UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGELES JERUSALEM DELIVERED; AN HEROIC POEM. 4 97 7 i /ha- thrift/*- TOTRQATO TASSO. >/>/-r>/// a !<<"*<( H<_ JERUSALEM DELIVERED; A N HEROIC POEM. TRANSLATED FROM THE ITALIAN OF TORQUATO TASSO, By JOHN H L E. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. I. THE EIGHTH EDITION, WITH NOTES. LONDON: PRINTED BY T. BENSLEY, BOLT COURT, FLEET STREET, FOR J. JOHNSON ; CUTHELL AND MARTIN; OTRIDGE AND SONJ J.WALKER; R.LEA; J.NUNN; LACKINGTQN, ALLEN, AND CO.; LONGMAN AND REES; CADELL AND DAVIES; VERNOR AND HOOD; J. MAWMAN J AND W.J. AND J. RICHARDSON. 1803. E%\ H7 \J- I TO THE QUEEN. Madam, JL o approach the High and the Illuftrious has been, in all ages, the privilege of Poets ; and though Tranflators cannot juftly claim the fame honour, yet they naturally follow their Authors as Attendants ; and I hope that, in return for having enabled Tasso to diffufe his fame through the Britifh Dominions, I may be introduced by him to the prefence of Your Majesty. Tasso has a peculiar claim to Your Ma- jesty's favour, as a Follower and Panegyrift of the Houfe of Este, which has one common Anceftor with the Houfe of Hanover; and in reviewing his life, it is not eafy to forbear a wifti that he had lived in a happier time, when he might, among the Defcendants of that illuftrious Family, have found a more liberal and potent patronage. I cannot DEDICATION. I cannot but obferve, Madam, how un- equally Reward is proportioned to Merit, when I reflect that the Happincfs, which was with-held from Tasso, is referred for me; and that the Poem, which once hardly pro- cured to its Author the countenance of the Princes of Ferrara, has attracted to its Tranflator the favourable notice of a British Queen. Had this been the fate of Tasso, he would have been able to have celebrated the Conde- fcenfion of Your Majesty in nobler lan- guage, but could not have felt it with more ardent gratitude, than, Madam, Your Majesty's Moft faithful, and Devoted Servant, JOHN HOOLE. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE TRANSLATOR, TO THE FIFTH EDITION. Having completed a tranflation of the Orlando Furioso of Ariosto, with explanatory Notes, and the favourable attention that has been paid to my verfion of Tasso, making it necefTary to give a new edition of the Jerusalem, I thought it expedient to revife the work, and, in order not only to render it more worthy of the public favour, but to give an uniformity to the two publications, I have added to the prefent edition fuch notes as might be ufeful for explaining the hiftorical allu- fions, and fome few other paffages : but as the Jerusalem is in itfelf complete, and wholly inde- pendent of every other poem, in which refpect it has the advantage of the Orlando, and of the three great Poems of Antiquity ; and as the his- torical viii ADVERTISEMENT. torical allufions are rare, compared to thofe of Ariosto, the bulk of the notes will be inconfider- able. It may poflibly at firft be thought, by fome, that I have not dwelt fufficiently on the imitations and ftriking parts of this admirable Poem; but the truth is, I was unwilling to fwell the pages with an unprofitable difplay of criticifm ; and I hope I may add, without the imputation of vanity, that little commentary was required to an author with whom my countrymen are now acquainted. But it appeared to me that much was to be faid, on the introduction of fuch a poem as Ariosto's, to open fully a poetical character fo new and uncommon to the Englifh reader. May 23, 1783. PREFACE. PREFACE. Of all Authors, fo familiarly known by name to the generality of Englifh readers as Taflb, perhaps there is none whofe works have been fo little read ; and the few who have read them, have feldom eftimated them by their own judgment. As fome authors owe much of their re- putation to the implicit acquiefcence of the many in the encomiums beftovved upon them by fome perfon with whom, for whatever reafon, it has been thought honourable to ac- quiefce ; fo others have been rated much below their me- rit, merely becaufe fome fafhionable critic has decried their performances ; and thus it has happened to TafTo. M. Boileau, in one of his fatires, had ridiculed the ab- furdity of " preferring the tinfel of Taflb to the gold of *' Virgil :" this fentiment was hafiily catched up by Mr. Addifon, whofe polite and elegant writings are an honour to our nation, but whofe greatefl excellence was not, per- haps, either poetry or criticifm ; and he has zealoufly de- clared, in one of his Spectators, that " he entirely agrees " with M. Boileau, that one verfe in Virgil is worth all " the tinfel of Taflb." Thefe declarations, indeed, amount to no more than that gold is better than tinfel, and true wit than falfe ; a difcovery which does no great honour to the author: but thofe, who are accuflomed to take things in the grofs, and to adopt the judgment of others becaufe they will not venture to judge for themfelves, have inferred, that all Virgil is gold, and that all Taflb is tinfel ; than which aothing can be more abfurd, whether M. Boileau and Mr. Addifon x PREFACE. Addifon intended the implication or not: it is as true, that the gold of Taflb is better that his tinfel, as that the gold of Virgil is better; and though a verfe of Virgil is better than all Taflb's tinfel, it does not follow that it is alfo bet- ter than Taflb's gold. That Taflb has gold, no man, who wimes to be thought qualified to judge of poetry, will choofe to deny. It will alfo be readily admitted, that he has tin- fel ; but it will be eafy to fliow, not only that the gold pre- ponderates, but that the tinfel, mingled with it, is not in a greater proportion than in many other compofitions, which have received the applaufc of fucceflive ages, and been pre- ferved in the wreck of nations, when almoft every other pofleflion has been abandoned. By tinfel is meant falfe thought, and, perhaps, incredible fiction ; and whoever is acquainted with the writings of Ovid, knows that he abounds with falfe thoughts, that he is continually playing upon words, and that his fictions are in the higheft degree incredible ; yet his Metamor- phoses have ever been held in great eftimation by all judges of poetical merit. But if Taflb's merit is to be decided by authority, may not that of M.Voltaire be oppofed with great propriety to the pedantry of M.Boileau, and the echo of Mr. Addifon? 44 There is (fays he, in his Effay on Epic Poetry) no mo- 44 nument of antiquity in Italy that more deferves the at- 44 tention of a traveller, than the Jerusalem of Taflb. *' Time, which fubverts the reputation of common per- 44 formances, as it were by fap, has rendered that of the 44 Jerusalem more liable and permanent : this poem is 44 now fung in many parts of Italy, as the Iliad was in *' Greece ; and Taflb is placed, without fcruple, by the fide 44 of Homer and Virgil, notwithflanding his defects, and 44 the criticifms of Defpreaux. The Jerusalem appears, 44 in fome refpe&s, to be an imitation of the Iliad ; but if 44 Rinaldo is drawn after Achilles, and Godfrey after Aga- 44 memnon, 1 will venture to fay, that Taflb's copy is much 44 fuperior to the original : in his battles he has as much 44 fire as Homer, with greater variety ; his heroes, like 44 thofe PREFACE. X i " thofe of the Iliad, are difringuifhed by a difference of *' character ; but the characters of TafTo are more fkilfully " introduced, more ftrongly marked, and infinitely better " fuftained; for there is fcarce one in the Iliad that is *' not inconfiftent with itfelf, and not one in the Jerusa- " lem that is not uniform throughout. Taflb has paint- ** ed what Homer only fketched ; he has attained the art of * l varying his tints by different fhades of the fame colour, ** and has diftinguifhed, into different modes, many virtues, " vices, and paffions, which others have thought to be the " fame. Thus the cb.arac~t.eri flic, both of Godfrey and " Aladine, is fagacity, but the modes are finely varied ; in " Godfrey it is a calm circumfpecYive prudence, in Aladine *' a cruel policy. Courage is predominant both in Tan- " cred and Argantes ; but in Tancred it is a generous con- *' tempt of danger, in Argantes a brutal fury : fo love in *' Armida is a mixture of levity and defire ; in Erminia it is " a foft and amiable tendernefs. There is, indeed, no figure " in the picture that does not difcover the hand of a maf- ** ter, not even Peter the hermit, who is finely contrafted " with the enchanter Ifmeno ; two characters, which are " furely very much fuperior to the Calchas and Talthybius "of Homer. Rinaldo is, indeed, imitated from Achilles, *' but his faults are more excufable, his character is more " amiable, and his leifure is better employed ; Achilles ' dazzles us, but we are interefted for Rinaldo. " I am in doubt whether Homer has done right or wrong ' in making Priam fo much the objet of our pity, but it " was certainly a mafter-ftroke in TafTo to render Aladine " odious ; for the reader would otherwife have been necef- " farily interefted for the Mahometans againft the Chrif- " tians, whom he would have been tempted to confider as a *' band of vagabond thieves, who had agreed to ramble from " the heart of Europe, in order to defolate a country they " had no right to, and maffacre, in cold blood, a venerable * prince, more than fourfcore years old, and his whole peo- " pie, againft whom they had no pretence of complaint." M. Voltaire then obferves, that this is indeed the true character xii PREFACE. character of the crufades: but " Taflb (continues he) hag, M with great judgment, reprefented them very differently; *' for, in his Jerusalem, they appear to be an army of ** heroes marching under a chief of exalted virtue, to refcue, " from the tyranny of Infidels, a country which had been *' confecrated by the birth and death of a God. The fub- " jer. of his poem, confidered in this view, is the mod fub- " lime that can be imagined ; and he has treated it with " all the dignity of which it is worthy, and has even ren- " dered it not lefs intcrefting than elevated. The action " is well conducted, and the incidents artfully interwoven ; u he ftrikes out his adventures with fpirit, and difrributes " his light and {hade with the judgment of a mailer: he '* tranfports his reader from the tumults of war to the fweet " folitudes of love, and from fcenes exquifitely voluptuous " he again tranfports him to the field of battle : he touches " all the fprings of paflion, in a fwift but regular fuccef- *' fion, and gradually rifes above himfelf as he proceeds *' from book to book : his llyle is in all parts equally clear ** and elegant ; and when his fubjel requires elevation, it ** is aftonifhing to fee how he imprefles a new character " upon the foftnefs of the Italian language, how he fub- *' limes it into majefty, and comprefles it into ftrength. It *' mud, indeed, be confefled, that in the whole poem there *' are about two hundred verfes in which the author has ' indulged himfelf in puerile conceits, and a mere play " upon words; but this is nothing more than a kind of " tribute which his genius paid to the tafte of the age he " lived in, which had a fondnefs for points and turns that " has fince rather increafed than diminifhed." Such is the merit of Taffo's Jerusalem in the opinion of M. Voltaire : he has, indeed, pointed out, with great judgment, many defe6ts in particular parts of the work, which he fo much admires upon the whole; but this gives his teftimony in behalf of Taflb, fo far as it goes, new force ; and if Taflb can be juftified in fome places where M. Voltaire has condemned him, it follows, that his gene- ral merit is flill greater than M. Voltaire has allowed. Having PREFACE. Xlll Having remarked fome fanciful exceffes in the recount t>f the expedition of Ubald and his companion, to difcover and bring back Rinaldo, who was much wanted by the whole army, M.Voltaire afks, " what was the great exploit " which was referved for this hero, and which rendered his " prefence of fo much importance, that he was tranfported " from the Pic of TenerifFe to Jerufalem ? Why he was" (fays M.Voltaire) " deftined by Providence to cut down *' fome old trees, that ftood in a foreft which was haunted *' by hobgoblins." M. Voltaire, by this ludicrous defcrip- tion of Rinaldo's adventure in the Enchanted Wood, infi- nuates, that the fervice he performed was inadequate to the pomp with which he was introduced, and unworthy of the miracles which contributed to his return : but, the en- chantment of the foreft being once admitted, this exploit of Rinaldo will be found greatly to heighten his character, and to remove an obllacle to the fiege, which would other- wife have been infuperable, and would confequently have defeated the whole enterprize of the crufade : it was im- poflible to carry on the fiege without machines conftiuted of timber ; no timber was to be had but in this foreft; and in this foreft the principal heroes of the Chriftian army had attempted to cut timber in vain. To this it may be added, that M. Voltaire has not dealt fairly, by fuppofing that Rinaldo was recalled to the camp for no other intent than to cut down the wood : the Critic feems to have forgotten the neceflity of this hero's prefence to the general affairs of the Christians : it was he who was deftined to kill Solyman, whofe death was, perhaps, of equal confequence to the Chriftians, as that of Hetor to the Grecians : the Danifh mefTenger had been miraculoufly preferved, and fent to deliver Svveno's fword to Rinaldo, with a particular injunction for him to revenge the death of that prince on the Soldan : we fee further the import- ance of Rinaldo in the laft battle, where he kills almoft all the principal leaders of the enemy, and is the great caufe ot the entire defeat of the Egyptian army. M. Voltaire's general cenfure of this incident, therefore, appears xiv PREFACE. appears to be ill-founded. " But certain Demons (fays he) " having taken an infinite variety of fliapes to terrify " thofe who came to fell the trees, Tancred finds his Clo- " rinda fhut up in a pine, and wounded by a llroke which " he had given to the trunk of the tree; and Armida iflues " from the bark of a myrtle', while me is many leagues ** diitant in the Egyptian army." Upon a review of this laft paflage, the firft fentence will certainly be found to confute the cenfure implied in the fecond. In the firft fentence we are told, " that the forms ** which prevented the Chriftian heroes from cutting down " the trees, were devils:" in the fecond it is intimated, that the voice of Clorinda, and the form of Armida, were no illufions, but in reality what they feemed to be: for where is the abfurdity that a demon mould afiume the voice of Clorinda, or the figure of Armida, in this foreft, though Clorinda herfelf was dead, and Armida in another place? Taflb, therefore, is acquitted of the charge of making Armida in two places at one time, even by the very paffage in which the charge is brought. To the authority of M.Voltaire, who, at the fame time that he fuppofes Taflb to have more faults than he has, thinks his excellencies fufficient to place him among the firft poets in the world, may be added that of Mr. Dryden, who, in the preface to the tranflation of Virgil, has de- clared the Jerusalem Delivered to be the next heroic poem to the Iliad and JEseid. Mr. Dryden was too great a mafter in poetical compofi- tion, and had a knowledge too extenfive, and a judgment too accurate, to fuppofe the merit of the Jerusalem to be fubverted by improbabilities, which are more numerous and more grofs in the works of Homer and Virgil. It is very likely that magic and enchantment were as generally and firmly believed, when Taflb wrote his Jerusalem, as the vifible agency of the Pagan deities at the writing of the Iliad, the Odyssey, and ./Eneid : and it is certain, that the events, which Taflb fuppofes to have been brought about by enchantment, were more congruous to fuch a caufe PREFACE. xv caufe than many fi&ions of the Greek and Roman poets to the Pagan theology ; at leaft that a theology, which could admit them, was more abfurd than the exiftence and opera- tion of any powers of magic and enchantment. If we do not, therefore, reject the poems of Homer and Virgil as not worth reading, becaufe they contain extravagant fables, we have no right to make that a pretence for rejecting the Jerusalem of Taffo ; efpecially if the Gothic machines were more adapted to the great ends of epic poetry than the fyftem of antiquity, as an ingenious author has endeavoured to (how : his words are ; " The current popular tales of " elves and fairies were even fitter to take the credulous *' mind, and charm it into a willing admiration of the " fpecious miracles, which wayward fancy delights in, than " thofe of the old traditionary rabble of Pagan divinities. " And then, for the more folemn fancies of witchcraft and " incantation, the horrors of the Gothic were above mea- " Aire finking and terrible. The mummeries of the Pagan " priefts were childifh ; but the Gothic enchanters Ihook " and alarmed all nature. We feel this difference very " fenfibly in reading the ancient and modern poets. You " would not compare the Canidia of Horace with the ** witches of Macbeth : and what are Virgil's myrtles " dropping blood, to Taffo's enchanted foreft?" Letters on Chivalry and Romance, p. 48, 49. As I think it is now evident that a reader may be pleafed with Taffo, and not difgrace his judgment, I may, without impropriety, offer a translation ot him to thofe who cannot read him in his original language. I may be told, indeed, that there is an Englifh tranflation of him already, and therefore that an apology is neceffary for a new one. To this I anfwer, that the only complete tranflation is that of Fairfax, which is in llanzas that cannot be read with plea- fure by the generality of thofe who have a tafte for Englifh poetry ; of which no other proof is neceffary than that it appears fcarce to have been read at all : it is not only un- pleafant, but irkfome, in fuch a degree, as to furmount curiofity ; X vi PREFACE. curiofity ; and more than counterbalance all the beauty of expreflion, and fentiment, which is to be found in that work. I do not flatter myfelf that I have excelled Fairfax, except in my meafure and verification, and even of thefe the principal recommendation is, that they are more mo- dern, and better adapted to the ear of all readers of Eng- liih poetry, except of the very few who have acquired a tafte for the phrafes and cadences of thofe times, when our verfe, if not our language, was in its rudiments. That a tranflation of Taflb into modern Engliih verfe has been generally thought neceffary, appears by feveral effays that have been made towards it, particularly thofe of Mr. Brooke, Mr.Hooke, and Mr. Layng : if any of thefe gentlemen had completed their undertaking, it would ef- fectually have precluded mine. Mr. Brooke's in particular, is at once fo harmonious, and fo fpirited, that I think an entire tranflation of Taflb by him would not only have rendered my talk unneceffary, but have difcouraged thofe from the attempt, whofe poetical abilities are much fupe- rior to mine : and yet Mr. Brooke's performance is rather an animated paraphrafe than a tranflation. My endeavour has been to render the fenfe of my author as nearly as pof- Cble, which could never be done merely by tranflating his words ; how I have fucceeded the world muft determine : an author is but an ill judge of his own performances : and the opinion of friends is not always to be trufted; for there is a kind of benevolent partiality which inclines us to think favourably of the works of thofe whom we efteera. I am, however, happy, in the good opinion of fome gen- tlemen whofe judgment, in this cafe, could err only by fuch partiality ; and as I am not lefs ambitious to engage efteem as a man, than to merit praife as an author, 1 am not anxioufly folicitous to know whether they have been miftaken or not. As many paflages in the original of this work are very clofely imitated from the Greek and Roman Claflics, I may perhaps, inadvertently, have inferted a line or two from the Engliih PREFACE. xvu Englifh verfions of thofe authors; but as Mr. Pope, in his tranflation of Homer, has taken feveral verfes from Mr. Dryden, and Mr. Pitt, in his tranflation of the ^Eneid, feveral both from Mr. Dryden and Mr. Pope, I flatter myfelf I (hall incur no cenfure on that account. I have incorporated fome few verfes both of Mr. Brooke's and Mr. Layng's verfion of Tafib with my own ; but as I have not arrogated the merit of what I have borrowed to myfelf, I cannot juftly be accufed of plagiarifm. Thefe obligations I acknowledge, that I may do juflice to others; but there are fome which I fhall mention to gratify myfelf. Mr. Samuel Johnfon, whofe judgment I am happv in be- ing authorifed to make ufe of on this occafion, has given me leave to publim it, as his opinion, that a modern trans- lation of the Jerusalem Delivered is a work that may very jultly merit the attention of the Engiilh reader; and I owe many remarks to the friendfhip and candour of Dr. Hawkefworth, from which my performance has received confiderable advantages. Before I conclude this Preface, it is neceflary the Englim reader Ihould be acquainted that the Italian poets, when they fpeak of infidels of any denomination, generally ufe the word Pagano: the word Pagan, therefore, in the tranf- lation, is often ufed for Mahometan; and Spenferhas ufed the word Paynim in the fame fenfe. As the public is not at all concerned about the qualifica- tions of an author, any further than they appear in his works, it is to little purpofe that writers have endeavoured to prevent their writings from being confidered as the Jtand- ard of their abilities, by alleging the fhort time, or the difadvantageous circumftances, in which they were pro- duced. If their performances are too bad to obtain a fa- vourable reception for themfelves, it is not likely that the world will regard them with more indulgence for being told why they are no better. If I did not hope, therefore, that the tranflation now offered, though begun and finifhed in the midft of employments of a very different kind, might fome- Vol. I. b thing xviii PREFACE. thing more than atone for its own defects, I would not have obtruded it on the public. All 1 requeft of my readers, is to judge for themfelves, and if they find any entertainment, not to think the worfe of it, for being the performance of one, who has never before appeared a candidate for their fufFrages as an author. THE LIFE of TASSO*. TORQUATO TASSO was defended from the illuftrious houfe of the Torregiani, lords of Bergamo, Milan, and feveral other towns in Lombardy. The Tor- regiani, being expelled by the Vifconti, fettled between Bergamo and Como, in the mod advantageous pods of the mountain of TafTo, from which they took their name. This family fupported itfelf by alliances till the time of Bernardo TafTo, whofe mother was of the houfe of Cornaro. The eftate of Bernardo, the father of our poet, was no ways equal to his birth; but this deficiency, in point of fortune, was in fome meafure compenfated by the gifts of under- Handing. His works in verfe and profe are recorded as mo- numents of his genius ; and his fidelity to Ferrante of San- * All the principal incidents in this life are taken from the account given by Giovanni Battifto Manfo, a Neapolitan, lord of Bifaccio and Pianca. This nobleman was Taflb's incimatc friend; he had many of our Author's papers in his pofleffion, and being himfelf witnefs to feveral particulars which he relates, his authority feews unexceptionable. b 2 fever i no, xx THE LIFE OF TASSO. feverino, prince of Salerno, to whom he was entirely de- voted, entitled him to the elteem of every man of honour. This prince had made him his fecretary, and taken him with him to Naples, where he fettled, and married Portia <3i Rofli, daughter of Lucretia di Gambacoiti, of one of the moft illuftrious families in that city. Portia was fix months gone with child, when fhc was invited by her fiflcr Hyppolytato Sorrento, to pay her a vifit. Bernardo accompanied her thither: and in this place Portia was delivered of a fon, on the nth day of March 1544, at noon. The infant was baptized a few days after, in the metropolitan church of Sorrento, by the name of Torquato. Bernardo and Portia returned foon after to Naples, with little Taffo, whofe birth, like Homer's, was afterwards difputed bv feveral cities that claimed the honour of it: but it feems undeniably proved that he was born at Sor- rento. Hiftorians relate incredible things of his early and pro- mifing genius: they tell us, that, at fix months old, he not only fpoke and pronounced his words clearly and diftin6Uy, but that he thought, reafoned, exprefled his wants, and an- fwered queftions; that there was nothing childifh in his words, but the tone of his voice; that he feldom laughed or cried ; and that, even then, he gave certain tokens of that equality of temper which fupported him fowell in his future misfortunes. Towards the end of his third year, Bernardo his father was obliged to follow the prince of Salerno into Germany, which journev proved the fource of all the fufferings of Taflb and his family. The occalion was this. Don Pedro of Toledo, viceroy of Naples for the emperor Charles V. had formed a defign to eftablifh the inquitition in that city. The Neapolitans, alarmed at this, refolved to fend a depu- tation to the emperor, and, for that purpofe, made choice of the prince of Salerno, who feemed moll: able, by his authority and riches, to make head again!! the viceroy. The prince undertook the affair; and Bernardo Taflb ac- companied him into Germany. Before THE LIFE OF TASSO. xxi Before his departure, Bernardo committed the care of his fon to Angeluzzo, a man of learning; for it was his opinion, that a boy could not be put too foon under the tuition of men. At three years of age, they tell us. little TafTo began to ftudv grammar; and, at four, was fent to the college of the Jefuits, where he made fo rapid a pro- grefs, that at feven he was pretty well acquainted with the Latin and Greek tongues: at the fame age he made public orations, and compofed fome pieces of poetry, of which the flyle is faid to have retained nothing of puerility. The following lines he addretTed to his mother when he left Naples to follow his father's fortune, being then only nine years of age. Ma dal fen de la madre empia fortuna Pargoletto divelfe, ah di' que' bad Ch' ella bagno di lagrime dolenti Con fofpir mi rimembra, e de gli ardenti Preghi che fen portar l'aure fugaci, Che i' non dovea giunger piu volto a volto Fra quelle braccia accolto Con nodi cosi ftretti, e fi tenaci, Laffo, e fcguij con mal ficure piante Qual' Afcanio, o Camilla il padre errante. Relentlefs Fortune in my early years Removes me from a mother's tender breaft : With fighs I call to mind the farewel tears That bath'd her kiffes when my lips me prefs'd \ I hear her pray'rs with ardour breath'd to Heaven, Afide now wafted by the devious wind; No more to her unhappy fon 'tis given Th' endearments of maternal love to find ! No more her fondling arms {hall round me fpread ; Far from her fight reluctant I retire ; Like young Camilla or Afcanius, led To trace the footiteps of my wandering fire ! The xxli THE LIFE OF TASSO. The fuccefs the prince of Salerno met with in his em- baflfy greatly increafed his credit amongft the Neapolitans, but entirely ruined him with the viceroy, who left nothing unturned to make the emperor jealous of the great defe- rence the people fhewed Fcrrante, from which he inferred the mofr. dangerous confequences. He fo much cxafperated the emperor againft the prince of Salerno, that Ferrante, finding there was no longer any fecurity for him at Naples, and having in vain applied to gain an audience of the em- peror, retired to Rome, and renounced his allegiance to Charles V. Bernardo Taflb would not abandon his patron in his ill fortune; neither would he leave his fon in a country where he himfelf was foon to be declared an enemy; and forefee- ing he fhould never be able to return thither, he took young Torquato with him to Rome. As foon as the departure of the prince of Salerno was known, he, and all his adherents, were declared rebels to the ftate ; and what may feem very extraordinary, Torquato Taflb, though but nine years of age, was included by name in that fentence. Bernardo, following the prince of Salerno into France, committed his fon to the care of his friend and relation Mauritio Cataneo, a perfon of great ability, who afliduoufly cultivated the earlv difpofition of his pupil to polite literature. After the death of Sanfeverino, which happened in three or four years, Bernardo returned to Italy, and engaged in the fervice of Guglielmo Gonzaga, duke of Mantua, who had given him a prefling invita- tion, It was not long before he received the melancholy news of the deceafe of his wife Portia : this event deter- mined him to fend for his fon, that they might be a mutual Support to each other in their affliction. He had left him at Rome, becaufe his refidence in that city was highly agreeable to his mother ; but that reafon now ceafing, he was refolved to be no longer deprived of the fociety of the only child he had left; for his wife, before her death, had married his daughter to Martio Serfale, a gentleman of Sorrento. Bernardo THE LIFE OF TASSO. xxiii Bernardo was greatly furprifed, on his fon's arrival, to fee the vaft progrefs he had made in his ftudies. He was now twelve years of age, and had, according to the teftimony of the writers of his life, entirely completed his knowledge in the Latin and Greek tongues: he was well acquainted with the rules of rhetoric and poetry, and completely verfed in Ariftotle's ethics ; but he particularly ftudied the precepts of Mauritio Cataneo, whom he ever afterwards reverenced as a fecond father. Bernardo foon determined to fend him to the univerfity of Padua, to ftudy the laws, in company with the young Scipio Gonzaga, afterwards cardinal, nearly of the fame age as himfelf. With this nobleman Taflb, then feventeen years of age, contracted a friendfhip that never ended but with his life. He profecuted his ftudies at Padua with great diligence and fuccefs; at the fame time employing his leifure hoars upon philofophy and poetry, he foon gave a public proof of his talents, by his poem of Rinaldo, which he published in the eighteenth year of his age. This poem, which is of the romance kind, is divided into twelve books in ottava rima, and contains the adventures of Rinaldo, the famous Paladin of the court of Charlemain, who makes fo principal a figure in Ai iofto's work, and the firft achievements of that knight for the love of the fair Clarice, whom he afterwards marries. The adtion of this poem precedes that of the Orlando Furiofo. It was com- pofed in ten months, as the author himfelf informs us in the preface, and was firft printed at Venice in the year 1562. Paolo Beni fpeaks very highly of this performance, which undoubtedly is not unworthy the early efforts of that genius which afterwards produced the Jerufalem. Taflb's father faw with regret the fuccefs of his fon's poem : he was apprehenfive, and not without reafon, that the charms of poetry would detach him from thofe more folid ftudies, which he judged were moft likely to raife him in the world: he knew very well, by his own experience, that the greateft fkill in poetry will not advance a man's private fortune. He was not deceived in his conjecture. ; Torcjuato^ xxiv THE LIFE OF TASSO. Torquato, infenfibly carried away by his predominant paf- fion, followed the examples of Petrarch, Boccace, Ariofto, and others, who, contrary to the remonftrances of their friends, quitted the feverer ftudies of the law for the more pleafing entertainment of poetical compofition. In fhort, he entirely gave himfelf up to the ftudy of poetry and philo- sophy. His firft poem extended his reputation through all Italy ; but his father was fo difpleafed with his conduct, that he went to Padua on purpofe to reprimand him. Though he fpoke with great vehemence, and made ufe of feveral harfh expreffions, Torquato heard him without in- terrupting him, and his compofure contributed not a little to increafe his father's difpleafure. *' Tell me" (faid Ber- nardo) " of what ufe is that vain philofophy, upon which " you pride yourfelf fo much ?" " It has enabled me" (faid Taffo modeftly) " to endure the harfhnefs of your re- " proofs." The refolution Taffo had taken to devote himfelf to the Mufes, was known all over Italy ; the principal perfons of the city and college of Bologna invited him thither by means of Pietro Donato Cefi, then vice-legate, and afterwards le- gate. But Taffo had not long rcfided there, when he was preffed by Scipio Gonzaga, elected prince of the academy efiablifhed at Padua, under the name of Etherei, to return to that city. He could not withftand this folicitation, and Bologna being at that time the fcene of civil commotion, he was the more willing to feek elfewhere for the repofe he loved. He was received with extreme joy by all the academy, and being incorporated into that fociety, at the age of twenty years, took upon himfelf the name of Pentito ; by which he feemed to fhew that he repented of all the time which he had employed in the ftudy of the law. In this retreat he applied himfelf afrefh to philofophy and poetry, and foon became a perfect matter of both : it was this happy mixture of his ftudies that made him an enemy to all kinds of licentioufnefs. An oration was made one day in the academy upon the nature of love; the orator treated his fubjett in a very mafterly manner, but with too little THE LIFE OF TASSO. xxv little regard to decency in the opinion of Taflb, who, be- ing afked what he thought of the difcourfe, replied, " that ** it was a pleafing poifon." Here Taflb formed the defign of his celebrated poem, Jerusalem Delivered : he invented the fable, difpofed the different parts, and determined to dedicate this work to the glory of the houfe of Efte. He was greatly efteemed by Alphonfo II the laft duke of Ferrara, that great patron of learning and learned men, and by his brother, cardinal Luigi. There was a fort of conteft between thefe two bro- thers, in relation to the poem : the cardinal imagined that he had a right to be the Mecaenas of all Taflb's works, as Rinaldo, his firll: piece, had been dedicated to him: the duke, on the other hand, thought that, as his brother had already received his fhare of honour, he ought not to be of- fended at feeing the name of Alphonfo at the head of the Jerusalem Delivered. Taflb for three or four years fufpended his determination: at length, being earneftly preffed by both the brothers to take up his refidence in Fer- rara, he fuffered himfelf to be prevailed upon. The duke gave him an apartment in his palace, where he lived in peace and affluence, and purfued his defign of completing his Jerusalem*, which he now refolved to dedicate to Al- phonfo. The duke, who was defirous of fixing Taflb near him, -had thoughts of marrying him advantageouflv, but he always evaded any propofal of that kind : though he appeared peculiarly devoted to Alphonfo, yet he neglected not to pay his court to the cardinal. The name of Taflb now became famous through all Europe : and the carefles he received from Charles IX. in a journey he made to France f with Cardinal Luigi, who went thither in quality of Legate, (hew that his reputation was not confined to his own country. We cannot perhaps give a more ftriking inflance of the regard that monarch had for him, than in the following #ory. A man of letters, and a poet of fome repute, had unfor- * Ann. xt, zi* -\ Ann. set. 27. tunately xxvi THE LIFE OF TASSO. tunately been guilty of fome enormous crime, for which he was condemned to fuffer death. Taflb, touched with compaflion, was refolved to petition the king for his pardon. He went to the palace, where he heard that orders had juft been given to put the fentence immediately into execution. This did not difcourage TafTo, who, prefenting himfelf be- fore the king, faid: " I come to entreat your majefty that you would put to death a wretch, who has brought philo- fophy to fhame, by (hewing that fhe can make no ftand againft human depravity." The king, touched with the juflnefs of this reflection, granted the criminal his life. The king a(ked him one day, whom he judged fuperior to all others in happinefs: he anfwered God. The king then delired to know his opinion by what men refemble God in his happinefs, whether by fovereign power, or by their capacity of doing good to others. A man more inte- refted than Taflb might have faid, that kings fhew their greatnefs by difpenfing their benefactions to others: but he eluded the difcourfe ; and replied, " that men could re- femble God only by their virtue." Another time, in a converfation held before the king by feveral learned men, it was difputed what condition in life was the moft unfortunate. " In my opinion" (faid Taflb) " the moft unfortunate condition is that of an impatient old man deprefTed with poverty ; for," added he, " the ftate of that perfon is doubtlefs very deplorable, who has neither the gifts of fortune to preferve him from want, nor the prin- ciples of philofophy to fupport himfelf under affliction." The cardinal's legation being finifhed, Taflb returned to Fcrrara*, where he applied himfelf to finifh his Jeru- salem, and in the mean time publifhed his AmInta, a pafloral comedy f, which was received with univerfal applaufe. This performance was looked upon as a mafter- piece in its kind, and is the original of the Pastor Fido and Filli di Sciro. It was not ealy to imagine that Taflb could fo well paint Ann. set. 2?. f Ann, set. 29. the THE LIFE OF TASSO. XXV H the effefts of Love, without having himfelf felt that paf- fion : it began to be fufpedted that, like another Ovid, he had raifed his defires too high, and it was thought that in many of his verfes he gave hints of that kind ; particularly in the following fonnet : Se d' Icara leggefti, e di Fetonte Ben fai come lu'n cadde in quefto fiume Quando portar de 1' Oriente il lume Voile, e di rai de fol cinger la fronte : E l'altro in mar, che troppo ardite, e pronte A volo alzo le fue cerate piume, E cosi va chi di tentar prefume Strade nel ciel per fama a pena conte. Ma, chi dee paventare in alta imprefa, S'avvien, ch'amor l'affide? e che non puote Amor, che non catena il cielo unifce? Egii giu trahe de le celefti rote Di terrena belta Diana accefa E d'Ida il bel fanciullo al ciel rapifce. Oft have we heard, in Po's imperial tide How haplefs Phaeton was headlong thrown, Who durft afpire the fun's bright Heeds to guide, And wreathe his brows with fplendors not his own! Oft have we heard, how 'midfl: th' Icarian main Fell the rafli youth who tried too bold a flight; Thus fhall it fare with him, who feeks in vain On mortal wings to reach th' empyreal height. But who, infpir'd by love, can dangers fear? What cannot love that guides the rolling fphere ; Whofe powerful magic earth and heaven controls? Love brought Diana from the ftarrv Iky, Smit with the beauties of a mortal eye ; Love fnatch'd the boy of Ida to the poles. There were at the duke's court three Leonoras, equally ritty and beautiful, though of different quality. The firft was ixviii THE LIFE OF TASSO. was Leonora of Efte, fifter to the duke, who having refufed the moft advantageous matches, lived unmarried with Lau- retta, duchefs of Urbino, her elder fifter, who was feparated from her hufband, and rcfided at her brother's court. Taflb had a great attachment to this lady, who, on her fide, ho- noured him with her eftcem and protection. She was wife, generous, and not only well read in elegant literature, but even verfed in the more abftrufe fciences. All thefe perfec- tions were undoubtedly obferved by Taflb, who was one of the mod affiduous of her courtiers : and it appearing by his verfes that he was touched with the charms of a Leonora, they tell us that we need not feek any further for the object of his paffion. The fecond Leonora that was given him for a miftrefs was the countefs of San Vitale, daughter of the count of Sala, who lived at that time at the court of Ferrara, and pafled for one of the moft accompliflied perfons in Italy. Thole who imagined that Taflb would not prefume to lift his eyes to his mailer's fifter, fuppofed that he loved this lady. It is certain that he had frequent opportunities of difcourfing with her, and that fhe had frequently been the fubjeft of his verfes. The third Leonora was a lady in the fervice of the prin- cefs Leonora of Efte. This perfon was thought by fome to be the moft proper object of the poet's gallantry. Taflb, feveral times, employed his mufe in her fervice : in one of his pieces he confeffes that confidering the princefs as too high for his hope, he had fixed his affection upon her, as of a condition more fuitable to his own. But if any thing can be juftly drawn from this particular, it feems rather to ftrengthen the opinion, that his defires, at lead at one time, had afpired to a greater height. The verfes referred to above are as follow : O con le Gratie eletta, e con gli Amori, Fanciulla avventurofa : A fervir a colei, che Dia fomiglia : Poi che' 1 raio fguardo in lei mira, e non ofa, T raggi THE LIFE OF TASSO. xxix r raggi e gli fplendori, E' 1 bel feren de gli occhi, c de le ciglia, Ne 1' alta meraviglia, Che ne difcopre il lampeggiar del rlfo ; Ne quanto ha de celefte il petto, e'l volto ; Io gli occhi a te rivolto, E nel tuo vezzofetto, e lieto vifo Dolcemente m' affifo. Bruna fei tu, ma bella, Qual virgine viola: e del tuo vago Sembiante io fi m'appago, Che non difdegno Signoria d'Ancella. O ! by the Graces, by the Loves defign'd, In happy hour t' enjoy an envy'd place : Attendant on the faireft of her kind, Whofe charms excel the charms of human race ! Fain would I view but dare not lift my fight To mark the fplendor of her piercing eyes ; Her heavenly fmiles, her bofom's dazzling white, Her namelefs graces that the foul furprife. To thee I then diret my humbler gaze ; To thee uncenfur'd may my hopes afpire : Lefs awful are the fweets thy look difplays; I view, and, kindling as I view, defire. Though brown thy hue, yet lovely is thy frame ; (So blooms fome violet, the virgin's care !) I burn yet blufh not to confefs my flame, Nor fcorn the empire of a menial fair. However, it appears difficult to determine with certainty in relation to TafTo's paffion ; efpecially when we confider the privilege allowed to poets: though M. Mirabaud* makes no fcruple to mention it as a circumftance almoft cer- * Abrege de la Vie du Taffe. tain, xxx THE LIFE OF TASSO. tain, and fixes it without hefitation on the princefs Leo- nora. Taffo, himfelf, in feveral of his poems, feems to endeavour to throw an obfcurity over his palfion, as in the following lines : Tre gran donne vid* io, ch'in efTer belle Monftran difparita, ma fomigliante Si che nc gli atti, e'n ogni lor fembiante Scriver Natura par' ; Noi fiam forelle. Ben ciafcun' io lodai, pur una delle Mi piacque fi, ch'io ne divenni Amante, Et ancor fia, ch'io ne fofpiri, e cante, E'l mio foco, e'l fuo nome alzi a le flelle Lei fol vagheggio ; e fe pur l'altre io miro, Guardo nel vago altrui quel, ch'e in lei vago, E ne gi' Idoli fuoi vien ch'io l'adore : Ma contanto fomiglia al ver l'imago Ch'erro, e dole' e Terror;. pur ne fofpiro, Come d'ingiufta Idolatria d'Amore. Sonnet. Three courtly dames before my prefence ftood ; All lovely form'd, though differing in their grace : Yet each refembled each ; for nature fhow'd A filler's air in every mien and face. Each maid I prais'd ; but one above the reft, Soon kindled in my heart the lover's fire : For her thefe fighs (till iffue from my breaft; Her name, her beauties, ftill my fong infpire. Yet though to her alone my thoughts are due, Reflected in the reft her charms I view, And in her femblance ftill the nymph adore : Delufion fweet ! from this to that I rove ; But, while I wander, figh, and fear to prove A traitor thus to Love's almighty power 1 In the meanwhile Taffo proceeded with his Jerusalem, which he completed in the thirtieth year of his age : but this poem THE LIFE OF TASSO. xxxi poem was not publifhed by his own authority ; it was print- ed againft his will, as foon as he had finifhed the laft book, and before he had time to give the revifals and corrections that a work of fuch a nature required. The public had al- ready feen feveral parts, which had been fent into the world by the authority of his patrons. The fuccefs of this work was prodigious : it was tranflated into the Latin, French, Spaniih, and even the Oriental languages, almoft as foou as it appeared ; and it may be faid, that no fuch perform- ance ever before raifed its reputation to fuch a height in fo fmall a fpace of time. But the fatisfadYion which Taflb muft feel, in fpite of all his philofophy, at the applaufe of the public, was foon dis- turbed by a melancholy event*. Bernardo Taflb, who fpent his old age in tranquillity at Oftia upon the Po, the government of which place had been given him by the duke of Mantua, fell fick. As foon as this news reached his fon, he immediately went to him, attended him with the molt filial regard, and fcarce ever ftirred from his bed- iide during the whole time of his iilnefs : but all thefe cares were ineffectual ; Bernardo, opprefied with age, and over- come by the violence of his diftemper, paid the unavoidable tribute to nature, to the great affliction of Torquato. The duke of Mantua, who had a fincere efleem for Bernardo, caufed him to be interred, with much pomp, in the church of St. Egidius at Mantua, with this fimple infcription on his tomb : OSSA BERNARDI TASSI. This death feemed to forebode other misfortunes to Taflb; for the remainder of his life proved almoft one continued feries of vexation and affliction. About this time a fwarm of critics began to attack his Jerusalem, and the academy of Crufca, in particular, publifhed a criticifm of his poem, in which they fcrupled not to prefer the rhapfodies of Pulci and Boyardo to the Jerusalem Delivered. * Ann. ast. 31, During xxxii THE LIFE OF TASSO. During Taflb's rcfulence in the duke's court, he had con- tracted an intimacy with a gentleman of Ferrara*, and having entrufted him with fome tranfacYions of a very de- licate nature, this perfon was fo treacherous as to fpeak of them again. Taffo reproached his friend with his indifcre- tion, who received his expostulation in fuch a manner, that Taffo was fo far exafperated as to ftrike him : a challenge immediately enfued : the two opponents met at St. Leo- nard's gate, hut, while they were engaged, three brothers of Taflb's antagonift came in and bafely fell all at once upon Taffo, who defended himfelf fo gallantly that he wounded two of them, and kept his ground againft the others, till fome people came in and feparated them. This affair made a great noife at Ferrara : nothing was talked of but the valour of Taffo; and it became a fort of proverb, " That Taffo with his pen and his fword was fuperior to "all menf." The duke, being informed of the quarrel, expreffed great refentment againft the four brothers, banifhed them from his dominions, and confiscated their eftates; at the fame time he caufed Taffo to be put under arreft, declaring he did it to fcreen him from any future defigns of his enemies. Taffo was extremely mortified to fee himfelf thus confined; he imputed his detention to a very different caufe from what was pretended, and feared an ill ufe might be made of what had paffed, to ruin him in the duke's opinion. Though writers have left us very much in the dark with regard to the real motives that induced the duke to keep Taffo in confinement, yet, every thing being weighed, it feems highly probable that the affair of a delicate nature, faid to have been divulged by his friend, muft have related to the princefs Leonora, the duke's filler: and indeed it will be extremely difficult, from any ether confideration, to account for the harfh treatment he received from a prince * Ann. set. 33. j- " Con la penna e con la fpada " Neffun vol quanto Torquato," Who THE LIFE OF TASSO. xxxiii who had before mewn him fuch peculiar marks of efteem and friendship. However, Taflb himfelf had undoubtedly fecret apprehenfions that incrcafed upon him every day, while the continual attacks, which were made upon his credit as an author, not a little contributed to heighten his melancholy. At length he refolved to take the firft oppor- tunity to fly from his prifon, for fo he efteemed it, which, after about a year's detention, he effected, and retired to Turin, where he endeavoured to remain concealed; but notwithstanding all his precautions, he was foon known and recommended to the duke of Savoy, who received him into his palace, and mewed him every mark of eiieem and affec- tion. But Taffb's apprehenfions ftill continued; he thought that the duke of Savoy would not refufe to give him up to the duke of Ferrara, or facrifice the friendinip of that prince to the fafety of a private perfon. Full of thefe imaginatons he fet out for Rome *, alone and unprovided with necefTa- ries for fuch a journey. At his arrival there he went di- rectly to his old friend Mauritio Cataneo, who received him in fuch a manner as entirely to obliterate for fome time the remembrance of the fatigue and uneafinefs he had under- gone. He was not only welcomed by Cataneo, but the whole city of Rome feemed to rejoice at the prefence of fo extraordinary a perfon. He was vifited by princes, cardi- nals, prelates, and by all the learned in general. But the defire of revifiting his native country, and feeing his Mer Cornelia, foon made him uneafy in this fituation. He left his friend Mauritio Cataneo one evening, without giving him notice; and, beginning his journey on foot, arrived by night at the mountains of Veletri, where he took up his lodging with fome fhepherds : the next morning, difguif- ing himfelf in the habit of one of thefe people, he continued his way, and in four days time reached Gaieta, almoft fpent with fatigue : here he embarked on board a veffel bound for Sorrento, at which place he arrived in fafety the next day. He entered the city and went directly to bis filler's houfe : # Ann. aet. 34. Vol. I. c ihe xxxiv THE LIFE OF TASSO. fhe was a widow, and the two fons fhe had by her hufband being at that time abfent, Taflb found her with only fome of her female attendants. He advanced towards her, with- out difcovering himfelf, and pretending he came with news from her brother, gave her a letter which he had prepared for that purpofe. This letter informed her that her bro- ther's life was in great danger, and that he begged her to make ufe of all the intereir. her tendernefs might fuggelt to) her, in order to procure letters of recommendation from fome powerful perfon, to avert the threatened misfortune. For further particulars of the affair, flie was referred to the meffenger who brought her this intelligence. The lady, terrified at the news, earneftly entreated him to give her a detail of her brother's misfortune. The feigned meffenger then gave her fo intereffing an account of the pretended flory, that, unable to contain her affliction, fhe fainted away. Taffb was fenfibly touched at this convincing proof of his filler's affection, and repented that he had gone fb far : he began to comfort her, and, removing her fears by little and little, at laft difcovered himfelf to her. Her joy at feeing a brother whom ihe tenderly loved, was inexpref- iible : after the firft falutations were over, (lie was very de- firous to know the occafion of his difguifing himfelf in that manner. Taffb acquainted her with his reafons, and, at the fame time, giving her to underffand, that he would wil- lingly remain witli her unknown to the world, Cornelia, who defired nothing further than to acquiefce in his plea- fure, fent for her children and fome of her neareft relations, whom fhe thought might be entrufted with the fecret. They agreed that Taffb fhould pafs for a relation of theirs, who came from Bergamo to Naples upon his private bufi- nefs, and from thence had come to Sorrento to pay them a vifit. After this precaution, Taffb took up his refidence at his filler's houfe, where he lived for fome time in tranquil- lity, entertaining himfelf with his two nephews Antonio and Aleffandro Seifale, children of great hopes. He con- tinued not long in this repofe before he received repeated letters from the princefs Leonora of Efte, who was ac- quainted THE LIFE OF TASSO; Utr ^tainted with the place of his retreat, to return to Ferrara : he refolved to obey the fummons, and took leave of his lifter, telling her he was going to return a voluntary pri- foner. In his way he paffed through Rome, where, having been detained fome time with a dangerous fever, he repair- ed from thence to Ferrara, in company with Gualingo^ embaffador from the duke to the pope; Concerning the motive of Taffo's return to Ferrara^ authors do not altogether agree : fome declare that, foort wearied of living in obfcurity, and growing impatient to re- trieve the duke's favour, he had refolved, of his own accord, to throw himfelf on that prince's generofity : this opinion feems indeed drawn from Taffo'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 purpofe written feverally to him, " the dutchefs of Ferrara, the dutchefs of Urbino, and the *' princefs Leonora ; yet never received any anfwer but " from the laft, who affured him it was not in her power ii to render him any fervice." We fee here that TafTo ac- knowledges himfelf the receipt of a letter from the princefs; and in regard to what he fays to be the purport of it, it is highly reafonable to fuppofe, that he would be very cau- tious of divulging the real contents to the duke of Urbino, when his affairs with that lady were fo delicately circum- ftanced. This apparent care to conceal the nature of his correfpondence with her, feems to corroborate the former fuppofitions of his uncommon attachment to her; and When all circumftances are confidered, we believe it will appear more than probable that lie returned to Ferrara at the particular injunction of Leonora^ The duke received Taffo with great feemirig fatisfa6\ion, and gave him frefh marks of his efteem : but this was not all that Taffo expected ; his great defire was fo be mafler of his own works, and he was very earneft that his writings might be reftored to him, which were in the duke's poffef- ilon ; but this was what he could by no means obtain : his .enemies had gained fuch an afcendancy over the mind of c 2. Alphonfo^ xxxvi THE LIFE OF TASSO. Alphonfo, that thcv made him believe, or pretend to be- lieve, that the poet had loft all his fire, and that in his pre- sent fituation he was incapable of producing any thing new, or of correcting his poems : he therefore exhorted him to think only of leading a quiet and eafy life for the future : but Taflb was fenfibly vexed at this proceeding, and be- lieved the duke wanted him entirely to relinquHh his C-u- (Alike the meffenger 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 tells ; The name and actions of each chief reveals ; Difplays their purpofe, fets the war to view, And terrifies with doubts th' ufurping crew. book i, DELIVERED. 33 More dreadful to their anxious mind appears 015 The diftant profpect, and augments their fears j To every light report their ears they bend, Watch every rumour, every tale attend ; From man to man the murmurs, fwelling ftill, The country round and mournful city fill -, Their aged monarch, thus with danger preft, Revolves dire fancies in his doubtful bread : His name was Aladine b ; who fcarce maintain'd (With fears befet) his feat fo lately gain'd : By nature ftill to cruel deeds inclin'd, Though years had fomething chang'd his favage mind* When now he faw the Latian troops prepare, Againft his city- walls to turn the war ; Sufpicions, join'd with former fears, arofe ; Alike he fear'd his fubjec~ts and his foes j Together in one town he faw refide Two people, whom their different faiths divide : While part the purer laws of Christ believe, More numerous thofe who Macon's laws receive. When firft the monarch conquer'd Sion's town, And fought fecurely there to fix his throne \ b His name was Aladine ] TalTo, with the licence of a poet, has made a king of Jerufalemj but the city, at that time, was in reality under the dominion of the Caliph of Egypt, taken by him fome time before from the Turks. VOL. I P 34 JERUSALEM book i. He freed his Pagans from the tax of ftate, 637 But on the Chriftians laid the heavier weight. Thefe thoughts inflam'd and rouz'd his native rage (Now chill'd and tardy with the froft of age) : So turns, in fu miner's heat, the venom'd fnake, That flept the winter harmlefs in the brake : So the tame lion, urg'd to wrath again, Refumes his fury, and erects his mane. Then to himfelf : On every face I view The marks of joy in that perfidious crew : In general grief their jovial days they keep, And laugh and revel when the public weep : Even now, perhaps, the dreadful fcheme is plann'd Againft our life to lift a murderous hand ; Or to their monarch's foes betray the ftate, And to their Chriftian friends unbar the gate. But foon our juftice will their crimes prevent, And fwift-wing'd vengeance on their heads be fentj Example dreadful ! death fhall feize on all : Their infants at the mothers' breaft fhall fall : The flames fhall o'er their domes and temples fpread: Such be the funeral piles to grace their dead ! But midft their votive gifts, to fate our ire, The priefts fhall firft upon the tomb expire. So threats the tyrant ; but his threats are vain ; Though pity moves not, coward fears reftrain ; book i. DELIVERED. 35 Rage prompts his foul their guiltlefs blood to fpill, But trembling doubts oppofe his favage will. Q64 He fears the Chriftians, fhrinks at future harms, Nor dares provoke too far the victor's arms. This purpofe curb'd, to other parts he turns The rage that in his reftlefs bofom burns : With fire he waftes the fertile country round, And lays the houfes level with the ground : He leaves no place entire, that may receive The Chriftian army, or their march relieve ; Pollutes the fprings and rivers in their beds, And poifon in the wholefome water Iheds ; Cautious with cruelty ! meantime his care Had reinforc'd Jerufalem for war. Three parts for fiege were ftrongly fortify 'd, Though lefs fecurely fenc'd the northern fide. But there, when firft. the threaten' d florm was heard, New ramparts, for defence, in hafte he rear'd ; Collecting in the town, from different lands, Auxiliar forces to his fubjec~t bands. END OF THE FIRST BOOK. D 1 JERUSALEM DELIVERED. BOOK II. THE ARGUMENT. Aladine tranfports an image of the Virgin from the temple of the Chriftians, into the mofque, by the advice of Ifmeno, who propofes thereby to form a fpell to fecure the city. In the night the image is fecretly ftolen away. The king, unable to difcover the author of the theft, and incenfed againft the Chriftians, prepares for a general malfacre. Sophronia, a Chriftian virgin, accules herfelf to the king. Olindo, her lover, takes the fact upon himfelf. Aladine, in a rage, orders both to be burned. Clorinda arrives, intercedes for them, and obtains their pardon. In the mean time Godfrey, with his army, reaches Emmaus. He receives Argantes and Alethes, Bmbafladors from Egypt. The latter, in an artful fpeech, endeavours to difluade Godfrey from attacking Jerufalem. His propofals are rejected, and Argantes declares war in the name of the king of Egypt. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. BOOK II. While thus the Pagan king prepar'd for fight, The fam'd Ifmeno came before his fight -, Ifmeno, he whofe power the tomb invades, And calls again to life departed ihades ; Whofe magic verfe can pierce the world beneath, And ftartle Pluto in the realms of death j The fubject demons at his will reftrain, And fafter bind or loofe their fervile chain. Ifmeno once the Chriftian faith avow'd, But now at Macon's impious worfhip bow'd : Yet ftill his former rites the wretch retain'd, And oft, with Pagan mix'd, their ufe prophan'd. Now from the caverns, where, retir'd alone From vulgar eyes, he ftudied arts unknown, 4o JERUSALEM book n. He came afliftance to his lord to bring : 15 An ill advifer to a tyrant king! Then thus he fpoke : O king ! behold at hand That conquering hoft, the terror of the land ! But let us act as fits the noble mind : The bold from earth and heaven will fuccour find. As king and leader well thy cares prefide, And with forefeeing thought for all provide. If all, like thee, their feveral parts difpofe, This land will prove the burial of thy foes. Lo ! here I come with thee the toils to bear, To affift thy labours, and thy dangers fhare. Accept the counfel cautious years impart, And join to this the powers of magic art : Thofe angels, exil'd from th' ethereal plains, My potent charms (hall force to fhare our pains. Attend the fcheme, revolving in my breaft, The firft enchantment that my thoughts fuggeft. An altar by the Chriflians Hands immur'd Deep under ground, from vulgar eyes fecur'd The ftatue of their goddefs there is fhow'd, The mother of their human, buried God ! Before the image burns continual light; A flowing veil conceals her from the fight. book n. DELIVERED. 41 On every fide are tablets there difplay'd, 39 And votive gifts by fuperftition paid. Hafte ! fnatch their idol from that impious race, And in thy mofque the boafted figure place. Then will I raife fuch fpells of wondrous power, This fated pledge (while there detain'd fecure) Shall prove the guardian of thy city's gate c ; And walls of adamant fhall fence thy ftate. He faid, and ceas'd : his words perfuafion wrought, And fwift the king the hidden temple fought : Furious he drove the trembling priefts away, And feiz'd, with daring hands, the hallow'd prey: Then to the mofque in hafte the prize he bore ; (Where rites profane offend th' Almighty Power) There, o'er the facred form, with impious zeal, The foul magician mutter'd many a fpell. But foon as morning ftreak'd the eaft of heaven, The watch, to whom the temple's guard was given, No longer in its place the image found, And fearch'd with fruitlefs care the dome around. Then to the king the ftrange report he bears ; The king, inflam'd with wrath, the tidings hears : c the guardian of thy city's gate."] This pafTage is evidently borrowed from the ancient palladium, by which the city of Troy was to be defended. 42 JERUSALEM book n. His thoughts fuggeft fome Chriftian's fecret hand 61 Has thence purloin'd the guardian of the land : But whether Chriftian zeal had thence convey'd The hallow'd form ; or Heaven its power difplay'd, To fnatch from impious fanes, and roofs unclean, The glorious femblance of their virgin-queen, Doubtful the fame ; nor can we dare affign The deed to human art, or hands divine. The king each temple fought and fecret place, And vow'd with coftly gifts the man to grace, Who brought the image, or the thief reveal'd ; But threaten'd thofe whofe lips the deed conceal'd. The wily forcerer every art apply 'd To explore the truth : in vain his arts he try'd : For whether wrought by Heaven, or earth alone, Heaven kept it, fpite of all his charms, unknown. But when the king perceiv'd his fearch was vain, To find th* offender of the Chriftian train : On all at once his fierce refentment turn'd ; On all at once his favage fury burn'd : No bounds, no laws, his purpofe could control, But blood alone could fate his vengeful foul. Our wrath fhall not be loft (aloud he cries) The thief amidft the general Daughter dies. book ii. DELIVERED. 43 Guilty and innocent, they perifh all ! 85 Let the juft perifh, fo the guilty fall. Yet wherefore juft ? when none our pity claim j Not one but hates our rites, and hates our name. Rife, rife, my friends ! the fire and fword employ, Lay wafte their dwellings, and their race dcftroy. So fpoke the tyrant to the liftening crew ; Among the faithful foon the tidings flew. With horror chill'd, the difmal found they heard, While ghaftly death on every face appear'd. None think of flight, or for defence prepare, Or feek to deprecate their fate with prayer : But lo ! when leaft they hope, the timorous bands Their fafety owe to unexpected hands. A maid there was among the Chriftian kind, In prime of years, and of exalted mind : Beauteous her form, but beauty fhe despis'd, Or beauty grac'd with virtue only priz'd. From flattering tongues the modeft fair withdrew, And liv'd fecluded from the public view : But vain her cares to hide her beauty prov'd, Her beauty worthy to be feen and lov'd. Nor Love confents, but foon reveals her charms, And with their power a youthful lover warms : 4 4 JERUSALEM book ii. That Love who now conceals his piercing eyes 109 And now, like Argus, every thing defcries j Who brings to view each grace that (huns the light, And midft a thoufand guards directs the lover's fight ! Sophronia fhe, Olindo was his name -, The fame their city, and their faith the fame. The youth as modeft as the maid was fair, But little hop'd, nor durft his love declare : He knew not how, or fear'd to tell his pain, She faw it not, or view'd it with difdain : Thus to this hour in filent grief he mourn'd, His thoughts unnoted, or his pafllon fcorn'd. Meantime the tidings fpread from place to place, Of death impending o'er the Chriftian race : Soon in Sophronia's noble mind arofe A generous plan to avert her people's woes : Zeal firft infpir'd, but bafhful lhame enfu'd, And modefty awhile the thought withftood : Yet foon her fortitude each doubt fupprefs'd, And arm'd with confidence her tender bread ; Through gazing throngs alone the virgin goes, Nor drives to hide her beauties, nor diiclofe : O'er her fair face a decent veil is feen, Jler eyes declin'd with modeft graceful mien : book ii. DELIVERED. 45 An artlcfs negligence compos'd her drefs, 133 And nature's genuine grace her charms confefs. Admir'd by all, regardlefs went the dame, Till to the prefence of the king fhe came : While yet he rav'd, fhe dar'd to meet his view, Nor from his threatening looks her fteps withdrew. king ! (fhe thus began) awhile contain Thy anger, and thy people's rage reflrain : 1 come to mow, and to your vengeance yield Th' offender from your fruitlefs fearch conceal'd. She faid, and ceas'd : the king in wonder gaz'd, (Struck with her courage, with her looks amaz'd) Her fudden charms at once his foul engage, He calms his paffion, and forgets his rage. If milder fhe, or he of fofter frame, His heart had felt the power of beauty's flame : But haughty charms can ne'er the haughty move ; For fmiles and graces are the food of love. Though love could not affecl: his favage mind, He yet appear'd to gentle thoughts inclin'd. Difclofe the truth at large (he thus reply'd) No harm fhall to thy Chriflian friends betide. Then fhe : Before thy fight the guilty flands : The theft, O king! committed by thefe hands. 46 JERUSALEM book u. In me the thief who Hole the image view ; 157 To me the punifhment decreed is due. Thus, fill'd with public zeal, the generous dame A victim for her people's ranfom came. great deceit ! O lie divinely fair ! What truth with fuch a falfehood can compare ? In deep fufpenfe her words the tyrant heard, No wonted fury in his looks appear'd. Declare (thus mildly to the maid he fpoke) Who gave thee counfel and the deed partook. The deed alone was mine ( reply 'd the fair) 1 fuffer'd none with me the fame to fhare ; Mine was the counfel, mine the firft defign, And the laft acting of the deed was mine. Then only thou (he cry'd) muft bear the pain Our anger now and juft revenge ordain. 'Tis juft, fince all the glory mine (fhe cry'd) That none with me the punifhment divide. With kindling ire the Pagan thus replies : Say, where conceal'd the Chriftian image lies. 'Tis not conceal'd (rejoin'd the dauntlefs dame) I gave the hallow'd ftatue to the flame ; So could no impious hands again profane The facred image, and her beauty ftain. book ii. DELIVERED. 47 Then feek no more what never can be thine, isi But lo ! the thief I to thy hands refign j If theft it may be call'd to feize our right, Unjuftly torn away by lawlefs might. At this the king in threatening words return'd ; With wrath ungovern'd all his bofom burn'd : Ah ! hope no more thy pardon here to find, O glorious virgin ! O exalted mind ! In vain, againft the tyrant's fury held, Love for defence oppofes beauty's fhield. Now doom'd to death, and fentenc'd to the flame, With cruel hands they feize the beauteous dame. Her veil and mantle rent beftrew the ground, With rugged cords her tender arms are bound. Silent fhe (lands, no marks of fear exprefs'd, Yet foft commotions gently heave her breaft ; Her modeft cheeks a tranfient blufh difclofe, Where lilies foon fucceed the fading rofe. Meanwhile the people throng (the rumour fpread) And with the reft Olindo there was led : The tale he knew, but not the victim's name, Till near the tragic fcene of fate he came : Soon as the youth the prifoner's face furvey'd, And faw, condemn'd to death, his lovely maid 48 JERUSALEM book ii. While the flern guards their cruel talk purfue, 205 Through the thick prefs with headlong fpeed he flew. She's guiltlefs ! (to the king aloud he cries) She's guiltlefs of th' offence for which fhe dies ! She could not durft not fuch a work demands Far other than a woman's feeble hands : What arts to lull the keeper could fhe prove ? And how the facred image thence remove ? She fondly boafts the deed, unthinking maid! 'Twas I the ftatue from the mofque convey 'd : Where the high dome receives the air and light, I found a pafTage, favour d by the night : The glory mine, the death for me remains, Nor let her thus ufurp my rightful pains : The punifhment be mine ; her chains I claim ; Mine is the pile prepar'd, and mine the kindled flame J At this her head Sophronia gently rais'd, And on the youth with looks of pity gaz'd. Unhappy man! what brings thee guiltlefs here? What frenzy guides thee, or what rafh defpair? Say, cannot I, without thy aid, engage The utmoft threatening of a mortal's rage ? This breaft undaunted can refign its breath, Nor afks a partner in the hour of death. book ii. DELIVERED. 49 She fpoke ; but wrought not on her lover's mind, Who, firm, retain'd his purpofe firft defign'd. 230 O glorious druggie for a fatal prize ! When love with fortitude for conqueft vies, Where death is the reward the vidtor bears, And fafety is the ill the vanquifh'd fears ! While thus they both contend the deed to claim, The monarch's fury burns with fiercer flame : He rag'd to find his power fo lightly priz'd, And all the torments he prepar'd defpis'd. Let both (he cry'd) their wilh'd defign obtain : And both enjoy the prize they feek to gain. The tyrant faid, and ftrait the fignal made To bind the youth ; the ready guards obey'd. With face averted to one ftake confin'd, With cruel cords the haplefs pair they bind. Now round their limbs they place the rifing pyrej And now with breath awake the numbering fire j When thus the lover, in a moving ftrain, Befpeaks the lov'd companion of his pain : Are thefe the bands with which I hop'd to join, In happier times, my future days to thine ? And are we doom'd, alas ! this fire to prove, Inflead of kindly flames of mutual love ? vol. r. E 50 JERUSALEM book n. Love promis'd gentler flames and fofter ties j 253 But cruel fate far other now fupplies ! Too long from thee I mourn'd my life disjoined, And now in death a haplefs meeting find ! Yet am I bled, fince thou the pains muft bear, If not thy bed, at leaft thy pile to fhare. Thy death I mourn, but not my own lament, Since dying by thy fide I die content. Could yet my prayer one further blifs obtain, How fweet, how envy'd then were every pain ! O could I prefs my faithful breaft to thine, And on thy lips my fleeting foul refign ! So might we, fainting in the pangs of death, Together mix our fighs and parting breath ! In words like thefe unbleft Olindo mourn'd - y To him her counfel thus the maid return'd. O youth! far other thoughts, and pure defires, Far other forrows now the time requires! Dofl: thou forget thy fins ? nor call to mind What God has for the righteous fouls aflign'd ? Endure for him, and fweet the pains will prove j Afpire with joy to happier feats above ; Yon glittering fkies and golden fun furvey, That call us hence to realms of endlefs day. book ir. DELIVERED. 51 Here, mov'd with pity, loud the Pagans groan : 277 But more conceal'd the Chriftians vent their moan. The king himfelf, with thoughts unufual prefs'd, Felt his fierce heart fufpended in his breaft : But, fcorning to relent, he turn'd his view From the dire profpect, and in hafte withdrew. Yet thou, Sophronia, bear'ft the general woe, And, wept by all, thy tears difdain to flow! While thus they ftand, behold a knight is feen, (For fuch he feem'd) of fierce and noble mien! Whofe foreign arms and ftrange attire proclaim An alien from a diftant land he came. The fculptur'd tigrefs on his helmet high, (A well-known creft!) attracts each gazer's eye. This fign Clorinda in the field difplay'd, All fee and own by this the warrior-maid. She, from a child b , beheld with fcornful eyes Her fex's arts, defpifmg female toys : b S/ie, from a child, ] With refpecr. to the chara&er of a female warrior, however repugnant it may appear to our prefent ideas, the example of Virgil, and the tradition of the Ama- zons, may be fufficient authority for Taflb to introduce the beautiful variety in his poem, arifing from the characters of Clorinda and Gildippe. There is a Angular paffage in one of E 2 52 JERUSALEM book n. Arachne's labours ne'er her hours divide, 205 Her noble hands nor loom nor fpindle guide j From eafe inglorious and from floth me fled, And, mix'd in camps, a life unfully'd led : With rigour pleas'd, her lovely face fhe arm'd With haughty looks, yet even in fiercenefs charm'd : Petrarch's letters, defcribing particularly an Amazonian woman, which it may not be here unpleafing to lay before the reader, from the Life of Petrarch, publifhed in 17/6. " Of all the wonders I faw in my little journey, nothing furprifed me more than the prodigious ftrength and extraor- dinary courage of a young woman called Mary, whom we faw at Puzzoli. She paflfed her life among foldiers, and it was a common opinion that fhe was fo much feared, no one dared attack her honour. No warrior but envied her provvefs and ikill. From the flower of her age fhe lived in camps, and adopted the military rules and drefs. Her body is that of a hardy foldier, rather than a woman, and teamed all over with the fears of honour. She is always at war with her neighbours} fometimes fhe attacks them with a little troop, fometimes alone; and feveral have died by her hand. She is perfect in all the tfratagems of the military art; and fuflers, with incredible pa- tience, hunger, thirft, cold, heat, and fatigue. In fine, fhe lies on the bare ground; her fliield ferves for her pillow, and fhe fleeps armed in the open air. " I had feen her in my fir ft voyage to Naples, about three years ago ; but as fhe was very much altered, I did not know her again. She came forward to falute me; I returned it as book ii, DELIVERED. 53 In early years her tender hand reftrain'd 301 The fiery courfer, and his courage rein'd : She pois'd the fpear and fword : her growing force She try'd in wreftling and the dufty courfe j Then through the mountain paths and lonely wood The bear and fhaggy lion's tracks purfu'd : to a perfon I was not acquainted with. But by her laugh, and the gefture of thole about me, I fufpecled fomething ; and ob- ferving her with more attention, I found under the helmet the face of this formidable virgin. Was I to inform you of half the things they relate of her, you would take them for fables. I will therefore confine myfelf to a few fads, to which I was witnefs. By accident feveral ftrangers who came to Puzzoli to fee this wonder, were all atTembled at the citadel, to make trial of her ftrength. We found her alone, walking before the portico of the church, and not furprifed at the concourfe of the people. We begged the would give us a proof of her ftrength. She excufed herfelf at firft, on having a wound in her armj but afterwards the took up an enormous block of ftone, and a piece of wood loaded with iron. Upon thefe, faid (lie, you may try your ftrength if you will. After every one had at- tempted to move them, with more or lefs fuccefs, the took and threw them with fo much eafe over our heads, that we remained confounded, and could hardly believe our eyes. At firft fome deceit was fufpected, but there could be none. This has rendered credible what the ancients relate of the. Amazons, and Virgil of the heroines of Italy, who were; headed by Camilla." See Life of Petrarch, vol. i. p. 350. 54 JERUSALEM book ii. In war, the dread of men the virgin fhin'd: 307 In woods, the terror of the favage kind ! From Ferfia, jealous of the Chriflianfame, To oppofe the vilor-hofl Clorinda came : And, oft before, in fight her daring hand Had fatten'd with their blood the thirfty land. When near the fatal place the virgin drew, And the dire fcene appear'd before her view ; She fpurr'd her deed to obferve the victims nigh, And learn th' unhappy caufe for which they die. The yielding crowd gave way : the curious maid With fledfafl eyes the pair in bonds furvey'd. One mourn'd aloud, and one in filence floods The weaker fex the greater firmnefs fhow'd : Yet feem'd Oiindo like a man to moan Who wept another's fufferings, not his own ; While filent ihe, and fix'd on heaven her eyes, Already feem'd to claim her kindred fkies. Clorinda view'd their flate with tender woe. And down her cheeks the tears began to flow: Yet moil fhe griev'd for her who grief difdain'd; And filence, more than plaints, her pity gain'd ; Then to an aged fire who flood befide, Say, who are thofe to death devote (fhe cry'd) ; bookh. DELIVERED. 55 Declare what brought them to this woful ftate, 33! Some fecret crime, or blind decree of fate? Thus fhe : The reverend fire in brief difplay'd Their mournful flory to the liftening maid : She heard, furpris'd fuch matchlefs worth to find, And both acquitted in her equal mind. Already now refolv'd, by force or prayer, To fave from threaten'd death th' unhappy pair, She ran, fhe ftopp'd the flame with eager hafte, (Already kindling) and the guards addrefs'd. None in this cruel office dare to move, Till to the monarch I my fuit approve : My power, believe me, fhall protect your (lay, Nor fhall your fovereign chide your fhort delay. She faid : th' attendants at her word obey'd, Mov'd with the prefence of the royal maid : Then, turning fwift, fhe met the king, who came To welcome to his court the warrior dame. To whom fhe thus : Behold Clorinda here ! Clorinda's name, perchance, has reach'd your ear. I come, O monarch ! thus in arms, prepar'd Thy kingdom and our common faith to guard : Command me now what tafk I muft fuftain, Nor high attempts I fear, nor low difdain : 56 JERUSALEM book n. Or let my force in open field be fhown j 355 Or here detain me to defend the town. To whom the king : What land fo diftant lies From where the fun enlightens Afia's flues, (O glorious virgin!) but refounds thy name, Whofe actions fill the founding trump of fame ? Now to my aid thy conquering fword is join'd, I give my fears and fcruples to the wind : Nor could I greater hopes of conqueft boaft, Though join'd by numbers, fuccour'd by a hoft! Methinks I feem to chide the lingering foe, And Godfrey, to my wiih, appears too How. Thou afk'ft what labours I thy arm decree ; I deem the greateft only worthy thee : To thee the rule of all our warrior-band I here fubmit ; be thine the high command. Thus faid the king. The maid, 'with grateful look, Her thanks return'd, and thus again me fpoke. 'Tis fure, O prince! a thing unufuai heard, Before the fervice done, to claim reward : Yet (by thy goodnefs bold) I make my prayer, And beg thy mercy yon condemn' d to fpare : Grant it for all my deeds in future time i 'Tis hard to fuffer for a doubtful crime : book ii. DELIVERED. 57 But this I wave, nor here the reafons plead 379 That fpeak them guiltlefs of th' imputed deed. 'Tis faid fome Chriftian hand the theft has wrought s But here I differ from the public thought : The fpell Ifmeno fram'd to aid our caufe I deem an outrage on our facred laws : Nor fits it idols in our fanes to place, Much lefs the idols of this impious race. 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 ftain With new religions in his awful fane. Ifmeno leave to fpells and magic charms, Since thefe to him fupply the place of arms j While warriors, we, our foes in battle face ; Our fwords our arts, in thefe our hopes we place. She ceas'd ; and, though the king could fcarcely bend His haughty foul, or ears to pity lend, He yields his fury to the gentle maid j Her reafons move him, and her words perfuade. Let both have life and freedom (he reply'd) To fuch a pleader nothing is deny'd. If innocent, by juftice let them live : If criminal, I here their crime forgive. 58 JERUSALEM book n. Thus were they freed ; and lo! what blifsful fate, What turns of fortune on Olindo wait! 404 His virtuous love at length awakes a flame In the foft bofom of the generous dame. Strait from the pile to Hymen's rites he goes, Made, of a wretch condemn'd, a joyful fpoufe: Since death with her he fought, the grateful fair Confents with him the gift of life to fhare. The Pagan monarch, whofe fufpicious mind Beheld with fear fuch wondrous virtue join'd, Sent both in exile, by fevere command, Beyond the limits of Judea's land. Then many others (as his fury fway'd) Were banifh'd thence, or deep in dungeons laid. But the fierce tyrant thofe remov'd alone, For ftrength approv'd, and daring fpirits known : The tender fex and children he retain'd, With helplefs age, as pledges in his hand. Thus, wretched wanderers, fome were doom'd to roam From parents, children, wives, and native home : Part rove from land to land with doubtful courfej And part againft him turn their vengeful force: Thefe to the band of Franks unite their fate, And meet their army entering Emmaus' gate.- book ii. DELIVERED. 59 The town of Emmaiis near to Sion lay, 427 Not half the journey of an eafy day. The pleafing thought each Chriftian foul infpires, And adds new ardour to their zealous fires. But fince the fun had paft his middle race, The leader there commands the tents to place. The hoft were now encamp'd ; the fetting fun With milder luftre from the ocean fhone j When, drawing near, two mighty chiefs were feen, In garb unknown, and of a foreign mien ; Their acts pacific, and their looks proclaim That to the Chriftian chief as friends they came: From Egypt's king difpatch'd, their way they bend, And menial fervants on their fteps attend. Alethes one : his birth obfcure he ow'd To the bafe refufe of th' ignoble crowd ; Rais'd to the higheft ftate the realm affords, By plaufive fpeech, and eloquence of words : His fubtle genius every tafte could meet; In fiction prompt, and ikilful in deceit : Mafter of calumny fuch various ways, He moft accufes when he feems to praife. The other chief from fair Circaflia came To Egypt's court, Argantes was his name : 60 JERUSALEM BOOK II. Exalted midft the princes of the land 45] And firfr. in rank of all the martial band : Impatient, fiery, and of rage unquell'd, In arms unconquer'd, matchlefs in the field ; Whofe impious foul contempt of Heaven avow'd, His fword his law, his own right hand his God ! Now thefe an audience of the leader fought, And now to Godfrey's awful fight were brought. There lowly feated, with his peers around, In modeft garb the glorious chief they found. True valour, unadorn'd, attracts the fight, And fhines confpicuous by its native light. To him a flight refpe<5t Argantes paid, As one who little place or honours weigh 'd. But low Alethes bow'd in thought profound, And fix'd his humble eyes upon the ground j His better hand his penfive bofom prefs'd, With all the adoration of the eaft : And while attention on his accents hung, Thefe words, like honey, melted from his tongue. O worthy thou alone ! to whofe command Submit the heroes of this glorious band ! To thee their laurels and their crowns they owe, Thy conduct brings them victors from the foe : book ii. DELIVERED. 61 Nor flops thy fame within Alcides' bounds, 475 To diftant Egypt Godfrey's name refounds ! Fame through our fpacious realm thy glory bears, And fpeaks thy valour to our liftening ears. But on thy deeds our fovereign chiefly dwells, With pleafure hears them, and with pleafure tells : In thee, what others fear or hate, he loves j Thy virtue fires him, and thy valour moves : Fain would he join with thee in friendly bands, And mutual peace and amity demands. Since different faiths their fan&ion here deny, Let mutual virtue knit the facred tye. But as he hears thy troops their marches bend To expel from Sion's walls his ancient friend ; He now (to avoid thofe evils yet behind) By us unfolds the counfels of his mind. Then thus he fays : Thy firft defign forbear, Content with What thou now haft gain'd in war : Nor on Judea's realm thy forces bring, Nor vex the lands protected by our king : So will he, join'd with thee, thy power enfure, And fix thy yet uncertain ftate fecure : United both j their conqueft to regain, The Turks and Perfians fhall attempt in vain. 62 JERUSALEM book ii. Much haft thou done, O chief! in little fpace, 499 Which length of ages never can deface. What cities won ! what armies overthrown ! What dangerous marches, and what ways unknown ! The neighbouring ftates with terror own thy fame : And diftant regions tremble at thy name. Your glory at the height, with heedful care Avoid the chances of a doubtful war : Increafe of realm your further toils may crown, But conqueft ne'er can heighten your renown : And mould your arms be now in battle croft, Loft is your empire, and your glory loft! Infenfate he who rifks a certain ftate For diftant profpects of uncertain fate : Yet our advice perchance will lightly weigh, And urge thy purpofe, nor thy march delay; While uncontroll'd fuccefs thy foul infpires ; While glows thy bofom with ambition's fires : That glorious frailty of the noble mind, To conquer nations and fubdue mankind ! For this you fly from proffer'd peace afar, With more diftafte than others fhun the war ; Thefe motives bid thee ftill the path purfue, Which fate has open'd largely to thy view : book ii. DELIVERED. 63 Nor in the iheath return that dreaded fword, 523 (Of every conqueft in the field affur'd) Till in oblivion Macon's laws are laid, And Afia, by thy arms, a defert made ! Alluring founds, and grateful to the ear; But O what dangers lurk beneath the fnare ! Then, if no cloud of paflion dim thy fight, And call a veil before thy reafon's light; Well may'ft thou fee what little hopes appear, From every profpect of the lengthen'd war. Reflect how foon the gifts of fortune turn ; Thofe who rejoice to-day, to-morrow mourn : And he who foars an unexpected flight, Oft falls as fudden from his towering height. Say, to thy harm, mould Egypt take the field In arms, in treafure rich, in council fkill'd ; And add to thefe (the war again begun) The Turks, the Perfians, and CafTano's fon c ; What forces could'ft thou to their power oppofe; And how efcape from fuch an hoft of foes ? Or doft thou in the Grecian king confide ; By facred union to thy caufe ally'd ? c Cajfanos fon.~] The fon of the king of Antioch. 64 JERUSALEM book ii. To whom is not the Grecian faith difplay'd ? 545 What fnares for thee the guileful race have laid ! Will thofe, who once your common march wkhftood, Now rifk for you their lives in fields of blood ? But thou perhaps (fecure amidft thy foes) Doft in thefe fquadrons all thy hopes repofe ; And deem'ft the fcatter'd bands thy force o'erthrew As eafy, when united, to fubdue ; Though toilfome marches have your troops annoy 'd, Your ftrength enfeebled, and your men deftroy'd, Though unexpefted nations mould combine, And Egypt with the Turks and Perfians join. Yet grant that fate fo ftrongly arms thy band, No fword can conquer, and no foe withftand .: Lo! Famine comes, with all her ghaftly train; What further fubterfuge, what hopes remain ? Then draw the falchion, and the javelin wield ; Then dream of conqueft in the boafted field. Behold th' inhabitants have wafted wide The fertile country, and the fields deftroy'd -, And fafely lodg'd in towers their ripen'd grain : What hopes are left thy numbers to fuftain? Thy fhips, thou fay'ft, will due provifion fend : Does then thy fafety on the winds depend ? book ii. DELIVERED. 65 Perhaps thy fortune can the winds reftrain ; 569 Thy voice appeafe the roaring of the main. Yet think ; fhould once our nation rife in fight, And with the Perfians and the Turks unite, Could we not then oppofe a numerous fleet, On equal terms, thy naval power to meet ? If here, O chief! thou feek'ft to gain renown, A double conqueft muft thy labours crown : One lofs may fully every former deed; One lofs may unexpected dangers breed : Before our veflels fhould thy navy fly, Thy forces here, oppreft by famine, die : Or lhould'fl thou lofe the battle here, in vain Thy fleet would ride victorious on the main. Then if thy foul reject the peace we bring, And fcorn the fricndihip of th' Egyptian king: This conduct (undisguis'd the truth I tell) Nor fuits thy virtue, nor thy wifdom well. But if thy purpofe feem to war inclin'd, Heaven change, to gentle peace, thy better mind : So Afia may at length from troubles ceafe, And thou enjoy thy conquer'd lands in peace. And you, ye leaders, who his dangers fhare, Fellows in arms, and partners of the war ! vol. 1. F 66 JERUSALEM book n. Ah, let not fortune's fmiles your fouls excite, 593 To tempt again the doubtful chance of fight ; But as the pilot, 'fcap'd the treacherous deep, Refts in the welcome port his weary fhip ; Now furl your fails with pleafure near the more, And truft the perils of the fea no more. Here ceas'd Alethes -, and the heroes round, With looks difpleas'd return'd a murmuring found : With deep difdain the terms propos'd they heard, While difcontent in every face appear'd. Then thrice the chief his eyes around him threw. And caft on every one his piercing view ; Next to Alethes turn'd his careful look, Who waited his reply, and thus he fpoke. Ambaflador ! with threats and praifes join'd, Full wifely haft thou told thy fovereign's mind: If he efleem us, and our worth approve, With grateful pleafure we receive his love. But where thy words a threaten'd ftorm difclofe Of Pagan armies, and confederate foes ; To this I fpeak ; to this my anfwer hear ; An open purpofe cloath'd in words fincere. Know firfl the caufe for which we have fuftain'd Such various hazards both by fea and land ; book ii. DELIVERED. 