LXIV. He asks to eat; but near the hostess lags; And even would lend a hand to turn the roast; In kitchen phrase of scullion frolicks brags. 82 The landlord doubts that this is all a boast; For, though like saucy clown his tongue he wags, Mine host observes his love of butter'd toast, 83 And other dainties by the great approved ; And how genteel he look'd, and handsome moved. LXV. Resolved to try him, to the Knight he turns And says, "If at your heart that bravery dwell, "Which in such breasts as yours so often burns, 66 "Your valour may despatch a monster fell, Through whom a brace of piteous lovers mourns, "And of our dolorous district merit well; "For that dire monster, cruel, fierce, and horrible, “Doth keep us all in terrors most deplorable." LXVI. The Knight replies, "If you've nought else to do, "And to delight my listening ears incline, "Tell me the story of those lovers true "Whom this detested monster maketh pine, "From the beginning, all in order due; "Right well thou knowest, most courteous landlord mine, "How much a tale told o'er a mantling cup "Amuses, when we dine, or when we sup.” LXVII. Quoth then the Host, "The castle near at hand, "Healthful and beautiful, like you, and strong, “Whom, well-a-day! amidst a youthful band, "Once in our market-place, where strangers throng, "The fairy Nera seeing, love insane "Took forcible possession of her brain. LXVIII. "But he had made a present of his heart "To Miss Brunette, who dwelt in village near, "And neither gifts nor treats on Nera's part, "Could win the favour of that worthy Peer; "So the enchantress, by her hellish art, "Devised the hideous plot you soon shall hear; "But waited till their wedding-day approach'd, “And then her strange unheard-of mischief broach'd. LXIX. "See, where Brunetta comes in vestments white! "Roses and lilies crown her nut-brown hair: "We all were met rejoicing in the sight: "And the vile witch disguised was also there, "Midst the bride's maidens for the wedding dight; "Who bids them wait a moment where they were, "Under the shade of a tall cypress tree, "From whence the bridegroom's coming they might see. LXX. "Behold him now advance, with joyous pace, Singing aloud, when lo! an imp of hell "A flask of water from that damned place 66 "Gives to the fay, who straight, by witchcraft's spell, Squirts me that water in each lover's face. "Now hear, with horror hear, what then befel; "We saw them strangely changed-O fatal luck! "The bride was grown a doe, her spouse a buck! LXXI. "The buck eftsoons sets off, and bounds away, "Whoso shall them relieve, and quell our fears, "Must scale a mountain which few dare essay "So steep to heaven its horrid front it rears; "There, on its summit, in a lofty tower, 66 Nera, the wicked witch, hath built her bower. 66 66 LXXII. Besides, she's guarded there by giants two, "One call'd Traggéa, t'other Master Stritch : Frightful to saints above, and fiends below; "Both clothed in skin of snake, more rough than rich, "More fit for stirrup straps, than glove of beau; "So strong, that, if comparisons we draw, LXXIII. "If you those scaly wretches could subdue, "And their infernal mistress captive make, "What blessings to us all would then ensue ! "The enamour'd pair of torment leave would take, "Restored to pristine form and rosy hue, "And mirth no more this happy nook forsake.”— -Rinaldo cries, "Fine Paladin of France "Am I, on such adventure to advance! |