LXIX.
“And evil Fate has willed her brother dear,
“Zerbino, is not here the foe to face;
“Since many months has roved the cavalier,
“Proving his matchless worth with spear and mace;
“For if the valiant champion were more near,
“(Such is his courage) or in any place,
“Whither in time the news might be conveyed,
“He would not fail to bear his sister aid.
LXX.
“The king, mean time, who would the quest pursue,
“And by more certain proof than combat, try
“If the accuser’s tale be false or true,
“And she deserve, or merit not, to die,
“Arrests some ladies of her retinue,
“That, as he weens, the fact can verify.
“Whence I foresaw, that if I taken were,
“Too certain risque the duke and I must share.
LXXI.
“That very night I from the palace flee,
“And to the duke repair, escaped from court;
“And, were I taken, make him plainly see
“How much it either’s safety would import:
“He praised, and bade me of good courage be,
“And, for his comfort, prayed me to resort
“To a strong castle which he held hard by;
“And gave me two to bear me company.
