze; there, bloody dyes The virgin whiteness of the waters mar: While neither wins, lo where, with heavy eyes, O'er the vex'd waves, alarm'd, th' Egyptian beauty flies. 6 And flies her Chief? can he relinguish here The glorious world to which his hopes aspire? He'flies not, no, nor fears; he does not fear, But follows her, drawn on by fond desire: You see him, (like a man whom now the fire Of love torments, and now, as shame prevails, Disdain,) alternately regard, as ire And tenderness were cast in equal scales, Now the still dubious fight, and now her less'ning sails. 7 Then in the secret creeks of fruitful Nile He in her lap appears for death to wait, And with the pleasure of her lovely smile Sweetens the bitfer stroke of hasting fate.With such like arguments of various date And issue in Love's story, were emboss'd The glitt'ring metals of that princely gate; The figured tales long time the knights engross'd; At length the charm they broke, and o'er the threshold cross'd. 8. As'twixt its crooked banks Meander plays, Curls and uncurls in its uncertain course, Now to its spring, now to the Ocean strays, Now meets itself returning to its source Such, only intertangled with a force Yet more mysterious, of this mazy spot The paths appear; but now they have recourse To the clear chart, which, pointing out both what To shun, and what pursue, resolves th' enchanted knot. % —-~~-~I —----------— __~~~~- i CANTO XVI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 353 9. These windings pass'd, the garden-gates unfold, And the fair Eden meets their glad survey,Still waters, moving crystals, sands of gold, Herbs, thousand flowers,rare shrubs,and mosses gray, Sunshiny hillocks, shady vales; woods gay And grottoes gloomy, in one view combined, Presented were; and what increased their play Of pleasure at the prospect,' was, to find Nowhere the happy Art that had the whole design'd. 10. So natural seem'd each ornament and site, So well was neatness mingled with neglect, As though boon Nature for her own delight Her mocker mock'd, till fancy's self was check'd; The air, if nothing else there, is th' effect Of magic, to the sound of whose soft flute The blooms are born with which the trees are deck'd; By flowers eternal lives th' eternal fruit, This running richly ripe, while those but greenly shoot. 11. Midst the same leaves and on the self-same twig The rosy apple with th' unripe is seen; Hung on one bough the old and youthful fig, The golden orange glows beside the green; And aye, where sunniest stations intervene, Creeps the curl'd vine luxuriant h 11 o'erhead ~ Here the sour grape just springs tihe flowers between, Here yellowing, purpling, blushing ruby red, Here black the clusters burst, and heavenly nectar shed. 12. The joyful birds sing sweet in the green bowers; Murmur the winds; and in their fall and rise, Strike from the fruits, leaves, fountains, brooks, and flowers, A thousand strange celestial harmonies; When cease the birds, the zephyr loud replies; When sing the birds, it faints amidst the trees To whispers soft as lovers' farewell sighs; Thus, whether loud or low, the bird the. breeze, The breeze obeys the bird, and each with each agrees. 13. One bird there flew, renown'd above the rest, With party-color'd plumes and purple bill, That in a language like our own express'd Her joys, but with such sweetness, sense, and skill, As did the hearer with amazement fill; So far her fellows she outsang, that they Worship'd the wonder; ev'ry one grew still TASSO-12 354 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO xvI. At her rich voice, and listen'd to the lay: Dumb were the woods,-the winds and whispers died away. 14. "Ah see," thus she sang, "the rose spread to the morning Her red virgin leaves, the coy pride of all plants i Yet half open, half shut midst the moss she was born in, The less shows her beauty, the more she enchants; Lo, soon after, her sweet naked bosom more cheaply She shows! lo, soon after she sickens and fades, Nor seems the same flower late desired so deeply By thousands of lovers and thousands of maids! 15. " So fleets with the day's passing footsteps of fleetness The flower and the verdure of life's smiling scene - Nor, though April returns with its sunshine and sweetness, Again will it ever look bloomin or green; Then gather the rose in its fresh morning beauty, The rose of a day too soon dimm'd from above; While,beloved,we may love, let-to love,be our duty; Now, now, while'tis youth, pluck the roses of love I "15 16. She ceased; and, as approving all they heard, That tender tune the choirs of birds renew; The turtles bill'd, and ev'ry brute and bird In happy pairs to unseen glooms withdrew. It seem'd that the hard oak, the grieving yew, The chaste sad laurel, and the whole green grove,It seem'd each fruit that blush'd, each bud that blew The earth, air, sea, and rosy heavens above, All felt divine desire, and sigh'd out sweetest love. 17. Midst melody so tender, midst delights So passing sweet, and midst such tempting snares, Cautious, serene, and serious go the knights, And steel their souls to the loose Lydian airs. Lo, betwixt leaves and leaves, at unawares Advancing slow, they see, or seem to see,They see most surely, crown of all their cares! The lover and his darling lady; he In the fair lady's lap, on herbs and violets shle. 18. Her veil, flung open, shows her breast; in curls Her wild hair woos the summer wind; she dies..... _... CANTO XVI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 355 Of the sweet passion, and the heat that pearls, Yet more her ardent aspect beautifies: A fiery smile within her humid eyes, Trembling and tender, sparkles like a streak Of sunshine in blue fountains; as she sighs, She o'er him handgs; he on her white breast sleek Pillowing his head reclines, cheek blushing turn'd to cheek. 19 His hungry eyeballs, fix'd upon her face, For her dear beauty pine themselves away; She bows her head, and in a fond embrace, Sweet kisses snatches, betwixt war and play, Now of his just touch'd eyes, in wilder prey Now of his coral lips; theremwith he heaves Sighs deep as though his Spirit wing'd its way To transmigrate in her: amidst the leaves, This amr'rous dalliance all each watchful knight perceives. 20. A polish'd glass, whose sheen the stars excell'd, Strange arms! hung pendent at Rinaldo's thigh; He rose, and to the fair the crystal held, Her chosen page in each love-mystery: Both —she with smiling, he with glowing eye, Mark but one scene of all the scenes they view; Her angel form and aspect they descry, She in the glass, he, fond enthusiast! through A sweeter medium fan-her eyes of heavenly blue. 21. She in herself, he glories but in her, He proud of bondage, of her empire she; " And why," he murmurs, " so to this recur? Turn, my beloved, turn thine eyes on me,Those smiling eyes, that no less blessed be, Than blessed make; ah, know'st thou not, that best They in mine eyeballs must thy beauty see? And know'st thou not thy graces are express'd Less clear in this gay glass than in my faithful breast? 22. "Though me thou scorn, thou might'st at least consent To mark thine own most interesting face; Those looks, else unrepaid, must rest content With joy, if on themselves themselves they place; So rare an image can no crystal trace, No glass a perfect Eden can comprise In its small round; to see aright thy grace Thou must consult the mirror of the skies; Heaven is thy glass, the stars reflect thy sparkling eyes." 356 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVI. 23. Armida smiled at this, yet not the less Kept to her toilet, gath'ring up behind Her hair, restricting each resplendent tress That in loose tangles wanton'd in the wind; The less she curl'd in rings, and with them twined Flowers that, like lazuli in gold, impress'd A deeper charm on the beholder's mind; Then to the native lilies of her breast She join'd the foreign rose, and smooth'd her veil and vest. 24. Not Juno's bird such beauty spreads to show In her eyed plumes so ravishingly bright, Nor Iris such, when her celestial bow Spans the dark cloud with gold and purple light; But rich beyond all richness shines to sight The glorious cest which'tis her wont to wear At all times, e'en though naked, and at night; A local shape she gave to things of air, And in it blended all of lovely, sweet and rare:25. Tender disdains, repulses mild, feign'd fears, Kind looks, sweet reconcilements, blissful stings, Smiles, little love-words, sighs, delicious tears, Hopes, turtle kisses, music, marriage rings; Embraces dear, and all ambrosial things She fused, conmmingled slowly in the chaste Bright fire, attemper'd in cool Lydian springs, And fashion'd thus this talisman of Taste, Which, in itself a charm, clasps round her charming waist. 26. At length, their courtship o'er, she farewell took, Gave him a kiss, sigh'd, smiled, and went her way; For o'er the pages of her magic book, Murm'ring her charms, she spent some hours each day; He, by a kind of charm compell'd to stay, Remain'd; for not one moment from these groves Her jealous fear allow'd his steps to stray: Alone mid bees, birds, fountains, flowers, alcoves, And grots, save when with her, the hermit lover roves. 27. But when the soft and silent shade recalls The ready lovers to their stolen delights, Under one roof within the palace walls They meet, and happy pass harmonious nights. Now when Armida for severer rites CANTO XVI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 357 Had left her hermit love, her pleasant play, And variegated garden, the two knights, From the green bushes where conceal'd they lay, Rush'd forth in radiant arms whose light enrich'd the day. 28. As the fierce steed, from busy war withdrawn Awhile to riot in voluptuous ease, Midst his loved mares loose wantons o'er the lawn, If chance he hears once more upon the breeze The spirit-stirring trumpet sound, or sees The flash of armor, thither, far or near, He bounds, he neighs, he prances o'er the leas, Burning to whirl to war the charioteer, Clash with the rattling car, and knap the sparkling spear. 29. So fared Rinaldo, when the sudden rays Of their bright armor on his eyeballs beat; At once those lightnings set his soul ablaze, His ardor mounts to all its ancient heat; Their vivid beam his sparkling eyes repeat, Drown'd though he was, and drunken with the wine Of siren wantonness: on footsteps fleet, Ubald meanwhile to where he lay supine Came, and the diamond shield turn'd to him, pure and fine. 30. Upon the lucid glass his eyes he roll'd, And all his delicacy saw; his dress, Breathing rich odors, how it gleam'd with gold! How trimly curl'd was each lascivious tress! And with what lady-like luxuriousness His ornamented sword address'd his side! So wrapp'd with flowers it swung, that none could guess If'twas a wounding weapon, or applied As a fantastic toy, voluptuous eyes to pride 31. As one by heavy sleep in bondage held, Comes to himself when the long dream takes flight, So woke the youth when he himself beheld, Nor could endure the satire of the sight: Down fell his looks; and instantly, in spite Of recollected pride, the color came Across his face;-in this embarrass'd plight, A thousand times he wish'd himself in flame, Ocean, in earth, th' abyss, to shun the glowing shame. 358 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVI, 32. Then spake Ubaldo; " Hearken and give ear; Asia and Europe to the battle crowd; Whoever counts or faith or glory dear, Stands to the strife for Christ against Mahmoud. Thee, son of Berthold, thee alone, the vow'd To honor and renown, loose idlesse charms To a small angle of the world, more proud To play the lover in a lady's arms, Than champion deathless deeds, —thee only naught alarms! 33. " What sleep, what lethargy, what base delights Have melted down thy manhood, quencll'd thy zeal? Up! up! thee Godfrey, thee the camp invites; For thee bright Vict'ry stays her chariot wheel. Come, fated warrior, set the final seal To our emprise! thy coming all expect; Let the false Saracens confounded feel That sword from which no armor can protect, Haste, and in total death destroy the impious sect!' 34. He ceased; the noble Infant for a space Stood stupefied, attempting no defense; But soon as bashfulness to scorn gave place, Scorn, the fine champion of indignant sense, Then, with a yet diviner eloquence, Another redness than of shame rush'd o'er His cheeks, almost atoning his offense; The rich embroider'd ornaments he wore, Away with hasty hand indignantly he tore. 35. Begone he would, and through the intricate Labyrinth of galleries from the garden fled; Meanwhile Armida, by the regal gate Starts to behold her savage keeper dead' 16 At first a vague suspicion, a blind dread, Then a quick feeling of the fatal truth Instinctive flash'd across her mind; her head She turn'd, and saw (too cruel sight!) the youth Haste from her bless'd abode, without concern or ruth. 36. "Oh cruel! leav'st thou then Armida spurn'd?" She would have said, but choking sorrow drown'd The issuing cry, and the faint words return'd, With bitter echo in her heart to sound: Poor wretch! her happiness its term has found; A power and wisdom above hers constrain Thy youth to hurry from th' enchanted ground UCAiTO XVI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 359 With so much speed; she sees it, and in vain Tries all her wonted arts, the recreant to retain, 87. All dreadful strains that o'er Thessalian lips Spoke to lost spirits, every potent spell That could arrest the planets, or eclipse, And call up demons disenchain'd from hell, She knew, she tried, yet could not now compel One gibb'ring ghost to answer to her cry; Thus she gave o'er her incantations fell, And would essay if stronger sorcery Dwelt in pale Beauty's tear and supplicating eye. 38. Careless of honor, off she ran, she flew; Where are her vaunts, ah, where her triumphs now? She who the total sway of Love o'erthrew, And judgment gave but by her bending brow; And like her pride was her disdain! O how, Loving their love, did she her slaves despise! Herself alone could she at all allow To pleasure her, nor aught in man could prize, Beyond th' effect produced by her two radiant eyes. 39. Left and neglected now, she follows swift Him who forsakes her in his careless scorn; And summons all her tears up, the poor gift Of her rejected beauty to adorn' Headlong she runs, uncheck'd by brier or thorn; O'er rugged Alpine rocks and glaciers hoar Her tender feet adventure to be torn; Lord cries, as messengers, she sends before, Which reach not him, till he has reach'd the winding shore. 40. Madly she cries; "0 cruel fugitive! That bear'st with thee my dearer half away, Either take this, or that restore, or give Death to them both together; stay, 0 stay! Let my last words to thee at least find way, 1 say not kisses; these sweet gifts from thee Some worthier favorite may receive,-delay Thy flight, unkind! what dost thou fear from me? Thou canst as well refuse, when thou hast ceased to flee." 41. " Signior," said then Ubaldo, "to refuse Her wish, would be unkindness too severe: Most sweetly bathed in sorrow's briny dews, 360 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVI Arml'd with fond prayers and beauty she draws near. Thy tempted virtue will shine forth more clear, If, list'ning to the siren, thou remain Proof to her winning voice and starting tear; So Reason shall resume her peaceful reign O'er sense, and thus refined, her native light regain." 42. At this he stay'd until she reach'd the shore; Pale she came up, faint, breathless, all in tears, And mournful past expression; but the more She mourns, her beauty more divine appears: Eager she eyes him; but mistrustful fears, Disdain, amazement, or excess of woe Keeps her quite mute; Rinaldo volunteers No look, no glance at her, at least in show, But stands with bashful eyes at stealth unclosing slow. 43. As skillful singers, ere they strain on high Their voice in the loud song's symphonious flow, Prepare the mind for the full harmony, By sweetest preludes, warbled soft and low: Thus she, who had not, e'en in deepest woe, Wholly lost memory of her fraudful art, First breathed a symphony of sighs forth, so By just degrees to predispose the heart, To which her words the print of pity would impart. 44. Then thus: " Expect not I shall fondly bow, Cruel! to thee, as loves to lovers should; Such once we were,-if such no longer now, If e'en the thought of thine impassion'd mnood Move thy displeasure, as I judge, be woo'd, At least, my mournful plea to entertain; As foemen the proud prayers of foes subdued; My suit is such, as thou with little pain Mayst grant, and yet keep all thy harshness and disdain 45. "If me thou hate, and in it tak'st delight, Hate on, I come not to disturb thy joy; Just it may seem, just be it, for with spite Thy sect, thyself I labor'd to destroy! What fierce expedients did I not employ, A Pagan born, to sap your power! nay, more, Thee did I hate, thee chase, and thee decoy To the strange borders of an unknown shore, Far from the din of arms, where only sea-waves roar. CANTO XVI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 361 46. "And, which seems most to move thy grief and shame, Add with how much of tender, kind, and sweet, Thy frozen -heart I fondled into flame, An impious fondness, sure, a vile deceit! To let my virgin fruit be pluck'd and eat; My blooms be spoil'd; my tamelessness subdued, And cast my beauties at the tyrant's feet! Those youthful charms for which a thousand sued, To a mere stranger given, uuhoped, unwisll'd, unwoo'd I 47. " Yes! number them amongst my sins, and let These many crimes against thee hasten more Thy prompt departure; heed not, but forget This thy fair mansion, so beloved before! Go, pass the seas; fight, glut thyself with gore; Quick to the task! I bid thee o'er the brine; Destroy our faith-'twill be but what you swore; What say I? ours? ah no! not mine I not mine! I, cruel idol! seek alone thy reverenced shrine! 48. " Let me but follow thee!'tis all I crave; This mightst thou grant, though I had proved unkind. Seldom the conqu'ror parts without his slave, The robber rarely leaves his prey behind: Me with thy other hapless prisoners bind For exhibition; to each other aim At praiseful acts, let this, I pray, be join'd,That all may point the finger, and exclaim,'There the proud scorner goes, now scorn'd with equal.shame!' 49. "A bondslave spurn'd, why longer do I keep My locks unshorn, by thee now render'd vile? Cut them clean off! the ground they shall not sweep, To mock the misery of my servile style. Thee will I follow from this hated isle; Thee, when most fervent glows the fight, pursue Through hostile crowds; I shall not want the while Spirit or strength a thousand things to do,- [yew. Bear darts, guide steeds, and strain myself the bending 50. "Either thy shield or shield-bearer, which best May please thee, I in thy defense will be; Nor spare my person, —through this throat and breast The sword shall pass, before it injures thee: The foe will scarce have so much cruelty As to strike then, but will perhaps direct 362 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVI. Their darts elsewhere, not to endanger me; And smother their fierce vengeance, in respect Of these poor charms, to which thou dost such strange neglect. 51. " Wretch! do I still presume, still place my worth In these scorn'd charms, which nothing can obtain!" More would she say, but bitter tears gush forth, Like springs from Alpine rocks, or falling rain: She sought to grasp his hand; she sought to strain, In suppliant attitude, his robes; but noHimself he curb'd, his tenderness restrain'd, And started back; love found no entrance, though The swelling tears rose high, and stood prepared to flow. 52. Love enter'd not, to fan within his breast The ancient flame which reason had congeal'd But Pity enter'd in its place at least, Love's chaste companion, ever prone to yield And touch'd him so, that scarcely he conceal'd, Scarce, with much pain, the yearning tears repress'd; Yet, though she loudly to his heart appeal'd, The fond emotion lie within compress'd, And when he could, the fair thus tranquilly address'd: 53. " I feel for thee, Armida! if my powers Were such, how gladly would I cure the pain Of the ill-starr'd warm passion that devours Thy soul,-I hav. no hatred, no disdain; No wish for vengeance moves me; peace I fain Would give thee; wrongs I know not of, much less Thee as a slave or foe would I retain; True, thou hast err'd; and now all tenderness, Now all dislike, hast loved and hated to excess: 54. "But these are frailties shared by all, and them Thy native laws, thy sex, and youth excuse; I too have sinn'd, nor thee can I condemn, If thou to pardon me dost not refuse.'Midst the dear images I ne'er can lose, Thine shall be dearest still; on thee, sweet maid, In joy and woe'twill be my bliss to muse; Thy champion still-thou still shalt be obey'd, Far as with honor suits, and our divine crusade. 55. " Let now our mutual faults and follies cease, And with our faults our shame too have an end; And in this lonely island sleep in peace CANTO XVI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 363 Their sad sweet memories, let them here descend As to the silent grave; where'er I wend, This only act of mine let no one trace, None whisper to the wind; nor thou, dear friend, Do, I implore thee, aught that would debase Thy name, thy worth, thy charms, or shame thy. princely race! 56. " Farewell! I go; thy wishes must be vain, Fate grants them not; Armida, thou art wise! Or go some happier way, or here remain, And calm the thoughts that to such wildness rise." She, while the pensive wartier thus replies, Restless, disturb'd, could scarce her passion stay; Long time she roll'd on him her angry eyes, Nor knew in what fierce terms her scorn to say; At length the storm broke loose, and these mad words found way. 57. " Thee no Sophia bore, no Azzo gave Blood for thy being! thy fierce parents were The icy Caucasus, the mad sea-wave, Sotme Indian tiger or Hyrcanian bear! Why should I longer fawn? did the man e'er Show but one sign of warm humanity? Changed he. his color at my sharp despair? Did he but dash one tear-drop from his eye? Or breathe for all my pangs a single suffering sigh? 58. " What things shall I pass over, what repeat? He swears he's mine, yet with the whirlwind flies; Good, merciful, kind victor! to forget, And pardon your fond foe's indignities. Hear how he counsels! hark but to hit wise And modest words! this coy Xenocrates, Hear how he talks of love! O Gods! 0 shies! And can you suffer holy men like these, To burn your towers and towns, and act what sins they please? 59. "Begone, false wretch, with all that peace of mind Thy treason leaves to me! begone, I say! Soon shall my ghost, a haunting shade behind, From which thou canst not tear thyself away, Dog all thy thoughts by night, thy steps by day; With snakes and torches, a new Fury, I, Much as I loved thee, so much will dismay; 8643 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVI. And if it be thy fate the strife to try, Scaped from the roaring waves and tempests of the sky,60. "There, midst the dead and dying, thou shalt fall, And pay for all my wrongs, false chevalier! Oft on Armida's name distracted call, In thy last groans, which soon I hope to hear!" But there the mourner's spirit fail'd, nor clear Were the last accents; her sweet color flies, She faints, she falls, her speaking lips adhere, An icy sweat on her cold forehead lies, Droops her dejected head, and close her radiant eyes. 61. Thine eyes are closed, Armida; the stern powers Of fate deny all solace to thy woe; Look up, poor girl, and see what bitter showers Stream from the eyes of thine imagined foe! Couldst thou but hear his sighs, couldst thou but know The pain he feels, it must thy love renew, And in thy bitter cup fresh sweetness throw; All that he can, he gives to thee, still true, And takes (thou think'st it not) a last-a fond adieu. 62. What should he do? leave on the naked sands The lady thus, betwixt alive and dead? Pity forbids, and courtesy withstands, But hard necessity compels,-'tis sped; One farewell kiss,-he parts; the grot they tread, And launch from land; mild blow the western gales Midst the rich tresses of the pilot's head; Fast o'er green ocean glide the golden sails; To land he looks, till land his grieving vision fails. 63. Waked from her trance, Armida, with a start, Look'd round her,-all was silence; all was shade; "' And is he gone? " she said, " and had he heart To leave me thus, nor for a moment stay'd, In doubt of life or death, a little aid To lend? nor for one moment linger'd o'er, To watch the pale, mute ruin he had made? And do I love him still, and on this shore With folded arms still sit, still unrevenged deplor3? 64. " Why weep I longer? other arms and arts Command I not? I will the wretch pursue; Nor shall the deep o'er which his bark departs, Nor heaven's high vault fQiure him from his due I CANTO XVI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 365 I will o'ertake him; cleave his heart in two; And hang his sever'd head upon a spot, Where all like traitors may the monster view; Versed as he is in guile, I will outplot His brain,-alas, I rave I I talk I know not what! 65. " Then, wretched girl! thou shouldst have wreak d thy hate, When he lay safely curling in thy chain; That had been something worth! now all too late Come thy hot wrath, and thy incensed disdain I But, if my beauty and ingenious brain Can nothing here, not fruitless shall this strong And passionate desire of mine remain; O my scorn'd charms! yours, yours was all the wrong; To you shall the dear task of vengeance now belong. 66, " These charms of mine shall be the fix'd reward Of him who slays the man! your swords prepare, O my famed lovers! though the task seem hard, Yet great and glorious is the deed you damre: I, who in independent state shall wear The crown of rich Damascus, will be nigh, In guerdon of the victim; if this rare Reward appear too poor, revenge to buy, Nature! I thank thee not for charms ill praised so high. 67. " False, fatal gifts! I spurn you back! I scorn The hated kingdom which I have to give; I hate my life, the hour when I was born, Alone in hope of sweet revenge I live! " In broken words, enraged, thus does she grieve, Thus rave; then turns with a distracted pace From the lone shore, the moments to retrieve; Showing what fury in her heart found place, By her dishevel'd hair, fierce eyes, and crims'ning face. 68. Reach'd her abode, with foaming lips she call'd Three hundred ghosts from Tartarus the dun; Black clouds the tranquil face of heaven appall'd, Pale in a moment grew th' eternal sun; The whirlwinds bluster'd on the hills, air spun, Hell bellow'd at her feet; then might you hear Through the enchanted halls the damned run, Unchain'd and raging, now far-off, now near,Shrieks, hissings, yells, drear groans, and whisp'rings yet more drear. - 366 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVI. 69. A raven shade, more dark than darkest night, Cloak'd all the hill, enliven'd by no ray, Save now and then dull flashes of blue light, That made the following gloom yet more dismay. Slowly at length the blackness clear'd away; The round pale sun shone out, but nothing clear; Gloomy the earth, the air was aught but gay, Nor of the palace did one trace appear, Nor would you venture now, e'en to exclaim,'twas here. 70. As when the clouds at summer eve have drawn In air huge towers and temples, they remain Till wind or sunshine comes,and straight they're gone, Like a dream figured in the sick man's brain: So melt th' enchanted towers, with all their train Of rich delights, and leave but fos the eye The hoary face of nature,-the still nmain, Brown hills, and frowning woods. Her chariot nighl She as is usual mounts, and fast away doth fly. 71. The clouds she cleaves, and round her doth enroll Thunders and tempests, lightnings, wave, and wind; The regions subject to the Southern pole, And all their unknown natives left behind, Calpe she cross'd; nor, in her fretful mind, Stoop'd to the Spaniard, or the Moor, but o'er The Midland Sea her winged car inclined; Nor to the right, nor to the left hand bore, Till in mid air she reach'd the known Assyrian shore. 72. Not now to fair Damascus does she post, But shuns the aspect of her once dear land, And guides her chariot to the Dead-Sea coast, Where the strong-holds of the Enchantress stand. Alighting here, she from her duteous band Of damsels and of pages hides her face, And, wand'ring lonely on the sea-beat strand, Fluctuates from scheme to scheme in doubtful case; But soon all shame to rage and wish'd revenge takes place. 73. " Yes, hence I will," she cried, "before his swarms Th' Egyptian king shall move in Sion's aid; Each art react, remuster all my charms, To ev'ry uncouth thing my sex degrade, That may assist my purpose;-undismay'd, Handle the brand and bow, become the flame CANTO XVI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 367 Of the most potent, and direct his blade; Let me but have the just revenge I claim, Farewell, vain self-respect! farewell, fond maiden shame! 74.', And for the faults I shall hereby commit, Let my sage guardian blame himself, not me; He first to thoughts and offices unfit Set my frail sex and daring spirit free; He made me first a gadding damsel, he Spurr'd on my ardor, loosed me from the rein Of timorous awe and shame-faced modesty; His be the guilt of all then that may stain,All I have done through love, or may do through (tisdain." 75. Thus fix'd, she gather'd in, on Arab steeds, Damsels, and knights, and servitors in haste; Ahnd in their sumptuous arms and woman's weeds, Display'd at once her fortune and fine taste. Forward she set; and, journeying the wild waste, Took nor repose by night, nor rest by day, Till her keen eye along th' horizon traced Th' Egyptian h]osts, that in their mail'd array Wide o'er the sunbright sands of antique Gaza lay. END OF CANTO XVL 1 JERUSALEM DELIVERED, CANTO XVII. ARGUMENT. Mis countless swarms th' Egyptian Prince reviews, And'gainst the Croises sends them forth; Armide, Who, still incensed, Rinaldo's death pursues, Joins with her train the hosts ere they proceed, And, with the surer certainty and speed To wreak her will, presents her charms divine, In guerdon of revenge; the Hero, freed, Puts on invulnerable arms, where shine In bold relief the deeds of his illustrious lime. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVII. 1 UPoN Judea's confines, on the way That leads to old Pelusium, Gaza stands; Built on the shore, it overlooks the bay, And on the east the bordering tract commands,A fruitless waste, a solitude of sands, Which, like the waters of the tossing main, The breathing whirlwind spreads o'er all the lands And scarce the pilgrim can his course maintain, Against the frequent storm that sweeps th' unstable plain. 2. The Caliph's frontier city, it had been Won'from the Turk, the fruit of old debates; And being situate nearest to the scene Of the vast enterprise he meditates, The seat of empire hither he translates From Cairo, bord'ring on the Red Sea coasts, His sumptuous Capital: from all his States The flower of warriors which each province boasts, He has assembled here, and musters now his hosts. 3. Muse! to my mind recall those bygone times; Say what was then the standing state of things; What powers the Caliph moved, from what far climes, What troops of vassals, and what trains of kings; The hosts, the leaders and the arms he brings From the wide Orient to the South, rehearse! Thou, only thou hast power t' unlock the springs Of antique, story, and assist my verse In arms to venture half the banded universe! 4. When from the Grecian Caesar Egypt first Rebell'd, a warrior from th' Arabian Seer 372 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVII. Sprung, in the same fierce superstition nursed, Tyrant became, and fix'd his kingdom here; Califfe the chief was call'd, a name of fear, And those who after him the scepter held, Took the same term, as Nile, from year to year, Her Pharaohs first, then Ptolemies beheld, Renew'd from sire to son, till both this third expell'd. 5. Long years their empire had confirm'd, and now Behold its spacious bounds! it comprehends Libya, from where the palms of Barca bow, Cyrene towers, and Marmarica bends; Thence, passing southward up the Nile, extends To where in lonely state Syene stands And, compassing unpeopled countries, ends In spicy sweet Sabsea's happy lands, And where Euphrates winds his way through silent sands. 