LXXXI.
Lo! in the frighted city other sound
Was heard to rise, and other clash of brands,
From troop, who, thither in his guidance bound,
Followed Bireno’s cousin from his lands:
Who, since the unguarded gates he open found,
Into the city’s heart had poured his bands;
Where the bold paladin had struck such fear,
He without let might scour it far and near.
LXXXII.
In rout the people fly, who cannot guess
Who these may be, or what the foes demand:
But, when this man and that by speech and dress
As Zealand-men distinguishes the band,
Carte blanche[15] they proffer, and the chief address,
Bidding him range them under his command;
Against the Frieslanders to lend him aid,
Who have their duke in loathsome prison stayed.
LXXXIII.
To Friesland’s king that people hatred bore
With all his following; who their ancient lord
Had put to death, and who by them yet more,
As evil and rapacious, was abhorred.
Orlando interposed with kindly lore,
As friend of both, the parties to accord:
By whom, so joined, no Frieslander was left
But was of life or liberty bereft.
