National Epics Part 50

Their machines destroyed, timbers were needed by the Franks to construct new ones. Knowing this, Ismeno laid spells on the forest, so that the warriors sent thither by G.o.dfrey were frightened away by the sights they saw therein. Even Tancred was put to flight when one of the demons took the form of his beloved Clorinda. To add to the discomfort of the Franks, excessive heat overpowered them, and they suffered tortures from lack of water until the prayers of G.o.dfrey moved the Ruler of the Earth with pity, and He sent down the longed-for showers.

Delighted with the piety of G.o.dfrey, the Great King sent him a dream by which he might know the will of Heaven. Lifted through the whirling spheres, his ears charmed with their music, his eyes dazzled by the brilliancy of the stars, he saw Duke Hugo, who told him that Rinaldo must be sought out before the conquest of Jerusalem could be accomplished. The same Power influenced the princes in council so that by the will of all, two knights, one of them him to whom Sweno's sword had been given, were despatched to seek Rinaldo. Instructed by Peter the Hermit, they sought the sea-coast, and found a wizard, who, after showing them the splendor of his underground abode beneath the river's bed, revealed to them the way in which they were to overcome the wiles of Armida.

A beautiful maid with dove-like eyes and radiant smile received them in her small bark, and they were soon flying over the sea, marvelling at the rich cities and vast fleets by which they pa.s.sed. Leaving rich Cadiz and the Pillars of Hercules, they sped out into the unknown sea, while the maiden told them of how some day Columbus would venture into unknown seas to find a new continent. On, on they flew, past the Happy Isles, the Fortunate, long the song of the poet; where the olive and honey made happy the land, and the rivers swept down from the mountains in silver streamlets; where every bird-song was heavenly music, a place so divine that there were placed of old the Elysian fields. To one of these islands the lady steered, and the knights disembarked, and started on their perilous journey up the mountain. Following the wizard's instructions, they waved the golden rod at the monstrous serpents hissing in their pathway, and they vanished; they steeled their hearts against the charms of the voluptuous maids bathing in the lake, and pa.s.sed without tasting the fountain of laughter. Then the s.p.a.cious palace met their eyes. Built round a garden, its marble courts and unnumbered galleries formed a trackless maze through which they could never have found their way without the aid of the wizard's map. As they trod the marble floors they paused many times to view the matchless carvings on the silver doors, which told anew the beautiful old stories of love triumphant.

Once through the winding ways, they entered the wonderful garden which art and nature combined to render the most beautiful spot on earth. The same trees bore ripe fruit, buds, and blossoms; the birds sang joyfully in the green bowers; and the faint breezes echoed their song. One bird sang a song of love, and when the tender melody was done the other birds took it up and sang until the forest rang with melody, and all was love, love, love. Then the knights saw Rinaldo, lying in the grove, his head in the lap of the enchantress. His sword was gone from his side, and in its place hung a mirror in which he sometimes gazed at Armida's reflection. When Armida left him alone for a few hours, the knights surprised Rinaldo, and turned the wizard's diamond s.h.i.+eld upon him. For the first time he saw himself as others saw him, and, blus.h.i.+ng with shame, announced himself ready to return with them to rescue Jerusalem. Tearing off his ornaments, he hastened down the mountain, but not soon enough to escape Armida.

Tears, prayers, threats she used in vain. She had captured him when he fled from the camp, intending to slay him; but moved by his beauty, she had spared him, and falling in love with him, had reared this palace that they might in it revel in love's pleasures. Now, miserable, she saw him desert her, and destroying the beautiful haunt, she drove her swift chariot across the seas to the camp of the Egyptian king, who was hastening towards Jerusalem. Intent on the slaughter of Rinaldo, her love for whom had changed to bitter hate, she offered the warriors of the Egyptian king, all of whom had fallen victims to her charms, her hand as a reward to the slayer of Rinaldo.

When Rinaldo and his rescuers reached the abode of the wizard they found him waiting with new arms for the young hero. The sage reproached him gently for his dalliance, and then, seeing the blush of shame upon his countenance, showed him the s.h.i.+eld, which bore the ill.u.s.trious deeds of his ancestors of the house of Este. Great as were their past glories, still greater would be those of the family which he should found, greatest of whom would be the Duke Alphonso.

