Читать книгу Orlando Furioso - Lodovico Ariosto - Страница 15

LXXV

But, as Melissa counselled him, he wore

His wonted semblance for a time, till he

Was with his armour, many days before

Laid by, again accoutred cap-a-pee.

And, lest Alcina should his end explore,

Feigned to make proof of his agility;

Feigned to make proof if for his arms he were

Too gross, long time unwont the mail to bear.

LXXVI

Next Balisarda to his flank he tied

(For so Rogero's trenchant sword was hight),

And took the wondrous buckler, which, espied,

Not only dazzled the beholder's sight,

But seemed, when its silk veil was drawn aside,

As from the body if exhaled the sprite:

In its close cover of red sendal hung,

This at his neck the youthful warrior slung.

LXXVII

Provided thus, he to the stables came,

And bade with bridle and with saddle dight

A horse more black than pitch; for so the dame

Counselled, well-taught how swift the steed and light.

Him Rabicano those who know him name,

And he the courser was, that with the knight,

Who stands beside the sea, the breeze's sport,

The whale of yore conducted to that port.

LXXVIII

The hippogryph he might have had at need,

Who next below good Rabican was tied,

But that the dame had cried to him, "Take heed,

Thou know'st how ill that courser is to ride";

And said the following day the winged steed

'Twas her intention from that realm to guide,

Where he should be instructed at his leisure,

To rein and run him every where at pleasure:

LXXIX

Nor, if he took him not, would he suggest

Suspicion of the intended flight: The peer

This while performed Melissa's every hest,

Who, still invisible, was at his ear.

So feigning, from the wanton dome possessed

By that old strumpet, rode the cavalier;

And pricking forth drew near unto a gate,

Whence the road led to Logistilla's state.

LXXX

Assaulting suddenly the guardian crew,

He, sword in hand, the squadron set upon;

This one he wounded, and that other slew,

And, point by point made good, the drawbridge won:

And ere of his escape Alcina knew,

The gentle youth was far away and gone.

My next shall tell his route, and how he gained

At last the realm where Logistilla reigned.