LXIII.
Rinaldo mused awhile, and then replied,
“And must a gentle damsel die by fire,
“Because she with a lover’s wish complied,
“And quenched within her arms his fond desire?
“Cursed be the law by which the dame is tried!
“Cursed he who would permit a doom so dire!
“Perish (such fate were just!) who cruel proves!
“Not she that life bestows on him who loves.
LXIV.
“Or true or false Geneura’s tale of shame;
“If she her lover blessed I little heed:
“For this my praise the lady well might claim,
“If manifest were not that gentle deed.
“My every thought is turned to aid the dame.
“Grant me but one to guide my steps, and lead
“Quickly to where the foul accuser stands,
“I trust in God to loose Geneura’s bands.
LXV.
“I will not vouch her guiltless in my thought,
“In fear to warrant what is false; but I
“Boldly maintain, in such an act is nought
“For which the damsel should deserve to die;
“And ween unjust, or else of wit distraught,
“Who statutes framed of such severity;
“Which, as iniquitous, should be effaced,
“And with a new and better code replaced.