Rinaldo, having told his story to G.o.dfrey, and confessed his wrong-doing to Peter the Hermit, proceeded to the enchanted forest; and though as beauteous scenes, and as voluptuous sirens displayed themselves to him as dwelt in Armida's garden, yea, though one tree took the semblance of Armida herself, he boldly hacked the trunk and broke the magic spell.

Joyfully the Franks set to work to fell the huge trees and construct vaster, stronger engines than before, under the direction of a master mechanic. At the same time, Vafrino, a cunning squire of Tancred, was commissioned to go forth in disguise and inspect the camp of the coming Egyptian king. Even before he departed, a carrier pigeon, driven back by a hawk, fell into G.o.dfrey's hands, bearing a message to Aladine from Egypt, saying that in four or five days he would be with him in Jerusalem.

G.o.dfrey, determined to take the city before that day should come, made the utmost exertions to have the machines completed. In Jerusalem, also, great preparations were made, machines built, and a fearful fire concocted by Ismeno with which to drive the a.s.saulters from the wall.

Shriven by the priests, the Christian army went forth to battle. G.o.dfrey took his stand against the northern gate; Raymond was a.s.signed to the steep sharp crags at the southwest walls, and Guelph and the two Roberts were stationed on the track to Gaza to watch for the Egyptians.

The pagans fought with great fury, bringing out new instruments to oppose the huge battering rams, raining down arrows, and throwing the suffocating fire. But Rinaldo, to whom all this work appeared too slow, urged on his bold Adventurers to form a tortoise, hastened to the wall, seized a scaling ladder, and, unmoved by any missile, mounted the wall and a.s.sisted his followers, in spite of the mult.i.tudes who surrounded him, attempting to hurl him down. But as G.o.dfrey advanced, Ismeno launched his terrible fire-b.a.l.l.s, more horrible than the flames of Mt. Etna; they affected even the vast tower, swelling and drying the heavy skins that covered its sides until protecting Heaven sent a breeze that drove the flames back to the city. Ismeno, accompanied by two witches, hurried to the wall, but was crushed by a stone that ground his and their bones to powder. G.o.dfrey, inspired by a vision of the slain soldiery fighting in his ranks, leaped upon the wall and planted the red-cross flag. Raymond was also successful, and the Christians rushed over the walls into the town, following Aladine, who hastened to shut himself up in the citadel.

While the battle was raging, but success was a.s.sured to the Christians, Tancred and the terrible Argantes met, and glad of an opportunity to settle their quarrel, withdrew to a glade in the forest. Tancred, stung by the taunts of cowardice for his former failure to keep his appointment, fought bitterly. He had not the sheer strength of his antagonist, but his sleight at last overcame, and Argantes fell. Weakened by pain and loss of blood, Tancred fell senseless, and was thus found by Erminia, who had met Vafrino the spy in the camp of the Egyptians and had fled with him. They revived Tancred, and carried him home to be nursed by the delighted Erminia.

Vafrino had seen Armida in the camp and had learned through Erminia not only the princes' designs on Rinaldo, but also that they meant to a.s.sume the signs of the red-cross knights and thus reach the neighborhood of G.o.dfrey and slay him. On this intelligence G.o.dfrey changed the signs of his men that they might recognize the Egyptians on the following day and put them to death.

Terrible to the Franks was the sight of the Egyptian army when they opened their eyes upon it next morning. Clouds of dust obscured all the heavens, hills, and valleys, so great was the coming host. But G.o.dfrey, with an eloquence that fired each soul, told them of the helplessness of the enemy, of how many of them were slaves, scourged to the battle, and reminded them of the great undertaking before them, the saving of the Sepulchre, until fired with zeal, and burning to fight, they rushed into battle and dispersed the Egyptians. Many of the Christians fell by the sword of the terrible Soldan, among them Gildippe and her husband, united in death as in life. Rinaldo, hearing of their slaughter, speedily avenged it by laying the Soldan low on the battle-field.