67 By day and night fuch pious toils have known : 617 To free the paffage to yon hallow'd town ; To merit favour from the King of heaven, By freedom to the fuffering Chriftians given. Nor fhall we fear, for fuch a glorious end, Our kingdom, lives, and worldly fame to fpend. No thirft of riches has our bofoms fir'd ; No luft of empire our attempt infpir'd : If any thoughts like thefe our fouls infeft, Th' Eternal drive fuch poifon from the bread! ' Still may his mercy o'er our fteps prefide, His hand defend us, and his wifdom guide ! His breath infpir'd j his power has brought us far Through every danger of the various war : By this are mountains paft, and rivers croft ; This tempers fummer's heat, and winter's froft : This can the rage of furious tempefts bind, And loofen or reftrain th' obedient wind : Hence lofty walls are burnt and tumbled down ; Hence martial bands are (lain and overthrown : Hence fprings the hope and confidence we boaft ; Not from the forces of a mortal hoft : Not from our veflels , nor from Grecian lands With numbers fwarming j nor the Gallic bands. f 2 6% JERUSALEM book w. And if we ftill th' Almighty's care partake, 64i Let nations, at their will, our caufe forfake ! Who knows the fuccour of his powerful hands, No other aid, in time of need, demands. But fhould he, for our fins, his help withdraw, (As who can fathom Heaven's eternal law!) Lives there p. man who would not find his tomb, Where hallow'd earth did once his God inhume ? So fhall we die, nor envy thofe who live ; Nor unreveng'd fhall we our death receive; Nor Afia mail rejoice to view our ftate ; Nor we fubmit with forrow to our fate. Yet think not that our wayward minds prefer To gentle peace, the horrid fcenes of war ; Nor think we ill your monarch's love return ; Or with contempt his friendly union fcorn. But wherefore do his cares on Sion bend ? And wherefore thus another's realms defend ? Then let him not require our arms to ceafe , So may he rule his native lands in peace ! Thus anfwer'd Godfrey; and with fury fwell'd The fierce Argantes, nor his wrath repell'd : The boiling paffion from his bofom broke ; Before the chief he flood, and thus he fpoke : I book ii. DELIVERED; 69 Let him, who will not proffer'd peace receive, 665 Be fated with the plagues that war can give J And well thy hatred of the peace is known* If now thy foul reject our friendfhip Ihown. This faid, his mantle in his hand he took d , And folding round before th' afTembly fhook, Then thus again with threatening accent ipoke O thou ! who every peril would'ft defpife, Lo ! peace or war within this mantle lies ! See here th' election offer'd to thy voice ; No more delay but now declare thy choice; His fpeech and haughty mien each leader fir'd, And with a noble rage their fouls inipir'd : War! war! aloud with general voice they cry'dj Nor waited till their god-like chief reply'd. At this the Pagan fhook his veft in air Then take defiance, death, and mortal war! So fierce he fpoke, he feem'd to burft the gates Of Janus' temple, and difclofe the fates ; d This/aid, his mantle in his hand lie took, ] Thus Livy relates of the Roman ambaflador before the Carthaginian fenate. " Tum Romanus, finu ex toga fatto; his, inquit, vobis bellum et pacem portamus, utrum placet, fumite. Sub hanc vocem haud minus ferociter daret utrum vellet fie clamatum eft. Et cum is, finu iterum effufo, bellum dixillet 3 accipere fe omnes refpon- derunt, &c." Lib. xxi. 7 o JERUSALEM book n. While from his mantle, which afide he threw, 684 Infenfate rage and horrid difcord flew : Alecto's torch fupply'd her hellifh flame, And from his eyes the fiafliing fparkles came. So look'd the chief of old e , whofe impious pride, With mortal works, the King of heaven defy' d ; So ftood, when Babel rear'd her front on high, To threaten battle 'gainft the ftarry Iky. Then Godfrey To thy king the tidings bear j And tell him we accept the threaten'd war ; Go, bid him haften here to prove our might, Or on the bank of Nile expect the fight. This faid , the leader honour'd either guefl, And due refpect, by different gifts, exprefs'd. Alethes firft he gave a helm of price ; A prize among the fpoils of conquer'd Nice. A coftly fword Argantes next obtain'd, Well wrought and fafhion'd by the workman's hand: Matchlefs the work, and glorious to behold, The hilt with jewels blaz'd, and flam'd with gold. With joy the Pagan chief the gift furvey'd, Admir'd the rich defign and temper'd blade : e So lookd the chief of old, ] Nimrod, wbo built the tower of Babel. bookji. DELIVERED. ;i Then thus to Godfrey : When we meet in field, 706 Behold how well our hands thy prefent wield ! Now, parting from the camp, their leave they took, And thus Argantes to Alethes fpoke. Lo ! to Jerufalem my courfe I take ; 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 prefence fpare : Suffice that thou the Chriftian's anfwer bear; Be mine to mingle in the lov'd alarms Of noble conflict., and the found of arms. Thus he, ambafTador of peace who came, Departs a foe in action and in name : Nor heeds the warrior f , in his haughty mind, The ancient laws of nations and mankind : Nor for Alethes' anfwer deign'd to flay, But through furrounding fhades purfu'd his way, And fought the town, impatient of delay. Now had the night her drowfy pinions fpread ! The winds were hufh'd , the weary waves were dead ! f Nor heeds the -warrior, ] By the law of nations, no perfon, exercifing the office of meffenger or ambafiador, fhould take an a&ive or hoftile part, till his office is completely expired. 7a JERUSALEM, &c. book n. The fifh repos'd in feas and cryftal floods ; 725 The beafts retir'd in covert of the woods ; The painted birds in grateful filence flept ; And o'er the world a fweet oblivion crept. But not the faithful hoft, with thought opprefs'd, Nor could their leader tafte the gift of reft j Such ardent wilhes in their bofoms burn ; So eager were they for the day's return ; To lead their forces to the hallow'd town, The foldier's triumph, and the victor's crown ! With longing eyes they wait the morning light, To chace with early beams the dufk of night. END OF THE SECOND BOOK. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. BOOK III. THE ARGUMENT. Thb Chriftian army arrives before Jerufalem. The alarm is given to the Saracens, who prepare for the reception of the enemy. Clorinda makes the firft fally; fhe encounters and kills Gardoj fhe meets and engages with Tancredj a fhort in- terview enfues between them. In the mean time, Argantes, falling on the Chriftians with a great (laughter, the action be- comes more general. Erminia, from the walls, fhows and defcribes to the king the feveral commanders of the Chriftian nrmy. Rinaldo and Tancred perform great actions. Dudon, having fignalized himfelf, is killed by Argantes. The Pagans, being clofely prefled, are at laft compelled to retreat to the city. Godfrey caufes Dudon to be interred with funeral ho- nours ; and fends his workmen to fell timber for making en- gines to carry on the liege. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. BOOK III. JNow from the golden eaft the Zephyrs borne, Proclaim'd with balmy gales th' approach of morn -, And fair Aurora deck'd her radiant head With rofes cropt in Eden's flowery bed ; When from the founding camp was heard afar The noife of troops preparing for the war : To this fucceed the trumpet's loud alarms, And rouze, with fhriller notes, the hoft to arms. The fage commander o'er their zeal prefides, And with a gentle rein their ardour guides, Yet eafier feem'd it, near Charybdis' caves, To ftay the current of the boiling waves ; Or flop the north, that fhakes the mountain's brow, And whelms the veffels in the feas below. 76 JERUSALEM book in. He rules their order, marflials every band : 15 Rapid they move, but rapid with command. With holy zeal their fwelling hearts abound j And their wing'd footfteps fcarcely print the ground. When now the fun afcends th' ethereal way, And ftrikes the dufty field with warmer ray; Behold Jerufalem a in proipecl: lies ! Behold Jerufalem falutes their eyes ! At once a thoufand tongues repeat the name, And hail Jerufalem with loud acclaim. To failors thus, who, wandering o'er the main, Have long explor'd fome diftant coaft in vain, In feas unknown and foreign regions loft, By ftormy winds and faithlefs billows toft, If chance at length th' expected land appear, With joyful fhouts they hail it from afar j They point, with rapture, to the wihYd-for Ihore, And dream of former toils and fears no more. At firft, tranfported with the pleafing fight, Each Chriftian bofom glow'd with full delight ; a Behold Jerufalem ] The emphatical repetition of the name Jerufalem, is adopted from Virgil, and has a fine effecl: in this book, which opens with wonderful folcmnity. Italiam, Italiam primus conclamat Achates ! xEn. III. book in. DELIVERED. 77 But deep contrition foon their joy fupprefs'd, 35 And holy forrow fadden'd every breaft : Scarce dare their eyes the city walls furvey, Where, cloth'd in flelh, their dear Redeemer lay : Whofe facred earth did once their Lord enclofe, And where triumphant from the grave he rofe ! Each faultering tongue imperfect fpeech fupplies ; Each labouring bofom heaves with frequent fighs ; At once their mingled joys and griefs appear, And undiftinguifh'd murmurs fill the air. So when the grove the fanning wind receives, A whifpering noife is heard among the leaves : So, near the craggy rocks or winding lhore, In hollow founds the broken billows roar. Each took th' example as their chieftains led, With naked feet b the hallow'd foil they tread : Each throws his martial ornaments afide, The crefted helmets, with their plumy pride : To humble thoughts their lofty hearts they bend, And down their cheeks the pious tears defcend : Yet each, as if his breaft no forrow mov'd, In words like thefe his tardy grief reprov'd. b With naked feet ] This circumftance is recorded in the hiftory of the crufaders. 78 JERUSALEM book hi. Here, where thy wounds, O Lord! diftill'd a flood, And dy'd the hallow'd foil with ftreaming blood, 58 Shall not thefe eyes their grateful tribute fhower, In fad memorial of that awful hour? Ah ! wherefore frozen thus my heart appears, Nor melts in fountains of perpetual tears ! Why does my harden'd heart this temper keep ? Now mourn thy fins, thy Saviour's fufferings weep ! Meantime the watch that in the city flood, And from a lofty tower the country view'd, Saw midft the fields a rifing dull appear, That like a thickening cloud obfcur'd the air ; From which, by fits, a flafhing fplendor came, And fudden gleams of momentary flame : Refulgent arms and armour next were feen, And fteeds diftinguifh'd, and embattled men : Then thus aloud What mift obfcures the day ! What fplendors in yon dufty whirlwind play ! Rife, rife, ye citizens ! your gates defend : Halle, fnatch your weapons, and the walls afcend ! Behold the foe at hand ! he faid, and ceas'd : The Pagans heard, and fnatch'd their arms in hafte. The helplefs children, and the female train. With feeble age that could not arms fuftain, book in. DELIVERER. 79 Pale and affrighted to the mofques repair, si And humbly fupplicate the powers with prayer. But thofe of limbs robuft, and firm of foul, Already arm'd, impatient of control, Part line the gates, and part afcend the wall : The king with care provides, and orders all : From place to place he marmall'd every crew, Then to the fummit of a tower withdrew, For hence in profpedt lay the fubjecl:-lands, For hence he could with eafe direct the bands. And there Erminia by his fide he plac'd, The fair Erminia, who his palace grac'd, Since Antioch fell before the Chriftian hoft, And her dear fire the haplefs virgin loft. Now had Clorinda with impatient fpeed, To attack the Franks, a chofen fquadron led: But, in a different part, Circaffia's knight c Stood at a fecret gate prepar'd for fight. The generous maid with looks intrepid fir'd Her brave companions, and with words infpir'd. 'Tis ours to found the glorious work, (fhe cries) The hope of Afia in our courage lies ! While thus fhe fpeaks, fhe fees a Chriftian band With rural fpoils advancing o'er the land - t c Argantes. 80 JERUSALEM book in. Who fent, as wont, to forage round the plain, 105 Now feek with flocks and herds the camp again. Sudden on thefe (he 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 ftrength to oppofe Clorinda's might. Slain in the dreadful (hock, on earth he lies, O'erthrown before the Franks' and Syrians' eyes. Loud, at the fight, exclaim the Pagan train, And hail this omen, but their hopes were vain ! Fierce on the reft the warlike virgin flew, And pierc'd their battle, and their ranks o'erthrew ; And, where her flaughtering fword a paflage hew'd, Her following troops the glorious path purfu'd. Soon from the (potters' hands their fpoil they take : The Franks, by flow degrees, the field forfake j At length the fummit of a hill they gain, And, aided by the height, the foes fuftain. Now, like a whirlwind rufliing from the fkies, Or fwift as lightning through the ether flies, At Godfrey's fignal, noble Tancred near His fquadron moves, and fhakes his beamy fpear. So firm his hands the ponderous javelin wield, So fierce the vouthful warrior fcours the field; book in. DELIVERED. 81 The king, who view'd him from his towery height, 129 Efleem'd him fure fome chief renown'd in fight : Then to the maid befide him thus he fpoke, (Whofe gentle foul with foft emotions fhook) Thou canft, by ufe, each Chriftian's name reveal d , Though here difguis'd, and cas'd in mining fleel : Say, who is he, fo fierce in combat feen, Of dauntlefs femblance, and erected mien ? At this the virgin heav'd a tender figh, The filent drops flood trembling in her eye : But, all fhe could, the fair her tears fupprefs'd, And ftopp'd the murmurs of her troubled breaft; Yet on her cheeks the trickling dews appear 'd, And from her lips a broken figh was heard. Then artful to the king fhe thus reply'd : (And ftrove with angry words her thoughts to hide) Ah me ! I know him fure, have caufe too well, Among a thoufand, that dire chief to tell : Oft have I feen him flrow the purple plain, And glut his fury with my people flain ! d Thou canji, by ufe, each Chrijiians name reveal.~\ The follow- ing paffages, where Erminia defcribes the leaders of the Chriftian army, are clofely copied from Homer, where Helen, in like man- ner, (hews the Grecian commanders to Priam from the walls of Troy. Iliad, iii. VOL. I, O 82 JERUSALEM book hi. Alas! how fure his blows! the wounds they give, 1.40 Nor herbs can heal, nor magic arts relieve : Tancred his name O ! grant fome happier hour May yield him, living, prifoner to my power ! So might my foul fome fecret comfort find, And fweet revenge appeafe my reftlefs mind ! She faid, and ceas'd ; the king the damfel heard, But to a different fenfe her fpeech referr'd ; "While, mingled with thefe artful words fhe fpoke, A figh fpontaneous from her bofom broke. Meanwhile, her lance in reft, the warrior-dame With eager hafte to encounter Tancred came. Their vizors ftruck, the fpears in fhivers flew; The virgin's face was left expos'd to view j The thongs that held her helmet burft in twain j Hurl'd from her head, it bounded on the plain : Loofe in the wind her golden trefTes flow'd, And now a maid confefs'd to all fhe flood ; Keen flafh her eyes, her look with fury glows ; Yet even in rage, each feature lovely fhows : What charms muft then her winning fmiles difclofe ? What thoughts, O Tancred ! have thy bofom mov'd ? Doft thou not fee and know that face belov'd ? book in. DELIVERED. 83 Lo ! there the face that caus'd thy amorous pains ; Afk thy fond heart, for there her form remains: 173 Behold the features of the lovely dame, Who for refrelhment to the fountain came 6 . The knight, who mark'd not firft her creft and fhield, Aftonifh'd now her well-known face beheld. She, o'er her head difarm'd, the buckler threw, And on her fenfelefs foe with fury flew : The foe retir'd s on other parts he turn'd His vengeful fleel : yet ftill her anger burn'd ; And with a threatening voice aloud fhe cry'd ; And with a two-fold death f the chief defy'd. Th' enamour'd warrior ne'er returns a blow, Nor heeds the weapon of his lovely foe ; But views, with eager gaze, her charming eyes, From which the fhaft of love unerring flies : Then to himfelf In vain the ftroke defcends; In vain her angry fword the wound intends j e Who for rcfrejliment to the fountain came.'] See Book i. ver.352, where the firft account is given of Tancred's love to Cloruida, and the adventure here referred to. f And 'with a tivo-fohl death ] Con doppia morte The Italian commentator explains this to mean, a natural death, and the death of love, una amorofa altra corpokale. G 2 84 JERUSALEM book in. While from her face unarm'd (he fends the dart, 190 That rives, with furer aim, my bleeding heart ! At length refolv'd, though hopelefs of relief, No more in filence to fupprefs his grief; And that the dame might know her rage purfu'd A fuppliant captive by her charms fubdu'd ; O thou! (he cry'd) whofe hoflile fury glows On me alone amid this hoft 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 rufh'd furious to the war : Her trembling lover's fteps in hafte purfu'd, And, now, prepar'd, in act of combat flood, Already aim'd a ftroke j when loud he cry'd : Eirft make conditions ere the ftrife be try'd. Awhile her lifted arm the virgin ftay'd, And thus the youth, by love embolden'd, faid. Ah! fince on terms of peace thou wilt not join, Transfix this heart, this heart no longer mine : For thee with pleafure I refign my breath ; Receive my life, and triumph in my death. See, unrefifting in thy fight I ftand ; Then fay what caufe withholds thy lingering hand ? book in. DELIVERED. 85 Or fhall I from my breaft the corflet tear,- 214 And to the ftroke my naked bofom bare ? Thus wretched Tancred fpoke, and more had faid To unfold his forrows to the wondering maid ; But fudden now his troops appear'd at hand, Who clofeJy prefs'd the Pagan's yielding band : Or fear or art impell'd the Syrian race ; One feem'd to fly, while t' other held the chace., When lo! a foldier, who his foes purfu'd, And, part expos'd, the fair Clorinda view'd, Aim'd, as he pafs'd behind the unwary maid, A fudden ftroke at her defencelefs head. Tancred, who fees, exclaims with eager cries, And with his fword to meet the weapon flies. Yet not in vain was urg'd the hoftile fteel, On her fair neck g , beneath her head, it fell : Slight was the wound 3 the crimfon drops appear, And tinge the ringlets of her golden hair. So fhines the gold, which fkilful artifts frame, And, mix'd with rubies, darts a ruddy flame. s On her fair necl, ] This circumftance of Clorinda being wounded, is very fimilar to the paflage in Boyardo, adopted by Ariofto, where Bradamant is in like manner wounded in the head by a Pagan, while me is parleying with Rogero. 86 JERUSALEM book hi. Fir'd at the deed, the prince in anger burn'd, 234 And, with his falchion, on the offender turn'd. This flies, and that purfues with vengeful mind, Swift as an arrow on the wings of wind ! The mufing virgin view'd their courfe from far, Thenjoin'd her flying partners of the war. By turns (he flies i by turns fhe makes a ftand j And boldly oft attacks the Chriftian band. So fares a bull, with mighty flrength indu'd, In fome wide field by troops of dogs purfu'd \ Oft as he fhows his horns, the fearful train Stop fhort, but follow when he flies again. And dill Clorinda, as flie fled the field, Her head defended with her lifted fhield. Now thefe the battle fly, and thofe purfue, Till near the lofty walls appear in view ; When, with a dreadful fhout that fills the air, The Pagans, turning fwift, renew the war : Around the plain in circuit wide they bend, And flank the Chriftians, and their rear offend. Then bold Argantes, from the city's height, Pours, with his fquadron, on the front of fight. Impatient of delay, before his crew, With furious hafle, the fierce Circaflian flew. book in. DELIVERED. 87 The firft he met his thundering javelin found, 258 And horfe and horfeman tumbled to the ground : And ere the trufty fpear in fhivers broke, What numbers more an equal fate partook ! His falchion next he drew, and every blow, Or (lays, or wounds, or overturns the foe. Clorinda faw, and kindled at the view, And old Ardelius, fierce in battle, flew : Robuft in age ! two fons their father guard j But nought can now the deadly weapon ward. Alcander, eldeft born, her fury found, His fire deferring with a ghaflly wound j And Poliphernes, next his place in fight, Scarce fav'd his life from brave Clorinda's might. But Tancred, wearied with the fruitlefs chace Of him whofe courfer fled with fwifter pace, Now turn'd his eyes, and faw his troops from far Engag'd too boldly in unequal war : He view'd them by furrounding Pagans prefs'd, And fpurr'd his courfer to their aid in hafte. Nor he alone, but to their refcue came The band, the firft in dangers as in fame ; The band by Dudon led, the heroes' boaft, The ftrength and bulwark of the Chriftian hoft. 88 JERUSALEM book hi. Rinaldo, braveft of the brave confefs'd, 282 Like flalhing lightning fhone before the reft ! Erminia foon the gallant prince beheld, Known by the eagle h in an azure field. Then to the king, who thither turn'd his eyes : Behold a chief, unmatch'd in arms! (Ihe cries) No fword like his in yonder camp is feen, Yet fcarce appears the down to fhade his chin. Six champions more, his equals in the field, Had made already conqucr'd Syria yield : The furtheft regions had confefs'd their fway, The diftant realms beneath the rifing day ! And even the Nile, perhaps, his head unknown Had vainly then conceal'd, the yoke to ftiun. Such is the youth ! his name Rinaldo call Whofe hand with terror fhakes the threaten'd wall! Now turn your eyes, and yonder chief behold, Array'd in verdant arms and fhining gold : Dudon his name, (the gallant band he leads, Adventurers call'd, and firft in martial deeds) b Knoivn hy the eagle -] The white eagle in (he azure fhield was the enfign of the houfe of Efte : much is faid of this device by Ariotto, who gives it to Mandricardo and Rogero, and feigns ;>. to have been borne by He6tor of Troy. book in. DELIVERED. 89 Of noble lineage, with experience crown'd, 302 In age fuperior, as in worth renown'd. See where yon leader clad in fable ftands, (Whofe brother holds the rule of Norway's lands) Gernando fierce, of no unwarlike name, But with his pride he fullies all his fame. The friendly couple, who, in vefture white, So clofe together (hare the tafk of fight, Are Edward and Gildippe, (blamelefs pair!) In love unequall'd, and renown'd in war! While thus fhe fpoke -, upon the plain below They faw more deep the dreadful carnage grow : There Tancred and Rinaldo's furious hands Pierc'd the thick ranks, and broke the oppofing bands. Next, with his fquadron, Dudon rufh'd along, And pour'd impetuous on the hoflile throng. Even fierce Argantes, tumbled to the ground By brave Rinaldo, fcarce his fafety found : Nor had the haughty chief efcap'd fo well, But, lo ! Rinaldo's horfe that inftant fell, And chancing on his mailer's foot to light, Detain'd awhile the champion from the fight. The routed Pagans, now opprefs'd with dread, Forfook their ranks, and to the city fled. go JERUSALEM book in. Alone Clorinda and Argantes bear 326 The raging ftorm that thunders on the rear. Intrepid thefe maintain their dangerous poft, And break the fury of the conquering hoft : Their daring hands the foremofl battle meet, Bid (laughter paufe, and cover the retreat. Impetuous Dudon chac'd the flying crew, And fierce Tigranes, with a mock, o'erthrew; Then through his neck the fword a pafTage found. And left the carcafe headlefs on the ground. In vain his cuirafs fteel'd Algazor wore ; Corbano's temper *d cafque avail'd no more ! This through the nape and face the weapon prefs'dj That, through the back, and iffu'd at his breaft. Then Amurath and Mahomet he flew ; Their fouls reluctant from their bodies flew. The ftern Almanzor next his valour prov'd ; And fcarce fecure the great Circaflian mov'd. Argantes rav'd, his breaft with fury burn'd, And oft, retreating, on the foe he tum'd j Till with a fudden ftroke the chief he found, And in his flank imprefs'd a mortal wound. Prone falls the leader, ftretch'd on earth he lies, An iron fleep invades his fwimming eyes : book hi. DELIVERED. 9 i And thrice he ftrives to view the light in vain, 350 And on his arm his finking bulk fuftain : Thrice backward falls, and fickens at the fight, And lhuts at length his eyes in endlefs night : A chilly fweat o'er all his body ftreams ; A mortal coldnefs numbs his ftiffening limbs. The fierce Argantes ftay'd not o'er the dead, But, turning to the Franks, aloud he faid. Warriors, attend! furvey this bloody fword, But yefter's fun the prefent of your lord ! Mark how this hand has tried its ufe to-day: Hafte ! to his ears the glad report convey : What fecret pleafure muft your leader feel, To find his glorious gift appro v'd fo well! Bid him, to nobler purpofe foon addrefs'd, Expect this weapon buried in his breaft ; And fhould he long delay our force to meet, This hand fhall tear him from his dark retreat. Boaftful he fpoke; enrag'd the Chriftians hear, And furious round him drive the thickening war; But he already, with the flying crew, Safe in the fhelter of the town withdrew. Now from the wall the clofe defenders pour Their flones, like ftorms of hail, a mifiile fhower : 92 JERUSALEM book in. Unnumber'd quivers fhafts for bows fupply; 374 And clouds of arrows from the ramparts fly ! Awhile they force th' advancing Franks to ftand, Till in the gates retreat the Pagan band ; When lo ! Rinaldo came, (who now had freed His foot encumber'd by his fallen deed) Eager he rufh'd, on proud Argantes' head To take revenge for haplefs Dudon dead : Through all the ranks, infpiring rage, he flies : Why fland we lingering here ? (the warrior cries) Loft is that chief who rul'd our band of late, Why hafte we not to avenge the leader's fate ? When fuch a caufe our vengeful force demands, Shall thefe weak ramparts flop our conquering hands ? Did walls of triple fteel the town enclofe, Or adamantine bulwarks guard the foes, Yet vainly there Ihould hope to lurk fecure The fierce Argantes from your wrathful power Hafte ! let us ftorm the gates He faid, and flew With foremoft fpeed before the warring crew : Dauntlefs he goes, nor falling ftones he fears, Nor ftorms of arrows, hifling round his ears : So fierce he nods his creft, fo towers on high, Such lightning flafhes from his angry eye j BooKiir. DELIVERED. 93 The Pagans on the walls, with doubts opprefs'd, 398 Feel fudden terrors rife in every breaft. While thus Rinaldo to the battle moves, And thefe encourages, and thofe reproves ; Behold, difpatch'd by Godfrey's high commands, The good Sigero ftopp'd the advancing bands : He, in the leader's name, reprefs'd their heat, And bade the Chriftians from the field retreat. Return, ye warriors! (thus aloud he cry'd) Till fitter feafon lay your arms afide : This Godfrey wills, and be his will obey'd. He faid : Rinaldo then his ardour ftay'd, And ftern obedience to the fummons paid. He turn'd ; but his difdainful looks reveal'd The fury in his breaft but ill conceal'd. Now from the walls the unwilling fquadrons go, Retiring, unmolefted by the foe j Yet leave not Dudon's corfe, in battle (lain, Depriv'd of rites, neglected on the plain : Supported in their arms, with pious care, His faithful friends their honoured burthen bear. Meantime aloft their leader Godfrey flood, And from a rifing ground the city view'd. 94 JERUSALEM book in. On two unequal hills ! the city flands, 421 A vale between divides the higher lands. Three fides without impervious to the foes : The northern fide an eafy pafTage fhows, With fmooth afcent ; but well they guard the part With lofty walls, and labour'd works of art. The city lakes and living fprings contains, And cifterns to receive the falling rains : But bare of herbage is the country round; Nor fprings nor ftreams refrefh the barren ground. No tender flower exalts its cheerful head : No ftately trees at noon their fhelter fpread j Save where two leagues remote a wood appears, Embrown'd with noxious fhade, the growth of years. Where morning gilds the city's eaftern fide, The facred Jordan pours its gentle tide. Extended lie, againft the fetting day, The fandy borders of the midland fea : Samaria to the north, and Bethel's wood, Where to the golden calf the altar flood : i On two unequal hills ] Ariofto, in like manner, particularly defcribes the fituation of the city of Paris, before the attack made by the Pagan army. Orlando Eurioso, Book xiv. ver. 772, book in. DELIVERED. 9 $ And on the rainy fouth, the hallow'd earth 441 Of Bethl'em, where the Lord receiv'd his birth. While Godfrey thus, above the fubject field, The lofty walls and Sion's ftrength beheld ; And ponder'd where to encamp his martial powers, And where he beft might ftorm the hoftile tow'rs ; Full on the chief Erminia caft a look, Then fhow'd him to the king, and thus fhe fpoke. There Godfrey ftands, in purple vefture feen, Of regal prefence, and exalted mien. He feems by nature born to kingly fway, Vers'd in each art to make mankind obey : Well ikill'd alike in every talk of fight ; In whom the foldier and the chief unite : Nor can the troops of yonder numerous hoft, A wifer head or fteadier courage boaft. Raymond alone with him the praife can fhare Of wifdom 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 king) his worth report ; I faw and knew him at the Gallic court, When Egypt fent me envoy into France : Oft in the lifts I faw him wield the lance ; 96 JERUSALEM book in. A (tripling then, for fcarce the down began 465 To clothe his cheeks, the promife of a man ! Yet did his words and early deeds prefage, Too fure, alas ! his fame in riper age ! Sighing he fpoke, and hung his penfive head, Then rais'd his eyes again, and thus he faid. Say, what is he who (lands by Godfrey's fide, His upper garments with vermilion dy'd ? How near his air, his looks how much the fame; Though (hort his ftature, lefs erect his frame ! Tis Baldwin, brother to the prince ((he cry'd) In feature like, but more by deeds ally'd. Now turn thy eyes where, with a reverend mien, In aft to council yonder chief is feen : Raymond is he, in every conduct fage, Mature in wifdom of experienc'd age : None better warlike (Iratagems can frame, Of all the Gallic or the Latian name. Beyond, the Britim monarch's fon behold, The noble William with the cafque of gold. Next Guelpho, whom his birth and actions raife, Among the foremoft names to equal praife : Full well I know the chief, to fight confefs'd, By his broad (boulders and his ample cheft. book in. DELIVERED. 97 But ftill, amidft yon numerous troops below, 489 My eyes explore in vain their deadlier! foe ; Boemond, whofe fury all my race purfued, The ftern deftroyer of my royal blood ! Thus commune they ; while from the hill defcends The Chriftian chief, and joins his warlike friends. The city view'd, he deems the attempt were vain, O'er craggy rocks the fteepy pafs to gain. Then on the ground, that rofe with fmooth afcent, Againft the northern gate he pitch'd his tent , And thence proceeding to the corner tower, Encamp'd in length the remnant of his power j But could not half the city's wall enclofe, So wide around the fpacious bulwarks rofe. But Godfrey well fecures each feveral way That might afliftance to the town convey; To feize on every pafs his care he bends, And round with trenches deep the camp defends. Thefe works perform'd, his fteps the hero turn'd, Where lay the breathlefs corfe of Dudon mourn'd : Arriv'd, the lifelefs leader prone he found, With many weeping friends encompafs'd round. High on a {lately bier the dead was plac'd, With funeral pomp and friendly honours grac'd. vol. 1. h 9% JERUSALEM book in. When Godfrey enter'd k , foon the mournful crowd Indulg'd their fecret woes, and wept aloud j 514 While, with a face compos'd, the pious chief Beheld in filence, and fupprefs'd his grief; Till, having view'd awhile the warrior dead, With thoughtful looks intent, at length he faid. Nor plaints nor forrow to thy death we owe, Though call'd fo fudden from our world below: In Heaven thou liv'ft again , thy mortal name Has left behind thee glorious tracks of fame. Weil haft thou kept on earth the Chriftian laws ; Well haft thou died a warrior in their caufe ! Now, happy fhade ! enjoy thy Maker's fight, Unfading laurels now thy toils requite! Hail and be blefs'd ! we mourn not here thy fate, But weep the chance of our deferted ftate. With thee, fo bravely parting from our hoft, How ftrong a finew of the camp is loft ! k Jf?ien Godfrey enter d, ] The following palTage is taken from Virgil's account of the behaviour of iEneas at the death of Pallas, iEn. xi. and from Arioflo's funeral of Brandimart, Book xliii. where Orlando is introduced making a noble and pathetic oration over his deceafed friend. book in. DELIVERED. Q0 But tho' the fate, which fnatch'd thee from our eyes, Thy earthly fuccour to our caufe denies ; 532 Thy foul can yet celeftial aids obtain, Elected one of Heaven's immortal train. Oft have we feen thee in th' embattled field, A mortal then, thy mortal weapons wield ; So hope we flill to fee thee wield in fight The fatal arms of Heaven's refiftlefs might. O ! hear our prayers j our pious vows receive j With pity all our earthly toils relieve : Procure us conqueft, and our hoft fhall pay Their thanks to thee on that triumphant day. Thus fpoke the chief; and now the fable night Had banifh'd every beam of cheerful light; And, with oblivion fweet of irkfome cares, Impos'd a truce on mortal plaints and tears. But fleeplefs Godfrey lay, who faw 'twere vain To attempt, without machines, the walls to gain : What foreft might the ample planks provide, And how to frame the piles, his thoughts employ'd. Up with the fun he rofe, and left his bed To attend the funeral rites of Du Jon dead. Near to the camp, beneath a hiiiock, flood The (lately tomb, compos'd of cyprefs-wood ; h 2 ioo JERUSALEM book hi. Above, a palm-tree fpread its verdant made: 555 To this the mourning troop the corfe convey'd. With thefe the holy priefts (a reverend train !) A requiem chanted to the warrior flain. High on the boughs were hung, difplay'd to fight, The various arms and enfigns won in fight ; In happier times the trophies of his hands, Gain'd from the Syrian and the Perfian bands. The mighty trunk his mining cuirafs bore, And all thofe arms which once die hero wore. Then on the fculptur'd tomb thefe words appear: " Here Dudon lies the glorious chief revere !*' Soon as the prince thefe pious rites had paid, (The lafl fad office to the worthy dead) He fent his workmen to the woods, prepared, And well fupported with a numerous guard. Conceal'd in lowly vales 1 the foreft ftands, A Syrian fhew'd it to the Chriftian bands. To this they march to hew the timbers down, To fhake the ramparts of the hallow'd town. To fell the trees each other they provoke ; The infulted foreft groans at every ftroke. 1 Conceal 'd in lozuly vales ] This foreft was fix miles diftant from the city, and, agreeable to what the poet here fays, was firft pointed out to them by a Syrian. Sookiii. DELIVERED. 101 Cut by the biting ftcel, on earth are laid 577 The pliant afh, the beech's fpreading lhade. The facred palm, the funeral cyprefs fall ; The broad-leav'd fycamore, the plantane tall. The married elm his nodding head declines, Around whofe trunk the vine her tendril twines. Some fell'd the pine ; the oak while others hew'd, Whofe leaves a thoufand changing fprings renew'd j Whofe ftately bulk a thoufand winters flood, And fcorn'd the winds that rend the lofty wood. Some on the creaking wheels with labour ftow'd The unctuous fir, and cedar's fragrant load. Scar'd at the founding axe, and cries of men, Birds quit the neft, and beafts forfake the den ! END OF THE THIRD BOOK. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. BOOK IV. THE ARGUMENT. Pluto calls a council of the infernal powers. His fpeech to urge them to employ their machinations againft the Chriftians. Hidraotes, king of Damafcus, incited by a demon, fends his niece Armida to the Chriftian camp. She is introduced to Godfrey; and endeavours, by a feigned ftory of her misfor- tunes, to raife his compaflion. Many of the chiefs, touched with her pretended forrows, and inflamed with her beauty, are very prefling with Godfrey to permit them to engage in her caufe. He at length yields to their requeft. Armida, during her refidence in the camp, captivates, by her arts, almoft all the principal commanders. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. BOOK IV. While thefe intent their van: machines prepare To aflail the city with decifive war j The foe of man, whofe malice ever burns, His livid eyes upon the Chriftians turns : He fees what mighty works their care engage, And grinds his teeth, and foams with inward rage; And, like a wounded bull with pain opprefs'd, Deep groans rebellow from his hideous bread. Then bending every thought new fchemes to frame, For fwift deftru&ion on their hated namej He fummon'd in his court, to deep debate, A horrid council of th' infernal Hate : Infenfate wretch! as if th' attempt were light To oppofe Jehovah's will, and dare his might: 106 JERUSALEM book iv. Ah! too forgetful how the vengeful hand 15 Of Heaven's Eternal hurls the forky brand ! The trumpet now, with hoarfe-refounding breath, Convenes the fpirits in the fliades of death : The hollow caverns tremble at the found j The air re-echoes to the noife around! Not louder terrors fhake the diftant pole, When through the ikies the rattling thunders roll ; Not greater tremors heave the labouring earth, When vapours, pent within, contend for birth ! The Gods of hell the awful fignal heard a , And, thronging round the lofty gates, appear'd In various fhapes, tremendous to the view ! What terror from their threatening eyes they threw ! a The Gods of hell the cnvful fignal heard,"] There can be little doubt but Milton made ufe of this paffage in his account of the fallen angels, and in particular of the fpeech which Taffo here puts into the mouth of Pluto (as he injudicioufly calls him) which is very chara&erillic of his infernal difpo- fition. The poet has, with fingular judgment, made him ufe a phrafe only fuitable to the Supreme Being, " Let what I " will be fate!" But how infinitely fnperior is our great countryman in his firft and fecond books of Paradise Lost, without any mixture of the Italian's puerile and difgufting imagery ! book iv. DELIVERED. 107 Some cloven feet with human faces wear, 09 And curling fnakes compofe their dreadful hair; And from behind is feen, in circles caft, A ferpent's tail voluminous and vaft ! A thoufand Harpies foul and Centaurs here, And Gorgons pale, and Sphinxes dire, appear ; Unnumber'd Scyllas barking rend the air ; Unnumber'd Pythons hifs, and Hydras glare ! Chimeras here are found ejecting flame, Huge Polypheme, and Geryon's triple frame ; And many more of mingled kind were feen, All monftrous forms, unknown to mortal men I In order feated now, th' infernal band Enclos'd their grifly king on either hand. Full in the midfl imperial Pluto fate ; His arm fuftain'd the mafiy fceptre's weight. Nor rock nor mountain lifts its head fo high ; E'en towering Atlas, that fupports the fky, A hillock, if compar'd with him, appears, When his large front and ample horns he rears ! A horrid majefty his looks exprefs'd, Which fcatter'd terror, and his pride increas'dj His fanguine eyes with baleful venom flare, And, like a comet, caft a difmal glare; 108 JERUSALEM book iv. A length of beard defcending o'er his breaft, 53 In rugged curls conceals his hairy cheft ; And, like a whirlpool in the roaring flood, Wide gapes his mouth obfcene with clotted blood ! As fmoky fires from burning iEtna rife, And fteaming fulphur, that infects the fkies; So from his throat the cloudy fparkles came, "With peftilential breath and ruddy flame : And, while he Ipoke, fierce Cerberus forbore His triple bark, and Hydra ceas'd to roar j Cocytus ftay'd his courfej th' abyfles fhook; When from his lips thefe thundering accents broke. Tartarean powers ! more worthy of a place Above the fun, whence fprung your glorious race; Who loft with me, in one difaftrous fight, Yon blifsful feats, and realms of endlefs light! Too well our former injuries are known, Our bold attempt againft th' Almighty's throne : See now he rules at will the cryftal fphere, And we the name of rebel angels bear ; And (fad reverfe!) exil'd from cloudlefs days, The golden fun above, and Harry rays, He fhuts us here in dreary glooms immur'd, Our purpofe thwarted, and our fame obfcur'd -, book iv. DELIVERED. 109 And now elects (a thought that flings me more 77 Than all the pains I e'er endur'd before) To fill our ftation, man of abject birth, A creature fafhion'd of the dud of earth ! Nor this fuffic'd ; his only Son he gave (To opprefs us more) a victim to the grave; Who came, and burft th' infernal gates in twain, And boldly enter'd Pluto's fated reign ; And thence releas'd the fouls, by lot our due, And with his fpoils to heaven victorious flew : Triumphant there, our dire difgrace to tell, He fpreads the banners wide of conquer'd hell ! But wherefore fhould I thus renew our woe ? And who are thofe but muft our fufferings know ? Was there a time that e'er our foe we faw The purpofe, which his wrath purfu'd, withdraw ? Then caft each thought of former wrongs behind, And let the prefent outrage fill the mind : See now what arts he practifes to gain The nations round to worfhip in his fane ! And fhall we lie neglectful of our name, Nor juft revenge our kindling breafts inflame ? And tamely thus behold, in Afia's lands, New vigour added to his faithful bands ? no JERUSALEM book iv. Beneath his yoke fhall Sion's city bend, 101 And further ftill his envied fame extend ? Shall other tongues be taught to found his praife ? For him fhall others tune their grateful lays ? Shall other monuments his laws proclaim ? New fculptur'd brafs and marble bear his name ? Our broken idols caft to earth, and fcorn'd ? Our altars to his hated worfhip turn'd ? To him mail gifts of myrrh and gold be made ? To him alone be vows and incenfe paid ? Where every temple once ador'd our power, Their gates be open to our arts no more ? Such numerous fouls no longer tribute pay, And Pluto here an empty kingdom fway ? Ah! no our former courage ftill we boaft; That dauntlefs fpirit which infpir'd our hoft, When, girt with flames and fteel, in dire alarms We durft oppofe the King of Heaven in arms ! 'Tis true we loft the day ( fo fate ordain'd) But ftill the glory of th' attempt remain'd : To him was given the conqueft of the field ; To us, fuperior minds that fcorn'd to yield. But wherefore thus your well-known zeal detain ? Go, faithful peers and partners of my reign, bookiv. DELIVERED. m My pride and ftrength ! our hated foes opprefs, 125 And crufh their empire ere its power increafe : Hafte (ere deftruction end Judea's name) And quench the fury of this growing flame ; Mix in their councils, fraud and force employ, With every art induftrious to deftroy : Let what I will be fate let fome be flain, Some wander exiles from their focial train ; Some, funk the (laves of love's lafcivious power, An amorous eye or dimpled fmile adore. Againfl its mailer turn th' infenfate fteel, And teach difcordant legions to rebel. Perifh the camp, in final ruin loft, And perifh all remembrance of the hoft i Scarce had the tyrant ceas'd, when fudden rofc The raging band of God's rebellious foes ; And, eager to review the cheerful light, They rufh'd impatient from the fhades of night. As found.ng tempefts with impetuous force Burft from their native caves, with furious courfe, To blot the luflre of the gladfome day, And pour their vengeance on the land and fea : So thefe from realm to realm their pinions fpread, And o'er the world their baneful venom fhed ; ii2 JERUSALEM book iv. And all their hellifh arts and frauds applied, 149 In various fhapes and forms before untried. Say, Mufe ! from whence, and how the fiends began To vent their fury on the Chriftian train ; For well to thee each fecret work is known, Which Fame to us tranfmits but faintly down. O'er wide Damafcus and the neighbouring land, A fam'd magician, Hidraotes, reign'd ; Who, from his youth, his early ftudies bent To explore the feeds of every dark event : But, fruitlefs ftill ! not all his arts declare The fecret ififue of the dubious war : Nor fix'd nor wandering ftars by afpefts tell, Nor truth he finds from oracles of hell. And yet (O knowledge of prefuming man, Of thought fallacious and of judgment vain!) He deem'd that Heaven would fure deftruction Ihower To crufh the Chriftians' ftill unconquer'd power ; His fancy view'd at length their army loft, And palms and laurels for th' Egyptian hoft : Hence fprung a wifh his fubject-bands might fhare, With thefe, the fpoils and glory of the war : But, fince the valour of the Franks wa^ known, He fear'd the conqueft would be dearly won. book iv. DELIVERED. 113 Now various plans his wily thoughts employ 'd 173 To low diflenfion, and their force divide : So might his troops, with Egypt's numbers join'd, An eafier field againft the Chriftians find. While thus he thought, th' apoftate angel came, And added fuel to his impious flame ; And fudden with infernal counfels fir'd His reftlefs bofom, and his foul infpir'd. A damfel for his niece the monarch own'd, Whofe matchlefs charms were thro' the Eaft renown'd; To her was every art of magic known, And all the wiles of womankind her own. To her the king th' important talk aflign'd ; And thus reveal'd the purpofe of his mind. O! thou, my beft belov'd! whofe youthful charms, (Sweet fmiles and graces, Love's refiftlefs arms!) A manly mind and thoughts mature conceal ; Whofe arts in magic even my own excel; Great fchemes I frame, nor mall thofe fchemes be vain, Aflifl but thou the labours of my brain. Then heed my counfel, in the talk engage, And execute the plan of cautious age. Go, feek the hoftile camp : and there improve Each female artifice that kindles love : vol. 1. 