XLVIII.
“Arrived beneath the craggy keep, the two
“Contend which warrior shall begin the fight.
“When, whether the first lot Gradasso drew,
“Or young Rogero held the honor light,
“The King of Sericane his bugle blew,
“And the rock rang and fortress on the height;
“And, lo! apparelled for the fearful course,
“The cavalier upon his winged horse!
XLIX.
“Upwards, by little and by little, springs
“The winged courser, as the pilgrim crane
“Finds not at first his balance and his wings,
“Running and scarcely rising from the plain;
“But when the flock is launched and scattered, flings
“His pinions to the wind, and soars amain.
“So straight the necromancer’s upward flight,
“The eagle scarce attempts so bold a height.
L.
“When it seems fit, he wheels his courser round,
“Who shuts his wings, and falling from the sky,
“Shoots like a well-trained falcon to the ground,
“Who sees the quarry, duck or pigeon, fly:
“So, through the parting air, with whizzing sound,
“With rested lance, he darted from on high;
“And while Gradasso scarcely marks the foe
“He hears him swooping near, and feels the blow.
