LXIII.
She tells him, ‘How the perilous bridge’s floor
‘From cavaliers king Rodomont defends;
‘Where, on a pompous sepulchre, the Moor
‘His prisoners’ ravished arms and vest suspends;
‘Tells how she saw Orlando, raging sore,
‘Do fearful deeds,’ and her relation ends,
Describing how the paynim fell reversed,
To his great peril, in the stream immersed.
LXIV.
Brandimart, who the County loves as dear
As man can love a brother, friend, or son,
Disposed to seek Orlando, far and near,
Nor pain nor peril in the adventure shun,
Till something for the comfort of that peer
By wizard’s or by leech’s art be done,
Armed as he is, leaps lightly on his steed,
And takes his way beneath the lady’s lead.
LXV.
Thitherward where Orlando she had spied,
In company the knight and lady made.
They daily post till to that bridge they ride,
Which Argier’s king maintained, in arms arraid.
To him the guard their coming signified;
Courser and arms his squires as well conveyed;
And Brandimart no sooner is at hand
Than Rodomont is armed and at his stand.
