XXX.
Starboard and larboard beats the fitful gale,
And never for a thought its ire assuages;
While the strained vessel drives with humble sail
Before the billows, as the tempest rages.
But I, who still pursue a varying tale,
Must leave awhile the Paladin, who wages
A weary warfare with the wind and flood;
To follow a fair virgin of his blood.
XXXI.
I speak of that famed damsel, by whose spear
O’erthrown, King Sacripant on earth was flung;
The worthy sister of the valiant peer,
From Beatrix and good Duke Aymon sprung.
By daring deeds and puissance no less dear
To Charlemagne and France: Since proved among
The first, her prowess, tried by many a test,
Equal to good Rinaldo’s shone confessed.
XXXII.
A cavalier was suitor to the dame,
Who out of Afric passed with Agramant;
Rogero was his valiant father’s name,
His mother was the child of Agolant[5].
And she, who not of bear or lion came,
Disdained not on the Child her love to plant.
Though cruel Fortune, ill their wishes meeting,
Had granted to the pair a single greeting.