1 ii4 JERUSALEM book iv. With fpeaking forrows bathe thy powerful eyes; 197 And mix thy tender plaints with broken fighs : For beauty, by misfortune's hand opprefs'd, Can fafhion to her will the hardeft bread. With balhful mien relate the plaufive tale ; With ihow of truth the fecret falfehood veil. Ufe every art of words and winning fmiles To allure the leader Godfrey to thy toils : That thus, a (lave to love and beauty won, His foul may loath his enterprize begun. But if the Fates this fnare fhall render vain, Inflame the boldeft of the warrior train j And lead them diftant from the camp afar, Ne'er to return and mingle in the war. All ways are juft to guard religion's laws, All means are lawful in our country's caufe. The great attempt Armida's bofom warms, (Proud of her bloom and more than mortal charms): She thence, at evening's clofe, departs alone Through folitary paths and ways unknown ; And trufts in female vefts, and beauty bright, To conquer armies unfubdu'd in fight. But various rumours of her flight, diffus'd With purpos'd art, the vulgar-crowd amus'd. book iv. DELIVERED. 115 Few days were pail, when near the damfel drew, To where the Chriftian tents appear'd in view, 222 Her matchlefs charms the wondering bands furprife, Provoke their whifpers, and attract their eyes. So mortals, through the midnight fields of air, Obferve the blaze of fome unufual liar. Sudden they throng to view th' approaching dame, Eager to learn her meffage and her name. Not Argos, Cyprus, or the Delian coaft Could e'er a form or mien fo lovely boaft. Now through her fnowy veil, half hid from fight, Her golden locks diffufe a doubtful light ; 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, And fheds freih glory on the face of day. In wavy ringlets falls her beauteous hair, That catch new graces from the fportive air : Declin'd on earth, her modeft look denies To mow the ftarry luftre of her eyes : O'er her fair face a rofy bloom is fpread, And ftains her ivory ikin with lovely red : Soft-breathing fweets her opening lips difclofe ; The native odours of the budding .rofe ! i 2 u6 JERUSALEM book iv. Her bofom bare difplays its fnowy charms, 245 Where Cupid frames and points his fiery arms : Her fmooth and fwelling breads are part reveal'd, And part beneath her envious veft conceal'd ; Her robes oppofe the curious fight in vain, No robes oppos'd can amorous thoughts reflrain : The gazer, fir'd with charms already mown, Explores the wonders of the charms unknown. As through the limpid ftream, or cryftal bright, The rays of Phoebus dart their piercing light: So through her veft can daring fancy glide, And view what modefty attempts to hide ; Thence paints a thoufand loves and foft defires, And adds frefli fuel to the lover's fires ! Thus pafs'd Armida through th' admiring crowd, (With fecret joy her heart exulting glow'd) She read their thoughts, and various wiles defign'd, And fchemes of future conqueft fill'd her mind. While in fufpenfe her cautious eyes explor'd Some guide to lead her to the Chriftian lord, Before her fight the young Euftatius Hands, Great Godfrey's brother, who the hoft commands : Her beauty's blaze the warrior's bread alarms, He flays, and, wondering, gazes on her charms : book iv. DELIVERED. 117 At once the flames of love his foul infpire ; 269 As o'er the ftubble runs the blazing fire. Then bold through youth, by amorous pafiion prefs'd,. He thus, with courtly words, the dame addrefs'd. Say, damfel! (if thou bear' ft a mortal name, For fure thou feem'ft not of terreflrial frame ! Since Heaven ne'er gave to one of Adam's race So large a portion of celeftial grace!) What fortune bids thee to our camp repair? What fortune fends to us a form fo fair ? What art thou ? If of heavenly lineage fay, So let me, proflrate, rightful homage pay. Too far thy praife extends, ((he made reply) My merits ne'er attain'd a flight fo high : Thy eyes, O chief! a mortal wretch furvey, To pleafure dead, to grief a living prey! Unhappy fate my footfteps hither led,. A fugitive forlorn, a wandering maid! Godfrey I feek, on him my hopes depend, Oppreflion's fcourge, and injur'd virtue's friend ! Then, generous as thou feem'ft, indulge my grief, And grant me audience of thy godlike chief. Then he : A brother fure may gain his ear, May lead thee to him, and thy fuit prefer ; n8 JERUSALEM book iv. Thou haft not chofen ill, O lovely dame ! 293 Some intereft in the leader's breaft I claim : Ufe as thou wilt (nor deem in vain my word) His powerful fceptre and his brother's fword. He ceas'd, and brought her where, retir'd in date. Encircled by his chiefs, the Hero fate. With awful reverence at his fight fhe bow'd, Then feem'd abafh'd with fhame, and filent flood. With gentle words the leader ftrove to cheer Her drooping fpirits, and difpel her fear : Till thus fhe fram'd her tale with fraudful art, In accents fweet, that won the yielding heart. Unconquer'd prince ! whofe far-refounding name With every virtue fills the mouth of fame ! Whom kings themfelves, fubdu'd, with pride obey, While vanquifh'd nations glory in thy fway ! Known is thy valour, and thy worth approv'd, By all efteem'd, and by thy foes belov'd ! Even thofe confide in him they fcar'd before, And, when diftrefs'd, thy faving hand implore. J, who a different faith from thine profefs ; A faith obnoxious, which thy arms opprefs ; Yet hope, by thee, to afcend my rightful throne, Where once my fires, in regal luftre, fhone. book iv. DELIVERED. 119 If, from their kindred, others aid demand, 317 To oppofe the fury of a foreign band ; I, fince my friends no ties of pity feel, Againft my blood invoke the hoftile fteel. On thee I call j in thee my hopes I place : 'Tis thine alone my abject date to raife. No lefs a glory fhall thy labours crown, To exalt the low, than pull the mighty down : An equal praife the name of mercy yields With routed fquadrons in triumphant fields. Oft haft thou fnatch'd from kings the fovereign power : Win now a like renown, and mine reftore. O ! may thy pitying grace my caufe fuftain, Nor let me on thy help rely in vain ! Witnefs that Power, to all an equal God! Thy aid was ne'er in jufter caufe beftow'd. But hear me firfr. my haplefs fortune mow, And fpeak the treachery of a kindred-foe. In me the child of Arbilan furvey, Who o'er Damafcus once maintain'd the fway : He, fprung of humbler race, in marriage gain'd Fair Chariclea, and the crown obtain'd : But ihe, who rais'd him to the fovereign ftate^ Ere I was born, receiv'd the ftroke of fate. no JERUSALEM book iv. One fatal day my mother fnatch'd from earth j 341 The fame, alas ! beheld my haplefs birth ! Five annual funs had fcarce their influence fhed, Since from the world my dearefr. parent fled, When, yielding to the fate of all mankind, My fire in Heaven his faithful confort join'd. The monarch, to a brother's guardian care, Confign'd his fceptre and his infant-heir : In whom he deem'd he juftly might confide, If ever virtue did in man refide. The kingdom's rule he feiz'd, but ftill he fhow'd A zeal for me, and for my country's good ; While all his actions feem'd th' effects to prove Of faith untainted and paternal love. But thus, perchance, with fhows of anxious zeal, He fought his traiterous purpofe to conceal : Or elfe, fincere, to effect his deep defign, My hand in marriage with his fon to join. I grew in years, and with me grew his fon ; In whom no knightly virtues ever fhone : Rude was his afpect, ruder was his foul, Rapacious, proud, impatient of control : Such was the man my guardian had decreed To fhare my kingdom and my nuptial bed. book iv. DELIVERED. 121 In vain to win me to his will he try'd ; 365 I heard in filence, or his fuit deny'd. One day he left me, when his looks confefs'd Some fatal treafon lurking in his bread ; Alas ! methought I then could clearly trace My future fortune in the tyrant's face : From thence what vifions did my foul affright, Diftradt my deep, and fkim before my fight ! O'er all my fpirits hung a mournful gloom, A fure prefage of every woe to come ! Oft to my view appear'd my mother's ghoft, A bloodlefs form, in tears and forrows loft ! Ah me! far diftant from her former look! Fly, fly, my daughter ! (thus the phantom fpoke) For thee the murderous fteel the tyrant bears : For thee his rage th' envenom'd bowl prepares ! But what avail'd thefe bodings of my mind ? Why was I warn'd to fhun the ills defign'd ? Could I, an helplefs maid, refolve to roam, A willing exile from my native home ? A milder choice it feem'd to clofe my fight In that dear place where firft I faw the light. Yet death I fear'd, and fear'd from death to fly; Nor knew on whom for counfel to rely. J22 JERUSALEM book iv. To none I durft my fecret thoughts relate, 389 But liv'd in dread fufpenfe, uncertain of my fate! Like one, who, every moment, thinks to feel On his defencelefs head th' impending fteel. But (whether fortune now was kinder grown, Or Heaven referv'd me yet for woes unknown) A faithful courtier, who, with anxious cares, Had bred my father from his infant years, Touch'd with companion for my death decreed, Revcal'd the tyrant's meditated deed ; And own'd himfelf th* elected minifter That day the poifon to my hand to bear. He bade me fly, if ftill I wifh'd to live, And profFer'd every aid his power could give : With foothing words againft my fears he wrought , And foon confirm'd my undetermin'd thought : With him I then refolv'd, at parting light, To fly, and truft my fafety to my flight. 'Twas now the hour that filence reign'd around, And welcome darknefs brooded on the ground ; When, unperceiv'd, I pafs'd the palace-gate ; (Two faithful maids companions of my fate) Yet, with a tearful eye, and heavy mind, I left my dear paternal feat behind j book iv. DELIVERED. 123 1 While, as my tardy feet their courfe purfu'd, .413 With longing looks, my lov'd, loft home I view'd. So feems a fhip by fudden tempefts toft, And torn, unwilling, from its friendly coaft. All night, and all th' enfuing day, we pafs'd Through pathlefs deferts, and a dreary wafte : Till, feated on the borders of the land, A cattle's fafe retreat at length we gain'd. Here dwelt Arontes, who, with pious truth, Preferv'd my life, the guardian of my youth. But when the traitor faw his treafon vain, And found me thus efcap'd his deathful train, He, with inveterate rage and fraudful mind, Accus'd us of a crime himfelf defign'd. My bribes (he faid) had falfe Arontes wrought To mingle deadly poifon in his draught j That, when he could no more my will reftrain, To loofe defires my foul might give the rein. Ah! firft let lightning on my head defcend, Ere, facred virtue ! I thy laws offend ! With grief the tyrant on my throne I view'd, And faw him thirfting ftill to fhed my blood j But, more than all, I mourn'd my virgin-name Traduc'd, difhonour'd, made the fport of fame ! 124 JERUSALEM book iv. The wretch, who fear'd the vulgar herd enrag'd, 437 With plaufive tales the public ear engag'd , That, dubious of the truth, in deep fufpenfe, The city rofe not in their queen's defence. Thus, while he feigns a zeal to efface the fhame My crimes have brought upon the regal name, He feeks my ruin, which he knows alone Can fix the bafis of his tottering throne. And, ah! the wretch too fure fuccefs will find In the dire purpofe of his ruthlefs mind ! Since tears are vain, my blood muft quench his rage, Unlefs thy mercy in my caufe engage. To thee, O mighty chief! I fly for aid, An ill-flarr'd orphan, and a helplefs maid! O ! let thefe tears, that have thy feet bedew'd, Prevent th' effufion of my guiklefs blood ! O ! by thofe feet that tread the proud in duft ! By that right-hand that ever helps the jufl ! By all the laurels that thy arms have won ! By every temple in yon hallow'd town ! In pity grant what thou alone canfl give ; Reftore my crown, in fafety bid me live ! But what from pity can I hope to prove, If piety and juflice fail to move! book iv. DELIVERED. 125 Thou, to whom Heaven and fate decreed to will 461 Whate'er is juft, and what thou wiU'ft, fulfil ; O ! ftretch thy hand, my threaten'd life retrieve, And, in return, my kingdom's crown receive. Among the numbers that thy arms attend, Let ten felecled chiefs my caufe befriend j Thefe, with my people and paternal train, May well fuffice my ancient feat to gain : For he, to whom is given the portal's care, Will, at my word, by night the gates unbar; By his advice to implore thy aid I came : Thy leaft offuccours will his hopes inflame: So much his foul reveres thy arms and name. She faid ; and ceafing, waited his reply With filent eloquence and downcaft eye. But various thoughts revolv'd in Godfrey's mind, Now here, now there, his dubious heart inclin'd : He fear'd the hoftile guiles ; for well he knew How little truft to Pagan faith was due : But tender pity frill his foul confefs'd, Pity, that fleeps not in a noble breaft : Nor this alone within his bofom wrought ; The common good employ'd his careful thought : He faw th' advantage that his arms might gain, Should fair Armida o'er Damafcus reign : 126 JERUSALEM book iv. Who thence, her ftate dependent on his hands, 486 Might furnifli every aid the time demands, Againft th' Egyptians and auxiliar bands. While thus he paus'd, the dame attentive flood, Dwelt on his face, and every geflure view'd -, But when (he found his fpeech fo long delay'd, Her frequent fighs her doubts and fears betray 'd. At length the leader her requeft denies ; Yet thus with mild and gracious words replies. If God, whofe holy fervice arms our band, Did not, even now, our pious fwords demand : Well might thy hopes expect the wifh'd fuccefs, Nor find our pity only, but redrefs. But, while yon city walls and chofen flock We feek to free from proud opprefiion's yoke ; It ill befits to turn afide our force, And flop our conquefls in the middle courfe. Yet here to thee my folemn faith I give, And in that pledge do thou fecurely live ; l( e'er, indulgent to our arms, 'tis given To free thofe holy walls, belov'd of Heaven ! Then will we place thee in thy native lands, As juftice bids, and piety commands : But piety, like this, muft impious fhow, If flrfl we pay not what to God we owe. book iv. DELIVERED. 127 At this unwelcome fpeech the damfel turn'd $n Her eyes awhile to earth, and filent mourn 'd ; Then rais'd them flow, with pearly drops bedew'd, And thus, with pleading looks, her plaint renew'd. Ah, wretch ! did ever Heaven on one beftow A life fo fix'd in never-ending woe ; That others even their nature mail forget, Ere I fubdue the rigour of my fate ! Why mould I weep, fince hopes no more remain, And prayers aflfail the human breafl in vain ? Or will my favage foe his ears incline To griefs, that fail to move a mind like thine ? Yet think not that my words thy heart accufe, Whofe firm refolves fo fmall an aid refufe : Heaven I accufe ; from thence my forrows flow : Heaven fteels thy heart againft a virgin's woe ! Not thou, O chief! but Fate this aid denies, Then let me view no more the hated fkies, SufEc'd it not (by unrelenting doom) To lofe my parents in their early bloom ! But, exil'd, muft I lead a wandering life, Or fall a victim to the murderer's knife ? Since the chafte laws, by which our fex is ty'd, Amidft your camp forbid me to refide. 128 JERUSALEM book iv. Where fhall I fly ? what friendly powers engage ? 535 How fave my perfon from the tyrant's rage ? No forts but open to his fury lie Then wherefore hefitates my foul to die ? And, fince 'tis vain with fortune to contend, This hand at once my life and woes (hall end. She ceas'd ; and turn'd afide with regal grace; A generous anger kindling in her face : Difdain and forrow feem her breaft to rend, While from her eyes the copious tears defcend, And, trickling, down her lovely vifage run, Like lucid pearls tranfparent to the fun ! O'er her fair cheeks the cryftal moifture flows, Where lilies mingle with the neighbouring rofe. So, wet with dew, the flowers at dawning day, To balmy gales their opening fweets difplay : Aurora views, and gathers from the mead A vary'd garland for her radiant head. Thus fweet in woe appears the weeping dame, Her falling tears a thoufand hearts enflame. O ! wonderous force of Love's myfterious fire, That lights in tears the flames of foft defire! Almighty Love the world in triumph leads, But now, by her infpir'd, himfelf exceeds! book iv. DELIVERED. 129 Her feeming grief bids real forrows flow, 559 And melts the heart with fympathetic woe ; While each apart, with indignation, cries : Thus fpofo the youth : ] In this epifode of Armida, TaUb feems to have had his eye upon a palTage in the beginning of Boyardo's poem, where Angelica is lent by her father Galaphron to the camp of Chcrlemain, on a like deiign with Armida, and captivates all the Chriftian commanders. See Orlando Innamorato, B. I. . i. book iv. DELIVERED. 131 With earned fuit around their leaders prefs'd, 601 And urg'd the juftnefs of the knight's requeft. Then Godfrey thus : Be what ye afk fulflll'd : To fuch united prayers ray will I yield : Her aid requefted let the dame receive ; Whom not my counfels, but your own relieve. Yet, if my words can fuch defires control, Subdue thefe warm emotions of the foul. No more he faid : nor needed more reply, All heard his grant, and heard with eager joy. What cannot beauty, join'd with forrow, move, And tender accents from the lips of love ? Each rofy mouth fupplies a golden chain To bind the fancy, and the heart conftrain. Euftatius, then, the weeping fair addrefs'd : O lovely maid ! be now thy grief fupprefs'd : Soon malt thou find the fuccour from our hands, Such as thy merit, or thy fear demands. At this Armida clears her clouded brow j With rifmg joy her blooming features glow ; While, with her veil, me wipes the tears away, And adds new luftre to the face of day. Then thus For what your pitying grace bellows, Accept the thanks a grateful virgin owes ; k a i^a JERUSALEM book iv. The world due honour to your worth fhall give, 625 And in my heart your names fhall ever live ! She faid i and what it feem'd her tongue deny'd, Her 'ooks, with fofter eloquence fupply'd ; While ouiward fmiles conceal'd, with fraudful art, The mighty mifchief lurking in her heart. Soon as fhe faw how far her power had won, And fortune favouring thus her wiles begun, She feiz'd th' occafion, and her fchemes revolv'd, To finifh all her impious thoughts refolv'd, With female beauty every breaft to quell, And Circe or Medea's charms excel ; And, like a Syren, with her foothing frrain, To lull the firmcft of the warrior-train. Each varied art to win the foul (he tries : To this, to that, a different mien applies ; Now fcarcely dares her modeft eyes advance, And now fhe rolls them with a wanton glance : She thefe repels, and thofe. incites to love, As various paflions various bolbms move. And when fome youth appears, who doubts to name His hidden thoughts, or ftruggles with his flame; Soon on his face a cheering fmile Ihe bends, And from her eye a melting iweetnefs fends ; book iv. DELIVERED. 133 Revives his hopes, inflames his flow defire, 6-19 And thaws the froft of fear with amorous fire. From him, who, urg'd by fiercer paflion, roves Beyond the bound that modefty approves, The wily fair her gentle look withdraws, And with rebukes and frowns his rafhnefs awes: Yet, 'midft the anger rifing in her face, A ray of pity blends the foftening grace : The lover, while he fears, purfues the dame, And in her pride finds fuel to his flame. With arts like thefe a thoufand fouls lhe gains, From every eye the tender tear conftrains : In pity's flame fhe tempers Cupid's dart, To pierce the warrior's unrefifting heart. Ah! cruel love! thou bane of every joy, Whofe pains or fweets alike our peace deftroy: Still equal woes from thee mankind endure, Fatal thy wounds, and fatal is the cure! While thus fhe gives alternate froft and fires, And joy, and grief, and hope, and fear infpires, With cruel pleafure lhe their ftate furveys, Exulting in thofe ills her power could raife. Oft when fome lover trembling woos the fair, She feems to lend an unexperienc'd ear : 134 JERUSALEM, &c. book i v. Or, while a crimfon blufh her -vifage dyes, 673 With coynefs feign'd, fhe downward bends her eyes ; While fhame and wrath, with mingled grace, adorn Her glowing cheeks, like beams of early morn ! But when fhe fees a youth prepare to tell The fecret thoughts that in his bofom dwell ; Now fudden from his fight the damfel flies; Now gives an audience to his plaints and fighs ; Thus holds from morn till eve his heart in play, Then flips, delufive, from his hope away ; And leaves him like a hunter in the chace, When night conceals the bead's uncertain trace. With arms like thefe fhe made a thoufand yield, A thoufand chiefs unconquer'd in the field. What wonder, then, if love Achilles mov'd ; His power if Hercules or Thefeus prov'd ; When thofe, who drew the fword in Jesus* caufe, Submiflive bent beneath his impious laws? END OF THE FOURTH BOOK. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. BOOK V. THE ARGUMENT. Gerkando, afpiring to the command of the adventurers, is jealous left Rinaldo fhould fucceed to that honour. By his calumnies, he draws on himfelf the indignation of that hero, who kills him in the face of the whole army. Godfrey, in- cenfed at this action of Rinaldo, refolves to bring him to a public trial : the latter, difdaining to fubmit to this, quits the camp, and goes into voluntary exile. Armida prefles Godfrey for the promifed fuccours: ten warriors are chofen by lot, with whom (he leaves the camp. In the night, many others depart by ftealth to accompany her. Godfrey receives ill advices from the fleet. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. BOOK V. While thus her fnarcs the falfe Armida fpread, 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; The careful Godfrey ponder'd in his mind, To whom the doubtful charge mould be confign'd: The worth and number of th' adventurer-band, Their various hopes his wavering thoughts detain'd. At length, by caution urg'd, the chief decreed Themfelves fhould fix on one their band to lead, Whofe merit well might Dudon's lofs fupply; On whom th' election of the ten mould lie : Thus, while to them he left th' important choice, No knight, difpleas,'d, could blame his partial voice. 138 JERUSALEM book v. The warriors then he call'd, and thus addrefs'd : 15 Full wejl ye know the counfels of my breaft : I would not fuccours to the dame deny; But at a fitter time our aid fupply. What once I fpoke, I now propofe anew : Still may your better thoughts th' advice purfue : For here, in this unflable world, we find We oft muft change our purpofe firft defign'd. Yet if our fouls, with generous ardour prefs'd, Difdain the judgment of a cooler breaft j I would not here unwilling arms detain, Nor, what I gave fo lately, render vain. Still let me mildly rule each faithful band, And fway the fceptre with a gentle hand. Then go, or flay; no longer I contend ; And on your pleafure let the choice depend. But firft elect, amid your martial train, A chief who may fucceed to Dudon (lain : To name the damfel's champions be his care : Ten warriors only fhall th' adventure fhare : In this the fovereign power I ftill retain -, In this alone his conduct I reftrain. Thus Godfrey fpoke : nor long his brother ftay'd, But, with his friends' confcnt, this anfwer made. book. v. DELIVERED. 139 With thee, full well, O prudent chief! agrees 39 The cooler thought that each event forefees : "But ftrength of hand, and hearts of martial fire, Are due from us, and what our years require : And that which bears in others wifdom's name, In us were bafenefs and reproachful fhame. Then fince fo light the rifk we may fuftain, When juftly weigh'd againil th' expected gain j Th' elected ten fhall go (by thee difmifs'd) And in this righteous caufe a helplefs maid afiift. He faid ; and thus with lhow of public zeal, His words th' emotions of his heart conceal ; While all profefs in honour's name to move, And with that fpecious title veil their love. But young Euftatius, by his paflion fway'd, With jealous eyes Sophia's fon furvey'd; His envious mind thofe virtues could not bear That (hone more brightly in a form fo fair. He tear'd with him Rinaldo fhould be join'd, And 'gainft his fears a cautious fcheme defign'd. The rival warrior then afide he took, And plaufive thus, with wily words befpoke. O thou, ftill greater than thy glorious fire, Whom, yet a youth in arms, the world admire! 140 JERUSALEM book v. Say, who mall now our valiant fquadron lead ? 63 Who next to flaughter'd Dudon can fucceed ? I fcarcely could that hero's rule obey, And to his years alone refign'd the fway. Who now o'er Godfrey's brother fhall command ? Thou, thou alone of all our martial band : Thy glorious race can match the nobleft line ; Thy warlike deeds fuperior far to mine. Even Godfrey's felf would own inferior might, And yield to thee in arduous fields of fight: Thee, mighty warrior! thee our chief I claim, Whofe foul difdains to attend the Syrian dame; And flights the trivial honour which proceeds From dark achievements and infidious deeds. Here will thy valour find an ampler field ; This camp to thee a nobler profpect yield. Accept, brave youth! to guide th' adventurer-band; Myfelf will frame their minds to thy command. Thou, in return, attend my fole requeft ; (Since doubtful thoughts as yet divide my breaft) Whate'er I purpofe, let my will be free, To aflift Armida, or remain with thee. Pie ceas'd; and as thefe artful words lie faid, A fudden blufh his confeious cheeks o'erfpread. e Armida. book v. DELIVERED. 141 Rinaldo, fmiling, faw, with heedful eyes, 87 His fecret pafiion through the thin diiguife. But he, whom lefs the darts of love had found, Whofe bofom fcarcely felt the gentle wound, With unconcern regards a rival's name, Nor frames a wifh to attend the Pagan dame. On Dudon's haplefs fate his thoughts were turn'd ; For Dudon's death the generous hero mourn'd. He deem'd his former glories would be loft If long Argantes liv'd the deed to boaft : With pleafure yet Euftatius' words he heard, That to the rank deferv'd his youth preferr'd : His confcious heart exulted in the praife ; Pleas'd with the tribute truth to virtue pays. Far rather would I choofe (he thus replies) To merit honours, than to honours rife. Let virtuous actions dignify my name, I envy not the great, nor fceptres claim. Yet if thou think'fl lb far my merits weigh, I mall not then reject: the profFer'd fway; But prize (with gratitude and pleafure mov'd) So fair a token of my worth approv'd. I feek not, nor refufe, the chief command ; But mould the power be yielded to my hand, Thou lhalt be one amongft th' elected band. H2 JERUSALEM book v. Thus he: Euftatius fpeeds his peers to find, 112 And fafhion to his will each warrior's mind. But that pre-eminence Gernando claims ; And though at him her darts A/mida aims ; Yet not the power of beauty can control The thirft of honour in his haughty foul. From Norway's powerful kings this chief defcends, Whofe rule o'er many a province wide extends : The crowns and fceptres which his fathers held From ancient times, with pride his bofom fwell'd. Rinaldo in himfelf his glory plac'd, More than in diftant deeds of ages paftj Though long his fires with every fame were crown'd, In war illuftrious, and in peace renown'd. The barbarous prince 1 , whofe pride no worth allows, Save what from riches or dominion flows j And every virtue deems an empty name, Unlefs ennobled by a regal claim; Indignant fees a private warrior dare With him in merit and in praife compare : No bound, no law, his fiery temper knows ; With rage he kindles, and with fhame he glows. The fiend of hell, who fees his tortur'd mind Expos'd to all his fubtle arts defign'd, d Gernando. book v. DELIVERED. 143 Unfeen through all his troubled bofom glides, 136 There rules at will, o'er eveiy thought prefides; His hate increafes, and enflames his ire, And rouzes in his heart infernal fire ; While every moment, from within, he hears This hollow voice refounding in his ears. Shall thus, oppos'd to thee, Rinaldo dare His boafted anceflors with thine compare ? Firft let him count, whofe pride thy equal ftands, His fubject realms and tributary lands-, His fceptres fhow, and (whence his glory fprings) Mate his dead heroes with thy living kings. Shall fuch a chief exalt his worthlefs head, A fervile warrior in Italia bred ? To him let fortune lofs or gain decree, He gains a conqueft who contends with thee j The world mail fay (and great the fame will prove) " Lo! this is he, who with Gernando /trove." The place that once expericnc'd Dudon fili'd, New honours to thy former Hate may yield : But he no lefs with thee in glory vies, Who boldly dares demand lo vaft a prize. If human paffions touch the bleft above, What holy wrath muft aged Dudon move. 144 JERUSALEM book v. When, from his heaven, he fees this haughty knight, (A ftripling-warrior in the field of fight) 161 Afpire fo high ; while fome his counfels join, And (lhame eternal!) fecond his defign. If Godfrey fuch injuftice tamely view, And fufTer him to ufurp thy honours due; It refts on thee to afifert thy rightful claim, Declare thy power, and vindicate thy name. Fir'd at thefe words, more fell his fury grows, Within his heart the torch of difcord glows : His raging paflion, now to madnefs ftung, Flames in his eye, and points his haughty tongue. Whate'er his envious fpeech can turn to blarney He boldly charges on Rinaldo's fame : And every virtue that the youth adorns, To foul reproach, with artful malice, turns : He paints him proud and turbulent of mind, And calls his valour headftrong, rafh, and blind. He fcatters falfehood in the public ears, Till even the rival knight the rumour hears. But dill th' infenfate wretch purfues his hate, Nor curbs the rage that hurries on his fate : While the dire demon all his foul poflefs'd, Rav'd from his lips, and madden'd in his breath bookv. DELIVERED. 145 Amid the camp appcar'd a level fpace ; 1&4 And warriors oft reforted to the. place, In tournaments, in wreftling, and the courfe, Their limbs to fupple, and improve their force. Here, midft the throng (for fo his doom requir'd) He vented all his vengeful fpleen infpir'd ; And 'gainft Rinaldo turn'd his impious tongue, On which the venom of Avernus hung. His contumelious fpeech Rinaldo hears, And now no more his dreadful wrath forbears j At once the bale infulter he defies, Unfheaths his falchion, and to vengeance flies : His voice like thunder echoes from afar, His threatning fteel like lightning gleams in air. Gernando fees, nor hopes to 'fcape by flight, For inftant death appears before his fight. Meanwhile, to all the wondering army's view, A fhow of valour o'er his fears he threw : He grafps his fword, he waits his mighty foe ; And ftands prepar'd to meet the coming blow. Now fudden, drawn from many warriors' thighs, A thoufand weapons flafh againft the fkies. In throngs around the gathering people prefs; The tumult thickens, and the crowds increale : vol. 1. l 146 JERUSALEM book v. Difcordant murmurs rife, and echo round, 203 And mingled clamours to the clouds refound. So, near the ocean on the rocky fhore, With broken noife the wind and billows roar. But not their cries, nor murmurs could detain Th' offended warrior, or his wrath reftrain : He fcorns the force that dares his fury flay; He whirls his fword with unrefifted fvvay : The throng divides ; alone his arm prevails, And, midft a thoufand friends, the prince aifails. Then from his hand, that well his rage obey'd, A thoufand blows th' aftonifh'd foe invade. Now here, now there, the rapid weapon flies, Confounds his fenfes, and diftracts his eyes : At length, the cruel Heel, with ftrength imprefs'd, Rinaldo buries in his panting bread. Prone fell the wretch, and finking on the ground, His blood and fpirit ilfu'd through the wound. The viclor o'er the dead no longer ftay'd, But in the fheath return'd the reeking blade : And, thence departing, to his tent retir'd, His vengeance fated, and his wrath expir'd. Now near the tumult pious Godfrey drew, When the dire fcene was open to his view. bookv. DELIVERED. 147 Gernando pale with lifelefs looks appear'd, 232 His hair and veft with fordid blood befmear'd. He faw the tears his friends in pity fhed, And heard their plaints and forrows o'er the dead : SiJrpris'd, he afk'd what hand had wrought the deed, And whence could fuch deftrudtive rage proceed ? Arnaldo, deareft to the (laughter' d prince, The tale relates, and aggravates th' offence ; That, urg'd by {lender caufe to impious ftrife, Rinaldo's hand had robb'd the chief of life j And turn'd that weapon, which for Christ he bore, Againft the champions of the Chriftian power j And fhow'd how little he his leader priz'd, How much his mandates, and his fway defpis'd : That public juftice to th' offence was due, And death the bold offender mould purfue. Such acts mull hateful be at every time ; But doubly here, the place enhanc'd the crime : That mould he pafs abfolv'd, the fatal deed A dire example through the hoft might fpread ; And all that own'd the murder'd warrior's fide, Would take that vengeance which the law deny'd : From which might conteft fpring and mutual rage, As would the camp in civil broils engage. l 2 148 JERUSALEM book v. He call'd to mind the merits of the (lain, 256 All that could waken wrath, or pity gain. To acquit his friend the noble Tancred tries, And fearlefs for the knight accus'd replies : While Godfrey hears, and with a brow fevere, But little gives to hope, and much to fear. Then Tancred thus : O prudent leader ! view What to Rinaldo and his worth is due : Think from himfelf what honours he may claim, What from his glorious race and Guelpho's name. Not thofe who rule exalted o'er mankind, Should equal punifhment for errors find : In different ftations crimes are different found, By vulgar laws the great can ne'er be bound. To him the leader thus : In every ftate, The vulgar learn obedience from the great : 111, Tancred, doft thou judge, and ill conceive, That we the mighty mould unpunifh'd leave : What is our empire and our vain command, If only ruler o'er the ignoble band ? If fuch my fceptre and imperfect reign, I here refign the worthlefs gift again. But freely, from your choice, the power I hold, Nor fhall the privilege be now controll'd : book v. DELIVERED. i 49 And well I know to vary from my hand 280 Rewards and punifhments, as times demand ; And when, preferving all in equal Hate, To include alike the vulgar and the great. Thus Godfrey faid ; and Tancred nought reply'd^ But, ftruck with awe, flood filent at his fide, Raymond, a lover of the laws fevere Of ancient times, exults his fpeech to hear. While thus (he cries) a ruler holds the fway, With reverence due the fubjects will obey. In government what difcipline is found, Where pardons more than punifhments abound ? Even clemency deftru&ive muft appear, And kingdoms fall, unlefs maintain'd by fear. Thus they; while Tancred every fentence weigh 'd, Then, fwift departing, feiz'd his rapid fteed, And with impatience to Rinaldo fled : Him in his tent he finds, and there relates The words of Godfrey, and the pafl debates; Then thus purfues : Though outward looks we find Uncertain tokens of the fecret mind, Since far too deep, conceal'd from prying eyes, Within the bread the thought of mortals lies f 150 JERUSALEM book v. Thus far methinks the chief's defign I fee j 303 (In this his fpeeches and his looks agree) Thou muft fubmit, and by the laws be try'd, When public juftice fhall thy caufe decide. At this a fcornful fmile Rinaldo fhow'd, Where noble pride and indignation glow'd. Let thofe (he cry'd) in bonds their caufe maintain, By nature flaves, and worthy of the chain : Free was I born, in freedom will I live, And fooner die than fhameful bonds receive. This hand is us'd the glorious fword to wield, To palms of conqueft, and difdains to yield To bafe conftraint: if thus we meet regard, If Godfrey thus our merits would reward ; And thinks to drag me hence, a wretch confin'd To common prifons, like th' ignoble kind : Then let him come I here fhall firm abide, And arms and fate between us fhall decide : Soon fhall our ftrife in fanguine torrents flow, A profpect grateful to the gazing foe ! This faid, he call'd for arms j and foon around His manly limbs the temper'd harnefs bound : Then to his arm the ponderous fhield apply'd, And hung the fatal falchion at his fide : book v. DELIVERED. 151 Now iheath'd in poliftVd mail (a martial fight) 327 He fhone terrific in a blaze oflight. He feem'd like Mars, defcending from his fphere, When Rage and Terror by his fide appear ! Tancred, meanwhile, elTays each foothing art To calm the paffions in his fwelling heart. Unconquer'd youth ! (he cries) thy worth is known, And victory in every field thy own : Secure from ill, thy godlike virtue goes Through toils and dangers midft embattled foes : But Heaven forbid that e'er thy friends mould feel The cruel fury of thy vengeful Heel ! What would'ft thou do ? Say, what thy rage demands ; In civil war to (lain thy glorious hands? Thus, with the (laughter of the Chriftian name, Transfixing Christ, in whom a part I claim. Shall worldly glory (impotent and vain, That fluctuates like the billows of the main!) Shall this with more refpect thy bofom move Than zeal for crowns, that never fade above ? Avert it, Heaven ! be here thy rage refign*d, Religion claims this conqueft o'er thy mind. If early youth, like mine, may plead the right To bring examples paft before thy fight ; 152 JERUSALEM book v. I once was injur'd, yet my wrath fupprefs'd, 351 Nor with the faithful would the caufe conteft. My arms a conquefl: of Cilicia made e , And there the banner'd fign of Christ difplay'd; When Baldwin came, and feiz'd, with covert wiles, My rightful prize, and triumph'd in my fpoils : His feeming friendfhip won my artlefs mind, Nor faw I what his greedy thoughts defign'd. Yet not with arms I ftrove my right to gain, Though haply arms had not been try'd in vain. But mould thy foul difdain a prifoner's name, And fear th' ignoble breath of vulgar fame; Be mine the friendly care thy caufe to plead : To Antioch thou, and ftraight to Bcemond fpeed : Thou mud: not now before the chief appear, And the firft impulfe of his anger bear. But mould th' Egyptian arms our force oppofe, Or other fquadrons of the Pagan foes, e My arms a conqueft of Cilicia made, ] Hiftory relates, that Tancred with his forces made a conqueft of Cilicia, to which Baldwin claimed a right ; and that Tancred having likewife fixed his flandard at Tarfus, Baldwin claimed the victory in the fame manner ; in both which inflances Tancred fubmitted. book v. DELIVERED. 153 Then will thy valour mine with double fame, 369 And ablence add new luftre to thy name : Th' united camp mall mourn thy virtues loft, A mangled body and a lifelefs hoft! Here Guelpho came, and, joining his requeft, With ipeed to leave the camp Rinaldo prefs'd. And now the noble youth his ear inclin'd, And to their purpofe bent his lofty mind. A crowd of friends around the hero wait j All feek alike to attend and fliare his fate : Their zeal he thanks ; and now his fteed he takes, And, with two faithful fquires, the camp forfakes. A third of virtuous fame his foul infpires, That fills the noble heart with great defires : He mighty actions in his mind revolves, And deeds, unheard before, in thought refolves : To affail the foe, and death or laurels gain, While ftill his arms the Chriftian faith maintain - t Egypt to o'er-run ; and bend his daring courfe To where the Nile forfakes his hidden fource. Rinaldo parting thence j without delay, To Godfrey's prefence Guelpho took his wayj Him drawing near the pious chief elpy'd : Thou com'ft in happy time (aloud he cry'd) 154 JERUSALEM book v. Even now the heralds through the camp I fent, 39a To feek, and bring thee, Guelpho, to our tent. Then having firft difmifs'd th' attending train, He thus, with low and awful words, began. Too far, O Guelpho ! does thy nephew ftray, As pafiion o'er his heart ufurps the fway : And ill, I deem, his reafon can fuffice To clear the ftain that on his honour lies : Yet happy fhall I prove if this befall, For Godfrey is an equal judge to all : The right he will defend, and guard the laws, And with impartial voice award the caufe. But if, as fome alledge, Rinaldo's hand, Unwilling, err'd againft our high command ; Then let the fiery youth, fubmifiive, bend To our decifion, and the deed defend : Free let him come; .no chains he fhall receive; (Lo ! what I can I to his merits give) But if his lofty fpirit fcorn to bow, (As well his high unconquer'd pride we know) The care be thine to teach him to obey, Nor dare provoke too far our lenient fway; And force our hand, with rigour, to maintain Our flighted laws, and violated reign. book v. DELIVERED. 155 Thus faid the chief j and Guelpho made reply : 417 A generous foul, difdaining infamy, Can ne'er endure, without a brave return, The lies of envy, and the taunts of fcorn : And mould th' offender in his wrath be flain, What man can jufl revenge in bounds reftrain ? What mind fo govern'd, while refentment glows, To meafure what th* offence to juftice owes ? 'Tis thy command the youth fhall humbly come, And yield himfelf beneath thy fovereign doom ; But this (with grief I fpeak) his flight denies : A willing exile from the camp he flies. Yet with this fword I offer to maintain, 'Gainfl him who dares my nephew's honour ftain, That juftly punifh'd fierce Gernando dy'd, A vi6tim due to calumny and pride. In this alone (with forrow I agree) He rafhly err'd, to break thy late decree. Thus he; when Godfrey Let him wander far, And ftrife and rage to other regions bear ; But vex not thou with new debates the peace ; Here end contention, here let anger ceafe. Meantime Armida, midft the warrior-train, Us'd all her power th* expected aid to gain : 156 JERUSALEM book v. In tears and moving prayers the day employed, 441 And every charm of wit and beauty try'd. But when the night had fpread her fable veil, And clos'd the finking day-light in the weft, Betwixt two knights and dames, from public view, The damfel to her lofty tent withdrew. Though well the fair was vers'd in every art By words and looks to fleal th' unguarded heart ; Though in her form celeftial beauty fhin'd, And left the faireft of her fex behind j Though in her ftrong, yet pleafing, charms compell'd. The greater!: heroes of the camp (He held - t In vain fhe ftrove, with foft bewitching care, To lure the pious Godfrey to her fnare : In vain fhe fought his zealous breaft to move With early pleafures, and delights of love : For, fated with the world, his thoughts defpife Thefe empty joys, and foar above the Ikies. His ftedfaft foul, defended from her charms, Contemns love's weak eflays, and all his feeble arms r No mortal bait can turn his fteps afide, His facred faith his guard, and God his guide. A thoufand forms the falfe Armida tries, And proves, lik$ Proteus, every new difguife. bookv. DELIVERED. 157 Her looks and actions every heart might move, 465 And warm the coldeft bofom to her love : But here, fo Heaven and grace divine ordain, Her fchemes, her labours, and her wiles were vain. Not lefs impervious to her fraudful art, The gallant Tancred kept his youthful heart : His earlier paflion every thought poffefs'd, Nor gave another entrance to his bread. As poifon oft the force of poifon quells, So former love the fecond love repels. Her charms thefe two alone beheld fecure ; While others own'd refiftlefs beauty's power. Sore was me troubled in her guileful mind, That all fucceeded not her wiles defign'd : Yet, 'midft her grief, the dame, exulting, view'd The numerous warriors whom her fmiles fubdu'd : Now, with her prey, fhe purpos'd to depart, Ere chance difclos'd her deep-defigning art ; Far from the camp her captives to detain, In other bonds than love's too gentle chain. 'Twas now the time appointed by the chief To give th' afflicted damfel his relief: Him fhe approach'd, and thus with lowly grace : The day prefix' d, O prince ! has run its race ; 158 JERUSALEM book v. And fhould the tyrant learn (by doubtful fame, 489 Or certain fpies) that to the camp I came To implore thy fuccour, his preventive care Would all his forces for defence prepare. But ere fuch tidings (hall his ears attain, O ! let my prayer fome friendly fuccours gain : If Heaven behold not with regardlefs eyes The deeds of men, or hear the orphan's cries, My realms I fliall retrieve, whofe fubject-fway To thee, in peace or war, mail tribute pay. She faid ; the leader to her fuit agreed ; (Nor could he from his former grant recede) Yet fince her fvwft departure thence me prefs'd, He faw th' election on himfelf would reft : While all, with emulative zeal, demand To fill the number of th' elected band. Th' infidious damfel fans the rivals' fires, And envious fear and jealous doubt infpires, To roufe the foul ; for love, full well fhe knows, Without thefe aids remifs and languid grows : So runs the courfer with a flacken'd pace, When none contend, his partners in the race. Now this, now that, the foothing fair beguiles With gentle fpeech, loft looks, and winning fmiles ; bookv. DELIVERED. 