XII.
Rogero heard the call in joyous vein,
And bade his arms be brought; now while in view
Of Agramant he donned the plate and chain,
Those lords the former question moved anew;
‘Who was the knight, that on the martial plain
‘The manage of the lance so quaintly knew?’
And of Ferrau, who spake with him whilere,
Craved, if to him was known that cavalier.
XIII.
“Be ye assured,” to them Ferrau replied,
“He is not one of those I hear you cite
“To me (for I his open face descried).
“Rinaldo’s youthful brother seemed the knight.
“But since his doughty valour I have tried,
“And wot not such is Richardetto’s might,
“I ween it is his sister, who, I hear,
“Resembles much in mien that martial peer.
XIV.
“The damsel equals well, so Rumour tells,
“Rinaldo, and every paladin in fray.
“But brother she and cousin[1] both excels,
“Measured by that which I have seen to-day.”
Hearing him, while upon her praise he dwells,
As the sky reddens with the morning ray,
Rogero’s face is flushed with crimson hue,
And his heart throbs, nor knows he what to do.
- ↑ Rinaldo and Orlando.
