XXXVI.
Her further meaning well did he divine,
Weening that him she in that speech would blame,
For having broke their pact; and—with design,
The occasion of his failure to proclaim,—
Of his desire for parley made a sign:
But she, with vizor closed, already came,
Raging and grieved, intent, with vengeful hand,
To fling the youth; nor haply upon sand.
XXXVII.
Rogero, when he saw her so offended,
Fixed himself firmly in his arms and seat.
He rests his lance, but holds the stave suspended,
So that it shall not harm her when they meet.
She that to smite and pierce the Child intended,
Pitiless, and inflamed with furious heat,
Has not the courage, when she sees him near,
To fling, or do him outrage with the spear.
XXXVIII.
Void of effect, ’tis thus their lances go;
And it is well; since Love with burning dart,
Tilting this while at one and the other foe,
Has lanced the enamoured warriors in mid-heart.
Unable at the Child to aim her blow,
The lady spent her rage in other part,
And mighty deeds achieved, which fame will earn
While overhead the circling heavens shall turn.