159 That each his fellow views with envious eyes, 513 Till mingled paflions even to frenzy rife : Around their chief they prefs, unaw'd by fhame, And Godfrey would in vain their rage reclaim. The leader gladly, in his equal mind, Would all content, alike to all inclin'd ; (Yet oft was fill'd with juft difdain, to view Th' ungovern'd rafhnefs of the headlong crew) At length his better thoughts the means fupply'd, To ftay contention, and the ftrife decide. To chance (he cry'd) your feveral names commend; Let lots decide it, and the conteft end. Sudden the rival knights their names disposed, And in a flender urn the lots enclos'd : The vafe then fhaken ; firft to view, the name Of Pembroke's earl, Artemidorus, came : Then Gerrard ; Vincilaiis next was found, An aged chief for counfel once renown'd, A hoary lover now, in beauty's fetters bound ! Thefe happy three with fudden joy were fill'd ; The reft, by figns, their anxious fears reveal'd, And hung upon his lips, with fix'd regard, Who, drawing forth the lots, the names declar'd. The fourth was Guafco ; then Ridolphus' name; And next Ridolphus, Olderico came. 160 JERUSALEM book v. Roufillon then was read ; and next appear'd 538 Henry the Frank j Bavarian Eberard : Rambaldo laft, who left the Chriftian laws f , And girt his weapon in the Pagan caufe : So far the tyrant love his vaffal draws ! But thofe, excluded from the lift, exclaim On fickle fortune as a partial dame j Love they accufe, who fuffered her to guide His facred empire, and his laws decide , Yet many purpos'd to purfue the maid, When parting light mould yield to fable fhade; In fortune's fpight, her perfon to attend, And, with their lives, from every chance defend. With gentle fighs and fpeeches half difclos'd, Their willing minds to this fhe more difpos'd : To every knight alike fhe fram'd her art, ' And feem'd to leave him with dejected heart. Now, clad in mining arms, th' allotted band Difmifiion from their prudent chief demand. The hero then admonifh'd each afide, How ill they could in Pagan faith confide j f Rambaldo lajl, ivho left the Chriftian laws.'] The hiftory makes mention of a foldier who abjured Christianity and went over to the Infidels, but his name was Rainaldo, not Rambaldo j he was a native of Holland. sook v. DELIVERED. i6t So frail a pledge enjoin'd 'em to beware, 559 And guard their fouls from every hidden fnare. But all his words were loft in empty wind; Love takes not counfel from a wholefome mind. The knights difmifs'd, the dame no longer ftay'd, Nor till th' enfuing morn her courfe delay'd. Elate with conqueft, from the camp fhe pafs'd, The rival knights, like (laves, her triumph grac'd, While rack'd with jealoufy's tormenting pain, She left the remnant of the fuitor-train. But foon as night with filent wings arofe, The minifter of dreams and foft repofe ; In fecret many more her fleps purfue : But firft Euftatius from the tents withdrew : Scarce rofe the friendly ihade, when fvvift he fled, Through darknefs blind, by blind affection led. He roves uncertain all the dewy night, But foon as morning ftreaks the fkies with light, Armida's camp falutes his eager fight. Fir'd at the view, th' impatient lover flies ; Him, by his arms, Rambaldo knows, and cries What feek'ft thou here, or whither doft thou bend ? I come (he faid) Armida to defend : In me, no lefs than others, fhall fhe find A ready fuccour and a conftant mind. vol, 1. m \di JERUSALEM book v. Who dares (the knight replies) that choice approve, And make fuch honour thine? He anfwer'd Love. From Fortune thou, from Love my right I claim : 596 Say, whofe the greateft boaft and noblefl name ? Rambaldo then Thy empty titles fail, Such fond delufive arts fhall ne'er prevail. Think not to join with us thy lawlefs aid, With us the champions of the royal maid. Who fhall oppofe my will ? (the youth reply 'd) In me behold the man! (Rambaldo cry'd) Swift at the word he rufrVd; with equal rage Euftatius fprung his rival to engage. But here the lovely tyrant of their bread Advanc'd between them, and their rage fupprefs'd. Ah ! ceafe, (to that fhe cry'd) nor more complain, That thou a partner, I a champion gain : Canft thou my welfare or my fafety prize, Yet thus deprive me of my new allies ? In happy time (to this began the dame) Thou com'jft, defender of my life and fame : Reafon forbids, that e'er it fhall be faid, Armida fcorn'd fo fair an offer'd aid. Thus fhej while fome new champion every hour Pnrfu'd her ftandard, and increas'd her power. book v. DELIVERED. 163 Some wandering here, fome there, the damfel join'd, Though each concealing what his thoughts defign'd, Now fcowl'd with jealous looks his rivals there to find. She feem'd on all to caft a gracious eye, 611 And every one receiv'd with equal joy. Scarce had the day difpell'd the fhades of night, When heedful Godfrey knew his warriors' flight ; And while his mind revolv'd their fhameful doom, He feem'd to mourn fome threaten'd ills to come. As thus he mus'd, a meffenger appear'd, Breathlefs and pale, with duft and fweat befmear'd. His brow was deep imprefs'd with careful thought, And feem'd to fpeak th' unwelcome news he brought. Then thus O chief! th' Egyptians foon will hide Beneath their numerous fleet the briny tide : William, whofe rule Liguria's mips obey, By me difpatch'd thefe tidings from the fea. To this he addsj that, fending from the fhore The due provifions for the landed power, The Heeds and camels, bending with their load, Were intercepted in the midmoft road ; Aflail'd with dreadful rage on every hand, Deep in a valley, by th' Arabian band : m 2 164 JERUSALEM book v. Nor guards nor drivers could their pods maintain, 63 1 The ftores were pillag'd, and the men were flain. To fuch a height was grown the Arabs' force, As afk'd fome power to check their daring courfe ; To guard the coaft, and keep the paflage free, Betwixt the Chriftian camp and Syrian fea. At once from man to man the rumour fled, And growing fears among the foldiers fpread : The threatening evils fill'd them with affright, And ghaftly famine rofe before their fight. The chief, who faw the terrors of the hoft, Their former courage funk, their firmnefs loft ; With looks ferene, and cheerful fpeeches ftrove To raife their ardour and their fears remove. ' O friends! with me in various regions thrown, Amidft a thoufand woes and dangers known ; God's facred champions! born to aiTert his caufe, And cleanfe from ftain the holy Chriftian laws! Who wintry climes and ftormy feas have view'd, And Perfian arms and Grecian frauds fubdu'd g ; s and Grecian frauds Juidii d {] Alexas, emperor of Conftan- linople, though in the firft book he appears to have fent a fquadron of horfe to the Christians, is faid to have ufed many ftmtagems to fruitrate the expedition; and had once made Hugo the Great prifoner, who was afterwards delivered by Godfrey. bookv. DELIVERED. i 5 Who could the rage of third and hunger bear 65 r Will you refign your fouls to abjecl: fear ? Shall not th' Eternal Power (our fovereign guide, And oft in more difaftrous fortunes try'd) Revive our hopes? deem not his favour loft, Or pitying ear averted from our hoft : A day will come with pleafure to difclofe Thefe forrows paft, and pay to God your vows. Endure and conquer then your prefent ftate; Live, and referve yourfelves for happier fate. He faid j but yet a thoufand cares, fupprefs'd, The hero bury'd in his thoughtful bread: What means to nourifh fuch a numerous train, And midft defeat or famine to fuftain : How on the feas to oppofe th' Egyptian force ; And ftop the plundering Arabs in their courfe. END OF THE FIFTH BOOK. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. BOOK VI. THE ARGUMENT. Arg antes fends a challenge to the Chriilians. Tancred is cholen to oppofe him 5 but while he is upon the point of entering the lift, is detained by the appearance of Clorinda. Otho, in the mean time, meets Argantes, is vanquifhed, and made prifoner. Tancred and Argantes then engage: they are parted by the heralds. Erminia, diftrefled with her fears for Tancred, refolves to vifit that hero. She difguifes herfelf in Clorinda's armour, and leaves the city by night ; but, falling in with an advanced guard of the Chriftians, is afiaulted, and flies. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. BOOK VI. JDut, in the town befieg'd, the Pagan crew, With better thoughts their cheerful hopes renew : Befides provifions which their roofs contained, Supplies, of various kind, by night they gain'd : They raife new fences for the northern fide, And warlike engines for the walls provide. .With ftrength increas'd the lofty bulwarks fliow, And feem to fcorn the battering-rams below. Now here, now there, the king directs his powers, The walls to thicken, or to raife the towers : By day, or fable eve, the works they ply, Or when the moon enlightens all the Iky. Th' artificers, with fweat and ceafelefs care, New arms and armour for the field prepare : 170 JERUSALEM book vi. Meanwhile, impatient of inglorious reft, 15 Argantes came, and thus the king addrefs'd. How long, inactive, muft we here remain Coop'd in thefe gates, a bafe and heartlefs train ? From anvils huge I hear the ftrokes rebound, I hear the helm, the fhield, the cuirafs found : Say, to what ufe, while yon rapacious bands O'er-run the plains, and ravage all the lands ? And not a chief fhall meet thefe haughty foes, And not a trumpet break their foft repofe ? In genial feafts the cheerful days they wafte, And undifturb'd enjoy each calm repaft : By day at eafe, by night at reft they lie j Alike fecurely all their moments fly. But you at length, with pining want diftrefs'd, Muft fink beneath the victor's force opprefs'd j Or bafely fall to death an eafy prey, If Egypt ftiould her fuccours long delay. For me, no fhameful fate fhall end my days, And with oblivion veil my former praife : Nor fhall the morning fun, to fight expos'd, Behold me longer in thefe walls enclos'd. I ftand prepar'd my lot unknown to prove, Decreed already by the Fates above. book vi. DELIVERED. 171 Ne'er be it faid, the trufty fword untry'd, 39 Inglorious, unreveng'd, Argantes dy'd. Yet if the feeds of valour, once confefs'd, Are not extinguifh'd in thy generous breaft : Not only, hope in fight to fall with praife, But your high thoughts to life and conqueft raife. Then rufh we forth united from the gate, Attack the foe, and prove our utmoft fate ! Befet with dangers, and with toils opprefs'd, The boldeft counfels oft are prov'd the beft. But if thy prudence now refufe to yield, To hazard all thy force in open field ; At leaft procure two champions to decide Th' important ftrife, in fingle combat try'd : And that the leader of the Chriftian race With readier mind our challenge may embrace, Th' advantage all be his the arms to name, 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 j Think no misfortune can thy caufe attend, Which I have fworn in combat to defend. This better hand can fate itfelf fupply ; This hand can give thee ample victory : 172 JERUSALEM book vi. Behold I give it as a pledge fecure j &j In this confide, I here thy reign enfure. He ceas'd: Intrepid chief! (the king reply'd) Though creeping age has damp'd my youthful pride; Deem not this hand fo flow the fword to wield, Nor deem this foul fo bafely fears the field, That rather would I tamely yield my breath, Than fall ennobled by a glorious death ; If aught I fear'd, if aught my thoughts foretold Of want or famine which thy words unfold ; Forbid it, Heaven! Then hear me now reveal What from the reft, with caution, I conceal. Lo! Solyman of Nice, whofe reftlefs mind Has vengeance for his former wrongs defign'd, Collects, beneath his care, from different lands, The fcatter'd numbers of Arabia's bands j With thefe will foon by night the foes invade, And hopes to give the town fupplies and aid. Then grieve not thou to fee our realms o'er-run, Nor heed our plunder'd towns, and caftles won ; While here the fceptre ftill remains my own ; While here I hold my ftate and regal throne. But thou, meantime, thy forward zeal afiuage, And calm awhile the heat of youthful ragej book vi. DELIVERED. 173 With patience yet attend the hour of fate, 87 Due to thy glory, and my injur'd flate. Now fwell'd with high difdain Argantes' bread, A rival long to Solyman profefs'd : Inly he griev'd, and faw, with jealous eye, The king fo firmly on his aid rely. 'Tis thine, (he cried) O monarch! to declare (Thine is th' undoubted power) or peace or war : I urge no more here Solyman attend, Let him, who loft his own, thy realm defend ! Let him, a welcome meffenger from Heaven, To free the Pagans from their fears be given : I fafety from myfelf alone require ; And freedom only from this arm defire. Now, while thefe walls the reft in floth detain, Let me defcend to combat on the plain : Give me to dare the Franks to fingle fight, Not as thy champion but a private knight. The king reply'd: Though future times demand Thy nobler courage, and more needful hand ; Yet to thy wifh I fhall not this deny; Then, at thy will, fome hoflile chief defy. Thus he. Th' impatient youth no longer ftay'd, But, turning to the herald, thus he faid. 174 JERUSALEM book vi. Hafte to the leader of the Franks, and there, 1 1 1 Before th' united hoft, this meffage bear : Say, that a champion, whofe fuperior mind Scorns in thefe narrow walls to be confin'd, Defires to prove, in either army's fight, With fpear and Ihield his utmoft force in fight; And comes prepar'd his challenge to maintain, Betwixt the tents and city, on the plain j A gallant proof of arms ! and now defies The boldeft Frank that on his ftrength relies. Nor one alone amid the hoftile band ; The boldeft five that dare his force withftand, Of noble lineage, or of vulgar race, Unterrified he ftands in field to face : The vanquifh'd to the victor's power mail yield, So wills the law of arms and cuftom of the field. Argantes thus. The herald ftraight withdrew, His vary'd furcoat o'er his moulders threw, And thence to Godfrey's regal prefence went, By mighty chiefs furrounded in his tent. O prince! (he cry'd) may here a herald dare, Without offence, his embafiy declare ? To him the chief: Without conftraint or fear, In freedom fpeak, what we as freely hear. book vi. DELIVERED. 175 The herald then the challenge fierce difclos'd, 135 In boaftful words and haughty terms compos'd. Fir'd at his fpeech the martial bands appear'd, And with difdain the Hern defiance heard. Then thus in anfwer pious Godfrey fpeaks : A mighty talk your warrior undertakes ; And well I truft, whate'er his boafted might, One champion may fuffice his arms in fight. But let him come ; I to his will agree ; I give him open field, and conduct free ; And fwear fome warrior, from our Chriftian band, On equal terms fhall meet him hand to hand. He ceas'd -, the king at arms without delay, Impatient, meafur'd back his former wayj From thence, with hafty Heps, the city fought, And to the Pagan knight their anfwer brought. Arm! valiant chief! (he cry'd) for fight prepare, The Chriftian powers accept thy proffer'd war : Not only leaders fam'd demand the fight, The meaneft warriors burn to prove their might, I faw a thoufand threatening looks, appear, A thoufand hands prepar'd the fword to rear : The chief to thee a lift fecure will yield. He ended : When, impatient for the field, 176 JERUSALEM book vh Argantes call'd for arms with furious hade, 139 And round his limbs the freely burthen caft. The wary king Clorinda then enjoin'd: While he departs, remain not thou behind j But, with a thoufand arm'd, attend the knight ; Yet foremoft let him march to equal fight ; The care be thine to keep thy troops in fight. The monarch fpoke -, and now the martial train Forfook the walls and iffu'd to the plain. Advanced before the band, Argantes prefs'd His foaming fteed, in radiant armour drefs'd. Between the city and the camp was found An ample fpace of level champaign ground ; That feem'd a lift fele&ed, by defign, For valiant chiefs in deeds of arms to join. To this the bold Argantes fingly goes, And there, defcending, {lands before the foes ; Proud in his might, with giant-ftrength indu'd, With threatening looks the diftant camp he view'd: So fierce Enceladus in Phlegra fhow'd j So in the vale the huge Philiftine flood. Yet many, void of fear, the knight beheld, Nor knew how far his force in arms excell'd. Still Godfrey doubted, midft his valiant hoft, What knight fhould quell the Pagan's haughty boaft. book vi. DELIVERED. 177 To Tancred's arm (the bravefl of the brave) 194 The great attempt the public favour gave. With looks, with whifpers, all declar'd their choice ; The chief, by figns, 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 cried) Go! meet yon Pagan, and chaftife his pride. The glorious charge with joy the champion heard, A dauntlefs ardour in his looks appear'd : His fhield and helmet from his fquire he took, And, follow'd by a crowd, the vale forfook. But ere he reach'd th' appointed lift of fight, The martial damfel a met his eager fight : A flowing veil was o'er her armour fpread, White as the fnows that veil the mountain's head: Her beaver rear'd, her lovely face difclos'd ; And on a hill me flood at full expos'd. No longer Tancred now the foe efpies, (Who rears his haughty vifage to the fkies) But flowly moves his fteed, and bends his fight Where ftands the virgin on a neighbouring height : The lover to a lifelefs ftatue turns j With cold he freezes, and with heat he burns : 3 Clorinda. VOL. I. N i 7 8 JERUSALEM book vr. Fix'd in a ftupid gaze, unmov'd he ftands, 20s And now no more the promis'd fight demands ! Meantime Argantes looks around in vain, No chief appears the combat to maintain. Behold I come (he cried) to prove my might ; Who dares approach, and meet my arms in fight ? While Tancred loft in deepeft thought appear'd, Nor faw the Pagan, nor his challenge heard, Impetuous Otho fpiirr'd his foaming horfe, And enter'd firft the lift with eager courfe. This knight, before, by third of glory fir'd, With other warriors to the fight afpir'd; But yielding then to Tancred's nobler claim, Mix'd with the throng that to attend him came : Yet when he thus th' enamour'd youth beheld All motionlefs, neglectful of the field, Eager he ftarts to attempt the glorious deed ; Lefs fwift the tiger's or the panther's fpeed ! Againft the mighty Saracen he prefs'd, Who fudden plac'd his ponderous fpear in reft. But Tancred now, recovering from his trance, Saw fearlefs Otho to the fight advance : Forbear! the field is mine! (aloud he cries) In vain he calls, the knight regardlefs flies. book vr. DELIVERED. 179 Th' indignant prince beheld, with rage and lhame ; He blufli'd another mould defraud his name, 233 And reap th' expected harveft of his fame. And now Argantes, from his valiant foe, Full on his helm receiv'd the mighty blow. With greater force the Pagan's javelin ftruck ; The pointed fteel thro' fhield and corfelet broke : Prone fell the Chriftian thundering on the fand; Unmov'd the Saracen his feat maintain'd ; And, from on high, inflam'd with lofty pride, Thus to the proftrate knight infuking cried : Yield to my arms ! fuffice the glory thine To dare with me in equal combat join. Not fo (cried Otho) are we fram'd to yield, Nor is fo foon the Chriftian courage quell'd: Let others with excufes hide my fhame, 'Tis mine to perifh, or avenge my fame! Then like Alecto, terrible to view, Or like Medufa, the Circaflian grew, While from his eyes the flaming lightning flew! Now prove our utmoft force (enrag'd he cries) Since thus thou dar'ft our offer'd grace defpife. This faid ; he fpurr'd his fteed, nor hec4ed more Th' eftablilh'd laws of arms, and knightly lore. N 1 it* JERUSALEM book vi. The Frank, retiring, difappoints the foe, 256 And, as Argantes pafs'd, directs a blow, That to the right defcending, pierc'd his fide ; The fmoking fteel returns with crimfon dyed : But what avails it, when the wound infpires New force and fury to the Pagan's fires ? Argantes, wheeling round with fudden fpeed, Direct on Otho urg'd his fiery fteed : Th' unguarded foe the dreadful fhock receiv'd j All pale he fell, at once of fenfe bereav'd : Stretch'd on the earth his quivering limb's were fpread, And clouds of darknefs hover'd o'er his head. With brutal wrath the haughty victor glow'd, And o'er the proftrate knight in triumph rode. Thus every infolent (hall fall (he cries) As he who now beneath my courfer lies ! But Tancred, who with noble wrath furvey'd Th* unknightly cruel act, no longer ftay'd j Refolv'd to veil the vanquifh'd warrior's fliame, And with his arms retrieve the Chriftian name ; He flew, and cried O thou of impious kind ! In conqueft bafe, and infamous of mind! From deeds like thefe what glory canft thou gain ? What praifes from the courteous heart obtain ? BooKvr. DELIVERED. 181 Thy manners fure were fram'd in barbarous lands, 2S0 Among th' Arabian thieves, or favage bands! Hence! fhun the light ; to woods and wilds confin'd, Among thy brethren of the brutal kind ! .He ceas'd. Impatience fwell'd the Pagan's breaft, But eager rage his ftruggling words fupprefs'd: He foam'd like beads that haunt the gloomy wood ; At length, releas'd, his anger roar'd aloud, Like thunder burfling from a diftant cloud. Now for the field th' impetuous chiefs prepare, And wheel around their courfers for the war. O facred Mufe ! inflame my voice with fire, And ardour equal to the fight inlpire: So may my verfe be worthy of th' alarms, And catch new vigour from the din of arms ! The warriors place their beamy fpears in reft x Each points his weapon at the adverfe creft. Lefs fwiftly to the goal a racer flies ; Lefs fwift a bird on pinions cleaves the ikies. No chiefs for fury could with thefe compare ; Here Tancred pour'd along, Argantes there! The fpears againft the helms in fhivers broke j A thoufand fparks flew diverfe from the ftroke. The mighty conflict fhook the folid ground, The diftant hills re-echo'd to the found i 182 JERUSALEM book vr. But firmly fcated, movelefs as a rock, 305 Each hardy champion bore the dreadful fhock ; While either courfer tumbled on the plain, Nor from the field with fpeed arofe again. The warriors then unfheath'd their falchions bright, And left their fteeds, on foot to wage the fight. Now every pafs with wary hands they prove i With watchful eyes and nimble feet they move. In every form their pliant limbs they (howj Now wheel, now prefs, now feem to fhun the foe : Now here, now there, the glancing fteel they bend, And where they threaten leaft, the ftrokes defcend. Sometimes they offer ibme defencelefs part, Attempting thus to baffle art with art. Tancred, unguarded by his fword or fhield, His naked fide before the Pagan held : To feize th' advantage fwift Argantes clos'd, And left himfelf to Tancred's fword expos'd : The Chriftian dafh'd the hoftile fteel afide, And deep in Pagan gore his weapon dyed ; Then fudden on his guard collected ftood : 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 : BOOKvi. DELIVERED. 183 But, ere he ftrikes, another wound alights 329 Where to the fhoulder-bone the arm unites. As the wild boar that haunts the woods and hills, When in his fide the biting fpear he feels, To fury rous'd, againft the hunter flies, And every peril fcorns, and death defies : So fares the Saracen, with wrath on flame ; Wound follows wound, and fhame fucceeds to fhame ; While, burning for revenge, without regard He fcorns his danger, and forgets to ward. He raves, he rufhes headlong on the foe, With all his ftrength impelling every blow. Scarce has the Chriftian time his fword to wield, Or breathe awhile, or lift his fencing fhield ; And all his art can fcarce the knight fecure From the dire thunder of Argantes' power. Tancred, who waits to fee the tempefl ceale, And the firft fury of his foe decreafe, Now wards the blows, now circles o'er the plain ; But when he fees the Pagan's force remain Untir'd with toil, he gives his wrath the rein : He whirls his falchion j art and judgment yield, And now to rage alone refign the field. No ftrokes, enforc'd from either champion, fail ; The weapons pierce or fever plate and mail. 184 JERUSALEM book vi. With arms and blood the earth is cover'd o'er, 354 And dreaming fweat is mixt with purple gore : The fwords, like lightning, dart quick flafhes round ; And fall, like thunderbolts, with horrid found. On either hand the gazing people wait, And watch the dreadful fight's uncertain fate : No motion in th' attentive hoft appear'd j No voice, no whifper, from the troops was heard : 'Twixt hope and fear they ftand, and nicely weigh The various turns and fortune of the day. Thus flood the war : and now each weary knight Had undetermin'd left the chance of fight ; When rifing eve her fable veil difplay'd, And wrapt each object in furrounding (hade. From either fide a herald bent his way, To part the warriors and fufpend the fray. The one a Frank, Arideus was his name ; Pindorus one, rever'd for wifdom's fame, Who with the challenge to the Chriflians came. Intrepid thefe before the chiefs appear'd, And 'twixt the fwords their peaceful fceptres rear'd; Secur'd by all the privilege they find From ancient rights and cuftoms of mankind. Ye gallant warriors ! (thus Pindorus cried) Whofe deeds of valour equal praife divide ; book vi. DELIVERED. 185 Here ceafe, nor with untimely ftrife profane 379 The facred laws of night's all-peaceful reign. The fun our labour claims ; with toil oppreft, Each creature gives the night to needful reft: ; And generous fouls difdain the conquefts made In fullen filence, and nocturnal made. To him Argantes : With regret I yield To quit th' unfinifh'd conteft of the field ; Yet would I choofe the day our deeds might view: Then fwear my foe the combat to renew. To whom the Chriftian : Thou thy promife plight Here to return, and bring thy captive knight 6 ; Elfe fhall no caufe induce me to delay Our prefent conflict to a future day. This faid ; they fwore. The heralds then decreed The day that mould decide th' important deedj And, time allow'd to heal each wounded knight, Nam'd the fixth morning to renew the fight. The dreadful combat long remain'd impreft In every Saracen and Chriftian breaft : Each tongue the (kill of either warrior tells ; Each thought, with wonder, on their valour dwells. Yet who the prize fhould gain, on either fide The vulgar vary, and in parts divide : b Otho, j86 JERUSALEM book vi. If fury (hall from virtue win the field, 403 Or brutal rage to manly courage yield. But fair Erminia, mov'd above the reft, With growing fears torments her tender breaft ; She fees the deareft object of her care Expos'd to hazards of uncertain war. Of princely lineage came this haplefs maid, From him who Antioch's powerful fceptre fway'd : But, when her ftate by chance of war was loft, She fell a captive to the Chriftian hoft. Then gallant Tancred gave her woes relief,. And, 'midft her country's ruin, calm'd her grief: He gave her freedom, gave her all the ftore Of regal treafure Ihe poflefs'd before, And claim'd no tribute of a victor's power. The grateful fair the hero's worth confefs'd ; Love found admittance in her gentle breaft : His early virtues rais'd her firft defire ; His manly beauty fann'd the blamelefs fire. In vain her outward liberty me gain'd, When, loft in fervitude, her foul remain'd! She quits her conqueror with a heavy mind, And with regret her prifon leaves behind. But honour chides her ftay (for fpotlefs fame Is ever dear to every virtuous dame), book vi. DELIVERED. 187 And with her aged mother thence conftrain'd 428 Her banifli'd fteps to feek a friendly land ; Till at Jerufalem her courfe (he flay'd, Where Aladine receiv'd the wandering maid. Here, foon again by adverfe fortune croft, With tears the virgin mourn'd a mother loft. Yet not the forrow for her parent's fate, Nor all the troubles of her exil'd ftate, Could from her .heart her amorous pains remove, Or quench the fmalleft fpark of mighty love : She loves, and burns! Alas, unhappy maid! No foothing hopes afford her fufferings aid : She bears within the flames of fond defire ; Vain fruitlefs wifhes all her thoughts infpire ; And, while fhe drives to hide, fhe feeds the ft i fled fire. Now Tancred near the walls of Sion drew, And, by his prefence, rais'd her hopes anew. The reft with terror fee the numerous train Of foes unconquer'd on the dufty plain ; . She clears her brow, her dewy forrow dries, And views the warlike bands with cheerful eyes : From rank to rank her looks inceffant rove, And oft fhe feeks in vain her warrior love : i88 JERUSALEM book vi. And oft, diftinguifh'd 'midft the field of fight, 45* She fingles Tancred to her eager fight. Join'd with the palace, to the ramparts riigh, A flately caftle rifes in the fky, Whole lofty head the profpect wide commands, The plain, the mountain, and the Chriftian bands : There, from the early beams of morning light, Till deepening fhades obfcure the world in night, She fits, and fixing on the camp her eyes, She communes with her thoughts, and vents her fighs, 'Twas thence fhe view'd the fight with beating heart, And faw expos'd her foul's far dearer part ; Thence, fill'd with terror and diffracting care, She watch'd the various progrefs of the war; And, when the Pagan rais'd aloft his fteel, She feem'd herfelf the threatening ftroke to feel. When now the virgin heard fome future day Was deftin'd to decide th' unfiniih'd fray, Cold fear in all her veins congeal'd the blood, Sighs heav'd her bread, her eyes with forrow flow'd ; And o'er her face a pallid hue was fpread, While every fenfe was loft in anxious dread. A thoufand horrid thoughts her foul divin'd j In fleep a thoufand phantoms fill'd her mind : book vi. DELIVERED. 189 Oft, in her dreams, the much-lov'd warrior lies 475 All gafh'd and bleeding ; oft, with feeble cries, Invokes her aid ; then, ftarting from her reft. Tears bathe her cheeks, and trickled down her breaft. Nor fears alone of future evils fill Her careful heart, fhe fears the prefent ill. The wounds her Tancred late receiv'd in fight Diftrat her mind with anguifh and affright. Fallacious rumours, that around are blown, Increafe with added lies the truth unknown. Taught by her mother's fkill, the virgin knew The fecret power of every herb that grew ; . She knew the force of every myftic drain, To clofe the wound, and eafe the throbbing pain ; (In fuch repute the healing arts were held, In thefe the daughters of the kings excell'd.) Fain would fhe now her cares to Tancred mow , But fate condemns her to relieve his foe. Now was fhe tempted noxious plants to choofe, And poifon in Argantes' wounds infufe ; But foon her pious thoughts the deed difclaim, ' And fcorn with treachery to pollute her fame. Yet oft fhe wifh'd that every herb applied Might lofe its wonted power, and virtue tried. 190 JERUSALEM book vi. She fear'd not (by fuch various troubles toft) 499 Alone to travel through the adverfe hoft ; Accuftom'd wars and (laughter to furvey, And all the perils of the wanderer's way : Thus ufe to daring had inur'd her mind, Beyond the nature of the fofter kind ; But mighty love, fuperior to the reft, Had quell'd each female terror in her breaft : Thus arm'd, fhe durft the fands of Afric trace, Amidft the fury of the favage race. Though danger ftill and death her foul defpis'd, Her virtue, and her better fame, fhe priz'd. And now her heart conflicting paflions rend ; There love and honour (powerful foes!) contend. Thus honour feem'd to fay : O thou, whofe mind Has ftill been pure, within my laws confin'd j Whom, when a captive 'midft yon hoftile train, I kept in thought and perfon clear from ftain ; Wilt thou, now freed, the virgin boaft forego, So well preferv'd when prifoner to the foe ? Ah! what can raife fuch fancies in thy breaft ? Say what thy purpofe, what thy hopes fuggeft, Alone to wander 'midft a foreign race, And with nocturnal love thy fex difgrace ? book vi. DELIVERED. 191 Juftly the victor lhall reproach thy name, 523 And deem thee loft to virtue, as to fhame ; With fcorn fhall bid thee from his fight remove, And bear to vulgar fouls thy proffer 'd love. But gentler counfels, on a different part, Thus feem'd to whifper to her wavering heart. Thou wert not furely of a favage born, Nor from a mountain's frozen entrails torn ; No adamant and fteel compofe thy frame ; Defpife not then love's pleafing dart and flame, And blufh not to confefs a lover's name. Go, and obey the dictates of thy mind But wherefore fhouldft thou feign thy knight unkind ? Like thine his fighs may heave, his tears may flow 5 And wilt not thou thy tender aid beftow ? Lo! Tancred's life (ungrateful!) runs to wafte, While on another all thy cares are plac'd ! To cure Argantes then thy fkill apply, So by his arm may thy deliverer die! Is this the fervice to his merits due ? And canft thou fuch a hateful tafk purfue ? O think what tranfports muft thy bofom feel, Thy Tancred's wounds, with lenient hand, to heal. 192 JERUSALEM book. vi. Think, when thy pious care his health retrieves, 546 Life's welcome gift from thee the youth receives ! Thou fhalt with him in every virtue fhare, With him divide his future fame in war ; Then fhall he clafp thee to his grateful bread, And nuptial ties fhall make thee ever bleft : Thou (halt be mown to all, and happy nam'd, Among the Latian wives and matrons fam'd; In that fair land where martial valour reigns, And where religion pure her feat maintains. With hopes like thefe allur'd, th' unthinking maid A flattering fcene of future blifs had laid : But (till a thoufand doubts perplexing rife, What means for her departure to devife. The guards, inceflant, near the palace ftand, And watch the portals, and the walls command j Nor dare, amid the hazards of the war, Without fome weighty caufe the gates unbar. Full oft Erminia, to beguile her cares, The time in converfe with Clorinda fhares : With her each weftern fun beheld the maid, Each rifing morn the friendly pair furvey'd ; And when in gloomy lhade the day was clos'd, Both in one bed their weary limbs repos'd. book vi. DELIVERED, 193 One fecret only, treafur'd in her bread, 570 The fond Erminia from her friend fupprefs'd; With cautious fear her love fhe ftill conceal'd; But when her plaints her inward pains reveal'd, She to a different caufe afTign'd her woe, And for her ruin'd ftate her forrows feem'd to flow. Through every chamber of the martial maid, By friendfhip privileged, Erminia ftray'd. One day it chanc'd, intent on many a thought, The royal fair her friend's apartment fought ; Clorinda abfent, there her anxious mind Revolv'd the means to effect her flight defign'd. While various doubts, by turns, the dame diftrefs'd, Aloft fhe mark'd Clorinda's arms and veft : Then to herfelf, with heavy fighs, fhe faid : How bleft above her fex the warrior maid ! How does her ftate, alas ! my envy raife ! Yet not for female boaft, or beauty's praife. No length of fweeping veft her ftep reftrains j No envious cell her dauntlefs foul detains : But, cloth'd in fhining fteel, at will fhe roves ; Nor fear with-holds, nor confcious fhame reproves. Why did not Heaven with equal vigour frame My fofter limbs, and fire my heart to fame ? VOL. I. O 194 JERUSALEM book vi. So might I turn the female robe and veil 594 To the bright helmet and the jointed mail : My love would change of heat and cold defpife, And all the feafons of inclement fkies, In arms alone, or with my martial train, By day or night to range on yonder plain. Thy will, Argantes, then thou hadft not gain'd, And with my lord the combat firft maintain'd : This hand had met, and ah ! that happy hour Perchance had made him prifoner to my power : So from his loving foe he fhould fuftain A gentle fervitude and eafy chain : So might my foul awhile forget to grieve, And Tancred's bonds Erminia's bonds relieve. Elfe had his hand this panting bofom gor'd, And through my heart impell'd the ruthlefs fword; Thus had my deareft foe my peace reftor'd ! Then had thefe eyes in lading fleep been laid, While the dear victor o'er the fenfelefs dead, Perchance, with pitying tears, had mourn'd my doom, And given thefe limbs the honours of a tomb! But ah ! I wander, loft in fond defire, And fruitlefs wifhes fruitlefs thoughts infpire j Then fhall I ftill refide with anguifh here, In abject ftate, the flave of female fear? book vi. DELIVERED, l9 $ no ! confide, my foul, refolve and dare : 6ig Can I not once the warrior's armour bear ? Yes Love fhall give the ftrength th' attempt requires ; Love, that the weakeft with his force infpires ; That even to dare impels the timorous hind But 'tis no martial thought that fills my mind : 1 feek, beneath Clorinda's arms conceal'd, To pafs the gates unqueftion'd to the field, O love ! the fraud, thyfelf infpir'd, attend ! And fortune with propitious fmiles befriend ! 'Tis now the hour for flight (what then detains ?) While with the king Clorinda ftill remains. Thus fix'd in her refolves, th' impatient maid, By amorous pafiion led, no longer flay'd; But to her near apartment thence repairs, And with her all the fhining armour bears. No prying eyes were there her deeds to view; For when (he came the menial train withdrew; While night, that theft and love alike befriends, To afiift the deed her fable veil extends. Soon as the virgin faw the ftars arife, That faintly glimmer'd through the dufky fkies, She cail'd, in fecret, her defign to aid, A fquire of faith approv'd, and favour'd maid : O 2 196 JERUSALEM book vi. To thefe in part her purpofe fhe reveal'd, 64s But, with feign'd tales, the caufe of flight conceal'd, The trufty fquire prepar'd, with ready care, Whate'er was needful for the wandering fair. Meantime Erminia had her robes unbound, That, to her feet defcending, fwept the ground. Now, in her veil, the lovely damfel fhin'd With charms fuperior to the female kind. In ftubborn fteel her tender limbs fhe drefs'd, The marly helm her golden ringlets prefs'd : Next in her feeble hand fhe grafp'd the fhield, A weight too mighty for her ftrength to wield. Thus, clad in arms, fhe darts a radiant light With all the dire magnificence of fight ! Love prefent laugh'd, as when he view'd of old The female weeds Alcides' bulk enfold. Heavy and flow, fhe moves along with pain ; And fcarce her feet th' unwonted load fuftain. The faithful damfel by her fide attends, And with afiifting arm her flep befriends. But love her fpirits and her hopes renews, And every trembling limb with ftrength indues : Till, having reach'd the fquire, without delay They mount their ready fteeds, and take their way. book vi. DELIVERED. 197 Difguis'd they pafs'd amid the gloomy night, 667 And fought the filent paths obfcur'd from fight j Yet fcatter'd foldiers here and there they fpy'd, And faw the gleam of arms on every fide. But none attempt the virgin to moleft j All know her armour, even by night confefs'd, The fnow-white mantle and the dreadful creft. Erminia, though her doubts were partly eas'd, Yet found not all her troubled thoughts appeas'd ; She fear'd difcovery, but her fears fupprefs'd, And reach'd the gates, and thus the guard addrefs'd : Set wide the portal, nor my fteps detain, Commifiion'd by the king, I feek the plain. Her martial garb deceiv'd the foldiers' eyes j Her female accents favour'd the dilguife. The guards obey'd ; and, through the gate, in hafte, The princefs, with her two attendants, pafs'd ; Thence from the city- walls, with caution, went Obliquely winding down the hill's defcent. Now fafe at diftance in a lonely place, Erminia check'd awhile her courfer's pace. Efcap'd the former perils of the night, No guards, no ramparts now to obftruct her flight; With thought mature fhe ran her purpofe o'er, And weigh'd the dangers lightly weigh'd before. 198 JERUSALEM book vi. More arduous far fhe faw th' attempt would prove 692 Than firft appear'd to her defiring love : Too rafh it feem'd, amidft a warlike foe, In fearch of peace, with hoftile arms to go : For ftill fhe purpos'd to conceal her name, Till to the prefence of her knight fhe came. To him fhe wifh'd to ftand reveal'd alone, A fecret lover, and a friend unknown ! Then ftopp'd the fair, and now, more heedful made, Thus to her fquire, with better counfel, faid. 'Tis thou, my friend ! who muft, with fpeed and care, To yonder tents my deftin'd way prepare. Go let fome guide direct thy doubtful eyes, And bring thee where the wounded Tancred lies. To him declare, there comes a friendly maid, 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 fecure from fcorn or fhame, A virgin to his faith commits her fame. In fecret this If more the knight require, Relate no further, but with fpeed retire. Here will I fafely wait. So fpoke the maid; Her meffenger at once the charge obey'd ; book vi. DELIVERED. i 99 He fpurr'd his courfer, and the trenches gain'd, 716 And friendly entrance from the guard obtain'd : Conducted then, the wounded chief he fought, Who heard, with joy, the pleafing mefTage brought. The fquire now leaves the knight to doubts refign'd, (A thoufand thoughts revolving in his mind) To bring the welcome tidings to the fair, That ihe, conceal'd, may to the camp repair. Meanwhile the dame, impatient of his ftay A Whofe eager wiJhes fear the leaft delay, Counts every ftep, and meafures oft in vain The fancied diftance 'twixt the camp and plain : And oft her thoughts the mefTenger reprove, Too flow for the defires of ardent love ! At length, advancing to a neighbouring height, The foremoft tents falute her longing fight. Now was the night in ftarry luftre feen, And not a cloud obfcur'd the blue ferene : The rifing moon her filver beams difplay'd, And deck'd with pearly dew the dufky glade. With anxious foul, th' enamour 'd virgin ftrays From thought to thought, in love's perplexing maze; And vents her tender plaints, and breathes her fighs To all the filent fields and confcious fkies. aoo JERUSALEM book. vi. Then, fondly gazing on the camp, fhe faid : 740 Ye Latian tents, by me with joy furvey'd ! From you, methinks, the gales more gently blow, And feem already to relieve my woe ! So may kind Heaven afford a milder ftate To this unhappy life, the fport of fate ! As 'tis from you I feek to affuage my care, And hope alone for peace in fcenes of war! Receive me then ! and may my wilhes find That blifs, which love has promis'd to my mind ; Which even my worft of fortune could afford, When made the captive of my deareft lord ! I feek not now, infpir'd with fancies vain, By you my regal honours to regain : Ah no ! Be this my happinefs and pride, Within your (helter humbly to refide ! So fpoke the haplefs fair, who little knew How near her fudden change of fortune drew ; For, penfive while fhe flood, the cloudlefs moon Full on th' unheedful maid with fplendor fhone ; Her fnow- white vefture caught the filver beam ; Her polifh'd arms return'd a trembling gleam ; And on her lofty creft, the tigrefs rais'd, With all the terrors of Clorinda blaz'd. book vi. DELIVERED. 201 When lo ! (fo will'd her fate) a numerous band 764 Of Chriftian fcouts were ambuuYd near at hand ; Difpatch'd to impede the paffage, o'er the plain, Of fheep and oxen to the Pagan train. Thefe Polyphernes and Alcander guide, Two Latian brethren, who the tafk divide. Young Polyphernes, who had feen his fire Beneath Clorinda's thundering arm expire, Soon as his eyes the dazzling veft furvey'd, Confefs'd the femblance of the martial maid ; He fir'd his crew ; and, heedlefs of control, Gave loofe to all the fury of his foul -, Take this ! and perifh, by my weapon flain He faid j and hurl'd his lance, but hurl'd in vain. As when a hind, opprefs'd with toil and heat, To fome clear fpring directs her weary feet ; If, as fhe thinks to eafe her fainting limbs In the cool made, and drink the cryftal ftreams, The fatal hounds arrive > fhe takes her flight, And all her thirft is loft in wild affright. Thus fhe, who hop'd fome kind relief to prove, And fought to allay the burning thirft of love, Soon as the warriors, clad in fteel, appear, Forgets her former thoughts in fudden fear : 202 JERUSALEM book vi. She flies, nor dares th' approaching danger meet; 788 The plain re-echoes with her courfer's feet. With her th' attendant flies j the raging knight, Firft of the band, purfues the virgin's flight. Now from the tents the faithful fquire repairs, And to the dame his tardy tidings bears ; Struck with like fear, he gives his fteed the rein, And all are fcatter'd diverfe o'er the plain. Alcander flill, by cooler prudence fway'd, Fix'd at his ftation, all the field furvey'd : A meflage to the camp he fent with fpeed, That not the lowing ox, nor woolly breed, Nor prey like thefe was feen ; but, fmit with fear, That fierce Clorinda fled his brother's fpear. Nor could he think that fhe, no private knight, But one who bore the chief command in fight, At fuch a time would ifiue from the gate, Without fome public weighty caufe of Hate: But Godfrey's wifdom mult th' adventure weigh, And what he bade Alcander fhould obey. Soon to the camp the flying tidings came, But firft the Latian tents receiv'd the fame. Tancred, whofe foul the former meflage mov'd, Now felt new terrors for the maid he lov'd. book vi. DELIVERED. 203 To me (he cry'd) fhe came, with pious care, 812 Alas ! for me this danger threats the fair ! Then of his heavy arms a part he takes, He mounts his courfer, and the tent forfakes With filcnt hafte ; and, where the track he 'fpies, With furious courfe along the champaign flies. END OF THE SIXTH BOOK. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. BOOK VII. THE ARGUMENT. Erminia, flying from the Chriftian guard, is received by a (hepheYd. Tancred, who purfued her, fuppofing her to be Clorinda, falls into Armida's fnare, and is made prifoner in her caftle. In the mean time Argantes, on the appointed day, enters the lift to finifh the combat with Tancred. Tancred being abfent, none of the warriors have the courage to fupply his place. Godfrey reproaches their pufillanimity, and refolves himfelf to meet Argantes. Raymond difluades him. Many others then, filled with emulation, are defirous to engage. They caft lots ; and the lot falls on Raymond. He enters the lift, and, aflifted by his guardian angel, has the advantage of Argantes j when Beelzebub incites Oradine to wound Raymond, and thus breaks off the combat. A general battle enfues. The Pagans are almoft defeated ; but the infernal powers raiting a ftorm, the fortune of the day is changed. Godfrey, with his army, retires to his entrenchments. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. BOOK VIL jMeanwhile the courfer with Erminia ftray'd 3 Through the thick covert of a woodland fhade : Her trembling hand the rein no longer guides, And through her veins a chilling terror glides. By winding paths her fteed purfu'd his flight, And bore at length the virgin far from fight. a Meanwhile the courfer ivith Erminia Jirayd.