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 UBl^ARY 
 
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 TO 
 
 THE QUEEN. 
 
 \t0^x 
 
 Madam, 
 
 A O approach the High and the Illustrious has 
 "been, in all ages, the privilege of Poets; and though 
 Translators cannot justly claim the same honour, 
 jet they naturally follow their Authors as Attend- 
 ants ; and I hope that, in return for having enabled 
 Tasso to dift'use his fame through the British Do- 
 minions, I may be introduced by him to the pre- 
 sence of Your Majesty. 
 
 Tasso has a peculiar claim to Your HI.uesty's 
 favour, as a Follower and Panegyrist of the House 
 of EsTE, which has one comaion Ancestor with the 
 House of Hanover; and in reviewing his life, it is 
 not easy to forbear a wish that he had lived in a hap- 
 pier time, when he might, among the Descendants 
 of that illustrious Family, have found a more liberal 
 and potent patronage. 
 
 I cannot but observe. Madam, how unequally 
 Reward is proportioned to Merit, when I reflect that 
 the Happiness, which was withheld from Tasso, ig 
 reserved for me; and that the Poem, which ones 
 Jiardly procured to its Author the counteaaace of the 
 B
 
 3 DEDICATION. 
 
 Princes of Ferrara, has attracted to its Translatcj 
 the favourable notice of a British Queen. > 
 
 Had this been the fate of Tasso, he would have-^ 
 been able to have celebrated the Condescension of> 
 Your Majesty in nobler language, but could not 
 itive felt it with more ardent gratitude, than, 
 Madam, 
 
 YouB Majestt's 
 
 Most faithful, and 
 
 Devoted Servant, "? 
 
 JOHN HOOLE
 
 I PREFACE. 
 
 \JF all Authors, so familiarly known by name to 
 
 the generality of English readers as Tasso, perhaps 
 
 '^ there is none whose works have bfen so little read; 
 
 »* and the few who have read them, have seldom csti- 
 
 ^ mated them by their own judgment. As some au- 
 
 ^^ thors owe much of their reputation to the implicit 
 
 acquiescence of the many in tbe eicoraiuras bestowed 
 
 upon them by some person with whom, for whatever 
 
 reason, it has been thought honourable to acquiesce ; 
 
 . so others have been rated much below their merit, 
 
 ^merely because some fashionable critic has decried 
 
 P their performances ; and thus it has happened to 
 
 ^ Tasso. 
 
 M. Boileau, in one of his satires, had ri.liculed 
 the absurdity of " piefcnicg the tinsel of Ta?so to 
 the gold of Virgil ;" this sentiment was hastily catch- 
 <ed up by Mr. Addison, whose polite and elegant 
 ^writings are an honour to our nation, but whos* 
 ^greatest excellence was not, perhaps, tither poetry 
 T or criticism ; and he has zealously declared, in one 
 ji^of his Spectators, that "he entirely agrees with M. 
 *^ Boileau, that one verse in Virgil is worth all tlie 
 tinsel of Tasso." These declarations, indeed, amount 
 to no more than that gold is better than tinsel, and 
 true wit than false ; a discovery which does no great 
 honour to the author : but those, who are accus- 
 tomed to take things ia the gross, and to adopt the 
 judgment of others because they will not venture to 
 judge for themselves, have inferred, that all Virrit 
 is gold, and that all Tasso is tijsel; th^n which no- 
 %ii^ can be more absurd, whether M. Soileau and. 
 B2
 
 4 PREFACE. 
 
 Mr. Addison intended tbe application or not : it is 
 as true, that tlie gold of Tasso is better than his 
 tinsel, as that the gold of Virgil is better ; and 
 though a verse of Virgil is better than all Tasso's 
 tinsel, it does not follow that i( is also better than 
 Tasso's gold. That Tasso has gold, no man, who 
 wishes to be thought qualified to judge of poetry-, 
 will choose to deny. It will also be readily admit- 
 ted, that he has tinsel; but it will be easy to show, 
 not only that the gold preponderates, but that the 
 tinsel mingled with i*, is not in a greater proportion 
 than in many other compositions, which have re- 
 ceived the applause of successive ages, and been pre- 
 served in the wreck of nations, when almost every 
 "Other possession has been abandoned. 
 
 By tinsel is meant false thought, and, perhaps, 
 incredible fiction; and i*hoever is acquainted with 
 ■the WTitings of 0^ kl, knows that he abounds with 
 false thoughts, that lie is contiunally pla\ing npon 
 ■word=, and that his fictions are in the higliest degree 
 incredible; yet his Metamorphoses have ever been 
 held in great estimation by all judges of poetical 
 meiit. 
 
 But if Tasso's raent is to be decided by authority, 
 may not that of M. Voltaire be opposed with great 
 propriety to the pedantry of M. Boileau, and the 
 echo of Mr. Addison ? '" There is (says he, in his 
 Essay on Epic Poetry, no monument of Antiquity in 
 It i!y that more deserves the attention of a traveller, 
 than the Jerusalem of Tasso. Time, which sub- 
 verts the reputation of common performances, as it 
 were by sap, has rendered that of the Jeni<ialera 
 more stable and permanent : this poem is now sung in 
 many parts of Italy, as the fliad was in Greece; and 
 Tasso is placed, without scruple, by the side of 
 Homer and Virgil, notwithstanding his defects, and 
 the criticisms of Despreaux. The Jerusalem ap- 
 pear?, in some respects, to be an imitation of the 
 Iliad ; but if Rinaldo is drawn after Achilles, and 
 Godftej after Agamemnon, I wiil venture to say.
 
 PREFACE. S 
 
 ♦bat Tasso's copy is much superior to the original : 
 in his battles he has as much fire as Homer, with 
 greater variety ; his heroes, like those of the Iliad, 
 are distinguished bj- a difference of character; but 
 the characters of Tasso are more skilfully intro- 
 duced, more strongly markeJ, and infinitely better 
 sustained ; for there is scarce one in the Iliad that is 
 not inconsistent with itself, and not one in the Jeru- 
 salem that is not uniform throughout. Tasso has 
 painted what Homer only sketched; he has attained 
 the art of varying his tints by different shades of the 
 same colour, and has distinguished, into different 
 modes, many virtues, vices, and passions, which 
 others have thought to be the same. Thus the cha- 
 racteristic, both of Godfrey and Aladiae, is sagacity, 
 but the modes are finely varied ; in Godfrey it is a 
 calm circumspective prudence, in A ladine a cruel 
 policy. Courage is predominant both in Tancred 
 and Aigantes; but in Tancred it is a generous con- 
 tempt of danger, in Argantes a brutal fury : so love 
 in Armida is a mixture of levity and desire ; in Er- 
 minia it is a soft and amiable tenderness. There is, 
 indeed, no figure in the picture that does not discover 
 the hand of a master, not even Peter the hermit, 
 who is finely contrasted with the enchanter Ismeno j 
 two characters, which are surely very much supe- 
 rior to the Calchas and Talthybius of Homer. Ri- 
 naldo is, indeed, imitated from Achilles, but his 
 faults are more excusable, his character is more ami- 
 able, and his leisure is better employed; Achilles 
 dazzles us, but we are interested for Rinaldo. 
 
 " I am in doubt whether Homer has done right 
 or wrong in making Priam so much the object of our 
 pit\, but it was certainly a master-stroke in Tasso 
 to render Aladine odious; for the reader would 
 otherwise have been necessarily interested for the 
 Mahometans against the Christians, whom he would 
 have been tempted to consider as a band of vaga- 
 bond thieves, who had agreed to ramble from the 
 heart of Kurope, in order to desolate a country they
 
 e PREFACE. 
 
 bad no right to, an^ massacre, in celti blood, a ve< 
 nerable prince, more than fourscore years old, and 
 his ^ho!e people, araicst whom they had no pre- 
 ter.ce of complaint." I>I. Voltaire then obsenes, 
 that this is indeed the true character of the crusades : 
 but " Tasso (continues he) has. with great judg- 
 ment, represented them very differently ; for, in his 
 Jerusalem, they appear to be an army of heroes, 
 luarchinr under a chief of exalted virtue, to rescue, 
 from the tyranny of Infidels, a ceuntry which had 
 been consecrated by the birth and death of a God. 
 The subject of hi? poem, considered in this view, is 
 the most sublime that can be imagined^ and he has 
 treated it with all the dignity of which it is worthy, 
 and has even rendered it nrt less interesting than 
 elevated. The action is well conducted, and the 
 incidents artfully interwoven ; he strikes out his ad- 
 ventures with spirit, and di-tributes his light and 
 shade with the judgmet-t of a master: he transports 
 his reader from the tumults cf war to the sweet soli- 
 tudes of love; and from scenes exquisitely volup- 
 tuous, he again transports him to the field of battle: 
 be touches all the springs of passion in a swift, but 
 regular succession, and gradually rises above himself 
 as he proceeds from book to book : his style is in all 
 parts equally clear and elegant; and when his sub- 
 ject requires elevation, it is astonishing to see bow 
 be impresses a new character upon the softness of 
 the Italian language, bow he sublimes it into ma- 
 jf^Ty, and compresses it into strength. It must in- 
 deed be confessed, that in the whole poem there 
 are about two hundred verses in which the author 
 has indulged himself in pterile concfits, and a mere 
 play upon words; but this is nothing more than a 
 kind of tribute which his genius paid to the taste 
 of the age he lived in, which had a fondness for 
 points and turns that has since rather increased thaà 
 diminished." 
 
 Such is the merit of Tasso's Jerasalem in the opi- 
 bion of M. Voltaire : he has, indeed, pointed out,
 
 PREFACE. t 
 
 \i:it"h jreat jiuljment, m'.av defects in particulax 
 parts of the work, w^hich he so much admires upon 
 the whole ; but this gives his testimony ia behalf of 
 Tasso, so far as it goes, new force ; and if Tasso 
 can be justified in ?ome p'.aces where M. Voltaire 
 has condemned him, it follows, that his general me- 
 rit is still greater than M. '^'oltaire has allowed. 
 
 Having remarked some fanciful excesses in the 
 account of the expedition of LTiald and his compa- 
 nion, to discover and bring back Rinaldo, who was 
 much wanted by the whole army. M. Voltaire asks, 
 *' what was the great erploit which was reserved for 
 this hero, and which rendered his presence of so 
 much im'portance, that be was transported from the 
 Pic of Teneriffe to Jerusalem ; V^'hy he was" (says 
 M. Voltaire) '• destined by Providence to cut dowa 
 some old trees, that stood ia the forest which was 
 haunted by hobgoblins." M. Voltaire, by this lu- 
 dicrous description of Rir.aldo's adventure in the 
 Enchanted Tiood, insinuates, that the service he 
 performed was inadequate to the pomp with which 
 be was ir.troduced, and unworthy of the miracles 
 which contributed to his return : but. the enchant- 
 ment of the forest being once admitted, thi» exploit 
 of Rinaldo will be found greatly to heighten his cha- 
 racter, and to remove an obstacle to the siefe?Vhicli 
 would otherwise have been insuperable, and would 
 consequently hare defeated the whole enterprize of 
 Che crusade : it was impassible to cany on the siege 
 without m3chine5 constructed of timber; no timber 
 was to be had but iu this for^t ; and in this forest 
 the principal heroes of the Christian army had at- 
 tempted to cut timber in vain. 
 
 To this it may be added, that >t. Voltaire has 
 not dealt fairly, by supposing tbat Rinaldo was re- 
 called to the camp for no other intent than to cut 
 Cown the wood: the critic seems to have forgottea 
 the necessity of this hero's presence to the generai 
 afairs of the Christians; it was be who was destinetl
 
 » PREFACE. 
 
 to kill Soljman, whose «leith wa«, perhaps, of equal 
 consequence to tbe Christians, as that of Hector ta 
 the Grecians : tbe Danish messenger had been mi- 
 raculously presetted, and sent to deliver Sweno's 
 «word to Rinaldo, with a particular injunction for 
 him to revenge the death of that prince on tbe Sol- 
 dan : we see further tbe importance of Rinaldo ic 
 ihe last battle, where he kills almost all the princi- 
 pal leaders ot the enemv, and is the p'eat cause of 
 Ihe entire defeat of the Egrvptian army. 
 
 M. Voltaire's arenerai censure of tliis incident, 
 therefore, appears to be ill-founded. " But certaio 
 Demons («ays he) bavin? taken an infinite varieJy of 
 shapes to terrify those who came to fell tbe trets, 
 Tancred finds his Clorinda shut np in a pine, and 
 wounded by a stroke which he had given to the 
 trunk of the tree; and Armida issues from the bark 
 «f a myrtle, whi<e she is many leagues distant in ths 
 Egyptian army." 
 
 Upon a review of this last passage, the first sen- 
 tence will certainly be found to confute the censure 
 Implied in the second. In the first senlence we are 
 told, " that the forms which prevented the Christian 
 heroes from cutting do.vn tbe trees, were devils :" in 
 the second it is intimated, that the voice of Clorin- 
 da, and the form of Armida, were no illusions, but 
 in reality what they seemed to be : for where is the 
 absurdity that a demon should assume the voice of 
 Clorinda, or the figure of Armida, in this forest, 
 though Clorinda herself was dead, and Armida in 
 another place ? Tasso, therefore, is acquitted of the 
 charge of making Armida in two places at one time, 
 even by the very passage in which the charge i« 
 brought. 
 
 To the authority of IVI» Voltaire, who, at tbe same 
 time that he supposes Tasso to have more faalts 
 than he has, thinks his excellencies sufficient to 
 place him among the first poets in the world, may be 
 added that of Mr. Drydea, who, in tbe preface to
 
 PREFACE. a 
 
 the translation of Virgil, has declaved the Jerusalem 
 Delivered to be the next heroic poem to the Iliad 
 and .•Eneid. 
 
 lyir. Dryden was too great a master in poetical 
 composition, and had a knowledge too extensive, 
 and a judginent too accurate, to suppose the merit 
 of the Jerusalem to be subverted by improbabilities, 
 which are more numerous and more gross in the 
 works of Homer and Virgil. It is very likely that 
 magic and enchantment were as generally and firmly 
 believed, when Tasso wrote his Jerusalem, as, the 
 visible agency of the Pagan deities at the writing of 
 the Iliad, the Odyssey, and .Eaeid : and it is certain, 
 that the events, which Tasso supposes to have been 
 brought about by enchantment, were more congru- 
 ous to such a cause than many fictions of the Greek 
 and Ilo man poets to the Pagan theology ; at least 
 tliat a theology, which could admit them, was more 
 absurd than the existence and operation of any pow- 
 ers of magic and enchantment. If we do not, 
 therefore, reject the poems of Homer and Virgil, as 
 not worth reading, because they contain extravagant 
 fables, we have no right to make that a pretence 
 for rejecting the Jerusalem of Tasso ; especially if 
 the Gothic machines were more adapted to the great 
 ends of epic poetry than the system of antiquity, 
 as an ingenious author has endeavoured to show : 
 his words are; "The current popular tales of 
 elves and fairies were even fitter to take the cre- 
 dulous mind, and charm it into a willing admi- 
 ration of the specious miracles, which wayward 
 fancy delights in, than those of the old traditionary 
 rabble of Pagan divinities. And then, for the more 
 solemn fancies of witchcraft and incantation, the hor- 
 rors of the Gothic were above measure striking and 
 terrible. The mummeries of the Pagan priests were 
 childish; but the Gothic enchanters shook and 
 alarmed all nature. We feel this difference very 
 sensibly in reading the ancient and modern poets. 
 B 5
 
 IO PREFACE. 
 
 You would not compare the Canidia of Horace with 
 the witches of Macbeth : and what are Vii^il's myr- 
 tles dropping blood, to Tasso's enchanted forest ?" 
 Letters ou Chivalry and Romance, p. 4S, 49. 
 
 As I think it is now evident that a reader may be 
 pleased with Tasso, and not disgrace his judgment, 
 I may, without impropriety, offer a translation of 
 him to those who cannot read him in his original 
 language. I may be told, indeed, that there is an 
 English translation of him already, and therefore 
 that an apology is necessary for a new one. To 
 this I answer, that the only complete translation is 
 that of Fairfax, which is in stanzas that cannot be 
 read with pleasure by the generality of thos-e who 
 have a taste for English poetry ; of which no other 
 proof is necessary than that it appears scarcely to have 
 been read at all : it is not only unpleasant, but irk- 
 some, in such a degree, as to surmount curiosity ; 
 and more than counterbalance all the beauty of ex- 
 pression and sentiment, which is to be found in 
 that work. I do not flatter myself that I have ex- 
 celletl Fairfax, except in my measure and verisifica- 
 tion ; and even of these the principal recommenda- 
 tion is, that they are more modern, and better 
 adapted to the e.'r of all readers of English poetry, 
 except of the very iew who ha\e acquired a taste 
 for the phrases and cadences of those times, when 
 our verse, if net our language, was iu its rudiments. 
 That a translation of 'l'asso into modern English 
 verse has been generalh thought necessary, appears by 
 several essays that have been made towards it, parti- 
 cularly those of Mr. Brooke, of >lr. Hooke, and Mr. 
 LaNug : if an_> of these gentlemen had completed their 
 undertaking, it would eJfectually have precluded 
 mine. Mr. Brooke's in particular, is at once so har- 
 monious and so spirited, th.<t I think an entire transla- 
 tion of Tasso by him would not only have rendered 
 my task unnecessary, but have discouraged those frrm 
 Jke attempt whose poetical abilities are much supe-
 
 PREFACE. li 
 
 fior to r»'iie: and yet Mr. Brooke's performance 
 is rather aa aaimated paraphrase thaa a transla- 
 tion. My endeavour has been to render the sense 
 of my author as nearly as possible, which could 
 never be done merely by translating his words ; how 
 I have succeeded the world must determine : an au- 
 thor is but an ill jud^e of his own performances : and 
 the opinion of friends is not alwajs to be trusted ; for 
 there is a kind of benevoient partiality which inclines 
 us to think favourably of the works of those whoii» 
 we esteem. I am, however, happy in the good opi- 
 nion of some geatlemen whose judgment, in this 
 case, could err only by such partiality : and as I 
 am not kss ambitious to engage es-teeni as a man, 
 than to merit praise as an author, I am not anxious- 
 ly solicitous to know whether they have been mista- 
 ken or not. 
 
 As many passages in the original of this work are 
 very closely imitated from the Greek and Roman 
 Classics, I may perhaps, inadvertently, have inserted 
 a line or two from the English versions of those au- 
 thors ; but as Mr. Pope, in his translation of Homer, 
 Las taken several verses from Mr. Dryden ; and 
 Mr. Pitt, in bis translation of the /Eneid, several 
 both from Mr. Dryden and Mr. Pope, I flatter myself 
 I shall incur no censure on that account. 
 
 I have incorporated some few verses both of 
 Mr. Brooke's and Mr. Layng's version of Tasso with 
 my own : but as I have not arrogated the merit of 
 what I have borrowed to myse'f, I cannot justly 
 be accused of plagiarism. These obligations I ac- 
 knowledge, that I may do justice to others ; but 
 there are some which I shall mention to gratify my- 
 self. Mr. Samuel Johnson, whose judgment I am 
 fiappy in being authorised to make use of on this 
 occasion, has given me leave to publish it, as his 
 opinion, that a modem translation of the Jerusalem 
 Delivered is a work that may very justly merit the 
 attention of the English reader ; and 1 owe many 
 remarks to the friendship and candour of Dr,
 
 12 PREFACE. 
 
 Hawkeswortb, from which my perfonnante has re» 
 «eived considerable advantages. 
 
 Before I conclnde this Preface, it is necessary the 
 English reader should he acquainted that tlie Ita- 
 lian poets, when thej speak of infidels of any deno- 
 mination, generally use the word Pagano : the word 
 Pagan, therefore, in the translation, is often used 
 for Mahometan; and Spenser has used the word 
 Paynim in the same secse. 
 
 As the public is not at all conremed about the 
 qualifications of an author, any further than they 
 appear in his works, it is to little purpose tliat 
 •writers have endeavoured to prevent their writings 
 from being considered asti. e =tai;dard of their abili- 
 ties, by alleging the short time, or the disadvanta- 
 geous circumstances, in which they were j-^cduced. 
 If their performances are toob-jd to obtain a favour- 
 able reception for themselves, it is not likely that 
 the world will regard them w ith more indulgence for 
 being told why they areno better. If I did not hope, 
 thertfore, that the translation new oflFeied, though 
 begun and finished io the midst of emplojinents of a 
 very different kind, might something more than atone 
 for ks own defects, I would not have obtruded it 
 OD the public. All I request of my readers is, to 
 judge for themselves, and if they find any eiiter- 
 t.iinment, not to think the worse of it for being the 
 performance of one who has never before appeared 
 arandidate for tleir suffrages as an autlior.
 
 fHÈ 
 
 LIFE OF TASSO.* 
 
 ± ORQUATO TASFO was descended from the 
 illustrious bouse of the Torregiani, lords of Ber- 
 gamo, Milan, and several other towns in Lorabardy. 
 The Torregiani, beinj expelled by the Visconti, set- 
 tled between Ber^mo and Como, in the most ad* 
 vantageous posts of the mountain of Tasso, from 
 which they took their name. This family snpported 
 itself by alliances till the time of Bernardo Tasso, 
 whose mother was of the house of Cornaro. The 
 estate of Bernardo, the father of our poet, was no 
 ways equal to his birth; but this deficiency, in point 
 of fortune, was in some measure compensated by 
 the gifts of understanding. His works in verse and 
 prose are recorded as monuments of his genius; and 
 his fidelity to Ferrante of Sanseveriao, prince of 
 Salerno, to whom he was entirely devoted, entitled 
 him to the esteem of ever}- man of honour. This 
 prince had made him his secretary, and taken him 
 with him to Naples, where he settled, and married 
 Portia di Rossi, daughter of Lucretia di Gamba- 
 corti, of one of the most illustrious families in that 
 city. 
 
 Portia was six months gone with child, when she 
 was invited by her sister Hippolyta to Sorrento, to 
 pay her a visit. Bernardo accompanied her thither: 
 and in this place Portia was delivered of a son, on 
 
 * All the principal incidents in ibis life are taken from Ih* 
 account {riven by Gic^vanni Battisto Manso, a Neapolitan, 
 lord ot Bisarcio and l'ianca. This nobleman was Tasso'sin- 
 tinate friend; lie had manv of our Aulbor's pppeis in l»is 
 possosinn, and briug himself Avitness to se\eTal particulars 
 vfaiih he telatie, bis authority sccuis urexctptiGuaLle.
 
 It TlfE LIFE OF TASSO, 
 
 tbe llth day of March, 1541, at noon. The ii - 
 fant was baptized a few dajs after, in the metrop» - 
 litan church of Sorrento, by the name of Torquati , 
 Bernardo and Portia returned soon after to Naple-, 
 with little Tasso, whose birth, like Homer's, was af- 
 terwards disputed by several cities that claimed tie 
 honour of it: but it seems undeniably proved thót 
 be was bom at Sorrento. 
 
 Historians relate incredible thing's of his early and 
 promising geniuK: they tell us, that, at sir months 
 old, he not only spoke and pronounced his words 
 clearly and distinctly, but that he thoa^ht, reasoned, 
 expressed his wants, and answered questions; that 
 theri' was nothing childish in hi-s word?, but the tone 
 of his \oice; that he seldom laughed or cried; and 
 that, even lh,-n, he pa>e certain tokens of that 
 equality of tt-raper which supported him so well in 
 his future mi'<fortunes. 
 
 Toward* the end of his third year, Bernardo his 
 father was obligeil to follow the prince of Salerno 
 into Germany, which journey proved the source of all 
 the suflerin^ of Tasso and his family. The occa- 
 sion was this: Don Pedro of Toledo, viceroy of 
 NapleWor the emperor Charles V. had formed a de- 
 sign to establish the inquisition in that city. The 
 Neapolitans, alarmed at this, resolved to send a 
 deputation to the emperor, and, for that purpose, 
 made choice of the prince of Salerno, who seemed 
 most able, by his authority an<l riches, to make 
 bead against tbe viceroy. The prince undertook 
 the affair; and Bernardo Tasto accompanied him 
 into Germany, 
 
 Before his departure, Bernardo committed the 
 oare of his son to Aneeluzzo, a man of learning ; 
 for it was his opinion, that a boy could not he put 
 loo soon under the tuition of men. At three year» 
 of age, they tell us, little Ta^so be^an to study 
 grammar ; and, at four, was sent to the college of 
 the Jesuit?, where l>e mnde so r.ip'.d a prozress, that 
 at seTen he wni pretty isvll acquaiutvd with tb*
 
 THE LIFE OF TASSO. 15 
 
 liatia and Greek tongues-, at the same age he made 
 public orations, and composed some pieces of poetr^', 
 of which the style is said to have retained nothing of 
 puerility. The following lines he addressed to his 
 mother when he lett Naples to follow his father's 
 fortune, being then only nine years of age. 
 
 Ma dal sen de la madre empia fortuna 
 Pargoletto divelse, ah di' que' baci 
 Ch" ella bagno di lagrime dolenti 
 Cou sospir mi riinerobra, e de gli ardenti 
 Preghi che sen pnrtar l'aure lunari, 
 Che i' non dove^ giunger più volto a volt» 
 Fra quelle braccia accolto 
 Con nodi cosi stretti, e si tenaci, 
 Lasso, e seguij con mal sicure piante 
 Oual' Ascanio, o Camilla il padre errante. 
 Relentless Fortune in my early years 
 
 Reraoves me from & mother's tender breast: 
 Mith si»hs 1 call to mind the farewel tears 
 
 That bath 'd her kisses when my ips she prest'd ! 
 1 hear her pra> 'rs with ardour bréalti'd to IleaveB, 
 
 Aside now wafted by the devious wind ; 
 >'i> more to her unhappy son 'tis given 
 
 lb' e;:dearments of maternal love to find ! 
 No more her fondling arras shall round ave spread ; 
 
 Far from her fijht reluctant 1 retire ; 
 LiUe young Cannili or Ascanius, led 
 To trace the footsteps of my waudering sire I 
 
 The success the prince of Salerno met with in his 
 embassy greatly increased his credit amongst the 
 Neapolitans, but entirely ruined him with the vice- 
 roy, who left nothing unturned to make the empe- 
 ror jealous of the great deference the people shewed 
 Ferrante, from which he inferred the moi-t dangerous 
 consetiuencee. He so much exasperated the empe- 
 ror against the prince of balenio, that Ferrante, 
 finding there was no longer any security for him at 
 Naples, and having in vain applied to gain an audi- 
 ence of the emperor, retired to Rome, and re- 
 nounced his allegiance to Charles V. 
 
 Bernardo Tasso would not abandon his patron in 
 his ill fortune; neither would he leave his son in a 
 country \vhere he himself was t^oon to be declared 
 an enemy ; and foreseeing he should never be able 
 to return thither, he took ycung Torquato witb hio» 
 to Rome.
 
 16 THE LIFE OF TASSO. 
 
 As soon as the departure of the prince of Salem* 
 was known, he, nnd :tll his adhereuts, were declared 
 r^-hels to the state; and \v}iat nny seem very extra- 
 ordinary, Torquato Tiisso, thous^h but nine years of 
 a^e, was included by uaiue in ih\t siiatence- Ber- 
 nardo, follo'.ving the prince of Salerno into France,, 
 committed his sou to the care of his friend and re- 
 lation Mauritio Cataneo, a person of ^eat ability, 
 who assiduously cultivated the early disposition of 
 his pupil to polite literature. After the death of 
 Sanseverino, which happened in three or four jears, 
 Bernardo returned to It.ily, and engaged in the ser- 
 vice of Guglielmo (Jonznga, duke of Mantua, who 
 had given him a pressing invitation. It was not long 
 before he received the melancholy news of the de- 
 cease of his wife Portia : this event determined hini 
 to send for his son, tliat they mi^ht be a mutual 
 support to each other in tl\eir affliction. He had 
 loft him at Rome, because his residence in that city 
 was highly agreeable to bis mother; but that reason 
 now ceasing, he was resolved to b<' no longer de- 
 prived of the society of the only child he had left ; 
 for hi; wife, before her death, had married his 
 (laughter to Martio Sersale, a gentleman of Sorrento. 
 
 B<>rnardo was greatly surprized, on his son's arri- 
 val, to see the vast progress he had made in his 
 studies. He was now twelve years of age, and hid, 
 according to the testimony of the writejs of his life, 
 entirely cotupleted his knowledge in the Latin and 
 Greek tongues: he was well acquainted with the 
 rules of rhetoric and poetry, and completely versed 
 in Aristotle's ethics; but he particularly studied the 
 precepts of Mauritio Cataneo, whom he ever after- 
 wards revrre.iced as a second father. Bernardo 
 soon rteterminetl to send him to the university of 
 Padua, to study the laws, in company with the 
 young Scipio Gonzaga, afterwarils cardinal, nearly 
 of the same age as himself. With this nol)l(>man 
 Tasso, then se\enteen years of age, contracted & 
 friendiliip tint never ended but with hi.- liiV.
 
 THE LIFE OF TASSO. it 
 
 He prosecuted his studies at Padua with great dili- 
 jrence and success; at the same time employing his 
 leisure hours upon philosophy and poftry, he sooa 
 gave a public proof of his talent':, by his poem of 
 Rinaldo, which he published in the eighteenth year 
 of his a_'e. 
 
 This poem, which is of the romance kind, is di- 
 vided into twelve books in ottava rima, and contains 
 the adventures of Rinaldo, the famous Paladin of 
 the court of t harlemain, who makes so principal a 
 fi^re in Ariosto's work, and the first achievements 
 of that knight for the love of the fair Clarice. wl:om 
 be afterwards marries. The action of thi« poem 
 precedes that of the Orlando Furioso. It was com- 
 posed in ten months, as the author himself informs 
 us in the preface, and was first printed at Venice in 
 the year 1562. Paolo Beni speaks very highly of 
 this performance, which undoubtedly is not unworthy 
 the early efforts of that genius which afterwards 
 produced the Jerusalem. 
 
 Tasso's father saw with regret the success of his 
 son's poem : he was apprehensive, and not without 
 reason, that the charms of poetry would detach him 
 from those more solid studies, which he judged were 
 most likf !y to raise him in the world : he knew very 
 well, by his own experience, that the greatest skill 
 In poetry will not advance a man's private fortune. 
 He was not deceived in his conjecture; Torquato, 
 insensibly carried away by his predominant passion, 
 followed the examples cf Petrarch, Boccace, Ariosto, 
 and others, who, contrary to the remonstrances of 
 their friendii, quitted the severer studies of tlie law 
 for the more pleasing entertainment of poetical com- 
 position. In short, he entirely gave himself up to 
 the study of poetry and philosophy. His first poem 
 extended his reputation through all Italy ; but his 
 father was so displeased with his conduct, that he 
 went to Padna on purpose to reprimand him. 
 Though he spoke with great vehemence, and m'alia 
 u?e of several harbh expressions, Torquato heard
 
 IS THE LIFE OF TASSO. 
 
 him without inteiniptirg him, and his composuie 
 contributed not a little to increase his father's dis- 
 pleasure. '• Tell me,*' said Bernardo, " of what 
 use is tliat vam philosophy, upon which you pride 
 yourself so much ?'' " It has enabled me," said 
 Tasso, modestly," " to endure the harshness of youi- 
 reproofs." 
 
 The resolution Tasso had taken to devote himself 
 to the Muse?, was known all over Italy; the princi- 
 pal persons of the citj- and college cf Bolog:ua in- 
 vited him thither by means of Pietro Donato Cesi, 
 then vice-legate, and afterwards legate. But Tasso 
 bad not long re«ided there, when he was pressed by 
 Scipio Gonzaga, elected prince of the academy esta- 
 blished at Padua, under the name of Etherei, to re- 
 turn to that city. Tie coiild tiot withstand this solici- 
 tation, and Bologna being at that time the scene of 
 civil commotion, he was the more willing to seek 
 elsewhere for the repose he loved. He was received 
 with extreme joy by all the academy, and being in- 
 corporated into that society, at the age of twenty 
 years, took upon himself the name of Pentito; by 
 which he seemed to shew that he repented of all the 
 time which he had employed in the study of the 
 law. 
 
 In this retreat he applied himself afresh to philo- 
 sophy and poetry, and soon became a perfect master 
 of both: it was this happy mixture of his studies 
 that made him an enemy to all kinds of licentious- 
 cess. An oration was made one day in the aca- 
 demy upon the nature of love; the orator treated 
 his subject in a very masterly manner, but with too 
 little regard to decency in the opinion of Tasso, who, 
 being asked what he thought of the discourse, re- 
 plied, " that it was a pleasin? poison." 
 
 Here Tasso formed the design of his celebrated 
 poem, Jerusalem Delivered: he invented the fable, 
 disposed the different parts, and determined to de- 
 dicate this work to the glorj of the house of Esté. 
 He was greatly esteemed by Alphonsolf.tbe last
 
 THE LIFE OF TASSO. iS 
 
 iiuke of Fenara, that srreat patron of learning and 
 learned men, and b_v his brother, Cardinal Luigi, 
 There was a sort of contest between these two bro- 
 thers, in relation to the poem : the cardinal imagined 
 that he had a right to he the Maecenas of all Tasso's 
 works, as Rinaldo, his first piece, had been dedi- 
 cated to him: the duke, on the other hand, thought 
 that, as his brother had already received his share of 
 honour, he ought not to be offended at seeing the 
 name of Alphonso at the head of the Jerusalem De- 
 Kvered. Tasso for three or four years suspended his 
 determination: at length, being earnestly pressed by 
 both the brothers to take up his residence in FeiTara, 
 he suffered himself to be prevailed upon. The duke 
 gave him an apartment in his palace, where be lived 
 in peace and affluence, and pursued his design of 
 Completing his Jerusalem,* which he now resolved to 
 dedicate to Alphonso. The duke, who was desirous 
 of fixiiig Tasso near him, had thoughts of marrying 
 him advantageously, but he always evaded any pro- 
 posal of that kind: though he appeared peculiarly 
 devoted to Alphonso, yet he neglected not to pay his 
 court to the cardinal. 
 
 The name of Tasso now "became famous through 
 ail Europe: and the caresses he received from 
 Charles IX. in a journey lie made to FraDce+ with 
 Cardinal Luigi, who Ment thither in quality of Le- 
 gate, shew that his reputation was not contìned to 
 his own country. 
 
 We eannot perhaps give a more striking instance 
 of the regard that mouaich had for him, than in 
 the following story. A man of letters, and a poet 
 of some repute, had unfortunately been guilty of 
 some enormous crime, for which he was condemned 
 to suffer death. Tasso, touched with compassion, 
 was resolved to petition the king for his pardon. 
 He went to the palace, where he heard that orders 
 had just been given to put the sentence immediately 
 into execution. This did not discourage Tasso, who, 
 * Ann. »t. 22. t Ann. aet. 27.
 
 20 THE LIFE OF TASSO. 
 
 j)resent!ng himself before the king, said : " I come 
 to iatreat joar majest\ that jou would put to death 
 a wretch, who has brought philosophy to shame, by 
 shewing that she can uiaiie no sta'id against humaa 
 depravity." The kiug, touched with the justness of 
 this reflection, granted the criminal his life. 
 
 The king asked him one day, whom he judged 
 juperior to all others in happiness: he answered, 
 God. The king then desired to know his opinioQ 
 by what men resemble God in his happiness, whether 
 by sovereign power, or by their capacity of doing 
 good to others. A man more interested than Tasso 
 might liave said, that kings shew their greatness by 
 dispensing their benefa.ctions to others : but he 
 eluded the discourse; and replied, "that men couJd 
 resemble God only by their virtue." 
 
 Another time, in a conversation held before the 
 king by several learned men, it was disputed what 
 condition in life was the most unfortunate. " la 
 my opinion (said Tasso) the most unfortunate con- 
 dition is that of an " impatient old man depressed 
 with poverty ; for," added he, the state of that per- 
 son is doubtless very deplorable, who has neither 
 the gifts of fortune to preserve him from want, nor 
 the Tirinciples of philosophy to support himself un- 
 der aflliction." 
 
 The cardinal's legation being tinished, Tasso re- 
 turned to Ferrara,* where he applied himself to 
 finish his Jerusalem, and in the mean time publish- 
 ed bis Aminta, a pastoral comedy,+ which was re- 
 ceived with urivei-sal applause. This performance 
 was looked upon as a master-piece in its kind, and 
 is the original of the Pastor Fido and Filli di Sciro. 
 
 It was not easy to imagine that Tasso could so 
 well paint the effects of love, without having him- 
 gelf felt that passion : it began to be suspected that, 
 like another Ovid, he had raised his desires too high, 
 and it was thought that in many of his verses ha 
 
 • Ann. set. %S. \ Anu. act 30.
 
 THE LIFE OF TASSO. 21 
 
 gave hints of that kind, particularly in the follo\(f ng 
 sonnet: 
 
 Se d' Icara lefrs;e»ti, e di Fetonte 
 
 Ben sai come lu'n cadde in questo fiume 
 Quando portar del'Oriente il lume 
 ^olle, e di rài de sol cinger la fronte : 
 
 E l'altro in mar, che troppo arditte, e pronte 
 A volo alzo le sue cerate piume, 
 E cosi va clii di tentar presume 
 Strade nel ciel per fama a pena conte. 
 
 Ma, chi dee paventare in alta impresa, 
 
 S'avvien, ch'Amor l'affide? e che non puote 
 Amor, che non catena il cielo unisce? 
 
 •Eirli giù trahe de le celesti rote 
 Di terrena beltà Diana accesa 
 E d'Ida il bel fanciullo al ciel rapisce. 
 
 Oft have we heard, in Po's imperial tide 
 
 How hapless Ph*ton was headlong thrown, 
 "Who durst aspire the Sun's bright steeds to guide. 
 
 And wreathe his brows with splendors not his own! 
 Oft have we heard, how 'midst th' Icavian main 
 
 Fell the rash youth who tried too hold a flight; 
 Thus shall it fare with him, who seeks in vain 
 
 On mortal wings to reach tb' emi)yreal height. 
 But who, inspir'il by Love, can dangers fear ? 
 "What cannot Love that guides the rolling sphere ; 
 
 Whose powerful magic earth and heaven controls ? 
 Love brought Diana from the stirry sky, 
 Sinit with the be luties of a mortal eye ; 
 
 Love snatcli'd tlie boy of Ida to the pries. 
 
 There were at the diilie's court three Leonoras, 
 equally witty and beautiful, though of different 
 quality. The first was Leonora of FMé, sister to 
 the duke, who, having refuseà the most advantageous 
 matches, lived unraanif^d with Lauretta, duche^ 
 of Urbino, her eldest si-ttr, who was separated from 
 her husband, and resided at lier brother's court. — 
 Tasso had a great attachraent to this lady, who, on 
 her side, honoured him with her esteem and protec- 
 tion. She was wise, generous, and not only well 
 read in elegant literature, hut even versed in the 
 more abstruse sc'ences. All these perfections were 
 undoubtedly observed by Tasso, who was one of the 
 most assiduous of her courtiers : and it appearing 
 by his verses that he was touched with the charms 
 of a Leonora, they tell us that we need not seek any 
 farther for the object of his passion.
 
 52 THE LIFE OF TASSO. 
 
 The second Leonora that was given him- for.» 
 mistress was the countess of San Vitale, daughter of 
 the count of Sala, who lived at that time at the 
 Court of Ferrara, and passed for one of the most I 
 a ccoraplished persons in Ital v. Those who imagined 
 tiiat Tasso would not presume to lift his eyea to his 
 master's sister, supposed that he loved this lady. It 
 is certain that he had frequent opportunities of dis- 
 coursing with her, and that she had frequently been 
 the subject of his verses. 
 
 The third Leonora was a ladj- in the service of 
 the princess Leonora of Esté. This person was 
 thought b\' some to be the most proper object of the 
 poet's gallantry. Tasso, several times, employed 
 his muse in her sei-vice: in one of his pieces he con- 
 fesses that, consideri ag the princess as too high for his 
 hope, he had fixed his aflfection upon her, as of a 
 condition more suitable to his own. But if any 
 thing can be justly drav/n from this particular, it 
 seems rather to strengthen the opinion, that his de- 
 sires, at least at one time, had aspired to a greater 
 height. The verses referred to above are as follow : 
 
 O con le Grdtie eletta, e con gli Amori, 
 
 Fanciulla avventurosa : 
 
 A servir a colei, che Dia somiglia: 
 
 Poi che' 1 mio sguardo in lei mira, e non osa, 
 
 I' raggi e gli splendori, 
 
 E' 1 bel seren de gli occhi, e de le ciglia,- 
 
 Ne 1' alta meraviglia, 
 
 Che ne discopre il lampeggiar del riso; 
 
 Ne Quanto ha de celeste il petto, el volto; 
 
 Io gli occhi a te rivolto, 
 
 E nel tuo vezzosetto, e lieto viso 
 
 Dolcemente ra' affiso. 
 
 Bruna sei tu, ma bella, , 
 
 Onal virgine viola : e del tuo vago 
 
 Sembiante io si m'appago. 
 
 Che nou disdegna Signoria d'Ancella. 
 O '. by the Graces, by the Loves, design'd, 
 
 lu happy hourt' eujoy an envyM place : 
 Attendant on the fairest of her kind, 
 
 Whose charms excel die charms of human race Ì 
 Fain wotild I view — but dare not lift my sight 
 
 To mark the splendor ol her piercing eves ; 
 Her heavenly smiles, her bosom's dazzling white, , 
 
 Her nainelcs; graces that tb^ soul surprise».
 
 THE LIFE OF TASSO. «3 
 
 To thee I then direct my humbler gaze ; 
 
 To thee uncensur'd may ray hopes aspire : 
 l.ess awful are the sweets thy look disjilays ; 
 
 I view, and, kindling as I view, desire. 
 Tlioiiph brown thy hue, yet lovely is thy fame ; 
 
 {So blooms some violet, the virgin's care I) 
 Ilmrn-- yet Illusi) not to confess mv flame, 
 
 Nor scorn the empire of a menial fair. 
 
 However, it appears difficult to detcrmÌDe with 
 certaiuty in relation to 1'asso's passion ; especially 
 when we consider the priv ilege allowed to poets : 
 though M. Mirabaud* makes no scruple to mention 
 it as a circumstance almost certain, and fixes it 
 •without hesitation on the princess Leonora. Tasso, 
 himself, in several of his poems, seem»^ to endeavouv 
 "to throw an obscurity over his passion, as in the 
 following lines : 
 
 Tre gran donne did' io, ch'in esser heUs 
 
 Moustran disparita, ma somigliante 
 
 Si che uè gli atti, e'n o^ni lor sembiante 
 
 Scriver Natura par': Noi slam sorelle. 
 Ben ciascun" io lodai, pur una d'elle 
 
 Mi piacque si, ch'io ni divenni Amante. 
 
 Et ancor fia, ch'io ne sospiri, e caute, 
 
 E'I mio foco, e'I suo nome alzi a le stelle 
 Lei sol vagheggio ; e se pur l'altre io miro, 
 
 Guardo nel vago altrui quel, ch'ein lei vago, 
 
 E ne gì' Idoli suoi vien ch'io l'adere : 
 Ma contanto somiglia al ver l'imago 
 
 Ch'erro, e dole' e Terror ; pur ne sospiro, 
 
 Come d'ingiusta Idolatria d'Amore. 
 
 SONNET. 
 
 Three conrtly dames before my presence stood ; 
 
 All lovely form'd, though differing in their grace; 
 Yet each resembled each ; for nature show'd 
 
 A sister's air in every mien and face. 
 Each maid I prais'd : hut one above the rest. 
 
 Soon kindled in my heart the lover's fire : 
 For her these sighs still issue from my breast ; 
 
 Her name, her beauties, still my song inspire. 
 Yet tliough to her alone my thoughts are due, 
 Rertected in the rest her charms I view, 
 
 And in her semblance still the nymph adore: 
 Delusion sweet ! from this to thit I rove ; 
 But, while I wander, sigh, and fear to prove 
 
 A traitor thus to Love's almighty power ! 
 
 In the meanwhile Tasso proceeded with his Je» 
 r\isalem, which he completed in the thirtieth year of 
 
 * Abregé de la Vie du Tasse.
 
 SI The life of tasso. 
 
 iiis age : but this poem was not published by his oub 
 authority ; it was printed against bis will, as soou 
 as he bad finislied the last book, and before he had 
 time to give the revisals and corrections that a work 
 of such a nature required. The public had alreadya 
 seen several parts, which had been sent into the 
 world by the authority of his patrons. The success 
 of this work was prodigious : it was translated into 
 the Latin, French, Spanish, and even the Oriental 
 languages, almost as soon as it appeared : and it 
 may be said, that no such performance ever before 
 raised its reputation to such a l)eigbt in so small a 
 space of time. 
 
 But the satisfaction wliich Tasso must feel, in 
 spite of all his philosophy, at the applause of the 
 public, was soon disturbed by a melancholy event.* j 
 Bernardo Tasso, who spent his old age in tranquil- * 
 lity at Ostia upon the Po, the goverament of which i 
 place had been given him by the duke of Mantua, i 
 fell sick. As soon as this news reached his son, he I 
 immediately went to him, attended him with the 
 most filial regard, and scarce ever stirred from his 
 ^d-side during the ^wlwle time of his illness : but 
 all these cares were ineffectual ; Beinoi'do, oppres- 
 sed with age, and overcome by the violence of his 
 distemper, paid the unavoidable tribute to nature, 
 to the great affliction of Torquato. The duke of 
 Manina, who had a sincere esteem for Bernardo, 
 caused him to be interred, with much pomp, in the 
 church of St. Egidius at Mantua, with this simple 
 inscription on his tomb: 
 
 OSSA BERNARDI TASSI. 
 
 This death seemed to forebode other misfortunes 
 to Tasso ; for the remainder of his life proved almost 
 one continued series of vexation and affliction.— 
 About this time a swarm of critics began to attack 
 ^'h Jerusalem, and the academy of Cmsca, in pala- 
 
 ti. 31
 
 THE LIFE OF TASSO. 25 
 
 ticular, published a criticism of his pcem, in which 
 they scrupled not to prefer the rhapsodies of Pulci 
 and Boyardo to the Jerusalem Delivered. 
 
 During: Tasso's residence in the duke's court, he 
 had contracted an intimacy with a gentleman of 
 Ferrara,* and having entrusted him with some trans- 
 actions of a very delicate nature, this person was so 
 treacherous as to speak of them again. Tasso re- 
 proached his friend with his indiscretion, who re- 
 ceived his expostulation in such a manner, that Tasso 
 was so far exasperated as to strike him : a challenge 
 immediately ensued : the two opponents met at St. 
 Leonard's gate, but, while they were engaged, three 
 brothers of Tasso's antagonist came in and baselj 
 tell all at once upon Tasso, who defended himself 
 io gallantly that he wounded two of them, and kept 
 lis ground against the others, till some people came 
 n and separated them. This affair made a great 
 noise at Ferrara : nothing was talked of but the va- 
 lour of Tasso; and it became a sort of proverb, 
 ' That Tasso, with his pen and his sword, was supe- 
 ior to all raen."'t 
 
 The duke, being informed of the quarrel, expres- 
 sed great resentment against the four brothers, ba- 
 lished them from his dominions, and conliscated' 
 ;heir estates ; at the same time he caused Tasso to 
 36 put uuder arrest, declaring he did it to screen 
 lim from ariy future designs of his enemies. Tasso 
 vas extremely mortilied to see himself thus con- 
 ined ; he imputed his detention to a very different 
 ;ause from what was pretended, and feared an ill 
 ise might be made of what had passed, to ruin 
 lim in the duke's opinion. 
 
 Though writers have left us very much in the dark 
 *ith regard to the real motives that induced the 
 luke to keep Tasso in confinemeiit, yet, every thing 
 ,3eing weighed, it seems highly probable that the 
 
 * Ann. stt. 33. 
 
 t "Con la penna e con la spada 
 « Is>ss'JU vai quanto Toniuat».-" 
 
 c
 
 26 THE LIFE OF TASSO. 
 
 affair of a delicate nature, said to have been di\Tilg- 
 ed by his friend, must have related to the princess 
 Leonora, the duke's sister: and indeed it will be ex- 
 tremely diflScult, from any other consideration, to 
 account for tlie harsh treatment he received from a 
 prince who had before shewn him such peculiar 
 marks of esteem and friendship. However, Tasso 
 himself had undoubtedly secret apprehensions that 
 incrpased upon him every day; while the continual 
 attacks, which were made upon his credit as an au- 
 thor, not a little contributed to heighten his melan- 
 choh. At length he resolved to take the first op- 
 portunity to fly from his prison, for so he esteemed 
 it ; which, after about a year's detention, he eflFected, 
 and retired to Turin, where be endeavoured to re- 
 main concealed; but, notwithstanding all his pre- 
 cautions, he was soon known and recommended to 
 the duke of Savoy, who received him into his pa- 
 lace, and shewed him every mark of esteem and af- 
 fection. But Tasso's apprehensions still continued ; 
 he thought that the duke of Savoy would not refuse 
 to give him up to the duke of Ferrara, or sacrifice 
 the friendship of that prince to the safety of a pri- 
 vate person. Full of these imaginations, beset out 
 for Rome,* alone and unprovided with necessaries 
 for such a journey. At bis arrival there he went 
 directly to his old friend Maurilio Cataneo, who re- 
 ceived him in such a manner as entirely to obliterate 
 for some time the remembrance of "the fatigue and 
 uneasiness be had undergone. He was not only 
 welcomed by Cataneo, but the whole city of Rome 
 seemed to rejoice at the presence of so extraordinary 
 a person. He was visited by princes, cardinals, 
 prelates, and by all the learned in general. But 
 the desire of re-visiting his native country, and see- 
 ing his sitter Cornelia, soon made him uneasy in this 
 situation. He left his friend Maiiritio Cataneo oae 
 evening, without giving him notice ; and, beginning 
 
 •Ann. 8it. 34.
 
 THE LIFE OF TASSO. 27 
 
 his journey on foot, arrived bj night at the moun- 
 tains of Vcletri, where he took up his lodging with ^ 
 some shepherds : the next morning, disguising liim- 
 self in the habit of one of these people, he continued 
 his way, and in four days time reached Gaieta, 
 almost spent with fatigue : here he embarked on 
 board a vessel bound for Sorrento, at which place 
 he arrived in safety the next day. He entered the 
 city and went directly to his sister's house : she was 
 a widow, and the two sons she had by her husband 
 being at that time absent, Tasso found her with only 
 some of her female attendants. He advanced to- 
 wards her, without disco\ ering himself ; and, pretend- 
 ing ie came with news from her brother, gave her a 
 letter which he had prepared for that purpose. This 
 letter informed her that her brother's life was in 
 great danger, and that he begged her to make use 
 of all the interest her tenderness might suggest to 
 her, in order to procure letters of recommendation 
 from some powerful person, to avert the threatened 
 misfortune. For further particular» of the aflFair, 
 she was referred to the messenger who brought her 
 this intelligence. The lady, terrified at the news, 
 earnestly intreated him to give her a detail of her 
 brother's misfortune. The feigned messenger then 
 gave her so interesting an account of the pretended 
 story, that, unable to contain her affliction, she 
 fainted away. Tasso was sensibly taracbed at this 
 convincing proof of his sister's aff-ction, and repciit- 
 ed that he had gone so far : he began to comfort btT, 
 and, removing her fears by little and little, at last 
 discovered himself to her. Her joy, at seeing a bro- 
 ther whom she tenderly loved, was inexpressible: 
 after the first salutations were over, she was very 
 desirous to know the occasion of his disguising Jiim- 
 self iu that manner. Tasso acquainted her with 
 hi? reasons, and, at the same time giving h.er to un- 
 derstand, that he would willingly rem.iin with her 
 unknown to the world, Cornelia, who desised no- 
 thing further than to acquiesce in his pleasure, sent 
 C 2
 
 3S THE LIFE OF TASSO, 
 
 for her children and some of her nearest relations, 
 whom «he thought might be entrusted with the se- 
 cret. Thej agreed that Tasso should pass for a 
 relatisn of theirs, who came from Bergamo to Na- 
 ples upon his private business, and from thence had 
 come to Sorrento to pay them a visit. After this 
 precaution, Tasso took up his residence at Jiis sis- 
 ter's house, where he lived for some time in tran- 
 quillity, entertainingjhimself with bis two nephews 
 Antonio and Alessandro Sersale, children of great 
 hopes. He continued not long in this repose before 
 he received repeated letters from the princess Leo- 
 nora of Esté, who was acfiuainted with ths place of 
 his retreat, to return to Ferrara : he resolved to obey 
 the summons, and took leave of bis sister, telling her 
 he was going to return a voluntary prisoner. In his 
 way he passed through Rome, where, having been 
 detained some time with a dangerous fever, he re- 
 paired from thence to Ferrara, in company with Gua- 
 lingo, ambassador from the duke to the pope. 
 
 Concerning the motive of Tasso's return to Fer- 
 rara, authors do not altogether agree : some declare 
 that, soon wearied of living in obscurity , and grow- 
 ing impatient to retrieve the duke's favour, he had 
 resolved, of his own accord, to throw himself on 
 that prince's generosity : this opinion seems indeed 
 drawn from Tasso's own words, in a letter written 
 by him to the duke of Urbino, in which he declares 
 " that he had endeavoured to make his peace with 
 the duke, and had for that purpose written severally 
 to him, the duchess of Ferrara, the duchess of IJr- 
 bino, and the princess Leonora ; yet never received 
 any answer but from the last, who assured him it 
 was not in her power to render him any service." 
 We see here that Tasso acknowledges himself the 
 receipt of a letter from the princess ; and in regard 
 to what he says to be the purport of it, it is highly 
 reasonable to suppose, that he would be very cau- 
 tious of divulging the real contents to the duke of 
 
 rb!')o. when fiis affairs with th^t lady were so du- 
 i
 
 THE LIFE OF TASSO. 29 
 
 licately circumstanced. This apparent care to con- 
 ceal the nature of his correspondence with her, 
 seems to corroborate the former suppositions of his 
 uncommon attachment to her ; and when all circum- 
 stances are considered, we believe it will appear 
 more than probable that he returned to Ferrara at 
 the particular injunction of Leonora. 
 
 The duke received Tasso with great seeming sa- 
 tisfaction, and gave him fresh marks of his esteem : 
 but this was not all that Tasso expected . His great 
 desire was to be master of his own works, and he 
 was verj' earnest that his writings might be restored 
 to him, which were in the duke's possession ; but 
 this was what he could by no means obtain : his ene- 
 mies had gained such an ascendency over the mind 
 of Alphonso, that they made him believe, or pre- 
 tend to believe, that the poet had lost all his 
 fire, and that in his present situation he was in- 
 capable of producing any thing new, or of correct- 
 ing bis poems : he therefore exhorted him to think 
 only of leading a quiet easy life for the future. Bat 
 Tasso was sensibly vexed at this proceeding, and 
 believed the duke wanted him entirely to relinquish 
 his studies, and pass the remainder of his days in 
 idleness and obscurity. " He would endeavour (says 
 he, in his letter to the duke of Urbino) to make me 
 a shameful deserter of Parnassus for the gardens of 
 Epicurus, for scenes of pleasure unknown to Virgil, 
 Catullus, Horace, and even Lucretius himself."" 
 
 Tasso reiterated his entreaties to have his writings 
 restored to him, but the duke continued inflexible, 
 and, to complete our poet's vexation, all access to 
 the princesses was denied him ; fatigued at length 
 with useless remonstrances, he once more quitted 
 Ferrara, and fled (as he expresses it lumself) like 
 another Bias, leaving behind him even his books 
 and manuscripts. 
 
 He then went to Mantua, where be found duke 
 Guglielmo in a decrepid age, and little disposed to
 
 so THE LIFE OF TASSO. 
 
 protect him against the duke of Ferrara : the Prince 
 Vincentio Gonzaga received him indeed with great 
 caresses, but was too young to take him under his 
 protection. From thence he went to Padua and 
 Venice ; but, carrying with him in every part bis 
 fears of the duke of Ferrara, be at last had recourse 
 to the duke of Urbino,* who shewed him great kind- 
 ness, but perhaps was very little inclined to embroil 
 himself with his brother-in-law, on such an account : 
 he advised Tasso rather to return to Ferrara, which 
 counsel he took, resolving once more to try his for- 
 tune with the duke. 
 
 Alphonso, it may be, exasperated at Tasso's flight, 
 and pretending to believe that application to study 
 had entirely disordered his understanding, and that 
 a strict regimen was necessary to restore him to bis 
 former state, caused him to be strictly confined in 
 the hospital of St. Anne. Tasso tried every me- 
 thod to soften the duke and obtain his liberty ; bat 
 the duke coldly answered those who applied to him, 
 " that instead of concerning themselves with the 
 complaints of a person in his condition, who was 
 very little capable of judging for his own good, 
 they ought rather to exhort him patiently to submit 
 to such remedies, as were judged proper for his cir- 
 cumstances."' 
 
 This confinement threw Tasso into the deepest 
 despair : he abandoned himself to his misfortunes , 
 aud the methods that were made use of for the cure 
 of his pretended madness had nearly thrown him 
 into an absolute delirium. His imagination was so 
 disturbed that he believed the cause of his distem- 
 per was not natural : he sometimes fancied himself 
 haunted by a spirit, that continually disordered 
 his books and papers ; and these strange motions 
 were perhaps strengthened by the tricks that were 
 plajed him by his keeper. MTiile Tasso continued 
 in this melancholy situation, he is said to have writ- 
 * Ann. act. 35-
 
 THE LIFE OP TASSO. 31 
 
 ten the following elegant, simple, and affecting lines, 
 which cannot well be translated into English verse : 
 
 Tu cbe ne vai in Pindo 
 I\-i pende mia cetra ad un cipresso, 
 Salutala in mio nome, e dil!e poi 
 Ch'io son dagl' anni e da fortuna oppresso.* 
 
 This second confinement of Tasso was much lon- 
 ger than the first. He applied in vain to the pope, 
 the emperor, and all the powers of Italy, to obtain 
 his liberty : till, at last, after seven years imprison- 
 ment, he gained what he so ardently wished for, in 
 the following manner. 
 
 CaBsar of Esté having brought his new spouse, 
 Virginia of Medicis, to Ferrara, all the relations of 
 that illustrious house assembled together on this oc- 
 casion, and nothing was seen in the whole city but 
 festivals and rejoicings. Vincentio Gonzaga, prince 
 of Mantua, particularly distinguished himself among 
 the great personages then at the duke's court. This 
 nobleman interceded so earnestly with Alphonso for 
 Tasso's liberty, that he at last obtained it,f and car- 
 ried him with him to Mantua, where he lived with 
 him, some time after the death of duke Ckiglielmo, 
 highly favoured. 
 
 It is said that the young prince, who was natural- 
 ly gay, being desirous to authorise his pleasures by 
 tìie example of a philosopher, introduced one day 
 into Tasso's company thre« sisters to sing and play 
 upon instruments : these ladies were all very hand- 
 some, but not of the most rigid virtue. After some 
 short discourse, he told Tasso, that he should take 
 take two of them away, and leave one behind, and 
 bade him take his choice. Tasso answered ; " that 
 it cost Paris very dear to give the preference to one 
 of the Goddesses, and theriefore, with his permission, 
 he designed to retain the three." The prince took 
 him at his word, and departed ; when Tasso, after a 
 
 * Thou, that ^oest to Pindns, where my harp hang» on a 
 cypress, salute it in my name, and say uiatl am oppresse»! 
 with years and misfortunes. 
 
 t Anu. set. 42.
 
 Ài THE LIFE OF TASSO. 
 
 little conversation, dismissed them all handsomrijr 
 
 irith presents. 
 
 At last, weary of living in a continual state of de- 
 pendence, he resolved to retire to Naples, and en- 
 deavour to recover his mother's jointure, which had 
 been seized upon by her relations when he went 
 into exile with his father Bernardo. This appeared 
 the only means to place him in the condition of life 
 he so much desired. He applied to his friends, and 
 having procured favourable letters to the viceroy, he 
 took leave of the duke of Mantua and repaired to 
 Bergamo,* where he stayed some time, and from 
 thence went to Naples. + 
 
 WTiile Tasso continued at Naples, dividing his 
 time between his studies and the prosecution of his 
 law-suit, the young count of Falena, by whom he 
 was highly esteemed, persuaded him to take up his 
 residence with him for some time : but in this affair 
 he had not consulted the prince of Conca, his father, 
 who, though he had a value for Tasso, yet could not 
 approve of his son's receiving into his house the 
 only person that remained of a family once devoted 
 to the prince of Salerno. A contention being likely 
 to ensue, on this account, betwixt the father and 
 son. Tasso, with his usual goodness of disposition, 
 to remove all occasion of dispute, withdrew from 
 Naples, and retired to Bisacio, j with his friend Man- 
 so, in whose company he lived some time with great 
 tranquillity. 
 
 In this place Manso had an opportunity to exa- 
 mine the singular effects of Tasso's melancholy ; 
 and often disputed with him concerning a familiar 
 ipirit, which he pretended to converse with. Manso 
 endeavoured in vain to persuade his friend that the 
 whole was the illusion of a disturbed imagination : 
 but the latter was strenuous in maintaining the 
 reality of what he asserted ; and, to convince Manso, 
 desired him to be present at one of those mysterious 
 eonversations. Manso had the complaisance to 
 
 ' *AnB. a:t.43. + Ann. *t. 44. t A un. act. 45-
 
 THE LIFE OF TASSO. 3S 
 
 meet him the next day, and while they were engaged 
 in discourse, oa a sudde.i observed that Tasso kept 
 his eyes upon a window, and remained iu a manner 
 immoveable. He called hira by his name several 
 times, but received no answer: at la?t. Tasso cried 
 out, '• There is the friendly spirit who is come to 
 converse with me ; look, and you will be couvijced 
 of the truth of all that I have said." Mauso heard 
 him with surprize : he looked, but saw not! iug ex- 
 cept the sun-beams darting through the window : he 
 cast his eves all over the room, but coi.ld perceive 
 nothing, and was just going to a>k wliera the pre- 
 tended spirit was, wl;eu he heard Tasso speak with 
 great earnestness, sometimes putting questions to the 
 spirit, and sometimes giving answers, delivering the 
 whole in such a pleasing manner, and with such 
 elevated expressions, that he listened with admira- 
 tion, and bad not the least iiiclination to interrupt 
 him. At last this uncommon conversation ended 
 with the departure of the spirit, as appeared by 
 Tasso's words ;. who, turning towards Manso, ask- 
 ed him if his doubts were removed. Manso was 
 more amazed than ever ; he scarce knew what to 
 think of his friend's situation, and waved any further 
 conversation on the subject. 
 
 At the approach of winter they returned to Na- 
 ples, when the prince of Falena again pressed Tasso 
 to reside with him ; but Tasso, who judged it highly 
 unadvisable to comply with his request, resolved to 
 retire to Rome, and wait there the issue of his law- 
 suit. He lived in that city about a year, ia high 
 eiteem with pope Sextus V. when, being Invited to 
 Florence by Ftrdiaando, grand duke of Ti.scany, 
 who had been cardinal at Rome, when Ta>so first 
 resided there, and who now employe-J the pope's in- 
 terest to procure a visit from him, he could not 
 withstand such solicitations, but went to Florence, 
 where he met ->vilh a most gracious reception.* Yet 
 not ali tJie caresses he received at the duke's court, 
 * Add. Kt. 46. 
 C 5
 
 34 THE LIFE OF TASSO. 
 
 nor all the promises of that prince, could overcome 
 liis love for his native country, or lessen the ardent 
 desire he had to lead a retired and iudependent life. 
 He therefore took his leave of the grand duke, who 
 would have loaded him with presents; but Tasso, 
 as usual, could he prevailed upon to accept of no 
 more than was necessarj for his present occasions. 
 He returned to Naples by the way of Rome,* and 
 the old prince of Conca dying about this time, the 
 young count of Falena prevailed upon Tasso, by the 
 mediation of Manso, to accept of an apartment in 
 his palace. Here he applied himself to a correction 
 of his Jerusalem, or rather to compose a new work 
 entitled Jerusalem Conquered, which he had begun 
 during his first residence at Naples. The prince of 
 Conca, being jealous lest any one should deprive 
 him of the poet and poem, cau?ed him to be so nar- 
 rowly watched that Tasso obser\ed it ; and, being dis- 
 pleased at such a proceeding, left the prince's pa- 
 lace and retired to his friend Manso's, where he 
 lived master of himself and his actions: yet he still 
 continued upon good terms with the prince of Conca. 
 In a short time after he publi>he<l his Jerusalem 
 Conquered, which poem, as a French writer ob- 
 serves,+ " is a sufficient proof of the injustice of 
 the criticisms that have beci passed upon his Jeru- 
 salem Delivered; since the Jerusalem Conquered, in 
 Which he endeavoured to conform himself to the taste 
 of his critics, was not received with the same appro- 
 bation as the former poem, where he bad entirely 
 given himself up to the enthusiasm of his genius." 
 He had likewise designed a third conection of the 
 same poem, which, as we are informed, was to have 
 been partly compounded of the Jerusalem Delivered 
 and Conquered; but this work was never completed. 
 The above cited author remarks, •• that in all pro- 
 bability, this last performance would not have equal- 
 led the first ;" and iadeed our poet seems to owe his 
 
 * Ann. at. 47. -f Vie du Tasse, a Amsterdam, 1693.
 
 THE LIFE OF TASSO. 3S 
 
 fame to the Jerusalem Delivered, the second poena 
 upon that subject being little known. 
 
 Manso's garden commanded a full prospect of the 
 sea. Tasso and his friend being one day in a sum- 
 mer-house with Scipio Belpiato, Manso's brother-in- 
 law, obstTving the waves agitated with a furious 
 storm, Belprato said, " that he was astonished at 
 the rashness and folly of men, who would expose 
 themselves to the rage of so merciless an element, 
 where such nvimbers had suffered ship^vreck." — "And 
 yet," said Tasso, " we every night go without fear 
 to bed, where so many die every hour. Believe me, 
 death will find us in all parts, and those places, that 
 appear the least exposed, are not always the most se- 
 cure from his attacks." 
 
 While Tasso lived with his friend Manso, cardinal 
 Hippolito Aldobrandini succeeded to the papacy by 
 the name of Clement VITI. His two nephews, Cyn- 
 thio aud Pietro Aldodrandini, were created cardi- 
 nals ; the first, afterwards called the cardinal of St. 
 George, was the eldest, a great patron of science, 
 and a favourer of learned men: he had known 
 Tasso when he resided last at Rome, and had the 
 highest esteem for him ; and now so earnestly in- 
 vited him to Rome, that he could not refuse, but 
 once more abandoned his peaceful retreat at Naples. 
 
 The confines of the Ecclesiastical state being in- 
 fested with banditti, travellers, for security, go toge- 
 ther in large companies. Tasso joined himself to 
 one of these; but, when they came within sight of 
 Mola, a little town near Gaieta, they received intel- 
 ligence that Sciarra, a famous captain of robbers, 
 was near at hand with a great body of men. Tasso 
 was of opinion, that they should continue their jour- 
 ney, and endeavour to defend themselves, if at- 
 tacked: hov.ever, this advice was over-ruled, and 
 they threvr themselves for safety into Mola, in which 
 place they remained for some time in a manner block- 
 ed up by Sciarra. But this outlaw, hearing that 
 Tasso was one of the company, sent a message to
 
 36 THE LIFE OF TASSO. 
 
 assure liirn that he misht pass in safety, and offered 
 himse'f to conduct him w here'> er he pleased. Tasso 
 returned him thanks, but declined acceptina the of- 
 fer, not cboosins:. perhaps, to rely on the word of a 
 person of such character. Sciarni, upon this, sent 
 a second message, by which he informed Tasso, that, 
 upon his account, he would withdraw his men, and 
 leave the wa}S open. He accordingly did so, and 
 Tas^o, continuing his journey: arrived without any 
 accident at Rome, where he was most graciously 
 welcomed by the two cardinals and the pope himself. 
 Tasso applied himself in a particulai' manner to car- 
 dinal Cynthio, who had been the means of his com- 
 ing to Rome: yet he neglected not to make his 
 court to cardinal Aldobrandini. and he very fre- 
 quently conversed with both of them. Ore day the 
 two cardinals held an assembly of several prelates, 
 to consult, among other tWngs, of some method to 
 put a stop to the license of the Pasquinades. One 
 proposed that Pa^quin's statue should be broken to 
 pieces and cast into the river. But Tasso's opinion 
 being askrd, he said, " it would be much more pru- 
 deut to let it remain where it w as ; for otherwise from 
 the fragments of the statue would be bred an infi- 
 nite number of frogs on the banks of the Tyber, that 
 would never cease to croak day and night." The 
 pope, to whom cardinal Aldobrandini related what 
 had passed, interrogated Tasso upon the subject. 
 " It is true, holy father,*' said he, " such was my 
 opinion; and I shall add moreover, that if vour 
 holiness would silence P^squin, the only way is to 
 put such people into employments as may give no oc- 
 cision to any libels or disaffected discourse." 
 
 At last, being again disgusted with the life of a 
 courtier, he obtained permission to retire to Naples 
 to prosecute his law-suit.* At his arrival there, be 
 took up his lodging in the convent of St. Severin, 
 with the fathers of St. Benedict. 
 
 * Ann. aet. gO.
 
 THE LIFE OF TASSO. 37 
 
 Thus was Tasso once more in a state of tranqui!- 
 lity and retirement, so highly agreeable to his dispc- 
 sition, when cardinal Cynthio again found means to 
 recai him, by prevailing on the pope to give him the 
 honour of being solemnly crowned with laurel in the, 
 capitol. Though Tasso himself was not in the least 
 desirous of such pomp, yet he yielded to the persua- 
 sion of others, particularly of his dear friend Manso, 
 to whom he protested that be went merely at his 
 earnest desire, not with any expectation of the pre- 
 mised triumph, which he had a secret presage would 
 never be. He was greatly aftected at parting from 
 Manso, and took his leave of him as of one he should 
 never see again. 
 
 In his way he passed by Mount Cassino, to pay 
 his devotion to the relicks of St. Benedict, for whom 
 he had a particular veneration. He spent the festi- 
 val of Christmas in that monastery, and from thence 
 repaired to Rome, where he arrived in the beginning 
 of the year 1593.* He was met at the entrance of 
 that city by many prelates and persons of distinction, 
 and was aftenvards introduced, by the two cardinals 
 Cynthio and Pietro, to the presence of the pope, 
 who was pleased to tell him, " that his merit would 
 add as much honour to the laurel he was going to 
 receive, as that crown had formerly given to those on 
 whom it had hitherto been bestowed." 
 
 Nothing was now thought of but the approaching 
 solemnity : orders were given to decorate not only 
 the pope's palace and the capito!, but all the princi- 
 pal streets through which the procession was to pass. 
 Yet Tasso appeared little moved with these prepara- 
 tions, which he said would bs in vain : and being 
 shewn a sonnet composed upon the occasion by his 
 relation, Hercole Tasso, he answered by the follow- 
 ing verse of Seneca : 
 
 ^I^gQific^ verba mors prope admota excutit. 
 
 His presages were but too true, for while they 
 Aiiu. «et. 51. 
 
 fìb^à 'J o
 
 39 THE LIFE OF TASSO. 
 
 waited for fair weather to celebrate the solemnitr , 
 cardinal Cynthio fell ill, and continued for some 
 time indisposed ; and, as soon as the cardinal bepran 
 to recover, Tasso himself was seized with his la^t 
 sickness— 
 
 Thouarh he had only completed his fifty-first year, 
 his studies and misfortunes had brought on a prema- 
 ture old age. Being persuaded that his end was ap- 
 proaching, he resolved to spend the few days he had 
 to live in the monastery of St. Onuphrius. He was 
 carried thither in cardinal Cynthio's coach, and re- 
 ceived with the utmost tenderness by the prior and 
 brethren of that order. His distemper was now so 
 far increased, and his strength so exhausted, that 
 all kind of medicine proved ineffectual. On the 
 loth of April he was taken with a violent fever, oc- 
 casioned perhaps by having eaten some milk, a kind 
 of aliment he was particularly fond of. His life 
 now seemed in imminent danger: the most famous 
 physicians in Rome tried all their art, but in vain, 
 to relieve bim : he grew worse and worse every da,> . 
 Rinaldini, the pope's physician and Tasso's intimate 
 friend, having informed him that his last hour was 
 near at hand. Tasso embraced him tenderly, and 
 with a composed countenance returned him tliauk? 
 for his tidings;' then, looking up to heaven, he " ac- 
 knowledged the goodness of God, who was at last 
 pleased to bring him safe into port, after so long a 
 storm."' From that time his mind seemed entirely 
 disentangled from earthly affilrs: he received the 
 sacrament in the chapel of the monastery, being 
 conducted thither by the brethren. Whea he was 
 brought back to his chamber, he was a«ked where he 
 wished to be interred : he answered, in the church of 
 St. Onuphrius ; and being desired to leave some me- 
 morial of his will in writing, and to dictate himself 
 the epitaph that should be engravrn on his tomb, he 
 smiled and said, " that in regard to the first, he 
 had little worldly ^oods to leave, and as to the se- 
 cond, a plain stoue would suffice to cover him." He
 
 THE LIFE OF TASSO. 39 
 
 left caidiua! Cynthio his heir, and desired that liis 
 own picture inigtt he given to Giovanni Baptista 
 Manso, which had heen drawn hy his direction. 
 At length, having attained the fourteenth day of his 
 illness, he received the extreme unction. Cardinal 
 Cynthio, hearing that he was at the lust extremity, 
 came to visit him, and brought him the pope's bene- 
 diction, a grace never conferred in this manner but 
 on cardinals and persons of tiie first distinction. 
 Tasso acknowledged this honour with great devotion 
 and humility, and said, " that this was the crown 
 he came to receive at Rome." The cardinal having 
 asked hira " if he had any thing further to desire," 
 he replied, " the only favour he had now to beg of 
 him, was, that he would collect together the copies 
 of all his works (particularly his Jerusalem Deliver- 
 ed, which he esteemed most imperfect) and commit 
 them to the fiamec : this task, he confessed, might 
 be found something difficult, as those pieces were 
 dispersed abroad in so many different places, but yet 
 he ti-usted it would not be found altogether imprac- 
 ticable." He ^1 as so earnest in his request, that the 
 cardinal, unwilling to discompose him by a refusal, 
 gave hira such a doubtful answer as led him to be- 
 lieve that his desire would be complied with. Tasso 
 theu requesting to be left alone, the cardinal took 
 his farewel of him with tears in his eyes, leaving 
 with him his confessor and some of the breth.ren of 
 the monastery. In this condition he continued all 
 night, and till the miadle of next day, the iSth of 
 April, bei'.'-g the festival of St. Mark, when, finding 
 himself fainting, he embraced his cracifix, uttering 
 these words: Inmayuts tuas. Domine — but expired 
 before he could finish the sentence. 
 
 Tasso was tall and well-shaped, his complexion 
 fair, but rather pale through sickness and study ; the 
 hair of his head was of a chesuut colour, but that of 
 his bear.l somewhat lighter, thick and bushy ; his fore- 
 head s(iuare and high, his head large, and the fore 
 part of it, towards the end of his liie, altogether
 
 40 THE LIFE OF TASSO, 
 
 bald ; his eye-brows were dark ; his eyes full, pierc- 
 ing, and of a clear blue ; his nose large, his lips 
 thin, his teeth w eil set and white ; his neck well pro- 
 portioned ; his breast full ; his shoulders broad, and 
 all his limbs more sinewy than fleshy. His voice 
 was strong, clear, and solemn ; he spoke with deli- 
 beration, and generally reiterated his last words : 
 he seldom laughed, and never to excess. He was 
 Tery expert in the exercises of the body. In his 
 01 atory, he used little action, and rather pleased by 
 the beauty and force of his expressions, than by the 
 graces of gesture and utterance, that compose so 
 great a part of elocution. Such was the exterior of 
 Tasso : as to his mental qualities, he appears to 
 have been a great genius, and a soul elevated above 
 the common rank of mankind. It is said of him, 
 that there ne\er was a scholar more humble, a wit 
 more devout, or a man more amiable in society. 
 Never satisfied with his works, e\eu when they ren- 
 dered his name famous throughout the world ; al- 
 ways satisfied with his condition, even wliea be 
 waiited every thing ; entirely relying on Providence 
 and his friends; without malevolence towards his 
 greatest enemies ; only wishing for riches that he 
 might be seniceableto otbeis, and making a scruple 
 to receive or keep any thing himself that was not 
 absolutely necessary. So blameless and regular a 
 life could not but be ended by a peaceable death, 
 which carried him off anno 1593, in the fifty-second 
 year of his age. 
 
 He was buried the same evening, without pomp, 
 accordili:; to his desire, i;i the church of St. Onu- 
 phrius, and his body was covered with a plain 
 stone. Cardinal Cynthio had pui-posed to erect a 
 magnificeut nionumeut to his memory, but the de- 
 sign wns so loi;g prevented by sickness and other 
 accidents, that, ten ^ears after, Manso coming to 
 Rome, went to visit his friend's lemains, and would 
 have taken en himself the care of building a tomb 
 ♦ohim: but this Cardinal Cvnthio would by no
 
 THE LIFE OF TASSO. 41 
 
 means permit, haviag determined himself to pay 
 that duty to Tasso. However, Manso prevailed so 
 far as to have the following words engraven on the 
 stone : 
 
 HIC lACET TORQVATVS TASSVS. 
 Cardinal Cynthio dying without putting his de- 
 sign in execution. Cardinal Bonifacio Bevilacqua, of 
 an illustrious family of Ferrara, caused a stately 
 sepulchre to be erected, in the church of St. Onu- 
 phrius, over the remains of a man whose works haw 
 made all others monuments superfluous.
 
 THE 
 
 FIRST BOOK 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED.
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 THE Christians, having assembled a vast armp 
 under different leaders, for the recovery of 
 Jerusalem from the Saracens, after various 
 successes, eticamped i?z the plains of Tortosa. 
 Al this time the action of the Poem begins. 
 God sends his angel to the camp, and coni^ 
 mands Godfrey to suminon a couiicil oj the 
 chiefs. The assembly meets. Godjh-ey, with 
 universal consent, is elected commander in 
 chief of all the Christian fuvces. He reviews 
 the army. The different nations described. 
 The names and qualities of Ihe leaders. The 
 army iegi^ its march towards Jerusalem. 
 Aladiiie, king of Jerusalem, alarmed at the 
 progress of the Christians, makes preparai ioiis 
 for the defence of the city.
 
 THE 
 
 FIRST BOOK 
 
 OF 
 
 JERUSALEAI DELIVERED. 
 
 ArINIS, and the chief I sing:, whose righteous hands 
 Redeenvd the tomb of Christ from impious bands ; 
 Who much in council, much in field sustaia'd, 
 Till just success his glorious labours gain'd : 
 In vain the powers of hell oppos'd his course, 5 
 
 And Asi:i's arms, and L-ybia's minjrled force; 
 Keaven bless'd his standards, and beneatli Iiis care 
 Reduc'd bis wandering partners of the war. 
 
 O sacred JWuse! who ne'er in Ida's shade 
 With fading laurels deck'st thy radiant head : 1 
 But sit'st enthron'd, with stars immortal crown'd. 
 Where blissful choirs their hallow';! strains resound ; 
 Do thou inflame me with celestial fire, 
 Assist my labours, and my song inspire : 
 Forgive me, if with truth I fiction .ioiu, 1 h 
 
 And grace the verse with other charms than thine._^_^ 
 Thou know'st, the world with eager transport throng 
 Where sweet Parnassus breathes tlse tuneful song ; 
 That truth can oft, in pleasing strains convey'd, 
 All'ire the fancy, and the mind persuade. 2<t 
 
 Thus the sick infant's taste disguis'd to meet. 
 We tinge the vessel's brim with juices sweet ; 
 The bitter draught his willing lip receives ; 
 He drinks deceiv'd, and so deceiv'd he lives. 
 
 Tbou, great Alphonso! who from Fortune's pow'i 
 Kast safely brouglrt rao to the peaceful shore ; ^0
 
 46 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. I. 
 
 When, like a wand'rer. o'tr tlie seas I pass'd 
 Amid the threatening recks an:l wat'rj waste ; 
 Vouchsafe, with smiles, mv labours to suney, 
 These votive lines to thee the Muses pay. 30 
 
 Some future time may teach my loftier lays 
 To sins thy actions and record thy praise; 
 If e'er the Christian powers their strife forbear, 
 And join their forces for a nobler war ; 
 With steed* au'i vesse's pass to distant Thrace, 35 
 To gain their conquests from a barbarous race; 
 To thee the sway ot earth they must resign, 
 Or, if thou rather chuse, the sea be thine : 
 Meanwhile, to rival Godfrey's glorious name, 
 Attend, and rouse thy soul to martial fame. 40 
 
 Five times his rolling course the year had run 
 Since first the Christians had the war begun : 
 By fierce assault, already Nice they held ; 
 And made, by stratagem, proud Antioch yield; 
 There, with undaunted hearts, maintain'd their post. 
 Against the nurabers of the Persian host. 46 
 
 Tortosa won, the wintry months appear. 
 And close the conquests of the glorious year. 
 
 The season that opposM the victor's foRe, 
 Began to _>ield to Spring's benignant course; òO 
 
 When now th' Eternal, from his awful height, 
 Entbron'd in purest rays of heavenly light, 
 (As far remov'd above the starry spheres. 
 As Hell's foundations from the distant stars) 
 Cast on the subject world his piercing eyes, 55 
 
 And view'd at once the seas, the earth, and skies : 
 He tum'd his looks intent on Syria's lands. 
 And mark'd the leaders of the Christian bands; 
 No secret from his searching eye conceal'd, 
 But ali their bosoms to his view reveal'd. 60 
 
 Godfrey he sees, who burns with zeal to chase 
 From Sion's wall the Pagans' impious race; 
 And, while religious f.res his brfast inflame. 
 Despises worldly empire, wealth, and fame. 
 Far other scliemes i;i Baldwin next he views, 66 
 
 Whose restless heart Ambition's track pursuoa.
 
 B. I. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. *T 
 
 Tancred he sees his life no longer prize, 
 
 Th' insensate victim of a woman's eyes! 
 
 Boemond he marks, intent to fix his reign 
 
 In Antioch's town, his new acquir'd domain; 70 
 
 With laws and arts the people to improve. 
 
 And teacli the worship of the pow'rs above: 
 
 And while these thoughts alone his soul divide, 
 
 The prince is lost to every care be>ide. 
 
 He then beholds, in young Rinaldo's breast, 75 
 
 A warlike mind that scorn'd ignoble rest : 
 
 Nor hopes of gold or power the youth inflame. 
 
 But sacred thirst of never-dying fame ; 
 
 From Guelpho's lips, with kindling warmth, he hears 
 
 The ancients' glory, and their deeds reveres. 80 
 
 When now the Sovereign of the world had seen 
 The cares and aims below of mortal men ; 
 He call'd on Gabriel, from th' angelic race. 
 Who held in glorious raak the second place; 
 A faithful nunciate from the throne above, 85 
 
 Divine iaterpreter of heavenly love ! 
 He bears the mandate from the realms of light. 
 And waftapur pray'rs before th' Almighty's sight. 
 
 To him tl' Eternal : — Speed thy rapid way, 
 And thus to Godfrey's ear our words convey ; 90 
 Why this neglect ? Why linger thus the bands 
 To free Jerusalem fiom impious hands ? 
 Let him to council hi* the chiefs repair. 
 There rouze the tardy to pursue the war. 
 The powir supreme on him they shall bestow, 95 
 I here elect him for my chief below : 
 The rest shall to bis sway submissive yield, 
 Companions once, now subjects in the field. 
 
 He said; and strait with zealous aidour prest, 
 Gabriel prepares t' obey his Lord's behest. 100 
 
 He clothes his heavenly form with ether light, 
 And makes it visible to human sight; 
 In shape and limbs like one of earthly race, 
 But bri;;hi!y shining with celestial grace: 
 A youth he seem'd, in manhood's ripening years, 105 
 On i\\e smooth cheek when first the down appeus;
 
 43 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. I. 
 
 Refulgent rays his beauteous locks enfold ; 
 White are his nimble wings, and edg'd with gold : 
 With these through winds and clouds he cuts his way. 
 Flies o'er the land, and skims along the sea. 110 
 Thus stood th' angelic power prepar'd for flight. 
 Then instant darted from th' empyreal height ; 
 Direct to Lebanon his course he bent. 
 There clos'd his plumes, and made his first descent ; 
 Thence with new speed his airy wings he steer'd, 115 
 Till now in sight Tortosa's plains appear'd. 
 
 The cheerful sun his ruddy progress held, 
 Part rais'd above the waves, and part conceal'd : 
 Now Godfrey, as accustom'd, rose to pay 
 His pure devotions with the dawning ray : 1 -20 
 
 W^hen the bright form appearing from the east. 
 More fair than opening morn, the chief address'd. 
 
 Again return'd the vernal season view, 
 That bids the host their martial toils renew : 
 What, Godfrey, now withJiolds the Christians' bands 
 To free Jerusalem from impious hands ? 126 
 
 Go, to the council every chief invite. 
 And to the pious task their souls incite. 
 Heaven makes thee General of his host below. 
 The rest submissive to thy rule shall bow. 130 
 
 Dispatch'd from God's eternal throne I came. 
 To bring thee tidings in his awful name : 
 O think ! what zeal, what glory, now demands 
 From such a host committed to thy hands ! 
 
 He ceas'd, and ceasing, vauish'd from his sight 
 To the pure regions of his native light : 136 
 
 While, with his words and radiant looks amaz'd. 
 The pious Godfrey long in silence gaz'd. 
 But when, his fitst surprise and wonder fled. 
 He ponder'd all the heavenly vision said ; 11© 
 
 W hat ardour then possess'd Ids swelling mind 
 To end the war : his glorious task assign'd! 
 Yet no ambitious thoughts his breast inflame 
 (Though singled thus from ev'ry earthly name ;) 
 But with bis own, his Maker's \vill couspires. 1 1» 
 -And adds new fuel to his native fires.
 
 B. I. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 4:> 
 
 - Then strait the heralds round with speed he sends 
 To call the council of his warlike friends ; 
 Each word employs the sleeping zeal to raise. 
 And wake the soul to deeds of martial praise. 150 
 So well his reasons and his prayers were join'd. 
 As pleas'd at once, and won the vanquish'd mind. 
 
 The leaders came, the subject troops obey'd. 
 And BoEmond only from the summons stay'd. 
 Part wait without encamp'd (a numerous band,) 15^ 
 While part Tortosa in her walls detain'd. 
 And now the mighty chiefs in council sate, 
 (A glorious synod !) at the grand debatje ; 
 When, rising in the midst, with awful look. 
 And pleasing voice, the pious Godfrey spoke. 1 GO 
 
 Ye sacred warriors! whom th' Almighty Powt 
 Selects his pure religion to restore. 
 And safe has led, by his preserving hand. 
 Through storms at sea, and hostile wiles by land ; 
 What rapid coui-se our conquering arras have run ! 
 What rebel lands to his subjectiou won ! IGG 
 
 How o'er the vanquisli'd nations spread the fame 
 Of his dread ensigns, and his holy name ! 
 Yet, not for this we left our natal seats. 
 And the dear ple;lges of domestic sweets ; 1 70 
 
 On treach'rous seas the rage of storms to dare, 
 And all the perils of a foreign war! 
 For this, an end unequal to your arms, 
 Nor bleeds the combat, nor the conquest charms : 
 Nor such reward your matchless labours claim, 1 7.& 
 Barbarian kingdoms, and ignoble fame! 
 Far other prize our pious toils must crown ; 
 Wt fight to conquer Sion's hallow'd town ; 
 I To free from servile yoke the Christian train 
 |)ppre?s'd so long in Slavery's galling chain ; ISO 
 "o found in Palestine a regal seat, 
 Vhere Piety may find a safe retreat ; 
 Vhere none the pilgrim's zeal shall more oppose, 
 " adore the tomb, and pay his grateful vows. 
 u!l many dangerous tri ils have we known, I Si 
 
 «t little honour all our toils have won : 
 D
 
 so JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. /. 
 
 Our purpose lost, while indolent we stay, 
 
 Or turn the force of arms a different way. 
 
 Why gathers Europe such a host from far. 
 
 And kindles Asia with the flames of war ? 190 
 
 Lo ! all th' event our mighty deeds have shown— 
 
 Not kingdoms rais'd, but kingdoms overthrown! 
 
 Who thinks an empire midst his foes to found. 
 
 With countless Infidels encompass'd round. 
 
 Where Prudence little hopes from Grecian lands. 
 
 And distant lie remov'd the western bands, 196 
 
 Insensate surely plans his future doom. 
 
 And rashly builds his own untimely tomb. 
 
 The Turks and Persians routed, Antioch won, 
 
 Are gallant acts, and challenge due renown. 200 
 
 These w ere not ours, but wrought by him whose hand 
 
 With such success has crown'd our favour'd band. 
 
 But if, foi^etful of that aid divine. 
 
 We turn these blessings from the first design ; 
 
 Th' Almighty giver may forsake our name, 20& 
 
 And nations round revile our former fame. 
 
 Forbid it, Heaven! such favour should be lost, 
 
 And vainly lavish'd on a thankless host. 
 
 All great designs to one great period tend. 
 
 And every part alike respects its end. 210 
 
 TU' auspicious season bi<ls the war proceed ; 
 
 The country open, and the passes freed : | 
 
 Why march we not with speed to reach the town. 
 
 The prize decreed our conquering arms to crown ? 
 
 To what I now protest, ye chiefs! give ear, 216 
 
 (The present times, the future age shall hear ; 
 
 The host of saints be witness from above ;) 
 
 The time is ripe the glorious task to prove. 
 
 The longer pause we make our hopes are less. 
 
 Delays may change our now assur'd success. 230 
 
 My mind foretells, if long our march is staid, 
 
 Sion will gain from Egypt powerful aid. 
 
 He ceas'd ; a murmur at his words ensu'd : 
 When from his seat the hermit Peter stood ; 
 Who sate with princes their debates to share. - 
 The holy author of this pious war.
 
 B. I. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 51 
 
 What Godfrey speaks with ardour I approve, 
 Such obvious truths must every bosom move ; 
 'Tis yours, O chiefs ! to own its g-enuiae pow'r, 
 But let me add to l.is one counsel more, 230 
 
 When now, devolving in my careful mind, 
 I view our actions past, by strife disjoin'd ; 
 Our jarring wills; our disunited force ; 
 And many plans obstructed in their course ; 
 Methinks my judgment to their spring cau trace 235 
 The troubled motions that our cause disgrace. 
 'Tis in that power, in many leaders join'd, 
 Of various tempers, and discordant miad. 
 If o'er the rest no sovereign chief preside, 
 T" allot the several posts, the tasks divide; 210 
 
 To scourge th' offender, or rewards bestow ; 
 What riot and misrule the state o'erflow ! 
 Then in one body join our social band, 
 And trust the rule to one important hand; 
 To him resign the sceptre and the sway, S45 
 
 And him their king th' onited host obey. 
 
 Here ceas'd the reverend sage. O zeal divinel 
 What bosoms can withstand a power like thine ? 
 Thy sacred breath the hermit's words inspired, 
 And with his words the listening heroes fir'd ; 550 
 DispelI'd their doubts, their passions lull'd to rest, 
 And vain ambition chas'd from every breast. 
 Then Guelpho first and William (chiefs of fame) 
 Saluted Godfrey with a General's name. 
 Their chief elect : the rest approv'd the choice, 256 
 And gave the rule to him with public voice. 
 His equals once to his dominion yield. 
 Supreme in council, and supreme in field ! 
 
 Th' assembly ended, swift-wing'd Rumour fled. 
 And round, from man to man, the tidings spread. 
 Meantime before the soldiers Godfrey came, 261 
 Wlio Lai I'd him as their chief with loud acclaim : 
 Sedate he heard th' applause on every side. 
 And mildly to their duteous zeal reply'd ; 
 Then on the^morrow bade the troops prepare 265 
 To pass before his sight in form of war. 
 D2
 
 ò2 ■ JERUSALEM DELIVERED. J5. /, 
 
 Now, to the east return'd, with purer ray 
 The glorious sun reveal'd the golden day ; 
 When, early rising vith the morning light, 268 
 
 Appear'd each warrior sheath'd in armour bright. 
 Beneath their standards rang'd, the warlike train, 
 A goodly sight I were mai-shall'd on the plain ; 
 While on a height the pious Godfrey stood, 
 And horse and foot at once distinctly view'd. 
 Say, Muse ! from whom no time can truth conceal. 
 Who canst thy knowledge to mankind reveal, 2 7 G 
 Oblivion's foe! thy poet's breast inflame. 
 Teach bim to tell each gallant leader's name : 
 Disclose their ancient glories now to light, 
 W hich rolling ,>ears have long obscur'd in night : 2S0 
 Let eloquence like thine assist my tongue. 
 And future times attend my deathless song I 
 
 First in the field the Franks their numbers bring, 
 Or.ce led by Hugo, brother to the king : 2S4 
 
 From Frarce they c?me, with verdant beauty crown'd, 
 W hofe fertile soil four running streams surround ; 
 W hen Death's relentless stroke their chief subdu'd. 
 Still tl e same cause the valiant band pursu'd : 
 Beneath the brave Clotharius' care they came, 
 W ho vaunts no honour of a regal name : 290 
 
 A thousand, heavy arm'd, composed the train, 
 An equal number follo%\*d on the plain : 
 And like the first their semblance and their mien. 
 Alike their aims and discipline were seen : 
 These brought from Normandy, by Robert led, 295 
 A rightful prince amid their nation bred. 
 William and Aderaar to these succeed, 
 (The people's pastors) and their squadrons lead : 
 Far different once their task by Henven assign'd, 
 lieligious ministers t' inttnict mankind ! 300 
 
 But now the helmet on their heads thty bear. 
 And learn the deathful business of bis war. 
 Tin's brings from Orange and the neighbouring land 
 Four hundred chosen warriors in his band ; 
 And that conducts from Poggio to the field jOS 
 
 Au equal trcop, no less in battle skilFd.
 
 B. I. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 53 
 
 Great Baldwin next o'er Boloign's force presides, 
 
 And, with his ovva, his brother's people guides. 
 
 Who to liis conduct now resigns the post. 
 
 Himself the chief of chiefs, and tord of all the host. 
 
 Then came Carnuti's earl, net less renown'd 311 
 
 For martial prowess, than for counsel soand ; 
 
 Four hundred in his train : but Baldwia leads 
 
 Full thrice the nutaber arm'd on generous steeds. 
 
 Near these, the plaia the noble Guelpho press'd, 315 
 
 By fortune equal to his merits bless'd ; 
 
 A chief, who by his Roman sire could trace 
 
 A long descent from Esté's princely race : 
 
 But German by dominion and by name. 
 
 To Guelplio's name he join'd his pristine fame: 320 
 
 He rul'd Carynthia, and the lands possess'd 
 
 By Sueves and Rhethians once, his sway confess'd: 
 
 O'er these the chief, by right raxternal, rei^uM, 
 
 To these his valour many conquests gain'd : 
 
 From thence he brings his troop, a h3,rdy race, S35 
 
 Still ready Death, in fighting fields, to face ; 
 
 Beneath their roofs secur'd from wintry skies. 
 
 The genial feast each joyful day supplies; 
 
 Five thousand once ; now scarce a third remain'd. 
 
 Since Persia's fight, of all the numerous band. 330 
 
 Next those, whose lands the Franks and Germans 
 
 bound, 
 Where Rhine and Maes o'erflow the fruitful ground. 
 For countless herds and plenteous crops renown'd. 
 With these their aid the neighbouring isles suppiy'd. 
 Whose bariiis defend them from th' encroaching tidi : 
 All these a thousand form'd, (a warlike band) 33G 
 O'er whom another Robert held command. 
 More numerous was the British squadron shown, 
 I By William led, the monarch's youngest son. 
 Tiie English in the bow and shafts are skill'd: 310 
 With them a northern nation seeks the field, 
 Whom Ireland, from our world divided far. 
 From savage woods and mountains, sends to war. 
 
 Tancred was next, than whom no greater name 
 (Except Rinaldo) fiU'd the list of fame ; Hit
 
 54 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. I. 
 
 Of gentler manners, comelier to the sight. 
 
 Or more intrepid in the day of fight : 
 
 If aught of blame could such a soul reprove, 
 
 Or soil his glorious deeds, the fault was loTe : 
 
 A sudden love, that, born amidst alarms, 350 
 
 Was nurs'd v?ith anguish in the din of arms. 
 
 'Tis said, that, on that great and glorious day, 
 
 When to the Franks the Persian host gave way. 
 
 Victorious Taucred, eager to pursue 
 
 The scatter-d remnants of the flying crew, 353 
 
 O'erspent with labour, sought some kind retreat, 
 
 To quench his thirst and cool his burning heat ; 
 
 When, to his wish, a chrystal stream he found. 
 
 With bow'ry shade and verdant herbage crown'd: 
 
 There sudden rush'd before his wondering sight, 3G0 
 
 A Pagan damsel sheath'd in armour bright : 
 
 Her helm, unlac'd, her visage bare display *d. 
 
 And, tir'd with tight, she sought the cooling shade. 
 
 Struck wiih her looks, he view'd the beauteous dame, 
 
 Adrair'd her charms, and kindled at the flame. 365 
 
 O wond'rous force of Love's resistless dart. 
 
 That pierc'd at once and rcoted in his heart I 
 
 Her helm she clos'd, prepar'd t' assault the knight. 
 
 But numbers, drawing nigh, constrain'd her flight; 
 
 The lotty virgin fled, but left behind 370 
 
 Her lovely form deep imag'd in his mind ; 
 
 Still, in his thcDght, he views the conscious grove, 
 
 Eternr.l fuel to the flames of love ! 
 
 Pensive he comes, his looks his soul declare, 
 
 With eyes cast downward and dejected air: 371» 
 
 Eight hundred horse from fertile seats he leads. 
 
 From hills of Tyrrhene and Campania's meads. 
 
 Two hundred Grecians bora, were next to see. 
 Active in field, from weighty armour free ; 
 Their crooked sabres at their side they wear; 380 
 Theii- backs the sounding bows and quivers bear : 
 ■V\ ith matchless swiftness were their steetls endu'd, 
 InurM to toil, and sparing in their food : 
 Swilt in attack they rush, and swift in flight. 
 In troops retreating and dispers'd they fight : 383
 
 B. /. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. bo 
 
 Tatinus led their force ; the only band 
 
 That join'd the Latian arras from Grecian laud : 
 
 Yet near the scene of war (O lasting shame ! 
 
 O foul dishonour to the Grecian name!) 
 
 Thou, Greece, canst hear unmov'd the loud alarms, 
 
 A tame spectator of the deeds of arms! 391 
 
 If foreign power oppress thy servile reign. 
 
 Thou well deser v'st to wear the victor's chain. 
 
 A squadron now, the last in order, came, 
 In order last, but first in martial fame; 391- 
 
 Adventurers call'd, and heroes fam'd afar, 
 Terrors of Asia, thunderbolts of war! 
 Cease, Argo, cease to boast thy warriors' might ; 
 And, Arthur, cease to vaunt each fabled knight; 
 These all th' exploits of ancient times exceed : 400 
 What chief is worthy such a band to lead r 
 Ey joint consent, to Dudo.i's sway they yield, 
 Of prudent age, experieuc'd in the field ; 
 Whose youthful vigour joins with hoary hairs. 
 His bosom mark'd with many manly scars. lu:- 
 
 Here stood Eustatius with the first in fame, 
 But more ennobled by his brother's name. 
 Gernando here, the king of Norway's sou. 
 Who vaunts his sceptred race and regal crown. 
 There Engerlan, and there Rogero shin'd; 4li> 
 
 Two Gerrards, with Rambaldo's dauntless mind ; 
 With gallant Ubald and Gentonio join'd. 
 Rosmondo with the bold must honour claim : 
 Nor must oblivion hide Obizo's name : 
 Nor Lombard's brethren three be left untold, -l 1 i 
 Achilles, Sforza, Palamedes bold : 
 Nor Otho fierce, whose valour won the shield 
 That bears a child and serpent on its field : .'(■■. 
 Nor Guasco, nor Ridolphus, I forget, 
 Nor either Guido, both in combat great : 420 
 
 Nor must I Gernier pass, nor Eberard, 
 To rob their virtue of its due regard. 
 But wh^ neglects ray muse a wedded pair. 
 The gallant Edward and Gildippe fair!
 
 àtì JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. 7. 
 
 O partnere still in every battle try'd, 4? ó 
 
 Not death your jrentle union shall divide! 
 
 The school of love, which ev'ri the feaiful warm?. 
 
 The dame instructed in the trade of arras : 
 
 Still by his side her watchful steps attend ; 
 
 Still on one fortune both their lives depend : 4.)i i 
 
 No wound in fisrht can either singly bear, 
 
 ?"or both alike in every ansruish share; 
 
 And oft one faints to view the otI>.er"s wound, 
 
 This shedding- blood, and that in sorrow drowa'd I 
 
 But lo I o'er these, o'er ail the host confest, i3'> 
 The \oung Rinaldo towerd above the rest : 
 ^V ilh martial gi-ace hi? looks around he cast. 
 And gazing crowds admir'd him as he passM. 
 nature beyond his years his virtues shoot, 
 Af, mix'd with blossoms, grows the budding fruit. 
 WliHi clad in steel, he seems like iMar? to move ; 1 JI 
 His face disclos'd, he looks the God of Love! 
 This youth on Adige's far winding shore. 
 To great Bertoldo fair Sophia bore. 
 ^The infant from the breast Matilda rears, ) 1 i 
 
 (The watchful guardian of his tender years ;) 
 Ard, while beneath her care the youth remain*. 
 His ripening age to regal virtue triins; 
 Till the loud trumpet, from the distant east, 
 M'ith early thirst of glory fir'd his breast. 450 
 
 Then (fifteen springs scarce changing o'er his head) 
 Guideless, untaught, through ways unknown he tied ; 
 Th' Egean sea he cross'd and Grecian lands, 
 And reach'd, in climes remote, the t hristiau bands. 
 Thrct years the warrior in the camp had seen, 45 j 
 Yet scarce the down began to shade his chin. 
 Now all the horse were past : in order led, 
 Next came the foot, and Raymond at their head : 
 Thoulouse he governs, and collects his train 
 Between the Pyreneans and the main : i Go 
 
 Four thousand, arm'd in proof, well us'd to bear 
 Th' inclement seasons, and the toils of war : 
 A band approv'd, io every battle try'd ; 
 Nor could the band an abler leader guid?.
 
 B, L JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 57 
 
 Next Stephen of Amboise conducts his power : 465 
 
 From Tours and Blois he brings five thousand more : 
 
 fio hardy nation this, inur'd to fi?ht. 
 
 Though fenc'd in shining steel, a martial sight ! 
 
 Soft is their soil, and of a gentle liind, 
 
 And, like their soil, th' inhabitants inclin'd ; 470 
 
 Impetuous first th<^y run to meet the foe. 
 
 But soon, repulsed, their forces languid grow. 
 
 Alcastus was the third, with threatening mien ; 
 
 (So Capaneus of old at Thebes was seen.) 
 
 Six thousand warriors, in Helvetia bred, 475 
 
 Plebeians fierce, from Alpine heights he led : 
 
 Their rural tools, that wont the earth to teai'. 
 
 They turn'd to nobler instruments of war: 
 
 And with those hands, accustomed herds to guide. 
 
 They boldly now the might of kings defy'd. 4S0 
 
 Lo ! rais'd in air the standard proudly sho^vn, 
 In which appear the keys and papal crown : 
 Sev'n thousand foot there good Camillus leads. 
 In heavy arms that gleam across the meads : 
 O'erjoy'd he seems, decreed his name to grace, 4S5 
 And add new honours to his ancient race; 
 W hate'er the Latian discipline may claim. 
 In glorious deeds to boast an equal fame. 
 
 Now every squadron rang'd in order due. 
 Had pass'd before the ch?ef in fair review ; 490 
 
 When Godfrey strait the peers assembled holds, 
 And thus the purport of his mind unfolds. 
 
 Soon as the morning lifts her early bead, 
 Let all the forces from the camp be led. 
 With speedy course to reach the sacred town, 495 
 Ere yet their purpose, or their march is known. 
 Prepare then for the way, for fight prepare. 
 Nor doubt, my friends! of conquest in the war. 
 
 These words, from such a chieftain's lips, inspire 
 Each kindling breast, and wake the slumbering fire : 
 Already for th' expected fight they burn, 501 
 
 And pant impatient for the day's return. 
 Yet still some fears their careful chief oppress'd. 
 But these he smother'd in his thoughtful breast : 
 D&
 
 'S JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. I. 
 
 By certain tiding brought, he lately heard, 505 
 That Esrvpt-s kins his course for Gaza steer'd : 
 (A frontier town that all the realm commands, 
 And a strong barrier to the Sjrian lands.) 
 Full well he knows the monarch's restless mind. 
 Nor doubts in him a cruel foe to find. 510 
 
 Aside the pious leader Henry took, 
 And thus his faithful messenger bespoke. 
 
 Attend my words, some speedy bark ascend. 
 And to the Grecian shore thy voyage bend : 
 A youth will there arrive of regal name, 515 
 
 Who comes to share our arms and share our fame ; 
 Princ? of the Danes ; who brings from distant lands, 
 Beneath the frozen pole, his valiant bands : 
 The Grecian monarch, vers'd in fraud, may try 
 His arfs on him, and every means employ 5-20 
 
 To stop the youthful warrior in his course. 
 And rob our hopes of this auxiliar force. 
 >Iy faithful nunciate thou, the Dane invite. 
 With every thought the gallant prince excite. 
 Both for his fame and mine, to speed his way, 5?5 
 Nor tai:it his glory with ill-tim'd delay. 
 Thou with the sovereign of the Greeks remain. 
 To claim the succours promis'd oft in vain. 
 
 He said; and having thus reveal'd his mind. 
 And due credentials to his charge consign'd, 530 
 The trusty messeuger bis vessel sought. 
 And Godfrey calm'd awhile his troubled thought- 
 Soon as the rising morn, with splendour drest. 
 Unlocks the portals of the roseate east, 
 The noise of drums and trumpets fills the air, 531» 
 And bids the warriors for their march prepare. 
 Not half so grateful to the longing swain 
 The lowering thunder that presages rain. 
 As to these eager bands the shrill alarms 
 Of martial clangors and the sound of arms. 540 
 
 At once they rose, with generous ardour press'd, 
 M once their limbs in radiant armour dress'd: 
 And rang'd in martial pomp (a dreadful band) 
 >ieneatb their numerous chiefs ia order staud.
 
 B. I. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. b-? 
 
 Now, man to man, the thick battalion? join'd, .") 4 & 
 Unfurl their banners to the sportive wind; 
 And in th' imperial standard rais'd on high, 
 . The Cross triumphant blazes to the sky. 
 Meantime, the sun above th' horizon gains 
 The rising circuit of th' ethereal plains : 550 
 
 The pollsh'd steel reflects the dazzling light. 
 And strikes with flashing rays the aching sight. 
 Thick and more thick the sparkling gleams aspire, 
 1'ill all the champaign seems to glow with fire; 
 While mingled clamours echo through the mea(l<, .■>:;.» 
 The clash of arms, the neigh of trampling steeih 1 
 
 A chosen troop cf horse, dispatch'd before. 
 In armour light, the country round explore. 
 Lest fees in ambush should their march prevent ; 
 \\'hile other bauds the cautious leader sent bCù 
 
 The dikes to level, clear the rugged way. 
 And free each pass that might their speed delay. 
 No troops of Pagans could withstand their force ; 
 No walls of strength could step their ranid course : 
 In vain oppos'd the craggy mountain stood, £05 
 The rapid torrent and perplexing wood. 
 So when the king of floods, in angry pride, 
 With added waters swells his foamy tide. 
 With dreadful loiin o'er the banks he flows. 
 And nought appears that can his rage oppose. 5T0 
 
 The king of Tripoli bad power alone, 
 (Well furnish'd, in a strongly-guarded town. 
 With arms and men) to check the troops' advance^ 
 But durst not meet in fight the host of France. 
 T' appease the Christian chief, the heralds bring 
 Pacific presents from the Pa.an king; 576 
 
 Who such conditions for the peace receives. 
 As pious Godfrey, in his wisdom, gives. [stands. 
 
 There from mount Seir, that near to eastward 
 And from above the subject to-4vn commands, 5S0 
 The faith! ul pour in numbers to the plain ; 
 (Each sex and every age, a various traini) 
 Their gifts before the Christian leader bear. 
 With joy they view him, and with transport liear;
 
 co JERUSALEM DELRERED. B. I. 
 
 Gaze on the foreign garb with wondering eje, 555 
 ^nd with unfailing guides the ho?t supply. 
 
 Now Godfrey with the camp pursues his way, 
 Along the borders cf the neighbouring sea : 
 For station'd there his friendly vessels ride, 
 From which ihe army's wants are well supply'd : 
 For him alone each Grecian isle is till'd, 591 
 
 For him their vintage Crete and Scios yield. 
 
 The numerous ships the shaded ocean hide, 
 Loud groans, beneath the w eight, the burthen'd tide. 
 The vessels thus their watchful post maintain, 595 
 And guard from Saracens the midland main. 
 Beside the ships, with ready numbers mann'd, 
 From wealthy Venice and Liguria'» strand, 
 England and Holland send a naval pow'r. 
 And fertile Sicily and Gallia's shore. 600 
 
 These, all united, brought from every coast 
 Provisions needful for the landed host ; 
 >^Tiile on their march impatient they proceed, 
 (Frtim all defence the hostile frontiers freed,) 
 And urge their haste the hailcn'd soil to gain 605 
 Where Christ eudurd the stings of mortal pain. 
 But Fame with winged speed before 'em flies 
 (Alike the messenger of truth and lies :) 
 She paints the camp in one united band. 
 Beneath one leader, moving o'er the land, 
 By none oppos'd : their nations, numbers, telU ; 
 The name and actions of each chief reveals; 
 Displays their purpose, set? the war to view. 
 And terrifies with doubts th' usurping crew. 
 More dreadtul to their anxious mind appears 615 
 The distant pmspect, and augments their fears : 
 To every light report their ears they bend, 
 V> atch every rumour, every tale attend; 
 From man to man the murmurs, swelling still. 
 The country round and mournful city till. 620 
 
 Their aged monarch, thus with danger prest. 
 Revolves dire fancies in his doubtful breast : 
 His name was Aladine; who scarce maintain'd, 
 With fears beset, his seat so lately f ain'd :
 
 B. I. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. €1 
 
 By nature stil! to cruel deeds inclin'd, 625 
 
 Though years had sometime cbang'd his savase mind. 
 When now he saw the Latian troops prepare 
 Against iiis city walls to turn the war, 
 Suspicions, join'd with former fears, arose ; 
 Alike he fear'd his subjects and his foes ; 6.^0 
 
 Together in one town he saw reside 
 Two people, whom their diBFerent faith? divide. 
 While part the purer laws of Christ believe. 
 More numerous those who INIacon's laws receive. 
 When first the monarch conquer'd Sion's town, 635 
 And sought securely there to fix his throne ; 
 He freed his Pagans from the tax of state. 
 But on the Christians laid the heavier weight. 
 These thoughts inflam'd and rouz'd his native rage, 
 (Now chill'd and tardy with the frost of age :)_ 640 
 So turns in summer's heat the venom'd snake. 
 That slept the winter harmless in the brake : 
 So the tame lion, urg'd to wrath again. 
 Resumes his fury, and erects his mane. 
 
 Then to himself: On every face I view 645 
 
 The m?.rks of joy in that perfidious crew: 
 In general grief their jovial days they keep. 
 And laugh and revel when the public weep : 
 E'en now, perhaps, the dreadful scheme is plann'd 
 Against our life to lift a murderous hand; 650 
 
 Or to their monarch's foes betray the state. 
 And to their Christian friends unbar the gate. 
 But soon our justice will their crimes prevent. 
 And swift wing'd vengeance on their heads be sent ; 
 Example dreadful I death shall seize on all: 655 
 Their infants at their mothers' breast shall fall: 
 The flames shall o'er their domes and temples spread. 
 Such be the funeral piles to grace their dead I 
 But midst their votive gifts, to sate our ire. 
 The priests shall first upon the tomb expire. 660 
 
 So threats the tyrant ; but his threats are vain ; 
 Though pity moves not, coward fears restrain : 
 Rage prompts his soul their guiltless blood to spill. 
 But trembling doubts oppose his savage will.
 
 62 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. 1. 
 
 He fears the Christians, shrinks at future harms, 
 
 ]Nor dares provoke too far the victor's arms- ; cr.ft 
 
 This purpose curbed, to other parts he turns 
 
 The ra^e that in his restless bosom bums : 
 
 With fire he wastes the fertile country round, 
 
 -4nd lays the houses level with tht ground : r, ; 
 
 He leaves no place entire, that may receive 
 
 The Christian army, cr their march relieve ; 
 
 Pollute» the springs and rivers in their beds, 
 
 And poison in the wholesome water sheds ; 
 
 Cautious with cruelty ! meantime his care 675 
 
 Had reinforced Jerusalem for war. 
 
 Three parts for sieg^e were strongly fortifj'd. 
 
 Though less securely fenc'd the northern side. 
 
 But there, when first the threaten'd stoim was heard. 
 
 New ramparts, for defence, in haste he rear'd ; r,St» 
 
 Collecting in the town, from different lands, 
 
 Av.xiliar force* to his subject bant".».
 
 SECOND BOOK 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED.
 
 THE ARGUJIENT. 
 
 ALADISE transports an image of the Virgin 
 Jrom the temple oj the Christians, ijito the 
 mosque, fry the advice of Is me no, icho proposes 
 therebij to form a spell to secure the citt/. In 
 the night the image is secreti}/ stolen away. 
 The king, unable to discover the author oJ' the 
 theft, and incensed against the Christians, 
 prepares for a general massacie. Sophronia. 
 a Christian virgin, accuses herself to the kiiig. 
 Olindo, her lover, takes the fact upon himself. 
 Aladine, in a rage, orders both to be burned. 
 Cloiinda arrives, intercedes for them, and ob' 
 tains their pardon. In the mean time God- 
 frey, u-ith his army, reaches Emmaus. He 
 receives Argantes and Alethes, ambassadors 
 from Egypt. The latter, in an artful speech, 
 endeavours to dissuade Godfrey from attack- 
 ing Jerusalem. His proposals art rejected, 
 and Argantes declares liar iii the name of the 
 king of Egypt.
 