6. To righlt and left in its embrace it boasts The rich Red Sea and all its incensed shore, On to the regions of those Eastern coasts, Whose suns the Persian did whilere adore; Much is the kingdom in itself; but more, Ruled by a king resolving to assert The ancient honors and renown it bore,A prince by blood, but more so by desert, In ev'ry warlike art and policy expert. 7. Oft'gainst the Persians,'gainst the Turks he rear'd His flag, assailing or assail'd; the same, Conqu'ring or conquer'd, save that he appear'd Greater, o'ercome, than when he overcame: Now, gray with age, he left the toilsome game, The soldier's hauberk for the caliph's gown, And sheath'd his saber; but the warrior's flame Still warm'd his heart, nor did he yet lay down Th' ambitious will that grasp'd at limitless renown. 8. Still through his ministers he wars, and yet So full of vigorous intellect appears, That the vast frame of empire seems a weight Too slight to cumber much his wintry years. Libya through all her petty kingdoms fears His nod, and trembles at his naked blade; Remotest India his decree reveres; And one and all send tributary aid, Either in troops, or gold, with prompt submission paid. CANTO XVII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 373 9. Such was the king who from each Orient realm Had summon'd forth, and now impels the flower Of his vast forces northward, to o'erxwhelm The conqu'ring Franks, and crush their rising power; Last comes Armida, in the very hour Fix'd by the king his armies to survey, Apt for review: apart from tent and tower, 0n the vast plain the hosts, at break of day, Proudly before him pass in orderly array. 10. High on a sumptuous throne he takes his seat, Climb'd by a hundred ivory steps; his tread Is upon gold and purple; from the heat, A spacious sky of silver shades his head; In glitt'ring interchange of white and red, Diamond and rubies grace his robes, not spare Of -more barbaric ornaments; instead. Of the gemm'd diadem, white linen fair, Wrapp'd round in thousand folds, crowns high his rev erend hair. 11. His right hand holds the scepter,-white as snow Descends his venerable beard; serene With some severity, his eyes yet glow With their first fires, intelligent and keen: In all his acts the majesty was seen Of age and empire, majesty that knew No change of state; perchance with such a mien Great Phidias sculptured, and Apelles drew Jove the divine, but Jove as he his thunders threw! 12. Near him to right and left two Satraps stand, Pre-eminent,-the one of most renown Sustains the sword of justice in his hand, Unsheath'd; the other bears beneath his gown Th' imperial seal, and, counsel to the crown, Transacts the civil business of the state; But lie who wears a more habitual frown, Has powers more terrible-high magistrate, Prince of the hosts, and sworn executor of fate. 13. Below, a standing guard around the throne, His Mamalukes plant their lances, thick and wide, Arm'd not with spears and cuirasses alone, But long curved sabers pendent at their side. Thus sate the Tyrant; and at leisure eyed, From his high station, the collected cloud Of nations pass: ministrant to his pride, 374 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVII. Low at his feet, in passing, the mute crowd Their ensigns, arms, and plumes in meek devotion bow'd. 14. First march th' Egyptian troops, four squadrons, led Each by a chief; two in her Upper plain Where heavenly Nile uprises, and two bred Amidst her Lower regions, a domain Won by his waters from the salt-sea main, — Their rich alluvial slime outstretch'd the shore, And, settling, form'd a fruitful soil for grain; Thus Egypt grew, and what was sea before, Is now far inland ground, obnoxious to the oar. 15. In the first troop appear the dusky race Whom the rich plain of Alexandria breeds; With those who dwell along the coasts that face The glowing West, a region that succeeds The Libyan Isthmus; these Araspes leads, A proud and potent Chief, but less renown'd For hardy valor than for crafty deeds, In every art of Moorish war profound, Skill'd in false flights t' attack, in anmbuscades to wound 16. Next come the tribes that front the morning star And Asian coasts; they rank beneath the crest Of soft Arontes, whom no deeds of war, But rank and titles raise to some request. Ne'er has the helmr till now hlis temples press'd; Nor e'er till now have the shrill serenades Of morning trumpets broke his present rest; But fond ambition hin.i at last persuades, To try the soldier's life and leave his native shades. 17,. The third that follows seems no single band, But a vast host; it fills the fields and shore; You'd think that all the harvests of the land Were, for such swarms, an insufficient store: Yet them a single City, rank'd before Whole provinces in strength, wherein reside Myriads of men-Grand Cairo sends; thence pour The mighty swarms that pass, troops yet untried In the debates of war, and CamLpson is their guide. 18. Next under Gazel march the men who reap The grain that in the bord'ring garden grows Far up the River, to the lofty steep O'er which its second cataract foaming flows. All these Egyptians have but swords and bows; CANTO XVI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 37,; No helm their heads, no cuirass fortifies Their breasts, but passing rich their vesture shows, Which leads the foe in battle to despise Chance of impending death, in passion for the prize. 19. Next come, half naked and unarmed, the hordes Of Barca, rank'd beneath Alarcon's sway, Who for long ages with voracious swords Have ranged the deserts, and sustain'd by prey Their famish'd lives; more civilized than they, But inexpert in marshal'd war, succeed Those who Zumara's turban'd king obey, And them from Tripoli; they both exceed In flying fights, and wound with all a Parthian'sspeed. 20. Then follow those who in Arabia dwell, The Stony, and the Happy land, which knows Neither (if true the tales that pilgrims tell) Th' excess of summer heats, or winter snows. Where flourishes the balm, the spikenard blows; Where dies the immortal Phcenix to assume Fresh life, with leaves of myrtle and of rose, And each diviner plant of sweet perfume, Building at once her bower, her cradle, and her tomb. 21. With bow and cimeter resembling those Th' Egyptians bear, less dainty is their dress; Their dark array the Bedouin Arabs close, Who no fix'd region or abodes possess; But o'er the wild unstable wilderness Their migratory tents and cities bear, Perpetual pilgrims; womanlike, not less Shrill are their voices, short their forms and spare, Long their wild raven locks, their faces just as fair. 22. Long Indian canes, with iron tipp'd, they bear, And upon. steeds so nimble sweep along, You'd say a whirlwind blew them past, if e'er The wings of whirlwinds had a speed so strong. Syphax the first undisciplined rude throng Commands; the next Aldino trains for fight; The rest to fierce Albiazar belong, Whom rapine, wounds, and blood alone delight, A sort of kingly thief-a murderer, not a knight. 23. Then pass the Islanders with fleecy curls, Whose homes are compass'd by th' Arabian waves, By whom those shells which breed the Persian pearls 376 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVII. Are dived and fish'd for, in their Green-Sea caves. With them are join'd a host of sable slaves, Negroes, along the coasts of Nubia born; Foremost of those kings Agricalt outbraves The best, while these obey Osmida's horn, A wretch that mocks at faith, and laughs all laws to scorn. 24. The Isle of Merde next its Ethiops sends, Which Nilus there, and Astrabora here, Gird with their waves; three realms comprehends And two religions in its spacious sphere: Them young Canario leads, and Asimire, Both monarchs, both Mahometans, and both The Caliph's tributary friends; but here The third comes not,-the Caliph would be loath Or to employ his armls, or trust his Christian oath, 25. Two other subject kings, in brave array, Bring up their archers next, a goodly band; The first from Ormus, which the Persian bay Encompasses, a rich luxurious land,The last from Boecan, whose banks of sand Th' embracing ocean at high tide sweeps o'er, And forms an isle; but shortly, from its strand, When the tide ebbs, men scorn the billows' roar, And with unmoisten'd feet pass safe from shore to shore. 26. Nor could a much-loved wife, great Altamore, Thee in her happy bridal bed detain; Her breast she beat, her golden tresses tore, To stay thy fatal voyage, but in vain. "Cruel!" she said, "has then the frightful main A face than mine more lovely or more mild? And can it seem more pleasant to sustain The sword and shield with bloody dust defiled, Than kiss thy consort's cheek, and dance thine infant child? " 27. He is the king of Samarcand; his crown Is free, but not in this his glories dwell; Well versed in arms, his courage and renown All others' courage and renown excel; Th' unconscious Franks shall know it but too well, Already have they cause to fear his face: His soldiers, each rude weapon to repel, Wear coats of mail, fine helms their temples grace, Their thighs the sword display, their saddle-bows the mace. CANTO XVII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 377 28. Lo, next, where fierce Adrastus from far Ind Aurora's land, comes frowning! he nor bears Breastplate nor helm, but for a charm, behind, A rich green snake-skin streak'd with sable wears: Thus arm'd, all dangers of the fight he dares; Upon a monstrous elephant he rides, His constant wont when he for war prepares; From this side Ganges he the people guides, That live where Indus rolls to sea his mighty tides. 29. Next come the king's own troops, choice warriors, class'd The flower of Memphian chivalry; all those Who with most honor and renown had pass'd Through peace and war, this body-guard compose; Arm'd for security and fear, each shows A barb obedient to his armed heel; And heaven itself smiles, sparkles, shines, and glows From their array-as round the field they wheel,Helm, cuirass, mantle, plume; gems, crimson, gold, and steel. 30. Here rides Alarco fierce, and Odemar, Marshaler of armies; Idraote, Rimnedon, For proud audacity renown'd afar, Who laughs at death, and veils his plume to none; Rapoldo, glorious for his murders done, Corsair and tyrant of the sea; inflamed Tigranes, Ormond, whom the mighty shun, And Marlabust Arabicus, surnamed From the rebellious hordes his sword so oft has tamed. 31. Orindo, Pirga, Arimon, Brimarte, Scaler of towns, are here with swift Siphante, Tamer of steeds; and, of the wrestler's art Thou the great master, strong Aridamante! And, foremost upon tower and crag to plant His standard, thunderbolt of war, severe Young Tisaphernes! with whom none can vaunt Like skill, in tilt or tournay' to career, On foot the sword to wave, in selle to toss the spear. 32. A brave Armenian guides them, who in youth, Unfix'd in Christ, Mahometan became; Then Clement he was call'd, but from the truth Departing, Emirene is now his name; In all besides a man of noble fame, Dear to the Caliph above all his band 378 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVII. Of Satraps,-equal honor may he claim, Soldier or chief, in action or command, For wisdom, dauntless heart, and valiant strength of hand. 33. All were now pass'd*; when lo! in splendid state Appears Armida, and her troop displays; With robes succinct, high on her car she sate, Arnn'd like the quiver'd Goddess of the chase. The new displeasure in her angel face Mix'd with the native sweetness which it wore, To its fine features gave but sharper grace; Wounded herself, deep wounds and torments sore She seems, incensed, to threat, and threat'ning charIms the more. 34. Her car, that glorious as Aurora's roll'd, With rubies, pearls, and hyacinths glister'd clear; Four pairs of unicorns, with yokes of gold, Pass to the rich reins of the charioteer. A hundred pages and fair girls appear Near her, whose quivers at their backs resound Smart archers all, they o'er the plain career On milk-white steeds, well practiced to wheel round And swift with horny hoofs spurn back the dinted ground. 35. Her army follows, from Damascus sent By Idraote, and led by Aradine:As when the new-born Phoenix makes ascent To visit her warm realms beneath the Line, With golden crown, starr'd wings, and necklace fine Of all rich feathers-purple, crimson, green, A sparkling carcanet, —her state divine The world beholds amazed, and round their queen A crowd of awestruck birds fly, glorying in her sheen. 36. So pass'd Armida, so Armida shined In habit, gesture, and commanding grace! Nor was there one so stern and uninclined To love, but glow'd those beauties to embrace. If she can charm in this her sullen case Nations so various, in so short a while, What will she do when with a happy face She pays court to them in her sweetest style, Woos with her radiant eyes, and thrills with her fond smile I CANTO XVII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 379 37. But when she too in her admired costume Had pass'd applauded, and the pageant closed, The king for Emerino sent, to whom, Preferr'd to all his captains, he proposed To give the sole direction of the host; Divining his intent the Chief attends, And with an air that shows him for the post Well worthy, comes-the guard asunder rends, Leaving a midway path, and he the throne ascends. 38. He bows his head, he bends his knee, his hand Lays on his heart, and thus the king: " To thee This scepter, Emirene, to thy command, I yield these hosts, —rule thou in lieu of me; Setting the subject king of Judah free, Bear not the sword of my revenge in vain; Go, see, and conquer! let no Christian be Saved from the slaughter, or, if some remain, Let them to me be brought, and fill no gentle chain." 39. Thus spoke the Tyrant; and the turban'd Peer The sov'reign rule accepting, thus replied: " From thy unconquer'd hand, blest Sire, I here The scepter take, with fortune for my guide! Strong in thy strength, thy captain, I confide Herein t' avenge upon the Latin race All Asia's wrongs; but this let strokes decide; Ne'er but as victor will I see thy face; The war our death may bring, —it shall not bring disgrace. 40. " Heaven grant, if all (though none indeed I dread) Should be ordain'd to trouble our success, The whole black storm may burst upon my head! Safe be the host, and its dead leader less In funeral sorrow than the happiness Of pomp triumphal home be borne along!" Thus spake the Chief; and closing his address, Loud shouts arose from all that mighty throng, With harsh barbaric sounds from atabal and gong. 41. Midst this wild music and these shouts, the king, Girt by his brave Circassians, left the throne For the gay tent, and to rich banqueting The Chiefs inviting, took his seat alone; Whence, now rich dainties, now in pleasant tone He graceful compliments to each address'd, Not one neglecting; here when all were flown 380 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVII. With mirth, the wine-cup circling with the jest, Fit space Armida found, her project to digest. 42. But, the feast finish'd, and all eyes intent On her fair aspect, she, who clearly read By well-known signs that to her heart's content Her pleasing poison in all minds was shed, Rose, turn'd toward the king her graceful head, And, in an attitude'twixt grief and cheer, Rev'rence and inborn haughtiness, thus said: Studying in voice and gesture to appear, Much as she could, serene, fierce, gen'rous, and severe. 43. " I too am come, great king! to dare the worst, Firm for our faith, our country, and our right; A Lady, true, but in a palace nursed,A Princess sure may well become the fight. 1Who hopes to rule an empire, should not slight One brave accomplishment,-the self-same hand Should poise the spear as scepter; mine shall smite, (Nor slow, nor torpid to the bow or brand,) And learn with foeman's blood to fertilize the land. 44. " Think not that now for the first time the star Of glory lights me to this noble aim; That only now I have been prompt by war T' uphold our laws, and fortify the frame Of thy vast empire! whether what I name Be true, or utter'd out of vain parade, Thou shouldst thyself remember,-thou my fame Hast heard-what troops of those who bear display'd The Redcross, Nobles all, my captive slaves I made:45. " They in my snares were taken, were secured, And as a noble gift to thee were sent, And might have lain perpetually inmmured In thy dark dungeons,-such was mine intent, — So hadst thou now gone forth more confident Of ending, by a glorious victory, The desp'rate conflict upon which we're bent, Had not Rinaldo, doom'd our curse to be, Slain my appointed guards, and set the prisoners free. 46. "Who this Rinaldo is, is not unknown; The world's but too much pester'd with his name; This is the savage who has overthrown Our hopes, nor have I yet avenged the shame. Hence does fierce anger, with just cause, inflame CANTO XVIL. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 381 My rising spirit; hence does it inspire This my resolve to arms; I Atm all flame: For other wrongs I have, but they would tire, Let what is said suffice; revenge is my desire. 47. "And I revenge will have! all shafts the skime Cut not in vain, some work the shooter's will; And Allah oft his red right hand applies To dart his bolts against triumphant ill. But lo! if any will the ruffian kill, Cut off the head I so much hate to see, And cast it reeking at my feet, his skill Shall have my thanks; the vengeance sweet will be, But 0, ten times more sweet, if wrought indeed by me. 48. " Yes,'twill be sweet; so sweet, I will resign What most I prize, what numbers vainly sued, My crown, my marriage portion, and, in fine, Myself, if that be the reward he would. All these I vow, and make my promise good By the firm oath; all solemnly I swear Inviolable faith and gratitude. Through life; if any think the proffer fair, Let him in terms as frank the rising thought declare!" 49. When thus the Lady had proclaim'd her mind, Adrastus, greedy of her charms, replied: " Now Heaven forbid thy shafts should be so kind As to destroy the barbarous homicide! So base a heart-does it deserve," he cried, " That thou, fair Amazon, its blood should shed? Forego the thought! and in my arm confide To gratify thy wrath, revenge the dead, And at thy saintly feet to roll his odious head! 50. " I'll pluck his heart out; to the'vultures I Will, joint by joint, his carcass cast! " thus spoke The swarthy Indian; but his vaunting high The gallant Tisaphernes ill could brook: "And who," lie cried, with anger in his look, "Art thou, who giv'st thyself such gorgeous airs Before the king, nor fear'st our fierce rebuke? Look round! here's one perchance at least that dares Outact thy mighty vaunts, though more his words he spares." 51. Quick the fierce Indian answer'd; "I am one Whose deeds were never by his words surpass'd; 382 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVII. But if elsewhere thy insolence had run To such excess, the insult were thy last." And here from threats to blows they soon had pass'd; But all repress'd the quarrel, and between Both chiefs the monarch his dread scepter cast: Then to Armida,-id: " Illustrious queen i Thy soul indeed is great, thy manly courage keen. 52. " Worthy thou art that these abase their pride To thee, and in the sweet abasement joy; That thou hereafter mayst their sabers guide With surer aim, that felon to destroy; There let both chiefs their chivalry employ, And in a happier field their worth contest:" This said, the monarch ceased; they, nothing coy, Offer again on scorn'd Rinaldo's crest To prove whose sworded arm shall wreak her vengeance best. 53. Nor these alone; but all the heroes there, Renown'd in war, ambitious of her bed, Offer with vaunts their services,-all swear To take revenge on his accursed head. So many arms she moved I such hatreds bred Against the knight whom late her tender love Woo'd with all sweets! but he, since first he fled Th' enchanted isle, and the blue ocean clove, Swiftly before the wind with all good omens drove.: 54. In the same track that it before had plough'd, The charmed gondola is homeward borne; And ev'ry air that sings in sail and shroud, With equalkindness speeds its gay return: The youth now marks, stretch'd pensive at the stern, The Pleiads smile, the misty Hyads weep; Now round the Pole the Bears slow wheeling turn; And now, as twilight tints cascade and steep, The rocks whose umber woods o'erhang the shaded deep. 55. Now of the Camp, of foreign nations now, The various customs he inquires, and weighs; And thus the briny seas they ceaseless plough, Three starry nights, and three sunshiny days. But when the fourth calm sun with farewell rays Far o'er the waters of the west descends, The grounding vessel its swift motion stays; Then spoke the damsel; " Palestine, my friends, Is won! your voyage here, and here my duty ends." CANTO XVII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED, 883 56. She set the knights ashore, and disappear'd, Ere they could take farewell, or say, she's gone; Meanwhile the Night her sable standard rear'd, All hues and objects mingling into one. Long o'er those waste sands, through the twilight dun, The knights gazed anxious to discern some ray From tower or cottage-shed, but light was none; Nor step of man, nor tract of beast astray, Nor aught besides was seen that might direct their way. 57. Forward at length they move, and when the dash Of breaking billows, on the shingles roll'd, Melts from their ear, far off a sudden flash Of something radiant may their eyes behold; Which, with mild silver rays and gleams of gold Making the lone night beautiful, withdraws The shadowy screen that had before controll'd Their confidence and cheer; they make no pause, But to the light advance, and soon perceive the cause. 58. Arms newly forged they see, to a tall elm Against the rising moon suspended high, Whence sparkling gems, upon the gilded helm And mail, shed fire as from a starlight sky: Near as they draw, much rich-wrought imagery, Footmen, and knights that on war-horses ride, On the vast shield emblazon'd they descry; An aged watchman sat the arms beside, Who to receive them rose, when their approach he spied. 59. Well the two warriors knew the ancient face For that of their wise host and courteous friend; He straight received them with a warm embrace, And when their mutual courtesies had end, Turn'd to the Youth, who. silent seem'd to send To the tall form he reverenced and admired, An asking eye, and greeting said: " Attend, My son! thee solely in this place retired I wait, and much to see thy aspect have desired. 60. " For know, I am thy friend, and for thy good How truly I have cared, inquire of these; Who, taught by me, th' enchantments have subdued, That bound thy life up in voluptuous ease. Mark now my heavenly precept, which agrees With perfect bliss, though adverse to the smooth Seducing siren's; let it not displease, But keep it well in mind, till in the truth A wiser, holier tongue instruct thine erring youth. 884 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVII. 61. "Not underneath green shades, by fountains shrill, Amidst the nymphs and sirens, fruits and flowers, Is placed our bliss, but on the steep rough hill Of virtue, climb'd through sunshine, snow, and showers. He that, embosom'd in Idalian bowers, Treads but gay Pleasure's primrose path, will ne'er Reach the high crown; the royal eagle towers Round the steep cliff, and thou, wilt thou forbear To spurn the lowly vale, and fix thine eyrie there? 62. "Nature has given thee elevated thought, Nature has raised thy face toward the skies, That thou shouldst look erect, and by well-wrought Heroic deeds to loftiest glory rise: Nature has given thee ardent sympathies, And a brisk wrath, not on each slight pretence To waste in civil broils, nor yet, unwise, To be the ministers of appetence, And ev'ry loose delight discordant to good sense: 63. " But that thy valor, by these passions arm'd, With more success thy outward foes may quell; And check the lusts with which the heart is charm'd When the strong demons in the blood rebel: The wise man governs and applies them well Each to the proper end for which'tis plain They were assign'd,-now bids them sink, now swell As intellectual Reason does ordain, Prompt to impel them now, now cautious to restrain." 64. Thus spake the Senior; the hush'd youth, intent, Stored in his grateful memory all he said, And, conscious of his errors, meekly bent His eyes to earth, with cheeks all rosy red. Well mark'd the Sage the sweet confusion spread, Well guess'd the secret sentiments that roll'd Across his mind, and added; "Raise thy head; And in this sculptured shield, my son, behold What thy illustrious sires achieved in days of old. 65. " Of thy dead ancestors the long bright track Shall be reveal'd thee in this desert place, While thou, degen'rate loiterer, hangest back, Nor stirr'st a step in glory's ardent race! Arouse thyself; up! up! thy spirit brace; Let what I here point ott to thee, incite Thy slumb'ring valor their renown to grace." CANTO XVII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 385 Thus spoke the Sage; and, as he spoke, the knight Fix'd on the pictured shield his keen perusing sight. 66. The learned sculptor, with a master's hand, In narrow field unnumber'd forms had done; Here all the race of glorious Azzo stand, In long unbroken order, sire and son. The pure unspotted streams were seen to run From the old Roman source in ancient days; The Lords stand ciown'd with laurel; one by one, The hoary Sage selects them, and displays Their wars and glorious deeds, and points his speech with praise. 67. He show'd him Caius, when to foreign foes The nodding Empire first became a prey, As the first Prince of Est4, fairly chose By a glad people, proud his will t' obey; And how the weaker neighboring states each day Flock'd to his wing for safety; how he bore O'er them free rule; and, when by his weak sway Honorius call'd the Goths, to make once more The bold and bloody march which they had made before;(38. And when all Italy appear'd in flame From their barbaric torch, and weeping Rome, A slave and prisoner, mourn'd her perish'd fame, And fear'd the dreadful trumpet of her doom, How well Aurelius, in that hour of gloom, Preserved his vassals wholly unenslaved; Then how, distinguish'd by his lofty plume, The bold Foresto resolutely braved The Hun whose barbarous flag Italian breezes waved. 69. By his grim aspect Attila was known, His eyes like dragons' flashing through the dark With his dog's visage who beheld him frown, Would soothly swear they heard him snarl and bark. Then, foil'd in duel, you the man might mark Steal off amidst his train in shame and rage,And how from Aquileia's towers, the ark Of Roman liberty, Foresto sage Roll'd back the storm of war, the Hector of his age. 70. He fell, and half the fabric with him fell Of his loved country, Acarine, his son, Built up the breaches, and defended well TASS0-13 886 JERUSALEM DELIVERED CANTO XVII. Th' Italian bulwarks, as his sire had done; To the strongFates, not to the savage Hun, He yielded up Altino, soon renew'd Upon a safer site,-he join'd in one A thousand scatter'd seats and hamlets rude, Where through a fruitful vale his course the Po pur sued. 71. With walls he bank'd it, ini all points complete, Strong to withstand th' o'erflowing river's rage; Thus rose the city doom'd to be the seat Of Este's princes in a later age: Drawn is he driving from his heritage The savage Alans; next, with crimson glave, Venturing with Odoacer to engage, He dies for Italy; what fate more brave, Than thus to share at once his sire's renown and grave! 72. With him fell Alphorisio; Azzo sad With his dear brother into exile goes, Soon to return with arms and counsel, glad The tyrant's power hath found a timely close; Near him, an arrow in his eyeball, shows Est6's Epaminondas, lhe who seal'd With blood his patriot vows! lie in the throes Of doom dies happy, since from the red field Fierce Totila is fled, and saved his darling shield. 73. Of Boniface I sing: his boyish son, Valerian, follows in his steps; his brand, And his already manly arm, not one Of all the Gothic squadrons dare withstand. Near, of ferocious aspect, sword in hand, Sculptured is bold Ernesto, cap-a-pee, Smiting the wild Sclavonians from the land; Then.comes th' intrepid Aldoardo, he Who shut the Lombard king from fair Montselice. 74. Henry was there, with Berenger, whose might, When Charlemagne his flag angust display'd, Was seen still foremost in the ranks of fight, Whether he ruled the squandon, or obey'd. Him Lewis followed,-he from friendly made Adverse, against that nephew who the throne Of Italy possess'd, bold battle weigh'd,Conquer'd, and took him captive; next was shown Otho, by his five sons indisputably known. CANTO XVII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 387 75. Here shines Almerico, first Marquis styled Of that fair City, Princess of the Po; His musing attitude, and glances mild To heaven upraised, his pious spirit show, Founder of churches and of shrines; but lo, In other mood the second Azzo wars WVith Berengarius, his immortal foe! Who, after various turns of fate, withdraws, O'ercome, and Azzo gives th' Italian cities laws. 76. Albert, his son, in Germany maintains His fame; his chivalry is voiced so wide, From warring, conqu'ring, tilting with the Danes, That Otho woos his daughter for a bride, With a large dowry; next him, is descried The gallant Ugo with his waving crest, Whose valor tamed the horns of Roman pride; He, Marquis now of Italy address'd, Beneath his guardian care all Tuscany possess'd. 77. The eye Tebaldo, next, and Boniface Close by his Beatrice's side, engage; Then no male heir of the illustrious race Lives to enjoy the extensive heritage. Matilda follows, who in sex and age Well that defect supplied by her renown And hardy deeds; fair, brave, discreet, and sage, Beyond the golden specter, throne, and crown, She had the power t' advance the wimple, coif, and gown. 78. A manlike spirit sparkled in her eye, A more than manlike courage arm'd her look; The Normans beat, she forced their chief to fly, Guiscard, who ne'er before the field forsook Here the fourth Henry broke, his standard took, And with the spoil the solemn temple graced; And there the Pontiff who the thunders shook Of the dread Vatican, his pride abased, In high Saint Peter's chair with dignity replaced. 79. Now at her side, now seconding her views, With looks of reverence and of love, is seen Azzo the Fifth; but, blest with all kind dews, From the Fourth Azzo's stock upshooting green, Yet happier branches beautify the scene; Lo, where to Germany Lord Gulelpho goes! (Guelpho, his sou, by Cunii'ond his queen;) 888 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVII. Thus in Bavarian fields, transplanted, grows The good old Romanl graft that in Ferrara rose. 80. There with this Estean branch the Guelphic tree Engraft, revives, as it was waxing old; Now in its scions you the Guelphs might see Renew their scepters, stars, and crowns of gold, Brighter than ever; while each orb that roll'd In heaven, its fairest rays and aspects shed; So that it flourish'd still, and, uncontroll'd, Tower'd till the heavens themselves confined its head, Which half the spacious land with fruit and shade o'erspread. 