LVII.
And had upon his head descended shear,
Whereat designed to strike the savage fair.
Scarce his left arm can good Rogero rear;
Can scarce the shield and blazoned bird upbear.
All pity he casts off, and ’twould appear
As in his eyes a lighted torch did glare.
As hard as he can smite, he smites; and woe
To thee, Marphisa, if he plants the blow!
LVIII.
I cannot tell you truly in what wise,
That faulchion swerves against a cypress-stock,
In such close-serried ranks the saplings rise,
Buried above a palm within the block.
At this the mountain and the plain that lies
Beneath it, with a furious earthquake rock;
And from that marble monument proceeds
A voice, that every mortal voice exceeds[3].
LIX.
The horrid voice exclaims, “Your quarrel leave;
“For ’twere a deed unjust and inhumane,
“That brother should of life his sister reave,
“Or sister by her brother’s hand be slain.
“Rogero and Marphisa mine, believe!
“The tale which I deliver is not vain.
“Seed of one father, in one womb ye lay;
“And first together saw the light of day.