 THK 
 
 SECOND BOOK 
 
 OF 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 
 
 VV HILE thus the Pagan king prepar'd for figbt, 
 The fatn'd Israeno came before his sight ; 
 Ismeuo, he whose power the tomb invades:. 
 And c;iU< again to life departed shades : 
 Wliose magic verse can pierce tlie world beneath, .'* 
 And stallie Pluto in the realms of dealJi ; 
 The subject demons at his wiU restrain. 
 And faster bind or loose tlieir servile chain. 
 Ismeno once the Christian faith avow'd. 
 But now at Macon'? impious worship bow'd : |i» 
 
 Yet still his former rites the wretch retaiu"d, 
 And oft, with Pagan raix'd, their use profan'd. 
 Now from the caverns, where, retir'd alone 
 From vulgar eyes, be studied arts unknown, 
 He came assistance to his lord to bring : I :: 
 
 An ill adviser to a tyrant king ! 
 
 Then thus he spoke: O king! behold at hand 
 That con(iuering host, the terror of the land! 
 But let us act as fits the noble mind : 
 The bold from earth and heaven will succour find. 
 As king and leader well thy cares pres'de, 2 1 
 
 And with foreseeing thought for all provide. 
 If all, like thee, their several parts dispose. 
 This land will prove the burial of thy foes. 
 Lo ! here I come with thee the toils to bear, .' 5 
 
 1" assist thy labours, and thy danger share.
 
 66 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. II. 
 
 Accept the counsel cautious years impart. 
 
 And join to this the powers of magic heart : 
 
 Those angels, exil'd from th' ethereal plains, 
 
 Mj potent charms shall force to share our pains. 30 
 
 Attend the scheme, revolving in my breast, 
 
 The first enchantment that m; thoughts suggest. 
 
 An altar by the Christians stands immur'd 
 
 Deep under ground, from vulgar eyes secur'd : 
 
 The statue of their goddess there is show'd, 3 j 
 
 The mother of their human, burie<l, God ! 
 
 Before the image burns continual Uzht : 
 
 A flowing veil conceals her from the sight. 
 
 Dn every side are tablets there display'd. 
 
 And votive gifts by superstition paid. 40 
 
 Haste! snatch their idol from that impious race, 
 
 And in thy mosque the boasted figure place. 
 
 Then will I raise such spells of wond'rous pow'r, 
 
 This fated pledge (while there detain 'd secure) 
 
 Shall prove the guardian of thy citj's gate; lb 
 
 And walls of adamant shall fence thy state. 
 
 He said, and ceas"d : his words persuasion wrouglit . 
 And swift the king the hidden temple sought: 
 Furious he drove the trembliug priests away. 
 And seized, with daring hands, the hallow'd prey : 
 Then to the mosque in ha«te the pr'ze hs bore ; 51 
 (M here rites profane ofiend th' Almi;;! ty Power) 
 There, o'er the sacred form, w ith impious zeal. 
 The foul magician niutter'd many a spell. 5t 
 
 But soon as morning strtak'd the east of hea\ en, 
 Tlie watch, to whom tlie temple's guard was given. 
 No longer iu its place the image found, 
 A I'd search'd with fruitless care the dome around. 
 Then to the king the strange report he bears; 
 The king, inflam'd with wrath, the tidings hear- : '■(> 
 His thoughts suggest, some Chri«-tiau's secret hnul 
 Has thence purloin'd the guardian of the land : 
 But whether (hristian zeal from thencf' convey 'd 
 The hallow'd form ; or Heaven its power display M, 
 To snatch from impious fanes, and roofs unclean, Gi 
 The glorious semblance of their virgin Queeu,
 
 B. IL JERUS/ILEM DELIVERED. 6 7 
 
 Doubtful the fame ; nor can we dare assign 
 The deed to human art, or hands divine. 
 
 The king each temple sought and secret place. 
 And vow'd with costly gifts the man to grace, 70 
 Who brought the image, or the thief reveal'd ; 
 But threaten'd those whose lips the deed conceal'd. 
 The wily sorc'rer every art apply'd 
 T' explore the truth : in vain his arts he try'd : 
 For whether wrought by Heaven, or earth alone, 75 
 Heaven kept it, spite of all his charms, unknown. 
 But when the king perceiv'd his search was rain. 
 To find th' offender of the Christian train ; 
 On all at once his fierce resentment tum'd. 
 On all at once his savage fury burn'd : SO 
 
 No bounds, no laws, his purpose could control, 
 But blood alone could sate his vengeful soul. 
 Our wrath shall not be lost, (aloud he cries) 
 The thief amidst the general slaughter dies. 
 Guilty and innocente they perish all ! S5 
 
 Let the just perish, so the guilty fall. — 
 Yet wherefore just ; when none our pity claim ; 
 Not one but hates our rites, and hates our name. 
 Rise, rise, my friends ! the fire ami lAvovd employ, 
 Lay waste their dwellings, and their race destroy. 90 
 
 So spoke the tj^ant to the listening crew ; 
 Among the faithful soon the tidings flew. 
 With horror chill'd, the dismal sound they heard, 
 While ghastly death on every face appear'd. 
 None think of flight or for defence prepare, 93 
 
 Or seek to deprecate their fate with prayer: 
 But lo! when least they hope, the timorous bands 
 Their safety owe to unexpected hands. 
 
 A maid there was among the Christian kind. 
 In prime of years, and cf exalted miud : 100 
 
 Beauteous her form, but beauty she despis'd, 
 Or beauty grac'dwith virtue only priz'd. 
 From flattering tongues the modest fi ir withdrew, 
 And liv'd secluded from the public view : 
 But vain her cares to hide her beai ty prov'd, 105 
 Her beauty, worthy to be seen and lov'd.
 
 6S JERUS.4X,EM DELIVERED. B. H, 
 
 Nor love consents, but soon reveals her charms. 
 And with their power a youthful lover warms : , 
 That Love who now conceals his pierciiig eyes. 
 And now, like Ar^us, every thing descries; 110 
 
 Who biiagi to view each grace that shuns the light. 
 And midst a thousand guards directs the lover's 
 
 Sophronia she, Olindo was his name; [sight! 
 
 The sam,; tlieir city, and their faith the same. 
 The youth as modest as the maid was fair, 115 
 
 But little hop'd nor durst his love declare : 
 He knew not how, or fear'd, to tell his pain, 
 She saw it not, or view'd it with disdain : 
 Thus to this hour in silent grief he raouru'd, 
 His thoughts unnoted, or his passion scorn'd. 1 30 
 
 Meantime the tidings spread from place to place. 
 Of death impending o'er the Christian race. 
 Soon in Sophronia's noble mind arose 
 A gen'rous plan t' avert her people's woes : 
 Zeal first iu^pir'd, but bashful shame ensu'd, \ii 
 And modesty awhile the thought withstood : 
 Yet soon her fortitude each doubt suppress'd, 
 And arm'd with confidence her tender breast. 
 Through gazing throngs alone the virgin goes. 
 Nor strives to hide her beauties, nor disclose : 1 iO 
 O'er her fair f^ce a decent veil is seen, 
 Her eyes declin'd with modest graceful mien : 
 An artless negligence compos'd her dress. 
 And Nature's genuine grace her charms confers. 
 Admir'd by all, regardless went the dame, 13 "i 
 
 Till to the presence of the king she came : 
 While yet he rav'd, she dar'd to meet his vijw. 
 Nor from his threatening looks her steps withdrew. 
 
 king ! (she thus bc;gan) awhile contain 
 
 Thy anger, and thy p^-ople's rage restrain : 14:0 
 
 1 come to sliow, and to your vengeance yield, 
 Th' offender from your fruitless search conceal'd. 
 
 She said, and ceas'd : the king in wonder gaz'd, 
 (Struck with her courage, with her looks amaz'd ;) 
 Ht-r sudden charms at once his soul engage, 1 A > 
 He calms bis passion, and forjjets his ra;e.
 
 B. II. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. C» 
 
 If milder she, or be of softer frame. 
 His heart had felt the power of beauty's flame: 
 But haughty charms can re'er the haughty move; 
 For smiles and ^aces are the food of love. 150 
 
 Though love could not affect his savage mind. 
 He yet appear'd to gentle thoughts inclin'd. 
 Disclose the truth at large (he thus reply'd) 
 No harm shall to thy Christian friends betide. 
 Then she : Before thy sight the guilty stands : 15a 
 The theft, O king! committed by these hands. 
 In me the thief who stole the image view ; 
 To me the punishment decreed is due. 
 
 Thus, fill'd with public zeal, the generous dame 
 A victim for her people's ransom came. 160 
 
 great deceit ! O lie, divinely fair ! 
 
 What truth with such a falsehood can compare ? 
 
 In deep suspense her words the tyTant heard, 
 
 No sign of anger in his looks appear'd. 
 
 Declare (thus mildly to the maid he spoke) 16S 
 
 Who gave thee counsel and the deed partook. 
 
 The deed alone was mine (reply'd the fair) 
 
 1 suffer'd none with me the fame to share; 
 Mme was the counsel, mine the first design. 
 
 And the last acting of the deed was mine. 1 TO 
 
 Then only thou (he cry'd) must bear the pain 
 
 Our anger now and just revenge ordain. 
 
 'Ti? just, since all the glory mine (she cry'd) 
 
 That none with me the punishment divide. 
 
 With kindling ire the Pagan thus replies : 175 
 
 Say, where conceal'd the Christian iraage lies. 
 
 'Tis not conceal'd (rejoin'd the dauntless dame) 
 
 I gave tl e hallow'd statue to the flame ; 
 
 So could no impious hands again profane 
 
 The sacred image, and her beauty stain. ISO 
 
 Then seek no more what never can be thine. 
 
 But lo ! the thief I to thy h.inds resign ; 
 
 If theft it may be call'd to seize our right, 
 
 I iijustly torn away by lnv.!e;s might. 
 
 At this the king in threafeiiing words returned ; 
 With wrath ungovern'd all liis bosom burn'd : ISG
 
 70 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. II. 
 
 Ah ! hope no more thy pardon here to find, 
 
 glorious virgin ! O exalted mind ! 
 In vain, against the Tyrant's fury held, 
 
 Love for defence opposes beauty's shield. 190 
 
 Now doom'd to death, and sentenc'd to the flame, 
 With cruel hands they seize the beauteous dame. 
 Her veil and mantle rent bestrow the ground, 
 With rugged cords her tender arms are bound. 
 Silent she stands, no marks of fear express'd, 195 
 Yet soft commotions gently heave her breast ; 
 Her modest cheeks a transient blush disclose; 
 M'here lilies soon succeed the fading rose. 
 Meanwhile the people throng (the rumour spread) 
 And with the rest Olindo there was led : 200 
 
 The tale he knew, but not the victim's name. 
 Till near the tragic scene of fate he came: 
 Soon as the youth the prisoner's face survey'd, 
 And saw, coiidemn'd to death, his lovely maid ; 
 While the stern guards their cruel task pursue, 205 
 Through the thick press with headlong speed he flew. 
 She's guiltless ! (to the king aloud he cries) 
 She's guiltless of th' offence for which she dies I 
 Siie could not — dur*t not — such a work demands 
 Far other than a woman's feeble hinds : 210 
 
 What arts to lull the keeper could she prove ? 
 And how the sacred image thence remove ? 
 She fondly boasts the deed, unthinking maid ! 
 'Twas I the statue from the mosque convey'd : 
 Where the high dome receives the air and light, 915 
 
 1 found a passage, favoured by the night : 
 The glory mine, the death for me remain», 
 Nor let her thus usurp my rightful pains : 
 The puniehni?ut be mine; her chains I claim ; 
 Mine i« the pile prepard, and mine tlie kindled flame ! 
 
 At this her head Sophronia gently rais'd, 221 
 
 And on th'j: youth with looks of pity gaz'd. 
 Unhappy inai ! what brings thee guiltle-s here ? 
 What frenzy guiles thee, or what rasli despair ? 
 Say, cannot I, without thy aid, engage 2*2* 
 
 Th« utmost Uireateuioi of a mortal"? raee ?
 
 B. II. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 71 
 
 This breast undaunted can resign its breath, 
 Nor asks a partner in the hour of death. 
 
 She spoke; but wrought not on her lover's miod. 
 Who, firm, retain'd his purpose first design'd. 230 
 O glorious struggle for a fatal prize ! 
 When love with fortitude for conquest vies, 
 Where death is the reward the victor bears. 
 And safetj is the ill the vanquish'd fears ! 
 WTiile thus they both contend the deed to claim, 235 
 The monarch's fury burns with fiercer flame: 
 He rag'd to find his power so lightly priz'd. 
 And all the torments he prepar'd despis'd. 
 Let both che cry'd) their wish'd design obtain : 
 And both enjoy the prize they seek to gain ! 240 
 The tyrant said, and straight the signal made 
 To bind the youth ; the ready guards obey'd. 
 With face averted, to one stake confin'd, 
 With cruel cords the hapless pair they bind. 
 Now round their limbs they place the rising pyre ; 
 And now with breath awake the slumbering fire ; 24fi 
 When thus the lover, in a moving strain. 
 Bespeaks the lov'd companion of his pain : 
 
 Are these the bands with which I hop'd to join. 
 In happier times, my future days to thine ? 2 jO 
 
 And are we doom'd, alas! this fire to prove, 
 Instead of kindly flames of mutual love ? 
 Love promis'd gentler flames and softer ties ; 
 But cruel fate far other now supplies ! 
 Too long from tbee I mourn'd my life disjoin'd, «oft 
 Aud now in death a hapless meeting find ! 
 Yet I am blest since thou the pains must bear. 
 If not thy bed, at least thy pile, to share. 
 Thy death I mourn, but not my own lament. 
 Since d>ÌT!g by thy side I die content. 260 
 
 Could yet my prayer one further bliss obtain. 
 How sweet, how envy'd, then were ev'ry pain ! 
 O could I press my faithful breast to thine. 
 And on thy lips my fleeting soul resign ! 
 So might we, fainting in the pangs of de?.th, 365 
 Ttigether mix our sigbs and parting breath !
 
 \J, JERL' SALEM DELIVERED. fi.//. 
 
 In words like these unblest Olindo mourn'd ; 
 To him her counsel thus the maid return'd : 
 
 O youth ! far other thoughts, and pure desires. 
 Far other sorrows now the time requires ! 2 TO 
 
 Dcst thou forget thy sins ? nor call to mind 
 "What God has for the righteous souls assign'd ? 
 Endure for hhti, and sweet the pains will prove ; 
 Aspire with joy to happier seats above ; 
 Yon glittering skies and golden sun sur\'ey, 2 7& 
 That calls us hence to realms of endless day. 
 Here, mov'd with pity, loud the Pagans groan : 
 But more conceal'd the Christians vent their moan. 
 The king himself, with thoughts unusual press'd. 
 Felt his fierce heart suspended in his breast : 2S0 
 But, scorning to relent, he tum'd his view 
 From the dire prospect, and in haste withdrew. 
 Yet thou, Sophronia, bear"st the general woe. 
 And, wept by all, thy tears disdain to flow ! 
 
 While thus they stand, behold a knight is seen, 
 (For such he seem'd) of fierce and noble mien ! 2S6 
 Whose foreign arms and strange attire proclaim 
 An alien from a distant la.id he came. 
 The sculptur'd tygress on his helmet high, 
 (A well known crest!) attracts e.ich gazer's eye. 
 This sign Clorinda in the field display'd, 291 
 
 All see and own by this the warrior maid. 
 She, from a child, beheld with scornful eyes 
 Her sex's arts, despising female toys : 
 Arachiie's labours ne'er her hours divide, 295 
 
 Her noble hands nor looms nor spindle guide: 
 From ease inglorious and from sloth she fled. 
 And, mix'd in camps, a life unsullyd led : 
 \Vith rigour ploas'd, her lovely face she arm'd 
 With Ì; i>:ghty looks, yet ev'n in fierceness charm'd : 
 In early years her tender hand restrained 301 
 
 T]>e fiery courser, and his courage rein'd : 
 She pois'd the spear and sword : her growing force 
 ^ho try'd in wresiiing and the dusty course; 
 Then through the mountain paths and lonely wood 
 The bear and -..haggy lion's tracts pr.rsu'd : .iCf. 
 
 3
 
 S. IL JERUS.lIiEM DELIVERED. fi 
 
 In war, the dread of men the virgin shin'd : 
 In woods, the terror of the savage kind ! 
 From Persia, jealous of the Christian fame, 
 T' oppose the victor host Clorinda came: 31» 
 
 And, oft before, in fight her daring hand 
 Had fatten'd with their blood the thirsty land. 
 When near the fatal place the virgin drew. 
 And the dire scene appear'd before her view ; 
 She spurr'd her steed t' observe the victims nigh, 31» 
 And learn th' unhappy cause for which they die. 
 The yielding crowd gave way : the curious maid 
 With steadfast eyes the pair in bonds survey'd. 
 One mourn'd aloud, and one in sileuce stood ; 
 The weaker sex the greater firmness show'd : 330 
 Yet seem'd Olindo like a man to moan 
 Who wept another's sufferings, not his own ; 
 While silent she, and fix'd on heaven her eyes. 
 Already seem'd to claim her kindred skies. 
 
 Clorinda view'd their state with tender woe, 32ft 
 And down her cheeks the tears began to flow : 
 Yet most she griev'd for her who grief disdain'd ; 
 And sileace, icore than plaints, her pity gaia'd; 
 Then to an aged sire who stood beside. 
 Say, who are those to death d?vote (she crvM ;) 330 
 Declare what brought them to this woeful state, 
 ■ Some secret crime, or blind decree of fate ? 
 Thus she : The reverend sire in brief display 'd 
 iTheir mournful story to the listening maid : 
 ,She heard, surpriz'd such matchless worth to find. 
 And both acquitted in her equal mind. 33« 
 
 Already now resolv'd, by force or prayer, 
 I To save from threateu'd death th' unhappy pair, 
 She ran, she stopp'd the flame with eager ha^te. 
 Already kindling) and the guards address'd : 340 
 
 None in this cruel office dare to move, 
 Till to the monarch I my suit approve: 
 »Iy power, believe me, shall protect your stay, 
 «for shall your sovereign chide your short delay. 
 ' She said : th' attendants at her word obey'd, 3-15 
 lov'd with the presence of the royal maid :
 
 "ì* JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. li 
 
 Then, turuing swift, she met the king-, who came 
 To welcome to his court the waiTiordame. 
 To whom she thus : Behold Clorinda here ! 
 t'lorinda's name, perchance. Las reacb'd your ear. 
 I come, O monarch! thus la arms, prepared 35) 
 Thy kingrdom and our common faith tc guard ; 
 Command me now what tasks 1 must sustain. 
 Nor high attempts 1 fear, nor low disdain : 
 Or let my force in open field be shown, 355 
 
 Or here detain me to defend the town. 
 
 To whom the king : What land so distant lies 
 From whence the sun enlightens Asia's skies, 
 (O glorious virgin !) but resounds thy name, 
 Whose actions fill the sounding trump of fame ? 360 
 Now to my aid thy conquering sword is joinM, 
 I give u<j' fears and scruples to the wind : 
 Xor could I greater hopes of conquest boast. 
 Though join'd by nambers, succour'd by an host ! 
 Methinks I seem to chide the lingering foe, 365 
 
 And Godfrey, to my wish, appears too slow ! 
 Thou ask'st what lal^ours I thy aim decree ; 
 f deem the greatest only worthy thee : 
 To thee the rule of ali our warrior band 
 i here submit; be thine the high command. .370 
 Thus said the king. The maid, with grateful look. 
 Her thanks retum'd, aiul thus again she spoke : 
 ' Tis sure, O prince ! a thing unusual heard. 
 Before the service done, to claim reward : 
 Yet (by thy goodness bold) 1 make my prayer, 376' 
 j*nd beg thy mercy yon coudemn'd to spare : 
 Grant it for all my deeds in future time ; 
 Tis hard to suffer for a doubtful crime : 
 But this I wave, ucr here the reasons plead 
 That speak them guiltless of th' imputed deed: 380i 
 Tis said, some Christian hand the theft has wrought 
 But here I differ from the public thought: 
 The spell, Ismeno fram'd t' assist our cause, 
 I deem an outrage oa our sacred laws : 
 Xor fits it idols in our fanes to place, 3S5 
 
 Much less the idols of this impious race.
 
 B. IL JERUSALEM DELIVERED, r5 
 
 Methinks with joy the hand of Heaven I view, 
 To Macon's power the miracle is due ; 
 Who thus forbids his hallow'd rites to stain 
 With new religions in his awful fane. 390 
 
 Ismeno leave to spells and magic charms. 
 Since these to him supply the place of arms ; 
 While warriors we our foes in battle face. 
 Our swords our arts, in these our hopes we place. 
 Sheceas'd; and though the king could scarcely 
 His haughty soul, or ears to pity lend, [bend 
 
 He jields his fury to the gentle maid ; 
 Her reasons move him, and her words persuade. 
 Let both have life and freedom (he reply'd,) 
 To such a pleader nothing is deny'd! 400 
 
 If incocent, by justice let them live : 
 If criminal, I here their crime forgive. 
 
 Thus were they freed ; and lo ! what blissful fate, 
 WTiat turns of fortune ou Olindo wait I 
 His virtuous love at length awakes a flame 405^ 
 
 In the soft bosom of the generous dame. 
 Strait from the pile to Hymen's rites he goes. 
 Made, of a wretch condemn'd, a joyful spouse : 
 Since death with her he sought, the grateful fair 
 Consents with him the gift of life to share. 410 
 
 ! The Pagan monarch, whose suspicious mind 
 j Beheld with fear such wondrous virtue join'J, 
 \ Sent both in exile, by severe command, 
 ' Beyond the limits of Judaea's land. 
 I Then many others (as his fury sway'd) 41a 
 
 ' Were ba'iish'd thence, or deep in dungeons laid. 
 But the fierce tyTant those remov'd alone. 
 Of strength approv'd and daring spirits known : 
 The tender sex and children he retain'd, 419 
 
 With helpless age, as pledges in his hand. [roam 
 Thus, wretched wanderers, some were doom'd to 
 From parents, children, wives, and native home : 
 Part rove from land to land with doubtful course. 
 And part against him turn their vengeful force. 
 ' These to the band of Franks unite their fate, 4 .J ,V 
 And meet tbeir army ent'ring Emmaus' gate. 
 E.2
 
 7 e JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. II. 
 
 The town of Emmans near to Sion lay. 
 Not balf the journey of an easy day. 
 The pleasing thought each Christian soul inspires. 
 And adds new ardour to their zealous fires ! 430 
 But since the sun bad past his middle race. 
 The leader there commands the tents to place. 
 The host were now encamp'd ; the setting sun 
 With milder lustre from the ocean shone; 
 "When, drawing near, two mighty chiefs were seen. 
 In gaib unknown, and of a foreign mien; 435 
 
 Their acts pacific, and their looks, proclaim 
 That to the Christian chief as friends they came : 
 From Egypt's king dispatch'd, their way they bend, 
 And menial servants on their steps attend. 440 
 
 Alethes one ; bis birth obscure he ow'd 
 To the base refuse of th' ignoble crowd ; 
 Rais'd to the highest state the realm affords. 
 By plausive speech and eloquence of words ; 
 His subtle genius ever> taste could meet ; 44S 
 
 In fiction prompt, and skilful in deceit : 
 Master of calumny such various ways. 
 He most accuses when he seems to praise. 
 
 The other chief from fair Circassia came 
 To Egypt's court, Argantes was his name : 450 
 
 Exalted midst the princes of the land. 
 And first in rank of all the martial ban<I : 
 Impatient, fiery, and of rage unquell'd. 
 In arms unconquerM, matchless in the field ; 
 Whose impious soul contempt of Heaven avow'd. 
 His sword his law, his own right hand his God ! 4 56 
 
 Now these an audience of the leader sought. 
 And now to Godfrey's awful sight were brought. 
 There lowly seated, with his peers around, 
 In modest garb the glorious chief they found. 460 
 True valour, unadorn'd, attracts the sight. 
 And shines conspicuous by his native light. 
 To him a slight respect Argantes paid. 
 As one who little place or honours welgh'd. 
 But low Alethes bow'd, in thought profound, _4Si 
 And fix'd his bumble eyes upon the ground : 
 
 in
 
 B. JL JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 77 
 
 His better hand his pensive bosom press'd. 
 With all the adoration of the east : 
 And wV;i!e attention on bis accents hung, 
 These words, like honey, naelted from his ton^e : 
 
 O worthy thou alone! to whose command 471 
 Submit the heroes of this glorious band ! 
 To thee their laurels and their crowns they owe. 
 Thy conduct brings them victors from the foe : 
 Nor stops thy fame within Alcide»' bounds, 4.75 
 
 To distant Egypt Godfrey's name resounds ! 
 Fame through our spacious realm thy glory bears. 
 And speaks thy valour to our listening ears. 
 But on thy deeds our sovereign chiefly dwells, 
 With pleasure hears them, and with pleasure tells : 
 In thee, what others fear or hate, he loves : 481 
 
 Thy virtue fires him, and thy valour moves : 
 Fain would he join with thee in friendly bands. 
 And mutual peace and amity demands. 
 Since diflfierent faiths their sanction here deny, 4S6 
 Let mutual virtue knit the sacred tye. 
 But as he hears thy troops their marches bend 
 T' expel from Sion's walls his ancient friend ; 
 He now (to avoid those evils yet behind) 
 By us unfolds the counsels of his miud. 490 
 
 Then thus he says : Thy first design forbear. 
 Content with what thou now hast gain'd in wai' : 
 Nor on Judaea's realm thy forces bring. 
 Nor vex the lands protected by our king : 
 So will he, join'd with thee, thy power easure, 49» 
 And fix thy yet uncertain state secure : 
 United both, their conquest to regain. 
 The Turks and Persians shall attempt in vain. 
 Much hast thou done, O chief! in little space. 
 Which length of ages never cau deface. 600 
 
 What cities won ! what armies overthrown ! 
 iVTiat dangerous marches, and what ways unknown ! 
 Che neighbouring states with terror own thy fame ; 
 Ind distant regions tremble at thy name. 
 
 our glory at the height, with heedful care iOi 
 
 \yòiA the cbauces of a doubtful war:
 
 >S JERUS.\LEM DELIVERED. B. IT. 
 
 Increase of realm your further toils may crown, 
 
 But conquest ne'er can heig-hten your renown : 
 
 And should your arms be now in battle crost, 
 
 Lost is your empire, and your glory lost I 510 
 
 Insensate he who risks a certain state. 
 
 For distant prospects of uncertain fate. 
 
 Yet our advice perchance will lightly weigh. 
 
 And urge thy purpose, nor thy march delay ; 
 
 While uncontrol'd success thy soul inspires; 513 
 
 While glows thy bosom with ambition's fires : 
 
 That glorious frailty of the noble mind. 
 
 To conquer nations, and subdue mankind ! 
 
 For this you fly from proffer'd peace afar, 
 
 With naore distaste than others shun the war. 5S0 
 
 These motives bid thee still the path pursue, 
 
 Which fate has openM largely to thy view : 
 
 Nor in the sheath return that dreaded sword, 
 
 (Of every conquest in the field assur'd) 
 
 Till in oblivion Macon's laws are laid, 52» 
 
 And Asia, by thy arms, a desert made! 
 
 Alluring sounds, and grateful to the ear ; 
 
 But O what dangers lurk beneath the snare ! 
 
 Then, if no cloud of passion dims thy sight. 
 
 And casts a veil before thy reason's light ; 530 
 
 Well may'st thou see what little hopes appear. 
 
 From every prospect of the lengthen'd war. 
 
 Reflect how soon the gifts of fortune turn ; 
 
 Those who rejoice to-day, to-morrow mourn ; 
 
 And he, who soars an unexpected flight, i 
 
 Oft falls as sudden from his tow'ring height. 
 
 Say, to thy harm, should Egypt take the field. 
 
 In arms, in treasure, rich, in council skill'd ; 
 
 And add to these (the war again begun) 
 
 The Turks, the Persians, and Cassano's son ; 640 
 
 What forces could'st thou to their power oppose; 
 
 And how escape from such an host of foes ? 
 
 Or doM thou in the Grecian king conf de. 
 
 By sacred union to thy cause ally'd ? 
 
 To whom is not the Grecian faith disp ay'd ? 545 
 
 What gnares far thee the guileful rat e bave laid I
 
 S. n. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 79 
 
 Will those, who once your common march withstood. 
 
 Now risk for jou their lives in tiekls of blood .' 
 
 But thou perhaps (secure amidst thy foes) 
 
 Do'st in these squadrons all thy hopes repose, 550 
 
 And deem'st the scatterM bands tby force o'erthrew 
 
 As easy, when united, to subdue; 
 
 Though toilsome marches have your troops annoy'd. 
 
 Your strength enfeebled, and your men destroy'd. 
 
 Though unexpected nations sbould combine, 555 
 
 And Egypt with the Turks and Persians join. 
 
 Yet grant tha t fate so strongly arms thy band, 
 
 No sword can conctuer, and no foe withstand : 
 
 Lo! Famine comes, with all her ghastly train ; 
 
 What further subteifuge, wiiat hopes remain ? 560 
 
 Then draw the falchion, and the javelin wield; 
 
 Then dream of conquest in the boasted field. 
 
 Behold th' inhabitants have wasted wide 
 
 The fertile country, and the fields destroy'd; 
 
 And safely lodg'd in towers their ripen'd grain : 565 
 
 What hopes are left thy numbers to sustain ? 
 
 Thy ships, thou say'st, will due provision send : 
 
 Does then thy safety ou the winds depend ? 
 
 Perhaps thy fortune can the winds restrain : 
 
 Thy voice appease tlie roaring of the main. 570 
 
 Yet think; should once our nation rise in fight, 
 
 And with the Persians and the Turks unite. 
 
 Could we not then oppose a numerous fleet, 
 
 On equal terms, thy naval power to meet f 
 
 If here, O chief! thou seek'st to gaia renown, 575 
 
 A double conquest must thy labours crown: 
 
 One loss may sully every former deed; 
 
 One loss may unexpected dangers breed : 
 
 Before our vessels should thy navy fly, 
 
 Tby forces here, opprest by famine, die : 580 
 
 Or should'st thou lose the battle here, in vain 
 
 Tby fleet would ride victorious on the main. 
 
 Then if thy soul reject the peace we bring. 
 
 And scorn the friendship of th' Egyptian king: 
 
 This conduct (undisguis'd the truth I tell) 5S& 
 
 Mor suits thy virtue, nor thy wisdom well.
 
 so JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. 11. 
 
 But if thy purpose seem to war inclin'd, 
 
 Heaven change, to gentle peace, thy better mind : 
 
 So Asia may at length from troubles cease, 
 
 And thou eojoythe conquer'd lands in peace. 590 
 
 And you, ye leaders, who his dangers share. 
 
 Fellows in arms, and partners of the war ! 
 
 Ah, let not Fortune's smiles your souls excite. 
 
 To tempt again the doubtful chance of fight. 
 
 But as the pilot, 'scap'd the treach'rous det p, 695 
 
 Rests in the welcome port his weary ship : 
 
 Now furl your sails with pleasure near the shore, 
 
 And trust the perils of the sea no mere. 
 
 Here ceas'd Alethes; and the heroes round. 599 
 M ith loolis dirpleas'd, return'd a murmuring sound : 
 ■With deep disdain the terms propus'd they heard. 
 While discontent in every face appear'd. 
 Then thrice the chief his eyes around him threw. 
 And cast on every one his piercing view ; 
 Ivext to Alethes tum'd his careful look, 605 
 
 Who waited his reply, and thus he spoke : 
 
 Ambassador ! with threats and praises join'd. 
 Full wisely hast thou told thy sovereign's mind : 
 If he esteem us, and our worth approve, 
 M'ith grateful pleasure we receive his love. 610 
 
 But where thy words a threaten'd storm disclose 
 Of Pagan armies, and confederate foes ; 
 To this I speak ; to this my answer hear; 
 An open purpose cloth'd in words sincere. 
 Know first th? cause for which we have sustain'd 615 
 Such various hazards both by sea and land; 
 By day and night such pious toils have known : — 
 To free the passage to yon hallow'd town ; 
 To merit favour from the King of Heaven, 
 By freedom to the suffering Christians given. ff30 
 Nor shall we fear, for such a glorious end. 
 Our kingdom, lives, and worldly fame to spend. 
 No thirst of riches has our bosoms tir'd ; 
 No lust of empire our attempt inspir'd : 
 If any thoughts like these our souls infest, 62» 
 
 Th' Eternal drive such poison from the breast !
 
 B. IL JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 81 
 
 Still may his mercy o'er our steps preside. 
 His hand defend us, and his wisdom guide ! 
 His breath inspir'J, his pow'r has brought us far 
 Through every danger of the various war : 630 
 
 By this are mountains past, and rivers crost ; 
 This tempers summer's heat and winter's frost: 
 This can the rage of furious tempests bind. 
 And loosen or restrain th' obedient wind : 
 Hence lofty walls are burnt and tumbled down ; 63i 
 Hence martial bands are slain and overthrown : 
 Hence springs the hope and confidence we boast ; 
 Not from the ftwces of a mortal host : 
 Not from our vessels ; nor from Grecian lands 
 With numbers swarming ; nor the Gallic bands. 
 And if we still th' Almighty's care partake, 611 
 
 Let nations, at their will, our cause forsake ! 
 WTio knows the succour of his powerful hands. 
 No other aid, in time of need, demands. 
 But should he, for our sins, his help withdraw, 6^5 
 (As who can fathom Heaven's eternal law ?) 
 Lives there a man who would not find his tomb. 
 Where hallowM earth did once his God inhume ? 
 So shall we die, nor envy those who live ; 
 Nor unreveng'd shaH we our death receive ; 650 
 Nor Asia shall rejoice to view our state ; 
 Nor we submit with sorrow to our fate ! 
 : Yet think not that our wayward minds prefer, 
 ' To gentle peace, the horrid scenes of war : 
 I Nor think we ill your monarch's love return ; 655 
 Or with contempt his friendly union scorn. 
 But wherefore do his cares on Sion bend ? 
 And wherefore thus another's realms defend ? 
 I Then let him not require our arms to cease ; 
 , So may he rule his native lands in peace ! 660 
 
 Thus answer'd Godfrey ; and with fury swell'd 
 The fierce Argantes, nor his wrath repell'd : 
 The boiling passion from his bosom broke ; 
 I Before the chief he stood, and thus he spoke : 
 
 Let him, who will not profifer'd peace receive, 664 
 I Be sated with the plagues that war can give! 
 £6
 
 82 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. D. IL 
 
 And well tbj hatred of the peace is known, 
 If now thy soul reject our friendship shown. 
 
 This said, his mantle in his hand he took. 
 And folding round before th' assembly shook, 67 
 Then thus again with threatening accent spoke : 
 
 O thou I who every peril would'st despise, 
 Lo I peace or war within this mantle lies ! 
 See here th' election offtr'd to thy voice ; 
 !No more delay — but now declare thy choice ! 67 5 
 
 His speech and haughty mien each leader fir'd. 
 And with a noble rage their souls inspird : 
 War! war! aloud, with general voice, they cry'd; 
 Nor waited till their god-like chief reply'd. 
 At this the Pagan shook his vest in air — 6S0 
 
 Then take defiance, death, and mortal war ! 
 So fierce he spoke, he seem'd to burst the gates 
 Of Janus' temple, and disclose the fates : 
 While from his mantle, which aside he threw, 
 Insensate rage and horrid discord flew : 685 
 
 Alecto'fe torch supply 'd her hellish flame, 
 And from his eyes the flashing sparkles came. 
 So look'd the chief of old, whose impious pride. 
 With mortal works, the King of Heaven defy'd ; 
 So stood, when Babel rear'd her front on high, 690 
 To threaten battle 'gainst the starry sky. 
 
 Then Godfrey — To thy king the tiduDgs bear ; 
 And tell him we accept the threaten'd war ; 
 Go, bid him hasten here to prove our might. 
 Or on the bauk of Mie expect the fight. 696 
 
 This said ; the leader houour'd either guest. 
 And due respect, by different gifts, expre&à'd. 
 Alethes first be gave a helm of price ; 
 A prize among the spoils of couquer'd Nice. 
 A costly sword Argantes next obtam'd, 700 
 
 Well w rought and fashion'd by the workman's hand : 
 Matchless the work, and glorious to behold. 
 The hilt with jewels blaz'd, and flam'd with gold. 
 W ith joy the Pagan chief the gift surrey'd, 
 Admir'd the rich design aud temper'd blade : TOi
 
 A, //. JERUSALEM DELIVEilED, Si 
 
 Then thus to Godfrey : When we raret in field, 
 Behold how well oar hands thy present wield ! 
 
 Now, parting from the camp, their leave they took. 
 And thus Argantes to Alethes spoke. 
 
 Lo ! to Jerusalem my course I take ; 710 
 
 To Egypt thou thy purpos'd journey make : 
 Thou with the early rays of morning light ; 
 But I, impatient, with the friendly night. 
 Well may th' Egyptian court my presence spare : 
 Suffice that thou the Christian's answer bear; 715 
 Be mine to mingle in the lov'd alarms 
 Of noble conflict, and the sound of arms. 
 
 Thus he, ambassador of peace who came. 
 Departs a foe in action and in name : 
 Nor heeds the warrior, in his haughty mind, 720 
 
 The ancient laws of nations and mankind : 
 Nor for Alethes' answer deizn'd to stay, 
 But through surrounding shades pursu'd his way. 
 And sought the town, impatient of delay. 
 Now had the Night her drowsy pinions spread! 725 
 The winds were hush'd ; the weary waves were dead ; 
 The fish repos'd in seas and crystal floods ; 
 The beasts retir'd in covert of the woods ; 
 The painted birds in grateful silence slept ; 
 And o'er the world a sweet oblivion crept. 730 
 
 But not the faithful host, with thought oppress'd, 
 Nor could their leader taste the giit of rest : 
 Such ardent wishes in their bosoms burn ; 
 So eager were they for the day's return ; 
 To lead their forces to the hallow'd town, 735 
 
 The soldier's triumph, and the victor's crown ! 
 With longing eyes they wait the morning light. 
 To chase with early beams the dusk of night.
 
 THE 
 
 THIRD BOOK 
 
 09 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED.
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 THE Christian army arrives before Jerusalem» 
 The alarm is gii-e?i to the Saracens, who pre- 
 pare for the reception ojthe enemy. Clorinda 
 makes the first sally; she encounters and kills 
 Gardo; she meets and engages ivith Tancred ; 
 a short interview ensues between them. In the 
 mean time, Argantes Jailing on the Christians 
 with a great slaughter, the action becomes more 
 general. Erminia, from the walls, shows ayid 
 describes to the king the leverai commanders qf 
 the Christian army. Rinaldo and Tancred 
 perform, great actions. Dudon, iiaving signa- 
 lized himself, is killed by Argantes. The Pagans, 
 being closely pressed, are at last compelled to 
 retreat to the city. Godfrey causes Dudon to 
 be interred with funeral honours; and sends 
 his workmen to fell timber for making engines 
 to carry on the siege.
 
 THE 
 
 THIRD BOOK 
 
 OF 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 
 
 ^ OW from the golden east the Zephyrs borne, 
 
 Proclaim'd with balmj' gales th' approach of morn ; 
 
 And fair Aurora deck'd her radiant head 
 
 With roses cropt from Eden's flowery bed ; 
 
 When from the sounding camp was heard afar & 
 
 The noise of troops preparing for the war : 
 
 To this succeed the trumpefs loud alarms. 
 
 And rouze, with shriller notes, the host to arms. 
 
 The sage commander o'er their zeal presides, 
 
 And with a gentle rein their ardour guides. 10 
 
 Yet easier seem'd it, near Charjbdis' caves, 
 
 To staj- the current of the boiling waves ; 
 
 Or stop the north, that shakes the mountain's brow. 
 
 And whelms the vessels in the seas below. 
 
 He rules their order, marshals every band : 1 5 
 
 Rapid they move, but rapid with command. 
 
 W ith holy zeal their swelling hearts abound ; 
 
 And their wing'd footsteps scarcely print the ground. 
 
 When now the sun ascends th' ethereal way. 
 
 And strikes the dusty field with warmer ray ; 20 
 
 Behold, Jerusalem in prospect lies! 
 
 Behold, Jerusalem salutes their eyes ! 
 
 At once a thousand tongues repeat the name, 
 
 And hail Jerusalem with loud acclaim I 
 
 To sailors thus, who, wandering o'er the main, 26 
 Have long explor'd some distant coast m vain,
 
 88 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. III. 
 
 In seas unknown and foreign re^ons lost. 
 By stormy winds and faithless billows tost, 
 If chance at length th' expected land appear. 
 With joyful shouts they hail it from afar ; iO 
 
 They point, with rapture, to the wish'.l-for shore, 
 And dream of former toils and fears no more. 
 At first, transported with the pleasing sight, 
 Kach Christian bosom glowMwitb full delight; 
 But deep contrition soon their joy suppresj'd, 35 
 And holy sorrow sadden'd every breast : 
 Scarce dare their eyes the city walls survey, 
 "Where, cloth'd in flesh, their dear Redeemer lay : 
 Whose sacred earth did once their Lord enclose. 
 And where Uiumphant from the grave he rose ! 40 
 Each faltering tonsrue imperfect speech supplies. 
 Each labouring bosom heaves with frequent sighs : 
 At once their mingled joys and griefs appear. 
 And undistinguish'd murmurs fill the air. 
 So, when the grove the fanning wind receives, 4* 
 A whispering noise is beard among the leaves : 
 So, near the craggy rocks or winding shore. 
 In hollow sounds the broken billows roar. 
 Each took th' example as their chieftains led, 
 M'ith naked feet the hallowM iioil they tread : 50 
 Each throws his martial ornaments aside, 
 TI:e creste<l helmets, with their plumy pride: 
 To humble thoughts their lofty hearts they bend. 
 And down their cheeks the pious tears descend : 
 "i'et each, as if his breast no sorrow mov'd, 55 
 
 In words like these his tardy grief reprov'd : 
 
 Here, v*liere thy wounds, O Lord ! distill'd a flood, 
 And dy'd the hallow'd soil with streaming blood. 
 Shall not these eyes their grateful tribute shower, 
 Ib sad memorial of that awful hour ? 60 
 
 Ah ! wherefore frozen thus my heart appears. 
 Nor melts in fountains of perpetual tears I 
 Why does my harden'd heart this temper keep ? 
 Now mourn thy sins, thy Saviour's sufl'erings weep ! 
 
 Meantime the watch that in the city stood, QJi 
 Aud from a lofty tower the country vjew'd.
 
 B. ni. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. s« 
 
 Saw midst the fields a rising dust appear, 
 That like a thickening cloud obscur'd the air; 
 From whence, by fits, a flashing splendor came, 
 And sudden gleams of momeutarj' flame : 70 
 
 Refulgent arms aud aniionr next were seen. 
 And steeds distinguished, and embattled men : 
 Then thus aloud — What mist obscures the daj ? 
 WTiat splendors in yon dusty whirh7Ìud play ? 
 Rise, rise, ye citizens! your gates defend: 75 
 
 Haste, snatch your weapons, and the walls ascend ! 
 Behold the fee at hand! — he said, arid ceas'd : 
 The Pagans heard, and saatch'd their arms in haste. 
 The helpless children, and the female train. 
 With feeble age that could not arms sustain, SO 
 
 Pale and aflfrighted to the mosques rep-.ir. 
 And humbly supplicate the powers with prayer. 
 But those of limbs roliust, and firm of soul. 
 Already arm'd, impatient of control. 
 Part line the gates, and part ascend the wall : S* 
 The king with care provides, and orders all : 
 From place to place he marshall'd every crew. 
 Then to the summit of a tower withdrew. 
 From whence in prospect lay the subject lands. 
 From whence he could with ease direct the bands. 
 And there Erminia by his side he plac'd, 91 
 
 The fair Erminia, who Lis palace grac'd, 
 Since Autioch fell before the Christian host, 
 ( And her dear sire the hapless virgin lost. 
 
 Now had Clorinda with impatient speed, S^i 
 
 T' attack the Franks, a chosen squadron led : 
 But, in a different part, Circassia's knight 
 Stood at a secret gate prepar'd for fight. 
 The generous maid with looks intrepid fir'd 
 Her brave companions, and with words inspir'd. 100 
 'Tis ours to found the glorious work, (she cries) 
 ' The hope of Asia in our courage lies ! 
 While thus she speaks, she sees a Christian band 
 With rural spoils advancing o'er the land ; 
 Who sent, as wont, to forage round the plain, lOà 
 ' Now seek with flocts and herds the camp again.
 
 80 JERLSAI^M DELIVERED. B. III. 
 
 Sudden on these she turn'd ; their chief beheld 
 Her threatening force, and met her in the field : 
 Gardo his name, a man approv'd in fight. 
 But weak his strength t' oppose Clorinda's might. 
 Slain in the dreadful shock, on earth he lies. 111 
 O'erthrown before the Franks' and Syrians' eyes. 
 Loud, at the sight, exclaim the Pagan train. 
 And hail this omen, but their hopes were vain ! 
 Fierce on the rest the warlike virgin fiew, 115 
 
 And pierc'd their battle, and tJieir ranks o'erthrew ; 
 And, where her slaughtering sword a passage hew'd. 
 Her following troops the glorious path pursu'd. 
 Soon from the spoilers' hands their spoil they take : 
 The Franks, by slow degrees, the field forsake ; 120 
 At length the summit of a hill they gain. 
 And, aided by the height, the foes sustain. 
 
 Now, like a whirlwind rushing from the skies, 
 Or swift as lightning through the ether flies. 
 At Godfrey's signal, noble Tancred near 125 
 
 His squadron moves, and shakes his beamy spear. 
 So firm his hands the ponderous javelin wield, 
 So fierce the youthful warrior scours the field ; 
 The king, who view'd him from his towery height, 
 Esteem'd him sure some chief renown'd in fight : 
 Then to the maid beside him thus be spoke, 131 
 (Whose gentle soul with soft emotions shook) 
 Thou canst, by use, ^ach Christian's name reveal. 
 Though here disguis'd, and cas'd in shining steel : 
 Say, who is he, so fierce in combat seen, 135 
 
 Of dauntless semblance, and erected mien f 
 At this the virgin heav'd a temler sigh, 
 The silent drops stood trembling in her ej^ : 
 But, all she could, the fair her tears suppress 'd. 
 And stopp'd the murmurs of her troubled breast : 
 Yet on her cheeks the trickling dews appear'd, 141 
 And from her lips a broken sigh was heard. 
 Then artful to the king she thus reply 'd ; 
 (And strove with angrj- words her thoughts to hide) 
 Ah me I 1 know him sure, have cause too well, 
 Among a thousand, that dire chief to tell : 
 
 I
 
 B. ni. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. si 
 
 Oft have I seen bim strow the purple plain, 
 
 And glut his fury with my people slain ! 
 
 Alas! how sure his blows! the wounds they give, 
 
 Nor herbs can heal, nor magic arts relieve : 150 
 
 Tancred his name — O ! grant some happier hour 
 
 May yield him, living, prisoner to my pow'r ! 
 
 So might my soul some secret comfort find. 
 
 And sweet revenge appease my restless mind! 
 
 She said, and ceas'd ; the king the damsel heard. 
 But to a diflferent sense her speech referred ; 156 
 While, mingled with these artful words she spoke, 
 A sigh spontaneous from her bosom broke. 
 
 Meanwhile, her lance in rest, the warrior-dame 
 With eager haste t' encounter Tancred came. 160 
 Their vizors struck, the spears in shivers flew ; 
 The virgin's face was left expos'd to view ; 
 The thongs that held her helmet burst in twain ; 
 Huil'd from her head, it bounded on the plain : 
 Loose in the wind her golden tresses flow'd, 163 
 And now a maid confess'd to all she stood ; 
 Keen flash her eyes, her look with fury glows ; 
 Yet, ev'a in rage, each feature lovely shows ; 
 What charms must then her winning smiles disclose ? 
 What thoughts, O Tancred ! have thy bosom mov'd ? 
 Do'st thou not see and know that face belov'd ? 171 
 Lo ! there the face that caus'd thy amorous pains ; 
 Ask thy fond heart, for there her form remains : 
 Behold the features of the lovely dame, 
 Who for refreshment to the fountain came ! 1 75 
 
 The knight, who mark'd not first her crest and 
 Astonish'd now her well-known face beheld, [shield, 
 She, o'er her head disarm'd, the buckler threw. 
 And on her senseless foe with fury flew : 
 The foe retir'd ; on other parts he turn'd 1 80 
 
 His vengeful steel : yet still her anger bum'd ; 
 And with a threatening voice aloud she cry'd, 
 And with a two-fold death the chief defy'd. 
 Th' enamour'd warrior ne'er returns a blow. 
 Nor heeds the weapon of his lovely foe; 18 &
 
 9S JERUS^VLEM DELIVERED. B. HI. 
 
 But view?, with eager gaze, her charming eyes, 
 From whence the shaft of love unerring flies : 
 Tlien to himself — In vain the strolie descends; 
 In vain her angry sword the wound intends; 
 While from her face unarm'd she sends the dart, 
 That rives, with surer aim, my bleeding heart ! 19 1 
 
 At length resolv'd, though hopeless of relief. 
 No more iu silence to suppress his grief; 
 And that the dame might know her rage pursu'd 
 A suppliant captive by her charms subdu'd ; 105 
 O thou ! (he cr>'d) whose hostile fury s:\ov.i. 
 On me alone amid this host of foes. 
 Together let us from the field remove. 
 And, hand to hand, our mutual valour prove. 
 
 The maid his challenge heard, and void of fear. 
 With head unarm'd rush'd furious to the war : SOI 
 Her trembling lover's steps in haste pursu'd. 
 And now, prepar'd, in act of combat stood. 
 Already aim'd a stroke; when loud he cr/d; 
 First make conditions, ere the strife be try'd. 205 
 
 Awhile her lifted arm the virgin staid. 
 And thus the youth, by love emboldea'd, said : 
 
 Ah! since on terms of peace thou wilt not join. 
 Transfix this heart, this heart no longer mine : 
 For thee with pleasure I resign my breath ; -210 
 Receive my life, and triumph in my death. 
 See unresisting in thy sight I stami ; 
 Then say what cause dt-tains tliy lingering hand ? 
 Or shall I from my breast the corslet tear. 
 And to the stroke my naked bosom bare ? 215 
 
 Thus wretched Tancred spoke, and more had said 
 T' unfold his sorrows to the wondering maid ; 
 But sudden now his troops appear'd at hand, 
 Who closely press'd the Pagan's yielding baud: 
 Or fear or art impell'd the Syrian race; 220 
 
 One seem'd to fly, while t' other held the chace. 
 When lo! a soldier, who his foes pursu'd. 
 And, part expos'd, the fair Clorinda view'd, 
 Aim'd, as he pass'd behiud th' unwary maid, 
 A sudden stroke at her defenceless bead. Sift
 
 B. UT. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 9S 
 
 Tancred, who sees, exclaims with eager cries, 
 
 And with his sword to meet the weapon flies. 
 
 Yet not in vain was ur^'d the hostile steel, 
 
 On her fair neck, beneath her head, it fell : 
 
 Slight was the wound : the crimson drops appear. 
 
 And tinge the ringlets of her golden hair. 231 
 
 So shines the gold, which skilful artists frame. 
 
 And, mix'd with rubies, darts a ruddj flame. 
 
 Fir'd at the deed, the prince in anger bum'd. 
 
 And, with his falchion, on th' offender turn'd. 234 
 
 This flies, and that pursues with vengeful mind. 
 
 Swift as aa arrow on the wings of wind ! 
 
 The musing virgin viev.'d their course from far. 
 
 Then join'd her flving partners of the war. 
 
 By turns she flies; by turns she makes a stand; 340 
 
 And boldly oft attacks the Christian band. 
 
 So fares a bull, with mighty strength endu'd, 
 
 , In some wide field by troops of dogs pursu'd ; 
 Oft as he shows his horns, the fearful train 
 
 I Stop short, but follow when he flies again. 245 
 
 And still Clorinda, as she fled the field, 
 
 , Her head defended with her lifted shield. 
 Now these the battle fly, and those pursue. 
 Till near the lofty walls appear in view ; 
 When, with a dreadful shout that fills the air, 960 
 The Pagans, turning swift, renew the war : 
 Around the plain in circuit wide they bend, 
 And flank the Christian^, and their rear oflfend. 
 
 , Then bold Argantes, from the city's height. 
 Pours, with his squadron, on the front of fight. 35S 
 
 , Impatient of delay, before his erew. 
 With furious haste, the fierce Circassian flew. 
 The first he met his thundering javelin found. 
 And horse and horseman tumbled to the ground : 
 And ere the trusty spsar in shivers broke, 260 
 
 .What numbers more an equal fate partook ! 
 IHisfalcliion next he drew, and every blow. 
 Or slays, or wounds, or overturns the foe ! 
 Clorinda saw, and kindled at the view, 
 I And old Ardelius, fierce in battle, slew ; 3C»
 
 94 JERUSALEM DELIVERED, B. III. 
 
 Robnst in age ! two sons their father guard ; 
 But nought can now the deadly weapon ward. 
 Alcander, eldest born, her furj found. 
 His sire deserting with a ghastly wound : 
 And Poliphernes, next bis place in fight, 370 
 
 Scarce sav'd his life from brave Cloricda's might. 
 But Tancred, wearj'd with the fruitless chace 
 Of him whose courser fled with swifter pace, 
 Now tum'd his eyes, and saw his troops from far 
 Engag'd too boldly in unequal war : -215 
 
 He view'd them by surrounding Pagans press'd. 
 And spurr'd his courser to their aid in haste. 
 Nor he alone, but to their rescue came 
 The band the first in dabgers as in fame ; 
 The band by Dudon le.l, the hero's boast, 280 
 
 The strength and bulwark of the Christian host. 
 Rinaldo, bravest of the brave confess'd. 
 Like flashing lightning shone before the rest ! 
 Erminia soon the gallant prince beheld. 
 Known by the eagle in an azure field. 2S5 
 
 Then to the king who thither tum'd his eyes : 
 Behold a chief, unmatcli'J in arms ! (she crits) 
 No sword like his in yonder camp is seen, 
 Yet scarce appears the down to shade his chin. 
 Six champions more, his equals in the field, 200 
 
 Had made already conquer'd Syria \ield : 
 The furthest regions bad confess'd their sway, 
 The distant realms beneath the rising day ! 
 And ev'n the Nile, perhaps, his head unknown 
 Had vainly then couceal'd, the yoke to shun ! 295 
 Such is the youth ! his name Rinaldo call — 
 Whose hand with terror shakes the threatcii'J wall ! 
 Now turn your eyes, and yonder chief behold, 
 Array'd in verdant arms and shining gold : 
 Dudon his nanje, (the gallant bands he leads, Svo 
 Adventurers call'd, and first in martial deeds) 
 Of nobler lineage, with experience crown'd, 
 In age superior, as in worth renown'd. 
 See where yon leader clad in sable stands, 
 (Whose brother hold» the rule of Norway'» iauds)
 
 a. ni. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 05 
 
 Gernando fierce, of no unwarlike name, 306 
 
 But with his pride he sullies all his fame. 
 
 The friendly couple, who, in vesture white. 
 
 So close together share the task of fight, 
 
 Are Edward and Gildippe, (blameless pair!) 310 
 
 In love unequall'd, and renown'd in war T 
 
 While thus she spoke ; upon the plain below. 
 They saw more deep the dreadful cam age grow : 
 There Tancred and Rinaldo's furious hands 
 Pierc'd the thick ranks, and broke th' opposing bands^ 
 
 ,' Next, with his squadron, Dudon rush'd along, 316 
 And pour'd impetuous on the hostile throng. 
 Ev'd fierce Argante?, tumbled to the ground 
 By brave Rinaldo, scarce his safety found : 
 Nor had the haughty chief escap'd so well, 320 
 
 But lo ! Rinaldo's horse that instant fell. 
 And chancing on his master^s foot to light, 
 Detain'd awhile the champion from the fight. 
 
 ; The routed Pagans, now oppress'd with dread. 
 Forsook their ranks, and to the city fled. 355 
 
 A!one Clorinda and Argante? bear 
 The raging storm that thunders on the rear. 
 Intrepid, these maintain their dangerous post, 
 And break the fury of the conquering host : 
 Their daring hands the foremost battle meet, 330 
 Bid slaughter pause, and cover the retreat. 
 Impetuous Dudon chas'd the flying crew. 
 And fierce Tigranes, with a shock, o'erthrew ; 
 Then through his neck the sword a passage found. 
 And left the carcfase headless on the ground. 335 
 la vain his cuirass steel'd Algazor wore; 
 Corbano'ò tempef'd casque avail'd no more! 
 This through the nape and face the weapon press'd ; 
 That, through the back, and issu'd at his breast. 
 Then Amurath and Mahomet he slew ; 340 
 
 Their souls reluctant from their bodies flew. 
 The stern Almanzor next his valour prov'd ; 
 And scarce secure the great Circassian mov'd. 
 Argantes rav'd, his breéist with fury bnrn'd, 
 '^nd oft, retreating, on the foe he turned ; 34*
 
 96 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. IL 11!. 
 
 Till with a snddea stroke the chief he fouud, 
 
 And in his flank impress'd a mortal wound. 
 
 Prone falls the leader, stretch'd on earth he lies. 
 
 An iron sleep invades his swimming eyes : 
 
 And thrice he strives to view the light in vain, 0:10 
 
 And on his arms his sinking bulk sustain : 
 
 Thrice backward falls, and sickens at the sight. 
 
 And shuts at length his eyes in endless night : 
 
 A chilly sweat o'er all his body streams ; ; 
 
 A mortal coldness numbs his stiffening limbs. 3bb 1 
 
 The fierce Argautes stay'd not o'er the dead, 1 
 
 But, turning to the Franks, aloud he said : I 
 
 Warriors, attend! survey this bloody sword, ' 
 
 But yester's sun the present of your lord I 
 Mark how this hand has try'd its use to-day : 3Gi» 
 Haste I to bis ears the glad report convey : 
 MTiat secret pleasure must your leader feel, 
 To find his glorious gift approv'd so well ! 
 Bid him, to nobler purpose soon address'd, 
 Expect this weapon bury'd in his breast ; 365 ' 
 
 And should he long delay our force to meet. 
 This hand shall tear him from his dark retreat. 
 
 Boastful he spoke ; enrag"d the Christians hear. 
 And furious round him dri\ e the thickening war : 
 But he already, with the fl\i;ig crew, 370 
 
 Safe in the shelter of the town withdrew. 
 
 Now from the wall the close defenders pour 
 Their stones, like storm of hail, a missile show'r ; 
 Umfiumber'd qmvers shafts for bows supply ; 
 And clouds of arrows from the ramparts fly ! 375 
 Awhile they force th' advancing Franks to stand, 
 Till in the gates retreat the Pagauband ; 
 \Mien lo ! Rinaldo came, (who now had freed 
 His footencumberdby his fallen steed) 
 Eager he rush'd, oa proud Argautes' head S**» 
 
 To take reveage for hapless Dudun dead. 
 Through all the ranks, inspiiing rage, he flies : 
 \Miy stand we lingering.here ; (the warrior cri*. ? 1 
 Lost is the chief who rul'd our band of late. 
 Why haste we not t' avenge the leader's fate ì .^ Si
 
 B. in. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. ft: 
 
 When such a cause our vengeful force demands. 
 
 Shall these weak ramparts stop our conqu'rin; 
 
 Did walls of triple steel the town enclose, [hands ? 
 
 Or adamantine bulwarks gxiard the foes, 
 
 Yet vaiul> there should hope to lurk secure 390 
 
 The fierce Argantes from jour watchful power. — 
 
 Haste ! let us storm the gates. — He said, and flew, 
 
 With foremost speed, before the warring crew : 
 
 Dauntless he goes, nor falling stones he fears. 
 
 Nor storms of arrows, hissing round his ears : 395 
 
 So fierce he nods his crest, so towers on high. 
 
 Such lightning flashes from his angry eye; 
 
 The Pagans on the walls, with doubts oppress'd. 
 
 Feel sudden terrors rise in every breast. 
 
 While thus Rinaldo to the battle moves, 400 
 
 ^d these encourages, and those reproves ; 
 3ehold, dispatch'd by Godfrey's high commands, 
 The good Sigerò stopp'd th' advancing bands ; 
 ie, in the leaders name, repress'd their heat, 
 vnd bade the Christians from the field retreat. 405 
 ",eturn, ye warriors! (thus aloud he cry'd) 
 fill fitter season lay your arms aside : 
 I'his Godfrey wills, and be his will obey'd. — ■ 
 (e said : Rinaldo then his ardour staid, 
 tud stern obedience to the summons paid. 410 
 
 le tum'd; but bis disdainful looks reveal'd 
 Tie fury in his breast but ill conceal'd. 
 Now from the walls th' unwilling squadrons go, 
 «tiring, unmolested by the foe ; 
 et leave not Dudon's corse, in battle slain, 415 
 epriv'd of rites, neglected on the plain : 
 ipported in their arms with pious care, 
 is faithful friends their bonour'd burthen bear, 
 eaotime aloft their leader, Godfrey, stood, 
 ad from a rising ground the city view'd. 450 
 
 On two unequal hills the city stands, 
 vale between divides the higher lands. 
 Iiree sides without impervious to the foes : 
 le Dorthem side an easy passage shows, 4fe4 
 
 F
 
 98 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. III. 
 
 With smooth ascent : but well they gnard the part 
 
 With IrftT walls, and laboured works of art. 
 
 The city, lakes and living: spring contains, 
 
 And cisterns to receive the falling rains : 
 
 But bare of herbage is the country round; 499 
 
 Nor springs nor streams refresh the barren ground. 
 
 No tender flower exalts its cheerful head. 
 
 No stately trees at noon their shelter spread; 
 
 Save where, two leagues remote, a wood appears, 
 
 Embrown'd with noxious shade, the growth of years! 
 
 Where morning gilds the city's ea>tem side, 435 
 The sacred Jordan pours its gertle tide. 
 Extended lie, against the setting day. 
 The sandy borders of the midland sea: 
 Samaria to the north, and Bethel's wood, 
 MTiere to the golden calf the aitar stood : 44(1 
 
 And on the rainy south, the hallon'd earth 
 Of Bethl*em, where the Lord receiv'd his birth. 
 
 ■\\hile Godfrey thus, nbovethe subject field, 
 The lofty walls and Siob's strength beheld ; 444 
 And ponder'd whei e t' encamp his martial pow'rs. 
 And where he best might storm the hostile tow'rs; 
 Full on the chief Erminia cast a look. 
 Then showM him to the king, and thus she spolte : 
 
 There Godfrey stands, in purple vesture seen. 
 Of regal presence, and exalted raiea. 
 He st-ems by nature born to kingly sway, 
 Vers'd in each art to make mankind obey : 
 Well skilFd alike in every task of fight : 
 In whom the soldier and the chief unite : 
 Nor can the troops of yo.ider numerous host, 
 A wiser head or steadier courage boast. 
 Raymond alone with him the praise can sbare 
 Of wisdom in the cool debates of war ; 
 Tancred alone, and great Rinaldo, claim 
 An equal glory in the field of fame. 
 
 All tongues (reply'd the kii.g) his worth report J 
 I &aw and kaew him at the Gallic court. 
 When Egypt sent me envoy into France : 
 Oft in the lists I saw him wield the lance l
 
 B. III. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 99 
 
 A stripling then, for scarce the down began 455 
 
 To clothe his cheeks, the promise of a man ! 
 
 Yet did his words and early deeds presage, 
 
 Too sure, alas ! his fame in riper age ! 
 
 Sighing he spoke, and hung his pensive head, 
 
 Then rais'd his eyes again, and thus he said. 470 
 Say, what is he who stands by Godfrey's side. 
 
 His upper garments with vermilion dy'd ? 
 
 How near his air, his looks how much the same; 
 
 Though short his stature, less erect his frame! 
 
 'Ti- Baldwin, brother to the prince (she cry'd) 475 
 
 fn feature like, but more by deeds allj'd. 
 
 Now turn thy eyes where, with a reverend mien, 
 
 fn act to council, yonder chief is seen : 
 
 Ravniond is he, in every conduct sage, 
 
 fiatare in wisdom of experience age : 4S0 
 
 Vone better warlike stratagems can frame, 
 
 )f all fhe Gallic or the Latian name. 
 
 !eyoiid, the British monarch's son behold, 
 "hf noble William, with the casque of gold. 
 
 <ext Guelpho, whom his birth and actions raise, 485 
 
 imong the foremost names to equal praise : 
 
 'u]l well I know the chief, to sight confess'd, 
 > hii broad shoulders and his ample chest. 
 ut still, amidst yon numerous troops below, 
 ly eyes explore in vain their deadliest foe ; 490 
 
 (smond, whose fury all my race pursued, 
 he stern destroyer of ray royal blood ! 
 Thus commune they : while from the hill descends 
 lie Christian chief, and joins his warlike friends, 
 lie (.ity view'd, he deems th' attempt were vain, 495 
 er craggy rocks the steepy pass to gain. 
 leii on the ground, that rose with smooth ascent, 
 raiii=t the northern gate he pitcb'd his tent : 
 ■A 'hence proceeding to the corner tow'r, 
 icarip'd ill length the remnant of his pow'r; 50&' 
 t could not half the city's wall inclose, 
 wi le around the spacious bulwarks rose. 
 But Godfrey well secures each sev'ral way 
 at might assistance to the town convey ; 
 F2
 
 100 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. IIL 
 
 To seize on everj pass his care he bends, 505 
 
 And round with trenches deep the camp defends. 
 
 These works perform'd, his steps the hero turn'd, ! 
 Where lav the breathless corse of Dudon mourn'd : ; 
 Arri\'d, the lifeless leader prone he found. 
 With many weeping friends encompass'd round. 510 
 High on a stately biex the dead was plac'd, 
 With funeral pomp and friendly honours grac'd. 
 \^"hen Godfrey enter'd, soon the mournful crowd 
 Indulged their secret woes, and wept aloud ; 
 While, with a face coropos'd, the pious chief 515 
 Beheld in silence, and suppress'd his grief; 
 Till, having view'd awhile the warrior dead. 
 With thoughtful looks intent, at length he said : 
 'Sot plaints, nor sorrow, to thy death we owe. 
 Though call'd so sudden from our world below : 520 
 In heaven thou liv'st again ; thy mortal name 
 Has left behind thee glorious tracks of fame. 
 Well hast thou kept on earth the Christian laws ; 
 Well bast thou dietl, a warrior in their cause! 
 Now, happy thade ! enjoy thy Maker's sight, ^SSl^ 
 Unfading liuiels now thy toils requite! 
 Hail, and be bless'd ! we mourn not here thy fate, 
 But weep the chance ofour deserted state. 
 With thee, so bravely parting from our host. 
 How strong a sinew of the camp is lost ! 
 But the' the fate, which snatch'd thee from our ey 
 Thy earthly succour to our cause denies. 
 Thy soul can yet celestial aids obtain. 
 Elected one of Heaven's immortal train. 
 Oft have we seen thee in th' embattled field, 
 A mortal then, thy mortal weapons wield ; 
 So hope we still to see thee wield in fight 
 The fatal arms of Heav'n's resistless might. 
 O ! bear our prayers : our pious vows receive : 
 With pity all our earthly toils relieve : 
 Procure us conquest, and our host shall pay 
 Their t!)anks to thee on that triumphant day. 
 
 Thus spoke the chief: and now the sable night 
 ilad bauish'd ev'ry beam of cheerful light;
 
 B. III. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 101 
 
 JLnd, with oblivion sweet of irksome cares, 645 
 
 ImposM a truce on mortal plaints and tears. 
 
 But sleepless Godfrey lay, wLo saw 'twere vain 
 'T' attempt, without machines, the walls to gain : 
 What forest might the ample planks provide, 549 
 And how to frame the piles, his thoughts employ'd. 
 
 Up with the sun he rose, and left his bed, 
 ,T' attend the funeral rites of Dudon dead. 
 I Near to the camp, beneath a hillock, stood 
 The stately tomb, compos'd of cypress-wood ; 
 Above, a palm-tree spread its verdant shade : 556 
 To this the mourning troop the corse convey'd. 
 With these the holy priests (a reverend train!) 
 A requiem chanted to the warrior slain. 
 High on the boughs were Imng, display'd to sight, 
 The various arms and ensigns won in fight ; 660 
 In happier times, the trophies of his hands, 
 ^Gaia'd from the Syrian and the Persian bands. 
 The mii?hty trunk his shining cuirass bore, 
 \nd all those arms which once the hero wore. 564 
 Then on the sculptur'd tomb these words appear : 
 ^' Here Dudon lies — the glorious chief revere !" 
 
 Soon as the prince these pious rites had paid, 
 (The last sad office to the worthy dead) 
 He sent his workmen to the woods, prepar'd 
 And well supported with a num'rous guard. 570 
 tConceal'd in lowly vales the forest stands, 
 \ Syrian shew'd it to the Christian bands. 
 To this they march to hew the timbers down. 
 To 4iake the ramparts of the hallow'd town. 
 Co fell the trees each other they provoke : 576 
 
 rii' insulted forest groans at ev'ry stroke. 
 at by the biting axe, on earth are laid 
 riie pliant ash, the beech's spreading shade. 
 The «acred palm, the fun'ral cypress, fall ; 
 ^he broad-leav'd sycamoie, the plantain tall. 6S0 
 ^1 e married elm his nodding head declines, 
 Lround whose trunk the vine her tendril twines. 
 . onie fell'd the pine; the oak while others hew'd, 
 V'hose leaves a thousand changing springs renew'd;
 
 102 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. D. Ill, 
 
 Wliose stately bulk a thousand w inters stood, 585 
 And scorn'd the winds that re d the loft) wood. 
 Some on tlie creaking wheels with labour stow'd 
 The unctuous fir, and cedar's fragrant load. 
 Scar'd at the sounding- axe, and cries of men. 
 Birds quit the nest, and beasts forsake the den I 590
 
 TllE 
 
 FOURTH BOOK 
 
 or 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED.
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 PLUTO calls a council of the infernal powers. 
 His speech to urge them to employ their ma- 
 chinations against the Christians. Hidraotes, 
 king oj Damascus, incited by a demoii, sends 
 his niece Armida to the Christian camp. She 
 is introduced to Godfrey ; and endeavours, by 
 a feigned story of her misfortunes, to raise hia 
 compassion. Many of the chiefs, touched with 
 her pretended sorrows, and injlamed with her 
 beauty, are very pressing with Godfrey to per- 
 mit them to engage in her cause. He at length 
 yields to their request. Armida, during her 
 residence in the camp, captivates, by her arts, 
 atmogt all the principal «ommandert.
 
 THK 
 
 FOURTH BOOK 
 
 OF 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 
 
 ! W HILE these intent their vast machines prepare 
 iT' assail the city with decisive war ; 
 ;The foe of man, whose malice ever burns. 
 His livid ejes upon the Christians turnrr 
 He sees what mighty works their care enga^, 6 
 
 ' \nd grinds his teeth, and foams with inward rage ; 
 And, like a wounded bull with paia oppress'd, 
 Deep groans re-bellow from his hideous breast. 
 Then, beading every thought his schemes to frame, 
 For swiit destruction on their hated name; 10 
 
 ie summoa'd in his court, to deep debate, 
 V. honid council of tb' infernal state. 
 nsei;srtte wretch ! as if th' attempt were light 
 [" oppose Jehovah's will, and dare his might : 
 ,lh ! too forgetful how the vengeful hand 1 5 
 
 '»f Heav'n's Eternal hurls the forked brand! 
 The trumpet now, with hoarse rebounding breath, 
 onvenes the spirits in the shades of death : 
 'he hollow caverns tremble at the sound; 
 he air re-echoes to the noise around ! 20 
 
 ot louder terrors shake the distant pole, 
 tlien through the skies the rattling thunders roll ; 
 ot greater tremors heave the labouring earth, 
 'hen vapours, pent within, contend for birth .' 
 . le Gods of hell the awful signal heard, 25 
 
 ad, thronging round the loftv gates, appeai'd 
 F 5
 
 106 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. D. IV , 
 
 In various shapes, tremendous to the view ! 
 
 What terror from their threatening ejes thev threw ! 
 
 Some, cloven feet with human faces wear. 
 
 And curling snakes compose their dreadful hair; 30 
 
 And from behind is seen, iu circles cast, 
 
 A serpent's tail, voluminous and vast ! 
 
 A thousand Harpies foul and Centaurs here. 
 
 And Gorgons pale, and Sphinxes dire, appear ; 
 
 Unnnmber'd Sc_vllas, barking, rend the air : 35 
 
 Unnumber'd Pythons hiss, and Hvdras glare ! 
 
 Chimeras here aie found ejecting flame, 
 
 Huge Polypbeme, and Ger>on's triple frame; 
 
 And many more of mingled kind were seen. 
 
 All monstrous forms, unknown to mortal men ! 40 
 
 In order seated, now th' infernal band 
 Inclos'd their grisly king on either hand. 
 Full in the midst imperial Pluto sate; 
 His arms sustaiii'd the massy sceptre's weight. 
 Nor rock, nor mountain, lifts its head so high : 45 
 Ev'n tcwering Atlas, that supports the sky, 
 A hillock, if compar'd with him, appears, 
 When his large front and ample horns he rears ! 
 A horrid majesty his looks express'd. 
 Which scattet'd terror, and his pride increas'd : 60 
 His sanguiae eyes with balelul venom stare, 
 And, like a comet, cast a dismal glare ; 
 A length of beard descending o'er his breast. 
 In rugged curls, conceals his hairy chest ; 
 And like a whirlpool in the roaring flood, 5S 
 
 Wide gap« Lis mouth obscene with clotted blood. 
 As smoky fires from burning iEtna rise. 
 And streaming sulphur, that infects the skies: 
 So from his throat the cloudy sparkles came. 
 With pestilential breath and ruddy flame: 60 
 
 And, while he spoke, fierce Cerberus forbore 
 His triple bark, and Hydra ceas'd to roar; 
 Cocytussta>'d his course; th' abysses shook; 
 "\\ hen from his lips these thund'ring accents broke 
 
 Tartareaii pow'rs ! more worthy of a place 65 
 Above the sun, whence spring your glorious race!
 
 B. IV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 107 
 
 Who lost with me, in one disastrous fight, 
 
 Yon blissful seats, and realms of endless light ! 
 
 Too well our former injuries are known. 
 
 Our bold attempt against th' Almighty's throne : 70 
 
 See, now he rules at will the crystal sphere. 
 
 And we the name of rebel angels bear ; 
 
 And (sad reverse !) exil'd from cloudless days. 
 
 The golden sun above, and starry rays, 
 
 He shuts us here in dreary glooms imraur'd, 75 
 
 Our purpose thwarted, and our fame obscur'd ; 
 
 And now elects (a thought that stings me more 
 
 Than all the pains T e'er endur'd before) 
 
 To fill our station, man, of abject birth, 
 
 A creature fashion'd of the dust of earth! SO 
 
 Nor this suffic'd ; his only Son he gave 
 
 (T' oppress us more) a victim to the grave ; 
 
 Who came, and burst th' infernal gates in twain. 
 
 And boldly enter'd Pluto's fated reign ; 
 
 And thence releas'd the souls, by lot our due, 85 
 
 And with his spoils to Heav'n victorious flew : 
 
 Triumphant there,, our dire disgrace to tell. 
 
 He spreads the banners wide of conquer'd Hell ! 
 
 But wherefore should 1 thus renew our woe ? 
 
 And who are those but must our siifFerings know ? 90 
 
 Was there a time that e'er our foe we saw 
 
 The purpose, which his wrath pursu'd, withdraw ? 
 
 Then cast each thought of former wrongs behind. 
 
 And let the present outrage fill the mind : 
 
 See now what arts he practises to gain 05 
 
 The nations round to worship in his fane ! 
 
 And shall we lie neglectful of our name. 
 
 Nor just revenge our kindling breasts inflame ? 
 
 And tamely thus behold, in Asia's lands. 
 
 New vigour added to his faithful bands ? 100 
 
 Beneath his yoke shall Siou's city bend. 
 
 And further still his envied fame extend ? 
 
 Sliali other tongues be taught to sound his praise ? 
 
 For him shall others tune their grateful la^s ? 
 
 Sliail other monuments his laws proclaim ? 108 
 
 Kew sculptur'd brass and marble bear his name ?
 
 108 JERUSALEM DELIVl-JRED. Ti. il. 
 
 Our broken idols cast to earth, and scorn'd ? 
 
 Our altars to his hated worship turn'd ? 
 
 To him «hall ^iits of myrrh and pold be made ? 
 
 To him alone be vows and incense paid f no 
 
 Where e\'ry temple once ador'd our pow'r, 
 
 Their ?ates be open to our arts no more ? 
 
 Such numerous souls no lonsrer tribute pay, 
 
 And Pluto here an empty kingdom sway ? 
 
 Ah ! no — our former courage still we boast ; 115 
 
 That dauntless spirit which inspir'd our host, 
 
 When, pirt with flames and steel, in dire alarms 
 
 We durst oppose the Kin? of Heav'n in arms ! 
 
 'Tis true we lost the day (so fate ordain'd) 
 
 But still the grlory of th' attempt remain'd : 120 
 
 To him was piv'n the conquest of the field ; 
 
 To us, superior minds that scoru'd to yield — 
 
 But wherefore thus your well-known zeal detain ? 
 
 Go, faithful peers and partners of my rei^n. 
 
 My pride and ptren{rth ! our hated foes oppress, 125 
 
 And crush their empire ere its pow'r increase : 
 
 Haste (ere destruction end Judaea's name) 
 
 And quench the fury of this growinj^ flame ; 
 
 Mix in their councils, fraud and force employ, 
 
 With ev'ry art industrious to destroy : 1 30 
 
 Let what I will be fate; let some be slain. 
 
 Some wander exiles from their social train ; 
 
 Some, sunk the slaves of Love's lascivious pow'r, 
 
 An amorous eye or dimpled smile adore. 
 
 Against its master turn th' insensate steel, 135 
 
 And teach discordant leerions to rebel. 
 
 Perish the camp, in final ruin lost. 
 
 And perish all remembrance of the host ! 
 
 Scarce had the tyrant ceas'd, when sudden rose 
 The raging; band of God's rebellious foe«; 140 
 
 And, eager to review the cheerful light. 
 They rush'd impatient from the shades of night. 
 As sounding tempests with impetuous force 
 Burst from their native caves, w ith furious course, 
 To blot the lustre of the gladsome day, 145 
 
 And pour their vengeance on the land and sea :
 
 J fi. IF. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 109 
 
 So these from realm to realm ilieir pinions spread. 
 And o'er the world their baneful \eiiom shed; 
 And all their hellish arts and frauds apph'd. 
 In various shapes and forms before untrj'd. 160 
 
 Say, Muse! from whence, and how, the fiends began 
 To veut their fury on the Christain train ; 
 For well to thee each secret work is known, 
 Which Fame to us transmits but faintly down. 
 
 e'er wide Damascus and the nei^hb'ring laud, 15S 
 A fam'd magician, Hidraotes, reign'd ; 
 Who, from bis youth, his eaiiy studies bent 
 T' explore the seeds of ev'ry dark event : 
 But, fruitless still! r,ot all his arts declare 
 The secret issue of the dubious war : 160 
 
 Nor fix'd nor wandering stars by aspects tell, 
 Tvor truth be finds from oracles of hell. 
 And jet (O knowledge of presuming man, 
 
 ; Of tliought fallacious and of judgment vain!) 164 
 He deem'd that Heav'n would sure destruction show'r 
 
 1 To crush the Chiistians' still unconquer'd pow'r; 
 His fancy view'd at length their array lost. 
 And palms and laurels for th' Egyptian host : 
 Hence sprung a wish his subject bands might share, 
 
 I With these, the spoils and glory of the war: 170 
 But, since the valour of the Franks was known. 
 He fear'd the conquest would be dearly won. 
 
 I Now various schemes his wily thoughts employ'd 
 To sow dissentiou, and their force divide: 
 
 ' So might his troops, with Egypt's numbers joia'd, 
 
 I An easier field against the Christians find. 176 
 
 ; Wbile thus he thought, th' apostate angel came. 
 And added fuel to his impious flame; 
 
 ' And sudden with infernal counsels fir'd 
 His restless bosom, and his soul inspir'd. ISO 
 
 A damsel for his niece the monarch own'd, 
 
 I Whose matchless charms were through the East re« 
 To her was every art of magic known, [nown'd. 
 
 1 And all the wiles of womankind her own. 
 
 I To her the king th' important task assign 'd, IS* 
 
 ; And thus reveal'd the purpose of his mind.
 
 no JERUSAIiEM DELIVERED. B. ir. 
 
 O ! thou, my best belov'd ! whose youthful charm?, 
 (Sweet smiles and graces. Love's resistless arms I) 
 A manly mind and thoughts mature conceal ; 
 Whose arts in magic ev'n my own excel; 1'jO 
 
 Great schemes I frame, nor shall those schemes be 
 Assist but thou the labours of my brain. [vaiu, 
 
 Then heed my counsel, in the task engage. 
 And execute the plan of cautious age. 
 Go, seek the hostile camp : and there improve 195 
 Each female artifice that kindles love : 
 With speaking sorrows bathe thy powerful eyes ; 
 And mix thy tender plaints with broken sighs : 
 For beauty, by misfortune's hand oppress'J, 
 Can fashion to her will the hardest breast. ?00 
 
 With bashful mien relate the plausive tale ; 
 With shew of truth the secret falsehood veil. 
 Use every art of words and winuing smiles 
 T' allure the leader, Godfrey, to thy toils : 
 That thus, a slave to love and beauty won, 206 
 
 His soul may loath his enterprize begun. 
 But if |he Fates this snare shall render vain. 
 Inflame the boldest of the warrior train ; 
 And lead them distant from the camp afar. 
 Ne'er to return and mingle in the war. 210 
 
 All wa.\s are just to guard religion's laws, 
 All means are lawful in our country's cause! 
 
 The great attempt Armida's bosom warms, 
 (Proud of her bloom and more than mortal charms :) 
 She tlience, at evening's close, departs alone 215 
 Through solitary paths and ways unknown : 
 And trusts, in female vests and beauty bright. 
 To con<iuer armies ucsubdu'd in fight. 
 But \arious rumours of her flight, diffus'd 
 With purpos'd art, the vulgar crowd amus'd. 220 
 
 Few days were past, when near the damsel drew 
 To where the Christian tents appear'd in view. 
 Her matchless charms the wondering bands surprise. 
 Provoke their whispers, and attract their eyes. 
 So mortals, through the midnight fields of air, 226 
 Observe the blaze of eome uuusual star.
 
 B.IV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. Ill 
 
 Sudden thej' throng to view th' approaching darae, 
 
 Eager to learn her message and her name. 
 
 Not Argos, Cyprus, or the Delian coast, 
 
 Could e'er a form or mien so lovely boast. 230 
 
 Now through her snowy veil, half hid from sight. 
 
 Her golden locks diffuse a doubtfullight; 
 
 And now, unveil'd, in open view they flow'd ; 
 
 So Phoebus glimmers through a fleecy cloud, 
 
 So from the cloud again redeems his ray, 235 
 
 And sheds fresh glory on the face of day. 
 
 In wavy ringlets falls her beauteous hair, 
 
 That catch new graces from the sportive air : 
 
 Declin'd on earth, her modest look denies 
 
 To show the starry lustre of her eyes : 240 
 
 O'er her fair face a rosy bloom is spread, 
 
 And stains her ivory skin with lovely red: 
 
 Soft breathing sweets her opening lips disclose ; 
 
 The native odours of the budding rose! 
 
 Her bosom bare displays its snowy charms, 245 
 
 Where Cupid frames and points his fiery arms : 
 
 Her smooth and swelling breasts are part reveal'd, 
 
 And part beneath her envious vest concealed; 
 
 Her robes oppose the curious sight in vain. 
 
 No robes oppos'd can amorous thoughts restrain : 
 
 The gazer, fir'd with charms already shown, 251 
 
 Explores the wonders of the charms unknown. 
 
 As through the limpid stream, or crystal bright. 
 
 The rajs of Phoebus dart their piercing light: 
 
 So through her vest can daring fancy glide, 225 
 
 And view what modesty attempts to hide; 
 
 Thence paints a thousand loves and soft desires. 
 
 And adds fresh fuel to the lovers fires! 
 
 Thus pass'd Armida through th' admiring crowd, 
 (With secret joy her heart exulting glow'd) 260 
 She read their thoughts, and various wiles design'd. 
 And schemes of future conquest lill'd her mind. 
 While in suspense her cautious eyes explor'd 
 Some guide to lead her to the Christian lord, 
 Before her sight the young Eustatius stands, 265 
 Great Godfrey's brother, who the host commands:
 
 119 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. IV. 
 
 Her beaut> 's blaze the warrior's breast alarms. 
 He stays, and, wond'ring, gazes on her charms : 
 At once the flames of love his soul in-;pire. 
 As o'er the stubble runs the blazing fire. 2 Tu 
 
 Then bold through vouth, bv amorous passion pre?s\i. 
 He thus, with courtly word?, the dame address'd : 
 
 Sav, damsel \ (if thou bear'st a mortal name, 
 For sure thou seem'st not of terrestrial frame ! 
 Since Heaven ne'er gave to one of Adam's race 2 ' b 
 So large a portion of celestial grace!) 
 What fortune bids thee to our camp repair ? 
 What fortune sends to us a form so fair ? 
 What art thou : If of heavenly lineage say, 
 So let me, prostrate, rightful homage pay. ^Sc 
 
 Too far thy praise extends, (she made reply) 
 My merits ne'er attain'd a flight so hiyh : 
 Thy eyes, O chief! a mortal wretch survey. 
 To pleasure dead, to grief a living prey! 
 Unhappy fate my footsteps hither led, 2S& 
 
 A fugitive forlorn, a wandering maid ! 
 Godfrey I seek, on him my hope? depend, 
 Oppression's scourge, and injur'd virtue's friend ! 
 Then, generous as thou seem'st, indulge my grief. 
 And grant me audience of thy godlike chief. 290 
 
 Then he : A brother sure may gain his ear. 
 May lead thee to him, and thy suit prefer: 
 Thou hast not chosen ill, O lovely dame ! 
 Some interest in the leader's breast I claim : 
 Use as thou wilt (nor deem in vain ray wortl) 295 
 His powerful sceptre and his brothers sword. 
 
 He cea^'d, and brought her where, retir'd in state. 
 Encircled by his chiefs, the Hero sate. 
 W itb awful revereuce at bis sight she bow'd. 
 Then seem'd abash'd with shame, and silent stood. 
 With gentle words the leader strove to chear 30! 
 Her drooping spirits, aud dispel her fear : 
 Till thus she fram'd her tale with Iraudful art, 
 la accents sweet, that won the yielding heart. 
 
 Unconquer'd prince! whose far-resoundiiig name 
 With every virtue fills the moudi of fame ! 3C-C
 
 B. IV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. lis 
 
 ■Whom kings themselves, subdu'd, with pride obey. 
 While vanquish'd nations glorj- in thy sway ! 
 Known is thj' valour, and thy worth approv'd, 
 By all esteem'd, and by thy foes bolov'd ! 310 
 
 Ev'n those confide in him they fear'd before. 
 And, when distress'd, thy saving hand implore. 
 I, who a diflFerent faith from thine profess ; 
 A faith obnoxious, which thy arms oppress ; 
 Yet hope, by thee, t'ascend my rightful throne, 315 
 Where once my sires, in regal lustre, shone. 
 If, from their kindred, others aid demand, 
 T' oppose the fury of a foreign band ; 
 I, since my friends no ties of pity feel. 
 Against my blood invoke the hostile steel. 320 
 
 On thee I call ; in thee my hope? I place : 
 ^ 'Tis thine alone my abject state to raise. 
 No less a glory shall thy labours crown, 
 T' exalt the low, than pull the mighty down : 
 An equal praise the name of mercy yields 325 
 
 With routed squadrons in triumphant fields. 
 Oft hast thou snatch'd from kings the sov 'reign 
 Win now a like renown, and mine restore, [power : 
 O may thy pitying grace my cause sustain. 
 Nor let me on thy help rely in vain ! 330 
 
 Witness that Power, to all an equal God! 
 Thy aid was ne'er in juster cause bestow'd. 
 But hear me first my hapless fortune show. 
 And speak the treachery of a kindred foe. 
 
 In me the child of Aibilan survey, 336 
 
 WTio o'er Damascus once maintain'd the sway: 
 He, sprung of humbler race, in marriage gain'd 
 Fair Chariclea, and the crown obtain'd : 
 But she, who rais'd him to the sov'reign state^ 
 Ere I was bom, receiv'd the stroke of fate. 340 
 One fatal day my mother snatch'd from earth; 
 ' The same, alas ! beheld my hapless birth ! 
 ! Five annual suns had scarce their influence shed, 
 I Since from the world my dearest parent fled ; 
 . When, yielding to the fate of all mankind, 3 1 fc 
 
 I My Eire in Heaven his faithful consort join'd.
 
 Ill JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. IV, 
 
 The monarch, to a brother's guardian care^, 
 
 Coasiga'd hi? sceptre and his iufant heir : 
 
 In whom he deem'd he justly might confide. 
 
 If ever virtue did in man reside. 350 
 
 The kingdom's rule he seizM, but still he show'd 
 
 A zeal for me, and for ray country's good ; 
 
 While all his actions seem'd th' effects to prove 
 
 Of faith untainted, and paternal love. 
 
 But thus, perchance, wiih shows of anxious zeal. 
 
 He sought his traiterous purpose to conceal : 356 
 
 Or else sincere, t' effect his deep design. 
 
 My hand in marriage with his >on to join. 
 
 I grew in years, and with me grew his son ; 
 
 In whom no knightly virtues ever shone : 360 
 
 Rude was his aspect, ruder was his soul. 
 
 Rapacious, proud, impatient of conUol ; 
 
 Such was the man my guardian had decreed 
 
 To share my kingdom and my nuptial bed. 
 
 In vain to win me to his will he try'd; 36* 
 
 I heard in silence, or his suit den>'d. 
 
 One day he left me, when his looks confess'd 
 
 Some fatal treason lurking in his breast ; 
 
 Alas ! methought I then could clearly trace 
 
 My future fortune in the tyrant's face: i',\} 
 
 From thence what visions did my soul affright. 
 
 Distract my sleep, and skim before my sight ! 
 
 O'er all ray spirits hung a mournful gloom, 
 
 A sure presage of every woe to come ! 
 
 Oft to ray view appear'd my mother's ghost, 3 75 
 
 A bloodless form, in tears and sorrows lost ! 
 
 Ah me ! far distant from her former look ! 
 
 Fly, fly, my daughter ! (thus the phantom spoke) ■ 
 
 For thee the murderous steel the tyrant bears : ■ 
 
 For thee his rage th' envenom'd bowl prepares ! S80 
 
 But what avail'd these bodings of my mind ? 
 Why was I wam'd to shun the ills design'd ì 
 Could I. an helpless maid, resolve to roam, 
 A willing exile from my nati\e home ? 
 A milder choice it seem'd, to close my sight 39* 
 In that dear place where first I saw the light.
 
 B. IV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. US 
 
 Yet death I fear'd, and feard from death to fly ; 
 Nor knew on whom for counsel to rely. 
 To none I durst ray secret thoughts relate, 389 
 
 But liv'd in dread suspense, uncertain of my fate! 
 Like one, who, every moment, thinks to feel 
 On his defenceless head th' impending steel. 
 But (whether fortune now was kinder grown. 
 Or Heaven reserv'd me yet for woes unknown) 
 A faithful courtier, who, with anxious cares, 395 
 Had bred my father from hi« infant years, 
 Touch'd with compassion for my death decreed, 
 Reveal'd the tjTant's meditated deed ; 
 And own'd himself th' elected minister 
 That day the poison to my hand to bear. 400 
 
 , He bade me fly, if still I wish'd to live, 
 : And proflFer'd every aid his power could give : 
 With soothing words against my fears he wrought ; 
 And soon confirm'd my undetermin'd thought : 
 With him I then resolv'd, at parting light, 406 
 
 I To fly, and trust my safety to my flight. 
 
 'Twas now the hour that silence reign'd around, 
 ; And welcome darkness ho ver'd o'er the ground ; 
 When, vinperceiv'd, I pass'd the pilace gate; 
 (Two faithful maids companions of my fate) 410 
 Yet with a tearful eye, and heavy mind, 
 I left my dear paternal seat behind ; 
 ; While, as my tardy feet their course pursu'd, 
 j With longing looks, my lov'd lost home I view'd. 
 I So seems a ship by sudden tempest tost, 415 
 
 ; And torn, unwillmg, from its friendly coast. 
 . All night, and all th' ensuing day, we pass'd 
 
 Through pathless deserts, and a dreary waste : 
 1 Till, seated on the borders of the land, 
 A castle's safe retreat at lens-th we gain' 1. 420 
 
 Here dwelt Arontes, who with pious truth 
 ' Preserv'd my life, the guar.lian of my youth. 
 ' But when the traitor saw his treason vain, 
 I And found me thus escap'd his deathful train, 
 ,He, with inveterate rage and fraudful mind, 43S 
 ' Accns'd us of a crime himself desiga'd.
 
 IIG JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. JV' 
 
 My bribes (he said) had false Arontes wrought 
 
 To mingle deadly poison in his draught : 
 
 That, when he could no more my will restrain, 
 
 To loose desires my soul might give the rein. 430 
 
 Ah ! first let lightning on my head descend, 
 
 Ere, sacred virtue, I thy laws oflfend ! 
 
 With grief the tjTant on my throne I view'd. 
 
 And saw him thirsting still to shed my blood ; 
 
 But, more than all, I mourn'd toy virgin name 435 
 
 Traduc'd, dishonour'd, made the sport of fame ! 
 
 The wretch, who fear'd the vulgar herd enrag'd. 
 
 With plausive tales the public ear engag'd ; 
 
 That, dubious of the truth, in deep suspense. 
 
 The city rose not in their queen's defence. 440 
 
 Thus, while he feigns a zeal t' efface the shame 
 
 My crimes have brought upon the regal name, 
 
 He seek> my ruin, which he knows alone 
 
 Can fix the basis of his tottering throne. 
 
 And, ah ! the wretch too sure success will find 445 
 
 In the dire purpose of his ruthless mind ! 
 
 Since tears are vain, my blood must quench his rage, 
 
 Unless thy mercy in my cause engage. 
 
 To thee, O mighty chief! I fly for aid. 
 
 An ill-starr'd orphan, and an helpless maid ! 450 
 
 O ! let these tears, that have thy feet bedew'd, 
 
 Prevent th' effusion of my guiltless blood ! 
 
 O! by those feet that tread the proud in dust! 
 
 By that right-hand that ever helps the just! 
 
 B} all the laurels that thy arms have won ! 456 
 
 By every terapie in yon hallow'd town! 
 
 In pity grant what thou alone canst give; 
 
 Restore my crown, in safety bid me live! — 
 
 But what from pity can I hope to prove. 
 
 If piety and justice fail to move ! 460 
 
 Thou, to whom Heaven and fate decree to will 
 
 Whate*er is just, and what thou will'st, fulfil ; 
 
 O ! stretch thy hand, my threaten'd life retrieve. 
 
 And, in return, my kingdom's crown receive. 
 
 Among the numbers that thy arms attend, i6fe 
 
 Let ten selected chiefs my cause befriend j 
 
 I
 
 B,ir. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. lit 
 
 These, with my people and paternal train, 
 
 May well suffice my ancient seat to g^in : 
 
 For he, to whom is given the portals' care, 
 
 Will, at ray word, by night the gates unbar; 470 
 
 By his advice t' implore thy aid I came: 
 
 Thy least of succours will his hopes inflame : 
 
 So much his soul reveres thy arms and name. 
 
 She said ; and, ceasing, waited his reply 
 With silent eloquence and downcast eye. 475 
 
 But various thoughts revolv'd in Godfrey's mind. 
 Now here, now there, his dubious heart inclin'd : 
 He fear'd the hostile guiles ; for well be knew 
 How little trust to Pagan faith was due : 
 JBut tender pity still his soul cpnfess'd, 4S0 
 
 Pity, that sleeps not in a noble breast. 
 Nor this alone within his bosom wrought ; 
 The common good employ'd his useful thought : 
 He saw th' advantage that his arms might gain. 
 Should fair Armida o'er Damascus reign : 485 
 
 Who thence, her state dependent on his hands. 
 Might furnish every aid the time demands. 
 Against th' Egyptians and auxiliar bauds. 
 While thus he paus'd, the dame attentive stood. 
 Dwelt on his face and every gesture view'd ; 490 
 But when she found his speech so long delay'd. 
 Her frequent sighs her doubts and fears betray'd. 
 ; At length the leader her request denies; 
 I Yet thus with mild and gracious words replies : 
 I If God, whose holy service arms our band, 495 
 
 Did not, ev'n now, our pious swords demand : 
 , Well might thy hopes expect the wish'd success, 
 ' Nor find our pity only, but redress. 
 1 But, while yon city walls and chosen flock 
 We seek to free from proud oppression's yoke ; 500 
 It ill befits to turn aside our force, 
 > And stop our conquests in the middle course, 
 1 Yet here to thee my solemn faith I give, 
 I And in that pledge do thou securely live ; 
 [ If e'er, indulgent to our arms, 'tis given 50* 
 
 1 To free those holy walls, belov'd of Heaven! 
 ) 4
 
 IIS JERUS.\LEM DELIVERED. B. IV^ 
 
 Then will we place thee in thy native lands, 
 
 As justice bids, and piety commands : 
 
 But piety, like this, must impiov.s show. 
 
 If first we pay not what to God we owe. 610 
 
 At this unwelcome speech the damsel tnrn'd 
 Her eyes awhile to earth, and silent mourn'd ; 
 Then rais'd them slow, with pearly drops bedew'd, 
 And thus, with pleading looks, her plaint renew'd. 
 
 Ah, wretch ! did ever Heav'u on one bestow 515 
 A life so fix'd in never ending w oe ; 
 That others even their nature shall forget, 
 Ere I subdue the rigour of my fate ! 
 Why should I weep, since hopes no more remain. 
 And prayers assail the human breast in vain ? S20 
 Or will my savage foe his ears incline 
 To griefs, that fail to mo\ e a mind like thine ? 
 Yet think not that my words thy heart accuse, 
 WTiose firm resolves so small an aid refuse : 
 Heaven I accuse ; from thence my sorrows flow : 525 
 Heaven steels thy heart against a virgin's woe! 
 Not thou. O chief! but Fate this aid denies. — 
 Then let me view no more the hated skies. — 
 Suffic'd it not (by unrelenting doom) 
 To lose my parents in their early bloom ! 630 
 
 But, exird, must I lead a wandering life. 
 Or fall a victim to the murderer's knife ? 
 Since the chaste laws, by which our sex is ty'd, 
 Amidst your camp forbid me to reside, 
 MTiere shall I fly ? w hat friendly powers engage ? 
 How save my person from the tyrant's rage i 536 
 
 No forts but open to his fury lie 
 
 Then wherefore hesitates my soul to die ? 
 
 And, since 'tis vain with fortune to contend. 
 
 This hand at once my life and woes shall end. 540 
 
 She ceas'd ; and turn'd aside with regal grace : 
 A generous anger kindling in her face ; 
 Disdain and sorrow seem her breast to rend. 
 While from her eyes the copiovs tears descend, 
 And, trickling, down her lovely visage run, 645 
 
 Like lucid pearls transparent to the sun J
 
 i B. IV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. US 
 
 O'er her fair cheeks the crystal moisture flows, 
 W here Klies mingle with the neighbouring rose. 
 So, wet with dew, the flowers at dawning day, 
 To balmy gales their opening sweets display : 550 
 
 i Aurora views, and gathers from the mead 
 
 I A vary'd garland for her radiant head. 
 
 ! Thus sweet in woe appears the weeping dame, 
 
 I, Her falling tears a thousand hearts enflame. 
 O ! wondrous force of Lo .e's mysterious fire, 55S 
 ' That lights in tears the flames of soft desire ! 
 
 Almighty Love the world in triumph leads, 
 I But now, by her inspir'd, himself exceeds t 
 Her seemir.g grief bids real sorrows flow. 
 And melts the heart with sj mpathetic woe ; 560 
 A\ li>'e each apart, with iadignation, cries : 
 " It" Godfrey still his pitying ear denies, 
 Hi^ infant years some hungry tigress fed, 
 Some horrid rock on Alpine mountains bred; 565 
 
 ' Or waves produc'd him, 'midst the howling main, 
 VV ho sees such beauty mourn, and mourn in vain !** 
 But young Eustatius, by his zeal inspir'd. 
 Whom most the torch of love and pity fir'd, 
 (When others murmur'd, or their words repress'd) 
 Stood forth, and boldly thus the chief address'd: 670 
 
 O prince and brother! whose unshaken mind 
 Too firmly holds its purpose firrt design'd, 
 If still unpitying thou refuse to hear 
 The sense of all, their universal prayer, 
 I ask not that the chiefs whose care presides bib 
 
 \ O'er subject kingdoms, and their actions guides, 
 
 'Should from the hallow'd citj's walls recede. 
 Neglectful of their task, by heaven decreed; 
 But from our band, that independent came, 
 
 'Adventurous warriors to the field of fame, 580 
 
 Ten champions yield, selected from the rest. 
 To cherish virtue, and relie^^e th' oppressed : 
 
 (Nor does the man forsake the cause of Heaven 
 Whose succour to a helpless maid is given : 
 For sure I deem a tyrant's death must prove 6S6 
 ,A grateful tribute to the powers above.
 
 I2e JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. Ji 
 
 Aud should I wave th' advantage here in view, 
 That must undoubted to our cause ensue ; 
 Yet duty would alone mj arms excite. 
 By knighthood sworn to guard a virgin's right. 690 
 Forbid it. Heaven ! that ever France should hear. 
 Or anj land where courteous acts are dear ; 
 That dangers or fatigues our souls dismay'd. 
 When piety and justice claim'd our aid- 
 No longer let me then this helmet wear, 59» 
 No longer wield the sword, or corslet bear ; 
 No more in steed or glittering anns delight ; 
 No more usurp the honour'd name of knight ! 
 
 Thus spoke the youth : bis brave companions. 
 To open murmurs, all his words approv'd ; [mov'd 
 With earnest suit around their leader press'd, 601 
 And urg'd the justness of the knight's request. 
 
 Then Godfrey thus : Be what ye ask f ulfiUM : 
 To such united prayers my will I jield : 
 Her aid requested let the dame receive; COS 
 
 Whom not my counsels, but your own, relieve. 
 Yet, if my words can such desires control. 
 Subdue these warm emotions of the soul. 
 
 No more he said : nor needed more reply, 
 All beard bis grant, and heard with eager joy. 61(1 
 "What cannot beauty, join'd with sorrow, move. 
 And tender accents from the lips of love ? 
 Each rosy mouth supplies a golden chain 
 To bind the fancy, aud the heart constrain ! 
 
 Eustatius then the weeping fair address'd : 615 
 O lovely maid ! be now thy grief suppress'd : 
 Soon shalt thou find the succour from our hands. 
 Such as thy merit, or thy fear, demands. 
 
 At this Armida clears her clouded brow; 
 With rising joy her blooming features glow ; 620 
 While, with her veil, she wipes the tears away, 
 And adds new lustre to the face of day ! 
 Then thus— For what your pitying grace bestows. 
 Accept the thanks a grateful virgin owes; 
 The world due honour to your worth shall give, ^iS 
 Aisd in my heart your names shall ever live!
 
 B. IV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 121 
 
 She said; and what it seem'd her tongue denj'd. 
 Her looks, with softer eloquence, supply'd ! 
 M hile outward smiles conceal'd, with fraudful art, 
 The mighty mischief lurking in her heart. 630 
 
 Soon as she saw how far her power had won. 
 And fortune favouring what her wiles begun. 
 She seiz'd th' occasion, and her schemes revolv'd, 
 To finish all her impious thoughts resoJv'd," 
 With female beauty every breast to queJI, 635 
 
 And Circe or Medssa's charm» excel ; 
 And, like a Syren, with her soothing strain, 
 To lull the firmest of the warrior train. 
 Each vary'd art to win the soul she tries : 
 . To this, to that, a different mien applies ; 040 
 
 Now scarcely dares her modest eyes advance. 
 And now she rolls them with a wanton glance : 
 She tliese repels, and those incites to love, 
 As various passions various bosoms move. 644 
 
 And when some youth appears, who doubts to name 
 fCis }iiddea thoughts, or struggles with hisflime; 
 joon on his face a cheerful smile she bends, 
 A.nd from her eye a melting sweetness sends; 
 devives his hopes, inflames his slow desire, 
 Knd thaws the frost of fear with amorous fire. C50 
 "rem him, who, urg'd by fiercer passion, roves 
 Jeyond the bound that modesty approves, 
 ["he wily fair her gentle look withdraws, 
 Ind with rebukes and frowns his rashness awes: 
 et, 'midst «he anger rising ia her face, 655 
 
 , ray of pity blends the softening grace : 
 'he lover, while he fears, pursues the dame, 
 nd in her pride finds fuel to his flame. 
 With arts like these a thousand souls she gains, 
 rom every eye the tender tear constrains : 660 
 
 I pity's flame she tempers Cupid's dart, 
 pierce the warriors unnsisting heart. 
 Ah ! cruel Love ! thou bane of every joy, 
 hose pains or sweets alike our peace destroy: 
 ill equal woes from thee mankind endure, 66 j 
 .tal thy wounds, and fatal is the cure I 
 G
 
 19 2 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. /F- 
 
 \^TiiIe thus she ?ives alternate frost and fires, 
 And joy, and grief, and hope, and fear inspii-es, 
 With cruel pleasure she their state surveys. 
 Exulting: in those ills her power could raise. GTtr 
 Oft, when sonie lover, trembling, wooes the fair. 
 She seems to lend an unexperienc'd ear ; 
 Or, while a crimson blush her visage dyes. 
 With cojuess feigu'd. she downward bends her eyes; 
 While shame and wrath, with mingled grace, adorn 
 Her glowing cheeks, like beams of early mom I 676 
 But when she sees a youth prepare to tell 
 The secret thoughts that in his bosom dwell, 
 Now sadden from his sight the damsel flies ; 
 Now gives an audience to his plaints and sighs ! 680 
 Thus holds from morn till eve his heart in play. 
 Then slips, delusive, from his hope away; 
 And leaves him, like a hunter in the chace. 
 When night conceals the beast's uncertain trace! 
 
 With arms like tbe?e she made a thousand yield, 
 A thousand chiefs unconquer"d in the field. 656 
 
 What wonder theu, ii' love Achilles mov'd; 
 His power if Hercules or Theseus prov'd ; 
 When those, who drew the sword in Jesus' cause. 
 Submissive bent beneath his impious law? ? 690 j 
 
 ■m 
 
 •I
 
 THE 
 
 FIFTH BOOK 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED.
 
 niE ARGUMENT. 
 
 tiERyAXDO, aspiring to the command of the 
 adrenturers, is jealous lest Pinaldo should sac 
 ceed to that honour. By his calumyiits. he 
 draics on himself the incHsnation of that hero, 
 u-ho kil.s him in the face of the whole anvy. 
 Godfrey, incemed at this action of Riy.ald.^, 
 resolres to bring him to a public trial : the /at- 
 ter. disdaining to submit to this, quits the camp^ 
 and goes into voluntary exile. Armida presses 
 Godfrey for thf prcmi^-ed succours: ten irar- 
 riors are chosen by lot, with whom she leaves 
 the camp. In the night, many others depart 
 by stealth to accompany her, Godfrey receives 
 HI advices from the fleet.
 
 THE 
 
 FIFTH BOOK 
 
 OF 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 
 
 1 W HILE thus ber snares the false Armida spread, 
 
 I And in the guileful toils the warriors led ; 
 
 ; Nor hop'd alone the promis'd aid to gain, 
 
 \ But other chiefs, by further arts, obtain ; 
 
 I The careful (Godfrey ponder'd in his mind, _ i 
 
 I To whom the doubtful charge should be consign'd : 
 
 The worth and number of th' adventurer-band, 
 ' Their various hopes, his waveriig thoughts detain'd. 
 At length, by cautio:i urg'd, the chief decreed 
 Themselves should fix on one their band to lead, 10 
 Whose merit well might Dudoa's loss supply : 
 On whom th' election of the ten should lie : 
 Thus, while to them he left th' important choice. 
 No knight, displeas'd, could blame his partial voice. 
 I The warriors then he call'd, and thus address'd : 
 , Full well ye know the counsels of my breast : 16 
 I would not succours to the dame deny. 
 But at a fitter time our aid supply. 
 I What once I spoke, I now propose anew ; 
 Still may your better thoughts th' advice pursue : 20 
 For here, in this unstable world, we find 
 ' We oft must change our purpose first design 'd. 
 ■ Yet if your souls, with gen'rous ardour press'd, 
 ! Disdain the judgments of a cooler breast ; 
 I would not here unwilling arms detain, f 5 
 
 ' Nor, what I gave so lately, render vain.
 
 126 JERUSALEM DELFV^ERED, B. V. 
 
 Still let me mildly rule each faithful band. 
 
 And sway the sceptre with a gentle hand. 
 
 Then go, or stay ; no longer I contend ; 
 
 And on your pleasure let the choice depend. 30 
 
 But first elect, amid your martial train, 
 
 A chief who may succeed to Dudon slain : 
 
 To name the damsel's champioiLs be his care ; 
 
 Ten warriors only shall th' adventure share : 
 
 In this the sovereign power I still retain : 35 
 
 In this alone his conduct I restrain ! 
 
 Thus Godfrey spoke : nor long his brother stay'd 
 But, w ith his friends' consent, this answer made. 
 
 With thee full well, O prudent chief I agrees 
 The cooler thought that each event foresees : 40 
 
 But strength of hand, and hearts of martial fire, 
 Are due from us, and what our years require : 
 And that, which bears in others wisdom's name. 
 In us were baseness and reproachful shame. 
 Then, since so light the risk we may sustain, 45 
 
 V\Tien justly weigh'd against th' expected gain ; 
 Th' elected ten shall go (by thee dismiss'd) 
 And in this righteous cause a helpless maid assist. 
 
 He said; and thus, with show of public zeal, 
 His words th' emotions of his heart conceal; 50 
 
 While all profess in honour's name to move. 
 And with that specious title veil their love. 
 
 But young Eustatius, by his passion sway'd, 
 With jealous eyes Sophia's son survey'd ; 
 His envious mind those virtues could not hear 55 1 
 That shone more brightly in a form so fair. 
 He fear'd with him Rinaldo sJiould be join'd, j 
 
 And 'gainst his fears a cautious scheme design'd. i 
 The rival warrior then aside he took, '. 
 
 And plausive thus, with wily word*, bespoke : 60 ' 
 
 O thou, still greater than thy glorious sire, | 
 
 W hom, yet a youth in arms, the world admire ! I 
 Say, who shall now our valiant squadron lead ? : 
 
 Who next to slaugbter'd Dudon can succeed ? 
 I scarcely could the hero's rule obey, 65 
 
 And to his years alone resign'd the sway. ;
 
 B. V. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 121 
 
 ■\Vho now o'er Godfrey's brother shall command ? 
 Thou, thou alone, of all our martial band : 
 Thy glorious race can match the noblest line ; 
 Thy warlike deeds superior far to mine. 70 
 
 Ev'n Godfrey's self would own inferior might. 
 And yield to thee in arduous fields of fight. 
 Thee, mighty warrior ! thee our chief I claim. 
 Whose soul disdains t' attend the Syrian dame ; 
 And slights the trivial honour which proceeds le 
 From dark achievements and insidious deeds. 
 Here will thy valour find an ampler field ; 
 This camp to thee a nobler prospect yield. 
 Accept, brave youth! to jruide th' adventurer band ; 
 Myself will frame their minds to thy command. SO 
 Thou, in return, attend my sole request ; 
 (Since doubtful thoughts as yet divide my breast) 
 Whatc'er I pu; pos", let my will be free, 
 T' assist Armida, or remain with thee. 
 
 He ceas'd ; and as these artful words he said, 85 
 A sudden blush his conscious cheeks o'erspread. 
 I Rinaldo, smiling, saw, with heedful eyes, 
 i His secret passion thro' the thin disguise. 
 But he, whom less the darts of love had found, 
 Whose bosom scarcely felt the gentle wound, 90 
 With unconcern regards a rival's name, 
 Kor frames a wish t' attend the Pagan dame. 
 On Dudon's hapless fate his thoughts he turn'd; 
 I For Dudon's death the gen'rous hero raourn'd. 
 I He deem'd his former glories would be lost 95 
 
 I If long Argautes liv'd the deed to boast : 
 \ With pleasure yet Eustatius' words he heard, 
 \ That to the rank deserv'd his youth preferr'd : 
 
 His conscious heart exulted in the praise, 
 I Pleas'd with the tribute truth to virtue pays. 100 
 
 Far rather would I chuse (he thus replies) 
 I To merit honours, than to honours rise. 
 1 Let virtuous actions dignify ray name, 
 ! I envy not the great, nor sceptres claim. 
 \ Yet if thou thlnk'st so far my merits weijh, lOS
 
 19S JERUSALEM DELIVEREÌ). Li. I. 
 
 I sball not then reject the profFer'd swav; 
 
 But prize (with gratitude and pleasure raov'd) 
 
 So fair a token of my worth approv'd. 
 
 I seek not. nor refuse, the chief command ; 
 
 But should the power be yielded to m\ hand, 110 
 
 Thou shalt be one aaiongrst th' elected band. 
 
 Thus he: Eustatiiis speeds bis peers to find, 
 And fashion to his will each warrior's mind. 
 But that pre-eminence Gemando claims; 
 And though at bim her darts Armida aims, 1 1 A 
 
 Yet not the power of beauty can control 
 The thirst of honour in his haughty soul. 
 From Norway's powerful kings this chief descend-; 
 M liose rule o'er many a province wide extends : 
 The crowns and sceptres, which his fathers held I : 
 I'Vora ancient times, with pride his bosom swell'd. 
 Rinaldo in himself his glory plac'd. 
 More than in d'sta't deeds of ajes past ; 
 Though long his sires with every fame were crown M, 
 In war illustrious, and in peace renown'd. l i j 
 
 Theharbaroiis prince, whose pride no worth allows, 
 
 Save what from treasure or dominion flows; 
 
 And every virtue deems an empty name. 
 
 Unless ennobled by a regal claim ; 
 
 Indignant sefs a private warrior dare 130 
 
 With him in merit and in praise compare: 
 No bound, no law, his fiery temper knows ; 
 
 With rage he kindles, and with shame he glows. 
 The fiend of hell, who sees his tortnrd mind 
 
 Expos'd to what her subtle arts design'd, 135 
 
 Unseen through all hi^ troubled bosom glides. 
 
