Unheeding what was past, or what to come, Inactive he submitted to his doom: The valiant deeds of arms forgot and o'er, And fair Angelica belov'd no more. Oh! foul enchantment! thus to heap disgrace On the great ruler of Anglante's race; The pride of chivalry, the boast of fame, And cloud the lustre of his honor'd name. 550 555 THE ARGUMENT. Disappointment of Gradasso.-Retreat of Charlemagne's troops.-Accord between the Sericans and the Saracens, who join to attack Charlemagne.-Charlemagne's sally, and defeat.-Gradasso's generous conduct and offer.-Agreement between him and Charlemagne.-Astolpho is chosen general by the people.-Objects to the treaty.-Defies and challenges Gradasso.-Conclusion. CANTO VIII. YE nymphs of Pindus, seek the scene once more, Where wide encampments crown th' Iberian shore: From that where Sericana's hostile force Was posted, brave Gradasso shap'd his course, To gain the spot, the demon herald said, From whence Rinaldo late had been betray'd. The sun had scarcely reach'd his mid-day height, When fierce the monarch came, but met no knight. Impatience, ardour, and insulted pride, By turns within his haughty soul preside. But when the car of day declin'd to west, And evening's length'ning shadows stood confest, Induc'd the Paladin to disappear, 5 10 Or that in mock'ry he defiance sent, On most audacious disrespect intent. Inly he foam'd, and on the Christian race Swore to avenge this insolent disgrace. 15 Throughout the whole of this eventful day, And soon-confirming all these racking fears— The steed Bayardo, stain'd with gore, appears: Was hasting from that inauspicious place, Where his lov'd master met such vile disgrace: 20 25 |