81. Nor less luxuriantly the royal stem Flower'd in th' Italian boughs; Bertoldo here Shot forth, confronting Guelpho, and with them Azzo the Sixth renew'd the glories clear Of his great sires:-thus animate appear Upon the breathing shield, in long array, These forms, to Fame and to Rinaldo dear; A thousand sparks of pride that fond survey Struck forth, that in the wreck of honor latent lay; 82.'And, for the like divine renown ablaze, Their gallant actions so transport his brain, That he already in his mind portrays The city conquer'd, and the people slain; All seems presented, palpably and plain, Before him, —the storm'd towers, the rending walls; He snatches up the arms in ardent vein, And, almost fancying that the trumpet calls, With wing'd aspiring hopes the vict'ry far forestalls, 83. Then Charles, who had related long before The Danish Prince's death, with frank address The sword presented which Prince Sweno wore," Take it," he said, "and with it good success! With just and pious sentiments, no less Than a brave hand employ it, sound and strong, In Christ's good cause; may he thine efforts bless! And thou avenge its former master's wrong, Who waits it at thy hands, who loved thy virtues long!" 84. " God grant," the knight replied, " for his dear sake, Since of his sword thus happily possess'd, That I indeed may full requital take, And duly thus fulfill his last request! " CANTO XVII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 389 Charles, overjoy'd, in brief his thanks express'd, And added tributes of affection paid; But here the Sage, with the desire impress'd To expedite their course, stepp'd in, and pray'd That their return might now no longer be delay'd. 85. "High time it is," he said, " that you prepare To reach the army'; you will not arrive Unlook'd-for, —come then, through the dusky air; Trust to my guidance, safely will I drive." He said: his words their eagerness revive; They climb the car, and take their seats; this done, He cheers his coursers to the lash, which strive, Curving their necks, each other to outrun, And shapes their rapid course to meet the morning sun. 86. Through the brown darkness of the night serene Thus they rode on, with deep reflection mute; iWhen the Sage spoke: " Thou of thy race hast seen The various boughs, and traced them to their root; Yet fancy not, because that ancient shoot Has thriven so fully in its morn of May, The fruitful mother of heroic fruit, That through old age it ever will decay, And want or fruit or flower, to grace a verdant spray. 87. "O that, as I thy elder sires have drawn Forth from the Gothic gloom of antique night, I could the figures of thy sons unborn Paint on the shield, with hues as clear and bright! That, ere they ope their eyelids to the light, I could their triuminphs to the world resound! Then shouldst thou see, with all a sire's delight, A host of future heroes crowd around, Their series no less long, their deeds no less renown'd. 88. " But my skill serves not of itself to mark A ray of truth from out the future shine, Other than diml and dubious, as the spark Of a far taper in a misty mine: Yet, if some tidings of thy future line In certainty I give, without disguise, Call it not bold; for what I thus divine, Is learn'd from One before whose vision lies, Clear and unveil'd, the scenes and secrets of the skies. 89. " What God's pure light to him, and he to me Has shown, as freely I to thee relate; 390 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVII. Nor Gentile, Greek, or Latin progeny, Or in these times, or those of elder date, E'er teem'd with heroes of such noble state As Heaven, in its high favor, does foredoom To thee and thine; nor may the good and great In Sparta, Carthage, Macedon, or Rome To match their glorious fame or majesty presume. 90. "But far o'er others shall Alphonso shine, In title second, but the first in worth; When for illustrious men the world shall pine, Old and corrupted,. shall this prince have birth: None, in those days of darkness and of dearth, Shall better sway the sword or scepter bright; None with his wisdom so enlighten earth, Charm in the Court, or fulmine in the fight; Thy seed's ascendant pride, his age's guiding light! 91. " While yet a youth, be shall give pregnant signs Of manhood, —prince in each gymnastic play; Scourge of wild beasts mid mountain peaks and pines, Graced, at all solemn tilts and tournays gay, With the first shouts and favors of the day; And when to actual warfare he shall pass, Rich spoils and palms victorious bear away; And for brave deeds, writ down in breathing brass, Wear many a votive crown of laurel, oak, and grass. 92. " The equal glory of his riper age Shall be to stablish peace and calm repose; To keep his cities tranquil, from the rage And powerful influence of surrounding foes; To foster genius, ignorance to depose, The arts encourage, his fond Court present With joyous pageants, plays, and splendid shows; Deal with just hand reward and punishment, Evils uncome foresee, and seen, with ease prevent. 93. "And O, if e'er against the race whose crimes Th' infested seas and ravaged shores pollute,Tyrants that force in those unhappy times Illumined nations humbly to make suit To them for peace,-he march to execute Justice for fanes down-tumbled, treasure wreck'd, And violated shrines, in that dispute What heavy vengeance may they not expect On the barbarian king and his accursed. sect! CANTO XVII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 891 94. "In vain the Turk against his marshal'd- ranks, In vain the Moor might muster band on band; For far beyond Euphrates' willow'd banks, The snows of Taurus, and the happy land Where dwells perpetual sunshine, would his hand Advance the Golden Lilies, loose the wing Of the White Eagle, the furl'd Cross expand, And, by due baptism of each Negro king, Compel imperial Nile to show his secret spring I" 95. Thus spoke the Senior; the rapt youth took heed Of all he utter'd, and with transport fed On the fair promise of his future seed, Which o'er his mind a sweet sereneness shed. Meanwhile before the break of morn fast fled The twilight hours; Aurora, dropping dew, Advanced, and touch'd the heavens with rosy red. And now the trembling of the flags that flew On the high tents far off, distinctly met their view. 96. Then thus again the Sage: "These shadows brown See how the sun disperses! and displays, Tile tents, the plain, the mountains and the town, WTith the kind comment of his grateful rays I O'er unknown tracks, by unobstructed ways, Safe, without danger or delay, nor slow, Here have I brought you; you yourselves may trace Your onward way, nor fear a single foe; Thus then we part; farewell! no farther must I go." 97. Embracing, they depart; arid straight pursue On foot their journey with the crimson cloud That, floating eastward, a rich radiance threw On tent, and silent crag, and rampart proud. Fame flew before them, and divulged aloud The Baron's wish'd arrival; wide and fleet Tho news was borne amidst the cheering crowd; Godfrey, thus advertised, his ducal seat Left, and with stately step went forth the youth to meet. END OF CANTO XVII. t~~~-~~.,.e ~~.~..... .........''2 ist'- JERUSALEM DELIVEREDR CANTO XVIII. ARGUMENT. HIs errors first the good Rinaldo mourns, Then seeks th' enchanted wood,-the spirits fly Before him; Godfrey by a courier learns Of the Egyptian host, which now draws nigh, Important tidings; yet the dext'rous spy, Vafrino, goes t' inspect it; sharp the fight Waxes round Sion, but the hierarchy Of Heaven so aids the flush'd Crusaders' might, That soon their banners float on each bombarded height. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVIII. 1. ARRIVED where Godfrey to salute him stood, Rinaldo spoke: " Revengeful discontent And jealous honor spurr'd me to lly feud With dead Gernando, which I much repent; And'tis with sorrow still for that event And thy displeasure that I seek thy face; Now at the instance of thine envoys sent For lmy recall, I come, the stain t' efface By whatsoe'er good deeds may win me back thy grace." 2. Low as he kneel'd before him Godfrey cast His arms around his neck, and kindly said: "No more revive the melancholy past; In peace repose the memory of the dead! And no amends I seek for frenzy fled, Than that thy wonted valor be renew'd,That, for the ruin of the foe, thou tread Enchanted ground, and, for the general good, From spells and monsters free th' inviolable wood. 3. " That immemorial forest whence of late We drew our timbers, is defended now, I know not from what cause, by charms innate, Deep, strong, and dreadful to the boldest brow; Nor is there one that dares disturb a bough, Much less a single sapling of the grove Touch with the axe; yet without engines, how Can we the city take? yea! risks which move To fear our stoutest hearts, will now thy courage prove.' 4. Tile youth accepts the risk and toil, without Much protestation, but with an address 396 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVIII. So full of dignity, that none can doubt From his laconic speech his sure success. Then to his other noble friends that press Affectionately near him, le bestows His courteous hand; and now with cheerfulness Embraces Guelpho, Tancred now, and throws Kind nods to all the chiefs that round his person close. 5. When many a welcome, many a dear embrace He to the sov'reign princes had bestow'd, With like familiar love and gentle grace He took the greetings of th' inferior crowd: With martial shouts these testified aloud Their joy, and throng'd as thickly to his side, As if, by elephants or leopards proud Drawn in high triumph, he had tamed the pride Of all the realms through which the Nile and Ganges glide. 6. Thus hail'd, to his pavilion he retires, And entertains his dearest friends around; And much to them replies, and much inquires Both of the war and of the charmed ground. But when, all leaving him, the Hermit found Leisure for serious talk, he spoke, and said: "Great things are those, young Voyager renown'd, Which to thy pilgrim eyes have been display'd, And long the wondrous tract o'er which thy steps have stray'd! 7. " How great thy debt to the Celestial King, Who thus redeems thee from the charmer's den! Nor spares, with all a shepherd's love, to bring Back the lost lamb into his holy pen; That now, by Godfrey's voice, he makes again Thee second agent in his high design! Yet art thou changed; not pure of heart, as when Thou last waged war, and, lain so long supine, Thou mayst not yet engage in service so divine. 8. " Darkness, the world, the flesh, spiritual sin With such infectious stains thy soul defile, No earthly spring can wash thy conscience clean, The streams of Ganges, or the floods of Nile, The secret source of what in thee is vile Heaven's grace alone can fitly purge away; Turn to thy Saviour then, in lowly style CANTO XVIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 397 Ask for forgiveness, all thy sins display, Cling to the Cross in faith, weep, tremble, praise, and pray." 9. He said; and first the youth bewail'd his fall, His amorous follies, and fierce wrath; then kneel'd Contritely at the Hermit's feet, and all His youthful crimes and levities reveal'd. This done, the minister of Heaven repeal'd His sins, and absolution gave; then said," Seek now, by prayer to have thy pardon seal'd, When next the morning o'er the world is spread, The hill that on the East rears high its reverend head. 10. " Then to the haunted Forest march, where dwell Such frightful phantoms and gigantic things; Thou wilt, I know, those fiends and furies quell, If no fresh error thy tuned soul unstrings. Let no strange voice that mourns, or sweetly sings, No smile of ruby lips or radiant eyes Steal to thy heart and touch fond pity's springs With their bewitching beauty, but despise All their fond aspects feign'd, false tears, and fancied cries." 11. Thus the Sage counsels, and the ardent knight Prepares with hope for the sublime emprise; Thoughtful he spends the day, and sad the night, And ere the breaking morn begins to rise, Girds on his beautiful bright arms; applies The falchion to his side, and o'er his mail Throws a new mantle prank'd with rarest dyes; Leaves the warm friends that, as he passes, veil Their plumes, and all alone treads slow the silent dale. 12. It was the hour when, grieving to be gone, Night on the confines of the day still slept; The East grew rosy with the flame of morn, Yet still some stars her radiant portal kept. When, as to Olivet the sward he swept, And as his serious eyes, to heaven inclined, Mark'd, with the spangling tears which Night had wept, The incorruptible pure lights that shined On high,-to solemn thoughts lie gave his musing mind. 13. " O," to himself he thought, "how many bright And glorious fires heaven's vaulted temple fret! 398 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVIII. Day has his car, her golden stars the Night, And the round silver moon, more radiant yet; But we, nor these nor those revering, set On the pale meteors with a flashing eye, A brilliant smile, or glowing canzonet, Strike from the twilight of our transient sky, Our inconsiderate hearts,-gaze, grieve, admire, and die!" 14. And musing thus, awed, melted, and abased, He reach'd the summit clothed with mountain thyme; Above the heaven of heavens his thoughts were raised, And thus, his face turn'd to the Orient clime, Kneeling, he pray'd: "The errors of my prime, O holy Father! in thy mercy, view With the mild eye of clemency; sublime My low desires; the evil seed subdue; And in my soul be pleased thine image to renew!" [5. Thus as he pray'd, with blushing roses crown'd The radiant Morn appears; which with its sheen His helm, his arms, and all the mountain round At once illumed, and golden turn'd the green. Fresh on his bosom and bent brow serene, He felt the spirit of that peaceful hour, Fann'd with its wing; while o'er his head unseen, Shook from Aurora's lap, distill'd a shower Of dew more pure than e'er bespangled blade or bower. [6. The dew celestial on his garments fell, Which show'd as ashes to a tint so bright; Illumined so, they look no longer pale, But change their color to a shining white. So the scorch'd summer flowers, at morning light Steep'd in fresh dews, their wither'd bells unfold, TWith added beauty; so, to the delight Of a new youth return'd, after long cold, The joyful snake shines out, new flourish'd o'er with gold. 17. The lively whiteness of his alter'd vest, Seen by himself, he ceased not to admire; Then to the old gray forest swift he press'd, With a firm boldness and sublime desire. He reach'd that bosky wilderness of brier And bough, the sight alone whereof dismay'd,, And forced lean yaaipt champions to retire; CANTO XVIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED 399 Yet saw lie nothing in the wood, that made So much a frightful gloom, as a delightful shade. 18. He passes onward-the charm works; a sound Sweet as the air of Paradise upsprings; Hoarse roars the shallow brook; the leaves around Sigh to the flutt'ring of the light wind's wings; Her ravishing sweet dirge the cygnet sings, Loud mourn the answering' nightinga] es; sad shells, Flutes, human voices tuned to golden strings, And the loud surging organ's glorious swells,Such and so various sounds one single sound expels. 19. He was expecting, like the rest, to meet The strange wild groans and thunders of dismay, And lo, a symphony of sirens sweet, Birds, winds, and waters, for his pleasure play! Wond'ring he checks his steps, —they melt away, And on he walks, but circumspect and slow; And naught occurs to interrupt his way, But a transparent flood, whose waters go Through the green wood, serene, and silent in their flow. 20. Flowers and choice odors richly smiled and smell'd, On either side of the calm stream, which wound In a so spacious circle, that it held The whole vast forest in its charming round; Nor only with green bowers and garlands crown'd The compass in its keep,-a streamlet stray'd Through this sweet isle, enlivening all the ground; A most delightful interchange they made; The mild wave bathes the woods, the woods the wave o'ershade. 21. While he roved. round to find a ford, behold, A wondrous passage to his wish appear'd I An exquisite rich bridge of shining gold Spann'd the pure waves, on stable arches rear'd; The golden bridge he pass'd, the water clear'd, But had no sooner touch'd the farther shore, Than the whole glorious fabric disappear'd; And the sweet river, so serene before, To a vast torrent swell'd, that stunn'd him with its roar. 22. He turns his face, and sees it swoln and spread, Like a strong flood increased by melting snows; And, whirling round as to its fountain head, A thousand rapid curls and gulfs it shows; 400 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVIIW But, curious of new objects, on he goes Through the brown arches thick of aged trees, That now on every side his steps inclose; And in these savage glooms, to strike or please At every strange new turn, some strange new wonder sees. 23. Where'er he plants his foot some charm springs out, The wild- brook warbles, or the sweet turf flowers; There lilies open, here young roses sprout, There the shrill fountain falls in silver showers, And round, o'erhead, th' austere and aged bowers Renew their youth, —the hoary bark is seen To soften, the moss falls, the gray trunk towers, Each bough its buds, each leaf renews its green,Mild shines the summer sun, and decks th' enchanted scene. 24. Impearl'd with manna was each fresh leaf nigh; Honey and golden gums the rude trunks weep; Again is heard that strange wild harmony Of songs and sorrows, plaintive, mild, and deep; But the sweet choirs that still such tenor keep WTith the swans, winds, and waves, no ear can trace To their conceal'd abode in shade or steep; Nor harp, nor horn, nor form of human face, Look where he would, was seen in all the shady place. 25. While his eye wanders, and his mind denies Trust to the truths his charm'd ear recommends, He sees far off a wondrous myrtle rise, Where in a spacious plain the pathway ends; To this he walks; its boughs the plant extends Wide as the choice tree of Dodonian Jove,O'er pine, and palm, and cypress it ascends; And, towering thus all other trees above, Looks like th' elected queen and genius of the grove. 26. Scarce had the hero reach'd the spacious field Than stranger novelties his eye arrest; He sees an oak, self-aided, cleave, and yield Spontaneous offspring from its fruitful breast: A full-grown nymph, in gown and turban dress'd, On whose ripe cheek celestial beauty blooms, O wonder i issues from that hoary chest; A hundred other girls from sylvan wombs A hundred others child, amidst the circling glooins. MIN-1 --- - ------ ~ ~~~~~~~~~~ K.... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CANTO XVIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 401 27. As the stage shows, or as we painted see The sylvan Goddess, with her white arms bare, With hunting weeds tuck'd up above the knee, Buskins of blue, and loose luxuriant hair,Just such, to all appearance, are the fair Fictitious daughters of these wild woods old; Save, that for horns, to wake some sprightlier air, Quivers, and bended bows, they in their hold Have viols, lutes, and harps, of ivory, pearl, and gold. 28. Ranging themselves into a ring, their hands They knit together, and with joyous cheer Dance round about Rinaldo as he stands The willing center of this moving sphere - The tree they compass too, and carol clear, As in light morrice to the charm they move; " VWelcome, thrice welcome, gallant chevalier!" They sing, "our Lady's hope, our Lady's love: In blessed hour all hail to this delightful grove! 29. " Timely thou com'st to cure her, wounded sore With am'rous thoughts and languishing desires; These groves, so dark and desolate before, Her grief's fit dwelling, choked with thorns and briers, Lo, at thy coming what quick joy inspires Each tree and leafy bough! how redolent They breath, dress'd freshly in their green attires!" Such was the song, and from the myrtle went First a melodious sound, and then the sylvan rent. 30. A rude Silenus oft the days of old Have seen unclose, and yield some Goddess fair, 17 But never yet did sylvan image hold Charms such as issued from the myrtle rare: For forth a Lady stepp'd with golden hair, With angel beauty, angel mien and grace; In whom, albeit of visionary air, Rinaldo starts Armida's form to trace, The same expressive eye, fond smile, and radiant face. 31. Sorrow and joy into her looks she cast, A thousand passions, which one glance betrays; "And art thou then indeed return'd at last To thy forsaken love, " she pensive says; " VWhy com'st thou hither, my beloved? to raise My drooping soul, and with remember'd charms Solace my widow'd nights and lonely days? 402 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVrITI. Or to wage war, and scare me with alarms? Why hide thy lovely face? why show these threat'ning arms? 82. " Com'st thou a foe or friend? I did not rear That glorious bridge to entertain my foe; Unlock'd not brooks, flowers, fountains, made not clear For him that wilderness of brambles-no! Take now, take off this horrid helmet, show Thy face for friendly, glad me with the shine Of those celestial eyes; say, why so slow? Kiss me, embrace me, oh my love! I pine; Or press at least once more my cold, cold hand in thine." 33. Thus as she woos, her beautiful bright eyes Rueful she rolls, and pale as death appears; Feigning, with ev'ry tear, the sweetest sighs, And melancholy moans, and bashful fears. It might have moved a heart of stone to tears, To hear how fondly she herself deplored; But he, unmoved by all he sees and hears, Cautious, not cruel, to the plaints she pour'd No longer pays regard, but draws his fatal sword. 34. The myrtle he approach'd; but she with fright The dear trunk clasping, interposed, and cried: "Mercy, ah mercy! do me not such spite, As to cut down my myrtle-tree, the pride And last poor solace of forlorn Armide; Put up thy sword, 0 consort most unkind I Or sheath it, cruel, in thy lady's side; For through this only it shall passage find, To strike my lovely tree and hurt its hallow'd rind!:' 85. Deaf to her prayers, he rears his sword, and she Transforms herself as swift as when at night Our dreams, ne'er constant to the thing we see, Shift the fond object we had first in sight; Gross grew her members, dark her face, upright Her horrent hair; gone by are all her charms, White breast, and rosy cheek, —enlarged in height, A giantess, she glows with feign'd alarms, Like fell Briareus, limb'd with full one hundred arms 86. With fifty swords she fought; on fifty shields She clash'd defiance, bluster'd, roar'd, and bray'd; Each other nymph the like weird weapons wields, A frowning Cyclop, a gigantic Shade I CANTO XVIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 403 He fear'd them not, but with his waving blade On the charm'd myrtle multiplied his blows, Which at each stroke distressful moanings made; Air seemn'd a hell in hubbub, awful shows Throng'd the black sky, and ghosts in swarms on swarms arose. 37. Thunder'd the flashing heavens above, the ground Groan'd underneath,-that bellow'd and this shook; While the loosed winds and tempests blust'ring round Blew the sharp sleet and hailstones in his look Yet not for this the knight his post forsook, His aim he miss'd not, changed not in his cheer, But the more fiercely for their fury strook; —'Tis done! the myrtle falls; th' enchantments drear Flit with the ended spell; the phantoms disappear. 38. Air still, the heavens serene, the woods resume Their wonted quiet and sequester'd state; Not terrible, nor cheerful, full of gloom From palm and cypress, but a gloom innate. The Victor tries again if as of late Aught yet forbade the felling of the trees, And finding nothing check his sword, sedate Smiles and says inly: " O vain semblances! O fools, to be deterr'd by shadows false as these 1" 39. Then to the camp he turns; meanwhile aware Of these events, the solitary Seer Exclaim'd: " The charm is o'er, the forest fair Of evil spirits, and the victor near; See where he comes!" and now distinguish'd clear In his pure mantle from afar, the knight Struck the spectators with a holy fear; For the spread pinions of his eagle white In the clear sunshine shone with unaccustom'd light. 40. With glad huzzas for victory achieved Rang the wide hills around, and skies above; The conqu'ring knight by Godfrey is ieceived With praise unmix'd by envy, and with love. " Sire," said Rinaldo, "to the dreadful grove As you desired, I went; the sprites impure I saw-I saw and conquer'd them; improve Th' occasion then, the ways are quite secure, Send then the workmen forth, the timbers to procure." 4104 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVIII. 41. Straight to the aged woods they went, and hew'd WThat Art thought proper for the task in hand; The first artificers in skill were rude, And little did machinery understand: But now a noble mechanician plann'd The important works, selected well the trees, And every movement of the workmen scann'd,William —who lately with his Genoese Roved the Levantine waves, sole Signior of the seas. 42. But, forced before th' Egyptian fleet at length His azure kingdom of the sea to quit, He to the Camp transferr'd his naval strength;To frame such works was never man more fit; For an ingenious brain, a fruitful wit, Industrious hand and scientific mind, To him almost might Dedalus submit; A hundred meaner architects combined To execute the schemes his genius now design'd. 43. He undertook to build, not vines alone, Balistse, rams, and catapults, of power To batter down defended walls of stone, And on high bulwarks rain an arrowy shower, But, plank'd with pine and fur, a wondrous tower, The masterpiece of art; and, to provide Against th' adhesive flames that might devour The timbers else, he lined it well outside With fire-proof skins of'sheep and quilts of tough bull, hide. 44. The separate beams and timbers, mortised tight, Are join'd; completed is the pile; below, Swings the vast ram, which with its horned might Threats at each stroke the city to o'erthrow; Its waist lets down a bridge, which falling slow, Work'd by a windlass, joins th' opposing wall, And forms an instant' passage to the foe; While from the top a second tower less tall, Inly conceal'd, at need shoots up o'ergazing all. 45. With little cost of toil th' enormous mass Upon its hundred wheels volubil roll'd, Though bearing, arm'd in brigandine of brass, A little army in its spacious hold; Round stood the soldiers, marveling to behold With what consummate ease the workmen plied Their several tasks; much they their skill extoll'd, CANrTO XVIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 405 Much the vast engine; two more towers beside, Plann'd like the first, were built, ere yet the daylight died. 46. But neither were their works nor their designs From the mew'd Pagans meanwhile wholly hid; For on the wall that to the Camp inclines, Keen spies were placed, to notice all they did: These, though the distance insight clear forbid, Saw what vast loads of cypress, pine, and hew, Were from the sable forest drawn amid The tents; they mark'd the rising engines too, But of their shape and plan no clear conception drew. 47. They too frame engines, and with equal art The towers and bulwarks fortify again, And raise so high the fortress on the part Last storm'd, the brunt of battle to sustain, That now, as fondly they suppose, no train Of circumstance, or force of arms will e'er Avail, th' assaulted city to obtain; While dark Ismeno studies to prepare Beyond all else, fresh fires, unusual, strange, and rare. 48 With sulphur did the cursed Magician mix Bitumen, from the lake of Sodom brought, Brimstone, received, it strikes me, from the Styx, And fiery spume, in hell by demons wrought; And thus composed a cruel fire, so fraught With smoke and stench, that, darted in the face, Whom once it strikes it stifles; well, he thought, By these revenging fireballs to efface, For the enchanted wood cut down, his late disgrace. 49 While thus to win or to defend the wall Both hosts their engines frame, a turtle dove In -the blue firmament is seen of all To pass, the Christian multitude above: With outspread wings the liquid air she clove, And went away as lightly as the wind; This wand'ring, mute communicant of love, So soon as she had left the camp behind, Down from the lofty clouds t' accost the town inclined. 50. When lo! they knew not whence, a falcon arm'd With hooked beak and talons, sail'd in sight; Which,'twixt the city and the camp, alarm'd Th' opposed mild bird in her descending flight: 406 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVIII. She waited not his truss; but, full of fright, On instant wing to the pavilions fled, And at the moment when the cruel kite, Down stooping swift, just touch'd her tender head, In Godfrey's bosom fell, betwixt alive and dead. 51. Godfrey the bird protected, and espied, As he her plumage smooth'd, a curious thing: For from the neck, by flax of Egypt tied, A letter hung, conceal'd beneath her wing. Marveling to see it, he untwines the string, And breaks the seal; then well he comprehends The purpose of the scroll: "To Judah's king," Thus spoke th' inscription, "to his first of friends, Health, honor, joy, and peace th' Egyptian Caliph sends. 52. "Fear not, my noble lord! resist, endure, Till the fourth day, or till the fifth at most; For by that period thou shalt see, besure, My slaught'ring sword. devour the hostile host." Such was the secret in the note inclosed, In Syriac ciphers writ, and seal'd with care, Given in commission to this flying post; For in the East these couriers of the air, Train'd to the trusty charge, were then by no means rare, 53. The bird he freed; she, cooing her concern That her lord's secrets had been thus betray'd, Durst not, though innocent of ill, return A rebel back, but fled far thence afraid. Godfrey the intercepted scroll display'd Before the lords and princes that compose His military Council; "See," he said, "IHow well the goodness of our God foreshows To us the close designs and secrets of our foes! 54. "We must no longer how protract the time, But clear away fresh outworks; we must spare No sweat, no labor, no fatigue to climb The South-West walls;'tis true, the crags are there Steep, sharp, and high, nor apt, I am aware, For the approach of arms and engines; still It may be done: I have survey'd with, care The coast, and find that, strengthen'd by the hill, Those towers have been defensed with little cost of skill. 55. " Thou, Raymond, with thy men the crags ascend, And storm those walls, while I with all the state CANTO XVIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 407 And pomp preparative of battle, bend My horned rams against the northern gate; So that the foe, beguiled t' anticipate In arnms our principal bombardment there, May leave me free hereafter to translate My tower that slides so easily, to bear Ruin, and dread, and death, and victory elsewhere. 56. " At the same time, Camillo, thou close by, Or not far off, the third tower must dispose:" He said, and good Count Raymond who sate nigh, And as he spoke weigh'd well each accent, rose And said: " This counsel no one can oppose,'Tis given in perfect wisdom, the event Will surely prove it such; I would propose Alone that some one midst our foes be sent, Into their plans to pry, and creep from tent to tent;57. " Number their troops, and with instinctive wit Fathom their thoughts, as far as in him lies:" Said Tancred then, " I have a Squire most fit For the exploit, the very prince of spies; Quick, subtle, dexterous, he has Argus eyes For such concerns; shrewd, supple, light of toe; Bold too, but in his boldness close and wise; And many tongues he talks, and varies so His gesture, voice, and gait, that none the man can know. 58. Sent for, he came; and soon as he had heard Duke Godfrey's pleasure and his lord's, was won To their desire; he, smiling, with a word The task embraced, and said, " My Lords, I'm gone; Into their unsuspicious camp anon Enter I will, and pay implicit heed To all their motions, recognized by none; E'en at midnoon through all the host proceed, And number every man, and number every steed. 59. " Their hosts,their squadrons, and the arms they bring I pledge myself to notice; nay, I vow The closest thoughts and counsels of the king To win adroitly from him,-ask not how." Thus with bold air Vafrino spoke; and now Stay'd but to bare his graceful neck, to wind Long rolls of linen round his manly brow, Change for a mantle his juppon, and bind Round his broad waist a belt, a quiver hang behind. 