LXXV.
Valiant Marphisa, with a tranquil face,
Heard young Rogero thus his tale pursue.
And joyed to be descended of a race
Which from so fair a font its waters drew:
Whence Clermont, whence renowned Mongrana trace
Their noble line, the martial damsel knew;
Blazoned through years and centuries by Fame,
Unrivalled, both, in men of mighty name.
LXXVI.
When afterwards she from her brother knew
Agramant’s uncle, sire, and grandsire fell,
In treacherous wise, the first Rogero slew
And brought to cruel pass Galacielle,
Marphisa could not hear the story through:
To him she cries, “With pardon, what you tell,
“Brother, convicts you of too foul a wrong,
“In leaving thus our sire unvenged so long.
LXXVII.
“Could’st thou not in Almontes and Troyane,
“As dead whilere, your thirsty faulchion plant,
“By you those monarch’s children might be slain.
“Are you alive, and lives King Agramant?
“Never will you efface the shameful stain,
“That ye, so often wronged, not only grant
“Life to that king, but as your lord obey;
“Lodge in his court, and serve him for his pay?
