XXIV.
This while some knights (some knights upon our side,
I say) forth issuing from the city, go
Towards the field of strife, which did divide
The squadrons, here and there, of either foe
—Not half a league of one another wide—
Seeing their knight such mighty prowess show;
Their knight, but whom no otherwise they knew
Than as a warrior of the christian crew.
XXV.
Troyano’s generous son, who had espied
This band approaching to the city-wall,
For due defence would every means provide,
And every peril, every case forestall:
And orders many to take arms, who ride
Forth from the ramparts, at the monarch’s call.
With them Rogero goes, in armour cased,
Balked of the battle by Marphisa’s haste.
XXVI.
The enamoured youth, with beating heart, intent,
Stood by, the issue of the just to view.
For his dear consort fearing the event,
In that he well Marphisa’s valour knew;
—At the beginning I would say—when, bent
On mischief, fiercely closed the furious two:
But when that duel’s turn the stripling eyes,
He stands amazed and stupid with surprize;