408 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVIII. 60. And thus accoutred, in his.dexter hand A Syrian bow, with gestures nothing meek, He seems a pure barbarian, and all stand In absolute amaze to hear him speak~ Such various tongues, so that in Greece a Greek, In Tyre a true Phcenician, in the waste " Of marbled Tadmor an Arabian sheik All would have thought him; off he rides in haste, On a swift steed that scarce disturb'd the sands it paced. 61. But ere the third day shone, the Franks had strain'd Each nerve to smooth the rough uneven ways, Finish'd their engines, and in fact maintain'd One ceaseless vigil of fatigue; the days Alone sufficed them not; but by the blaze Of piny torches did they task the night With toil, disdaining sleep to Godfrey's gaze, All was now ready with tile morning light To prove the last extremes and fortunes of the fight. 62. The Chief great part of the preceding day Had spent in prayer, and had e-mploy'd the priest To shrive the army of their sins, that they Might share with him the sacramental feast. Then to the parts where he intended least To stand the brunt of battle, he applied His rams and mighty engines, which increased The blinded Pagans' transport, hope, and pride, Seeing them face the gate most strongly fortified. 63. But when the night had spread her raven pall, The huge light tower he spirited away, To where less strong and crooked show'd the wall, And jutting angles less forbade the play Of the strong ram: his armed tower ere day Raymond too planting on the hill's tall crest, Took the whole city in his broad survey While his Camillo to that point address'd, Where from the north the wall wheels round to front the west. 64. When now the roseate messenger of morn Had tipp'd the eastern hills and towers with light, The Pagans stared to see the tower withdrawn Far from the spot where it stood overnight, And seeing trembled; to the left and right New structures also, mann'd and managed well, Till now unnoticed, burst upon their sight, CANTO XVIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 409 With countless fresh machines,-balistme fell, Cat, scorpion, crossbow, ram, war-wolf, and mangonel. 65. The Syrian people, though depressed at heart By this deception, were by no means slack Thither to move their engines from the part Where first Duke Godfrey menaced the attack; But he meanwhile, aware that at his bacl Th' Egyptian army march'd, thus gave command To Guelph and the two Roberts: " On the track That leads to Gaza, station each a band Of horse, and toward the south watch well, with sword in hand. 66. " And have regard, that while I storm the part Where the gray battlements most weak appear, No sudden squadron, with insidious art, Bring round the rage of battle to my rear." He said; three times the trumpet tubes blow drear; To the three sounds, three valiant nations made On three sides horrible assault severe,-'Gainst each of which, the king in brave parade Of arms long laid aside, his hostile powers array'd. 67. Cased in old arms, and with the weight of age, Not fear of danger trembling, forth he goes, Long lost to war, Count Raymond to engage, The most sagacious of his numerous foes: The Soldan strides Duke Godfrey to oppose, Argantes good Camillo, at whose side Stands Bohemond's brave nephew; fortune chose, Or rather Providence, the Prince to guide Thus to the destined foe whose blood his falchion dyed. 68. Straight the strong arches from their bows let fly Ten thousand mortal barbs with poisonous stings; That underneath a cloud of shafts, the sky Grows dark, as though beneath the night's black wings; But blows of more tremendous force from slings And huge balistse come, with ruder shocks; For thence fly, every time the huge ram swings, Stones, rugged masses of uprooted rocks, Trees shod with pointed steel, lead, marble, logs, and blocks. 69. Each stone a thunderbolt appears, and so Where it alights, the arms and members breaks, 410 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVIII. Not life alone and spirit from the blow, But form and feature e'en the man forsakes; The long lance stays not in the wound it makes, But onward still, still on long after hies; Piercing the warrior's coat of mail, it takes Its course right through him, as he fights or flies; He feels the piercing point, and as it passes dies. T0. Yet cannot all this force and fury drive The desperate Pagans to forsake the wall; Still to their arms resolved they stand, and strive Or to revenge each charge, or to forestall 1 Against the strokes of the strong ram, they call For bales of pliant wool, which from on high They hang, and deaden thus the blows that fall; And where the Franks show most exposed and nigh, With thousand thousand shafts give back a proud reply. 71. Yet still the Franks, arranged in closest file, Move on three sides the ramparts to assail, And underneath the cat and tortoise, smile To hear the sounding storm of arrowy hail. To the high walls, despite the men in mail That line their battlements, the towers are led, And strive to launch, albeit at first they fail, Their light pontons; while, work'd beneath its shed Buts the bombarding ram with adamantine head. 72. Irresolute meanwhile Rinaldo stands, This risk and that were far too poor a praise; And'twould be base in him with armed bands To bear his flag by plain and beaten ways; Debating thus, he casts around his gaze,That path alone at which all else would halt, It pleases him to move in; he surveys The loftiest walls their battlements exalt, Warr'd on by one, —'tis there he will begin th' assault. 73. And turning to the troop-famed heroes allWhom Dudon lately led, he made exclaim; "What, my compeers! shall then this old gray wall In the grand wrack repose in peace? O shame To generous knighthood, chivalry, and fame! Each hazard to the Brave assurance yields, And all steep paths are plain to those who aim At praise,-come on then; quick! join shield to shield, And to their cruel shafts a stubborn tortoise build. CANTO XVIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 411 74. Swift at the word all join with him, all cast Their targets o'er their heads in brave disdain, And, man thus wedged with man, compacted fast Form a tight penthouse that defies the rain Of stones and arrows, under which amain They speed the rapid march no rage can stay; For well the iron tortoise does sustain All the huge weights that with tempestuous sway From the throng'd walls descend. to bar their onward way. 75. The walls are reach'd; and now Rinaldo rears Aloft a scaling ladder with a flight Of full two hundred steps, which he appears To move and manage with an ease as light As winds the willow; from the rampart's height Now rocks, now spears, now beams down thundering go; Yet upward still ascends the dauntless knight; By each rebuff unscared, unmoved, although They should Olympus down, or piny Ossa throw. 76. A wood of arrows on his shield alights, A very mount of fragments, steel and stone, On his strong back; one arm the bulwark smites, And one the guardian target o'er the cone Of his bright helm suspends; the courage shown By him excites his brave compeers no less To deeds of daring; he mounts not alone; Numbers besides with ladders forward press, And climb, with various turns of valor and success. 77. One dies —another falls-he mounts sublime, These his praise cheers, and those his threats alarm; And to a height so lofty does he climb, That now he grasps with his extended arm The topmost battlements; vast numbers swarm Round the young knight with dagger, axe, and brand, To smite and hurl him down: but him no harm Repels,-O'Wonderful! a single hand, [stand. Hung in mid air, has power arm'd thousands to with78. Not only he withstands, but livelier grows, And like the palm-tree when by weights oppress'd, More strong and valiant from resistance shows, His pulse beats brisker, loftier shoots his crest. Some of his foes he. slew, dispersed the rest, The spars and stones that on his buckler weigh'd Shook off, leap'd o'er the battlements, possess'd 412 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVII,. The walls he wish'd, and with his ruling blade Safe for his following friends the obstructed passage made. 79. And to the youngest brother of the brave And virtuous Godfrey, just about to fall, His kind victorious hand Rinaldo gave, And help'd him second so to scale the wall. Godfrey meanwhile, whom nothing could appall, In other quarters various fortunes proved, Nor were the perils he encounter'd small; For there not knight alone with knight approved His strength, but tower'gainst tower,'gainst engine engine moved. 80. And there the Syrians had uprear'd a pine That once had served some admiral for a mast, And hung thereto, by many a twisted line To a huge transverse beam on high made fast, A long steel-headed ram, stout, rude, and vast, WThich backward drawn by cords, tempestuous fell, And shatter'd all at which its front was cast: By turns the beam they pull, by turns propel, As the snail now shrinks in, now creeps from forth its shell. 81. Beats the huge beam, and on the tower so sore Doubles its loud percussions, as to smite Sonie paces back the pile, with all it bore, And many a mortised rafter disunite: The tower, for ev'ry exigence of fight Prepared, brook'd not the sounding insult long, But from within, till now conceal'd from sight, Launch'd out two scythes, large, crooked, sharp, and strong, And cut the cords on which th' enormous engine swung. 82. As a huge rock, which age or stormy winds Uproot or loosen from some mountain steep, Rolls headlong down, and into thin dust grinds Woods, houses, hamlets, herds, and flocks of sheep; So fell the frightful beam with giant leap, Hideous, enormous, bearing to the ground Arms, men, and turrets in its stormy sweep: Shake the firm ramparts; rocks the tower; and round, The hills and hollow glens rebellow back the sound. CANTO XVIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 418 83. All sanguine now to win the wall advanced The conqu'ring Chief; but suddenly he sees Thick noisome clouds of flame sulphureous lanced Against him, favor'd by the driving breeze: Ne'er did Mount Etna send forth flames like these, Dispensing death from her cavernous womb; Nor e'er did Indian skies, when most disease And fervent summer fill'd the air with gloom, Rain such thick vapors down, mute Nature to consume. 84. Here globes of wild-fire, there fly burning spears; This flame burns black, that bloody red; the smell Poisons, the thunder deafens all their ears, Smoke blinds their eyes, fires scorch them, hot as hell, Not long can e'en the moist bull-hides repel Their gierceness, scarcely do they now defend The tower, already they begin to swell; They reek, they shrink, and with the blaze must blend, Height'ning its ardent rage, if Heaven no succor send. 85. Still in the front of all the Duke abides, Nor changes color, countenance, or place! But cheers on those, wrho from the shriv'ling hides With water strive th' advancing fires to chase. Thus went the war; thus urgent stood their case Their well-used water disappearing fast, The gath'ring flames they could no longer face; Wvhen on the sudden rose a friendly blast, And the fierce wild-fire back upon its authors cast. 86. The winds fought with the flames, and backward blew The fires; for where the foe their sheds had rear'd, Upon the soft materials swift it flew, Which kindled, crackled, blazed, and disappear'd. O glorious Captain! to thy God endear'd, By thy God guarded! Heaven itself was found Ranged on thy side; the very winds revered Thy will, and, summon'd by thy trumpet's sound, Obedient rush'd to war from all their regions round. 87. But fell Ismene, who saw his sulph'rous fires Forced back against him on the adverse gale, By his black art, despite the winds, aspires The laws of Nature yet to countervail; Betwixt two hags, his vow'd attendants, pale In his dark mantle, on the walls he rear'd 414 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVIII. His hideous shape; and with his length of nail, His squalid aspect, and dishevel'd beard, Pluto himself between two Furies dire appear'd. 88. And now were heard those awful sounds which fill With deepest horror hell's profoundest streams; The winds already roar'd on ev'ry hill, The sun in clouds withdrew his golden beams; When sudden, frustrate of his impious schemes A stone, or rather rock, the tower robust, As still th' accursed wretch high Heaven blasphemes, Hurl'd from its bowels with a stroke so just, As bray'd at once their bones and bodies into dust. 89. To bloody dust minute their heads and brains Were widely scatter'd with a roaring sound; To bloody dust, minuter than the grains Of corn to meal betwixt rough mill-stones ground; With groans the three foul spirits leave the round Of the blue heavens and fine ethereal sense Of joy and sunshine, for the shades profound Of hell;-learn, mortals, piety from hence, Nor dare God's slumb'ring wrath omnipotent incense! 90. Meanwhile the engine rescued from the flame By the kind whirlwind, to the city ran, And, all resistance now defeated, came So near the ramparts that its bridge began, Launch'd, to attach; but thither Solyman Rush'd on the instant; sharply did he ply His strokes, and certainly th' audacious man Had hew'd it down, but suddenly his eye Another tower beheld, uprising in the sky. 91. Th' enormous pile shot up into the air Far above spire, mosque, minaret, and tower; So that the Pagans in their stupor stare To see the city subject to its power; But the fierce Turk still keeps his stand, though lower The clouds of ruin round him; he derives Strength from the strife: and, careless of the shower Of stones, to cut the bridge still trusts, and strives And his despairing friends with glorying shouts revives. 92. Th' archangel Michael, clad in arms divine, To Godfrey then, but visible to none Besides, appear'd; his face did far outshine, When clear of ev'ry cloud, the noonday sun. CANTO XVIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 415 " Godfrey," he. cried, " the fated sands are run; This is the hour to cancel with thy blade The chains of Sion; thy desire is won! Droop not, droop not thine eyes to earth, dismay'd, But see what num'rous hosts I bring, thine arms to aid. 93. " Lift up thine eyes, and in mlid air th' immense, Immortal army on its march survey! For the dim veil that clouds your mortal sense, And from the cradle to the tomb your clay Wraps round with darkness, lo i 1 rend away, That thou the angels in their shapes mayst see, And, one short moment, the effulgent ray Of their celestial essences, with free Undazzled sight sustain,-long time it may not be. 94. "Observe the souls of ev'ry lord and knight, Christ's blessed saints, who late but champions were! With what a holy zeal they seek the fight, The final glory with thyself to share! Lo! what mix'd clouds of smoke and dust in air Fluctuate aloft from the dismantled town; And lo, that lofty heap of ruins! there, Hugo, conspicuous by his sapphire crown, Heaves high his golden mace, and beats the huge toweis down. 95. "Dudon is he who at the Northern fort, Which he with fire and sword assaults, prepares Arms for the Franks, nor ceases to exhort Fresh knights to mount the tall scalades he bears That surpliced Saint who in his tresses wears The sacerdotal crown, on yonder hill, Is the bless'd soul of Ademar, —his cares The same as erst; observe with what good-will He deals his pastoral signs and benedictions still. 96. " Look higher yet, and, witnessing the war The whole hierarchy of heaven survey!" He raised his eyes; and at one prospect saw, In myriad numbers numberless, th' array, Three squadrons wing'd; each radiating away In triple phalanx from th' observer's eye, Ring beyond ring, —a beautiful display Of winged orbs, that, widening as they fly Sublime, possess the whole circumference of the sky. 416 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XVIII. 97. Here he his dazzled eyes declined, nor more The glorious vision in its pomp descried; When next he look'd, the wondrous show was o'er, And gazing round, he saw on every side His troops victorious; many a hero vied After divine Rinaldo to command The walls, leap'd up, and deep his falchion dyed; Godfrey, this seen, aloof disdain'd to stand, But snatch'd the Red-Cross staff from his flag-bearer's hand, 98. And passes first the bridge; but midway here Finds the stern Soldan ready to debate His farther passage; few their strokes, but clear Their prowess,-a small plank the field of fate! " Lo, here," the Soldan shouts, "I consecrate, Here yield my gallant spirit up this day, For Sion's good! So ho! mly friends, I prate,Cut the ponton down at my back, and they Shall have small cause to boast the pleasure of their prey!" 99. But when he saw far-off Rinaldo tend Toward him, and all his friends in flight, he said: "What now remains? if thus my life I spend, To what advantage will my blood be shed?" Revolving thus, with slow disdainful tread He turn'd aside, and left the pass essay'd Free to the Chief: who, following as he fled The Soldan's footsteps, with his brandish'd blade, High on the rampart walls the purple Cross display'd. 100. The glorious ensign in a thousand wreaths And folds voluminous rejoicing twines; It-seenis the wind on it more sweetly breathes; It seems the sun on it more brightly shines; That each toss'd javelin, each aim'd shaft declines To strike the staff; the streets Hosannas sound; Floods clap their hands, on mountains dance the pines; Seems it that Sion, that her green hills crown'd, Stoop from the clouds their crests, and bend adoring round. 101. Then raised the Christians all their long loud shout Of Victory, joyful, resonant, and high; Their words the towers and temples lengthen out; To the glad sound the mountains make reply; CANTO XVIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED.- 417 At the same moment, joining in the cry, Tancred each strong obstruction overthrew Raised.by Argantes; brought his engine nigh, Cast out his bridge, and, without more ado, Leap'd on the conquer'd wall, and raised his standard too. 102. But on the hills toward the South, where fought Raymond the hoary with the Syrian king, The Gascon knights their engine had not brought Yet to the walls, nor possibly could bring; For there the Tyrant had in aid a ring Of soldiery, the flower of all his host, Who stubbornly with mace, with sword, and sling, Stood to the strife; the walls too on that coast Were, as less firm and high, with engines strengthen'd most. 103. Besides, on that steep side th' enormous tower Less steady footing for its passage found; Nor could their utmost industry and power Correct the rugged nature of the ground: But when the shout from all the quarters round Reach'd the two hosts that here the walls contest, Both Aladine and Raymond by the sound Were well assured that on the North and West, The long defended town already was possess'd. 104. Which heard, the Count shouts to the knights he led: " Taken already is th' assaulted town; And does it conquer us? shall it be said We only share not in the day's renown?" But here the troubled king, quite desp'rate grown Of the dispute, drew off his chivalry To the strong-hold of his endanger'd Crown, His last lorn hope, a fortress strong and high, Where yet long time he trusts th' assailants to defy. 105. Then the whole host pours in, not o'er the walls Alone, but through the gates, which soon unclose, Batter'd or burnt; and in wide ruin falls Each strong defense that might their march oppose. Rages the sword: and Death, the Slaught'rer, goes'Twixt VVoe and horror with gigantic tread, From street to street; the blood in torrents flows, And settles in lagoons, on all sides fed, And swell'd with heaps on heaps of dying and of dead. TASSO-14 :ND OF CANITO XYM JERUSALEM DELIVERED.;CANTO XIX. I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ARGUMENT. TAcnRED in single combat slays his foE. The terrible Argantes; Aladine Flees to the citadel; and saveth s,o His host; Erminia challenges Vafrine, Of the leagued hosts reveals the mask'd design, Accompanies him back, and on the sands Finds her loved lord half dead beneath a pine; First mourns, then cures him; Godfrey understands Ormondo's plot, and acts as circumstance demands. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIX. 1. Now prudence, death, or fear, each Pagan knight Has ravish'd from the walls; alone his mace Argantes plies upon the battled height, And obstinately still disputes the place; Still with a cheerful and intrepid face Fights on secure against the chivalry That hems him in; and, dreading the disgrace, Far more than death, of being forced to fly, Sooner than seem to yield stands all resolved to. die. 2. But beyond all importunate to quell The Pagan, Tancred presses through the crowd; The knight Argantes recognized right well By his known arms, keen strokes, and bearing proud, For him who fought with him before, and vow'd Return on the sixth morning, nor the vow Fulfill'd, made captive; whence he shouts aloud: "Prince! is it thus you keep your faith? and now Return you thus to war, redeem'd one scarce knows how! 3. " Late you return, and not alone, yet I Slhun not the battle, nor the issues fear; Although, to all appearance, you draw nigh Not as a knight, but as an engineer: But make a shield of your Italians here, New forms of war, strange arms invent in aid, They shall not serve you now, false chevalier, Foul slaught'rer of fair ladies, to evade The death already due to my defrauded blade!" 4. The good Lord Tancred answer'd with a smile Of some disdain, in terms of like proud glee; "All late as is my slow return, -erewhile, 422 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIX.'Twill seem, I fancy, much too soon for thee; For thou shalt wish, on how devout a knee, Some Alp or ocean spread its wide barrier Of space betwixt us; then too shalt thou see, By fatal proof, if cowardice or fear Has made indeed my sword so long a stranger here. 5. " But step aside, O thou whose haughty arms Big giants only and tough knights chastise; Thee to a field apart from these alarms The mighty slaught'rer of fair dames defies!" This said, he to his followers turns, and cries; " Back from the warrior! brave him not ablow I Nay, vassals, never grudge your chief his prize; For mine he is more than a common foe, Mine, both by challenge now, and promise long ago." 6. "Come down, alone or follow'd, to the feud, E'en as you will," the Saracen replied; " To the throng'd field or to the lonely wood, Whate'er the odds, I stir not from your side! " Thus ending parle, the challenged and defied In open concord from the walls descend, By mortal fight their quarrel to decide; Hate made them one, and, e'en as friend would friend, Each did the other's life, from pure despite, defend. 7. Great is the thirst of praise, great the desire Which Tancred has to slay a foe so grand; Nor would his blood, he fancies, slake his ire, If but a drop were shed by other's hand: He guards the Pagan with his shield; and, " Stand! Strike not! " he cries to all he meets; and so, Safe from the rage of each encountering band, From faklhion, dagger, spear, and bended bow, Through thousand angry friends he brings his careless foe. 8. The busy roar of war, th' invaded town, And void pavilions far they leave behind, Following a footpath, that o'er dale and down In many a secret coil and tangle twined; At length a small secluded vale they find, Deep in the heart of woody hills embay'd; As it for sylvan sport had been design'd, Or Roman circus by proconsul made For Gladiatorial show,-shut in by silent shade. CANTO XIx. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 423 9. Here then they paused; and, full of anxious thought Argantes turn'd, th' afflicted town to view; Tancred, perceiving that the knight had brought With him no shield, his own to distance threw; And said, " What gloom does thus'thy soul subdue? Think'st thou the destined hour to terminate Thy life at length is come? if this thou rue, With pensive mind prophetic of thy fate, Thy fear is useless all, thy foresight comes too late! " 10. " I think," said he, (and sigh'd,) "on that lorn town, The pomp of realms, about to pass away, That queen of Syria, hoary in renown, Whose fatal ruin I have fail'd to stay: I think how insignificant a prey To my disdain and vengeance is the due Which on thy head Heaven destines me to-day " He ceased; and each to each with caution drew, For well each armed knight his rival's prtowess knew. 11. Tancred is light of limb in hand and foot, Swift as the wind that o'er the valley scours; Monstrous in girth, like some terrific brute, And taller by the head Argantes towers; Tancred now wheels, now traverses, now cowers, Like the coil'd snake in act at will to glide Homne to his victim, or with fiercer powers Shoot out; still parrying stroke with stroke, he tried All points of skill to turn th' assailing sword aside. 12. But spacious and erect, Argantes shows Like skill, in diff'rent posture; as he can, Straight to his mark with stretch'd-out arm he goes, And seeks t' encounter not the steel, but man; That tries each moment some new point or plan, This never fails an instant to present His saber at the face; and, swift of scan, With threat'ning blade stands ready to prevent The stol'n advance, quick pass, and treach'rous feign'd intent. 13. E'en thus two gallant ships, when not a gale Stirs the smooth surface of the silent main, One famed for size, and one for speed of sail, With force unequal, equal fight maintain; This bears down lightly, goes and comes again, Wheels round from prow to poop, and still the eye Mocks, while the other doth unmoved remain,._ N424 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIX. And ever as the nimbler one draws nigh, Threats with its vast machines wild ruin from on high 14. While to rush in the wily Latin strives, Shunningothe point that glitter'd at his breast, The blade Argantes brandishes, and drives Full at the face, which Tancred would arrest But the fell Pagan, as he forward press'd, Strongly, and swift as flies a Parthian shaft, Coil'd his strong wrist aslant,-the sword digress'd, And plough'd his side; whereat he gayly laugh'd And cried; " By blest Mahound, the craftsman's foil'd in craft " 15. Prince Tancred bit his lips'twixt scorn and shame, Laid by all points of skill, and on his foe Burns for revenge with such an eager aim,Vict'ry appears defeat, achieved so slow; The boast he answers by his sword, and lo I Where the barr'd vizor opens to the sight, Dares a fierce thrust; the formidable blow Argantes breaks, and, in the last despite Of risk, at half-sword's length stepp'd in th' audacious knight. 16. With his left hand the Pagan's strong right arm He seized, and with his right his falchion plied With many a deadly gash of deepest harm, Piercing at will the undefended side. " To his triumphant tutor," loud he cried, " This happy answer the foiled sciolist Yields in reply!" with passion, pain, and pride, Argantes groan'd, and writhing, strove to twist From th' Italian's grasp, in vain, the prison'd wrist. 17. His sword suspended by its chain at length He left, and griped his rival round the waist; The same did Tancred, and with all their strength Each grappling crush'd the other, breast to breast Not with more force divine Alcides press'd Upheaved Antseus on the Libyan sands;In this their long and muscular caress Of hate, they knit tenacious, knots and bands, Flinging in various forms their brawny arms and hands. 18. Pressing, compress'd, whirl'd round, they wrestled, till Both overpower'd, together press'd the ground; _iB-I~~;;.-a2ma- - CANTO XIX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 425 Argantes' whether by good chance or skill, His better arm in perfect freedom found; But the more dexterous hand to strike and wound Tancred had undermost, and thus restrain'd, Himself from the fierce arm that clasped him round, Strong with the sense of risk, he disenchain'd, And lightly leaping up, firm footing straight regain'd. 19. Far slowlier rose th' unwieldy Saracine, And ere he rose received a cleaving blow; But as ir blust'ring winds the mountain pine Rears, the next moment that its head stoops low, Its leafy forehead to the clouds, e'en so When most oppress'd, his valor rises higher; And now again ferocious thrusts they throw, Fierce strokes exchange, and, in their sightless ire, The fight, with less of skill, grows momently more dire. 20. From Tancred's wounds large drops of purple came, But from the Pagan's flow'd a perfect flood: And now his fury, like a wasting flame Unfed with fuel, faints from loss of blood; Tancred, who saw his foe, in strength subdued, Slowly and slowlier wave his weary blade, To noblest pity calm'd his own fell mood, The angry passions of his soul allay'd, Stepp'd a few paces back, and thus mild speaking, said: 21. " Yield thee, brave man! and recognize in me, Or in strong Fate, thy victor; live, Sir Knight I No spoil, no triumph do I seek o'er thee, Nor to my arms reserve a victor's right i " To this the Pagan, with a frown like Night, More fierce than ever, kindling into flame The slumb'ring furies of his soul, in spite Replied; " Dost thou, dost thou th' advantage claim? And dost thou dare to tempt Argantes to his shame! 22. " Use thy scorn'd fortune; I will vet chastise, Presumptuous fool! the frenzy of that phrase I" As a spent taper musters ere it dies Its flames, to perish in the splendid blaze, So, cherishing with rage the blood that plays Thus feebly in his veins, he would supply Strength to the spirit which so fast decays; And his last hour of life, which now drew nigh, Crown with a glorious end, and like a hero die. 426 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIX. 23. To his left hand its fellow he applied, And with them both impell'd his heavy blade; Down it descended, —meeting, struck aside The prince's sword, nor there its fury stay'd; But, glancing from the shoulder, did invade All his left side in its oblique career, And many wounds at the same moment made; If Tancred quail'd not at the stroke severe,'Twas that his heart was form'd incapable of fear. 24. His blow the Paynim doubled, but he spent On the void air his desperate energy, As Tancred, conscious of his fierce intent, The stroke prevented, slipping nimbly by. By thine own weight o'erbalanced dost thou lie On earth, Argantes, nor couldst shun the fall; Thyself hast thou o'erthrown,-O fatal die, Well cast! thrice happy, that none else can call Himself thy conqu'ror now, or triumph in thy thrall. 25 His gaping wounds the fall made yet more wide, And from their lips fresh purple torrents broke; Raised by his hand upon one knee, lie tried On new defense the battle to provoke. "Yield," cried the courteous prince, " and live!" one stroke He struck or menaced, as he made th' appeal; The sullen Pagan not an accent spoke, But at swift stealth shot out his treacherous steel, And with a shout of joy exulting pierced his heel. 26. Then rose the rage of Tancred, and he said; "' Villain! dost thou my mercy thus deride?" Then plunged, and plunged again his fatal blade, Where a free pass the aventayle supplied. Thlus died Argantes: as he lived, lie died, Dying, lie mlenaced death: no lamentation Broke from his lips, but fix'd, unbending pride, Ferocious hate, and scorn of all salvation, Spoke in his latest words and last gesticulation.27. His sword then sheathing to his guardian Saint Prince Tancred paid his solemn thanks sincere; But from the strife enfeebled, worn and faint, His bloody mneed has cost the victor dear; So that he seriously began to fear His limbs would seaxcely serve him to retrace MIi. honrewarq pkathy;; yet to the pine-tree near, CANTO XIX JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 427 VIWhich kept the entrance of that shady place, He step by step moved on, with slow unsteady pace. 28. Not far can the weak knight his steps command, The more he hastes, more tired, the less his speed, Whlence he at length sits down, and on his hand, His hand, that trembles like a shaking reed, Propp'd on his elbow, leans his head; fast bleed; His wounds, the scene spins round, his giddy brain Grows dull, and night seenms in her sable weed To wrap the day; at length he swoons with pain, And undistinguish'd lies the slaver from the slain. 