LXIX.
King Sacripant made answer, “As you see,
“He threw me here, and went but now his way:
“Then tell the warrior’s name, that I may be
“Informed whose valour foiled me in the fray.”
To him the groom,—“That which you ask of me
“I shall relate to you without delay:
“Know that you were in combat prostrate laid
“By the tried valour of a gentle maid.
LXX.
“Bold is the maid; but fairer yet than bold,
“Nor the redoubted virgin’s name I veil:
“’Twas Bradamant[15] who marred what praise of old
“Your prowess ever won with sword and mail.”
This said, he spurred again, his story told,
And left him little gladdened by the tale.
He recks not what he says or does, for shame,
And his flushed visage kindles into flame.
LXXI.
After the woeful warrior long had thought
Upon his cruel case, and still in vain,
And found a woman his defeat had wrought,
For thinking but increased the monarch’s pain,
He climbed the other horse, nor spake he aught;
But silently uplifted from the plain,
Upon the croup bestowed that damsel sweet,
Reserved to gladder use in safer seat.