 There rules at will, and o'er his thoughts presides ; ' 
 
 His hate increases, and inflames his ire, 
 
 And rouzes in his heart infernal fire ; 
 
 AVhile everj' moment, from within, he hears 11» 
 
 This hollow voice resounding in his ears : 
 Shall thus, oppos'd to thee, Rinaldo dare 
 
 His boasted ancestors with thine compare ? 
 
 First let him count, whose pride thy equal stands. 
 
 His subject realms awl t.-ibutiry lar.d^j 14* 
 
 9 
 
 A
 
 B. V. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. Is9 
 
 His sceptres show, and (whence his glory springs) 
 
 Mate his dead heroes with thy liviug king's. 
 
 Shall such a chief exalt his worthless head, 
 
 A servile warrior in Italia hred ? 
 
 To him, let fortune loss or gaia decree. L'io 
 
 He gains a conquest who contends with thee ; 
 
 The world ?hall say (and great the fame will prove) 
 
 " Lo! this is he, who with Gernando strove." 
 
 The place that once experienc'd Dudon fill'd. 
 
 New honours to thy former state may yield. 155 
 
 But he no less with thee in glory vies, 
 
 Who boldly dares demand so vast a prize. 
 
 If human passions touch the blest above. 
 
 What holy wrath must aged Dudon move. 
 
 When, from his heaven, he sees this haughty knight, 
 
 (A stripling warrior in the field of fight) 161 
 
 Aspire so high ; while some his counsels join. 
 
 And (shame eternal !) second his design. 
 
 If Godfrey such injustice tamely view. 
 
 And suffer him t' usurp thy honours due ; 105 
 
 It rests Oil thee t' assert t'ly rightful claim, 
 
 Declare thy power, and vindicate thy name. 
 
 Fir'd at these words, more fell his. fury grows, 
 Within his heart the torch of discord glows : 
 His raging passion, now to madness stung, ITO 
 
 Flames in his eye, and points his haughty tongue. 
 Whate'er his envious speech can turn to blame. 
 He boldly charges on Rinaldo's fame : 
 And every virtue that the youth adorns, 
 To foul reproach, with artful malice, turns : 1 T» 
 
 1 He paints him proud and turbulent of mind, 
 
 ; And calls his valour headstrong, rash, and blind. 
 He scatters falsehood in the public ears, 
 
 I Till even the rival knight the rumour hears. 
 But still th' insensate wretch pursues his hate, ISO 
 Nor curbs the rage that hurries on his fate : 
 
 ' While the dire demon all his soul possess'd, 
 
 ! Rav'd from his lips, and raaddea'd.in his breast. 
 
 j Am4d the camp appear'd a level space ; 
 
 - And warriors oft resorted to the place, lS& 
 
 G 5 .
 
 ISO JERUSALEM DELIVERED. H. V. 
 
 In tournaments, in wrestling, and the course, 
 Their limhs to supple, and improve their force. 
 Here, midst the throng (for so his doom requii'd) 
 He vented all his vengeful spleen inspir'd ; 
 And 'gainst Rinaldo turn'd his impious tongue, 190 
 On which the venom of Avernus hung. 
 
 His contumelious speech Rinaldo hears, 
 And now no more his dreadful wrath forbears : 
 At once the base insulter he deSe?, 
 Uasheaths his falchion, and to vengeanfe flies : 195 
 His voice like thunder echoes from afar, 
 His threat'ning steel like lightning gleams in air. 
 Gemando sees, nor hopes t' e-cape by flight, 
 For instant death appears before his sight. 
 Meanwhile, to all the wondering army's view, 200 
 A show of valour o'er his fears he threw : 
 He grasps his sword, he waits his mighty foe. 
 And stands prepar'd to meet the C3mi:!g blow. 
 
 Now sudden, drawn from many waiTiors' thighs, 
 A thousand weapons flash against the skies. 205 
 
 In throngs around the gathering people press ; 
 Tl o tumult thickens, and the crowds increase. 
 Discordant murmurs rise and echo round. 
 And mingled clamours to the clouds resound. 
 So, near the ocean on the rocky shore, 210 
 
 With broken noise the wind and billows roar. 
 
 But not their cries nor murmurs could detain 
 Th' offended warrior, or his wrath restrain : 
 He scorns the force that dares his fury stay ; 
 He whirls his sword with unresisting sway : 21fc 
 
 The throng divides; alone his arm prevails. 
 And, midst a thousand friends, the prince assails. 
 Then from his hand, that well his rage obey'd, 
 A thousand blows th' astonish'd foe invade. 
 Now here, now there, the rapid weapon flies, 220 I 
 Confounds his senses, and distracts his eyes. 
 At length the cruel steel, with strength impress'd, 
 Rinaldo buries in his panting breast. 
 
 Prone fell the wretch, and, sinking on the groundi 
 His blood and spirit issu'd through the wound. 329
 
 B. V. JERUSALEM DELU^RED. 131 
 
 The victor o'er the dead no '«nger stay'J, 
 But in the sheath retain'd the reeking bldde : 
 And, theuce departias:, to his teut retir'd, 
 HÌ3 veugeance sated, aud his wrath expired. 
 
 Now near the tumult pious Godfrey drew, 2iO 
 When the dire scene was open to his view. 
 Gernando pale with lifeless looks appeai'd. 
 His hair and vest \sith sordid blood besraear'd. 
 He saw the tears his fri;^nds in pity shed, 231 
 
 And heard their plaints and sorrows o'er the dead : 
 Surprised, he ask'd what hand had wrought the deed. 
 And whence could s"ch destructive rage proceed ? 
 
 Arnaldo, dearest to the slaughterd prince. 
 The tale relates, and aggravates th' offence ; 
 That, urg'd by sleader cause to impious strife, 240 
 Rinaldo's hand had robb'd the chief of liie; 
 And turii'd that weapon, which for Christ he bore. 
 Against the champions of the Christian power; 
 And show'd how little he his leader priz'd, 
 How much his mandates and his sway despis'd : 
 That public justice to th' cffence was due, 248 
 
 And death the bold offender should pursue. 
 Such acts must hateful be at every time ; 
 But, doubly here, the place enhanc'd the crime» 
 That should he pass absoWd, the fatal deed 250 
 A dire example through the host might spread ! 
 And all that own'd the murder'd warrior's side. 
 Would take that vengeance which the law deny'd : 
 From whence might contest spring and mutual rage. 
 As would the camp in civil broils engage. 255 
 
 I He call'd to mind the merits of the slain, 
 ; All that could waken wrath or pity gain. 
 
 T' Ecquit his fiiead the noble Tancred tries, 
 I And, feai if 5», for tlie knight accus'd replies : 
 While Godfrey hears, and with a brow severe, 260 
 But little gives to hope, and much to fear. 
 ' Then Tancred thus : O prudent leader! view 
 ' What to RLaaldo and his woitli is due : 
 1 Think from himself what honours he may claim. 
 What from his glorious race and Guelpho's name.
 
 Ì32 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. J. 
 
 Not those who rule exalted o'er mankind, 
 Should equal punishment for errors find : 
 In different stations crimes are different found. 
 By vulgar laws the great can ne'er be bound. 
 
 To him the leader thus : In every state, J 70 
 
 The vulgar learn obedience from the great : 
 111, Tancred, dost thou judge, and ill conceive. 
 That we the mighty should unpunish'd leave : 
 M hat is Olir empire and our vain command. 
 If only ruler o'er the ignoble band ? 3 ; j 
 
 If such my sceptre and imperfect reign, 
 I bere resign the worthless gift again. 
 But freely, from your choice, the power 1 hold, 
 Nor shall the privilege be now control'd : 
 ^\nd well I know to vary from my hand 2 SO 
 
 Rewards and punishments, as times demand ; 
 And when, preserving all in efjnal state, 
 T' include alike the vulgar and the great. 
 
 Thus Godfrey said; and Tancred nought repl\"d. 
 But, struck with awe, stood silent at his side. iSj 
 
 Raymond, a lover of the laws severe 
 Of ancient times, exults his speech to hear. 
 While thus (he cries) a ruler holds the sway. 
 With reverence due the subjects will obey. 
 In government what discipline is found, 2i\) 
 
 AVhere pardons more than punishments abound ; 
 E'en clemency destructive must appear. 
 And kingdoms fall, unless maintain'd by fear. 
 
 Thus they ; while Tancred every sentence weigh d. 
 Then, swift departing, seiz'd his rapid steed, -29 b 
 And with impatience to Rinaldo fled : 
 Him in his tent he finds, and there relates 
 The words of Godfrey, and the past debates. 
 Then thus pursues : Though outward looks we find 
 Uncertain tokens of the secret mind! 300 
 
 Since far too deep, conceal'd from prying eyes. 
 Within the breast the thought of mortals lies; 
 Thus far methinks the chief's design I see ; 
 (In this his speeches and his looks agree)
 
 B. V. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 133 
 
 Thou mu?t submit, and by the laws be try'd, 305 
 When public justice shall tliy cause decide. 
 
 At this a scornful rmile Rinaldo show'd. 
 Where noble pride and indignation glow'd. 
 
 Let those, (he cried) in bonds their cause maintain. 
 By nature slaves, ar.d -.vorthy of the chain: 310 
 
 Free was I born, in freedom will I live, 
 And sooner die than shameful bonds receive. 
 This hand is us'd the g^lorious sword to wield, 
 To palms of conquest, and disdains to yield 
 To base constraint : if thus we meet regard, 314 
 If Godfrey thus our merits would reward ; 
 And thinks to dra^ me hence, a wretch confin'd 
 To common prisons, like th' ignoble kind ; 
 Then let hi:n come — I here shall firm abide. 
 And arms and fate between us shall decide : 320 
 Soon shall our stiife in sanguine torrents flow, 
 A prospect grateful to the gazing foe! 
 
 Tills said, he call'd for arras ; and soon around 
 His raa.ily limbs the tempsr'd harness bound :[ 
 Then to his arm the ponderous shield apply'd, 32» 
 And hung the fatal falchion at his side : 
 Now she.ith'd in polish'd mail (a martial sight) 
 He shone terrific in a blaze of light. 
 He seem'd like Mars, descending from his sphere. 
 When rage and terror by his side appear! 330 
 
 Tancred, meanwhile, essays each soothing art 
 To calm the passions in his swelling heart. 
 Unconquer'd youth ! (he cries) thy worth is known. 
 And victory in every field thy own : 
 Secure from ill, thy godlike virtue goes 335 
 
 Through toils and dangers midst embattled foes : 
 But Heaven forbid that e'er thy friends should feel 
 The cruel fury of thy vengeful steel ! [mands. 
 
 What would'st thou do ? Say, what thy rage de- 
 In civil war to stain thy glorious hands ? 3i0 
 
 Thus, with the slaughter of the Christian name. 
 Transfixing Christ, in whom a part 1 claim. 
 Shall worldly glory (impotent and vain. 
 That fluctuates like the billows of the main !)
 
 134 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. ; . 
 
 Shall this with more re?pecj^hj bosom move 345 
 
 Than zeal for crowns, that, never fade, above ? 
 
 Avert it, Heaven ! be here thy rage resign'd. 
 
 Religion claims this conquest o'er thy mind. 
 
 If early youth, like mine, may plead the right 
 
 To bring examples past before thy sight : 350 
 
 1 once was iujurd, yet my wrath snppress'd, 
 
 Nor with the faithful would the cause contest. 
 
 My arms a conquest of Cilicia made. 
 
 And there the banner'd sign of Christ display'd 3ò4 
 
 "W hen Baldwin came, and seized with covert wiles 
 
 >Jy rightful prize, and triumph'd in my spoils : 
 
 Ki? seeming friendship won ray artless mind, 
 
 Kcrsaw I what his greedy thoughts designed. 
 
 Yet act with anr.s I strove my right to gain. 
 
 Though haply arms had not been tried in vain. 360 
 
 But if thy soul disdains a prisoners name, 
 
 -And fears th' igr.oble breatli of vulgar fame; 
 
 Be mine the friendly care thy cause to plead. 
 
 To Anfioch thou, and strait to Bcemond speed : 
 
 Thou must not now before the chief appear, 3 35 
 
 And the first impulse of his anger bear. 
 
 But should th' Egyptian arms our force oppose, 
 
 Or other squadrons of the Pagan foes. 
 
 Then will tliy valour shine with double fame, 
 
 And absence add new lustre to thy name : 3 70 
 
 Th' united camp shall mourn thy virtues lost, 
 
 A mang'ed body and a lifeless host ! 
 
 Here Guelpho came, and joining bis request. 
 With speed to leave the camp Rinaldo press'd. 
 And now the noble youth his ear inclin'd, 3 7 b 
 
 Ard to their purpose bent his lofty mind. 
 A crowd of friends around the hero wait ;' 
 AH seek alike t' attend and sbare his fate : 
 Their zeal he thanks; and now his stetd he takes. 
 And, with two faithful squires, the camp forsakes. 
 A thirst of viituous fame his soul inspires, 381 
 
 That fills the noble heart with great desires : 
 He mighty actions in his mind revolves, 
 Afld deeds, unheard before, in thought resolve» :
 
 B. r. jerusale:\i delivered. 13» 
 
 T' assail the foe, and d«*ath or laurels gain, 3S5 
 
 While still his arras the Christian faith maintain; 
 Egypt t' o'er-run ; and bend his daring course 
 To where the Nile forsakes his hidden source. 
 
 Rinaldo parting thence; without delay. 
 To Godfrey's presgnce Guelpho took his way ; 390 
 Him drawing near the pious chief espy'd : 
 Thou com'st in happy time (aloud he cry'd) 
 Ev'n now the heralds through the camp I sent. 
 To seek, and bring thee, Guelpho, to our tent. 
 
 Then, having first dismiss'd th' attealij:^ train, 
 He thus, with low and awful words, bega i : 393 
 Too far, O Guelpho ! does thy nephew striy. 
 As passion o'er his heart usurps the sway : 
 And ill, I deem, his reason can suffice 
 To clear the stain that on his honour lies : 400 
 
 Yet happy shall I prove if this befal. 
 For Godfrey is an equal judjce of all. 
 The right he will defend, and guard the laws, 
 And with impartial voice award the caus'^. 
 But if, as some allege, Rinaldo's hand, 405 
 
 Unwilling, err'd against our high command; 
 Thea let the fiery youth, submissive, bead 
 To our decision, and the deed defend : 
 Free let him come; no chains he shall receive ; 
 (Lo^. what I can I to his merits give.) 410 
 
 But if his lofty spirit scorn to bow, 
 (As well his high uncoafjaer'd pride we know) 
 The care be thine to teach him to obey, 
 Nor dare provoke too far our lenient sway ; 
 And force our hand with rigour to maintain 415 
 Our slighted laws, and violated reign. 
 
 Thus said the chief; and Guelpho made reply: 
 A generous soul, disdaini ag infamy. 
 Can ne'er endure, without a brave return, 
 The lies of envy, and the taunts of scorn : 49U 
 
 , And should th' ofiFender in his wrath be slain, 
 What man can just revenge in bounds restrain ? 
 IWhat mind so govern'd, while resentment glow?. 
 To m««ure what th' offeace to justice owes !
 
 136 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. J3. / 
 
 "Tis thy command the youth shall humhly come, 405 
 
 And yield himself beneath thy sovereigu doom ; 
 
 But this (with grief I speak) liis flight denies : 
 
 A willing exile from the camp he flies. 
 
 Yet with his sword I offer to maintain, 
 
 'Gainst him who dares my nephew's hononr stain. 
 
 That, justly punish'd, fierce Gernando dy'd, 431 
 
 A victim due to calumny and pride. 
 
 In this alone (with sorrow 1 agree) 
 
 He rashly err'd, to break thy late decree. 
 
 Thus he; when Godfrey — Let him wander far, 435 
 
 And strife and rage to other rf^ions bear ! 
 
 But vex not thou with new debates the peace ; 
 
 Here end contention, here let anger cease. 
 
 Meantime, Armida, midst the warrior-train, 
 Us'd all her power th' expected aid to gain : 4 40 
 In tears and moving prayers the day emplov'd. 
 And every charai of wit and beauty tr3'd. 
 But when the night had spread her sable vest. 
 And clos'd the sinking day-light in the west. 
 Betwixt two knights and dames, from public view, 
 The damsel to her lofty tent withdrew. 440 
 
 Though well the fair was vers'd in every art 
 By words and looks to gain th' unguarded heart ; 
 Though in her form celestial beauty shin'd. 
 And left the fairest of her sex behind ; 4 jO 
 
 Though in her strong, yet pleasing, charms compellM. 
 The greatest heroes of the camp she held : 
 In vain she strove, with soft bewitching care. 
 To lure the pious Godfrey to her snare : 
 In vain she sought his Jealous breast to move, 4 56 
 With earthly pleasure and delights of love : 
 For, sated with the world, his thoughts despise 
 These empty joys, and soar above the skies. 
 His stedfast soul, defended from her charms. 
 Contemns love's weak essays, and all his feeble arras. 
 No mortal bait can turn his steps aside, 46 1 
 
 His sacred faith his guard, and God bis guide. 
 A thousand forms the false Armida tries, 
 And proves, like Proteus, every new disguise.
 
 B. V. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 13T 
 
 Her looks and actions every heart might move, 465 
 And warm the coldest bosom to her love : 
 But here, so Heav'n and grace divine ordain. 
 Her schemes, her labours, and her wile?, were vain. 
 
 Not less impervious to her fraudful art. 
 The gallant Tancred kept his youthful heart v 470 
 His earlier passion every thought possess'd, 
 Nor gave another entrance to his breast. 
 As poison oft the force of poison quells. 
 So former love the second love repels. 
 Her charms these two alone beheld secure ; 474 
 
 While others owu'd resistless beauty's pow'r. 
 Sore was she troubled in her guileful mind. 
 That ail succeeded not her wiles desigu'd: 
 Yet, 'midst her grief, the dame, exulting, vlew'd 
 The numerous warriors whom her smiles snbdu'd : 
 Now, with her prey, she purpos'd to depart, 
 Ere chance disclos'd her deep-designing art ; 
 Far from the camp her captives to detain, 
 lu other bonds than Love's too gentle chain. 
 
 'Twas now the time appointed by the chief 4S3 
 To give th' afflicted damsel his relief : 
 Him she approacb'd, and lowly thus began : 
 The day prefix'd, O prince ! its course has run: 
 And should the tyrant learn (by doubtful fame. 
 Or certain spies) that to the camp I came 490 
 
 T' implore thy succour, his preventive care 
 Would all his forces for defence prepare. 
 1 But ere such tidings shall his ears attain, 
 I O ! let my prayer some friendly succours gain : 
 ; If Heaven beholds not with regardless eyes 495 
 
 ' The deeds of men, or hears the orphan's cries. 
 My realms I shall retrieve, whose subject-sway 
 I To thee, in peace or war, shall tribute pay.^ 
 
 She said ; the leader to her suit agreed ; 
 (Nor could he from his former grant recede) 600 
 ' Yet since her swift departure thence she press'd, 
 ' He saw th' election on himself would rest : 
 I While all, with emulative zeal, demand 
 To fill the munber of th' elected baal.
 
 i 
 
 13S JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. I . 
 
 Th' insidious damsel fans the rivals' fires, 50» 
 
 And envious fear and jealous doubt inspires. 
 To rouze the soni ; for love, full well she knows, 
 Without these aids remiss and languid grows : 
 So runs the courser with a slacken'd pace, 
 When none contend, his partners in the race. 510 
 Now this, now that, the soothing fjiir beguiles 
 With gentle speech, soft looks, and willing smii 
 That each his fellow views with envious eyes, 
 Till mingled passions ev'n to frenzy rise : 
 Around their chief they press, unaw'd by shame 
 And Godfrey would in vain their rage reclaim. 
 
 The leader gladly, in his equal mind, 
 Would all content, alike to all inclin'd : J 
 
 (Yet oft was fill'J with just disdain to view 
 Th' ungovern'd rashness of the headlong crew) 520 ji 
 At length his better thoughts the means supply'd. 
 To stay contention, and the strife decide. 
 
 To chance (he cry'd) your several names com- 
 Let lots decide it, and the contest end, [mend ; 
 
 Sudden the rival knights their names disposed, 635 
 And in a slender ura the lots enclos'd : 
 The vase then shaken : first to view , the name 
 Of Pembroke's earl, Artemidorus, came : 
 Then Gerrard; Vinciliiiis next was found. 
 An aged chief, for counsel once renown'd, 530 
 
 A hoary lover now. in heart} 's fetters bound ! 
 
 These happy three with sudden joys were fiU'd ; 
 The rest, by signs, their anxious fears reveal'd, 
 Acd hung upon his lip?, with fix'd regard. 
 Who, drawing forth tLe lots, tl:e names declar'd. 
 The fourth was Guasco ; then Ridolphus' name ; 
 And nest Ridolphus, Olderico came. 
 Rousilloa then was read; and next appear'd 
 Henry the Frank; Bavarian Eberard : 
 Rambaldo last, who left the Christian laws, 54* 
 
 And girt bis weapon in the Pagan cause : 
 So far the tyrant. Love, his vassal draws ! 
 
 But those, excluded from the list, exclaim 
 On fickle Fortune as a partial dame :
 
 B. V. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 13» 
 
 Love they accuse, wbo suffered her to guide 545 
 
 His sacred empire, and his laws decide; 
 
 Yet man) purpos'd to pursue the maid, 
 
 When parting light should yield to sable shade; 
 
 In fortune's spight, her person to attend. 
 
 And, with their lives, from every chance defend. 550 
 
 With gentle sighs and speeches half disclos'd. 
 
 Their willing minds to this she mere dispos'd : 
 
 To every knight alike she frain'd her art. 
 
 And seem'd to leave him with dejected heart. 
 
 Now, clad in shining arms, th' allotted band 565 
 Dismission from their prudent chief demand. 
 The Iiero then admonish'd each aside. 
 How ill they could in Pagan faith confide; 
 So frail a pledge enjoin'd 'em to beware. 
 And guard their souls from every hidden snare. 560 
 But all his words were lost in empty wind ; 
 Love takes not counsel from a v, holesome mind. 
 
 The knights dismiss'd, the dame no longer stay'd 
 Nor 'till th' ensuing morn her course delay'd. 
 
 i Elate with conquest, from tlie camp she pass'd, 5G j 
 (The rival knights, like slaves, her triumph grac'd) 
 While, rack'd with jealousy's tormenting pain. 
 She left the remnant of the suitor-train. 
 
 I But soon as Night with silent wings arose, 
 The minister of dreams and soft repose ; 5 70 
 
 Li secret many more her steps pursue : 
 But fiist Eustatius from the tents withdrew. 
 Scarce rose the friendly shade, when swift he fled, 
 
 ' Through darknes blind, by blind affection led. 
 
 1 He roves uncertain all the dewy night, 575 
 
 ; But soon as morning streaks the skies with light, 
 Armida's camp salutes his eager sight. 
 
 ! Fir'd at the view, th' impatient lover flies ; 
 Him, by his arms, Rambaldo knows, and cries — 579 
 What seek'st thou here, or whither dost thou bend r 
 
 'l come (he said) Armida to defend : 
 
 • In me, no less than others, shall she find 
 
 I A ready succour and a constant mind.
 
 140 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. D. r. 
 
 ^\'ho dares (the knight replies) that choice approve, , 
 
 And make such honour thine I He answer'd — Love.' 
 
 From Fortune thou, from Love my right I claim : 5S« 
 
 Say; whosc- the greatest boast and noblest name ? 
 
 Rambaldo then — Thy empty titles fail, 
 
 Such fond delusive arts shall ne"er prevail. 
 
 Think not to join with us thy lawless aid, 590 
 
 With us, the champions of the royal maid. 
 
 Who shall oppose my will : (the youth reply'd) 
 
 In me behold the man ! (Rambaldo cryM) 
 
 Swift at the word he rush'd ; with equal rage 
 
 Eustatias sprung; his rival to engage. 5US 
 
 But here the lovely tyrant of their breast 
 
 Advanced between them, and their rage suppress'd. 
 
 Ah ! cease, (to that she cry'd) nor more complain. 
 
 That thou a partner, 1 a champion, gaia : 
 
 Canst thou my welfare or my safety prize, 60<> 
 
 Yet thus deprive me of my new allies ? 
 
 In happy time (to this began the dame) 
 
 Thou com'st, defender of my life and fame : 
 
 Reason forbids, that e'er it shall hi said, 
 
 Armida scorn'd so fair an offered aid. 605 
 
 Thus she : while some new champion every hour 
 Pursu'd her standard, and increas'd her power. 
 Some wandering here, some there, the damsel join'd; 
 Though each, conceali.ig what his thoughts design'd. 
 Now scowl'd with jealous looks his rivals there to 
 
 find. 610 
 
 She seem'd on all to cist a gracious eye, 
 And every one receiv'd with equal joy. 
 
 Scarce had the day dispell'd the shades of night, 
 When heedful Godfrey knew his warriors flight ; 
 And while his mind revoU'd their shameful doom. 
 He sem'd to mourn some threaten'd ills to come. 6l€ 
 As thus he mus'd, a messenger appear'd. 
 Breathless and pale, with dust and sweat besraear'd. 
 His brow was deep impress'd with careful thought, 
 And seem'd to speak th' unwelcome news he brought. 
 Then thus— chief! th' Egyptians soon will hide . 
 Beneath their uum'rous fleet the briny tide; 631
 
 B. V. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. Ul 
 
 William, whose rule Li^ria's ships obey, 
 
 Bv me dispatcb'd these tidings from the sea. 
 
 To this he adds ; that, sending from the shore 625 
 
 The due prov isions for the landed power, 
 
 The steeds and camels, bending with their load. 
 
 Were intercepted in the midmost road : 
 
 Assail'd with dreadful rage on every hand, 
 
 Det p in a valley, by the Arabian band : 630 
 
 Nor guards nor drivers could their posts maintain. 
 
 The stores were pillag'd, and the men were slain. 
 
 To such a hc'igl.t was grown the Arabs' force, 
 
 A? ask'd scrne power t' obstruct their daring course; 
 
 To guard th? couSt. and keep the passage free, 635 
 
 Betvvixtthe Cliri-tian cranp and Sjrian sea. 
 
 At once from man to man the rumour fled. 
 And growing fears among the soldiers spread: 
 The threatening evils fill'd them with aflFright, 
 And ghastly famine rese before their sight. 640 
 
 The chief, who saw th;- terrors of the host. 
 Their former courage sunk, their firmness lost ; 
 With looks serene, and chearful speeches, strove 
 To raise their ardour and their fears remove. 
 
 O friends I with me in various regions thrown, 615 
 Amidst a thousand woes and dangers known; 
 Cod's sacred champions ! born t' assert his cause. 
 And cleanse from stain the holy Christian laws ! 
 I Who wiritry climes and stormy seas have view'd. 
 And Persian arras and Grecian frauds subdu'd : 650 
 Who could the rage of thirst and hunger bear — 
 Will you resign your souls to abject fear ? 
 Shall not th' Eternal Power (our sovereign Guide, 
 ' And oft in more disastrous fortune trj'd) 
 Revive our hop<^s ? — deem not his favour lost, 6iJ» 
 Or pitying ear averted from our host : 
 A day will come with pleasure to disclose 
 These sorrows past, and pay to God your vows. 
 Ejdure and conquer then your present state ; 
 Live, and reserve yourselves for happier fate. 660 
 
 He said ; but yet a thousand cares, suppress'd. 
 The hero bury'd in his tbovghtful breast : 
 3
 
 142 JERUSALEM DELIVERED, B. 
 
 •What means to nourish such a numerous train. 
 And midst defeat or famine to sustain : 
 How on the seas t' oppose th' Egyptian force, i 
 And stop the plundering Arabs in their course.
 
 THR 
 
 SIXTH BOOK 
 
 JERUSALEM DFXIVERED. 
 

 
 'JHE ARGUMENT. 
 
 4RGANTES sends a challenge to the Christian!, 
 Tancred is chosen to oppose him ; but, while he 
 is iipon the point oj entering the list, is de» 
 tained by the appearance of Clorinda. Otho, 
 in the mean time, meets Argantes, is vanquish' 
 ed, and made prisoner. Tancred and Argentea 
 then engage: they are parted by the heralds. 
 Erminia, distressed with her fears for l\in' 
 cred, resolves to visit that hero. She disgniies 
 herself in Clorinda's armour, and leaves the : 
 rity by night ; but, falling in with an advance' 
 guard of the Christians, ta assaulted, and flies.
 
 THE 
 
 SIXTH BOOK 
 
 OF 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 
 
 But, in the town besieg'd, the Pagan crew 
 With better thoughts their cheerful hopes renew: 
 Besides provisions which their roofs contain'd, 
 Supplies, of various kinds, hy night they gain'd : 
 They raise new fences for the northern side, 5 
 
 ' A.nd warlike engines for the walls provide. 
 I With strength increas'd the lofty bulwarks show, 
 I \nd seem to scorn the battering-rams below. 
 (Now here, now there, the king directs bis powers, 
 ìThe walls to thicken, or to raise the towers : It 
 i-By day, or sable eve, the works they ply, 
 [ Or when the moon enlightens all the sky. 
 " Til' artificers, with sweat and ceaseless care. 
 
 New arms and armour for the field prepare: 
 
 Meanwhile, impatient of inglorious rest, i; 
 
 Argantes came and thus the king address'd. 
 How long, inactive, must we here remain 
 
 Coop'd in these gates, a base and heartless train ? 
 
 From anvils huge I hear the strokes rebound, 
 hear the helm, the shield, the cuirass, sound : ii( 
 
 >a), to what use, while yon rapacious bands 
 
 • 3'er-nin the plains, and ravage all the lands ? 
 ,\nd not a chief shall meet these haughty foes, 
 
 \nd not a trumpet break their soft repose; 
 u zenial feasts the cheerful days they waste, 2 
 
 • Ind undisturb'd enjoy each calm repast; 
 
 H
 
 14« JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. ÌI. 
 
 By daj at ease, by night at rest they lie ; 
 
 Alike securely all their moments fly. 
 
 But you at length, with pining want distress'd, 
 
 Must sink beneath the victor's force oppress'd ; 30 
 
 Or basely fall to death an easy prey. 
 
 If Egj-pt should her succours long delay. 
 
 For me, no shameful fate shall end my days, 
 
 And with oblivion veil my former praise : 
 
 Kor shall the morning sun, to sight expos'd, SS 
 
 Behold me longer in these walk enclos'd. 
 
 I stand prepar'd my lot unknown to prove. 
 
 Decreed already by the Fates above. 
 
 Ne'er be it said, the trusty sword untry'd, 
 
 Inglorious, unreveng'd, Argantes dy'd. 40 
 
 Yet if the seeds of valour, once confess'd. 
 
 Are not extiuguish'd in thy generous breast ; 
 
 Not only hope in fight to fall with praise, 
 
 But your high thoughts to life and conquest raise. 
 
 Then rush we forth united from the gate, 4» 
 
 Attack the foe, and prove our utmost fate ! 
 
 Beset with dangers, and with toils oppress'd, 
 
 The boldest coimsels oft are prov'd the best : 
 
 But if thy prudence now refuse to yield, 
 
 To hazard all thy force in open field, 50 
 
 At least procure two champions to decide 
 
 Th' important strife, in single combat try'd : 
 
 And that the leader of the Christian race 
 
 With readier mind our challenge may embrace, 
 
 Th' advantage all be his the arms to name, 55 | 
 
 And at his will the full conditions frame. 
 
 For were the foe endu'd with twofold might, 
 
 With heart undaunted in the day of fight ; 
 
 Think no misfortune can thy cause attend. 
 
 Which I have sworn in combat to defend. 60 
 
 This hetter hand can fate itself supply. 
 
 This hand can give thee ample victory : 
 
 Behold I give it as a pledge secure ; 
 
 In this confide; I here thy reign ensure. 
 
 Heceas'd: Intrepid chief ! (the king reply'd) 6* 
 Though creeping age Las damp'd my youthful prid?,
 
 B. VI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 14 T 
 
 Deem not this hand so slow the sword to wield, 
 Nor deem this soul so baselj fears the field. 
 That rather would I tamely lose my breath, 
 Than fall ennobled by a glorious death. 7 
 
 If aught I fear'd, if aught my thoughts foretold 
 Of want or famine whicli ray words unfold ; 
 Forbid it, Heaven ! — Then hear me now reveal 
 What from the rest, with caution, I conceal. 
 Lo! Solyman of Nice, whose restless mind TS 
 
 Has vengeance for his former wrongs desiga'd. 
 Collects, beneath his care, from different lands, 
 The scatter'd numbers of Arabia's bands ; 
 With these will soon by night the foes invade. 
 And hopes to give the town supplies and aid. 80 
 Then grieve not thou to see our realms o'er-run. 
 Nor heed our plunder'd towns, and castles won ; 
 While here the sceptre still remains my own ; 
 While here 1 hold my state and regal throne. 
 
 ! But thou, meantime, thy forward zeal assuage, 8S 
 And calm awhile the heat of youthful rage ; 
 
 j With patience yet attend the hour of fate. 
 Due to thy glory, and my injur'd state. 
 
 Now swell'd with high disdain Argantes' breasf, 
 
 •A rival long to Solyman profess'd : 90 
 
 luly he griev'd, and saw, with jealous eye, 
 
 ' The king so firmly on his aid rely. 
 
 'Tis thine, (he cry'd) O monarch ! to declare 
 (Thine is th' undoubted power) or peace or war: 
 'I urge no more — here Solyman attend, 95 
 
 (Let him, who lost his own, thy realm defend! 
 ,Let him, a welcome messenger from Heaven, 
 To free the Pagans from their fears be given : 
 [ safety from myself alone require : 
 lAnd freedom only from this arm desire. 100 
 
 Vow, while these walls the rest in sloth detain, 
 !Jet me descend to combat on the plain : 
 |ifive me to dare the Franks to single fight, 
 'Tot as thy champion, but a private knigbt. 
 1 The king reply'd: Though future times, demand 
 ^hj noble courage, and more needful band ; lOG 
 H3
 
 KS JERUSALEM DELIVERED. U. / 7. 
 
 Yet to thy wish I shall not this deny : 
 Then, st thy will, some hostile chief defy. 
 
 Thus he. Th' impatient youth no longer staj'd. 
 But, turning to the herald, thus he said. 1 10, 
 
 Haste to the leader of the Fianks, and there, " 
 Before th' united host, this message bear : 
 Say that a champion, whose superior mind 
 Scorns in these narrow walls to he coufiu'd. 
 Desires to prove, in either army's sight, 1 1§ 
 
 With spear and shield his utmost force in fight ; 
 And comes prepar'd his challenge to maintain. 
 Betwixt the tents and city, on the plain ; 
 A gallant proof of arms ! and now defies 
 The boldest Frank that on his strength relies. 120 
 Nor one alone amid the hostile band ; 
 The boldest five that dare his force withstand, 
 Of noble lineage, or of vTilgar race, 
 Untenify'd he stands in field to face : 
 The vanquish'd to the victor's power shall yield, 123 
 So wills the law of arms and custom of the field. 
 
 Argintes thus. The herald strait withdrew. 
 His vary'd surcoat o'er his shoulders threw. 
 And thence to Godfrey's regal presence went. 
 By mighty chiefs surrounded in his te it. 130 
 
 prince! (he cry'd) may here a herald dare. 
 Without offence, his embassy declare. 
 
 To him the chief: Without constraint or fear, 
 
 lu freedom speak, whit we as freely hear. 
 
 Tlie herald then the challenge fierce disclos'd, 135 i 
 
 In boastful words and haughty terras compos'd. 
 
 Fir'd at his speech the martial bands appear'd. 
 
 And with disdain the stern defiance heard. 
 
 Then thus in answer pious Godfrey s;)eaks : 
 
 A mighty task your warrior undertakes : 140 
 
 And well I trust, what'er his boasted might, , 
 
 One champion may suffice his arms in fight. 
 
 But let him come ; I to his will agree ; 
 
 1 give him open field, and conduct free : 
 
 And swear some warrior, from our Christian band. 
 On equal terms shall meet him hand to band. 146
 
 B. VI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 14 9 
 
 He ceas'd ; the king at arms witho-at delay. 
 Impatient, nieasur'd back his former way : 
 From thence, with hasty steps the city sought. 
 And to the Pagan kaigbt their answer brought. I5i> 
 Armi valiant chief ! (he cry'd) for fight prepare. 
 The Christian powers accept thy pro&'er'd war 
 Not leaders fam'd alone demand the fight, 
 I The meanest warriors burn to prove tbeir might. 
 
 I saw a thousand threatening looks appear, 155 
 
 ; A thousand hands prepard the sword to rear: 
 The chief to thee a list secure will yteld. 
 He ended : "\\ hen, impatient for the field, 
 I Argantes cali'd for anns with furious haste. 
 
 And round his limbs the steely burthen cast. 160 
 ' The warj- king Clorinda then enjoin'd : 
 I While he departs, remain not thou behind : 
 I But, with a thousand arm'd, attend the knight ; ' 
 ;, Yet foremost let him march to equal fight : 
 ?' The care be thine to keep thy troops in sight. 165 
 f The monarch spoke ; and now the martial train 
 I Forsook the walls and issu'd to the plain. 
 
 Advanc'd before the band, Argantes press'd 
 , His foaming steed, in radiant armour dress'd. 
 
 Between the city and the camp was found 170 
 
 • An ample space of level champaign ground; 
 
 That seem'd a list selected, by design, 
 '. For valiant chiefs in deeds of arms to join. 
 I To this the bold Argantes «ingly goes, 
 : And there, dt scending, stands before the/oes : 1 75 
 . Proud in his might, with giant-strength indu'd, 
 I With threatening looks the distant camp he view'd : 
 ' So fierce Enceladus in Phlegra show'd ; 
 I So in the vale the huge Philistine stood. 
 Yet many, void of fear, the knight beheld, 1 SO 
 
 Nor knew how far his force in arms excell'd. 
 \ Still Godfrey doubted, midst his valiant host, 
 ! "WTiat knight should quell the Pagan's haughty boast. 
 , To Tancred's arm (the bravest of the brave) 
 ' The great attempt the public favour g^ave. LS&
 
 150 JERUSAUEM DELIVERED. B. II. 
 
 With looks, with whispers, all declar'd their choice ; 
 The chief, by signs, approv'd the general voice. 
 Each warrior now his rival claim withdrew. 
 When each the will of mighty Godfrey knew. 
 The field is thine ! (to Tancred then he cry'd) 190 \ 
 Go ! meet yon Pagan, and chastise his pride. \ 
 
 The glorious charge with joy the champion heard. 
 And dauntless ardour in his looks appeard; 
 His shield and helmet from his squire he took. 
 And, follow'd by a crowd, the vale forsook. 195 
 
 But ere he reach'd the appointetl li^t of fight. 
 The martial damsel met his eager sight : 
 A flowing vest was o'er her armour spread, 
 White as the snows that veil the mountain's head: 
 Her beaver rear'd, her lovely face disclos'd; 300 
 And on a Iiill she stood at full expos'd. 
 
 No longer Tancred now the foe espies, 
 (Who rears his haughty visage to the skies) 
 But slowly moves his steed, and bends his sight 
 W here stands the virgin on a neijihbouring height : 
 The lover to a lifeless statue turns ; 20C 
 
 With cold he freezes, and w ith heat he burns: 
 Fix'd in a stupid gaze, unmov'd he stands. 
 And now no more the promis'd fight demands ! 
 Meantime Argantes looks around in vain» 210 
 
 No chief appears the combat to maintain . 
 Behold, I come (he cry'd) to prove my might, 
 Mho dares approach, and meet my arms in fight ? 
 
 While Tancred lost in deepest thought appear'd, 
 Nor saw the Pagan, nor his challenge heard, -210 
 Impetuous Otho spurr'd his foaming horse. 
 And enter'd first the list with eager course. 
 This kuight, before, by thirst of glory fir'd, 
 With other warriors to the fight aspir'd ; 
 And yieldmg then to Tancred's nobler claim, 320 
 Mix'd with the throng that to attend him came : 
 But when he thus th' enamour'd youth beheld. 
 All motionless, n^lectful of the field. 
 Eager he starts t' attempt the glorious deed ; 
 1*65 swift the tiger's or the panther's speed ! 235
 
 B. VI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. U\ 
 
 Against the mighty Saracen he press'd. 
 
 Who sudden plac'd his ponderous spear in rest. 
 
 But Tanrred now, recovering from his trance. 
 Saw fearless Otho to the fight advance : 
 Forbear ! the field is mine ! (aloud he cries) — 23(> 
 In vain he calls, the knight regardless flies. 
 Th' indignant priii^ beheld with rage and shanae; 
 He blush'd another should defraud his name. 
 And reap th' expected harvest of his fame. 
 
 And now Argantes, from his valiant foe, 235 
 
 Full on his helm receiv'd the mighty blow. 
 With greater force the Pagan's javelin struck ; 
 The pointed steel thro' shield and corslet broke : 
 Prone fell the Christian thundering on tbe sand ; 
 Unmov'd the Saracen his seat raaintain'd ; 9 tO 
 
 And, from on high,inflam'd with lofty pride. 
 Thus to the prostrate knight insulting cry'd : 
 
 Yield to my arms ! suflSce the glory thine 
 To dare with me in equal combat join. 
 Not so (cried Otho) are we fram'd to yield, SIS 
 
 Nor is so soon the Christian courage quell'd : 
 Let others with excuses hide my shame, 
 'Tis mine to perish, or avenge my fame! 
 
 Then like Alecto, terrible to view, 
 Or like Medusa, the Circassian grew, 250 
 
 While from his eyes the flashing lightning flew ! 
 Now prove our utmost force (enraged he cries) 
 Since thus thou dar'st our offar'd grace despise. 
 This said ; he spurr'd his steed, nor heeded more 
 •Th' establish'd laws of arms, and knightly lore. 25i 
 Tl-e Frank, retiring, disappoints the foe. 
 And, as Argantes pass'd, directs a blow. 
 That, to the right descending, pierc'd his side ; 
 The smoking steel returns with crimson dy'd : 
 But what avails it, when the wound inspires 260 
 New force and fury to the Pagan's fires ? 
 Argantes, wheeling round with sudden speed, 
 Direct on Otho urg'd his fiery steed. 
 Th' unguarded foe the dreadful shock receiv'd : 
 All pale be fell, at once of sense bereav'd : 3«5
 
 152 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. VI. J 
 
 StretchM on the earth his quivering limbs were spread » 
 And clouds of darkness Iiover'd o'er his head! 
 
 With brutal wrath the haughty victor glow'd. 
 And o'er the vanquished knigl.t in triumph rode. 
 Thus evTv insolent shall fall, (he cries) 2 TO 
 
 As he who now beneath my courser lies ! 
 
 But valiant Tancred now no longer stay'd, 
 Who with disdain the cruel art sur^ey'd : 
 Resolv'd to veil the fallen warrior's shame. 
 And with his arms retrieve the Christian name ; 2 7 5 
 He flew, and cried — O thou, of impious kind ! 
 Tn conquest base, and infamous of mind ! 
 l-Vora deeds like these what glory canst thou gain : I 
 \M)at praises from the courteous heart obtain ? ' 
 
 Thy manners sure were fram'd in savage lands, 2S0 
 Among tli' Arabian thieves, or barb'rous bands ! 
 Hence!' shun the light; to woods and wilds con- 
 Amoiig thy brethren of the brutal kind. [fiu'd, 1 
 
 I'e ceas"d. Impatience swell'd the Pagan's breast, | 
 But eager rage his struggling words suppressed ; i'^b 
 He foam'd like beasts that haunt the gloomy wood : 
 At length, releas'd, his anger roar'd aloud, ' \ 
 
 Like thunder bursting from a distant cloud. ; i 
 
 >'ow for the lield th' impetuous chiefs prepare, J. 
 
 And wheel around their coursers for the war. 290 M. 
 O sacred Muse ! inflame my voice with fire, I 
 
 And ardour equal to the fight inspire : ' 
 
 So may my verse be worthy of th' alanns, j ' 
 
 And catch new vigour from the din of arms ! i .' 
 
 The warriors place their beamy spears in rest: 294 \ 
 Each points his weapon at the adverse crest. , 
 
 Less swift i\ to the goal a racer flies ; jl 
 
 Less swift a bird on pinions cleaves the skies. I 
 
 No chief ■; for fury could v\ ith these compare ; '■ 
 
 Here Tancred pour'd along, Argantes there ! 300 [f 
 The spears against the hehns in shivers broke; p 
 
 A thousand sparks flew diverse fiom the stroke. 
 The mighty conflict shook the solid ground. 
 The distant hills re-echoM to the sound •.
 
 JB. VI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 153 
 
 But firmly seated, moveless as a rock, 30 S 
 
 Each hardy cbaoipion bore the dreadful shock : 
 While either courser tumbled on the plain, 
 Nor from the field with speed arose again. 
 The warriors then unsheath'd their falchions bright. 
 And left their steeds, on foot to wage the fight. 310 
 Now ev'ry pass with wary hands they prove ? 
 With watchful eyes and nimble feet they move. 
 In ev'ry form their pliant limbs they show ; 
 Now wheel, now press, now seem to shun the foe : 
 Now here, now there, the glancing steel they bend, 
 And where they threaten least, the strokes descend. 
 Sometimes they ofl'er some defenceless part, 
 Attempting thus to baffle art with art. 
 • Tancred, unguarded by his sword or shield, 
 , His naked side before the Pagan held: 32ii 
 
 1 To seize th' advantage, swift Argantes clos'd 
 ; And left himself to Tancred's sword expos'd ; 
 ' The Christian dasli'd the hostile steel aside, 
 And deep in Pagan gore his weapon dy'd : 
 I Then sudden on his guard collected stood. 325 
 
 The foe, who found his limbs bedew'd with blood, 
 Groan'd with unwonted rage, and rais'd on high 
 His weighty falchion, with a dreadful cry: 
 But, ere he strikes, another wound alights 
 Where to the shoulder-bone the arm unites. 330 
 
 As the wild boar that haunts the woods and hills. 
 When in his side the biting spear he feels, 
 To fury rous'd, against the hunter flies, 
 (And every peril scorns, and death defies: 
 ,So fares the Saracen, with wrath on flame ; 33* 
 Wound follows wound, and shame succeeds to 
 And, burning for revenge, without regard [shames 
 I He scorns his danger, and forgets to ward. 
 He raves, he rushes headlong on the foe. 
 With all his strength impelling every blow. 310 
 
 Scarce has the Christian time his sword to wield, 
 3r breathe awhile, or lift his fencing shield ; 
 And all his art can scarce the knight secuie 
 From the dire thuuder of Argantes' pow'r.
 
 IM JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. I 
 
 Tancred, who waits to see the tempest cease, 3\ 
 And the first fury of Lis foe decrease. 
 Now war il? the blows, now circles o'er the plain; 
 But when he sees tlie P.^ean's force remain 
 I'ntir'd with toil, hegi^t* liis wrath the rein: .• 
 He whirls his falchion ; art and judjment jield, 350 
 And now to rage alone resign the lield. 
 No strokes, enforced from either champion, fail; 
 The weapons pierce or sever plate and mail. 
 With arms and blood the earth is covei'd o'er. 
 And streaming sweat is mix'd with purple eore : 
 The swords, like ligbtaiui:, dart quick flashes round ; 
 And fall, like thundeibolts, with horrid sound. 
 Oa either hand the gazine people wait, 
 Aixd watch the dreadful light's uncertain fate : 
 No motion in th' attentive host appear'd ; oOO 
 
 No voice, no whispers from the troops were heard : 
 'Twixt hope and fear they stand, and nicely weigh 
 The various tunis ar.d fortune of the day. 
 
 Thus stood the war: and now each weary kuizbt 
 Had undetermined left the chance of tight; d65 
 When rising eve her sable veil displayed, 
 And vrrapt each object in surrounding shade. 
 From either side a herald bent his way. 
 To part the warriors and suspend the fray. 
 The one a Frank, Arideus was his name; 3 70 
 
 Pindorus one, rever'd for wisdom's fame, 
 Who with the challenge to the Christians came. 
 Intrepid these before tlie chiefs appear'd. 
 And 'twixt their swords their peaceful sceptres rear'd ; 
 Securd by all the privilege they find 37b 
 
 From ancient rights and customs of mankind. 
 Ye warriors brave I (Pindorus thus begun) 
 "VÀ hose deeds of valour equal praise have w on ; 
 Here cease, nor with untimely strife profane 
 The sacred laws of Night's all peaceful reign. 380 
 The sun our labour claims; with toil opprest, 
 Each creature gives the night to needful rest; 
 And gen'rous souls disdain the conquest made 
 In sullen silence, and nocturnal shade.
 
 B. VI. JERUSALEM DELfVERED 15^ 
 
 To him Argantes: With reg^ret I vield S^ 
 
 To quit th' unfinish'd coiitest of the field ; 
 Yet would I chuse the day our deeds might view: 
 Then swear, my foe, the combat to renew. 
 
 To whom the Christian : Thou thy promise plight ; 
 Here to return, and bring thy captive knigbt ; ^90 
 Eke shall no cau«e induce me to delay 
 Our present conflict to a future day. 
 TJjis said ; they swore. The heralds then decreed 
 The day that should decide th' important deed ; 
 And, time allow'd to hea! each wounded knight, ^9-'t 
 NamM the sixth morning to rene^ the fight. 
 
 The dreadful combat iong remain'd imprest 
 In every Saracen and Christian breast: 
 Each tongue the skill of either warrior tells; 
 Each thought, with wonder, on their valonr dwells; 
 Yet who the prize should gain, on either side -ioi 
 The vulgar vary, and in parts divide: 
 If fury shall from virtue win the field. 
 Or brutal rage to manly courage yield. 
 
 But fair Erminia, mov'd above the rest, ior^ 
 
 With growing fears torments her tender breast ; 
 She sees the dearest object of her care 
 Expos'd to hazards of uncertain war. 
 Of princely lineage came this hapless maid, 
 From him who Antioch's pow'rful sceptiesway'd: 
 But, when her state by chance of war was lost, 411 
 She fell a captive to the Christian host. 
 Then gallant Tancred gave her woes relief, 
 And, 'midst her country's ruin, calm'd her grief : 
 He gave her tieedom, gave her all the store 415 
 Of regal treasure she possess'd before. 
 And claimM no tribute of a victor's pow'r. 
 The grateful fair the hero's woith confess'd; 
 Love found admittance in her gentle breast: 
 His eaily virtues rais'd her first desire ; 420 
 
 , His manly beauty fann'd the blameless fire. 
 
 1 In vain her outward liberty she gain'd, 
 When, lost in servitude, her soul remain'd I
 
 156 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. VT, 
 
 She quits her conqueror with heavy mind. 
 
 And with regret her prison leaves behind. i2i 
 
 But honour chides her stay (for spotless fame 
 
 Is ever dear to ev'ry virtuous dame). 
 
 And with her aged mother ther.ce constrained 
 
 Her vanquislrd steps to seek a friendly land ; 
 
 Till at Jerusalem her course she stay'd, 430 ( ( 
 
 "WTiere Aladine receiv'd the wand'ring maid. j 
 
 Here, soon again by adverse fortune crost, 
 
 M ith tears the virgin moum'd a mother lost. 
 
 Yet not th? sorrow for her parent's fate, 
 
 Kor all the troubles cfher exil'd state, 435 
 
 Could from her heart her am'rous pains remove. 
 
 Or quench the smallest spark of mighty love : 
 
 She loves and bums! — Alas, unhappy maid! 
 
 No soothing hopes aft'ord her torments aid ; 
 
 She bears within the flames of fond desire ; 440 
 
 Vain fruitless wisles all her thoughts inspire; [fire. 
 
 And, while she strives to hide, she feeds the stifled 
 
 iS'ow Taucred near the walls of Sion drew. 
 
 And, by his presence, rais'd her hopes anew. 
 
 The rest with terror see the num'rous train 445 
 
 Of foes unconqner'd on the dusty plain ; 
 
 She clears her brow, her dewy sorrow diies. 
 
 And views the warlike bands with cheerful eyes : 
 
 From rank to rank, her looks incessant rove. 
 
 And oft she seeks in vain her warrior love ; 45* 
 
 And oft, distingui.-h'd 'midst the held of fight, 
 
 She singles Tancred to her eager sight. I 
 
 Join'd with the palace, to the ramparts nigh, 
 A stately castle rises in the sky. 
 Whose lofty bead the prospect wide commands, 455 t 
 The plain, the mountain, and the Christian bands: 
 There, from the eai ly beams of morning light, 
 Till deepeniiig shades obscure the world in night. 
 She sits, and fixing on the camp her eyes, [sighs. 
 She communes with her thoughts, and vents her 
 From thence she view 'd the fight with beating heart, 
 And saw expos'd her soul's far dearer part ;
 
 B. VI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 157 
 
 There, fill'd with terror and distracting care. 
 She watch'd the various progress of the war ; 
 And, when the Pagan rais'd aloft his steel, 465 
 
 She seera'd herself the threat'ning stroke to feel. 
 When now the virgin beard some future day 
 Was destin'd to decide th' unfinish'd fra>% 
 Cold fear iu al! her veins congeal'd the blood. 
 Sighs heav'd her breast, her ej-es with sorrow flow'd ; 
 And o'er her face a pallid hue was spread, 471 
 
 While evVy sense was lost in anxious dread. 
 A thousand horrid thoughts her soul divia'd; 
 In sleep a thousand phantoms fill'd her mind : 
 Oft, in her dreams, the much-lov'd warrior lies 4 7* 
 All gash'd and bleeding; oft, with feeble cries. 
 Invokes her aid ; then starting from her rest. 
 Tears bathe her cheeks, and trickle down her breast. 
 Nor fears alone of future evils fill 
 Her careful heart, she fe^rs the present ill. 480 
 
 The wounds her Taiicred late receiv'd in fight 
 Distract her mind with p.ngnish and affright. 
 Fallacious rumours, that around are blown, 
 ; Increase with added lyes the truth unknown. 
 
 Taught by her mother's skill, the virgin knew 485 
 The secret pow'r ofev'ry herb that grew; 
 She knew the force of every mystic strain, 
 ' To close the wound, and ease the throbbing pain ; 
 ; (In such repute the healing arts were held, 
 I In these the daughters of the kings excell'd.) 49l> 
 I Fain would she now her cares to Tancred show ; 
 I But fnte condemns her to relieve his foe. 
 
 Now was she tempted noxious plants to chuse, 
 ! And poison in Argantes' wounds infuse; 
 ' But soon her pious thoughts the deed disclaim, 49i 
 I And scorn with treach'ry to pollute her fame. 
 Yet oft she wish'd that ev'ry herb applied 
 Might lose its wonted pow'r, and virtue tried. 
 I She feard not (by such various troubles tost) 
 I Alone to travel through the adverse host ; 000 
 
 1 Accustom'd wars aud slaughter to survey, 
 ' And all the perils of the wanderer's way :
 
 ìòS JERUSALE'I DELIVERED. B. FT. 
 
 Thus use to daring had inur'd her miud, 
 Beyond the nature of the softer kind ; 
 But mighty love, superior to the rest, 505 
 
 Had quell'd each female terror in her breast : 
 Thus arm'd, she durst the sands of Afric trace. 
 Amidst the fury of tlie savage race. 
 Though danger still and death her soUl de-pis'd, 
 Her virtue, and ber better fame, she prizM. 510 
 
 And now her heart coaflictins passions reud ; 
 There love and honour (pow'rful foes !) contend. 
 Thus honour seem'd to say : O thou ! vrhose mind 
 Ila^ still b?en pure, within my ia^s confin'd ; 
 Whom, when a captive "midst yon hostile train, 315 
 1 kept in thonglit and person clear from stain ; 
 IVilt thou, now freed, the virgin boast foi-ego, 
 So well preserv'd when prisoner to the foe ? 
 Ah ! v/hat can raise such fancies in thy breast ? 
 Say T.Lat thy purpos?, what thy hopes sugfe&t, 020 
 Alone to wander 'midst a foreign race, 
 And V, ith nocturnal love thy sex disgrace ? 
 Justly the victor shall reproach thy name, 
 And deem thee lost to virtue as to shame ; 
 "VVitli scorn shall bid thee from his sight reraov?, Ò2H 
 And bear to vulgar souls th^ proifer'd love. 
 But rentier counsels, on a different part. 
 Thus set^'d to whisjier to her wavertng h?art : 
 
 Thou wert not surely cf a savage born, 
 Kor from a mountain's frozen entrails torn ; 530 
 Ko adamant and steel compose thy frame: ' 
 
 Despite not then Love's pleasing dart and flame. 
 And blush not to confess a lover's name. 
 Go, and obey the dictates of thy mind — [kind ì tj 
 
 But wherefore should'st thou feign thy knight un- 'ri 
 Like thine his sighs may heave, his tears may flow; '. i 
 And wilt not thou thy tender aid bestow ? A 
 
 Lo! Tancrcd's life (ungrateful) runs to waste, 'J 
 
 While on another all thy cares are plac'd ! I 
 
 To cure Argantes then thy skill apply, 340 !» 
 
 So by his arm may thy deliverer die !
 
 B. FT. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 1:9 
 
 Is this the service to his merits due ? 
 And canst thou such a hateful task pursue ? 
 O think what transports must th^ bosom feel. 
 Thy Tancred's wounds, with lenient hand, to heal. 
 Think, when thy pious care his health retrieves, S46 
 Life's welcome gift from thee the youth receives ! 
 Thou shalt with him in ev'ry viitue share. 
 With him divide Ins future fame in war ; 
 Then sball he clasp thee to his grateful breast, 55() 
 And nuptial ties sliall make tliee ever blest : 
 Thou shait be shown to all, and happy uam'd. 
 Among the Latiau wives and matrons fam'd ; 
 In that fair land where martial valour reigns, 554 
 And where religion Jier pure seat maintains. [maid 
 With hopes like these dsceiv'd, th' unthinking 
 A flatt'ring scene of future bliss had laid : 
 But still a thousand doubts perplexing rise, 
 Wliat means for her dtparture to devise. 
 The guards, incessant, near the palace stand, hCii 
 And watch the portals, and the walls command; 
 Nor dare, amid the hazards of the war, 
 \\ itliout som-^ weighty cause the gates unbar. 
 
 Full oft Erminia, to beguile her cares. 
 The time iu converse with Clorinda shares : 565 
 With her each western sun beheld the maid. 
 Each rising morn the friendly pair survey'd ; 
 And when in gloomy shade the day was clos'd. 
 Both in one bed their weary limbs repos'd. 
 One secret only, treasur'd iu her breast, ' 570 
 
 The fond Erminia from her friend suppress'd. 
 With cautious fear her love she still conceal'd; 
 But when her plaints her inward pains reveal'd. 
 She to a different cause assigned her woe, 571 
 
 I And for her ruiu'd state her sorrows seem'd to flow. 
 TbTough every chamber of the martial maid. 
 By friendship privileg'd, Erminia stray'd. 
 * One day it chanc'd, intent on many a thought, 
 1 The royal fair her friend's apartment sought ; 
 I Clorinda absent, there her anxious mind 560 
 
 Revolv'd the means t' effect the flight design'd.
 
 160 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. D. If. 
 
 "While various doubts, by turns, the dame distressM, 
 
 Aloft she mark'd C'lorinda's arms and vest : 
 
 Then to herself, with heavj- si^hs, she said : 
 
 How blest above her sex the warrior maid! 5S6 
 
 How does her state, alas ! mj envy raise I 
 
 Yet not for female boast, or beauty's praise. 
 
 No length of sweeping vest her step restrains ; 
 
 No envious cell her dauntless soul detains : 
 
 But, cloth'd in shining steel, at will she roves ; 590 
 
 Nor fear withholds, nor conscious shame reproves. 
 
 Why did not Heaven with equal vigour frame 
 
 My softer limbs, and fire my heart to fame ? 
 
 So might I turn the female robe and veil 
 
 To the bright helmet and the jointed mail : 59& 
 
 My love would change of heat and cold despise, 
 
 And all the seasons of inclement skies. 
 
 In arms alone, or with my martial train. 
 
 By day or night to range on yonder plain. 
 
 Thy will, Argantes, then thou hadst not gain'd, GOO 
 
 And with my lord the combat tirst maiataiu'd : 
 
 This hand had met, and ah! that happy hour 
 
 Perchance had made him prisoner to my power : 
 
 So from his loving foe he should sustain 
 
 A gentle servitude and easy chain : 606 
 
 So might my soul awhile forget to grieve, 
 
 And Tancred's bonds Ermiuia's bonds relieve. 
 
 Else had his hand this panting bosom gor'd, 
 
 And through my heart impellM the ruthless sword. 
 
 Tlius had my dearest foe my peace restor'd ! GIG 
 
 Then had these eyes in lasting sleep been laid, 
 
 While the dear victor o'er the senseless dead. 
 
 Perchance, with pitying tears, had mourn'd my doom. 
 
 And given these limbs the honours of a tomb ! 
 
 But ah ! I wander, lost in fond desire, 615 
 
 And fruitless wishes fruitless thoughts inspire; 
 
 Then shall I still reside with anguish here. 
 
 In abject state, the slave of female fear ? 
 
 G no ! — confide, my soul, resolve and dare : 
 
 Cau I not once the warrior's armour bear ? 630
 
 o. ri. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 161 
 
 Yes— Love shall give the strength th' attempt re- 
 quires ; 
 Love, that the weakest with his force inspires ; 
 That ev'n to dare impels the timorous hind — 
 But 'tis no martial thought that fills my mind : 
 1 seek, beneath Clorinda's arras conceaTd, 62. ì 
 
 ; To pass the gates unquestion'd to the field. 
 
 I O Love ! the fraud, thyself inspir'd, attend ! 
 And Fortune, with propitious smiles, befriend ! 
 
 ; 'Tis now the hour for flifrbt — (what then detains ?) 
 While with the king ("lorioda still remains. 6i0 
 
 Thus fix'd in her resolves, th' impatient maid, 
 By amorous passion led, no longer stay'd ; 
 But to her near apartment thence repairs, 
 And with her all the shining armour bears. 
 
 ! Nc prying eyes were there her deeds to view; 63* 
 For when she came the menial train withdrew ; 
 
 ' While night, that theft and love alike befriends, 
 T' assist the deed her sable veil extends. 
 Soon as the virgin saw the stars arise, 
 That faintly glimmer'd through the dusky skies, 640 
 She call'd, in secret, her design to aid, 
 A squire of faith approv'd, and favour'd maid: 
 To these in part her purpose she reveal'd, 
 
 ' But, with feign'd tales, the cause of flight conceai'd. 
 The trusty squire prepar'd, with ready care, 64:5 
 
 : Whate'er was needful for the wandering fair. 
 
 1 Meantime Erminia had her robes unbound, 
 
 ' That, to her feet descending, swept the ground. 
 Now, in her vest, the lovely damsel shin'd 
 
 ' With charms superior to the female kind. 650 
 
 ' In stubborn steel her tender limbs she dress'd. 
 The massy helm her golden ringlets press'd : 
 Next in her feeble hand she grasp'd the shield, 
 A weight too mighty for her strength to wield. 
 
 \ Thus, clad in arras, she darts a radiant light 65f» 
 
 I With all the dire magnificence of sight ! 
 
 , Love pre-ent laugh'd, as when he view'd of old 
 
 ' The female weeds Alcides' bulk enfold,
 
 162 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. VI. 
 
 Heavy and slow, she moves along with pain ; 
 And scarce her feet fh' unwonted load sustain. 660 , 
 The faithful damsel hy her side attends, _ i 
 
 And with assisting arm her step befriends. ; 
 
 But Love her spirits and her hopes renews. 
 And everj- trembling limb with strength indues. 
 Till, having reach'd the squire, without delay 6C5 
 They mount their ready steeds, and take their way. 
 Disguis'd, they pass'd amid the gloomy night. 
 And sought the silent paths obscur'd from sight ; 
 Yet scatter'd soldiers here and there they spy'd, 
 And saw the gleam of arms on every side, 370, 
 
 But none attempt the virgin to molest ; 
 All know her armour, ev'n by night confest. 
 The snow-white mantle and the dreadful crest. 
 
 Erminia, though her doubts were partly eas'd, 
 Yet found not all her troubled thoughts appeas'd ; 
 She fear'd discovery, but her fears suppressed ; 6 76 
 And reach'd the gates, and thus the guard address* J : 
 Set wide the portal, nor my steps detain, 
 Commission'd by the king, T seek the plain. 
 Her martial garb deceiv'd the soldiers' eyes ; 6S0 
 Her female accents favour'd the disguise. 
 The guards obey'd ; and through the gate, in haste, 
 The prmcess, with her two attendants, pass'd ; 
 Thence from the city-walls, with caution, went 
 Obliquely winding down the hill's descent. 6Sà 
 
 Now safe at distance in a lonely place, 
 Erminia check'd awlnle her courser's pace. 
 Escap'd the former perils of the night, 
 No guards, no ramparts, now t' obstruct her flight; 
 With thought mature she ran her purpose o'er, 690 
 And weigh'd the dangers lightly weigh'd before. 
 More arduous far she saw th' attempt would prove 
 Than first appear'd to her desiring love: 
 Too rash it seem'd, amidst a warlike foe, 
 In search of peace, with hostile arms to go : GSft 
 For still she purpos'd to conceal her name. 
 Till to the presence of her knight she came.
 
 B. VI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 163 
 
 To him she wish'd to stand reveal'd alone, 
 A secret lover, and a friend unknown ! 609 
 
 Then stopp'd the fair, and now, more heedful made. 
 Thus to her squire, with better counsel, said. 
 
 'Tis thou, my friend ! who must, with speed and 
 To yonder tents my destin'd way prepare. [care, 
 
 GJo — let some guide direct tby doubtful ej-es. 
 And bring thee where the wounded Tancred lies. 
 To him declare, there comes a friendly maid, 706 
 Who peace demands, and brings him healing aid ; 
 Peace — (for the war of love now fills my mind) 
 Whence he may health, and I may comfort, find. 
 Say that with him, secure from scorn or shame, 710 
 A virgin to his faith commits her fame. 
 In secret this^If more the knight require. 
 Relate no further, but with speed retire. 
 Here will I safely wait. — So spoke the maid ; 
 Her messenger at once the charge obey'd; 715 
 
 He spurr'd his courser, and the trenches gain'd. 
 And friendly entrance from the guard obtain'd. 
 Conducted then, the wounded chief he sought. 
 Who heard, with joy, the pleasing message brought. 
 
 The squire now leaves the knight to doubts re- 
 (A thousand thoughts revolving in his mind) [sign'd, 
 To bring the welcome tidings to the fair. 
 That she, fonceal'd, may to the camp repair. 
 
 Meanwhile the dame, impatient of his stay, 
 Whose eager wishes fear the least delay, 725 
 
 Counts every step, and measures oft in vain 
 ' The fancy'd distance 'twixt the camp and plain : 
 i And oft her thoughts the messenger reprove, 
 ; Too slow for the desires of ardent love ! 
 At length, advancing to a neighbouring height, 730 
 ' The foremost tents salute her longing sight. 
 
 Now was the night in starry lustre seen, 
 J And not a cloud obscur'd the blue serene : 
 j The rising morn her silver beams display'd, 
 And deck'd with pearly dew the dusky glade. 733 
 I With anxious soul, th' enamour'd virgin strays 
 [ From thought to thought, in love's perplexing maze ;
 
 16* JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. lì. 
 
 And vents her tender plaints, and breathes her sighs ; 
 To all the silent fields and conscious skies. 
 
 Then, fondly gazing on the camp, she said ; 710 
 Ye Latian tents, by me with joy survey'd ! 
 From you, methinks, the gales more gently blow, 
 And seem already to relieve my woe ! 
 So may kind Heaven afford a milder state 
 To this unhappy life, the sport of fate ! 715' 
 
 As 'tis from you I seek t' assuage my care, 
 x\nd hope alone for peace in scenes of war ! 
 Receive me, then ! — and may my wishes find 
 That bliss, which love has promis'd to my mind : 
 IVhich ev'u my worst of fortune could afford, 7 jO 
 When made the captive of my dearest lord ! 
 I seek not now, inspired with fancies vain. 
 By you ray regal honours to regain : 
 Ah no ! — Be this my happiness and pride, 
 Within your shelter humbly to reside ! 7 j ' 
 
 So spoke the hapless fair, who little knew 
 How near her sudden change of fortune drew ; 
 For, pensive while she stood, the cloudless moo.i 
 Full on th' unheedful maid with spleiidour shore ; 
 Her snow-white vesture caught the silver beam ; 7 GO 
 Her polish'd arms retum'd a trembling gleam; 
 And on her lofty crest, the tigress rais'd, 
 Mith all the terrors of Clorinda blaz'd. 
 
 WTien lo ! (so will'd her fate) a numerous hand 
 Of Christian scouts were ambush'd near at hand; 
 Dispatch'd t' impede the passage, o"er the plain, 766' 
 Of sheep and oxen to the Pagan train. 
 These Poljphernes and Alcander guide. 
 Two Latian brethren, who the task divide. ; 
 
 Young Polyphemes, who had seen his sire T70 
 Beneath Clorinda's thundering arm expire. 
 Soon as his eyes the dazzling vest survey'd, | 
 
 Confpss'd tie semblance of the martial maid ; : 
 
 He fir'd his crew ; and, heedless of control. 
 Gave loose to all the fury of his soul; 775 ' '^ 
 
 Take this ! and jperish, by my weapon slain — 
 He said ; and burl'd bis lance, but hurl'd in vain.
 
 /J ri. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 16 v 
 
 As when a hind, oppiess'd with toil and heat. 
 To some clear spriug directs her weary feet ; 
 If, as she thinks to ease her fainting limbs 7S() 
 
 III tlie cool shade, and drink the crjstal streams, 
 The fatal hounds arrive ; she takes her flight. 
 And all her thirst is lost in wild affright. 
 
 Thus she, who hop'd some kind relief to prove, 
 An:\ sought t' allay the burning thirst of love, 78& 
 >o iu as the warriors, clad in steel, appear, 
 J\ li^ets her former thoughts in sudden fear ; 
 She flies, nor dares th' approaching danger meet : 
 The plain re-echoes with her courser's feet. 
 With her th' attendant flies ; the raging knight, 709 
 First of the band, pursues the virgin's flight. 
 , Now from the tents the faithful squire u pair?, 
 I And to the dame his tart'.y tidings bears ; 
 IStruck with like fear, he gives his steed the rein, 
 „ And all are scatter'd diverse o'er the plain. 795 
 
 Alcander still, by cooler prudence sway'd, 
 Fix'd at his station, all the field survey'd : 
 I A. message to the camp he sent with speed. 
 That not the lowing ox, nor woolly breed. 
 Nor prey like these was seen ; but, smit with fear. 
 The fierce Clorinda fled his brother's spear. 801 
 
 ^7or couM bethink that she, no private knight. 
 But one who bore the chief command in fight, 
 .\t such a time would issue from the gate. 
 Without some public weighty cause of state : 80 j 
 Jut fio'.lfrey's wisdom must th' adventure weigh, 
 (Ind what he bade Alcaniler should obey. 
 , Soon to the camp the flying tidings came, 
 3ut first the Latian tents receiv'd the fame, 
 rancred, whose soul the former message mov'd, 810 
 I Vow felt new terrors for the maid he lov'd. 
 To me (he cry'd) she came, with pious care, 
 klas ! for me this danger threats the fair I 
 Then of his heavy arms a part he takes, 
 !le mounts his courser, and the tent forsakes 8 1 ^ 
 jVith silent haste ; and, where the track he 'spies, 
 Vith furious course alonj the champaign flies.
 
 THE 
 
 SEVENTH BOOK 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED.
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 ERMINIA, filling from the Christian gicard^ it 
 received by a shepherd, Tancred, who put' 
 sued her, supposing her to be Clorinda, JaUt 
 into Armida's snare, and is made prisoner irc 
 her castle. In the mean time Argantes, om 
 the appointed day, enters the list to finish tht 
 combat with Tancred, Tancred being absent, 
 none of the warriors have the courage tosup' 
 ply his place. Godfrey reproaches their pusil- 
 lanimity, and 7-esolves himself to meet Ar-i 
 gantes. Raymond dissuades hiin. Many others 
 then, filled with emulation, are desirous to eri' 
 gage. They cast lots ; and the lot falls o;< 
 Raymond. He enters the list, and, assisted^ 
 by his guardian angel, lias the advantage oj 
 Argantes; when Beelzebub invites Gradine tA 
 wound Raymond, and thus breaks off the com\ 
 bat, A general battle ensues. TIlc Pagaru 
 are almost defeated ; but the infernal poweri 
 rais-ing a storm, the fortune uf the day ià 
 changed. Godfrey, icith his army, retire» 
 his entrenchments.
 
 THE 
 
 SEVENTH BOOK 
 
 OF 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 
 
 ]V1eANT\''HILE the courser with Erminia stray'd 
 , Through the thick covert of a woodland shade: 
 iHer trembliug;hand the rein no longer guides. 
 And through her veins a chilling terror glides. 
 By windhig paths her steed pursu'd his flight, S 
 
 • And bore at length the virgin far from sight. 
 As, after long and toilsome cliace in vain. 
 The panting dogs unwilling quit the plain. 
 If chance the game their eager search elude, 
 Conceal'd in shelter of the favouring wood : 10 
 
 So to the camp the Christian knights return. 
 While rage and shame in every visage burn. 
 Still flies the damsel, to her fears resign'd. 
 Nor dares to cast a transient look behind. 
 All night she fled, and all th' ensuing day, IS 
 
 ,3er tears and sighs companions of her way : 
 3ut when bright Phoebus from his golden wain 
 lad loos'd his steeds, and sunk beneath the main. 
 To sacred Jordan's crystal flood she came; 
 1 There stay'd her course, and rested near his stream. . 
 'To nourishment her fainting strength renew'd, 21 
 ler woes and tears supply'd the place of food. 
 >;ut Sleep, who with oblivious hand can close 
 Unhappy mortals' eyes in soft repose, 
 'o ease hei" grief, his gentle tribute brings, Sft 
 
 md o'er the virgin spreads his downy wines: 
 I
 
 170 JERUSALEM DKLIVERED. B. MLV 
 
 Yet Love still breaks her peace with mournful themes '' 
 And haunts her slumbers with distracting dreams 
 She sleeps, till, jojful at the day's retuni. 
 The feather'd choirs salute the break of morn ; 30 
 Till rising Zephyrs whisper through tlie bowers, 
 Sport with the ruffled stream and painted flowers 
 Then opes her languid eyes, and views around 
 The shepherds' cots amid the sylvan ground : 
 "When, 'twixt the river and the wood, she hears 36|lf.' 
 A sound, that calls again her sighs and tears : 
 But soon lier plaints are stopp'd by vocal strains, 
 Alix'd with the rural pipes of village swains. 
 She rose, and saw, beneath the shady greve, 
 \n aged sire that ozier baskets wove : 4«ft 
 
 His flocks around him graz'd the meads along, 
 Three boys, beside him, tun'd their rustic song. 
 
 Scar'd at th' unusual gleam of armour bright. 
 The harmless band were seiz'd with sudden fright 
 But fair Erminia soon dispels their fears ; 45 ^■ 
 
 From her bright face the shining helm she rears. 
 And undisguised her golden hair appears. 
 Pursue your gentle tasks, with dread unmov'd, 
 O happy race I (she cry'd) of Heav'n belov'd! 
 Not to disturb your peace these arms I bear, 5C 
 
 Or check your tuneful notes with sounds of war. 
 Then thus — O father ! 'midst these rude alarms, 
 V\ hen all the country burns with horrid arms, 
 ^"V bat power can here your blissful seats ensure. 
 And keep you from the soldiers' rage secure ? 
 
 To whom the swain : No dangers here, my son. 
 As yet my kindred or ray flock have known : 
 And these abodes, remov'd to distance far. 
 Have ne'er been startled with the din of war. 
 Or whether Heaven, with more peculiar grace, ( 
 Defends the shepherd's inoflrensive race : 
 Or, as the thunder scorns the vale below. 
 And spends its fury on the mountain's brow ; 
 So falls alone the rage of foreign swords 
 Oa sceptred piiaces and on mighty lord», 63
 
 B. VII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 171 
 
 No greedy soldiers here for plunder wait, 
 
 Liir'd by our poverty and abject state : 
 
 To others abject; but to me so dear, 
 ; Nor regal power, nor wealth, is worth my care. 
 
 No vain ambitious thoughts my soul molest, TO 
 
 No av'rice harbours ia my quiet breast. 
 
 From limpid streams my drought is well supply*d ; 
 
 I fear uo poison in the wholesome tide. 
 
 My little garden and my flock afford 
 
 Salubrious viands for my homely board. 75 
 
 flow little, justly weigh'd, our life requires ! 
 
 For simple Nature owns but few desires. 
 
 Oo ! there ray sons (no menial slaves I keep) 
 
 If he faithful guardians of their father's sheep. 
 bus in the groves I pass my hours away, SO 
 
 ind see the goats and stags around me play ; 
 
 The fishes through the crystal waters glide, 
 
 Ind the plum'd race the yielding air divide. 
 
 There was a time (when early youth inspires 
 
 The mind cf erring man with vain desires) Sa 
 
 scorn'd iu lowly vales mv flock to feed, 
 Lnd from my native soil and country fled. 
 \X Memphis once I liv'd ; and, highly grac'd, 
 iraong the mouarch's houshold train was plac'd : 
 Ind, though the gardens claim'd my cares aJoue, 9t> 
 ^'o me the wicked arts of courts were knowa. 
 ?here long I stay'd, and irksome life endur'd, 
 till by Ambition's empty hopes allur'd : 
 ut when, with flowery prime, those hopes were fled, 
 n.i all my passions with my youth were dead ; 9b- 
 'nee more I wish'd to live an humble swain, 
 jid sigu'd for my forsaken peace again : 
 Tien bade adieu to courts ; and, free from strife, 
 [ave since in woods enjoy'd a blissful life. 
 While thus he spoke, Erminia silent hung lOQ 
 1 fix'd attention on his pleasing tongue : 
 !is sage discourses, on her heart impress'd, 
 ssua^ed the tempest of her troubled breast : 
 rill, after various thoughts, the princ;'ly maid 
 I'esolv'd to dwell beneath the lonely shade ; lOi
 
 ITS JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. ill. 
 
 At least, so long seqnester'd to reside. 
 Till Fortune should for her return provide. 
 Then to tlie hoary swain her speech she mov'd : 
 O happy man ! in Fortune's frowns approv'd : 
 If Heav'n unenvying view thy peaceful state. 
 Let pity touch thee for my hapless fate : 
 Ah ! deipi to take me to your pleasing seat ; 
 To me how grateful were this kind retreat ! 
 Perhaps these lonely groves may ease in part 
 The mournful hurthen of my swelling heart. 
 If gold or jewels can allure thy mind, 
 (Those idols so ador'd hy human kind !) 
 From me thy soul may all its wishes find. 
 
 Then, while her lovely eyes with sorrows flow. 
 She half reveals the story of her woe : 1 
 
 The gentle swain her tale with pity hears. 
 Sighs hack her grief, and answers tears with tears: 
 With kindly words consoles th' afflicted fair. 
 At once receives her with a father's care. 
 And thence conducts her to his ancient wife. 
 The faithful partner of his humble life. 
 
 And now (her mail unhrac'd) the royal maid 
 In rustic weeds her graceful limbs array'd ; 
 Rut, in her courtly looks and beauteous mien, 
 Appear'd no tenant of the sylvan scene. 1 
 
 No dress could veil the lustre of her eyes, 
 "So outward form her princely air disguise : 
 A secret charm, and dignity innate. 
 Each act exalted of her lowly state. 
 She drives the flock to pasture on the plain, \ 
 And, with her crook, conducts to fold again- 
 From the rough teat she drew the milky stream. 
 And prest in circling vats the curdled cream. 
 
 Oft, when beneath some shady grove's retreat 
 The flocks are shelter'd from meridian heat, 1< 
 0:i the smooth beechen rind the pensive dame 
 Canes in a thousand forms her Tancred's name; 
 Oft on a thousand plants inscribes her state. 
 Her dire distress, and love's disastrous -fate :
 
 B. l'IT. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 17S 
 
 And, while her eyes her own sad lines peruse, 14* 
 
 A shower of tears her lovely face bedews. 
 
 Then thus she cries — Ye friendly trees ! retain 
 
 My story'd sorrows, and declare my pain : 
 
 Should e'er, beneath your grateful shade, reside 
 
 Some love-sick youth in true affection try'd ; 150 
 
 His heart may learn with friendly grief to glow, 
 
 Touch'd by my sad variety of woe ; 
 
 So may he Love and Fortune's rigour blame, 
 
 That thus reward a virgin's constant flame. 
 
 If e'er indulgent Heav'n vouchsafe to hear 155 
 
 The tender wishes of a lover's prayer : 
 
 E\ "n he may haply to thesa dwellings rove, 
 
 ^\'lio heeds not now forlorn Erminia's love; 
 
 And, carting on the ground his pitying eyes, 
 
 \\ here clos'd in earth this breathless body lies, 160 
 
 !May to my sufferings yield a late return. 
 
 And with a pious tear my fortune mourn. 
 
 Thus, if my life was never doom'd to rest, 
 
 At least in death my spirit shall be blest ; 
 
 And my cold ashes shall the bliss receive, 165 
 
 Whicil here relentless Fate refus'd to give ! 
 
 Thus to the senseless trunks her pains she told, 
 VA'i'ile down her cheek the copious sorrows roll'd. 
 
 Taucred, meantime, the damsel's flight pursu'd. 
 And, guided by the track, had reach'd the wood: 
 Br.t there the trees so thick a gloom display'd, 171 
 H- rov'd uncertain through the dusky shade. 
 And now he listens, with attentive ear. 
 The noise of steeds or sound of arms to hear. 
 Each bird or beast that rurtles in the brakes, 175 
 Each whispering breeze his amorous hope awakes. 
 ' At length he leaves the wood : The favouring moon 
 Directs liis wandering steps through paths unknown. 
 A sudden noise at distance seems to rise, 
 I And thither strait th' impatient warrior flies. 18» 
 • And now he comes where from a lock distils 
 I A plenteous stream that falls in lucid rills; 
 Then down the steep th' united waters flow, 
 lAod murmur in the verdant banks below.
 
 lU JERUSALrEM DELIVERED. B. VII. 
 
 Here Tancred call'd aloud : in valu be cn'd; IS3 
 No sound, save echo, to bis voice replj'd. 
 Meanwhile he saw the gay Aurora rise, 
 And rosy blushes kindling in the skies : 
 Inly he groan'd, accusing Heav'n, that held 
 The flying damsel from his search conceal'd ; 1 90 
 And vow'd his vengeance on the head to bend 
 Whose rashness should the rauch-lov'd maid ofFend. 
 
 At length the knight, though doubtful of the way, 
 Re,=olv'd to seek the camp without delay ; 
 For near at hand the deftin'd morning drew, 195 
 That with Argantes must his fight renew. 
 When, issuing from a narrow vale, he spy'd 
 A messenger, that seem'd on speed to ride, 
 Kis crooked horn depending at his side. 
 Tancred from him demands the ready way 300 
 
 To where, encamp'd, the Christian army lay. 
 Then he — Thou soon from me the path may'st know, 
 Dispatch'd by Boemond to the camp I go. 
 Th' unwary knight the guileful words believ'd. 
 And follow'd, by his uncle's name deceived. 205 
 And now they came to where, amidst a flood 
 Obscene with filth, a stately castle stood ; 
 ^^ hat time the sun withdrew his cheerful light, 
 And sought the sable caverns of the night. 
 At once the courier blew a sounding blast, ill) 
 
 And sudden o'er the moat the bridge was cast. 
 Here, if a Latian (said the wily guide) 
 Thou may'st at ease till morning dawn reside : 
 Three days are past since from the Pagan band 
 C'osenza's valiant earl this castle, gain'd. 215 
 
 He ceas'd : The warrior all the fort survey'd, 
 Iraprt^iable by art and nature made; 
 Awhile he paus'd, suspt^^^.ng in his mind 
 I;i such a place some secret fraud to find : 
 Bui, long to dangers and to toils inur'd, 220 
 
 He stood undaunted, ^n himself secur'd ; 
 Resolv'd, whate'er or choice or chance procure. 
 His own right arm bis safety should ensure.
 
 li VII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 17i 
 
 But now another task his sword demands. 
 
 And from each new attempt restrains his hands. 224 
 
 I, Before the castle, close beside the flood, 
 
 j In deep suspense awhile the hero stood; 
 
 I' Nor o'er the stream the doubtful passage trj'd, 
 
 • Though oft invited by his treacherous guide. 
 When sudden on the bridge a knight was seen 2J0 
 All sheatVd in arras, of fierce and haughty mien ; 
 I His naked falchion, held aloft, he shook, 
 
 I And thus in loud and threatening accents spoke. 
 O thou! who thus hast reach'd Armida's land. 
 Or led by choice, or by thy fate constrain'd, 235 
 
 ■ Hope not to fly — be here thy sword resiga'd. 
 And let thy hands ignoble fetters bind ; 
 This castle enter, and the laws receive, 
 Tlie laws our sovereign mistress deigns to give : 
 (And ne'er expect, for length of rolling years, 219 
 To view the light of heaven or golden stars, 
 'Unless thou swear, with her associate train, 
 'To war on all that Jesus' faith maintain. 
 \ He said ; and, while his voice betray 'd the kniglit, 
 ' 7n the known armour Tancred fix'd his sight. 2 ti 
 Rambaldo this, who with Armida came ; 
 
 1. Who, for her sake, embrac'd the Pagan name ; 
 
 ' And now was seen in arms t' assert her cause. 
 The bold defender of her impious laws. 
 With holy zeal th' indignant warrior burn'd, 250 
 And to the foe this answer soon return'd. 
 1 Lo ! impious wretch ! that Tancred now appears, 
 iVho still for Christ his faithful weapon wears ; 
 lis champion I taught by him the foes to quell, 
 '["hat dare against his sacred word rebel, 
 lioon shalt thou find in me thy scourge is giv'n, 
 Ind own this hand the minister of Heav'n. 
 
 Confounded at his name th' apostite stood; 
 iwift vanish'd from his cheek tlie frighted blood : 
 l''et thus, with courage feigu'd, he made reply: 260 
 iVliy com'st thou, wretch ! predestin'd here to die ? 
 |[ere shall thy lifeless limbs on earth be spread, 
 ind. sever'd from the trunk, thv worthless l»ead
 
 ne JERUSALEM DELIVERED, B. JJI. 
 
 Soon to the leader of the Fianks I'll send, 
 If fortune, as of old, my arms befriend. 265 
 
 Ì^Tìile thus he spoke, the daj- its beams withdrew, 
 And deeper shades obscurd the doubtful view : 
 \Mien strait a thousand lamps resplendent blaze. 
 And all the castle shines with starry rays. 
 Armida plac'd aloft (herself conceai'd) :- ;o 
 
 Heard all the contest, and the knig-hts beheld. 
 Th' undaunted hero for the fight prepares. 
 Collects his courage and his falchion bares ; 
 Nor kept his steed, but, leaping from his seat, 
 Approach'd on equal terms the foe to meet. 2 7 5 
 The foe advanc'd on foot, and held before 
 His fencing shield ; his head the helmet wore ; 
 In act to strike, the naked steel he bore. 
 To him with dauntless pace t^e prince drew nigh. 
 Rage in his voice, and lightning in his eye. 280 
 
 The wary Pagan wheels his steps afar. 
 Now seem«; to strike, and now to shun the war. 
 Tniicred, though weak with many a former wound, 
 Though lately «pent with toil, malntaiu'd his ground; 
 And, where Rambaldo shrank, his steps he press'd. 
 And oft the sword before hi? face address'd 286 
 
 With threatening point; but chiefly bent his art, 
 To aim the wounds at every vital part. 
 His dreadful voice he rais'd at everj blow, 
 And pour'd a furious tempest on the foe: 390 
 
 Now here, now there, the foe deceives his eyes. 
 With sword and shield to ward the danger trie=, 
 Aiid fiom th' impending steel elusive flies. 
 Yet not so swift the Pagan ca:i defend, 
 But swifter far the Christian's stroke? descend. 29b 
 Rambaldo"? arms were now with b'.ood bedew 'd, 
 His shield was broken, and his helmet hew'd : 
 Mil ile in his heart contending passions strove, 
 Rt'morse, and fear, and shame, revenge, and love. 
 At length, irapell'd by fury and despair, 300 
 
 To prove the utmost fortune of the war. 
 His buckler ca-^t aside, with either band, 
 He gra'p'd his falchion, yet with blood unstaiu'd;
 
 B. VII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 177 
 
 Then, instant closing, urg'd the vengeful steel : 
 On Tancred's thigh the furious weapon fell, 30& 
 And through the mail infix'd a ghastly wound; 
 His helmet next the Pagan's falchion found ; 
 The helmet, struck, return'd a ringing sound. 
 The casque sustain'd the stroke, with temper steel'd. 
 Beneath the force the staggering warrior reel'd ; i 1 (V 
 But, soou recovering, guash'd his teeth with ire, 
 While from his eyeballs flash'd avenging fire! 
 
 And now Rambaldo durst no longer wage 
 The doubtful fight with Tancred's rising rage : 
 His startled ear the hissing sword coafess'd; 315 
 He deem'd the point already in his breast : 
 He sees, he flics, the blow : th' impetuous steel 
 With erriiig force against a column fell 
 Beside the flood ; beneath the furious stroke 
 Tlie marble in a thousand shivers brok?. 320 
 
 Swift to the bridge th' aflfrighted traitor flies; 
 in swiftness all his hope of safety lies. 
 Him Tancred chas'd, and step by step impel I'd; 
 Now o'er his back the threatening sword he held : 
 When lo ! (the trembling Pagan's flight to shield) 
 A sudden darkness cover'd all the field : 32G 
 
 At once the lamps were vanish'd from the sight. 
 At once the moon and stars withdrew their light. 
 No more the victor could l.is foe pursue. 
 In gloom of friendly night conceal'd from view. 
 His eyes in vain explor'd the magic shade, 331 
 
 Wh4le unsecure with doubtful feet he straj'd. 
 
 I Unconscious where he pass'd, Afith luckless tread 
 
 j He enter'd at a gate, as fortune led; 
 
 . But sudden heard the portal clos'd behind, 335 
 
 And found himself in prison drear confin'd. 
 
 1 So the miite race from troubled waves retreat. 
 To seek in peaceful bays a milder seat, 
 And heedless enter in the fatal snare, 339 
 
 'Where fishers place their nets with guileful care. 
 
 ! The gallant TancreJ, prisoner thus remain'd, 
 
 iBy strange enclantment in the fort detaia'd; 
 I 6
 
 ns JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. I IT. 
 
 In vain to f<^rcp the gate his strength he trj'd. 
 The stronger gate his utmost pains defj'd: 
 And soon a voice was heard — Attempt no more, 
 Armida'.* captive now, t' escape her pow'r ! 34 6 
 Here live: nor fear that death should prove thj 
 Here, living, sentenc'd to a doleful tomb ! [doom, 
 
 Th' iadigTant knight hi? rising grief suppress'd. 
 Yet groan'd fui! deeply from his inmost breast; 3 50 
 Accusing Love, from whence his errors rose, 
 Himself, his fortune, and his treach'roas foes. 
 Thus oft in whispers to himself he mourns: 
 To me no more the cheerful sun returns ! 
 Yet that were little — these unhappy eyes 356 
 
 Must view no more the sun of beauty rise! 
 No mere behold Clorinda's charms again, 
 Who'e power alone can ease a lover's pain ! 
 The deslia'd combat then his mind assail'd ; 
 Too much (he cry'd) my honour here has fail'd : 36» 
 \i'ell may Argantes now despise my name; 
 O stain to glory ! O eternal shame ! 
 
 While thoughts like these distracted Tancredi 
 A rgantes scom'd the downy plumes of rest : [breast, 
 "Di'^cord and strife his cruel soul employ ; 365 
 
 Fame all his wish, and slaughter all his joy : 
 And ere his wounds are heal'd, he bums to view 
 Th' appointed day, the combat to renew. 
 The night before the morn for figl.t design'd. 
 The Pagan sccirce to sleep his eyes incliu'd : 3T0 
 While yet the skies their sable mantle spread, /^ 
 
 Ei-e yet a beam disclos'd the mountain's head. 
 He lose, nnd call'd for arms; his squire prepares. 
 And to his lord the radiant armoar bears ; 
 Not that he wont to wear; a nobler load, 376 
 
 A costly gift, the monarch this bestow 'd. 
 Eager he seiz'd, nor gaz'd the present o'er ; 
 His limbs, with ease, the massy burthen bore. 
 He girt the trusty falchion to his side ; 
 Full well in rnany a dangerous combat try'd. 380 
 As. shaking terrors from his blazing hair, 
 4 sang'iine comet gleams through duskj afr,
 
 n. VII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 179 
 
 To ruin states, and dire diseases spread. 
 
 And baleful light on purple tyrants shed : 
 
 So flarn'd the chief in arms ; and, sparklin;; ire, 38.^ 
 
 He roll'd his eyes, sufiFus'd with blood aad tire : 
 
 His dreadful threats the firmest hearts coatrol'd. 
 
 And with a look he wither'd all the bold : 
 
 ■With horrid shout he shook his naked blade, 
 
 And smote th' impassive air and empty shade. 390 
 
 Soon shall the Christian chief (aloud he cries) 
 WiiO dares with me in fight dispute the prize, 
 Vauquish'd and bleeding, press th' ensanguin'd land. 
 And soil his flowing tresses in the sand ! 
 Spite of his Grod, he living shall survey 393 
 
 This hand, unpitying, rend his spoils away. 
 Tlien shall his prayers in vain a grave implore, 
 T! e dogs his mangled carcase shall devour ! 
 
 So fares a bull whom jealous fires engage. 
 Loudly he roars, and calls up all his rage; 400- 
 Against a tree his sharpen'd horns he tries. 
 To battle vain the passing wind defies ; 
 ^ He spurns the yellow sinds, and from afar 
 His mortal rival dares to deadly war. 
 . These passions swelling in Argantes' breast, 103 
 The herald straight he cali'd, and thus address'd : 
 - Haste to the camp, and there the fight proclaim 
 With yonder champion of the Christian name. 
 
 This said, he seiz'd Lis steeil, nor longer stay'd. 
 But from the walls the captive knight convey 'd. 410 
 He left the city, and impetuous went 
 I With ei^er speed along the hill's descent. 
 Jmpatieiit then his sounding horn he blew, 
 And wide around the horrid echo flew ; 
 The nois?, like thunder, struck th' astonish'd ears, 
 iAnd every heart was fill'd with sudden fears. 4 IS" 
 
 The Christian princes, now conven'd, enclose 
 Their prudent chief; to these the herald goes, 
 'And Tancred first to combat due demands, 
 Irhen dares each leader of the faithful bands. 4-2<» 
 . 1 Now Godfrey casts around his heedful sight, 
 No champion offers equal to the li^ht.
 
 ISO JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. VII. 
 
 The flower of all his warlike train is lost ; 
 No news of Tancred yet has reach'd the host : 
 Bocmond alar ; and exil'd from the field, 4 2."> 
 
 Th' unconquer'd youth who proud GJernaiido kill'd. 
 Beside the ten, by lot of fortune nam'd, 
 The heroes of the camp, for valour fam'd, 
 Pursu'd the false Armida's guileful flight, 
 ('onceal'd in covert of the friendly night. 430 
 
 The restj less firm of soul or hrave of hand, 
 Around their chief unmov'd and silent stand; 
 Not one in such a risk would seek for fame ; 
 In fear of ill was lost the sense of shame. 
 
 Well, by their silence and their looks display'd. 
 Their secret fears the General soon survey'd, 436 
 And, fill'd with noble warmth and high disdain, 
 He started from his seat, and thus began. 
 
 Ah ! how unworthy were this breast of life, ' 
 
 If now I shun t' attempt the glorious strife ; 440 
 
 Or let yon Pagan foe our name di-grace. 
 And tread in dust the glory of our race. 
 Here let my camj; secure, inactive, lie. 
 And view ray danger with a distant eye : [thought. 
 Haste, bring ray arms! — Then, swift as winged 
 His ponderous armour to the chief was brought. 44G 
 But Raymond (in experienc'd wisdom known. 
 Whose courage with the first in peril shone; 
 W hose vigorous age the fire of youth confess'd) 
 Turn'd to the leader, and these words address'd. 450 
 
 Forbid it. Heaven ! that e'er the Christian state. 
 Thus in their chief should hazard all their fate! 
 On thee our empire and our faith depend, 
 By thee must Babel's impious kingdom end. 
 "Tis thine to rule debates, the sceptre wield ; 455 
 Let others boldly prove the sword in field. 
 Ev'n I, though bending with the weight of age, | 
 
 lleluse not here the danger to engage. 
 Let others shun the force of yonder knight, 
 No thoughts shall keep me from so brave a fight. 460 
 O ! could I boast an equal strength of years 
 With you who stand dismay'd with hearties? fears,
 
 B. VII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 181 
 
 (Whom neither shame nor indignation moves, 
 While yonder foe your dastard train reproves) 
 Such as 1 was, when all Germania view'rt 465 
 
 Stern Leopold beneath my arms subdu'd ! 
 At mighty Conrade's court ray weapon tore 
 The warrior's breast, and drank his vital gore. 
 Sudi was the deed ! more noble far to bear 
 
 The spoils of such a chief renown'd in war, 470 
 
 ! Jhau singly here, unarm'd, in flight to chase 
 ■ A numerous band of this inglorious race. 
 ; Had I the vigour now I then posscss'd. 
 
 This arm had soon the Pagan's pride suppress'd. 
 ' But, as I am, this heart undaunted glows, 475 
 
 i No coward fear this aged bosom knows; 
 ( And, should I breathless press the hostile plain, 
 ) No easy conquest shall the foe obtain. 
 I Behold, I arm ! — this day, with added praise, 
 j Shall crown the lustre of my former days. 4S0 
 
 ; So spoke the hoary chief; his words inspir'd 
 i Each kindling soul, and sleeping virtue fird : 
 i And those whose silence first their fears confess'd, 
 ' With voice embolden'd to the combat press'd. 
 '. No more a knight is sought ; a generous band, 4 85 
 
 By emulation urg'd, the fight demand. 
 
 That ta^k Rogero, Guelpho, Baldwin fam'd, 
 
 Stephen, Gernier, and either Guido claim'd ; 
 
 P; rrbus, whose art the walls of Antioch won, 
 
 -\vaI gave to Boamond's hand the conquer'dtown. 
 , Erave Eberard the glorious trial warms ; 491 
 
 I Ridoiphusand Rosmcndo, known in arms: 
 i And, with like thirst to gain a deathless name, 
 ; TJie conflict Edward and Gildippe claim. 
 
 But first the venerable warrior stands, 495 
 
 I And with superior zeal the fight demands. 
 
 A lrea<ly arm'd he darts resplendent fires. 
 
 And now his burnish'd helm alone requites : 
 ' Him Godfrey thus bespoke — O glorious sage ! 
 I Thou lively mirror of a warlike age! 500 
 
 i From thee our leaders catch the god-like flame^ 
 I Thine is the art of war and martial fame!
 
 1S2 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. D. VII- 
 
 O ! could I now in youthful prowess find 
 
 Ten champions more to match thy dauntless mind. 
 
 Soon should I conquer Babel's hav.ghty towers, 505 
 
 And spread the Cross from Ind to Thule's shores. 
 
 But here forbear : reserve for counsel sage 
 
 The nobler glory of thy virtuous age. 
 
 And let the rest their rival names enclose 
 
 Within a vase, and chance the lots dispose ; 510 
 
 Or rather God dispose, whose sovereign will. 
 
 Fortune and Fate, his ministers, fulfils. 
 
 He said : but Raymond still asserts his claim ; 
 And, fearless, with the rest includes his name. 
 Then pious Godfrey in his helmet threw 513 
 
 The lots, and shaking round, the first he drew, 
 Thoulouse's valiant earl appear'd in view. 
 
 With cheerful shouts the Christians hail the name. 
 Nor dares a tongue the lot of Fortune blame. 
 The hero's Icoks a sudden vigour warms, 520 
 
 And a new youth his stiffen'd limbs informs. 
 So the fierce snake, with spoils reuew'd, appears. 
 And to the sun his golden circles rears. 
 But Godfrey most extoll'd the hoary knight. 
 And promis'd fame and conquest in the fight; 525 
 Then from his side his trusty falchion took. 
 To Raymond this he gave, and thus he spoke : 
 
 See here the sword which, drawn in many a field. 
 The rebel Saxon once was wont to wield ; 
 TLis from his hand I won in glorious strife, 530 
 
 And forc'd a passage for his hated life : 
 This sword, that ever did my arm befriend, 
 Receive, and equal fortune thine attend ! 
 
 Thus they : The haughty foe impatient sta.\'d. 
 And with loud threats provok'd the stiife delaj'd : 535 
 
 Unconquer'd nations! Europe's martial bands! 
 Behold, a single chief the war demands ! 
 Why comes not Tancred, once so fam'd in fi^ht. 
 If still he dare to trust his boasted might ? 
 Or, does he chuse, in downy slumber laid, 540 
 
 To wait again the night's auxiliar shade ?
 
 B. VII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. iS3 
 
 If thus lie fears, let others prove their force ; 
 Come all, united powers of foot and horse ! 
 Since not your thousands can a warrior jield 
 "Who dares oppose my might in single field. 54S 
 
 Lo ! there the sepulchre of Mary's sok — 
 Approach, and pay your offering- at the stone. 
 Behold the way ! what cause detains your hand ? 
 Or does some greater deed your sword demand ? 
 
 These bitter taunts each Chriptian's rage provoke^ 
 But chiefly Raymond kindled as ha spoke : 551 
 
 Indignant shame his swelling breast inspires. 
 And noble wrath his dauntless courage fires. 
 
 He vaults on Aquiline, of matchless speed ; 
 The banks of Tagus bred this generous steed : 55i 
 1 There the fair mother of the warrior-brood 
 j (Soon as the kindly spring had fir'd her blood) 
 ' With open mouth, against the breezes held, 
 ; Receiv'd the gales with warmth prolific fiU'd : 
 1 And (strange to tell!) inspir'd with genial seed, 560 
 j Her swelling womb prcdiic'd this wondrous steed. 
 I Along the sand with rapid feet he flies. 
 No eye his traces in the dust descries; 
 To ri^'ht, to left, obedient to the rein. 
 He winds the mazes of th' embattled plain 665 
 
 I On this the valiant earl to combat press'd. 
 
 And thus to Heaven his pious prayer address'd. 
 ! O thou ! that 'gainst Goliath's impious head 
 ; The youthful arms in Terebinthus sped, 
 1 When the proud foe, who scoft'd at Israel's band, 
 ' Fell by the weapon of a stripling's hand : 571 
 
 I With like example now thy cause maintain, 
 \ And stretch yon Pagan breathless on the plain : 
 
 Let feeble age subdue the mighty's pride, 
 ' Which feeble childhood once so well defy'd! 675 
 So pray'd the earl; and straight his zealous 
 pra)ers 
 1 Flev,, wing'd with faith, to reach the heavenly 
 spheres, 
 /.s flames ascend. • Th' Eternal Father heard, 
 .^Ril call'd an angel from th' ethereal guard.
 
 1S4 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. VII. 
 
 biliose watchful aid the aged chief might shield, 5S0 
 And sxfe retura him from the glorious field. 
 Th' angelic power, to whom, decreed by Heaven, 
 The care of Raymond from hi» birth was giren, 
 Soon as he heard anew his Lord's command, 
 Obey'd the charge entrusted to his Land : 5S5 
 
 He mouut? the sacred tower, where, rang'd on high, 
 The arms of all the immortal legions lie. 
 There shines the spear, by which the serpent driven 
 Lies pierc'd with wounds; the fieiy bolts of heaven ; 
 The viewless arrows that in tainted air, 590 
 
 Disease and plagues to frighted mortals bear. 
 There, hung aloft, the trident huge is seen, 
 The deadliest terror to the race of men. 
 What time the solid eaith's foundations move, 
 Arid tottering cities tremble from above. 51) 4 
 
 But o'er the rest, on piles of armour, flam'd 
 A shield immense, of blazing di'mond fram'd, 
 VChcse orb could all the realms and lands contain 
 That reach, from Caucasus, th' Atlantic main I 
 This buckler guards the righteous pfiace's head ; 600 
 O'er h9ly kingdoms this defence is spread : 
 With this the angel from his seat descends. 
 And uear his Raymond, unperceiv'd, attends. [fiU'd; 
 Meantime, the walls with various throngs were 
 And now Clorinda (so the tyrant will'd, 606 
 
 Led from the city's gate an armed band. 
 And halted on the hill; the Christians stand 
 In rank of battle on a diiTerent hand. 
 Before the camp, iu either army's sight. 
 An ample list lay opea for the fight. GIO 
 
 Argautes seeks his foe, but seeks in vain ; 
 A knight unknown appears upon the plain. 
 Then Raymond thus — The chief thy eyes would find, 
 Thy better fate has from our host disjoin'd. 
 Yet let not this thy empty pride excite, 615 
 
 Behold me here prepar'd to prove thy might. 
 YoT him 1 dare with thee the war maintain : 
 Nor think the meanest of the Christian train.
 
 B.VII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. M» 
 
 The Pagan smil'd, and scornful thus replj'd : 
 Say, in what part does Tancred then reside ? 620 
 He fint with boastful threats all Heaven defies, 
 Then trembling on his coward feet relies ! 
 But let him fly, and veil his feaxs in vain 
 Beneath the central earth, or boundless main : 
 Not earth profound, nor ocean's whelming wave, 
 Shall from my hand the recreant warrior save ! 62& 
 
 Falsely thou say'st (the Christian thus replies) 
 That he, thy better far, the combat flies. 
 
 To whom the foe, incens'd. — Then swift prepai'e, 
 I shall not here refuse thy proff"er'd war : 630 
 
 Soon shall we prove, on this contended plain, 
 How well thy deeds thy senseless boast maintain. 
 
 This said, the champions to the combat press'd. 
 And 'gainst the helm their threatening spears ad- 
 
 dress'd. 
 True to his aim, good Raymond reach 'd the foe. 
 Who, in his seat unmov'd, sustaln'd the blow. 636 
 No less in vain was fierce Argantes' might : 
 The heavenly guardian, watchful o'er the fight. 
 The stroke averted from the Christian knight. 
 The Pagan gna%v'd his lips, with rage he shook, 640 
 And 'against the plain his lance, blaspheming, broke; 
 Then drew his sword and swift at Raymond flew. 
 On closer terms the combat to renew. 
 Against him full he drove his furious steed ; 
 So butting rams encounter head to head. 64» 
 
 But Raymond to the right eludes the shock ; 
 I And on his front the passing Pagan struck. 
 ; Again the stern Circassian seeks the foe: 
 . Again the Christian disappoints the blow : 
 ' And every turn observ'd with heedful eyes ; 650 
 
 1 He fear'd Argantes' strength and giant size. 
 By fits he seem'd to fight, by fits to yield, 
 And round the list in flying circles wheel'd, 
 'As when some thief a tower beleaguers round, 
 I With fens enclos'd, or on a hilly ground ; 66* 
 
 1 A thousand ways, a thousand arts he proves : 
 Thus o'er the field the wary Christian moves.
 
 186 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. VII, 
 
 In vain he strives the Pagan's scales to rend, 
 That well his ample breast and head defend ; 
 But where the jointed plate? an entrance show'd, 
 Thrice with his sword he drew the purple flood, C61 
 And stain'd the hostile arms with streaming blood. 
 His own, secure, the adverse weapon brav'd ; 
 Untouched, the plumage o'er his helmet wav'd. 
 At length, amidst a thousand vainly spent, 665 
 
 A well-aim'd stroke the raging Pagan sent; 
 Then, Aquiline ! thy speed had prov'd in vain. 
 The fatal blow had aged Raymond slain : 
 But here he fail'd not heavenly aid to prove ; 
 The guard invisible, from realms above, 670 
 
 To meet the steel th' ethereal buckler held, 
 Whose blazing orb the powerful stroke repell'd. 
 The sword broke short, nor could the force with- 
 (No earthly temper of a mortal hand [stand ; 
 
 Could arms divine, infrangible, sustain) 675 
 
 The brittle weapon shiver'd on the plain. 
 The Pagan scarce believes; with wondering eye. 
 He sees on earth the glittering fragments lie: 
 And still he deem'd against the Christian's shield 
 His falchion broken strew'd the dusty field : [Heav*ii 
 Rood Raymond deem'd no less; nor knew, from 
 What powerful guardian to his life was given. 
 But when disarm'd the hostile hand he view'd. 
 Awhile suspended in himself he stood ; 
 He fear'd such pal.ns would little fame bestow, 685 
 With such advantage ravish'd from the foe. 
 Go, seek a sword — the chief begins to say, 
 But difterent thoughts his generous purpose stay. 
 He fears alike to w in the shield with shame ; 
 He fears alike to risk the general fame. 690 
 
 \\ bile doubtful thus he stands, with rage anew 
 The hilt Argarttes at his helmet threw ; 
 Then spurr'd his steed to grapple with his foe : 
 The earl, nnmo\'d, receives the Pagan's blow, [sway. 
 And wounds his arm, that came with threatening 
 Fierce as a vulture rushing on its prey ! r.96
 
 L. VII. JERUSAIiEM DELIVERED. 157 
 
 At every turn his sword Argantes found. 
 And pierc'd his limbs with many a ghastly wound. 
 Whate'er bis- art or vigour could conspire, 
 His former wrath, his now redoubled ire, 700 
 
 At once against the proud Circassian join. 
 And Heaven and Fortune in the cause combine. 
 But still the foe, with dauntless soal secure. 
 Resists, unterrify'd, the Christian's power. 
 So seems a stately ship, in bilkjws tost, 705 
 
 Her tackle torn, her mast and canvas lost ; 
 With strong ribb'd sides the rushing storm she braves. 
 Nor yet despairs amidst the roaring waves. 
 Ev'n such, Argactes, was thy dangerous state. 
 When Beelzebub prepar'd to ward thy fate : 710 
 From hollow clouds he frara'd an empty shade, 
 (Wondrous to speak !) in human form array'd : 
 To this Clorinda's warlike looks he join'd ; 
 Like her the form in radiant armour shin'd : 
 He gave it speech and accents like the dame; 715 
 The same the motion, and the mien the same. 
 To Gradine its course the phantom took. 
 And him, renown'd for archery, bespoke : 
 O Gradine I whose never-failing art 
 To every mark directs the distant dart, 720 
 
 Think what a loss Judaea must sustain, 
 Should thus the guardian of her walls be slain ; 
 Should his rich spoils the haughty foe adora, 
 'And he in safety to Lis train return. 
 On yonder robber let thy skill be try'd, 725 
 
 iDeep in his blocd be now thy arrows d>'il. 
 .What endless praise were thine ! nor praise alone. 
 The king with vast rewards the deeds shall crown. 
 TTie spectre ceas'd, not long the warrior stay'd ; 
 irhe hopes of gain his greedy soul persuade : 730 
 From the full quiver, destiu'd for the deed. 
 To the tough yew he fits the feather'd reed : 
 '-le bends the bow, loud twangs the trembling string, 
 Irhe shaft impatient hisses on the wing; 
 'iwift.to tl-.e mark the airy passage iind*, 735 
 
 fii-» where the belt the golden buckle bind»
 
 1S9 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. D, VII 
 
 The corslet piercing, through tlie skin it goes ; 
 But scarce the wound with purple moisture flows ; 
 The guard celestial stops its further course. 
 And robs the arrow of its threatening force. T40 
 The earl the weapon from his corslet -drew. 
 And saw the sprinkling drops of sanguine hue ; 
 Then on the Pagan turn'd, with fury mov'd. 
 And, with loud threats, his breach of faith reprov'd. 
 The pious Godfrey now, whose careful look 745 
 ■\^'as fix'd on RajinoMd, found the truce was broke: 
 M ith fears he saw his lov'd associate bleed. 
 And urg'd his troops t' avenge the treacherous deed. 
 Then might you see their ready beavers clos'd. 
 Their coursers rein'd, their spears in rest disposed. 
 At once tlie squadrons, plac'd on either hand, 4 jl 
 Move in their ranks, and thicken o'er the land : 
 The field is vanish'd ; clouds of dust arise. 
 And roll in sable volumes to the skies. 
 They meet, thej shock ; the clamours echo round ; 
 And helms, and shields, and shiver'd spears resound. 
 Here lies a steed, and there (his rider slain) 
 Another runs at random o'er the plain. 
 Here lies a warrior dead; in pangs of death, 
 1'here one, with groans, reluctant yields his breath. 
 Dire was the conflict: deep the tumult grows ; 761 
 And now with all its rage the battle glows. 
 Argaiites midst them flew with eager pace. 
 And from a soldier snatch'd an iron mace; 
 This whirl'd around, with unresisted sway, 765 
 
 Through the thick press he forc'd an ample way : 
 RH\mond he seeks, on him his arms he turns. 
 On him alone his dreadful fury buras; 
 And, like a wolf, with savage wrath endu'd. 
 He thirsts insatiate for the Christian's blood. 770 
 But now, on every side, the numbers clos'd, 
 And thronging warriors his attempts oppos'd : 
 Ormano and Rogero (names renown'd!) 
 Guido, with either Gerrard, there he found. 
 Yet more impetuous still his anger swell'd, 77a 
 The more these gallant chiefs his force repell'd.
 
 fi. VII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. IS» 
 
 So, pent ÌQ narrow space, more dreadful grows 
 
 The blazing fire, and round destruction throws. 
 
 Guido he wounded ; brave Ormano slew ; 
 
 And midst the slain to earth Rogero threw, 180 
 
 Stunn'd with the fall. While here the martial train 
 
 On either hand an equal fight maintain ; 
 
 Thus to his brother Godfrey gave command : 
 
 Now to the fight conduct thy warlike band ; 
 
 And where the battle rages in its force, 7S5 
 
 There to the left direct thy speedy course. 
 
 He said ; the warrior at his word obey'd, 
 
 And on their flank a sudden onset made. 
 
 Languid and spent the Asian troops appear, 
 
 Nor can the Franks' impetuous vigour bear : [round. 
 
 Their ranks are broke, their standards scatter'd 
 
 And men and steeds lie mingled on the ground. 
 
 The squadrons, on the right, now fled the plain ; 
 
 Alone Argantes dares the shock sustain; 
 
 Alone he turns, alone the torrent stands: 798 
 
 Not he who brandish'd in his hundred hands 
 
 His fifty swords and fifty shields in fight, 
 
 Could have surpass'd the fierce Argantes' might ! 
 