One after another of Armida's champions attacked Rinaldo, determined to win the prize, but his good sword sent them to earth, and Armida was left alone and unprotected. Rinaldo, having seen her fly away over the plain and knowing the victory achieved, followed and found her ready to put herself to death in a lonely glade. He s.n.a.t.c.hed the sword from her hand and speedily changed back her hate to love. She fell upon his breast, and with the promise to become a Christian and give her life to him, accompanied him back to the city.

During the battle, Aladine and those who were imprisoned in the citadel overpowered Count Raymond, and rushed out to battle, only to be overcome and slain. Prince Altamore, who, covered with blood, remained alone on the field, yielded himself to G.o.dfrey, and was given his life and his kingdom.

Then, from the field covered with spoil and floating with blood, the conquering troops, clad in their b.l.o.o.d.y armor, marched in solemn cavalcade to the Temple and paid their vowed devotions at the sacred tomb.

SELECTION FROM THE JERUSALEM DELIVERED.

SOPHRONIA AND OLINDO.

At the instigation of the wizard Ismeno, Aladine, king of Jerusalem, stole an image of the Virgin from the temple of the Christians and put it in his mosque in order to render the city impregnable. When morning dawned the image was gone, and no search could reveal any clue to the theft.

In every temple, hermitage, and hall, A long and eager search the monarch made, And tortures or rewards decreed to all Who screened the guilty, or the guilt betrayed; Nor ceased the Sorcerer to employ in aid Of the inquiry all his arts, but still Without success; for whether Heaven conveyed The prize away, or power of human will, Heaven close the secret kept, and shamed his vaunted skill.

But when the king found all expedients vain To trace th' offender, then, beyond disguise, Flamed forth his hatred to the Christians; then, Fed by wild jealousies and sharp surmise, Immoderate fury sparkled in his eyes; Follow what may, he will revenge the deed, And wreak his rage: "Our wrath shall not," he cries, "Fall void, but root up all th' accursed seed; Thus in the general doom the guilty yet shall bleed!

"So that he 'scapes not, let the guiltless die!

But wherefore thus of guiltlessness debate?

Each guilty is, nor 'mongst them all know I One, well-affected to the faith and state; And what if some be unpartic.i.p.ate In this new crime, new punishment shall pay For old misdeeds; why longer do ye wait, My faithful Mussulmans? up! up! away!

Hence with the torch and sword: seize, fire, lay waste, and slay!"

Thus to the crowd he spake, the mandate flew, And in the bosoms of the Faithful shed Astonishment and stupor; stupor threw On every face the paleness of the dead; None dared, none sought to make defence; none fled, None used entreaty, none excuse; but there They stood, like marble monuments of dread, Irresolute,--but Heaven conceived their prayer, And whence they least had hope, brought hope to their despair.

Of generous thoughts and principles sublime Amongst them in the city lived a maid, The flower of virgins in her ripest prime, Supremely beautiful! but that she made Never her care, or beauty only weighed In worth with virtue; and her worth acquired A deeper charm from blooming in the shade; Lovers she shunned, nor loved to be admired, But from their praises turned, and lived a life retired.

Yet could not this coy secrecy prevent Th' admiring gaze and warm desires of one Tutored by Love, nor yet would Love consent To hide such l.u.s.trous beauty from the sun; Love! that through every change delight'st to run, The Proteus of the heart I who now dost blind, Now roll the Argus eyes that nought can shun!

Thou through a thousand guards unseen dost wind, And to the chastest maids familiar access find.

Sophronia hers, Olindo was his name; Born in one town, by one pure faith illumed; Modest--as she was beautiful, his flame Feared much, hoped little, and in nought presumed; He could not, or he durst not speak, but doomed To voiceless thought his pa.s.sion; him she slighted, Saw not, or would not see; thus he consumed Beneath the vivid fire her beauty lighted; Either not seen ill known, or, known, but ill requited.

And thus it was, when like an omen drear That summoned all her kindred to the grave, The cruel mandate reached Sophronia's ear, Who, brave as bashful, yet discreet as brave, Mused how her people she from death might save; Courage inspired, but virginal alarm Repressed the thought, till maiden shyness gave Place to resolve, or joined to share the harm; Boldness awoke her shame, shame made her boldness charm.

