BOOK THE FIFTH.
185
I wandered reckless where, till wearied out
And cold at heart, I laid me down to die:
So by this warrior found. Him I had known
And loved, for all loved Conrade who had known him. 495
Nor did I feel so pressing the hard hand
Of want in Orleans, ere he parted thence
On perilous envoy. For of his small fare"—
"Of this enough," said Conrade, "Holy Maid!
One duty yet awaits me to perform. 500
Orleans her envoy sent me, claiming aid
From her inactive sovereign. Willingly
Did I atchieve the hazardous enterprize,
For Rumour had already made me fear
The ill that had fallen on me. It remains 505
Ere I do banish me from human kind,
That I re-enter Orleans, and announce
Thy march. 'Tis night—and hark! how dead a silence!
Fit hour to tread so perilous a path!"
And cold at heart, I laid me down to die:
So by this warrior found. Him I had known
And loved, for all loved Conrade who had known him. 495
Nor did I feel so pressing the hard hand
Of want in Orleans, ere he parted thence
On perilous envoy. For of his small fare"—
"Of this enough," said Conrade, "Holy Maid!
One duty yet awaits me to perform. 500
Orleans her envoy sent me, claiming aid
From her inactive sovereign. Willingly
Did I atchieve the hazardous enterprize,
For Rumour had already made me fear
The ill that had fallen on me. It remains 505
Ere I do banish me from human kind,
That I re-enter Orleans, and announce
Thy march. 'Tis night—and hark! how dead a silence!
Fit hour to tread so perilous a path!"
So saying Conrade from the tent went forth. 510