 The mace's sweepy way, the clashing spears, 
 
 Th' impetuous shock of charging steed he bears. 
 
 Alone, he seems for all an equal force : 801 
 
 Now here, now there, by turns he shifts his course : 
 
 His limbs are bruis"d, his shatter'd arms resound : 
 
 The blood and «weat in mingled streams abound. 
 
 Yet whole he seems, and fearless of a wound. 805 
 
 But now so closely press'd the flying crew. 
 
 That in their flight th' unwilling chief they drew : 
 
 Constrain'd he turn'd, nor longer could abide 
 
 The o'erbearing fury of the rapid tide. 
 
 Yet seems he not to fly, his looks declare SIO 
 
 His dauntless soul, and still maintain the war ; 
 
 Still in his eyes the glancing terrors glow ; 
 
 And still with threatening voice he dares the foe. 
 
 With every art he tries, but tries in vain. 
 
 To stop the panic of the routed train : 816
 
 190 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. J IL 
 
 No art, no rein, can rule the vulgar fear ; 
 Nor earnest prayers, nor loud commands, thej bear. 
 The pious Godfrey, who, with zeal inspir'd. 
 Saw Fortune favouring all his soul desir'd, 
 Pnrsu'd with joy the battle's glorious course, S20 
 And to the victors sent auxiliar force. 
 And, but the fatal hour not yet was come, 
 Prefix'd by God in liis etemal doom. 
 This day, percbancc, their arms success had found. 
 This day had all their sacred labours crown'd. 835 
 But heirs dire crew, who saw the conquering host. 
 And in the combat fear'd their empire lost, 
 (By Heav'n permitted) spread the changing skies 
 With clouds condens'd, and gave the winds to rise. 
 Infernal horrors darken all the air, S30 
 
 Pale livid lightnings thro' the sether glare; 
 The thunder roars ; the mingled hail and rain 
 M'ith rattling torrents deluge all the plain : 
 The trees are rent ; nor yield the trees alone. 
 The rocks and mountains to the tempest groan. 
 The wind and rain with force united strove, 83fi 
 And on the Christians' face impetuous drove : 
 The sudden storm their eager course repressed. 
 And fatal terrors daunted many a breast : [field, 
 
 Wliile, round their banners, some maintain'd the 
 Nor yet the fortune of the day beheld. S4rl 
 
 But this Clorinda, from afar, descries. 
 And swift to seize the wish'd occasion flies. 
 
 She spurs her tteed, and thus her squadron warms : 
 See ! Heaven, my friends I assists our righteous arms : 
 His tempest lights not on our favour'd bands, 846 
 But leaves to action free our valiant hands : 
 Against th' astonish'd foe his wrath he bends. 
 Full in their face his vengeful storm descends : 
 They lose the use of arms and light of day : S50 
 
 Haste, let us go where Fortune points the way ! 
 
 She said, and rouz'd her ardent troops to war. 
 And while behind th' inferndl storm they bear. 
 With dreadful fury on the Franks they turn. 
 And mock their vigour, and their weapons scorn :
 
 li. VII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 191 
 
 Meanwhile Argantes on their forces flew, S56 
 
 (So lately victors) and with rage o'erthrew : 
 These, swift retreating from the field, oppose 
 Their backs against the storm and hostile blows. 
 Fierce on the rear, the Pagan weapons pour : 860- 
 Fierce on the rear, their wrath the furies shower. 
 The mingled blood in streaming torrents swell'd. 
 And purple rivers delug'd all the field. 
 There, midst the dying and the vulgar slain, 
 Pyrrhus and good Ridolphus press'd the plain : S6 j 
 The fierce Circassian this of life depriv'd ; 
 From that, Clorinda noble palms deriv'd. 
 
 Thus fled the Franks; while still th' infernal crew 
 And Syrian bands their eager flight pursue. 
 , (Jodfrey alone the hostile arms defies, 87 
 
 The roaring storm and thunder of the skies ; 
 VV ith dauntless front amid the tumult moves, 
 And loud each leader's coward fear reproves. 
 ; Against Argantes twice he urg'd his horse, 
 ' And bravely twice repell'd the Pagan's course : 8 75 
 ; As oft on high his naked sword he rear'd 
 Where, thickest joiu'd, the hostile troops appear'd : 
 Till, with the rest coustrain'd the day to yield. 
 He gain'd the trenches, and forsook the field. 
 Back to the walls return'd the pagan band ; 880 
 The weary Christians in the vale remain'd ; 
 Nor then could scarce th' increasing tempest bear. 
 And the wild rage of elemental war. 
 Now here, now there, the fires more faintly show ; 
 Loud roar the winds; the rushing waters flow : 885 
 The tents are shatter'd, stakes in pieces torn ; 
 \nd whole pavilions far to distance borne. 
 The thunder, rain, and wind, and human cries, 
 iVith deafening clamours rend the vaulted skies !
 
 I'HE 
 
 EIGHTH BOOK 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED.
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 yi Dane arrives at the Christian camp, and 
 Jvrms Godfrey that the band, conducted Ijj 
 Sweno, was attacked in the ni^ht, near Palei'', 
 tine, by a numerous army of Arabs com.mand' 
 ed by Solyman : that the Danes were cut 
 pieces, and Sweno killed; and that himn 
 only escaped the general slaughter : to this 
 adds, that he had received an injunction 
 present Sweno^s sword to Rinaldo. The Ch, 
 tian army, deceived by appearances, su 
 Rinaldo to have been assassinated, Argili 
 instigated in a dream by Alecto, incites 
 Italians to revolt ; and throw the odium 
 Rinaldo^s supposed murder upon Godfrey, 
 disaffection spreads through the troops. GoA^. 
 frey goes himself to qf,ell the tumult ; he causes 
 Argillan to be arrested, and restores tranquit'\ 
 Hty to the camp.
 
 EIGHTH BOOK 
 
 OF 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 
 
 JN OW ceas'd the thunder's noise, the storm was 
 And every blustering wind forgot to roar; [o'er 
 
 When the fair Morning, from her radiant seat, 
 Appe:ir'd with rosy front and golden feet: 
 But those, whose power the raging tempest brew'd, 
 Still with new wiles their ruthless hate pursu'd ; 6 
 While one (Astagoras the fiend was nam'd) 
 Her partner, dire Alecto, thus inflam'd : 
 
 Behold yon knight, Alecto ! on his way, 
 (Nor can our arts his destin'd purpose stay) 10 
 
 Who 'scap'd with life, on yonder fatal plain. 
 The great defender of th' infernal reign. 
 He to the Franks his comrades' fate shall tell. 
 And how in fight their daring leader fell. 
 This great event, among the Christians known, 1 5 
 May to the camp recall Bertoldo's son. 
 Thou know'st too well if this our care may claim. 
 And challenge everj- scheme our power can frame. 
 Then mingle with the Franks to work their woes, 
 And each adventure to their harms dispose : 20 
 
 Go — shed thy venom in their veins, inflame 
 The Latian, British, and Helvetian name ; 
 I Be every means, be every fraud, apply'd, 
 ! A'nd all the camp in civic broils divide. 
 I This task were worthy thee, would crown t'ly word, 
 ' So ncbb- plighted to our sovereign lord. 26 
 
 K9
 
 196 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. Ì JJi 
 
 She spoke ; nor needed more her speech employ ;' 
 The fiend embrac'd th' attempt with horrid jov. 
 
 Meantime the knisht, whose presence thus thej 
 Arriving', ia the Christian camp appear'd: [feat'du 
 Conducted, soon the leader's tent he sougrht ; 3 1 
 (All thronging round to hear the news he brought) t' 
 Lowly he bow'd, and kiss'd the glorious hand ! 
 
 That shook the lofty towers of Babel's land. 
 
 O chief! (he cry'd) whose wide extended fame 
 Alone the ocean bounds and starry frame ; 3€ 
 
 Would Heaven I here with happier tidings stood 1 — 
 This said, he sigh'd, and thus his speech pursu'd. 
 
 Sweno, the Danish monarch's ojily son, 
 (Pride of bis a2:e, and glory of his throne) 40 
 
 impatient, burn'd his name with theirs to join, 
 Who, led by thee, in Jesus' cause combine; 
 Xor toils nor dangers could his thought restrain, 
 Xor all th' aliureraents of his future reign; 
 Not filial duty (o his aged sire 45 
 
 ('ould in his bosom quench the glorious fire. 
 By thy example, and beneath thy care, 
 He long'd to learn the labours of the war : 
 Already had he heard Rinaldo's name, 
 fn bloom of youth, resound with deeds of fame ; 50 
 But, far above an earthly frail renown. 
 His soul a>piT'd to Heavea's eternal crown. 
 Resojv'd torae?t in arms the Pagan foes. 
 The prince a faithful daring squadron chose; 
 Direct for Thrace, with th^^e his way pursu'd, 56 
 Till now the Greek's imperial scat be view'd. 
 The Grecian king the gallant youth caress'd, 
 Ar.d in his court detain'd the royal guest. 
 There from tl-.e camp thy trusty envoy came. 
 Who told the triumphs of the Christian name: 60 
 How first you conquer'd Antioch's stately town. 
 Then 'gainst the foe maintain'J the conquest won, 
 When Persia brought her numerous sons from far,' 
 And seem'd t' exhaust her spacious realms for war. 
 On thine, on every leader's deeds he dwells, .65 
 
 And last the praise of brave Rinaldo tells ;
 
 B. Vili. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 197 
 
 How the bold youth forsook his native land ; 
 
 What early glory since his arm? had gain'd. 
 
 To this he add?, that now the Christian powers 
 
 Had laid the siege to Sion's lofty tovers : 70 
 
 And urg'd the prince with thee at least to share 
 
 The last p-eat conquest of the sacred war. 
 
 These speeches gave new force to Swe.io's zeal ; 
 
 He thirsts in Pagaii blood to drench his steel. 
 
 Each warrior's trophy seems his sloth to blame; 7S 
 
 Each valiant deed upbraids his tardy fame. 
 
 One thought alone his dauntless soul alarms ; 
 
 He feai-s to join too late the victor's arms. 
 
 Impell'd bj fate, he scarcely deigns to stay 
 i Till the first biush of dawn recew'd the day. 80 
 
 I We march'd, intr3pid, o'er a length of land 
 I Beset with various foes on every hand : 
 l- Nov/ rugged ways we prove ; now famine bear ; 
 1 To ambush now expos'd or open war : 
 i; But every labour, fearless, we sustain ; 85 
 
 I Our foes were vanquish'd, or in battle slaii. 
 I Success in danger every doubt suppress'd, 
 » Presumptuous hope each swelling heart possess'd. 
 \ At len^h we pitch'd our tents one fatal day, 
 J As near the bounds of Palestine we lay : 90 
 
 Ì Our scouts were there surpriz'd with loud alarms 
 1 Of barbarous clamours a"d the din of arms : 
 
 And countless banners the\ descry'd from far, 
 
 The strearain»- signal? of approaching war. 
 
 Oar inatcliless chief unmov'd the tidings heard : 
 u Firm was his voice, unchang'd his looks appear'd ; 
 & Though the dire peril startled many a breast, 
 . And many a changing cheek its fears confess'd. 
 
 Then thus he cry'd : Prepare for sure renown. 
 I The victor's laurel, or U e martyr's crown ! 10»> 
 
 The tirst I hi pe, nor !ess the last I prize, 
 J WT enee greater merits, equal glories, rise! 
 I This tield, O friends! shall future honours claim, 
 ! A temple sacred to immortal fame ; 
 I Where distant age? shall ourtrophies tell, l'i5 
 
 Or -how the spot on which we greatly fell
 
 IDS JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. HIT. 
 
 Thus said «he chief, and strait the guard prepares, 
 Divide* the tasks, and every labour shares. 
 He wills the troops in arms to pass the night. 
 Nor from his breast remo\es his corslet bright, 110 
 But sheatfa'd in mail expects the threaten'd fight. 
 
 When now the silent Night her veil extends. 
 The peaceful hour that balmy sleep befriends; 
 The sky with dreadful howling echoes round. 
 And every cave returns the barbarous sound. 115 
 To arms, to arms ! (each startled soldier cries) 
 Before the rest impetuous Sweno flies ; 
 He darts his eyes that glow with martial flame. 
 His looks the ardour of his soul proclaim. 
 And soon th' invading troops our camp enclose, l'io 
 Thick and more thick the steely circle grows ; 
 Javelins and swords around us form a wood. 
 And o'er our heads descends an iron cloud. 
 
 In this unequal field the war we wag'd, 
 WTiere every Christian twenty foes engag'd. 12ft 
 Of these, were many wounded midst the gloom : 
 By random shafts full many met their doom. 
 But none, amidst the dusky shades, could tell 
 The wounded warriors, or what numbere fell. 
 Night o'er our loss her sable mantle threw, 130 
 
 And, with our loss, conceal'd our deeds from view. 
 Yet fierce in arms, and towering o'er the rest. 
 The gallant Sweno stood to all confess'd; 
 Ev'n through the dusk they mark his daring course. 
 And count the actions of his matchless forc« ; 135 
 His thirst} sword the purple slaugLter spread, 
 And round him rais'd a bulwark of the dead : 
 Where'er he turns he scatters, through the band. 
 Fear from his looks and slaughter from hi^ hand. 
 
 Thus stood the fight : but when th' ethereal raj 
 With ruddy streaks proclaim'd the dawning day. 
 The mornreveil'd the fatal scenes of night. 
 And Death's dire horrors open'd to our sight; 
 We saw a field with mangled bodie? strown. 
 And i.\ one combat all our force o'ertbrown! 145
 
 fi. vili. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. IWD 
 
 A thousand first compos'd our martial band, 
 And scarce an hundred now alive remainM! 
 But when the chief beheld the dreadful plain. 
 The mangled troops, the d>ing and the slain, 
 'Twas doubtful how his soul sustain'd his part, 150 
 Or what emotions touch'd his mighty heart; 
 Yet thus aloud he fir*d his fainting crew : 
 Haste, let us now our slaughter'd friends pursue, 
 Who, far from Styx and black Avemus' flood. 
 Have mark'd our happy paths to Heaven in blood. 
 
 He said ; and, fix'd his glorious fate to close, 156 
 Undaunted nish'd amidst the thickest foes. 
 
 He rives the helmet, and he hews the shield : 
 The strongest arms before his falchion yield : 
 With streams of hostile gore he dies the ground. 
 While all his form is one coutinu'd wound. 161 
 
 His hfe decays, his courage still remains : 
 Th' unconquer'd soul its noble pride retains ; 
 With equal force his martial ardour bums ; 
 He wounds for blows, and death for wounds, returns. 
 When, thundering, near a dreadful warrior came, 166 
 Of stern demeanour and gigantic frame ; 
 ^^Tio, join'd by many, on the hero flew. 
 And, after long and painful battle, slew. 1 69 
 
 Prone fell the generous youth, (ah ! hapless death !) 
 Nor one had power t' avenge his parting breath. 
 Be witness yet, and bear me just record. 
 Ye last dear relicks of my much-lov'd lord ! 
 I sought not then to save my worthless life. 
 Nor shunn'd a weapon in the dreadful strHe. 175 
 Had Heaven vouchsaf'd to end my mortal state, 
 I sure by actions well deserv'd my fate ! 
 Alive I fell, and senseless press'd the plain. 
 Alone preserv'd amidst my comrades slain : 
 Nor can I further of the Pagans tell, 180 
 
 So deep a trance o'er all my senses fell; 
 But when again I rais'd my feeble sight. 
 The skies were cover'd o'er with shades of nighty 
 And from afar I saw a glimmering light.
 
 200 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. li/i. 
 
 I saw, like one who half in slumber lies, 18ft 
 
 And opes and shuts by fits his lang-uid eyeg. 
 
 But now my limbs a deeper anguish found, 
 
 The pains increas'd in every gaping wound ; 
 
 ■UTjile on the earth I lay, expos'd and bare 
 
 To damps unwholesome and nocturnal air, 190 
 
 Meanwhile, advancinf , nearer drew the light 
 
 By slow deerees, and g^ain'd upon my sight. 
 
 Low whispers then and human sounds I heard ; 
 
 Again, with pain, my feeble eyes I rear'd. 
 
 And saw two shapes in sacred robes array'd ; 10» 
 
 Each in his hand a lighted torch display'd. 
 
 And thus an awful voice distinctly said : 
 
 son! confide in him whose mercy spares, 
 Whose pitjing grace prevents our pious prayers. 
 Then, with uplifted hands, my wounds be bless'd. 
 And many a holy vow to Heaven address'd. iOl 
 He bade me rise — and sudden from the ground 
 
 1 rese ; my limbs their former vigour found ; 
 Fled were my pains, and clos'd was every wound! 
 Stupid I stood, all speechless and amaz'd, 205 
 And doubtful on the reverend stranger gaz'd. 
 
 O thou of little faith ! {the hermit cry'd) 
 What thought has led thy troubled s-^tse aside ? 
 Thou see'st two bodies of terrestrial frame. 
 Two sen-ants dedicate to Jeers' nnme. 210 
 
 From the vain world and all i»s follies fled. 
 In wilds and deserts here our lives are led. 
 Lo ! I ara sent thy safety to ensure. 
 By hira who rules o'er all with sovereign power; 
 Who ne'er disdains by humble means to show 315 
 His wondrous works of Provider.ce below; 
 Nor here will suffer on the naked plains 
 To lie expos'd those honcur'd, lov'd, remains. 
 That must again th' exalted mind receive. 
 And. join'd above, in bliss eternal live. 290 
 
 To Sweno's corse he wills a tomb to raise, 
 A tomb as lasting as his deathless praise; 
 V. bich future times with wonder shall survey, 
 Where future times shall every honour pay.
 
 B. FUI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 201 
 
 But lift thy eyes, yon friendly moon behold 22S 
 Through fleecy clouds her silver face unfold. 
 To guide thy devious footsteps o'er the plain. 
 To find the body of thy leader slain. 
 
 Then from the peaceful r^ion of the night 
 I saw descend a ray of slanting light : 230 
 
 Where on the field the breathless corse was laid. 
 There full the lunar beam resplendent play'd; 
 And show'd each limb deform'd with many a wound. 
 Midst all the mingled scene of carnage round. 
 He lay not prone, but, as his zealous mind 23b 
 
 Still soar'd beyond the views of human kind. 
 In death he sought above the world to rise. 
 And claim'd, with upward looks, his kindred skies. 
 One hand was clos'd, and seem'd the sword to rear ; 
 One pressM his bosom with a suppliant air, 240 
 As if to Heaven he breath'd his humble prayer. 
 
 While o'er his wounds the copious tears I shed, 
 And, lost in fruitless grief, deplor'd the dead, 
 His lifeless haad the holy hermit seiz'd. 
 And from his grasp the fatal steel releas'd ; 24tS 
 To me then turning : View this sword, (he said) 
 Whose edge to-day such copious streams has shed,". 
 Still dy'd in gore; thou know'st its virtue well. 
 No temper'd weapou can its force excel ! 
 But since its lord, in glorious conflict slain, 250 
 
 No more shall grasp the mortal sword again. 
 It must not here be lost; decreed by Heaven, 
 To noble hands the mighty prize is given ; 
 To hands that longer shall the weapon wield 
 With equal vilour in a happier field : 255 
 
 From those the world expects the vengeance due 
 On him whose fury gallant Sweno slew. 
 By Solyman has Sweno press'd the plain ; 
 By Sweno's sword must Solyman be slain. 
 Go then, with this, and seek the tented ground 26«) 
 Where Christian powers the hallow'd walls surround ; 
 Nor fear, lest, wandering o'er a foreign land. 
 The foe again thy purpos'd course withstand. 
 R 5
 
 202 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. VIII. 
 
 That Power, who sends tJiee, shall thy toils survey, 
 His hand shall guide thes ou the danjrerous waj : 
 He wills that thou (from every peril freed) 266 
 
 Should'st tell the virtues of the hero dead: 
 So, fir'd by )iim, may othei^s learn to dare. 
 And ou their arms the Cross triumphant bear : 
 That every breast may paut for righteous fame, 270 
 And distant agts catch t!ie glorious flame ! 
 It now remains the champion's name to hear, 
 \^^lose arm must next the fatal weapon reai- : 
 Rinaldo he, a youth approv'd in fight. 
 In valour tirst of every Christian knight: 2T5 
 
 Present him this ; iaflame his generous ire ; 
 Say, Heaven and earth (let this his soul inspire) 
 From him alone the gi-eat revenge require ! 
 
 While thus intent tlie sage's words I heard, 
 M'here Sweno lay a sepulchre appeat'il, 2 SO 
 
 That, rising slow, by miracle dispos'd, 
 Witliiii its marble womb the corse enclos'd : 
 Grav'd on the monumental stone, were read 
 Ti-e name ami merits of the warrior dead. 
 Struck witli the sight, I stood, with looks amaz'd, 
 And ou the word^; and tomb alternate gaz'd. 286 
 
 Then thus the sage : Beside his followers slain 
 Thy leaders corse shall here in^hriii'd remain ; 
 "While, in the mansions of the blest above. 
 Their happy souls enjoy celestial love. 290 
 
 But thou enough hast moum'd the nobl-? dead. 
 To Nature now her dues of rest be paid ; 
 With me reside, till, in the eastern skies, 
 Propitious to thy course, the morn arise. [ways. 
 
 He ceas'd; and led me thence tlaough ragged 
 Now high, now low, in many a winding maze; 596 
 Till underneath the mountain's pendant shade. 
 Beside a hollow cave, our steps we stay'd. 
 Here dwe!t the sage, amidst the savage brood 
 Of wolves and bears (the terrors of the wood!) 300 
 Here, with liis pupU, liv'd secure from harms : 
 More strong than shield or corslet. Virtue arms 
 And guards the naked breast in all alarms.
 
 B. Vili. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 903 
 
 Mj- hunjrer first suflBc'd with sylvan food, 
 A homely couch ray strength with sleep renew'd. 
 But when, rekindled with the rising' day, 306 
 
 The radiant morn reveal'd her golden ray ; 
 Each wakeful hermit to his prayers arose. 
 And, rouz'd with them, I left my soft repose: 
 Then to the holy sage I bade adieu, 310 
 
 And turn'd the course directed to pursue. 
 
 Here ceas'd the Dane. Then thus the pious chief: 
 Thou com'st a mournful messenger of grief : 
 Thy words, O knight! with pain our camp shall 
 Thy tale shall sadden every breast with woe. [know. 
 Such gallant friends, by hostile fury crost, 318 
 
 From all our hopes, alas! so sudden lost! 
 Where thy dear leader, like a flashing light. 
 But just aj)pear'd, and vanish'd from the sight; 
 Yet blest a death like this, and nobler far 320 
 
 Than conquered towns and ample spoils of war : 
 Nor can the capitol examples yield 
 Of wreaths so glorious, or so brave a field. 
 In Heaven's high temple now, with honours crown'd, 
 Immortal laurels every brow surround ; S'SS 
 
 Each hero there wi^h conscious transport glows. 
 And every happy wound exulting shows. 
 But thou, escap'd from peril, still to know 
 The toil and warfare of the world below; 
 This gloom of sorrow from thy brow remove, 330 
 And learn to triumph in their bliss above. 
 Seek'st thou Bertoldo's son ? — in exile lost, 
 Unknown he wanders from th' abandon'd host : 
 Nor think to trace his flight with doubtful feet. 
 Till certain tidings tell the youth's retreat. 335 
 
 These speeches heard, and young Rinaldo's name. 
 With former love each kindling mind enfiarne. 
 Alas ! (they cry) amid the Pagan bands 
 The blooming warrior roves in distant lands ! 
 Each tongue with pleasure on his glory dwells ; 340 
 Each to the wondering Dane his valour tells. 
 And all bis battles, all his deeds, reveals.
 
 eoi JERISALEM DELIVERED. E. VIH. 
 
 While thougi t«, like these, in every bosom raise 
 The dear remembrance of their hero's praise ; 
 A band of soldier?, sent to scour the plain, 345 
 \\ith plenteous pillage seek the camp again ; 
 With lowing oxen, and the woolly breed, 
 And generous corn to cheer the hungry steed : 
 And, join'd with these, a mournful load they bore. 
 The good Rinaldo's arms, the vest he wore, 350 
 The armour pierc'd, the vesture stain'd with gore. 
 The doubtful chance the vulgar herd alarms. 
 With grief they throng to view the warrior's arms. 
 They see and know too well the dazzling sight. 
 The ponderous cuirass, with its beamy light; 3 J5 
 The crest, where high the towericg eagle shone, 
 That proves his offspriug in the mid-day sun. 
 Oft were they wont, amid th' embattled fray, 
 To see them foremost rule the bloody day ; 
 And now with mingled grief and rage beheld 360 
 Those glorious trophies broken on the field. 
 
 While whispers fill the camp, and every breath 
 Relates by various means the hero's death. 
 The pious Godfrey bade the chief be sought 
 Who led th? squadron that the pillage brought. 366 
 Brave Aliprando was the leader nam'd, 
 For truth of speech and noble frankness fam'd. 
 Declare (cry'd Godfrey) whence these arms ye bear. 
 Nor hide a secret from your general's ear- 
 As far remov'd from hence (he thus reply'd) 370 
 As in two days a trusty scout may ride. 
 Near Gaza's walls a little plain is found. 
 From public ways with hills encorapass'd round. 
 A riv'let murmurs down the mountain's sides. 
 And through the shade with gentle current glides; 
 Thick wood and brambles form a horrid shade ; 376 
 (A place by Nature well for ambush made) 
 Here, while we sought for flocks and herd; that came 
 To crop the mead beside the ci7stal stream, 
 Surpriz'd we saw the grass distain'd with blood. 
 And on the banks a murder'd warrior view'd :
 
 b. vili. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 506 
 
 Tlie arras and vest we knew (oft seen before) 
 
 Though now deform'd with dust, and foul with gore. 
 
 Then near I drew, the features to survey, 
 
 But found the sword had lopt the head away; 385 
 
 The right hand sever'd ; and the body round. 
 
 From back to breast, was pierc'd with many a wound. 
 
 Nor far from thence the empty helm was laid. 
 
 Where the white eagle stood, with wings display'd. 
 
 While some we sought from whom the truth to hear. 
 
 We saw a village swain approaching near ; 390 
 
 Who, having spy'd us, fled with sudden fear. 
 
 Him following soon we seize; he trembling stands. 
 
 And gives a full reply to our demands. 
 
 That he, the former day, conceal'd, had view'd 395 
 
 A band of warriors issue from the wood. 
 
 Whose mien and arms the Christians' likeness show'd. 
 
 One by the golden locks sustain'd a head. 
 
 That newly sever'd seem'd, and freshly bled : 
 
 The face appear'd a youth's, of semblance fair, 400 
 
 The cheeks unconscious of a manly hair. 
 
 Soon o'er the head his scarf the soldier flung. 
 
 And at the saddle-bow the trophy hung. 
 
 This heard, I stripp'd the corse with pitying tears. 
 
 My auxious mind perplex'd with secret fears, 405 
 
 And hilher brought th:sa arms, and orders gave 
 
 ' To yield the limbs the honours of a grave : 
 But if this trunk is what ray thoughts declare, 
 It claims far other pomp, far other care. 
 
 Here Aliprando ceas'd: the leader heard 410 
 His tale with sighs ; he doubted and he fear'd ; 
 By certain signs he wish'd the corse to know, 
 
 ' And learn the hnnd that gave the murderous blow. 
 Meantime the Night, with sable pinions spread. 
 O'er fields of air her brooding darkness shed ; 415 
 And Sleep, the soul's relief, the balm of woes, 
 Lull'd every mortal sense in sweet repose. 
 
 1 Thou, Argillan! alone, with cares opprest, 
 
 ) Revolv'st dire fancies in thy troubled breast! 
 
 ; No quiet power can close thy wakeful eyes, 420 
 But fwm thy couch the downy slumber flies.
 
 «06 JERUSALEM DEL.IVERED. B. Vili. 
 
 Tliis man was boid. of licence unconnn'd, 
 
 Haugrhty of speech, and turbulent of mind : 
 
 Born on the bankj of Trent, his early years 
 
 Were nurs'd in tronbles ani domestic jai-s : 425 
 
 Till exil'd Ihence, he flU'd the hills and strand 
 
 With blood, aiid ravag'd all t^e neighbouring land ; 
 
 When now to war on Asia's plains he came, 
 
 And there in battle gain'd a nobler fame. 
 
 At length, when morning's dawn began to peep, 430 
 
 He clos'd his eyes, but not in peaceful sleep : 
 
 Alecto o'er him sheds her venom'd breath. 
 
 And chains his secses like the hand of Death : 
 
 In horrid shapes she chills him with affright. 
 
 And brings dire visions to his startled sight : Mb 
 
 A headless trunk before him seem'd to stand. 
 
 All pierc'd with wounds, and lopt the better hand : 
 
 Alecto's hand the sever'd visage bore, 
 
 The featuies grim in death, and soil'd with gore ; 
 
 The lips yet seem'd to breathe, and breathing spoke, 
 
 ■Whence, mix'd with sobs, these dreadful accents 
 
 Fly, Argillan ! behold the morning nigh — [broke. 
 Fly these dire tents, the impious le?.der fly ! 
 Who shall my friends from Godfrey's rage defend. 
 And all the fraud* that wrought my hapless end ? 
 Ev'n new thy tyrant burns «^ith cankerd hate, 446 ; 
 And plans, alas ! like mine, thy threateù'd fate : 
 Yet if thy soul aspires to fanie so high, 
 And dares so firmly on its strength rely. 
 Then fly not hence: but let thy reeking bbde 450, 
 Glut with his streaming blood my mournful shade: . 
 Lo I I will presert rise your force to ann, ,; 
 
 To string each nerve, and every bosom warm. 
 
 The vision said ; with belli-h rage inspir'd. 
 His furious breast a sudden ruadness fir'd : 455 
 
 He starts from sleep ; he gazes wild with fear ; 
 With wrath ard venom fill'd his eyes appear : 
 Already ann'd, with eager baste he flew. 
 And round him soon th' Italian warriors drew : 
 High o'er the brave Ricaldo's arms he stood, 460 
 And with these words inflam'd the listening crowd.
 
 B. Vili. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. SOI 
 
 Shall then a savage race, whose barbarous miad 
 No reason governs and no laws can bind. 
 Shall these, insatiate still of wealth and blood. 
 Lay on our willing' necks the servile load ? 466 
 
 Such are the sufferin2:s and th' insulting scorn. 
 Which seven long years our passive train has bor.ie, 
 That distant Rome may blush to hear our shame, 
 And future times reproach th' Italian name : 
 Why should I here of generous Tancred tell, 470 
 WT)en by bis gallant arms Cilicia fell ; 
 How the base Frank by treason seiz'd the land. 
 And fraud usurp'd the prize which valour gain'd ? 
 Nor need I tell, when dangerous deed^ lequire 
 The boldest hands and claim the warriors fire, 475 
 First in the field the flames and sword we bear. 
 And midst a thousand deaths provoke the war : 
 The battle o'er, when bloody tumults cease. 
 And spoils and laurels crown the soldiers' peace, 
 In vain our merits equal share may claim; 4S0 
 
 Theirs are the lands, the triumphs, wealth, and fame. 
 Their insults once might well our thoughts engage. 
 These sufferings justly might demand our rage : 
 But now I name those lighter wrongs uo more. 
 This last dire act surpasses all before. 4s5 
 
 In vain divine aud human laws withstand, 
 Behold Rinahlo murder'd by their hand ! 
 But Heaven's dread thmiders seal not yet their doom. 
 Nor earth receives them in her opening womb I 
 I Rinaldo have they slain, the soldiers' boast, 490 
 
 i Guard of our faith and buckler of our host ! 
 I And lies he unreveng'd ? — to changing skies 
 ' All pale, neglected, unreveng'd he lies ! 
 I Ask ye whose barbarous sword the deed has wroaght ! 
 Tbs deed must open lie to every thought. 495 
 
 All know, that, jealous of our growing fame, 
 Godfrey and Baldwin hate the Latian name. 
 I But wherefore this ? — Be Heaven my witness here, 
 j (That Heaven who bears with wrath the perjur'd 
 swear)
 
 2»S JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. Vili. 
 
 What time this morn her early beams displayed, 600 
 
 I saw confess'd his wretched wandering shade. 
 
 Ah me ! too plain his warning voice reveal'd 
 
 The snares for us in Godfrey's breast conceal'd. 
 
 I saw — 'twas not a dream — before my eyes, 
 
 Where'er I turn, the phantom seems to rise ! 505 
 
 What course for us remains r Shall he, whose hand 
 
 Is stain'd with murder, rule our noble band ? 
 
 Or shall we hence conduct our social train 
 
 Where, distant far, Euphrates laves the plain ? 509 
 
 Where, midst a harmless race, in fields of peace. 
 
 He glads such numerous towns with large increase. 
 
 There may we dwell, and happiea' fate betide, 
 
 Nor shall the Franks with us those realms diride. 
 
 Then let us leave, if such the general mind. 
 
 These honour'd relicks unreveng'd behind ! — 31& 
 
 But ah! if virtue still may claim a part, 
 
 (That frozen seems in every Lntian heart) 
 
 This hateful pest, whose poisonous rage devours 
 
 The grace and glory of th' Italian powers. 
 
 Cut off from life, should pay tlie forfeit due, 6-20 
 
 A great example to the tyrant crew ! 
 
 Then thus I swear, be now your force display'd. 
 
 Let each that hears me lend his glorious aid, 
 
 This arm to-day shall drive th' avenging sword 
 
 Id that fell breast with every treason stor'd ! 625 
 
 In words like these his fiery soul express'd. 
 With dread commotion fill'd each hearer's breast. 
 To arms, to arms ! (th' insensate warrior cry'd) 
 To arms, to arms! each furious youth reply'd. 
 Aleclo 'round the torch of discord whirl'd, 530 
 
 And o'er the field her flames infernal hurl'd; 
 Disdain and madness rag'd without control. 
 And thirst of slaughter fiU'd each vengeful soul. 
 The growing mischief flew from place to place. 
 And soon was spread beyond th' Italian race : bZi 
 Among th' Helvetians then it rais'd a flame. 
 And next diflfus'd among the English name. 
 Kor public sorrow for Rinaldo slain 
 Alone to frenzy fir'd the warrior-train ;
 
 li. vili. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. «00 
 
 But former quarrels, now reviv'd, conspire, 510 
 
 And add new fuel to their present fire. 
 
 Against the Franks they vent their threats aloud; 
 
 No more can Reason rule the madding ciowd. 
 
 So in a brazen vase the boiling stream 
 
 Impetuous foams and bubbles to the brim ; 54i 
 
 Till, swelling o'er the brinks, the frothy tide 
 
 Now pours with fury down the vessel's side. 
 
 Nor can those few, who still their sense retain, 
 
 The folly of the vulgar herd restrain : 
 
 Camillus, Tancred, William, thence remov'd, 550 
 
 Ard every other in command approv'd. 
 
 Confus'd, and wild, th' unthinking soldiers swarm ; 
 
 Through all the camp they run, they haste to arm. 
 
 Already warlike clangors echo round : 
 
 Seditious trumpets give the warning sound. 555 
 
 Ani now a thousand tongues the tidings bear, 
 
 And bid the pious chief for arms prepare. 
 
 Then Baldwin first in shining steel appear'd, 
 
 And stood by Godfrey's side, a faithful guard ! 
 
 I'he chief, accus'd, to Heaven directs his eyes, 560 
 
 -^nd on his God, with wonted faith, relies : 
 
 O Thou, who know'st my soul with zealous care 
 Shuns the dire horrors of a civil war ; 
 From these the veil that dims their sight remove ; 
 Repress their errors, and their rage reprove : 66& 
 To thee reveal'd, my innocence is kaowu, 
 O let it now before the world be shown ! 
 
 He ceas'd ; and felt his soul new firmness prove, 
 
 I With warmth unusual kindled from above : 
 A sudden confidence inspir'd his mind, 570 
 
 While on his Visage hope, emboldea'd, shin'd. 
 
 ' Then, witli bis friends, he went, in awful state, 
 'Gainst those who sought t' avenge Rinaldo's fate. 
 Not loudest clash of arms his course delay'd. 
 Nor impious threats his steps intrepid stay'd. 575 
 
 I His back the cuirass arm'd ; a costly vest 
 
 I The hero wore, in pomp unusual drest ; 
 Bare were his hands, his face reveal'd to sight, 
 Fiis form majestic beam'd celestial light.
 
 210 JERUSALEM DELIVERED^ B. VlIU 
 
 The solden sceptre (ensign of command) 580 
 
 He shook, to still the loud rebellious band ; 
 Such were his arms : while thus the chief appear'd. 
 Sounds more than mixrtal from his lips were heard. 
 
 "What strange tumultuous clamours fill ray ears ? 
 Who dares disturb the peaceful camp with fears ? 
 Thus am I grac'd ? Is thus your leader known, 3S6 
 After such various toils and labours shown ? 
 Is there who now with treason blots my name ? 
 Or shall suspicion sully Godfrey's fame ? 
 Ye hope, perchsince, to see me humbly bend, 590 
 And with base prayers your servile doom attend : 
 Shall then that earth, which witness'd my renown. 
 Behold such insults on my glory thrown ? 
 This sceptre be my guard, fair Truth my shield, 
 And all my deeds in council and in field! 595 
 
 But Justice shall her ear to mercy lend, 
 Nor on th' ofiFender's head the stroke descend. 
 Lo ! for your merits I your crime forgive. 
 And bid you for your lov'd Rinaldo live. 
 Let Argillan alone the victim fall, 600 
 
 And with his blood atone th' ofifence of all. 
 MTio, urg'd by light suspicion rais'd, th' alarms. 
 And fir'd your erring bands to rebel arms. 
 
 While thus he spoke, his looks with glory beam'd, 
 And from his eye the flashing lightning stream'd ; 
 Ev'n Argillan himself, surpris'd and quell'd, GOfi 
 With awe the terrors of his face beheld. 
 The vulgar throng, so late by madness led, 
 W'ho pour'd their threats and curves on his head ; 
 W^ho grasp'd, as rage supply'd, with ready hand, 
 The sword, the javelin, or the flaming brand ; 61 1 
 Soon as they heard his voice, with fear were struck. 
 Nor longer durst sustain their so\ereign's look; 
 But tamely, while their arms begirt him round, 
 Saw Argillan in sudden fetters bound. 615 
 
 So when his shaggy mane a lion shakes. 
 And with loud roar his slumbering fury wakes ; 
 If chance he views the man, whose soothing art 
 First tam'd the fierceness of bis lofty heart,
 
 B. Vili. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 511 
 
 His pride consents th' ig^noble yoke to wear ; 
 He fears the well-knowa voice and rule severe : 
 Vain are his claws, his dreadful teeth are vain. 
 He yields submissive to his keeper's chain. 
 
 'Tis said, that, darting from the skies, was seen, 
 With louring aspect and terrific mien, 
 A winged warrior with his guardian shield. 
 Which full before the pious chief he held ; 
 While, gleaming lightning, in his dreadful hand 
 He shook a sword with gory crimson stain'd : 
 Perchance the blood of towns and kingd.oms, given 
 By frequent crimes to feel the wrath of Heaven. 63 1 
 
 The tumult thus appeas'd, and peace restor'd. 
 Each warrior sheaths again his wrathful sword. 
 Now, various schemes revolving in his thought. 
 His tent again the careful Godfrey sought : 63 S 
 
 Resolv'd by storm the city walls t' assail. 
 Ere the third evening spreads her sable veil ; 
 And theuce he went the timbers hewn to view. 
 Where towering high to huge machines they jrew.
 
 THE 
 
 NINTH BOOK 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED.
 
 THE ARGUMENT, 
 
 SOLYMAN, incited by Alecto, attacks, with his 
 Arabs, the Christian camp by night, and makes 
 a great slaughter; till Godfrey, encouraging 
 his troops, opposes the sudden inojirsion. In 
 ■the mean time, Argantes a7id Clorinda march 
 wiVi their forces from the city, ayidjoin the 
 Arabs. God sends the angel Michael to drive 
 away the demons that assisted the Pagayis, The 
 battle is continued with great fury. Clorinda 
 particnlarly distinguishes herself. ArgiUan, 
 at day-break, escapiyig from his prisov, rushes 
 amongst Vie enemy, and kills many, till he him- 
 self falls by the hand of Solyman. The fortune 
 of the day still remains doubtful : at length, the 
 Christians receiving an unexpected aid. Vie 
 victory declares in their favour. The Pagans 
 are defeated, and Solyman himself is obliged to 
 retreat.
 
 THE 
 
 NINTH BOOK 
 
 OF 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 
 
 IjUT hell's dire fiend, who saw the tumults cease. 
 And every vengeful bosom calm'd to peace. 
 Still unrestrain'd, by Stygian rancour driven, 
 Oppos'd the laws of Fate and will of Heaven : 
 She flies, and where she takes her loathsome fli.^ht, h 
 The fields are parch'd, the sun withdraws his light. 
 For new attempts she plies her rapid wings, 
 And other plagues and other furies brings ! 
 She knew her comrades^ with industrious care. 
 Had driven the bravest champions from the war; 
 That Tancred and Bertoldo's greater son, 1 1 
 
 Remov'd afar, no more in battle shone. 
 Then wherefore this delay ? (the fury cries) 
 ■ Let Solyman th' unguarded foes suj-prise ; 
 ' Fierce on their camp with dread incursion pour, 1 5 
 I And crush their forces in the midnight hour. 
 This said she flew where Solyman commands 
 The roving numbers of Arabia's bands ; 
 That Solyman, than whom none fiercer rose 
 I Among the race of Heaven's rebellious foes : 20 
 Nor could a greater rise, though teeming earth, 
 Again provok'd, had given her giants birth. 
 ' O'er Turkey's kingdom late the monarch reign'd, 
 ) And then at Nice th' imperial seat maintain'd. 
 I Oppo?'d to Greece, the nations own'd his sway, SF> 
 , That 'twixt Meander's flood and Sangar lay;
 
 216 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. t. i\. 
 
 Wbere Mjsians once, and Phrygians, held their place. 
 
 With Ljdia, Poutus, and Eithjnia's race. 
 
 But, 'gainst the Turks and everj faithless crew. 
 
 Since foreign stales their arms to Asia drew, 30 
 
 His lands were wasted, and he twice beheld 
 
 His numerous arm> routed in the tìeld ; 
 
 Till, every chance of waressay'd in vain, 
 
 Expell'd, a wanderer from his native reign. 
 
 To Egypt's court he fled; nor faii'd to meet 3 j 
 
 A royal welcome, and secure retreat. 
 
 With joy the king his valiant guest surveyM ; 
 
 With greater joy receivM his proflFer'd aid : 
 
 Resolv'd in thought to guard the Syrian lands. 
 
 And stop the progress of the Cliristian bands. 40 
 
 But, ere the king would open war declare. 
 He gives to Soljman th' important care. 
 With sums ol gold to raise th' Arabian bands, 
 And teach them to obey a chief's commands. 
 Thus while from Asia and the Moorish reign, 4 'i 
 Th' Egyptian monarch calls his numerous train. 
 To Sol\man the greedy Arabs throng, 
 The lawless sons of violence and wrong. 
 Elected now their chief, Judaea's plains 
 He scours around, aud various plunder gains : jC' 
 The country wide he wastes, and blocks the way 
 Between the Latian army and the sea : 
 And, not forgetful of his ancient hate 
 And the vast ruins of his falling state, 
 He mighty vengeance in his breast revolves, .55 
 
 And greater schemes, as yet unform'd, resolves. 
 
 To him Alecto comes, but first she wears • 
 
 A warrior^s semblance, bent with weight of years; 
 AU wrinkled seem'd her face; her chin was bare; 
 Her upper lip display'd a tuft of hair; 60 
 
 Thick linen folds her hoary head euclose; 
 Beneath her knees a length of vesture flows ; 
 The sabre at her side ; and, stooping low, 
 Her back the quiver bears, her hand the bow. 
 Then thus she spoke : While here our wandering 
 R'.ne o'er the desert plains aiid barren sands ; [bands
 
 B. IX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 917 
 
 Where nothing worthy can reward our toils, 
 
 Where conquest yields us but ignoble spoils; 
 
 See ! Godfrey on th' imperial city falls, 
 
 He shakes the towers, he saps the lofty walls; 70 
 
 And yet we linger (O eternal shame !) 
 
 Till there he brings his arms and vengeful flame. 
 
 Are cots destroy'd, or sheep and oxen gaiu'd, 
 
 The boasted trophies of the Soldan's hand ? 
 
 Will this thy realm restore, retrieve thy name, TU 
 
 And on the Franks avenge thy injur'd fame ? 
 
 Then rouze thy soul ! against the Christian go. 
 
 Now sunk in sleep, and crush the hated foe : 
 
 Thy old Araspes speaks, his counsel hear. 
 
 In peace or exile faithful to thy ear. Sft 
 
 No fear the unsuspecting chief alarms. 
 
 He scorns the Arabs and their feeble arms ; 
 
 Nor deems their tim'rous binds so far can dare. 
 
 In flight and plunder bred, to mix in war: 
 
 Haste, with thy courage rouae thy kindling host, 83 
 
 And triumph o'er their camp, in slumber lost! 
 
 Thus said the fiend; and, breathing in his mind 
 Her venom'd rage, dissolves to empty wind. 
 The warrior lifts his hands, and loud exclaims: 
 O thou ! whose fury thus my heart inflames ! 90 
 
 Whose hidden power a human form bely'd; 
 Behold I follow thee, my potent guide: 
 A mound shall rise, where now appears a plain, 
 A dreadful mound of Christian heroes slain: 
 The field shall float with blood : O grant thy aid, 95 
 (and lead my squadron through the dusky shade. 
 He said ; and iostant bids the troops appear ; 
 The weak he heartens, and dispels their fear: 
 lis warlike transports every breast excite ; 
 laager they burn, and hope the promis'd fight. 100 
 iilecto sounds the trump ; her hand unbinds 
 The mighty standard to the sportive winds; 
 iwift march the bands like rapid floods of flame, 
 iiid leave behind the tardy wings of fame. 
 The fury then resumes her airy flight, lO't 
 
 lid seems a hasty messenger to sight; 
 L
 
 915 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. IX. 
 
 And when the world a dubious light invades. 
 
 Between the setting; day aad rising shades. 
 
 She seeks Jerusalem, and, midst a ring 
 
 Of timid citizens, accosts the king ; 110 
 
 Displaj-s the purpose of th' Arabian power. 
 
 The signal for th' attack, and fatal hour. 
 
 Now had the night her sable curtain spread, 
 And o'er the earth unwholesome vapours shed; 
 The ground no cool relreshing moisture knew, 115 
 But horrid drops of warm and sanguine dew : 
 Monster? and prodigies in heaven were seen; 
 Dire spectres, shrit^king, skim'd along the green : 
 A def'per gloom exulting Pluto made. 
 With added terrors from th' infernal shade. 1 20 
 
 Through this dread darkness tow'rds the tented 
 Secure from fear, the fiery Soidan goes : [foes. 
 
 And, when the night had gaiu'd her middle throne. 
 From whence with rapid speed she courses down; 
 He came, where near the Christian army lay, 125 
 Forgetful of the cares and toils of day. 
 Here first the chief refresh'd bis troops with food, 
 Then thus infiam'd their cruel thirst of blood. 
 
 Survey yon camp, an impious band of thieves. 
 That wore from fortune than desert receives ; 1 30 
 That, like a sea, within its ample breast 
 Absorbs the shining riches of the east : 
 The fates for you these glorious spoils ordain ; 
 (How small the peril, and how vast the gain .') 
 Your uncontested plunder there behold; 13.^ 
 
 Their glittering arms, and coursers deck'd with gold ! 
 Not this the force that could the Persians quell. 
 By whom the powers of Nice in battle fell : 
 What numbers from their native country fai;. 
 Have fall'n the victims of a tedious war ! 140 
 
 M'ere uow their strength the same they once could 
 Thus sunk in sleep, an unresisting host, [boast. 
 
 With ease they mxist resign their forfeit breath ; 
 For short the path that leads from sleep to death! 
 On then, my friends! this falchion first shall gain 
 Ycur entrance to the camp o'er piles of glain. 146
 
 B. IX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. S!9 
 
 From mine each sword shall learn to aim the blow : 
 From miue the stern demands of vengeance know ! 
 This happy day the reign of ( hrist shall end, 
 And liberty o'er Asia's climes extend! I'jO 
 
 He said ; and rouz'd their souls to martial deeds ; 
 Theii slow and silent on his ra irch proceeds. 
 
 Now through the mi-t.» shade* a gleam of light 
 Displays the heedful centry to his sight : 
 By tbi-i hi'* hopes are lo^t, to seize secure 155 
 
 The cautious leader of the Christian power. 
 Soon as the watch their numerous foes espy, 
 They take their flight, and raise a fearful cry: 
 The nearest guards awake : they catch th' alarms. 
 And, rouzing at the tumult, snatch their arms. 160 
 
 Th' Arabian troops no longer silent pass. 
 But barbarous clangors pour through breathing brass t 
 To heaven's high arch the mingled noise proceeds 
 Of shouting soldiers and of neighing steeds : 
 The steepy hills, the hollow vales around, IB."} 
 
 The windi ,g cavern» echo to the sound. 
 Alecto shakes on high th' i;ifernal brand. 
 And gives the signal from her lofty stand. 
 
 First flies the Soldan, and attacks the guard. 
 As yet confus'd, and illforfi^ht prepar'd. ITO 
 
 Rapi J he moves ; far less impetuous raves 
 A tempest bursting from the mountain's caves : 
 A foaming flood, that trees and cots o'erturns; 
 The lightning's flash, that towers and cities burns; 
 Earthquakes, that till with horror every age ; 1 75 
 Are but a faint resemblance of his rage : 
 True to his aim the fatal sword descends ; 
 A wound the stroke. a:id death the wound attends. 
 Dauntless he bears the -torm of hostile blows, 
 And mocks the falchions of the rushing foes : 1 SO 
 His helsTi resounded as th;- weapons fell. 
 And fi-.eflash'd dreadrul from the batter'd steel. 
 
 Now had his arm compeil'd, with single might. 
 The fiiremost squadrons of the Franks to flight : 
 When, like a flood with numerous rivers swell'd 185 
 The nimble Arabs pouralong the field: 
 L3
 
 ?30 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. /X 
 
 The Franks no longer can th' attack sustain ; 
 But backward t\irn, and fly with loosen'd rein. 
 Pursuers and pursu'd, with equal haste, 
 Together mingled, o'er the trenches pass'd : 1 90 
 
 Then with unbounded wrath the victor storm'd. 
 And rage, and woe, and death the camp deform'd. 
 
 A dragon on his casque the Soldan wore. 
 That, stretching, bends his arching neck before; 
 High on his feet he stand? with spreading wings, 195 
 And wreaths his forky tail in spiry rings : [shows ; 
 Three brandish'd tongues the sculptur'd monster 
 He seems to kindle as the combat glows : 
 His gaping jaws appear to hiss with ire, 
 And vomit mingled smoke and ruddy fire ! 300 
 
 Th' aflfrighted Christians through the gloomy light 
 The Soldan view'd : so mariners by night. 
 When ocean's face a driving tempest sweeps. 
 By flashing flames behold the troubled deeps. 
 Some, by their fears irapeli'd, for safety fly; 205 
 And some, intrepid, on their swords rely ; 
 The night's black shade, adds tumult to the press, 
 And by concealing, makes their woes increase. 
 
 Amongst the chiefs, whose hearts undaunted 
 Latinus, born by Tiber's yellow flood, [glow'd, 
 
 Conspicuous o'er the r?st in combat shin'd ; >11 
 
 Nor length of years had damp'd his vig'rous mind: 
 Five sons he told ; and equal by his side 
 They raov'd, in war his ornament and pride: 
 To deeds of early fame their youth he warms, 215 I 
 And sheaths their tender limbs in ponderous arms. 
 These, while they strive to emulate their sire. 
 And glut with blood their steel and vengeful ire. 
 The chief bespeaks : Now prove your valiant hands 
 ^Vbereyon proud foe insults our shrinking bands; 
 Nor let the bloody samples of his force 221 . 
 
 Abate your ardour, or detain your course : 
 For, O my sons ! the noble mind disdains 
 All praise but that which glorious danger gains! 
 
 So leads the savage lioness her young, 235 
 
 Ere yet their necks with shaggy manes are hung;
 
 B. IX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 22Ì 
 
 When scarce their paws the sharpened nails disclose, 
 Nor teeth have arm'd their mouths in dreadful rows ; 
 She brings them fearless to the dangerous chace. 
 And points their furj on the hunters' race; 330 
 
 That oft were wont to piei'ce their native wood. 
 And oft in flight the weaker prey pursu'd. 
 
 Now with the daring band the father goes; 
 These six assail, and Solyman enclose. 
 At once, directed by one heart and mind, 235 
 
 Six mighty spears against the chief combin'd : 
 But, ah ! too bold ! (his javelin cast aside) 
 The eldest born a closer conflict try'd ; 
 And with his falchion vainly aira'd a blow 
 To slay the bounding courser of the foe. 240 
 
 But as a rock, whose foot the ocean laves. 
 Exalts its stately front above the waves. 
 Firm in itself, the winds and seas defies. 
 Nor fears the threats and thunders of the skies : 
 The fiery Soldan thus unmov'd appears 245 
 
 Amidst the threat'ning swords and missive spears. 
 Furious he turns on him who struck the steed. 
 And 'twixt the cheeks and eyebrows parts his head. 
 Swift Aramantes hastes to his relief, 
 And in his pious arras supports the chief: 250 
 
 Vain, unavailing piety is shown, 
 1 That to his brother's ruin adds his own ! 
 
 Full on his arm the Pagan drove the steel ; 
 ; Down the supported and supporter fell ; 
 1 Together fainting in the pangs of death, 256 
 
 i They mix their streaming blood and parting breath. 
 ' Then with a stroke he cuts Sabinus' spear, 
 ' With which the youth had gall'd him from afar : 
 i And rushing on the steed with sudden force, 
 Til' ill-fated stripling fell beneath his ho' se. 260 
 Now trampled on the ground the warrior lies. 
 The mournful spirit from its mansion flies ; 
 I Unwilling leaves the light of life behind, 
 I And blooming youth with early pleasure join'd ! 
 
 But Picus and Laurentes still remain'd ; si6& 
 
 (The sole survivors of the filial band)
 
 252 Jerusalem delivered, b.ix- 
 
 One day first gave this hapless pair to light, 
 MTiose likeness oft deceiv'd their parent^' sijht : 
 But th( se no more with doubt the friends survey'd ; 
 A dire distinction hostile fury made : 270 
 
 From this the head divided rolls in dust : 
 That, in his panting breast receives the thrust. 
 
 The wretched father (father now no more! 
 His sons all slaughter'd in one deathf 1 1 hour!) 
 View'd, in bis offspring breathles* on the place, 275 
 His fate approiching, and his ruiiiM race! [give. 
 
 What power, O muse ! sucb strenirtb in age could 
 Th^t iiiid!-t these woes he still endures to live. 
 Still lives and fights: Perchance the Irie.'dly night 
 Conceal'd the horrors from a father's sight : 280 
 
 Wild through the ranks his raging course he breaks 
 With equal ardour death and conquest seeks: 
 Scarce knows he which his wishes would attain. 
 To slaughter others, or himself he si ijn. 
 
 Then, rushing on tbe foe, alo d L- cries: 28S 
 Dost thou so far this f'^ eble hand despise. 
 Not all its force can urge tb> cruel ra e 
 To cope with wastins: grief and wretched age? 
 
 He ceasM; and, ceasing, aiin'd a dreadful stroke: 
 ThrouE:h steel and jointed mnil t' e falchion broke: 
 The weapon pierc'd th' unwary Paga 's side, 291 
 And rtreami g blood his shinin.' .irmotir dy'd. 
 Rouz'd at the call and wound, at once he turns 
 With bra:dish'd steel: more fell his fury burns : 
 First through his shield he drives, which, seven 
 
 times roli'd, 295 
 
 A tough bi.ll-hide secur'd with winding fold ; 
 A passaee next the corslet's plates afford; 
 Then, in his bowels p'uiig'd, he sheatlis the sword. 
 Unbli ss'd LitiiMis ^obs, and. staggering round. 
 Alternate from his mouth and raping wound 300 
 A purple vomit flows, and stains the ground. 
 As fa'ls a mountnin"oak. that, age* pa>t. 
 Has borne the western wi 'd and Morthern blast. 
 When, rooted from the place where once it stood, 
 It crushes in its fall the neighbouring wood : 306
 
 B. IX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 23? 
 
 So sunk the chief, anil more than once he drew 
 To g:race his fate, and ev'n in dyins: slew : 
 Glorious he fell, and in his latest brt-ath 
 With dreadful ruin scatter'd fc-ar ani dsatb. 
 
 While thus his inward liate the Soldan fed, 310 
 And gli;tted his revenge with bills of dead ; 
 The Arabs ponr impetuous oe'r the field : 
 The fai. ti g Chritians to their furj' yield. 
 Then E.iglish Heiiry, Holipbeines, slain 
 By thee, O tierce Dragutes ! press'd the plain, 315 
 Gilbert withPbil'p Ari^leius slew. 
 Who on the banks of Rhine th"ir baiug drew. 
 Beneath Albazar's mace Ernesto fell, 
 And Enfcerlan by Algazelles' steel. 
 But who the vafious kinds of death can name, 320 
 And multitudes that sunk unkno^vn to Fame ? 
 
 Meantime the tumults Godfrey's slumber broke ; 
 Alarm'd he started, a.d his couch forsook : 
 Now, clad ill arms, he cail'd a band with speed, 
 And forth he mov'd intrepid at their head. 335 
 
 But nearer soon tl\' increasing clamours drew, 
 Andari the tumults opei'd to the view. 
 He knew the Ar-b- scourMth<i country far, 
 Yet f^^ever deem'd th; ir insolence would dare 
 To storm liis trenches with offensive war. 330 
 
 Thus while he marciie^, from the adverse side. 
 To arms! to arms! a thousand voices crv'd: 
 At oncc- a barbarous shout was rais'd o ; high. 
 And dreadfi.l howli gs eciio'd to the sky. 
 These were the troops of Aladme, who came 335 
 Led by Argantes and the warrior-dame. 
 To noble Gue'pho, who h's st^: \oj. took 
 The next in arras, the '^hristi^n leader poke. 
 
 Hark I what new din of battle, I ib^i.ring on. 
 Swells ;ro n the hilK and thicken'^ from the town; 
 This claims thy courage, thi** thy skill lemaaJs, 
 To meet the onset of the approaching ba- ds. 
 Go then, yon quarter from th-ir rag»^ •secure; 
 But first divide with me my martial power;
 
 2V4 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. VA'. 
 
 Wvself will OD a diQerent hand engage 345 
 
 The daring foe, and check their impious rage. 
 
 This having said ; the chiefs divides their force. 
 And take, with equal cares, a varied course; 
 Guelpho to reach the hill ; while Godfrey drew 
 To where, resistless, rag'd th' Arabian crew 350 
 
 While as he march'd the distant fight to gain, 
 Supplies w ere added to bis eager train ; 
 Till now a powerful numerous band he led, 
 And saw where Solyman the slaughter spread. 
 So where the Po first leaves his native hilk, 35$ 
 His river scarce the scanty channel fills: 
 But as new streams he gathers in his course. 
 He swells his waves, and rises in his force ; 
 Above the banks liis homed front he shows, 
 And o'er the ie\e\ meads triumphant flows ; mo 
 
 'J hroiigb many cun-ents make his rapid way. 
 And carries war, not tribute, to the sea. 
 
 ^\ here Godfrey sees his tim'rous bands retreat, 
 He thus upbraids them with a generous heat. 36* 
 
 M hat fear is this, and whither bends your pace ? 
 Oh ! turn and view the foes that give you chacef 
 A b.ise degenerate throng, that neither know 
 To give, nor take, in fight a manly blow : 
 O turu again ! your trusty weapons rear : 
 Your lookji will freeze their coward souls with fear. 
 
 This said : he spuiT'd bis steed, and eager flew 
 ^ hi-re murderous Solyman appear'd iu view. 
 Through streaming blood and clouds of dust he goes, 
 Through wounds and death amidst surrounding foes ; 
 'J hrough breaking ranks his furious course he guides, 
 And the close Phalanx with his sword divides : J7C 
 No foes, on either hand, the shock sustain; 
 Arms, steeds, and warriors tumble to the plain : 
 High O'er the slaughtered heaps, with bounding 
 The glorious leader drives his foaming horse, [course. 
 Til' intrepid Soldan sees the storm from far, 381 
 Xor turns aside, nor shuns the proffer'd war; 
 But. eager for the strife, his foe defies, 
 ■\\ hirU Uis broad sword and to the combat flies.
 
 J5. IX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 225 
 
 In these what matchless warriors fortune sends 385 
 To prove their force from earth's remotest ends! 
 With virtue, fury now the conflict tries 
 In little space, the Asia» world the prize! 
 What to.ig"ue the horrors of the fight can tell, 390 
 How gleim'd their falchions and how swift they fell 
 I pass the dreadful deeds their arms displaj'd. 
 Which envious night conceal'd in gloomy shade; 
 Deeds that might claim the sun and cheerful skies 
 And all the world fo view with wondering eyes ! 
 Their courage soon the Christian bands renew, 396 
 And their brave leader's d uing course pursue : 
 Their choicest warriors Solyman enclose, 
 And round him thick the steely circle grows. 
 Not less the Faithful, than the Pagan band, 
 "With streaming blood distain the thirsty land; 4(10 
 By turns the victors and the vanquish'd mourn. 
 And wound for wound, and death for death return. 
 As when, with equal force, and equal rage. 
 The north and south in mighty strife engage ; 
 Nor this, nor that, can rule the seas or skies, 405 
 But cloi'ds on clouds and waves on waves arise: 
 So far'd the b^.ttle in the doubtful field : 
 Nor l;ere nor there the firm battalions yield ; 
 With horrid clangor swoids to swords oppos'd 
 Shields clash'd with shields, with helmets helmets 
 No less in other parts the battle rag'd, [clos'd. 
 Nor less the throng of warring chiefs engag'd ; 
 High o'er the hosts the Stygian fiends repair, 
 Aiid hell's black myriads fill the fields of air. 
 These vigour to the Pagan troops supply ; 415 
 
 Nolte h^tbour fear, or turn their steps to fly : 
 The torch of hell Argantes'soul inspires. 
 And adds new f. ry to his natives fires! 
 He scatters soon in flight the guards around. 
 And leap:i the trenches with in eager bound ; 420 
 W ith mangled limbs be strews the sanguine plain. 
 And fills th' opposing fojse with heaps of slain. 
 Him o'er the level ^pice his troops pursue. 
 And dye the foremost tents with purple hue, 
 L 5
 
 f 26 JERISALEM DELIVERED. B. IX. 
 
 Close at his side appears the martial dame, 4 i i 
 
 Whose soul disdains the second place in fame. 
 Now fled the Franks ; when sudden drew at band 
 The noble Guelpho with his welcome band : 
 He stopp'd with generous zeal, their fearful course. 
 And turn'd them back to face the Pagan force. 1 JO 
 
 \\ hile thus on either side the combat stood. 
 And streaming gore in equal rivers flow'd. 
 The Heavenly Monarch, from his awful height 
 Declin'd hi? eyes, and view*d the dreadful fight. 
 There, plac'd aloft, presides th' Omniscient Cause, 
 And orders all with just and equal laws, 436 
 
 Above the confines of this earthly scene. 
 By ways unsearchable to mortal men. 
 There, on eternity's unbounded throne. 
 With triple light he blazes. Three in One! 410 
 
 Aem-ath his footstep Fate and Nature stand : 
 Bnd Time and Motion wait his dread command. 
 J j There power and riches no distinction find ; 
 f Nor the frail honoui-s that allure mankind : 
 Like dust and smoke tlie.\ fleet before his ejes; 415 
 He mocks the valiant, and confounds the wise! 
 There t rom the blaze of his effulgent light. 
 The purest saints w ithdraw their dazzleil sight ; 
 Around th" unnumbei'd blest for ever live ; 
 And, though unequal, equal bliss receive: 450 
 
 The tuneful choirs repeat their Maker's praise: 
 The heavenh realms resound the sacred lays. 
 
 Then thus to Michael spoke the Word Divine; 
 (Michael who^e arms with lucid di'mond shine) 
 See'st thou not yonder from tli' infenial coast 4 53 
 Mhat impious bands distress my faxour'd host ? 
 Go — bid them swift forsake the deathful scene, 
 And leave the business of the war to men ; 
 Nor longer dare amongst the livi; g rise. 
 To blot the lustre of the purer skies; 460 
 
 Bi>t seek the shades oi Acheron beneath, 
 Th' allotted re.Tlms of punishment and death ! 
 There on the souls accurs'd < mploy their bate; 
 Thus have i will'd; and what I will is fate.
 
 B. IX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. «97 
 
 He ceas'd : With reverence at the high command 
 Low bow'd the leader of the mnged band : 466 
 
 His golden pinions he displays, and speeds 
 With rapid flight, that mortal thought exceeds. 
 The fier}' r.^gion past, the seats of rest 
 He leaves (eternal mansions of the blest!) 470 
 
 From thence he passes through the crystal sphere 
 That whirls around with every shining star ; 
 Theuce to the left, before his piercing eyes. 
 With diflferent aspects, Jove and Sat-irn rise ; 
 And every star that mortals wandei-ing call, 476 
 Though God's high power alike directs them all. 
 Then from the fields that flame with endless day. 
 To where the storms are bred, he beads his way; 
 WTiere elements in mix'd confusion jar. 
 And order springs from universal war. 480 
 
 The bright archangel gilds the face of night. 
 His heavenly features dart resplendent light : 
 So shines the beamy sun through showery skies, 
 And paints the fleecy clouds with various dies : 
 So through the liquid regions of the air, 4Si 
 
 With rapid radiance, shoots a falling star. 
 But now arriv'd, where hell's infernal crew 
 Their venom'd rage amongst the Pagans threw, 
 Heveriug in air on pinions strong he stay'd. 
 And shook bis lance, and awful thus he said. 490 
 
 Your force has prov'd the Sovereign of the World, 
 What thunders fr.ira his dreadful hand are hurl'd : 
 O blind in ill! that no remorse can know. 
 In torture proud, and obstinate in woe ! 
 The sacred Cross shall conquer Sion's wall; 49a 
 Her gates must open, and her bulwarks fall : 
 And who shall Fate's resistless will withstand. 
 Or dare the terrors of th' Almighty's hand ? 
 Hence the;;, ye cursed ! to your realms beneath, 
 The realms of torment and eternal death! 5(10 
 
 There on devoted souls eiuploy your rage ; 
 Be there your triumphs, there the wars ye wage : 
 Th?re, midst the sounding whips, the din of chains. 
 And gnashing teeth, laments, and endless pains!
 
 ^28 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. lì. IX 
 
 He said; and those that lingrerin? seem'd to move. 
 Resistless with bis fatal lance he drove. 50G 
 
 With sighs, reluctant, from the tield thev fly, 
 -And leave the golden stars and upper skv. 
 And spread their pinions to the realms of woe, 
 To wreak their fury on the damn'd below. 510 
 
 Not o'er the seas in e<iual n ambers fly 
 The feather'd race, to seek a warmer sky : 
 Not, when the wood the wintry blast receives. 
 In equal number Autumn strews her leaves. 
 Freed from th' infernal train and st.>gian glooms. 
 Serene the nijrht her wonted face resumes. 516 
 
 But not the less Argantes' fury grlows, 
 Thougrh hell no more her venora'd fire bestows ; 
 He whirls his sword with unresisted rage. 
 Where, closelj press'd, the ( hristian bands engage : 
 The high and low his equal prowess feel ; 531 
 
 The bravest warriors sink beneath his steel. 
 Alike the carnage fierce Clorinda spread. 
 And strew'd the field with heaps of mangled dead. 
 Through Berlinger the fatal sword she guides, 595 
 And rives his heart where panting lite resides : 
 The pointed steel its furious passage tore. 
 And issu'd at his back besmear'd with srore. 
 Albine she wounds, where fir«t the child receives 
 His food; and Hallus' head asunder cleaves. 63^ 
 Then Gernier's better hand, that aim'd a blow. 
 She sends divided to the plain below ; 
 Yet still the parted nerves some life retain, 
 The trembling finger* still the falchion strain: 
 Di«sever'd thus a serpent's tail is seen 53ft 
 
 To seek the part divided on the green. 
 The foe thii= mnim'd, the dame no longer stay'd. 
 But 'gainst Achilles ran with trenchant blade : 
 Between the neck and nape the weapon flew ; 
 The neck it cleft, and cut the nerves in two : 64» 
 First tumbled on the plain the parted head, 
 AVith fli.-t obscene the pallid face wa* spread; 
 While in the saddle by the steed sustain'd. 
 Dreadful to view!) the headless trunk remain *d ;
 
 fi. IX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 229 
 
 Bnt soon tb' unffovem'd courser with a bound 546 
 Shook the sad b; rthen to th' fnsansui.'d ground. 
 
 While thus th' unconquer'd maid such numbers 
 And the thick stiuadions of the west o'erthrew ; [slew. 
 No te=;s Gildippe fair the slaughter led, 
 And on th^ S 'racens her fury fed. 550 
 
 The same hei- sex, her dauntless mind the same. 
 And equal valour shone in either dame. 
 But thesf^ to meet in battle Fate withstand? : 
 Both dcom'd to prove the force of greater hands. 
 Now this, now that essays to pierce the tide, 555 
 In vain; the throng of troop- the pass denj'd. 
 The noble Guelpho's sword < 1( rinda found, 
 And in her tender side impress'd a wound, 
 That ting'd the steel : the maid on vengeance bent, 
 Betwb.t his ribs her cruel arswer «ent. 560 
 
 Guelpho his stroke renew'd, but miss'd the foe; 
 O-i'iida, as be pass'd, receiv'd the blow : 
 Det'p in his front the deadly steel he found, 
 And perish'd by another's destin'd wound. 
 The numerous troops by Guelpho led, enclose 565 
 Their valiant chief; more thick the tumult grows; 
 %^ hile various bands from distant parts unite, 
 And swell the fury of the mingled fi^^U 
 Aurora now, in radiant purple drest. 
 Shone from the portals of the golden east : 570 
 
 When, midst the horrid clang and mingled cries, 
 Intrepid Argillan from prison flies: 
 The readiest arm« he s ratch'd with eager haste. 
 And soon his limbs in shining steel were cas'd: 
 Eagi-r he come=, t' efface his f rmer sh.ime 575 
 \ Wiih glorious actions in the field of fame. 
 " As when, to bnttie bred, the courser, freed 
 I From plenteous stalL=, resrains the wonted mead, 
 ' There unrestrain'd amid the herds he roves. 
 
 Bathes ill the stream, and wantons i;: the groves; 
 1 Hi« mane disl^evt-ll'd o'er his shoulder'^ spread, 581 
 I He ^h^kf s his neck, and bears aloft his head : 
 I His nostrils flame, his horny hoofs resound. 
 And his loud neighing fills the valleys round.
 
 S30 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. IX. 
 
 So Argillan appears! so fierce he shows, 5S4 
 
 While in his looks undaunted courage glows : 
 He bounds with headlong speed the war to meet, 
 And scarcely prints the dust beneath his feet : 
 When, midst the foes arriv'd, aloud he cries, 
 As one whose fury all their force defies : 590 
 
 Refuse of eaith! \e vile Arabian bands! 
 ■WTiat boldness now impels your coward hands : 
 Your limbs unusM the arms of men to wield, 
 To bear the helmet, or sustain the shield : 
 Naked ye come, and fearful to the fight, 595 
 
 Chance guides your blows, your safety lies in flight : 
 Nocturnal deeds are all your power can boast. 
 When friendly ni:;ht assists your trembling host : 
 What now remains 5 The beams of day requin' 
 The warriors weipojis and the warrior's fire. 600 
 
 Raging he said ; and, rushing as he spoke. 
 At Alga^elles aim"d a mortal stroke ; 
 His jaws he cleft, and stopt his ready tongue. 
 While on his lips imp^ rfect accents huug : 
 A sudden darkness shades his «wimming eyes; ed/ 
 Through every vein a chilling tremor Hie'; : 
 Headlong he falls, and brcatlies his latest breath. 
 And bites the hated soil in pangs of deith. 
 With fury next on Saladine he flew. 
 And Agricaltes and Mulasses slew : 010 
 
 Then Aldiazelles' side his falchion found. 
 And cleft hira through with one continued wouud : 
 Through Ariadenus" brens-t the steel he guides, 
 A.id the falfu chief witli bitter taunts derides ; 
 The dying warrior li'ts his languid eyes, Gib 
 
 And to th' insulting \ictoi- thus rep!ies. 
 
 Not thou, whoe'er thou art, with vaunting breatb 
 Shalt long enjoy the triumph of my death : 
 Like fatf atteads thee ; by a mightier band 
 Thou too must fall, and press with me the sand. 
 
 Then Argillan, severely smiling, cry'd : 681 
 
 Let Heaven's high will my future fate decide; 
 Die thou ! to ravenous dogs and fowls a prey- 
 Then with his foct he press'd him as he lay. 
 And rent at once the etee! and life away. 6i5
 
 B. IX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 231 
 
 Meanwhile a stripling of Ihe Soldan's train 
 Mix'd in the shock of arms and fighting men : 
 In his fair cheeks the flower of youth was seen. 
 Nor jet the down had fledg'd his tender chin : 
 The sweat that trickled on his blooming face, 630 
 Like orient pearls, iinprov'd the blushing grace : 
 The dust gave beauty to his flowing hair. 
 And wrath was pleasing in a form so fair. 
 He rode a courser white as new-fall'n snow 
 On hoary Appeonine's aspiring brow : 635 
 
 Nor winds nor flames his swiftness could exceed, 
 Practis'd to turn, and matchless in his speed : 
 Grasp'd in the midst, the youth a javelin bore ; 
 A crooked sabre at his side he wore : 
 With barbarous pomp (resplendent to behold!) 610 
 He shone in purple vestments wrought with gold. 
 
 While thus the boy (whom martial fires inflame, 
 Pleas'd with the din of arms, and new to fame) 
 Now here, now there, o'erthrew the warring band, 
 And met with none his fury to withstand ; 645 
 
 Fierce Argiilan, advancing, near him drew, 
 Then with a sudden stroke his steed he slew. 
 And on the tender foe impetuous flew. 
 In vain with moving prayers he sues for grace. 
 In vain he begs with supplicating face; 630 
 
 The sword is rais'd against the bloomii'g boy. 
 The fairest work of nature to destroy : 
 Yet pity seem'd to touch the senseless steel ; 
 The edge turn'd, harmless, as the weapon fell : 
 But what avaiPd it ? when the cruel foe, 655 
 
 With the shaip point, refriev'd his erring blow. 
 
 Fierce Solyman, who, thence not distant far. 
 By Godfrey press'd, maiatain'd a doubtful war ; 
 Soon as his favourite's dangerous state he spies, 
 Forsakes the fight, and to his rescue flies ; 660 
 
 Now with his thundering sword the ways are freed : 
 He comes t' avenge, but not prevent the deed. 
 He sees, alas! his dear Lesbinus slain, 
 lyike a young flower that withers on the plain.
 
 «32 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. IX. 
 
 His dving eyes a trerabJing lustre shtd ; 665 
 
 On his fair neck decliii'd his drooping head ; 
 His lauguiil face in mortsl palenes? cliarin'd, 
 And every breast to soft corapission warm'd : 
 Untouch'd before, now melts the marble heart. 
 And midst his wrath, the sushing sorrows start. 670 
 And weep'st thou Solymai' ! at pity's call. 
 Who. tearless, saw thy mightj. kingdom's fall ? 
 But when his eyes the hostile weapon view'd. 
 Still warm and reeking in the stripling's blood, 
 Th' indiirnant fury boilin? in his breast 675 
 
 Awhile his pity and his tears suppr ss'd. 
 On Argilla» the rapid steel he drives. 
 At once th' opposing shield and helmet rives, 
 And cleaves his head beneath the weiiihty blow : 
 A wound well worthy of so great a foe ! 680 
 
 His wrath still unappeas'd, he quits his steed. 
 And wreaks his vengeance on the warrior dead. 
 So with the stone, that gal I'd him from afar. 
 The mistiflF wage» univailing war. 
 01 vai:i attempt his sorrows to allay, 68& 
 
 By rage insensatr- ou the breathless clay ! 
 
 Mea :time the leader of the Christian train, 
 Nor spends his anger, nor his blows in vain. 
 A thousand Turks against him held the tield, 
 Arm'd with the jointed mail, the helm, and shield: 
 Their limbs robust to hardy toils were bred ; 691 
 And skili'd in light, their souls no danger dread. 
 These oft wi'h Solyii^an in battle stood, 
 And midst the d<^«erts late his steps pui"su'd ; 
 In Araby partook his wandering state, 69i 
 
 The faithful partners of his adverse fate: 
 Thest^, close collected in one. dariug band. 
 The pre-sing v ilour of the Franks withstand. 
 Here noble Godfrey well his falchion ply'd. 
 And pierc'd Corcutes' brow, Rosteno's side ; 700 
 Then from the shoulders sever'd Seiim's head. 
 And lopp'il Rosano's arms with trenchant blade. 
 Nor th se alone, but numbers more he kill'd, 
 And mangled trunks and limbs bestrew'd the field.
 
 B. IX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 233 
 
 While thus he fought against the Turkish band. 
 And with intrepid force their rage sustain'd ; 706 
 While fortune still with equal pinions flew, 
 Nor hopes of conquest left the Pagan crew ; 
 Behold a clond of rising dust appear. 
 Teeming with threatening arms, and big with war; 
 And hence a sudden flash of armour bright 711 
 FilPd all the Pagan host with panic fright. 
 Of purple hue there fifty warriors held 
 A Cross triumphant in an argent field. 
 Had I an hundred mouths, an hundred tongues, 715 
 A voice of iron breath'd from iron lungs, 
 , I could not all the Pagan numbers tell 
 'That b}- this troop's impetuous onset fell: 
 ' The fearful Ai'ab sinks ; the Turk in vain 
 Resists the storm, and fights but to be slaiu. 720 
 Around the field in various forms appear. 
 Rage, horror, cruelty, and abject fear : 
 On every side, exulting, death is found. 
 And purple torrents deluge all the ground. 
 
 Now with a squadron, issuing from the gate, 7 25 
 I (Unconscious of the Pagan's woeful state) 
 King Aladine appear'd, and from his height 
 Beheld the subject plain and doubtful fight : 
 Full soon his eyes the scene of slaughter meet, 
 , And strait he gives command to sound retreat : 730 
 
 And oft the monarch calls, but calls in vain, 
 , Clorinda and Argantes from the plain : 
 
 The furious couple still reject his prayer, 
 i With carnage drunk, insatiable of war ! 
 ' At length they yield : yet every means they try'd 
 . Their troops in order from the field to guide, 73(5 
 ; But who with laws can coward souls restrain ? 
 
 The rout is general 'mongst th' affrighted train : 
 ! This casts aside his shield, and that his sword ; 
 These useless burthens no defence afford. 740 
 
 r) vale between the camp and city lies, 
 I Stretch'd from the western to the southern skies ; 
 ' There fled the tim'rous bands, with many a groan, 
 I And clouds of dust roU'd onward to the town.
 
 234 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. IX, 
 
 The Christian powers pursue their eager chace, 745 
 With dreadful blaugbter of the Pagan race : 
 But when, ascending, near the walls they drew, 
 Where with his aid, the king appear'd in view. 
 His victor-force the cautious Guelpho stav'd. 
 Nor would the dangerous rocky height invade : 750 
 "While Aladjne collects his men with care, 
 The scatter'd remnants oi succes>iful war. 
 
 The Soldan's waiaiu? strength can now no more, 
 (The utmost stretch essa>'d of human power) 
 His breath in shorter pautings comes and goes, 755 
 And blood with sweat from every member flows. 
 His arm grows weak beneath the weighty shield ; 
 His weary hand can scarce the falchion wield : 
 Feebly he strike^ and scarce can reach the foe. 
 While the blunt weapon aims a fruitless blow. 760 
 And now he paus'd awhile, immersed in thought, 
 A labouring doubt within his bosom wrought: 
 If by his own illustrious hand to bleed. 
 Nor leave the foes the glory of the deed ; 
 Or if, sunivor in the fatal strife. 765 
 
 To quit the field, and «ave his threateu'd life. 
 Fate has subdu'd (at length the leader cry'd) 
 My shame shall swell the haughty victor's pride : 
 Again tb' insulting foe my flight shall view, 
 Agaiu ray exile with their -for:i pursue; 770 
 
 But soon behold me turn in arms again 
 To blast their peace, and shake their tottering reign. 
 Nor jield I now — my rage shall burn the same; 
 Eternal wrongs eternal ven°eance claim : 
 Still will 1 rise a more inveterate foe, 775 
 
 And, dead, pursue them from the shades below !
 
 THE 
 
 TENTH BOOK 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED.
 
 THE ARGUMENT: 
 
 SOLYMAX, ifi his journey to Gaza, is accosted 
 by Ismeno, who persuades him to return ; 
 and conrcys him in an enchanted chariot to 
 Jerumlem. The magician conducts the Sol- 
 dan through a subterraneous cave into the 
 city, and brings him to the council-hall, where 
 he stands, concealed in a cloud, and hears the 
 debates. The speeches of Argantes and Or- 
 canez. Solyman at last discovers himself, and' 
 is received with Vie greatest joy by the king. 
 In the mean time it is known to Godfrey, 
 tliat the warriors who came to his assistance 
 were those who had followed Armida. One of 
 them relates to the general their adventures. 
 Peter foretells the return and future glory qf 
 Rinaldo.
 
 THE 
 
 TENTH BOOK 
 
 OF 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 
 
 W HILE thus the Soldan spoke, a steed he spy'd. 
 That wander'd near, unburthen'd of his guide ; 
 Then instant, spent with toil and faint with heat. 
 He seiz'd the reins and pre«à'd the welcome seat : 
 Fall'n is his crest, that late so dreadful rose, 5 
 
 His helm disgrac'd no niore its splendor shows ; 
 His regal vesture strews the dusty plains, 
 And not a trace of all his pomp remains ! 
 
 As, from the nightly fold, the wolf pursu'd, 
 Flies to the shelter of the friendly wood ; 10 
 
 Though fiU'd with carnage, still he thirsts for more. 
 And licks his ravenous jaws impure with gore : 
 So fled the Soldan, from the field compell'd. 
 Still bent on slaughter, still his rage unquell'd : 
 Safe from surrounding spears he took his flight, 1 S 
 And-all the deathful weapons of the fight: 
 Alone, unseen, the warrior journey 'd on. 
 Through solitary paths, and ways unknown : 
 His future course revolving in his mind ; 
 Now here, now there, his doubtful thoughts inclin'd. 
 At length he fix'd to seek the friendly coast 21 
 
 Where Egypt's king collects his powerful host. 
 And join with him his fortune in the field, 
 I To prove what arms another day would yield. 
 And, thus resolv'd, the well-known course he bore 
 That led to ancient Gaza's sandy shore. 26 
 
 1
 
 «38 JERL' SALEM DELIVERED. B. X. 
 
 Though now hi« weary limbs require repose. 
 
 And every wound with kv^cner an^ish glows; 
 
 Yet all the day be fled with eirer haste. 
 
 Nor left his coiirsr-r. nor his mail unbrac'd. 30 
 
 But when the dusky gloom perplex'd the sight. 
 
 And objects lost their colour by the night. 
 
 He swath'd his wound» ; a palm-tree near him stood 
 
 From this he shook the fruit ; (his homely food '.) 
 
 His hunger thus appeas'd, the ground he press'd, 35 
 
 And sought to ease his limbs with needful rest; 
 
 On his hard shield his pensive head reclin'd. 
 
 He strove to calm the tumult of his mind. 
 
 Disdain and gtief his heart alternate rend. 
 
 And like two vultures in his breast contend. 40 
 
 At length when night bad gain'd her midmost way, 
 
 And all the world in peaceful silence lay, 
 
 O'ercome with labour, sleep his eyes oppress'd, 
 
 And sfeep'd his troubles, in Lethean rest. 
 
 "While thus on eirth he lay, a voice severe, 45 
 
 M ith these upbr tiding*, thunder'»! in his ear. 
 
 O! Solyman! rei ardles chief, awake I — 
 In happier hours thy gr;iteful slumber take. 
 Beneath a foreii'n >oke th> si bjects bend. 
 And jtraiigers o'er th> land their rule extend. 50 
 Here dost thou sleep ; here close thy careless eyes, 
 M'hile uniuterr'd each lok'd associate lies ? 
 Here, where thy fame his felt the hostile scorn. 
 Canst thou unthinking, wait the risi ig munì ì 
 
 The Soldan wak'd, then rais'd his si^ht, tud view'd 
 A sire, of rverend mien, who near him stood: 56 
 Feeble he 'eem'd with age, his steps to guide 
 A friendly st ff its needful aid supply *d. 
 Say, what art thou, who dar>t (the monarch cries) 
 Di-pel <ofi ^lumlKT from the traveller's eyes t 60 
 What p.. t canst thou in all our glory claim. 
 And what to thee our vengeance or our shame ? 
 
 In me behold h friend, (the stranger siid) 
 To whom in par' thy p\.rpose stands display'd : 
 And hfre I proffer, with auxiliar care, €ù 
 
 Ih all thy labours and designs to share.
 
 li. A. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 239 
 
 Forgive my zeal ; reproaches oft inspire 
 The noble mind, and raise the hero's fire. [strain ! 
 Thou seek'st th' Egyptian kinjr — such thoughts re- 
 Nor tempt a long and toilsome tract in vain ; 70 
 Ev'n now the monarch calls his numerous bands. 
 And moves his camp t' assist Judaea's lands. 
 Think nor thy worth at Gaza can be shown. 
 Nor 'gainst our foes can there thy force be known ; 
 But follow where I lead, and, safe from harms, 75 
 Within yon wall, begirt by Latian arms. 
 To place thee, ev'n at noon of day, I swear. 
 Without the brandish'd sword or lifted spear. 
 New toils, new dangers there thy arms attend ; 
 There shall thy force the town besieg'd defend, 80 
 Till Egypt's host, arriv'd, their succour yield, 
 And call thy courage to a nobler field. 
 
 Thus while he spoke, the listening Turk araaz'd. 
 Full on the hoary sire in silence gaz'd: 
 His haughty looks no more their fierceness boast, 83 
 And all his anger is in wonder lost. 
 
 Then thus : O father ! ready to obey, 
 Behold I follow where thou point'st the way : 
 But ever best that counsel shall I prize, 
 W here most v.f toil, where most of danger lies. 90 
 The sire his words approv'd; then search'd with 
 Each recent wound, annoy'd by chilling air; [care. 
 With powerful juice, instill'd, his strength renew'd. 
 And eas'd the pain, and stanch'd the flowing blood. 
 Aurora now her rosy wreaths displays, 95 
 
 And Phoebus gilds them with his orieut rays. 
 Time calls (he cries) the sun directs our way,^ 
 That summons mortals to the toils of day. 
 Then to a car, that near him ready stood. 
 He pass'd; the chief of Nice his steps pursu'd; 100 
 They mount the seat, the stringer takes the reins. 
 Before the lash the coursers scour the plains ; 
 \ They foaia, they neigh, their smoking nostrils blow, 
 I And the champ'd bits are white with frothy snow. 
 Then (strange to tell) the air, condens'd in clouds. 
 With thickest veil the rolling chariot shrouds; 106
 
 «40 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. X. 
 
 Yet not a mortal sight the mist espj'd. 
 Nor could an engine's force the cloud divide: 
 While from its secret womb, with piercing eyes. 
 They view'd around the plains, the hills, and skie». 
 Struck with the sight his brows the Soldan rais'd, 111 
 And stedfast on the cloud and chariot gaz'd : 
 WTiile on their course with ceaseless speed they flew: 
 Well by his looks the sire his wonder knew ; 
 And, calling on his name, the chief he shook ; lift 
 ■^Tien, rousing from his trance, the warrior spoke. 
 
 O thon ! whoe'er thou art, whose wondrous skill 
 Can force the laws of nature to thy will ; 
 WTio, at thy pleasure, view'st with searching eyes 
 The human breast, where every secret lies: l-2« 
 If yet thy knowledge (which so far transcends 
 All human thought) to future time extends; 
 O say ! what rest or woe is doom'd by fate 
 To all the toils »f Asia's broken state : 
 But first declare thy name; what hidden art 19ft 
 Can power to work such miracles impart; 
 This wild amazement from my soul remove. 
 Or vain will all thy future speeche« prove. 
 
 To whom, with smiles, the ancient sire reply'd: 
 In part thy wishes may be satisfy'd : 130 
 
 Behold Ismenol (no ignoble name) 
 In ma^ic lore all Syria owns my fame. 
 But that my tongue should distant times relate, 
 And ti-ace the annals of mysterious fate, 
 A greater power dAiies ; thy thoi>ghts exceed 13S 
 The narrow bounds to mortal man decreed. 
 Let each his valour and his wisdom show, 
 To stem the tide of human ills below ; 
 For oft 'tis seen, that with the brave and wise, IS» 
 The power to make their prosperous fortune lies. 
 Thy conquering arms may prove a happier field ; 
 Thy force may teach the boastful Franks to yield : 
 Think not alone th'e city to defend, 
 On which the Latiau foes their fury bend; 
 Confide! be bold ! for fire and sword prepare ; 145 
 A happy issue still may crown the war.
 
 B.X. JERCSALi:?.! DELIVERED. 2U 
 
 Yet to my words atteud, while I recite 
 \V hat, as through clouds, I view with doubtfal liglit. 
 I see, or seem to see, ere many a year 
 Til' eternal planet gilds the rolling sphere, 150 
 
 A chief whose rule shall fertile Egypt bless, 
 \\ ho?e mighty actions Asia shall confess. 
 Let this suffice; not only in the field, 
 Beneath his force the Christian powers shall yield ; 
 But from tbtir race his arms shall rend the swaj-. 
 And all their state usurp'd in ruin lay : 1A6 
 
 Till, fenc'd by seas, within a narrow land 
 Groau the sad relicks of the wretched band. 
 He from thy blood shall spring — Israeno said: 
 And thus the king his generous answer made ; 160 
 (His bosom kindling at the hero's fame) 
 O happy chief! whose deeds such glory claim! 
 For me, let good or ill my life betide. 
 And fortune, as prescrib'd above, provide: 
 No power shall e'er my vigorous mind control, 1 65 
 1 Or bend th' unconquer'd temper t)f my soul : 
 , First shall the moon and stars their course forsake, 
 ' Ere I my foot remove from glory's track. 
 He said ; and, while he spoke, with martial ire 
 His eyeballs flash'd, his visage seem'd on fire. 170 
 
 Thus commun'd they, till near the chariot drew 
 To where the Christian tents appear'd in view : 
 A scene of carnage here their eyes survey'd. 
 Where death appear'd in various forms display'd, 
 Touch'd at the sight, the soldan's tears o'erflow. 
 And all his face is spread with generous woe: 17C 
 He sees, inflam'd with anger and disdain. 
 His mighty standards scatter'd on the plain : 
 iHe sees the Franks exulting o'er the dead. 
 And on his dearest friends in triumph tread : 180 
 'While from the breathless corse the arms they tear, 
 And from the field the glorious trophies bear. 
 There some he views, whose funeral care attends : 
 Th' unburn 'd relicks of their Christian friends : 
 |4nd others here prepare the blazing pyre, 18a 
 
 liVbere Turks and Arabs feed one common fire. 
 M
 
 343 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. X, 
 
 Deeply he sigh'tl, and straight hi« falchion drevr, 
 And from the lofty car impetuous flew : 
 But soon Ismene check'd his eager haste. 
 And in the seat again the warrior plac'd ; 190 
 
 Then sought the hill, while distant on the plain, 
 Behind their course the Christian tents remain. 
 
 Then from the car they 'light (at once from view 
 Dissolv'd in air, the wondrous car withdrew) 
 Still with the cloud inshriu'd. on foot they fare, 195 
 And down the mountain to the vale repair; 
 Mliere Sion's hill, that here begins to rise. 
 Turns its broad back against the western skies. 
 Th' enchanter stay'd ; and now, advancing nigh, 
 Explcr'd the steepy side with heedful eye : 200 
 
 A ho'low cavern open'd, in the stone, 
 A darksome pass, in former ages known. 
 But now with weeds and brambles overgrown : 
 Through this the sorcerer soon the passage try'd, 
 And held his better hand the prince to guide. 205 
 Then thus the Sbldan : Through what darksome 
 Must here my steps by stealth inglorious stray ? [way ? 
 O ratlier grant that, with (his tru=ty blade. 
 Through scatterd foes a nobler path be made. 
 Let not thy feet disdain (Ismeno said) 210 
 
 To tread the path which Herod wont to tread, 
 \Miose fame i.i arms o'er many regions spread. 
 This monarch first the hollow cavern fram'd, 
 l^Tiat time his subjects to the yoke he tam'd : 
 By this he could with ease the tower ascend, 216 
 (Then call'd Antonia from his dearest friend) 
 Thence with hi? troops could leave the town unseen. 
 Or there re-enter with supplies of men. 
 But now to me reveal'd, to me alone 
 Of all mankind, this secret path is known. 220 
 
 This way shall lead us to the r^al seat, - 
 \\ here now the wise and brave in synod meet, 
 Call'd by the anxious king to high debate, 
 ■\Vho fears perhaps too far the frowns of fate: 
 Awhile in silence all their counsels hear, 28.» 
 
 Till, breaking in their sight, thou shalt appe ar 
 And pour thy speech in erery wondering ear.
 
 B. X. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 243 
 
 He said, and ceas'd ; no more the warrior stay'd. 
 But enter'd, with his iruide, the gloomy shade : 229^ 
 Darkling they far'd through patlis conceal'd from 
 And, as they pass'd, the cavern wider grew, [view, 
 Ismeno now unfolds a secret door; 
 They mount by steps long-time disus'd before: 
 Here through a narrow vent, from upper day, 
 Appears the glimmering of a doubtful ray. 235- 
 
 Now from the seats of night their course they bend. 
 And sudden to a stately hall ascend ; 
 Where, with his sceptre, crown'd in awful state, 
 Amidi^t his mournful court the mournful monarch 
 The haughty Turk, within the cloud conceal'd, [sate. 
 In silence stood, and all that pass'd beheld ; 241 
 Then heard the monarch in an awful tone 
 Address the senate from his lofty throne. 
 
 O, faithful peers ! behold the turn of fate ! 
 The last dire day how deadly to our state! 24ft 
 
 From every former hope of conquest thrown. 
 Our safety rests on Egypt's powers alone; 
 But these must join us from a distant land. 
 When present dangers present aid demand. 
 For this I bade you here the council hold, 260 
 
 And each the purport of his thoughts unfold. 
 
 He ceas'd: and soon a murmuring sound ensu'd, 
 Like zephyrs softly whispering through the wood : 
 Till, rising from his seat, with noble pride 
 Aud fearless speech, Ar^rantes thus reply'd. 255 
 
 W hat words are these to damp the martial fire ? 
 IN'o aid from us thy wisdom can require. 
 O I in ourselves our hopes alone must rest, 
 If virtue ever guards th' intrepid breast ; 
 Be that our arms, be that our wish'd supplies, 2C0 
 Nor let us life beyond our glory prize! 
 I -p?ak not this because my anxious mind 
 Despairs from Egypt certain aid to find : 
 Forbid it ! that my thoughts, so far misled, 
 Should doubt the promise which my king has made. 
 But this my ardent soul has long desir'd, 26G 
 
 To find a few with dauntless spirits flr'd ; 
 M 2
 
 »4* JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. X. 
 
 That every chance can view with equal eyes, 
 Can seek for victory, or death despite. 
 
 Orcanes next arose, with plausive grace, 2 70 
 
 Who 'mongst the princes held the noblest place : 
 Once known in arms amid the field he shin'd ; 
 But, to a youthful spouse in marriage join'd. 
 Proud of the husband and the father's name. 
 In slothful ease he stain'd bis former fame. 2 75 
 
 Then thus he spoke ; Well pleas'd the words I heat 
 W'hich spring, O monarch I from the soul sincere; 
 When the full heart with iubred ardour glows, 
 And generous threats the hero's warmth disclose. 
 Should now, transported with a noble rage, 280 
 
 The good Circassian's heat too far engage ; 
 This may we grant to him whose dauntless might 
 Displays like ardour in the field of fight. 
 It rests with thee his fury to control, 
 When youth too far transports his fierj- soul. 2S5 
 Tis thine to view, in equal balance weigh'd. 
 The present danger with the distant aid ; 
 The hostile power that on our city falls. 
 Our new-rais'd ramparts and our mouldering walls, 
 I speak tLe dictates of a faithful heart: 290 
 
 Our town is strong by nature, strong by art ; 
 Yet, sets what mighty schemes the foes intend, 
 What huge machines against the walls ascend ! 
 Th' event remains unknown — I hope and fear 
 The various chances of uncertain war. 295 
 
 Th' unlook'd-for small supply of herds and corn 
 That yester-nigbt within the town was borne. 
 Can ill suffice so vast a city's call. 
 If long the siege should last before the wall : 
 And last it must, though by th' appointed day 300 
 Th' Egyptian forces here their aid display : 
 But what our fate if longer they delay ? 
 Yet grant those succours should prevent in speed 
 Their plighied promise, and our hope exceed : 
 I see not thence the certain conquest won, 305 
 
 Nor from the Christians freed tlie threaten'd town.
 
 B. X. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. Sift 
 
 We must, O king ! with Godfrey meet in fight, 
 Those gallant chiefs, those bands approv'd in might. 
 Whose arms so oft have scatter'd o'er the plain 
 The Syrian, Persian, and Arabian train. 310 
 
 Thou, brave Argantes ! oft compell'd to yield. 
 Hast prov'd too well their valour in the field : 
 Oft hast thoQ fled the foe with eager haste. 
 And in thy nimble feet thy safety plac'd. 
 Clorinda and myself have felt their host ; 315 
 
 Nor let a warrior o'er his fellows boast. 
 Free let me speak, and unrestrain'd by fear, 
 (Though yonder champion scorns the truth to hear. 
 And threatens death) my deep foreboding mind 
 Beholds thesa dreadful foes with fate combin'd : 320 
 Nor troops nor ramparts can their force sustain ; 
 Here shall they fix at last their certain reign. 
 Heaven witness ! what I speak the time requires. 
 Love for ray countrj- and my king inspires ! 
 How wise the king of Tripoli I who gain'd 395 
 
 Peace from the Christians, and his realms retain'd; 
 While the proud Soldan, on the naked plains 
 Now breathless lies, or wears ignoble chains; 
 Or hid in exile, trembling from the strife. 
 Prolongs in distant lands his wretched life ; 330 
 Who, yielding part, with gifts and tribute paid. 
 Had still the rest in peace and safety sway'd. 
 
 He said ; and thus his coward-thoughts disclos'd. 
 With artful words in doubtful phrase compos'd ; 
 Yet durst not plainly his advice declare, 3ib 
 
 To sue for peace, a foreign yoke to wear. 
 But, at his speeches fir'd with just disdain. 
 No more the Soldan could his wrath restrain. 
 To whom Ismeno — Can thy generous ear 
 Without concern these vile reproaches hear ? 340 
 Unwilling have I stay'd. (the chief returns) 
 My conscious soul with just resentment bums. 
 Scarce had be ended, when the mist, that threw 
 Its friendly veil around, at once withdrew ; 
 Dissolv'd in air was lost the fleecy cloud, 346 
 
 And, left in open light, the monarch stood ;
 
 ?4i; JERUSALEM DEL^'EUED. B. X, 
 
 Full in the midst his dreadful front he rears. 
 And sudden thus accosts their wondering: ears. 
 
 Lo ! here the man )ou name, the Soldan stands; 
 No timorous exile fled to distant lands ! 350 
 
 This arm shall yonder dastard's lies disprove. 
 And show what fears his trembling bosom move. 
 I, who of t hristian blood such torrents shed. 
 And pil'd the plain with mountains of the dead ! 
 Left in tf e vaie, by foes begirt in fight 365 
 
 All succours lost ! am I accus'd of flight ? 
 But should this wretch, or any such, again, 
 False to his country, to his faith a stain, 
 Dare, with his words, to shameful peace betray, 
 (Do thou, O monarch ! give my justice way) SCO 
 This falchion shall avenge the hateful part, 
 And stab the treason lurking in his heait. 
 First in one fold shall wolves and lambs remain. 
 One nest the serpent and the dove contain. 
 Ere with the Franks one land behold our state, 3C5 
 On an> terms but everlasting hate ! 
 
 \Miile haughty thus he spoke, with threatening 
 His dreadful hand upon his sword was seen, [mien. 
 Struck with his presence, with his words amazM 
 The pale assistants mute and trembling gaz'd. 370 
 Then, with a soften'd air and milder look. 
 To Aladine he turn'd, and thus he spoke: 
 We trust, O monarch ! welcome aid we bring. 
 When Solyman appears t' assist the kine! 
 
 Then Aladine, who near to meet him drew : 375 
 How glows my heart a friend like thee to view ! 
 No more I feel my slaughter'd legions lost. 
 No more my soul with anxious fears is tost. 
 Thou shalt my reign secure, and soon restore 
 (If Heaven permit) thy own subverted power. 3S0 
 
 This said, around his neck his arms he cast. 
 And with an eager joy his friend embrac'd. 
 Judaea's sovereign then, this greeting done. 
 Gave to the mighty chief his regal throne : 
 Himself, beside him, to the left be plac'd, 3S5 
 
 Ismeno next with equal honours grac'd.
 
 B. X JERUSALEM DELIVERED. à4T 
 
 And while, enquiring every chance of fate, 
 
 Iq converse with the sire the monarch sate. 
 
 To honour Solyman the v. arrior-dame 
 
 Approach'd ; then all, by lier example, came. 390 
 
 Among the rest, Ormusses rose, whose care 
 
 Preserv'd his faithful Arab- from the war : 
 
 These, while the hosts with mutual fury fought. 
 
 By ni;:ht in safety to the walls he brought ; 
 
 And, with supplies of herds and corn convey'd, 395 
 
 Gave to the famish'd town a needful aid. 
 
 Alone, with louring front and -jloomy state. 
 In silence wrapt, the fierce Circassian sate : 
 So seems a lion, couching on the ground, 
 Who sullen rolls his glaring eyes around : 400 
 
 While low his head declin'd with pensive air, 
 The Soldan's looks Orcanes could not bear. 
 
 In council thus Judaea's t3rant sate. 
 The king of Nice and nobles of the state. 
 But pious Godfrey, victor of the day, 405 
 
 Had chas'd his foes, and cleir'd each guarded way : 
 And now he paid his warrior?, slain in fight, 
 The last due honours of the funeral rite ; 
 Then bade the rest prepare (his mandate known) 
 The second day in arms t' assault the town ; 410 
 And threateuM, with machiues of every kind, 
 The rude barbarians in their walls contìn'd. 
 
 The leader soon the timely squadron knew. 
 That brought him aid against the faithless crew : 
 In this the prime of all his friends he view'd, 415 
 Who once the fraudful damsel's track pursu'd : 
 Here Tancred came, who late, by wiles restvain'd, 
 A prisoner in Armida's fort remain'd. 
 For thee, to meet beneath his lofty te.it, 
 Before the hermit and his chiefs, he sent. 420 
 
 Then thus he said: Let some, O warriors! tell 
 Th' adventures that your wandering course befel ; 
 And how you came, by fortune thus convey'd, 
 In nt-ed so great to give such welcome aid.' 424 
 
 He ceas'd ; when, conscious of his secret blame : 
 Each hung his head depress'd with generous shame
 
 248 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B.X. 
 
 At length the British monarch's dearest son, 
 The silence broke, and thus sincere begun. 
 
 We went (whose names, uudrawn, the hm coo- 
 Nor each to each his close design Te\ eaPd, [ceal'd) 
 The darksome paths of treacherous love to trace, 431 
 Lurd by the featun^ of a guileful face : 
 Her words and looks (too late I own the shame) 
 Increas'd our mutual hate, our mutual flame: 
 At length we drew to where, in dreadful ire. 435 
 Heaven rain'd on earth of old a storm of fire, 
 1" avenge the wrongs, which nature's laws endnr'd. 
 On that dire race to wicked deeds inur'd ; 
 UTiere once were fertile lauds and meadows green. 
 Now a deep lake with sulphurous waves was seen : 
 Hence noisome vapours, baleful steams arise, 44J 
 That breathe contagion to the distant skies. 
 In this each ponderous mass is thrown in vain, 
 The slnggiih waters every weight sustain : 
 In this a castle stood, from which there '.ay 44 S 
 
 A narrow bridge t' invite the wanderer's way : 
 We enter'd here; and wondering, saw within 
 Each part present a lovely sylvan scene ; 
 Soft M a> the air, the skies serene and mild, 
 With flowers adorn'd the hills and vallies smil'd : 
 A fountain, 'midst a bower of myrtle shade, 451 
 "With lucid streams in sweet meanders stray'd : 
 On the soft herbage downy slumbers la\ ; 
 Through whispering leaves the fanuing breezes play ; 
 And cheerful songsters warble on the spray. 455 
 I pass the domes our eyes beheld amaz'd. 
 Of costly gold and polishM marble rais'd. 
 
 There on the turf, with shade o'er-arching grac'd, 
 Near purling rills the dame a banquet plac'd'; 
 Where scalptur'd vases deck'd the costly board, 460 
 A\ith viands choice of every flavour stor'd : 
 \N'hate'er to different climes and suns we owe, 
 ^\ Inch earth, or air. or ocean can bestow ; 
 \\ iih all that art improves! and while we sate, 
 An biindred beauteous nymphs in order wait. 465
 
 B. X. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 249 
 
 With gentle speech and soft enticing smiles, 
 She tempers other food and fatal wiles ; 
 While every guest receives the deadly flame, 
 And quaflfs a long oblivion of his fame- 
 She left us now, but soon resum'd her place, 470 
 When anger seem'd to kindle in her face. 
 Within her better hand a wand she bore ; 
 Her left sustain'd a book of magic power : 
 Th' enchantress read, and mutter'd secret charms. 
 When, lo ! a sudden change my breast alarms ! 475^ 
 Strange fancies soon my troubled thoughts pursu'd. 
 Sudden I plung'd amid the crystal flood! 
 My legs shrunk up, their former function leave ; 
 To either side my arms begin to cleave; 
 A scaly covering o'er my skin is grown, 4S0 
 
 And in tlie fish no more the man is known! 
 An equal change with me the rest partook, 
 And swam, transform'd, within the limpid brook. 
 Oft as my mind recalls th' event, I seem 
 Lost in th' illusion of an idle dream ! 485 
 
 At length her art cur former shape restor'd. 
 But fear and wonder check'd each issuing word, 
 As thus amaz'd we stood, with angry brows 
 Sl:e threaten'd added pains and future woes. 
 
 Behold (she cry'd) what power is in my hand ! 
 I rule your fates with uncontrol'd command : 491 
 ?ly will can keep you from th' ethereal light. 
 The hapless prisoners of eternal night ; 
 <"an bid you range among the feather'd kind. 
 Or, chang'd to trees, with rooted fibres bind; 495 
 fan fix in rocks, dissolve ia limpid streams. 
 Or turn to brutal form the human limbs. 
 It rests on you t' avert ray vengeful ire : 
 Consent l' obey what my commands require : 
 Embrace the Pagan faith, my realms defend, 500 
 And your keen swords on impious Godfrey bend. 
 
 She said : the proffer'd terms our souls disdain'd. 
 Her words alone the false Rambaldo gain'd. 
 l)s (no defence avail'd) she straight constrains 
 In loathsome dunceons and coercive chains, 605 
 MS.
 
 250 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. X* 
 
 Thitlier was Tancred led, by fortune crost, 
 "VMiere, join'd with us, his liberty he lost. 
 But little time, conlin"d within the tower, 
 The false enchantress kept us in her power. 
 'Twas said an envoy from Damascus carae, 510 
 
 To g^ain her prisoners from the impious dame ; 
 And thence, disarm'd, in fetters bound, to bring, 
 A welcome present to th' Eeyptian king-. 
 
 We went, surrounded by a numerous guard, 
 WTien Heaven's high will unhop'd for aid prepar'd. 
 The good Rinaldo, who, with deeds of fame, h\6 
 Adds every moment to his former name, 
 Oi:r course impeding, on our leaders fell. 
 And provM that valour, often prov'd so well. 
 He slew, he vanquish"d all beneath his sword, 620 
 And soon again our former arms restor'd. 
 To me. to ail confessed the youth appear'd : 
 Me gra^pM his hand, his well known voice we heard. 
 Here vulgar tongues fallacious tales proclaim : 
 The hero still survives to life and fame. &S5 
 
 Three da>s are past since parting from our band. 
 He with a pilgrim travelled o'er the land. 
 To Antioch bound : but first he cast aside 
 His sbatti rd arms with streaming crimson dy'd. 
 
 Here ceas'd the knight' Meanwhile bis ardent 
 The hermit fix'd devoutly on the skies ; [eyes 
 
 His looks, his colour cliang'd ; a nobler grace 
 Shone in Lis mien, and kindled in his face; 
 Full of the Deity, his raptur'd mind 
 With angels seem'd in hallow *d converse join'd : 63i 
 He reads in future time's eternal page. 
 And sees th' events of many a distant age. 
 He spoke; while all intent and silent ga^'d. 
 Much at his looks and awful voice amaz'd : 
 He lives! Rinaldo lives ! (aloud he cries) 640 
 
 Then heed not empty arts or female lies! 
 He lives ! and Heaven, whoi-e care his youth defends. 
 For greater praise his valued li e extends! 
 These are but light forerunners of his name, 
 (Tbete deeds that now o'er Asia spread his name)
 
 B. X. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 251 
 
 Lo ! after rolling years, I plainly view . 54f6 
 
 His arms shall many an impious power subdue ! 
 His eagle guards, with silver wings dL«pIay'd 
 The church and Rome beneath its friendly shade. 
 Succeeding sons with equal virtue shine, 550 
 
 And children's children crown his glorious line ! 
 To pull the mighty down, exalt the low ; 
 To punish vice, on virtue aid bestow ; 
 These be their arts ! and thus his dazzling way 
 The bird of Esté soars beyond the solar rays : 555 
 To guard celestial truth his flight he bends. 
 And with his thunders Peter's cause defends : 
 Where zeal for Christ each holy warrior brings, 
 He spreads, triumphant, his victorious wings : 
 The chief recall'd, must here his task resume, 560 
 Such is the will of fate, and such th' eternal doom ! 
 
 Here ceas'd the sage : his words each doubt ap- 
 And every fear for young Rinaldo eas'd. [peas'd. 
 All, fill'd with transport, spoke their joys aloud ; 
 While, fix'd in thought, the pensive Godfrey stood. 
 Now had the night her sable mantle cast 565 
 
 O'er darken'd air, and earth around embrac'd : 
 The rest, retiring, sink in soft repose ; 
 But, lost in cares, no sleep the leader knows.
 
 THE 
 
 ELEVENTH BOOK - 
 
 OF 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED.
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 THE Christians make a solemn procession, and,' 
 with public prayers, implore the assistance of 
 Heaven. The next morning a general assault 
 is given to the city; and numbers are slain oii 
 both sides. A breach is made in the uall ; 
 Godfrey, preparing to enter first, is wounded 
 by an arrow from Clorinda, and obliged to re- 
 tire from the field. The day then seems to 
 change in favour of the Pagans, Sotyman 
 and Argantes signalize themselves. In the 
 mean time, Godfrey, being conveyed to his teyit, 
 is miraculously healed by an angel. He re- 
 turns to the walls, and renews the attack, till 
 night puts an end to the batte.
 
 THE 
 
 ELEFENTH BOOK 
 
 OF 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 
 
 X. HE Christian leader now, with cares oppress'd, 
 The near assault revolv'd witbiu his breast : 
 But, while he hastes his vast machines to frame, 
 Before his presence reverend Peter came ; 
 Tlie hermit sage, apart the hero took, 5 
 
 And thus sedate with awful words bespoke. 
 
 You, mighty Prince! terrestrial arms prepare. 
 But first another duty claims your care. [paid 
 
 To Heaven your thoughts be turn'd, your vows be 
 And call the angels and the saints to aid : 10 
 
 With public prayers their succour seek to gain. 
 So may your arms the wish'd success obtain. 
 Then let the priesthood in procession move. 
 And humbly supplicate the Powers above : 
 And you, O chiefs ! the vulgar herd inspire, 15 
 
 And kindle in their souls devotion's fire. 
 
 Severely thus the holy hermit said : 
 Th' observant leader his advice obey'd. 
 O servant lov'd of Jesus (be replied) 
 Well pleas'd I follow where thy counsels guide. 
 While I the chieftains of the camp invite. 
 Call thou the people's pastors to the rite, 
 William andAdemar, a reverend pair ! 
 T' adjust the sacred pomp be thine the care.
 
 «56 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XI. 
 
 Soon as th' ensuing morning's light arose,* 26 
 
 The hermit with tbe priests assembled goes, 
 Where in a vale, to worship sacred made. 
 The Christians oft their pure devotions paid. 
 Robes, white as snow, the priestly band enfold ? 
 The pastors shone in mantles rich with gold, 30 
 That hung divided on their breasts before. 
 And h Ulow'd wreaths around tlieir brows they wore. 
 
 First Peter leads, and waves aloft in air 
 The sign .which saints in Paradise revere : 
 Next in two ranks, with solemn steps and slow, 35 
 The tuneful choir in lengthen'd order go : 
 Then, side by side, the holy chiefs appear, 
 William and Ademar, and close the rear : 
 Next Godfrey comes, like one of high command, 
 Alone and foremost of his martial band. 40 
 
 By two and two the field the leaders tread ; 
 Then sheath'd in arms, the warrior host succeed. 
 Thus from the trenches move the pious train. 
 Sedate and silent stretching o'er the plain ; 
 Nor clang of arms, nor trumpet sound is heard, éT» 
 But holy hymns from humble hearts preferr'd. 
 
 Thee, Father ! first omnipotent, they sang, 
 Thee, Son, coequal ! from the Father sprung ! 
 Thee Spirit! in whose influence both combine; 
 Thee, Virgin-mother of the man divine! 50 
 
 And you, ye leaders I who in Heaven above,+ 
 Th' effulgent bands in triple circles move : 
 And thee, whose hand baptiz'd th' incarnate God 
 With the pure stream in Jordan's hallow'd flood . 
 
 • Soon as th' etuMiii? morning's li^ht arnse.] Historj- re- 
 lates that, before the general assault, the Litanv was chaut- 
 ej with a solemn rclifiou» procession. I have elsewhere ob- 
 serAed, and I believe the reader mil agree with me, that the 
 following passage, for solemnity of description, is equal to- 
 any ptirt of the poem. 
 
