IX.
Between those knights no further parley past:
Without more question, charged the martial two.
Rinaldo with the friendly troop stood fast,
And looked to see what issue would ensue.
“Him from his saddle will I quickly cast,
“If firm the footing, and mine arm prove true;”
Within himself young Richardetto cries:
But that encounter ends in other wise.
X.
Him underneath the vizor’s sight offends
The stranger champion, of the sable weed,
With force so fell, that he the youth extends
Above two lances’ length beyond his steed.
Quickly to venge the knight Alardo wends,
But falls himself astounded on the mead;
Sore handled, and unhorsed by such a stroke,
His buckler in the cruel shock is broke.
XI.
His lance Guichardo levelled, when he spied
Outstretched upon the field, the brethren two;
Although “Halt, halt,” (renowned Rinaldo cried,)
“For this third course to me is justly due:”
But he as yet his helmet had not tied;
So that Guichardo to the combat flew.
He kept his seat no better than the twain;
Forthwith, like them, extended on the plain.
