XLV.
“While I so lingered where those rocks aspire,
“I saw a dwarf guide two of goodly strain;
“Whose coming added hope to my desire
“(Alas! desire and hope alike were vain)
“Both barons bold, and fearful in their ire:
“The one Gradasso, King of Sericane,
“The next, of youthful vigour, was a knight,
“Prized in the Moorish court, Rogero hight.
XLVI.
“The dwarf exclaimed, ‘These champions will assay
‘Their force with him who dwells on yonder steep,
‘And by such strange and unattempted way
‘Spurs the winged courser from his mountain-keep.’
“And I to the approaching warriors say,
‘Pity, fair sirs, the cruel loss I weep,
‘And, as I trust, you daring spoiler slain,
‘Give my lost lady to my arms again.’
XLVII.
“Then how my love was ravished I make known,
“Vouching with bitter tears my deep distress.
“They proffer aid, and down the path of stone
“Which winds about the craggy mountain, press.
“While I, upon the summit left alone,
“Look on, and pray to God for their success
“Beneath the wily wizard’s castle strong
“Extends a little plain, two bow-shots long.