 + .-liid i/ou, lie leaders ! — ] The angelical orders thus 
 classed by the theological writers of that time, seraphim, 
 cherubim, thrones, dominations, principalicies, and powers; 
 virtues, snivels, and arch-angels. ThusMilton: 
 
 Tiirone», dominations, piincedoms, virtnes, power» I
 
 D. XI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 2&7 
 
 Thee, Peter! too, they hxil in songs of praise, 65 
 The rock on \thich Heaven fix'd his church to raise ; 
 "Where now thy great descendant holds the place, 
 T' unclose the gates of pardon and of grace: 
 And. all the nunciates of th' ethereal reign, 
 Who testified the glorious death of man ; 60 
 
 With those, the martyrs for the truth, who stood 
 To seal the precious doctrine with their blood : 
 And those, whose words or writings taught the way 
 To the lost regions of eternal day : 
 And her, the damsel true, of Christ belov'd, fi 5 
 
 Whose pious choice the better life approv'd : 
 The virgins chaste, in lonely cells enclos'd, 
 By mystic nuptial rites to Heaven espous'd : 
 With every other name in torments tried. 
 Whose zeal the nations and their kings defied : 70 
 
 Thus chanting hymns devout, the numerous train. 
 In ample circuit, mov'd along the plain : 
 Their pensive march to Olivet they frame,* 
 Fruitful in olives, whence it bears the name ; 
 Eastward it rises from the sacred town, 75 
 
 A mount by fame through every region known. 
 So pass the tuneful bands with cadence sweet. 
 The hollow vales the lengthen'd notes repeat; 
 The winding cavei-ns and the mountains high 
 A thousand echoes to the sounds reply. 80 
 
 Meantime, in wonder fix'd, the Pagan band+ 
 All hush'd and silent on the ramparts stand ; 
 Struck with their solemn pace, their humble tone. 
 The pomp unusual, and the rites unknown. 
 But when their wonder ceas'd th' ungodly crew 85 
 From impious tongues blaspheming curses threw : 
 With barbarous shouts they shake the bulwarks 
 The hills and vallies to the noise resound ! [round ; 
 But not their course the Christian powers refrain. 
 Nor cease the ritual or melodious strain ; 90 
 
 * TTitir pensive march, to Olivet they frame, 
 
 + the Pagan band 
 
 All hush'd and silent—] All these circumstances ar« ta - 
 ten from the history.
 
 25S JERUSALEM DEL1\'TRED. B. XI. 
 
 Fearless they march, nor heed the clamours more 
 Than cries of birds loquacious on the s^hore- 
 
 Then on the summit of the hill they reai'd 
 A splendid altar, for the priest prepar'd ; 
 On either side, refuljreut to behold, PS 
 
 A beamy lamp was plac'd of bur.iish'd grold ! 
 There William now, in costlier robes array'd. 
 His reverend homage at the altar paid ; 
 There with low voice, his humble suit prefers, 
 And supplicates with vows and lioly prayers. 100 
 Devoutly hush'd the near a-sistauts stand; 
 V^ ith eyes intent behold the distant band. 
 But when complete the mystic rites were ceas'd. 
 The sacred sire th' attending train dismissed, 
 And with his priestly hand the squadrons bUss'd. 
 
 The pious troops return (this duty o'er) l(i6 
 
 And tread the path their feet had trod before: 
 'Till at the vale arriv'd, their ranks they broke ; 
 "\^'hen to the tents his way the hero took : 
 ■\\ ith smiles he parted from the vul^r band, 1 10 
 Bnt there the captains of his host detain'd 
 To due repast ; and full before him plac'd 
 Thoulouse's valiant earl with honours grac'd. 
 The call of thirst and hunger now represt. 
 The chief of chiefs his leaders thus address'd. 115 
 
 Soon as the morn ascends her early throne. 
 Rise all in arms t' assault Judsea'stown : 
 Be that the day t' invade our impious foe; 
 T)ie present hours to needful tasks bestow. 119 
 
 This said, the chiefs depart : with trumpet's sound 
 Th' obedient heralds send their mandates round : 
 And bid each ardent warrior rise to fight, 
 Arraj'd in armour, with the dawning light. 
 In different works the tedious day they waste, 
 And various thoughts revolve in every breast, 125 
 Till welcome night, that irksome care relieves, 
 A grateful truce to mortal labour gives. 
 
 Aurora still with doubtful lustre gleams. 
 Scarce has the dawn display'd her orient beams ;
 
 fi. XL JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 259 
 
 No stubborn ploughs the jielding furrows tear, 130 
 No watchful shepherds to the meads repair ? 
 Each bird secure his peaceful slumber takes : 
 Nor hound nor horn the silent forest wakes : 
 When now the trumpet's echoes rouze the morn, 
 To arms ! to arms! the vaulted skies return : 135 
 To arms ! to arms ! with universal cry, 
 A hundred lemons to the notes replj". 
 First Godfrey rose, but now neglects to bear 
 His pond'rous cuirass, oft approv'd in war : 
 A slight defence the fearless hero chose, 140 
 
 And o'er his limbs the lighter burthen throws ; 
 Arna'd like the meanest of the martial name : 
 When aged Raymond to his presence came. 
 Soon as he view'd the chief, his thoughts divin'd 
 What deed the leader^ recret soul desiga'd. 145 
 
 Where is thy corslet's massy weight, he cry'd. 
 Where all thy other arms of temper try'd ? 
 What dost thou seek ? a private palm to gain. 
 To scale the walls amongst the vulgar train ? 
 Think not this task a general's sword demands : 1 50 
 Such dangers leave to less important hands. 
 Resume thy arms ; regard thy safety most, 
 And save a life, the spirit of our host. 
 
 He ceas'd. The gen'rous leader thus reply'd : 
 Whea holy Urban girded to my side* ir>5 
 
 This sword in Clarmont ; and when first 'twas giv'n 
 To Godfrey's hand, to wage the wars of Heav'n, 
 To God I vow'd ray social arms to wield, 
 A private warrior in the dang'rous field. 
 Since 1 have ev'ry duty now display 'd IGO 
 
 As fits a chief by whom the host is led. 
 It next remains (with justice shalt thou own) 
 To march in equal arms t' assault the town. 
 
 * When holij Urban girded to my side 
 
 This suord ire Clarmont — ] Pope Urban went in persoa 
 to the council of Clarmont, a city of France, where he ap- 
 pointed numbers to the crusade, and amon^ the first, God- 
 frey ; givirg to each adventurer the sacred nadge of the ex- 
 pedition.
 
 •60 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. S. XT. 
 
 Thus shiH I keep the faith to Heav'n I gave : 164 
 His Land shall lead me, and his power shall save. 
 
 This said, his brethren soon th' example took : 
 Each knight of France his heavy arms forsook ; 
 The other chiefs* less cumb'rous harness chose, 
 And boldlj march'd on foot t' invade the foes. 
 Alike prepar'd, the Pagan troops ascend 170 
 
 "Where tow'rds the north the crooked ramparts bend ; 
 And where the west surveys the rising towers. 
 Of least defence a^inst tli' invading powers : 
 For, well secur'd on ev'rv part beside, 
 The town th' attempts of all their host defj'd. 175 
 Nor here alone the tyrant's watchful care 
 Had plac'd the best and bravest of the war: 
 But, summon'd in this utmost risque of ptate. 
 Old age and childhood share the toils of fate. 
 These to the brave supply (as tim?» requires) 180 
 Sulpliur, and stones, and darts, and missile fires. 
 \V ith vast machines and arms, the walls they stow, 
 M hose risinr height commands the plains below : 
 There from aloft, the Soldan strikes the eyes, 
 In form a giant of stupendous size ! 19 S 
 
 There, on the ramparts, flaming from afar. 
 The fierce Argantes tow'rs with threat'niug air : 
 And where the hii^hest fort its summit rears, 
 The fam'd Clorinda o'er the rest appears, 
 And, stor'd with darts, her deadly quiver bears. 190 
 Already in her hand the bow she tries, 
 Now strains the nerve, and now the shaft applies. 
 Eager to strike, the lovely archer stands. 
 And waits, with longing eyes, the hostile bands. 
 So feirn'»! of old, from Heaven's ethereal height 195 
 The Delian virgin dealt a feather'd flight. 
 
 The hoary king, forgetful of his state, 
 \A ifhin the city moves from gate to gate; 
 Renews again his orders on the wall, 
 And breathes a hope and confidence iti all ; 200 
 
 Here adds supplies of men, and there provides 
 Fresh stores of arms, and o'er the whole presides.
 
 B. XL JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 261 
 
 But to the fanes the matrons sad repair, 
 
 And seek their fabled god with fruitless prayer. 
 
 O ! hear our vows ! thy righteous arm advance. 
 And sudden break the Christian robber's lauce! 
 And him who dares thy hallow'd name offend. 
 Now prone beneath the lofty gates extend ! 
 
 While thus the city bends her different cares, 
 The pious chief his arms and troops prepares : 210 
 And first he leads the foot, a numerous train. 
 In skilful or.ler marshall'd on the plain : 
 Then in two squadrons he divides his powers 
 T' attack, on either side, the hostile towers. 
 The huge balistee in the midst appear, 215 
 
 And every dreadful implement of war ; 
 VfcTience on the walls, like thunderbolts, are thrown 
 Enormous darts, and crags of ponderous stone. 
 The heavy arm'd the weaker foot sustain; 
 The lighter horse are sent to scour the plain. 2^0 
 At length the word is given, the signals sound ; 
 The bows are bent, the slings are whirl'd around : 
 Their deathful rage the mighty engines pour. 
 And gall the Pagans with a rocky shower : 
 Some quit their posts, and others headlong fall, 225 
 And thinn'd appear'd the ranks that guard the wall. 
 
 The Franks, impatient now to prove their force. 
 More near the walls advance with eager course. 
 Some, shield to shield iu closest texture laid, 
 Above their heads an ample covering made: 230 
 And some, beneath machines, in safety move, 
 A sure defence from falling stones above. 
 And now the fosse th' advancing soldiers gain, 
 And seek the depth to level with the plain: 
 The bottom firm a safe foundation show'd, 235 
 
 This soon they fill'd, a late impervious road ! 
 Adrastus foremost of the troop appears. 
 And 'gainst the wall a scaling-ladder reais : 
 Boldly he mounts, while round his head they pour 
 The stones and sulphur in a mingled shower : 240 
 The fierce Helvetian wond'ring crowds survey. 
 Who now had finish'd half his airy way:
 
 •62 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XL 
 
 "Wlien lo ! wi:h fury sent, a rugged stone, 
 With rapid force as from an engine thrown, 
 (Sent by the vigour of CiicTisia's knight) 245 
 
 Struck on his helm and hurl'd him from his height. 
 Nor wound ensu'd, nor mortal was the stroke. 
 Yet prone he tumbl'd, senseless with the shock. 
 Then thus Argantes with a threatening cry : 
 FaU'n is the first : who dares the second try 259 
 
 Behold, I fearless stand before your sight, 
 Why, warriors ! draw ye not to open fight ? 
 Think not those sheds can fence your dastard train. 
 For you, like beasts shall in your caves be slain ! 
 
 He said: yet not for thi« the Christians stay; 255 
 But in their coverts still pursue their way : 
 While others on tlieir fencing bucklers bear 
 The storm of arrows, and the rattling war. 
 Now to the walls the battering rams drew nigb. 
 Enormous engines, dreadful to the eye ! 260 
 
 Strong iron plates their massy heads compose : 
 The gate- and ramparts fear th" approaching blows. 
 'Gainst these a hundred hands their force apply. 
 And roll vast beams and ruins from on high ; 
 The pond'rous fragments thunder on the fields ; 265 
 At once they break the well-compacted sliields, 
 And the crush'd helmet to the fury yields ! 
 The plain is strewn with arms, and covered o'er 
 With shatter'd bones, and brains, and mingled gore! 
 
 Tlie fierce assailants now. for bolder fight, 270 
 Forth from their covert rush'd to open light: 
 Some place their hdders, and the height ascend ; 
 Against the rampirts some their engines bend, 
 The rams begin to shake the batter'd wall. 
 The nodding bulwarks threat a sudden fall! 2*5 
 But, watchful, from the town the foes prepare 
 Each various method of defensive war: 
 And where the forceful beams impetuous drove, 
 A mass of wool, suspendeil from above, [blows) 
 (>Vhose yielding substance breaks the dreadful 
 Tlie wary Pagans 'gainst the storm oppose. 281
 
 D. XL JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 263 
 
 AThile thus with dauntless hearts, the warrior 
 Against the walls the bold attack maintain; [train 
 Seven times htr twanging bow Clorinda drew, „ 
 As oft her arrow from the bow-string flew; 2S5 
 
 And every shaft that to the plain she sped. 
 Its steel and feathers dy'd with blushing red. 
 The noblest warriors drench'd her weapons o'er, 
 She scorn'd to dip their points in vulgar gore. 
 
 The first who, 'midst the tumult of the war, 290 
 Felt her keen darts, v.as England's youngest care: 
 ScTrce from his fence his head appeared in view. 
 When wing'd with speed, the vengeful arrow flew: 
 Swift thro' his better hand it held its course. 
 Nor could the steely gauntlet stop the force, 295 
 Disabled thus ; with grief he left the plain. 
 And deeper groan'd with anger than with pain. 
 Then, near the fosse, the earl of Amboise fell : 
 Clotharius mounting found the deadly steel. 
 That, pierc'd from back to breast, reluctant died : 
 This headlong fell, transfix'd from side to side. 301 
 The Flemish chief the battering engine heav'd. 
 When his left arm the sudden wound receiv'd : 
 He stay'd, and furious strove to draw the dart. 
 But left the steel within the wounded part. 305 
 
 To reverend Ademar, who, plac'd afar, 
 "Uncautious stood to view the raging war. 
 The fatal reed arriv'd, his front it found ; 
 He try'd to wrench the weapon from the wound ; 
 AnotJier dart, with equal fury seiit, 310 
 
 Transfix'd his hand, and thro' his visage went. 
 
 He fell, and falling, pour'd a purple flood. 
 And stain'd the virgin-shaft with holy blood. 
 As Palamede to scale the bulwarks strove, 
 In his right eye the fatal arrow drove, 316 
 
 Through all the optic nerves its passage tore. 
 And issu'd at his nape besmear'd with gore : 
 At once he tumbles with a dxeadful fall, 
 And dies beneath the well contested wall ! 
 
 While thus the virgin round her shafts bestows. 
 With new devices Godfrey press'd his foes: 3 31
 
 2 64 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XI. 
 
 Aside be brought against a portal uear, 
 The largest of his huge machir.es of war ; 
 A tower of wood, stupendous to the sight, 
 \^ hose top might mate the lofty ramparts heigbt : 
 Its ample womb could arms and men contain. 
 And, roird on wheels, it mov'd along the plain. 
 Kear and more near the bulk enormous drew. 
 While from within the dart» and javelins flew. 
 But, from the threaten'd walls, the wary foes 330 
 With spears and stone? th' advancing pileopprse: 
 Against the front and sides their strokes they bend, 
 And heavy fragments on the wheels they send. 
 So thick, on either side, the javelins pour. 
 The air is darkened wi.h tie missile shower : 333 
 Cloud meet with cloud ; and clashing iu the sky. 
 Back to the senders oft the weapons fiy. 
 As from the trees are torn the shatter'd leaves, 
 V^ hat time the grove the stormy hail receives, 
 As ripen "d fruit from loaded branches falls : 340 
 So fell the Pagans from the lofty walls ; 
 >A bile others that surv iv'd, with deep dismay. 
 Fled from the huge machine's tremendous sway. 
 Not so the Soldan : fearless he remain'd, 
 And with him many on the height detain'd. 345 
 Then fierce Argantes thither bent his course. 
 And seiz'd a beam t' oppose the hostile course. 
 Firm in his hand th' enormous weight he held, 
 By this his might} strength the tower repell'd 
 And kept aloof. With these the martial fair* 350 
 Appear'd, their glory and theii toils to share. 
 Meanwhile, with scythes prepared, the Franks divide 
 The cords to which the woolly fence is tied ; 
 No more sustained, at once on earth it falls. 
 And undefended leaves the threatened walls. 355 
 Now from the Christian tower more fierce below. 
 The thundering ram redoubles every blow. 
 A breach is made : when fir'd with martial fame, 
 The mighty Godfrey to the bulwarks came : 
 His body cover'd with his amplest shield, 3G0 
 
 (A weigiit bis arm was seldom wont to wield) 
 • Clorinila.
 
 B. XL JERLSALI:M delivered. 265 
 
 He saw, as round he cust his careful view, 
 
 W here from the walls fierce Solyaan withdrew, 
 
 An'l swift to guard the dangerous passage flew; 
 
 While still Clorinda and Circassia's knight 365 
 
 Maintain'd their station on the rampart's height. 
 
 He sees, and instant from Sigero's hands 
 
 A lighter buckler and his Iww demands. 
 
 Myself (he cries) will first the deed essay 
 
 Thro' yoii disjointed stones to force the way : 37»> 
 
 'Tis time to show some act that merits praise, 
 
 That may to either host our glory raise. 
 
 Then, cliangiog shields, he scarce the word had 
 When from the wall a vengeful arrow fled : [said. 
 The destin'd passage in his leg it found, 37 "> 
 
 Where strong each nerve, and painful is the wound. 
 The deadly shaft from thee, Clormda! came, 
 To thee alone the world ascribes the fame : 
 This day, preserv'd by thy unerring bow. 
 Thy Pagan friends to thee their safety owe. 3 So 
 But still his troops the dauntless leader fires. 
 Still o'er the works his darin:? foot aspires : 
 'Till now he feels the wound's increasing pains ; 
 No more the leg his sinking bulk sustains ; 
 To noble Guelpho then a sign he made : 3S5 
 
 Behold compell'd I leave the field (he said) 
 I Thou, in my place, a leader's task sustain. 
 And, in my absence, head my social train. 
 i, Soon will I turn, the combat to renew — 
 I He said, and on a courser thence withdrew, 390 
 ' Yet not unnoted by the Pagan crew. 
 , Thus parts th' unwilling hero from his post, 
 ' And with him fortune quits the Christian host : 
 While on the adverse side their force increas'd. 
 And hope, rekindling, dawu'd in every breast. 395 
 In every Christian heart new terrors rose, 
 Aad chilling fears their former ardour froze : 
 Alrop. ly flew their weapons slow to wound, 
 Aul theu- weak trumpets breath'd a fainter sound. 
 
 Now on the ramparts height again appear 400 
 Tl > bands, so late dispers'd with coward fear. 
 N
 
 266 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XL 
 
 Incited by Clorinda's glorious fires. 
 
 Their country's love the female train inspires : 
 
 Eag-er they run to prove the tasks of war, 
 
 With vestments girded and dishevell'd hair : 405 
 
 They hurl the dart ; nor fear, where danger calls, 
 
 T' expose their bosom for their native walls. 
 
 But that which most the Franks with doubts op- 
 
 And banish'd fear from every Pagan breast, [press'd. 
 
 The mighty Guelpho, 'midst the rage of fight, 4 lo 
 
 Fell by a wound, in either armj's sight : 
 
 Amongst a thousand fates, on earth o'erthrowD, 
 
 Sent from afar he felt the missile stone. 
 
 Another stor.e alike on Raymond flew, 
 
 And prone to earth the hoary warrior threw. 415 
 
 While in the fosse the brave Kustatius stood, 
 
 A weapon deeply drank his generous blood. 
 
 This hour (ill fated for the ( hristian train) 
 
 No Pagan weapon flies, that flies in vain. 
 
 Fir'd with success, and swell'd to loftier pride, • 420 
 
 The fierce Circassian rais'd his voice and cried. 
 
 Net Antioch this; nor now the shades extend. 
 The shades of night that (hristian frauds befriend : 
 A wakeful foe ye view, an open light, 
 Far other Ibi-rc?, far other tasks of tight ! 4ì5 
 
 No sparks of glory now >our soul inflame. 
 No more ye thirst for plunder or for fame ; 
 Do ye so soon from weak attacks refrain ? 
 O ! less than women, in the shape of men ! 
 
 He spoke, and scom'd, in narrow walls confin'd, 
 To hide the fury of his daring mind : 431 
 
 With eager bounds he seeks the wall below, 
 l^ here gaping stones a dangerous passage show, 
 While dauntless there to guard the pnss he flies, 
 To Solyman, who stood beside, he cries. 435 
 
 IjO ! Solyman, the place, the destin'd hour, 
 In danger's field to prove our martial power : 
 Why this delay ? O ! rouse thy nobV fire ; 
 Who prizes fame must here to fame aspire. 
 
 lie said : and either warrior's ardour grows: 440 
 At once they issue when> the combat glows, 
 And, umxpected, thunder oa the foes.
 
 B. XL JERUSALEM DELIVERED, 2C7 
 
 Beneath their arms what uumbers press'd the ground, 
 What broken shields and helms are scatter'd round ! 
 What rims and ladders cleft in ruins fall, 445 
 
 And raise new ramparts for the shatter'd wall ! 
 
 Now those, who lately hop'd the town to gain. 
 Can scarce in arms the doubtful fi^ht maintain. 
 At length tbey yield, and to the furious pair 
 Resijjn their engines and machines of war. 450 
 
 The Pagan chiefs, as native fury sway'd, 
 With dreadful shouts invoke the city's aid : 
 Now here, now there, they call for fiery brands, 
 And arm with flaming pines their dreadful hands ; 
 Then on the tower with headlong; speed they bend t 
 So from the black Tartarian gates ascend 456 
 
 Pluto's dire ministers, (tremendous names !) 
 With hissiiig serpents and infernal flames ! 
 
 Tancred, no less with thirst of fame inspir'd, 
 In other parts his hardy Latians fir'd. 4G(> 
 
 When now the spreading carnage he beheld. 
 And saw the torches blazing o'er the field. 
 He left the walls, and turn'd his rapid course 
 T' oppose the Saracens' impetuous force : 
 He comes, he turns ths scale of victory ; 465 
 
 The vanquish'd triuToph, and the victors fly ! 
 
 Thus stood the war, while from the martial band 
 His lofty tent the wounded leader gain'd. 
 Baldwin and good Sigerò near him stood, 
 And round of mourning friends a pensive crowd. 
 He strove to draw the shaft with eager speed, 471 
 And broke within the flesh the feather'd reed : 
 Then swift lie bade explore the wounded part. 
 And bare a passage for the barbed dart. 
 Restore me swift to arms (the hero cries) 475 
 
 Ere rising night th' unfinish'd strife surprise. 
 Now old Erotimus t' assist him stood. 
 Who drew his birth by Po's imperial flood ; 
 Who well the power of healing simples knew, 
 The force of plants and every virtuous devT; 430 
 Dear to the muse : but pleas'd with lowly fame, 
 He gain'd by private arts an humbler name. 
 N2
 
 2GS JERUSALEM DELIVERED. D. XI. 
 His skill could mortals from the jrrave reprieve ; 
 His verse could bid their names for ever live. 
 
 All uncoacern'd the godlike chief appears, 4S5 
 ■^A hile every pale assistant melts in tears. 
 The sage physician for tlie task prepares. 
 He girds his vesture, and his arms he bares ; 
 With lenient med'cine bathes th' afiBicted part. 
 And with a gentle hand attempts the dart ; 490 
 
 A\ ith pincers next the stubborn steel he strains. 
 Yet fix'd it stands, and mocks his utmost pains. 
 What means shall next his baffled art devise. 
 Since fortune thus her favouring aid denies ? 
 Full soon the chief th' increasing anguish found, 49 j 
 And fleeting life seemM doubtful in the wound. 
 But now the guardian angel, touch'd with grief, 
 From Ida's summit brought the wish'd relief: 
 A branch of dittany, of wondrous power, 
 W hose downy foliage bears a purple flower : 500 
 By nature taught (th' instructn^s of their kind) 
 The mountain goats its secret virtue find, 
 W hat time they feel the winged dart from far. 
 And in their wounded sides the arrow bear. 
 W ith this, tho' distant thence the region lies, .505 
 Tlir pitying angel in a moment flies : 
 Unseen, with this, the vase prepard he fills. 
 And odoriferous panacy distills. 
 The leech anoints the part, and, (strange to tell .') 
 LoosM from the wound, the sliaft spontaneous fell : 
 The blood forbore to flow, the anguish ceas'd, 5 1 1 
 And strength, returu'd, in every nerve increased. 
 Then thus Erotimus with wonder cries : 
 No skill of mine thy sudden cure supplies : 
 A greater power his timely aid extends, 515 
 
 Some guardian angel from his heaven descends : 
 I see celestial hands! — To arms ! to arms ! 
 Return, and rouze again the war's alarms! 
 
 He said ; and Godfrey, eager for the fight. 
 Soon oVr his thigh-; dispos'd the cuish(s bright ; 5Ì0 
 He shook his ponderous lance, his helmet lac'd, 
 And his forsaken shield agatia cmbrac'd- 
 3
 
 B. XL JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 269 
 
 He moves : a thousand ou his steps attend ; 
 Thence to the town their rapid march they hend : 
 With clouds of dust the face of heaven is spread, 525 
 Wide shakes the earth heneath the warrior's tread. 
 The foes hehold the squadron drawing near, 
 And feel their blood congeal'd with chilling fear. 
 Thrice on the field h's voice the hero rear'd ; 
 Full well the welcome sound his people heard ; 530 
 The sound that oft was wont to rhear the fight ; 
 Then, fir'd anew, they rouze their fainting might. 
 Still at the walls, the haughty Pagan pair, 
 Plac'd in the breach, support the dangerous war; 
 Firm in the pass a bold defence maintain, 535 
 
 'Gainst noble Tancred and his valiant train. 
 
 Now sheath'd iu arms, the glorious chief drew nigh. 
 Disdain and anger flashing from his eye : 
 On fierce Ai-gantes all his force he bends. 
 And 'gainst the foe his lance impatient sends, 540 
 Not with more noise some stone enormous flies. 
 Sent by an engine through th' affrighted skies ; 
 Through sounding air its course the javelin held; 
 Argantes, fearless, lifts th' opposing shield: 
 The riven target to the force gives way, 545 
 
 Nor can the corslet's plates the fury stay : 
 Through shatter'd armour flies the missive wood, 
 And dips its thirsty point in Pagan blood. 
 Swift from his side the lance Argantes drew. 
 And to its lord again the v/eapon threw ; 550 
 
 Receive thine own, he cried — but, stooping low, 
 The wary Christian disappoints the foe : 
 The deadly point the good Sigerò found. 
 Full in his throat he felt the piercing wound : 
 Yet with a secret joy he sunk in death, 555 
 
 Pleas'd in his sovereign's stead to yield his breath. 
 
 A craggy flint the raging Soldan threw ; 
 Resistless on the Norman chief it flew ; 
 Stunn'd with the dreadful blow he reel'd around, 
 Then sudden tumbled headlong to the ground. 360 
 No longer Godfrey now his wrath repell'd, 
 Grasp'd in bis hand the flaming sword he held ;
 
 270 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. D. XL 
 
 And now to nearer fi^ht his foes defied : 
 \\ hat deeds had soon beeu wrought qn either side ! 
 But nieht, to check their rage, her veil display 'd, 565 
 And wrapt the warring: world in peaceful shade : 
 Then Godfrey ceasing-, left th' unfinii^h'd fray, 
 So clos'd the dreadful labours of the day ! 
 
 But, ere the chief retir'd, with pious care. 
 He bade the wounded from the field to bear; 670 
 Nor would he leave (a welcome prey) behind 
 His warlike engines to tlie foes resign'd. 
 Safe from the walls he drew the loftiest tower, 
 Tho' broke and crush'd with many a hcrrid shower. 
 So seems a ship from seas and tempests borue, 575 
 Her planks all shatter'd and her canvass torn, 
 When, 'scap'd from furious winds and roaring tides, 
 Wilhin the port she scarce securely rides. 
 The broken wheels no more tlie tower sustain, 
 Heavy and slow it drass along the plain, 5S0 
 
 The weight supported by th' assisting train. 
 And now the workmen haste, with ready care. 
 To search the pile, and every breach repair: 
 So Godfrey bade, who will'd that morning light 
 Should view the wonderous tower renew'd for fight. 
 On every side his watcliful thoughts he cast, 58'5 
 And guards around the lofty enaine plac'd. 
 But, from the walls, their speech the Pagans hear. 
 And strokes of hammers breaking on the ear : 
 A thousand torches gild the dusky air, 690 
 
 And all their purpose and their toils declare.
 
 THE 
 
 TWELFTH BOOK 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED.
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 ARGANTES and Clorinda undertake by night to 
 hum the tower of the Christiatis. Arsetes, who 
 had brought up Clorindafrom her infancy, en- 
 deavours to dissuade her Jrom the enterprize, 
 but in rain : he then relates to her the story of 
 her birth. The two adventurers sally from the 
 town, and set fire to Vie tower : the Christians 
 take arms : Argantes retreats before them, and 
 gains the city in safety; but the gates being 
 suddenly closed, Clorinda is left amongst the 
 enemy. Tancred, not knowing her, pursues 
 her as she is retiring towards the walls. 'Tliey 
 engage in a dreadful combat: Clorinda is 
 slain, but, before she dies, receives baptism 
 from the hand of Tayicred. His grief and 
 lamentation.
 
 THE 
 
 TfVELFTH BOOK 
 
 OF 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 
 
 J. WAS uight; but neither host, with cares op- 
 Forgot their labours yet ia balmy rest : [press'd, 
 Here, under covert of the gloomy hour. 
 The Christians now repair'd their batter'd tower; 
 And there the Pagans, press'd with equal care, 5 
 Review'd their bulwarks tottering from the war. 
 And propp'd the walls. Alike on either side. 
 The warrior's wound each skilful leech employ'd. 
 These ta'^ks perform'd, the Franks and faithless train, 
 O'erwatch'd at length, from further toil refrain; 10 
 Till deeper darkness brooded on the ground. 
 And many an eve was clos'd in sleep profound: 
 But not in slumber sunk the * martial dame. 
 Whose generous bosom ever pants for fame : 
 With her Argantes joiii'd the watch partook ; 13 
 Then thus in secret to her soul she spoke. 
 
 What wondrous praise has Solyman obtain'd ! 
 What, by his deeds to-day, Argantes gain'd ! 
 Alone, amidst yon numerous host to go, 
 And crush the engines of the Christian foe! 90 
 
 While I (how poor the vaunted fame I share \j 
 Here plac.'d aloft maiatain'd a distant war: 
 'Tis true my shafts may boast successful aim : 
 And is this all a woman's hand can claim ? 
 
 Cloriada, 
 
 N. 5
 
 271 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XII. 
 
 'Twere better far in woods and wilds to chase 25 
 And pierce with darts remote the savage race. 
 Than here, when manly valour braves the field, 
 Appear a maid in feats of arms unskill'd. 
 
 She said ; and now revolving in her breast 
 Heroic deeds, Arrantes thus address'd. 30 
 
 Long has my soul unusual ardour prov'd, 
 And various thoushts this restless bosom raov'd : 
 I know not whether God th' attempt inspires. 
 Or man can form a God of his desires. 
 Seel from yon vale the Christian's glimmering light; 
 My mind impels me, this auspicious night, 36 
 
 To burn their tower : at least the deed be tried. 
 And fur th' event let Heaven alone provide. 
 But should it chance (the fate of war unknown) 
 Yon foes forbid me to regain the town ; 40 
 
 I ieave my damsel-train thy care to prove, 
 And one that loves me with a father's love: 
 Protect them, chief I and safe to Esrypt send 
 My ir.omning virgins, and my aged friend : 
 
 grant mv prayer! — This duty from thy hands 45 
 Tho=e claim by sex, and this by age demands. 
 
 Wiih wonder fiU'd, Argante? heard tlie dame. 
 And caiight the kindling sparks of generous flame. 
 Then shalt thou go, and Ipave me here behind, 
 D^pis'd (he cried) among th' ignoble kind ? 50 
 
 Think'st thou that I secure witli joyful eyes. 
 Shall view afar the curling flames aiise ? 
 No — if in arms I ever grac'd thy side. 
 Let me this night thy doubtful chance divide ; 
 
 1 too can boast a heart despising death, 55 
 That prizes honour, cheaply bought with breath ! 
 
 O generous chief! (rep 1yd the fearless maid) 
 In such resolves thy virtue stands display'd: 
 Yet here permit me to depart alone, 
 A loss like mine shall neVr distress the town : 60 
 But (Heaven avert the omen !) should'st thou fall, 
 T^'hat hand shall longer guard Judaea's wall ? 
 
 In vain is each pretence (the knight rejoin'd) 
 For fix'd remains the purpose of my miad ;
 
 B. XIL JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 27, "> 
 
 Behold I tread the path thy feet shall leid, fi5 
 
 But if refus'd, myself will dare the deed. 
 
 This said, they sought the careful king who sate 
 In nightly council for the public state : 
 There midst the brave and wise (an awful train) 
 They came, and first Clorinda thus began. 70 
 
 Vouchsafe awhile, O king ! to bend thine ear. 
 And what we proflFer with acceptance hear : 
 Argantes vows (nor vainly boasts the power) 
 With vengeful flames to burn you hostile tower : 
 Myself will aid — our course alone we stay, 75 
 
 Till added toils the foes in slumber lay. 
 
 To heaven his trembling ha ids the monarch rears. 
 His wrinkled cheeks are wet with joyful tears : 
 All praise to thee, O guardian power! (he cries) 
 Who still tliy people view'st with gracious eyes ! 80 
 Long wilt thou yet preserve my threaten^ reign. 
 When souls like these the town's defence maintain. 
 For you, ye pair ! what praises can I find ? 
 What gifts to equal your heroic mind ? 
 Fame shall to distant times your worth proclaim. 
 And earth aloud repeat each glorious name. 86 
 
 Your deed be your reward — to this receive 
 Such recompense as fits a king to give. 
 
 Thus Aladine ; and as he spoke, he prcss'd, ^ 
 Now this, now that, with transport to his breast. 90 
 No more the listening Soldan could control 
 The generous emulation in his soul: 
 Think not (he cried) in vain this sword I wear. 
 This hand with you shall every labour bear. 
 Then let us issue all (the maid rejoin'd) 95 
 
 Should'st thou depart, who dares remain behind ? 
 And now, with envy fill'd and jealous pride, 
 Argantes his consent had here denied ; 
 But straight the word Judsea's monarch took. 
 And mildly thus the chief of Nice bespoke. 100 
 
 Intrepid warrior! whom no dangers fright. 
 Nor toil can weary in the day of fight : 
 Full well I deem that, issuing on the foe. 
 Thy deeds would worthy of thy courage show :
 
 276 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. C. XlL 
 
 But mud) unmeet it seem?, tbat, parting all, 105 
 None, fam'd in arms, remain within the wall. 
 Nor would I tbeie permit Ih' attempt to dare, 
 (So biah their safety and their lives 1 benr) 
 Were this a work of less important kind. 
 Or meaner hands could act the part desig^n'd, llo 
 But since, so well 'g-ainst every chance dispos'd. 
 The lofty tower is round with siiards enclos'd. 
 No little force can hope the pass to gain ; 
 Nor must we issue with a numerous train; 
 Let these who claim the task, this valiant pair, 115 
 Oft prov'd before in every risk of war. 
 Let these alone depart, in happy hour, 
 AVhose strength is equal to a legioii's power; 
 WTiile thou, as best befits thy regal state. 
 Here with the rest remain within the gate. 120 
 
 And when (so fate succeed the glorious aim) 
 These shall return, and wide have spread the flame, 
 If chance a hostile band pursue their course. 
 Then haste and guard th^m from superior force. 
 So spoke the king ; nor aught the Turk rejoin'd, 
 Though discontent lay rankling in his mind. 126 
 
 Then thus Ismeno : You who boldly dare 
 Th' adventurous task, awhile th' attempt forbear ; 
 'Till various mixtures, culPd with art, I frame. 
 To burn the hostile tower with fiercer flame, 130 
 Perchance the guards, that now the pile surround. 
 May then be lost, in friendly slumbers drown'd. 
 
 To this they yield : and each, apart retir'd. 
 Expects the season for the deed desir'd. 
 And now Clorinda threw her vest aside, 135 
 
 With silver wrought ; her helmet's crested pride : 
 For these (ill omen !) sable arras she wore. 
 And sabled casque that no plumM honoure bore. 
 She deem'd it easier, thus disguisM to go. 
 And pierce the watchful squadrons of the foe. 140 
 The eunuch, old Arsetes, near her stay'd, 
 \^'ho from her childhood bred the warrior-maid : 
 Who all her steps with faithful age pnrsu'd, 
 4nd near her now a trusty guardian stood.
 
 n. XII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 97t 
 
 He saw the virgin change her Vvonted arms; 145 
 Her rash desiirn his anxious breast alarms : 
 He weeps, adjures her oft with earnest prayers, 
 By his long service, by bis silver hairs, 
 By the dear memory of his former, pains, 
 To cease th' attempt ; but she unmov'd remains. 
 To whom he said : Since, bent on future ill, 151 
 Thou stand's* resolv'd thy purpose to fulfil ; 
 Since neither helpless age, nor love like mine, 
 Nor tears, nor prayers, can change thy dire design, 
 Attend — my tongue shall woud'rous things reveal. 
 Nor longer now thy former state conceal. 156 
 
 That done, no more I strive thy thoughts to shake ; 
 Resume tby purpose, or my counsel take. 
 He said ; with eyes intent the virgin stood, 
 While thus the hoary sire his speech pursu'd. 160 
 
 In Ethiopia once Senapus reign'd, 
 (And still perchance he niles the happy land) 
 Who kept the precepts given by Mary's Son, 
 Where yet the sable race his doctrines own. 
 There I, a Pagan liv'd, remov'd from man, 165 
 The Queen's attendant midst the female train. 
 Though native gloom was o'er her features spread. 
 Her beauty triumph'd through the dusky shade. 
 Her husband lov'd — but ah ! was doom'd to prove 
 At once th' extremes of jealousy and love : 1 70 
 
 He kept her close, secluded from mankind, 
 Within a lonely deep recess confin'd ; 
 While the sage matron mild submission paid. 
 And, what her lord decreed, with joy obey'd. 
 
 Her pictur'd room a sacred story shows,* 1T5 
 Where, rich with life, each mimic figure glows : 
 There, white as snow, appears a beauteous maid. 
 And near a dragon's hideous form display'd. 
 
 * - a sacred story shows,"] Tliis alludes to the fabuloit» 
 
 legend of Saiut George, to which the poet here seems to give 
 a myrtical sense. Thus Ariosto, Orlando Furioso, Canto xv. 
 «peaking of the spurs given by Sansonetto to Astolpho, 
 Believ'd the champion's once, whose valiaut deed 
 71ie lioly virgin from the dragon freed. Ver. 7l6.
 
 S7S JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XII. 
 
 A champion through the heast a javelin sends. 
 And in his blood the monsters bulk exteuds. ISO 
 
 Here oft the Queen her secret faults confess'd. 
 And prostrate here her humble vows address'd. 
 At length her womb disburthen'd gave to view 
 (Her offspring thou) a child of snowy hue.* 
 Stnick with th' unusual biith, with looks amaz'd. 
 As on some strange portent, the matron gaz'd : IS6 
 She knew what fears possess'd lier husband's mind. 
 And hence to hide thee from his sight design'd. 
 And, as her own, expose to public view 
 A new-boiTi infant like herself in hue: 100 
 
 And since the tower, in which she then remain'd 
 Alone her damsels and myself contain'd; 
 To me, who lov'd her with a faithful mind. 
 Her infant charge she unbaptiz'd consign\l,+ 
 With tears and sighs siie gave thee to my care, 1 95 
 Remote from thence the precious pledge to bear! 
 What tongues her sorrows and her plaints can tell. 
 How oft she press'd thee with a last farewell ! 
 With streaming tears each tender kiss is drown'd, 
 Wliile frequent sighs her faltering words confound; 
 At length with lifted eyes — O God ! (-.he cried) 
 By whom the secrets of my breast are tried ; 
 If sMll my thoughts ha\e undefiPd reraainM, 
 And still my heart its constancy maintaia'd ; 
 (Not for myself I ask thy pitying grace, 205 
 
 A thousand sins, alas! my soul deface ! ) 
 O ! keep this harmless babe, to whom, distress'd, 
 A motlier thus denies her kindly breast : 
 
 « a child of snoivy hue.'] This fiction is apparently 
 
 taken from tlie famous romance of Heliodorus, called Thea- 
 cenes ami Chariclea, where Persina, lying with herhiisbaml 
 m a chamber painted with the story of Perseus delivering 
 Andromeda from the monster, was delivered of a daughter 
 of white complexion, afterwards called Chariclea, which, 
 fearful of incurring the jealousy of herhusband, she exposed 
 in till- same manner as is here related of the mother of 
 Clorinda. 
 
 t unbaptii'd — ] Accordinp; to the custom of thatcoun- 
 
 tr>-, the males could not be baptized till the age of fourteen, 
 and the females tiil the age of sixteen.
 
 B. XII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 279 
 
 Give her from me her spotU^-ss life to frame, 
 
 But copy in her fate some happier name ! 210 
 
 Thou, heavenly chief! whose arm the serpent brav'd. 
 
 And from his ravenous jaws the virgin sav'd : 
 
 If e'er I tapers burn'd with rites divine, 
 
 Or offer'd gold and incense at thy shrine; 
 
 For her I pray, that she, thy faithful maid, 215 
 
 On thee, in every chance may call for aid. 
 
 She ceas'd; her heart convulsive anguish wrung, 
 And on her face a morta" sorrow hung. 
 
 With tears I took thee, and with care bestow'd 
 Within a chest, with leaves and flowers o'erstrow'd. 
 And bore thee thence conceal'd, a pleasing load ! 221 
 At length remote, my lonely footsteps stray'd 
 Amidst a forest thick with honid shade ; 
 When lo ! a tygress drawing near I view'd. 
 Her threatening eyes suflFus'd with rage and blood : 
 Wild with affright I left thee on the ground, 926 
 And climb'd a tree, and thence my safety found : 
 The furious beast now cast her eyes aside. 
 And thee deserted on the herba2:e spy'd: 
 Intent she seem'd to gaze, and milder grew, 230 
 'Till all the fierceness from her looks withdrew : 
 Approaching uigh, she fawn'd in wanton play. 
 And lick'd your infant members as you lay ; 
 While you secure the savage form caress'd, 
 And strok'd with harmless hand her dreadful crest. 
 She offer'd then her teTts, and (strange to view !) 
 Thy willing lips the milky moisture drew. 
 With anxious fear and wonder I beheld 
 A sight so new, that all belief excell'd. 
 Soon as she found thee sated with the food, 240 
 
 The beast departed, and regain'd the wood. 
 Then hastening down to where on earth you lay, 
 I with my charge resiim'd my former way. 
 'Till midst a village my retreat I made; 
 In secret there thy infancy was br«^d : 215 
 
 And there I dwelt, 'till coursing round, the moon 
 Had sixteen changing months to raortals shown :
 
 2S0 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B, XII. 
 
 'Till thj young feet began their steps to frame, 
 
 And from thy tongue imperfect accents came. 
 
 But sinkkig now, as middle life decliifd, S50 
 
 To hoary age, the winter of mankind ; 
 
 Enrich'd with gold, which with a b)unteous hand 
 
 The Queen had given me when I left the land, 
 
 I loath'd this irksome life, with wandering tir'd. 
 
 And to review ray native soil desir'd ; 235 
 
 There midst my friends to pass my latter days, 
 
 And chear my evenings with a social blaze. 
 
 To Egypt then 1 turu'd, my natal shore. 
 
 And thee the partner of my journey bore. 
 
 When, lo I a flood we gain — there thieves enclose 260 
 
 My doubtful piss, and here the current flows. 
 
 What should 1 do, reluctaut to forego 
 
 My dearest charge, or trust the barbarous foe : 
 
 1 take the flood; one hand the torrent braves ; 
 
 And one sustains thee white I plough the waves. 265 
 
 Swift was the stream, and in its midmost course, 
 
 A circling eddy whirl'd with rapid force: 
 
 There round and round, with giddy motion tost. 
 
 Sudden I sunk, in depth of waters lost ; 
 
 Thee soon 1 miss'd, but thee the waters bore, 270 
 
 And w inds propitious wafted to the shore. 
 
 Breathless and faiot at length I reach'd the land, 
 
 And there, with joy, my dearest pledge regain'd. 
 
 But now what time to dusky shade consigned, 
 Ni^ht spreads her veil of silence o'er mankind, 275 
 Behold a warrior ia my dream appear'd, 
 And o'er my head a naked falchion rear'd, 
 Hear mv command ! (.he cry'd with threatening air) 
 What once a mother trusted to thy care; 
 Thv infant charge with sacred rites baptize; 2S0 
 Belov'd of Heaven, with me her safet\ lies : 
 For her, to ravenous beasts I pity gave, 
 An:l breath'd a living spirit in the wave. 
 O ! wretched thou ! if, such a warning given. 
 Thou darst to sliaht the messenger of Heaven! 2S5 
 
 He ceas'd ; I wak'd, and then resum'd my way. 
 Soon as the mom reveal'd her early ray.
 
 D. XII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 281 
 
 But, partial to my faith, I kept thee still, 
 
 Nor would thy mother's last commands fulfil : 
 
 I heeded not the visions of the night, 290 
 
 But bred by youth in every Pa^n rite. 
 
 Mature in years now shone thy dauntless mind 
 
 Above thy sex the rival of mankind ! 
 
 In many a fif ht thy deeds have glory won ; 
 
 Thy fortune since full well to thee is known. 29i 
 
 In me thou still hast prov'd, in peace or war, 
 
 A servant's duty and a parent's care. 
 
 As yester-raorn my mind, with thought oppress'd. 
 
 Lay senseless in a deep, a death-like rest. 
 
 The phantom warrior came with fiercer look, 300 
 
 And dreadful with a louder accent spoke. 
 
 Lo, wretch ! the appointed hour at hand (he cry'd) 
 
 That must Clorinda from this life divide. 
 
 In thy despite the virj^ shall be mine. 
 
 And thee to tears and anguish I resign. 305 
 
 He said ; and vanish'd swift to fleeting air : 
 Then hear, ray best belov'd ! my tenderest care ! 
 For thee these threatening visions Heaven has sent; 
 To thee, alas ! foretels some dire event ! 
 Perchance displeas'd by me to see thee train'd 310 
 In rites unpractis'd in thy natal land; 
 Remote perhaps from truth. — O yet forbear : 
 Consent, no longer now those arms to wear : 
 Suppress thy daring, and relieve my care. 
 
 He ceas'd, and wept In deep suspense he stay'd, 
 A dream, liko his, her troubled soul dismay'd : 316 
 At lenrth her looks she dear'd, and thus reply'd : 
 That faith I deem the truth, be still my guide; 
 That faith I learn'd from thee in early years, 
 \^'hich now thou seeks't to shake with causeless 
 
 fears : 
 Nor will I (noble minds such thoughts disdain) 321 
 Forego these arms, or from th' attempt refrain ; 
 Though death, in every shape that mortals fear. 
 Should undisguis'd before my eyes appear. 
 
 So spoke the generous maid, and gently strove 
 To calm his anguish and his doubts remove. 326
 
 2S2 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XII. 
 
 Now came the season for the deed design'd. 
 When parting thence th' expecting * knight she 
 
 join'd ; 
 Ismeno there t' inflame each breast conspir'd 
 With goading speech, that neither breast requir'd. 
 And to their hands two sulphurous balls consign'd. 
 With secret fire in hollow reeds confin'd. [bend, 
 
 Now through the night their silent march they 
 Now leave the city, and the hill descend : 
 'Till near the place arriv'd, where towering high, 
 The hostile structure rises to th»^ sky : 336 
 
 Their daring souls can scarcely now restrain 
 Tlie warmth that breathes in every glowing vein : 
 Their cautious tread the watchful guard alarms ; 
 The signal these demand, aud call aloud to arras. 
 
 No more concealed remaiu the generous paii', 341 
 But boldly rushing on provoke the war. 
 As missile stones from battering engines fly. 
 As forky thunders rend the troubled sky ; 
 One instant sees them, with resisti^* hand, 345 
 Attack, and pierce, and scatter wide the band. 
 'Midst dashing spears and hissing darts they fiew. 
 And unrepuls'd their glorious task pursue : 
 Now, held in sight, the ready fires tbey raise : 
 Now near the pile the threateniug vapours blaze : 
 'Till on the tower the dreadful pest they bend : 351 
 On every side the curling flames ascend : 
 Heavy and thick the smoky volumes rise. 
 And shade with sable clouds the starry skies : 
 Flash follows flash, the mingled blaze aspires, 354 
 'Till all the ether glows with ruddy fires ! 
 Fann'd by the wind, the flame more furious grows : 
 Down falls the pile, the terror of the foes. 
 And osie short hour the wondrous work o'erthrows! 
 
 Meanwhile with speed two Christian squadrons 
 came. 
 Who from the field had seen the rising flame : 361 
 
 * Argantes.
 
 B. XII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 283 
 
 To these the bold iVrgarites turn'd, and vow'd 
 To quench the burning ruins with their blood : 
 Yet, with Clorinda join'd, retreating still, 304 
 
 By slow degrees he gain'd the neighbouring hill ; 
 While, like a flood by souuding rains iiicreas'd, 
 Beliind their steps the eager Christians press'd. 
 
 Soon was the gate unbarr'd, where ready stands 
 The king, suiTounded by his numerous bands, 
 To welcome back (if fate th' attempt succeed) 3 TO 
 The pair triumphant from the glorious deed. 
 Now near the town the knight and virgin drew. 
 And swift behind, the troop of Franks pursue ; 
 These Soljraan dispers'd : the portal clos'd. 
 But left Clorinda to the foe expos'd ; 375 
 
 Alone expos'd ; for while the hasty bands 
 Shut fast the sounding gate with ready hands, 
 She foUow'd Arimon, by fury driven, 
 T' avenge the wound his luckless hand had given : 
 His life she took r nor yet Argantes knew 380 
 
 That she, ill-fated ! from the walls withdrew. 
 All cares were lost, the tumult of the fight 
 Amaz'd the senses midst the gloom of night. 
 At length, her rage allaj'd with hostile blood, 
 The maid at leisure all her peril view'd : 385 
 
 The numbers round, and clos'd the friendly gate. 
 She deem'd her life a prey to certain fate. 
 But when she finds no Christian eye descries 
 The hostile warrior in the dark disguise. 
 New schemes of safety in her mind arise, 390 
 
 Herself securely midst the ranks she throws, 
 And undiscovered mingles with the foes. 
 Then, as the wolf retires besraear'd with blood. 
 And seeks the shelter of the distant wood ; 
 So, favour'd by the tumult of the night, 395 
 
 The dame, departing, shunn'd the prying sight. 
 Tancred alone perceiv'd, with heedful view. 
 Some Pagan foe as near the place he drew, 
 lie came what time she Arimon had slain, 
 Then mark'd her course, and foUow'd o'er the plain :
 
 SSI JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. Xll. 
 Eager he burn'd to prove her force in fight, 401 
 
 Estcem'd a warrior worthy of his might, 
 Her sex unknown. And now the \irgin went 
 A winding way along the hills ascent : 
 Impetuous he pursued, but ere he came. 405 
 
 His clashing armour rouz'd th' unwary dame. 
 Then turning swift — What brings't thou here ? (she 
 
 cr\ "d) 
 Lo I war and death I bring ! (the chief reply'd) 
 Then war and death (the virgin said) 1 give; 409 
 What thou to me would'st bring, from me receive! 
 Intiepid then she stay'd ; the night drew near; 
 But when he saw the foe on foot appear, 
 lie left his steed to meet in equal war. [wage: 
 
 Now with drawn swords they rush the fight to 
 With fury thus two jealous bulls engage. 415 
 
 \\ hat glorious deeds on either part were done. 
 That claim*d an open field and conscious sun! 
 Thou, night I whose envious veil with dark disguise, 
 Conceal'd the warrior's acts from human eyes, 
 Permit me from thy gloom to snatch tlieir fame, 420 
 And give to future times each mighty name: 
 So shall they shine, from age to age di<play'd. 
 For glories won beneath thy sable shade ! 
 All art in fight the dusky hour denies. 
 And fury now the place of skill supplies. 434 
 
 1 he meeting swords with horrid clangor sound : 
 Each whirls the falchion, each maintains the ground :' 
 Alternate furies either breast inflame. 
 Alternate vengeance and alternate shame. 
 No pause, no re^t, th' impatient warriors know, 4 0" 
 But rage to rage, and blow succeed to blow : 
 Still more and more the combat seems to rise. 
 That scarce their weapons can their wrath suflSce; 
 Till grappling fierce, in nearer strife they close. 
 And helm to helm, and shield to shield oppose. 435 
 Thrice in his nervous arm he held the maid ; 
 And thrice elusive from his grai-p she fled. 
 Agaiu with threat'ning swords resum'd they stood. 
 And dy'd again the steel with mutual blood :
 
 B.XIL JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 28'. 
 Till, spent with labour, each alike retir'J, 440 
 
 And faint and breathless from the fight respir'd. 
 
 Now shines the latest star with fainter ray. 
 And ruddy streaks proclaim the dawning day : 
 Each views the foe ; while bending on the plain 
 The swords revers'd their sinking bulk sustain. 445 
 Then Tancred marks the blood that drains his foe. 
 But sees his own with less elfusion flow. 
 He sees with joy : — O ! mortals blind to fate. 
 Too soon with Fortune's favouring gale elate ! 
 Ah ! wretch ! rejoice not — Thou too soon shalt 
 mourn ! 450 
 
 Thy boast and triumph mus^t to sorrow turn ! 
 Soon shall thy eyes distil a briny flood, 
 l''or all those purple drops of precious blood ! 
 Thus for a while the weary warriors stay'd, 
 And speechless each the other's wounds survey'd. 
 At length the silence gallant Tancred broke, 456 
 Besought her name and mildly thus bespoke. 
 
 Hard is our fate to prove our mutual might. 
 When darkness veils our deeds from every sight : 
 But since ill fortune envies valour's praise, 460 
 
 And not a witness here our strife surveys ; 
 If prayers from foes can e'er acceptance claim. 
 To me reveal thy lineage and thy name : 
 So shall I know, whate'er th' event be found, 
 Who makes my conquest or my death rer.owu'd. 
 
 Thou seek'st in vain (the haughty maid replv'd) 
 To fathom what my soul resolves to hide. 
 Yet, one of those thou see'st (whateVr my name) 
 Wlio gave thy boasted tower to feed the flame. 
 
 At this with rage indignant Tancred bur.i'd : 470 
 In hapless hour thou speak'st (he thus retura'd) 
 Alike thy speech, alike thy silence proves, 
 Aiid either, wretch ! my arm to vengeance moves. 
 
 With rest refresh'd, with wrath inflam'd anew 
 Again transported to the fight they flew. 475 
 
 What dreadful wounds on either side are given I 
 Tlircugh arms and flesh the ruthless ?words are 
 driven.
 
 2S6 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B.XII. 
 
 Though faint with blood effus'd from every vein. 
 Their staggering limbs can scarce their weight sus- 
 tain. 
 Yet still they live, and still maintain the strife, 490 
 Disdain and rage withhold their fleeting life. 
 So seems th' Egean sea, the tempest past. 
 That here and there its troubled waters cast. 
 It still preserves the fury gain"d before. 
 And rolls the sounding billows to the shore. 4SS 
 
 But now behold the mournful hour at hand. 
 In which the fates Clorinda's life demand. 
 Full at her bosom Tancied aim'd the sword ; 
 The thirsty steel her lovely bosom gor'd : 
 The sanguine current stain'd with blushing red 490 
 Th' embroider'd vest that o'er her arms was spread. 
 She feels approaching death in every vein ; 
 Her trembling knees uo more her weight sustain : 
 But still the Christian knight pursues the blow. 
 And threats and presses close his vanquish'd foe. 
 She, as she fell, with moving voice addxess'd 496 
 The prince, and tlms preferr'd her dear request ; 
 Some pitying angel forra'd her last desire. 
 Where faith, and hope, and charity conspire I 
 On the fair rebel. Heaven such grace bestow'd 500 
 And now in death requir'd the faith she ow'd. 
 
 'Tis thine, my friend! — I pardon thee the 
 stroke — 
 O ! let me pardon too from thee invoke ! — 
 Not for this mortal frame I urge my prayer. 
 For this I know uo fear, and ask no care: ò05 
 
 No, for my soul alone I pity crave ; 
 O ! cleanse my follies in the sacred wave ? 
 
 Feebly she spoke ; the mournful sounds impart 
 A tender feeling to the victor's heart ; 
 His wrath subsides, while softer passions rise, 510 
 And call the tear of pity from his eyes. 
 Not distant far, adowu the mossy hill 
 In gentle murmurs roll'd a crystal rill : 
 There in his casque the limpid stream he took ; 
 Tliea sad and pensive basten'd from the brook. 515
 
 n. XII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 3^87 
 
 His bauds now trembled, while her helm he rear'd, 
 Ere yet the features of his foe appear'd; — [knight! 
 He sees! — he knows? — and senseless stands the 
 O fatal knowledge — O distracting sight ! 
 Yet still he lives, and rouz'd with holy zeal, 620 
 Prepares the last sad duty to fulfil. 
 While from his lips he gave the words of grace, 
 A smile of transport brighten'd in her face : 
 Rejoic'd in death, she seem'd her joy to tell. 
 And bade for Heaven the empty world farewell. 525 
 A lovely paleness o'er her features flew ; 
 As vi'lets mix'd with lilies blend their hue. 
 Her eyes to Heaven the dying virgin rais'd ; 
 The Heavens and sun with kindly pity gaz'd : 
 Her clay-cold hand, the pledge of lasting peace. 
 She gave the chief; her lips their music cease. 5S1 
 So life departing left her lovely breast ; 
 So seem'd the virgin luU'd to silent rest ! 
 Soon as he found her gentle spirit fled. 
 His firmness vauish'd o'er the senseless dead. 535 
 Wild with his fate, and frantic with his pain. 
 To raging grief he now resigns the lein. 
 No more the spirits fortify the heart *, 
 A mortal coldness freezes every part. 
 Speechless and pale like her the warrior lay, 540 
 And look'd a bloody corse of lifeless clay ! 
 Then had his soul pursu'd the fleeting fair. 
 Whose gentle spirit hover'd yet in air : 
 But here it chanc'd a band of Christians came 
 In search of waters from the crystal stream : 515 
 Fall soon their leader with a distant view. 
 Well by his arms the Latian hero knew : 
 With him the breathlefs virgin he beheld. 
 And wept the fortune of so dire a field : 
 Nor would he leave (tho' deem'd of Pagan kind) 
 Her lovely limbs to hungry wolves consign'd : 551 
 But either burthen, on their shoulders laid. 
 To Tancred's tent the mournful troop couvey'd. 
 Thus step by step their gentle march they took, 
 Nor jet the warrior from his trance awoke : .555
 
 2SS JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XI :. 
 Yet oft he eroaa'd, aud show'd that fleetin? life 
 Still ia Lis breast raaintain'd a doubtful strife: 
 "^^liile hush'd aud motionless, the damsel sbow'd 
 Her spirit parted from its mortal load. 
 Thus either body to the camp they bear, 5 CO 
 
 And there apart dispose with pious care. 
 
 With every duteous rite, on cither hand 
 Around the wounded prince th' assistants stand. 
 And now by slow decrees he lifts his sight, 
 Before his eyes appears a elimmering: light : 5 "j 
 He feels the leech's hand, his ear receives 
 The sound of speech, but doubts if yet he lives : 
 Amaz'd he gaz'd around : at length he knows 
 The pHce, his friends, and thus laments his woes. 
 
 .Ajid do I live! — and do I yet survey 570 
 
 The hated beams of this unhappy day ! 
 Ah ! coward hand I to righteous vengeance slow ! 
 Though deeply \ers*d in every murdercus blow ! 
 Dar'st thou not, impious minister of death! 
 Transfix this heart, and stop this guilty breath ? 
 But haply us'd to deeds of horrid strain, 576 
 
 Thou deem'st it mercy to conclude my pain. 
 Still, still 'tis mine with grief and shame to rove, 
 A dire example of disastrous love! 
 While keen remorse for ever breaks my rest, 580 
 And raging furies haunt my conscious breast ; 
 The lonely shades with terror must I view. 
 The shades shall every dreadful thought renew : 
 The rising sun shall equal horrors yield. 
 The sun that first the dire event reveal'd ! 5S5 
 
 Still must I view myself with hateful eye. 
 And seek, though vaialy, from myself to fly ! — 
 But ah ! unhappy wretch ! what place contains 
 Of that ill-fated fair the chaste remains ? 
 All that escap'd my rage, my brutal power, 590 
 P.^rhaps the natives of the woods devour ! 
 Ah ! hapless maid ! 'gainst whom alike conspire 
 The woodland sivag* and the hostile ire ! 
 O ! let me join the dead on yonder plain, 
 (If still her beauteous limbs untouch'd remain) 59 5
 
 J5. Xll. JKllLSALEM DELIVERED. 2gf 
 
 Me too those greedy jav. s alike shall tear, 
 Me too theiTiorsterin his paunch shall bear, 
 O! happy envied hour I (if such my doom) 
 That gives «s both in death an equal tomb. 
 
 And DOW he heard that near his tent was laid 600 
 The lifeless body of his much-lov'd maid. 
 At this awhile his mournful look he clears : 
 So through the clouds a transient gleam appears. 
 And from the couch his wounded limbs he rears. 
 With faltering steps he thither bends his way, 605 
 Where plac'd apart the hapless virgin lay : 
 But when arriv'd he saw the wound impress'd, 
 \^'ith which his hand had pierc'd her tender breast ; 
 And deadly pale, yet calm as evening's shade, 
 Beheld her face, with every rose decay'd ; 610 
 
 His trembling knees had sunk beneath their load, 
 But here his circling friends their aid bestow'd. 
 Till thus again he vents his plaints aloud : 
 O ! sight! that e'e.i to death can sweetness give, 
 But cannct now, alas! my woes relieve! 615 
 
 O ! thou dear hand, that once to mine was press'd. 
 The pledge of amity and peace confess'd ; 
 What art thou now ? alas ! how chang'd in death ! 
 And what am I, that still prolong my breath ! 
 Behold those lovely limbs in ruin laid, 620 
 
 The dreadful work my impious rage has made I 
 This hand, these eyes alike are cruel found ; 
 That gave the stroke, and these survey the wound! 
 Tearless survey ! — since tears are here denied. 
 My gaiilty blood shall pour the vital tide ; 625 
 
 He ceas'd ; and groaning with his inmost breath, 
 Fix'd in despair and resolute on death. 
 Each bandage straight with frantic passion tore: 
 Foith gush'd from every wound the spouting gore : 
 But here excess of grief his will deceiv'd, 630 
 
 His senses fetter'd, and his life repriev'd. 
 
 Then to his bed again the knight was borne : 
 His spirits to their hated home return ; 
 A lid soon around, the tongues of fame relate, 
 T he hero's sorrow, and his hapless fete. 635 
 
 O
 
 290 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. Xll. 
 
 Now Godfrey sought his tent, and with him came 
 Each noble chief, a friend to Tancred's name. 
 But no reproof nor soothing yields relief. 
 And words are vain to calm his rage of grief. 
 So when some limb a mortal wound receives, 640 
 Each probing hand increasing anguish gives. 
 But reverend Peter's care the rest transcends, 
 (A shepherd thus his sickly charge attends) 
 With awful words the lover's breast he moves. 
 And wisely thus his wandering thought reproves. 
 Unhappy pi-ince ! why thus indulge thy shame, 
 Why thus forgetful of thy former fame ? 
 
 Why thus obscure thine eye, and deaf thine ear ? 
 
 View honour's charms, and virtue's summons hear. 
 
 Thy lord recalls thee to thy former post, 650 
 
 And shows the path thy erring feet have lost ! 
 
 New tasks await tliee in the field of fight. 
 
 The glorious station of a Christian knight! 
 
 M'hich thou hast left, by fatal love betray'd, 
 
 Lost in wild passion for a Pagan maid! 665 
 
 To thee this chasteniHg is in mercy given. 
 
 And thou, dost thou reject the grace of Heaven ? 
 
 Think where thy errors tend ! thy state survey. 
 
 To senseless sorrow a regardless prey ! 
 
 Thy feet are tottering on the brink of death, 660 
 
 Behold th' eternal gulph that gapes beneath I 
 
 Think, Tancred, think I this impious grief control, 
 
 J'bdt in a twofold death involves thy soul. 
 
 He ceas'd; not here in vain the youth assaii'd : 
 The fear of second death o'er all prevail'd. 665 
 His jielding heart conftss'd the kind relief; 
 Returning reason calm'd his raging grief: 
 Yet still the frequent siglis his sorrow speak ; 
 Still from his tongue the mournful accents break : 
 With tender sound his lips invoke the fair, 670 
 
 Who lent perchance from heaven a pitying ear. 
 On her, when sets the sun, and when returns, 
 He calls incessant, and incessant mourns. 
 So fares the nightingale, with anguisli stung, 
 W hen some rude swain purloins her callow youiij,
 
 B. XII. JERUS-^EM DELIVERED. 291 
 Torn from the nest; all helpless aud alone, 676 
 Each night she fills the woods with plaintive moan. 
 At length one morn, as sleep his eyes oppressed, 
 And o'er his sorrows sbed the dews of rest ; 
 Lo! in a dream, with starry robes arrayM, 6S() 
 
 With heavenly charms appear'd the warrior-maid : 
 She seem'd to view him with a pitying look. 
 And dried his tears, and gently thus bespoke. 
 
 Behold what glories round my person shine ! 
 Then weep no more, thy faithful grief resign : 68.7 
 Such as I am, to thee my state I owe, 
 Who freed me from this vale of sin below : 
 Who made me worthy, midst the saints above, 
 To dwell with God in realms of endless love. 
 There wrapt in heavenly bliss, and crown'd with 
 
 grace, 690 
 
 My hopes prepare for thee an equal place : 
 M^here thou sbalt stand before th' eternal throne. 
 Partake ray glories, and enjoy thy own : 
 Unless thyself reject the mercy given. 
 Or sensual follies spuru the grace of Heaven : 695 
 Then live I — and know thou hast Clorinda's love. 
 As far as earthly thoughts can souls immortal move» 
 
 So speaking, from her eyes the I'ghtning came : 
 And all her features glow'd with holy flame : 
 Then, lost in rays, she vanish'd from his sight, 700 
 And breath'd new comfort in the mourning knight. 
 ConsolM he wak'd ; and with a temperate mind 
 To skilful handi his wounded limbs consign'd. 
 And next he bade t' inhume, with pious care. 
 The last dear relics of the breathless fair. 705 
 
 Though for t'ae tomb no costly marbles came. 
 Nor band Dsedalean wrought the sculptur'd frame : 
 Yet, as the time allow'd, the stone they chose. 
 And o'er the grave the fignr'd structure rose. 709 
 With funeral pomp the troops the corse convey'd. 
 While torches round their solemn light display'd : 
 High on the naked pine her arms were plac'd. 
 And every rite the martial virgin grac'd. 
 02
 
 392 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XIL 
 
 Now Taucred sought tlie tomb, his vows to pay. 
 Where, cold in death, her precious relics lay: 715 
 Soon as he reach'd the pile, in which, enshrin'd, 
 Repos'd the treasure of his tortured mind ; 
 _A11 pale and speechless for a time he stood. 
 Awhile, with eves uumov'd, the marble view'd : 
 At len^h releas'd, the gushing torrents broke, 720 
 He drew a length of sighs, and thus he spoke : 
 (> tomb reverd! where all my hopts are fled ; 
 O'er which my eyes such copious sorrows shed ; 
 Thou bear'st not in thy womb a lifeless frame. 
 There love still dwells, and lights his wonted flame ! 
 Still, still, that form ador'd my breast inspires, 7 26 
 With not less ardent, but more painful fires; 
 O ! give these kisses, give these mouriiful sighs 
 To that lov'd form that in thy bosom lie?. 
 Should e'er her spirit deign a look to turn, 730 
 
 Where sleep these relics in the silent urn ; 
 Would she thy pity or my tears reprove ? 
 Can hate or anger touch the blest above ? 
 Ah ? may she then my hapless crime forgive 
 In that dear hope my soul consents to live: 73ft 
 
 She knows my erring hand the deed has wrought. 
 My heart was guiltless of so dire a thought. 
 Nor will she scorn that he who owns his flame. 
 Should still, while life endurrs, adore her name; 
 Till death shall bid me here no longer rove, 7 40 
 
 But join us both in mutual peace above. 
 Then in one tomb our mortals parts may rest ! 
 And in one heaven our spirits may be blest. 
 So shall I dead enjoy what life denied, 
 O happy change ! if fate such bliss provide ! 74 & 
 
 Thus he : but now the dreadful tidings flew, 
 And spread in whispers thro' the hostile crew : 
 At length, the certain tale divulg'd around. 
 With cries and female shrieks the walls resoimd : 
 As if the foes had every fortress won, 750 
 
 And one vast blaze involv'd the ruin'd town. 
 
 But chief Arsetes every eye demands : 
 He o'er the rest in grief superior stands ;
 
 B. XII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 99.i 
 
 No tears from him, like common sorrows flow, 
 Too deep his bosom feels the frantic woe. 7 55 
 
 With sordid dust he soils his hear)- hairs. 
 He strikes his aged breast, his cheeks he tears. 
 While fix'd on him the vulgar held their look. 
 Thus ia the midst the fierce Argantes spoke. 
 
 When first I heard the city gates were clos'd, 
 And midst the foes the glorious dame expos'd, 761 
 Fain would I then have issued to her aid, 
 And shard one fortune with the hapless maid! 
 In vain I praj'd! — the king's command restrain'd. 
 And me reluctant in the town detain'd. T65 
 
 ! had I issu'd then, this faithful sword 
 Had safe the virgin to these walls restor'd : 
 
 Or where her blood now stains the purple ground. 
 My days had run their race, with glory crown'd! 
 What could I more ? what means remain'd untried ? 
 But men and Gods alike my suit denied! 771 
 
 Pale lies she now, in fatal conflict slain; 
 Then hear what duties for this arm remain! 
 Hear, all Jerusalem ! my purpose hear ! 
 And conscious Heaven be witness whilst I swear! 
 
 1 vow dire vengeance on the Christian's bead: 776 
 And if I fail, on me thy bolts be shed ! 
 
 The task be mine the murderer's life to ta'.fe ; 
 Ne'er shal! this trusty sword my side forsake. 
 Till deep in TancrecVs heart it finds a way, 7 SO 
 And leaves his corte to ravenous fowls a prey ! 
 
 He spoke : well pleas'd his speech the Syrians, 
 And loud applauses read the sounding air. [hear. 
 The hopes of ve.igeance all their pains relieve ; 
 Each calms his sorrow, and forgets to grieve. 78a 
 O empty words ! O Heaven ia vain adjur'd ! 
 Far other end disposing fate ensur'd ! 
 For soon siibdu'd the Pagan boaster dies [lies! 
 
 By him who row ia thought beneath his prowess
 
 THE 
 THIRTEENTH BOOK 
 
 OF 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED.
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 ISMEXO, by his enchantmenU, raises the De- 
 mons, and appoints them to guard the wood 
 which supplied the Christians icith timbers to 
 carri/ on the siege. The ivorkmen being sent to 
 fell the trees are terrified, and return to tlie 
 camp. Several of the chiefs successively attempt 
 the adventure, but in vaiti. Taicredthen un- 
 dertakes it, and penetratez into the wood; but 
 at length retires, deceived by new iUusion.i. The 
 Christiari army is afflicted with a drought, by 
 ■uhich it is reduced to the utmost extremity. 
 A disaffection spreads amongst the troops, se- 
 veral of whom withdraw themselves under fa- 
 vour of the night. Godfrey invoices the as- 
 iistance of Heaven, and the camp is relieved 
 hi/ a seasonable shows r.
 
 THE 
 
 THIRTEENTH BOOK 
 
 OF 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 
 
 15 UT scarce consum'd in smouldering ashes falls 
 Th' enormous pile that shook the Pagan walls ; 
 When other schemes Ismeno's arts compose. 
 To save the ramparts from the invading foes : 4 
 
 He bends his thought to guard the woodland shade. 
 From which the Franks their mighty beams con- 
 
 vey'd ; 
 That thus their engines they no more may rear, 
 Nor Sion more the threatening fury fear. [bands. 
 Not far from where encamp'd the Christian 
 Midst lonely vales, an aged forest stands : 10 
 
 Here, when the day with purest beams is bright, 
 The branches scarce admit a gloomy light ; 
 Such as we view from morning's doubtful ray. 
 Or the faint glimmerings of departing day. 
 But when the sun beneath the earth descends, l.V 
 Here mournful uigbt i:er deeper veil extends; 
 Infernal darkness broods o'er every sight. 
 And chilling terrors every breast affright. 
 No shepherd here his flock to pasture drives; 
 No village swain, with lowing herd, arrives : 20 
 
 No pilgrim dares approach ; but each dismay'd 
 In distant prospect shows the dreary shade. 
 Here, with their minions, niidnight hags repair, 
 Convey'd on flitting clouds through yielding air: 
 5
 
 yS JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XIII. 
 While one a dragou's fiery ima^e bears, 2j 
 
 Ar.d 01. e a goat's misslapen likeness wears ; 
 And here they celebrate, with impious rite. 
 The feas-ls profai^e and orgies of the iiiglit. 
 Tl.us went the fame : untouch'd the forest stood, 
 IVo hand presum'd to violate the wood ; 30 
 
 Till now the fearless Irsnks its trees invade. 
 From thtse alone their \ast machines they made. 
 
 The sorcTer hither came ; the hour l;e chose. 
 When night around her deepest silence throws; 
 Close to his loins he girt his flowing vest, 35 
 
 Tlii-n form'd his circle, and his signs impress'd : 
 "With one foot bare, amidst the magic round 
 He stood, and mutter'd many a potent sound. 
 Thiice turning to the east his face was shewn ; 
 TLrice to the regions of the setting sun ; 40 
 
 And thrice he shook the wand, whose wondrous 
 Could from the tomb recall tlie buried corse : [force 
 As oft with naked foot the soil he struck. 
 Then thus aloud in dreadful accer.ts spoke. 44 
 
 Hear you ! who once by vengeful lightning driven. 
 Fell headlong from the starry plains of heaven ! 
 Ye power» who giiidethe s-torms and wintry war. 
 The wardtring rulers of the middle air! 
 And you, the ministers of endle,-s woe 
 To sinful spirits in the shades belo»-, 00 
 
 Inhabitants of hell! your aid I claim. 
 And thine, dire Monarch of the realms of flame! 
 Attend my will ; these woods in charge receive; 
 To you consign'd each fatal plant 1 leave. 
 As human bodies human souls comain, 55 
 
 So you inshrin'd within these trees remain. 
 Thus shall the Christians fly, at least forbear 
 To fell this forest, and vouv anger dare. 
 
 He said: and added many an impious spell. 
 Dreadful to hear, and horrible to tell. 60 
 
 While thus he mumiur'd, from the face of night 
 The afTrighted stars withdrew their glittering light ; 
 1 he moor, distuib'd no more Iter beams reveal'd. 
 But, v\rapt in clouds, her silver horns cor.ceard.
 
 B. Xlll. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 299 
 
 Now, fill'd with wiatli, he rais'd his voice again : 
 Why are je thus, ye fienils ! invok'd in vain ? 66 
 
 Why this delay ? or do you wait to hear 
 More potent words, and accents more severe ? 
 Though long disus'd, my memory yet retains 
 Each deeper art that every power constrains: 70 
 These lips can sound that name with terror heard, 
 That awful name by every demon fear'd ; 
 The name that startles hell's tremendous reign, 
 And calls forth Pluto from his own domnin. 
 Hear ! and attend ! — no more th' enchanter said, 75 
 The spell was ended, and the fiends obey'd. 
 
 UnnumberM spirits to the grove repair. 
 Of those that wander through the fields of air ; 
 Of those that deep in earth's foundatio-is lie, 
 In seats far distant from the cheerful sky. 80 
 
 Still in their mind they bear the high command. 
 That lite, from fields of fight, their host restrain'd : 
 Yet each compelled the direful charge receives. 
 Invades the trunk, or larks beneath the leavss. 
 
 The sorc'rer now, his impious purpose wrought. 
 With secret joy the M march's presence sought SO 
 O kinjr ! confirm thy liope, thy doubts give o'er, 
 Behold secur'd, thy throne and regal power! 
 No more the Christians, as their thoughts intend. 
 Can bid their towers against the town ascen-l. 90 
 He '^"lil ; and to th' attentive prince disclos'd 
 The various spells by magic power compos'd ; 
 Then thus pursu'd — To what my lips have told, 
 As giiteful tidings let me now unfold. 
 Know Mars and Sol will soon their force combine, 
 To dart their mutual beams from Leo's sign : 9C 
 No f iu -.ins: winds shall cool the burning ray. 
 No showers or dews refresh the sultry day. 
 But happy we such season here may bear, 
 Reliev'd with pleasing shade and gentle air : 100 
 This city shelter yields and plenteous streams. 
 And cooling gales to check fhe scorching beams : 
 Wliiie on the barren earth the Franks shall lie, 
 And feel the furv of th' inclement sky.
 
 300 JEilL'SALEM DELIVERED. B. Xllf. 
 
 Thus, first subdu'd by Heaven, tb' Eg-yptian train 
 
 Shall o'er their host an easy conf'ue?t g^ain. 106 
 
 So sball the foes, without thy labour, yield : 
 
 Then tempt no more the fortune of the field. 
 
 But if too high Argante»' courage glows. 
 
 To bear, what prudence wills, a short repose : 110 
 
 If, still, as wont, he urge thee to the fight, 
 
 The care be tbiae to curb th' impetuous knight : 
 
 For soon will Heaven on thee its peace bestow. 
 
 And whelm iu ruin yon flagitious foe. 
 
 With joy the king these welcome tidings heard. 
 The engines of the foes no longer fear'd : 116 
 
 But not for this he ceas'd his watchful care, 
 The walls to view, and every breach repair : 
 Alike the citizens the toils divide, 
 And various throngs the works incessant ply'd. 120 
 
 Meanwhile the pious chief, their labours known, 
 Resolv'd no more t' attempt the sacred town, 
 Till once again his lofty tower he rear'd, 
 And every engine for tb' attack prepar'd. 
 Where midst the wood the living timbers grew, 135 
 Tlie workmen swift he sent the trees to hew ; 
 These reacb'd, at early dawn, the gloomy shade, 
 But sudden fears their trembling souls dismay 'd. 
 
 As simple children dread the hours of night, 129 
 When fabled spectres fill their mind with fright: 
 So these were seiz'd with dread : yet scarce they 
 
 knew 
 From what new cause th' unwonted terrors grew. 
 But fancy form'd perhaps a numerous train 
 Of empty sphinxes, and chimeras vain ? [sought, 
 Back from the wood, with speed the camp they 
 And wild reports, and tales uncertain brought. 136 
 The Christian warriors scorn'd their dastard fears, 
 And heard their words with unbelieving ears. 
 Then Godfrey next dispatch'd a squadron try'd 
 A valiant troop, that every chance defy'd, 140 
 
 To succour those, and urge their fainting hards 
 To act with courage what their chief commands.
 
 D.Xni. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 301 
 
 Now near they came, where mid&t the horrid shade 
 The fiends conceal'd, their impious dwelling made. 
 Soon as their eyes the dreary seats behold, 145 
 
 Each beating heart is numb'd with freezing cold. 
 Yet on they naove, while looks of boldness hide 
 Th' ig-noble thoughts that every breast divide. 
 Arriv'd at length within the vale they stood, 149 
 And reach'd the entrance of th' enchanted wood. 
 Wheu sudden issu'd forth a rumbling sound, 
 As when an earthquake rocks the trembling ground : 
 A hollow noise, like murmuring wind», they hear. 
 Or dashing billows breaking on their tar : 
 There serpents seem to hiss, and lions roar, 153 
 To bowl the wolf, to grunt the tusky boar : 
 The trumpet's clangor sound?, the thunders roll. 
 And mingled clamours echo to the pole! [play'd ; 
 At once their bloodless cheeks their thoughts dis- 
 A thousand signs their timorous hearts betrnj'd : 160 
 No more could discipline their ranks sustain, 
 A secret power disraay'd the routed train; 
 At length they fled : when one, with looks confus'd, 
 To pious Godfrey thus their flight excus'd : 
 
 No more we boast, O chief! those woods to fell. 
 Impervious woods, secur'd by hidden spell! 166 
 
 Infernal furies midst the gloom resort. 
 And Pluto there has fix'd his horrid court I 
 Of triple adamant his heart is made. 
 Who unappall'd beholds the fatal shade: 170 
 
 And more than mortal he, who free from fear, 
 Can the dire howlicgs and the thunders hear. 
 
 He said ; and while he thus bis tale pursu'd. 
 Among the listening chiefs Alcastus stood ; 
 A man of courage rash, whose daring mind Ili 
 
 Scorn'd every monster dreadful to mankind ; 
 Nor storms, nor earthquakes, could his fear excite. 
 Nor aught that fills the world with pale aflfright. 
 
 He shook his head, and smiling thus reply'd: 
 By me this arduous task shall soon be try'd ! 180 
 Alone I go yon dreaded woods to fell, 
 W here visionary shapes and terrors dwell.
 
 302 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. Kill. 
 
 No grhastly spectres shall this lian',1 restraiu. 
 Ani fiends sliall howl, and thunders roir in v:iin : 
 Behold my soul each threatening powi-r defies, 185 
 Though hell's dire passage gape before my e.>es! 
 
 Boastful he spoke : the leader gave consent : 
 From thence with daring steps the warrior went. 
 At length the forest to his siirht appeared. 
 And from witliin the mingled noise was heard. 1 90 
 But still the knight pursu'd his course unmov'd ; 
 No terrors yet his dauntless bosom prov'd. 
 Now had his feet the soil forbidden trod, 
 When lo ! a rising fire h:s steps withstood : 
 Wide and more wide it spread, and seem'd to frame 
 Huge lofty walls and battlements of flime! 196 
 
 The wondrous fence around the wood extends, 
 And from the sounding axe its trees defends. 
 A\ hat monsters arm'd upon the ramparts standi 
 ■\Vbat horrid forms compose the griesly band ! 200 
 "Xi'ifh threatening eyes some view him from afar. 
 And some, with clashing arms, the champion dare. 
 Ai length he flies, but with a tardy flight ; 
 So parts a lion yielding in the fight. 
 Surpris'd his conscious heart the doubts confess'd, 
 And owu'd the fears that struggled in his breast. 
 Then, to the camp retumM, witi) humbled pride, 
 From every eye he sought the shame to hide: 
 Xo longer durst, his face v>ith grief o\rsp read, 
 AmcnT the warriors lift his haughty head. 210 
 
 By Godfrey summon'd now, awhile he stay'd, 
 And with e^tcuses vaia the time d-lay"d : 
 Slowly at length he rame, unwilling «poke. 
 And from his lips imperfect accents broke. 
 Full well the leader saw his troubled mind, 215 
 
 And. by liis looks, the boaster's flight divin'd. [t-'nd ? 
 
 ^^'hat may (he cries) these strange events por- 
 W hat tales are these that nature's 1 iws transcend ? 
 Is there a man w!:o, fiU'd with glorious heat, 
 Dares yet explore the forest's dark retreat ? 250 
 
 Now let his courage yonder seats invade, 
 Or bring more certain tidines from tiie shade.
 
 B. XIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 303 
 
 So spoke the cliief : and tbree succeeding days 
 The boldest warriors, urg'd by tbirst of praise, 22* 
 Assay'd the dreary wood : but struck with dread. 
 Each knight by turns the threatening terrors fled. 
 
 Now in her tomb has noble Tancred laid 
 The bonour'd reiicsof h's much-lov'd maid: 
 Pale are his looks, his languid limbs appear 
 Too weak the cuirass or the shield to bear. 230 
 
 But, since tJie Christian cause his sword requires. 
 Nor foil nor danger damps his generous fires; 
 Heroic ardours all his soul inflame. 
 And give new vigour to his feeble frame. 
 With native firmness arm'd, he hastes to prove 235 
 The secret perils of the magic grove. 
 Unmov'd his eyes the gloomy shade behold : 
 In vain the earthquakes rock'd, the thunders roU'd : 
 At first a transient doubt assaiPd bis breast. 
 But each unworthy thought was soon repress'd. 240 
 Still on he pass'd, till full before his eyes 
 The burning walls and flaming ramparts rise. 
 At this awhile his hasty course hesta\'d: 
 WTiat here can arms avail ? (the warrior said) 
 Shall I where yon devouring furies wait, 245 
 
 Amidst the flames attempt a desperate fate ? 
 Ne'er would I fly from death in glory's strife, 
 When fame, when public good, demands my life. 
 From useless perils yet the brave refrain ; 
 The warriors courage here was spent in vain : 260 
 Yet how will yonder camp my flight receive P 
 What other forest can their want relieve? 
 By Godfrey then the task will sure be try'd : 
 These fires perhaps may vanish when defy'd. 
 But be it as it may ! th' attempt I claim ! 255 
 
 He said, and fearless rush'd amidst the flame : 
 At once he leapt, and press'd nnhurt the ground. 
 Nor fire nor heat th' iutrepid hero found : 
 At once the visionary flames were fled. 
 And all around a dismal darkness spread: 260 
 
 Tempests and clouds arose : but soon anew 
 The storms werevanish'd, and the clouds withdrew !
 
 304 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XIII. 
 
 Surpris'd, but dauntless, noble Tancred stood. 
 And when the skies thus clear'd the warrior view'd. 
 With steps secure he pierc'd tli' unhallow'd glade. 
 And trac'd each secret wiud-ng; of the shade. 266 
 No wondrous phantoms now his course oppos'd ; 
 No burning towers the guarded wood enclos'd : 
 But oft the trees, with tangled boughs eutwin'd; 
 Perplex'd his passage, and his sight confia'd. 270 
 At length asihan theatre he found; 
 Nor plant nor tree within the verdant round; 
 Save in the midst a stately c.t press rose. 
 And high in air advanc'd its spreading boughs. ail- 
 To this the knight his wandering steps address'd, 
 And saw the trunk with various marks impress'd : 
 Like those (ere men were vers'd in scriptur'd lore) 
 Mysterious EgjT)t us'd in days of yore. 
 Amidst the signs unknown he chanc'd to find 
 These words engravM conspicuous on the rind. 2S(» 
 
 O '. valiant knight I whose feet have dard to tread 
 These mansions sacred to the silent dead : 
 If pity e'er thy dauntless breast could move, 
 Forbear to violate this fatal grove. 
 Revere the souls depriv'd of vital air, 2S5 
 
 Nor with the dead an impious war declare. 
 
 These lines the knight per us'd, and lost in thought 
 He long in vain the secret meaning sought. 
 Now through the leaves a whispering breeze he bears, 
 And human voices murmuring in his ears; 290 
 
 That various passions in his heart instil : 
 Soft pity, grief, and awe, his boiom fill. 
 
 At length, resolv'd, his shining steel he drew. 
 And struck the tree, when (dreadful to his view !) 
 The wounded bark a sanguine current sheJ 29.'> 
 And stain'd the grassy turf with streaming red. 
 M ith horror chill'd, yet fix'd th' event to know. 
 Again his arm renew'd the forceful blow : 
 When from the trunk was heard a human groan. 
 And plaintive accents in a female tone. 300 
 
 Too much on me before thy rage was bent, 
 O ! cruel Tancred! cease!— at last relent!
 
 li. Xlll. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 305 
 
 By thee from life's delijiitful seat 1 fell. 
 Driven from the breast where once I us'd to dwell. 
 Why do'st thou still pursue with ruthless hate, 305 
 This trunk, to which I now am fix'd by fate ? 
 Ah ! cruel — shall not death th' unhappy save ? 
 And would'st thou reach thy foes within the grave ! 
 Clorinda once was 1 ! — nor here confin'd. 
 My soul alone informs a rugged rind : 310 
 
 The liite mysterious fortune waits on all 
 \Y\io sink in fight beneath yon lofty wall ; 
 By strange enchantment here (relentle'=s doom !) 
 They find in silvan forms a living tomb : 
 These trunks and branches human sense en dows, 315 
 Nor canst thou, guiltless, lop the vital boughs. 
 As one distemper'd, to whose sleeping eyes 
 A dragon or chimera seems to rise. 
 Attempts to fly, while yet he scarce believes 
 The monstrous phantom that his sense deceives : 32© 
 So far'd the lover, doubting what he heard ; 
 Yet, midst his doubts, he yielded and he fear'd. 
 A thousand tender thoughts his bosom pain'd. 
 No more his trembling hand the sword retain'd. 
 Now in his mind lie views th' offended fair, 395 
 With all the sighs and tumnlts of despair : 
 Nor longer can ha bear, with pitying ejes. 
 To view the streaming bark, or hear the mournful 
 Thus he, whose courage every deed had try'd, [cries ! 
 And ail the various forms of death defy'd, 330 
 
 Submiti his reason to delusive charms, 
 And love's all-powerful name his breast alarms. 
 
 A whirlwind now arose with sudden roar. 
 Which from the wood his fallen falchion bore. 
 The warrior, thus subdu'd, no longer strove, 335 
 
 But left th' attempt, and issu'd from the grove. 
 His sword regaining, to the chief he came, 
 And thus at length began his tale to frame. 
 • Unthought-of truths, O prince ! I shall reveal. 
 Wondrous to know, incredible to tell ! 340 
 
 I heard the dreadful sounds, the fire I view'd 
 That, sadden rising, in my passage stood ;
 
 .i06 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XTII. 
 
 Like walls and battlements the flames were rear'd, 
 
 Where armed monsters for defence appear'd. 
 
 Yet free from heat I pass'd the burninar towers, 34 i 
 
 Nor found my path oppos'd by hostile powers : 
 
 To this succeeded clouds, and storms, and night, 
 
 But soon agrain return'd the cheerful light. 
 
 More shall I speak ? — A human spirit lives 
 
 In every tree, and sense and reason gives 35f< 
 
 To every plant — deep groans assail'd mine ear, 
 
 And still I seera'd the mournful sounds to hear. 
 
 Each parted trunk pours forth a purple stream, 
 
 Like sanguine currents from a wounded limb ! 
 
 I own myself subdu'd — no more I dare 3!, • 
 
 A branch dissever, or a sapling tear. 
 
 While Tancred thus his wondrous tidings brought, 
 The leader waver'd, lost in anxious thought: 
 Uncertain if himself th' attempt to prove. 
 And try the dangers of th' enchanted grove ; ^60 
 Or seek what other distant wood might jield 
 The planks to frame his engines for the field ; 
 But from his doubts the hermit soon relieves 
 The pensive chief, and thus his counsel eives: 
 
 Forego thy thought?, nor yonder wood invade, 3(>.'> 
 Another hand must pierce the fatal shade. 
 Now, now, the vessel gains the distant strand. 
 She furls her sails, she cuts the yielding sand! 
 See ! where at length th' expected hero breaks 
 His shameful bondage, and the shore forsakes ! 370 
 Full soon will Heaven yon towering walls o'erthrow, 
 And quell the numbers of th' Egyptian foe ! 
 
 While thus he spoke, inflam'd his looks appear'd; 
 With more than mortal sound his voice was heard. 
 
 The pious Godfrey, still with cares oppress'd, 313 
 New plans revolv'd within Lis thoughtful breast. 
 But now, receiv'd in Cancer's fiery sign,* 
 The sun, with scorching rays, began to shine : 
 
 • Bui now, receir'd in Cancer's fiery rinn.J This drought 
 with which the Cliristiau army was afflicted, is meutiouedia 
 the history. In the particulars ot' the description the poet 
 has made great u«e of Lucretius.
 
 fi. XIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. SOT 
 
 A direful drougbt succeeds; the martial traiu 
 
 No more the labours of the field snirtain. 380 
 
 Each gentle star has quench'd its kiudly beam : 
 
 ¥Tom sullen skies malignant planets gleam ; 
 
 Their baneful influence on the earth they shed. 
 
 And wide threugh air, infections vapours spread. 
 
 To dreadful day more dreadful night succeeds, 385 
 
 And each new morn increasing terror breeds. 
 
 The sun ne'er rises cheerful to the sight, 
 
 But sanguine spots distain his sacred light : 
 
 Pale hovering mists around his forehead play. 
 
 The sad forerunners of a fatal day ; 390 
 
 His setting orb in crimson seems to mourn. 
 
 Denouncing greater woes at his return : 
 
 And adds new horrors to the present doom. 
 
 By certain fear of evils yet to come ! 
 
 All nature pants beneath the burning sky : 395 
 
 The earth is cleft, the lessening streams are dry: 
 
 The barren clouds, like streaky flames, divide, 
 
 Dispers'd and broken through the sultry void. 
 
 No cheerful object for the fight remains ; 
 
 Each gentle gale its grateful breath retains ; 100 
 
 Alone the wind from Libya's sands respires. 
 
 And burns each warrior's breast with secret fires. 
 
 Nocturnal meteors blaze in dusky air, 
 
 Thick lightnings flash, and livid comets glare! 
 
 No pleasing moisture nature's face renews : 405 
 
 The moon no longer sheds her pearly dews 
 
 To cheer the mourning earth ; the plants and flowers 
 
 In vain require the soft and vital showers. 
 
 Sweet slumber flies from every restless night. 
 
 In vain would men his balmy power invite ; 410 
 
 Sleepless they lie : but, far above the rest. 
 
 The rage of thirst their fainting souls oppress'd : 
 
 For, vers'd in guile, Judaea's impious king 
 
 With poisonous juice had tainted every spring ; 
 
 Whose currents now with dire pollution flow, 414 
 
 Like Styx and Acheron in realms below. 
 
 The slender stream, where Siloa's gentle wave 
 
 Once to the Christians draughts untainted gave,
 
 30S JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XIII. 
 
 Now scarcely murmuis, in bis channels drj-. 
 
 And %ields tlieir faifUing host a small supply. iSO 
 
 But net the Po, when most his waters swell, 
 
 Would seem too vast their raging thirst to qnell : 
 
 Nor mighty Ganses, nor the seven-mouth'd Nile, 
 
 That with his deluge glads th' Egyptian soil. 
 
 If eVr their eyes, in happier times, have view'd. 
 
 Begirt with grassy turf, some crystal flood : 43C 
 
 Or living waters foam from Alpine hills. 
 
 Or through soft herbage purl the limpid rills : 
 
 Such fldtJering scenes again tlieir fancies frame. 
 
 And add new fuel to increase their flame, 430 
 
 Still in the mind the wish'd idea reigns: 
 
 But still the fever rages in their veins ! 
 
 Th?n might you see on earth the warriors lie, 
 
 A^hrxe liml)s robust could every toil defy ; 
 
 Inur'd the weight of ponderous arms to bear, 43S 
 
 InurM in fields the hostile steel to dare : 
 
 Deep in their flesh the hidden furies prey. 
 
 And eat, by slow degrees, their lives away. 
 
 The courser, late with generous pride indu*d. 
 Now loaths the grass, his once delighted food: 440 
 W'Wh ftfble steps he scarcely seeius to tread. 
 And prone to earth is hung his languid head. 
 No memory now of ancient fame remains. 
 No «hirst of Rlor\ on the dusty plains : 
 The conquerd spoils and trappings once bestow'd. 
 His joy so late, arc now a painful load ! 446 
 
 Now pines the faithful dog, nor heeds the board. 
 Nor heeds the service of his dearer lord ! 
 Out strotch'd he lies, and as he pants for breath, 
 Rccelvfs at every gasp new draughts of death. 4 50 
 
 lu vain has Nature's law the air assign'd 
 T* allay the inward heat of human kind : 
 ^^ hat here, alas! can air mankind avail, 
 M hen fevers float on every burning ga'e! 
 
 Thus droop'd the earth, and every glory lost, \bh 
 Dire prospects terrilied the faithful host : 
 Complaints aloud resound from every band. 
 And words, liks these, are heard on either hand.
 
 B, XIU. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 309 
 
 "V\ hat next can Godfrey hope ? Why longer stajr 
 Till one sad fate sweep all our camp away ? 400 
 Still can he think yon lofty walls to gain. 
 What force is left, what engines now remain ? 
 And s^ees not he, of all the host alone, 
 The wrath of God by every signal shown ? 
 A thousand signs and prodigies declare 46j 
 
 His will oppos'd against this fatal war. 
 What scorching rays the sickening land invade I 
 Nor Ind nor Libya asks a cooler shade ! 
 Then thinks our leader no regard we claim. 
 And views us as a vile, a worthless name ! 4T(» 
 
 That souls like ours to death must tamely yield. 
 So he may still th' imperial sceptre wield ! 
 Behold ! the boasted chief, the pious nam'd. 
 For acts of mercy and for goodness fam'd, 
 For.iets his people's weal, his power to raise, iT4 
 And on their ruin build destructive praise ! 
 While thus we mourn each spriug and fountain dry'd, 
 From Jordan's stream his thirst is well supply'd ; 
 Amidst his festive friends the prince reclines. 
 And mises cooling draughts with Cretan wines. 480 
 Thus said the Franks; but louder far complain'd 
 The Grecian chief, who Godfrey's sway disdain'd ; 
 Who with reluctance long his rule obey'd : 
 WTiy should I tamely perish here ? (he said) 
 And why with me on mine shall ruin wait ? 485 
 If Godfrey blindly rush on certain fate. 
 On him and on his Franks th' event be thrown. 
 Nor let us fall for follies not our own. 
 Thus said the chief; nor bade the host adieu. 
 But with his train, at evening's close withdrew.* 
 Soon as the morn beheld his squadron fled, 491 
 
 On other troops the quick contagion spread. 
 
 * with his train, at evening's close withdrew.] History 
 
 mentions, that in the famiue which tlie Christians suffered 
 before Autioch, the Grecian commauder departed, under 
 pretence of seeking assistance from the emperor at Constan- 
 tinople, and that he returned no more. The poet feigns thi« 
 circumstance to have happened before the walls of Jeru. 
 sal« III.
 
 310 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XIII. 
 
 Those that in battle Arteraar obey'd. 
 
 And brave Clothaieus, now in silence laid, 
 
 (Since death, which all dissolves, had burst the bands 
 
 That held tbem subject to their lords' commands) 490 
 
 Already meditate their sc'cret flight ; 
 
 And some depart beneath the favouring night. 
 
 All this full well observant Godfrey knew. 
 Nor yet his soul would rigorous means pursue 500 
 T' oppose the ill ; resolv'd the faith to prove 
 That rapid streams can stay, and rocks remove ; 
 The Ruler of the world with prayers implore 
 The sacred fountains of his grace to pour. 
 With hands conjoinM, and eyes with zeal on flame. 
 He thus aloud invok'd th' eternal name, 506 
 
 O King ! aud Father ! if thy pitying hand 
 E'er «lied thy mnnna in the desert land ; 
 If e'er thy will to man such virtue gave. 
 From veins of rock to draw the gushing wave; 610 
 Be now for these thy wondrous power display 'd : 
 But if their merits little claim thine aid, 
 o: let thy grace, to veil their faults, be given. 
 Still may thy warriors feel the care of Heaven I 
 
 These righteous prayers, in humble words ex- 
 pressM, 
 On eigle-wings to heaven their flight address'd ; 516 
 There full before the throne of God appear'd ; 
 Th' Eternal Father with complacence heard : 
 His awful eyes he bent on Syria's lands. 
 And view'd the labours of his faithful bands : 520 
 He saw their sufferings with a gracious look, 
 ThL'a thus with mild benevolence, he spoke. 
 
 Lo ! to this hour, on earth my camp belov'd, 
 Has various woes and dreadful perils prov'd ! 
 The world, in arms, resist their glorious toils, 5-2.:» 
 And htU obstructs their course with all its wiles. 
 Now, chang'd the scene, a happier fate attends: 
 From favouring clouds the friendly shower descends 
 Their matchless hero comes t' exalt their name. 
 And Egypt's host arrives to crown their fame. 530 
 
 Th' A Imighty ceas'd : heaven trembled as he spoke ; 
 The stars and every wandtaLi^ planet shook;
 
 B. XIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 311 
 
 The air was hush'd, the sea was calin'd to rest, 
 
 And everj hill and cave its awe confess'd. 
 
 Swift to the left the lightning's blaze appear'd; 535 
 
 At once aloft the thunder's noise was heard. 
 
 The troops transported view the lowering skies, 
 
 And hail the rolling sound with joyful cries. 
 
 Now thickening clouds their gloomy veil extend : 
 
 Not these in vapours from the earth ascend 54r(> 
 
 By Phoebus' warmth ; but heaven the deluge pours. 
 
 And opens all the sluices of its stores. 
 
 The torrents fall impetuous from tlie skies ; 
 
 Ahove their banks the foamy rivers rise. 
 
 As on the shore, when heats have parch'd the plain. 
 
 The cackling breed expect the kindly rain ; 646 
 
 TheJ greet the moisture with expanded wings. 
 
 And sport and plunge beneath the cooling springs : 
 
 The Christians thus salute with joyful cry 
 
 The grateful deluge from the pitying sky. 550 
 
 These on their locks or vests the stream receive; 
 
 From helms or vases those their thirst relieve : 
 
 Some hold their hands beneath the cooling wave ; 
 
 Their faces some, and some their temples lave: 
 
 While earth, that late her gaping rifts disclos'd, hbb 
 
 And fainting lay to parching heat expos'd, 
 
 Receives and ministers the vital showers 
 
 To fading herbs, to plants, to trees, and flowers : 
 
 Her fever thus allay'd, new health returns, 
 
 No more the flame within her bosom burns; 5C0 
 
 Again new beauties grace her gladden'd soil. 
 
 Again renew'd, her hills and vallies smile. 
 
 Now ceas'd the rain ; the sun restor'd the day, 
 Aad shed with grateful wariuth a temper'd ray : 
 I As when his beams benign their influence bring 565 
 T' unlock, with genial power, the welcome spring. 
 O wondrous faith! that, trusting Heaven above, 
 Can putire the air, and every ill remove ; 
 Can change the seasons, and reverse their state. 
 Subdue the stars, and stop impending fate ! 570
 
 THE 
 
 FOURTEENTH BOOK 
 
 OF 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED.
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 GODFREY is aAmonished in a dream to recall 
 Rinaldo to the camp. Guelpho pleads for his 
 nephew's return, and Godfrey consents to it. 
 llhald and Charles the Dane are appointed the 
 messengers for that purpose ; these, by the di- 
 rections of Peter, proceed to Ascalon, where 
 they are entertained by a Christian magician, 
 who shows them many wonders. He gives them 
 a particular relation of the manner in which 
 Rinaldo was ensnared by Armida, and then in- 
 structs them fully how to deliver him from the 
 power of the enchantress.
 
 THE 
 
 FOURTEENTH BOOK 
 
 OF 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 
 
 JN OW from her mother's ancient lap arose 
 Indulgent night, befriending street repose; 
 Soft breezes in her train attendant flew, 
 While from her robe she shook the pearly dew : 
 The fluttering ZephjTs breath'd a grateful wind, 5 
 And sooth'd the balmy slumbers of mankind. 
 
 Now, every thought forgot, the peaceful host 
 Their cares and labours in oblivion lost : 
 But, ever watchful o'er his creatures' state. 
 In light eternal Heaven's Almighty sate: 10 
 
 His looks he tum'd, and view'd from upper skies. 
 The Christian leader with benignant eyes : 
 To him, with speed, he sent a mystic dream. 
 To speak the purpose of the will supreme. 
 Not far from where the sun, with eastern ray, 15 
 Through golden portals pours the beamy day, 
 A crystal gate there stands, whose valves unfold 
 Ere yet the skies the dawning light behold. 
 From this the dreams arise, which heavenly power 
 
 I To pious mortals sends in gracious hour : 20 
 
 FYom this to Godfrey's tent the vision fled. 
 And o'er the chief his radiant pinions spread. 
 
 ' No slumber e'er such pleasing scenes displaj'd, 
 
 ! As now the hero in a trance survey'd ; 
 
 } That brought the starry mansions to his eyes, 24 
 
 Ir And open'd all the secrets of the skies : 
 
 ^. P3
 
 S16 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XlV. 
 
 Then full reflected to his sense was shown 
 The happy state, by righteous spirits known. 
 
 He seem'd aloft to realms of glory rais'd, 29 
 
 "WTiere beams on beams with mingled lustre blaz'd. 
 There, while he wondering view'd the seats around, 
 And heard the sacred choir their hymns resound. 
 Begirt with rays, and cloath'd with lambent flame, 
 Full in his sight a graceful warrior came. 
 His tuneful voice no sounds can reach below, 35 
 And from bis lips these gentle accents flow : 
 Then will not Godfrey own his face again, 
 And is thy friend, thy Hugo, seen in vain ? 
 To whom the chief reply'd . That form divine. 
 Where circling beams of dazzling glory shine, 40 
 So far my feeble mortal sense obscur'd. 
 That scarcely yet ray memory stands assur'd, 
 He said ; and thrice with eager arms essay'd 
 With pious love to clasp the friendly shade : 
 And thrice the phantom mock'd his fruitless care, 45 
 And fled like empty dreams or fleeting air. 
 
 Think not (the vision cryM) thine eyes behold 
 A mortal substance of terrestrial mould: 
 A naked spirit stands before thy sight, 
 A citizen of this celestial light. 50 
 
 Behold God's temple ! here his warriors rest, 
 With thee shalt thou reside, for ever blest. 
 When comes that happy hour ? (the cluef replies) 
 Ah ! now release my soul from earthly ties ! 
 
 Soon shalt thou (Hujo thus return'd again) 5i 
 Partake the triumphs of th' immortal train : 
 But first thy warfare claims new toils below : 
 In fields of fight thy courage yet must glow. 
 'Tis thine to free from impious Pagan bands 
 The sacred empire of Judaea's lancb ; CO 
 
 And, firmly fix'd, the Christian throne to place, 
 The seat thy brother is decreed to grace. 
 But, that thy breast may feel a holier fire,' 
 And purer pleasures purer thoughts inspire : 
 Contemplate well this place, these starry rays, 65 
 "WTiere Heaven's Almighty pours the boundless 
 blaze .'
 
 R.XIV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 31T 
 
 Hark ! how th' angelic choir their hymns prolong, 
 And warble to the lyre celestial song ! 
 Now cast thy sight to yonder globe below, 
 See! all that earth on mortals can bestow! 70 
 
 Behold, what vileness there obscures mankind : 
 Say, what rewards can there the virtuous find. 
 A naked solitude, a narrow space 
 Confines the senseless pride of human race. 
 Earth, like an isle, is round with waves embrac'd lb 
 Survey yon sea, the mighty and the vast ! 
 Which here can no such glorious titles claim, 
 A pool unnoted, and a worthless name ! 
 
 He said ; and Godfrey downward bent his eyes. 
 And view'd the earth with pity and surprize : 80 
 He smil'd to see the numerous nation's boast. 
 Lands, floods, and oceans, in an atom lost : 
 Amaz'd that man, with sensual follies blind. 
 Should there immers'd in smoke, in gloom confin'd 
 Pursue vain empire, and an airy name, [fame. 
 
 Nor heed the call of Heaven, and virtue's lasting 
 
 Then thus he said : Since 'tis not God's decree, 
 From mortal prison yet my soul to free ; 
 O ! be my guide ! Vouchsafe the path to show. 
 Amidst the errors of the world below. 90 
 
 The path before thee (Hugo then reply'd) 
 Pursue, nor from the track remove aside. 
 This only counsel from thy friend receive ; 
 From exile brave Beitoldo's son reprieve. 
 For if to thee th' Almighty King of Heaven 95 
 
 The sovereign guidance of the host has given; 
 'Tis his decree no less, th' intrepid knight 
 Should execute thy high commands in fight : 
 Tis thine the foremost duties to sustain. 
 To him the second honours must remain : 100 
 
 To him alone 'tis given the woods to fell. 
 So deeply guarded by the fiends of hell ; 
 From him the troops, that seem a lifeless host, 
 Their numbers weaken'd and their courage lost ; 
 \ That inly meditate a shameful flight. 105 
 
 Shall gain new vigour for th' approaching fight :
 
 SIS JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XIT. 
 So shall tbey teach jon haughty walls to yield, 
 And rout the eastern armies in the field. 
 
 He said, and ceas'd ; when Godfrey made reply : 
 The knight's return would fill my breast with joy : 
 Thou know'?t (and thou my secret thought cans't 
 That in my soul he meets a brothei-'s love, [prove) 
 But say, what offers must I make ? and where 
 To seek him shall the messengers repair ? 
 How suits it with my state, the youth to greet, 115 
 T' exact obedience, or with prayer entreat ? 
 
 To whom the shade : Th' Eternal King, whose 
 To thee has given on earth a leader's p'ace, [grace 
 Decrees that those o'er whom he gave the sway. 
 To thee, their head, should rightful homage pay : 
 Request not then — (thou can'st not, void of blame, 
 With servile prayers debase a general's name) — 
 But when thy friends beseech, thine ears incline; 
 The part be theirs t' entreat, to yield be thine : 
 To thee inspir'd by Heaven, shall Guelpho plead, 
 _ And ask forgiveness for Rinaldo's deed. 126 
 
 Though now far distant from th' abandon'd host. 
 He lives in love and ease inglorious lost ; 
 A few short days will bring the youth again. 
 To shine in arms amidst his social train : 130 
 
 For holy Peter can thy envoys send 
 M'here certain tidings shall their search attend : 
 They shall be taught the arts, and given the power. 
 The knight to free, and to the camp restore. 
 Thus all thy wandering partners of the war 135 
 Shall Heav'n at length reduce beneath thy care. 
 Yet ere I cease, one truth I shall reveal, 
 TMiich well I know thy breast with joy shall fill : 
 His blood shall mix with thine, and thence a race 
 Of glorious names succeeding times shall grace! 140 
 
 He ended here ; and pass'd like smoke away. 
 Or fleetiDg clouds before the solar ray. 
 Then sleep, departing, left the hero's breast 
 At onde with wonder and with joy possess'd. 
 The pious chief th' advancing mom survey'd, liS 
 And straight his limbs in weighty arms array'd.
 
 D. XIV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 319 
 
 Soon in his tent th' attending leaders met. 
 In daily council where conven'd they sate ; 
 There every future act they weigh with care. 
 And every labour of the war prepare. [taught. 
 
 Then noble Guelpbo,* who, as Heaven had 
 New plans revolv'd within his careful thought, 
 First turn'd to Godfrey midst the warrior-train : 
 O! prince I for mercy famM (he thus began) 161 
 I come t' implore thy grace ; thy grace dispense. 
 Though rash the deed, though recent be th' oflfience : 
 Hence may it seem too boldly here I stand, 
 And immaturely urge the fond demand. 
 But when I think to Godfrey's friendly ear, 
 For bi-ave Rinaldo I my suit prefer: IGO 
 
 Or view myself, of no ignoble strain. 
 That intercedes thy favouring grace to gain : 
 I trust thou wilt not such a boon deny, 
 Which all will here receive with equal joy. 
 Ah ! let the youth return, retrieve his name, 166 
 And lave, in fields of blood, his sullied fame. 
 What hand but his, intrepid shall invade 
 The forest-gloom, and bare the fatal shade ? 
 Who more adventurous in the field to dare. 
 Despising death, amidst the ranks of war ? 170 
 
 Behold he shakes the wall, the gate o'erthrows. 
 Or foremost scales the ramparts of the foes ! 
 Restore him to the camp !— O chief! restore 
 The hope of battle, and the soldier's power. 
 Restore to me a nephew well-belov'd, ITS 
 
 A champion to thyself, in arms approv'd : 
 Nor let him in ignoble sloth remain. 
 But give him to his rank and fame again : 
 Thy conquering banners let him still pursue. 
 So may the gazing world his virtues view : 18^ 
 
 Great deeds he then shall show in open light. 
 While thou, his leader, rul'st the field of fight. 
 
 • Then noble Guelpho--] The poet here, as in the fifth 
 book, admirably preserves the decorum of Godfrey's cha- 
 racter, by making the request for his recall come from
 
 3«0 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B.XIP. 
 
 He ended here : and, while his suit he press'd, i 
 
 All join'd, with favouring murmurs, his request : 
 And Godfrey now (each inward thought conceal'd) i 
 Seem'd to his reasons and his suit to yield. 186 
 
 Can I (he cry'o) refuse the grace requir'd. 
 By all expected, and hy all desir'd : ! 
 
 Here rigour ends — enough your counsel moves; 
 Then be it as the public voice approves. 190 
 
 Let young Rinaldo view the camp again, 
 But learn henceforth his anger to restrain : 
 May he, with actions equal to your praise, 
 Fulfil your wishes, and his glory raise ! 
 Him to recall, O Guelpho .' be thy care : 195 
 
 ••(And grateful sure the tidings to his ear !) 
 'Tis thine the trusty envoy to select. 
 And where the youth resides, his steps direct. 
 
 He ceas'd ; when, rising, thus the Dane began : 
 An envoy if jou seek, behold the man ! 200 
 
 Jsor length of way, nor perils I decline, 
 To him this honourd weapon to resign. 
 
 So spoke the knight, with genercus ardour mov'd> 
 And noble Guelpho his desire approved : 
 And join'd with him, the labours to divide: 20& 
 I'bald, in every art of wisdom try'd. 
 Lbald, in youth, had many regions seen. 
 Explored the customs and the ways of men : 
 And wander d long, with unremitted toil. 
 From polar cold to Libya's burning soil ; 210 
 
 From different nations diflFerent arts he drew; 
 Their laws, their manners, and their speech he knew : 
 In age mature, him Guelpho now caress'd, 
 His much-lov'd friend, and partner of his breast. 
 
 Such were the men, selected midst the host, 315 
 From exile to recall the champion lost : 
 These Guelpho now instructs their course to bend 
 W here mighty Bcemond's regal walls ascend : 
 Since all (for thus the public fame was blown) 
 Had fix'd the knights retreat in Autioch's town : 2-2W 
 But here the word the reverend hermit took. 
 And interposing, on their converse broke.
 
 B. XIV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 3 21 
 
 Ye warriors brave ! attend my words (he said) 
 'Nor be my voice of vulgar fame misled ; 
 But haste to Ascalon, and seek the shores 29B 
 
 Where to the sea a stream its tribute pours : 
 There shall a sage, the Christians' friend, appear ; 
 Attend his dictates, and liis counsel hear: 
 Full well he knows, long since foretold by me. 
 Of this your journey, tix'd by God's decree : '239 
 
 'Tis his your steps to guide ; from him receive 
 Such welcome as a faithful heart can give. 
 