29. While the two lords pursue their lonely fight, So fierce and bloody made by private hate, The angry victors in the city smite The guilty people wide from gate to gate: Press'd, on all sides they rush, to shun their fate; Oh who can fully picture in his page The horrors of the sack i what tongue relate In fitting terms the agony-the rageT'he dreadful scenes that pass'd on such a spacious stage! 30. Each place is choked with carnage, fill'd with death; In intertangled heaps the slaughter'd lie; The falling rests upon the fallen; beneath Th' unburied dead the buried living die; Here with dishevel'd locks mad mothers fly, Straining their infants to their breasts; and there The savage spoiler, drunk with victory And rifled treasure, by her golden hair Drags off the shrieking maid to his voluptuous lair. 31. But through the streets which near the western hills, Where he beholds the solemn Temple stand, All moist and horrid with the blood he spills, Rinaldo, rushing, drives the Paynim band; The cruel falchion in his red right hand O'er their plumed heads in bickering circles waves; Its strokes nor shield nor helmet can withstand; He bleeds who vainly turns, he dies who braves; It is the want of arms, not armor here which saves. 32. On steel alone his noble steel descends, Th' unarm'd he scorns to hurt; the arm'd, the strong Who dare him not, and whom no mail defends, By frowns and dreadful shouts he drives along. 428 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIX. O who can tell, nor do his valor wrong, What prodigies he wrought; how wide he spread, How menaced, spared, spurr'd on the trembling throng; How with unequal risk, but equal dread, Arm'd and unarm'd alike his face afirighted fled!33. Already with the crowd their bravest men, A numerous party, had the Temple gain'dl; Which, burnt and oft rebuilt as it had been, The name of its great founder still retain'd. Of cedar, gold, and marbles richly stain'd, The glorious tribute of a thousand shores, King Solomon had framed it: it remain'd. If with less splendid roofs and plainer floors, Strong with embattled towers, firm walls, and brazen doors. 34 Reaching this fortress, in whose spacious heart The multitude were fled, Rinaldo found The portals closed, and every single part Of the high battlements with lances crown'd, And threat'ning mangonels: he roll'd around His flashing eyes, and twice the strong retreat Scann'd from its topmost turret to the ground, Some narrow pass to spy, arid twice in heat Circled the spacious pile on swift, impatient feet. 35. As the destroying wolf at midnight prowls, With eager hungry jaws and eyes of fire, Round the penn'd fold, and disappointed growls With fierce instinctive hate and native ire; So goes Rinaldo, wild with the desire To penetrate the fabric he surveys; In vain-it stands impassive and entire; In the grand Court at length his steps he stays, And they th' assault expect with fix'd, despairing gaze. 36. By chance, for some rare use reserved, there lay A long and tapering beam the hero nigh; The tightest argosy in Genoa's bay Has not a mast more stately, stout, and high; In this the noble Infant cast his eye, And with that hand to which all weights were light, Poising the formidable lance on high, To his friends' wonder and his foes' affright, Hurl'd it against the gates, with unexampled might. CANTO XIX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 429 37. Nor brass nor marble stone could stand before The sudden force of that tremendous blow; The sounding hinges from the rock it tore, Broke the strong locks, and laid the portals low; Nor batt'ring engine, nor balista-bow, Nor fulmining petard, death's thunder-ball, Could have done more: in, like a deluge, flow Through the void pass vast numbers, at the call Of the triumphant youth, th' inspiring soul of all. 38. Their dreadful slaughter black and mournful made That lofty pile, once consecrate to God; O heavenly justice! sharp, if long delay'd, On wicked nations falls thy chast'ning rod: Under thy secret influence, at thy nod, Rage woke in hearts by nature soft and mild; Till the brim Frank alone on corses trod, And the revilers, in their turn reviled, Wash'd with their blood the fane their sins had late defiled. 39. But Solyman meanwhile to the strong tower Which yet the name of David bore, was sped, And with the gather'd remnant of his power, Block'd up each street tliat to the fortress led; And thither too tile feeble Tyrant fled, Whom when the Soldan saw, he thus bespoke: " Come, famous Prince! and shield thy noble head On the tower'd summit of this lofty rock, Where thou the worst assaults of battle still mayst mock. 40. " Here from the rage of hostile swords, thy crown, Thy life, and kingdom mayst thou yet defend," " Woe's me!" he answer'd, " woe is me! my Town Barbaric hands from the foundations rend; My race is run, —my rule is at an end,I lived, I reigned; I live and reign no more; For all that now is left me, O my friend, Is to exclaim,'We were!'-all, all is o'er! Our final hour's at hand; pale Death is at the door!" 41. "Where then!" the angry Soldan made exclaim, "Where is thine old heroic courage flown? Ill-fortune take our kingdoms! are not fame, Worth, pride, and kingly grandeur yet our own! These with us stay, though those be overthrown: But rest within thy weary limbs, and court -I 430 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIX. Refreshment; there are those will guard thy throne." Thus saying, he at once unclosed the port, And led the hoary king withii th' embattled fort. 42. His iron mace he grasps with both his hands Girds fast the trusty saber to his thigh, And in th' attempted pass intrepid stands, The whole Frank people singly to defy; Quick, mortal blows fall horrid from on high, The rash they daunt, th' heroic they abase; Whom they kill not, they stun at least,-all fly At length, and vacant leave th' invested place, Where'er he cares to move with his gigantic imace43. But lo! well sheath'd in brigandine of brass, Arrived, and follow'd by a hundred knights, Earl Raymond rushes to the dang'rous pass, And the tremendous weapon sternly slights; He at the Soldan first, but vainly smites, Vainly his sword descends; but not in vain The furious Saracen his stroke requites; Struck on the temples, with bewilder'd brain And quiv'ring arms he lies, extended on the plain44. And now the vanquish'd reassume the fire Which fear had banish'd from their hearts of late, And the Frank victors, beaten back, retire, Or slaughter'd fall within the portal-gate: But the Arch.-Genius of the fierce debate, Seeing the earl, betwixt alive and de.ad, Lie withl the slaughter'd at his feet, elate, Call'd to his Saracens behind, and said; "Drag in this captive knight; what now have ye to dread?" 45. Forward they rush'd to execute the deed, But found the task both dang'rous and severe; For to the rescue, with like eager speed, All Raymond's people flock, with sword and spear. There pious duty fights, brute fury here, In no mean cause, and with no mean intent; The life-the freedom of so brave a peer Hang on their blades; to seize him these are bent,Those bleed, th' affront at once t' avenge and to prevent. 46. Yet had the stubborn Turk at length prevail'd, Such eager thirst for vengeance he display d, For'gainst his thund'ring weapon naught avail'd CANTO XIX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 431 The sevenfold shield, fine helm, or temper'd blade,But from each side a new and powerful aid Was suddenly perceived approaching near, The well-contested fortress to invade; And both at once, from adverse points, appearThe sov'reign Captain there, the young Rinaldo here. 47. Then as a shepherd, when the whirlwind's blast Comes sweeping on, with lightning, hail, and rain, Seeing the skies with thousand clouds o'ercast, His fleecy charge drives from the open plain; And looks around, solicitous to gain The shelter'd valley or o'erarching rock, Where Heaven's hot wrath they may unhurt sustain, With crook and cry he forward speeds the flock, And last avoids himself the storm's infuriate shock: 48. Just so the Pagan Prince, when he descried Th' inevitable tempest, heard the blast That startled heaven, and saw, on either side, The field with groves of lances overcast, Sent bachk bI. men, well guarded by his vast Encircling zhicltl and adamantine mace, Into the towor, himself retiring last; Last he retires, but with that haughty pace, Which shows lie neither yields in fear nor in disgrace., 49.'Twas task enough for him the tower to gain; Scarce were the portals barr'd, th' escape made good, Than both the doors and bars were rent in twain, And on the threshold Young Rinaldo stood; Nor linger'd there; desire to see subdued The knight in deeds of arms uninatch'd, disdain, And his own oath impell'd him to the feud; Rememb'ring well his promise to the Dane, Of keen revenge on him who had Prince Sweno slain. 50. And then, e'en then had-his unconquer'd hand Essay'd the stubborn citadel, nor there Had the Turk found perchance his dauntless stand Of much avail-the victor's blade was bare,But falling twilight now obscured the air, And loud and long the warning trumpet blew, Sounding retreat; within the spacious square Godfrey abode, and round his forces drew, Prompt with the morning sun the struggle to renew. 432 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIX. 51. "Lo!" he exclaim'd, with transport on his brow, "The God of Sabaoth has our armies bless'd; The tug of war is o'er; but little now Remains, my friends, your glory to arrest, Naught to dismay; this tower which we invest, The last sad refuge of the Paynim, ere To-morrow ends, we from their hands shall wrest; Meanwhile let pity urge you with all care To tend your comrades' wounds, and sooth the pains they bear. 52. " Go, care for those who at a price so dear Have of these kingdoms purchased thus the sway! This more befits the Christian chevalier, Than base desire of vengeance, or of prey. Too much, ah, too much cruelty this day Hath witness'd! too much lust of treasure stillI speak it to your shame-do some display! But at your peril plunder more, or kill; Heralds! your trumpets sound, and publish forth my will." 53. This said, he went where, from his swoon awoke, Groan'd in his pain the faint Provenqal Chief: Nor with less boldness to his soldiers spoke The dauntless Turk, and thus disguised his grief; "Heaven, O my friends, will yet a bright relief Bring to our gloom! be firm; in fortune's spite, Your flower of hope yet shows a verdant leaf; For under all this glare of false affright, Our harm has been but small, our loss exceeding light. 54. " The City is not seized; the Christian Lords Have gain'd the ramparts, beat the vulgar down, But in the person of your king, your swords, And shields, you yet comprise the glorious Town. Safe stands your Monarch, safe you see his crown, Safe his best knights, while round this noble host Strong walls arise; vain trophy of renown, Let the gay Franks th' abandon'd suburbs boast, To them th' ambitious game may yet at last be lost. 55. " May be? it must! for, flatter'd into pride By their so prosp'rous fortune, all their mind Will but to ceaseless riot, homicide, And most intemp'rate dalliance be inclined. In this wild tumult, drank with blood, and blind To all but beauty, they must needs appear CAN'Io XIX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 433 But as a rolling wave before the wind, If the Egyptian host, which now is near, Come with the clouds of night, and take them in the rear. 56. " We with our engines may meanwhile annoy Each street that leads to yon accursed tomb; The loftiest structures o'er our foes destroy, And thus our lordship in the town resume," With these bold words he dissipates their gloom; Exiles their fear, exiles their wild amaze, And plants both hope and courage in their room: While these events were passing, midst a blaze Of arms and gorgeous tents, unawed Vafrino strays. 57. The lark was warbling sweet her evening song, When through the shadows of declining day Valfrino left th' encampment; all night long He travel'd on his dark and lonely way; High Ascalon he pass'd, ere morning gray O'er the dim landscape shed its grateful light, And when the sun with culminating ray Had reach'd its hot meridian, to the right The vast, the boundless camp burst proudly on his sight. 58. Millions of tents, o'erwaved with flags unfurl'd, Green, purple, gold, and crimson, he espies; And hears such strange wild tongues, and such a world Of savage sounds from barbarous metals rise, Trumpet, and horn, and gong, with camels' cries, Roarings of elephants, and neighings clear Of shrill-voiced coursers, climbing to the skies, That to himself he says, with soul sincere, "All Asia, Libya, all are sure transported here!" 59. He first th' encampment and its strength surveys, The circling rampart, its extent, and height, Then seeks no more obscure and winding ways, But boldly issues to the public sight; And with an air most unconcern'd and light Enters the regal gates direct, and now Asks, and now answers questions, with a sleight But to be equal'd by the frank bold brow Which makes his answers good, and greets it cares not how. 434'JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIX. 60. Through the long crowded streets, the tents and squares, Now here, now there, solicitous he turns; The horses, armors, chiefs, the name each bears, Their arts and customs he observes and learns Nor satisfied with this, his spirit burns, And partly manages to know the bent Of their most secret projects and concerns So well he speeds beneath his fair ostent, As e'en to win access to the imperial tent. 61. Here, looking round, he mark'd a rent, through which The voice within found egress, and whereby The Viceroy's private cabinet, a rich Recess, was obvious to the curious eye; So that whoever chose thereto t' apply His ear without, might gather whatsoe'er Transpired within; at this the imatchless spy Planted himself, as with assiduous care The tent's defective seaml adroitly to repair. 62. The Chief bareheaded stood, in arms, and wore A vest of Tyrian purple; in the rear Two pages his bright shield and helmet bore;Thoughtful he stood, and, leaning on his spear, Gave heed to one who with a look severe, Tall in his stature, sinewy in his frame, High points discuss'd: Vafrino was all ear; And, surely fancying that he heard the name Of Bouillon's lord, yet more inquisitive became. 63. He heard the Chieftain question: "Art thou then So sure of Godfrey's death?" " So sure," said he, "I take my oath by Allah, ne'er again But as a matador thy face to see; I will outstrip all those who are with me Sworn to the deed; nor ask I other bliss, Than to hang up in trophy, by decree Of our great prince, in his metropolis, The man's rich arms, subscribed with some such verse as this:64. "' These arms in war from the Frank Chief, the curse And scourge of Asia, brave Ormondo tore, When him he slew'; the fame whereof, this verse And trophied marble laud for evermore!"' "Of this," the armed Leader said, "no more; CANTO XIX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 435 Think not the king will leave unglorified A deed which both the Egypts must adore; Thy wish, besure, he will fulfill with pride, And grace thy conqu'ring brows with priceless gems beside. 65. " Now then the counterfeited arms prepare, For the great day of fight approaches fast:" "They are all ready," he replied, and there Both ended parle, and from the chamber pass'd. Suspense and doubt Vafrino's mind o'ercast; Long as he weigh'd the seeming aim and end, Of their discourse, the project to the last Remain'd obscure, —he could not comprehend, Wb~hat by this' feint of arms the traitors could intend. Gi;. Thence he departed, nor the livelong night His eyes to slumber or repose resign'd; But when that mighty camp at morning light Unfurl'd its thousand banners to the wind, He in their march the hostile squadrons join'd, Like the train'd hound sequacious of its scent With them he halted when the day declined, And, as before, stalk'd slow from tent to tent, Eager to gather more of this disguised intent. 67. On a rich throne mid knights and damsels gay, Searching around, Armida he descries; Forlorn she sits, and inly seems to weigh Some deep sad thought, for as she sits she sighs On her white hand in melancholy guise She leans her rosy cheek, and so would fain HIide the love-darting radiance of her eyes; Weeps she or no he knows not, but'tis plain The stars in heaven are dim, and lower, presaging rain. 68. In front of her Adrastus sits, nor l;eeds Aught but her charms,-he moves not, scarce respires, So steadfastly lie hangs on her, and feeds His pining hopes and unappeased desires.. But Tisaphernes now the dame admires, Now eyes the savage, whom in soul he spurns From her dear sight; the while with changeful fires His visage dark and radiant shows by turns, As Love's mild watchlight shines, or Wrath's hot beacon burns. 436 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIX. 69. Then Altamore he views, where more apart He stands, inclosed amidst her virgins bright; He lets not loose his glances, but with art Rules his fond fancy and his wishful sight: His left eye marks her hand, her face, his right Glides down voluptuous on a sweeter quest, And secretly slips in, to its delight, Where the too careless and indulgent vest Reveals, at ev'ry swell, the beauty of her breast. ~0. At length Armida raised her eyes, and straight Her brow clear'd up; and through the clouds of grief With which her pensive features gloom'd of late, Flash'd a sweet smile in beautiful relief. "Prince," she said, turning to the Indian Chief, "Thy vaunts have power my sorrows to assuage; For they confirm nme in the fond belief That I shall have quick vengeance: sweet is rage, When willing Hope takes up Revenge's daring gage."'1. "For Allah's sake, serene," the Indian said, "Thy mournful aspect, and thy griefs control; For soon indeed Rinaldo's hated head I in glad vengeance at thy feet will roll; Or, if it more thy sorrow should console, In chains conduct hiln to whatever jail May please thee most; I swear it on my soul." His rival, hearing thus the ruffian rail, Deign'd not a word himself, but gnaw'd his bitter nail. N2. She, turning then on Tisapherne a smile, Said; "What say'st thou, and how dost thou decide?" "II, who am backward in this vaunting style," The noble Prince in irony replied, " Will follow this grim champion with a stride Less stately, and at distance:" his sharp sneer Stung the fierce savage to the quick, who cried: "And fit it is that he whose arm must fear To match the king of Inde's, should ling'er far arear." 73. The Persian, nettled at the word, toss'd high The haughty plumes upon his head, and said: " O, were I master of my will, had I But free permission to unsheath my blade, Which was the ling'rer should be soon display'd! Nor thee, nor thy big vaunts, ferocious brute! But Heaven and unconsenting Love I dread:" He ceased; Adrastus rush'd to the dispute ~ But then Armida rose, and'twixt them placed her foot. CANTO XIX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 437 74. " Why will you thus retract the oaths," said she, " Which you so oft have given; respect my woes: Both are my champions; let that title be The bond your fatal discords to compose: He that is wroth, is wroth with me; who throws Scorn on his comrade, spares not to provoke My just displeasure; to your cost be foes!" Thus she exclaim'd; and thus, beneath a yoke Stronger than steel, their hot, rebellious spirits broke. 75. Vafrine was there; and, treasuring in his mind All he heard mention'd, from the tent retired; Some deep dark plot he clearly saw design'd, Some plot, that was not thus to have transpired; But this was all; he busily inquired The naked fact, but fruitlessly; defeat And difficulty but the more inspired. The anxious wish his mission to complete; Fix'd or to learn the truth, or there his death to meet. 76. A thousand tricks and subtleties of brain, A thousand unimagined means he tried, To worm the secret out, but still in vain,The plan was still unknown, the arms unspied. Fortune at length, when wit alone could guide His steps no farther, lent her gracious aid. And the dark knot of all his doubts untied; So that all points of the dire project laid Against good Bouillon's life, before him were display'd. 77. Thither he turn'd again, where still among Her armed lovers sat the Syrian queen, Judging the truth would soonest find a tongue, Where such a crowd of visitors convene. Here now he greets a damsel with the mien Of one in all polite enchantments versed, As though the lady he before had seen, And but renew'd some friendship that had erst'Twixt them subsisted long; and frankly he conversed. 78. "Fain would I too," he sportively began, "Become the champion of some charming maid, And, in fulfillmnent of tile purposed plan, The blood of Bouillon or Rinaldo shed; Ask then some boon, my Beauty, that may wed My soul to your sweet service; what you please, Or stout earl's heart or barb'rous baron's head:" Thus he commenced, intending by degrees To slip from gay to grave, and learn the chief's decrees. 438 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIX. 79. But as he spake, he smiled; and in a way So natural and unfeign'd, that to his side Another damsel, who had mark'd the play Of his expressive face, drew near, and cried: "Nay! for thy falchion choose no other bride Than my commands, for on its aid my heart Is set; nor think such love misplaced, —beside By old consent my knight indeed thou art, And e'en as such, we two must have some talk apart." 80. Withdrawn, she spoke: "I know thee well,Vafrine; Me too thou needs must know;" the subtle Spy Felt his heart fail him, but with lively mien Her glance return'd, and smiling made reply: " Nay, gracious lady I ne'er before have I, That I remember, seen your face, although Its beauty asks the gaze of every eye Fitly to praise it; this alone I know, My name is much unlike the one which you bestow. 81. "My mother bore me on Biserta's plains, Her name Lesbina, mine is Almanzore:" Quick she replied " Al. that to thee pertains I long have known, dissemble it no more; Hold Ilot thyself so secret, I implore; I am thy friend, and for thy good would dare No little risk,-Erminia I, of yore A Queen's bless'd daughter and a King's rich heir, Then good Prince Tancred's thrall, and subject to thy care. 82. "Two blessed months thy captive I remain'd, A reverenced nun in a delightful cell. And in all courteous modes was entertain'd; — The same, the same I am; behold me well!" The squire fail'd not, when on her beauty fell His closer gaze, to recognize the fair: "All fears," she added, " from thy mind expel; Fear not for me, thy life shall be my care; By the bright sun in heaven, by heaven itself I swear. 83. " Nay, when thou partest, take me back, my friend, To my dear prison-(pardon me the phrase;) For here in bitter liberty I spend Whole restless nights and melancholy days; And if perchance thou'rt ling'ring here to gaze Upon our camp, and with ingenious brain Pry through our plans, great cause hast thou to praise CANTO XtX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 439 Thy happy stars; for I will things explain, Which else thy utmost skill had fail'd to ascertain." 84. Thus she: but, thoughtful of Armida's snares He silent stood, considering in his mind; "Woman's a false and chatt'ring thing,-she swears. And will and will not, just as sits the wind; Simple's the man, and credulous, and blind, Who trusts a word she says;" at length he cried, After long thought, " If thou'rt indeed inclined To go, so be it; I will be thy guide; Leave we the rest to wait a more convenient tide." 85. And now the gongs and trumpets sound to horse, And through the host an apt confusion reigns; Vafrino leaves her tent, while she perforce Rejoins her friends, awhile with them remains, And in gay talk their idlesse entertains With jocund praises of her new-made knight; Then steals off slyly; mounts her palfrey; gains The place prescribed, and with Vafrino light O'er the wide champaign takes her unregarded flight. 86. When they had reach'd the desert, and in air Beheld the distant towers of Gaza fade, Vafrino begg'd the virgin to declare What secret plot was against Godfrey laid: She then the whole conspiracy display'd, The treach'rous web unwinding, fold by fold; "Eight warriors are there of the court," she said, "In this insidious bond of guilt enroll'd, Of whom the most renown'd is Ormond, base as bold. 87. "These, whether moved by hatred or disdain, Have thus conspired, and'tis their shrewd design, When in pitch'd battle, or to lose or gain These Asian realms, the two great armies join, To bear upon their coats the Red-cross sign, And arm'd like Franks commingle in the fight; And as'tis known the guards of Godfrey shine In or and argent, they themselves will dight In the like foreign vests, emblazoning gold and white. 88. " But all will wear some token on the crest, Whereby their friends may know them for allies; And when both armies lay their spears in rest, And the war thickens and the tumults rise, They will your Chief track out, and in the guise 440 JERUSALEM DELIVEIRED. CANTO XIX. Of guards with amicable zeal crowd round, To pierce his bosom; if they strike, he dies; For know, their swords with poison have been ground, That death may be dealt out in ev'ry separate wound. 89. "And as their Chieftain learn'd from public fame That none with surer skill could signify Your arms and dress, he fix'd on me to frame Their feign'd array, and forced me to colnply. This is the cause I leave the camp; I fly Th' imperious biddings which that Asp of Nile Might further give; his trains of treachery My heart abhors, nor ever shall such guile Or mask'd deceit again my virgin heart defile. 90. " This is the cause, nor this alone,"-and here She ceased, and, coloring to a rosy red, Cast down her eyes, nor could Vafrino hear Well the last words, which much she wish'd unsaid. Solicitous to know what thoughts could shed Such deep confusion o'er her cheek, he press'd The virgin home,-" Of little faith 1 " he said, " Why the true causes hide from one whose breast Is, as thou know'st, of trust? blush not, but speak the rest." 91. Her bosom heaved with a tumultuous swell, And from her lips the trembling accents came Abrupt and prefaced by a sigh: " Farewell Ill-timed reserve and unavailing shame! It is in vain-I am no more the sameIn vain conceal'd and close you strive to hide Love's glowing fires beneath your specious flame! Due were such scruples ere I stepp'd aside; But now a wand'ring maid, farewell th' imperfect pride. 92. "My loss," she added, "on that night of grief, When my poor country yielded to her foes, Surpass'd th' appearance; not that then my chief Misfortune happen'd, but from thence it rose. My scepter lost, my realms subdued, were woes Easy to bear, resign'd with little cost; But with my high estate, my heart's repose Was also gone; ah me! what folly cross'd My brain? then sense was wreck'd, and peace forever lost! CANTO XIX_ JERUSALEM DELIVERED 441 93. " Thou know'st,Vafrine, with what a trembling awe, Seeing such slaughter and foul spoil, I sped To thy kind lord and mine, when first I saw Arm'd in my halls the warrior fix his tread; Thou know'st with what an agony of dread His knees I grasp'd, and of his conqu'ring glave Pray'd strong protection''Mercy, Prince,' I said,'I pray not for my life, but save, oh save My virgin flower unstain'd I'tis all I come to crave.' 94. "He waited not to hear my finish'd plea, But took my hand in his, and said,'Arise! Fear not, fair maiden! I myself will be Thy sure defense; cloud not those charming eyes i' Ah, then I felt, with a divine surprise, I know not what strange sweetness seize my frame, Which by degrees, in gratitude's disguise, Securely creeping through my soul, became, Ere well I wist, a wound, a sickness, and a flame. 95. " He visited me oft, he saw me grieve, And with mild accents would my woes allay;'Thy perfect liberty,' he said,' receive; Take back thy treasures, and be cheer'd, I pray.' Ah, this was cruelty, not kindness! gay I could not be, when while he drew the dart, He rudely snatch'd me from myself away; These he restored to me, the cheaper part But in restoring play'd the tyrant o'er my heart. 96. " Love's hard to hide; with thee I oft apart Ask'd of my lord in garden, hall, and grove; Thou the strong workings of my mind and heart Perceiving, saidst,' Erminia, thou'rt in love!' This I denied-can mlaids do less? and strove To dissipate th' idea; but my sighs Too well sufficed the assertion to disprove; And while my tongue was mute, perchance my eyes Shone with th' impassion'd warmth I studied to dis guise. 97. " Unhappy silence I had I then but sought The fitting medicine for my wounds, I ne'er Had loosed my wishes on a fancy fraught With no relief, nor fled I know not where. I left him, hiding in my breast with care The flame I nursed; —what tongue my pangs can paint, For death alone I look'd; till with despair 44;2 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIX. Love in my succor strove, and in th' attaint, Loosed me from ev'ry tie of feminine restraint. 98. " So that to seek my lord I went, that lihe Might cure the ling'ring sickness lie had made; But on my moonbright way, I chanced to be, By villains, ambush'd in the greenwood shade, Chased and assaulted; scarce could I evade Their savage grasp, so hotly they pursued; To a lone cell at length my palfrey stray'd, And there I dwelt in genial solitude, A simple shepherd-girl, a tenant of the wood. 99. " But when that fond desire, which sore dismay Had for awhile suppress'd, revived again, Daring the same adventure, on my way The same misfortune met with me as then; Nor could I now escape; for in the glen The lurking freebooters were close at hand; Thus was I chased and quickly seized,-the men Were, I soon gather'd, an Egyptian band, xWho straight for Gaza made, swift journeying o'er the sand. 10), "'They took me to their Chief, whose ear my prayer And mournful story so completely gain'd, That he mine honor did respect, and there With kind Armida have I since remain'd. Thus oft have I been harshly entertain'd; Thus oft have I escaped; ah see, Vafrine, What scenes I have pass'd through, what ills sustain'd Yet free, yet captured oft as I hlave been, Still my first chains I wear, preserv'd through ev'ry scene. 101. " Ah, let not him who round my soul entwined The chains from which no power can set me free, Let him not say,'Go, vagrant maid, and find Some other home, thou shalt not stay with me,'But kind and dear may my reception be! ~ Take back,' Vafrino! to thy master say,' This trembling dove, and treat her tenderly!'" Thus spake the Princess; and thus, night and day, They side by side rode on, and talk'd the time away. 102. The beaten road Vafrino left erewhile, Seeking a shorter or securer way; They reach'd at length, what time with farewell smile CANTO XIX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 443 The sun hung hov'ring o'er the landscape gray, Near to the town, a vale of pine and bay; Sprinkled with crimson was the green; and nigh, Groveling in blood, a lifeless warrior lay Across the path; though dead, his Gorgon eye Yet seem'd to menace death, upstaring on the sky. 103. The fashion of his arms and foreign mien Spoke him a Pagan; on Vafrino sped, And somewhat farther on the encircled green, As to the right he clihaced to turn his head, Perceived a second: "' This," he inly said, "Must surely be a Christian, by the grain Of his dark vest;" lie sees the Cross of Red, Leaps from his steed, the face discovers plain, And, " O my God! " he cried, " here lies Prince Tancred slain. " 104. The pitying Princess had paused to gaze On the grim form of the Circassian peer, When that sad voice of anguish and amaze Came like an arrow on her heart and ear; At Tancred's name, she spurr'd like one whom fear Or wine had render'd mad, her palfrey fleet; And when she saw indeed the form so dear, Pale, and wrapp'd round as with the winding-sheet Of death, she stepp'd not, no, she darted from her seat. 18 105. And, with a bursting groan, a stormy shower Of tears, low bending o'er th' unconscious knight, " Fortune," she cried, " in what ill-onmen'd hour Bring'st thou me here? O dire, O fatal sight! Long wish'd, long sought for, is it in this plight I find and view thee, oh my love! laced o'er With wounds; and all unable to requite With one kind look the bitter plaints I pour? No sooner found again, thln lost for evermore! 