XVIII.
As soon as harboured there in shattered plight,
The weary mariners their frigate moor,
Out of a city, seated on the right
Of that fair stream, descends upon the shore,
As his gray hairs may warrant him, a wight
Stricken in years; who, full of courteous lore,
Turns to the county, after greetings due,
Reputing him the leader of that crew.
XIX.
And prays him, on a damsel’s part, ‘that he
‘To her would think not irksome to repair;
‘Whom of unequalled affability
‘And sweetness, he would find, as well as fair;
‘Or otherwise would be content, that she
‘Should to his bark resort, to seek him there,
‘Nor prove less pliant than had been before
‘All the knights errant, who had sought that shore:
XX.
‘For hitherto, by land or sea conveyed,
‘No cavalier had journeyed to that place
‘That had refused to parley with the maid,
‘And give her counsel in a cruel case.’
Orlando, hearing this, no more delayed,
But issued from the bark with hurried pace,
And, in all kind and courteous usage bred,
His way directed where the ancient led.