 The hermk said : and, as his words requirM, 
 The ready knights obey'd what Heaven inspir'd : 
 Direct to Ascalon they bent their way,* 230 
 
 T^Vhere breaks against the land the neighbouriug sea. 
 Their ears perceive uot yet the hollow roar 
 Of dashing billows sounding on the shore : 
 "When now the chiefs a rapid stream beheld, 239 
 With sudden rains and rushing torrents swell'd: 
 The banks no more confine its headlong cours>?; 
 Swift as a shaft it «'rives with furious force. 
 While in suspense they stand, a sage appears, 
 Of reverend aspect and experienc'd years, 
 An oaken wreath surrounds his aged brows ; 245 
 In lengihen'd folds his snowy vesture flows; 
 A wand he shakes; secure he treads the waves, 
 And with his feet unbath'd the torrent braves. 
 
 So, near the freezing pole, the village swains 
 XWhen winter binds the floods in icy chains) 250 
 Oft o'er the Rhine in fearless numbers glide 
 With hissing sound, and skim the solid tide. 
 
 Now came the sage to where, in deep surprise. 
 On him the silent warriors fix'd their eyes; 
 Then thus : O friends ! 30U tempt au arduous task. 
 Your high designs uncommon guidance ask. S56 
 
 * Direct to Ascalon they bent their uvii^] Ilfre begins the 
 narrative of the wonders "met with by these knights, in their 
 embassy to recall Rinaldo, and tlie description ot'the enchant- 
 ments ofArmidt ; a.id I hive liitle doubt, notwithstanding 
 tlie severity, and pcr'iaps pedantry, of classical criticism, 
 but every poetical reaJrr will call these the finest passages, 
 ' ct( the Jerusalem. T'ne reader will see what use our admira- 
 ble Sj.enserhas made of these xivth, svth, and xvitlx Ijooks, 
 P5
 
 822 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XIj: 
 
 What toils, wbat dangers ?till attend your way, 
 What seas to pa<s, what regions to survey! 
 Far must you search, where other suns ascend. 
 Beyond the limits of our world extend. 2G0 
 
 But first vouchsafe to view my homely cell, 
 The hidden mansion where retir'd I dwell : 
 There shall my lips such wondrous truths declare. 
 As. well befits your purpose now to hear. 
 
 He ceas'd; and hade the stream a passage yield : 
 Th' obedient stream a sudden path reveal'd; 'i66 
 Full in the midst the parting waves divide, 
 A liquid mountain rose on either side. 
 Then hy the hand he seiz'd the knights, and led 
 Within the winding river's secret bed. 2 TO 
 
 There doubtful day scarce glimmers to their sight : 
 As when pale Cynthia through the groves, by night. 
 Sheds from her slender horns a trembling light. 
 There caverns huge they view; from these arise 
 The watery stores that yield the earth supplies, -47 ò 
 To run in rills, in gushing spriofrs ascend. 
 To flow in rivers, or in lakes extend. 
 There might they see whence Po and Ister came, 
 Hydaspes, Ganges, and Euphrates' stream : 
 ■Whence mighty Tanais first derives his course; 280 
 And Nilus there reveals his secret source. 
 Deep underneath they next a flood behold. 
 Where sulphur, mix'd with living silver, roU'd : 
 Till these, by Sol's enlivening rays refin'd, 
 In solid gold or lucid crystal shia'd. 255 
 
 Along the banks they saw, on either side, 
 Unnumber'd jewels deck the wealthy tide : 
 From these by fits, a flashing splendor play'd. 
 And chas'd the horrors of the dusky shade. 
 There shines the sapphire gay with a^ure bright, 
 And there the jacinth gives a pleasing light : 291 
 There flames the ruby; there the diamond beams: 
 And milder there the verdant emerald gleams ! 
 
 The warriors still pursu'd their reverend guide; 
 These woaderous scenes in deep amazement ty'd 295
 
 D. XIV. JERUS.VLEM DE LIVERED. 323 
 
 Each various sense; till prudent Ubald broke 
 The silence first, and thus the sage bespoke. 
 Say, Father! what the place we now behold ? 
 Wiere do'st thou lead ? and what thj- state, unfold ? 
 Scarce can I tell, bewildered with surprise 300 
 If truth I view, or dreams deceive my eyes ! 
 
 Then he : Lo ! here the spacious womb of earth, 
 WTiere all productions first receive their birth : 
 Nor could you thus her entrails dark explore, 
 Without my guidance and superior power: 305 
 
 Now to my palace I your steps convey 
 (My palace shining with resplendent day.) 
 A Pagan was I born, but gracious Heaven 
 A second life by cleansing streams has given. 
 Think not these wondei-s, that confound your thought. 
 By influence of the Stygian angels wrought. 311 
 Heaven shield I should invoke Cocytus' shore, 
 Or Phlegethon with impious arts implore: 
 But well my knowledge from its source reveals 
 The virtue every plant or spring conceals : 315 
 
 I meditate the stars, explore the cause 
 Of Nature's works, and trace her secret laws. 
 Yet deem not, ever distant from the skies. 
 In subterranean seats ray dwelling lies. 
 For oft on Lebanon or Carmel's brow 320 
 
 I make abode, and view the world below. 
 There Mars and Venus to my searching eyes. 
 Without a cloud, in all their aspects rise. 
 Each star I know, of swift or lingering course. 
 Of mild appearance, or malignant force: 32» 
 
 Beneath my feet the vapours I survey. 
 Now, dark, and now with Iris' colours gay. 
 What exhalations rains and dews compose 
 I mark, and how the wind obliquely blows : 
 What fires the lightning, how the bolt descends, 330 
 And through the air a dreadful passage rends. 
 There, near at hand, I see the meteors stream, 
 And wandering comets dart a fiery gleam ! 
 Elate with pride, I deem'd ray art could soar 
 To every height, and fathom heavenly pow'r. 336
 
 354 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. E. Xll\ 
 
 But when your Peter, in the sacred flood. 
 
 With mjstic rites my sinful soul renew'd; 
 
 I rais'd my thoughts, and own'd my wisdom's boajt, 
 
 Without a guide divine, in darkness lost! 
 
 The minds of men, in truth's immortal ray, 340 
 
 jXppear like birds of night before the day. 
 
 Inly I smil'd my follies past to view. 
 
 From which so late my empty pride I drew : 
 
 Yet (?o your pious hermit gave command) 
 
 I still my former magic arts retain'd : 345 
 
 But all my know ledge now obeys his word, 
 
 'Tis his to bid, my teacher and my lord I 
 
 He now vouchsafes with me (a worthless name!) 
 
 T' entrust a task more righteous hands might claim : 
 
 To me he gives to call from distant lands 350 
 
 Th' uaconquerd hero to his social bands : 
 
 Long have I stay'd, your coming to behold ; 
 
 Fcr this event the holy sage foretold. 
 
 Thus spoke the sire : and now the knights he sbow'd 
 ■\Miere in the lonely rock he made abode : 355 
 
 The mansion like an ample cave was seen, 
 And halls and stately rooms appear'd within. 
 There slone whatc'er ih' all-breeding earth contains 
 Of riches nourish'd in her fruitful veins : 
 There native splendor dwells in every part, 360 
 And nature rises o'er the wcrk-; of art ! 
 An hundred duteous slaves obsequious stand 
 T' attend the guests, and wait their lord's conamand ; 
 Magnificent the plenteous board is plac'd, 
 "VVith vases huge of gold and crystal grac'd. 365 
 At length the rage of thirst and hunger fled, 
 The wise magician to the warriors said, 
 
 'Tis time, what mo>t imports should now be shown; 
 To \oii in part Armida 's arts are known : 
 How to the camp she came, and thence convey'd 370 
 The bravest champions, by her wiles betray'd. 
 Full well >ou know that these, in bonds restraln'd, 
 Th' insidious dame within her tower detain'd ; 
 And sent them guarded thence to Gaza's land, 
 l^hea fortune, in the way, releas'd their baud. 376
 
 n. XIV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. sa?» 
 
 It now remains for me th' events to tell 
 
 (As yet unknown) which since that time befell. 
 
 Soon as th' enchantress saw her prisoner? lost. 
 Her schemes defeated, and her labours crost; 
 Oppress'd wi'.h sudden grief, her hands she wrung, 
 And thus exclaim'd, with raging fury stung: 3S1 
 
 Then s^hall he live to boast th' audacious deed. 
 My guir Is defeated, and my captives freed! 
 No — if his arras to others freedom give, 
 Let him i:i pains and shameful bondage live : o85 
 Nor he alone ray just revenge shall claim, 
 My rage shall burst on all the Christian name ! 
 
 Furious she spoke, and as she spoke design'd 
 A new device within her fraudful mind: 
 She sought the plain, where late Rinaldo's might 
 Her warriors vanquish'd, and dispers'd in fight : 391 
 The battle o'er, his mai! the chief embrac'd, 
 And on his limbs a Pagan's armour lac'd. 
 Perchance he sought to veil his glorious name, 
 Concaal'd in humbler dress unknown to fame. 395 
 His arms th' enchantress took,* ia these enclos'd 
 A headless trunk, and near a stream expos'd ; 
 Here well she knew that, charg'd with daily care, 
 A band of Franks would from the camp repair. 
 And fast beside she statioa'd in the shade 400 
 
 A crafty slave in shepherd's garb array'd. 
 Instructed well suspicion's bane to spread: 
 He first among your troops th' infection shed ; 
 That, wide diflFusing, scatter'd discord far. 
 And threaten'd direful rage and civil war. 405 
 
 Thus, as her arts design'd, the Christian train 
 Believ'd by Godfrey brave Rinaldo slain. 
 Till soon to all confess'd the truth appear'd. 
 And jealous doubts from every breast were clear'd. 
 
 Behold the first device Armida tried ; 410 
 
 Now mark, what next her wily thoughts employ'd. 
 
 * His armi th' enchantress took — ] The following passage 
 explaiiis fully the account given in the viiith book to God- 
 frey bv Aliprando of the supposed death of Rinaldo. See 
 T«r. 343 of that book.
 
 32« JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XIV. 
 
 The sorc'ress stay'd by fam'tl Orontes' stream, 
 
 Till near the banks the young Rinaldo came; 
 
 Where from the main a parting riv'let glides, 
 
 And forms an island in the limpid tides. 415 
 
 There by the shore a little bark appear'd; 
 
 A marble pillar close beside was rear'd ; 
 
 On this, as in suspense, awhile he stood, 
 
 Engrav'd in gold these words the hero view'd. 419 
 
 " O thou ! whoe'er thou art, whose steps are led, 
 " By choice or fate, these lonely shores to tread ; 
 " No greater wonders east and west can boast, 
 " Than yon small island on its pleasing coast. 
 " If e'er thy sight would blissful scenes explore, 
 " This current pass, and seek the further shore," 
 
 Th' uncautious warrior with th' advice comply 'd, 
 And curious turn'd, resolv'd to cross the tide ; 
 But, for the bark could only one contain, 
 Alone he pass'd, and bade his squires remain. 
 Now, to the land th' impatient hero brought, 430 
 With eager looks, the promis'd wonders sought; 
 Yet nought beheld save meadows deck'd with 
 
 flowers. 
 Clear waters, cooling caves, and leafy bowers. 
 Th' enticing scenes awhile the youth delay'd ; 134 
 He stretch'd his weary limbs beneath the shade ; 
 Then from the massy helm his brows reliev'd. 
 And in his face the freshening breeze receiv'd, [noise. 
 
 But soon lie heard the stream, with" bubbling 
 Remurmuriug soft, and thither turn'd his eyes : 
 W hen midst the flood the circling waves he spy'd. 
 That fortn'd an>ddy in the whirling tide : 441 
 
 Wl-.ence, rising slow, dishevell'd locks appear'd. 
 And female features o'er the water rear'd ; 
 1 he snowy neck, and gently swelling breast ; 
 A crystal veil beneath conceal'd the rest, 445 
 
 So from the parting stage is seen to rise 
 A nymph or goddess to the gazer's eyes. 
 This, though her form a Syren's charms display'd, 
 Was but a semblance and delusive shade ;
 
 B. Xir. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 327 
 
 Yet one of those she seem'd, who wont of yore. 
 In faithless seas, t' infest the Tyrrhene shore. 451 
 Sweet as her looks, so sweet her tuneful voice ; 
 Audthus she sings, while winds and skies rejoice. 
 
 O happy man ! when youth rei^s o'er your hours 
 And strows the paths of life with smiling flowers: 
 Ah ! let not virtue with fallacious ray, 450 
 
 Or glory, lead your tender mind astray ; 
 Who learns the fruit each season yields to prize. 
 Who follows pleasure, he alone is wise. 459 
 
 Know, this is nature's voice : — Will you withstand 
 Her sacred laws, and slight her high command ? 
 Insensate he who wastes his bloomy prime. 
 Nor takes the transient gifts of fleeting time. 
 Whate'er the world may worth or valour deem ! 
 Is but a phantom, and delusive dream! 465 
 
 Say, what is fame, that idol of the brave. 
 Whose charms can thus deceiv'd mankind enslave ? 
 An echo — or a shade — to none confin'd ; 
 A shifting cloud, dispers'd with every wind ! 
 Then rest secure ; in every offtr'd joy 470 
 
 Indulge your senses, and your soul employ. 
 Past woes forget ; nor antedate your doom 
 By vain presage of evils yet to come. 
 Let thunders roll, and nimble lightnings fly : 
 Yet heed not you the terrors of the sky. 475 
 
 This, this is wisdom: hence each blessing flows; 
 This nature bids, and this the path she shows. 
 
 Thus impious she : The soothing accents creep. 
 And lull the listening knight to balmy sleep : 
 In vain the thunder's noise had rent the skies. 480 
 So deep entranc'd in death-like rest he lies. 
 
 Now fir'd with vengeance, issuing from the wood , 
 The false enchantress o'er the warrior stood : 
 But, when she view'd intent his manly face. 
 His features glowing with celestial grace, 486 
 
 Rapt in suspense, beside the youth she sate, 
 And as she view'd, forgot her former hate.
 
 32S JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XIJ . 
 Low-bending o'er his charms* >^he hangs amaz'd ; 
 So once Narcissus in the fouutain gaz'd. 
 Now from his cheeks she wipes the dews away : 4C0 
 Now bids the fanning breeze around him play : 
 Now thro' tlie meads, that smil'd with various 
 
 flowers, 
 She stray'd, and wanton cropt the fragant stores ; 
 The rose and lily, with her artful hands 
 Together join'd, she form'd in pleasing bands : 495 
 With these the warrior's arms and legs enfolds, 
 And gently thus in flowery fetters holds. 
 Then, while in soft repose he senseless lies. 
 She lays him on her car, and cuts the skies. 
 Nor seeks she to regain Damascus' lands, 500 
 
 Or where, with waves enclos'd her castle stands ; 
 But, jealous of her prize, and till'd with shame. 
 In ocean's vast profound she hides her flame. 
 Where from our coast no bark the billow ploughs : 
 There midst circumfluent tides an isle she chose ; 
 Then to a mountain's lofty summit flies, 506 
 
 Forlorn and ^^ ild, expos'd to stormy skies : 
 She clothes the foot and sides with dreary snows, 
 \A hile on the brow eternal verdure grows. 
 There, rear'd by «pells, and more than mortal hands. 
 Beside a lake her spacious palace stands ; 511 
 
 W here, in unfailing spring, and shameful ease, 
 Th' imprison'd champion wastes his amorous days. 
 'Tis your's the jealous sorc'ress' guards to quell. 
 That watch th' ascent, and near the palace dwell. 
 Nor shall you want a guide your course to lead ; 
 Nor arms t' assist you in th' adventurous deed. 
 Soon as jou quit my stream, your eyes shall view 
 A dame, though old in years, of youthful hue ; 
 
 » Loic-bendin^ r'er his charms — ] See the passage in Spen- 
 ser wliere Acrasin is described with the knight in the bower 
 of bliss. 
 
 And all the while right over him she liong, 
 \Vith her false eyes fast fixed in his sight. 
 As seekiu; medicine, whence she was stong, 
 Or greedily depasturing delight, &c. 
 
 Foiry Qiietn, B. ii. c. 1'2. St. 73
 
 B. XIV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. S39 
 
 Known by the locks that o'er her forehead play, 530 
 
 And changeful robes, with various colours gay. 
 
 'Tis her's to guide you to the task decreed, 
 
 With more than eagle's wings or lightning's speed ; 
 
 'Tis her's to waft you o'er the watery plain. 
 
 And safe return you from the roaring main. 525 
 
 The mount ascending, on whose towering height 
 
 Th' enchantress dwells, remote from human sight 
 
 Your eyes shall numerous savage forms behold : 
 
 There Pythons hiss, in dreadful volumes roll'd : 
 
 With horrid bristles stands the foaming boar : 330 
 
 With gaping jaws the bear and lion roar ! 
 
 Theu sudden shake this potent wand* around, 
 
 And all with fear shall fly the hissing sound. 
 
 But when your feet the steepy summit gain, 
 
 Yet greater perils in your way remain : ò3b 
 
 A fountain rises there, whose streams invite 
 
 Th' admiring stranger,i and the thirst excite ; 
 
 * this potent u-and — ] The palmer that accompauies 
 
 Sir Guyon in Spenser, has a staff of the like virtue. Speak- 
 ing of the wild beast that attacked Sir Guyon and his euid« 
 on their coming to the boner of Acrasia, the pnet thus beaa- 
 tifuUy enlarges ou the fiction of the Italian author. 
 
 But soon as they approach'd with deadly threat. 
 The palmer over them his staff upheld ; 
 His mighty staff, that could all cliarms defeat: 
 Eftsoous their stubborn courages are quell'd. 
 And hio;h advanced crest down meekly fell'd : 
 Instead of fraying, they themselves did fear. 
 And trembled, as them passing they beheld : 
 Sueh wondrous power did in that staff appear, 
 AM monsters to subdue to him that bid it bear! 
 Of that same wood it fram'd was cunningly, 
 Ofwhicli Caduceus whilom was made; 
 Caduceus, the rod of Mercury, 
 With which he wonts the Stygian realms invade. 
 Through ghastly horror and eternal shade • 
 Th' iafernal fiends with it he can assuage, 
 And Orcus tume, whom nothing can persuade, 
 And rule the Furies, when they most do rage : 
 Such virtue in his staff had eke" this palmer sage. 
 
 Fairy Queen. B. li. c. 1-2. St. 40, 
 + A fountain rises there, whose streams invite 
 Th' admiring stranger, — J Pomponius Mela writes thus 
 of such a fountain in tne Fortunate Islands: " Contra fortu- 
 uatse insulse abundant sua sponte genitis et subinde aliis su- 
 per aliis innascentibus nihil ; so! icitos alunt beatius quam alia; 
 Brbesgscultse. Uuasingulari duorum fontiura ingenio maxi-
 
 SSÒ JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XlK 
 
 But, deep within, tli' alluring crvstal bides 
 
 A secret venom in its treacherous tides : 
 
 One fatal diaught can strange effects dispense, 54U 
 
 And fill with dire delight the madding sense : 
 
 Unhidden laughter swells the panting breath. 
 
 Till lo J the dread convulsion ends in death ! 
 
 Then far ! ah, distant far w^tth speed remove. 
 
 Nor let your lips the deadly waters prove : 545 
 
 Nor let the banks with tasteful viands grac'd. 
 
 Invite jour senses to the rich repast : 
 
 Nor heed th' enticing dames, whose voice decoys, 
 
 "Whose beauty poisons, and whose smile destroys ; 
 
 O ! fly their looks, their guileful words despise; 550 
 
 And enter where the lofty gates arise. 
 
 Within, high walls with winding paths surround 
 
 The secret dwelling, and the search confound : 
 
 Maze within maze distracts the doubtful sight: 
 
 A map shall guide your wandering steps aright. 556 
 
 Amidst the lybyrinth lies the magic grove. 
 
 Where every leaf impregnate seems with love. 
 
 There shall you view, beneath the embowering 
 
 shade, 
 Th' enamour'd champion and the damsel laid. 
 But when awhile th' enchantress shall depart, 560 
 And leave behind the partner of her heart ; 
 Then sudden issue forth, to sight reveai'd. 
 And show the knight my adamantine shield : 
 There shall he see, reflected to his eyes, 
 His own resemblance, and obscure disguise : 56S 
 Th' ignoble sight his generous wrath shall move, 
 And banish from his breast inglorious love. 
 No more remains to tell ; 'tis yours alone. 
 To take secure the path my words have shown ; 
 
 me in^ignis, alterum qui potavere risu soKuntiir in mor- 
 tem." Petrarch likewise speaks of t\TO foiintaius in the For- 
 tunate I'slands. 
 
 Fuor tutti i ijostri lidi 
 
 Nel 'isole famose di fortun:» 
 
 Due fonti ha, chi dell' una 
 Bce muor rìdendo.
 
 B.XIV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 331 
 
 Safe through the winding maze to bend your course, 
 Nor fear th' opposing spells of magic foice : 571 
 Not ev'n Armida (such is Heaveu's decree) 
 Can your arrival, by her arts, foresee. 
 Nor less, returning from the enchanted seat. 
 Propitious powers shall favour your retreat. 675 
 But now the wasting hours to sleep invite; 
 The morn must see you rise with dawning light. 
 
 Thus spoke the reverend sage ; and speaking led 
 The knights to slumber on a downy bed : 
 There, fill'd with joy and wonder, either guest 5 SO 
 He left ; and thence himself retir'd to rest.
 
 THK 
 
 FIFTEENTH BOOK 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED.
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 THE two knights take their leave of the fiermit, 
 and embark in a vesnel steered by a female pi- 
 lot. Their voyage along the Mediterranean rfe- 
 scribed. They pass the straits, and proceed to 
 the Fortunate Islands. Their conv'^sation with 
 the pilot during the voyage. They arrive at 
 the island oj Armida, where the knights land, 
 who overcome all the obxtaclen they meet with 
 in ascending the mountaiii, and a^erwards 
 withstand all the various alluremeìité of plea- 
 sure offered to their senses.
 
 I 
 
 THE 
 
 FIFTEENTH BOOK 
 
 OF 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 
 
 IN OW rose the ruddy mom with gladsome ray 
 And waken'd mortals to tihe toils of day; 
 When to the knights the sage the buckler bore. 
 The map and golden wand of wondrous power : 
 Prepare t' attempt your arduous way (he cries) J» 
 Ere jonder sun advances o'er the skies. 
 These are my promis'd gifts, and these your arms, 
 To quell th' enchantress, and dissolve her charms. 
 
 At once the warriors rose, and eager round 
 Their limbs robust the shining armour bound. 10 
 Thence, as the hermit led, they bent their way 
 Through paths ne'er lighted by the cheerful day; 
 Again their former steps returning tread : 
 But, when they reach'd the river's sacred bed, 
 I now dismiss vou from my care (he cry'd) : 15 
 
 Farewell ! and prosperous fortune be your guide ! 
 
 Soon as they came where still the parted flood 
 On either side a crystal mountain stood, 
 The waters clos'd and from the depth upbore 
 The knights, and left them on the flowery shore. 20 
 So, from the branch by winds autumnal torn. 
 Light on the lidethe scatter'd leaves are borne. 
 Now from the bank their eyes around they threw. 
 And soon beheld ihe promis'd guide in view. 
 Amidst the stream a little bark appear'd, 24 
 
 A virgin, at the stern, the vessel steer'd :
 
 336 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. Xr 
 
 Depending ringlets o'er her forehead stray, 
 
 And mild benevolence her looks display : 
 
 Her lovely features beams effulgent shed, 
 
 And heavenly glories blaze around her head. 30 
 
 Her vesture gay a thousand colours shows, 
 
 Now flames with red, and now with azure glows: 
 
 At every turn it shifts the transient light, 
 
 And cheats with momentary hues the sight ! 
 
 Such various grace the billing dove assumes, 3i- 
 
 Whose gentle neck is cloth'd with glossy plumes ; 
 
 For ever new the varied feathers play, 
 
 Reflecting every tint of every ray : 
 
 While, as they move, successive beauties rise, 
 
 And fill with strange delight the gazer's eyes ! 40' 
 
 Favour'd of Heaven ! ascend this bark (she cry'd) 
 In which secure I plough the swelling tide: 
 The stormy winds their wonted rage restrain, 
 While safe in this each freight may pass the main : 
 From him, whose sovereign mercies wide extend, 45 
 I come at once your pilot and your friend. 
 
 So spoke the dame ; and hastening to the land, 
 The crooked keel divides the yielding strand. 
 Soon as her bark the noble pair receives. 
 She quits the shore, and swift the water cleaves ; 50 
 Then gives the spreading canvass to the wind, 
 And guides the vessel from the helm behind. 
 So wide, 90 deep, the river swells its tide. 
 That lofty ships might there securely ride ; 
 Though now a shallow stream could well suffice. 
 So light the pinnace o'er the surface flies ! 
 Now, rising from the land, th' inspiring gales 
 With prosperous breath distend the bellying sails : 
 The foaming stream is white with froth before, 
 Behind the stern the parted waters roar. 6(1 
 
 At length they came where, midst its mightier waves 
 The sea's vast gulph the river's stores receives. 
 
 Soon as the vessel gains the briny tides, 
 The winds are hush'd, the angry surge subsides : 
 The clouds disperse, the south foi^ets to blow, 65 
 That threaten'd tempests to the world below :
 
 2. .Yr. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 331 
 
 Light zephyrs only brush alonsr the main, 
 I And scarcely cuti the smooth Cerulean plnin. 
 ': By Ascaloa they pass'd ; to left they veer'd, 
 j Anil tow'rd the west the rapid vessel steT'd, 70 
 
 1 Then glidina; swift, to Gaza next they came, 
 1 An ancient harbour, not unknown to fame, 
 j But now, from many a neighbouring ruin great, 
 I An ample city, and a potent state. 
 i The warriors, from the bark, beheld the shore 71» 
 [ With tents of various nations cover'd o'er: 
 I There horse and foot, along tlie crowded way, 
 '. Swarm thick between the city and the sea. 
 )j There lo;uled camels move in solemn state, 
 j And the huge elephant's unwieldly weight. 80 
 
 Safe in the port they see the vessels ride. 
 Or floating loose, or at their anchors ty'd. 
 Some hoist their spreading sails, while others sweep 
 With level strokes, the surface of the deep. 
 Then thus the guiding maid — Though here we view 
 The thronging numbers of this impious crew ; 8ft 
 Vet these, that fill the seas and line the shore. 
 Compose not all the mighty tyrant's power. 
 These Egypt and the neighbouring lands supply: 
 But other aids he waits, that distant lie. 90 
 
 'ar to the east extends his ample swaj-. 
 To realms that burn beneath the southeni ray ; 
 \jid hence I trust our swift return to make, 
 Cre these, departing, shall their tents forsake. 
 
 While thus she spoke, as through th' aerial space 
 in eagle towers above the feather'd race; OC 
 
 ill, soaring in the sun, the sharpest eye 
 fo more can trace his progress through the sky : 
 o midst the ships the bark its passage cleaves, 
 tefjid far behind the lessening- navy leaves. 100 
 
 few, quick as thought, by Paphia's towers they sail,* 
 The town that first Egyptian pilots hail 
 
 Now, quick as thous^ht, by Paphia's towers they sail.] I 
 ive elsewhere observed, in mj' notes to Ariosto, that thi» 
 yage of Charles and Ubald through the MeiiiterraneafL, 
 ems to be imitated from the voyage of Asto'.pho from tk» 
 dies to the Persian Gulpli. 
 
 Q
 
 33S JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XF. 
 
 On Sj-ria's land) tben near tlie sbore they fly, 
 
 And Rhinocera's barren sands espy. 
 
 Not distant far a mountain, crown'd with wood, 105 
 
 C osts a brown sliadow o'er the subject flood ; 
 
 Around its rocky foot tlie billows rave; 
 
 There hapless Pompey's bones obtain'd a grave. 
 
 Fair Danaiata next the eye surveys, 
 
 "\\ here ancient Nile his sacred tribute pays 1 10 
 
 Through seven wide mouths, aad many a stream be- 
 
 His waters minglin? with the briny tide. [side. 
 
 They pa5s the city rais'd by him,* whose name 
 
 To latest times shall bear the Grecian fame. 
 
 By Pharcs then they glide, an isle no more, 1 1 > 
 
 An i-thmus i;ow projecting from the shore. 
 
 Nor Rhodes, nor Crete, they to the north survey. 
 
 But near the climes of Afric speed their way. 
 
 Fruitful her coast : but, more rtnu te, her lands 
 
 A re fill'd w ith monsters dire, and burning sands. 1 20 
 
 By Marmariiiuethey steer'd, and now they passed 
 
 M l-.ere five fair cities fam'd Cyrene grac'd. 
 
 Here Ptolemais stands, and here they view 
 
 \\ 1 enee his slow stream the fabled Lethe drew. 
 
 The greater Syrtes next (the sailor's fear) 125 
 
 They leave aloof, and far to seaward veer : 'j 
 
 And now Judeca's cape behind them stood; 
 
 And now they left the mouth of Magra's flood : 
 
 Now Tripoli's l.is.h rising towers espy'd. 
 
 Now Malta scarcely o'er the waves descry'd. 130 
 
 The Syrtes past ; Alzerbé they beheld, 
 
 "WTiere once the race that fed on Lotos dwellM. 
 
 Tunis they see, whose crooked shores display, 
 
 A\ ith circumjacent arms, a spacious bay : 
 
 Tu:ii< the rich, a place well kr.owu to fame, 135 
 
 No Libyan city beasts ojgreater name. 
 
 Near this Sicilia's fertile lands are spread; 
 
 There Lilybaeum re::rs it? lofty head. 
 
 Now to the kuigLts the pilot-damsel show'd 
 The spot where once imperial Carthage stood. 14i' 
 
 * Alexander thf Great.
 
 B. XV. JERUSALEM DELIVERKD. 3^9 
 
 Ill-fated Carthage ! scarce, amidst the plains, 
 
 A trace of all her ruiu'd pomp remains ! 
 
 Proud cities vanish, states and realms decay, 
 
 The world's unstable glories fade away ! 
 
 Yet mortals dare of certain fate complain; Hi 
 
 O impious folly of presuming man ! 
 
 From thence thiy see Biserta's spires arise; 
 Far to the ri^^ht Sardiiii's island lies : 
 They view, where once the rude Numidian swain 
 Pursu'd a wandering life from plain to plain, 1 jO 
 Algiers and Bugia then they reach, the seat 
 Of impious corsairs: next Oran they greet; 
 And now by Mauritaui's strand proceed. 
 Where elephants and hungry lioas breed : 
 Morocco here and Fez their cities rear : 105 
 
 To these oppo^'d Granada's lands appear. 
 At length they came where, press'd in narrow bounds. 
 Between the capes, the boiling deep resounds. 
 'Tis feigu'd, that first Alcides forc'd a way. 
 And gave this passage to the indignant sea. 160 
 
 And here perchance a lengthen'd tract of land 
 With one contiau'd mound the flood restrain'd, 
 But DOW t^^e furious main, with rushing tides, 
 From towering Calpè, Abyla divides ; 
 A strait 'twixt Libya now and Spain appears, 165 
 Such is the force of time and change of ^ears ! 
 
 Four times the east had seen the rising sun, 
 iSince fir.-t the vessel had its course begun : 
 .((Nor shiiltering bays, nor ports its speed delay, 
 'it shocts the strait, and leaves the midland sea. 170 
 'But what a;e seas to ocean's vast profound, 
 '.Whose circling arms the spacious earth surround? 
 
 8oon from the sight, amid the waves, are lost 
 The fertile Gades, and each neighbouring coast. 
 Behind, the lessening shores retreating fly ; 175 
 
 5k' liounds the ocean, ocean bounds the sky. 
 
 n n Ubaldthus began : Say, thou! whose power 
 lis these endless waters to explore; 
 Q2
 
 540 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XI . 
 
 Did ever prow before these seas divide. 
 
 Do mortals here ia distant worlds reside ? 1 80 
 
 He ceas'd ; the virgin-pilot thus replj'd. 
 
 ■WTien great Alcides had the monsters slain. 
 That wasted Libya and the realms of Spain ; 
 Your lands subdu'd, at yonder strait he stay'd ; 
 Nor duist old Ocean's surgy gulphs invade. 1S5 
 He fix'd his pillars there, in vain design'd 
 To curb the searching spirit of mankind : 
 Urg'd by desire new regions to explore, 
 Ulysses scorn'd the confines of the shore : 
 He pass'd the bound'ry loosening to the gales, 190 
 Amidst the wider flood, his daring sails :. 
 But all his skill in naval arts was vain. 
 He sunk entorab'd beneath the roaring main : 
 And those, by tempests forc'd amidst the waves, 
 Have ne'er return'd, or found untimely graves. I'J.j 
 Hence undiscover'd still the seas remain. 
 That numerous isles and mighty states contain. 
 Inhabitants abound on many a coast ; 
 The lands, like yours, their fertile produce boast; 
 Where, not ungrateful to the labourer's toil, 200 
 The sun prolific warms the pregnant soil. 
 Then Ubald — Of those climes remov'd afar. 
 The manners and religious rites declare. 
 Various their lives (the virgin thus rejoin'd) 
 Their speech, their customs, are of various kind : 
 Some worship beasts, the stars, or solar power; 20G 
 And earth, the common parent, seme adore. 
 There are who stain their feasts with human blood. 
 And load their dreadful board with horrid food : 
 And every land, from Calpè's towering heights, 910 
 Ts nurs'd in impious faith and cruel rites ! 
 
 Will then that pitying God (the knight repiv'd) 
 Who came with heavenly truths mankind to guide, 
 Leave, far excluded from the sacred light, , 
 
 So large a portion of the world in night ? 251 ' 
 
 O no ! the faith of Christ shall there be spread, 
 {She cry'd) and science rear her laurell'd head.
 
 B. XF. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 34 i 
 
 Tliink not this length of ocean's whelming tide 
 
 Shall from your future search those climes divide: 
 
 The time shall come, when sailors, yet unborn, 220 
 
 Shall name Alcides' narrow bounds in scorn : 
 
 Lands now unknown, and seas without a name. 
 
 Shall then through all your realms extend their fame : 
 
 Perils untry'd succeeding ships shall brave. 
 
 And cut, with daring course, the distant wave; 220 
 
 Througli all the flood's unfathom-d currents run. 
 
 Gird the vast globe, and emulate the sun. 
 
 From fair Liguria see th' adventurer rise, 
 
 Whose courage first the threatening passage tries. 
 
 Nor raging seas, by furious whirlwinds tost, 230 
 
 Nor doubtful prospects of th' uncertain coast. 
 
 Shall, in the straits of Abyla confln'd. 
 
 Detail the ai"dour of bis dauntless mind ! 
 
 'Tis thou, Columbus, to another pole 
 
 Shalt rear the mast, and o'er the surges roll; 23» 
 
 While, with a thousand wings, and thousand eyes, 
 
 Fame scarce pursues thy vessel as it flies! 
 
 Let Bacchus or Alcides claim her praise. 
 
 Thy worth, in future time, her trump shall raise : 
 
 Thy deeds shall last ia storied annah long, 240 
 
 The copious subject of some poet's song. 
 
 She said, and westward steer'd before the wind, 
 Then gently tow'rds the south her sails inciiu'd. 
 Now in tljpir front they see the sun descend. 
 And now the mom behind her beams extend : 245 
 But Tvhen Aurora, from her radiant head, 
 Had all around her pearly moisture shed; 
 Before their eyes a mountain huge appear'd. 
 That mid-^t the clouds its lofty summit rear'd. 
 Near as they came, the fleeting clouds withdrew. 
 And lik<' a pyramid it show'd to view; 251 
 
 From wheuce black curling smoke was seen to rise; 
 As where 'tis feiga'd th' /Htnean * giant lies 
 Trausfix'd, and breathes eruptions to the skies. 
 
 * Enceladus.
 
 342 JElirSALEM DELtVERED. B. XL 
 
 By day thick vapours from the moutli expire, 255 
 By uijlit terrific flame* of ruddy fire. 
 
 Then other islands midst the main they '.-py'd, 
 And lands less steepy rising o'er the tide. 
 Delightful isles, renown'd of ancient date 
 And styl'd. by tuneful bards. The Fortunate. 200 
 'Twas said, that Heaven to these such grace allow'd, 
 No shining share the sable furrows plough'd. 
 The lands untillM could plenteous crops produce; 
 And vines, unprun'd, supply nectareous juice. 
 Here olives bloom'd with never-fading green ; 263 
 From hollow oaks was liquid honey seen. 
 The rivers murmuring from the hilis above. 
 With crystal streams renew'd the vernal giove. 
 No sultry heat oppress'd the grateful day; 
 Soft dews and zephyrs cool'd the solar ray. 270 
 And here were feign-d the mansions of the blest, 
 Th' Elysian seats of everlasting rest. 
 
 To these her course the damsel-pilot bore : 
 Behold, (she cry'd) our destin'd voyage o'er : 
 The Isles of Fortune to your sight appear, 275 
 
 Whose fame, though doubtful, yet has reach'd your 
 Fair is their soil ; but fame each wonder swells, [ear : 
 And every truth, with added fiction tells. 
 While thus she spoke, along the main they flew, 
 Till near the foremost isle their vessel drew. 2S(» 
 Then Charles began— O ever-sacred dame! 
 If this the cause permits for which we came : 
 Grant that our feet a while may tread the shore. 
 To view a race and land unknown before ; 
 T' observe their rites, and mark with curious eyes 
 Whate'er may claim th' attention of the wise : 5iS6 
 So shall our lips declare, in future time. 
 The wonders witoess'd in this foreign clirae. 
 
 Your suit demands my praise, (the maid replies) 
 But Heaven's decree the bold request denies. 290 
 The time arrives not yet, by God designed, 
 To give the great discovery to mankind : 
 Nor must you, back, from ocean's bosom borne. 
 With certain tidiogs to your world return. 
 
 À
 
 B. XV. JERUSALEM DELIVEllED. 343 
 
 To you, beyond the sailor's art, 'tis given 295 
 
 To pass these billows, by the will of Heaven ; 
 To rouze your champion from his fatal sleep. 
 And safe convey him o'er the watery deep : 
 Let this sutftce— with prouder thoughts elate, 
 'Twere impious folly to contend with fate. 300 
 
 Thus while she spoke, the foremost isle withdrew. 
 And soon the second gain'd upon the view : 
 She shew'd the warriors how the islands lay, 
 In order rang'd against the rising day. 
 The lands with equal space the sea divides, 305 
 And rolls between the shores its beating tides. 
 In seven are seen the marks of human care. 
 Where cultur'd fields and rural cots appear : 
 But three a barren desert soil reveal. 
 Where savage beasts in woods and mountains dwell. 
 
 Amidst these isles a lone recess they found, 311 
 Where circling shores the subject flood resound. 
 And, far within, a spacious bay enclose ; 
 Sharp rocks, without, the rushing surge oppose : 
 Two lofty cliffs before the entrance rise, 315 
 
 A welcome sign to future sailors' eyes : 
 Within, the waves repose in peace serene ; 
 Black forests nod above, a silvan scene ! 
 A grotto opens in the living stone. 
 With verdant moss and ivy leaves o'ergrown; 320 
 The grateful shades a gentle murmur fills. 
 While o'er the pavement glide the lucid rills. 
 No cables need the floating ships secure. 
 No bearded anchors here the vessels moor. 
 To this relieat her course the pilot bore, 323 
 
 And, entering, furl'd her sails, and reach'd the shore. 
 
 Behold (she cry'd) where yonder structure stands 
 Rais'd on the mountain, and the isle commands ! 
 There, lost in festive sloth, in folly lost, 
 Slumbers the champion of the Christian host. 330 
 'Tis yours, when next the sun forsakes the deep. 
 With labouring feet t' ascend the threatening steep : 
 Meanwhile this short delay with ease be borne ; 
 lAU times are luckless save the hour of morn :
 
 Sii JERUSALEM DELIVERED. C. A ' 
 
 But to the mountain's foot pursue your way, j j j 
 While yet remains the light of parting day. 
 
 Thus she ; the word th' impatient warriors took. 
 And leaping from the bark, the strand forsook. 
 With ready steps a pleasing' road they cross'd, 
 And all their toils in sweet delusion lost. a 40 
 
 At length th' expected hill's broad base they gain, 
 (The sun yet hovering o'er the we'-tern main) 
 From hence their e^es the arduous height survey, 
 7'he pendent ruins and the rocky way. 
 Inclement frost the mountain's side deforms. Sia 
 And all around is white with wii-tiy storms. 
 The lofty summit yields a milder scene, 
 M'ith budding flowers and groves for ever green ! 
 There end? the frozen clime! there lilies blow. 
 There roses blush upon the bordering snow. 356 
 There youthful spring, and hoary winter here ; 
 Such power has magic o'er the changing year ! 
 
 Now at tl;e mountain's foot the heroes stay'd. 
 And slept secure beneath a cavern's «hade. 
 But when the sun (eternal fount of day!) 3òh 
 
 Spiead o'er the laujihing skies his golden ray : 
 At once they rose, at once their course renew'd, 
 And up the steep ascent the way pursu'd. 
 Aihen lo! a serpent,* rushing frnra his cell, 
 Oppos'd their passage, horrible and fell! 3C(» 
 
 Aloft his head and squalid breast he held 
 Bestreak'd with gold; his neck with anger swell'd ; 
 Fire fiird his eyes; he hid the pith beneath ; 
 And smoke and poison issu'd with his breath. 
 
 • When lo ! a serpent, ] Virgil and IVhlton have both 
 
 excelled iu describing the motion of this animal. 
 
 Rapit orlies per humiim. Vir^l. 
 
 He leading swiftl> roll'd 
 
 lu tangles Milton. 
 
 But the commentator on Milton thinks that Tasso has sur- 
 passed both in the above passage, the beauty of vrhicli 1 
 scarcely be rendered iuto English. 
 
 Hor rientra in se stessa, hor le nodose 
 Ruote distende e se dopo si- tim
 
 B. XV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 343 
 
 Now in thick curls his scaly length he wound ; 3G5 
 Now trail'd his opening curls along the ground. 
 Such was the dreadful guai'dian of the place, 
 Yet on the heroes press'd with fearless pace. 
 The Dane his falchion draws, and eager flies 
 T' assail the snake, when sudden Ubald cries: 370 
 Forbear ! can arras like these our foes repel ? 
 And think'st thou thus the monster's rage to quell ? 
 He =aid ; and shoek the golden wand around ; 
 The serpent fled, astonish'd at the sound. 
 The knights proceed ; a lion fierce descends, 37 ó 
 And, roaring loud, tlie dangerous pass defends; 
 He rclls his fiery eyes, his liiane he rears. 
 Wide as a gu'pb his gapinz mouth appears ; 
 His lashing tail his slumbering wrath awakes : 
 But, wiitn his potent rod the warrior shakes, 3 SO 
 L'uiisual fears the dreadful beast surprise. 
 Sunk is his rage, he trembles, and he flies ! 
 
 Stiil on they pass'd ; but soon a numerous host 
 !)f monsters dire their daring passage crost. 
 .n various shapes the ghastly troops appear, 3S5 
 With various ydls they rend the startled ear. 
 3ach savage form that roves the burning sands, 
 ^rom distant NiUis to the Libyan lands, 
 ieve scem'd to dwell, with all the beasts that roam 
 lyrcania's weed, or deep Hircinia's gloom ! 390 
 Jut not their numbers could the chiefs detain ; 
 The powenul wand made all their fury vain. 
 These danger-; past ; the conquering pair ascend ; 
 ifow near the brow their eager steps they bend ; 
 fet, as they tread the cliffs, the sinking snows 3'.>r> 
 ind slippery ice awhile their course oppose. 
 lut when at length they reached the rocky height, 
 I spacious level opens to their sight, 
 ^here youthful spring salutes th' enraptur'd eye, 
 Infading verdure, and a gladsome sky ; 400 
 
 Iternal zephyrs through tYe groves prevail, 
 LDd incense brerthes iu every balmy gale; 
 io irksome change th' unvaried climate knows 
 f beat aiteruate, and alternate snows : 
 Q5
 
 346 JERUSALEM DELIVT:RED. E. XI. 
 
 A genial power the tender herbage feeds, 405' 
 
 And decks with e\ery sweet the smiling meads; 
 Diffuses soft perfumes from everj- flower, 
 And clothes with lasting shade each rural bower : 
 There, rear'd aloft, a stately palace stands, 
 Whose prospect wide the hills and seas commands. 
 
 The warriors, weary with the steep ascent 411 
 More slowly o'er th' euamell'd meadow went ; 
 Oft locking back, their former toils review'd. 
 Now paus'd awhile, and now their course pursu'd. 
 When sudden, falling from the rocky heights, 415 
 A copious stream the traveller's thirst excites; 
 From hence a thousand rills dispersing flow. 
 And trickle through the grassy vale below: 
 At length, uniting all their different tides, 
 In verdant banks a gentle river glides, 420 
 
 With murmuring sound a bowery gloom pervades. 
 And rolls its sable waves through pendent shades : 
 A cool retreat! the flowery border shows 
 A pleasing couch, inviting soft repose. 
 Behold the fatal spring where lauglter dwells, 425 
 Dire poison lurk jig in its secret cells ! 
 Here let us guard our thoughts, our passions reia 
 And every loose desire in bonds detain : 
 A deafen'd ear to dulcet music lend. 
 Nor dare the Syren's impious lays attend. 435 
 
 The knights advanc'J till, from their narrow bed. 
 Wide in a lake the running waters spread. 
 There on the banks a sumptuous table plac'd, 
 With rare and flavourous cates allur'd the taste. 
 Two blooming damsels * in the wattr lave, 435 
 
 And laugh and plunge beneath the lucid wave. 
 
 • Tii-o blooming damsels — ] All this beautiful passage it 
 imitated, or rather translated, by our Spenser, inhisFailjf 
 "••een, where Guyon is described with the palmar, entering 
 bower of bliss. 
 
 Two naked damsels he therein espy'd, 
 
 Which therein batbing seemed to contend 
 
 And wrestle wantonly, ne car'd to hide 
 
 Tlieir dainty parts from view of any which them ey'd. 
 
 £
 
 0. XV. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 3*^ 
 
 Now round in sport they dasli the spiiukling tide; 
 And now witli nimble strokes the stream divide: 
 Now, sunk at once, they vanish from the eyes ; 
 And now again above the surface rise! 440 
 
 The naked wantons, with enticing charms, 
 Each warrior's bosom fill'd with soft alarms ; 
 Awhile they stay'd their steps, and silent view'd, 
 I As those their pastime unconcern 'd pursu'd, 
 I Till one erect in open light appeared, 445 
 
 I And o'er the stream her ivory bosom rear'd ; 
 j Her upward beauties to the sight reveaJ'd : 
 The rest, beneath, the crystal scarce conceal'd. 
 As when the morning star, with gentle ray, 
 From seas emer^jing leads the purple day: 450 
 
 As when, ascending from the genial flood, 
 The queen of love on ocean's bosom stood: 
 So seems the damsel, so her locks diffuse 
 The pearly liquid in descending dews ; 
 Till on th' approaching chiefs she turn'd her eyes. 
 Then feigu'd with mimic fear, a coy surprise : 456 
 Swift from her head she loos'd, with eager haste, 
 The yellow curls in artful fillets lac'd; 
 The falling tresses o'er her limbs display'd, 
 Wrapt all her beauties in a golden shade! 460 
 
 Thus hid in locks, and circled by the flood. 
 With side-long glance, o'erjoy'd, the knights she 
 Her smiles amid her blushes lovelier show ; [view'd. 
 Amid her smiles, her blushes lovelier glow ! 
 
 As that fair star, the messenger of morn, 
 
 His dewy face out of the sea does rear ; 
 
 Or :is the Cyprian Goddess, newly boru 
 
 Of the Ocean's fruitful froth, did first appear; 
 
 Such seemed they, and so their yellow hair 
 
 CrjstaDine humour dropped down apace. 
 
 With that, the other likewise up arose, 
 And lier fair locks, which formerly were hound 
 Up in one knot, she low adown dia loose ; 
 Which flow iug long and thick her cloth"d around, 
 And th' ivory in golden mantle bound; 
 So that fair spectacle from him was rett, 
 Yet that which reft it, no less fair was found: 
 So hid in locks and waves from looker's theft, 
 Nought but her lovely face fhe for his looking left. 
 
 Fiùvy Queen, B. ii. c. 12. st. 0"5, dy.
 
 a4S JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XV. 
 
 At length she rais'd her voice with melting art, 465 
 Whose naagir rtraiti? might pierce the firmest heart. 
 
 O happy stranger?! to whose feet 'tis given 
 To reich these blissful seats, this earthly heaven ! 
 View here those rapturous scenes so fam'd of olJ, 
 When earthly mortal? view'd an age of gold. 4^0 
 No longer wear the helm, the falchion wield, 
 The cumbrous corslet, or the weighty shield: 
 Here hang your useless arms amidst the grove. 
 The warriors now of peace-inspiring love ! 
 Our field of battle is the downy bed, 47» 
 
 Or flowery turf amid the smiling mead. 
 Tlien let us lead you to our sovereign's eyes. 
 From whose diffusive power our blessings rise. 
 She shall amongst those few your names receive, 
 Elected here in endless joys to live, 4S0 
 
 But first refresh your limbs beneath the tide, 
 Am\ taste the viands which our cares provide. 
 
 She ceas'd; her lovely partner join'd her prayer, 
 "Uith looks persuasive, and enticing air. 
 So, in the scene, the active dancers bound, ISS 
 
 And move responsive to the tuneful sound. 
 But firmly steel'd was either champion's heart. 
 Against their fraudful strains and soothing art : 
 Or, if forbidden thoughts a wish inspire. 
 And wake the slumbering seeds of wild desire: 490 
 Soon to their aid assisting reason came. 
 And quencb'd the infant sparks of kindling flame. 
 
 Their arts in vain the vanquish'd damsels view'd; 
 The warriors thence their fated way pursu'd : 
 These seek the palace: those indignant hide 495 
 Their shameful heads beneath the whelming tide.
 
 THE 
 
 SIXTEENTH BOOK 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED.
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 CHARLES and Ubald enter the jialace of Ar- 
 mida. The gardens are described. Rinaldo 
 is see)i with his mistress. At the departure of 
 Armida, the tu'o knights discover themselves; 
 and .L'hai d reproves Rinaldo for his sloth and 
 effeminacji. The youthful hero, filled with 
 shame, abandons those seats of pleasure, and 
 follows the guidance of his deliverers. Armida 
 pursues him, and makes use of every argu- 
 ment to move him, but in vain : he endeavours 
 to pacify her: she then breaks out into bitter 
 reproaches, till, her strength being exhausted, 
 she falls into a swoon. The three warriors 
 go on board their vessel, and set sail for Pa- 
 lestine. Armida, recovering, fiiids Iter lover 
 gone: she then gives herself up to rage, and, 
 resolving on revenge, destroys her enchanted 
 palace, and takev her fiight to Egypt.
 
 THE 
 
 SIXTEENTH BOOK 
 
 OF 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 
 
 In circling form the costly structure rose; 
 And deep within the wondrous walls euclose 
 A beauteous garden, whose delightful scene 
 Eclips'd the fairest boast of mortal men. 
 The fiends had bent their skill a pile to raise, i 
 
 Pevplex'd with secrtt rooms aud winding ways ; 
 And iu the centre lay the magic bowers, 
 Impervious to the search of human powers. 
 
 Now through the loftiest gate the warriors pass'J, 
 (A hundred gates the spacious structure grac'd) 10 
 With sculptur'd silver, gloriov.s to behold, 
 The valves on hinges hung of burui^h'd gold I 
 Surpris'd they saw, exceli'd in every part, 
 The rich materials, by the sculptor's art. 
 In all but speech alive the figi res rise; 15 
 
 Nor spc-ech they seem to want to wondering eyes ! 
 In female converse there (inglorious state!) 
 Alcides midst Moeonia's damsels sate. 
 There he who propp'd the stars, and h 11 subdu'd, 
 The distaflf boi-e; while Love beside him stood, 20 
 And with exulting smiles his conquest view'd. 
 There Iole was seen, whose feeble hand 
 With pride the hei'o's ponderous club sustain'd : 
 The lion's hide conceal'd the beauteous dame. 
 Too rough a covering for so soft a frame ! SS
 
 352 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. D. XVI. 
 
 To this oppos'd, the chiefs a sea beheld : 
 Its azure field with frothy billows swell'd. 
 There, in the midst, two hostile uavies ride; 
 Theii arms in lightning flash from side to side. 
 Augustus o'er his Romans here commands : 30 
 
 There Antony conduct* from eastern lands 
 His Indian, Arab, and Egyptian bands. 
 Thou would'st have thought tlie Cvclades uptom, 
 And hills with hills in horrid l on iiict borne! 
 So fierce the shock, when, joinii.g ship with ship, 35 
 The navies meet amidst the roaring deep ! 
 Firebands and javelins fly from foe to foe; 
 Unusual slaughter stains the flood below. 
 Behold (while doubtful jet remains the fight) 
 BeLold where Cleopatra takes her flight. 40 
 
 See ! Antony, of fame forgetful, flies, 
 No more his hopes to glorious empire rise : 
 Yet o'er his scul no servile fear prevails ; 
 Her flight alone irapel> his yieldicg sails. 
 Contending passior.s all his soul inflame, 45 
 
 Disdain aud rage, and love, and conscious shame; 
 ■\i hile, with alternate gaze, he views from far 
 Her parting vessel, and the dubious war. 
 Now Nile receives him on his watery breast ; 
 Tlere in his mistress' arms, he sinks to rest ; 50 
 There seems, lesign'd, the threatening hour to wait, 
 And soften with her smiles, the stroke of fate. 
 
 With storied labours thus the portals grac'd, 
 Theteroes siew'd and thence intrepid pass"d. 
 And row they tr\'d ihe labyrinth '> winding maze ; 
 As fam'd Meand.r moves a thousand ways ; 56 
 
 Now rolls direct, now takes a devious course. 
 New seems to seek agaiu his native source ; 
 The frequent turnings so thi-ir eyes deceiv'd: 
 But soon the laitLfui map thrir doubts reliev'd; 6(i 
 Displayed each various pessa5re to their sight. 
 And led through paths cbliyie tl;eii steps ariglt. 
 
 The garden tlea unfolds a Leauttous scene, 
 A\ ilh ficwrrs adtm'd aud ever-living gran.
 
 B. XVI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 35 i 
 
 There silver lakes reflect tlie beaming clay ; sr» 
 
 Here crystal streams in gurgling fountains play : 
 Cool vales descend, and sunny hills arise. 
 And groves, and caves, and grottoes, strike the eyes. 
 Art shew'd her utmost power but art conceal'd. 
 With greater charms the pleas'd attention held, TO 
 It seem'd as nature play'd a sportive part, 
 And strove to mock the mimic works of arts ! 
 By powerful magic breathes the vernal air, 
 And-fragrant trees eternal blossoms bear : 
 Eternal fruits on every brmch endure ; 7a 
 
 Those swelling from their buds, and these mature. 
 There, on one parent stock, the leaves among. 
 With ripen'd figs, the figs unripen'd hung. 
 
 , Depending apples here the bought; unfold ; 
 
 I Those green in youth these mellowM into gold. 80 
 The vine luxuriant cpars her arms on high, 
 
 [ And curls her tendrils to the genial s\v : 
 These the crude grapes no grateful sueet produce. 
 And here impurpled yield nectareous juice. 
 The joyous birds, conceal'd in every grove, Sa 
 
 With gentle strife prolong the notes of Jove. 
 Soft zephyrs breathe on woods and waters round ; 
 The woods and waters yield a murmuring sound: 
 When cease the tuneful choir, the wind replies ; 
 But, when they sing, in gentle whimpers dies: 90 
 By turns they sink, by turns their music raise, 
 And blend, with equal skill, harmonious lays. 
 
 Amongst the rest, with plumes of various dyes, 
 And purple beak, a beauteous songster flies ; 
 Wondrous to tell, with human speech indu'd, 9ft 
 He fills with vocal strains the blissful wood : 
 The birds attentive close their silent wings, 
 W'hile thus tlie fair, the soothing charmer sings. 
 
 Behold how lovely blooms the vernal rose,* 
 When scarce the leaves her early bud disclose : lOO 
 
 * liehold how lovely blooms the vernal rose,] This soug is 
 closely transUtril by Spenser : but, as it hns been observod 
 very well, ouv poet'has judiciously omitted the fanciful cir- 
 cumstance of a bird singing these words, which has been ibf 
 subject of Voltair*'» ridicule.
 
 354 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XVL 
 
 M'TieD,lialf inwiapt, ami half to view reveal'd, 
 She gives new pleasure from her charms conceard. 
 But wheu she shows her bosom wide displaj'd, 
 How soon her sweets exhale, her beauties fade ! 
 No more she seems the flower so lately lov'd, 105 
 Ry virgins cherish'd, and by youths approv'd I 
 So swiftly fleeting with the trausient day, 
 Passes the flower of mortal life away ! 
 la vain the spring returns, the spring no more 
 (an waining youth to former prime restore 110 
 
 Then crop the morning rose, the time iiuprove, 
 And, while to love 'tis given, indulge in love I 
 
 He ceas"d : th' approving cJioir with joy renew 
 Their rapturous music, and their loves pursue. 
 Again in pairs the cooing turtles bill ; 115 
 
 The feather'd nations take their amourous fill. 
 The oak, the chaster laurel seems to yield. 
 And all the leafy tenants of the field : 
 The earth and streams one soul appears to move. 
 All seem impregnate with the seeds of love. 120 
 
 Through these alluring scenes of magic power 
 The virtuous warriors pass'd, and pass'd secure: 
 When 'twixt the quive ring boughs they cast their 
 And see the damsel and the Christian knight, [sight. 
 There sate Armida on a flowery bed: 125 
 
 Her wanton lap sustain'd the hero's head : 
 
 Ah 1 see tlie virgin rose, how sweetly slie 
 Doth first peep forth with bashful modestj', 
 That fairer seems, the less you see her may ; 
 Lo I see soon after, how moie bolil and free 
 Her bared bosom she doth broad displ«v ; 
 Lo I sec soon after, how she fades dftd falls away. 
 So passetk, in the passing of a ciav, 
 Of mortal life, the leaf, the bud, tlie flower. 
 Ne more doth flourish after first decay. 
 That earst was sought to deck both bed and bower, 
 Of mauy a lady and many i paramour : 
 Gather therefore the rose, «hilstyet in prime, 
 For soon comes age, that will her pride deflower : 
 
 Gather the rose of love, whilst yet iu time, 
 \Vhilst loving thou may'st loved be with equal crime- 
 He ceast, and then "gan all the quire of birds 
 Their diverse notes t' attune unto his lay, 
 As in approvance, 8cc.
 
 D. XVL JERUSALEM DELIVERED. So?» 
 Her opening!: veil * her ivory bosniti sliow'd : 
 Loose to the fanning breeze her tresses flow'd ; 
 A lanzour seem'd diffus'd o'er all her frame. 
 And every feature glow'd with amourous flnme. IJO 
 The pearl}' moisture on her beauteous face 
 Iraprov'd the blush, and heigbten'd every grace : 
 Her wandering eyes confess'd a pleasing fire. 
 And shot the trembling beams of soft desire. 
 Now, fondly hanging o'er, with head declin'd, 135 
 Close to his cheek her lovely cheek she join'd ; 
 While o'er her charms he taught his looks to rove, 
 And drauk, with eager thirst, new draughts of love. 
 Now, bending down, enraptur'd as he lies. 
 She kiss'd his vermil lips and swimming eyes ; 1 10 
 Till from his inmost heart he heav'd a sigh. 
 As if to hers his parting soul would fly ! 
 
 All this the warriors from the shade survey, 
 And mark, conceal'd, the lovers' amorous play. 
 Dependant from his side (unusual sight !) 145 
 
 Appear'd a polish'd mirror beamy bright : , 
 
 This in his hand th' enamour'd champion rais'd : 
 On this, with smiles, the fair Armida gaz'd. 
 She in the glass her form reflected 'spies : 
 And he considts the mirror of her eyes : 1 W 
 
 One proud to rule, one prouder to obey ; 
 He bless'd in her, and she in beauty's sway. 
 All ! turn those eyes on me (exclaims the knight) 
 
 ! Those eyes that bless me with their heavenly light I 
 For know, the power that every lover warms, 15 5 
 
 r In this fond breast Armida's image forms. 
 
 ' Since I, alas! am scorn'd! here turn thy sight, 
 And view thy native graces with delight: 
 
 ! Here on that face thy ravish'd looks employ. 
 Where springs eternal love, eternal joy! 160 
 
 * Her opening veil ] Sec Spenser. 
 
 Her snowy breast wus b;:re to ready spoil 
 Of hungry eyes, which u'ote therewith be fill'd : 
 And yet through languoiir of her late sweet tuil, 
 Few "drops, more clear than nectar, forth distill'd, ^ 
 That like pure orient pearls adown it trill'd, &c. ^
 
 3Ò6 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. D. XVlA 
 
 Or rather range through yon celestial spheres, 
 And view thy likeness in the radiant stars. 
 
 The lover ceas'd ; the fair Armida smil'd. 
 And still with wanton toys the time begiiil'd. 
 Now in a braid she bound her flowing hair; 16" 
 Now smooth'd the roving locks with decent care : 
 Part, with her hand, in shining curls she roll'd. 
 And deck'd v. ith azure flowers the waving gold. 
 Her veil compoà'd, with roses sweet she dress'd 
 The native lilies of her fragant breast. 1 7 
 
 Not half so proud, of glorious plumage vain. 
 The peacock sets to view his glittering train : 
 Not Iris shews so fair, when dewy skies 
 Reflect the changeful light with various dyes. 
 But o'er the rest her wondrous cestus^ shin'd, lib 
 AVhose mystic round her tender waist coufin'd. 
 Hpre uuembod>'d spells tb' enchantress mix'd, 
 By potent arts, and in a girdle tìx'd : 
 Repulses sweet, soft fpeech, and gay desires, 
 And tender scora that fans the lovers fires; IS» 
 Engaging smiles, short sighs of mutual bliss, 
 The tear of transport, and the raeltinr kiss. 
 -'Ml these she joiu'd. her powerful work to frame, 
 And artful temper'd in th' annealing flame. 
 
 Now with a kiss, the balmy pledge of love, IS; 
 She left her knight, and issu'd from the grove. 
 Each day, awhiie apart, the dame review'd 
 Her magic labours, and her charms renevt'd; 
 While he, deep-musing, in her absence stray'd, 
 A Jonely lover midst the conscious shade. 19C|k 
 
 But when the silent glooms of friendly night 
 To mutual bliss th' euamour'd pair invite; 
 
 * luT u-ondroits ctstus — ] The idea of this girelle j 
 
 frojn the cestns of Homer, wliith Juno borrows of Venus. 
 In this was everj- art, and every charm, 
 To win the wiitst and the coldest warm: 
 Foud love, tlie gentle vo^v, the gay desire, 
 The kind deceit, the still-reviring fire, 
 Persuasive speech, and more yersuasiv^ sighs, 
 itilence that spoke, and eloquence of eyes. 
 
 Pojie's Iliad, B. >iir. ver. 247.
 
 B. XVÌ. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 3L7 
 
 Beneath or.e roof, amid the bowers they lay. 
 And lov'd, entranc'd, the fleeting hours away. 
 
 Soon as Annida (so her arts requir'd 195 
 
 From g'ePtV love to other cares retir'd : 
 The T. arriors, from their covert, rush'd to si^ht, 
 In radiant arms that cast a alearay light. 
 
 As when, from martial toil, the generous steed 
 Releas'd, is givc-n to range the verdant mead ; 200 
 Forgetful of his former fame he roves. 
 And woo's in slothful ease his dappled loves : 
 If chance the trumpet's sound invade his ears. 
 Or glittering steel before his sight appears. 
 He neighs aloud, and, furious, pants to bear 205 
 
 The valiant chief, and pierce the files of war. 
 So fare;; Rinaldo, when the knights he 'spies: 
 When thfir bright armour lightens in his eyes : 
 At once the glorious beams his soul inspire; 
 His breast rekindles with a martial fire. '210 
 
 Then sud.len, forth advancing, Ubald held 
 Before tl»*- youth his adamantine shield : 
 To this he turti'd, in this at once survey'd 
 dii own resemblance full to view di?play'd : 
 His sweeping robes he saw, his flowing hair 215 
 
 With odour? breathinsr, his luxurious air. 
 His sword, the only mark of warlike pride, 
 Estrang'd from fight, hung idly at his side ; [show : 
 And, wreath'd with flowers, seem'd worn for empty 
 No dreadful weapon 'gainst a valiant foe. 220 
 
 As one, whom long lethargic slumber ties, 
 Recovers from his sleep with will surprise: 
 50 from his trance awakes the Christian kn?ght, 
 Hiir.self beholds, and sickens at the sight ; 
 And wishes opening earth his shame would hide, 225 
 Dr ocean veil him in its whelming tide. 
 
 Then Ubald thus began — All Europe arms, 
 And Asia's kingdoms catch the loud alarms. 
 Now all that cherish fame, or Christ rdore, 
 [n shining armour press the S3-rian shore; 230 
 
 PVhile thee, Bertoldo's son ! from glory's plains, 
 V narrow isle in shameful rest detains ;
 
 358 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XVI. 
 
 Alone regardless of tbe voice of fame, 
 
 Th' ignoble champion of a wauton dame ! 
 
 What fatal power can thus thy sense control : 235 
 
 "\i hat sloth suppress the vigour of thj soul : 
 
 Rise : rise ! thee Godfrey, thee the camp incites : 
 
 'Tis fortune calls, and victory invites I 
 
 Come, fated vrarrior ! bid the fight succeed : 
 
 And crush those foes thou oft has made to bleed ; 
 
 Now let each impious sect thy vengeance feel, 241 
 
 And fall extinct beneath thy conquering steel. 
 
 He ceas"d : awhile the youth in silence mus'd 
 All motionless be stood, with looks confus'd ; 
 Till shame gave way, and stronger anger rose ; 245 
 (A generous anger, that from red?on flows) 
 O'er all his face a noble ardour flies, 
 Plamts on his cheek, and sparkles from bis eyes. 
 
 Now, hastening from the bower, their way th^ 
 And safely pass the lybyrinth's winding fold, [hold 
 Meanwhile Armida view'd, with deep dismay, ri.il 
 Where, breathlc-ss at the gate, the keeper lay :* 
 Then first suspicion in her bosom grew ; 
 And soon her lovers flight too well she knew : 
 Herself beheld the darling hero fly : 2i5 
 
 O ! di.eful prospect to a lovers eye! 
 
 Wliere would'&t thou go, and leave me here alone ? 
 She strove to say ; but, with a rising groan. 
 Too mighty grief her feeble words suppress'd, 
 Which deep remurmur'd in her tortur'd breast. 260 
 Ah ! wretched fair ! a greater power disarms, 
 A greater wisdom mocks thy frustate charms. 
 This sees the dame, v^ho every art applies 
 To stay his flight ; in vain each art she tries. 
 Whate'er the witches of Thessalia's strain 265 
 
 E'er mutterM to the shades with lip profane, j 
 
 That could the planets in their spheres control, | 
 
 Or call from prisons drear the paited soul, ■• *. 
 
 * ffTiere brtathhss at the gate, the keeper l<ty :] There l« 
 ■■>.n obscurity iu this passage, lor no nienrioD has Ueea mad» 
 Ijefore by the poet ofsucb a lireumslaiice, 
 
 In tanto Aroiida i\e H retr^l porti i 
 
 Miro giacere il fior custode estinto. ,'_ 1
 
 lì. XÌI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 359 
 
 Full well sbe knew ; but all in vain essaj'd ; 
 
 No hell, responsive, her commands obey'd. 2 TO 
 
 Abandou'd thus, she next resolv'd to prove 
 
 In si:ppliant beauty more than spells could move. 
 
 See ! V. here; regardless of her former fame. 
 
 All wild with anguish runs the furious dame. 
 
 She who so late the laws of love despis'd 2 75 
 
 Who scorn'd the lover though the love she piiz'd; 
 
 Whose conquering eyes could every heart subdue; 
 
 Behold her now a lover's step pursue ! 
 
 With soft persuasive grief her looks she arms. 
 
 And bathes with tears her now neglected charms. 
 
 O'er rocks and snows her tender feet she plies, 2S1 
 
 And sends her \oice before her as she flies. 
 
 O thou ! who bear'st away my yielding heart. 
 Who robb'st me of my best, my dearest part, 
 O! give me death — or once again restore 2S5 
 
 My murder'd peace — thy hasty flight give o'er! 
 Hear my last words — I ask no parting kiss; 
 For happier lips reserve that mighty bliss : 
 What canst thou fear, ah cruel '. to comply. 
 Since still with thee remains the power to fly : 290 
 Then Ubald thus — Awhile thy speed forbear. 
 And lend her woes, O Prince I a courteous ear : 
 The praise be thine thy virtue to retails. 
 And hear unmov'd the vanquish'd Syren's strain. 
 So Reason shall extend her sacred sway, 295 
 
 And teach the subject passions to obey. 
 
 He said; Rinaldo stay 'd; and sudden tame. 
 Breathless, o'erspent with haste, the hapless dame. 
 Deep sorrow spread o'er all her languid air ; 
 Yet sweet in woe and beauteous in despair: 300 
 Silent on him her eager look she bent ; 
 Disdain, and fear, and shame her speech prevent; 
 While from her eyes the knight abash'd withdrew, 
 Or snatch'd, with wary glance, a transient view. 
 
 As fam'd musicians, ere the notes they raise 305. 
 To charm the listening ear with tuneful lays, 
 la accents low, with prelude soft prepare 
 The wrapt attention for the promis'd air :
 
 360 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XVI. 
 
 So she, jet miartful of her fraudful art, 
 
 Would soften, ere she spoke, the hearer's heart: 
 
 First breath'd a sigh to melt the tender breast ; 3 1 1 
 
 Then thus, at len^h, these plaintive words address'd. 
 
 Ah cruel ! think not now I come to prove 
 
 The prayers that lovers rai_?ht to lovers move ! 
 
 Such once we were ! But if thou scorn'st the name 
 
 Yet grant the pity foes from foes may claim. 316 
 
 If me thy hate pursues, enjoy thy hate ; 
 
 T seek not to di-turb thy happy state ! 
 
 A Pagan bom, I every means employ'd 
 
 T' oppress the Christians and their power divide. 
 
 Thee I pursu'd and thee secluded far, 3?1 
 
 In distant climates, from the sound of war. 
 
 But more, which deeper se?ms thy scorn to move. 
 
 Add how I siace deceiv 'd thee to my love. 
 
 foul deceit ! — to jield my virgin flower, 3 ib 
 To give my beauties to another's power ! 
 
 To let one favour'd youth that gift obtain, 
 Which thousands fondly sought, but sought in vain ! 
 These are my frauds ; let these thy wrath engage ; 
 Such crimes may well demand a lover's rage ! 330 
 So may'st thou part without one tender thought, 
 And be these dear abodes at once forgot ! 
 Haste ! pass the seas ! thy flying sails employ. 
 Go, wage the combat and our faith destroy! — 
 Our faith, alas! — Ah, no! — my faith no more ; 335 
 
 1 worship thee, and thee alone adore ! 
 Yet hence with thee deceiv'd Armida bear : 
 The vapquish'd still attends the victor's car : 
 Let me be shown, to all the camp display'd. 
 
 The proud betrayer by tliy guilt betray'd. — 310 
 Wretch as I am ! shall still these locks be worn. 
 These locks that now are grown a lover's scorn ? 
 These hands shall cut the tresses from my head. 
 And o'er my limbs a servile habit spread : 
 Thee will I follow midst surrounding foes, 345 
 
 When all the fury of the battle glows. 
 I want not soul, so far at least to dare. 
 To lead thv courser, or thy javeHn bear. 
 it
 
 B. XVI. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 361 
 
 Let me sustain, or be myself thy shield ; 
 
 Still will I guard thee in the dangerous field. 350 
 
 No hostile hand so savage caj be found, 
 
 Through my poor limbs th; dearer life to wound : 
 
 soft mercy even may fell revenge restrain, 
 
 4nd these neglected charms some pity gain — 
 
 \h, wretch! and dare I still of beauty boast, 355 
 
 Wy prayers rejected, and my empire lost ! 
 
 More had she said ; but grief her words withstood, 
 i'ast from her eyes distill'd the trickling flood : 
 iVith suppliant act she sought to grasp his band, 
 ihe held his robe; unmov'd the chief remain'd: 36(» 
 jOve found no more an entrance in his breast, 
 Lnd fii in resolves the starting tear suppress'd. 
 ret pity soften'd soon his generous soul ; 
 carce could Le now the tender dew control : 
 ■ut still he strove his secret thoughts to hide, 365 
 ompos'd his looks, and thus at length reply'd. 
 Armida ; thy distress with grief I see : 
 ! could I novv thy labouring bosom free 
 |.om this ill-omen'd love ! — Ah I hapless fair ! 
 scorn I harbour, and no hatred bear : 370 
 
 seek no vengeance ; no oflfence I know ; 
 or can'st thou be my slave, nor art my foe. 
 a either side I fear thy thoughts have stray 'd 
 s love deceiv'd thee, or as anger sway'd. 
 at human frailties human pity claim ; 375 
 
 liy faith, thy sex, thy years_, acquit thy fame. 
 00 have err'd : and shall I dare reprove 
 ay tender bosom with the faults of love ? 
 ?nce ever shall thy dear remembrance rest, 
 joy and grief the partner of my breast ! 38H 
 
 ill must I be thy champion — thine as far 
 Christian faith permits and Asia's war. 
 it ah ! let here our mutual weakness end ; 
 ) further now our mutual shame extend : 
 re from the world, on this extremest coast, ssi 
 all our follies in oblivion lost ! 
 dst all my deeds in Europe's clime reveal'd , 
 still be these, and these alone, conceal'd 
 U
 
 862 JERl SALEBI DELIMiRED. B. XVI 
 
 Then let no rash ignoble thoughts disgrace 
 
 Thy worth, thy beauty, and thy royal race. 390 
 
 With me thou seek'st in vain to quit the land ; 
 
 Superior powers thy fond desire withstand : 
 
 Remain or seek some happier place of rest. 
 
 And in thy wisdom calm thy troubled breast. 
 
 As thus the warrior spoke, the hav-ghty dame 39, 
 Scarce held her rage, now kmdling to a flame; 
 Awhile she viewed him witli a -ccmful look, 
 Then from her lips these furious accents broke. 
 
 Boast not Bertoldo's nor Sopbia's blood ! 39! 
 Thou spruns'st relentless from the stormy flood : 
 Thy infant years th' Hyrcani an tigers fed: 
 On frozen Causasus thy youth was bred !— 
 Seel if he deigns one tender tear bestow, 
 Or pay one sigh in pity to my woe ! 
 IVhat shall I say, or whither shall 1 turn ? 40 
 
 He calls me his ! — yet leaves me here in scorn. 
 See how his foe the generous victor leaves. 
 Forgets her error, and her crime forgives ! 
 Hear liow sedate, how cool, his counsels prove ; 
 This rigid Zeno in the school of love I 41 
 
 O Heaven ! — O Gods! — and shall th's impious raca 
 Your temples ravage, and your shrines deface ? 
 <tO, wretch — Such peucc attend thy tortur'd mind 
 As 1, forsaken here, am doom'd to find ! 41 
 
 Fly hence! — be gone!— but soon expect tc view 
 My vengeful ghost thy traii'rous flight pursue: 
 A fury arm'd with snakes and torch I'll prove. 
 With terrors equal to my former love! 
 If fate decrees thee safe to pass the main, 
 Escap'd from rocks, to view th' embattled plain. 
 There shalt thou, sinking in the fatal strife, 4^ 
 
 Appease my vengeance with thy dearest life : 
 Oft sbalt thou then by name Armida call 
 In dying g'oans, while I enjoy thy fall ! 
 
 She could no more ; as these last words she s 
 Scarce from her lips the soimd imperfect broke 
 She faints ! she sinks ! all breathless pale she 
 Id chilly swfiats, and ihuts her lan^id ey«s.
 
 B.XVL JERUSALEM DELIVERED. S63 
 Do^t tbou, Armida! now thv eyelids close ? 
 Hpaven envies sure one comfort to thy woes. 430 
 Ah ! raise thy sight : behold thy deadly foe : 
 See down his chet-k the kindly sorrows fiiw. 
 Oh! could'st thou now. ill-fated lover! bear 
 His siehs soft bi-eaking on thy raptur'd ear ! 
 l^Tiat fatepermit> (but this thou C3ri*st not view) 
 He rives, and pitying tak-^s the Inst adi:»n. 436 
 
 ■\\Tiat should he do r — thus leave her oa the coast, 
 Twixt life and deatJi her stru^^ling senses lost ? 
 JjCompassioa pleads, and courtesy detains ; 
 But dire necessity his flight constrains. 440 
 
 He parts : — and now a friendly breeze prevails, 
 |(Tbe pilot's tres?es waving m the gales) 
 The goKlen sail o'er surging ocean speeds, 
 Ajid from tl;e sight the flying shore recede?. 
 
 But when, recoverd from her trance, she stood. 
 And all around the land forsaken view'd : 446 
 
 And is he gose ; — Has then the traitor fled ; 
 Left me iJ life's extremest need ? (she said) 
 iAould he not to my hapli-ss state dispense 
 Jiie moment's stay, or wait retuniing se.ise ? 450 
 ajAud do I love him still ? still here remain. 
 And urreveng'd in empty words complain ? 
 W- hat then avail these teais. these female arms 
 ?ar other arts are mine, and stronger charms. 
 
 will purvue — -jcr hell th' ingrate shall shield, 435 
 Vor Heaven shall sifety from my fary yield, 
 Vo^ ! now I seize him ! now his heart I tear, 
 \nd scatter round his mangled limbs in air! 
 
 know? each various art of torture well, 
 n \\'.% own arts the traitor I'll excel ! 4 GO 
 
 3ut ah ! I wander ! O ! untimely boast ! 
 Jnbiess'd Armida, whither art thou tost ? 
 riien should'bt thou to thy rage have given therein, 
 Vb^n he lay captive in thy powerful chain. 
 ri;e n did the wretch no less thy hatred claim ; 465 
 Too late thy raie now kindles to a flame ! 
 ) beauty scorij'd ! since you th' offence siistain'd, 
 te youi^sthe due revenge your wrongs dcmaiid. 
 R 2
 
 364 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. Xl'L 
 
 tio ! with my person sliall his worth be paid, i 
 
 Wlio from the battle brings that hated head. 470 
 Ye gallant youths: Avhora faithful love inspires, 
 A dangerous, glorious task my soul lefjuires. 
 Even I, to whom Damascus' realms shall bow, 
 The price of vengeance with myself bestow. 
 But, if, contemn 'J, I must not this obtain, 475 
 
 Then nature gave these boasted charms in vain : 
 Take back th' unhappy gift I — myself I hate. 
 My birth, my being, aud my regal state. 
 One soothing hope alone can comfort give ; 
 For sweet revenge I still consent to live ! ISO ' 
 
 Thus with wild grief she ran her frenzy o'er, | 
 
 Then tura'd her footsteps from the desert shore : i. 
 Her fiery looks her stormy passions show ; J 
 
 Loose in the wind her locks dishevell'd flow : l] 
 
 And in her eyes the flashing sparkles glow ! 48 " 
 
 Now, at her dome, she calls with hideous yell. 
 Three hundred deities from deepest hell : 
 Soon murky clouds o'er all the skies are spread; 
 Th' eternal planet hides his sickening head. 4S9 
 On mountain-tops the furious whirlwinds blow ; 
 Deep rocks the ground ; Aveinus groans below. 
 Through all the palace mingled cries resound ; 
 Loud hissings, howls and screams are heard aioand 
 Thick glooms, more black, than night, the walls eQ' 
 Where not a ray its friendly light bestows ; [closelV 
 Save that, by fits, sulphureous lightnings stream. 
 And dart through sullen shades a dreadful gleam 
 At length the night dispers'd ; and faintly shone. 
 With scarce recover'd looks, the doubtful sun : 
 No longer now the stately walls appeai'd ; .SCO 
 
 No trace remaiu'd where once the pile was rear'd. 
 Like cloudy vapours of the changing skies, 
 Where towers and battlements in semblance rise. 
 That flit before the winds or solar beam. 
 Like idle phantoms of a sick-man's dream : bQh 
 
 So vani^h'd all the pile, and nought reraaia'd 
 But native horrors midst a rocky laudi
 
 > \77. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 36a 
 
 I'h( n swift th' eucbintress mounts her readj- car. 
 
 \nil. g:ivt with tempests, cleaves the fields of air. 
 
 Declining from the pole, where distant lie 510 
 
 Sa'ions unknown beneath the eastern sky ; 
 
 ill c ides' pillars now she journeys o'er ; 
 
 Vor seeks Hespeiia's strand, nor Afric's shore ; 
 
 Jut oVr the subject seas suspended flies, 
 
 fill Syria's borders to her view arise. 51;» 
 
 She seeks not then Damascus' regal dome, 
 Uii shuns her once-lo\'d seats and native home ; 
 Ind iruides her chariot to the fatal lands, 
 Vhere, midst Asphaltus waves, her castle stands. 
 'liere, from her menial train and damsels' eyes, 520 
 il! pensive, i,i a lone retreat she li^s : 
 L Vi ar of thought !ier troubled breast assails; 
 !ut ,-oon her shame subsides, and wrath prevails. 
 
 Hence will I haste (she crj'd) ere Egypt's king 
 'o Sion's plains his numerous fcrce can bring: 53S 
 'ry every art, in every form appear, 
 end the tough bough, and shake the missile spear. 
 ly charms shall every leader's soul inspire, 
 od every breast wi<h emulation fire. 
 ! let the sweet reve ige I seek be mine, 530 
 
 nd virgin honour I with joy resign ! 
 "or thou stern guardian, now ray conduct blame : 
 bine are my deals, to thee belongs the shame, 
 hy counsel first impell'd my tender mind 
 o acts that il! b^seem'd the female kind : 5ci» 
 
 hen all be thine, whate'er my errors prove, 
 /"hat now I givs to rage, as once to love ! 
 
 She said ; and thus resoU 'd, she calls in haste 
 nights, squires, and darasals in her service plac'd. 
 splendid train in duteous order wait; 5-10 
 
 11 richly clad, attendant on her state. 
 '^ith these, impatient, on her way she goes : 
 or sun, nor moon beholds her take repose ; 
 ill near she comes to where the friendly bands 
 e wide encamp'd on Gaza's sultry sands. Ali
 
 THE 
 
 SEVENTEENTH BOOK 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED.
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 THE Egyptian troops and aiixiliaries are mu4' 
 tered before the Ca/iph, seated on hi^ throne- 
 Armida uyiexpectedly appears with her 
 forces ; she inflames the leaders of the army 
 with her beanti/, and proffers her hand in 
 marriage to anif champion that shall kill Ri- 
 naldo. A contest, thereupon, ensues beta-een 
 Adrastus and Tisaphernes : but the Caliph, 
 interposiiig, puts a stops to it. Rinaldo and 
 the tu-o knights returnto Palestine. On their 
 landing, thep are met bii the hermit, who iiad 
 before entertained Charles and Vbald : he 
 gives Rinaldo connsel for his future conduct, 
 presents him with a suit of armour, and er- 
 plains to him the actiDus of hii ancestors that 
 are represented in the shield. He then con- 
 ducts the three ivarriors within sight of t/i€ 
 ramp, and digmisses them.
 
 THE 
 
 SEVENTEENTH BOOK 
 
 OF 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 
 
 LAC'D where Judsea's utmost bounds extend. 
 Tow'rds fair Pelusium, Gaza's towers ascend : 
 Past by the breezy shore the city stands. 
 Amid unbounded plains of barren sands. 
 Which high in air the furious whirlwinds sweep, 5 
 Like mountain billows of the stormy deep ; 
 That scarce th' affrighted trav'llcr, spent with toil, 
 Escapes the tempest of th' unstable soil. 
 
 Th' Egyptian monarch holds his frontier town. 
 Which from the Turkish powers of old he won : 10 
 Smce opportunely near the plains it lies, 
 To which he bends his mighty enterprize; 
 He left awhile his court and ancient state. 
 And hither now transferr'd his regal seat ; 
 And hither brought, encamp'd along the coast, 15 
 From various provinces a countless host, [sway'J 
 
 Say, muse! what arms he us'd, what lands he 
 
 * What nations fear'd him, and what powers obej'J : 
 
 • How from the soijth he movM tlie realms afar, 
 
 1 And call'd the natives of the east to war : 20 
 
 Thou only canst disclose the dire alarms. 
 The bands and chiefs of half the world ia arms. 
 ' Wlien Egypt 'gainst the Grecian sway rebell'd. 
 The faith forsaking which her fathers held, 
 A warrior, sprung from Macon, seiz'd the throne. 
 And Gx'd his seat in Cairo's stately town, 26
 
 3:t) JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XVII. 
 
 A Caliph call'd ; from him each prince who wears 
 Th' Esrrptian crown the name of Caliph bears. 
 1 but. jVile beheld succeeding Pharaohs shine, 
 And Ptole-nies enroU'd from line to line. 30 
 
 j\nd now revolvins: years their course pnrsu'd, 
 And well secur'd the empire's basis stood; 
 O'er Libya wide and Asia spread its power, I 
 
 Frcm far Cyrene to the Syrian shore ; 
 \^ here seven-fold Nile overflows the fatten'd land, 
 And where Syenna's sun-burnt dwellings stand ; 36 
 Where proud Euphrates laves Assyria's fields; 
 Her spicy stores where rich Maremma yields: 
 And far beyond extends the potent sway, 
 To climes that nearer greet the rising day. 40 
 
 Vast in itself the mighty kingdom show'd, 
 But added glories now its lord bestow'd : 
 Of blood illustrious, and by virtues known. 
 The arts of peace and v ar were all his own. 
 Against the Turhs' and Persians' force engag'd, 45 
 M'ith various fortune mighty wars he wag'd ; 
 Success and loss by turns crdain'd to meet. 
 In conquest great, but greater in defeat. 
 At length, with creeping sge his strength decay'd. 
 Reluctant at his side he sheath'd the blade : 50|l1 
 
 For yet his soul retain'd the martial flame. 
 The thirst of empire, and the lust cf fame. 
 His chiefs, abroad, their so^ ereign's wars maintained, 
 \^ hile he, at home, in regal splendor reign "d. 
 His name, the realms of /fric tremblirg lieard, ii 
 And furthest Ind his distant rule rever'd : 
 Some sent their martial bands, a willing aid. 
 And some, with gold and gems, their tribute paid. 
 
 Such was the man who drew his various force ' i 
 From climes remote, t' oppose the Christians' course: WTt 
 Armida hither came, in happy hour, 61 j!u 
 
 W hat time the king review'd his numerous power. |ir 
 
 High on a stately throne himself was plac'd, h 
 
 Th' ascent a hundred steps of ivory grac'd: i i; 
 
 A silver canopy o'erspread his seat, Ci ; 1^ 
 
 Avù gold acd purple lay beneath bi« feet : || j.r
 
 .ì. XVII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 371 
 
 Around his head the snow-white linen roll'd, 
 
 lii- turban form'd of many a wiading fold : 
 
 The sceptre in his better hand was seen, 
 
 Hii beard was white, and awful was his rai^n. 70 
 
 His tUoughtful brow sedate experience shows, 
 
 Yi't in his eye-balls youthful ardour glows. 
 
 Alike maiatain'd, in every act, appears. 
 
 The pomp of power, or dignity of years. 
 
 So when or Phydias' or Apelles' art 75 
 
 To lifeless forms could seeming life impart. 
 
 In ?uch a shape they show'd to mortal eyes 
 
 :Majestic Jove when thundering from the skies. 
 
 Beside the Caliph, wait-; on either hand 
 
 A mighty peer, the noblest of the land ; 80 
 
 This holds the seal, miaistrant near the throne, 
 
 Ani bends his cares to civil rule alone : 
 
 But greater that, the sword of justice bears. 
 
 And. prince of armies, guides the course of wars. 
 
 Beneath, with thronging spears, a circling band, ' 
 fn deep array his bold Circassians stand : SO 
 
 The cuirass-plates their manly breasts defead, 
 And ciooked sabres at their sides depend. 
 
 Thus sate the monarch, and from high beheld 
 Th" assembled nations mirshall'd on the field; 90 
 \\ liile, as the squadrons pass'd his lofty seat, 
 J'Ik y bow'd their arms and ensigns at his feet. 
 
 First march'd the forces drawn from Egypt's lands. 
 Four were their chiefs, and each a troop commands. 
 Two came from upper, two from lower Nile, 9j 
 U'lii^'io ocean's waters once o'ersnread the soil : 
 Now lie far distant from the briny flood 
 fhos? fields which once the coasting sailor view'd. 
 
 First of the squadrons mov'd the ready train 
 Th it dwell in Alexandria's wealthy plain ; 100 
 
 Aloni the land that westward far declines, . 
 Whose wide extent with Afric's border joins. 
 (Araspes was their chief, who more excell'd 
 In close device than action in the field. 
 The troops succeed, on Asia's coast who lie, \0b 
 Against the beams that gild the morning sky ;
 
 3^2 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XVll. 
 
 Tbe?e leads Aionteus, not b>' virtue fir'd, 
 
 But with the pride of titles vain inspir'd : 
 
 No massy helm, ere this, had press'd his brows. 
 
 Nor early trump disturb'd his soft repose : 110 
 
 But now from ease to scenes of toil he came, 
 
 By false ambition lur'd with hopes of fame. 
 
 The next that march'd, appeared no common band. 
 
 But a huge host that cover'd all the land: 
 
 It seem'd that Egypt's fields of waving grain 115 
 
 Could scarce suflfice their numbers to sustain ; 
 
 Yet these w ithin one ample city dwell'd ; 
 
 These mighty Cairo in her circuit held. 
 
 From crowded streets she sends her sons to war; 
 
 And these C ampsones brings beneath his care. 1 20 
 
 Then, under Gazel, march'd the troop who tillM 
 
 The neighbouring glebe with generous plenty fill'd ; 
 
 And far above, where loud the river roars. 
 
 And from on high its second cataract pours. 
 
 No arms but swords and bows th' Etyptians bear, 
 
 Nor weighty mail, nor shining helmets wear : 126 
 
 Their habits rich, not fram'd to daunt the foe, 
 
 But rouz« to plunder with the pompous show. 
 
 Next Barca's tawny sons, a barbarous throng. 
 Beneath their chief, Alarcon, march'd along: 130 
 Half-arm'd they came: these, long to plunder train'd, 
 A hungrj" life on barren sands sustain'd. 
 Zuraara's king a fairer squadron leads ; 
 To him the king of Tripoli succeeds: 
 Both weak in steady fight, but skill'd to dare 135 
 In sudden or.set, and a flying war. 
 Then those whose culture each Arabia claim'd. 
 The stony that, and this the happy nam'd. 
 The last ne'er doom'd (if fame the truth declare) 
 The fierce extremes of heat and cold to bear. 140 
 Here odoriferous gums their sweets diffuse ; 
 Th' immortal Phoenix here his youth renews ; 
 Here, on a piL- of many a rich perfume. 
 Prepares at once his craille and his tomb ! 
 Less costly these their vests and armour wore ; 14ft 
 But weapons, like the troops of Egypt, bore.
 
 S. XVIL JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 373 
 
 To these, succeed the wandering Arab train, 
 Who shift their canvass towns from plain to plain : 
 Their accents female, and their stature low ; 
 A sable hue their gloomy features show, 150 
 
 And down their backs the jetty ringlets flow. 
 ! Long Indian canes they arm with pointed steel. 
 
 And round the plain their steeds impetuous wheel : 
 ] Thou wouldst have thought the winds impell'd their 
 ! If speed of winds could match the rapid horse, [coarse, 
 } Arabia's foremost squadron Syphax leads; 136 
 
 Before the second, bold Aldine proceeds. 
 The third have Albiazar at their head ; 
 A chief in rapine, not in kaighthood, bred. 
 Then from the various Islands march'd a train, 160 
 Whose rocks are compass'd by th' Arabian main : 
 There were they wont, iu aits of Hshing skill'd, 
 To draw rich pearls from ocean's watery field. 
 And join'd with those, the neighbouring lands that lie 
 Beside the Red-sea shore, their aids supplj-. 165 
 Those Agricaltes, these Mulasses guides, 
 Who every faith and every law derides. 
 Next march'd the swarthy troops from Meroe's soil, 
 That dwell 'twixt Astaborn and fruitful Nile ; 
 Where Kthiopia spreads her sultry plains, 170 
 
 Whose vast extent three different states contains : 
 Two Assimirus and Canarius sway'd ; 
 These Macon's laws and Egypt's rule obey'd. 
 And 'gainst the Christian host their forces led. 
 The third, whose sons the pure religion knew, ITS 
 Mix'd not its warriors with the Pagan crew. 
 Two tributary kings their squadrons show, 
 ? That bear in fight the quiver and the bow. 
 Soldan of Ormus one, a barren land. 
 Where the vast gulph of Persia laves the strand. 180 
 One in Boecan held his regal place. 
 Whose kingdom oft the rising tides embrace; 
 But when the ebbing waves forsake the shore, 
 With feet unbath'd the pilgrim passes o'er. 
 
 Not thee, O Altamorus! from the plain 18S 
 
 Thy faithful spouse could in her arms detain :
 
 574 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XVII. 
 
 She wept, she beat her breast, she tore her hair, 
 And begg'd tbe^ oft tby purpose to forbear. 
 Dost thou to me prefer, unkin.l ! (she crj'd) 
 The dreadful aspect of the stormy tide? 190 
 
 Are weapons gentler burthens to thj- arms. 
 Than thy dear son, who smiles in infant charms ? 
 
 Samarcand's realms this powerful king obey; 
 No subject crown, no tributary sway: 
 In fields he shone, conspicuous in the fight, 19r» 
 And stood supreme in courage as in might. 
 The cuirass on their breast his warriors brace ; 
 Their side the sword, their saddle bears the mace. 
 
 Next from the seats of morn, beyond the shores 
 Of Ganges' stream, Adrastus brings his powers : 
 Around his limbs a serpent's skin he drew, 201 
 
 Diversify'd with spots of sible hue ; 
 While for his steed he press'd (tremendou<? sight \) 
 A mighty elephant of towering height. 
 Then came the regal band, the Caliph's boast, 205 
 The flower of war and vigour of the host : 
 All arm'd in proof, well furnisli'd for the field, 
 On foaming steeds their rapid course they held. 
 Rich purple vestments gleara upon the day. 
 And steel and gold reflect a mingled ray ! ilO 
 
 Alarcus here and Hidraótes came; 
 Here Oilf^marus rode, a mighty name ! 
 Here, midst the valiant, RimeJon app?nr'd, 
 "WTiose daring soul nor toil nor danger fear'd. 
 Tigranes here and Ormond fierce were found; '214 
 Ripoldo, once for piracy renown'd : 
 And Marlabustus bold, th' Arabian nam'd. 
 Since late his might the rebel Arab? tam'd. 
 Here Pirga?, Arimon, Orindus shone ; 
 Birmartes, fam'd far many a conqner'd town: 220 
 S\phautes, sldll'd the bounding steed to rein : 
 And thou, Aridamantes ! form'd to gain 
 The prize of wrestling on the dusty plain ! 
 Here Tisaphernes, with a dauntless air, 
 Towet'd o'er the rest, the thunderbolt of war ! 22b
 
 H. XVII. JERL SALEM DELIVERED. 3T8 
 
 Wbcse firce in battle every force excpil'd, 
 To lift the javelin or the lakhiou wield. 
 
 O'er these the sway a brave Armenian bear?, 
 ■WTio left the Christian faith iu early years 
 For Pagan lore; his former name estrang'd, 23« 
 To Emirenes then was Clement chang'd : 
 Yet was he well esteem'd for faith siocere, 
 And far o'er all his sovereign held him dear. 
 
 No more remain'd ; when now, to suddtn view. 
 The fair Armida with her squadron drew. 235 
 
 High on a stately car, the royal dame 
 In martial pomp (a female archer!) came: 
 A slender belt her flowing robe rertrain'd ; 
 Her side the shafts, her hand the bow sustain'd. 
 Ev'n sweet in wrath, her charms the gazer move, 210 
 And while she threats her threatening kindles love ! 
 Her radiant car, like that which bears the sun. 
 Bright with the jacynth and pvropus shone. 
 Beneath thp golden yoke, in pairs constraiu'd. 
 Four unicorns the skilful driver rein'd. 245 
 
 A hundred maids, a hundred pages, round 
 Attend ; the quivers on their shoulders sound : 
 Each in the field bestrides a milk-white steed, 
 Practis"d to turn, and like the wind in speed. 
 Her troop succeeds-, which Aradine commands, 250 
 And Hidraótes rais'd in Syria's lands. 
 
 As when, again reviv'd, the Phoenix soars 
 To visit Ethiopia's rauch-lov'd shores. 
 And spreads his vary'd wings with plumage brigbf, 
 I (Sky-tinctur'd plumes that gleam with golden light !) 
 On either hand the feather'd nations fly 2òG 
 
 And wondering trace his progress through the sky : 
 j So pass'd the fair, while gazing hosts admire 
 i) Her graceful looks, her gesture and attire. 
 > If thus her face, in awful anger arm'd, 260 
 
 ij Sucli various throngs with power resistless charm'd ; 
 V Well might her softer arts each bosom move, 
 J' With winning glances and the smi'.es of love. 
 1 Armida past; the k'.ig of kings commands 
 n Brave Emirenes. from the martial bands, 265
 
 S7C JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XVII. 
 
 T' attend his will; to him he gives the post, 
 O'er all the chiefs, to ^uide the numerous host. 
 He came, his looks with grace majestic shiuM, 
 And spoke him worthy of the rank desi^'d. 
 At once the guard divides ; a path is shown ; 2 70 
 He treads the steps ascending to the throne : 
 There, on his humble knee, the ground he press'd, 
 And bow'd his head low-bending o'er his breast. 
 To him the king — This sceptre, chief, receive. 
 To thee the rule of yonder host I give. 275^ 
 
 Thou, Emirenes! now my place supply; 
 Deliver Sion's king, our old ally : 
 Swift on the Franks my dread resentment pour; 
 Go — see — and conquer — in th' avenging hour 
 "Vo Christian 'scape; their name no more be known. 
 And bring the living, bound, before my throne, a Si 
 
 The monarch spoke ; the warrior from his hand 
 Receiv'd the sovereign ensign of command. 
 
 This sceptre from unconquer'd hand* (hecry'd) 
 I take, O king! thy fortune is my guide. 285 
 
 Arm'd in thy cause I go, thy captala sworn, 
 T' avenge the wrongs which Asia's realms have borne;', 
 Nor will I e'er return, but crown'd with fame ; 
 Death, if I fail, shall hide a warrior's shame! 
 Should unexpected ills, ye powers! impend, 290 
 Oil me alone let all the storm descend: 
 Presene the host, while, victors, from the plain 
 They bring their chief ia glorious triumph slain. 
 
 He ceas'd; the troops with loud applause reply. 
 And barbarous clangors echo to the sky. 295. 
 
 And now depirts, amid the mingled sound, 
 The king of kings, with peers encompass'd round : 
 These, summon'd to the lofty tent of state. 
 In equal honours with the monarch sate ; 
 Himself benignant every chief address'd, 3()fr 
 
 And gave to each a portion of the feast. 
 There, for her arts, fit time Armida found. 
 While pleasure reign'd, and festive sport went round. 
 The banquet o'er, the dame, who well descries 
 That all beheld ber charms with wondering eyes ; 30ft-
 
 .'! XFII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. S77 
 
 Sl.>n from her seat arose, with regal look, 
 \m.\ thus respectful to the Caliph spoke. 
 
 O mij;:lity king ! behold, with these I staad 
 To guard our faith, and combat for the land. 
 A damsel, yet I boast a royal name; 310 
 
 Nor scorns a queen to mix in fields of fame. 
 Who seeks to reign, in arts of ruling skill'd, 
 By turns the sceptre and the sword must wield. 
 This hand in battle can the javelin use, 
 And, where it strikes, the wound the strokes pursues. 
 Hast thou not heard how once I prisoners made 310 
 The bravest knights whose arms the Cross display'd ? 
 These overcome, in rugged chaios confiu'd. 
 To thee a glorious present I design'd : 
 So had thy powers (their bravest champions lost) 330 
 With sure success o'erthrown the Christian host. 
 Dut fierce Rinaldo, who my warriors slew, 
 Releas'd, in evil hour, the captive crew. 
 Ti- he ! the wretch of whom I wrong'd complain, 
 \ììd uureveug'd these wrongs I yet sustain, S2:> 
 
 \ just resentment hence ray bosom warms. 
 And fires with added zeal my soul to arms. — 
 But what my wrongs hereafter times shall speak ; 
 Let this suffice — a great revenge I seek ! 
 Revenge be mine ! — and sure, not sent in vain, 33(» 
 Some pointed shaft may fix him to the plain. 
 Heaven oft from righteous hands directs the dart, 
 \nd guides the weapon to the guilty heart. 
 int should some kaight, by thirst of glory led, 
 'i i;g me, from yonder field, the Chriitian's head, 33A 
 rht'>3 eyes with joy the welcome gift shall view ; 
 The victor chief shall fiud a victor's due: 
 My hand in marriage shall the hero gain, 
 'iVith ample dowry and a large domain. 
 >ay — is there one who will the prize regard, 340 
 ,ind dare the peril meet for such reward ? 
 1, Wliile thus the damsel spoke, with longing eyes 
 idrastus views her, and at length replies. 
 Forbid it. Heaven ! that e'er Rinaldo's heart 
 ' "1! feel the vengeance of Armida's dart : 34»
 
 S7S JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XVIh 
 
 Shall such a wretch to thee resign his breath, 
 
 Afld sweetly perish by an envy'd deatli ? 
 
 In me thy miuister of wrath survey, 
 
 His forfeit head before thy feet I'll lay ; 
 
 Tliis hand shall rend his breast, and scatter far 350 
 
 His mangled body to the fowls of air. 
 
 While thus the Indian, proud Adrastus spoke. 
 These haughty words from Tisaphernts broke. 
 
 And what art thou, whose empty pride can dare '< 
 Before our monarch thus thy vaunts declare ? 355= 
 Know many a chief (though silent here) exceeds 
 Thy boasted valou* with his martial deeds. 
 
 To him his rival with indignant scorn : 
 Lo! one for action, not for vaunting, bom: 3Sf 
 And elsewhere hadst thou dar'd our wiath provoke. 
 Thy last of words, insensate ! hadst thou spoke. 
 
 Thus furious they ; but with his awful hand. 
 Their common lord the growing strife restrain'd ; 
 Then to Armida thus — Thy manly mind 
 Seems far exalted o'er thy softer kiud : sq^ 
 
 With thee remains the power, transcendent dame ! 
 To calm these warriors, and their rage reclaim ; 
 'Tis thine, at will, to bid their fury glow 
 With nobler vengeance on the public foe : 
 Then shall each champion's valour stand confest, 3 TO 
 \\ hile emulation breathes from breast to breast. 
 
 This said, the monarch ceas'd ; and either knight 
 Vow'd in her cause to wield the sword in fight. 
 Nor these alone; but all, whom glory warms, 
 Now vaunt their courage and theirforce in arms : 375 
 All to the damsel proffer certain aid, i 
 
 AU vow deep vengeance on Rinaldo's head. 
 
 Wliile thus against the hero, once belov'd. 
 Such various powers, such mighty fees she mov'd, 
 He, whom her hate pursu'd, the land forsook, 380 
 And through the main his prosperous voyage took. 
 The wind, that late impeli'd the pilot's sails, 
 Now favour'd her return with western gales. 
 The knight the pole and either Bear survey'd, 
 And all the stars that gild night's sable shade: S?:*
 
 :.. Xril. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 37»^ 
 » He view'd the foamj- flood, the mountains steep, 
 [ Whose shaggy fronts o'ershade the silent deep : 
 I Now of the camp he asks, and now enquires 
 I Of different nations, and their rites adraii'es. 
 I Thus through surrounding waves the warriors fiy, 390 
 
 Till the fourth morning paints the eastern sky ; 
 
 And when the setting sun to sight was lost, 
 , The rapid vessel gain'd the destia'd coast. 
 
 Then thus the virgin — Here our voyage ends, 
 
 Here Palestine her welcome shore extends. 305 
 
 The heroes land, and from their wondering eyes 
 
 The mystic pilot in a moment flies. 
 
 Now o'er the prospect eve her mantle threw, 
 
 And every object from the sight withdrew. 
 ' Uncertain midst the sandy wilds they stray, 400 
 ] No friendly beam to guide them on their way. 
 ' At length the pale orb'd queen of silent night. 
 
 Slow rising, streak'd the parting clouds with light : 
 I Sudden the chiefs a distant blaze behold, 
 ; With rays of silver, and with gleams of gold. 405 
 ' Approaching then, they radiant arras survey'd, 
 
 On which the moon with full reflection play'd. 
 
 Thick set as stars, with many a costly stone, 
 
 The golden helm and polish'd cuirass shone. 
 
 An aged tree the massy burden held : 410 
 
 Against the trunk was hung the mighty shield ; 
 
 Mysterious forms emblaz'd its spacious field. 
 I Beneath the branches from his rustic seat 
 
 A courteous hermit rose, the knights to meet. 
 
 When now the Dane and Ubald nearer drew, 415 
 ' In him their friend their ancient host they knew : 
 ' At once they greet the sage with glad surprise, 
 
 The sage with mild benevolence replies ; 
 ' Then tow'rds Rinaldo, who with wonder view'd 
 
 His reverend form, he turn'd, and thus pursu'd. 420 
 I For thy arrival, chief! and thine alone, 
 ! 1 here have stay'd in desert shades unknoAvn. 
 , In me thy friend behold — let these relate 
 
 How far my care has watch'd thy former state.
 
 3S0 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. U.XVIl. 
 These, taught by me, th' euchantress' power defy'd, f 
 And freed thy soul, in magic fetters ty'd. 126; 
 
 Attend my words, nor harsh theii- tenor deem, 
 Though far unlike the Syrea's wanton theme : 
 Deep in thy heart repose each sacred truth. 
 Till holier lips instruct thy listening youth. 43( 
 
 Think not our good is plac'd in flowery fields, 
 In transient joys which fading beauty yields: 
 Above the steep, the rocky path it lies, 
 On virtue's hill, whose summit cleaves the skies: 
 WTjo gains th' ascent must many toils eng-age, 4 >. 
 And spurn the pleasures of a thoughtless age. 
 Wilt thou, dismay'd, the arduous height forego, 
 And lurk ignobly in the vale below ; 
 To thee a face erect has nature given 
 And the pure spirit of congenial heaven, 440' 
 
 That far from eai'th thy generous thoughts might rise,! 
 To gain, by virtuous deeds, th' immortal prize. 
 She gave thee courage, not with impious rage 
 T' oppress thy friends, and civil combat wage; 
 But that thy soul with noble waimth might glow, 446 
 In fields of fight against the common foe. 
 Wisdom to proper objects points our ire, 
 Now gently cools, now f.ms the rising fire. 
 
 He spoke: with downcast eyes the hero stood 
 While thus the woids of ti-uth resistless fiow'd. 450 
 Full well his secret thoughts the hermit view'd ; 
 Now lift thine eyes, O son! (he thus pursu'd) 
 See in that shield th) great forefathers shown. 
 Whose mighty deeds to distant times are known : 
 Wilt tliou the glories of thy line disgrace, 45& 
 
 And lag behind iu honour's sacred race ? 
 Rise! gallant youth I and while thy sires I name, i 
 From their example catch the generous flame. 
 
 He said : with eager gaze the knight beheld 
 The sculptur'd stories to his sight reveal'd. 460 
 
 There, in a narrow space, the master's mind. 
 
 With wondrous art, a thousand forms desiga'd : 
 
 There shone great Estè's race, v.hoss noble blood 
 
 From Roman source * in streams unsully'd flow'd. 
 
 * Frmn Homan sourct—] The house of Este was said tu
 
 B. XVIL JSra-SALEiM DELIVERED. 3S1 
 
 With laurel crown'd the godlike chiefs appear'd ; -tea 
 
 The sage their honours and their wars d<:clai'd. 
 
 Caius he show'd,* who (when th' imperial sway 
 
 Declining fell to alien hands a prey) 
 
 A willing people taught to own his power. 
 
 And first of Estè's line the sceptre bore. 47» 
 
 When now the Goth f (a rude destructive name!) 
 
 Call'd by Honorius, big with ruin, came ; 
 
 When Kome, oppressed and captive to the foe, 
 
 Fear'd one dire hour would all her state o'erthrow ; 
 
 He show'd how brave Aurelius from the bands 4 75 
 
 Of foreign foes preserv'd his subject lands. 
 
 Forestus then he nam'd,:j: whose noble pride 
 
 The Huns, the tyrants of the north, defy'd : 
 
 Fierce Attila their lord, of savage mien. 
 
 By him subdu'd in single fight was seen. 480 
 
 See next the patriot chief, with ceaseless care. 
 
 Por Aquileia's strong defence prepare; 
 
 Jh' Italian Hector la the task of war ! 
 
 Jut ah ! too soon he ends his mortal state, 
 
 ind with his own includes his country's fate. -4S5 
 
 le descended from Actius, related by the mother's side to 
 kugustus. 
 
 * Caius he shoxc'd — ] At the time of the emperors Arcadius 
 Jid Honorius, anno 403, Stilico, incited by ambition tu 
 ?eaken Honorius, who ru'.ed in the west, invited into Italy 
 llaric and Radagasso. kings of the Goths and Vandals ; at 
 vhich time this Caius Actius governed in Este in the name 
 f the emperor, where the barbarians, committing every 
 .iad of outrage, and the emperor taking no measures agai.ist 
 hem, Actius wns, by general consent, elected absolute so- 
 ereign, in order to defend the couutrv frum these invaders. 
 
 T tVhen siou" the Goth — j H'heu Honorius, exasperattd 
 'ith the Romans, transferred the imperial seat to Ravenna, 
 nd invited Alarle again into Italy, who had been before in- 
 ited by Stilico, Aurelius conducted himself so artfully, that 
 le Goths, in their march tovvards Rome, with design to dc- 
 roy that city, passed through his territories without com 
 litting the least depredations. 
 
 t Forestus then he nam'd — ] Attila, king of the Huns, in 
 le jear 450, through an irreconcileable hatred to the Chris- 
 ans, prepared to march to the attack of Aquileia, astile 
 ey to Itnly ; and was several times defeated by Forestus, the 
 m of Aurelius, with the assistance of the forces of Gilio, 
 ing of Padua, his relation. Forestus is said to have fought 
 ith Attila hand to hand. 
 3
 
 SS2 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XVli. 
 
 Then Acarinus * to his father's fame 
 
 Succeeds, the champion of the Roman name. 
 
 Not to the Huns, hut Fate, Altinus jields,t 
 
 And, far retir'd, a surer kingdom builds '.% 
 
 Dfep in the vale of Po his cit\- rose, 49' 
 
 (A thousand scatter'd cots the town compose) 
 
 Which distant ages shall with pride proclaim 
 
 The seat of empire of th- Estensian name. 
 
 Th' Alani quell'd^ Aracius, in debate 
 
 With Odoacer, meets the stroke of fate:|| 49, f 
 
 For Italy he bravely yields his breath. 
 
 And shares paternal honour in his death. 
 
 With him the gallant Aljihorisius dies: 
 
 To exile Actius,5 with his brother flies; 
 
 But soon retuvn'd (th' Eiulean king ** o'erthrown) 
 
 Asrain in council and in'arms they shone. 50 
 
 Next, as his eye receiv'd the barbed steel.+t 
 
 A second brave Epamiuondas fell : 
 
 • Then Acarinus — ] Acarinus succeeded his father Forestu 
 in tbe government of Este and Monfelice, and gained man 
 victories nver Attilfi. 
 
 t iN'ot lo the Hum, hut Fate, Altinui yields,] The forces n 
 Altinus met with sucb continued ill success with Attila, tha 
 tlieir misfortunes seemed to have been the immediate dijpen 
 sation of Providence : and hence the poet says, that AUiiiii 
 gave way to fate, and not to the Huns. 
 
 t And, far retir'd, a surer kingdom builds.'] It was unde 
 the cfinduct of Acarinus, that Aventino, Anzio, Trento, an 
 other neighbouring villages, were reduced into the form of 
 citj', and defended by a mole agrainst the floods ot the Po 
 and this was the foundation of the future town of Ferrara. 
 
 § Th' Alani quell'd — ] At this time Acarinus was coptaii 
 •f horse, anno' 463. 
 
 !1 TVith Odoacer, meets the stroke of fate. — ] Acarius, 
 Alphorisius his brother, oppos'd king OJoacer, one of thi 
 chiefs in tbe army of Attila, who had made a descent iiib 
 Italy, with many "others, the remains of the forces of tha 
 b^liarian. 
 
 ^ To exile Actius — ] Actius and Constantiu?, sonsof Aca! 
 rinus, being invaded by Odoacer, were despoiled of all theiì 
 possessions, and obliged to abandon Italy. 
 
 ** Til' Entlean king — ] Odoacer^ who was three times < 
 feated by Theodonc Ama'n, king of the Ostrogoths, and t 
 years besieged in Ravenna, and at last killed, after Actilil 
 and Constantius had recovered tbeir possessions. 
 
 ■ft as his eye receiv'd the hnrbed sted] By tbe tit'ei 
 
 second Epamiuondas i$ meant Bouifaci us. This«venthaj
 
 ÌB. XVII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 3SS 
 
 See ! where with smiles he seems his life to yield. 
 Since Totila is fled, and safe his shield. 50* 
 
 His son Valerian emulates his name. 
 And treads the footsteps of paternal fame : 
 Scarce yet a man,* of manly force possessed, 
 His dariiig hand th' encroaching Goth repress'd. 
 Near him with wavlike mien Erne=tus rose,T 510 
 VVho routs in field the rousrh Sclavonian foes. 
 With these intrepid Aldoard + is shown, 
 Wlio 'gainst the Lombard king defends Monscelce'i 
 Henry and Berengarius ^ then appear'd, [town. 
 
 IVho serv'd where Charles || his glorious banners 
 Then Lewis follow'd,S who the war maiutain'd[rear'd. 
 ligaiust his nephew that iu Latium reign'd. 517 
 
 lened in the year 556, when Narsetes, sent by the emperor 
 'iistinian, overcan-» Totila, king of the Goths; in which 
 lat.le Bonifacius being present, was shot in the right eye by 
 in arrow, which passed through the nape of his ueok ; he was^ 
 ■arried oa his sii'ehi into his tent, where lie soon expired, 
 rhe poet comprives him to Epaminondas, the Tliebau gene- 
 «{■al, of whom it is related, that, at the battle of i\Iantiuea, 
 n eing carried mortally wounded into his tent, he demanded 
 "" his shield was safe, and being told it was, he ordered it 10 
 le brought to hira, and having kissed it with great appareiit 
 atisfaction, iminediately died. 
 
