XLVIII.
Yet will his squadron not so firmly stand,
Maugre the valour which his deeds display,
So firmly, as to wait the Christian band,
In number less, but steadier in array,
More used to joust and manage of the brand,
And all things appertaining to the fray.
Setta and Morocco turned, and, seized with dread,
Zumara and Canaries’ islesmen fled.
XLIX.
But faster than the rest Alzerba flies,
Whom Dardinel opposed, and now with sore
Reproach, and now with prayer he moves, and tries
What best he deems their courage may restore.
“If good Almontes has deserved,” he cries,
“That you should by his memory set such store,
“Now shall be seen—be seen, if you will me,
“His son, abandon in such jeopardy.
L.
“For sake of my green youth, I pray you stand,
“That youth whereon your hopes were wont to feed,
“And suffer not that, scattered by the brand,
“To Africa be lost our noble seed.
“Save you united go, be sure the land
“Is shut against you, wheresoe’er you speed.
“Too high a wall to climb is mountain-steep,
“The yawning sea a ditch too wide to leap.