106. " Ah! never did I dream that to these eyes Thou couldst be aught, love, but a pleasing care; Would they were dark, no more this blank disguise Of thy dear face to mark, which ill they dare. Whlere is its once expressive slei-? all where The mildness beaming from the eve? the cheek's Divine carnations, and the brow tlat bare Itself so bravely?-not a feature speaks,GCone! beyond reach, alas, of groans,or tears,or shrieks! 444 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIX. 107. " But, though thus pale and dim, thou charm'st me still; Fair soul! if yet thou light'st this seeming clay, Yet hear'st my plaints, forgive my daring will And too rash ardor the fond theft which they Tempt me to take,-forgive me if I lay To thine my virgin lips, and one cold kiss Steal from the dull caresses of decay! Warmer I look'd for, but twill be some bliss To seize in death's despite, and die rememb'ring this. 108. " Receive my soul, which flutters to be free, And thither guide it where shine own is fled!" Groaning she spoke, and weeping geem'd to be Apace dissolving with the tears she shed. Bathed by this quick'ning balm, as from the dead, The knight revived, and open'd for a space His languid lips,-dark slumber still o'erspread His heavy eyes, but as she kiss'd his face, One blending sigh from him repaid her bless'd embrace. 100. A gleam of hope, at his reviving breath, Cheer'd the sad maid: "Look up, dear love," she cried, "On the last melancholy rites of death Which I with pious tears and sighs provide! Look on me, Tancred, a funereal bride, Fain in companionship with thee to take The long dark path and perish at thy side I Fly not, fly not so soon, for pity's sake, ~'Tis the last boon I ask, the last request I make." 110. Tancred his eyes unclosed, and closed again, Heavy and dim; and she renew'd her plaint; "This," said Vafrine, " sooths not the hero's pain, First cure the wounded, then bewail th' attaint." He strips him of his arms; Erminia, faint And trembling, aids him as she can, applies Her skillful hand, like a ministrant saint, To search his wounds, and with experienced eyes, Symptoms of hopeful show, rejoicingly descries. 111. By loss of blood and faintness she perceives The trance is caused, and by the chill night wind; But in this lonely wilderness of leaves Naught save her veil occurs, his wounds to bind: But Love romantic bandages can find, And diotate arts of pity strange and sweet, CANTO XIX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 445 For with her radiant tresses, disentwined, She stanch'd the flowing blood, (divine conceit!) And swathed the grisly wounds that so acutely beat.112. Severing the tresses with his sword; for ill Her thin short veil th' occasion could suffice; Nor sage nor crocus, dittany nor dill Found she at hand; but charms of equal price She knew, she used, and from his weary eyes That deadly sleep already shakes away; Lightly he lifts them, and with glad surprise Beholds his servant, and, in strange array, The maid who o'er him hangs with such benign dismay. 113. " How com'st thou here, Vafrino?" soft he said, "And thou, my kind physician! who art thou?" She wept, she blush'd, rejoicing, rosy-red, She sigh'd, she smiled, she felt she wist not how. "Thou shalt know all, prince," she replied, "but now (Thus thy physician bids) be still and rest; Health shall return to thy bewilder'd brow, Prepare the guerdon that shall make me bless'd;" And then his head she placed upon her beauteous breast. 114. Vafrino mused how he might best, ere night, Remove the warrior from the bosky glen, When lo! a band of soldiers came in sight, Whom soon he noted for Lord Tancred's men; They on the tower were fighting round him, when He met the fierce Circassian, blade to blade, And in appeal of battle dared him; then Bade not to follow, they the prince obey'd, But anxious sought him now, so long the hero stay'd. 115. Numbers beside pursued the search, but these Alone had the good chance their wish to gain; Their arms they join, whereon with perfect ease To all, the wounded hero they sustain - "Shall then Argantes," said the knight, "remain, Brave as he was, the prey of wild birds? no! Leave not the hero; bear him from the plain; His gallant relics shall not feed the crow, Nor want such praise or tomb as Tancred can bestow. 116. "I war not with the pale dumb corse,-he died Bold as a lion on the hunter's spear; Funereal rites'tis fit that we provide, The last poor honors that can serve him here." 446 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIX. He said; his troops construct a simple bier, And thus in solemn march behind him bear His slaughter'd foe; Vafrino in the rear, His station takes beside th' enamor'd fair, And tends her o'er the downs with all a page's care. 117. " Not home," said Tancred, "to my wonted tent, But bear, O bear me to the sacred Town! That if cut short by human accident, I there may lay my feverish being down: Haply a spot of such revered renown Where died the Lamb of God, may make my way To heaven more easy; and'twill be the crown Of all my toils, with life's declining ray, Low at his worship'd shrine my pilgrim vows to pay " 118. He said, and thither was he borne, and laid On a soft bed, and in a calm repose Was soon entranced; Vafrino for the maid A near apartment close and secret chose; And, leaving her to cheer her amorous woes With kindling hope's serene perspective, went Where G(odfrey sojourn'd, unforbid by those Who there kept guard, though then in crowded tent On the next stroke of war his dubious thoughts were bent. 119. Beside the bed, whence Raymond scarce uprears His yet enfeebled frame, the Duke was found; By a brave garland of his noble peers, And of his wisest counselors compass'd round. The Squire his tale begins, and a profound Regard is mark'd on each beholder's mien; None interrupts him: " Sire," he says, "renown'd Through the wide world! at thy desire I've been Amidst th' Egyptian tents, and all their forces seen. 120. "But fancy not that of the mighty host The countless swarms can be by me ared; I saw the hills, and plains, and valleys lost, E'en as I look'd, beneath their dark'ning tread; I saw, where'er they canme, where'er they spread, Rich earth despoil'd of all her grass and grain, And the flood shrink in its exhausted bed; Not Jordan's stream, nor Syria's wide champaign Can e'er, methinks, suffice, such myriads to sustain. CANTO XIX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 447 121. "But of their horse and of their foot by far The greater part are merely useless shows; Troops that no signals use nor arts of war, But at a distance fight with slings and bows; Yet are there some choice warriors who compose The Persian host, well mail'd, with sword in hand, And helmets on their heads; but chiefly those Illustrious myrmidons my praise demand, Who guard th' imperial flag, the king's Immortal Band. 122. "Immortal call'd, for when a soldier's lost, Its number not diminishes; the knight Next in renown fills up the vacant post, As though succeeding to his comrade's right; The Captain, Emireno named, for might In deeds of arms and wisdom in divan, Has but few peers; his orders are, despite Thy utmnost phlegm, by all the arts he can, Into a general fight to force thee or trepan. 123. "Nor can the army its approach retard Beyond the second day, for'tis on fire To act,-look well, Rinaldo, then to guard Thy head,'gainst which so many knights conspire. The most renown'd have whet their swords in ire, And pledged their honor on the dreadful deed; While, yet the more to raise incensed desire, Herself Armida promises in meed Of him who or by guile or prowess shall succeed. 124. " Chief of the warriers who have sworn thy death Is Altamore, the king of Samarcand; Adrastus too, whose realms are by the breath Of young Aurora at her rising fann'd; As big and bold a giant as e'er spann'd A sword in battle; so unlike his kind, His reins a monstrous elephant command; And Tisapherne, to whom, of milder mind, The sov'reign palm of worth and prowess is assign'd." 125. This heard, Rinaldo's soul was all ablaze, His eyes with gen'rous indignation fill, He burns to rush amidst his foes, he lays Hand on his sword, nor stands a moment still. "This," said Vafrine, "is one impending ill, But their chief plot, the crowning stroke of all, 448 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XIXs Remains to be disclosed; their utmost skill In arms, their guile, their hatred, and their gall, Will be employ'd to work thine own determined fall." 126. He then proceeded, part by part, t' unveil The latent risk, the mneditated fraud, The poison'd arms, devices, shirts of mail, The vaunt, the promise, and design'd reward. Much was inquired, much answer'd; all applaud The spy's quick genius and accomplish'd vow: Silence ensued; until the chief, unawed By the near danger, raised his tranquil brow, And to count Raymond said, "What counsel offerest thou?" 127. " Not as was fix'd," he said, " at rise of sun To press our foes, but, more to their chagrin, The tower so strictly to besiege, that none May at his pleasure or pass out or in; Meanwhile refresh our forces, which begin To need the respite; strengthen'd thus with rest, The last great battle we may hope to win; But judge thyself at leisure if'twere best, Boldly, or here at bay the battle to contest. 128. " But, above all things, of thyself besure Take every care, as'tis through thee, they own, Our armies conquer; who can else secure The field, and Europe o'er the East enthrone? And that the traitors may be clearly known, Change the devices of thy guardian band; So shall the villains for their crime atone, Caught in the very scheme themselves have plann'd, And thou be still preserved, our armies to command." 129.' As is thy wont," the pious chief replied, "Thy kind regard and wisdom dost thou show; But what thou leav'st unfix'd, I now decideWe will march forth against the haughty foe. Shall armies, recent from the overthrow Of the proud East, from tower or rampart fight, When too by such foul guile insulted? No! Our well-proved swords the traitors shall requite Both in the open field and all-beholding light i 130. "Neither the rumor of our conquer'd spoils Shall they sustain; nor, when in frowns reveal'd, The victor's aspect, or his arms; our toils CANTO XIX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 449 Are crown'd; and in their fall our empire's seal'd: The tower, their last lorn confidence, shall yield, Or, unrelieved of any, be possess'd, When the first engine to its walls is wheel'd!" Here ceased the high-soul'd Chief, for down the west The glitt'ring stars declined, and call'd them to their rest, END OF CANTO XIXX TASSO-15 I.l JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XX. Fi._.__~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.. ~~~~~~~~~~I ARGUMENT. THE host arrives. and with the Christian power Joins in fell battle; Solyman disdains To be coop'd up in the blockaded tower, And sallies out to war upon the plains; With him the king in blood his sab, r stains; Both fall by noble hands: the godlike boy Sooths his forlorn Armida; daylight wanes, But the flush'd Croises all their foes destroy, And to the long-sought shrine proceed with duteous joy. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XX. 1. THE sun was risen, the dial's circling shade Had the tenth hour of morn already pass'd, When, as tl-, Pagans on their tower survey'd The plains, a gloom th' horizon overcast, Dark as the cloud which at gray evening fast Involves the silent world: and now they knew It was indeed the Egyptian camp, at last Come to their aid: such clouds of dust upflew, And shut the heavens, and hills, and valleys from their view. 2. Then from the citadel to heaven they raise A gen'ral shout, a hoarse discordant cry, Like that of cranes, when now from wintry Thrace The must'ring swarms their busy pinions ply, And through the clouds to a serener sky In clangor scud before the freezing gale: The long-wish'd succor lifts their ardor high, So that already from their marble pale Prompt is each hand to shoot, each glorying tongue to rail. 8. The Franks, conjecturing whence this sudden glow Of joy and fury had its impulse, hied To a commanding station, whence the foe In all his pomp of numbers was descried; A.en'roas ardor fires their hearts; they chide The 1:g'ring hours, the war-cry they resound; While the Alush'd youth bellow, on ev'ry side, With i artial murmurs hem the Captain round; And, " Bi.:, O bid," they cry, "the tuneful trumpet ~ound." 454 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XX. 4. But till the morrow he denies their prayer,. And wisely tempers their audacious heat; No flying skirmish will ie wage, nor care For an engagement short of full defeat. "Anon, brave youths!" he answer'd, "but'tis meet That with one day of respite you requite Your recent labors; rest you, I entreat; Perhaps this truce may in our foes excite A rash contempt of us, presumptuous in their might. 5. All stood prepared, and through the long, long night, Expectant pined for morn's returning ray; Ne'er.did the blue sky show so clear and bright, As in the dawning of that noted day; Aurora smiled, and seem'd in her array Of purple radiance with the sun to vie.; Her amethystine crown she shakes away, All becomes gold; and, without film, the sky On great and godlike deeds opes slow its glorious Eye. 6. Soon as he saw the golden morning spring, Godfrey led forth his marshal'd hosts: behind, Care of the tower in which the Syrian king Was coop'd, to Raymond's prowess was assign'd; Who with his own Provencal knights combined The num'rous band of Christians late enroll'd In their deliv'rers' ranks, at Emmaus join'd; Nor these alone were left to guard the hold, But a renown'd brigade of Gascons brave and bold. 7. From the Chief's spirits, of his men admired, The total host on victory presumes: Heaven sends him grace; wherewith, like one inspired, A nobler air and grandeur he assumes: His face the rosy light of youth relumes, Where imaged honor shines like dews in spring; Glows his rich hauberk, dance his soldier plumes, And, as his eye smiles, as his limbs take wing, He in the sunshine looks like some celestial thing. 8. But far he had not march'd, ere in advance The whole Egyptian army he descried; He straight secured a hill which'twas his chance To find outspread on his sinister side, And rear; this seized, upon the champaign, wide In front, but narrow in the wings, his ranks He spreads abroad; the foot, well fortified, CANTO XX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 455 He forms his center, and the center flanks With light-horse wings, composed of Flemings and of Franks. 9. In the left wing, to wvhich the shelving hill, Held by his guardian chivalry, declined, He the two Roberts placed, to Baldwin's skill And wise command the center lie assign'd; Himself the right wing held, where unconfined The plains stretch'd out upon the beams of noon; For there th' Egyptian, if he felt inclined, Might, by th' advancing of his armed moon, Hope with most sure success t' inclose the whole platoon. 10. Here his own noble Lorrainers he fix'd, With mnany a choice and many a well-arm'd knight; And with his archer-horsemen intermix'd Footmen well used amid their ranks to fight. Last, of th' Adventurers, men of noble might, And the.cull'd flower of ev'ry Christian land, He forms a squadron, station'd to the right Somewhat apart, and to Rinaldo's hand Commits the sacred charge of this illustrious band. 11. To whom the Duke: "On thy courageous mind The final issues of the field depend; Keep thou thy squadron close coilceal'd; behind These spreading wings that to such length extend; And when the Egyptian troops draw nigh to blend In stubborn fight, assail them; give not ground, But render vain the object they intend; Which is, if I mistake not, to wheel round, And turn the wings; be bold, and evermore renown'd!" 12. Then on his steed he like the lightning flew From horse to foot, from ranging band to band, Flung up his visor, gave his face to view,Lighten his eyes, and waves his armed hand; He cheers the doubtful; with sublime demand Confirms the ardent; to the bold recites The vaunts. they miade, the wondrous feats they pl ann'd, With praise of valor past the brave delights; And these with views of gold, with honor those incites. 13. At length he paused, where in a gallant line Are ranged his best and noblest chevaliers; 456 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO X-. And from a spot which favors the design, Begins a speech which fires each soul that hears. As when the frigid winter melts to tears, From Alpine peaks, fed with dissolving snows, The swift, smooth torrent sparkingly careers, So full, so fluent, as his fancy glows, From his persuasive lips the sounding period flows. 14. "0 my brave knights, of chivalry the flower! My scourge, my tamers of the Orient! lo, The final day; behold at length the hour For which so warmly you were wont to glow! Not without cause does Heaven its rebels show Drawn to one center; not without high cause Guides them to us; is not your ev'ry foe Brought here, like stags into the lion's paws, That you may end at once ten thousand mortal wars? 15. " In one, unnumber'd vict'ries will be wrought, Nor shall the risk nor the fatigue be more; Take not., O take not then a single thought On the vast swarms that cloud the landscape o'er; For, with themselves at discord, they deplore Their ill conjunction; in their ranks e'en art Confounds itself; and those who fight will gore Themselves, or forln by far the smaller part, Thousands will want the room, and thousands more the hehrt! 16. " Half the vast swarms you view, are naked slaves; Men void of strength or skill, in helpless plight; Call'd from the couch or field, from chains or caves, And dragg'd to battle in their own despite; E'en now, in terror of the coming fight, Their drawn swords quiver, shake their shields; I see The ensigns tremble in their hands! those light Uncertain sounds are no seal'd signs to me,Fear guides their wav'ring march; Death sounds their Lillallie! 17. " Thllat Chief, who, robed in green and purple weed, Ranges their bands, and seems so fierce to view, The Moor and Arab in his chains may lead, But never can resist such knights as you; What, although wise, though prudent, will he do, When his disorder'd troops in battle close? Ill known he is, or only known to few; CANTO XX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 457 Nor well his warriors, none by name he knows; What can he do, brave souls, when thick the tumult grows? 18. " But I am Captain of a chosen host, We fight at once and conquer, side by side; You serve from choice, and I the knowledge boast Of each one's country, lineage, lands, and bride. What noble sword can strike, what javelin glide, That is to me unknown? yea, at a glance, As the shaft passes, can I not decide Whether the same of Ireland were or France, And whose the sinewy arm that made the bowstring dance? 19. "'Tis no great thing I ask; let me but find Each one considerate of his old renown; Use but your wonted zeal, and keep in mind Your honor, mine, and His who bore the crown Of thorns on his pale forehead; go, strike down His scornful foes, and on their cancel'd creed Stablish your conquest of the sacred town! Enough, why argue? in your eyes I read Victory already won,-the Sepulcher is freed! " 20. At the conclusion of this speech, a tire Was seen to fall of clear and golden li.ght Like a descending star or gliding fire Shook from the blue skirts of a summer night, Save that'twas far more beautiful and bright, — A shower as from the sun's most lucid spring, Wove to a garland glorious to the sight, Which round his temples pass'd its golden ring; And thus, as some divined, mark'd out their future king. 21. Perchance, if tongue of mortal may aspire To mortal sight Heaven's secrets to dispread, A guardian Angel from the blissful choir, With radiant wings involved his sacred head. While Godfrey thus his troops exhorting led, And in these terms provoked their martial pride, Th' Egyptian Chief was not less active, fed With equal hopes of victory, to ride Amid his marshal'd men, and cheer their souls untried 22. He led abroad his sumless squadrons, soon As his keen eyes discern'd th' advancing Franks; 458 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO xx. And lined, in form of an extensive moon, With foot his center, and with horse his flanks;,Himself the right commands, the left with thanks The gen'rous Altamore receives; between, The central foot proud Muleasses ranks; And in the, midst, with anger in her mien, Shines, like a glorious star, the beauteous Damascene. 23. With Tisaphernes and th' Immortal band, Frowns on the right the savage King of Ind;'But on the left wing where the plains expand In scope, for swift maneuvers w ell design'd, The Persian kings has Altamore combined, With those of Libya and the two whose sway Is o'er the burning sands where scarce a wind Breaks the hot noon; and there, in grim array, The slings, and bearded shafts, and twanging crossbows play. 24. Thus Einireno ranks his troops; with speed Galliops from wing to wing, from van to rear;,Speaks by interpreters or not, as need erquires; with praises mixes threats severe, Pains with rewards, and with loud chiding, cheer; To some he shouts; " Why, now, my darlings! why Your downcast faces? what is there to fear? What can these do against your thousands? fie! Our shouts, our very shades will make the cravens fly!" 25. To some; " O yes! with that revengeful face Comle, and like vultures your lost spoils regain I " To some, sad fancies clear as truth portrays, And prints th' imagined picture on the brain:?Paints their lamenting country; paints the pain Of their sad families; the moving pleas They use; the hands they wring; the robes they strain; "Think," he exclaims, " that on her bended knees Your country speaks through me! ah, think her accents these! 26. "Guard well my laws; let not my blood descend To bathe my mosques, or stain their golden spires; The tombs and ashes of my dead, defend, Save my chaste maids from their accursed desires. Sad for their bygone youth, to you my sires Show each his hoary and unshielded head; To you my women, mil.dful of your fires, CANTO XX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 459 Bare their imploring breasts, with tears o'erspread, Each mother points her babe, each wife her bridal bed!" 27. And to the rest; " Lo, Asia makes you here The champions of her honor! claims front you Upon these few base robbers a severe And bitter vengeance, but most justly due 1" Thus lhe with various arguments anew In various tongues each various nation charms To the near war; but farewell words! adieu Delay! the stirring trumpet sounds alarms; Small grows the parting space; they grasp their angry arms. 28. O,'twas a brave, a grand, and wondrous sight, Ere front to front the marshal'd hosts combined, To mark how nobly in their ranks each knight Burn'd to move on, and for the signal pined! & How the loose flags flew billowing on the wind; How on ten thousand heads the feathers danced; How robes, impresses, gems, and arms refined, Of all rich colors, gold and steel, advanced Before the flouted Sun, smiled, sparkled, flash'd, and glanced! 29. Like a tall forest of dark pines depress'd Both armies show, so thick the spears abound; Drawn are the bows, the lances laid in rest, Vibrate the darts, the glowing slings whirl round: Each warring horse is on the wing to bound Through the snuff'd battle; to the greeting gales Spreads his broad nostrils, paws the echoing ground, His lord's raised fury whets and countervails, Foanms, prances, snorts, and neighs, and fire and smoke exhales. 30. Horror itself in that fair scene looks gay, And joy springs up e'en in the midst of fear; Nor less the trumpet's organ-tones convey Both bliss and terror of the gazer's ear. But.the Frank hosts, though less by far, appear More brisk at heart and eager at the sight; Their every trumpet with a note more clear And ardent, sounds its prelude to the fight, And their coat-armor glows with a diviner-light. 31. The Christian trumpets first defiance sound, The Pagan gongs take up the tuneful gage; 460 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XX. Kneel the rapt Franks, and kiss the sacred ground With adoration and a holy rage; Then forward sprpig to war: the spacious stage'Twixt the two hosts deceases-disappears Beneath their rushing charge; they meet-engageShock the four wings; each gallant footman hears The clang,-they bound abroad, and van with van coheres! 32. What Christian dealt the first auspicious wound? Who could that guerdon of renown attain?'Twas thou, Gildippe! thou, who to the ground Smot'st the stout king of Ormus, great Hircane; So vast a glory did high Heaven ordain To woman's hands! brave as he was in show, She pierced his breast and broke the spear in twain. Transfix'd he fell, and, falling, heard the foe Raise a triumphant shout, and praise the glorious blow. 33. Her lance thus snapp'd, she with her manly hand Drew her good sword and on the Persians flew; With frequent strokes, of their most serried band Pierced the thick gloom, and let the sunlight through. She cut forlorn Zopiro sheer in two, E'en where th' adorning baldrick clasps the waist; Then the fell savage grim Alarco slew, Cleaving the porch of language and of taste; Who from his charger fell, and spura'd the sands lie graced. 34. A blow fell'd Artaxerxes, and a thrust Argeo,-the one lay stunn'd, the other slain; Then, smiting Ismael's wrist, she to the dust Cast his left hand, which dropp'd the bridle rein; The sword glanced hissing on the ears and mane Of his proud-spirited and ardent bay,Which, startled by the sound, or stung with pain, Check'd by no curb, rear'd, turn'd, and plunged away Through the whole Persian line, in dreadful disarray. 35. All these and numbers more, now lost to song, She slew or wounded; their disorder'd squares The Persians close, and charge her in a throng, Eager to win the precious arms she wears; But now her faithful lord, who half despairs For her endanger'd safety, light as wind Flies to her succor, and his falchion bares; And the bless'd pair; together thus combined, In their united swords united vigor find. CANTO XX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 461 36. Arts of defense their gen'rous souls are seen To use, unpractised and unheard of yet; He shelters her, she him; and in this keen Dispute of love, themselves they quite forget; The ardent heroine, though herself beset, Beats off the weapons that her lord molest; He to the spears which her dear person threat, Is quick to raise his shield, and would be bless'd No less, if need require, t' oppose his naked breast. 37. Each to'the other thus his cares transferr'd, And each the other's wrongs revenged; his blade Slew the presumptuous Artabane, whose word The trembling isle of B6Tecan obey'd; And lifeless stretch'd the haughty renegade, Alvante, who with hand audacious strove To smite his darling; she the debt repaid; For at her lord as Arimnantes drove, His brows from eye to eye th' indignant heroine clove. 38. Such deeds they did, but greater was the wrack Wrought by Prince Altamore; where'er he plied His fearful sword, or spurr'd to the attack His haughty steed; he slew or beat aside Both horse and foot; thrice bless'd was he who died At the first stroke, nor groan'd beneath the tread Of his fierce steed; for whom the homicide Beat down, the cruel creature in his stead Tore with its-gnashing teeth, or proudly trampled dead. 39. By the strong Prince's battle-axe were slain Brunello sinewy and Ardonio great; Of that the helm and head he clove in twain, So that each shoulder dropp'd beneath its weight, Ere fell the corse; but'twas Ardonio's fate Through the quick spleen to be transfix'd, where rise The nerves whose strings with mirth the heart dilate, So that (a strange and horrid sight!) he lies Jocund with mortal pain, and loudly laughing dies. 40. Nor these alone from each delightful tie Of life and love his murdering weapon tore, But good Rosmondo and Gentonio, Guy And Guasco, all lie weltering in their gore. Who can relate what numbers Altamore Beat down, what numbers bade the world farewell, Crush'd by his charger on the sandy floor; The names of all the slaughter'd who can tell, How the brave warrior smote, or how th' assaulted fell? &62 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XX. 41. There lives not one who with the warrior now Will break a spear, or meet him face to face; Alone Gildippe braves him to his brow, Nor in the battle to his arm gives place. Never did Amazon, in stormy Thrace, When red with blood the swift Thermodon ran, Brandish her pole-axe or her shield embrace Dauntless as she, when, issuant from the van, She rush'd to check the pride of this tremendous man. 42. She smote him where with gold and rich aumaile Gay on the helm flamed his barbaric crown; And, shiv'ring it to atoms, made him veil His haughty head, and bow benignly down; Well judged the monarch that no mean renown Graced the bold arm that with such reckless might Enforced its will, and, knitting to a frown His swarthy brows, rush'd forward to requite Shame with incensed disdain, and with revenge despite. 43. And in an instant on her basnet served The gentle Lady with a stroke so sore, As to deprive her of all sense; unnerved, Entranced she sunk,-but her fond lord upbore, And, were it their good Genius that watch'd o'er Their forfeit lives, or magnanimity In hin, the check sufficedr-he struck no more; Like the mild lion, that with gen'rous eye Upon his prostrate foe just glares, and passes by. 44. Meanwhile Ormondo, to whose impious hands The purposed treason was consign'd, slipp'd in With his false mates amid the Christian bands, Eager to perpetrate th' unfinish'd sin; Like midnight wolves? that smoothing their fidrce grin To a meek innocence, assume the guise Of shepherds' dogs, the wattled sheepfolds win Through the dusk mist, and there, with sparkling eyes, Prowl round, their dubious tails upcurl'd betwixt their thighs. 45. Mute they advance, and now with closed ventayle The bloody Pagan draws to Godfrey's side; But when, considerate of Vafrino's tale, Their forged devices, white and gold, he spied; " Lo, the mask'd villains! lo, my friends," he cried, " The wretch that creeps with such a stealthy tread CANKTO xx. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 465 In Frank disguisements near us! round their guide See how his ruffians make to me!" this said, He on the traitor rush'd, and cloved his helmed head. 46. For the confronted felon, quite amazed, Nor struck, nor fenced, nor offer'd to be gone; But e'en as though the Gorgon on him gazed, Sate like an ancient warrior froze to stone: On them all swords were drawn, all darts were thrown, And to its last inevitable cane Each quiver emptied was on them alone; Thus fell, thus died Ormondo and his train, To such small pieces cleft, their corpses scarce remain. 47. Godfrey, when once he saw himself imbrued In Pagan blood, no longer stood at bay, But quickly flew to where the Persian hew'd Through the thick squadrons his triumphant way; So that his knights now fled in disarray, Swift as the sands in Libya's drifting waste, Before the stormy South; their sore dismay He check'd with shouts, rebuked their flying haste, And, staying those that fled, assail'd the Prince who chased. 48. The two stern Chiefs a battle here began, Such as was never in poetic page Emblazed, the while on foot good Baldwin ran Witll Muleasses elsewhere to engage; Nor with less fervor, nor with less wild rage Mix the bold horsemen on the left, where green The sloping hills scoop out a spacious stage; In person there, his two brave knights between, Fights the barbaric Chief, high-minded Emirene. 