 * Scarce yet a man — ] At the death of bis father this youti» 
 V3S only fourteen years of age, and at that time was with 
 ilarsetes at the overthrow of the Goths. 
 
 + Ernestiis rose."] Ernestus, sou of Ei'ibert of Este, 
 
 lerformed many great actions in Dalraatia; which, from the 
 lame of Schiavi, took the name of Sclavonia : he defeated 
 he Sclavonians so effectually in 711, that they were nevei' 
 igain able to make head. 
 t nith these intrepid Aldoard — ] Agilnlpho, by his mar- 
 iage with Theodolinda, became king of the Lombards, and, 
 laking peace \TÌth France, invaded Italy, and took Pjdua, 
 t first defended by the princes of the house of Este ; and he 
 ndeavoured to do' the same by Monscelce. 
 § Henry and Berertgnr'uis — j Henry, son of Ernestus: Be- 
 engarius, son of Henry. 
 
 II Who serv'd uhere Charles- ] Charles the Great, served 
 ith great valour by Henrj' and Berengarius. 
 % Then Le%i:is fòìlow'd—] After the death of Charles, 
 crengarius entered into the service of his son Lewis, who 
 as created emperor^, and carried on a war again;t Bernardo 
 le son of Pepin, the other sou of Charles, who had been by 
 is father made kin j of Italy : he was defeated by Berenga- 
 lus, taken prisoner, and aftenvards stripped of his kiugdom 
 Rd deprived of his sis;ht, aoiio 819,
 
 S«4 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. Xl'lA 
 
 Next Otho with his sons,* a friendly band, 
 
 Five blooming youths around their father stand. 
 
 There Almeric,T Ferrara'» Marquis, came, 52 
 
 (Ferrara, plac'd by Po's majestic stream) 
 
 See I where he lifts to heaven his pious eyes ; 
 
 Beneath his care wliat hallow'd fanes arise! 
 
 The second Actius,t fill'd a different side. 
 
 Who bloody strife with Berengaiius try'd; ftS 
 
 But, after many various turns of fate, 
 
 Subdu'd his fee, and rul'd th' Italian state : 
 
 Albertus now appeard, his valiant son, 
 
 WTio from Germania mighty trophies won ; 
 
 Who foil'd the Danes ; and to his nuptial bed, 53( 
 
 With ample dowry,§ Otho's daughter led. 
 
 Next Hugo, who the haughty Romans quell'd. 
 
 And o'er the Tuscan lands dominion held. 
 
 Tedaldo then;5 and now the sculpture show'd 
 
 With Beatrice where Bonifaciiis stood.** 
 
 i 
 yext Otho ivith his soiis — ] Otho, brother to Berenga 
 rius : his five sous «ere Marino, Sigifredo, Uberto, Hug 
 and Araizoiio. 
 
 There AUnmc — ] Almeric was son of Amizono 
 tbrough the favour of Hugo king of Italy, by vvh<im he wal 
 greatly esteemed, Almeric was called to the government o 
 >errara, where he ruled with sovereign authority, and ob 
 tained the title of Marquis: he gave a considerable part of 
 his revenues to the maintenance of thorches and abbeys^ 
 and employed his private fortune in building others, amongs 
 ivliich was the church of Saint George, afterwards the pria 
 Li|ial one of Ferrara. 
 
 t The second Actius — ] He carried ou a war with Berenga 
 rius II. king of Italy, anno 950. 
 
 J ff'ho foil'd the'Danes; and to his nuptial bed 
 
 ff'ith ample dovcnj — J He obtained from the emperol 
 Otho his daughter Adelaide to wile, with the dov. ry of Fri< 
 biirge in Gernianv, and severa piai es in Italy, anno 973. 
 
 II Sext Hugo/vcho the haughty Homnns qudl'd.] 'nit 
 Hugo performed many exploits against the Romans, in Ì 
 hall of pope Gregory, and the emperor Otho, about 1 
 year 995. 
 
 ^ Tedaldo then--] Son of Actius II. duke of Ferrara an 
 marquis of Este, count of Canossa, lord of Lucca, Placen 
 tia, Parma, and Rheggio, auno 970. 
 
 ** H^th Beatrice wheie Bonfacius stood.] There were 1 
 of the nime of Bonifacius, one son of the before-named Al, 
 bertus, and the other son of Tedaldo, duke of Ferrara ; thit 
 last succeeded to th« possessions of his father, uud obtviHcJi
 
 !. XVII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 581 
 
 Vo male succeeding * to the large domain, 
 
 Vo SL>n the father's honours to maintain, 
 
 riaf ilda fo!low'd,t who, with virtues tr^'d, 
 
 'uU well the want of manly sex supply'd : 
 
 n aris of sway the wise and valiant darne ."i*© 
 
 t'er crowns and sceptres rais'd the female fame: 
 
 'he Norman there s)>e chas'd!^ here quell'd in field 
 
 I'uiscard the brave, bsfove untaught to yield : 
 
 kenry she crusli'd ^ (t'le fouvfh that bore the name) 
 
 ; nd with his stanJards || to the temple came ; 345 
 
 f'hen in the Vatican, with honours grac'd, 
 
 ti Peter's chair the sovereign Pontiff plac'd. 
 ae the fifth Actius *♦ near her p'^rson move, 
 J'xlh looks of reverence ar.d of duteous love, 
 ctius the fourth t+ a happier race has known; 55« 
 hence Guelpho issues, Kunigunda's son ; 
 
 sides Mantua ar.d Modena, and was imperial vicar anno 
 17. He rmrried Beatric-, daughter of the emperor Con- 
 le II. and re<-eive;! Verona with her in dnw ry, in 1034. 
 
 iVo male succeeding — J Bnnifacius left "uly one male 
 Id, «hi?li died under the care cf its mother Beatrice. 
 
 Matilda foUoio'd — ] Daughter of Bouifacins and Beat- 
 _-, accordinK to the poet, and so likewise delivered by 
 na ; but other autliori ditfer in the account of the parent- 
 • of thi'i relchrated woman 
 
 Tne Xormaii there she chard! — 1 The Normans had 
 I soiire years before, under Rof)erto Guiscardo, taken 
 session of Puglia and Calabria, and endeavoured to lower 
 porer of Matilda, but she defeated them several times ; 
 Roberto, having aftenvards concluded a peace with Ma- 
 1, iuined with her in assisting the pope aa;ainstHenry IV, 
 Henry she cmsh'd — ] The emperor Henry IV. a bitter 
 my to the church : he endeavoured to deprive her of the 
 It of creating bishops, and persecuted the legitimate 
 es, and twice created antipopes 
 
 And ivith his standards — ] This happened in Canossa 
 , at the time Gregory IX. v/as besieged teiere by Henry. 
 s religious and uiagiinnimous woman replaced "two pon- 
 in the papal chair; the one was Alex-nder H. who had 
 1 driven ou* by Giberto of Parma, sent by the emperor 
 irv IV. into Italy, which Henrj- favoured Candalo, who 
 lalily by this was made antipope ; the other was Gregory 
 persecuted by the sr.me Henrj'. 
 
 See the fifth Actius — ] This, according to Pigna, was se- 
 l husbanil to Matilda, after the death of her first hus- 
 1 Gottifredo Gibboso : but it being afterwards discovered 
 tliey were related, the marriage was annulled, and they 
 divorced by command of the pope 
 
 Actius the fourth—A This Actius was more fortimate in 
 t of children than Boiiif^cius, who left only Matilda tc
 
 S.?« JEUUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XVL 
 
 Retiring, to Gerraania's call be yields. 
 By fate transplanted to Bavarian fields : 
 There on the Guelphian tree, with age decay'd, 
 Great Estè's branch its foliage fair display 'd : òb 
 Then might you soon the Guelphian race behold 
 Renew their sceptres and their crowns of gold. 
 From hence Bertoldo rose,* of matchless fame ; 
 Hence the sixth Actius, bright in virtue, came, hb 
 
 Such were the chiefs wLrse forms the shield e; 
 And emulation fir'd Rinaldo's breast: [pressed 
 
 In fancy rapt each future toil he view'd. 
 Proud cities storm'd, and mighty hosts subdu'd. 
 Swift o'er his limbs the bumish'd mail he throws, 
 Already hopes the day, and triumphs o'er the foes. 
 
 And now the Dane, who told how Sweno fell 5 
 In fatal Sght beneath the Pagan steel, 
 To brave Rinaldo gave the destin'd blade; 
 In happy hour receive this swcrd (he said) 
 Avenge its former lord, whose worth demands, h 
 MTiose love deserves this vengeance at thy hands, 
 
 Then thrs the hero — Grant, O gracious Heaven 
 The Land to which this fated sword is given, 
 Vl'ith this iT.ay emulate its master's fame. 
 And pay the tr.bute doe t© Sweno's name. 
 
 So they. But new the s"ge without delay 
 Impell'd the warriors en their purpcs'd way : 
 Hasle, let us seek the Christian camp (he cry'd) 
 Myself will through the waste your joi;rney guide, 
 
 He said ; and straight his ready car ascends ; 5S 
 (Each knight obsequious at his word attends) 
 He gives the steeds the rein, the lash applies : 
 Swift to the east the rolling chariot fiies. 
 Again the hoary hermit silence broke. 
 And sudden, turning to Rinaldo, spoke. 5§ 
 
 1' 
 succeed hiti) ; but this Actius had fnr his son Guelpbo, 
 Kiinigunda, daughter of Guelpbo IV. duke cf Bavaria, t 
 § From hence Bertoldo rose — J BertoWo, sou of Actinf' 
 bv Judith, bom of Conr?.de II. ; and of her v,as bom Ac|| 
 VI. This Bertoldo was father of Rinaldo; so that this sUI 
 (vuOined all his progeny from the first origiual.
 
 B. XVII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 3St 
 
 To thee 'twas g:iv('n the antient root to trace, 
 «Vhence sprung the branches of th' Estensian race : 
 itili shall that stock succeeding years supply, 
 *io£, (lamp'd with age, the pregnant virtue die. 
 )! could I now, as late the past I told, 690 
 
 "'he future ages to thy view unfold, 
 ucceediug heroes should thy wonder raise, 
 flreat as the first in number as in praise : 
 ut truths like tiiese are hidden from my sight, 
 r seen through dusky clouds with doubtful light, 
 et hear, and trust to what my words di-closc; 59R 
 ince from a purer source this knowledge flowi; 
 iYcm him,* to whose far-piercing mind 'tis given 
 o view, unveil'd, the deep decieey of Heaven) 
 * hy sons, the heroes of tlie times to come, 600 
 
 all m^tch the chiefs of Carthage, Greece, or R.ome I- 
 it o'er the rest shall rise Alphonso's fame, 
 Iphouso, s>'cond of the glorious name! 
 )rn when an age corrupt, to vice declin'd, 
 all boast but few examples to mankind : 605 
 
 ;, while a youth, in mimic scenes of war, 
 aU certain signs of early worth declare ; 
 forest wilds shall chase the savage train, 
 d the first honours of the list obtain ; 
 riper jears in war unconquer'd prove, 610 
 
 id hold his subjects in the bands of love. 
 s his to guard his realms from all alarms, 
 dst mighty powtrs and jarring states ia arms : 
 cherish arts, bid early ge^'Jus grow, 
 d splendid games and festivals bestow ; 6ir> 
 
 equal scales the good and bad to weigh ; 
 d guard with care for every future day. 
 should he rise against that impious race, 
 bose deeds shall then the earth and seas deface, 
 bo, in those times, shall hold mankind in awe, 620 
 d give to more enlighteii'd minds the law; 
 Isu shall his righteous vengeance wide be known., 
 shrines profan'd, and altars overthrown : 
 
 Peler the heiniit.
 
 
 S88 JERUSALEM DELUnERED. B. XVlh 
 
 In that great hour, what judgment shall he bring 
 On the false sect, and on their tvrant king ! 625 
 The Turk and Moor, with thousands in their train, 
 Shall seek to stop his conquering arms in vain : 
 Beyond the climate where Euphrates flows, 
 Be.vond Mount Taurus, white with endless snows 
 Bejond the realms of summer, shall he hear € 
 The Cross, the Eagle, and the Lily fair ; 
 The secret source of antient Nile shall trace, 
 And in the faith baptize the sable race. 
 
 He spoke : and transport fiU'd the warriors breast,^ 
 To hear the glories of his line exprest. C35 
 
 Nor had the light proclaim'd the dawning day. 
 And the east redden'd with a warmer ray; 
 When high above the tents they saw from far 
 The streaming banners trembling in the air. 
 
 Then thus the reverend sire began anew : GiU 
 Before our eyes the sun ascending view, 
 Whose friendly rays discover wide around 
 The plains, the city, and the tented ground. 
 Hence may you pass without a further guide: 
 A nearer prospect is to me deny'd. 
 
 He said ; and instant bade the chiefs adieu ; 
 And these, on foot, their ready way pursue. 
 Meanwhile the news of their arrival came 
 To all the camp, divulg'd by flying fame ; 
 And Godfrey, rising from his awful si^at, 6Bl 
 
 With speed advanc'd, the welcome knights to meetJ
 
 EIGHTEENTH BOOK 
 
 JERUSALEIM DELIVERED.
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 RINALDO returns to the camp, and is grac 
 ously received by Godfrey. After offering hi 
 devotions on Mount Olivet, he ciiters upon th 
 adventure of the enchanted ivood. He with 
 stayids all the illusions of the Demons, an 
 dissolves the enciiantment. TJie Christian 
 then build new machines: In the meantim 
 Godfrey has intelligence of the approach c 
 the Egyptian army to raise the siege. Vafrin 
 is sent as a spy to the Egyptian camp. Got 
 frey attacks the city uith great resolution 
 The Pagans make an obstinate defence. R 
 naldo particularly signalizes himself, an 
 scales the iralls. Ismeno is killed. The arch 
 angel Michael appears to the Christian gent 
 ral, and shews him the celestial army, andtl 
 souls of the warriors, that were slain in ba 
 tie, engaged in his cause. Victory iiow di 
 dares for the Christians : Godfrey firnt plan 
 his standard on the wall, and thi' city is ei 
 ter ed on all sides.
 
 EIGHTEENTH BOOK 
 
 OF 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 
 
 jiAND now they met : Rinaldo first b?gan, 
 ifknà thus sincere address'd the godlike maa. 
 
 O prince I the care t' efface mj honour's stain 
 mpell'd my vengeance on the warriors slain : 
 5at, late convinced, the rash offence I own ; 5 
 
 knd deep contrition since ray soul has known. 
 5y thee recali'd, I seek the camp again; 
 ind may my future deeds thy grace obtain I 
 
 Him lowly bending, with complacent look 
 lodfrey hei-.eld, embrac'd, and thus bespoke. 1Ò 
 
 No more remembrance irksome truths shall tell ; 
 The past shall ever in oblivion dwell: 
 mo! all th' amends I cUiim — thy weapons wield, 
 ind shine the wonted terror of the field. 
 Fis thine t' assist thy friends, dismay thy foes, 1 5 
 ind the dire fiends in yonder wood oppose, 
 ""on wood, from whence our warlike piles we made, 
 onceals deep magic in its dreadful shade: 
 [orrid it stands ! of all our numerous host, 
 lo hands to fell th' enchanted timbers boast. 20 
 'hen go ! — 'tis thine the mighty task to try ; 
 'here prove thy valour where the valiant fly. 
 
 Thus he. In brief again the warrior spoke, 
 nd dauntless en himself th' adventure took, 
 "hen to the rest he stretch'd bis friendly hand, 25 
 nd gladly greeted all the social band.
 
 398 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XVIII. 
 
 Brave Tancred cow and noble Guelpho came, 
 M'ith each bold leader of the Christian name. 
 The vulgar next he view'd with gracious eye. 
 And affable receiv'd the general joy. 30 
 
 Nor round him less the shouting soldiers pressed. 
 Than if the hero, from the conquer'd east, 
 Or mid-day realms, enriched with spoils of war, 
 Had rode triumphant on his glittering car. 
 Thence to his tent he pass'd ; there plac'd in state. 
 Encircled by his friends, the champion sate. 36 
 
 There much he answerd ; much to know desir'd ; 
 eft of the war and wondrous wood enquir'd. 
 At length, the rest withdraw, the hermit broke 
 Hi'? silence first, and thus the youth bespoke. 40 
 
 O chief I what wonders have thy eyes survej'd ! 
 How far remote thy erring feet have stray'd ! 
 Think what thou ow'st to him \iho rales on high : 
 He gave thee from th' enchanted seats to fly : 
 Thee, from his flock a wandering s! t>ep, he sought. 
 And. now recovered, to his fold has brought : 4C 
 
 By Godfrey's voice he calls thee to fuifiU 
 The mighty purpose of his sacred will : 
 But thiuk not yet, impure with many a stain. 
 In his high cause to lift thy hand profane : h\i 
 
 Nor Nile, nor Ganges, nor the boundless sea, 
 With cleansing tides, can wash thy crimes away. 
 Sincere, to God thy secrtt sins declare. 
 And sorrowing seek his grace with fervent prayer, 
 
 He said ; and firet the prince, in humble strain, 5& 
 Bewail'd his senseless love and rage as vain ;' 
 Then low before the sage's feet he kaeel'd, 
 And all the errors of his youth reveal'd. 
 The pious hermit then absolv'd the knight. 
 And thus pursu'd — With early dawn of light, 60 
 On yonder mount thy pure devotion pay. 
 That rears its front against the morning ray. 
 Therce seek the wood whose monsters thou mast 
 liet no vain fmuds thy daring steps repel : [quell, 
 
 * Bewail'd his senseless love and rage as rain:] His love f« 
 Armida, and bis rage exercised against Oeruaudo. 
 
 I
 
 B. XVIIT. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 391 
 
 Ah! let no tuneful voice, nor plaints beguilt-, (15 
 Nor beautj- win thee with enticing smile : 
 Sternlj' resolv'd, avoid each dangerous snare, [prayer. 
 And scorn the treacherous look and weil-dissembled 
 
 So counsel'd he. The youth obsequious heard, 
 And eaj^er for th' important deed prepai'd : TO 
 
 In thought he pass'd the d^.y, in thought the night ; 
 And, ere the clouds were streak'd with glowing I'o'it» 
 Enclos'd his limbs in arms, and o'er him threw 
 
 flowing mantle of unwoiited hue. 
 Alone, on foot, his silent way he took, 7 j 
 
 And left his comrades, and the tents forsook. 
 Now night with day divided empire held, 
 Nor this was fully ris'n, nor that expell'd : 
 The cheerful east the dawning rays display'd, 
 4nd stars yet glimra(>r'd through the western shade. 
 To Olivet the pensive hero pas-'d, 81 
 
 Knà, musing deep, around his looks he cast, 
 Vlternate viewing here the spangled skies, 
 Ind there the spreading light of morning rise. 
 Then to himself he said — What beams divine 83 
 I heaven's eternal sacred temple shine ! 
 lie day can baast the chariot of the sun, 
 he night the golden stars and silver moon ! 
 ut ah ! how few will raise their minds so I'i^h ! 
 VTiile the frail beauties of a mortal eye, 90 
 
 'he transient lightnings of a glance, a smile 
 rom female charms, our earthly sense beguile ! 
 While thus he mus'd, he gain'd the hill's ascent, 
 here low on (>arth with humble knee he bent : 
 hen on the east devoutly fix'd his eyes, 9 j 
 
 ad rais'd his pious thoughts above the skies. 
 Almighty Father, hear ! — my prayer approve ! 
 ir from my sins thy awful sigiit remove : 
 let thy grace each thought impure control, 
 id purge from earthly dress my erring soul ! loo 
 Thus while be pray'd, Auror.-;, rising bright, 
 radiant gold has chaag'd her ro-y light : 
 ir all his arms th' iucreasiag splendor plays ; 
 ;e ballow'd mount and grove reflect the rays,^ 
 S 6
 
 394 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XVllt. 
 
 Full in her face the raorii her breeze renews, 105 
 
 And scatters on his heail ambrosial dews : 
 
 Kis robe, with lucid pearls besprinkled o'er, 
 
 Receives a snowy hue unknown before. 
 
 So with the dawn the diooping flow'ret blooms ; 
 
 The serpent thus a second youth assumes. 110 
 
 Surpris'd bis alter'd rest the warrior view'd. 
 Then tiu-u'd his steps to reach the fatal wood. 
 And now he came where late the bands retir'd. 
 Struck with the dread the distant gloom inspirM 
 Yet him nor secret doubts nor terrors movc\ 1 1 5 
 Bat fair in prospect rose the magic grove. 
 While, like the rest, the knizht expects to hear 
 Loud peals of thunder breaking on his ear, 
 A dulcet symphony his sense invades. 
 Of Nymphs or Dryads warbling through the shades : 
 Soft sighs the breeze, soft purls the silver riil, 121 
 The featherd choir the woods with music fill: 
 The tuneful swan in djing notes complains; 
 The mourning nightingale repeats her strains : 
 Timbrels and harps and human voices join ; 125 
 And in one concert all the sounds combine. 
 
 In wonder wrapt awhile Rinaldo stood, 
 And thence his way with wary steps pnrsu'd ; 
 When lo! a crystal flood his course oppos'd, 
 TtTjosc wir.dinc train the fore^ t round enclos'd. 130 
 On either hand, with flowers of various dyes. 
 The smiling ba iks perfum'd the ambient skies. 
 From this a smaller limpid current flow'd. 
 And pierc'd tl:c bosom of the lofty wood : 
 This to the trees a welcom^; moisture gave, 135 
 
 Whose boughs, o'erhanging, trembled in its wave. 
 
 Now here, now there, the ford the wan ior try'd. 
 When sudden rais'd a wondrous bridge he 'spy'd ; 
 That, built of gold, on stately arches stood. 
 And show'd an ample passage o'er the flood: I-iO 
 He trod the path, the further inargia gain'd ; 
 And now the magic pile no more remain'd: 
 The stream so calm arois with hideous roar. 
 And down its foamy surge the shJDiag fabric bore. ,
 
 13. XVIIT. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 395 
 
 The hero, turning, saw the tide o'erflow, 115 
 Like sudden torrents swell'd with meltiug snow. 
 Tbeii new desires incite his feet to rove 
 Through all the deep recesses of the grove ; 
 As, searching round, from shade to shade he strays. 
 Whose scenes at once invite him and amaze. 150 
 "MTiere'er he treads, the earth her tribute pours 
 In gushing springs, or voluntary flowers : 
 Here blooms the lily ; there the fragrant rose : 
 Here spouts a fountain ; tliere a riv'iet flows : 
 From every spray the li(juid manna trills ; 155 
 
 And honey from the softe.iing bark distills. 
 Again the strange, the pleasing sound he hears 
 Of plaints and music mingling in his ears : 
 Yet nought appears thai mortal voice can frame, 
 Nor harp nor timbrel whence the music came. 160 
 
 As fix'd he silent stands in deep surprise. 
 And reason to the sense her faith denies ; 
 tìe sees a myrtle near, and thither bends, 
 iVhere in a piala the path far-winding ends: 
 ier ample boughs the stately plant display 'd 165 
 Ibove the lofty palm or cypress" shade ; 
 3igh o'er the subject trees sublime she stood, 
 \nd seem'd the verdant empress of the wood. 
 
 While round the champion cast a doubtful view, 
 1 greater wonder his atteation drew : 170 
 
 I labouring oak a sudden cleft diiclos'd, 
 ina from its bark a living birth expos'd ; 
 Vheuce (passing all belief!) in strange array, 
 L lovely damsel issu'd to the day. 
 V hundred different trees the knight beheld, 17ft 
 
 Vhose fertile wombs a hundred nymphs reveal'd. 
 
 iS oft in picturd scenes we see display'd 
 
 ach graceful goddess of the sylvan shade ; 
 
 Vith arms expos'd, with vesture girt around, 
 
 nth purple buskins, and with hair unbound: ISO 
 
 like to view, before the hero stood 
 
 "bese shadowy daughters of the wondrous wood ; 
 
 ave that their hands nor bows nor qoivers wield ; 
 
 ut this a harp, aud that a timbrel held.
 
 396 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XVIil. 
 
 Now, in a circle form'd, the spcrtive train 1S5 
 
 With soDg and dance tieir m_\stic rites began ; 
 Around the myrtle and the knight tbey sung; 
 And in his ear these tuneful accents rung. 
 
 All hail ! and welcome to this pleasing grove, 
 Arraida's hope, the treasure of her love ! 190 
 
 Cnm'st thou ! (O long expected !) to relieve 
 The painful wounds the darts ot absence give ? 
 7his wood, that frown'd so late with horrid shade, 
 "VVhere pale despair her mournful dwelling made. 
 Behold at thy approach revivM appear*, 195f |r 
 
 At thy approach a gentler aspect wear»! 
 
 Thus they---Low thuiders from the myrtle rose. 
 And straight the bark a clt^ft wide-opening shows; 
 In woud(r wrapt have antient times suney'd 
 A rude Silenus issuing from the shade ; 300|n 
 
 A fairer form the teeming tree display'*]. 
 A damsel thence appear'd, whose lovely frame 
 IMight equal beauties of celestial name; 
 On her Rinaldo fix'd bis heedful eyes, 
 And saw Armida's fep.tures with surprise ; 2051 
 
 On him a sad, yet pleasing look she bends ; i 
 
 And in the glance a thousand passions blends. if 
 
 Then thus— And art thou now returu'd from flighty y 
 Again to bless forlor.i Armida's sight; 
 Com'st thou the balm of comfort to bestow, ^^Ojl^ 
 To ease my widow'd nights, my days of woe ? 'i t. 
 
 Or art thou here to woik me further hnims. 
 That thiis thy limbs are sheath'd in hostile arms 
 Com'st thou a lover or a foe prepar'd ? 
 Not for a foe the stately bridge I rear'd : 
 Net for a foe unlock'd th' impervious bowers, 
 And deck'd the shade with fountaii s, rills, and flow 
 Art thou a friend ? — That envious helm remo 
 DiscloFe th.\ face, return the looks of love: n 
 
 Pre-s lips to lips, to bosom bosom join ; 220 
 
 Or reach at l?ast ihy friendly hand to mine! 
 
 Thus as she spoke, she roH'd her mournful eyes, 1 1| 
 And bade soft blushes o'er her features rise : ' |g 
 
 
 t
 
 ]B. XVIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 3DT 
 j Unwary pity here, with sudden charm, 
 j Might melt the wisest, and the coldest warm : 595 
 While, well advis'd, the knight no longer stay'd. 
 But from the scabbard bar'd the shiuing blade; 
 rheu, swift advaacing, near the myrtle drew: 
 With trembling haste to guard the plant she flew ; 
 The much-lov'd bark with eager arms enclos'd, 230 
 A.nd with loud cries the threat'ning stroke oppos'd. 
 
 Ah ! dare not thus with savage rige iuva le 
 Vly darliag tree, the pride of all the shade! 
 ) cruel !— lay thy dire design aside, 
 )r through Armida's heart the weapon guide! -235 
 To reach the trunk, this bosom shall afford 
 And this alone) a passage to thy sword ! 
 
 But deaf to prayers, aloft the steel he rear'd ; 
 Vhen lo ! new forms, new prodigies appear'd ! 
 Thus, oft in sleep we view, with wild affright, 240 
 )ire monstrous shapes, the visions of the night ! 
 ter limbs enlarge ; her features lose their grace; 
 Tie rose and lily vanish from her face : 
 ^ow, towering high, a giant huge she stands, 
 lH arm'd Briareus with an hundred hands. 245 
 
 Vith dreadful action fifty swords she wields, 
 ^nd shake? aloft as many clashing shields ; 
 !ach nymph, transform'd, a horrid Cyclops stood ; 
 "■■iimov'J th>» hero still his task pursu'd; 
 gainst the tree redoubled strokes he bent ; 250 
 eep groans, at every stroke, the myrtle sent : 
 ifernal glooms the face of day deform ; 
 nd winds, loud roaring, raise a hideous storm : 
 itli thunders hoarse the distant fields resound, 25i 
 nd lightninss flash, and earthquakes rock the 
 it not tlipse horrors can his force restrain, [ground. 
 nd not a blow his weapon aims in vain : 
 ow sinking low, the nodding myrtle bends : 
 falls— the phantoms fly-— th' enchantment ends. 
 le winds are hush'd, the troubled ether clears, 260 
 le forest in its wonted state appears : 
 Ì more the dark retreat of magic made, 
 lovigh awful still, and black with native shade.
 
 S9S JERUSALEM DELIVERED. E. XVIII 
 
 -Again the victor tried if aught withstood 
 The lifted sttel to lop the spreading wood : 26 
 Then smiling thus be said"-0 phantoms vain ! 
 Shall these illusions e"er the brave restrain ? 
 
 Now to the camp with hastj steps he press'd ; 
 Meanwhile the hermit thus the bands address'd : 
 Already freed I see Ih' enchanted ground ! 27< 
 
 Behold the chief returns with conquest crown'd 
 He said : when from afar, confess'd to sight. 
 In dazzling arms appear'd the victor-knight : 
 High on his crest the silver eagle shone, 
 Andblaz'd with brighter beams against the sun; 371 
 The troops salute him with triumphant cries ; 
 Prom man to man the spreading clamours rise. 
 Then to his valour pious Godfrey pays 
 The willing tribute of unenvied praise: 
 When to the leader thus Rinaldo said : 2S 
 
 At thy command I sought yon dreadful shade ; 
 The deep recesses of the grove I viewed. 
 The wonders saw, and every spell subdu'd : 
 Now may thy train the region safe explore. 
 No magic charms shall vex their labours more, 2S! 
 
 Thus he; and straight the band the forest sought 
 Whence mighty timbers to the camp they brought. 
 O'er all their work an able chief presides; 
 William, Liguria'» lord, the labour guides. 
 But late the empire of the seas he held. 
 Till forc"d before the Pagan fleets to jield ; 
 With all their naval arms the sailor train 
 He brings, t' increase the forces on the plain. ir 
 
 To him si-peiior knowledge Heaven imparts: i^ 
 
 A searching genius in mechanic arts ! ^^'V 
 
 A hundred workmen his commands obey. 
 Their tasks performing as be points the way. ^ 
 
 Vast battering rams* against the city rise, ^ 
 
 And missive engines of enormous size. 
 Of timbers huge he built a spacious tower : 
 An hundred wheels the mighty fabric bore : 
 
 * Vast battering rams — ] Tlie account of these militai 
 «iues and tower» is according to the bi^tur)-. 
 
 m 

 
 i. XVIir. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 399 
 
 l^ itli junctures strong he fix'd the solid sides, 
 Vnd "^ai'ist the fire secur'd with moisten'd hides, 
 suspended from below, with horned head, 
 Phs ram resistless on the bulwarks play'd; 305 
 
 rVhile from the midst a bridge was forra'd to fall, 
 That join'd th' approaching engine to the wall; 
 ^ud from the top was seen at will to rise 
 1 leaser tower, high-pointiag to the skies. 
 ?he gazing throngs admire in every part 310 
 
 i'be strange invention and the workman's art : 
 00.1. like the first, two other piles they frame, 
 he sTme their figure and their height the same. 
 Thus they : While from the walls the Pagan spies 
 •bserv'd the Christian camp with headful eyes ; 315 
 'hey saw the pines and elms in m3.ny a load 
 »rawn to the ai-my from the friendly wood : 
 'hey saw them rise in warlike structures high, 
 'ut scarce could thence their distant forms descrj'. 
 hey too machines compose with equal care, 3 20 
 heir r imparts strengthen, and their walls repair, 
 meno, midst the rest, his engines brought, 
 om Sodom's lake, with fatal sulphur fraught, 
 rom hell's black flood, whose waters foul and slow 
 Ine times enfold the realms of endless woe I 3 25 
 orriJ with these, a fiery pest he stood, 
 esolv'd t' avenge his violated wood. 
 While thus the city and the camp prepar'd, 
 his to ass lult, and that the works to guard, 
 igh o'er the tents, ia all the army's view, 339 
 1 airy dove with rapid pinions 9c:w ; 
 ow, from the lefty clouds declining down, 
 'ith nearer flight approach'd the sacred town : 
 'ben lo ! a falcon chas'd her from above, 
 id tlireatening to the high pavilion drove : 335 
 st as his claws the trembling bird oppress'd, 
 e shelter sought in piuiis Godfrey's breast : 
 le pitying chief the dove from fate repriev'd, 
 icn round her neck a slender bind perceiv'd, 
 leath her wing a tablet hung coaceal'd, S40 
 
 ioli, open'd, to bis si-^ht tbe;e words reveal'd :
 
 400 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B.XììI. 
 
 " To thee th' Egyptian chief liis zeal commi nrt?. 
 " And health to sreat Judaea's Soverei^ send?. 
 " Fear not, O Mouarch! still thy towers defend, 
 " Till the fifth morn her welcome light extend : 3i5 
 " Then shall our arms relieve your threateu'd wall; 
 •' Sion shall conquer, aad the thristiaiis fall." 
 
 Such was the secret in the tablet seal'd, 
 In barbarous phrase and characters reveal'd. 
 These winged heralds thus the mandates bear 350 
 Of eastern nations througli the ne]d> of air. 
 
 The prince now set the captive dove at large, 
 But she (a guiltless traitress to her charge) j 
 
 As conscious of th' event, no more rcturn'd, 
 But distant from her lord in secret mouru'd. 35&. 
 The leader then conven'd ihe princely train. 
 The ti lings straight disclos'd, and thus began. 
 
 Behold, O friends ! bow heaven's high Monarch 
 Th' important secrets of our wily foes. [shows 
 
 No more delay—'this present time demands 360: 
 Our boldest hearts and most experienc'd hands. 
 Be every toil, be every peril try'd. 
 The way to conquer on the southern side. 
 There, well by nature fenc'd on every part, 
 The forts are less secur'd by works of art : 36 
 
 There, Raymond, let thy strength resistless fall, 
 There, with thy engines, shake the doubtful wall : 
 AVhile I, upon a diirerent side, prepare. 
 Against the northern gate, the storili of war. 
 So may the foes their forces thither bend, 37C 
 
 And tl;eie deceiv'd, our chief assault attend. 
 From thence convey'd, shall then my lofty tower 
 On other parts unlook'd-for venaeancs pour. 
 Kear me, Camilius, thou the toiis shalt share. 
 And the third pile be trusted to thy care. 3 
 
 He ceased : v^ hen Raymond pondering in his breast 
 The public welfare, Godfrey thus address'd. 
 
 So well for all, O chief! thy cares provide, 
 Ncr aught can be retrenched, nor aught supplyM, . 
 Yet let me wish seme artful spy were sent 3St 
 
 To E-gypt's camp, to sound their deep iutent ; 
 3
 
 B. XVIIf. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 401 
 
 fWho to our host might all their motions tell. 
 Anil certain tidiugs of their force reveal. 
 
 Then Tancred spoke : A faithful 'squire is mine, 
 iVi ho seems well form'd to further your design ; 386 
 He every w ile, with ready wit, prepares ; 
 Ke dares all perils, yet with caution dares, 
 iwift in the race he lightly skims the field ; 
 ,^Ì3 pliant tongue in every speech is skill'd : 
 ie shifts his mien, his action, and his tone, 390 
 And makes the modes of various climes his own. 
 
 The 'squire, now call'd, before th' assembly stands, 
 ^nd cheerful hears tiie tusk his lord demands : 
 r'hen smiling thus: To me co.isign the care, 
 "■his ii:stant see me for th' attempt prepare : 395 
 wift uill I reach (an unexpected spy) 
 he (ii-tant land where Egpyt's forces lie ; 
 here pierce the swarming vale at noon of day, 
 .nd every man au;l every steed survey. 
 I 'promise soon (nor vain esteem my boast) 400 
 
 J bring the state and numbers of their host ; 
 ) '.enefrate their leader's secK't tliought, 
 
 1 view each purpose in his bosom wrought. 
 lu- bold Vafrino spoke ; nor more delay'd, 
 t - 4 lit in vesture long his limbs array'd : 406 
 ' b.a'd his neck, and round his forehead roU'd 
 turbini huge in many a winding fold : 
 s bick the Syrian bow and quiver bore, 
 1(1 all his looks a foreign semblance wore. 
 le \Toiideriug crowds admii'd his ready tongue, 
 
 which eacli nation's difterent accent hung; ill 
 ' at Eg\pt well might claim him for her own, 
 'lyre r?ceive him as her rightful son. 
 w from the camp he issu'd on a steed 
 ' at scarcely bent the grass beneath liis speed. 415 
 Src' yet they view'd the third succeediug d ly, 
 ' .' Franks, industrious, gain'd the rugged way. 
 J tiiiii the rolling hours to rest invite, 
 ' '} ! in to day the labours of the night : 
 1 all is for the great assault prepar'd, 420 
 
 A. nought remains that can their schemes retard.
 
 403 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. Xlll. 
 
 The Christian chief, on pious thoughts iatent, 
 la humble praver the day preceding spent, 
 And bade the faithful host their sins confess, 
 And take, from sacred hand?, the bread of peace. 
 He then began his vast machines to show -12 
 
 On divers parts, to amuse the thoughtless foe. 
 The foe, deceiv'd, with joyful looks de>cry'd 
 His force directed on their stronsrest side. 
 
 But, soon as evening: strelch'd her welcome shade. 
 He thence with ease his warlike pile coavey'd : 43 
 This tow'rds the ramparts' weaker parts he brought, 
 Where less expos'd Lis hardy soldiei-s fought. 
 Experienc'd Raymond with his lofty tower 
 Against the southevn hill his fores bore : 43 
 
 And with the third, the brave Camillus press'd 
 Against the side declining to the west. 
 
 When now the cheerful harbinger of day 
 Had tingM the mountains with a golden ray ; 
 The foes the mighty tower with terror view'd 4* 
 Far distant from the place where late it stood; 
 And all around, till then unseen, beheld 
 Enormous engines tliickenicg o'er the field. 
 
 With every art the wary Pasrans form 
 Their best defence against th' approaching storm 
 No less intent, the prudent chief, who knew 44i 
 That nearer now th' Egyptian army drew. 
 Each pass secures ; and, calling from the bands, 
 Guelpho and either Robert, thus commands. 
 
 You watchful on your steeds in ar.ns remain, 45 
 While I attempt \on hostile wall to gain, 
 "V^'here lea>t defence appears : be yours the care 
 To guard our rear from unexpected war. 
 
 He ceas'd : and treathicg courage man to man. 
 Three fierce assaults the Christian powers began. 45i 
 Theu hoary Aladine, with care> decay'd. 
 In arms, long since disus'd, his limbs avraj'd; 
 Trembli :g with feeble feet and tottering frame, 
 The aged kisg epposM to Raymond came. 
 
 Stern Solyma j for Godfrey stood prepar'd ; 4< 
 And fierce Argantes good Caraillus dar'd.
 
 B. XVIIÌ. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 4Ò.? 
 ( Here Tancied, led by fate, approach'd the wall. 
 Where by his arms bis daring foe might fall. 
 T&e ready archers now their bows apply ; 
 In deadly poison drencb'd their arrows fly ; 465 
 
 The face of heaven is all iu darkness lost, 
 Such clouds of weapons issue from the host. 
 
 I With greater force the mural engines pour 
 Their sudden vengeance in a mingled shower. 
 Hence, sbeath'd with iron, javelins huge are thrown. 
 Hence rocky fragments thunder on the town. 471 
 Not in the wound the javelins lose their force. 
 But furious hold their unremitted coui-se; 
 Resistless here their bloody entrance tind. 
 And issuing there, leave cruel death behind ! 476 
 Where'er the stones alight, with dreadful sway 
 rii rough men and arms they force their horrid way ; 
 Su( .'p life before 'em, crush the human frame, 
 \n(l hide at once the figure and the name ! 
 
 Still unappall'd the Pagan troops remain, 4S0 
 \n<l boldly still the bold assault sustain : 
 Uieady had they spread with heedful care 
 Vhc'w woolly fences 'gainst the threatening war; 
 \n(1 where expos'd the thickest ranks they 'spy, 
 A'ifh missile weapons send a fierce reply: 485 
 
 Tft undismay'd the brave assailants press. 
 Sor from the threefold charge, intrepid, cease. 
 •onie under vast machines securely move, 
 \ Ili le storms of arrows hiss in vain above. 
 ome wheel th' enormous engines near the foes : 490 
 'h^ Syrians, from the walls, th' attempt oppose. 
 ;afh ready tower to launch its bridge essays : 
 ts iron head each ram incessant plays. 
 
 Meanwhile in generous doubt Rinaldo stands, 
 -o vulgar deeds his glorious arm demands : éO^ 
 le rolls his ardent eyes; his thoughts aspire 
 "<) Li^mpt the pass from which the rest retire. 
 "iieii to the warriors, late by Dudon led. 
 Mr intrepid hero turn'd, and thus he said: 
 
 shame to sight! while he-re our squadrons press, 
 
 1 old yen fortress stiU remains in peace ! 5(» I
 
 i04 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XV Hi 
 
 No perils e'er can brave designs control. 
 All deeds are open to the dauntless soul. 
 Haste, let us thither march, and 'gainst the foes 
 A sure defence, with lifted shields, oppose. 501 
 
 He spoke : The warriors with one soul obej'd. 
 And o'er their heads extend an ample sbade, 
 Th? bucklers joiu'd secur'd the moving train, 
 While from on high the ruins roll in vaia. 
 Now to the walls tliey came : with eager haste 3 1 < 
 A scaling ladder bold Rinaldo plac'd ; 
 A hundred steps it bore, the hero's hand 
 Aloft with ease th' enormous weight sustain'd: 
 Spears, beams, and rafters from the ramparts pour 
 Dauntless he mounts amid the ponderous shower : 
 Nor toils nor death the daring jouth could dread, ólf 
 Though pendent rocks had nodded o'er his head. 
 His ample shield receiv'd a feather'd wood ; 
 His back sastaia'd a failing mountain's load : 
 This arm the bulwarks shook ; and that before 596 
 His towering front the fencing buckler bore. 
 His great example every warrior nr'd ; 
 Each gall uit chief to scale the works aspir'd. 
 But various fates they prove : some headlong fall ; 
 And some are slaughter'd ere they mount the wall : 
 While he, ascending still, securely goes, 526 
 
 His friends encourages, and threats his fos^, 
 The tbiongiag num')ers, with collected might. 
 Attempt in vain to hurl him from his height : 
 Still in th' unequal combat firm he stands, j3n 
 
 And bears alone tii' united furious bands. 
 And now his sword the spacious rampart cleats. 
 And frees the passage for his brave compeers. 
 To one the hero gave a wish'd relief, 
 (Eustatius, brother to the pious chief) 5S» 
 
 With ready hand he stopp'd his fatal fall. 
 And friendly guarded while he gain'd the wall. 
 Tise Christian leader, on a different side. 
 With various perils various fortune try'd, 
 Nor men with men alone the combat sought, 540 
 There pile with pile, with engine eugine fought.
 
 J B. XVIIL JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 405 
 
 \bove the walls a trunk the Syrians raise ; 
 ;A. ves-sel's towering mast in ancient days) 
 I'o this athwart a massy beam suspeud ; 
 J j Thick iron plates the solid head defend : 54 & 
 
 ^rhis with strong cables back the Pagans drew, 
 i rheu, swift recoiiiug, on the tower it flew. 
 |;rhe yielding timbers with the fury shook, 
 The jciiit gave way before the frequent stroke: 
 j3ut soon the tower its needful arms supplies : 550 
 Two scythes prepar'd are rais'd of mighty size, 
 riiat, closing, with their sharpeu'd edge divide 
 rhij twisted cords to which the beam is ty'd. 
 Vs. lofis'd by time, or by rude tempest torn, 
 I rock's huge fragment from a mountain borne, 565 
 inp( tuous whirlin:^ down the crasrgy steeps, 
 ^ 00(1 5, cots, and herds, before its fury sweeps : 
 '0 drew the dreadful engine, in its fall. 
 irrn?, men, and ruins, from the shatter'd wall. 
 lie towers vast summit nodded from on high, 560 
 lie bulwarks tremble, and the hills reply I 
 "V ictorious Godfrey now, advancing on, 
 .Iivady deem'd the hostile ramparts won : 
 Vhen from the foes, with roariag thunders, broke 
 \ hirhvinds of flame and deluges of smoke! 565 
 vot ^Tltna from her raging womb expires 
 Lich pois'nous streams and suffocating fires ; 
 Tot such dire fumes the clime of India yields, 
 ■. lien noxious vapours taint her sultry fields, 
 'liick sulphur pours and burning javelins fly ; 5 TO 
 •ark clouds arise, and intercept the sky. 
 he tower's strong planks the scorching mischief 
 'he moisten'd hides now shrivel in the heat : [meet ; 
 round ascends a black and sanguine flame, 
 nd the last ruin threats the mighty frame. 57 S 
 ; Before the rest the glorious leader stood, 
 l^ith looks uuchang'd the growing danger view'd, 
 nil on the pile commands his troops to pour 
 iif tooling waters in a copious shower. 
 ov, deep distress the troubled host assaiis ; 589 
 Ve lire increases, and the water fails ;
 
 406 JERUSALEM I>ELIVEREI>. E. XI L 
 
 When from the north a sadden wind arose, 
 
 And turn'd the ragiag flaina» against the foes : 
 
 The blazing fury on the Pagans fnlls, 
 
 "W'Tiere numerous works were rais'd to guard the walls. 
 
 The light materials catch ! the sparks aspire ; 6S6 
 
 Acd all their fences crackle iu the fire. 
 
 O f ivourd chief ! th' Almighty's care approv'd : 
 
 By him defended, and by him belov'd : 
 
 Heaven in thy cause auxiliar arms supplies, 69( 
 
 And at thy trump t's call the winds obedient rise! 
 
 But dire Ismeno, who the flames beheld 
 By Boreas' breath against himself repeli'd, 
 Resolv'd once more to prove his impious skill, 
 And force the lav/s of nature to his will. 693^ 
 
 With two magicians, that his arts pursue, 
 The dreadful sorcerer towers in open view : ' i 
 
 Black, squalid, foul I he rises o'er the bands : 'I 
 
 So 'twixt two furies Dis or Charon stands. '! 
 
 And now the murmuring of the words was heard 60(; 
 By Phlegetlion and dr^ep Cocj.tus feai'd: 
 Already now the air disturb'J was seen. 
 The sun with clouds obscur'd his face serene : 
 When from an engine flew with hideous shock, 
 A ponderous stone, the fragment of a rock, 60^ 
 Through all the three * its horrid passage tore, 
 Crash'd every bone, and drench'd their limbs in gore 
 With groans the sinful sp'rils take their flight 
 From the pure air and seats of upp?r light. 
 And seek th' iafenial shades of endless pain : fil( 
 O mortals! hence from impious deeds refrain, [flami 
 
 At len.ith the tower, preserv'd from threaten'c 
 By friendly wind», more near the ramparts came; 
 Now, from the midst, the bridge was seen to fall : 
 And now was fix'd upon the lofty wall : Gi; 
 
 But tliither Solyman iatrepid flie-, 
 And there to cut the bridge his falchion tries : 
 
 * Through nil Ike three — ] Tuov.glj the particular charat^ 
 ter of laineno is eitirely the inveution of the poet, yet hit| 
 tor>- relates the deacb o? cer <*'.n magicians, that Ind pldccf 
 tuemselves on tlie wails of Jerasileni, in order to oppose tbi 
 litachiaes of the Cliristiaus.
 
 /;. xml. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 401 
 Nt r had he tried in vain, but, sudden rear'd, 
 :\notl;er tower upon the fiist appeai'd : 
 
 I' Above the loftiest spires was seen on high 620 
 
 Tlie wondrous fabric rising to the sky. 
 (Struck with the sight th' astonisli'd Pagans stood, 
 !"While fnr beneath the pile the town they view'd. 
 ;But still the fearless Turk his post maintain'd, 
 ^Though Oil his head a rocky tempest rain'd ; 62& 
 . ;Nor yet despairs to part the bridge, and loud, 
 ; With threats and cries, incites the timorous crowd. 
 \ To Godfrey then,* unseen by vulgar eyes, 
 lAppear'd th' Archangel IVIichael from the skies, 
 iln glorious pacnply, divinely bright, 630 
 
 ,, ,More dazzling than the sun's unclouded light. 
 Lo! Godfrey (he began) the hour at hand 
 To free from bondage Sion's hallow'd land: 
 , Decline not then to earth thy looks dismay 'd : 
 Behold where Heaven assists with heavenly aid I 635 
 |I now remove tlse film, and teach thy sight 
 jTo bear the yreseuco of the sons of light. 
 iThe souls of those, now heavenly beings, view, 
 'That champions once for Christ their weapons drew : 
 I With thee they fight, with thee they corae to share 
 The glorious triumph of the sacred war. 641 
 
 Th le, where thou seest the dust and smoke on high 
 
 ■ mingled waves, where heaps of ruin lie, 
 1 here, wrapt in darkness, Hugo holds his place, 
 lAnd heaves the bulwark from its lowest base. G45 
 , ,See! Budoi), arra'd against the northern towers, 
 With fire and sword celestial vengeance pours. 
 
 ' f J Godfrey then — ] T!iis fiction seems to b? taken rom 
 
 Ic. reionled in ihe iiistorj' of the crusade. The arch- 
 
 I of Tiro relates, that tfie Christians being en^a^^ed 
 
 cue Iiifiùels, and nearly defeated, a soldier was seen to 
 
 ic.Mcnd from Mount Olivet bearing a shield of wouderful 
 
 ustre, who encouraged the Christians to renew the battle 
 
 vith double vi!,'0ur, and immediately disappeared. It was 
 
 ikewise said, that, at the siege of Antioch.Pyrrhiis, a Turi;, 
 
 all infinite army of soldiers on \>liite horse?, with white 
 
 aad vestments, who fought on the side of the Clins- 
 
 These afterwards disappeared, and were supjjosed to 
 
 ;p'.s and the souls of the u'essed, sent from God to suc- 
 
 '- .h? Christians.
 
 40S JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XVll 
 
 Yon sacred form that on the mount appears, 
 Who solemn robes with ^vreaths of priesthood wears 
 Is Ademar ; * a saint confessed he stands ; 65 
 
 See! still he follows, blesses still the bands. 
 Bnt higher raise thy looks, behold in air 
 "WTiere all the powers of heaven combin'd appear. 
 
 The hero rais'd his eyes, and saw above 
 A countless army of celestials move. 65 
 
 Three squadrons raag'd f the wo;idrous force di 
 Three fulgent circles every squadron made, [play*( 
 Orb within orb; by just degrees they rose. 
 And nine bright ranks the heavenly host compose.^ 
 
 Un puivto vidi, che ra^gi^iva lume 
 Acuto si, ch'I viso ch'ecli affoca. 
 Chiuder convieusi per lo forta acume : 
 
 Distante intorno al punto un cerchio d'igne 
 Si girava si ratto, eh' avria vinto 
 Que! moto che j.in tosto il mondo eigne, 
 
 E questro era d'un altro circouciulo 
 E quel del terzo e'I terzo poi dal quarto 
 Dal quinto il quarto, e poi dal festo il quinto 
 
 Sovra seguia il settimo si sparto 
 
 Già dì !arghez7a che'l mezzo di Giuuii 
 Lutero a ti-uttuerlo sareblie arto. 
 
 • Isjìilemar; — ] The archbishop of Tiro gives the follov 
 ing extraordinary account. "That day Ademar, bishop • 
 Poggio, a man of exemplnry \-irtue and piety, who lost b 
 life near Antioch, was seen by numbers in the holy citj' : at 
 nnmbcrs, whose testimony is'v.orthv of credit, atìSrmcd th 
 they saw him among the first to scale the walls, and incitii 
 others to enter the town." AU these traditions were auth 
 rity sufficient for tl;e beautiful machinery with which Ti 
 has adorned his poem ; the whole passage of which is tab 
 from the sublime fiction of Virgil, in the 2d iEneid, wbe 
 Sneas sees the gods of Greece engaged in the destruction 
 his native citj'. 
 
 + Three sq'nadrons rans'd — ] The Italian commentator e 
 plains these to mean the three celestial hierarchies, ench 
 Tided into three orders : the first, seraphim, cherubim, s 
 thrones ; the second, dominations, principalities, ai. 
 powcr'^ ; the third, virtues, angels, and arrhanjieis. Ttf 
 opininii is according to .St. Gregory and St. Bernard, fr( 
 which other authors nave differed. 
 
 t Orb iiiihin orh ; by just decrrres theti rose, 
 And nhie bright ranks the heavenly host compose.] Sou, 
 tbeologists have said that these circles diminished till th' 
 came to sn indivisible point, wherein was centred the « 
 sence oi' Divinity. This a'ustruse aud whimsical doctrine 
 mentiurifd by Diute, which passage may not be unnltasii 
 to the curious reader; where he speaks of these nine ch<n 
 ■•r orders in the followi
 
 XVIII. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 40* 
 
 His sense no ir.ore sustain'd the blaze of light, 
 n;l all the vision vanish'd from his sight. 661 
 
 hen round the plaia bis martial bands he spj'd, 
 nd saw how conquest smil'd ou every side, 
 ^ith brave Rinaldo numbers scale the wall; 
 ;fore his arms in heaps the Syrians fall : 665 
 
 longer Godfrey then his zeal restrain"d, 
 it snatch'd the standard from Alfiero's hand : 
 id, rushing o'er the bridge, the passage try'd. 
 le furious Turk all passage there deny'd : 
 little space is now the glorious field 670 
 
 Tiere valour's deeds a great example yield ! 
 re let me nobly fall ! (the Pagan cries) 
 
 lory mine, let life tlie vulgar prize, 
 burst the bridge ! and me alone expose ; 
 hall not meanly sink beneath the foes. C74 
 
 But now he sees th' affrighted numbers fly, 
 d now beholds the dread Rinaldo nigh : 
 iiat should 1 do ? (the wavering Sold m said) 
 here I fall, in vain my blood is shed, 
 'n other schemes revolving in his mind, 6S0 
 
 slowly to the chief the pass resign'd, 
 >o threatening follow'd, with impetuous haste, 
 1 on the wall the holy standard plac'd. 
 The conquering banner, to the breeze unroli'd, 
 lundant streams in many a waving fold : 685 
 winds with awe confess the heavenly sign, 
 h purer beams the day appears to shine : 
 swords seem bid to turn their points away, 
 I darts arouud it innocently play : 
 sacred mount the purple cross adores, 69ft 
 
 Sion owns it from her topmost towers, 
 hen all the squadrons rais'd a shouting cry, 
 loud acclaim of joyful victory! 
 D man to man the clamour pours around : 
 distant hills re-echo to the sound. 69J) 
 
 Cosi I' ottavo, e'l nono : e ciascheduno 
 Più tardo si niovea, secondo ch'er.:, 
 In numero distante, più da l'uno. 
 
 Paradiso, Cant'> xxriii 
 T
 
 ♦ 10 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XI 111 
 
 And now, incens'd, impatient of delay. 
 Against Argantes Tancred forc'd bis way; | 
 
 At once he launch'd his bridge, tbe passage made, ' 
 And straight his standard on the walls displavM. 
 
 But tow'rds the south wliere aged Raymond fough( 
 And 'gainst the Pagan king his forces brought ; TO 
 There deeper toil engag'd the Christian power, 
 There rocky paths delay'd the cumbrous tower. 
 At length th' assailants and defenders hear 
 The echoing shouts of conquests from afar. 70 
 To Aladine and Ra\Tnond soon 'tis known, 
 That tow'rds the plain are Sion's ramparts won : J 
 Then thus the earl aloud — O hear, my friends !. I 
 Before the Christian arms the city bends ! 1 
 
 And does sl.e, when subdu'd, our courage dare r 71 * 
 Shall we alone no glorious triumph share ? i 
 
 But soon the Syrian king withdrew his force, ; 
 No longer strove t' oppose the victors course ; 
 Retreating thence a lofty fort he gain'd. 
 From which he hop'd their fury to withstand, 71 
 Now all the conquering bands, oppos'd no more 
 Swarm o'er the walls and through the portals poui 
 The thirsty sword now rages far and wide. 
 Death stalks with grief and terror at his side: 
 Blood runs in rivers, or in pools o'erflows, 7J 
 
 And dead and dying, heap'd, a horrid scene compo» 
 
 i
 
 THE 
 
 NINETEENTH BOOK 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 
 
 TS
 
 t 
 
 '4 
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 TANCRED and Argantes retire together from] 
 the walls, and engage in single combat : after 
 an obstinate defence, the latter is slain ; an, 
 Tancred himself, weakened by the loss of blood, 
 falls into a swoon. In the mean time Rinaldo 
 pursues the liifidels, and compels many of them 
 to take refige in Solomon''s temple. Rinaldo 
 at length bicrsting open the gate, the Christian 
 troops enter and make a terrible slaughter, 
 Soli/man aiid Aladiiie fortify themselves in 
 David^s tower. Solyman defends thepass with 
 great intrepidity, but at last retires within tht 
 fort at Vie appearance of Godfrey and Rinaldo. 
 Night puts ail end to the operations on both 
 sides. Vafrino enters the Egyptian camp, 
 where he meets Erminia. In their way to ti 
 Christian tciits, they find Tancred in appeal 
 ance dead : Erminia'' a lamentation ; she rei 
 vers Tancred from his swoon, and, at his de 
 sire, he is conveyed ivith the body of Arganta 
 to the city. I'afrino gives an account to God-\ 
 frey of the discoveries he has made; it por,' 
 which the general determines to hold his armj,' 
 inreadiness to encounter the Egyptian forces t
 
 THE 
 
 NINETEENTH BOOK 
 
 OF 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 
 
 N OW wide-destro\inff death, or pale afifWght, 
 .eraov'd the Paerans from their ramparts' height : 
 Joue, btill fix'd to triumph or to fall, 
 rgantes turns not from th' abaudon'd wall ; 
 scure he stands, his front undaunted shows, 5 
 
 od singly comhats 'midst a host of foes : 
 it more than death he dreads a sullied name, 
 iad, if he dies, would close his days with fame. 
 
 Before the rest intrepid Tancred flies, 
 »id lifts his falchion, and the chief defies : 10 
 
 /'ell, by his mien and arms confess'd to view, 
 is plighted foe the fierce Argantes knew, 
 bus dost thou, Tancred! keep thy faith ? (hecr3'd) 
 ite art thou come our battle to decide : 
 
 e meet not here as heroes heroes dare ; 13 
 
 ou com'st a base artificer of war ! 
 
 iose engines are thy guard, those troops thy shield; 
 
 oubring'st strange weapons to disgrace the field ! 
 
 3t hope not from this hand, in dreadful strife, 
 
 fhou woman's murderer !) now to 'scape with life I 
 
 He said ; and Tancred, smiling with disdain, 2 1 
 
 words indignant thus reply'd again. 
 
 ite am I come ? — Suppress thy senseless scorn ; 
 
 on shalt thou find too speedy my return ; 
 
 lien thou shalt wish, to ease thy doubtful soul, 24 
 
 lat 'twixt us Alps might rise, or oceans roll ;
 
 4U JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XIX 
 
 And know, by fatal proof too well display'd, 
 Nor fear detain'd my arms, nor sloth delay'd. 
 Come, g^lorious chief I thou terror of the plain, 
 By whom are heroes quell'd and giants slain ! 3t 
 With me retire, and prove thy boasted might, 
 Tlie womau's mnrderer dares thee to the fight ! 
 
 Then to bis troops— Withhold your wrathfa 
 This warrior now my sword alone demands ; [handt 
 No common foe ; by challenge him I claim ; 3; 
 By former promise mine, and mine by fame. 
 
 Descend (again the proud Circassian cry'd) 
 Or singly, or with aid, the cause decide : 
 The place frequented, or the desert try ; 
 "With every odds thy prowess I defy! 4 
 
 The stern convention made, at once they move. 
 With mutual ire, the dreadful fight to prove. 
 Already Tancred hopes the glorious strife. 
 And burns with zeal to take the Pagan's life : 
 He claims him wholly, all his blood demands, 4 
 And envies ev'n a drop to vulgar bauds. 
 He spreads his shield, forbids the threatening blow 
 And guards from darts and spears his mighty foe. 
 They leave the walls, impatient of delay. 
 And through a winding path pursue their way. .5 
 At length, amid surrounding hills, they view'd 
 A narrow valley, black with shady wood ; 
 That seem'd a sylvan theatre, desigu'd 
 For chace or combat with the savage kind. 
 Here both the warriors stopp'd ; when pensive growif 
 Argante» turn'd to view the suffering town. 
 Tancred, who saw his foe no buckler wield. 
 Straight cast his own at distance on the field ; I 
 Tlien thus began — What means this sudden glooms' 
 Thiiik'st thou, at last, thy destin'd hour is come ? 6 
 If such foreboding thoughts a doubt create, \ 
 
 Too late thy prescience, and thy fears too late. ' 
 
 Yon city fills my mind (the chief reply'd) 
 The queen of nations, and Judaea's pride, 
 That vanquish'd now must fall, while I in vain C 
 Attempt ber sinking ruius to sustain :
 
 ù. XIX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 41» 
 
 flow poor a vengeance can thy life afford. 
 Thy life by Heaven devoted to my sword ! 
 
 He ceas'd ; then wary each to combat drew : 
 I or each his adverse champion's valour knew. "To 
 Tniicred was light, his joints were firmly knit, 
 Swift were his hands, and ready were his feet. 
 Argautes tower'd superior by the head. 
 Will» larger limbs, with shoulders broader spread. 74 
 iNow Tancred wheels, now beads t' elude the foe, 
 Now, with his sword averts th' impending blow. 
 But high, erect, the bold Argante* stood. 
 And equal art, with different action s^how'd. 
 Now here, now there, impetuous from above. 
 Against the prince the brandish'd steel he drove. 8ft 
 That, on his art and courage most relies ; 
 Till-, on his mighty strength and giant size. 
 
 Two vessels thus their naval strife maintain, 
 A\ hen no rude wind disturbs the watery plain : 
 Their bulk though different, equal is the fight, S4 
 \\n swiftness one, and one excels in height. 
 [But while the Christian seeks to reach the foe, 
 'And shuns the sword that seems to threat the blow. 
 Full at his face the point Argantes shook ; 
 Then swift, as Tancred turn'd to ward the stroke, 90 
 He pierc'd his flanks, and, loud exulting, said." 
 Behold the crafty now by craft betray'd! 
 
 With rage and shame indignant Tancred burn'd, 
 ( And all his thoughts to glorious vengeance lurn'd ; 
 I Then with his falchion to the boast replies, 9ft 
 
 I Where to his aim the vizor open lies. 
 ' Argantes breaks the blow : with shorteu'd sword 
 ' On him intrepid rush'd the Christian lord : 
 \ The Pagan's better hand he seiz'd, and dy'd 
 With many a ghastly wound his bleeding side, 1 <tO 
 ' Receive this answer (loud the hero cries) 
 The vanquish'd to his victor thus replies I 
 
 The fierce Circassian foams with rage and pain. 
 But strives to free his captive arm in vain : 
 At length dependent from the chain,* he leaves 105 
 The trusty falchion, and his hand reprieves. 
 1 * •""-from the chain, — ] In Ariosto it is frequently nrien
 
 416 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XlX. 
 
 Each other now in rude embrace they press'd. 
 
 Arms lock'd in arm?, and breast oppos'd to breast : 
 
 Not with more vigour, on the sandy field, 
 
 Great Hercules the mighty giant held. 1 10 
 
 Such is their conflict, so the warriors strain, 
 
 Till, both together, sidelong, press the plain, 
 
 Argantes, as he fell, by chance or skill. 
 
 Bore high his better arm released at will : 
 
 But Tancred's hand, that should the weapon wield, 
 
 Was held beneath him prisoner on the field. 118 j 
 
 Full well the Frank th' unequal peril view'd. 
 
 And, soon recovering, on his feet Le stood. 
 
 More slow the Saracen the ground forsook, 
 And, ere he rose, receiv'd a sudden stroke. 120 
 
 But as the pine, whose leafy summit bends 
 To Eurus' blast, at once again ast-ends : 
 So from his fall arose the Pagan ksiigbt 
 >Vith equal wrath and unabated might. 
 Again, with flashing swords, the war they wag'd : 1 2t 
 Now less of art and more of horror rag'd. 
 From Tancred's wounds appear'd the trickling blood ; 
 But from Argante? pour'd a crimson flood: 
 Tancred full soon his feeble arm beheld 
 •Slow and more slow tlie weighty falchion wield : 1 ÒQ 
 A 11 hatred then his generous breast for;ook. 
 And, back retreating, mildly thus he spoke. 
 Yield, dauntless chief I enough thy worth is shown ; 
 Or me, or fortune, for thy victor own : 
 I ask no spoils, no triumph from the fight, 13ft (. 
 
 Nor to myself reserve a conqueror's right. 
 
 At this with rage renew'd the Pagan bum'd : 
 Use what thy fortune gives — (he fierce return'd) 
 And dar'st thou then from me the conquest claim ? 
 Shall base concessions stain Argantes' fame ? 140 
 Alike thy mercy and thy threats t prize ; 
 This arm shall yet thy senseleis pride chastise. 
 As, near extinct, the torch new light acquires, 
 Revives its flame, and in a blaze expires : 
 
 tjoiied, that the sword was fastened to the wrist by a chain, 
 though this i» the only |<a£»age whert such a custom ii al- 
 luded to by Tasso.
 
 ti. XIX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 417 
 
 'So he, when scarce the blood maintain'd its course, 
 i With kindled ire recruits his dying force ; 14G 
 
 Re^olv'd his last of days witli fame to spend, 
 And crown his actions with a glorious end. 
 -'lasp'J in each hand, his verij^eful steel he took : 
 |(n vain the Cliristian's sword oppos'd the stroke : \bO 
 Full on his shoulder fell the deadly blade, 
 ;i!vor, deadea'd there, its eager fury stay'd, 
 3ut, glancing downward, deeply pierc'd his side, 
 i\ad staia'd his armour with a purple tide. 
 ;fet Tancred's look nor doubt nor fear confess'd ; 155 
 •'or Nature's self had steel'd his dauntless breast. 
 V second stroke the haughty Pagan try'd; 
 riie wary Christian now his purpose 'spy'd, 
 k)Kl slipt, elusive, from the steel aside. 
 lipii, spent ill empty air thy strength in vain, 160 
 .'iiou f ill'st Aigantes ! headlong on the plain: 
 "hou fall'st ! yet (unsubdu'd alike in all) 
 .'one but thyself can boast Argantes' fall! 
 Fresh stream'd the blood from every gaping wound, 
 nd the red torrent delug'd all the ground : 165 
 . t on his arm and knee the furious knight 
 is bulk supported, and provok'd the fight, 
 gain his hand the courteous victor stay'd : 
 ubmit, O chief! preserve thy life (he said :) 
 ' ut. while he paus'd, the fierce insidious foe 170 
 uU at his heel directs a treacherous blow, 
 nd threats aloud : Then flash from Tancred's eyes 
 'he sparks of wrath, while thus the hero cries: 
 I nd dost thou, wretch ! such base return aflFord 
 3r life so long preserv'd from Tancred's sword ? 1 74 
 lie said ; and as he spoke, no more delay'd, 
 ut through his vizor plung'd th' avenging blade. 
 1 hus fell Argantes ; as he liv'd he dy'd ; 
 iitam'd his soul, unconquer'd was his pride : 
 or droop'd his spirit at th' approach of death, 1 80 
 at threats and rage employ'd his latest breath. 
 1 Then Tancred in the sheath his sword bestow'd, 
 I ad paid to God the thanks his conquest ow'd: 
 T6
 
 418 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XIX. 
 
 But dear his triumph has the victor cost : 
 
 His senses fail, his wonted strength is lost. 185 
 
 Again be strives to pa=s the vallev o'er, 
 
 And tread the steps his feet had trod before. 
 
 Not far his tottering knees their load sustain, 
 
 His utmost strength be tries, but tries in vain. 
 
 !Now, laid on earth, his arm supports his bead, 190, 
 
 (Kis arm, that trembles like a feeble reed) • ' 
 
 Each object swims before his jriddy sight ; 
 
 The cheerful day seems chang'd to dusky night ; 
 
 He faints — he swoons ! and scarce to mortal eyes 
 
 The victor differing from the vanquish'd lies. 1 96 
 
 While these, inflam'd with private hate, engag'd, 
 The wrathful Christians through the city rag'd. 
 What tongue can tell the woes that then were known. 
 And speak the horrors of a conquer'd town I 
 Each part is iill'd with death, with blood detil'd ; 
 The ghastly slain appear In mountains pil'd. 201 
 Tliere on th' unbury'd corse the wounded spread 
 The living here interr'd beneath the dead. 
 With flowing hair pale mothers fly distress'd. 
 And clasp their harmless infants to the breast : 5051 
 The spoiler here, impell'd by thirst of prey. 
 Bears on his laden back the spo-ls away : 
 The soldier there, by lust ungovern'd sway'd. 
 Drags by her graceful locks th' affrighted maid. 
 
 But tow'rds the mountain where the temple stood. 
 The bold Riualdo drove the trembling crowd : 21! 
 Nor helm nor buckler could his force witi stand; 
 Th' unarm'd alone escap'd his vengeful hnnd. 
 He sought the brave, but scoru'd with great disdain 
 To wreak his fury on a helpless train. 21 
 
 Then might you wondrous deeds of valour view, 
 How these he threatening chas'd, and those he slew;^ 
 How with unequal risk, but equal fear. 
 The arm'd and naked fugitives appear. 
 
 Already mingled with th' ignobler band, 22< 
 
 A troop of warriors had the temple gain'd, 
 That, oft o'erthrown, and oft consiun"d by flame. 
 Still bears its ancient founder's glorious name.
 
 n. XIX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 419 
 
 (reat Solomon the stately fabric rear'd, 
 Where marble, s^oid, and cedar once appear'd: 22r> 
 Less costly now ; but 'gainst the hostile powers 
 Secura with iroQ gates, and guarded towers. 
 
 Rinaldo rais'd his threat'ning looks on high. 
 And view'd the fortress With aa angry eye: 
 Now here, now there, he seeks some pass to meet, 230 
 And twice surrounds it with his rapid feet. 
 So when a wolf, beneath the friendly shades, 
 AV'ith hopes of prey the peaceful fold invades ; 
 He traverses the ground with fruitless pain, 
 Licks his dry chaps, and thirsts for blood in vain. 235 
 The chief now pausM before the lofty gate, 
 Tlie Pagans, from above, th' encounter wait. 
 \\ t.ile thus the hero stood, by chance he 'spies 
 A beam beside him of enormous size ; 
 .Wliite'er the use desiga'd) so high, so vast, 240 
 The laigeit ship may claim it for a mast : 
 Thi^ in his nervous arms aloft he shook, 
 Vnd with repeated blows the portal struck : 
 Not the strong ram with greater fury falls, 
 Vor bombs more fiercely shake the tottering walls. 
 Nor steel nor marble could the force oppose ; 246 
 The fence gives way before the driving blows : 
 FLe birs are burst, the sounding hinges torn, 
 And htirl'd to earth the batter'd gates are borae. 
 -iwil't through the pass, the victor to sustain, 250 
 Fi^-i c<3 as a torrent rusli th' exulting train. 
 
 Then, dire to see ! the dome devote to God, 
 ,\\ ith carnage swell'd, and pour'd a purple flood. 
 : sacred justice of th' Almighty, shed, 
 Tho' late, yet certain, on the guilty head ! 255 
 
 Thy awful providence now stands coufess'd. 
 And kindles wrath in every pious breast. 
 The Pagan with his blood must cleanse from stain 
 Those sacred shrines which once he durst profane. 
 
 But Solyman, meanwhile, to David's tower * 260 
 letreated with the remnant of his power; 
 
 • David's tou-er.] Ill» citadel of Jerusalem was so called*
 
 4?0 JERLS \LEM DELIVERED. B. XIX. 
 
 His troops with «udden works the fort enclose. 
 And stop each entrance frena th' invading foe?. 
 And Aladine the tjTant thither flies : 
 To •whom aloud th' intrepid Soldan cries. 265 
 
 Come, mighty monarch ! haste, the fortress gain. 
 Whose strength shall yet preserve thy threaten^ 
 Here ma^'stthou still defend thy life, secur'd [reignji 
 From the dire fury of the wasting sword. 
 Ah me! relentless fate (the king reply'd) -270 
 
 O'erturns the city, levels all her pride! — 
 My days are run — my empire now is oVr — 
 1 liv'd — I reign'd— but live and reign no more! 
 'Tis past! — we once have been !— behold our doom — 
 The last, th' irrevoc?.bIe hour is coni^ ! 3 75 
 
 To whom with generous warmth the Soldan said ; - 
 Mhere, prince! is all thy ancient v-rtue fled ? 
 Though of his realms by fortune d!spos«e^s'(l, 
 A monarch's throne is seatetf in his breast. 
 But come, and here securd from hostile rage, 280 
 Refresh thy limbs decay'd with toils and are. 
 Thus counselM he; and straight, with careful haste, 
 The boary kirg within the bulwarks plac'd. 
 Himself to guard the dangerous pass appear'd. 
 With hoth his hands an iron mace he rear'd : 'iSfr 
 He girt his trusty falchion to Lis side. 
 And all the forces of the Franks defy'd. 
 On every part his thundering wenpon flew. 
 And these he overtum'd, ai:d those he slew. 
 All fled the guarded fort, with wild afl'right, 29( 
 When''er they saw his mace's fury light. 
 Now, led by fortune, with his dauntless train. 
 The fearless Raymond ru*h"d the pass to gain : 
 Against the Turk in vain he aim'd the blow; 
 But not in vain return'd his haughty foe : iW 
 
 Full in his front theteverend chief he found. 
 And stretcli'd him pale and trembling on the ground* ' 
 
 Again the vaniniij-li'il breathe, the victors fly. 
 Or in the well-defended entrance die. 
 The Sqidan then, who, midst the vulgar dead, 30C 
 Beheld on eanh the Christian leader spread,
 
 i:. XIX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 421 
 
 in. ites liis followers, with repeated cries, 
 
 T . drag within the works their prostrate prize. 
 
 All spriiiff to take liiin (a determiii'd band) 
 F!i;t toil* and danger* their attempt withstand. 305 
 What Christian can his Ravmoad's care foreg'O r 
 At once they Qy to ^ard him from the foe. 
 There ragv, here piety maintains the fizht ; 
 N'o common cause demands each warrior's might: 
 iFor Raymond's life or freedom they contend ; 310 
 And those would seize the chief, and these defend. 
 \ . T hid the Soldan's force at length prevaiPd, 
 • ! shields and helms before his weapon fail'd; 
 3ut sudden, to relieve the faithful band, 
 V powerful aid appear'd on either hand; 31!> 
 
 \t o!,ce the chief of chiefs,* resisi less, came. 
 And he.T the foremost of the maitial name. 
 
 As when loud winds arise, and thunders roll. 
 And irlanciiig lightning gleam from pole to pole. 
 The shepherd-swain, who sees the dark'ning air, 320 
 VVitlulraws from open fields his fleecy care; 
 \nd. thence retreating-, to some covert flies 
 "o shun the fury of th' inclement skies ; 
 \nd with his voice and crook his flock constrains; 
 limself, behind them, last forsakes the plains. 32» 
 50 the fierce Pagan, who the storm beheld. 
 That like a whirlwind swept the dusty field, 
 W'ho heard the shouts of lesions rend the air. 
 And saw the flash of armour from afar, 
 Oompell'd his troops within the sheltering tower ; 330 
 ,Iimself, reluctant, from superior power 
 letires the last, with unabated heat, 
 n caution brave, intrepid in defeat. 
 
 Scarce were they enter'd, when, with headlong 
 ilinaldo o'er the broken fences pass'd : [haste, 
 
 )esire to vanquish one so fam'd in fight, 336 
 
 lis plighted vows the hero's soul excite: 
 "or still be keeps his solemn oath in view, 
 ^0 lake the warrior's life who Sweno slew. 
 
 • Godfrey. f Rinaldo.
 
 422 JERUSALEM DELIVERED, lì. \L\ 
 
 Then bad his matchless arm the wall assaiPd, <4« 
 Then had their stren^h to >hield th» Soldan faiPd : 
 But here the general bade surcease the fight. 
 For all th' horizon arouud was lost in night. 
 There Godfrey straight encamp'd his martial traia, 
 Resolv'd at morn the hostile fort to gain. 34 
 
 Then cheerful thus his liste'.iing host he warms: 
 Th' Almighty favours now the Christian arms: 
 At early dawn yon fortress shall be ours; 
 The last weak refuge of the faithless powers. 
 Meantime your thoughts to pious duties bend, 35 
 The sick to comfort, and the wounded tend, 
 Go-"pay the rites those gallant friends demind. 
 Who purchas'd with their blood this fated land; 
 This temper better suits the Christian name. 
 Than souls with avarice or revenge on flame. 35 
 Too much, alas! has slaughter stain'd the diy ; 
 Too much has lust of plunder borne the sway. 
 Then cease from spoil, each crnel deed forbear; 
 And let the trumpet'ssound our will declare, [df-atl 
 He said; and went where scarce repr'ev'd froi' 
 Still Raymond groan'd with new-recover'd broalh. 
 Nor Solyman less boi 1, his friend-; adJre»^s'd, 3ft 
 While in his thought the chief hb doubts suppress'd. 
 O warriors ! scorn the change of fortuiie's power ; 
 Still cheerful hope maintains her bloomi;.g flower; 
 Safe is your king, and safe his chosen traiu : 36t 
 These walls the noblest of the realm coutain. 
 Then let the Franks their empty conquest boast ; 
 Swift fdte impends o'er all tU' txiilting host : 
 While rage and plunder e\ery soul employ. 
 And lust and murder are their savage joy : 
 Amidst the mingled tumult shall they fall. 
 And one destructive hour o'erwhelm them all; 
 If Egypt's troops now hastening to our aid. 
 With numerous force their scatte r"d bands invade, j 
 From hence our missile weapons can we pour, 37 
 To whelm the city with a rocky shower; 
 And with our engloes from afar defend 
 The paths that to the sepulchre ascend. I
 
 3. XIX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 423 
 
 M hile deeds like these were wrought, Vafrino goes; 
 I trusty spy, amidst a host of foes: 381 
 
 The camp he left, his lonely way he took, 
 iVV'hat time the sun the western sky forsook ; 
 Jy Ascalon lie pass'd, ere yet the day 
 Ibed from his orient throne the golden ray : 385 
 Vnd when his car had reached the midmost height, 
 The hostile camp appear'd in open sight. 
 'There, pitch'd around, uunumher'd tents he sees, 
 Jnnumber'd streamers waving to the breeze. 
 . )iscordant tongues assail his wondering ears ; 390 
 "imbrels and horns and barbarous notes he hears. 
 The elephant and camel mix their cries ; 
 "■he generous steed, with shriller sound, replies. 
 . urpris'd he sees such nuiberous forces join'd, 
 |Vhere Asia's realms and Afric's seem combin'd. 39a 
 I Now here, now there, his watchful looks he throws, 
 ind marks what different works the camp enclose; 
 for seeks in unfrequented parts to lie; 
 7or shuns th' observance of the public eye ; 
 (Ut boldly to each high pavilion goes, 400 
 
 nd fearless commiu'es with th' unconscious foes ; 
 •A'ise were his questions, well his answers made, 
 ind deepest prudence all his actions sway'd. 
 ""he warriors, steeds, and arms, attract his view ; 
 ! "ull soon each leader's rank and name he knew. 405 
 ,d length, as wand'ring through the vale he went, 
 I hance led his footsteps to the general's tent: 
 
 'here, while incmers'd in deepest thought he staj'J 
 |tis searching eyes a friendly gap survey'd; 
 j rom this each voice within distinct was heard. 41 o 
 ,'hrough this reveal'd th' interior parts appear'd. 
 ' 'here watch'd Vafrino, while he seem'd emploj'd 
 •I'o mend the torn pavilion's opening side. 
 
 Bare-headed there he saw the chief confe^s'd, 
 
 Vith limbs in armour sheath'd, and purple vest : 41* 
 
 'wo pages bore his helmet and his shield ; 
 
 is better hand a pointed javelin held ; 
 
 e view'd a warrior, who beside him stood, 
 
 f limbs gigantic, and of semblance proud.
 
 42* JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B.XiX 
 
 V'afrino stajM, intent their words to hear, i >( 
 
 And sudden Godfrey's name assail'd his cat. 
 
 Think'st thou (.the leader thus the knight bespoke) 
 That Godfrey sure shall fall beneath ih^ stroke ? 
 
 Then be: He surely falls! and here I swear 
 Ne'er to return, but vii tor from the war. 4S^ 
 
 This hand my fellov.s' sword shall render vain 
 And let my deed this sole reward obtain ; 
 A glorious trophy of his arms to raise 
 In Cairo's town, and thus inscribe my praise : 
 " These from the Christian chief, » hose force o 
 •' -Ml Asia's lands, in battle Ormond won ; 4-311 
 
 " And fix'd them here, that future times might tell 
 " How, by his prowess vanquish'd, Godfrey fell." 
 
 Think not our grateful king (the leader cries) 
 Will view th' important act with thankless eyes : 43. 
 Full gladly will he yield to thy demand. 
 And crown thy ser\ice with a bounteous hand. 
 But now with speed the vests and arms prepare; 
 Th' approaching day of combat claims thy care. 
 All, all is now prepared — the knight reply'd: 449i' 
 And here the converse ceas'd on either side. 
 
 Thus they : A stranger to the hidden sense. 
 The words Vafrino beard in deep suspense ; 
 Oft-times debating, iu his anxious mind. 
 What arms were purpos'd, and what wiles design'd. 
 
 He parted thence, and sleepless pass'd the night. 
 And watch'd impatient for the dawning light ; 
 But when the camp, as early morning shin'd, 
 Unfurl'd the waving banners to the wind, 
 Mix'd with the rest he went, with these he stay'd ; 
 And round from tent to tent uncertain straj'd. 4511 
 
 One day he came to where, in regal state. 
 Amidst her knights and dames Armida sate : 
 Pensive she stem'd with various cares oppress'd, 
 A thousand thoughts revolving in her breast: 
 On her fair hand her lovely cheek she plac'd, 
 And prone to earth her starry eyes she cast. 
 All moist with tears : Full opposite be saw 
 Adrastus motionless with silent awe :
 
 t XIX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 4*i 
 
 'i\M on ber charms, he gazM with fond dPsire, 460 
 i:i(l with the prosnpct fed his amorous fire, 
 iut Tisaphernes both by turns beheld, 
 \ hiln diftereiit passions in liis bosom swell'd : 
 [is clianffing^ looks a quick succession prove, 
 .'ow fii'd with hatred, now inflam'd with love. 46% 
 rom thence Vafrino cast his siiht aside, 
 nd midst the damsels Altamorus 'sp^'d; 
 Vbo curb'd the licence of his roving eyes, 
 r snatch'd Iiis wary glances by surprise ; 
 fv hr^nil, her face, with secret rapture view'd, 470 
 uà ^.ìt. by stealtl). a sweeter search pursu'd, 
 " explore the passage where th' uncautious vest 
 e\eal'd the beauties of her ivory breast. 
 At length her downcast looks Annida rears, 
 filile through her grief a transient smile appears. 
 I brave Adrastus! in thy glorious boast, 476 
 
 eel (she cries) my former anguish lost : 
 id soon I trust a sweet revenge to find; 
 r ^^^eet is vengeance to an injur'd mind. 
 To V. horn the Indian — Bid thy sorrows cease, ISO 
 ;o\al fair! compose thy soul to peace, 
 mbt not to view (ere many days are fled) 
 St at thy feet Rinaldo's impious head; 
 e shall he come, if so thy will ordains, 
 s -rvile dungeons, and eternal chains. 4Si 
 
 I'o Tisaphernes smiling then she said : 
 d wiit not thou, O chief I Armida aid ? 
 ft suits not me (he taunting thus reply'd) 
 ith such a knight to combat side by side, 
 t I more slow, in fields of battle new, 490 
 
 >t far behind thy champion's steps pursue. 
 •Sternly he said ; the word the monarch took, 
 . :1 straight incens'd with pride ungovern'd spoke : 
 '■ • thi.ie, indeed, a distant war to wage, 
 ; r dare like me in nearer fight engage. 49i 
 
 Then Tisaphernes shook his haughty head : 
 (!?ere I master of this arm! (he said) 
 iild I at will this faithful falchion wield, 
 ^ ' soon should see who best could brave the field :
 
 426 JEHl SALKM DEL[VERED. D. M: 
 
 Fierce as thou art, thy threats with scorn I hear 1 hi 
 Not thee, but Heaven and tyrant love, I fear. 
 He ceas'd; Adrastus stern his force defy'd : 
 But here Armida interposal ai.d cry'd : 
 
 warriors! wherefore now, your promise vain. 
 Will you so soon resume your gift again ? i' 
 M\ champions are ye both — let this suffice 
 
 To bind your jarring souls in friendly ties : 
 At my command, this rasli contention cease : 
 He meets my anger first who wounds the peace. 
 
 Thus she : At once the raee their breast for-, k. 
 And hearts discordant bow'd beneath her joki . ., 
 
 Vafrino, present, all their converse knew. 
 Then, pensive, from the lofty tent withdrew; 
 He saw, though deeply yet in clouds enshrin'd, 
 Some treison 'gainst the Christian chief designed : 
 He questioned oft, resolv'd each means to try 5 
 To bear the secret thence, or bravely die. 
 In vain his search — till chance at length display'd 
 The treacherous snares for pious Goillrey laid. 
 Again l»e sought the tent, and viewM again 6 
 The princess seated midst the warrior train : 
 Then near a damsel with familiar air 
 He drew, and sportive thus address'd the fair. 
 
 1 too would gladly draw th' ave iging blade, 
 Th' elected champion of some lovely maid : I 
 Perhaps this arm Rinaldo's self may feel. 
 
 Or Godfrey breathless sink beneath my steel. 
 Ask from this hand (to me that service owe) 
 The liead devoted of some barbarous foe: 
 
 So spoke the squire : and smiling as he spoke, J 
 A virgin viewM him with attentive look : 
 Sudden her eyes his well-known face confess'd. 
 Beside him soon she stood, and thus address'd. 
 
 From all the train ( here thy sword demand. 
 Nor ask ignoble service at thy hand: 
 I choose thee for my champion ; hence retire, 
 I know thi converse, a? my knight, require. 
 
 She said ; and drew him from the throng aside: 
 1 know thee well, Vafrino I (then she cry'd)
 
 :. XIX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 427 
 
 vnow'st thou not me ? — Confus>'d the Christian stood, 
 nil with a smile he thus his speech renew'd. 541 
 
 Ne'er have I seen thy charms, exalted fair, 
 Vor is the name thou speak'st the name I bear: 
 Jorn ou Biserta's shore, my birth I claiai 
 .''rom Lesbin', and Almanzor is my name. 515 
 
 Long have I known thee (thus the maid reply'd) 
 Then seek no more in vain thyself to hide: 
 ')ismiss thy fear— thou seest a faithful friend 
 'or thee prepar'd her dearest life to spend, 
 lehold Erminia I born of royal kind, 550 
 
 Ind once with thee in Tancred's service joined: 
 Two happy moons, a blissful captive there, 
 i liv'd in peace beneath thy gentle care. 
 , Then on her face he bent his earnest view, 
 ,ind soon the features of Erminia knew. 555 
 
 t Rest on my faith secure (the damsel cries) 
 '. here attest the sun and conscious skies! 
 iihl let me now thy pitying aid implore; 
 I'.rminia to her former bonds restore! 
 'i irksome freedom since my hours were led, 560 
 are fills my days, and slumber flies my bed. 
 'om'st thou the secrets of the host to spy ? 
 n happy time — on me thou maj'st rely : 
 shall at full their purpos'd frauds explain, 
 Vhich thou, perchance, had'st long explor'd in vain. 
 Thus she ; while doubtful still Vafrino mus'd 566 
 n silent gaze, with various thoughts confus'd: 
 [e call'd Amaida's former arts to mind : 
 iV'oman's changeful and loquacious kind : 
 il thousand schemes their fickle hearts divide, 570 
 asensate those that in the sex confide! 
 .t length he spoke : If hence you seek to fly, 
 i[aste, let us go — your trusty guide am I. 
 e this resolv'd — but let us yet beware, 
 nd further speech, till fitter time, forbear. 57a 
 Thus having said, they fix'd without delay, 
 efore the troops decamp'd, to take their way. 
 afrino parted thence; the cautious maid 
 while in converse with the damsels stay'd.
 
 42S JERUSALEM DELIVERED. D. XIX 
 
 Amns'd them with her champion lately ?aiaM, 58l' 
 And with a plausive tale each ear detain'd : 
 Till at tU' appointed time the squire shejoin'd; 
 Then mounts her steed, and leaves the camp behind. 
 
 The Pagan tents were vanish'd from the view : 
 And near an unfrequented place they drew; SSI 
 
 When bold Vafrino spoke — Now, courteous fair ! 
 The treason frara'd for Godfrej's life, declare. 
 
 Eight knights (she cry'd) the dire ad\enture chiim, 
 But Ormond fierce excels the rest in fame : 
 These, urg'd by hatred, or inflam'd with ire, .S9(' 
 
 In murderous league against your chief conspire : • 
 Then hear their arts — what time on Syria's plain ' 
 Th' emb:rttled host contend for Asia's reign ; ' 
 
 These on their arms the purple Cross shall bear, 
 Disguis'd as Franks in white and gold appear 59f 
 Like Godfrey's gxiard, amid the mingled war. 
 But on his helm, shall each a signal show. 
 Which, in the thickening fight their friends may kuoir 
 These shall the Christian leader's life pursue, 
 And deadly venom shall their steel imbrue. 
 To me 'twax given each false device to frame ; 
 Compeird to act what now I loath to name .' 
 Hence from the camp I fly with just disdain. 
 From the dire mandates of an impious train : 
 I scorn my thou$.hls with treason to defile, 60J 
 
 T' assist the traitor, and partake the guile. 
 For this — yet not for this alone. 1 fled — 
 She ceas'd ; and ceasing blush'd with rosy red : 
 Dedin'd to earth she held her modest look. 
 And half again recall'd what last she spoke. 61i 
 
 But what her virgin scruples strove to hide. 
 He sought to learn, and gently thus repl^'d. 
 WXv wilt thou strive thy soiTows to conc^'al, 
 Nor to my faithful ear thy cares reveal ? 
 She breath'd a sigh that instant from her breast, 61i 
 Then, with a faltering voice the squire address'd. 
 
 Farewell, ill-tim'd reserve ! no more I claim 
 The modesty that fits a virgin's name.
 
 . A7 V. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 42» 
 
 ucli thoughts should long ere this my heart have 
 
 ut ah .' they suit no more a wandering maid.[sway'd; 
 
 he fatal night, my country's overthrow, 621 
 
 li'Tien Antioch bow'd before the Christian foe; 
 
 rom that, alas! my following woes I date, 
 , he early source of my disastrous fate ! 
 
 ight was a kingdom's loss, an empire's boast, G25 
 or with ray regal state myself 1 lost. 
 
 hou kaow'st, Vafrino ! how I trembling ran, 
 
 idst heaps of plunder and my subjects slain, 
 
 seek thy lord and mine, when, first in view, 
 
 II sheath'd in arms he near my palace drew : 630 
 ow at his feet I breath'd this bumble pray'r : 
 
 iiconquer'd chief! a hapless virgin hear ! 
 
 3t for my life I now thy mercy claim! 
 
 it save my honour, guard my spotless fame ! 
 
 ■e vet I ceas-'d, my hand the hero took, 635 
 
 k1 rais'd rae from the earth, and courteous spoke : 
 ; lovely maid ! in vain thou shalt not sue ; 
 
 1 me thy friend, thy kind preserver, view. 
 
 : said ; a sudden pleasure fill'd my breast ; 
 weet sensation every thought possess'd, 640 
 
 lat deeply spreading through ray soul, became 
 
 wound incurable! a quenchless flame! 
 
 He saw rae oft; he gently shar'd my grief; 
 
 ith words of comfort gave my woes relief, 
 tliee (he cry'd) thy freedom I resign ; 645 
 
 ir aught of all thy treasures shall be mine. 
 
 :ruel gift! O bounty vainly shown I 
 
 r, giving me myself, myself be won ! 
 
 d while be thus restor'd th' ignobler part, 
 
 urp'd the sovereign empire o'er my heart, 650 
 
 is! in vain I sought to hide my shame — 
 !iw oft with thee I dwelt on Tancred's name ! 
 ' on saw'st the tokens of a mind distress'd, 
 . d ?aid'st — Erminia ! love disturbs thy breast, 
 i 1 1 deny'd, but still deny'd in vain : 63i 
 
 '. looks, my sighs, reveal'd my secret pain. 
 
 1 length, resolv'd my wishes to pursue, 
 
 le all respect of fear and sharae o'eithrew.
 
 430 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. D. A/. 
 
 To seek my lord I wer.t. in luckless hour : 
 
 (He gave the wound, aud he alone could cure.) 66 
 
 But lo ! new dansrers in my way I met, 
 
 A band of barbarous foes my steps beset : 
 
 From these 1 scarce with life and freedom fled : 
 
 Thence to the distant woods my course I sped : 
 
 There choose with shepherd swains retir'd to dw . 11, 
 
 A humble tenant cf the lonely cell. C( 
 
 But when my flame, awhile by fear suppress'd. 
 
 Once more, returning, kindled in my breast; 
 
 Again I sought the paths I sought before ; 
 
 Again was cross'd by fickle Fortune's power; 6 
 
 A troop of spoilers in my way I found; 
 
 (Egyptian forces, aad to Gaza bound) 
 
 Me to their chief they led : with gentle ear 
 
 Their chief vouchsaf 'd my mournful tale to hear : 
 
 So was my virtue Sife prfserv'd from stain, 6 
 
 Till plac'd in safety with Armida's train. 
 
 Behold me thus (so changing fate decreed) 
 
 Now made a captive, now from bondage freed : 
 
 Yet thus enslav'd, and thus releas'd again, 
 
 I still am held in fond affection's chain. C 
 
 O thou ! for whom such soft distress I prove. 
 
 Repulse not r.ith disdain my proffer'd love; 
 
 But to a maid a kind reception give. 
 
 And to her bonds a wretch forlorn receive. 
 
 Thus spoke Erminia. All the night and day C(| 
 
 Tliey journey *d on, and commun'd on their way. 
 
 Vafrino shuun'd the beaten track, and held 
 
 His course through shorter paths, and ways concea j 
 
 Now near the town they came at evening light, (I 
 
 What time the shade foretold th' approach of uigh|<:] 
 
 When here they saw the ground distain'd with bloJi 
 
 And, stretch'd on earth, a slaughter'd warrior viewft i 
 
 His face was upward turn'd, with dauntless air, jji 
 
 His aspect menac'd, e'en in death severe. 
 
 In him, as near the squire attentive drew, (j 
 
 Some Pagan warrior by his arms he knew. 
 
 Not far from thence another prone was seen. 
 
 His garb was difTerent, diffiereut was his mien.
 
 XIX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. éSl 
 
 Aold some Christian there (Vafrino said) 
 
 ,hen mark'd his well-known vest with looks dismay'd : 
 e quits his steed, the features view'd, and cries— 
 h me ! here slai-.i, unhappy Tancred lies : 709 
 
 Meanwhile th' ill-fated maid behind him stood, 
 nd with attentive gaze the Pagan view'd : 
 at soon her ear the cruel sounds confess'd, 70* 
 
 '-% if a shaft had pierc'd her tender breast. 
 t Tancred's name she starts in wild despair, 
 bounds can now restrain th' unhappy fair: 
 le sees his face with paleness all o'erspread, 
 le leaps, she flies impetuous from her steed ; 710 
 )w-bending o'er him, forth her sorrow breaks ; 
 id thus, with interrupted words, she speaks. 
 
 ( Was I for this, by fortune here convey'd ? 
 
 I dreadful object to a love-sick maid ! 
 
 ijng have I soujjht thee with un weary'd pain, 71* 
 
 ^ain I see thee: — yet I see in vain ! 
 incred no more Erminia present views ; 
 id, finding- Tancred, I my Tancred lose! 
 
 ,1 me! — and did I think thou e'er should'st prove 
 
 ' sight ungrateful to Erminia's love ? 720 
 
 ow could I wish to quench the beams of light, 
 nd hide each object in eternal night ! 
 las ! where now are all thy graces fled ; 
 'here are those eyes that once such lustre shed ! 
 
 I'here are those cheeks, replete with crimson glow ! 
 
 Inhere all the beauties of thy manly brow ! 7 'SS 
 
 lut senseless thus and pale thou still canst please ! 
 
 I yet thy gentle soul my sorrow sees, 
 
 iet views, not wholly fled, my fond desires, 
 
 ;?rmit th' erabolden'd theft which love inspires : 7 SO 
 ive me (since fate denies a further bliss) 
 
 |om thy cold lips to snatch a parting kiss : 
 hose lips from which such soothing words could flow, 
 ease a virgin and a captive's woe ! 
 
 jjt me, at least, this mournful oflSce pay, 73* 
 
 ud rend in part from death his spoils away. 
 
 ieceive my spirit ready wiag'd for flight, 
 nd guide from hence to realms of endless light. 
 3
 
 WS JERUSALEM DELIVERED. C. XIX 
 
 She said; her bosom «wellM with labouriug si^hs. 
 And briny torrents trickled from ber e.ves, m 
 
 At this the knigbt, who FeemM of sense depriv'd, 
 Wash'd with her tears, b} slow deicrees reviv'd ; 
 A sigrh he mingled with the virgin's sighs; 
 He sigh'd, but rais'd not yet hi> languid eyes. 
 His breath, returning, soon the dame perceiv'd ; 74 
 A dawn of hope her faixiting soul reliev'd. 
 Sec, Tancred! see, exclaim'd (tlie tender maid) 
 The mournful rites by dear affection paid. 
 Behold I come, thy fortune to divide — 
 Thus will I sink, thus perisli by thy side! 760 
 
 Yet, jet awhile thy fleeting life retain — 
 O ! hear my last request, nor hear in vain ! 
 
 Then Tancred strove to view the cheerful light. 
 But soon again witlidrew his swimming sight : 
 Again Erminia vents her tears and sighs; 76 
 
 Again she mourns — Forbear ! (V'afrino cries) 
 Still, still he breathes, be then our care eisay'd 
 To heal the living ere we weep the dead. 
 
 He straight disarms the chief, she trembling stand 
 And to the office lends her friendly hands; 7G 
 
 Then vimvs the hero's wounds with skilful eyes. 
 And feels new hopes within her bosom rise : 
 But midst those desertt- nought the fair can find, 
 Nought but her slender veil, his wounds to bind : 
 Yet love, inventive, every scheme ran o'er; 76 
 
 Love taught her various arts untry'd before. 
 Her locks she cut, with tht se the gently dry'd 
 The clotted blood ; the bandage these supply 'd. 
 Thougli there nor dittany nor crocus grew. 
 Yet diO'ereut herbs of lenient power she knew. 7 7 
 Already now, his mortal sle.'p dispelled, 
 The languid prince again his eyes unseal'd ; 
 He view'd his squire, he saw th' attending maid 
 In foreign vesture clad, and faintly said; 
 From whence, V'afrino ! dost tliou hither stray : 71 
 And who art thou, ray kind preserver I say t 
 She doubtful still, 'tv, ixt joy and sorrow, sighs; 
 Theu blushes rosy re<l, aud thus replies :
 
 B. XIX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 43S 
 
 All shalt thou kaow ; but now from converse erase : 
 Hear my commands, and calm thy thoughts to peace. 
 (, your physiciau, will your health restore : 781 
 
 Be grateful for my care---! ask no more. 
 
 Then in her lap his head she gently laid : 
 n anxious doubt awhile Vafiino stay'd, 
 Sow to the camp his wounded lord to bear, 79S 
 
 3re dewy night advaac'd to chill the air : 
 When sudden near a band of warriors drew, 
 Vnd s^on his eves the troops of Tancred knew ; 
 rVTio hither came, by happy fortune brought. 
 Is fili'd with fear their absent chief they sought. 7 90 
 , These rais'd th' enfr'ebled hero from the field. 
 And gently in their faithful arms upheld, 
 ['hen Tancred thus:-— Shall brave Argantes slain 
 le left, a prey to vultures, on the plain ? 
 ibnol forbid it, Heaven ! nor let him lose 79* 
 
 . soldier's honours or sepulchral dues, 
 wage no battle with the silent dead ; 
 1 fight the glorious debt he boldly paid : 
 f 'hen on his worth the rightful praise bestow ; 
 ."is all theliving to the lifeless owe. SOO 
 
 So he. Obsequious to their lord's command, 
 is breathless foe they rear'd from off the land, 
 ^ehiud they bore him, while with guardian care 
 I afrino rode beside the royal fair. 
 4' lien spoke the prince, as thus they journey'd on : 
 r »ek not my tents, but seek th' imperial town : 808 
 Tliat chance soe'er this mortal frame shall meet, 
 here let me find it in that holy seat: 
 ■cm thence where Christ a prey to death was given, 
 y soul may wing her readier flight to heaven : 810 
 I shall I then my pilgrimage have made, 
 id the last vows of my devotion paid. 
 He said: to Sion's walls the train address'd 
 leir ready course : There soon the warrior press'd 
 16 welcome couch, and sunk to gentle rest. 81» 
 1 id now Vafrino for the virgia-fair 
 1) secret place provides with silent care; 
 
 ; V
 
 43* JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XIX. 
 
 That done, to Godfrey's sight with speed he goes ; 
 
 And enters boldly, (none 1 is steps oppose) 
 
 "Where sate the leader, bending' o'er the bed S20 
 
 On which the wounded Raymond's limbs were spread: 
 
 And round their prince (a great assembly !) stand 
 
 The best, the wisest, of the Christian band. 
 
 All gaz'd in silence, with attentive look, 
 
 \\ hile thus Vafrino to the general spoke. S24 
 
 O sacred chief I thy high commands obey'd, 
 ( sought the faithless crew, their camp surrey'd. 
 But here my skill, to tell th^ir number, fails ; 
 I saw them hide the mountains, fields, and vales 
 Their thirst the copious strt ams and fountains dries ; I 
 And Syria's harvest scarce their food supplies. SJl 
 Rut many a troop of horse and foot, in vain, 
 Tiiskill'd in battle, load th' encumber'd plain : 
 Xor order these obey, nor signals hear. 
 Nor draw the sword, but wage a distant war : S3J 
 \et some are forces prov'd, not new to fame. 
 Who oner- beneath the Persian stan(\ards came 
 Rnt chit f o'er all those mighty warriors stand. 
 Til" Immortal Squadron call'd, the Monarch's chose 
 The ranks unthinn'd no slaughter can deface; [bant 
 Still, as one falls, another fills his plice. &4 
 
 Brave Emirenes leatls the numerous host; 
 And few can equal skill or courage boast; 
 And him in every art of battle skill'd. 
 The Caliph trusts to draw thee to the field. 81 
 
 Kre twice returning morn the day renew. 
 Expect to find th' Egyptian camp ia view. 
 But thou, Rinaldo ! most thy life defend ; 
 Trr which, ere long, such warriors shall contend 
 For this ihe noblest champions wield their arms; S 
 With rival hate each breast Armida warms : 
 For with her beauty shall his deed be paid, 
 VM.o from the battle brings thy forfeit bead. 
 MkUt these the noble chief from Persia's lands, 
 Samarcand's monarch, Altamorus stands. 
 Adrnstus there is seen, of giant size, 
 Whose kingdom near Aurora's confines lies:
 
 D. XIX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 4,U 
 
 No common courser in the field he reins ; 
 His bulk a towering elephant sustains. 
 [ There Tisaphernes boasts his glorious name, S6() 
 i'Who bears in hardy deeds the foremost fame. 
 ( Thus he; Rinaldo, fil I'd with generous ire, 
 ; Darts from his ardent eyes the sparkling fire : 
 • He burns with noble zeal to meet the foes, 
 j And all his soul with martial ardour glows. 865 
 I Then to the chief the squire his speech reiiew'd : 
 ,; Yet more remains to sp^ak (he thus pursu'd ;) 
 For thee the Pagans deeper wiles prepare ; 
 For thee has treason spread its blackest snare. 
 He said ; and to the listening peers explain'd STO 
 The fatal purpose of th' insidious band; 
 Fierce Ormond's boast and proud demand disclos'd, 
 \n.l ail the murderous fraud at full expos'd. 
 r\luch was he ask'd; and much again reply'd : 
 ' Short silence then ensu'd on every side. 875 
 
 it length the leader, lost in various thought, 
 •"roin hoary Raymond's wisdom counsel sought. 
 
 Then he : Attend my words— at morning hour, 
 t^'ith forces deep enclose yon kostile tower ; 
 \nd let the troops awhile recruit their might, 8S(> 
 Vnd rouse their vigour for a greater fight. 
 Thou, as shall best beseem, O chief I prepare, 
 l'or open action, or for covert war. 
 t fet this I most o'er every care commend, 
 Pj n every chance thy valued life defend : 885 
 
 rhou giv'st success to crown our favour'd host ; 
 Ind who shall guide our arms if thou art lost ? 
 .^hat all the Pagan fraud may stand confess' J, 
 Jommand thy guard to change their wonted vest : 
 io shall the traitors through the field be known, 890 
 ind on their heads their impious treason thrown. 
 O still the same ! (the leader thus replies) 
 hou speak'st the friend, and all thy words are wise ! 
 few hear the purpose in our thoughts decreed : 
 gainst the foe our battle will we lead : 895- 
 
 a walls or trenches ne'er shall basely rest 
 . camp tritunphaut o'er the spacious east! 
 U 2
 
 436 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XIX. 
 
 Tis ours to meet yon baibarous troop* in fi^ht, 
 And prove our former wonh in open light. 
 Before our swords shall fly the trembling train : 9t)0 
 Thus shall we firmly fix our future reign : 
 The tower shall soon our stronger force obey. 
 And, unsupported, yield an easy prey. 
 
 He ceas'd ; and to his tent his steps addressed ; 
 For now the sinking stars invite the rest. 00&
 
 THE 
 
 TWENTIETH BOOK 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED.
 
 u 
 
 THE ARGUMENT. 
 
 THE Egyptian army arrives; the generals, on 
 both sides, prepare for the battle. The speeche$ 
 of Godfrey and Emirenes. Tfie Christiana 
 make the onset: GiUiippe signalizes herself 
 and engages Altamorus, icho had made great 
 harock of the Christians. Ormond is killed 
 by Godfrey, and his associates are all cut to 
 pieces. Rinaldo attacks t/ie Moors and Arabs, 
 and defeats them with great slaughter: He 
 passes by Armida's chariot ; her behaviour on 
 that occasion. Solyman,from the tower, takes 
 a prospect of the battle, and, fired with emula- 
 tion, leaves his fortress : Aladine, and the rest 
 of the Pagans, accompany him. Raymond is 
 felled to tiie ground by Solyman ; but Tancred, 
 /tearing the tumult, issues from the place where 
 he lay ill of his wounds, and defends him front 
 the enemy. Aladine is slain by Raymond. The 
 Soldan, having forced his way through the Sy 
 rians and Gascons that surrounded the tower, 
 enters the field of battle. The deaths of Edward 
 and Cildippe. Adrastus is killed by Rinaldo, 
 and Solyman falls by t/ie same hand. Emirenet 
 endeavours, in vain, to rally his troops. TisO' 
 phernes performs great actions, till he is slah 
 by Rinaldo. Armida flies from the field 
 Rinaldo pursues her : The interviene between 
 them. Godfrey kills Emirenes, and takes Al' 
 tamorus prisoner. Tfie Pagans fly on all sides i 
 and Gocfrey enters the temple victorious, ano 
 pays his devotions at the tomb.
 
 THE 
 
 TWENTIETH BOOK 
 
 OF 
 
 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 
 
 JL HE sun had rouz'd mankind with early ray 
 . And up the steep of heaven advanc'd the day r 
 
 When from the lofty tower the Pagans 'spy 
 . A dusty whirlwind that obscurd the sky, 
 i Like evening's shade : At length reveal'd to sight, I 
 Th' Egyptian host appear'd in open light : 
 The numerous ranks the spaciaus champaign fiU'd, 
 Spread o'er the nioiintains, aud the plains conceal'd. 
 Then sudden, from the troop besieg'd ascends 
 A general shout that all the region rends, 1( 
 
 With such a sound the cranes embodied fly 
 From Thracian shores, to seek a warmer sky ; 
 i With noise they cut the clouds, and leave behind 
 The wintry tempest and the freezing wind. 
 Now hope, rekindling, fires the Pagan band; \\ 
 Swells every threat, and urges every hand. 
 This ?oon the Franks perceiv'd, and instant knew 
 From whence their foes' recover'd fury grew. 
 They look'd ; and midst the rolling smoke, beheld 
 The moving legions that o'erspread the field. 2( 
 
 ., At once a generous rage each bosom warms ; 
 At once each valiant hero pants for arms : 
 Around their chief with eager looks the ",tand. 
 And loud the signal for the war demanu.' 
 
 But, well advis'd, the prudent chief denies 21 
 To wage the battle till the morn arise :
 
 «40 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B, XX. 
 
 He rules th^ir ardonr, he controls their might, / i 
 
 And point? a fitter season for the fight. 
 
 They bear, observant, and his voice obej, 
 
 But burn impatient for the dawning raj*. 30 
 
 At length, high seated on her eastern throne. 
 The breezy morn with welcome Irstre shone ; 
 "W ide o"cr the skies she shed her ruddy streams. 
 And glow'd with all the sun's enlivening beams; 
 While heaven, serene and cloudless,* would survey 
 The glorious deeds of that auspicious day. 36 
 
 Soon as the dawn appears, wft'i early care. 
 His army Godfrey leads in form of war ; 
 But leaves, t' enclose the foes' beleaguer'd tower. 
 Experience Raymond with the Syrian power, 40 
 That from the neighbouring land* auxiliar came. 
 And hail'd with joy their great deliverer's name; 
 A numerous throng ! — nor these alone remain. 
 To these he adds the hardy Gascon train. 
 
 Now tcwer'd the leader, with exalted mien, 45 
 \\ liile certain conquest in his eyes were seen, 
 W ith more than wonted state he seem'd to tread; 
 A sudden youth was o'er hi: features spread: 
 ( elestial favour beam'd in etrery look. 
 And every act a more than mortal spoke. 50 
 
 Now near advanc'd, the pious hero view'd 
 M here, deeply throng'd, th' Egyitian squadron» 
 
 stood ; 
 And straight to feize a favouring hill he sends, 
 V»'l)ose height his armi>'s left and rear defends. 
 His troops he rang'd ; the midst the foot contain'd ; 
 Ii> either wing the tighter horse remain'd. 56 
 
 The left, that to the friendly hill was join'd. 
 The chief to either Robert's care consign'd : 
 The midst his brother held; himself the right, 
 S\ here open lay the dangers of tbe fight : fiO 
 
 Here niix'd with horse, accustom'd thus t' engage, 
 A distant wa»- on foot the archers waze. 
 
 • fVhile heaiin, rcrine and ciouilless,—'] Tlie historj- r«- 
 ate», tbat the m<.miiig^ ou Mhicli the ariiii<s engaged was un- 
 oinaionlv fine.
 
 B. XX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 4tf 
 
 Behind, th' advent'rers to the right he led, 
 And plac'd the bold Rinaldo at their head. 
 
 In thee, intrepid warrior! (Godfrey cries) 65 
 
 Our strong defence, our hope of conquest, lies. 
 Behind the wing awhile remain conceal'd: 
 But when the foes advance t' invade the field. 
 Assail their flank, as vainlj' they contend 
 To wheel around us, and our rear offend. 70 
 
 Then on a rapid steed, in open view. 
 From rank to rank, 'twixt horse and foot he flew; 
 From his rais'd helm his piercing looks he cast; 
 His eyes, his figure, lisrhten'd as he pass'd ! 
 
 The cheerful he confirraM, the doubtful rais'd, 75- 
 And, for their former deeds, the valiant praisM. 
 He bade the bold their ancient boasts regard ; 
 Some urg'd with hoviour's. some with gold's reward. 
 At length he stays where thickeuing round him stand 
 The first, the bravest of the martial band : 80 
 
 Then from on high his speech eacli hearer warms. 
 Swells the big thought, and fires tiie soul to arm?. 
 As from steep hills the rushing torrents flow, 
 Increas'd with sudden falls of melting snow.' 
 So from his lips, with swift effusion, pours 85 
 
 Mellifluous eloquence in copious showers. 
 
 O you, the scourge of Jesus' foes profess'd, 
 O giorious heroes! conquerors of the east ! 
 Bdiold the day arriv'd, so long desir'd. 
 The wish'd-for day to which your hopes aspic'd ! 90 
 Some great event th' Almiglrty sure designs. 
 Who all his rebels in one force combines ; 
 See ! in one field he brings your various foes. 
 That one great battle all your wars may close. 
 Despise yon Pagans, an ungovern'd host, 9.^ 
 
 Lost in confusion, in their numbers lost ! 
 Our mighty force can troops like these sustain ; 
 A rout undisciplin'd, a straggling train ! 
 From sloth or servile labours brought from far, 
 Compell'd, reluctant, ta the task of war! 100 
 
 Their swords now tremble, trembles every shield ; 
 Their fearful standards tremble on tlie field,. 
 
 u a
 
 443 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XX. 
 
 I hear their doubtful sounds, their motion? view, 
 
 And see death hovering o'er the fated crew. 
 
 Yon leader, fierce and glorious to behold, 103 
 
 In flaming purple and refulgent gold. 
 
 Blight quell the Moorish and Arabian train. 
 
 But here his valour, here his worth is vain ; 
 
 Wise though he be, what methods shall he prove 
 
 To rule his army, or their fears remove ? 110 
 
 Scarce is he known, and scarce his troops can name. 
 
 Nor calls them partners of his former fame : 
 
 We ever» toil and everv triumph share, 
 
 Fellows in arms, and brothers of the war! 
 
 Is there a warrior but your chief can tell 115 
 
 His native country and his birth reveal ? 
 
 What sword to me unknown ? What shaft that flies 
 
 With missile death along the liquid skies ? 
 
 1 ask but what I oft have gaiird before; 
 
 Be still yourfe'.ves, and Godfrey seeks no more. 120 
 
 Preserve your zeal I your fame and mine attend : 
 
 But, far o'er all, the faith of Christ defend! 
 
