XXX.
Sir Guido, when he knew his host to be
Rinaldo, famed above each famous knight,
Whom he had burned with more desire to see
Than ever blindman covets the lost light,
In rapture cries, “What fortune tempted me
“With you, my lord, to strive in deadly fight,
“Whom long I have beloved, and love, whose worth
“I prize above all dwellers’ upon earth?
XXXI.
“Me on the distant bank of Euxine’s flood
“(I Guido am yclept) Constantia bare,
“Conceived of the illustrious seed and good
“Of generous Aymon, as ye likewise are.
“To visit you and my bold brotherhood
“Is the occasion, hither I repair;
“And, where to honour you I had in thought,
“I see my coming has but mischief wrought.
XXXII.
“But that I neither ye nor the others knew,
“Must for so foul a fault be my excuse;
“And, if I can amend it, bid me do
“Whate’er thou wilt, nor ought will I refuse.”
When, on this part and that, between the two,
Of interchanged embraces there was truce,
“Take you no farther thought upon your side
“The battle to excuse,” Rinaldo cried.
