LXXII.
A stripling he, who such sweet musick vented,
Accorded to the horned lyre’s soft tone[11];
That at the dulcet melody relented
The hearer’s heart, though harder than a stone.
Happy! if, with such excellence contented,
He had pursued so fair a fame alone,
And loathed shield, quiver, helmet, sword and lance;
Destined by these to die a youth in France.
LXXIII.
When bold Ferrau beheld his cruel plight,
For whom he love and much esteem profest,
He felt more pity at the doleful sight
Than, ’mid those thousands slain, for all the rest.
And smote the foe who slew him with such might,
That he his helm divided from the crest;
Cut front, eyes, visage, and mid bosom through,
And cast him down amid the slaughtered crew.
LXXIV.
Nor stops he here, nor leaves a corslet whole,
Nor helm unbroken, where his sword is plied,
Of this the front or cheek, of that the poll,
The arm of other foe his strokes divide;
And he, of these divorcing body and soul,
Restores the wavering battle on that side;
Whence the disheartened and ignoble throng
Are scattered wide, and broke, and driven along.