49. With him. the Norman Robert joins,-they fight With equal valor; but the Fleming's mail The grim Adrastus bores and shatters quite, And with sharp saber cleaves his barr'd ventayle. No certain foe has Tisapherne t' assail, That in close battle can be term'd his peer; But on he scours as with the driving gale, Where most impassive the wedged ranks appear, And all is hideous death before his wing'd career. 50. Thus fought they long, and still their hope and cheer In equal balance hung with doubt and dread; With shatter'd mails, split shields, the shiver'd spear 464 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XX. And cloven helm, was all the field o'erspread In bosoms gash'd or bowels gored, the red Revenging sword lies buried deep, or bright In thousand fragments glitters round the dead; Some lie supine, some groveling, and in spite Seem still the hated earth ferociously to bite. 51. Beside his lord the charger lies outspread;. The comrade lifeless by his comrade lies: Foe beside foe; the living on the dead; And on the vanquish'd oft the victor dies: No silent lull is there, nor formal cries, But a hoarse, indistinct, unceasing sound,Roarings of fury, threats of anger, sighs Of languid Sorrow, wailing o'er his wound, And groans and rising shrieks in faint low moanings dro wn'd. 52. The arms which lately wore so bright an air, Discolor'd now, and dull, and frightful show; The steel has lost its sheen, the gold its glare, Each sparkling color takes the tint of woe: Past is the pomp, the glory, and the glow Of cirneter, and sash, and dancing plume; Turban and gem alike are trampled low, And dust lies thick upon the blood whose bloom Outvied in dire display the purple of the loom. 53. The Moors, the Ethiops, and the Arabs then, To the dull discord of the atabal, Spread out their dusky skirts of moving men, And on the dexter wing revolving fall; Already with their bows and slings they gall The army from afar, when, like the din Of earthquake and of thunder, at the call Of young Rinaldo, his bold knights begin With shouts their rushing march, and hem th' assailants in. 54. The first he met was Asimire, who led The Moors of Merde, an illustrious name; Rinaldo smote him where the swarthy head Towers on the neck, and shore it from the frame; And when this taste of vict'ry and of fame Had whet his angry appetite, the youth So nobly bore him in the bloody -ame, That to relate his deeds woulkd be in sooth To give mute wonder wing, and wed romance to truth. CANTO XX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 465 55. More deaths than blows he deals, yet momently His falchion smites; and as the angry snake Seems in its single tongue to vibrate three, With such a fearful swiftness does it shake, So in dismay these charged barbarians take The single sword which furiously the knight Whirls round, for three; its rapid motions make The first illusion to the trusting sight, And awe the portent seals in superstitious fright. 56. Down, down to Tophet, fast the Negro kings And Ethiopic tyrants bleeding go; Each gallant comrade in his footstep springs, Upon the rest,-with rival zeal they glow: The Pagan multitudes to earth they mow With terrible contempt; and these prepare No vain defense, but die without a blow; A massacre it is, no conflict, where They yield up here their swords, present their bosoms there. 57. Yet long they stand not to receive their wounds In noble parts, but scour away-away; Fear spurs Shem on, uespair their ranks confounds, Lost is all art, relax'd their fair array; But the fiush'd hero still pursues his prey, Strikes down their standards, breaks their strong crossbows, Till spent in utter rout their powers decay; He then returns, for on defenseless foes His fiery soul relents, his zeal less fiercely glows. 58. As the strong wind tenfold its rage augments When hills or sturdy woods its blasts oppose, But o'er the ample plain at once relents, And in soft murmurs more serenely blows,As on the rock the dashing ocean throws Its rough, its roaring billows, and boils high, But in the open main more gently flows, Rinaldo so, thus unopposed, lays by Much of his noble rage, and calms his angry eye. 69. Then, on the backs of this defenseless force Scorning to spend his gen'rous wrath in vain, He to the infantry directs his course, Late flank'd by Asimire and Artabane, Arab and dusky African; now plain It stood and naked, for the tribes that well % 1; — ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~____ 466 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XX. Might have defensed it, were dispersed or slain; Crosswise he came, and on their flank, in selle, With all his men-at-arms in sworded fury fell. 60. He snapp'd their bristling spears, the ranks they form He clove in twain, and in their pierced array Plunged, beating down their troops; the windy storm Whirls the reap'd harvests with less ease away. On ev'ry side around him does he lay A bloody pavement, pebbled thick with lance, Shield, and lopp'd limb; along whose broad highway The following horse, for Palestine and France, Uncurb'd,with batt'ring hoofs in gorgeous frenzy prance 61. The Hero came where his forlorn Armide In warlike pomp stood in her golden car, Girt by a noble band, who for the meed Of her sweet smile escort her through the war; He by his armor known while yet afar, Was view'd by her with eyes which from desire And passion trembled like a sparkling star; He changed but slightly; she,'twixt love and ire, From red to deadly pale, from frost to flushing fire. 62. The Knight declined the chariot of the dame, And like a man that would elsewhere bestow His thoughts, pass'd on; but her sworn knights for shame Let not their rival scape without a blow; One drew his crooked saber, one couch'd low His lance, his arbalist another bent; Herself an arrow planted in her blow, Scorn strung her hand, and nerved her fierce intent, But love the mood appeased, nor yet the shaft was sent. 63. Love against anger rose, and their dispute Proved that her flame still glow'd, though hid from view; Three times her arms she stretch'd abroad to shoot, Three times took aim, and thrice her aim withdrew; Disdain at length prevail'd: again the yew She with an eager and unshrinking arm Bent, and the bowstring twang'd; the shaft outflew,Out flew the shaft, but with the shaft this charm She the next moment breathed: "God grant it do no harm I" CANTO XX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 467 64. She would have bade the weapon turn again, And smite the heart whose sternness she resents; O, well indeed she must have loved him, when in hate's last pass her soul so soon relents! But straight again her fondness she repents, Straight to her stormy heart fresh furies rise; Thus she the shaft now joys in, now laments, She will, she will not it should smite, and eyes With a tumultuous heart the arrow as it flies. 65. Not quite in vain was it discharged; the reed Smote the young knight's hard coat of mail, too hard In fact, for female weapons to succeed,The steel, instead of piercing it, was jarr'd Itself to shivers, nor the silver marr'd; He turn'd away,-she thought in scorn, and ground Her teeth with anger at his disregard; Ofttimes she shot, but still no entrance found Her shafts, and while she shot love dealt her wound on wound. 66. " What! is he then impassive, that he mocks All hostile force!" she murmurs "nlust he mail His limbs in adamant like that which locks His haughty spirit in its stubborn scale? Against his heart nor glancing eyes prevail, Nor weapon'd night, arm'd proof from top to toe; While I, alas! at all points foil'd, bewail, Arm'd or unarm'd, alike or friend or foe, My thousand arts despised, and droop my. pennons low. 67. " Now what new art, what charm shall I essay; In what new form can I myself present? Wretch that I am, there is no hope! imy day Of rule is o'er, and all my forces spent! My knights, where are they?'tis too evident All power, all arms are weak to his; in vain The spear is level'd, and the crossbow bent:" Thus she repined; for now throughout the plain She saw her champions pierced, beat down, dispersed, or slain. 68. Alone, she felt defenseless, stood in fear To be inthrall'd or slain; nor can the aid Of Dian or Minerva's arms-the spear Or formidable bow, her heart persuade; But as the delicate white swan, dismay'd, O'er which the eagle with fierce pounce impends, 468 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XX. Crouches to earth, and her broad wings display'd Folds in mute terror,-to the storm she bends; Just such her motions seem, just such wild looks she sends. 69. But brave Prince Altamore, whose might till now Had held in check Gildippe, had upheld The Persian flag when it began to bow, And by his single arm the Franks repell'd, When in distress his Goddess he beheld, Rush'd, or flew rather from the near attack To her; though honor at the step rebell'd, Him neither honor nor his host kept back; So she but rescued be, the world may go to wrack! 70. Round her ill-guarded car he planted spears, And hew'd an area with his falchion bright; But meanwhile Godfrey and Rinaldo fierce With dreadful slaughter put his troops to flight; The hapless chief beheld their desp'rate plight, And bore himself far better at the ken As a fond lover than a warrior knight; He placed in safety the fair Queen, and then Return'd untimely back to aid his vanquish'd men. 71. It was too late! those troops, like hunted deer, Were gone beyond recall; no hope remain'd: But on the left, the Christians with like fear Fled from the Infidels, whose swords they stain'd; One princely Robert scarce the ranks regain'd, Wounded severely in the breast and face; And one by grim Adrastus was constrain'd To yield his sword; an almost equal pace Both warring hosts thus kept in glory and disgrace. 72. A moment Godfrey takes to reunite His straggling files, and then without delay Renews the charge; and thus in stubborn fight Wings shock with wings in terrible array, Victor with victor; from their late assay Tinged comes each soldier to the strife, in sheen Of spoils from foes torn vauntingly away; Victory and honor from all parts convene; And Mars and dubious Fate unsmiling stand between. 73. While thus in furious rivalry of power The Franks and Pagans stubbornly engage, The fiery Soldan mounts the lofty tower, CANTO XX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 469 And sees, though far remote, the war they wage; As on a theater's illumined stage,. The sad sharp tragedy of human state HIe sees,-their hot assaults of grief and rage, The savage stabs of gladiatorial hate, And all the thousand turns and accidents of fate. 74. Awhile astonish'd and amazed he stood, At the first view; but soon, a sharp desire To ply his saber in that field of blood And high achievement, set his soul on fire; INo dull delay can his revengeful ire Indulge; already armn'd in panoply Of proof, he snatch'd the helmet from his squire; And, " Up, pine here no longer!" was his cry; " This hour it fits us all to conquer or to die!" 75. Whether it were that providence divine This furious spirit breathed in him, to close That day in one bold stroke for Palestine, His last lorn glories and her own long woes; Or that, as Death drew near, the impulse rose, In pure despite of his declining star, Boldly to brave him midst a host of foes, Rapid as rash, he bid the gates unbar, And in his awful hand bore out unlook'd-for war. 76. He waits not, he, to notice if his knights Obey the call, but rushes out alone; Singly a thousand foes lie dares, and slights Their thousand swords, impassive in his own; But by his spirit and audacious tone Inspired, the rest like baccllanals pursue, And Aladine himnself, who on his throne Was tim'rous, mean, and base, now reckless grew, And, less from hope than rage, outrush'd, loud shout. ing too. 77. Upon the first he met th' atrocious Turk His dreadful strokes discharged with such disdain; And sped so swiftly in his murd'rous work, That dead they fall, ere you perceive them slain; Quick from the foremost to the last in trainVoice after voice-the panic of affright Speeds with th' alarming news, dispatch'd in vain So that the native Christians on the right, By the loud tumult scared, at once disperse in flight. -71_~^-~_____ ~~ 470 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XX. 78. But with far less discomfit and dismay The Gascon chivalry maintain their ground, Although at unawares their mail'd array Was charged, as nearest for the falchion found; Never did savage vulture, heaven's wing'd hound, Nor Alpine wolf, the wood's ferocious lord, With tooth or talon so acutely wound Wild-fowl or flock, as the mad Soldan's sword, Strain'd in his angry grasp the Red-cross champions gored. 79. Hungry and ravenous, like a living thing, It seem'd to crash their limbs and drink their blood; With him the Pagans and their hoary king Struck down and slaughter'd, in their desp'rate mood, The still-confused besiegers; but the good Count Raymond rush'd to where the Soldan slew His faithful knights; he fled not, but withstood, Though well again the red right-hand he knew, Whose power his anguish'd frame had still such cause to rue. 80. Again he fronts him, smites him, falls again, Struck as before above his closed ventayle; Trhe boist'rous charge if he could ill sustain, His old age only bear the blame, too frail To bide such shocks; this time too, o'er his pale Mute form a hundred spears and sabers play, All eager these to guard as those t' assail; But the grim:Soldan still holds on his way, Deeming the warrior dead or else an easy prey. 81. Upon the rest he falls, dismembers, maims, Acts utter wonders on that narrow stage, Then seeks, by lust allured to loftier aims, A new arena for his boundless rage. As one invited by some gentle page To a brave banquet, from his thrifty board Hies with delight his hunger to assuage; So to a field with ampler victims stored, Speeds he, on nobler food to flesh his ravenous sword, 82. Down through the shatter'd ramparts he descends And with all speed to the grand battle goes, Leaving disdain and fury with his friends, And doubt and fear amid his scatter'd foes; These a dire struggle still maintain, and those Wax bold, th' unfinish'd vict'ry to complete; C',ANTo xx. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 471 These yet resist, but their resistance shows Far fewer signs of triumph than defeat, And now they quite give way in undisguised retreat. 83. The Gascons slowly face to face give ground, But the faint Syrians headlong haste away; Meanwhile the shout of triumph, the known sound Of arms, and clamor of the wild affray, ReachL'd the near spot where wounded Tancred lay; Weak as he was, he rose from bed, went out Upon the roof, and saw with sore dismay The good Count fell'd, and all his spearinen stout, Some in forlorn retreat, and some in utter rout. 84. Courage, which never fails the brave, although The body droops, droops not, but like a charm, In lieu of blood and spirits strengthens so His limbs, that inly fortified from harm, He binds the ample shield upon his arm, Nor deems the burden grievous; grasps his blade,His blade unsheath'd upon the first alarm, And thus with weapons instantly array'd, (All that a brave man needs,) no longer there he stay'd. 85. But issuing, loudly to the troops he calls, " What! do you fly, and leave your lord a prey To these barbarians? shall their mosques and halls His arms as trophies of yodr guilt display? Go then, return to Gascony, and say, Say to his son, that from the glorious game Where his loved father died, you ran away! This said, his weak and naked breast became To thousand vig'rous knights their shelter, and their shame. 86. And with his pond'rous shield which seven bull-hides Composed, a rough material, underlined With strong impassive plates of steel besides, By the pure alchemy of fire refined, From swords, and shafts, and arms of every kind, That like a drizzly shower around him play'd, He guarded the good Raymond, and consign'd To death such numbers with his brandish'd blade, That safe the warrior lay as in a silent shade. 87. The brave old Earl, protected thus, respires, Awakes, and rises in a little space; While a, deep feeling of the insult fires 472 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XX. His heart with anger, and with shame his face; He darts his quick bright eyes in every place, On every side, to spy the man whose might Had on his crest inflicted such disgrace; But not perceiving him, he turns with spite Upon his following troops, the outrage to requite. 88. Back to revenge alike their Chief's attaint The flying Gascons the next instant pour; And now the late so daring crew turns faint, And boldness reigns where all was fear before; He yields who smote, he slays who late forbore To smite; lie flies, who lately led the chase; Well now did Raymond act the matador, And with a right good earnestness efface, By full twice fifty deaths, his own most brief disgrace. 89. While striving thus to clear his shamed renown Upon the most distinguish'd crests, he spies Amidst his fighting chivalry, the crown Of all their strength, and at the Tyrant flies; On his helm'd head his battle-axe he plies With a strong arm; nor from his strokes refrain'd, Till with a horrid symphony of sighs And angry groans the monarch fell, constrain'd, And, dying, bit the ground o'er which he lately reign'd, 90. Their Chiefs thus absent one, and one destroy'd, Divided fates the sad survivors sway; Some to distraction by despair annoy'd, Like madd'ning lions, or wild bulls 0at bay, A moment fight, then throw their lives away On the sword's point; while some bewilder'd run Back to the tower; but with their flying prey The victors enter too, opposed by none, And raise their loud huzzas,-the last strong tower is won! 91. Won is the tower, and on the lofty stairs, Or in the very gates the Moslem fall; But Raymond in his grasp ascending bears The Red-cross flag and plants it on the wall In sight of either host, a sign to all Of vict'ry, billowing to the charmed wind But this glad token of the country's thrall The Soldan mark'd not,-his tempestuous mind Had left th' assaulted tower and tumult far behind. CANTO XX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 473 92. He treads the moist vermilion field, which grows With blood and carnage momently more red; So that it seenms the Court where Death bestows His banner'd spoils, and~ stalks with haughty tread, Numb'rino his victims; as he turns his head, He sees a warhorse which without its knight From the thick press with dangling bridle fled; On this he lays his ardent hand, leaps light Into the vacant seat, and spurs it to the fight. 93. Glorious and potent is the aid, but short, Which to the faint, sad Saracen he gives; A bright, brief thunderbolt-that, swift as thought, Unlook'd-for flashes as the cloud it cleaves, But of its momentary transit leaves Eternal furrows plow'd in marble stone; Twice fifty warriors he of life bereaves, But two in Memory's picturing glass alone Has Time's admiring hand to weeping Pity shown. 94. 0 Edward! 0 Gildippe! your harsh fate And noble prowess (if my Tuscan rhymes May be so happy) will'I consecrate To the fond praises of all lands and climes; That so the world, with all its storied crimes, Your faith, your love, your virtue may revere, And cite as models for the best of times; And that some eyes, to love and feeling dear, May grace, in solemn verse, your story with a tear. 95. The gen'rous Lady, nobly barb'd and mail'd, Rush'd where such throngs beneath his saber (ied; And with two mnighty blows the Turk assail'd, One clove his buckler, and one plow'd his side; The ruffian knew her by her vests, and cried: "Lo, the white harlot! now by bless'd Mahound, It had for thee been better to have plied The needle still in England, unrenown'd, Than thus with sword and slave to flaunt on foreign ground!" 96. He said; and, fill'd with all a demon's ire, At the brave dame a sweeping blow address'd, Which struck-how could it dare?-her bright attire, Shatter'd her mail, and pierced the beauteous breast Which Love meant only for a tenderer guest; She drops the reins, and, fainting with the w\eight Of pain, seems sinking to her last long rest 474- JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XX. Poor Edward sees, and if he comes too late For her defense, alas,.'tis not his fault, but fate'! 97. What should he do! within his breast at strife Were rage and pity, with distracting smart Urging him, this to aid his drooping wife, And that to stab the murderer to the heart; While Love, lamenting Love, with both took part, Nor would that this or that should plead in vain; Love taught him modes beyond the reach of art,With his left hand would he his dear sustain, And with the right discharge his vengeance and disdain. 98. But power was wanting to his will; too weak, Alas, were they, against so strong a foe! He neither his fair love could aid, nor wreak On the fell homicide the wrath which woe Brought to his heart; ere he could strike a blow, His guardian arim the savage Infidel Smote off, and, forced thus harshly to forego His fond embrace, with her he droop'd, he fell, And falling press'd the form he loved through life so well. 99. As the tall elm to whose sustaining stem WNith all her tendrils clings the bridal vine, If storms uproot or axe to death condenmn, Drags with itself to ground his darling bine,Shatt'ring himself the garlands that enshrine His mossy boughs, and crushing as he lies Her pleasant grapes to over-early wine, He seems to mourn his own sad sacrifice Less than the faithful plant's that round his ruins dies. 100. So falls the knight; and grieves for her alone Whlom I-eaven ordains to be forever his; Fain would they speak, if only to bemoan Each other's pangs, but death denies them this; They commune but with sighs, yet still'tis bliss To view each other as in times gone by; Long as they can they gaze, embrace and kiss: At once their pulses cease, at once they die, And hand in hand to God their pious spirits fly. 101. Fame, spreading quick her pinions for the flight, Tells with her thousand tongues the tale to all; iNot from vague rumor only, but a knight Of special trust Rinaldo learns their fall; CANTO XX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 475 At once love, pity, grief, and duty call On his resentment for reyenge, he flies To his proud foe; but here, to whet his gall, The grim Adrastus crosses him, and cries, While with his brandish'd blade the hero he defies:102. "Ho! by sure tokens thou the man must be For whose presented sword I burn and pine; All day by title have I called on thee, And look'd mid thousand shields in vain for thine; Now will I pay my vows, now at the shrine Of the sweet saint for whose regards I die, Offer thy heart up; come! for Palestine, Our valor, yea, our fury let us try; Thou art Armlida's foe, her sworn avenger I I" 103. This said, with two tremendous blows he sign'd His throat and temples gemm'd with gold aumnaile; The helmet he clove not, (too well refined,) But to the pommel made the hero veil His plumes; ah, then, nor steel nor snaky scale Helps the huge king; Rinaldo wounds him so He needs no further leech; wail, Indra, wail For thy gigantic son 1 a single blow Stills his insulting tongue, and lays his proud hopes low. 104. With horror, awe, amazement, and affright, Cold wax'd the hearts of the surrounding crew; E'en Solyman, who saw the wondrous sight, Changed in his cheer, and inly trembled too: And pale his ruby cheek, and nerveless grew His arm, while, prescient of his coming doom, He knows not what to think or what to do, A thing in him unustlal; but for whom Do the stern Fates reverse the issues of their loom? 105. As when in his brief sleep distressful dreams Afflict the sick man or the madman's brain, He strives all eagerly to move, and seems With more than giant force his limbs to strain, While not a muscle aids his will; in vain A.re all the mighty efforts he can use; Still as the dead his hands and feet remain; He would shout out or scream at what he views; But not a shout, or scream, or syllable ensues. 106. So would the Soldan rush the knight to meet, And musters all his forces for the fight, 476 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XX. But feels not in himself his wonted heat, Scarce knows himself in his diminish'd might; What sparks of ardor his desires excite, A secret terror chills: yet still desire, Pride, love of glory, anguish, and despite, And busy mem'ry in his heart conspire, So that he neither thinks to fly nor to retire. 107. While unresolved he stands, the knight arrives, It seems to him with an Immortal's pace, And with a wrath, a grandeur, that deprives All mortal wrath and grandeur of their grace; Smtall while he fights: yet, dying, no disgrace Stains his long glory; to the last his eye Glows with the mem'ry of his state and race; He shunn'd no strokes, he heaved no groan or sigh, Nor did a single thing but what was great and high. 108. When now the Turk, who in that long crusade Oft like Antaeus fell, to rise again Each time more fierce and strong, at length had play'd His final part, and sluinber'd with the slain; Fortune, who fluctuates like th' unstable main, Hearing the rumor, durst no longer hold The vict'ry in suspense, but o'er the plain Stay'd her swift wheel, her errant course controll'd, And under Godfrey's flag her influences enroll'd. 109. Soon with the rest the kingly squadron flies, The nerve and flower of all the East, whose name Was once thll' Immortal! mortal now, it lies Gored with a slaughter fatal to its fame; But Emireno, seized with gen'rous shame, Cuts short the standard-bearer's flight, and loud With indignation sharply makes exclaim: " Art thou not he whom from a countless crowd I chose to bear tile flag that ne'er in battle bow'd? 110. " Stop!'twas not given thee thus. to bear away From Saracen and Frank, from sword and spear; Canst thou then, craven, see thy chief a prey To the stern foe, and leave him lonely here? What seek'st thou? safety? change thy mad career, The road thou takest leads to death! be true To the borne Crescent, and renounce thy fear; He fights who wishes here to live; come, woo Honor with me, thy prince; her path is safety's too " CANTO XX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 477 111. Blushing the knight obey'd; with far more stern And sharp rebuke the others he address'd; These threats, these blows, that terror makes to turn, The chief's sharp saber glittering at his breast; And rallying thus his bravest and his best, Fresh wings he forms, and, as the trumpets sound, Still with fair hopes; his heart above the rest Bold Tisaphernes cheers, who, though hemm'd round, Fights like a lion yet, nor yields an inch of ground. 112. Wonders that day good Tisaphernes wroughtThe Normans in his wrath he overthrew; Scourged the stout Flemings, and, as still lie foughlt, Young GCernier, Gerard, and De Rosel slew; And when by deeds of so divine a hue He to the measuie of eternal fame His brief existence had prolong'd, he flew At the sublimest risk of all the game, Like one to whose concern life laid no further claim. 113. He spied Rinaldo, and though now his shield Had changed its tincture to a tricolor, Though the pearl eagle in its sapphire field With ruby beak and wings was seen to soar, Known was the proud emblazonry it bore; "And lo!-" he cried, "the dragon of the fight! Heaven nerve my arm to do the deed I swore; Let but my blade Armlida's wrongs requite; Thine, good Mahmoud, shall be the trophies of the knight! " 114. Thus pray'd the Persian, but his prayers were vain, Mahmoud heard not upon his couch of fire; But, as a lion, bristling up his mane, With lashing tail provokes his native ire, So on the whetstone of his wild desire His scorn he sharpens, whets his eager zeal, And, mustering all his strength up for the dire Assault, coil'd safe behind his shield, his steel He lifts-and bounds the barb beneath his angry heel. 115. Rinaldo saw him with his saber raised, And rushl'd to meet him in as swift career; Far fell the near assailants back, and gazed'On the stern scene, with mingled awe and fear. Such was the night and fame of either peer, Such strokes resounded when their weapons cross'd, That each his own strong cause for grief or cheer, 478 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XX. And the whole host of passions that engross'd His soul-at once forgot, in breathless wonder lost. 116. That struck alone; this struck, and wounded, bless'd With greater strength and arms more sure and sound; With cloven shield, pierced helm, and shatter'd crest, The Persian's noble blood distains the ground: The fair Enchantress sees her champion's wound, Sees his pierced armor, his half-hellnless head, And, worse, his failing prowess; gazing round, She finds the rest dishearten'd, slain, or fled, And her own safety hang on fortune's slend'rest thread. 117. Late girt by thousand warriors in the strife, She now stands lonely in her rubied wain; Desp'rate of victory as revenge, her life She holds in hate, she dreads the victor's chain, And straight,'twixt terror, fury, and disdain, Her chariot quitting, on a palfrey near Springs, and takes instant fiight,-her only train Scorn and unconquer'd love, that in her rear Hang like two eager hounds behind a hunted deer. 118. So in sharp battle fled alone of yore Scared Cleopatra, leaving to the blade Of fortunate Augustus, midst the roar Of waves and weapons, her fond knight betray'd. And e'en as he, by tenderness o'ersway'd, False to himself and to the world he woo'd, Follow'd her solitary sails display'd, So the fond Persian would have fain pursued His pearl of beauty too, but this the foe withstood. 119. To the sad Pagan, when his love was lost, Day seem'd to darken and the sunshine fled, And to the knight who thus his wishes cross'd, He turn'd enraged, and smote his helmed head; More lightly falls to fabricate the red And writhen thunderbolts, at Jove's behest, Bronte's vast hammer; well the weapon sped,Its pond'rous stroke alighting on his crest, Made the knight's head bow down beniguly to his breast. 120. But soon recovering, in his seat erect Rinaldo rose, and with his whirling sword Clove the fine hauberk,'twixt the ribs direct Plunged the sharp steel, which in its wrath explored So deep a passage to the heart it gored, CANTO xx. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 479 That far beyond life's citadel it went; Entering the breast, the Pagan's back it bored,The steel drawn forth, supplied a double vent, Through which the noble soul took straight its wing'd ascent. L21. The conqueror paused to contemplate where next He should his falchion ply, where render aid,His foes in all their movements were perplex'd, Their colors struck, and scarce a spear display'd. Here then his terrible career he stay'd, Curb'd in his courser, to the sheath resign'd His sword, his martial ecstasy allay'd, And, calming every passion, call'd to mind Armida's helpless plight and destinies unkind. 122. Her flight he well observed; mild pity now Call'd for his courtesy and gracious cheer, And the remembrance of his parting vow To stand her firm and faithful chevalier, Came o'er his mind, with feelings sweet and dear; So that he follow'd where the dinted ground Betray'd her goaded palfrey's swift career: She the meanwhile a dreary glen had found, Fit place for secret deaths, with cypress compass'd round. 123. Well pleased she was at heart, that chance should guide Her wand'ring steps to so retired a place Here she alighted then, and cast aside Her bow, her arrows, and their golden case " There lie," she murmur'd, " in your deep disgrace, Unhappy armls! that from the war return With scarce a spot your mistress to aggrace: There buried lie, there rust amidst the fern, Since to avenge my wrongs you've shown such small concern! 