LXXXIV.
“That, in pure gentleness, with little care
“If what he here maintains be wrong or right,
“Because he would preserve a maid so fair,
“Perils his person in the furious fight.
“To injured innocence I safety bear,
“And to the evil man its opposite.
“But first, for love of God, the battle stay;
“Then list, sir king, to what I shall display.”
LXXXV.
So moved the king the grave authority
Of one who seemed so worthy, by his cheer,
That he made sign the battle should not be
Further continued then with sword or spear:
To whom, together with his chivalry,
And barons of the realm and others near
Rinaldo all the treacherous plot displayed,
Which Polinesso for Geneura layed.
LXXXVI.
Next that he there in arms would testify
The truth of what he vouched, the warrior cried.
False Polinesso, called, with troubled eye,
Stood forth, but daringly the tale denied.
To him the good Rinaldo in reply;
“By deeds be now the doubtful quarrel tried.”
The field was cleared, and, ready armed, the foes,
Without more let, in deadly duel close.