~\ In my notes to Ariofto, Book i. I have pointed out that this flight of Erminia is clofely copied from the flight of Angelica, and that both the Italian poets were afterwards followed by Spenfer in his account of Florimel. The beginning of this book exhibits one of the moft beautiful paftoral fcenes in any language. 208 JERUSALEM book vii. As, after long and toilfome chace in vain, 7 The panting dogs unwilling quit the plain, If chance the game their eager fearch elude, Conceal'd in fhelter of the favouring wood: So to the camp the Chriftian knights return, While rage and fhame in every vifage burn. Still flies the damfel, to her fears refign'd, Nor dares to caft a tranfient look behind. Milton was not infenfible to fuch poetry, and, in the following verfes, may be thought to transfufe fome ideas from the Italian. Now morn her rofy fteps in th' eaftern clime Advancing, fow'd the earth with orient pearl, When Adam wak'd : fo cuftom'd, for his fleep Was airy light, from pure digeftion bred, And temperate vapours bland, which th' only found Of leaves and fuming rills, Aurora's fan, Lightly difpers'd, and the fhrill matin fong Of birds on every bough Pakad. Lost, Book v. ver. 1. Non fi defto fin ohe garrir gli augelli Non fenti lieti e falutar gli albori, E mormorar il florae, e gli arbofcelli, E cond l'onda fcherzar l'aura e co i fiori ; Apre i languidi occhi Stanza v. ver. 29 of the Tranflation. book vii. DELIVERED. 209 All night fhe fled, and all th' enfuing day, 15 Her tears and fighs companions of her way : But when bright Phoebus from his golden wain Had loos'd his fteeds, and funk beneath the main, To facred Jordan's cryftal flood Ihe came j There ftay'd her courfe, and refted near his ftream. No nourifhment her fainting ftrength renew'd, Her woes and tears fupply'd the place of food. But fleep, who with oblivious hand can clofe Unhappy mortals' eyes in foft repofe, To eafe her grief, his gentle tribute brings, And o'er the virgin fpreads his downy wings : Yet love ftill breaks her peace with mournful themes, And haunts her {lumbers with diffracting dreams. She fleeps, till, joyful at the day's return, The feather'd choirs falute the break of morn; Till rifing zephyrs whifper through the bowers, Sport with the ruffled ftream and painted flowers; Then opes her languid eyes, and views around The fhepherds' cots amid the fylvan ground : When, 'twixt the river and the wood, fhe hears A found, that calls again her fighs and tears. But foon her plaints are ftopp'd by vocal ftrains, Mix'd with the rural pipes of village fwains : VOL. I. P 2io JERUSALEM book vir. She rofe, and faw, beneath the Ihady grove, 39 An aged fire that ozier bafkets wove : His flocks around him graz'd the meads along, Three boys befide him tun'd their ruflic fong. Scar'd at th' unufual gleam of armour bright, The harmlefs band were feiz'd with fudden fright, But fair Erminia foon difpels their fears ; From her bright face the mining helm lhe rears j And undifguis'd her golden hair appears. Purfue your gentle talks with dread unmov'd, O happy race! (fhe cry'd) of Heaven belov'd! Not to difturb your peace thefe arms I bear, Or check your tuneful notes with founds of war. Then thus O father ! 'midft thefe rude alarms, When all the country burns with horrid arms, What power can here your blifsful feats enfure, And keep you from the foldiers' rage fecure ? To whom the fwain : No dangers here, my fon, As yet my kindred or my flock have known : And thefe abodes, remov'd to diftance far, Have ne'er been ftartled with the din of war. Or whether Heaven, with more peculiar grace, Defends the fhepherds' inoffenfive race : Or, as the thunder fcorns the vale below, And fpends its fury on the mountain's brow ; book vir. DELIVERED. 211 So falls alone the rage of foreign fwords 64 On fceptred princes and on mighty lords. No greedy foldiers here for plunder wait, Lur'd by our poverty and abject (late : To others abjecl: ; but to me fo dear, Nor regal power, nor wealth is worth my care. No vain ambitious thoughts my foul moleft, No avarice harbours in my quiet bread. From limpid dreams my draught is well fupply'd ; I fear no poifon in the wholefome tide. My little garden and my flock afford Salubrious viands for my homely board. How little, juftly weigh'd, our life requires ! For fimple nature owns but few defires. Lo ! there my fons (no menial flaves I keep) The faithful guardians of their father's fheep. Thus in the groves I pafs my hours away, And fee the goats and flags around me play ; The fifhes through the cryflal waters glide, And birds with wings the yielding air divide. There was a time (when early youth infpires The mind of erring man with vain defires) I fcorn'd in lowly vales my flock to feed, And from my native foil and country fled. p 2 ai2 JERUSALEM book vir. At Memphis once I liv'd ; and, highly grac'd, 88 Among the monarch's houfehold train was plac'd : And, though the gardens claim'd my cares alone, To me the wicked arts of courts were known. There long I ftay'd, and irkfome life endur'd, Still by ambition's empty hopes allur'd : But when, with flowery prime, thofe hopes were fled, And reftlefs paflions with my youth were dead ; Once more I wifh'd to live an humble fwain, And figh'd for my forfaken peace again , Then bade adieu to courts , and, free from ftrife, Have fince in woods enjoy'd a blifsful life. While thus he fpoke, Erminia filent hung In fix'd attention on his pleafing tongue : His fage difcourfes, on her heart imprefs'd, Afiuag'd the tempeft of her troubled breaft: Till, after various thoughts, the princely maid Refolv'd to dwell beneath the lonely fhade , At leaft, fo long fequefter'd to refide, Till fortune fhould for her return provide. Then to the hoary fwain her fpeech ihe mov'd : O happy man ! in fortune's frowns approv'd : If Heaven unenvying view thy peaceful ftate, Let pity touch thee for my haplefs fate : book vir. DELIVERED. 213 Ah! deign to take me to your pleafing feat; 112 To me how grateful were this kind retreat! Perhaps thefe lonely groves may eafe in part The mournful burthen of my fwelling heart. If gold or jewels can allure thy mind, (Thofe idols fo ador'd by human kind!) From me thy foul may all its wifhes find. Then, while her lovely eyes with forrows flow, She half reveals the ftory of her woe : The gentle fwain her tale with pity hears, Sighs back her grief, and anfwers tears with tears : With kindly words confoles 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 unbrac'd) the royal maid In ruftic weeds her graceful limbs array'd ; But, in her courtly looks and beauteous mien, Appear'd no tenant of the fylvan fcene. No drefs could veil the luftre of her eyes, No outward form her princely air difguife : A fecret charm, and dignity innate Each act exalted of her lowly flate. She drives the flock to pafture on the plain, And, with her crook, conducts to fold again : 2i 4 JERUSALEM book vii. From the rough teat b Jhe drew the milky ftream, \ij And prefs'd in circling vats the curdled cream. Oft, when beneath fome lhady grove's retreat The flocks are fhelter'd from meridian heat, On the fmooth beechen rind the penfive dame Carves in a thoufand forms her Tancred's name j Oft on a thoufand plants infcribes her ftate, Her dire diftrefs, and love's difaitrous fate ; And, while her eyes her own fad lines perufe, A mower of tears her lovely face bedews. Then thus fhe cries Ye friendly trees! retain My ftoried forrows, and declare my pain : Should e'er, beneath your grateful ihade, refide Some love-fick youth in true affection tried ; His heart may learn with friendly grief to glow, Touch'd by my fad variety of woe ; So may he Love and Fortune's rigour blame, That thus reward a virgin's conilant flame. If e'er indulgent Heaven vouchfafe to hear The tender wifhes of a lover's prayer: b From the rough teat ] The Italian commentator juftly ob- ferves, that the poet has very happily exprefled the fimple em* ployment of making cheefes. -< da l'irfute mamme il latte preme, E'n giro accolto poi lo ftringe infieme. book vii. DELIVERED. 215 Even he may haply to thefe dwellings rove, 157 Who heeds not now forlorn Erminia's love ; And, calling on the ground his pitying eyes, Where clos'd in earth this breathlefs body lies ; May to my fufferings yield a late return, And with a pious tear my fortune mourn. Thus, if my life was never doom'd to reft, At leaft in death my fpirit mail be bleft ; And my cold afhes mail the blifs receive, Which here relentlefs Fate refus'd to give ! Thus to the fenfelefs trunks her pains (he told, While down her cheek the copious forrows roll'd. Tancred, meantime, the damfel's flight purfu'd, And, guided by the track, had reach'd the wood : But there the trees fo thick a gloom difplay'd, He rov'd uncertain through the dufky ihade. And now he Mens with attentive ear, The noife of fteeds or found of arms to hear. Each bird or beaft that ruftles in the brakes, Each whifpering breeze his amorous hope awakes. At length he leaves the wood : the favouring moon Directs his wandering fteps through paths unknown. A fudden noife at diftance feems to rife, And thither ftraight th' impatient warrior flies. 2i6 JERUSALEM book vn. And now he comes where, from a rock diftills isi A plenteous ftream that falls in lucid rills ; Then down a fteep th' united waters flow, And murmur in the verdant banks below. Here Tancred call'd aloud : in vain he cried ; No found, fave echo, to his voice reply'd. Meanwhile he faw the gay Aurora rife, And rofy blufhes kindling in the Ikies : Inly he groan'd, accufing Heaven, that held The flying damfel from his fearch conceal'd; And vow'd his vengeance on the head to bend Whofe ralhnefs mould the much-lov'd maid offend. At length the knight, though doubtful of the way, Refolv'd to feek the camp without delay; For near at hand the deflin'd morning drew, That with Argantes mud his fight renew. When, ifluing from a narrow vale, he fpy'd A mefTenger, that feem'd on fpeed to ride, His crooked horn depending at his fide. Tancred from him demands the ready way To where encamp'd the Chriftian army lay. Then he Thou foon from me the path may'ft know, Drfpatch'd by Bcemond to the camp I go. Th' unwary knight the guileful words believ'd, And follow'd, by his uncle's name deceiv'd. book vn. DELIVERED. 217 And now they came to where, amidft a flood 206 Obfcene with filth, a (lately caftle flood ; What time the fun withdrew his cheerful light, And fought the fable caverns of the night. At once the courier blew a founding blaft, And fudden o'er the moat the bridge was call. Here, if a Latian (faid the wily guide) Thou may'ft at eafe till morning dawn refide : Three days are paft fince from the Pagan band Cofenza's valiant earl this caftle gain'd.- He ceas'd : The warrior all the fort furvey'd, Impregnable by art and nature made j Awhile he paus'd, fufpecting in his mind In fuch a place fome fecret fraud to find : But, long to dangers and to toils inur'd, He Hood undaunted, in himfelf fecur'd; Refolv'd, whate'er or choice or chance procure, His own right arm his fafety mould enfure : But now another talk his fword demands, And from each new attempt reftrains his hands. Before the caftle, clofe befide the flood, In deep fufpenfe awhile the hero flood ; c ajiately caftle Jiood j\ The following parTage bears a nearer refemblance to the romances of chivalry than any part of the poem, and is much in the fpirit of Ariofto. 218 JERUSALEM book viu Nor o'er the ftream the doubtful pafiage tried, 22s Though oft invited by his treacherous guide : When fudden on the bridge a knight was feen All fheath'd in arms, of fierce and haughty mien ; His naked falchion, held aloft, he fhook, And thus in loud and threatening accents fpoke. O thou ! who thus haft reach'd Armida's land, Or led by choice, or by thy fate conftrain'd, Hope not to fly be here thy fword refign'd, And let thy hands ignoble fetters bind ; This caftle enter, and the laws receive, The laws our fovereign miftrefs deigns to give: And ne'er expect, for length of rolling years, To view the light of heaven or golden ftars, Unlefs thou fwear, with her affociate-train, To war on all that Jesus' faith maintain. He faid ; and, while his voice betray 'd the knight, On the known armour Tancred fix'd his fight. Rambaldo this, who with Armida came, Who, for her fake, embrac'd the Pagan names And now was feen in arms to aflert her caufe, The bold defender of her impious laws. With holy zeal th' indignant warrior burn'd, And to the foe this anfwcr foon return'd. book vii. DELIVERED. 219 Lo ! impious wretch ! that Tancred now appears, Who ftill for Christ his faithful weapon wears j 253 His champion! taught by him the foes to quell, That dare againft his facred word rebel. Soon fhalt thou find in me thy fcourge is given, And own this hand the minifter of Heaven. Confounded at his name th' apoftate flood , Swift vanifh'd from his cheek the frighted blood : Yet thus, with courage feign'd, he made reply : Why com'ft thou, wretch! predeftin'd here to die ? Here fhall thy lifelefs limbs on earth be fpread, And, fever'd from the trunk, thy worthlefs head Soon to the leader of the Franks I'll fend, If fortune, as of old, my arms befriend. While thus he fpoke, the day its beams withdrew, And deeper fhades obfeur'd the doubtful view j When ftrait a thoufand lamps refplendent blaze, And all the caftle mines with (tarry rays. Armida plac'd aloft (herfelf conceal'd) Heard all the conteft, and the knights beheld. Th' undaunted hero for the fight prepares, Collects his courage and his falchion bares j Nor kept his deed, but leaping from his feat, Approach'd on equal terms the foe to meet. 220 JERUSALEM book vii. The foe advanc'd on foot, and held before 276 His fencing fhield ; his head the helmet wore j In act to ftrike the naked fteel he bore. To him with dauntlefs pace the prince drew nigh, Rage in his voice, and lightning in his eye. The wary Pagan wheels his fteps afar, Now feems to ftrike, and now to fhun the war. Tancred, though weak with many a former wound, Though lately fpent with toil, maintain'd his ground; And, where Rambaldo fhrunk, his fteps he prefs'd, And oft the fword before his face addrefs'd With threatening point; but chiefly bent his art, To aim the wounds at every vital part. His dreadful voice he rais'd at every blow, And pour'd a furious tempeft on the foe: Now here, now there, the foe deceives his eyes, With fword and fhield to ward the danger tries, And from th' impending fteel elufive flies. Yet not fo fwift the Pagan can defend, But fwifter far the Chriftian's ftrokes defcend. Rambaldo's arms were now with blood bedew'd, His fhield was broken, and his helmet hew'd: While in his heart contending paffions ftrove, Remorfe, and fear, and fhame, revenge and love. book vxi. DELIVERED. 22 i At length, impelPd by fury and defpair, 300 To prove the utmoft fortune of the war, His buckler caft afide, with either hand He grafp'd his falchion, yet with blood unftain'd ; Then, inftant clofing, urg'd the vengeful fteel : On Tanc red's thigh the furious weapon fell. And through the mail infix'd a ghaftly wound ; His helmet next the Pagan's falchion found ; The helmet, (truck, return'd a ringing found. The cafque fuftain'd the ftroke, with temper fteel'd, Beneath the force the ftaggering warrior reel'd; But, foon recovering, gnafh'd his teeth wkh ire, While from his eye-balls flafh'd avenging fire ! And now Rambaldo durft no longer wage The doubtful fight with Tancred's rifing rage : His ftartled ear the ruffing fword confefs'd ; He deem'd the point already in his breafl : He fees, he flies the blow : th' impetuous fteel With erring force againft a column fell Befide the flood j beneath the furious ftroke The marble in a thoufand fhivers broke. Swift to the bridge th' affrighted traitor flies ; In fwiftnefs all his hope of fafety lies : Him Tancred chac'd, and flep by ftep impell'd; Now o'er his back the threatening fword he held : 222 JERUSALEM book vn. When lo ! (the trembling Pagan's flight to fhield) 325 A fudden darknefs cover'd all the field : At once the lamps were vanifh'd from the fight j At once the moon and liars withdrew their light. No more the victor could his foe purfue, In gloom of friendly night conceal'd from view. His eyes in vain explor'd the magic (hade, While unfecure with doubtful feet he ftray'd. Unconfcious where he pafs'd, with lucklefs tread He enter'd at a gate, as fortune led ; But fudden heard the portal clos'd behind, And found himfelf in prifon drear confin'd. So the mute race from troubled waves retreat, To feek in peaceful bays a milder feat, And heedlefs enter in the fatal fnare, Where fiftiers place their nets with guileful care. The gallant Tancred prifoner thus remain'd, By ftrange enchantment in the fort detain'd ; In vain to force the gate his ftrength he tried, The ftronger gate his utmoft pains defy'd : And foon a voice was heard " Attempt no more, " Armida's captive now, to efcape her pow'r ! " Here live j nor fear that death fhould prove thy doom, " Here living fentenc'd to a doleful tomb!" book vu. DELIVERED. 223 Th' indignant knight his rifing grief fupprefs'd, 349 Yet groan'd full deeply from his inmoft breaft ; Accufing love, from whence his errors rofe, Himfelf, his fortune, and his treacherous foes. Thus oft in whifpers to himfelf he mourns : To me no more the cheerful fun returns ! Yet that were little thefe unhappy eyes Muft view no more the fun of beauty rife ! No more behold Clorinda's charms again, Whofe power alone can eafe a lover's pain ! The deftin'd combat then his mind aflail'd j Too much (he cry'd) my honour here has fail'd : Well may Argantes now defpife my name ; O ftain to glory ! O eternal fhame ! While thoughts like thefe diftra&ed Tancred's breaft, Argantes fcorn'd the downy plumes of reft: Difcord and ftrife his cruel foul employ; Fame all his wifh, and (laughter all his joy: And ere his wounds are heal'd, he burns to view Th' appointed day, the combat to renew. The night before the morn for fight defign'd, The Pagan fcarce tolleep his eyes inclin'd : While yet the fkies their fable mantle fpread, Ere yet a beam difclos'd the mountain's head, 224 JERUSALEM book vn. He rofe, and call'd for arms ; his Tquire prepares, 373 And to his lord the radiant armour bears j Not that he wont to wear; a nobler load, A coftly gift, the monarch this beftow'd. Eager he feiz'd, nor gaz'd the prefent o'er, His limbs, with eafe, the mafTy burthen bore. He girt the trulty falchion to his fide; Full well in many a dangerous combat tried. As fhaking terrors from his blazing hair, A fanguine comet gleams through dufky air, To ruin ftates, and dire difeafes fpread, And baleful light on purple tyrants fried : So flam'd the chief in arms, and fparkling ire, He rolPd his eyes fuffus'd with blood and fire : His dreadful threats the firmeft hearts controll'd. And with a look he wither'd all the bold : With horrid fliout he fhook his naked blade, And fmote th' impreflive air and empty fhade. Soon fhall the Chriftian chief (aloud he cries ) Who dares with me in fight difpute the prize, Vanquifh'd and bleeding, prefs the hoftile land, And foil his flowing trefTes in the fand ! Spite of his God, he living fhall furvey This hand, unpitying, rend his fpoils away. book vn. DELIVERED. 225 Then fhall his prayers in vain a grave implore, 397 The dogs his mangled carcafe fhall devour ! So fares a bull whom jealous fires engage, Loudly he roars, and calls up all his ragej Againft a tree his fharpen'd horns he tries, To battle vain the paffing wind defies ; He fpurns the yellow fands, and from afar His mortal rival dares to deadly war. Thefe paffions fwelling in Argantes' breaft, The herald ftraight he call'd, and thus addrefs'd : Hafte to the camp, and there the fight proclaim With yonder champion of the Chriftian name. This faid, he feiz'd his fteed, nor longer ftay'd, But from the walls the captive knight d convey'd. He left the city, and impetuous went With eager fpeed along the hill's defcent. Impatient then his founding horn he blew, And wide around the horrid echo flew ; The noife, like thunder, (truck th' aftonifh'd ears, And every heart was fill'd with fudden fears. The Chriftian princes, now conven'd, enclofe Their prudent chief; to thefe the herald goes, And Tancred firft to combat due demands, Then dares each leader of the faithful bands. 4 OlHO. VOL. I. Q_ B26 JERUSALEM book vn. Now Godfrey calls around his heedful fight, 421 No champion offers equal to the fight. The flower of all his warlike train is loft; No news of Tancred yet has reached the hod : Bcemond afar ; and exil'd from the field Th' unconquer'd youth e who proud Gernando kill'd. Befide the ten, by lot of fortune nam'd, The heroes of the camp, for valour fam'd, Purfu'd the falfe Armida's guileful flight, Conceal'd in covert of the friendly night. The reft, lefs firm of foul or brave of hand, Around their chief unmov'd and filent ftand ; Not one in fuch a rifk would feek for fame; In fear of ill was loft the fenfe of fhame. Well, by their iilence and their looks difplay'd, Their fecret fears the general foon furvey'd, And, fill'd with noble warmth and high difdain, He ftarted from his feat, and thus began. Ah ! how unwoithy is this breaft of life, If now I fhun to attempt the glorious ftrife -, Or let yon Pagan foe our name difgrace, And tread in dull the glory of our race. Here let my camp fecure, inactive, lie, And view my danger with a dillant eye : e Rl N A I. DO. book vir. DELIVERED. 227 Hafte, bring my arms ! T hen, fwift as winged thought. His ponderous armour to the chief was brought. 440 But Raymond (in experienced wifdom known, Whole courage with the firft in peril fhone; Whofe vigorous age the fire of youth confefs'd) Turn'd to the ieader, and thefe words addrefsM Forbid it, Heaven ! that e'er the Chriftian ftate, Thus in their chief mould hazard all their fate ! On thee our empire and our faith depend, By thee muft Babel's impious kingdom bend, 'Tis thine to rule debates, the fceptre wield ; Let others boldly prove the fword in field. Even I, though bending with the weight of age, Refufe not here the danger to engage. Let others fhun the force of yonder knight, No thoughts (hall keep me from fo brave a fight. O ! could I boaft an equal ftrength of years As you who (land difmay'd with heartlefs fears, (Whom neither fliame nor indignation moves, While yonder foe your daftard train reproves) Such as I was, when all Germania view'd Stern Leopold beneath my arms fubdu'd ! At mighty Conrade's court my weapon tore The warrior's bread, and drank his vital gore. 0,2 228 JERUSALEM book vn. Such was the deed ! more noble far to bear 469 The fpoils of fuch a chief renown'd in war, Than fingly here, unarm'd, in flight to chace A numerous band of this inglorious race. Had I the vigour now I then pofTefs'd, This arm had foon the Pagan's pride fupprefs'd. But, as I am, this heart undaunted glows, No coward fear this aged bofom knows ; And, ihould I bfeathlefs prefs the hoftile plain, No eafy conqueft mall the foe obtain. Behold, I arm! this day, with added praife, Shall crown the luftre of my former days. So fpoke the hoary chief; his words infpir'd Each kindling foul, and fleeping virtue fir'd : And thofe whofe filence firfl their fear confefs'd, With voice embolden'd to the combat prefs'd. No more a knight is fought ; a generous band, By emulation urg'd, the fight demand : That talk Rogero, Guelpho, Baldwin fam'd, Stephen, Gernier, and either Guido claim'd : Pyrrhus, whofe art the walls of Antioch won, And gave to Bcemond's hand the conquer'd town. Brave Eberard the glorious trial warms j Ridolphus and Rofmondo, known in arms : book vii. DELIVERED. 229 And, with like thirft to gain a deathlefs name, 49a The conflict Edward and Gildippe claim. But firft the venerable warrior ftands, And with fuperior zeal the fight demands. Already arm'd he darts refplendent fires, And now his burnifh'd helm alone requires : Him Godfrey thus befpoke O glorious fagef Thou lively mirror of a warlike age ! From thee our leaders catch the godlike flame, , Thine is the art of war and martial fame ! O ! could I now in youthful prowefs find Ten champions more to match thy dauntlefs mind, Soon mould I conquer Babel's haughty towers, And fpread the Crofs from Ind to Thule's fhores. But here forbear : referve for counfel fage The nobler glory of thy virtuous age : And let the reft their rival names enclofe Within a vafe, and chance the lots difpofe ; Or rather God difpofe, whofe fovereign will, Fortune and Fate, his minifters, fulfil. He faid ; but Raymond dill afTerts his claim, And fearlefs with the reft includes his name. Then pious Godfrey in his helmet threw The lots, and, making round, the firft he drew, Thouloufe's valiant earl appear'd in view. 230 JERUSALEM book vir. With cheerful fhouts the Chriftians hail the name, Nor dares a tongue the lot of Fortune blame. 510 The hero's looks a fudden vigour warms, And a new youth his fliffen'd limbs informs. So the fierce fnake, with fpoils renew'd, appears, And to the fun his golden circle rears. But Godfrey mod extoll'd the hoary knight, And promis'd fame and conqueft in the fight ; Then from his fide his trufty falchion took> To Raymond this he gave, and thus he fpoke. See here the fword which, drawn in many a field, The rebel Saxon f once was wont to wield ; This from his hand I won in glorious flrife, And forc*d a paflage for his hated life : This fword, that ever did my arm befriend, Receive, and equal fortune thine attend! Thus they: The haughty foe impatient ftay'd, And with loud threats provok'd the flrife delay'd. Unconquer'd nations ! Europe's martial bands ! Behold a fingle chief the war demands ! Why comes not Tancred, once fo fam'd in fight, If ftill he dare to truft his boafled might ? f The rebel Saxon ] The Sasons rebelled in Germany, and made Count Ridolphus their king, who was afterwards overcome and flain by Godfrey. iookvii. DELIVERED. 2 ji Or, dees he choofe, in downy flumber laid, 540 To wait again the night's auxiliar fhade ? If thus he fears, let others prove their force ; Come all, united powers of foot and horfe ! Since not your thoufands can a warrior yield Who dares oppofe my might in fingle field. Lo ! there the fepulchre of Mary's fon Approach, and pay your offering at the ftone. Behold the way ! what caufe detains your band ? Or does fome greater deed your fwords demand? Thefe bitter taunts each Chriftian's rage provoke, But chiefly Raymond kindled as he fpoke : Indignant fhame his fwelling bread infpires, And noble wrath his dauntlefs courage fires. He vaults on Aquiline, of matchlefs fpeed; The banks of Tagus bred this generous deed : There the fair mother of the warrior-brood (Soon as the kindly fpring had fir'd her blood) With open mouth, againft the breezes held, Receiv'd the gales with warmth prolific fill'd : And (ftrange to tell!) infpir'd with genial feed, Her fwelling womb produe'd this wondrous deed. ' Along the fand with rapid feet he flies, No eye his traces in the duft defcries* . 232 JERUSALEM book vn. To right, to left, obedient to the rein, 5(54 He winds the mazes of th' embattled plain. On this the valiant earl to combat prefs'd, And thus to Heaven his pious prayer addrefs'd : O thou ! that 'gainft Goliah's impious head The youthful arms in Terebinthus fped, When the proud foe, who fcofFd at Ifrael's band, Fell by the weapon of a ftripling's hand : With like example now thy caufe maintain, And ftretch yon Pagan breathlefs on the plain : Let feeble age fubdue the mighty's pride, Which feeble childhood once fo well defy'd ! So pray'd the earl , and ftraight his zealous prayers Flew, wing'd with faith, to reach the heavenly fpheres, As flames afcend. Th' Eternal Father heard, And call'd an angel from th' ethereal guard, Whofe watchful aid the aged chief might fhield, And fafe return him from the glorious field. Th* angelic power, to whom, decreed by Heaven, The care of Raymond from his birth was given, Soon as he heard anew his Lord's command, Obey'd the charge entrufted to his hand : He mounts the facred tower, where, rang'd on high., The arms of all th' immortal legions lie. fcooK vii. DELIVERED. 333 There fhines the fpear, by which the ferpent driven Lies pierc'd with wounds; the fiery bolts of heaven; The viewlefs arrows that in tainted air 590 Difeafe and plagues to frighted mortals bear. There, hung aloft, the trident huge is feen, The deadlieft terror to the race of men, What time the folid earth's foundations move, And tottering cities tremble from above ! But o'er the reft, on piles of armour, flam'd A fhield immenfe, of blazing di'mond fram'd, Whofe orb could all the realms and lands contain That reach, from Caucafus, th' Atlantic main ! This buckler guards the righteous prince's head ; O'er holy kingdoms this defence is fpread : With this the angel from his feat defcends, And near his Raymond, unperceiv'd, attends. Meantime the walls with various throngs were fill'd; And now Clorinda (fo the tyrant will'd) Led from the city's gate an armed band, And halted on the hill ; the Chriflians Hand In rank of battle on a different hand. Before the camp, in either army's fight, An ample lift lay open for the fight. 234 JERUSALEM book, vn, Argantes feeks his foe, but feeks in vain; 611 A knight unknown appears upon the plain. Then Raymond thus The chief thine eyes would find, Thy better fate has from our hod disjoin'd: Yet let not this thy empty pride excite, Behold me here prepar'd to prove thy might. For him I dare with thee the war maintain : Nor think me meanefl of the Chriftian train. The Pagan fmil'd, and fcornful thus reply 'd : Say, in what part does Tancred then refide ? He firft with boaftful threats all Heaven defies, Then trembling on his coward feet relies ! But let him fly, and veil his fears in vain Beneath the central earth, or boundlefs main : Not earth profound, nor ocean's whelming wave, Shall from my hand the recreant warrior fave ! Falfely thou fay'ft (the Chriftian thus replies) That he, thy better far, the combat flies. To whom the foe incens'd Then fwift prepare, I Hi all not here refufe thy proffer'd war : Soon muft we prove, on this contended plain, How well thy deeds thy fenfelefs boaft maintain. This faid, the champions to the combat prefs'd, And 'gainft the helm their threatening fpears addrefs'd. book vn. DELIVERED. 235 True to his aim, good Raymond reach'd the foe, 635 Who, in his feat unmov'd, fuftain'd the blow. No lefs in vain was fierce Argantes' might j The heavenly guardian, watchful o'er the fight, The ftroke averted from the Chriftian knight. The Pagan gnaw*d his lips, with rage he fhook, And 'gainft the plain his lance, blafpheming, broke j Then drew his fword, and fwift at Raymond flew, On clofer terms the combat to renew. Againft him full he drove his furious fleed 5 So butting rams encounter head to head: But Raymond to the right eludes the fhockj And on his front the pafling Pagan {truck. Again the ftern Circaffian feeks the foe : Again the Chriftian difappoints the blow j And every turn obferves with heedful eyes ; He fears Argantes' ftrength and giant fize: By fits he feem'd to fight, by fits to yield, And round the lift in flying circles wheel'd. As when fome chief a tower beleaguers round, With fens enclos'd, or on a hilly ground ; A thoufand ways, a thoufand arts he proves : Thus o'er the field the wary Chriftian moves. In vain he ftrives the Pagan's fcales to rend, That well his ample breaft and head defend j 2$6 JERUSALEM book vn. But where the jointed plates an entrance fhow'd, 660 Thrice with his fword he drew the purple flood, And ftain'd the hoftile arms with dreaming blood. His own, fecure, the adverfe weapon brav'd ; Untouch'd the plumage o'er his helmet wav'd. At length, amidft a thoufand vainly fpent, A well-aim'd ftroke the raging Pagan fent : Then, Aquiline ! thy fpeed had prov'd in vain, That fatal blow had aged Raymond (lain i But here he fail'd not heavenly aid to prove ; The guard invifible, from realms above, To meet the fteel th' ethereal buckler held, Whofe blazing orb the powerful ftroke repell'd. The fword broke fhort, nor could the force withftandi (No earthly temper of a mortal hand Could arms divine, infrangible, fuftain) The brittle weapon fhiver'd on the plain. The Pagan fcarce believes ; with wondering eye, He fees on earth the glittering fragments lie : And flill he deem'd againft the Chriftian's fhield His falchion broken ftrew'd the dufty field : Good Raymond deem'd no lefs ; nor knew, from heaven What powerful guardian to his life was given. book vii. DELIVERED. 237 But when difarm'd the hoftile band he view'd, 683 Awhile fufpended in himfelf he Hood ; He fear'd fuch palms would little fame bellow, With fuch advantage ravifh'd from the foe. Go, feek a fword ! the chief begins to fay, But different thoughts his generous purpofe flay. He fears alike to win the fhield with fhame; He fears alike to rifk the general fame. While doubtful thus he Hands, with rage anew The hilt Argantes at his helmet threw j Then fpurr'd his Heed to grapple with his foe ; The earl, unmov'd, receives the Pagan's blow, And wounds his arm, that came with threatening fway, Fierce as a vulture rufhing on its prey ! At- every turn his fword Argantes found, And pierc'd his limbs with many a ghaflly wound. Whate'er his art or vigour could confpire, His former wrath, his now redoubled ire, At once againfl the proud Circaffian join, And Heaven and fortune in the caufe combine. But flill the foe, with dauntlefs foul fecure, Refifts, unterrified, the Chriflian's power. So feems a {lately fhip, in billows toft, Her tackle torn, her malts and canvafs loft ; 238 JERUSALEM book rit. With ftrong ribb'd fides the rufhing ftorm (he braves, Nor yet defpairs amidft the roaring waves. 70a Even fuch, Argantes, was thy dangerous ftate, When Beelzebub prepared to ward thy fate : From hollow clouds he fram'd an empty ihade, (Wondrous to fpeak ! ) in human form array'd : To this Clorinda's warlike looks he join'd ; Like her the form in radiant armour fhin'd : He gave it fpeech and accents like the dame ; The fame the motion, and the mien the fame. To Oradine its courfe the phantom took, And him, renown'd for archery, befpoke : O Oradine ! whofe never-failing art To every mark directs the diflant dart, Think what a lofs Judea mud fuftain, Should thus the guardian of her walls be (lain ; Should his rich fpoils the haughty foe adorn, And he in fafety to his train return. On yonder robber let thy fkill be tried, Deep in his blood be now thy arrows dy'd. What endlefs praife were thine ! nor praife alone, The king with vaft rewards the deed mall crown. The fpectre ceas'd ; not long the warrior ftay'd j The hopes of gain his greedy foul perfuade : BooKvtr. DELIVERED. $39 From the full quiver, deftin'd for the deed, 731 To the tough yew he fits the feather'd reed : He bends the bow, loud twangs the trembling firing, The fhaft impatient hifles on the wing ; Swift to the mark the airy pafTage finds, Juft where the belt the golden buckle binds ; The corfelet piercing, through the fkin it goes ; But fcarce the wound with purple moifture flows ; The guard celeflial flops its further courfe, And robs the arrow of its threatening force. The earl the weapon from his corfelet drew, And faw the fprinkling drops of fanguine 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, whofe careful look Was fix'd on Raymond, found the truce was broke; With fears he faw his lov'd aflbciate bleed, And urg'd his troops to avenge the treacherous deed. Then might you fee their ready beavers closM, Their courfers rein'd, their fpears in refl difpos'd. At once the fquadrons, plac'd on either hand, Move in their ranks, and thicken o'er the land : The field is vanifh'd ; clouds of dufl arife, And roll in fable volumes to the fkies. 240 JERUSALEM book vir. They meet, they fhock j the clamours echo round; 755 And helms and fhields and fhiver'd fpears refound. Here lies a fteed, and there (his rider flain) Another runs at random o'er the plain. ' Here lies a warrior dead j in pangs of death, There one, with groans, reluctant yields his breath. Dire is the conflict j deep the tumult grows ; And now with all its rage the battle glows j Argantes midfl them flew with eager pace, And from a foldier fnatch'd an iron mace ; This whirl'd around, with unrefifted fway, Through the thick prefs he forc'd an ample way : Raymond he feeks, on him his arms he turns, On him alone his dreadful fury burns : And, like a wolf, with favage wrath indu'd, He thirfts infatiate for the Chriftian's blood. But now, on every fide, 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 ftill his anger fwell'd, The more thefe gallant chiefs his force repell'd. So, pent in narrow fpace, more dreadful grows The blazing fire, and round deftru&ion throws* book vii. DE LIVE RE U 241 Guido he wounded ; brave Ormano flew ; 779 And midft the flain to earth Rogero threw, 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, There to the left direct thy fpeedy courfe. He faid ; the warrior at his word obey'd, And on their flank a fudden onfet made. Languid and fpent the Aflan troops appear, Nor can the Franks' impetuous vigour bear : Their ranks are broke, their flandards fcatter'd round, And men and deeds lie mingled on the ground. The fquadrons, on the right, now fled the plain ; Alone Argantes dares the fhock fuftain j Alone he turns, alone the torrent ftands : Not he who brandiftYd in his hundred hands His fifty fwords and fifty fhields in fight, Could have furpafs'd the fierce Argantes' might ! The mace's fweepy way, the clafhing fpears, Th' impetuous fhock of charging deeds he bears. Alone he feems for all an equal force : Now here, now there, by turns he fhifts his courfe; vol. 1. R 242 JERUSALEM book vn. His limbs are bruis'd, his fhatter'd arms refoundj 803 The blood and fweat in mingled ftreams abound, Yet whole he feems, and fearlefs of a wound. But now fo clofely prefs'd the flying crew, That in their flight th' unwilling chief they drew: Conftxain'd he turn'd, nor longer could abide Th' o'erbearing fury of the rapid tide. Yet feems he not to fly, his looks declare His dauntlefs foul, and flill maintain the war ; Still in his eyes the glancing terrors glow ; And flill with threatening voice he dares the foe. With every art he tries, but tries in vain, To (top the panic of the routed train : No art, no rein, can rule the vulgar fear; Nor earned prayers, nor loud commands they hear. The pious Godfrey, who, with zeal infpir'd, Saw fortune favouring all his foul defir'd, Purfu'd with joy the battle's glorious courfe, And to the victors fent auxiliar force. And, but the fatal hour not yet was come, Prefix'd by God in his eternal doom, This day, perchance, their arms fuccefs had founds This day had all their facred labours crown'd. But hell's dire crew, who faw the conquering hoft, And in the combat fear'd their empire loft, book vii. DELIVERED. 243 (By Heaven permitted) fpread the changing fkies 828 With clouds condens'd, and gave the winds to rife. Infernal horrors darken all the air, Pale livid lightnings thro' the ether glare ; The thunder roars j the mingled hail and rain With rattling torrents deluge all the plain : The trees are rent -, nor yield the trees alone, The rocks and mountains to the tempeft groan. The wind and rain with force united ftrove, And on the Chriftians' face impetuous drove : The fudden ftorm their eager courfe reprefs'd, And fatal terrors daunted many a breaft : While, round their banners, fome maintain'd the field, Nor yet the fortune of the day beheld. But this, Clorinda, from afar, defcries, And fwift to feize the wilh'd occafion flies. She fpurs her fteed, and thus her fquadron warms: See! Heaven, my friends! afiifts our righteous arms: His tempeft lights not on our favour'd bands, But leaves to action free our valiant hands : Againft th' aftonifh'd foe his wrath he bends, Full in their face his vengeful ftorm defcends : They lofe the ufe of arms and light of day: Hafte, let us go where fortune points the way ! r 2 244 JERUSALEM book vii. She faid, and rouz'd her ardent troops to war, 852 And while behind th' infernal ftorm they bear, With dreadful fury on the Franks they turn, And mock their vigour, and their weapons fcorn : Meanwhile Argantes on their forces flew, (So lately victors) and with rage o'erthrew: Thefe, fwift retreating from the field, oppofe Their backs againft the ftorm and hoftile blows. Fierce on the rear the Pagan weapons pour : Fierce on the rear their wrath the furies Ihower. The mingled blood in dreaming torrents fwell'd, And purple rivers delug'd all the field. There, midft the dying and the vulgar flain, Pyrrhus and good Ridolphus prefs'd the plain : The fierce CircafTian this of life depriv'd j From that Clorinda noble palms deriv'd. Thus fled the Franks , while ftill th' infernal crew And Syrian bands their eager flight purfue. Godfrey alone the hoftile arms defies,' The roaring ftorm and thunder of the fkies ; With dauntlefs front amid the tumult moves, And loud each leader's coward fear reproves. Againft Argantes twice he urg'd his horfe, And bravely twice repell'd the Pagan's courfe : book vii. DELIVERED. 245 As oft on high his naked fword he rear'd 876 Where, thickeft join'd, the hoftile troops appeared: Till, with the reft conftrain'd the day to yield, He gain'd the trenches, and forfook the field. Back to the walls return'd the Pagan band j The weary Chriftians in the vale remain'd 5 Nor then could fcarce th' increasing tempeft bear, And the wild rage of elemental war. Now here, now there, the fires more faintly fhow j Loud roar the winds - 3 the rufhing waters flow : The tents are fhatter'd, flakes in pieces torn s And whole pavillions far to diftance borne. T|ie thunder, rain, and wind, and human cries, With deafening clamours rend the vaulted fkies ! END OF THE SEVENTH BOOK. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. BOOK VIII. THE ARGUMENT. A Dane arrives at the Chriftian camp, and informs Godfrey that the band, conduced by Sweno, was attacked in the night, near Paleftine, by a numerous army of Arabs commanded by Solvman; that the Danes were cut in pieces, and Sweno killed ; and that himfelf only efcaped the general flaughter : to this he adds, that he had received an injunction to prefent Sweno's fword to Rinaldo. The Chriftian army, deceived by appearances, fufpe6t Rinaldo to have been aflaflinated. Argil- Ian, inftigated in a dream by Aleto, incites the Italians to revolt ; and throws the odium of Rinaldo's fuppofed murder upon Godfrey. The difafte&ion fpreads through the troops. Godfrey goes himfelf to quell the tumult j he caufes Argillan to be arretted, and reftores tranquillity to the camp. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. BOOK VIII. N ow ceas'd the thunder's noife, the ftorm was o'er, And every bluftering wind forgot to roar ; When the fair morning, from her radiant feat, Appear'd with rofy front and golden feet : But thofe, whofe power the raging tempefl brew'd, Still with new wiles their ruthlefs hate purfu'd j While one (Aflagoras the fiend was nam'd) Her partner, dire Ale&o, thus inflam'd : Behold yon knight, Alecto ! on his way, (Nor can our arts his deftin'd purpofe flay) Who 'fcap'd with life, on yonder fatal plain, The great defender 3 of th' infernal reign. a SOLYMAN. 250 JERUSALEM book viii. He to the Franks his comrades' fate ihall tell, 13 And how in fight their daring leader fell. This great event among the Chriftians known, May to the camp recall Bertoldo's fon. Thou know'ft too well if this our care may claim, And challenge every fcheme our power can frame. Then mingle with the Franks to work their woes, And each adventure to their harms difpofe : Go ftied thy venom in their veins, inflame The Latian, Britifh, and Helvetian name ; Be every means, be every fraud applied, And all the camp in civil broils divide : Th' attempt were worthy thee, would crown thy word, So nobly plighted to our fovereign lord. She fpoke; nor needed more her fpeech employ; The fiend embrac'd the talk with horrid joy. Meantime the knight, whofe prefence thus they fear'd, Arriving, in the Chriftian camp appear'd : Conducted, foon the leader's tent he fought; (All thronging round to hear the news he brought) Lowly he bow'd, and kifs'd the glorious hand That fhook the lofty towers of Babel's land. O chief (he cried) whofe wide-extended fame Alone the ocean bounds and Harry frame ; book vnr. DELIVERED. 251 Would Heaven I here with happier tidings flood! This faid, he figh'd, and thus his fpeech purfu'd. 38 Sweno, the Danifh monarch's only fon, (Pride of his age, and glory of his throne) Impatient glow'd his name with theirs to join, Who, led by thee, in Jesus' caufe combine: Nor toils nor- dangers could his thought reftraitf,. Nor all th' allurements of his future reign , Not filial duty to his aged fire Could in his bofom quench the glorious fire. By thy example, and beneath thy care, He burn'd to learn the labours of the war. Already had he heard Rinaldo's name, In bloom of youth, refound with deeds of fame: But, far above an earthly frail renown, His foul afpir'd to heaven's eternal crown. Refolv'd to meet in arms the Pagan foes, The prince a faithful daring fquadron chofe ; Direct for Thrace, with thefe, his way purfu'd, Till now the Greeks' imperial feat he view'd.- The Grecian king the gallant youth carefs'd, And in his court detain'd the royal gueft. There from the camp thy trufty envoy came, Who told the triumphs of the Chriftian name : 252 JERUSALEM book viii. How firft you conquer'd Antioch's ftately town, 61 Then 'gainft the foe maintained the conqueft won, When Perfia brought her numerous fons from far, And feem'd to exhauft her fpacious realms for war. On thine, on every leader's praife he dwells, And laft the deeds of brave Rinaldo tells : How the bold youth forfook his native land ; What early glory fince his arms had gain'd. To this he adds, that now the Chriftian powers Had laid the fiege to Sion's lofty towers j And urg'd the prince with thee at leaft to fhare The laft great conqueft of the facred war. Thefe fpeeches gave new force to Sweno's zeal; He thirfts in Pagan blood to drench his fteel. Each warrior's trophy feems his floth to blame ; Each valiant deed upbraids his tardy fame. One thought alone his dauntlefs foul alarms ; He fears to join too late the victor's arms. Impell'd by fate, he fcarcely deigns to ftay Till the firft blufh of dawn renew'd the day. We march'd, intrepid, o'er a length of land Befet with various foes on every hand : Now rugged ways we prove ; now famine bear; To ambufli now expos'd, or open war : book vin. DELIVERED. 