Alone amidst the crowd the maid proceeds, Nor seeks to hide her beauty, nor display; Downcast her eyes, close veiled in simple weeds, With coy and graceful steps she wins her way: So negligently neat, one scarce can say If she her charms disdains, or would improve,-- If chance or taste disposes her array; Neglects like hers, if artifices, prove Arts of the friendly Heavens, of Nature, and of Love.

All, as she pa.s.sed unheeding, all, admire The n.o.ble maid; before the king she stood; Not for his angry frown did she retire, But his indignant aspect coolly viewed: "To give,"--she said, "but calm thy wrathful mood, And check the tide of slaughter in its spring,-- To give account of that thou hast pursued So long in vain, seek I thy face, O king!

The urged offence I own, the doomed offender bring!"

The modest warmth, the unexpected light Of high and holy beauty, for a s.p.a.ce O'erpowered him,--conquered of his fell despite, He stood, and of all fierceness lost the trace.

Were his a spirit, or were hers a face Of less severity, the sweet surprise Had melted him to love; but stubborn grace Subdues not stubborn pride; Love's potent ties Are flattering fond regards, kind looks, and smiling eyes.

If 't were not Love that touched his flinty soul, Desire it was, 't was wonder, 't was delight: "Safe be thy race!" he said, "reveal the whole, And not a sword shall on thy people light."

Then she: "The guilty is before thy sight,-- The pious robbery was my deed; these hands Bore the blest Image from its cell by night; The criminal thou seek'st before thee stands,-- Justice from none but me her penalty demands."

Thus she prepares a public death to meet, A people's ransom at a tyrant's shrine: Oh glorious falsehood! beautiful deceit!

Can Truth's own light thy loveliness outs.h.i.+ne?

To her bold speech mis...o...b..ing Aladine With unaccustomed temper calm replied: "If so it were, who planned the rash design, Advised thee to it, or became thy guide?

Say, with thyself who else his ill-timed zeal allied?"

"Of this my glory not the slightest part Would I," said she, "with one confederate share; I needed no adviser; my full heart Alone sufficed to counsel, guide and dare."

"If so," he cried, "then none but thou must bear The weight of my resentment, and atone For the misdeed." "Since it has been my care,"

She said, "the glory to enjoy alone, 'T is just none share the pain; it should be all mine own."

To this the tyrant, now incensed, returned, "Where rests the Image?" and his face became Dark with resentment: she replied, "I burned The holy Image in the holy flame, And deemed it glory; thus at least no shame Can e'er again profane it--it is free From farther violation: dost thou claim The spoil or spoiler? this behold in me; But that, whilst time rolls round, thou never more shall see.

"Albeit no spoiler I; it was no wrong To repossess what was by force obtained:"

At this the tyrant loosed his threatening tongue, Long-stifled pa.s.sion raging unrestrained: No longer hope that pardon may be gained, Beautiful face, high spirit, bashful heart!

Vainly would Love, since mercy is disdained, And Anger flings his most envenomed dart, In aid of you his else protecting s.h.i.+eld impart!

Doomed in tormenting fire to die, they lay Hands on the maid; her arms with rough cords twining.

Rudely her mantle chaste they tear away, And the white veil that o'er her drooped declining: This she endured in silence unrepining, Yet her firm breast some virgin tremors shook; And her warm cheek, Aurora's late outs.h.i.+ning, Waned into whiteness, and a color took, Like that of the pale rose, or lily of the brook.

The crowd collect; the sentence is divulged; With them Olindo comes, by pity swayed; It might be that the youth the thought indulged, What if his own Sophronia were the maid!

There stand the busy officers arrayed For the last act, here swift the flames arise; But when the pinioned beauty stands displayed To the full gaze of his inquiring eyes,-- '_T is_ she! he bursts through all, the crowd before him flies.

Aloud he cries: "To her, oh not to her The crime belongs, though frenzy may misplead!

She planned not, dared not, could not, king, incur Sole and unskilled the guilt of such a deed!

How lull the guards, or by what process speed The sacred Image from its vaulted cell?

The theft was mine! and 't is my right to bleed!"

Alas for him! how wildly and how well He loved the unloving maid, let this avowal tell.