LXXXI.
Already so well-grown and widely spread
Were the bright tresses which the hermit shore,
These, gathered in a knot, behind her head,
Though shorter than their wont, the damsel wore;
And he, that castle’s master, plainly read,
(Who often had beheld her face before)
That this was Bradamant; and now he paid
Yet higher honours to the martial maid.
LXXXII.
With modest and with mirthful talk this while,
Seated about the fire, they feed the ear;
And in this way the weary time beguile
Till they are heartened with more solid cheer.
‘If new or ancient were his castle’s style,’
(Bradamant asks the courteous cavalier)
‘By whom begun, and how it took its rise?’
And thus that castellain to her replies.
LXXXIII.
“When Pharamond of France possessed the throne,
“His son, prince Clodion, had a mistress rare;
“And damsel in that ancient age was none
“More graceful, beauteous, or more debonair;
“So loved of Pharamond’s enamoured son,
“That he lost sight no oftener of the fair
“Than Io’s shepherd of his charge whilere:
“For jealous as enamoured was the peer.