253 But every labour, fearlefs, we fuftain j 85 Our foes were vanquifh'd, or in battle flain. Succefs in danger every doubt fupprefs'd, Prefumptuous hope each fwelling heart poflefs'd. At length we pitch'd our tents one fatal day, As near the bounds of Paleftine we lay: Our fcouts were there furpris'd with loud alarms Of favage clamours and the din of arms; And countlefs banners they defcry'd from far, The ftreaming fignals of approaching war. Our matchlefs chief unmov'd the tidings heard ; Firm was his voice, unchang'd his looks appear'd j Though the dire peril flartled many a breaft, And many a changing cheek its fears confefs'd. Then thus he cry'd : Prepare for fure renown, The victor's laurel, or the martyr's crown! The firft I hope, nor lefs the laft I prize, Whence greater merits, equal glories rife ! This field, O friends ! fhall future honours claim, A temple facred to immortal fame ; "Where diftant ages fhall our trophies tell, Or mow the fpot on which we greatly fell ! Thus faid the chief, and ftraight the guard prepares, Divides the talks, and every labour iriares. 254 JERUSALEM book. viii. He wills the troops in arms to pafs the night, 109 Nor from his bread removes his corfelet bright, But fheath'd in mail expects the threaten'd fight. When now the filent night her veil extends, The peaceful hour that balmy fleep befriends ; The fky with dreadful howling echoes round, And every cave returns the barbarous found. To arms ! to arms ! (each ftartled foldier cries) Before the reft impetuous Sweno flies, He darts his eyes that glow with martial flame ; His looks the ardour of his foul proclaim. And foon th' invading troops our camp enclofe : Thick and more thick the fteely circle grows ; Javelins and fwords around us form a wood, And o'er our heads defcends an iron cloud. In this unequal field the war we wag'd, Where every Chriftian twenty foes engag'd ; Of thefe were many wounded midft the gloom : By random fhafts full many met their doom. But none, amidft the dufky fhades, could tell The wounded warriors, or what numbers fell. Night o'er our lofs her fable mantle threw, And, with our lofs, conceal'd our deeds from view. Yet fierce in arms, and towering o'er the reft, The gallant Swen ftood to all confefs'd; jookviii. DELIVERED. 255 Even through the dufk they mark his daring courfe, And count the actions of his matchlefs force. 135 His thirfiy fword the purple Daughter fpreadj And round him rais'd a bulwark of the dead : Where'er he turns he fcatters, through the band, Fear from his looks' and (laughter from his hand. Thus ftood the fight : but when th' ethereal ray With ruddy (freaks proclaim'd the dawning day, The morn reveal'd the fatal fcenes of night, And death's dire horrors open'd to our fight : We faw a field with mangled bodies flrown, And in one combat all our force o'erthrown ! A thoufand firft cornpos'd our martial band, And fcarce an hundred now alive remain'd ! But when the chief beheld the dreadful plain, The mangled troops, the dying and the (lain, 'Twas doubtful how his foul fuftain'd his part, Or what emotions touch'd his mighty heart j Yet thus aloud he fir'd his fainting crew : Hafte, let us now our (laugh ter'd friends purfue, Who, far from Styx and black Avernus' flood, Have mark'd our happy paths to heaven in blood. He faid ; and,' fix'd his glorious fate to clofe, Undaunted rulh'd amidft the thickeft foes : *$6 JERUSALEM book viii. He rives the helmet, and he hews the fhield : 159 The ftrongeft arms before his falchion yield : With ftreams of hoftile gore he dies the ground, While all his form is one continued wound. His life decays, his courage ftill remains : Th' unconquer'd foul its noble pride retains : With equal force his martial ardour burns ; He wounds for blows, and death for wounds returns : When thundering near a dreadful warrior came, Of ftern demeanour and gigantic frame j Who, join'd by many, on the hero flew, And, after long and painful battle, flew. Prone fell the generous youth, (ah! haplefs death!) Nor one had power to avenge his parting breath. Be witnefs yet, and bear me juft record, Ye laft dear relicks of my much-lov'd lord ! I fought not then to fave my worthlefs life, Nor fhunn'd a weapon in the dreadful ftrife. Had Heaven vouchfafd to clofe my mortal date, I fure by actions well deferv'd my fate! Alive I fell, and fenfelefs prefs'd the plain, Alone preferv'd amidlt my comrades (lain: Nor can I further of the Pagans tell, So deep a trance o'er all my fenfes fell, book vni. DELIVERED. 257 But when again I rais'd my feeble fight, isa The Ikies were cover'd o'er with fhades of night, And from afar I faw a glimmering light. I faw like one who half in (lumber lies, And opes and fhuts by fits his languid eyes. But now my limbs a deeper anguifii found, The pains increas'd in every gaping wound i While on the earth I lay, expos'd and bare To damps unwholefome and nocturnal air. Meanwhile advancing nearer drew the light, By flow degrees, and gain'd upon my fight. Low whifpers then and human founds I heard; Again, with pain, my feeble eyes I rear'd ; And faw two fhapes in facred robes array'd ; Each in his hand a lighted torch difplay'd, And thus an awful voice diftinctly laid : fon ! confide in him whofe mercy fpares j Whofe pitying grace prevents our pious prayers. Then, with uplifted hands, my wounds he blefs'd, And many a holy vow to Heaven addrefs'd. He bade me rife and fudden from the ground 1 rofe ; my limbs their former vigour found ; Fled were my pains, and clos'd was every wound I Stupid I flood, all fpeechlefs and amaz'd, And doubtful on the reverend ftranger gaz'd. vol. 1. s a$8 JERUSALEM book vnr. O thou of little faith! (the hermit cried) 207 What thought has led thy troubled fenfe afide ? Thou feeft two bodies of terreftrial frame. Two fervants dedicate to Jesus' name. From the vain world and all its follies fled, In wilds and deferts here our lives are led. Lo ! I am fent thy fafety to enfure, By him who rules o'er all with fovereign power ; Who ne'er difdains by humble means to (how His wonderous works of providence below; Nor here will fuffer on the naked plains To lie expos'd thofe honour'd lov'd remains, That muft again th' exalted mind receive, And, join'd above, in blifs eternal live. To Sweno's corfe he wills a tomb to raife, A tomb as lafting as his deathlefs praife > Which future times with wonder fhall furvey, Where future times fhall every honour pay. But lift thine eyes, yon friendly moon behold Through fleecy clouds her filver face unfold, To guide thy devious footfteps o'er the plain, To find the body of thy leader (lain. ^Then from the peaceful' regent of the night I faw defcend a ray of flaming light ; book viii. DELIVERED. 259 Where on the field the breathlefs corfe was laid 231 There full the lunar beam refplendent play'd ; And fhow'd each limb deform'd with many a wound, Midft all the mingled fcene of carnage round. He lay not prone, but, as his zealous mind Still foar'd beyond the views of human kind, In death he fought above the world to rife, And claim'd, with upward looks, his kindred fkies. One hand was clos'd, and feem'd the fword to rear j One prefs'd his bofom with a fuppliant air, As if to Heaven he breath'd his humble prayer. While o'er his wounds the copious tears I fhed, And, loft in fruitlefs grief, deplor'd the dead, His lifelefs hand the holy hermit feiz'd, And from his grafp the fatal fteel releas'd ; To me then turning : View this fword, (he faid) Whofe edge to-day fuch copious ftreams has fhed, Still dy'd in gore ; thou know'ft its virtue well, No temper'd weapon can its force excel! But fince its lord, in glorious conflict flain, No more fhall grafp the mortal fword again, It muft not here be loft ; decreed by Heaven, To noble hands the mighty prize is given ; To hands that longer fhall the weapon wield With equal valour in a happier field : s 2 a6o JERUSALEM book vm. From thofe the world expects the vengeance due 25O On him whofe fury gallant Sweno flew. By Solyman has Sweno prefs'd the plain ; By Sweno's fword muft Solyman be (lain. Go, then, with this, and feek the tented ground Where Chriftian powers the hallow'd walls furroundj Nor fear, left wandering o'er a foreign land, The foe again thy purpos'd courfe withftand. That Power, who fends thee, fhall thy toils furvey, His hand fhall guide thee on the dangerous way: He wills that thou (from every peril freed) Shotild'ft tell the virtues of the hero dead : So, fir'd by him, may others learn to dare, And on their arms the Crofs triumphant bear: That every breaft may pant for righteous fame, And diftant ages catch the glorious flame. It now remains the champion's name to hear, Whofe arm muft next the fatal weapon rear : Rinaldo he, a youth approv'd in fight, In valour firft of every Chriftian knight : Prefent him this ; inflame his generous ire; Say, heaven and earth (let this his foul infpire) From him alone the great revenge require. While thus intent the fage's words I heard, Where Sweno lay a fepulchre appear'd, book vin. DELIVERED. 261 That, riling flow, by miracle difpos'd, 28,1 Within its marble womb the corfe enclos'd : Grav'd on the monumental ftone were read The name and merits of the warrior dead. Struck with the fight, I flood, with looks amaz'd, And on the words and tomb alternate gaz'd. Then thus the fage : Befide his followers flain Thy leader's corfe (hall here infhrin'd remain j While, in the manfions of the bleft above, Their happy fouls enjoy celeftial love. But thou enough haft mourn'd the noble dead, To nature now her dues of reft be paid ; With me refide, till, in the eaftern Ikies, Propitious to thy courfe, the morn arife. He ceas'd j and led me thence through rugged ways, Now high, now low, in many a winding maze ; Till underneath the mountain's pendant fhade, Befide a hollow cave, our fteps we ftay'd. Here dwelt the fage, amidft the favage brood Of wolves and bears (the terrors of the wood!) Here, with his pupil, liv'd fecure from harms : More ftrong than fhield or corfelet, virtue arms And guards the naked breaft in all alarms. cSi JERUSALEM book vm. My hunger firft fuffic'd with fylvan food, 304 A homely couch my ftrength with deep renew'd. But when, rekindled with the riling day, The radiant morn reveal'd her golden ray; Each wakeful hermit to his prayers arofe, And, rouz'd with them, I left my foft repofe : Then to the holy fage I bade adieu, And turn'd the courfe directed to purfue. Here ceas'd the Dane b . Then thus the pious chief: Thou com'ft a mournful meflenger of grief: Thy words, O knight ! with pain our camp mall know, Thy tale fhall fadden every breaft with woe. Such gallant friends, by hoftile fury croft, From all our hopes, alas! fo fudden loft! Where thy dear leader, like a flaming light, Butjuft appear' d, and vanifh'd from the fight; b Here ceasd the Dane.] This admirable and affe&ing epifode is founded on hiliorical fact, though enlarged and beautified by the poet with many poetical and interefttng circumftances. Paolo Emilio, the writer of the hiftory, gives the following account of this Sweno : " Laetas triftibus (ut res humanae funt) nnTcebantur : Sueno Dani regis filius cum mille quingentis equitibus cruce infignitis, tranfmiflb ad Gonftantinopolim Bof- phoro inter Antiochiam ad reliquos Latinos iter faciebat j iufidiis Turcorum ad unum omnes cum regio juvene caeii." book viii. DELIVERED. 263 Yet bleft a death like this, and nobler far 320 Than conquer'd towns and ample fpoils of war : Nor can the capitol examples yield Of wreaths fo glorious, or fo brave a field. In heaven's high temple now, with honours crown'd, Immortal laurels every brow furround; Each hero there with confcious tranfport glows, And every happy wound exulting fhows. But thou, efcap'd from peril, (till to know The toil and warfare of the world below; This gloom of forrow from thy brow remove, And learn to triumph in their blifs above. Seek'ft thou Bertoldo's fon ? in exile loft, Unknown he wanders from th' abandon'd hoft: Nor think to trace his flight with doubtful feet, Till certain tidings tell the youth's retreat. Thefe fpeeches heard, and young Rinaldo's name, With former love each kindling mind inflame. " Alas! (they cry) amid the Pagan bands f ' The blooming warrior roves in diftant lands !" Each tongue with pleafure on his glory dwells ; Each to the wondering Dane his valour tells, And all his battles, all his deeds reveals. While thoughts, like thefe, in every bofom raife The dear remembrance of their hero's praifej 264 JERUSALEM book vm. A band of foldiers, fent to fcour the plain, 345 With plenteous pillage feek the camp again j With lowing oxen, and the woolly breed, And generous corn to cheer the hungry deed : And, join'd with thefe, a mournful load they bore, The good Rinaldo's arms, the veft he wore, The armour pierc'd, the vefture ftain'd with gore. The doubtful chance the vulgar herd alarms, With grief they throng to view the warrior's arms. They fee and know too well the dazzling fight, The ponderous cuirafs, with its beamy light , The creft, where high the towering eagle fhone, That proves his offspring in the mid-day fun. Oft were they wont, amid th' embattled fray, To fee them foremoft rule the bloody day ; And now with mingled grief and rage beheld Thofe glorious trophies broken on the field. While whifpers fill the camp, and every breath Relates by various means the hero's death, The pious Godfrey bade the chief be fought Who led the fquadron that the pillage brought. Brave Aliprando was the leader nam'd, For truth of fpeech and noble franknefs fam'd. Declare (cry'd Godfrey) whence thefe arms ye bear, Nor hide a fecret from your general's ear. 1 bookviii. DELIVERED. 265 As far rcmov'd from hence (he thus replied) 370 As in two days a trufty fcout may ride, Near Gaza's walls a little plain is found, From public ways with hills encompafs'd round, A riv'let murmurs down the mountain's fides, And through the (hade with gentle current glides ; Thick wood and brambles form a horrid fhade ; (A place by nature well for ambufh made) Here, while we fought for flocks and herds that came To crop the mead befide the cryftal ftream, Surpris'd we faw the grafs diftain'd with blood, And on the banks a murder'd warrior view'd : The arms and veft we knew (oft feen before) Though now deform'd with duft, and foul with gore. Then near I drew, the features to furvey, But found the fword had lopt the head away; The right hand fever'd; and the body round From back to breaft was pierc'd with many a wound. Nor far from thence the empty helm was laid, Where the white eagle flood with wings difplay'd. While fome we fought from whom the truth to hear, We faw a village fwain approaching near ; Who, having fpy'd us, fled with fudden fear. 166 JERUSALEM book vm. Him following foon we feize j he trembling Hands, And gives a full reply to our demands. .394 That he, the former day, concealed, had view'd A band of warriors iflue from the wood, Whofe mien and arms the Chriftians' likenefs fhow'd. One by the golden locks fuftain'd a head, That newly fever 'd feem'd, and frefhly bled : The face appear'd a youth's of femblance fair, The cheeks unconfcious of a manly hair. Soon o'er the head his fcarf the foldier flung. And at the faddle-bow the trophy hung. This heard, I ftripp'd the corfe with pitying tears, My anxious mind perplex'd with fecret fears, And hither brought thefe arms, and orders gave To yield the limbs the honours of a grave : But if this trunk is what my thoughts declare, It claims far other pomp, far other care. Here Aliprando ceas'd ; the leader heard His tale with fighs ; he doubted and he fear'd ; By certain figns he wiih'd the corfe to know, And learn the hand that gave the murderous blow. Meantime the night, with fable pinions fpread, O'er fields of air her brooding darknefs fhed j Ard deep, the foul's relief, the balm of woes, Lull'd every mortal fenfe in fweet repofe. 3 book vm. DELIVERED. 267 Thou, Argillan ! alone with cares oppreft, 418 Revolv'ft dire fancies in thy troubled breaft ! No quiet power can clofe thy wakeful eyes, But from thy couch the downy flumber flies. This man was bold, of licence unconfin'd, Haughty of fpeech, and turbulent of mind : Born on the banks of Trent, his early years Were nurs'd in troubles and domeftic jars : Till exil'd thence, he fill'd the hills and ftrand "With blood, and ravag'd all the neighbouring land ; When now to war on Afia's plains he came, And there in battle gain'd a nobler fame. At length, when morning's dawn began to peep, He clos'd his eyes, but not in peaceful fleep; Aleflo o'er him fheds her venom'd breath, And chains his fenfes like the hand of death: In horrid (hapes fhe chills him with affright, And brings dire vifions to his ftartled fight : A headlefs trunk before him feem'd to ftand, All pierc'd with wounds, and lopt the better hand : The left the pale difiever'd vifage bore, The features grim in death, and foil'd with gore ; The lips yet feem'd to breathe, and breathing fpoke, Whence, mix'd with fobs, thefe dreadful accents broke, i63 JERUSALEM book vi it. Fly, Arglllan ! behold the morning nigh 442 Fly thefe dire tents, the impious leader fly ! Who fhail my friends from Godfrey's rage defend, And all the frauds that wrought my haplefs end ? Even now thy tyrant burns with canker'd hate, And plans, alas ! like mine, thy threaten'd fate : Yet if thy foul afpires to fame fo high, And dares fo firmly on its drength rely, Then fly not hence ; but let thy reeking blade Glut with his dreaming blood my mournful fhade : Lo! I will prefent rife your force to arm, To fixing each nerve, and every bofom warm. The vifion faid ; with hellifh rage infpir'd, His furious bread a fudden madnefs fir'd : He darts from deep; he gazes wild with fear; With wrath and venom fill'd his eyes appear: Already arm'd, with eager hade he flew, And round him foon th' Italian warriors drew : High o'er the brave Rinaldo's arms he dood, And with thefe words inflam'd the lidening crowd. Shall then a favage race, whofe barbarous mind No reafon governs and no laws can bind, Shall thefe, infatiate dill of wealth and blood, Lay on our willing necks the fervile load ? book vin. DELIVERED. 269 Such are the fufferings and th' infulting fcorn, 465 Which feven long years our pafiive train has borne, That diftant Rome may blufh to hear our fhame, And future time reproach th' Italian name : Why fhould I here of generous Tancred tell, When by his gallant arms Cilicia fell ; How the bafe Frank by treafon feiz'd the land, And fraud ufurp'd the prize which valour gain'd ? Nor need I tell, when dangerous deeds require The boldeft hands and claim the warrior's fire, Firft in the field the flames and fword we bear, And midft a thoufand deaths provoke the war : The battle o'er, when bloody tumults ceafe, And Ipoils and laurels crown the foldiers' peace j In vain our merits equal fhare may clainv; Their's are the lands, the triumphs, wealth, and fame. Thefe infults once might well our thoughts engage, Thefe fufferings juftly might demand our rage : But now I name thofe lighter wrongs no more, This laft dire act furpafles all before. In vain divine and human laws withftand, Behold Rinaldo murder'd by their hand! But Heaven's dread thunders feal not yet their doom, Nor earth receives them in her opening womb ! 270 JERUSALEM sobs vm, Rinaldo have they flain, the foldiers' boaft, 490 Guard of our faith, and buckler of our hoft! And lies he unreveng'd ? to changing flue's All pale, neglected, unreveng'd he lies ! Afk ye whole barbarous fword the deed has wrought? The deed mufl open lie to every thought. All know, that, jealous of our growing fame, Godfrey and Baldwin hate the Latian name. But wherefore this? Be Heaven my witnefs here, (That Heaven who hears with wrath the perjur'd fwear) What time this morn her early beams difplay'd, I faw confefs'd his wretched wandering fhade. Ah me ! too plain his warning voice reveal 'd The fnares for us in Godfrey's breaft conceal'd. I faw 'twas not a dream before my eyes, Where'er I turn, the phantom feems to rife I What courfe for us remains ? Shall he, whofe hand Is ftain'd with murder, rule our noble band ? Or fhall we hence conduct our focial train Where, diftant far, Euphrates laves the plain ? Where, midft a harmlefs race, in fields of peace, He glads fuch numerous towns with large increafe. There may we dwell, and happier fate betide, Nor fhall the Franks with us thofe realms divide. book viii. DELIVERED. 271 Then let us leave, if fuch the general mind, 5 14 Thefe honour'd relicks unreveng'd behind ! But ah ! if virtue ftill may claim a part, (That frozen feems in every Latian heart) This hateful peft, whofe poifonous rage devours The grace and glory of th' Italian powers, Cut off from life, fhould pay the forfeit due, A great example to the tyrant-crew ! Then thus I fwear, be now your force difplay'd, Let each that hears me lend his glorious aid, This arm to-day fhall drive th' avenging fword In that fell breaft with every treafon ftor'd. In words like thefe his fiery foul exprefs'd, With dread commotion fill'd each hearer's breaft. To arms, to arms! (th' infenfate warrior cried) To arms, to arms! each furious youth replied. Alecto 'round the torch of difcord whirl'd, And o'er the field her flames infernal hurl'd ; Difdain and madnefs rag'd without control, And thirft of (laughter fill'd each vengeful foul. The growing mifchief flew from place to place, And foon was fpread beyond th' Italian race : Among th' Helvetians then it rais'd a flame, And next diffus'd among the Englifh name. 272 JERUSALEM book viir. Nor public forrow for Rinaldo flain 538 Alone to frenzy fir'd the warrior-train ; But former quarrels, now reviv'd, confpire, And add new fuel to their prefent fire. Againft the Franks they vent their threats aloud ; No more can reafon rule the madding crowd. So in a brafen vafe the boiling dream Impetuous foams and bubbles to the brim; Till, fwelling o'er the brinks, the frothy tide Now pours with fury down the veffel's fide. Nor can thofe few, who ftill their fenfe retain, The folly of the vulgar herd reftrain : Camillus, Tancred, William, thence remov'd, And every other in command approv d. Confus'd and wild th' unthinking foldiers fwarm ; Through all the camp they run, they hafle to arm. Already warlike clangors echo round; Seditious trumpets give the warning found. And now a thoufand tongues the tidings bear, And bid the pious chief for arms prepare. Then Baldwin firft in fhining fteel appear'd, And flood by Godfrey's fide, a faithful guard. The chief, accus'd, to Heaven direds his eyes, And on his God, with wonted faith relies. book vnr, DELIVERED. 273. O Thou, who know'ft my foul with zealous care Shuns the dire horrors of a civil war; 563 From thefe the veil that dims their fight removes Reprefs their errors, and their rage reprove : To thee reveal'd my innocence is known, O let it now before the world be fhown ! He ceas'd; and felt his foul new firmnefs prove, With warmth unufual kindled from above ; A fudden confidence jnfpir'd his mind* While on his vifage hope embolden'd (hin'd. Then, with his friends, he went, in awful ft ate, 'Gainft thofe who fought to avenge Rinaldo's fate. Not loudeft clalh of arms his courfe delay'd, Nor impious threats his fteps intrepid ftay'd. His back the cuirafs arm'd, a coflly veft The hero wore, in pomp unufual dreft ; Bare were his hands, his face reveal'd to fight, His form majeftic beam'd celeftial light. The golden fceptre (enfign of command) He fhook, to ftill the loud rebellious band ; Such were his arms : while thus the chief appear'd, Sounds more than mortal from his lips were heard. What ftrange tumultuous clamours fill my ears? Who dares difturb the peaceful camp with fears? vol. 1. T 74 JERUSALEM book vm. Thus am I grac'd ? Is thus your leader known, 586 After fuch various toils and labours fhown ? Is there who now with treafon blots my name ? Or fliall fufpicion fully Godfrey's fame ? Ye hope, perchance, to fee me humbly bend, And with bafe prayers your fervile doom attend : Shall then that earth, which witnefs'd my renown, Behold fuch infults on my glory thrown ? This fceptre be my guard, fair truth my fhiekl, And all my deeds in council and in field ! But juftice (hall her ear to mercy lend, Nor on th' offender's head the ftroke defcend. Lo! for your merits I your crime forgive, And bid you for your lov'd Rinaldo live. Let Argillan alone the victim fall, And with his blood atone th' offence of all, Who, urg'd by light fufpicion, rais'd th' alarms, And nYd your erring bands to rebel arms. While thus he fpoke, his looks with glory beam'd, And from his eye the flafliing lightning ftream'd; Even Argillan himfelf, furpris'd and quell'd, With awe the terrors of his face beheld. The vulgar throng, fo late by madnefs led, Who pour'd their threats and curfes on his head ; book vnr. DELIVERED. 375 Who grafp'd, as rage fupplyM, with ready hand, 610 The fword, the javelin, or the flaming brand ; Soon as they heard his voice with fear were (truck, Nor longer durft fuftain their fovereign's look ; But tamely, while their arms begirt him round, Saw Argillan in fudden fetters bound. So when his (haggy mane a lion (hakes, And with loud roar his (lumbering fury wakes ; If chance he view the man, whofe foothing art Firfl tam'd the fiercenefs of his lofty heart, His pride confents th' ignoble yoke to wear; He fears the well-known voice and rule fevere : Vain are his claws, his dreadful teeth are vain, He yields fubmiffive to his keeper's chain. 'Tis faid, that, darting from the fkies, was feen, With lowering afpect and terrific mien, A winged warrior with his guardian (hield, Which full before the pious chief he held ; While, gleaming lightning, in his dreadful hand He (hook a fword with gory crimfon ftain'd : Perchance the blood of towns and kingdoms, given By frequent crimes to feel the wrath of Heaven. The tumult thus appeas'd, and peace reftor'd, Each warrior (heaths again the wrathful fword. t 2 276 JERUSALEM, &c. book vnr. Now, various fchemes revolving in his thought, 634 His tent again die careful Godfrey fought: Refolv'd by ftorm to afiail the city's wall, Ere thrice the fable fhades of evening fall j And thence he went the timbers hewn to view, Where towering high to huge machines they grew. END OF THE EIGHTH BOOK. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. BOOK IX. THE ARGUMENT. Solyman, incited by Aledlo, attacks, with bis Arabs, the Chrii"- tian camp by night, and makes a great {laughter; till Godfrey, encouraging his troops, oppofes the fudden incurlion. In the mean time Argantes and Clorinda march with their forces from the city, and join the Arabs. God fends the angei Michael to drive away the demons that aififted the Pagans. The battle is continued with great fury. Clorinda particularly dillinguifhes herfelf. Argillan, at day-break, elcaping from his prifon, rufhes amongft the enemy, and kills many, till he himfelf falls by the hand of Solyman : the fortune of the day ftill remains doubtful : at length the Chriftians, receiving an unexpected aid, the victory declares in their favour : the Pagans are defeated, and Solyman himfelf is obliged to retreat. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. BOOK IX. Jjut hell's dire fiend, who faw the tumults ceafe, And every vengeful bofom calm'd to peace, Still unreftrain'd, by Stygian rancour driven, Oppos'd the laws of fate and will of Heaven : She flics, and where fhe takes her loathfome flight The fields are parch'd, the fun withdraws his light: For new attempts fhe plies her rapid wings, And other plagues and other furies brings] She knew her comrades, with induftrious care, Had driven the braveff champions from the war That Tancred and Bertoldo's greater fon, Remov'd afar, no more in battle fhone. Then wherefore this delay? (the fury cries) Let Solyman th' unguarded foes furprife ; 280 JERUSALEM book ix. Fierce on their camp with dread incurfion pour, 15 And crufh their forces in the midnight hour. This faid, fhe flew where Solyman commands The roving numbers of Arabia's bands ; That Solyman, than whom none fiercer rofe Among the race of Heaven's rebellious foes : Nor could a greater rife, 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' impeiial feat maintain'd. Oppos'd to Greece, the nations own'd his fway, That'twixt Meander's flood and Sangar lay; Where Myfians once, and Phrygians held their place, With Lydia, Pontus, and Bichynia's race. But, 'gainft the Turks and every faithlefs crew, Since foreign Mates their arms to Afia drew, His lands were wafted, and he twice beheld His martial fquadrons routed in the field ; Till, every chance of war efTay'd in vain, Expell'd a wanderer from his native reign, To Egypt's court he fled ; nor fail'd to meet A royal welcome, and fecure retreats With joy the king his valiant gueft furvey'dj With greater joy receiv'd his profrer'd aid j book ix. DELIVERED. 281 Refolv'd in thought to guard the Syrian lands, 39 And flop the progrefs of the Chriftian bands. But ere the king would open war declare, He gives to Solyman th' important care, With fums of gold to raife th' Arabian bands, And teach them to obey a chief's commands. Thus while from Afia and the Moorifh reign, Th' Egyptian monarch calls his numerous train, To Solyman the greedy Arabs throng, The lawlefs fons of violence and wrong. Elected now their chief, Judea's plains He fcours around, and various plunder gains : The country wide he waftes, and blocks the way Between the Latian army and the fea : And, not forgetful of his antient hate And the vaft ruins of his falling ftate, He mighty vengeance in his breaft revolves, And greater fchemes, as yet unform'd, refolves. To him Ale&o comes, but firft fhe wears A warrior's femblance bent with weight of years ; All wrinkled feem'd her face ; her chin was bare ; Her upper lip difplay'd a tuft of hair ; Thick linen folds her hoary head enclofe ; Beneath her knees a length of vefture flows ; a82 JERUSALEM book ix. The fabre at her fide; and ftooping low, 63 Her back the quiver bears, her hand the bow. Then thus fhe fpoke : While here our wandering bands Rove o'er the defert plains and barren fands j Where nothing worthy can reward our toils, Where conqueft yields us but ignoble fpoils ; See! Godfrey on th' imperial city falls, He fhakes the towers, he faps the lofty walls ! And yet we linger (O eternal fhame!) Till there he brings his arms and vengeful flame. Are cots deftroy'd, or fheep and oxen gain'd, The boafted trophies of the foldan's hand ? Will this thy realm reftore, retrieve thy name, And on the Franks avenge thy injur'd fame ? Then rouze thy foul ! againft the Chriftian go, Now funk in fleep, and cruih the hated foe : Thy old Arafpes fpeaks, his counfel hear, In peace or exile faithful to thy ear. No fear the unfufpecting chief alarms, He fcorns the Arabs and their feeble arms , Nor deems their timorous bands fo far can dare, In flight and plunder bred, to mix in war: Hafte, with thy courage rouze thy kindling hod, And triumph o'er their camp, in (lumber loft. book ix. DELIVERED. 283 Thus faid the fiend ; and, breathing in his mind 87 Her venom'd rage, difiblves to empty wind. The warrior' lifts his hands, and loud exclaims: O thou ! whofe fury thus my heart inflames ! Whofe hidden power a human form bely'dj Behold I follow thee, my potent guide: A mound fhall rife, where now appears a plain, A dreadful mound of Chriftian heroes (lain : The field fhall float with blood : O grant thy aid, And lead my fquadron through the dufky fhade. He faid j and inftant bids the troops appear j The weak he heartens, and difpels their fear : His warlike tranfports every breaft excite; Eager they burn, and hope the promis'd fight Aleflo founds the trump -, her hand unbinds The mighty ftandard to the fportive winds : Swift march the bands like rapid floods of flame, And leave behind the tardy wings of fame. The fury then refumes her airy flight, And feems a hafly meflfenger to fight ; And when the world a dubious light invades, Between the fetting day and rifing fhades, She feeks Jerufalem, and, midfl a ring Of timid citizens, accofls the king ; 2H JERUSALEM book ix. Difplays the purpofe of th' Arabian power, 1 1 1 The fignal for th' attack, and fatal hour. Now had the night her fable curtain fpread, And o'er the earth unwholefome vapours fhed : The ground no cool refrefhing moifture knew, But horrid drops of warm and fanguine dew : Monfters and prodigies in heaven were feen $ Dire fpe&res, fhrieking, fkim'd along the green: A deeper gloom exulting Pluto made, With added terrors from th' infernal jfhade. Through this dread darknefs tow'rds the tented foes, Secure from fear, the fiery foldan goes : And, when the night had gain'd her middle throne, From whence with rapid fpeed (he courfes down ; He came, where near the Chriftian army lay, Forgetful of the cares and toils of day. Here firft the chief refreih'd his troops with food, Then thus inflam'd their cruel thirft of blood. Survey yon camp, an impious band of thieves, That more from fortune than defert receives ; That, like a fea, within its ample bread Abforbs the fhining riches of the eaft : The fates for you thefe glorious fpoils ordain ; (How fmall the peril, and how vaft the gain !) book ix. DELIVERED. 285 Your uncontefted plunder there behold; 135 Their glittering arms, and courfers deck'd with gold! Not this the force that could the Perfians quell, By whom the powers of Nice in battle fell: What numbers from their native country far, Have fall'n the vi&ims of a tedious war ! Were now their ftrength the fame they once could boaft, Thus funk in deep, an unrefifting hofl, With eafe they muft refign their forfeit breath ; For fhort the path that leads from deep to death! On then, my friends ! this falchion firft fhall gain Your entrance to the camp o'er piles of flain. From mine each fword fhall learn to aim the blow: From mine the ftern demands of vengeance know ! This happy day the reign of Christ fhall end. And liberty o'er Afia's climes extend ! He faid; and rouz'd their fouls to martial deeds* Then flow and filent on his march proceeds. Now through the mifly {hades a gleam of light Difplays the heedful centry to his fight : By this his hopes are loft, to feize fecure The cautious leader of the Chriftian power. Soon as the watch their numerous foes efpy, They take their flight, and raife a fearful cry: 286 JERUSALEM book ix. The neareft guards awake; they catch th' alarms, 359 And, rouzing at the tumult, fnatch their arms. Th' Arabian troops no longer filent pafs, But barbarous clangors pour through breathing brafs: To heaven's high arch the mingled noife proceeds Of fliouting foldiers and of neighing deeds: The fteepy hills, the hollow vales around, The winding caverns echo to the found. Alec~to (hakes on high th' infernal brand, And gives the fignal from her lofty ftand. Firft flies the foldan, and attacks the guard, As yet confus'd, and ill for fight prepar'd. Rapid he moves ; far lefs impetuous raves A tempeft burfting from the mountain caves : A foaming flood, that trees and cots o'erturns ; The lightning's flalh, that towers and cities burns; Earthquakes, that fill with horror every age ; Are but a faint refemblance of his rage. True to his aim the fatal fword defcends ; A wound the ftroke, and death the wound attends. Dauntlefs he bears the ftorm of hoftile blows, And mocks the falchions of the rufhing foes : His helm refounded as the weapons fell, And fire flafli'd dreadful from the batter'd fteel. book ix. DELIVERED. 287 Now had his arm compell'd, with fingle might, 153 The foremott fquadrons of the Franks to flight : When, like a flood with numerous rivers fwell'd, The nimble Arabs pour along the field : The Franks no longer can th' attack fuftain ; But backward turn, and fly with loofen'd rein. Purfuers and purfu'd, with equal haftc, Together mingled, o'er the trenches pafs'd : Then with unbounded wrath the viflor florm'd, And rage, and woe, and death the camp deform'd ! A dragon on his cafque the foldan wore, That, ftretching, bends his arching neck before; High on his feet he (lands with fpreading wings, And wreaths his forky tail in fpiry rings : Three brandifh'd tongues the fculptur'd monfter mows; He feems to kindle as the combat glows : His gaping jaws appear to hifs with ire, And vomit mingled fmoke and ruddy fire! Th' affrighted Chriftians through the gloomy light The foldan view'd : fo mariners by night, When ocean's face a driving tempeft fweeps, By flalhing flames behold the troubled deeps. Some, by their fears impell'd, for fafety fly; And fome, intrepid, on their fwords rely : 288 JERUSALEM book ix. The night's black fhade adds tumult to the prefs, 207 And, by concealing, makes their woes increafe. Amongft the chiefs, whofe hearts undaunted glow'd, Latinus, born by Tiber's yellow flood, Confpicuous o'er the reft in combat fhin'd -, Nor length of years had damp'd his vigorous mind ; Five fons he told j and equal by his fide They mov'd, in war his ornament and pride : To deeds of early fame their youth he warms, And fheaths their tender limbs in ponderous arms. Thefe, while they drive to emulate their fire, And glut with blood their fteel and vengeful ire, The chief befpeaks : Now prove your valiant hands Where yon proud foe infults our fhrinking bands ; , Nor let the bloody famples of his force Abate your ardour, or detain your courfe: For, O my fons! the noble mind difdains All praife but that which glorious danger gains t So leads the favage lionefs her young, Ere yet their necks with fhaggy manes are hung; When fcarce their paws the fharpen'd nails difclofe, Nor teeth have arm'd their mouths in dreadful rows: She brings them fearlefs to the dangerous chace, And points their fury on the hunters' race $ book ix. DELIVERED. 289 That oft were wont to pierce their native wood, 231 And oft in flight the weaker prey purfu'd. Now with the daring band the father goes ; Thefe fix afifail, and Solyman enclofe. At once, directed by one heart and mind, Six mighty fpears againft the chief combin'd : But, ah! too bold! (his javelin caft afide) The eldeft born a clofer conflict try'd ; And with his falchion vainly aim'd a blow To flay the bounding courfer of the foe. But as a rock, whofe foot the ocean laves, Exalts its (lately front above the waves, Firm in itfelf, the winds and feas defies, Nor fears the threats and thunder of the fkies : The fiery foldan thus unmov'd appears Amidft the threatening fwords and miflive fpears, Furious he turns on him who ftruck the fleed, And 'twixt the cheeks and eyebrows parts his head. Swift Aramantes hafles to his relief, And in his pious arms fupports the chief: Vain, unavailing piety is fhown, That to his brother's ruin adds his own ! Full on his arm the Pagan drove the fteel : Down the fupported and fupporter fell? vol. 1. u 290 JERUSALEM book ix Together fainting in the pangs of death, 255 They mix their ftreaming blood and parting breath. Then with a ftroke he cuts Sabinus' fpear, With which the youth had gall'd him from afar; And rufhing on the fteed with fudden force, Th' ill-fated {tripling fell beneath his horfe. Now trampled on the ground the warrior lies, The mournful fpirit from its manfion flies ; Unwilling leaves the light of life behind, And blooming youth with early pleafures join'd! But Picus and Laurentes Hill remain'd j (The fole furvivors of the filial band) One day firft gave this haplefs pair to light, Whofe likenefs oft deceiv'd their parent's fight : But thefe no more with doubt their fiiends furvey'd; A dire distinction hoftile fury made : From this, the head divided rolls in duft ; That, in his panting breaft receives the thruft. The wretched father (father now no more ! His fons all flaughter'd in one dreadful hour!) Vievv'd, in his offspring breathlefs on the place, His fate approaching, and his ruin'd race! What power, O mufe! fuch ftrength in age could give, That midft thefe woes he (till endures to live, book ix. DELIVERED. 291 Still lives and fights? Perchance the friendly night, Conceal'd the horrors from a father's fight. 280 \Vild thro' the ranks his raging courfe he breaks, With equal ardour death or conqueft feeks : Scarce knows he which his wifhes would attain, To (laughter others, or himfelf be flain. Then, ruffling on the foe, aloud he cries : Doft thou fo far this feeble hand defpife, Not all its force can urge thy cruel rage To cope with wafting grief and wretched age ? He ceas'dj and, ceafing, aim'd a dreadful ftroke; Through fteel and jointed mail the falchion broke : The weapon pierc'd th' unwary Pagan's fide, And ftreaming blood his fhining armour dy'd. Rouz'd at the call and wound, at once he turns With brandilh'd fteel j more fell his fury burns: Firft thro' his fhield he drives, which, feven times roll'd, A tough bull-hide fecur'd with winding fold ; A paflage next the corfelet's plates afford ; Then, in his bowels plung'd he (heaths the fword. Unbleft Latinus fobs, and, daggering round, Alternate from his mouth and gaping wound A purple vomit flows, and (tains the ground. u 2 292 JERUSALEM book ix. As falls a mountain oak, that, ages paft, 302 Has borne the weftern wind and northern blaft, When, rooted from the place where one it flood, It crufhes in its fall the neighbouring wood : So funk the chief, and more than once he drew To grace his fate, and even in dying flew : Glorious he fell, and in his lateft breath With dreadful ruin fcatter'd fear and death. While thus his inward hate the foldan fed, And glutted his revenge with hills of dead ; The Arabs pour impetuous o'er the field : The fainting Chriftians to their fury yield. Then Englifh Henry, Holiphernes, flain By thee, O fierce Dragutes! prefs'd the plain. Gilbert with Philip Ariadenus flew, Who on the banks of Rhine their being drew. * Beneath Albazar's mace Erneflo fell, And Engerlan by Algazelles' fteel. But who the various kinds of death can name, And multitudes that funk unknown to fame ? Meantime the tumults Godfrey's flumber broke; Alarm'd he ftarted, and his couch forfook : Now, clad in arms, he call'd a band with fpeed, And forth he mov'd intrepid at their head. book ix. DELIVERED. 293 But nearer foon th' increafing clamours drew, 326 And all the tumult open'd to the view. He knew the Arabs fcour'd the country far, Yet never deem'd their infolence would dare To ftorm his trenches with offenfive war. Thus while he marches, from the adverfe fide, To arms ! to arms ! a thoufand voices cry'd : At once a barbarous fhout was rais'd on high, And dreadful howlings echo'd to the Iky. Thefe were the troops of Aladine, who came Led by Argantes and the warrior-dame a . To noble Guelpho, who his ftation took The next in arms, the Chriflian leader fpoke. Hark ! what new din of battle, labouring on, Swells from the hills and thickens from the town > This claims thy courage, this thy fkill demands, To meet the onfet of th' approaching bands. Go then, yon quarter from their rage fecure : But firft divide with me my martial power i Myfelf will on a different hand engage The daring foe, and check their impious rage. This having faid ; the chiefs divide their force, And take, with equal cares, a vary'd courfe ; Guelpho to reach the hill ; while Godfrey drew To where, refiftlefs, rag'd th' Arabian crew : a CloKINDA.. 294 JERUSALEM book ix. While as he march'd the diftant fight to gain, 351 Supplies were added to his eager train ; Till now a powerful numerous band he led, And faw where Solyman the fliughter fpread. So where the Po fird leaves his native hills, His river fcarce the fcanty channel fills ; But as new dreams he gathers in his courfe, He fwells his waves, and rifes in his force; Above the banks his horned front he fhows, And o'er the level meads triumphant flows ; Through many currents makes his rapid way, And carries war, not tribute, to the fea. Where Godfrey fees his timorous bands retreat, He thus upbraids them with a generous heat. What fear is this, and whither bends your pace ? Oh! turn and view the foes that give you chace! A bafe degenerate throng, that neither know To give, nor take, in fight a manly blow : O turn again 1 your trufty weapons rear ; Your looks will freeze their coward fouls with fear. This faid ; he fpurr'd his deed, and eager flew Where murderous Solyman appear'd in view. Through dreaming blood and clouds of dud he goes, Through wounds and death amidd furrounding foes; book ix. DELIVERED. 295 Through breaking ranks his furious courfe he guides, And the clofe phalanx with his fword divides : 376 No foes, on either hand, the fhock fuftain j Arms, deeds, and warriors tumble to the plain : High o'er the (laughter' d heaps, with bounding courfe, The glorious leader drives his foaming horfe. Th* intrepid foldan fees the florm from far, Nor turns afide, nor fhuns the proffer'd war; But, eager for the ftrife, his foe defies, Whirls his broad fword and to the combat flies. In thefe what matchlefs warriors fortune fends To prove their force from earth's remotefr, ends! With virtue fury now the conflict tries In little fpace, the Allan world the prize ! What tongue the horrors of the fight can tell, How gleam'd their falchions and how fwift they fell! I pafs the dreadful deeds their arms difplay'd, Which envious night conceal'd in gloomy fhade; Deeds that might claim the fan and cheerful fkies And all the world to view with wondering eyes ! Their courage foon the Chriflian bands renew, And their brave leader's daring courfe purfue : Their choiceft warriors Solyman enclofe, And round him thick the freely circle grows. q.