LXXII.
Two miles they had not rode before they hear
The sweeping woods which spread about them, sound
With such loud crash and trample, far and near,
The forest seemed to tremble all around;
And shortly after see a steed appear,
With housings wrought in gold and richly bound;
Who clears the bush and stream, with furious force,
And whatsoever else impedes his course.
LXXIII.
“Unless the misty air,” the damsel cries,
“And boughs deceive my sight, yon noble steed
“Is, sure, Bayardo[16], who before us flies,
“And parts the wood with such impetuous speed.
“—Yes, ’tis Bayardo’s self I recognize.
“How well the courser understands our need!
“Two riders ill a foundered jade would bear,
“But hither speeds the horse to end that care.”
LXXIV.
The bold Circassian lighted, and applied
His hand to seize him by the flowing rein,
Who, swiftly turning, with his heels replied,
For he like lightning wheeled upon the plain.
Woe to the king! but that he leaps aside,
For should he smite, he would not lash in vain.
Such are his bone and sinew, that the shock
Of his good heels had split a metal rock.
