IX.
And that who well the youthful champion knew,
Believed he was so wary and discreet,
That, had what he related been untrue,
He never would have risqued so rash a feat,
—For this the greater part the fight eschew,
Fearing in wrongful cause the knight to meet—
Ariodantes (long his doubts are weighed)
Will meet his brother in Geneura’s aid.
X.
“Alas! (he said) I cannot bear to see
“Thus by my cause the royal damsel die;
“My death too bitter and too dread would be,
“Did I, before my own, her death descry;
“For still my lady, my divinity
“She is;—the light and comfort of my eye.
“Her, right or wrong, I cannot choose but shield,
“And for her safety perish in the field,
XI.
“I know I choose the wrong, and be it so!
“And in the cause shall die: nor this would move;
“But that, alas! my death, as well I know,
“Will such a lovely dame’s destruction prove.
“To death I with one only comfort go,
“That, if her Polinesso bears her love,
“To her will manifestly be displayed,
“That hitherto he moves not in her aid.