$6 JERUSALEM book ix. Not lefs the Faithful, than the Pagan band, 399 With ftreaming blood diftain the thirfty land j By turns the victors and the vanquifh'd mourn, And wound for wound, and death for death return. As when, with equal force, and equal rage, The north and fouth in mighty ftrife engage; Nor this, nor that, can rule the feas or ikies, But clouds on clouds and waves on waves arife : So far'd the battle in the doubtful field : Nor here nor there the firm battalions yield , With horrid clangor fwords to fwords oppos'd, Shields clafh'd with fhields,with helmets helmets clos'd. No lefs in other parts the battle rag'd, Nor lefs the throng of warring chiefs engag'd j High o'er the hods the Stygian fiends repair, And hell's black myriads fill the fields of air. Thefe vigour to the Pagan troops fupply : None harbour fear, or turn their fteps to fly : The torch of hell Argantes' foul infpires, And adds new fury to his native fires ! He fcatters foon in flight the guards around, And leaps the trenches with an eager bound ; With mangled limbs he ftrows the fanguine plain, And fills th' oppofing fofle with heaps of flain. book ix. DELIVERED. 397 Him o'er the level fpace his troops purfue, 423 And dye the foremoft tents with purple hue. Clofe at his fide appears the martial dame, Whofe foul difdains the fecond place in fame. . Now fled the Franks ; when fudden drew at hand The noble Guelpho with his welcome band : He ftopp'd, with generous zeal, their fearful courfe, And turn'd them back to face the Pagan force. While thus on either fide the combat ftood, And {beaming gore in equal rivers flow'd, The Heavenly Monarch from his awful height Declin'd his eyes and view'd the dreadful fight. There, plac'd aloft, prefides th' Omnifcient Cause, And orders all with juft and equal laws, Above the confines of this earthly fcene, By ways unfearchable to mortal men. There, on eternity's unbounded throne, With triple light he blazes, Three in One! Beneath his footllep Fate and Nature (land j And Time and Motion wait his dread command. There power and riches no diftinction find ; Nor the frail honours that allure mankind : Like duft and fmoke they fleet before his eyes ; He mocks the valiant, and confounds the wife! 298 JERUSALEM book ix. There from the blaze of his effulgent light 447 The pureft faints withdraw their dazzled fight, Around th* unnumbered bleft for ever live, And, though unequal, equal blifs receive : The tuneful choirs repeat their Maker's praife : The heavenly realms refound the facred lays. Then thus to Michael fpoke the Word Divine; (Michael whofe arms with lucid di'mond fhine) See'ft thou not yonder b from th' infernal coaft "What impious bands diftrefs my favour'd hoft ? Go bid them fwift forfake the deathful fcene, And leave the bufinefs of the war to men j Nor longer dare amongft the living rife, To blot the luftre of the purer fkies : But feek the fhades of Acheron beneath, Th' allotted realms of punifliment and death! There on the fouls accurs'd employ their hate ; Thus have I will'd j and what I will is fate. b Seejl thou not yonder ] Very fimilar to this, is the addrefs of God to Raphael on feeing Satan's entrance into Paradife. Raphael (faid he) thou hear'ft what ftir on earth Satan from hell, fcap'd through the darkfome gulph, J-Iath rais'd in Paradife. Parad, Lost, B. v. ver. 224, book ix. DELIVERED. 299 He ceas'd: With reverence at the high command Low bow'd the leader of the winged band : 466 His golden pinions he difplays, and fpeeds With rapid flight, that mortal thought exceeds. The fiery region paftj the feats of reft He leaves (eternal manfions of the bleft!) From thence he paries through the cryftal iphere That whirls around with every fhining ftar; Thence to the left, before his piercing eyes, With different afpetts, Jove and Saturn rife 5 And every ftar that mortals wandering call, Though God's high power alike directs them all. Then from the fields that flame with endlefs day, To where the ftorms are bred, he bends his way$ Where elements in mix'd confufion jar, And order fprings from univerfal war. The bright archangel gilds the face of night, His heavenly features dart refplendent light : So fhines the beamy fun through fhowery fkies, And paints the fleecy clouds with various dies : So through the liquid regions of the air, With rapid radiance, fhoots a falling ftar. But now arriv'd, where hell's infernal crew Their venom'd rage amongft the Pagans threw, joo JERUSALEM book ix. Hovering in air on pinions ftrong he ftay'd, 439 And fhook his lance, and awful thus he faid. Your force has prov'd the Sovereign of the World, What thunders from his dreadful hand are hurl'd : O blind in ill ! that no remorfe can know, In torture proud, and obftinate in woe ! The facred Crofs fhall conquer Sion's wall j Her gates muft open, and her bulwarks fall : And who fhall Fate's refiftlefs will withftand, Or dare the terrors of th' Almighty hand ? Hence then, ye curfed ! to your realms beneath, The realms of torment and eternal death ! There on devoted fouls employ your rage j Be there your triumphs, there the wars ye wage : There, midft the founding whips, the din of chains, And gnafhing teeth, laments and endlefs pains! He faid j and thofe that lingering feem'd to move Refiftlefs with his fatal lance he drove. With fighs, reluctant, from the field they fly, And leave the golden ftars and upper Iky, And fpread their pinions to the realms of woe* To wreak their fury on the damn'd below. Not o'er the feas in equal numbers fly The feather'd race, to feek a warmer fky: book ix. DELIVERED. 301 Not, when the wood the wintry blaft receives, 513 In equal number Autumn ftrows her leaves. Freed from th' infernal train and Stygian glooms, Serene the night her wonted face refumes. But not the lefs Argantes' fury glows, Though hell no more her venom'd fire bellows ; He whirls his fword with unrefifted rage, Where, clofely preft, the Chriftian bands engage : The high and low his equal prowefs feel ; The braveft warriors fink beneath his fteel. Alike the carnage fierce Clorinda fpread, And ftrow'd the field with heaps of mangled dead. Through Berlinger the fatal fword fhe guides, And rives his heart where panting life refides ; The pointed fteel its furious paffage tore, And iffu'd at his back befmear'd with gore. Albine fhe wounds, where firft the child receives His food j and Gallus' head afunder cleaves. Then Gernier's better hand, that aim'd a blow, She fends divided to the plain below -, c Freed from ttt infernal train ] So Milton, when the rebel- lious fpirits are driven out of heaven. Difbuithen'd heaven rejoic'd Pakad. Lost, B. vi. ver. 8/8. 302 JERUSALEM book ix, Yet ftill the parted nerves fome life retain, 533 The trembling fingers ftill the falchion ftrain : Difiever'd thus a ferpent's tail is feen To feek the part divided on the green. The foe thus maim'd, the dame no longer ftay'd, But 'gainft Achilles ran with trenchant blade : Between the neck and nape the weapon flew j The neck it cleft, and cut the nerves in two : . Firft tumbled on the plain the parted head, 1 With duft obfcene the pallid face was ipread j While in the faddle by the fteed fuftain'd, (Dreadful to view!) the headlefs trunk remained; But foon th' ungovern'd courfer with a bound Shook the fad burthen to th' enfanguin'd ground. While thus th' unconquer'd maid fuch numbers flew, And the thick fquadrons of the weft o'erthrew j No lefs Gildippe fair the (laughter led, And on the Saracens her fury fed. The fame her fex, her dauntlefs mind the fame, And equal valour fhone in either dame. But thefe to meet in battle fate withftands ; Both doom'd to prove the force of greater hands. Now this, now that eflfays to pierce the tide, In vain j the throng of troops the pafs deny'd, book ix. DELIVERED. 303 The noble Guelpho's fword Clorinda found, 557 And in her tender fide imprefs'd a wound, That ting'd the fteel : the maid on vengeance bent, Betwixt his ribs her cruel anfwer lent. Guelpho his ftroke renew'd, but mifs'd the foe ; Ofmida, as he pafs'd, receiv'd the blow : Deep in his front the deadly fteel he found, And perifh'd by another's deftin'd wound. The numerous troops by Guelpho led enclofe Their valiant chief; more thick the tumult grows ; While various bands from diftant parts unite, And fwell the fury of the mingled fight. Aurora now, in radiant purple dreft, Shone from the portals of the golden eaft : When, midft the horrid clang and mingled cries, Intrepid Argillan from prifon flies : The readieft arms he fnatch'd with eager hafte, And foon his limbs in mining fteel were cas'd : Eager he comes, to efface his former fhame With glorious actions in the field of fame. As when, to battle bred, the courfer, freed From plenteous flails, regains the wonted mead, There unreftrain'd amid the herds he roves, Bathes in the ftream, and wantons in the groves ; 304 JERUSALEM book ix. His mane diflievell'd o'er his fhoulders fpread, 5&1 He fhakes his neck, and bears aloft his head : His noftrils flame, his horny hoofs refound, And his loud neighing fills the vallies round. So Argillan appears ; fo fierce he (hows. While in his looks undaunted courage glows : He bounds with headlong fpeed the war to meet, And fcarcely prints the duft beneath his feet : When, midft the foes arriv'd, aloud he cries, As one whofe fury all their force defies. Refufe of earth ! ye vile Arabian bands ! What boldnefs now impels your coward hands ? Your limbs unus'd the arms of men to wield, To bear the helmet, or fuftain the fhield ; Naked ye come, and fearful to the fight, Chance guides your blows, your fafety lies in flight : Nocturnal deeds are all your power can boaft, When friendly night affifts your trembling hoft : What now remains ? The beams of day require The warrior's weapons and the warrior's fire. Raging he faid; and, rufhing as he fpoke, At Algazelles aim'd a mortal ftroke j His jaws he cleft, and ftopt his ready tongue, While on his lips imperfect accents hung : book ix. DELIVERED. 30$ A fudden darknefs lhades his fwimming eyes ; 605 Through every vein a chilling tremor flies: Headlong he falls, and breathes his lateft breath, And bites the hated foil in pangs of death. With fury next on Saladine he flew, And Agricaltes and Mulafles flew: Then Aldiazelles' fide his falchion found, And cleft him through with one continu'd wound ; Through Ariadenus' breaft the fteel he guides, And the fall'n chief with bitter taunts derides ; The dying warrior lifts his languid eyes, And to th' infulting victor thus replies. Not thou, whoe'er thou art, with vaunting breath Shalt long enjoy the triumph of my death : Like fate attends thee - t by a mightier hand Thou too muft fall, and prefs with me the fand. Then Argillan, feverely fmiling, cry'd : Let Heaven's high will my future fate decide ; Die thou! to ravenous dogs and fowls a prey Then with his foot he prefs'd him as he lay, And rent at once the fteel and life away. Meanwhile a {tripling of the foldan's train Mix'd in the fhock of arms and fighting men: tOL. 1. jc6 JERUSALEM book ix. On his fair cheeks the flower of youth was feen, 62s Nor yet the down had fledg'd his tender chin : The fweat that trickled o'er his blooming face, Like orient pearls, improv'd the blufliing grace : The duft gave beauty to his flowing hair, And wrath was pleafing in a form fo fair. He rode a courier white as new-faH'n fnow, On hoary Apennine's afpiring brow: Nor winds nor flames his fwiftnefs could exceed, Pra&is'd to turn, and matchlefs in his fpeed : Grafp'd in the midft, the youth a javelin bore; A crooked fabre at his fide he wore : With barbarous pomp (refplendent to behold!) He fhone in purple veftments 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 withftand ; Fierce Argillan, advancing, near him drew, Then with a fudden flroke his deed he flew, And on the tender foe impetuous flew. In vain with moving prayers he fues for grace, In vain he begs with fupplicating face j iaooK ix. DELIVERED. 307 The fword is rais'd againft the blooming boy, 651 The faireft work of nature to deftroy: Yet pity feem'd to touch the fenfelefs fteel ; The edge tnrn'd, harmlefs, as the weapon fell : But what avail'd it? when the cruel foe, With the fharp point, retriev'd his erring blow. Fierce Solyman, who, thence not diftant far, By Godfrey prefs'd, maintain'd a doubtful war ; Soon as his favourite's dangerous Hate he fpies, Forfakes the fight, and to his refcue flies : Now with his thundering fword the ways are freed : He comes to avenge, but not prevent the deed. He fees, alas! his dear Lefbinus (lain, Like a young flower that withers on the plain. His dying eyes a trembling luftre fhed j On his fair neck declin'd his drooping head ; His languid face in mortal palenefs charnVd, And every breaft to foft compafTion warm'd : Untouch'd before, now melts the marble heart, And, midft his wrath, the gufhing forrows ftart. And weep'ft thou, Solyman! at pity's call, Who, tearlefs, faw thy mighty kingdom's fall? But when his eyes the hoftile weapon view'd, Still warm and reeking with the ftripling's blood, x 2 308 JERUSALEM book ix, Th' indignant fury boiling in his bread, 675 Awhile his pity and his tears fupprefs'd : On Argillan the rapid fteel he drives, At once th' oppofing fhield and helmet rives, And cleaves his head beneath the weighty blow : A wound well worthy of fo great a foe ! His wrath ftill unappcas'd, he quits his fteed, And wreaks his vengeance on the fenfelefs dead. So with the flone, that gall'd him from afar, The maftifF wages unavailing war. O ! vain attempt his forrows to allay, By rage infenfate on the breathlefs clay ! Meantime the leader of the Chriflian train, Nor fpends his anger, nor his blows in vain. A thoufand Turks againft him held the field, Arm'd with the jointed mail, the helm, and fhield: Their limbs robuft to hardy toils were bred j And, fkill'd in fight, their fouls no danger dread. Thefe oft with Solyman in battle flood, And midft the deferts late his fteps purfu'd j In Araby partook his wandering ftate, The faithful partners of his adverfe fate : Thefe, clofe collected in one daring band, The preffing valour of the Franks withftand. book ix. DELIVERED. 309 Here noble Godfrey well his falchion ply'd, 6gg And pierc'd Cordites' brow, Rofteno's fide ; Then from the fhoulders fever'd Selim's head, And lopp'd Rofano's arms with trenchant blade. Nor thefe alone, but numbers more he kill'd, And mangled trunks and limbs beftrow'd the field. While thus he fought againft the Turkifh band, And with intrepid force their rage fuflain'd j While fortune flill with equal pinions flew, Nor hopes of conquefl left the Pagan crew j Behold a cloud of rifing dull appear, Teeming with threatening arms, and big with wan And hence a fudden flafh of armour bright Fill'd all the Pagan hoft with panic fright. Of purple hue there fifty warriors held A Crofs triumphant in an argent field. Had I an hundred mouths, a hundred tongues, A voice, of iron breath' d from iron lungs, I could not all the Pagan numbers tell That by this troop's impetuous onfet fell : The fearful Arab finks ; the Turk in vain Refills the ftorm, and fights but to be (lain. Around the field in various forms appear, Rage, Horror, Cruelty, and abject Fear ; 3io JERUSALEM book ix. On every fide, exulting, death is found, 723 And purple torrents deluge all the ground. Now with a fquadron, illuing from the gate, (Unconfcious of the Pagan's woeful (rate) King Aladine appear'd, and from his height Beheld the fubject plain and doubtful fight: Full foon his eyes the fcene of (laughter meet, And (trait he gives command to found retreat,; And oft the monarch calls, but calls in vain, Clorinda and Argantes from the plain : The furious couple flill reject his prayer, With carnage drunk, infatiable of war ! At length they yield : yet every means they tried Their troops in order from the field to guide. But who with laws can daftard fouls reflrain ? The rout is general 'mongft th' affrighted train : This cafts afide his ihield, and that his fword j Thefe ufelefs burthens no defence afford. A vale between the camp and city lies, Stretch'd from the weftern to the fouthern fkies ; There fled the timorous bands, with many a groan, And clouds of dull roll'd onward to the town. The Chriftian powers purfue their eager chace 2 With dreadful (laughter of the Pagan race; book ix. DELIVERED. 3" But when, afcending, near the,. walls they drew, 747 Where, with his aid, the king appear'd in view, His victor-force the cautious Guelpho ftay'd, Nor would the dangerous rocky height invade : While Aladine collects his men with care, The fcatter'd remnants of fuccefslefs war. The foldan's waning ftrength can now no more, (The utmoft ftretch eflay'd of human power) His breath in fliorter pantings comes and goes, And blood with fweat from every member flows. His arm grows weak beneath the weighty fhield ; His weary hand can fcarce the falchion wield : Feebly he ftrikes, and fcarce can reach the foe, While the blunt weapon aims a fruitlefs blow. And now he paus'd awhile, immers'd in thought, A labouring doubt within his bofom wrought; If by his own illuftrious hand to bleed, Nor leave the foes the glory of the deed; Or if, furvivor in the fatal ftrife, To quit the field, and fave his threaten'd life. Fate has fubdu'd (at length the leader cry'd) My fliame fhall fwell the haughty victor's pride : Again th' infulting foe my flight fhall view, Again my exile with their fcorn purfue ; ji2 JERUSALEM, &c. book ix. But foon behold me turn in arms again, 771 To blaft their peace, and fhake their tottering reign. Nor yield I now my rage (hail burn the fame ; Eternal wrongs eternal vengeance claim : Still will I rife a more inveterate foe, And, dead, purfue them from the fhades below! END OF THE NINTH BOOK. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. BOOK X. THE ARGUMENT. Solyman, in his journey to Gaza, is accofted by Ifmeno, who perfuades him to return} and conveys him in an enchanted chariot to Jerufalem. The magician conduces the foldan through a fubterraneous cave into the city, and brings him to the council-hall, where he Hands, concealed in a cloud, and hears the debates. The fpeeches of Argantes and Orcanes. Solyman at laft difcovers himfelf, and is received with the greateft joy by the king. In the mean time it is known to Godfrey, that the warriors who came to his afliftance were thofe who had followed Armida. One of them relates to the general their adventures. Peter foretels the return and future glory of Rinaldo. JERUSALEM DELIVERED. BOOK X, While thus the foldan fpoke, a fteed he fpy'd, That wander'd near, unburthen'd of his guide ; Then inftant, fpent with toil and faint with heat, He feiz'd the reins and prefs'd the welcome feat : Fall'n is his creft, that late fo dreadful rofe, < His helm difgrac'd no more its fplendor fhows ; His regal vefture ftrows the dufty plains, And not a trace of all his pomp remains ! As, from the nightly fold, the wolf purfu'd, Flies to the Ihelter of the friendly wood ; Though fill'd with carnage, ftill he thirfts for more, And licks his ravenous jaws impure with gore : ji6 JERUSALEM book x. So fled the foldan, from the field compel] 'd, 13 Still bent on flaughter, ftill his rage unquell'd : Safe from furrounding fpears he took his flight, And all the deathful weapons of the fight : Alone, unfeen, the warrior journey'd on, Through folitary paths, and ways unknown : His future courfe revolving in his mind ; Now here, now there, his doubtful thoughts inclin'd. At length he fix'd to feek the friendly coaft Where Egypt's king collects his powerful hoft, And join with him his fortune in the field, To prove what arms another day would yield. And, thus refolv'd, the well-known courfe he bore That led to ancient Gaza's fandy fhore. Though now his weary limbs require repofe, And. every wound with keener anguifh glows ; Yet all the day he fled with eager hafte, Nor left his courfer, nor his mail unbrac'd. But when the dufky gloom perplex'd the fight, And objects loft their colour by the night, He fwath'd his wounds ; a palm-tree near him ftood. From this he fhook the fruit (his homely food!) His hunger thus appeas'd, the ground he prefs'd, And fought to eafe his limbs with needful reft : bookx. DELIVERED. 317 On his hard Ihield his penfive head reclin'd, 37 He ftrove to calm the tumult of his mind. Difdain and grief his heart alternate rend* And like two vultures in his breaft contend. At length when night had gain'd her midmoft Way, And all the world in peaceful filence lay, O'ercome with labour, fleep his eyes opprefs'd, And fleep'd his troubles in Lethean reft. While thus on earth he lay, a voice fevere, With thefe upbraidings, thunder 'd in his ear. O ! Solyman ! regardlefs chief, awake ! In happier hours thy grateful (lumber take. Beneath a foreign yoke thy fubje&s bend, And ftrangers o'er thy land their rule extend. Here doft thou fleep ? here clofe thy carelefs eyes, While uninterr'd each lov'd affociate lies ? Here, where thy fame has feh the hoflile fcorn, Canft thou, unthinking, wait the riling morn ? The foldan wak'd, then rais'd his fight, and view'd A fire, of reverend mien, who near him Hood : Feeble he feem'd with age, his fteps to guide A friendly ftarT its needfuLaid fupply'd. Say, what art thou, who dar'ft (the monarch cries) Difpel foft flumber from the traveller's eyes ? 3i8 JERUSALEM book x. "What part canft thou in all our glory claim 61 And what to thee our vengeance or our fhame ? In me behold a friend, (the ftranger faid) To whom in part thy purpofe (lands difplay'd : And here I proffer, with auxiliar care, In all thy labours and defigns to (hare. Forgive my zealj reproaches oft infpire The noble mind, and raife the hero's fire. Thou feek'ft th' Egyptian king fuch thoughts reftrain, Nor tempt a long and toilfome tracl: in vain ; Even now the monarch calls his numerous bands, And moves his camp to afiift Judea's lands. Think not thy worth at Gaza can be fhown, That 'gainft our foes thy force can there be known j But follow where I lead, and, fafe from harms, Within yon wall, begirt by Latian arms, To place thee, even at noon of day, I fwear, Without the brandifh'd fword or lifted fpear. New toils, new dangers, there thy arms attend ; There fhall thy force the town befieg'd defend, Till Egypt's hoft, arriv'd, their fuccour yield, And call thy courage to a nobler field. Thus while he fpoke, the liftening Turk amaz'd, Full on the hoary fire in filence gaz'd : bookx. DELIVERED. 319 His haughty looks no more their fiercenefs boaft, 85 And all his anger is in wonder loft. Then thus : O father ! ready to obey, Behold I follow where thou point'ft the way; But ever bell that counfel ihall I prize, Where moft of toil, where moft of danger lies. The fire his words approv'd j then fearch'd, with care, Each recent wound, annoy'd by chilling air ; With powerful juice, inftill'd, his ftrength renew'd, And eas'd the pain, and ftanch'd the flowing blood. Aurora now her rofy wreaths difplays, And Phcebus gilds them with his orient rays. Time calls (he cries) the fun directs our way, That fummons mortals to the toils of day. Then to a car, that near him ready, flood, He pafs'd -, the chief of Nice his fteps purfu'd : They mount the feat ; the ftranger takes the reins, Before the lafh the courfers fcour the plains ; They foam, they neigh, their fmoking noftrils blow, And the champ'd bits are white with frothy fnow. Then (ftrange to tell) the air, condens'd in clouds, With thickeft veil the rolling chariot fhrouds ; Yet not a mortal fight the mill efpy'd, Nor could an engine's force the cloud divide ; 32o JERUSALEM book x. While from its fecret womb, with piercing eyes, 109 They view'd around the plains, the hills, and Ikies. Struck with the fight his brows the foldan rais'd, And ftedfaft on the cloud and chariot gaz'd ; While on their courfe with ceafelefs fpeed they flew : W r ell by his looks the fire his wonder knew; And, calling on his name, the chief he (hook; When, rouzing from his trance, the warrior fpoke. O thou ! whoe'er thou art, whofe wondrous fkill Can force the laws of nature to thy will ; Who, at thy pleafure, view'ft with fearching eyes The human breaft, where every fecret lies : If yet thy knowledge (which fo far tranfcends All human thought) to future time extends ; O fay ! what reft or woe is doom'd by fate To all the toils of Afia's broken ftate ? But firft declare thy name j what hidden art Can power to work fuch miracles impart ? This wild amazement from my foul remove, Or vain will all thy future fpeeches prove. To whom, with fmiles, the ancient fire reply 'd-: In part thy wifhes may be fatisfy'd : Behold Ifmeno! (no ignoble name) In magic lore all Syria owns my fame* bookx. DELIVERED. 321 But that my tongue fhould diftant times relate, 133 And trace the annals of myfterious fate, A greater power denies ; thy thoughts exceed The narrow bounds to mortal man decreed. Let each his valour and his wifdom fhow, To ftem the tide of human ills below ; For oft 'tis feen, that with the brave and wife, The power to make their profperous fortune lies. Thy conquering arms may prove a happier field; Thy force may teach the boaftful Franks to yield : Think not alone the city to defend, On which the Latian foes their fury bend ; Confide ! be bold ! for fire and fword prepare ; A happy ifiue ftill may crown the war. Yet to my words attend, while I recite What, as through clouds, I view with doubtful light* I fee, or feem to fee, ere many a year Th' eternal planet gild the rolling fphere, A chief whofe rule" mall fertile Egypt blefs, Whofe mighty actions Afia fhall confefs. a A chief ivliofe rule ] He means Saladine, for his valour made foldan of Egypt, who took Jerufalem from the Chriftians, after they had been eighty years in polTeffion of it, and bad there eftablifhed a feat of kingly government. VOL. 1. Y 322 JERUSALEM book x. Let this fuffice; not only in the field, 153 Beneath his force the Chrifrian powers ihall yield; But from their race his arms lhall rend the fway, And all their ftate ufurp'd in ruin lay : Till, fenc'd by feas, within a narrow land Groan the fad relicks b of the wretched band. He from thy blood fliall fpring. Ifmeno faid : And thus the king his generous anfwer made ; (His bofom kindling at the hero's fame) O happy chief! whofe deeds fuch glory claim! For me, let good or ill my life betide, And fortune, as prefcrib'd above, provide : No power lhall e'er my vigorous mind control, Or bend th' unconquer'd temper of my foul : Firft lhall the moon and ftars their courfe forfake, Ere I my foot remove from glory's track. He faid , and, while he fpoke, with martial ire His eyeballs flafh'd, his vifage feem'd on fire. Thus commun'd they, till near the chariot drew To where the Chriftian tents appear'd in view. b Groan the fad relicks ] The poet is here thought to mean Cyprus, which was given by Lufignnn to Enrico count of Campngua, and which continued in potlefiion of lome of the ChrirUans after the eftablifbment of Saladine in the bolj land. book x. DELIVERED. 323 A fcene of carnage here their eyes furvey'd, 173 Where death appear'd in various forms difplay'd. Touch' d at the fight, the foldan's tears o'erflow, And all his face is fpread with generous woe : He fees, inflam'd with anger and difdain, His mighty ftandards fcatter'd on the plain: He fees the Franks exulting o'er the dead, And on his deareft friends in triumph tread : While from the breathlefs corfe the arms they tear, And from the field the glorious trophies bear. There fome he views, whofe funeral care attends Th' unbury'd relics of their Chriftian friends : And others here prepare the blazing pyre, Where Turks and Arabs feed one common fire. Deeply he figh'd, and flraight his falchion drew, And from the lofty car impetuous flew : But foon Ifmeno check'd his eager hafte, And in the feat again the warrior plac'd ; Then fought the hill, while, diftant on the plain, Behind their courfe the Chriftian tents remain. Then from the car they 'light (at once from view Diflblv'd in air, the wondrous car withdrew) Still with the cloud infhrin'd, on foot they fare, And down the mountain to the vale repair j y 2 j2 4 JERUSALEM book x. Where SiorTs hill, that here begins to rife, 197 Turns its broad back againft the weftern fides, Th' enchanter ftay'd ; and now, advancing nigh, Explored the fteepy fide with heedful eye : A hollow cavern open'd, in the ftone, A darkfome pafs, in former ages known, But now with weeds and brambles overgrown : Through this the forcerer foon the paflage try'd, And held his better hand the prince to guide. Then thus the foldan : Through what darkfome way Muft here my fteps by Health inglorious ftray ? O ! rather grant that, with this trufty blade, Through fcatter'd foes a nobler path be made. Let not thy feet difdain (Ifmeno faid) To tread the path which Herod wont to tread, Whcfe fame in arms o'er many regions fpread. This monarch firft the hollow cavern fram'd, What time his fubjedte to the yoke he tam'd : By this he could with eafe the tower afcend, (Then call'd Antonia c from his deareft friend) c Then call \l Antonia ] Jofephus relates that Herod gave tbi* name to the tower from Marc Antony the triumvir. book x. ' DELIVERED. 32$ Thence with his troops could leave the town unfeen, Or there re-enter with fupplies of men. 218 But now to me reveal'd, to me alone Of all mankind, this fecret path is known. This way (hall lead us to the regal feat, Where now the wife and brave in fynod meet, Call'd by the anxious, king to high debate, Who fears perhaps too far the frowns of fate : Awhile in filence all their counfels hear, Till, breaking on their fight, thou (halt appear, And pour thy fpeech in every wondering ear. He faid, and ceas'd ; no more the warrior (lay'd, But enter'd, with his guide, the gloomy fhade : Darkling they went through paths conceal'd from view, And, as they pafs'd, the cavern wider grew. Ifmeno now unfolds a iecret door ; They mount by (leps long-time difus'd before : Here through a narrow vent, from upper day, Appears the glimmering of a doubtful ray. Now from the feats of night their courfe they bend, And fudden to a (lately hall afcend j Where, with his fceptre, crown'd in awful (late, Amidfl: his mournful court the mournful monarch fate. 326 JERUSALEM book x. The haughty Turk, within the cloud conceaPd, 240 In iilence ftood, and ail that pafs'd beheld ; Then heard the monarch in an awful tone Addrefs the fenate from his lofry throne. O, faithful peers ! behold the turn of fate ! The laft dire day how deadly to our ftate ! From every former hope of conqueft thrown, Our fafety refts on Egypt's powers alone ; But thefe muft join us from a diftant land, When prefent dangers prefent aid demand. For this I bade you here the council hold, And each the purport of his thoughts unfold. He ceas'd : and foon a murmuring found enfu'd, Like zephyrs foftly whifpering through the wood : Till, rifing from his feat, with noble pride And fearlefs fpeech, Argantes thus reply'd. What words are thefe to damp the martial fire ! No aid from us thy wifdom can require. O ! in ourfelves our hopes alone mull reft, If virtue ever guards th' intrepid bread: Be that our arms, be that our wifh'd fupplies, Nor let us life beyond our glory prize ! I fpeak not this becaufe my anxious mind Defpairs from Egypt certain aid to find : bookx. DELIVERED. 327 Forbid it! that my thoughts, fo far milled, 264 Should doubt the promife which my king has made. But this my ardent foul has Jong defir'd, To find a few with dauntlefs fpirits fir'd ; That every chance can view with equal eyes, Can feek for victory, or death defpife. Orcanes next arofe, with plaufive grace, Who mix'd with princes held the npbleft place: Once known in arms amid the field he fhin'd ; But, to a youthful fpoufe in marriage join'd, Proud of the hufband and the father's name, In flothful eafe he ftain'd his former fame. Then thus he fpoke : Well pleas'd the words I hear Which fpring, O monarch ! from the foul fincere j When the full heart with inbred ardour glows, And generous threats the hero's warmth difclofe. Should now, tranfported with a noble rage, The good CircafTian's heat too far engage; This may we grant to him whofe dauntlefs might Difplays like ardour in the field of fight. It refts with thee his fury to control, When youth too far tranfports his fiery foul. 'Tis thine to view, in equal balance weigh'd, The prefent danger with the diftant aid ; 328 JERUSALEM book x. The hoftile power that on our city falls, 288 Our new-rais'd ramparts and our mouldering walls. I fpeak the dictates of a faithful heart ; Our town is ftrong by nature, ftrong by art ; Yet, fee what mighty fchemes the foes intend, What huge machines againft the walls afcend! Th' event remains unknown I hope and fear The various chances of uncertain war. Th' unlook'd-for fmall fupply of herds and corn That yefter-night within the town was borne, Can ill fuffice fo vaft a city's call, If long the fiege fhould laft before our wall : And laft it muft, though by th' appointed day Th' Egyptian forces here their aid difplay: But what our fate if longer they delay? Yet grant thofe fuccours fhould prevent in fpeed Their plighted promife, and our hope exceed : I fee not thence the certain conqueft won, Nor from the Chriftians freed the threaten'd town. We muft, O king! with Godfrey meet in fight, Thofe gallant chiefs, thofe bands approv'd in might, Whofe arms fo oft have fcatter'd o'er the plain The Syrian, Perfian, and Arabian train. Thou, brave Argantes! oft compell'd to yield, Haft prov'd too well their valour in the field : bookx. DELIVERED. 329 Oft haft thou fled the foe with eager hafte, 313 And in thy nimble feet thy fafety plac'd. Clorinda and myfelf have felt their hoftj Nor let a warrior o'er his fellows boaft. Free let me fpeak, and unreftrain'd by fear, (Though yonder champion fcorn the truth to hear, And threaten death; my deep foreboding mind Beholds thefe dreadful foes with fate combin'd : Nor troops nor ramparts can their force fuftain ; Here fhall they fix at laft their certain reign. Heaven witnefs ! what I fpeak the time requires, Love for my country and my king infpires. How wife the king of Tripoly! who gain'd Peace from the Chriftians, and his realms retain'd; While the proud foldan, on the naked plains Now breathlefs lies, or wears ignoble chains j Or hid in exile, trembling from the flrife, Prolongs in diftant lands his wretched life : Who, yielding part, with gifts and tribute paid, Had (till the reft in peace and fafety fway'd. He faidj and thus his coward-thoughts difclos'd, With artful words in doubtful phrafe compos'd -, Yet durft not plainly his advice declare, To fue for peace, a foreign yoke to wear. 330 JERUSALEM book x. But, as his fpeeches fir'd with juft difdain, 337 No more the foldan could his wrath reftrain. To whom Ifmeno Can thy generous ear Without concern thefe vile reproaches hear ? Unwilling have I ftay'd (the chief returns) My confcious foul with juft refentment burns. Scarce had he ended, when the mift, that threw Its friendly veil around, at once withdrew ; DifTolv'd in air was loft the fleecy cloud, And, left in open light, the monarch ftood ; Full in the midft his dreadful frdnt he rears, And fudden thus accofts their wondering ears. Lo ! here the man you name, the foldan ftands ; No timorous exile fled to diftant lands ! This arm fhall yonder daftard's lies difprove, And fhow what fears his trembling bofom move. I, who of Chriftian blood fuch torrents fhed, And pil'd the plain with mountains of the dead ! Left in the vale, by foes begirt in fight, All fuccours loft! am I accus'd of flight ? But fhould this wretch, or any fuch, again, Falfe to his country, to his faith a ftain, Dare, with his words, to fhameful peace betray, (Do thou, O monarch! give my juftice way) book'x. DELIVERED, 331 This falchion fhall avenge the hateful part, 361 And flab the treafon lurking in his heart. Firft in one fold fhall wolves and lambs remain, One neft the ferpent and the dove contain, Ere with the Franks one land behold our ftate, On any terms but everlafting hate! While haughty thus he fpoke,with threatening mien, His dreadful hand upon his fword was feen. Struck with his prefence, with his words amaz'd, The pale affiftants mute and trembling gaz'd. Then, with a foften'd air and milder look, To Aladine he turn'd, and thus he fpoke : We truft, O monarch ! welcome aid we bring, When Solyman appears to afiift the king. Then Aladine, who near to meet him drew: How glows my heart a friend like thee to view ! No more I feel my flaughter'd legions loft, No more my foul with anxious fears is toft, Thou fhalt my reign fecure, and foon reftore (If Heaven permit) thy own fubverted power. This faid, aroundjiis neck his arms he caft, And with an eager joy his friend embrac'd. Judea's fovereign then, this greeting done, Gave to the mighty chief his regal throne : 332 JERUSALEM bookx. Himfelf, befide him, to the left he plac'd, 385 Ifmeno next with equal honours grac'd. And while, inquiring every chance of fate, In converfe with the fire the monarch fate, To honour Solyman the warrior-dame Approach'd ; then all, by her example, came. Among the reft, Ormuffes rofe, whofe care Prefer v'd his faithful Arabs from the war : Thefe, while the hofts with mutual fury fought, By night in fafety to the walls he brought ; And, with fupplies of herds and corn convey 'd, Gave to the famifh'd town a needful aid. Alone, with lowering front and gloomy ftate, In filence wrapt, the fierce Circafiian fate : So feems a lion, couching on the ground, Who fullen rolls his glaring eyes around : While low his head declin'd with penfive air, The foldan's looks Orcanes could not bear. In council thus J udea's tyrant fate, The king of Nice, and nobles of the ftate. But pious Godfrey, victor of the day, Had chac'd his foes, and clear'd each guarded way: And now he paid his warriors, (lain in fight, The laft due honours of the funeral rite; bookx. DELIVERED. 333 Then bade the reft prepare (his mandate known) 409 The fecond day in arms to aflault the town; And threaten'd, with machines of every kind, The rude Barbarians in their walls confin'd. The leader foon the timely fquadron knew, That brought him aid againft the faithlefs crew : In this the prime of all his friends he view'd, Who once the fraudful damfel's track purfu'd : Here Tancred came, who late, by wiles reftrain'd, A prifoner in Armida's fort remain'd. For thefe, to meet beneath his lofty tent, Before the hermit and his chiefs, he fent. Then thus he faid : Let fome, O warriors ! tell Th' adventures that your wandering courfe befell; And how you came, by fortune thus convey'd, In need fo great to give fuch welcome aid. He ceas'd ; when, confcious of his fecret blame, Each hung his head deprefs'd with generous fhame; Till Britain's heir belov'd d the filence broke, And rais'd his eyes as thus fincere he fpoke. We went (whofe names, undrawn, the urn conceal'd) Nor each to each his clofe defign reveal'd, The darkfome paths of treacherous love to trace, Lur'd by the features of a guileful face : d WiLLIAM. 334- JERUSALEM book x. Her words and looks (too late I own the fhame) 433 Increas'd our mutual hate, our mutual flame : At length we drew to where, in dreadful ire, Heaven rain'd on earth e of old a florin of fire, To avenge the wrongs, which nature's laws endur'd, On that dire race to wicked deeds inur'd : Where once were fertile lands and meadows green, Now a deep lake with fulphurous waves was feen : Hence noifome vapours, baleful fleams arife, That breathe contagion to the diflant fkies. In this each ponderous mafs is thrown in vain, The fluggifh waters every weight fuflain : In this a caftle flood, from which there lay A narrow bridge to invite the wanderer's way. We enter'd here ; and, wondering, faw within Each part prefent a lovely fylvan fcene ; Soft was the air, the fkies ferene and mild, Witli flowers adorn'd the hills and vallies fmil'd:' A fountain, 'midfl a bower of myrtle fhade, With lucid ftreams in fweet meanders ftray'd : e Heaven rairid on earth ] The country of Sodom and Gomorra. Ariftotle and Galen both mention the lake here defcribed by the poet, and give the fame reafon for its fup- porting any heavy fubftance, the grolfnefs and denfity of the water. sookx. DELIVERED. 335 On the foft herbage downy (lumbers lay; 453 Through whifpering leaves the fanning breezes play; And cheerful fongfters warble on the fpray. I pafs the domes our eyes beheld amaz'd, Of coftly gold and polinYd marble rais'd. There on the turf, with made o'er-arching grac'd, Near purling rills the dame a banquet plac'd; Where fculptur'd vafes deck'd the coftly board, With viands choice of every flavour flor'd : Whate'er to different climes and funs we owe, Which earth, or air, or ocean, can beftow ; With all that art improves ! and while we fate, An hundred beauteous nymphs in order wait. With gentle fpeech and foft enticing fmiles, She tempers other food and fatal wiles-, While every gueft receives the deadly flame, And quaffs a long oblivion of his fame. She left us now, but foon refum'd her place, When anger feem'd to kindle in her face. Within her better hand a wand fhe bore; Her left fuftain'd a book of magic power : Th' enchantrefs read, and mutter'd fecret charms, When, lo ! a fudden change my bread alarms ! 336 JERUSALEM book x. Strange fancies foon my troubled thoughts purfu'd, Sudden I plung'd amid the cryftal flood : 477 My legs, fhrunk up, their former function leave ; To either fide my arms begin to cleave ; A fcaly covering o'er my fkin is grown, And in the fifh no more the man is known ! An equal change with me the reft partook, And fwam, transform'd, within the limpid brook. Oft as my mind recalls th' event, I feem Loft in th' illufion of an idle dream. At length her art our former fhape reftor'd, But fear and wonder chok'd each iffuing word. As thus amaz'd we ftood, with angry brows She threaten'd added pains and future woes. Behold (Ihe cried) what power is in my hand I I rule your fates with uncontroll'd command : My will can keep you from ethereal light, The haplefs prifoners of eternal night j Can bid you range among the feather'd kind, Or, chang'd to trees, with rooted fibres bind ; Can fix in rocks, diflblve in limpid dreams, Or turn to brutal form the human limbs. It refts on you to avert my vengeful ire ; Confent to obey what my commands require : book*. DELIVERED. 337 Embrace the Pagan faith, my realms defend, 500 And your keen fwords on impious Godfrey bend. She faid : the proffer'd terms our fouls difdain'd, Her words alone the falfe Rambaldo gain'd. Us (no defence avail'd) fhe ftrait conftrains In loathfome dungeons and Coercive chains. Thither was Tancred led, by fortune croft, Where, jojn'd with us, his liberty he loft. But little time, confin'd within the tower, The falfe enchantrefs kept us in her power. 'Twas faid, an envoy from Damafcus came, To gain her prifoners from th' unhallow'd dame; And thence, difarm'd, in fetters bound, to bring, A welcome prefent to th' Egyptian king. We went, furrounded by a numerous guard, When Heaven's high will unhop'd-for aid prepar'd. The good Rinaldo, who, with deeds of fame, Adds every moment to his former name, Our courfe impeding, on our leaders fell, And prov'd that valour, often prov'd fo well. He flew, he vanquifh'd all beneath his fword, And foon again our former arms reftor'd. To me, to all confefs'd the youth appeared ; We grafp'd his hand, his well-known voice we heard. vol. 1. Z 338 JERUSALEM books. Here vulgar tongues fallacious tales proclaim ; 524 The hero ftill furvives to life and fame. Three days are paft fince, parting from our band, He with a pilgrim travell'd o ? er the land, To Antioch bound : but firft he caft afide His (hattei*d arms with dreaming crimfon dy'd. Here ceas'd the knight. Meanwhile his ardent eyes The hermit fix'd devoutly on the fkies : His looks, his colour chang'd ; a nobler grace Shone in his mien, and kindled in his face; Full of the Deity, his raptur'd mind With angels feem'd in hallow'd converfe join'd : He reads in future time's eternal page, And fees th' events of many a diftant age. He fpoke s while all intent and filent gaz'd, Much at his looks and awful voice amaz'd. He lives! Rinaldo lives! (aloud he cries) Then heed not empty arts or female lies! He lives ! and Heaven, whofe care his youth defends, For greater praife his valued life extends ! Thefe are but light forerunners of his fame, (Thefe deeds that now o'er Afia fpread his name) Lo! after rolling years, I plainly view His arms fhall many an impious power fubdue; book*. DELIVERED. ^29 His eagle guards, with filver wings difplay'd, 54s The church and Rome beneath its friendly fhade. Succeeding fons with equal virtue fhine, And children's children crown his glorious line ! To pull the mighty down, exalt the lowj To punifh vice, on virtue aid beftow; Thefe be their arts ! and thus his dazzling way The bird of Efte foars beyond the folar ray ! To guard celeftial truth his flight he bends, And with his thunders Peter's caufe defends : Where zeal for Christ each holy warrior brings, He fpreads, triumphant, his victorious wings : The chief recall'd, muft here his tafk refume, Such is the will of Fate, and fuch th' eternal doom! Here ceas'd the fage ; his words each doubt appeas'd, And every fear for young Rinaldo eas'd. All, fill'd with tranfport, fpoke their joys aloud; While, fix'd in thought, the pious Godfrey flood. Now had the night her fable mantle caft O'er darken'd air, and earth around embrac'd: The reft, retiring, fink in foft repofe ; But, loft in cares, no fleep the leader knows. END OF THE TENTH BOOK. 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