XLII.
‘To warn you in due time shall be my care,’
(Said Polinesso) and so went his way.
“Two nights were scarcely passed, ere his repair
“To the known bower was fixed for the assay.
“And, ready now to spring his secret snare,
“He sought his rival on the appointed day,
“And him to hide, the night ensuing, prayed
“I’ the street, which none their habitation made.
XLIII.
“And to the youth a station over-right
“The balcony, to which he clambered, shows.
“Ariodantes weened, this while, the knight
“Would him to seek that hidden place dispose,
“As one well suited to his fell despite,
“And, bent to take his life, this ambush chose,
“Under the false pretence to make him see
“What seemed a sheer impossibility.
XLIV.
“To go the peer resolved, but in such guise,
“He should not be with vantage overlaid;
“And should he be assaulted by surprise,
“He need not be by fear of death dismaid.
“He had a noble brother, bold and wise,
“First of the court in arms; and on his aid,
“Lurcanio hight, relied with better heart
“Than if ten others fought upon his part.
