XXXVI.
Urged by the passion lodged in every breast,
A restless curiosity to know
Of others’ cares, the gentle maid addressed
The knight, and sought the occasion of Ins woe.
And he to her his secret grief confessed,
Won by her gentle speech and courteous show,
And by that gallant bearing, which at sight,
Prepared who saw her for a nimble knight.
XXXVII.
“Fair sir, a band of horse and foot,” he said,
“I brought to Charlemagne; and thither pressed,
“Where he an ambush for Marsilius spread,
“Descending from the Pyrenean crest;
“And in my company a damsel led,
“Whose charms with fervid love had fired my breast.
“When, as we journey by Rhone’s current, I
“A rider on a winged courser spy.
XXXVIII.
“The robber, whether he were man or shade,
“Or goblin damned to everlasting woe,
“As soon as he beheld my dear-loved maid,
“Like falcon, who, descending, aims its blow,
“Sank in a thought and rose; and soaring, laid
“Hands on his prize, and snatched her from below.
“So quick the rape, that all appeared a dream,
“Until I heard in air the damsel’s scream.