 Go — crush those impious on the fatal plain: 
 
 With their defeat your sacred rights maintain. 
 
 What should I more ? — I see your ardent eyes ! 125 
 
 Conquest awaits you I — seize the glorious prize. 
 
 He ctas'd ; and instant, like a flashing light, 
 IMien ?tar« or meteors stream through dusky uight, 
 A sudden splendor on his brow was shed, 
 And lambent glories plaj'd around bis head. 130 
 All wondering gaze! and some the sign explain, 
 A certain omen of his future reign. 
 Perchance (if mortal thoughts so high may soar. 
 Or dare the secrets of the skies explore) 
 From heavenly seats his guardian angel flew, 13S 
 And o'er the chief his golden pinions threw. 
 
 While Godfrey thus the Christian host prepares; 
 Th' Egyptian leader, press'd with equal cares. 
 Extends his numerous force to meet the foes: 
 The midst the foot, «he wings the horse compose : 1 4* 
 Himself the right ; the midst iMuIasses guides : 
 There, in the central war, Armida rides.
 
 B. XX. JERUSALEM DELU-^RED. 448 
 
 In pomp barbaric near the leader stand 
 India's stern king, and all the regal band : 
 There Tisaphernes lifts his haughty bead ; liA 
 
 But where the squadrons to the left were spread, 
 (A wider space) there Altamorus brings 
 His Afric Monarchs and bis Persian kings : 
 From thence their slings, their arrows they prepare. 
 And all the missile thunder of the war. I!i0 
 
 Now Emirenes every rank inspires. 
 The fearful raises, and the valiant tires: 
 To those he cry'd— What mean your looks depress'd ? 
 What fear unmanly harbours in your breast ? 
 Our near approach shall daunt yon hostile train, 155- 
 Our shouts alone shall drive them from the plain. 
 To these— No more delay, ye generous bands ! 
 Redeem the pillage from the spoilers' hands. 
 In some he 'waken'd every tender thought, 
 Each lov'd idea to remembrance brought : 160 
 
 O ! think by me your country begs (he cries) 
 And thus, adjuring, on your aid relies ! 
 Preserve my laws, presene each sacred fane,^ 
 Nor let my chilJrea's blood my temples stain: 
 Preserve from ruffian force th' afFrijihted maid ; 165 
 Preserve the tombs and ashes of the dead! 
 To you ! oppress'd with bending age and woe. 
 Their silver locks your hoary fathers show : 
 To you, your wives, your lisping infants sue; 
 And ask their safety, and their lives from you. 170 
 
 He said, and ceas'd ; for nearer now was seen 
 Th' advancing powers, and small the space between. 
 Now front to front in dreadful pause they stand. 
 Burn for the fight, and only wait command. 
 The streaming banners to the wind are spread, 1 75 
 The plumage nods on every crested head ; 
 Arms, vests, devices, catch the sunny rays, 
 And steel and gold with mingled splendor blaze ! 
 Each spacious host on either side appears 
 A steely wood, a grove of waving spears. 180 
 
 They bend their bows, in rest their lances take. 
 They whirl their slings, their ready javelins shake
 
 444 JERL SALEINI DELIVERED. B. XX. 
 
 Each sreiieronj stretl to mett ibi^ fig'ut aspires. 
 And seconds, with his own. his master's fires; 1S4 
 He neighs, he foams, he paws the ground beneath, 
 And smoke and flame his swel!in<;- nostrils breathe ! 
 
 Even horror-pleas'd in such a glorious sight, 
 Each beatJEg bosom felt severe d» light : 
 "W bile the shrill trumpets, echoing from afar, 
 Ai'ith dreadful transports animate the war, 190 
 
 But still the faithful bands superior stood, 
 SMcr? clear their notes, more fair tl;eir battle show'd; 
 Their louder trumpets rouz'd a nobler flame. 
 And from their arms a brighter lustre came! 
 
 The ( hristians sound the charge ; the foes reply ; 
 And the mix'd clargors rattle in the skj : 196 
 
 Strait on their knees the Franks the soil adore. 
 And kiss the hallow 'd earth, and Heaven implore. 
 And now betnecn the troops the space is lost; 
 ÌA ith equal ardour joins each adverse host. 500 
 
 V. hat hero fir^t. amidst the Christian name, 
 Gain'd fiom tl e faithless bands a wreath of fame ? 
 'Twas thou, Gildippe! whose resistless hand 
 O'erthrew Hircane?, who in Ormus reign'd : 
 <Such glorv Heaveu on female arms display'd) 20& 
 Deep in his breast the spear a passage made ; 
 Headlong he falls; and, falling, hears the foe 
 With joyful shouts applaud the forceful blow. 
 Her javeliu broke, her trusty sword she drew. 
 The Persians pierc'd, and Zopyrus she slew; 310 
 Cleft where the circling belt his armour bound, 
 He falls, divided, on the purple ground. 
 Through fierce Alarcns' throat her weapoa hew"'d 
 The double passage of the voice and food; 
 Then Artaxerxes in the dust she laid, 21 £ 
 
 And through Argeus thrust her furious blade. 
 At Ishmael's arm her rapid steel she guides, 
 And the close juncture of the hand divides : 
 The severd hand at once the rein forsook; 
 Above the startled courser hiss'd the stroke ; 220 
 He rearM aloft, and, seiz'd with sudden fright. 
 Broke through the ranks, and discompos'd the fight.
 
 J5. XX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 446 
 
 All these, and numbers more, her fury feel, 
 Wliose names in silence distant years conceal : 
 But gainst her now the tlironging Persians came. 
 And Edward ran t' assist the matchless dame. 526 
 With force united then, the faithful pair 
 ; Undaunted bore the rushing storm of war. 
 i Neglectful of themselves amidst the strife, 
 1 Each guards, with pious care, the other's life.* 230 
 , Her rsndy shield the warlike damsel spread, 
 i And turn'd the weapons aim'd at Edward's head. 
 't He o'er his spouse, his fencing buckler throws : 
 Each neeks for each the vengeance on the foes. 
 By him the daring Artaban was slain, 2.55 
 
 Who in Boecan's island held his reign: 
 By him his instant fate Alvantes found, 
 i Who durst at fair Gildippe aim the wound. 
 Ì Then Ariixiontes' brow she cleft iu two, 239 
 
 i Who, with drawn sword, a^gainst her consort flew. 
 I While these resistless midst the Persians rag'd; 
 More dire Samgrcand's king the Franks engag'd. 
 Where'er he turn'd hi=; steed, or drove his steel, 
 The horse and foot before his fury fell : 244 
 
 And those that 'scape the falchion's milder death, 
 Beneath the courser's feet groan out their struggling 
 By Aitamorus on the dreadful plain, [breath ! 
 
 Brunello strong, Ardonio huge, was slain : 
 Of that the helm and head the sword divides ; 
 The gory visage hangs on equal sides. 350 
 
 This pierc'd where laughter first derives its birth. 
 And the glad heart dilates to pleasing mirth, 
 (Wondrous and horrid to the gazer's eyes!) 
 Now laughs constrain'd, and as he laughs he dies! 
 With these Gentonio, Guasco, Guido dy'd : 255 
 
 And good Rosmondo swell'd the crimson tide. 
 
 * Each gitards, u-ith pious care, the other's li/e.] The cir- 
 cumstance of a male and female warrior, so tenderly con 
 nected xvith each other, ma'ses a beautiful aud affecting pic- 
 ture, and adds variety to tlie poem : it seems to have been 
 I first introduced by Tasso, and has already been observed to 
 I have its foundatioa in history, ijee note to Book i, ver. 424.
 
 446 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XX, 
 
 What tongue can tell the throng depriv"d of breath, 
 The wounds describe, or dwell on everv death : 
 
 None yet appear'd, of all the warring hand. 
 Who d\ii-st sustain his valour hand to hand. 260 
 Alone Gildjppe 'gainst the monarch came; 
 No fear could damp her generous thirst of fame. 
 Less bold on fair Tbermodcon's winding shore, 
 Each warlike Amazon her buckler bore. 
 Or rear'd her axe : than now, w itb glorious heat, 265 
 Gildippe rush'd the Persian's rage to meet. 
 She rais'd her swcrd, and struck the regal crown 
 That round his helm with pomp barbaric shone. 
 The glittering honours from his brows she rent ; 
 Beneath the force the mighty warrior bent. 270^ 
 
 The king with shame the powerful arm confess'd. 
 And swift t' avenge the blow his steel address'd : 
 Full on her front so fierce the dame he struck, ' 
 
 That sense her mind, and strength her limbs forsook. | 
 Then had she fall'n, but near with ready hand 276 "^ 
 Her faithful lord her sinking weight sustain'd. j. 
 
 No more the lofty foe his stroke pursu'd, 
 But with disdain an easy conquest view'd : 
 So tlie bold lion, with a scornful eye, 
 Scowls on the prostrate prey, and passes by. SSO 
 
 Meantime fierce Ormond, who, with murderous 
 Had spread for Godfrey's life the fatal snare, [care,f 
 Disguis'd, was mingled with the Christian band 
 And near their chief his dire associates stand. 
 So prowling wolves an entrance seek to gain, 2S5 
 Like faithful dogs, amongst the woolly train ; 
 They ^latch the folds when welctme shades arise, 
 And hide their quivering tails between their thighs. 
 Th' insidious band advanc'd, and now in view. 
 Near pious Godfrey's side t);e Pagan drew. 290 
 
 Soon as the prince the white and gold surveyed, 
 (The certain token which tleir wile betray'd) 
 Behold the traitor there confess'd (he cries) 
 Who veils his treason with a Frank's disguise I 
 At me bis followers aim the deadly blow — 295 
 
 He said, and rush'd against the treacherous foe :
 
 XX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 4*7 
 On Ormond swift th' avengin^? blade he rais'd ; 
 Th' astoaish'd wretch, without resistance, g;az'd; 
 And, while a sudden terror froze his blood. 
 With stiffening limbs, a senseless statue stood. 300 
 Each sword was turn'd against the fraudful crew, 
 At these the shafts from every quiver flew : 
 In pieces hewn their bodies strew the plains : 
 And not a sinsle corse entire remains ! [course 
 
 Now, stain'd with slaughter, Godfrey bent his 
 To where the valiant Altamorus' force 306 
 
 His squadrons pierc'd, that fled with timorous haste, 
 Like Afric sands before the southern blast. 
 Loud to his troops th' indignant hero cry'd, 
 Stay'd those that fled, and him t!iat chas'd defy'd. 
 Between those mighty chiefs a fight ensu'd, 311 
 
 More dire than Ida or Scaraander view'd. 
 Meanwhile betwixt the foot the battle bled ; 
 Those Baldwin rul'd, and these Mulasses led. 
 Nor less, in other parts, tlie conflict rag'd, SIT» 
 
 Where, next the mountai-j, horse with horse en* 
 There Emirenes dealing fate was found; [gag'd. 
 There fought the two* in iields of death renown'd. 
 Two Roberts there the Pagan force defy'd ; 
 With Emirenes one the combat try'd, 320 
 
 While conquest yet declar'd on either side : 
 But one, with armour pierc'd and helmet hew'd, 
 [n harder conflict with Adrastus stood. 
 Still Tisaphernes finds no equal foe 3 2* 
 
 To mate his strength, and measure blow for blow: 
 But rushes where he sees the thickest train, 
 ?im\ with a mingled carna2:e heaps the plain. 
 
 Thus far'd the war ; while neither part prevails, 
 A.ud hope and fear are pois'd in equal scales. 329 
 3'erspread with shatter'd arms the ground appears, 
 With broken bucklers, and with shiver'd spears, 
 3ere swords are stuck in hapless warriors kiil'd, 
 \nd useless there are scatter'd o'er the field, 
 
 * AdiastusandTisapheriies
 
 448 JERUSALEiM DELIVERED. B. XX. 
 
 Here, on their face, the breathless-Lodies lie; 
 There turn their ghastly features to the sky ! 33ii 
 Beside his lorJ the courser press'd the plain : 
 Beside his slaughtered friend the friend is slain ; 
 Foe near to foe; and on the vanquisTi'd spread 
 The victor lies; the living on the dead! 
 An undistinguish'd din is heard around, 340 
 
 Mix'd is the murmur, and confus'd the sound : 
 The threats of anger, and the soldiers' cry. 
 The groans of those that fall, and those that die. 
 The splendid arms that shone so gay before. 
 Now, sudden chang'd, delight the eyes no more. 
 The steel has lost its gleam, the gold its blaze : 316 
 No more the vary'd colours blend their rays : 
 Torn from the crest the sullied plumes are lost. 
 And dust and blood deform the pomp of either host ! 
 Now, on the left, with Ethiopia's train, 3bl> 
 
 The Moors and Arabs wheel around the plain. 
 The slingers next, and archers from afar, 
 Pour'd on the Franks a thick and missile war : 
 When lo I Rinaldo with his squadron came, 354r 
 Dire as an earthquake, swift as lightning's flame ! 
 From Meroe, first of Ethiopia's bands, 
 Full in his passage Assirairus stands: 
 Rinaldo, reach'd him, where the sable head 
 Join'd to the neck, and mix'd him with the dead. 
 Soon as his sword the taste of blood confess'd 360 
 New ardour kindled in the hero's breast. 
 Through all the throng the dreadful victor storm'd. 
 And deeds, transcending human faith, perform'd. 
 As, when th' envenom'd serpent shoots along. 
 Furious he =eems to dart a triple tongue : 365 
 
 At once the chief appears three swords to wield, 
 And burls a threefold vn;gearce round the field. 
 The swarthy kings, the Libyan tyrants die; 
 Drench'd in each other's blood confus'd, they lie. 
 Fierce with the rest his following friends engage. 
 His great example animates their rage. 371 
 
 Withoi\t defence th' astor.ish'd vulgar fall ! 
 Que universal ruin levels all ! 
 
 f
 
 B. XX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 44» 
 
 'Twas war no more, but carnage through the field ; 
 Those lift the sword, and these their bosoms yield. 
 No longer now the Pagans sink, oppress'd 376 
 
 ■ With wounds before, all honest on the breast ; 
 Lost are their ranks, they fly w ith headlong fear, 
 And pale confusion trembles in their rear : 
 . Behind, Rinaldo pours along the plain, 380 
 
 ) And breaks and scatters wide the timorous train. 
 I At length his generous arm from slaughter ceas'd, 
 \ And 'gainst a fljing foe his wrath decreas'd. 
 So when high hills or tufted woods oppose. 
 With double force the wind indignant blows ; 3 Sé 
 No more oppos'd, no more its rage prevails, 
 But o'er the lawn it breathes in gentle gales. 
 So midst the rocks the sea resounding raves, 
 But, unconfin'd, more calmly rolls its waves. 
 Next on the foot the warrior bent his force, 390 
 Where late the Afric and Arabian horse 
 The squadrons flank'd ; but now dispers'd around. 
 They take their flight, or gasp upon the ground. 
 ?wirt on th' unguarded files Rinaido flew ; 39* 
 
 As swift behind his brave compeers pursue : [stand, 
 Spears, darts, and swords, in vain his might with- 
 IVhole legions fall beneath his dreadful hand! 
 N'o+ with such rage a bursting tempest borne, 
 "^wreps o'er the field, and mows the golden corn. 
 ri;e «trea iiing blood in purple torrents swell'd, 400 
 Ind arms and mangled limbs the earth conceal'd : 
 rin re. uncoi:trol'd, the foaming coursers tread, 
 30'anil o'er the plain, and trample on the dead I 
 Now came Rinaldo where, with martial air, 
 ippearM Armida in her glittering car. 405 
 
 \ tnin of lovers near her person wait, 
 V 2^1 orioli s guard, the nobles of the state ! 
 he -pfs! — she knows I — conflicting passions rise, 
 )e-ire and anger tremble in her eyes. 
 . t r ) nsient blush the hero's visage bums ; 410 
 
 ilut heat and cold possess her heart by turns, 
 'he knight declining from the car, withdrew, 
 ct unregarded by the rival crew ;
 
 450 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. D. XX* 
 
 Those lift tbe sword, and tbe?e the lance protend ; 
 Even she prepares lier threatetiing bow to bend : 
 She fits the shaft*, disdain her thought irapell'd, 416 
 But lo\e awhile the purpos'd stroke withheld : 
 Thrice in her hand the missile reed she tries ; 
 Anil thrice her faltering: hand its strength denies. 
 At leng-lh her wrath prevails, she twangs the string. 
 And sends the whizziug arrow on the wing: 421 
 Swift flies the shaft — a? swiftly flirs her prayer. 
 That all its fury may be spent in air I 
 She hopes, she fears, she follows with her e\e. 
 And marks the weapon as it cuts the sky. 42S 
 
 The weapon, not unfaithful to her aim. 
 Against the warrior's stubborn corsltt came: 
 Harmkss it fell : aside the hero turn'd : 
 She deem'd her power despis'd, heV anger scora'd : 
 Again she bent her bow, but faii'd to wound, IJO 
 Mhile love with surer darts her bosom fouad. 
 
 And is he then impervious to the steel. 
 Anil fears he not (she cry'd) the stroke to feel ? 
 Does tenfold adamant his limbs invest. 
 That adamant which f uards bis ruthless breast : 
 So well secur'd, that safely be detifs 436 
 
 The sword of battle, or the fair one's eyes ? 
 \Ahat further arts for wretched me remala ? 
 Atti'mpt no more— for every art is vaia I 
 Arm'd or disarm'd an equal fite I knov,-. 440 
 
 Alike contemn'd, a lover or a foe ! 
 AVbere now, alasi is every former boast ?-— 
 Behold ray warriors faint !— m> hopes are lost ! 
 Against his valour every strength must fail ; 4 44 
 Nor courage can withstand, nor arms avail ! [view'd 
 
 While thus she thought, her champions round she 
 O'erthrown, or ta't-n, or weltering in their blood. 
 What should she do ?— alone, unhelp'd remain ? 
 Already now she dieads the victor's chain : 
 Nor dares (the bow and javelin at her side) 4.j(l 
 
 In Pallas' or Diana's arms confide. 
 As when the fearful cygnet stes on high 
 The strong-pounc'd eagle stooping from the sky,
 
 B. XX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 451 
 
 ( Trembling she cowers beneath th' impending fate : 
 
 I So seera'd Armida, such her dangerous state. 4 55 
 But Altamonis, who from shameful flight 
 
 ' Still held the Persians, and maintain'd the fight, 
 Her peril view'd, and, careless of his fame, 
 His troops forsook, and to her rescue came. 
 ■\^ itli rapid sword he breaks amid the war, 4f)() 
 
 And wheels around her, and defends the car ; 
 "VÌ hile dire destruction rages through his bands, 
 O'erthrown by Godfrey and Rinaldo's hands, 
 This sees th' unhappy prince, but sees in vain : 
 Armida succour'd, now he turns again, 465 
 
 : But flew too late t' assist his routed train ! 
 
 ! There all was lost : a general panic spread ! 
 Dispers'd, around the broken Persians fled. 
 In other parts the fainting Christians yield : 
 Two Roberts there in vain direct the field ; 4 70 
 
 One scarce escap'd with life ; his wounded breast 
 And bleeding front the hostile steel confess'd ; 
 Wbile fierce Adrastus one his prisoner made : 
 Thus equal chance the dubious battle sway'd. 
 But Godfrey now his hardy warriors warra'd, 475 
 Asiin to fight his ready bands he form'd ; 
 Then bravely on the victor-forces flew : 
 They join, they thicken, and the war renew. 
 Each side appears distain'd with adverse gore: 
 Encli side the glorious signs of triumph bore. ISO 
 Conquest and fame on either part are seen. 
 And Mars and Fortune doubtful stand between. 
 
 \V hile thus the combat rages on the plain 
 E iwixt the Christian and the Pagan train ; 
 Hi2h on the tower the haughty Soldan stood, 485 
 Fiom whence, intent, the distant strife he view'd ; 
 Stri.ck with the sight, his breast with envy swell'd. 
 He burn'd to mingle in the fatal field. 
 All r.rm'd besides, he snatcli'd with eager haste, 
 And on his bead his radiant helmet plac'd : 49tt 
 Ri^e ! rise I (he said) no longer slothful lie--- 
 Eehold the time to conquer or to die!
 
 452 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XX» 
 
 Then, whether Heaven's high providence inspir'd 
 
 His daring purpose, and his fury fird. 
 
 That thus at once the Pagan reign might end, 495 
 
 And all its glories on that day descend : 
 
 Or whether conscious of his death to come, 
 
 He felt an impulse now to meet his doom : 
 
 Sudden he bade the sounding gates unbar. 
 
 And issued forth with unexpected war; 500 
 
 Nor waits his following band, but singly goes ; 
 
 Himself alone defies a thousand foes. 
 
 But soon the rest his martial rage partook. 
 
 Even aged Aladine the fort forsook : 
 
 The base, the cautious, catch at once the fires : 505 
 
 Not hope excites them, but despair inspires. 
 
 The tir^t the Turk before his pa?.sage found. 
 His valour tumbled breathless to the ground. 
 So swift he thunder'd on the faithful train, [slain. 
 That, ere they view th' assault, their friends are 
 First of the Christians, struck with panic fear, 5 1 1 
 The trerablii>g Syrians for their flight prepare. 
 But «till unrouted stood the Gascon band, 
 Though nearer these the Soldan's rage sustained. 
 And fell in heap* beneath his slaughtering hand. 
 Not with such wrath the savage beast endu'd, 516 
 Leaps oVr the fold, and dies the ground with blood : 
 Not with such fury, through th' ethereal space. 
 Voracious vultures rend the feather'd race. 
 Through plated steel his strength resistless drives, 
 Mhile his keen falchion drinks the warriors' lives ! 
 With Aladine the Pagans quit the tower. 
 And furious on tlieir late besiegere pour. 
 
 But Raymond now advanc'd with fearless haste. 
 And saw where Solyman his squadron press'd: 524 
 Nor yet the hoary chief his steps forbore. 
 Nor -.hunn'd that arm whose force he felt before. 
 Again to combat he defies the foe, 
 Again his front receives a dreadful blow : 
 Again he falls : in vain declining ag», 530* 
 
 VÌ ith strength unequal, would such power engage.
 
 É.XX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 45S 
 
 Behold a hundred swords and shields displa.y'd ; 
 And these defend the knight, and those invade. 
 But thence with speed th' impetuous Soldan flies; 
 (He deems him slain, or deems an easy prize) 535 
 Descending:, o'er the ruin'd works he goes 
 To distant plains, where tiei cer battle glows : 
 Far other scenes his barbarous rage demands. 
 Far other deaths must glut his cruel hands ! 
 
 Meanwhile around the late beleaguer'd tower, 
 New vigour now inspires the Pagan power : .041 
 The warmth the leader breath'd they still retain; 
 And with the Christians still their fears remain. 
 Those seek to finish what their chief began ; 
 And these, retreating, seera to quit the plain: 545 
 In due array the hardy Gascons yield ; 
 The Syrians wide are scatter'd o'er the field. 
 Tlie tumult thickens near where Tancred lies. 
 He hears the din of arms, the soldiers' cries : 
 Strait from the couch his wounded limbs he reai-s,* 
 And lo ! at once the mingled scene appears . 5'jI 
 He sees on earth th' ill-fated Raymond laid. 
 Some slowly yield, and some in flight survey'd. 
 That courage true to every noble breast, 
 Nor lost by weakness, nor by pain suppress'd 555 
 Now sweird the hero's soul : he grasp'd his shield, 
 Kor seem'd too faint the ponderous orb to wield ; 
 His right hand held unsheath'd his glittering blade. 
 Nor other arms lie sought, nor more delay'd ; 
 But issuing thus — O ! whither wouljl you fly, 5G0 
 And leave your lord neglected here to die ? 
 Shall then these Pagans rend his arms away. 
 And in their fanes suspend the glorious prey ? 
 Go — seek your country to his son reveal 
 That, where you fled, his noble father fell ! 565 
 
 —.-fiomlhe couch his u-ounded limbs he rears.] Tasso 
 IS to have caught this circumstance from an incideut isi 
 irdo, where Sacripant, i-n like manner, issues forth, 
 ■il only with sword and shield, against Agrican, who had 
 rd an "entrance in Albracca.
 
 454 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. L. XX. 
 
 He said : and durst a2:aÌDst a thousan I foes 
 His breast, still feeble w itii his wóund>, oppose : 
 While with his ample shield (a fencing shade, 
 With seven tough hides and plates of steel o'erlaid) 
 He kept the hoary Raymond safe from harms, 570 
 From swords, and darts, and all the missile arms : 
 He wliirh his falchion with resistle-ss sway : 
 The foes repuls'd forego their wish'd-for prey. 
 But soon the venerable liero rose, ."/ T 4 
 
 His face with shame, his heart with anger, glows ; 
 In vain he seeks the chief by whom he fell, 
 Then 'gainst the vulgar turns his vengeful steel, 
 Thfc Gascons, rallyM, soon the fight renew, 
 And strait their gallant leader's steps pursue: 
 Now fears the troop that danger late disdain'd, 590 
 And courage now succeeds where terror reigu'd. 
 They chase that yielded, those that chas'd give way : 
 So chang'd at once the fortune of the day ! 
 While Raymond rag'd with unresisted hand, , 
 
 And sought the noblest of the hostile band : 595 * 
 The realm's usurper. Aladine, he view'd, 
 A\ ho midst the thickest press the fight pursu'd ; 
 He saw and 'gainst him rais'd the fatal steel. 
 Cleft through the head the dying monarch fell ; 
 Prone on his kingdom's soil resign'd his breath, 500 
 And groaning bit the bloody dust in death. 
 Now various passions move the Paigan foes: 
 Some 'gainst the spear their desperate breast oppose; 
 While some with terror seiz'd, the fight forsake. 
 And in the fort their second refuse take: 595 
 
 But entering, mix'd with these, the victor-train 
 At once the conquest of the fortress gain. 
 Now all is won — in vain the Pagans fly ; 
 Within they fall, or at the portal die. 
 Sage Raymond then ascends the lofty tower, fiOO 
 The mighty standn.rd in his hand he bore, 
 There full io view, to either host display'd. 
 The Cross triumphant to the winds he spread ; 
 Unseen of Solyman, who thence afar, 
 Impatient llew to ra'ngie i.i the war : G05
 
 B. XX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 45S 
 
 And now be reach'd the fatal sanguine field, 
 
 Where more and more the purple torrent swell'd. 
 
 There death appear'd to hold his horrid reign. 
 
 There raise his trophies on the dreadful plain. 
 
 The Soldan seiz'd a steed, the combat sought, 610 
 
 And sudden to the fainting Pagans brought 
 
 A short but glorious aid — So lightning flies. 
 
 And unexpected falls, and instant dies; 
 
 But lays in rifted rocks, with furious force. 
 
 The tokens of its momentary course. 61 J» 
 
 A hundred warriors, great in arms, he slew ; 
 
 Yet from oblivion fame has snatch'd but two. 
 
 O Edward and Gildippe ! faithful pair ! 
 
 Your hapless fate, your matchless deeds in war, 
 
 (If equal praise my Tuscan muse can give) 620 
 
 Consign'd to distant times shall ever live! 
 
 Some pitying lover, when the tale he hears, 
 
 Shall grace your fortune and my verse with tears. 
 
 Th' intrepid heroine spurr'd her steed, and flew 
 To where the raging Turk the troop's o'erthrew : 
 Two mighty stroke=; her valiant arm impell'd, 626 
 One reach'd bis side, one pierc "d his plated shield : 
 The furious chief her well-known vest descry'd : 
 Behold the strumpet with her mate (he cry'd) 
 Hence to thy female tasks ! the distaff wield, 630 
 Nor dare with spear and sword to brave the field. 
 
 He said, and dreadful as the words he «poke. 
 His thundering weapon through her corslet broke : 
 Deep in her breast the ruthless falchion drove. 
 Her gentle breast, the seat of truth and love ! G35 
 Her languid hand foregoes the use'ess rein ; 
 Approaching death creeps cold in e\'ery vein. 
 To save his wife, unhappy Edward flies ! 
 Too late he comes-— his lov'd Gildippe dies ! 
 What should he do ?— distracting thoughts prevail. 
 Pity and wrath at once his heart assail : 611 
 
 .'That, bids his arms a kind support bestow, 
 This, prompt his vengeance on the barbarous foe. 
 \^ hile with his left he seeks to bold the fair. 
 His better hand provokes th' unequal war : 6iry
 
 406 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XX. 
 
 But vain his eflFort to support his bride. 
 
 Or reach the murderous chief by whom she dy'd. 
 
 The sword the Pajan through his arm ftnpeH'd, 
 
 That with a fruitless ^asp his consort held. 
 
 As when an axe the stately elm invades, 650 
 
 Or storms uproot it from its native shades. 
 
 It falls— and with it falls the mantling v ine. 
 
 Whose curling folds its ample waist entwine : 
 
 So Edward sunk beneath the Pagan steel ; 
 
 So, with her Ed'vard, fair Gildippe fell. 65» 
 
 They strive to speak, their words are lost in sighs. 
 
 And on their lips th' imperfect accent dies. 
 
 Each other still with mournful looks they view. 
 
 And, close embracing, take the last adieu : 
 
 Till, losing both the cheerful beams of light, 660 
 
 Their gentle souls together take their flight ! 
 
 Soon spreading fame the dire event decldres. 
 And soon the tidings to Rinaldo bears: 
 Compassion, grief, and wrath, at once conspire. 
 And all his generous thoughts to vengeance fire : 
 But fiist Adrastus, in the Soldan's sight, 668 ' 
 
 His passage cross'd, and dar'd him to the fight. 
 
 Then thus the king — By every sigTi di.-playM 
 Thou sure art he for whom ray search is made. 
 Each buckler have I long explord in vain, 670 
 
 And oft ha%'e call'd thee through th' embattled plain. 
 Now shall my fonner vows be fully paid, 
 And justice sated with thy forfeit head : 
 Come ! let us here our mutual valour show, 
 Armida's champion I, and thou her foe! 675 
 
 Boastful lie spoke ; then whirl'd his flashing steel \ || 
 Swift on the Christian's head the tempest fell : 
 In vain — the temper'd casque the force withstood ; 
 But oft the warrior in the saddle bow'd: 
 Rinaldo's falchion then Adrastus found, 6S> 
 
 And in his side impress'd a mortal wound ; |5 
 
 Prone falls the giant-king, no more a name ! | 
 
 One fatal blow concludes his life and fame ! 
 
 Mith horror seiz'd, the gazing Pagans stood, 
 labile fear and wonder froze their curdlins blood.
 
 B. XX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 457 
 
 ' E ven^ Sol jmaa su rpris'd the stroke beheld, GSf. 
 
 ! His alter'd looks his troubled thoughts reveal'd : 
 ] He sees his doom, and (wond'rous to relate !) 
 i" Suspended stands to meet approaching fate. 
 i But Heaven's liigh will, for ever uacontroU'd. ù9<» 
 ' Unnerves the mighty, and confounds the bold ! 
 I As oft the sick in dreams attempt to fly, 
 i| What time the fainting limbs their speed deny ; 
 iJ In vain their lips a vocal sound essay, 
 li Nor cries nor voice can find their wonted way. 693 
 il So strove the Soldan now th' assault to dare, 
 fi He rouz'd his soul to meet the threaten'd war; 
 In vain — no more the thirst of fame prevaii'd; 
 His spirits droop'd, his wonted vigour fail'd ; 
 He scom'd to yield or fly : yet, unresolv'd, TOO 
 
 ) A thousand thoughts his wavering mind revolv'd. 
 While thus he paus'd, the conquering chief drew 
 Furious he rush'd, tremendous to the eye ! [nigh , 
 He*9em'd to move with more than mortal course. 
 And look'd a match for more than mortal force. 
 
 E The Pagan scarce resists, yet ev'n in death 70G 
 Preserves his fame, and nobly yields his breath ; 
 Not shuns the sword, but, midst his ruin great. 
 Without a groan receives <he stroke of fate ! 
 Thus he, who, when snhdn'd by stronger foes, 710 
 From every fall like old Autseus rose 
 With force renew'd. now reach'd his destio'd hour. 
 And press'd at length the earth, to rise no more. 
 
 Then fame from man to man the tidings bears ; 
 A doubtful face no longer fortune wears; 7 1-, 
 
 No longer then the war's event suspends. 
 But joins the Christians, and their arms befi-iends. 
 Soon from the fight recede the regal band. 
 The pride, the strength of all the eastern land ; 
 9nce call'd Immortal: now the name is lost, 72o 
 \.nd ruin triumphs o'er an empty boast! 
 rh' astonish'd bearer with the standard fled, 
 lim Emirenes stopp'd. and sternly said : 
 Irt thou not ho, selected from the train, 
 >ar monarch's glorious banner to sustain i 72b 
 
 X
 
 4ÒS JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XX, 
 
 Was it for this (O ! scandal to the brave !) 
 That to thy hand th' important chaise I gave ? 
 And canst thou, Rimedon, thv chief survey, 
 Yet basely leave hiai, and desert the day ? 
 What dost thou seek — thy safety r — here it lies — 
 With me return — death waits for him who flies. 731 
 Here let him fight who truly hopes to live ; 
 Here honour's deed? alone can safety give. 
 
 He heard, and instant to the field retum'd; 
 Dijdain and shan;e his conscious bosom burn'd. 735 
 No less the rest th' intrepid chief retaia'd. 
 These urg'd by threats, and those by force constrain VI. 
 Who dares to fly from yonder swords (he cries) 
 W'ho dares to tremble, by this weapon dies ! 
 Thus rang'd again his routed files he view'd, 710 
 The war rekindled, and his hope^ renew'd : 
 "While Tisaplierces with resistless might 
 Maintain'd the combat, and forbade the flight. 
 Brave deeds that day renown'd the warriors hand ; 
 Hi? single fore* dispers'd tlie Norman band : 7*6 
 Hy hfm were chas'd the Flemings from the plain. 
 And Gernier, Genard, and Rogero slain. 
 When acts like these had gracM his last of days. 
 And crowa'd his short but glorious life with praise, 
 As careless what succeeding^ fate might yield, 750 
 He sought the greatest perils of tlie field ; 
 He saw RinaUlo, well the youth he knew. 
 Though all bis arms were dy'd to sanguine hue. 
 Lo : there the terror of the plaia (he cries) 
 May Heaven assist my dariar enterorize I 7&i> 
 
 So shall Armida her revenge obtaiu : 
 
 O ! Macon ! let my sword this conquest gain, 
 And his proud arms shall hang devoted in thy fane. 
 
 Thus pray'd the knight ; his wcrds are lost in air, 
 ?Jo .Macon hears his unavailing prayer. 76(> 
 
 As the bold lion, ea-jer to engage, 
 v\ith lashing tail provokes his native rage : 
 So fares the furious warrior; love insphres, 
 Swells all his soul, and rouzes ali his fires.
 
 B. XX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 459 
 
 He bears aloft his shield ; he spurs his steed ; 765 
 
 The Latian hero ru'h'd with equal speed. 
 
 At once they meet ; at once, oa either hand, 
 
 In deep suspense the gazing armies stand. 
 
 Such skill, such courage, either champion shows. 
 
 So swift their weapons, aud so fierce their blows ; 
 
 Each side awhile forget their wonted rage, 771 
 
 And drop their arms, to see the chiefs engage. 
 
 In vain the Pagan strikes; secur'd from harms. 
 
 The Christian combats in ethereal arms; 
 
 From him more fatal every stroke descends ; 775 
 
 The foe from wounds no temper'd steel defends ; 
 
 His shield is rent away, his helm is hew'd. 
 
 And the plain bhishes with a stream of blood. 
 
 The fair enchantress, who the fight survey'd. 
 
 Beheld how fast her champion's strength decay'd. 
 
 She saw the rest, a pale and heartless train, 781 
 
 That scarce from flight their trembling feet restrain ; 
 
 Till she, who late such guards around her view'd, 
 
 Alone, forsaken, in her chariot stood : 
 
 She loaths the light, aud servitude she fears, 7 85 
 
 Of conquest or revenge alike despairs. 
 
 Then, leaping from her car in pale affright. 
 
 She mounts a steed, and takes her speedy flight. 
 
 But, like two hounds that snuff the tainted dew, 
 
 Anger and love her parting steps pursue. 7 90 
 
 When, Cleopatra, by her fears betray'd. 
 
 Of old from Actium's fetal conflict fled ; 
 
 Av3d left, to Caesar's happier arms expos'd, 
 
 Her Roman lord * with perils round enclosed ; 
 
 He soon, forgetful of his former fame, 795 
 
 Spread every sail to join the flying dame : 
 
 So Tisapherues Cbut his foe withstood) 
 
 Had from the field Armida's flight pursu'd : 
 
 His fair one vanish'd from bis longing eyes. 
 
 The sun seam'd blotted from the cheerful skies : 8<t(i 
 
 Fierce at Rinaldo then, in wild despair. 
 
 He rais'd aloft his vengeful blade in air. 
 
 Mark Antony. 
 X 3
 
 4»50 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XX. 
 
 Not with such weight, to frame the forky brand. 
 The ponderous hammer falls from Brontes' band. 
 Full on his front the thundering stroke he sent : 805 
 Beneath the force the staggering wamor bent ; 
 Bnt soon recovering, whirl'd his beaming sword ; 
 The thirsty point the Pagan's bosom gor'd ; 
 A furious passage through his cuiras» made, 
 Till at his back appeared the reeking blade : 810 
 The steel, drawn forth, a double vent supply'd ; 
 The soul came floating in a purple tide. 
 
 Rinaldo, pausing, cast around his view. 
 To mark what friends to aid, what foes pursue. 
 Wide o'er the field he sees the Pagans fly ; SI 5 
 
 On earth their broken arms and ensigns lie. 
 And now his thoughts recall th' unhappy fair 
 Who furious fled abandon'd to despair ; 
 Her woeful state might well his pity claim. 
 Her lore neglected, and her ruin'd fame : S20 
 
 For still in mind his tender faith he bore. 
 Her champion plighted when he left her shore. 
 Then, where her rnpid courser's track he view'd, 
 Th' impatient knight the flying dame pursu'd. 
 
 Meanwhile Armida chanc'd a vale to find SS.'» 
 That seem'd for dire despair and death design'd : 
 Well-pleas'd herself she saw by fate convey 'd 
 To end her woes in such a grateful shade. 
 There, lighting from her steed, she laid aside 
 Her bow, ber quiver, all her martial pride. S30 
 
 Unfaithful arms! (*he cries) essay'd in vain, 
 Retnrn'd unbath'd from such a sanguine plain ; 
 Here buried lie, and prove the field no more. 
 Since you so ill aveng'd the wrongs I bore. 
 If vainly thus at other hearts you fly, S3i 
 
 Dare yon a female's wretched bosom try ? 
 Here— enter mine, that naked meets the blow ; 
 Here raise jour trophies, here your triumph show ! 
 Ivove knows how well this breast admits the dart ; 
 Love, that so de.^p has pierc'd ray tender hear 
 Unblest Armida! what is now thy fate, 
 WTn^n this alone can cure thy wretched st^te 
 
 bow ! ^ 
 lart ; |
 
 n. XX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 461 
 
 The weapon's point must heal the wound of Love, 
 And friendly death my heart's physician prove. 
 Fond Love, farewel !— but come thou, fell Disdain 
 For ever partner with my ghost remain; 846 
 
 Together let us rise from realms below. 
 To haunt th' ungraieful author of my woe ; 
 To bring dire visions to his fearful sight. 
 And fill with horror every sleepless night ! 850 
 
 She ceas'd ; and, fix'd her mournful life to close, 
 The sharpest arrow from her quiver chose ; 
 When lo ! Rinaldo came and saw the fair 
 So near the dreadful period of despair : 
 Already now her frantic hand she rear'd, S55 
 
 And death already in her looks appear'd : 
 He rush'd behind her, and restrain'd the dart ; 
 The fatal point just bent against her heart. 
 
 Armida turn'd, and straight the knight beheld, 
 (Unheard he came, and sudden stood reveal'd) 860 
 Surpris'd she sees, and shrieking with aSFright, 
 From his lov'd face averts her angry sight ; 
 She faints ! she sinks! — as falls a tender flower, 
 Whose feeble stem supports the head no more : 
 His anns he threw around her lovely waist, SCT» 
 Her weight supported, and her zone unbrac'd ; 
 While, gently bending o'er the fair distress'd, 
 His sorrows bath'd her face and Ic^ely breast. 
 As, wet with pearly drops of morning dews, 
 The drooping rose her wonted grace renews : 870 
 So she, recovering soon, her visage rears. 
 All moist and trickling with her lover's tears. 
 And thrice she rais'd her eyes the youth to view. 
 Thrice ftom his face her sight averse withtlrew. 
 Oft from the strict embrace in vain she strove, 87» 
 With languid hand, his stronger arm to move : 
 The pitying warrior still his grasp retain'd, 
 And closer to his breast the damsel strain'd. 
 M length, as thus in dear restraint she lay, 
 der words with gushing torrents found their way : 
 STet still on earth she bent her stedfast look, 881 
 N^or du'd to meet bis glance, while thus slie spoke.
 
 462 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XX. 
 
 O cruel ! w lien tbou left'st me first to mourn ! 
 And O ! as cruel now in thv return ! 
 Why woul(l?t tln>u tben thy fruitless cares employ 
 To save a life thy perjuries destroy ? 886 
 
 Say, to what future wrongs, what future sharoe. 
 What woes unknown is doom'd Armida's name ? 
 Full well thy wily purpose I descry- 
 But she can little dare, who dares not die. 890 
 One triumph still to grace thy pomp remains ; 
 A hapless princess bound in captive chains ; 
 At first betray'd, tben made by force thy prize ; 
 From acts like these thy mighty grlories rise '. 
 Once life and happiness 'twas thine to pive ; S9fc 
 Now death alone my suflferin^s can relieve I 
 But not from thee this blessing I demand : 
 All gifts are hateful from Rinaldo's band ! 
 Yet, cruel as tbou art, myself can find 
 Some friendly way t' elude the ills design'd : 900 
 If to a helpless wretch in bondage ty'.l, 
 Are poisonous drugs and piercing steel deny'd ; 
 Yet (thanks to Heaven!) a path remains to death; 
 Thou shalt not long detain this hated breath : 
 Cease then thy soothing arts, thy feints give o'er, 905 
 And move my soul with flattering hopes no more. 
 
 Thus mournful she ; while love and anger drew 
 Fast from her beauteous eyes the briny dew. 
 He, touch'd with pity, melts with equal woe, 
 And, mix'd with bere, his kindly sorrows f.ow. 910 
 At length with tender words he thus reply'd : 
 Armida ! lay thy doubts, thy fears, aside; 
 Live — not to suflFer shame, to empire live ; 
 In me thy champion, not thy foe, receive. 
 Behold these eyes, if still thou donbt'st my zeal, 916 
 Let these, the truth of what I speak, reveal. 
 I swear to place thee on thy regal throne. 
 The seat of splendor where thy fathers shone. 
 O ! i^ould to Heaven ! the rajs of truth as well 
 Might from thy mind the Pagan mist dispel, 9iO 
 As I shall raise thee to so high a state. 
 No eastern dame shall match thv glorious fate.
 
 B. XX. JERUSALEiM DELIVERED. 46.5 
 
 He spoke; and speaking, soujjlit her breast to - 
 move 
 With sighs and tears, the elo lu^nce of love ! 
 Till, like tlie melting flakes of mountain snow, 92.', 
 Where shines the sun, or tepid breezes blow ; 
 Her anger, late so fierce, dissolves away. 
 And gentle passions bear a milder sway. 
 
 Ah me! I yield ! (the soften'd fair replies) 
 Still on thy faith my easy heart relies; 930 
 
 'Tis thine at will to guard my future way, 
 And, what thou bid'st, Armida must obey. 
 
 Thus they. Meanwhile th' Egyptian chief be- 
 held 
 His regal standard cast upon the field : 
 And RimedoB ail breathless press the plain, 93.'i 
 By one fierce stroke from mighty Godfrey slain. 
 Or kiil'd, or routed, all his troops appear. 
 Yet, to the last, he scorns ignoble fear ; 
 And seeks, what now his hopes alone demand, 
 A death illustrious from a noble hand. 940 
 
 He spurs his steed, and swift on Godfrey flies: 
 No greater foe amid the plain he spies : 
 Fierce as he thunders tlirough the ranks of war, 
 He shows the last brave tokens of despair : 
 Then to the chief he rais'd his voice oa high: 945 
 I come by thee in glorious strife to die! 
 'Tis death I seek— but, ere I yield to fate, 
 I trust to crush thee with my sinking weight. 
 
 Thus he. At once they rush to meet the fight : 
 At once, on either side, their swords alight. 950 
 The Pagan's steel the Christian's buckler cleaves; 
 His hand, disarm'd, the sudden wound receive?. 
 From Godfrey next descends a mightier blow 
 Full ou the cheek of his unwary foe : 
 Half back he fell ; and, while to rise he strove, 9bT$ 
 Deep in his groin the Frank his falchion drove. 
 
 Now, Emirenes dead, but few remain 
 Of all the numbers of th' Egyptian train : 
 T^Tiile Godfrey these from place to place pursu'd. 
 Brave Altamorus on the field he view'd, 900
 
 46* JERUSALEM DELIVERED. B. XX. 
 
 Who midst his foes th' unequal fight maintain'd. 
 Alone, on foot, with hostile blood distain'd ; 
 With broken sword and shield the king appears. 
 And close surrounded with a hundred spears. 
 
 Then to his warriors pious Godfrey cry'd : 96* 
 Forbear, my friends ! and lay your arms aside : 
 And thou, O chief! no more contest the field; 
 Forego thy weapons, and.to Godfrey yield. 
 He said ; and he, who {111 that fatal hour 
 !Ne'er bow'd his lofty soul to human power, 970 
 Soon as the great, the glorious name he heard, 
 (A sound from Libya to the pole reverd) 
 At once resign'd his sword to Godfrey's hands : 
 I yield! (he cry'd) nor less thy worth demands: 
 Thy triumph gain'd o'er \ltamorus' name, 975 
 
 Is crowc'd no less with riches than with fame. 
 My kingdom with its gold, my pious wife 
 With jewels, shall redeem my forfeit life. 
 Heaven has not given me (thus the chief re- 
 plies) 
 A mind to covet gold, or jewels prize : 990 
 
 Still keep whatever is thine from India's shore, 
 -And still in peace enjoy thy Persian store : 
 No price for life, no ransom I demand; 
 I nar, but traffic not, in Asia's land. 981 
 
 He ceas'd; and with his ^ards the monaicb 
 plac'd, 
 Then from the field the scatter'd remnants chas'd; 
 These to the trench in vain their flight pursue; 
 Insatiate death o'ertakes the trembling crew : 
 Gigantic slaughter stalks on every side. 
 And swells from tent to tent the dreadful tide : 990 
 Helms, crests, and radiant shields are purpled o'er. 
 And costly trappings drop with human gore. 
 
 Thus con(iuer'd Godfrey ; and as yet the day 
 Gave from the western waves the parting ray, 
 Swift to the walls the glorious victor rode, 996 
 
 The domes where Christ had made his blest 
 abode :
 
 n. XX. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. 465 
 
 In sanguine vest, with all his princely train. 
 The chief of chiefs then sought the sacred fane ; 
 There o'er the hallow'd tomb his arms display'^. 
 And there to Heaven his vow'd devotions paid, looo 
 
 THE END 
 
 X5
 
 INDEX. 
 
 The Lettere denote the Book, the Figures the Verse. 
 
 Achilles, in the review, i. 416. 
 
 . . killed by Clorinda, ix. 538. 
 
 Ademar, in the procession, xi. 38. 
 
 . . is seen by Godfrey, at the storming of Jerusalem, 
 xviii. 64S. 
 
 Adrastus, King of India. 
 
 . . his contention with Tisaphemes concerning Ar- 
 mida, xvii. 342. 
 
 . . challenges Rinaldo, ib. 666. 
 
 . . is killed by him, ib. 680. 
 
 Adrastus, (a Christian) endeavours to scale the 
 walls of Jerusalem, xi. 237, 
 
 Eg^yptian Empire, its rise and extent (see Cauph), 
 xvii. 93. 
 
 . . fleet and army, xv. 75. 
 
 . . the different nations and leaders characterised, 
 ib. 93 — 333. 
 
 . . the Egyptian army totally defeated, ib. 360— 
 403, 469, 714, fy seq. 
 
 Agricaltes and Mulasses killed by Argillan,ix. 610. 
 
 Aladine, King of Jerusalem, his character, i. 621. 
 
 . . Bemoves the image of the Virgin Mary from the 
 Christian temple to the raosque, ii. 47. 
 
 , , resolves upon a general massacre of the Chris- 
 tians in Jerusalem, ii. 7 7. 
 
 . , condemns Olindo and Sophronia to be burned, 
 ib. 235.
 
 469 INDEX. 
 
 Aladinc welcomes Clorinda to the city, and at her 
 
 inteicessioD pardons tbem, ii. 357. 
 ..bis viffilancpin defence of the city, xi. 17 8, 199. 
 . . aims himself, and takes his post against Raymond 
 
 at the attack of the city, ib. 456. 
 . . is killed by Raymond, ib. 654. 
 Alarms killed by Clorinda, xx. 213. 
 Albazar kills Ernestus, ii. 318. 
 Albine killed by Clorinda, ix. 529. 
 Alcander wounded by Clorinda, iii. 208. 
 Atcoitus, his character, xiii. 175. 
 . . attempts the enchanted wood, xiii. 179. 
 . . put to flight by the Demons, ib. 203, 
 Aldiazetles killed by Argillan, ii. 611. 
 Alecto, a fury, in a vision, excites Argillan to rais« 
 
 a mutiny in the camp, viii. 430. 
 Alethes, ambassador ttom Egypt, his character, ii. 
 
 14 2. 
 Alexandria, xv. 113. 
 AlgazeUfn killed by Argillan, ix. 601. 
 Algazor killed by Dudon, iii. 335. 
 Algiers, x\. 151. 
 Aliprando finds Rinaldo's annonr, and brings it to 
 
 the camp, viii. iii. 
 Almanzor killed by Dodon, iii. 339. 
 A'tamorM, King of Samarcanda his character, ib. ' 
 
 193. 
 . . in Armida's tent, enamoured of her, xlx. 466. 
 . . makes great slaughter of the Franks, ib. 241. 
 . . kills Brunello, Ardonio, Gentonio, Guasca, 
 
 Guido, and Rosmondo, ib. 247. 
 . . defends Armida, ib, 456. 
 
 . . fights on foot surrounded by the enamy, ib, 9f5(). . 
 . . surrenrìt-rs himself to Godfrey, ib. 969. 
 Alranteji killed by Edward, ib. 287. 
 Afziirbe, xv. HI, 
 Amurath killed by Dudon, ili, S30. 
 Angeli, the figure and descent of one described,, 
 
 i. 99.
 
 INDEX. 469 
 
 Angels, guardian angels sent to protect Raymond in 
 
 his combat with Argantes, vii. 5 "IS. 
 • . inToked by the Christians to thfiir assistance, 
 
 , . An Angel heals Godfrey's wound, ib. 494. 
 
 Antiath, i. 44. 
 
 Apparitions raised by Alecto before Argillan, viii. 
 
 432. 
 , . seen iu the night when Solyman attacks the 
 
 Christian camp, x. 118. 
 , . of Clorinda to Tancred in a dream, ib. 679. 
 . . guard the enchanted wood, xiii. 195. 
 Aquiliiie, Raymond's horse, engendered by the 
 
 wind, vii. 555. 
 Aramantes (one of Latinus's sons), with his father 
 
 and brothers attacks Solyman, ix. 233. 
 . . is killed by him, ib. 249. 
 Ardelius killed by Clorinda, ili. 264. 
 Ardonio killed by Altamorus, xx, 247. 
 Argantes comes ambassador from Egypt with 
 
 Alethes, ii. 4 36. 
 . . his character, ib. 450. 
 
 . . declares war in the name of the king of Egypt. 
 . . kills Dudon, ib. 344. 
 . . is obliged to retreat with the Pagans into the 
 
 town,ib. 368. 
 . . fights with Otho, vi. 235. 
 . . overcomes him, ib. 262. 
 . . fights with Tancred, ib. 2S9. 
 . . the combat deferred to the sixth day following, ib. 
 
 393. 
 . . his impatience for the battle, vii. 363. 
 . . the armies being engaged afresh, he woands 
 
 Guido, kills Ormano, and fells Rogero, vii. 780. 
 . . kills Ridolphus, ib. 866. 
 . . kills numbers, ib. 415, 517. 
 . . defends the breach with Solyman, ib. 428. 
 . . sallies on the Christians with Solyman, ib. 437. 
 . . is encountered by Godfrey, ib. 534. 
 . . kills Sigerò, ib. 550.
 
 i70 INDEX. 
 
 Argantes enfajes with Clorinda ta barn the 
 
 Christian tower by night, xii. 47. 
 . . goes ont with Clorinda, breaks through the 
 
 guard, and sets fire to it, ib. 333. 
 . . his intrepid behaviour on the walls, xix. 1 . 
 . . retires from the walls to fight with Tancred, ij). 4 1 . 
 . . is killed by him, ib. 176. 
 Argeus killed by Gildippe, xx. 216. 
 Argillan is excited by Alecto in a dream to raise a 
 
 mutiny, ib. 430. 
 . . kills Algazelles, Saladine, Agricaltes, Mulassf«, 
 
 Aldiazelles, and Ariadenu?, ib, 601. 
 . . kills Lesbians, the Soldan-s page, ib. 642. 
 . . is killed by SohTnan, ib. 67 7. 
 ^rùufc«i<» kills Gilbert and Philip, ib. 316. 
 . . is killed by Argillan, ib. 613. 
 Arimon, (a Chriitian,) killed by Clorinda, lil. 378. 
 Arimontes killed by Gildippe, xx. 939. 
 Armida is sent by Hidraotes to employ her arts 
 
 among the Christian commanders, iv. 185. 
 . . her artifices in the Christian camp, by which 
 
 she inflames the commanders, ib. 623, to the end ; 
 
 V. 503, 
 . . endeavours in vain to ensnare Godfrey and Tan- 
 cred, ib. 447. 
 • . demands the succours promised, v. 485. 
 . . puts a stop to the contention between Eustatius 
 
 and Rambaldo, ib. 596. 
 . . conveys the knights who accompany lier, into her 
 
 castle, X. 436. 
 . . puts Rinaldo's armour on a dead body, to make 
 
 the Christians believe he is killed, ib. 389. 
 . . destro}s her palace, ib. 486. 
 . . returns to her castle, ib. 508. 
 . . departs from thence to join the Egyptian army, 
 
 ib. 638. 
 . . her person, arms, and chariot described, ib. 236. 
 . . with her lovers in th« EgjT)tian camp, lix. 452. 
 . . her discourse with Adrastus and Tisaphernes, 
 
 ib. é71.
 
 INDEX. 471 
 
 Armida sees Rinaldo pass by her ia the battle, ib. 
 408. 
 
 . . lets fly an arrow at him, ib. 415. 
 
 . . her soliloquy on the occasion, ib. 432. 
 
 . . attempts to kill herself, ib. 85 1 . 
 
 . . is prevented by Rinaldo, ib. S6T. 
 
 . . her resentment is softened, and she submits her- 
 self to his disposal, ib. 923. 
 
 Arsetes, Clorinda's eunuch, endeavours to dissuade 
 her from her design to burn the Christian tower, 
 xii. 141. 
 
 ^rtóéan, king of Boecan, killed by Edward, xx. 235. 
 
 Artaxerxes struck down by Gildippe, ib. 215. 
 
 Ascalon,'x\v. 235; xv. 69. 
 
 Assimirus killed by Rinaldo, xx. 356. 
 
 B. 
 
 Baldwin, Godfrey's brother, demands to fight with 
 
 -Argantes, vii. 487. 
 , . is in Godfrey's tent when he is wounded, xi. 469. 
 Battle, general, between the Pagans of Jerusalem 
 
 and Christians, iii, 1 1 T — 399 ; vii. 749, to the 
 
 end. 
 . . general, between the Arabs and Danes, viii. 1 12, 
 
 179. 
 . between the Pagans and Christians, ix. 161, to 
 
 the end, 
 . . between the Egyptian and Christian armies, xx. 
 
 ì9ó,totheend. 
 Beelzebub raises a phantom in Clorinda's likeness, 
 
 vii. 710, 719. {See Demons.) 
 Berlinger killed by Clorinda, ix. 525. 
 Bird, a wonderful one iu Armida's garden, xvi. 93. 
 Biserta xv. 147. 
 Bamond characterized, i. 69. 
 Bridge raised by magic, xviii. 137. 
 Brunello killed by Altaraorus, xx. 247. 
 
 C. 
 Caliph, of Egypt, his character, xvii. 41
 
 473 INDEX. 
 
 Caliph, his throne and person described, xvii. 6S. 
 
 . . gives the command of the army to Emirenes, ib. 
 26*. 
 
 .. his speech to him, ib. 274. 
 
 . . stops the contest betwixt Adrastus and Tisa- 
 phernes, ib. 363. 
 
 . . his speech to Armida, ib. 366. 
 
 Calpe, XV. 164. 
 
 Camillus, in the review, i. 483. 
 
 . . has the direction of one of the Christian towers, 
 at the assault of the walls, xviiL 436. 
 
 Canarius, in the review, ib. 172. 
 
 Carthage, reflections on its ruins, xv. 141 . 
 
 Castle of Armida. 
 
 . . Tancred made prisoner in it, vii. 333. 
 
 , . several other Christian knights made prisoners in 
 it, X. 446. 
 
 Celestial army assist Godfrcjf in the taking of Je- 
 rusalem, xviii. 63S. 
 
 Champions of Armida chosen by lot, v. 525. 
 
 Charles, the Dane, arrives at the Christian camp, 
 viii. 29. 
 
 . . is commanded to carry Sweno's sword to Rinaldo, 
 viiL 246. 
 
 . . sees a wonderful tomb enclose Sweno's body, ib, 
 379. 
 
 . . meets with a magician, who conducts him and 
 Ubald to his subterraneous dwellinj^, ib. 243 — 
 265. 
 
 . . hears from the magician the manner of Rinaldo's 
 being ensnared by Armida, and receives instruc- 
 tions for bis deliverance, ib. 369 to the end, 
 
 . . enters with Ubald into the miraculous bark, 
 XV. 23. 
 
 . . lands on Armida's island, ib. 337. 
 
 . . enters the palace, xvi. 1. 
 
 . . returns with Rinaldo and Ubald, ib. 249, 443 — 
 
 xvii. 393. 
 CHÌI/5TA1.V5 elect Godfrey their general, i. 247 
 . . march towjirds Jerusalem, ib. 55 7.
 
 INDEX. 473 
 
 CHRISTIANS, their joy described, i. 33. 
 . . attacked by the Pagans in a sally from the 
 
 town. ib. 95. 
 . . r^ulse the Pagans with great slaughter, iii, 324. 
 . . engage the Pagans, viii. 7.0O. 
 . . opposed by the Demons, who raise a storm in 
 
 favour of the Pagans, ib. S-2S. 
 . . lament the absence of Rinaldo, viii. 336. 
 . . attacked in the nipht by the Arabs, is. 153. 
 . . defeat them, ib. 705. 
 . . assault the town,ib. 293. 
 . . retire to their camp at the approach of night, ib. 
 
 662. 
 . . part of the army revolts, xiii. 490. 
 . . refreshed by a shower from heaven, ib. 53G. 
 . . their joy on that occasion, ib. 546. 
 . . their joy at Rinalao's return, xviii. 29. 
 . . Iheir military operations, ib. 286, 41fi, 430, 
 
 ^' seq. 
 . . assault the town, ib. 434. 
 . . enter it victorious, ib. 716. 
 
 . . gain a complete victory, ib. 354, 472, 714, ^' seq. 
 Clorinda arrives at JeruFalem. 
 . . sees Olindo and Sophronia ready to be burned, 
 
 ii. 314. 
 . . intercedes with the king for them, ib. 374. 
 ..kills Cardo, ib. 107. 
 . , fights with Tancred, ib. 159. 
 . . is wounded, ib. 222. 
 . . kills Ardelius, ib. 264. 
 
 . . with Argantes supports the Pagans in their re- 
 treat, ib. 316. 
 . . encourages her troops to fall upon the Christians, 
 
 vii. 84 6. 
 , . kills Pyrrhus, ib. 867. 
 . . issues from the town with Argantes, to assist the 
 
 Arabs, ix, 335. 
 . . kills Berlingar, Albine, and Gallas, ib. 595. _ 
 
 wounds Gernier, ix. 531. 
 .. kills Achilles, ib. &37.
 
 4T4 INDEX. 
 
 C/orf/irfrt is wounded b^ Guelpho, ix. 657. 
 
 . , stands on a tower in the city, and shoots at the 
 
 Christians, xi. -2 79. 
 . . wouuds William, the Enplish prince, ib. ^87. 
 ,. kills Stephen, earl of Amboi?e, and Clotliateiis,ib. 
 
 29.1. 
 . . wounds the Flemish chief, ib. 599. 
 . . kills Aderaar and Palamedes, ib. 313. 
 . . forms a design to burn the Christian tower, xii. 1 7. 
 ,. acquaints Arg:antes with her intention, ib. 31. 
 . . foes with Arfiantes to the king, and declares 
 
 their joint resolution, ib. G7. 
 . . is sent away by her mother in her infancy, ib. 
 
 193. 
 . . receivrs suck from a typress, ib. 234. 
 . . continue^ tirm in her resolution, and endeavours 
 
 to comfort Arsetes, ib, 315. 
 . . pees out witli Argantes, and set? fire to the tower, 
 
 ib. .^3?. 
 . . is shut out of the city while she enrages and kills 
 
 Arimon, ib. 374. 
 . . fights with Tancred,ib. 415. 
 . . their combat described, ib. 4 '2 5. 
 . . receive? her mortal wound, ib. 4S 1. 
 .. desires bnptism, ib. 50.J. 
 . . d ir's, ih. 513 <S' seq, 
 
 . . her body carried to Tancred's tent, ib. .OS.!. 
 . . appears in a dream to Tancred, and comforts 
 
 him, ib. fi 7'.'. 
 , . her funeral, ib. 7 06. 
 Clot?uireu«, killed by an arrow from Clorinda, xi. 
 
 '.'99. 
 Columbus, his voyage and discoveries foretold, xv, 
 
 916. 
 Combat, si;i2;le, between Tancred and Ai^antes, vi.. 
 
 3S9 — 363. 
 . . between Tancred and RambaUlo, vii. 272 — 324. 
 . . between Raymond and Argantes, ih. 6.^4 — 709. 
 , . between Tancred and Clorinda, xii. 115 — 190,
 
 INDEX. 475 
 
 Combat, single, between Tancred and Argantes, xix. 
 
 69— ISl. 
 . . beUreen Rinaldo and Adrastus,xx. 676 — 683. 
 . . between Rinaldo and Tisapherners,ib, 761 — 812. 
 . . between Godfrev and Emirenes, ib. 94:9. 
 Coreano killed by budon, iii, 336. 
 Corcutes wounded by Godfrey, ix. TOO. 
 Crete, xv. 117. 
 
 Cypi-ess in the enchanted wood, xiii. 272. 
 . . inscription on its bark, ib. 282. 
 . . being cut by Tancred, bleeds, ib. 294. 
 . . a voice is heard from tlie trunk, ib. 300. 
 
 D. 
 
 DavicPs Tower, xix. 26». 
 
 . . bravely defended by Solj man, ib. 28*. 
 
 . . blocked up by the Gascons and Syrians, xx. 39. 
 
 . . taken by Raymond, ib. 596. 
 
 Demons, their persons described, ib. 2r>. 
 
 . , disperse thems-elves in various parts to annoy the 
 Christians, ib. 139. 
 
 A Demon makes Greraando envious of Rinaldo, 
 V. 134. 
 
 . , raise a storm in favour of the Pagans, vii. 828. 
 
 . . are driven from the field bv Michael the Arch- 
 angel, ib. 505. 
 
 . , raised by the incantations of Tsraeno, xiii. 33. 
 
 . , takes possession of the wood, ib. S3. 
 
 . . terrify those wl.o come to cut timber, ib. 125. 
 
 . . attempt in vain to stop Tancred from entering 
 the wood, ib. 241. 
 
 . . delude him with a voice like Clorinda's, xiii. 302.. 
 
 . . endeavour to amuse Rinaldo with various ap- 
 pearances and sounds, at his entering the wood,, 
 xviii. 117. 
 
 . . assume the likeness of Armida and her nymph?, 
 ib. 169. 
 
 . , take the form of Cyclops, to deter the knight from 
 cutting down the trees, ib. 244,
 
 476 INDEX. 
 
 Demons are put to flight, and the enchantment dis- 
 solved, xviii. 258. 
 Descriptions of the figure and descent of an angel, 
 
 i. 99. 
 • . of Tancred, and his falling in love, ib. 341. 
 . , of the troops arming themselves, and of their ap- 
 pearance with the cross at their head, i. 533. 
 . . of Olindo's despair, ib. 200. 
 . . of Clorinda's person and appearance, ib. 286. 
 . . of the appearance of the Christian army before 
 
 Jerusalem, ili. 1 — 74. 
 . . of Clorinda's sally from the town, ib. 95 — 120. 
 . . of the encounter of Tancred and Clorinda, ib. 159. 
 . . of Dudon's exploits and death, ib. 332. 
 . . of the sorrow of Dudon's death, and of his fune- 
 ral, ib. ''OT — 366. 
 . . of felling the trees in a forest, ib. 567. 
 . . of Rinaldo's kiltiag Gernaudo, and the tumult 
 
 thereupon, v. 1S4. 
 , . of Rinaldo, when he hears Godfrey's design of 
 
 calling him to account, ib. 307. 
 , . of Argantes issuing from the wall, and standing 
 
 ill sight of the Christian camp, ib. 166. 
 
 of Otho's engaging with Tancred, and being taken 
 . , prisoner, ib. 214. 
 . . of the combat betwixt Tancred and Argantes, ib. 
 
 5;S9— 363. 
 . , of Erminia's love, and her concern for Tancrcd's 
 
 danger, vi. 40.v. 
 . . of l»er impatience and solicitude, ib. 673, 793. 
 . . of her being discovered by moon light, ib. 755. 
 . . of her arrival on the banks of the river Jordan, 
 
 vii. 19. 
 . . et' a shepherd and his sons tending their flocks, 
 
 ib. 35. 
 . . of Erminia's reception by them, ib. 43, 121. 
 , . of Tancred's search after ber, supposing her to be 
 
 Clorinda, ib. 169. 
 , of his combat with Rambaldo, ib. 3 7 i.
 
 INDEX. 477 
 
 Descriptions, of his being made prisoner in the 
 
 castle, vii. 326. 
 . . of Raymond's |:uardiai) angel descending to his 
 
 assistance, ib. 577. 
 ..of the combat between Raymond and Argantes, 
 
 ib. 634 — 709. 
 . . of Beelzebub's breaking the truce, vii. 710. 
 .. of the wounding of Raymond, ib. 730. 
 . . of the armies joining in battle, Ib. 760. 
 . . of the retreat of the Christians, ib. SfiS, to the 
 
 end. 
 , . of the intrepidity of Sweno, viii. 95. 
 . . of Sweno's death, and the discovery of his body by 
 
 the light of the moon, &c. ib. 156 — 225. 
 . . of Solyman's march, and his attacking the Chris- 
 tian camp by night, ix. 97 — 168. 
 .of his fury and dreadful appearance, ib. 169 — 
 
 201. 
 . . of the deaths of Latinus and his five sons, ib. 209 
 
 — 309. 
 . . of a general battle, ib. 399. 
 . . of the blessed in heaven, ib. 431 — 452. xiv. 29. 
 . . of the descent of Michael the Archangel, ix. 465. 
 - . of the Archangel's driving the Demons from the 
 
 field, ib. 505. 
 ,. . of Clorinda's actions, ib. 523. 
 ., of Argillan rushing to fight, ib. 569. 
 . . of Le-;binus, the Soldan's page, ib. 606. 
 . . of the defeat of the Pagans, ib. TU5 to the enif. 
 . . of the Soldan tired with slaughter, ib. 753. 
 . , of their manner of entering the city, ib. 194. 
 . . of the metamorphosis of the Christian knights, ib. 
 
 475. 
 . , of the use of wooden towers in the siege, ^ud 
 
 their operations, si. 317 S)' seq, xviii. 490. 
 . . of Argantes and Solyman issuing from a breach, 
 
 ib. 427. 
 . . of the healing of Godfrey's wound by an Angel , 
 
 ib. 464. 
 . . of the grief of a mother at parting from her in- 
 fant, xii. 193.
 
 4 78 INDEX. 
 
 DescHptioìis of Argantes and Clorinda issuing from 
 
 tlie town, and setting fire to the Christian tower, 
 
 xii. 333. 
 . . of a single combat by night, between Tancred 
 
 and Clorinda, ib. 415 — 493. 
 . . of Clorinda's appearance to Tancred, in a dream, 
 
 ib. 679. 
 . . of a forest supposed to be the resort of witches 
 
 and evil spirits, xiii. 9. 
 , . of the enchanted wood,ib. 149, 189,241 — 33 7; 
 
 xviii. Ill — 259. 
 . . of Alcastus attempting it, and being put to flight, 
 
 xiii. 187. 
 . . of Tancred entering the wood,ib. 227. 
 . . of a shower that relieves them, and their joy on 
 
 that occasion, ib. 536. 
 . . of a magician walking on the water, ib. 239. 
 . . of a river dividing its water, of two knights enter- 
 ing into it, and of the wonders they saw in their 
 
 passage, ib. 265. 
 . , of the manner of Armida's ensnaring Rinaldo, ib. 
 
 411. 
 . . of Armida's failing in love with Rinaldo, ib. 483. 
 . . of the fountain of laughter, ib. 535, xv. 4 1 5. 
 . . of the miraculous Pilot that appears to convey the 
 
 two knights to Rinaldo, xv. 23. 
 . . of their voyage through the Mediterrauean, ib. 
 
 63—172. 
 , . of the Egyptian fleet and army, ib. 75. 
 . of the knights ascending the mountain, 356. 
 . . of the summit of the mountain, ib. 397. 
 . . of two nymphs bathing, ib. 431. 
 . . of the wanton dalliance of Riaaido and Armida, 
 
 ib. 123. 
 . . of the two knights suddenly shewing themselves 
 
 to Rinaldo, Ac. ib. 195. 
 . . of the confusion of Aririda at Rinaldo's flight, ib, 
 
 251. 
 . . of her pursuing him. ib. 2 73. 
 . . of her despair and rage, ib. 297, 446.
 
 INDEX. 410 
 
 Descriptions of the Calipli seated on his tJione, xv.63, 
 . , of Emirenes' receiving the command of the army 
 
 from the Caliph, ib. 264. 
 . . of the return of Rinaldo and the two knights to 
 
 Palestine, ib. 3 80. 
 . . of the arrival of the knights at the camp, xviii. 
 
 . of Rinaldo's ascending mount Olivet at day- 
 break, ib. 69—110. 
 
 . . of his entering the enchanted wood,ib. 111. 
 
 . . of n>inpbs coming out of the barks of trees, ib. 
 169. 
 
 , . of Rinaldo cutting down the enchanted myrtle 
 viii. 226. * 
 
 . . of nymphs assuming the form of Cyclops, ib. 242. 
 
 . . of the dissolution of the enchantment, 2.'>9. 
 
 . . particular description of a moving tovver used in 
 the siege, ib. 300. 
 
 , . of a dove, that carried a letter from the Egyp- 
 tians, intercepted by (Godfrey, ib. 328. 
 
 . . of the military operations ou both sides, ib. 116. 
 
 . . of the attack of the town, ib. 4:54. 
 
 , . of the dreadful eflfects of the Christians' engines, 
 ib. 46S. 
 
 . . of Rinaldo's bravery, ib. 494. 
 
 . . of Ismeno's death, ib. 604. 
 
 . . of the Celestial Army, ib. 62S. 
 
 .. of Godfrey's gaining the walls, and planting his 
 standard there, ib. 666. 
 I . . of the victorious army entering the city, ib, 692. 
 I , . of Argantes' intrepidity on (he walls, xix. 1. 
 
 , . of Rinaldo breakiag open the gates of Solomon's 
 temple, ib. 23S. 
 
 . . of Solyman's defending David's Tower, ib. 284. 
 
 . . of the Egyptian arm} encamped, ib. 3S6. 
 
 . . of the discovery of Vafrinoto Erminia, ib. 620. 
 
 . . of the arrival of the Egyptian army, xx. 1. 
 
 . . of Godfrey's majestic figure, ib. 45, 7 1, 127. 
 
 . . of the order of ,he Christian and Egyptian ar- 
 mies, ib. 51, 137. 
 3
 
 *S0 INDEX. 
 
 Descriptiona of Gildippe's and Edward's articns, 
 XX. 201. ' 
 
 . . of the actions of Altamorus, ib. 241, 456. 
 
 ..of the death of Ormond and Lis confederates ib. 
 2S1. 
 
 . . of Rinaldo passing by Armida's chariot, and her 
 behaviour on the occasion, ib. 404. 
 
 . . of Solymaii's rushing from the tower, ib. 483. 
 
 . . of Tancred's defending Raymond, ib. 548. 
 
 . of Aladine's death, ib. 0S4. 
 
 . . of the deaths of Edward and Gildippe, ib. 61 S. 
 
 .. of the deaths of Adrastus and Solyman, ib. 666, 
 é,' seq. 
 
 . of Emirenes' bravery and deatli, ib. 722. 
 
 . . of the corabat between Rinaldo and Tisaphernes, 
 ib. 762. 
 
 . . of her interview with Rinaldo, ib. 859—932. 
 
 .. of Altamorus taken prisoner, and of Godfrey en- 
 tering the temple in triumph, ib. 957 to the end. 
 Doi-e employed as a messenger, xviii. 328. 
 
 DragKtes \i.ììls Henr> and Holiphernes, it. 314. 
 
 Dream sent to Godfrey to urge him to recall Ri- 
 naldo, xiv. 1 — 140. 
 
 Drought, the Christian camp afflicted with a ♦erri- 
 ble one, liii. 378 — 4')5. 
 
 Dudon, in the review, chief oT the adventurers, i. 
 402. 
 
 . his cliaracter by Erminia, iii. 298. 
 
 . , kilU Tigranes, Algazor, Corbano, Amurath, Ma- 
 homet, and Almanzor, iii. 332. 
 
 , . is killed by Argautes, ib. 344. 
 
 . . ii seen by Godfrey to assist in the storming of Je- 
 rusalem, xviii. 044. 
 
 E. 
 
 eòeraj-rf,oneof the champions drawn by lot to ac- 
 company Armida, v. 539. 
 
 . , demands to fight with Argante?, vii. 492. (See 
 
 Champions}^ 
 Edward de^auds to fight with Argante?, vii. 4'Ji. 
 
 '
 
 INDEX. 491 
 
 Edward kills Artaban and Alvantes, rx. 235. 
 . . is killed by Solj-man, ib. 638. (See Gildippe.) 
 Emirenes receives the command of the army from 
 
 the Caliph, ib. 264. 
 , . draws up his army in order of battle, xx. 137^ 
 . , fights with one of the Roberts, ib. 319. 
 . . wounds him, ib. 470. 
 . his valour, ib. 736, 933. 
 . fights with Godfrey, ib. 941. 
 . is killed by him, ib. 953. 
 Emmaus, the Christians enterthat city, ib. 427. 
 Enchanted Wood (See Wood). 
 Sngerlun killed by Algazelles,ix. 319. 
 
 ngines, military, used by the Cliristians and Pa- 
 gans, xi.217, 266, 317, 349. xviii.286 — 327,538. 
 
 for casting darts and stones, ib. 299. 
 . their dreadful eflFi'cts,ib. 4e 8. 
 
 rminia, with Aladine, on the walls of Jerusalem, 
 
 iii. 91. 
 
 points out the Christian commanders to Aladinc, 
 
 ib.l29, 284, 447. 
 
 , sees the combat of Tancred and Argantes, vi. 453. 
 , her fears for Tancred, ib. 467. 
 , dresses herself in Clorinda's armour, ib. 646. 
 
 goes out at the gate by night, ib. 673. 
 
 sends a messenger to Tancred, ib. 699. , >«iJt. 
 
 her impatience and solicitude, ib. 723. l£|tt<^ 
 
 is discovered by the light of the moon, ib. tVsT 
 
 is assailed by Poliphemes, and flies, ib. 762. 
 
 her speech to a sbepherd, ib. 49. 
 
 is in Armida's tent, and discovers Vafrino,xix. 530. 
 
 leaves the Pagan camp with him, ib. 82. 
 
 gives him an account of the design against God- 
 frey's life, ib. 588. 
 
 relates the particulars of her early love for Tan- 
 
 :red,ib. 617. 
 
 Snds Tancred wounded, ib. 685. 
 
 ler grief and lamentation, ib. 713. 
 
 •ecovers Tancred from his swoon, ib. 758. 
 
 wdertakes the care of bis wounds, ib. 780. 
 Y
 
 *8S INDEX. 
 
 Eustatius departs from the camp by night, to follow 
 
 Armida, V. 573. 
 . . his contest with Rambaldo, ib. 3 79. 
 . , confined with the rest of the knights in Armida'» 
 
 castle, and released by Rinaldo, x. 430 — 530. 
 . . wounded in the ditch at the assault of the town, 
 
 xi. 413. 
 . . is helped by Rinaldo to mount the walls, iviil 
 
 534. (See Champions.) 
 
 F. 
 
 Forest, the felling of trees in a forest described, iil 
 
 575. 
 , . description of one supposed to be the resort 
 
 witches and evil spirits, xiii. 9. 
 Fortuiiate Islands, described, iv. 2S7. 
 Fmintain of laughter, its dreadful effects, xiv. 437. 
 ..further described, v. 415. 
 
 Gabriel, the angel, sent to Godfrey, i. 81. 
 
 , . his figure and descent described, ib. 99. 
 
 Gades, xv. 17 4. 
 
 Gallus, killed by Clorinda, ix. 530. 
 
 Gascons, appointed by Godfrey to block up David 
 
 tover, XX. 43. 
 . . aji^Attacked by Solyman in a s?.lly from the foi 
 
 ib". 513. 
 . . retreat before the Pagans, ib. 54 G. 
 ,. rally and make themselves masters ofthetaw< 
 
 ib. 578. 
 Gentonio, killed by Altaraoius. xx. 956. 
 Gemando, is jealous of Rinaldo** aspiring to t 
 
 command of the adventurers, ib, 1 26. 
 . . his discontent increased by the influence of a I 
 
 mon, ib. 134. 
 , . exasperates Rinaldo by his calumnies, ib. 568. 
 .. is killed by him, ib. 231. 
 Gernier, demands to tight wi«h Argante», vii, 48 
 . . woucded by Clorinda, ix. 531-
 
 INDEX. 493 
 
 Gemier killed by Tisaphernes, xx. 747. 
 Gerrards, two, one of them killed by Ti=apliernes,ib. 
 Gilbert, killed by Ariadenus, ix, 316. 
 Gildippe, described with Edward, by Erminia, iii. 
 
 308. 
 . . demands to fight with Argantes, vii. 494. 
 . . makes a great slaughter of the Pagans, ix. 549. 
 . . at the first encounter of the Christian and 
 
 Egyptian armies, kills Hircanes, xx. 203. 
 . . kills Zopyrus, Alarcus, and Argeus, ib. 209. 
 . . is killed by SoljTnan, ib. 628. 
 God/rej/, characterised, i. 61. 
 . . receives a divine injunction, by an Angel, to call 
 
 a council of the Christian generals, ib. 117. 
 . . is elected commander in chief of all the Christian 
 
 forces, ib. 247. 
 , . marches with the army towards Jerusalem, ib. 55 7. 
 . . grants a peace to the King of Tripoli, ib. 5 71. 
 . . gives audience to Alethes and Argantes, ambassa- 
 dors from Egypt, ii. 458. 
 , . dismisses the ambassadors with presents, ii. 697. 
 . . visits Dudon's body, iii. 507. 
 . . sends workmen to the forest, to fell the trees for 
 
 making engines, ib. 567. 
 . . recommends to the adventurers to choose a leader 
 
 in Dudou's place, v. 15. * 
 
 . . determines to call Rinaldo to an account for Ger- 
 
 nando's death, ib. 2 70. 
 . . causes ten champions to be chosen by lot, to assist 
 
 Armida, ib. 521. 
 
 dismisses them, ib. 655. 
 . . receives iii news from the fleet, ib. 617. 
 . . endeavours to encourage his army, ib. 641 
 ..accepts Argantes' challenge to the Christians, 
 139. 
 
 . appoints Tancred to fight Argantes, ib. 190. 
 , . hears Vrgantes' fresh challenge, vii. 417. 
 . . causes the champion to be fixed by lot, ib. 61 1. 
 
 , presents Raymond with a sword, ib. 535, 
 Y2
 
 49* INDEX. 
 
 Godfrey sees Raymond wounded bj treachery, and 
 
 urges the troops to revenge it, vii. 746. 
 . . is obli^d to retire to his entrenchments, ib. 870. 
 . . inquires of Alipraudo the particulars of his finding 
 
 Rinaldo's armour, iii. 362. 
 . . hears of the insurrection in the camp, ib. 556. 
 . . causes Argillan to be imprisoned, viii. 604. 
 . . marches to oppose Solyman's incursion, ii. 322. 
 . . encounters him, ib. 371. 
 . . wounds Corcutes and Rosteno, ib. 700. 
 . . kills Selim and Rosano, ib. 7fll. 
 , . leads the army in solemn procession to invoke the 
 
 assistance of Heaven, xi. 39. 
 . . his orders and dispositions for the assault of the 
 
 town, ib. 114, 317. 
 . . is wounded by an arrow from Clorinda, ib. 370. 
 , . his wound is healed by an angel, ib. 464. 
 . , encounters Argautes, ib. 534. 
 . . gives over the attack at the approach of night, 
 
 ib. 560. 
 . . with the rest of the leaders, endeavours to comfort 
 
 Tancred, xii. 635. 
 , . is admonished in a dream to recall Rinaldo, xìt. 
 
 91. 
 . . consents to Guelpho's request, that Rinaldo may 
 
 return, ib. 1S3. 
 . . goes to me.'t Rinaldo, ivii. 652. xviii. 1. 
 . . intercepts a letter from the Egyptian general, ib. 
 
 S38, 
 . . his preparations for storming the town, ib. 422. 
 ..forces his way against Solyman, and fixes his 
 standard on the walls, ib. 666. 
 exhorts his companions to tend the sick and 
 wounded, xix. 346. 
 . . is with Raymond wounded, ib. 817. 
 
 draws up his army in order of battle, ix. 37. 
 ..kills Ormond, ib. 2S1. 
 
 encounters Altamorus, ib. 310. 
 , , renews the attack, ib. 476. 
 i
 
 INDEX. 496 
 
 Godfrey kills Rimedon, xx. 936. 
 
 . . kills Eraireoes, ib. 949. 
 
 . . takes Altamorus prisoner, ib. 959. 
 
 . . enters the temple in triumph with his generals, 
 and pays his devotions at the tomb, ib. 993 to 
 the end. 
 
 Granada, TV. 156. 
 
 Guasco, one of the champions drawn by lot to ac- 
 company Armida, v. 336. (See Champions.') 
 
 . . killed by Altamorus, xx. 255. 
 
 Guelpho endeavours to excuse Tancred to God- 
 frey, V. *17. 
 
 . . demands to fight with Arjantes, vii. 487. 
 
 . . goes to oppose the Pagans, ix. 347. 
 
 . . wounds Clorinda, ib. 557. 
 
 ..kills Osmida, ib. 561. 
 
 . . is wounded at the assault of the town, xi. 408. 
 
 . . appoints Ubald and Charles the Dane to be the 
 messengers to recall him, xiv. 40. 
 
 Giarfos, two, demand to fight with Argaates,xii.488. 
 
 . . one of them is wounded by Argantes, ib. 779. 
 
 . . one killed by Altamorus, xx. 255. 
 
 H. 
 
 Heaven, the condition of the blessed there, ix. 433. 
 
 . . the glories of it, xiv. 25. 
 
 . . the permanent happiness of its inhabitants op- 
 posed to the vanities of the earth, ib. 65. 
 
 IfleU, description of it, iv. 1. 
 
 Henry (the Frank) one of the Champions drawn by 
 lot to accompany Armida, v.- 539. (See Cham- 
 pions.) 
 
 Henry (of England) killed by Dragutes, ix, 314. 
 
 Hermit, Christian, fin<]s Charles the Dane among his 
 slain companions, and miraculously heals his 
 wounds, vili. 1S2. 
 
 . . gives him Sweno's sword, and enjoins him to de- 
 liver it to Rinaldo, ib. 244. 
 
 . , entertain? him in his cell, ib. 295.
 
 49« INDEX. 
 
 Hircaìies, Solilan of Ormus killed by Gildippe, xx. 
 
 203. 
 Holiphernei, killed bjDiagutes, ix. 314. 
 Hugo appears to Godfrey in a dream, xiv. 31. 
 . . bis discourse with him, ib. 47. 
 . . advises him to recall Rinaldo, ib. 91. 
 . . is seen by Godfrey to assist in the storming of 
 
 Jerusalem, xviii. 644. 
 Hymn sung by the Christians in the procession, xi. 
 
 47. 
 
 Jerusalem., sovemedby Aladine, i. fi5!3. 
 
 . . fortined by him, upon the approach of the Chris- 
 tians, ib. 67 5. 
 
 . . assaulted by the Christians, xi. 933. 
 
 . . bravely defended by Solymaa and Argantes, 
 ib. 1S6, 341. 
 
 . . attacked, and taken by storm, rviii. 454, to the 
 end. 
 
 Jordan, ili. 436. vii. 19. 
 
 Judea, XV. 1^7. 
 
 Inscription on Dudon's tomb, iii. 566. 
 
 . . on a mirble pillar, xiv. 420. 
 
 Ishmael, wounded by Gildippe, xx. 317. 
 
 Island, Rinaldo decoyed to one by Armida, xiv. 
 412. 
 
 Ismeno persuades Aladine to convey the Image of 
 the Virgin from the temple to the mosque, ii. 17. 
 
 . . accosts Solymau, x. 47. 
 
 . . heals his wounils, ib. 91 . 
 
 . . conducts him in an enchanted chariot to Jerasa- 
 lem, and conceals him in a cloud, ib. 95. 
 
 . . fcrctellN the ruin of the Christian empire in Pa- 
 lestine, ib. l.SO. 
 
 . . removes the cloud, and discovers him to the as- 
 sembly, ih, 349. 
 
 . . receives srreat honours from Aladine, ib. 387. 
 
 . . furnishes Argantes and Clorinda with fire to burn 
 the Christian tower, xii. 329.
 
 INDEX. ■ 48'. 
 
 Ismeno stands on the walls, with two magicians, at 
 
 the attack, iii. 592. 
 . . is killed by a stone from an engine, ib. 60*. 
 
 K. 
 
 King of Tripoli (in SjTia) makes peace with the 
 Christians, i. 571. 
 
 Latiiiuk-, with his five sons, attacks Solyman, ix. 209. 
 
 . . is killed by him, ib. 395. 
 
 . . Laureates (one of Latiaus' sons) with his father 
 
 and brothers, attacks Solyman, ib. 233. 
 . . is killed by him, ib, 26j. 
 . . killed by Argillan, ib. 646. 
 Lebanon, i. 113. 
 Lilybaum, xv. 138. 
 Lion opposes Ubald and Charles, in their ascent to 
 
 Armida's palace, xv. 375. 
 . . is put to flight, ib. 380. 
 
 M. 
 
 Magician. (See Ismeno.) 
 
 . . (Christian) addresses the two knights who are sent 
 
 to recall Rinaldo, xiv. 353. 
 . , causes a river to divide, and conducts them to 
 
 his subterraneous palace, ib. 266. 
 . . relates to them the particulars of Rinaldo's being 
 
 ensnared by Armida, ih. 369—514. 
 . . instructs them how to release him from her en- 
 chantments, ib. 515. 
 . . meets them at their return to Palestine, xvii. 
 
 416, 
 , . foretells the future glory of Alphonso of Estè, 
 
 conducts the warriors within Sight of the camp, 
 
 and then leaves them, ib. 578. 
 Mahomet, killed by Dudon, iii. 330. 
 Malta, XV. 130. 
 Marmarique, XV. 121. 
 Mauritania, ÌÌ). 153.
 
 ♦ss INDEX. 
 
 tTetamorphosis of Christian knights into fisht», i. 
 
 473. 
 . . of nymphs into Cyclops, xviii. 238. 
 i/ic/iae/, the archangel, his devcnt described, ix. 466. 
 . . addresses the Demons, and compels them to retire, 
 
 ib. 4S7. 
 . . appears to Godfrey, and shews him the celestial 
 
 army en^ged on his side, rviii. 628. 
 Morocco, XV. 16S. 
 
 Mulasses, his station in the Eeryptian army, xx. 141. 
 . . and Agricaltes killed by Ai^iian, ix. 610. 
 
 N. 
 
 Wumidia, xv. 149. 
 
 O. 
 
 Ulderico, one of the Champions drawn by lot to ac- 
 company Armida, v. 937. (See Champions.) 
 
 Olindo, his love to Sophronia, ii. 107. 
 
 . . sees her condemned to he burned, ib. 200. 
 
 . . desires to suffer in her stead, ib. 508. 
 
 . . is sentenced to die with her, and bound to the 
 same stake, ib. 236. 
 
 . . bewails their misfortune, ib. 248. 
 
 . . is released at the intercession of Clorinda, and 
 marries Sophronia, ib. 404. 
 
 ..is sent with her into exile, ib. 412. (See So- 
 phronia.) 
 
 Olirei, mount, the Christians pay their devotions on 
 it, xi. 71. 
 
 . . Rinaldo ascends it, xviii. SI. 
 
 Oran, xv. ^59. 
 
 Orcanes, his invidious speech in Aladine's council, 
 X. 977. 
 
 . . is threateneil by the Soldan, ib. 358. 
 
 Orwano opposes Argante?, vii. 774. 
 
 . .kil!«lby him, ib. 7H0. 
 
 Ormond is killed by Godfrey, xx. 2S1. 
 
 Orontes, xiv. 413. 
 
 Osmida killed by Guelpho, ix. 4G2.
 
 INDEX. éS9 
 
 Otho fights with Argantes, and is overcome, vi. 216. 
 
 P. 
 
 Pagans ia Jerusalem, their coasternation at the ap- 
 proach of the Christian army, i. 615. 
 
 . . make a sally from the town, iii. 95, 254. 
 
 , . repulsed by the Christians, ib. 324. 
 
 . , eiicouuter the Christians, vii. 752. 
 
 . . compel the Christians to retire to their entrench- 
 ments, ib. 866 to the end. 
 
 ..sally from tlie town to assist the Arab?, ix. 331. 
 
 . . their grief and consternation at Cloriuda's death, 
 xii. 747. 
 
 . . their defensive operations at the second assault, 
 xviii. 4S0, 510, 564. 
 
 . . part of them retire to Solomon's temple, xix. 220. 
 
 , . the temple being forced open by Rinaldo, they 
 are terribiy slaughtered, ib. 252. 
 
 . , part oP them fortify themselves in David's tower, 
 ib. 260. 
 
 . . sally from David's tower, xx. 503. 
 
 . . are entirely defeated, ib. 680. 
 
 Palamedes killed by an arrow from Clorinda, xi, 
 311. 
 
 Paphia, XV. 101. 
 
 Peter, the hermit, in council with the ChristiaB 
 leaders, i. 223. 
 
 . . his speech to them, ib. 227. 
 
 . , foretells the glory of Rinaldo's posterity, x. 6S1. 
 
 . . reproves Tancred for his excess of grief at CIo» 
 rind^'s death, xii. 643. 
 
 . . directs Charles and Ubald what course they are 
 to take to find Rinaldo, xiv. 221. 
 
 , . his speech and counsel to Rinaldo at his return, 
 xviii. 39. 
 
 Pharos, xv. 115. 
 
 Philip, killed by Ariadenus, ix. 316. 
 
 Prius (one of Latinus's sons) with his father and 
 brothers, attacks Solyman, ib. 233. 
 
 . , killed by hira, ib. 265. 
 Y6
 
 490 INDEX. 
 
 Pilot, miraculou?, appears to Charles aud Lbald, 
 
 XV. 2i. 
 ..comers them tlirougli the Mediterranean to the 
 
 Fortunate Islands, ib. 63 — 274. 
 ..shews them the fleet and armj of the Caliph, 
 
 ib. 'It. 
 . . loretells the discoveries of Columbus, ib. 216. 
 . . sets the knights on shore at Armida'sisland, ib.323. 
 Pint-, enrasred at the success of the Christians, iv. 1 . 
 . . calls a council ol the infernal powers, ib. 11. 
 . . his person described, ib. 43. 
 Praijer of Raymond before his fight with Anrantes, 
 
 vii. 5GS. 
 . . of Godfrey at the insurrection in the camp, viii. 
 
 Proceaiun, religious, made by the Christians to im- 
 plore the assistance of Heaven, xi. 25. 
 PtottmaiK, XV. 123. 
 Pi^rrhus demands to light with Argantes, vii. 4S9. 
 
 Q. 
 
 Queen of Ethiopia confined by her husband's jea- 
 lousy, xii. 168. 
 
 . . 16 delivered of Clorinda, ib. ISl. 
 
 . . gives the infant to her eunuch to be brought up, 
 ib. 193. 
 
 R, 
 
 Ramhalc'.o, one of the champions drawn by lot to 
 accompany Armida, v. 64i>. 
 
 ..arrives with the rest of the knights at .Axmida's 
 castle, X. 44S. 
 
 . . renounces his religion, and espouses the Pagan 
 cause, X. 503. 
 
 . . stands at the entrance of Armida's castle, and 
 defies Tancred, vii. i30. 
 
 . . fichi» with him, ib. 276. 
 
 ,. is kaved by the interposition of Armida, ib. 43*. 
 
 Raymond approves Godfrey's design of calling Ri- 
 naldo to account for G^rnando's deatb, v. 286.
 
 INDEX. • 491 
 
 Raymond dìs%na.ùes Godfrey from fighting Ar^antes, 
 aud resolves to fight l;iin himself, vii. 418. 
 
 . . is chosen by lot for the combat, ib. 516. 
 
 . . receives a sword from Godfrej-, ib. 525. 
 
 . . protected by an angel, ib. 60 j — 670. 
 
 . . meets Argautes, ib. PI 2. 
 
 . . is ^Feacherously wounded by an arrow, ib. 636. 
 
 . . is felled by a stone, xi. 411. 
 
 , . endeavours to gain the pass at David's tower 
 xix. 292. 
 
 . . is defended by Tancred, xx. 550. 
 
 . . kills Aladine, ib. 584. 
 
 . . plants the standard on David's tower, ib. 600. 
 
 Riiinocera, xv. 104. 
 
 Rhodes, ib. 117. 
 
 Ridolphus, one of the champions drawn by lot to 
 accompany Armida, v. 537. (See Champions.') 
 
 . . killed by Argantes, vii. 865. 
 
 Rìmedoìi flies with the Egyptian standard, xx. 722. 
 
 . . returns to the battle, ib. 734. •> 
 
 . . is killed by Godfrey, ib. 935. 
 
 Rinaldo characti^rised, i. 2é. 
 
 . . described by Erminia, iii. 282. 
 
 . . fells Argantes, ib, 318. 
 
 . . exhorts the adventurers to revenge Dudon's death 
 jb. 378. 
 
 . . is exasperated at Gernando's calumnies, v. 192. 
 
 . . kills him, ib. 212. 
 
 . . nrms, and determines not to surrender himself to 
 Godfrey, ib. 323. 
 
 . . rescues the Christian knights that were made pri- 
 soners by Armida, x. 515. 
 
 . . is enticed by Armida into an island, xiv. 413. 
 
 . . is lulled asleep by a SjTen's song, ib. 479. 
 
 . . is carried away by Armida, in her chariot, to aa 
 island in a remote part of the world, ib. 499. 
 
 . , leaves the gardens with his conductor, zvi. 249. 
 
 . . is pursued by Armida, ib. 273. 
 
 . . endeavours, in vain, to pacify her^ ib. 365.
 
 *93 INDEX. 
 
 Rinaldo leaves her, and sets sail for Faleslin?, xvi. 
 
 437. xvii. 3S2. 
 . . lands in Palestine, ib, ST?. 
 
 . . is welcomed bj the Magician, who had entertain- 
 ed Charles and Ubald, and is presented by him 
 
 with a suit cf armour, ib. 421. 
 . . hears the account of the sculptures on his shield, 
 
 ib. 461 — 561. 
 . . is conducted by the hermit within sijht of the 
 
 camp, xvi. 578. 
 . . arrives at the csmp, and is graciously received by 
 
 Godfrey, xviii. 1. 
 . . sees a nymph io the likeness of Armida, ib. 169. 
 , . cuts down a myrtle, and dissolves the enchant- 
 ment, ib. 238. 
 . . leads the adventurers to the assault of the town, 
 
 ib. 506. 
 . . makes a dreadfal slaughter of the Pagans in the 
 
 city, jffx. 910, 
 . . breaks open the gate of Solomon's temple with a 
 
 fast beam, ib. 23 S. 
 ..•with Godfrey, compels Solymaa to retreat into 
 
 David's tower, ib. 511. 
 . . defeats the Egyptians, Moors, and Arabians, &c. 
 
 XX. 350. 
 . . kills Assimirus, ib. 356. 
 . . passes by Armida's chariot, ib. iOé'. 
 . . is shot at by Armida, ib. 420. 
 . . fights with, and kills Adrastus, ib. 676. 
 . . kills Sol3man, ib. 702. 
 . . fights with, and kills Tisaphernes, ib. 765. 
 . . follows Armida, ib. 813. 
 Roberts, two, their station in the Christian army, 
 
 ib. 57. 
 , , engage Adrartus and Emirenes, ib. 319. 
 . . one of them wounded by Emirenes, and one taken 
 
 prisoner by Adrastus, ib. 469. 
 Rosero demands to fight with Argantes, vii. 4S7. 
 . , opposes Argaates, ib. 773.
 
 INDEX. 49S 
 
 Rogero i? overthrown by him, vii. ISO. 
 . . killed by Tisaphernes, xx. 747. 
 Rasano killed by Go.ifie}-, ix. 702. 
 Rosmondo killed by Altamorus, xx. 248. 
 Rosteno wounded by GodiVey, ix. 700. 
 Rousilltrn, one of the champions drawn by lot, to 
 accompany Armida, v. 38. (See Champions.) 
 
 Sdbinus (one of Latinus's sons) with his father and 
 
 brothers, attacks Solyman, ix. 233. 
 . .killed by him, ib. 257. 
 Saladine killed by Argillan, ib. 609. 
 Samaria, ili. 483. 
 Siege, operations offensive and defensive at the sie?e 
 
 of Jerusalem, xi. 172 to the end. xviii. 314 — 
 
 328, 426 to Vie end. 
 Sardinia, xv. 148. 
 Sclin killed by Godfrey, ix. 701. 
 Serpent, opposes Ubald and Charles in their ascent 
 
 to Armida's palace, xv. 359. 
 Sforza, in the review, i. 416. 
 Shepherd, with his sons, feeding sheep, on the banks 
 
 of the river Jordan, vii. 39. 
 . . is accosted by Ermhiia, ib. 45. 
 . . relates to her the story of his life, ib. 56. 
 . . entertains her in his cottage, and receives her 
 
 among the shepherds, ib. 119. 
 Sigerò commands the Christians, in Godfrey's narae, 
 
 to retire from the field, iii. 402. 
 . . killed by Argantes, xi. 550. 
 Similes, instruction conveyed in verse — to physic 
 
 sweetened to deceive children, i. 21. 
 . . Rinaldo's early virtues — to trees yielding fruit 
 
 and blossoms at the same time, ib. 439. 
 . , his person — to Mars and Cupid, ib. 441. 
 . , the joy of the Christian army at the sound of 
 
 drums and trumpets bei'ore their march — to that 
 
 of husbandmen at the noise of thunder, which 
 
 fore-runs rain, ib. 63 7.
 
 [ 
 
 49* INDEX. 
 
 St7ni(€s, the march of the Christian army — to the 
 
 inundation of a river, i. 561. 
 . . Argantes declaring war — ^to Nimrod, ib. 689. 
 . . the joj of the Christian army at the sight of 
 
 Jerusalem — to that of sailors at the prospect of 
 
 land, iii. 25. 
 . . Cloriada's hair tinged with blood from her wound 
 
 — to rubies set in gold, ib. 230. 
 . , Clorinda flying from the Christians — to a bull 
 
 pursued by dogs, ib. 142. 
 . , Pluto's greaning — to the bellowing of a bull, 
 
 17. 67. 
 . . his eyes — to a comet, ib. 51, 
 . . his mouth — to a whirlpool, ib. 55. 
 . . his speaking — to the eruptions of mount Etna, ' 
 
 ib. 57. 
 . . the Demons rushing from hell — to tempests 
 
 bursting from their caves, ib. 1*3. 
 . . Armida's appearance in the Christian cau^p — ito 
 
 a blazing star, ib. 2-25. 
 . . her lock; — to sun-beams, ib. 234. 
 . . her tears — to pearls in the sun, ib. 547. 
 . . Rinaldo armed— to Mars attended by Rage and 
 
 Terror, v. 328. 
 . . Argantes defying the Christians— to Enceladus or 
 
 GoUath, vi. 178. 
 . . the inarticulate rage of Argantes — to the roaring 
 
 of wild beasts, or the noise of thunder, ib. 286. 
 , . Erminia flying from the Christians— to a hind 
 
 flying from the hounds, ib. 766. 
 . . the Christian knights returning from the pursuit of 
 
 Erminia — to dogs quitting the field, when they 
 have lost scent of the game, "vii. 7. 
 . , Tancred taken prisoner in Armida's castle — to 
 
 fishes caught in a net, ib. 33 7. 
 . . Argantes armed for the battle— to a comet, ib. 
 
 581. 
 . . Raymond — to a snake casting his skin, ib. 523. 
 . . Argantes worsted in tlie fight— to a ship shattered 
 by storms, ib. 700.
 
 INDEX. 495 
 
 Similes, an insurrection of the army — to liquor 
 boiling over in a vessel, viii. 54*. 
 
 . . Soljman's fury in attacking the Christian camp- 
 to storms, floods, lightning, and earthqualies, ir. 
 169. 
 
 , . the battle in suspense— to the billews of the sea 
 driven to and fro by contrary winds, ix. i03. 
 
 . . flying from the field — to a wolf diiven from the 
 fold, X. 9. 
 
 . . Clorinda on the battlements — to Diana, xi. 197. 
 
 . . Clorinda retiring from the field — to a wolf, xii. 
 393. 
 
 . , Tancred's grief being increased by admonition — 
 to a wound receiving fresh pain from being probed 
 by the surgeon, ib. 641. 
 
 . . the terror of the Christians at entering the en- 
 chanted wood-— to that of children at the ap- 
 proach of night, xiii. 129. 
 
 . . a Magician walking on the water—to peasants 
 skaiting on the ice, xiv. 249. 
 
 . . the two knights lifted up by the tide— -to leaves 
 rising with the stream, xv. 21. 
 
 . . Armida's labyrinth— to the windings of the river 
 Meander, xvi. 66. 
 
 , . the sands of the desert— to the waves of the sea, 
 xvii. 6. 
 '. the Calipn on his throne"-to a figure of Jupiter, 
 
 by Phidias or Apelles, ib. 73. 
 . Rinaldo's vest assuming a fresh lustre — to a ser- 
 pent casting his slough, or a fiower reviving with 
 the dew, xviii. 1G9. 
 
 . the combat of Tancred and Argantes— to the 
 engagement of two ships, xix. 83. 
 . the shout of the Pagans— to the noise of crares, 
 
 XX. 11. 
 , Solyman slaughtering the Christians — to a wolf, 
 ib. 516— to a bird of prey, ib. 618. 
 , . Solyman's sudden rushing into the field— 1« 
 lightning, ib. 612.
 
 496 INDEX. 
 
 Solj/man, late sovereiga of the Turk?, his character 
 
 and former dominions, ix. 19. 
 . . is incited by Alecto to attack the Christians by 
 
 night, ib. 57. 
 . . marches toward their camp, ib. 97. 
 . . begins the assault, ib. 1 69. 
 . . is assailed by Latinus and bis fi?e sons, ib. 933 
 . . kills his eldest son, ib. 2 17. 
 . . kills Aramantes, Sabiau?, Ficus, and Laorentes, 
 
 ib. 349,257,265. 
 . . is wounded by Latinus, ib. 289. 
 . , kills Latinus, ib. 293. 
 ..kills Argillan, ib. 677. 
 
 . . is accosted in his way to Gaza by Ismeno, ib. 45 
 . . is conducted by him in an enchanted chariot to 
 
 Jerusalem, x. 95. 
 . . is led by him through a subterraneous passage 
 
 into the council hall, where he stands concealed 
 
 in a cloud, and hears the debates, ib. 200. 
 . . defends the city, xi. 186, 340. 
 . . sallies on the Christians with Argantes, ib. 437 
 . . takes his post against Godfrey, at the last attacl 
 
 of the town, xviii. -3 GO. 
 . , retreats, -with part of the Pagan's, to David- 
 tower, xix. 260. 
 . . retn-es into the fort at the appearance of Gtodfre; 
 
 and Rinaldo, ib. :J26. 
 . . fram the summit of the tower sees the Christiar 
 
 aad Egyptian armies engaged, xx. 483, 
 . . fells llaymond again, ib. 5-24. 
 . . rushes into the main battle, ib. 684. 
 . . kills Edward and Gildippe, ib. 628. 
 Song of a S>Ten to Rinaldo, xiv. 454. 
 . . of a nymph to Charles and Ubald, xv. 467. 
 , . of nymphs in the enchanted wood to Rinaldo '• 
 
 xviii. 189. 
 Sophro7iia, her character, ii. 99. 
 . . goes to the King, and accuses herself of havini 
 
 stolen the image of the Virgin Mary from th 
 
 laosque^ ib. 1j6,
 
 INDEX. 497 
 
 9ophronia is condemned to die, il. 199. 
 
 . . endeavours to dissuade Olindo from his purpos» 
 
 of suffering with her, lb. 2"22. 
 . counsels hira at the stake, ib. 26S. 
 . is released at the intercession of Clorinda, and 
 
 marries Olindo, ib, 40*. 
 . is sent with him into exile, ib. 412. 
 Jpeech of the Angel Gabriel to Godfrey, i. 123. 
 , of Aladine, ii. 93. 
 
 . of Argantes, insulting the Christians, xi. 419, 
 . of Argantes and Clorinda, on a design to burn 
 
 the Christian tower, xii. 17^* seq. 
 , of Ismene, invoking the Demons, xiii. 45, 66. 
 . of Hugo, in a dream to Godfrey, xiv. r>5. 
 . of the Caliph of Egypt to Emirenes, on giving him 
 
 the command of the army, xvii. 274. 
 . of Rinaldo and Godfrey, at their meeting, xviii. 
 
 1 ^' seq. 
 , of Alethes to Godfrey, persuading him to give 
 
 over his design against Jerusalem, xviii. 472. 
 
 of Erminia, describing the Christian commanders, 
 
 iii. 145, 287, 449. 
 , of Pluto to the infernal council, iv. 65. 
 . of Godfrey, Eustatius, and Rinaldo, v. 15 ^' seq. 
 
 of Argantes to Aladine, desiring a single combat 
 
 with one of the Christians, vi. 17. 
 
 of tlie shepherd to Erminia, vii. 56. 
 
 of ArgaT3tes, defying the whole Christian army, 
 
 vii. i37. 
 
 of Charles the Dane to Godfrey, relating the death 
 
 of Sweno, viii. 35—311. 
 
 of Alecto to Solyman, inciting him to attack the 
 
 Christian camp, ix. 65. 
 
 of the Archangel Michael to the Demons, ib. 491. 
 
 of Ismeno and Solyman, x. 47 Sf seq. 
 
 of Peter, prophesying the glory of llinaldo's pos- 
 terity, ib. 541. 
 
 of Tanc^ed and Argantes, before their last com- 
 bat, xix. 13 ty seq. 
 
 3f Godfrey, to his army before the battle, xx. ST.
 
 *»S INDEX. 
 
 Step/ien, earl of Amboise, killed by aa arrow from ^ 
 Clorinda, x5. 29S. 
 
 Su-eno, prince of Denmark, his impatience to joia 
 Godfrey, vii. 39. 
 
 . . marches with a select body of friends, from hi' 
 father's court, ib. 54. 
 
 . . encamps near Palestine, ib. 89. 
 
 . . hears of a numerous army of Arabians advancing 
 towards him, ib. 91. 
 
 . . his behaviour and speech to his companions there- 
 upon, ib. 95. 
 
 , . his camp is attacked in the night, ib. 11?. 
 
 . . his death, ib. 166. 
 
 . . his body is miraculously enclosed in a tomb, ib, 
 229. 
 
 Syren, rises out of a river, xiv. 439. 
 
 , . her song to Rinaldo, ib. 4j5. 
 
 T. 
 
 Tancred characterised, i. 67. 
 
 . . the particulars of his falling in love with Clo 
 
 rinda, ib. 532. 
 . . encounters Clorinda, iiL 1I;9. 
 . . pursues a soldier that wounds her, ib. 222. 
 , . supports his troops, and overthrows the Pagans 
 
 ib. 2 72. 
 . . pleads with GJodfrey in Rinaldo's excuse, v. 262 
 . . persuades Rit.aldo to retire from the camp, ibi f 
 
 331. 
 . . is proof against the charms of Armida, ib. 469. 
 . . is conducted to Armida's castle, vii. 206. 
 . . fights with Rambaldp, ib. 2T3. 
 . . is made prisoner by enchantment, ib. 333. 
 . . returns to the camp with the rest of the Christia 
 
 knights, ix. 713. 
 . . pursues Clorinda, not knowing her, xii, 397. 
 . . fights with her, ib. 413. 
 . . desires to know her name, ib. 459. 
 , , mortally wounds her, ib. 487. 
 . , gives her baptism, ib. 513.
 
 INDEX. 49» 
 
 "itncrer}, hi» distraction at knowing her, xii. 519, 
 
 536. 
 . falls in a swoon by her side, ib. 539. 
 . is carried with her to his tent, ib. 553. 
 . laments her death, ib. 569, SI J. 
 . is rebuked by Peter for his excessive grief, ib. 643. 
 . is comforted by Clorinda, who appears to bim in 
 
 a dream, ib. 679. 
 . causes her to be buried, ib. 706. t 
 
 his speech at her tomb, ib. 723. 
 . enters the wooJ, xiii. 241. 
 . sees an inscription on a cypress, ib. 272. 
 . attempts to cat down the tree, ib. 294. 
 . sees blood issue, and hears a voice from the trunk, 
 
 ib. 296. 
 
 returns to the camp without dissolving the en- 
 chantment, ib. SIS. 
 
 offers his squire to be &ent as a spy to the Egyp- 
 tian cami», xviii. 384. 
 
 is reproached by Argantes with breach of faith, 
 
 xix. 9. 
 I defies him, and retires with Inm from the walls, 
 
 to engage in single combat, ib. 21. 
 ■ their combat described, ib. 69. 
 , makes offers of peace to Argantes, ib. 133. 
 .kills him, io. 17 6. 
 
 faints away with the loss of blood, ib. 184. 
 
 is recovered from his swoon by Erminia, ib. 768. 
 
 hears the tumult of the battle from the place 
 
 where he lies ill of his wounds, sallies forth, and 
 
 defends Raymond, xx. 548. 
 itinun, leader of the Greeks, murmurs against 
 
 Godfrey, xiii. 482. 
 i^igranes, killed by Dudon, iii. 332. 
 isaphernes, bis contentions with Adrastus con- 
 cerning Armida, xvii. 344. xix. 4:; 2. 
 
 his station in the Egyptian army, xx. 145. 
 
 his valour, ib. 324. 
 
 disperses the Normans and Flemings, ib. 745. 
 
 kills Gernier, Gerrard, and Rogero, ib. 747.
 
 iOO INDEX. 
 
 Tisaphernes attacks Rinaldo, xx. 75S. 
 
 . . sees Armida fly from the field, ib. 7 99. 
 
 . . is killed by Rinaldo, ib. SO 7. 
 
 Tortosa, i. 47. 
 
 Tower, batteredby the Pagans, xi. 326, 678. 
 
 . . burnt by Arg-antes and Clorinda, xii. 349. 
 
 . . particular description of one, xviii. 330. (i 
 
 Eitgines.) 
 Tripoli, XT. 199. 
 Tiaiis, ib, 133. 
 
 U. V. 
 
 Ubald is appointed with Charles the Dane to go 
 
 search of Rinaldo, iv. ■203. 
 . . enters into the miraculous bark with Charles, : 
 
 23. 
 . . converses with the pilot, ib. 203, 212. 
 . . enters the palace, and reproaches Rinaldo wi 
 
 effeminacy, xvi. 227. (See Charles.) 
 Vqfiiiio, Tancred's squire, is sent as a spy to t 
 
 Egyptian camp, xviii. 392. 
 . . overbears a conversation between Emirene^ 
 
 Ormoud, xix. 406. 
 . . sees Armida with her lovers in her tent, ib. 4 
 . . finds Tancred wounded, ib. 687. 
 . . causes him to be carried to the city, ib. 783. 
 . .gives Godf^rey an account of his discoveries i 
 
 Egyptian camp, ib. 825. 
 Vihcislaus, one of the champions drawn by ' 
 
 accompany Armida, v. 529. (See Champi 
 Voice heard by Tancred, when taken prisoner iv 
 
 mida's castle, vii. 345. 
 . . heard by Tancred from the trunk of a tree, 
 
 301. 
 
 W. 
 
 William of England described by Erminia, 
 
 483. 
 , . relates the adventure of the Christian knights i 
 
 Armida's castle, x. 430.
 
 INDEX, 501 
 
 William wounded by Clorinda, xi. 2S7. 
 . . of Lig-uria, sends advice from the fleet to God- 
 frey, V. 617. 
 , J^eaves the ships, and joins the land forces, xviii. 
 
 290. 
 
 .his skill in mechanics, ib. 294. 
 . gives directions for making military engines, ib. 
 296. ' 
 Vood (enchanted,) guarded by dreadful apparitions, 
 I and surrounded 
 I with fiery walls, xiii. 193. 
 .entered by Tancred, ib. 227. 
 .fine description of it, xviii. Ill — 160. (See 
 Ceiiions, Forest, &c.) 
 
 THE END, 
 
 lid R. Baldwiu, Printers, 
 r Bridge-street, London.
 
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