124. " Ah! midst so many weapons could not one At least return with hostile crimnson blest? If other hearts to you seem marble, shun, Spare not your points to pierce a woman's breast; In this mine own, stripp'd naked for the test, Achieve your triumphs, and your fame restore; Tender it is, Heaven knows, to wounds impress'd By Love's sharp arrows, Love-who evermore Strikes wheresoe'er he aims, and hurts the sufferer sore. 480 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XX. 125. Show yourselves sharp on me and strong; (your past Degeneracy I pardon;) O poor heart I Into what straits of fortune art thou cast, When these alone can peace to thee impart But since no other solace to my smart Remains, none other passport to repose, Go to i the wounds of this consenting dart Shall cure the wounds of love,-a few brief throes, And death shall bring the balm that sooths all earthly woes! 126. "Bless'd, if in dying I bear not with me This my long plague to pester Hell's foul host; Hence, Love! come only, dear Disdain, and be Th' eternal partner of my injured ghost! Or, rising with it from the Stygian coast, To the false wretch that did me such despite, In such a whirlwind of resentment post, With such grim shapes, that ail his dreams by night May be one ceaseless round of agonized affright! " 127. She ceased; and, fix'd in her intention, drew The best and sharpest arrow from her case; Rinaldo reach'd the wood, and caught a view Of her mad gesture and disorder'd pace; Saw her last act, and with how wild a grace She to the fatal stroke her soul address'd; Already death's pale hue o'erspread her face, When, just in time her purpose to arrest, The knight stepp'd in behind, and saved her beauteous breast. 128. Armida turn'd; and saw, to her surprise, The knight, for unperceived was his advance; Shrieking, she snatch'd away her angry eyes From his loved face, and sunk in Passion's trance; She swoon'd, she sank, like a sweet flower by chance Snapp'd half in two, that, with its bells abased, Droops on its stem; he with distracted glance Upheld her, falling, round her charming waist Threw his sustaining arm, her clasping zone unbraced; 129. And o'er her snowy breast and face deprived Of life's warm hues, fond tears of pity shed;As by the summer morning's dew revived, The fading rose resumes its native red, So she, recovering, raised her drooping head And cheek, revived by this'celestial rain'; CANTO XX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 481 Thrice her unclosing eyes sought his, thrice fled The bitter-sweet enchantment, nor again Would she look up, but blush'd'twixt wrath and warm disdain. 130. And with her languid hand would have repell'd The nervous arm by which she was sustain'd; Oft she essay'd, but he the faster held, The more she strove, the more she was inchain'd; Yielding herself at length, like one constrain'd, To that dear bond, for still perchance'twas dear, Despite the scorn she show'd, the hate she feign'd She sighing thus broke forth, while tear on tear Gush'd from the downcast eyes she did not, would nt, rear. 8'31. "0! ever, parting and returning, ever Cruel alike! what dark devices guide Thy movements now?'tis strange thou shouldsT en. deavor'o save the life whose strings thou dost divide. ~hou seek to save me i to what scorn beside Am I reserved? what modes of misery Am I to suffer next? no! no! thy pride And traitorous purpose well we know; but I Am weak indeed, if e'er I want the power to die. 132. " Thy honors truly must be incomplete, If unsaluted; there must be display'd, Chain'd to thy car, or suppliant at thy feet, t dame, now seized by force, as first betray'd I this be thy noblest boast ~ time was, I pray'd To thee for peace and life, L'w sweet would fate Prove to my grief,-but ne'er, false renegade, Kneel I to thee for it! there's n.t a state Which, if it were thy gift, I should not hold in hate I 133. " Of myself, traitor! hope I to unloose, Some way or other, this most wretched framo From thy fierce tyranny; and if the noose, Dagger, and drug, and precipice, and flame Fail thy chain'd slave, by means as sure my aim, Thank Heaven, I yet can compass, and defeat No less thly malice than thy guile; for shame! Cease 6hy base flatteries; cease thy false deceit; How yet he strives with hope my sorrowing soul to cheat." TASO- 16 482 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. CANTO XL 184. Thus she laments; and with the floods of tears Which love and scorn distill from her fair eyes, A sympathizing part his sorrow bears, Where some chaste sparks of love and pity rise: And with a voice sweet as the west wind's sighs, He to her troubled heart speaks peace: " I crave Thy grace, Armida! calm thyself," he cries; " Not to be scorn'd, but crown'd, thy life I save; No foe, but still, yes still, thy champion, yea, thy slave. 185. " Mark in my eyes, if you my words alone Distrust, the fervor of my soul: I swear Again to seat thee on thy father's throne, And make thy comfort my peculiar care; And 0, would Heaven, auspicious to my prayer, Chase from thy mind with its celestial flame Those mists of Pagan darkness which impair Its inward grace and beauty, not a dame In the whole East should match thy glory, power, and fame!" 136. Thus does he sooth, thus sue to her; and so Tempers his suit with tears, his tears with sighs, That, like a virgin wreath of mountain snow When zephyr breathes or sunshine warms the skies, Her haughty scorn, that wore so stern a guise, And all her cherish'd anger melt away, And milder wishes in their room arise: "Behold," she says, "thy handmaid; I obey; Thy lips my future life, thy will my fortune sway I" 137. This while, th' Egyptian Captain in the strife Sees his imperial standard fall to ground, Sees too stout Rimedon deprived of life, Dispatch'd by Godfrey in a single wound; And all his men, discomfited around, Dead, or in flight across the boundless plain; He in this last sharp act will not be found Recreant like them, but seeks (nor seeks in vain) Some noble hand by which he may be nobly slain. 138. Spurring his steed, he against Godfrey rode, No worthier foe he knew could be descried; And wheresoe'er he pass'd or came to, show'd The last brave tokens of despairing pride: But ere he reacli'd his foe, aloud he cried; " Lo, Chief! I come to spend my final hour And hopes with thee; but yet it shall be tried CANTo xx. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 4 If, overpower'd, I too cannot o'erpower, And on my conqu'ror fall, as falls a thunder'd tower' 139. This said, they each at each indignant dash'd; W'ith lifted swords at once they meet, they smite; Broken the shield, the vantbrace cleft, and gash'd Is the left shoulder of the Christian knight; He, on his part, discharged with matchless might On the left cheek a blow that prostrate laid The Pagan chief; and in bewilder'd plight As to regain the saddle he essay'd, Through the abdomen thrust, his life-blood bathed the blade. 140. Prince Emirene thus dead, but few remain Of all that countless host; as he pursued The vanquish'd, Godfrey saw, and check'd his rein, How Altamore on foot, in blood imbrued, With half a sword, and half a helm on, stood, Breasting a hundred bristling spears, that pour'd Round the doom'd Prince, whose prowess still they rued; "Cease, cease," he cried, " Sir Knights I and thou, brave lord, Yield, ('tis Duke Godfrey speaks,) yield up thy useless sword 1" 141. He, who had never till that hour abased To any act like this his lofty soul, When now he heard the name which heaven had graced With such renown from Nubia to the pole, Yielding his arms, replied; " To thy control (For thou deserv'st the homage) I my knee Submit; then midst thy other spoils enroll The name of Altamoro, who will be Neither in fame nor wealtha prize unworthy thee. 142. "The gold and gems of kingdoms shall my kind And faithful lady grant for my release:" " Heaven has endow'd me with a nobler mind," Godfrey replied, " than to desire increase Of earthly treasure; still retain in peace All that from Ind or Persia swells thy store, Bocharian mantle, and Tartarian fleece; I set no price on life; on Asia's shore I war in Europe's right, not trade in Asian ore!' 484 JERUSALEM DELIVERED CANTO XX. 143. This said, he gives him to his guards to tend, And after those that fled pursues amain; These to the rampired camp their lives commend, Yet thence small respite to their fate obtain; Soon is it won; the trench is choked with slain, From gay pavilion to pavilion glide Streams of warm blood, with whose vermilion stain Each sumptuous trophy of barbaric pridePlumes, corslets, turbans, helms, and shields are deeply dyed. 144. Thus conquer'd Godfrey; and as yet there glow'd A flush of glory in the fulgent West, To the freed City, the once loved abode Of Christ, the pious Chief and armies press'd: Arm'd as he was, and in his sanguine vest, With all his knights in solemn cavalcade, He reach'd the Temple; there, supremely bless'd, Hung up his arms, his banner'd spoils display'd, And at the sacred TOMB his vow'd devotions paid. ]ND OFF THE TWENTIETH AND LAST CANTO. L'ENVOI. 1. FARE thee well, soul of sweet Romance! farewell, Harp of the South! the stirring of whose strings Has given, by power of their melodious spell, Such pleasant speed to Time's else weary wings, That, rapt in spirit to the Delphic cell, Midst its green laurels and prophetic springs, The tuneful labors of past years now seem A brief indulgence-an enchanted dream. 2. My pride at noon, my vision of the night, My hope at morn, my joy at lonely eve I Now that thy tones of magical delight Are o'er, do I not well to droop, and grieve? To what new region shall the muse take flight, What pictures fashion, what fresh numbers weave, When all that else had charm'd, must now appear Tame to the eye, and tuneless to the ear? 3. Much shall I miss thee, when in calm repose The Summer moon upon my casement shines; Much, when the melancholy Autumn strows WVith leaves, my walk beneath th' o'erarching pines; Nor less when Spring,'twixt shower and sunshine, throws Abroad the sweet breath of her eglantines; And Winter deepens, with his stormy din, The quiet charm of the bright hearth within. 4. If with no vulgar aiml, no selfish view, I sought to give. thy foreign chords a tongue, Let not my hopes all pass like morning dew, When on thy cypress bough again thou'rt hung,* " Tu che ne vai in Pindo, Ivi pende mia cetra ad un Cipresso, Salutala in mio nome, e dille poi Ch' io son dagli anni e da fortuna -ppresso." Rimra dZ Tas8o. 486 L'ENVOI. But sometimes whisper of me to the few I love, the fond, the faithful, and the young; And those who rev'rence the wrong'd soul that plann'd Thy world of sound, with archangelic hand. 5. Hear how the strings, dear IDA, sound abroad The grief and glory of that matchless mind! What ardor glows in each seraphic chord; How deep a pathos Echo leaves behind! Yet was he wretched whom all tongues applaud,For peace he panted, for affection pined: Be thou, while thy mild eyes with pity swim, More kind to me than AURA was to him:6. Else shall I little prize th' indulgent praise, VVhich some may lavish on a task so long; Else shall I mourn that e'er my early days Were given to feeling, solitude, and song; But thee no light capricious fancy sways, To doubt thy truth would be the heavens to wrong; Peace to thy spirit with the closing spell! And thou, Hesperian Harp, farewell, farewell I 7. Thus went the verse: and thou art now to me, All that the cherish'd Muses were of yore, And, glass'd in other eyes than thine, I see Fair visions rise, but dimly traced before. This peaceful home, this garden, where the bee Hums of Hymettus, and these woods, have more Of stirring music than those old day-dreams Of airy fame and praised Pierian streams. 8. To him who lives as Wisdom would require, As Duty woos, and as the Virtues claim, Time if it robs the Poet of his lyre, Bestows a bliss beyond the wealth of fame,Fruits, that refresh the spirit, and inspire Th' immortal yearning, and that purer flame, To quicken which, until they blend with heaven, The mortal Poet and the Lyre were given. Froxfield, 4th Month 16th, 1880. NOTES. CANTO. STANZA 5. (1) Rival of Godfrey, hear, and hearing, grasp thine arms. The memory of the Crusades, a subject always important to the western nations of Europe, was still very lively at the period when Tasso wrote his'"Gerusalemme," and a new expedition of that kind was planned by Gregory XIII., who ascended the pontifical chair in 1572. From this stanza, it is evident that the poet thought a new crusade not improbable; a d he, perhaps, did not despair of himself gaining laurels in the Holy Land. The mutual jealousy of the Christian princes, however, rendered nugatory the Pontiff's attempts, and Tasso's appeal to the martial spirit of Alphonso served only to exhibit his own zeal. CANTO I. STANZA 54. (2) Roger, of Barnevilte surnamed, renown A nd ancient story with the noblest class. The "Ruggier di Balnavilla" of Tasso has been identified by my friend, M. de Gerville, of Valognes, and on unquestionable grounds, with the ancestor of the Russell family in England. Roger, one of the sons of Hugh de Rosel, who came over with the Conqueror, was lord of the two fiefs of Barneville and Rozel, on the western coast of Lower Normandy, and he is celebrated by all those'writers on the First Crusade, whose histories are published in the " Gesta Dei per Francos," and whom Tasso is well known to have diligently consulted. From a charter preserved in the " Neustria Pia," itappears that (probably to fit himself out for the expedition to the Holy Land) he sold to the Abbot of St. Stephen's in Caen, his fief at Rosel, near that city,* for ~15, by consent of his son Robert, and of his capital lord, Robert, Duke of Normandy; in whose company he went, first to Constantinople, by way of Bulgaria. In the night irruption of Solyman, or Kilidge Arslan, while the Croises were besieging Nice, he was foremost in repelling the attack, "rushing," says Albert of Aix, (p. 267,) " in the midst of the conflict, with lightning-like strokes, and the swiftness of a war-horse, amidst the clash of spears and ringing of swords and helmets." He distinguished himself equally in the ambush before reaching Antioch, (p 225;) again, as one of the standard-bearers, fighting bravely at the bridge of Antioch, (p. 226;) and was the second to scale the tower of that city, when betrayed by Phirouz. But that was the last of his successful exploits upon record. On the first appearance of the advanced guard of the vast Persian army that was marching to reconquer the city, * There was a third fief of the same name, belonging to the family, in the Isle of Jersey, opposite to the bay of Rozel, ini La Mlanche, and the three hamlets are still existing. 488 NOTES. his eager valor led him to sally, with fifteen other knights, from the gates, and he was lured by the flying foe into an ambuscade in a neighboring valley. Observing the great number of his assailants, he sought to regain the city, but was mortally wounded by an arrow, as he crossed the fords of the Pharphar, (p. 248.) Tasso makes him fall by the hand of the Persian Tisaphernes. I/is head was struck off by the barbaric foe, fixed upon a spear, and borne in triumph to the General Kerboga, the Argantes of Tasso. But the gallant Taricred undertook to revenge the loss of his slain friend; and in his first conflict with the foe, returned to the city with six heads of Infidels whom he had slain, raised aloft on spears, in'stern retaliation. The body of De Barneville was borne with weeping and lament to Antioch, andinterred in the vestibule of the Church of St. Peter, "the Croises mourning for his loss as one of the bravest of the people; and the Bishop of Puy and the whole clergy of the camp, commending with hymns nd solemn psalms his soul to Christ, for the love of whom he became an exile and scrupled not to die."-Albert, p. 248. CANTO I. STANZA 55, (3) That shield whereon the snake devours a naked child. Otho was the first of the family of the Visconti, afterward Dukes of Milan, who have continued the armorial bearing assumed by their ancestor, from his conquest of a Saracen warrior in single combat, viz. argent, a serpent wreathed in pale azure, crowned or, devouring an infant gules or proper. CANTO I. STANZA 6). (4) A fight well fit some young enthusiast, In after days should follow, who would win The like renown. The reference in this passage has been wholly mistake en by the commentators who have touched upon it. Paul Beni considered it as some allusoin to Achilles, to whose story it bears no manner of application. The truth is, it was intended as a compliment to Alphonso, who, as we are told by Muratori (Ant. Est., vol. ii, p. 380,) when a youth under twenty, went out one day on- the pretence of hunting, passed into the Venetian territories, and thence fled into Frarce, accompanied by five gentlemen. His design, he said, was to see the world, and be present at the wars in that country. Henry II., his cousin-german, made him captain of a hundred men-at-arms, and he was engaged in several conflicts with the Spaniards. His flight took place in May, 1552, and he returned to Ferrara at the end of September, 1554. CANTO III. STANZA 33. (5) Dexterous the darted balls on nimble feet to shun. This simile alludes to the game of caroselli, introduced into Italy by the Moors; but I have in vain sought, in a variety of authors, for a particular description of it. CANTO IIT. STANZA 37. (6) Where the bird argent spreads its plumes for flight. An eagle argent in a field azure, the armorial bearings of the oi!use of Este. NOTES. 489 CANTO TV. STANZA 83. (7) From her divine lips glides a golden chain, That winds to her dear will who most those tears disdain. The ancients feigned that many chains of gold proceeded from the tongue of Hercules, wherewith the ears of barbaric nations were bound; the fable, says one of the commentators on Tasso, was designed to show the humanizing spirit of eloquence. As illustrative of the subject, it is worthy of remark, that in the Duke of Bedford' s collection af engravings is a curious French print after Raphael, entitled, " L'Eloquence," representing the Gallic Hercules surrounded by various figures, to whose ears chains in many directions are represented as passing from his lips. CANTO XI. STANZA 8. (8).- -whose gentle pleas Win now thy new successor to unlock the gracious gates of pardon and of peace. The poet in these verses pays a passing compliment to the Catholic liberality of Pope Gregory XIII., who, during the jubilee in the summer of 1575, granted a general indulgence to the Roman people. The earnest desire which Tasso had to be a sharer in what he considered as so great a spiritual advantage, is cited by his biographers as one of the principal motives for his visit to Rome at that particular period; and indeed while there, he uniformly spent his mornings in visiting the churches, and in performing those acts of piety which are prescribed for the purpose of receiving a plenary indulgence. CANTO xI. STANZA 77. (9) While hell's pursuing fiends are ever howling nigh This stanza, it may be amusing to mention, was cited by "the selftorturing Sophist," in one of his almost frenzied moods, as an absolute prophecy of his own misfortunes. "' Do you know,' said Rousseau to M. Corancy, suddenly starting from one of those fits of abstraction which this gentleman used to regard as the inevitable prelude to some extravagaut proposition,' do you know why I give Tasso so decided a preference?'-' No, but it is not difficult to conjecture. Tasso, uniting to the most brilliant imagination the good fortune to have lived after Homer and Virgil, has profited of the beauties of both those great poets, and avoided their defects.' —' There is something in that,' said Rousseau;' but do you know that he has predicted my misfortunes?'' I made a movement,' says Corancey,' he stopped me'-' I understand you,' continued he,' Tasso has come before my time-how could he foretell my misfortunes? I know not how, probably he knew not himself; but, in fine, he has predicted them. Have you remarked that Tasso has this peculiarity, that you cannot take from his work a single stanza, nor from any stanza a single line, nor from any line a single word, without disarranging the whole poem, so precisely and curiously is it put together. Very well: take away the stanza I speak of-the text does not suffer, it remains perfect; the stanza has no connection with those that precede or follow it-it is absolutely useless. We must presume that Tasso wrote it involuntarily, and without comprehending it himself-but there it is,' saidhe, pointing out the wonderful verse." CANTO xlv. STANZA 19 (10) Your blood shall mix, and from that union spring A glorious issue, dear to all mankind! 490 NOTES. Tasso in these verses makes allusion'to the marriage of Francis of Lorraine, Duke of Guise, with Anne of Este. Serassi, however, will have them to be nothing less than a prophecy of the gifted poet, and in the courtly dedication of his work to Maria Beatrice of Este, signifies that they bear reference to her marriage with the Archduke Ferdinand of Austria i "The commentators of our poet," he pompously observes, " deserve to be pardoned, if none of them has understood and explained this most important passage; since, in their times, the prediction had not yet been accomplished. But it is my happy fortune to be the first to explain it to the world, and, at the same time, to congratulate your royal highness and Italy, on the felicity which is predicted to both in your glorious descendants.' And, in truth, if the prophecy of the poet has been already fulfill'd in that part of it which seemed the most remote and difficult, there is no reason to doubt that its accomplishment will be complete." CANTO XIV. STANZA 42. (11) Ter gloomy Dives and Aftits to compel. In deference to critical opinion, I have altered all other allusions to the Mahometan Mythology. CANTO XIv. STANZA 74. (12) Mirth overpowers the man, he laughs, and laughing dies. Pomponius Mela speaks of such a fountain as existing in the Fortunate Islands:-Una singulari duorum fontium ingenio maxime insignis: alterum qui gustavere, risu solvuntur in mortem.-Lib. iii. cap. 10. CANTO XV. STANZA 15. (13) Not distant, trees o'er waving trees appear To clothe a hill embrowning all the deep That bathes its base. M1ount Csesius. CANTO xv. STANZA 32. (14) These shall sM.flice to make thy memory long In history's page endure or some divinest song,. Tasso having been proved above to be a vates in both senses of the word, I will indulge the fancy of supposing that he here makes alllusion to "' the Voyage of Columbus " of my friend Mr. Rogers, the chastest and most tasteful of all modern poets, whose writings, often as I read them, seem always fraught with new graces, and a yet more classical charm. From the beautiful fragments which he has given us on this interesting subject, the happy selection of his imagery, which is always highly poetical, and his perfect familiarity with all that the Spanish chroniclers relate of the adventure, it is easy to perceive with how finished a poem he might have enriched the world, had he put forth all the powers of his mind, and filled up the outline which he has so well designed. Imperfect as this is, it resembles in value some of those free and spirited sketches from the pencils of the great masters of painting, which are to be met with in the portfolios of their most passionate admirers. NOTES. 491 CANTO XVn. STANZA 15. (15) Now, now, while'tis youth, pluck the roses of love! As it is possible the change of measure here introduced may meet with some objectors, I affix a translation of the song in the stanza of Spenser, although it is somewhat perilous to attempt it after him. Vide his Description of the Bower of Bliss, in the "Faery Queen," canto xii., stanzas 74 and 75. " Ah see," she sang, "the bashful blushing rose Spread through green leaves its bosom to the light; Half bud, half blossom yet, through dews it glows, And charms the more, the more it shuns the sight I Ah see how boldly soon it courts the bright And burning sun; how soon it droops and fades Nor seems the same rich blossom bf delight Desired so much in songs and serenades, By thousand amor6us youths and thousand blooming maids I''So passes, in the transit of a day, Of mortal life the verdure and the bloom, Nor will the sunshine of a second May The leaf re-open, or the dfower relume; Gather the rose then in its rathe perfume And morning beauty, ere the skies above O'ercast the landscape with funereal gloom While, loved and loving, none the bliss reprove, Now, while it yet is youth, pluck, pluck the rose of love I" CANTO XVI. STANZA 35. (16) Meanw7hile Armida, by the regal gate Starts to behold her savage keeper dead. As Tasso makes no previous allusion to this guard of the palace, the passage may seem to need some explanation. The truth is, there was introduced into the first edition of the poem, at the close of the 15,h Canto, a combat between this warder and the knights, which the author';good taste probably led him afterwards to omit. This allusion he seemn either to have overlooked, or to have purposely left the incident of the conflict to the imagination of the reader. CANTO XVIII. STANZA 30. (17) A rude Silenus oft the days of old Have seen unclose, and yield some Goddessfair. Gia nel' aprir d'un rustico Sileno, Meraviglie vedea l'antica etade; Ma quel gran Mirto da l'aperto seno, Imagini mostrb pin belle e rade. I confess myself indebted to Dr. Black for the correct rendering of this obscure passage, which has much perplexed all the former translators of Tasso In his appendix to the Poet's Life, vol. i, p. 336, he has devoted some pages to its illustration, and not unhappily ridicules the versions hitherto given to it. The real explanation is to be found in a passage of Plato, of whose writings Tasso was always an ardent admirer. Toward the end of the "Symposium," Alcibiades says, that just as rough cases in the forms ~499 NOTES. of Satyrs and Sileni are covers to protect admirably sculptured or carved Statues of Divinities, so the language and metaphors used by Socrates are often so coarse as to lead ordinary hearers to think he is an ignorant and unpolished man; whereas, if you look beneath the outward form of his expressions, and dive into the real, though veiled meaning of his discourse, you will find them to contain the most precious truths of human and divine things. We learn from this, that it was a frequent custom with the Greeks to inclose their most admirable statues in images of Sileni, for the purpose of preserving them, and partly perhaps to set off by contrast the wonderful grace of the included divinity. CANTO XIX. STANZA 104. (18) ------— She stepp'dcl not, no, she darted from her seat! There is a tradition that Tasso had never been able to express the velocity with which Erminiidescends from her palfrey in this interesting scene, until one day, while walking with some friend on the bank of the Tiber, he saw a young man, who was advancing at full gallop, fall from his horse. Whereupon he is said to have immediately burst forth with the admirable line: Non scese, no, precipit6 da sella: The spirit of which I flatter myself I have preserved, as well as the genius of our language and of the Alexandrine will admit. CANTO xx. STANZA 144. (19) And at the sacred Tomb his vow'd devotions paid. I cannot close the pages of this enchanting poem, without expressing my admiration of the character of Godfrey as it is delineated by Tasso. Tancred and Rinaldo are doubtless the general favorites, but Godfrey is recommended to my fancy as the perfect model of a patriotic general. He always appears to us in the most amiable light, no less by his private deeds than by his public actions. Heis uniformly dignified, virtuous, generous, and humane. To the general wish of his Barons he yields gracefully, as a ruler ought; but he is firm in high emergencies, in repressing disaffection and the pride of hostile embassies. His u.niform devotion never reduces him to a tame level with the "pious Eneas" of Virgil:-he is like a lion in the battle: when all his knights seem to decline the combat with Argantes, he is ready himself to meet him as a private soldier; as a private soldier he fights in the first assault on Jerusalem, beats back Solyman in his midnight slaughter of the camp, defies him on the battlements, which he is the third to scale, kills Emireno, the Egyptain leader, and in the universal.slaughter that ensues, sets the crowning charm upon his heroic character, by saving from the fury of his knights the death-devoted Prince of Samarcand. In a Word, he always speaks and acts exactly as he ought, " nor," like the dying Solyman, "does a single thing but what is great and high." It is a fresh source of pleasure in the contemplation of his character, that Tasso's representation of his virtues has all the truth of history. Mr. Mills observes that in him "'the gentlest manners were united to the firmest spirit; the amiableness of virtue to its commanding gravity. He was alike distinguished for political courage and for personal biavery. His lofty mind was capable of the grandest enterprises. His deportment was moral; his piety was fervent. He regretted the stern necessity which drew him from the immediate service of God; butwhen in arms, he was a hero; and his martial zeal in the cause of Heaven was always directed by prudence, and tempered by philanthropy." * In proof * History of the Crusades, vol. i, pp. 83, 84. NOTES. 493 ef his unfeigned piety, it should never be forgotten that while, under the mask of reliion, his brother Baldwin gratified his worldly ambition, Bohemond his pride, and Raymond his avarice, the Duke of Lorraine, faithful to his first simple wish of becoming the defender and advocate of the holy sepulcher, and pressed as he was by the voice of all the Croises, refused to wear a diadem in the city where his Saviour had worn a crown of thorns.* His tomb was watered not only by the tears of his friends, but was honored by the lamentations of many of the Moslems, whose affection his virtues had conciliated. The church of the holy sepulcher received his ashes, and to the present day his tomb may be seen, bearing the following brief inscription: HIc JACET INCLYTUS DUX GODEFRIDUS DE: BUNION, QUI TOTAM ISTAX TERRAM ACQUISIVIT CULTUI CHRESTIANO; CUJUS ANIMA REGNET CUM CHRISTo. AiEN. There too are seen the spurs of the hero, and that long and formidable sword, which in his hands, on the bridge of Antioch, clove in twain a gigantic Saracen from the helmet to the waist. Turning for a moment from the Champion to the Poet of the Cross, I cannot refrain from observing that in no point is Tasso's superiority to Virgil more observable than in the skill with which he portrays his characters, and the individuality and interest with which he supports them to the close. My preference of Tasso to Virgil will perhaps be deemed quixotic by some; but in the teeth of Boileau and of Addison. I will not scruple to maintain that the " Gerusalemme " of Tasso is-botb in action and in plan a far more successful production as an epic poem than the Eneid of Virgil, admirable as this unquestionably is in the polished elegance of its phrase, and the music and mechanism of its numbers. This, however, is a question not to be discussed in the short compass of a note; and I will end the present passing comment onhis merits by the following graceful sonnet, With which I have been honored from the elegant pen of the Archdeacon Wrangham, than which I could scarcely desire a more appropriate conclusion: INSCRIPTION FOR A BUST OF TASSO. From the Italian of Zatthias. Here in these groves, of every Muse the haunt, By Life's rough tempests shatter'd and oppress'd, Torquato from his toils aspired to rest, And in their sheltering bowers, lone habitant, Has found safe refuge. Here their magic choir Still the sweet Sirens hold, and by the side Of echoing streams, i:he swan in stately pride Nests mid the strings of the melodious lyre. Then, Stranger, whether from the icy Pole, Buoyant of heart, or where the blazing noon Scorches swart Afric's race, thou sojourn'st here, To this bright marble bow thy reverent soul, And o'er the bust of sweet Sorrento's son, Strew pious flowers and shed the holy tear. * History of the Crusades, vol. i, p. 266. THE END. ~1. -sl S I al Ia _____ rnrrrb-,,K(l wo a N 0 — A 0 4 a -4 11 I