LXXII.
“With what full proofs, sir stranger, you have heard,
“I of my love assured the Scottish peer;
“And clearly can discern, if so preferred,
“That lord was justly bound to hold me dear.
“Mark, in conclusion, what was my reward;
“The glorious meed of my great merit hear!
“And say if woman can expect to earn,
“However well she love, her love’s return.
LXXIII.
“For this perfidious, foul, ungrateful man,
“At length suspicious of my faith and zeal,
“And apprehending that his wily plan,
“In course of time, I haply might reveal,
“Feigned that meanwhile the monarch’s anger ran
“Too high, he would withdraw me, and conceal
“Within a fortress of his own, where I
“(Such was his real end) was doomed to die.
LXXIV.
“For secretly the duke enjoined the guide,
“Who with me through the gloomy forest went,
“The worthy guerdon of a faith so tried,
“To slay me; and had compassed his intent,
“But for your ready succour, when I cried.
“Behold! what wagers love’s poor slaves content.”
Thus to Rinaldo did Dalinda say,
As they together still pursued their way.
