XXXIX.
‘This will I not believe,’ in answer cried
“(Ariodantes, ‘well assured you lie,
‘And that you have this string of falsehoods tied,
‘To scare me from the dear emprize I try.
‘But charge, so passing foul, you shall abide,
‘And vouch what you have said in arms; for I
‘Not only on your tale place no reliance;
‘But as a traitor hurl you my defiance.’
XL.
“To him rejoined the duke, ‘I ween ’twere ill
‘To take the battle upon either part,
‘Since surer mean our purpose may fulfill;
‘And if it please, my proof I can impart.’
“Ariodantes trembled, and a chill[8]
“Went through his inmost bones; and sick at heart,
“Had he in full believed his rival’s boast,
“Would on the spot have yielded up the ghost.
XLI.
“With wounded heart, and faltering voice, pale face[9],
“And mouth of gall, he answered, ‘when I see
‘Proofs of thy rare adventure, and the grace
‘With which the fair Geneura honours thee,
‘I promise to forego the fruitless chase
‘Of one, to thee so kind, so cold to me.
‘But think not that thy story shall avail,
‘Unless my very eyes confirm the tale.’
