XXX.
As tierce as thought could think, ’twixt either host
Kindled the fell and sanguinary fray.
The daring damsel, fair Dordona’s boast,
Sore vexed and troubled, that in the affray
She cannot compass what she covets most,
—Marphisa with avenging steel to slay,—
Now here, now there, amid the medley flies,
Hoping to see the youth for whom she sighs.
XXXI.
By the eagle argent on the shield of blue
She recognized Rogero, mid the rest.
With eyes and thought intent, she stops to view
The warrior’s manly shoulders and his breast,
Fair face and movements full of graceful shew;
And then the maid, with mickle spite possest,
Thinking another joys the stripling’s love,
Thus speaks, as sovereign rage and fury move.
XXXII.
“Shall then another kiss those lips so bright
“And sweet, if those fair lips are lost to me?
“Ah! never other shall in thee delight;
“For if not mine, no other’s shalt thou be.
“Rather than die alone and of despite,
“I with this hand will slay myself and thee,
“That if I lose thee here, at least in hell
“With thee I to eternity may dwell.
