XXVII.
She knows not which with her will best accord,
The Count Orlando or Circassia’s knight.
As of most prowess, her would Roland ward
In passage perilous, with better might.
But should she make the peer her guide, her lord,
She knew not if her champion she could slight,
If him she would depress with altered cheer,
Or into France send back the cavalier:
XXVIII.
But Sacripant at pleasure could depose,
Though him she had uplifted to the sky.
Hence him alone she for her escort chose,
And feigned to trust in his fidelity.
The ring she from her mouth withdraws, and shows
Her face, unveiled to the Circassian’s eye:
She thought to him alone; but fierce Ferrâu
And Roland came upon the maid, and saw.
XXIX.
Ferrâu and Roland came upon the maid;
For one and the other champion equally
Within the palace and without it strayed
In quest of her, who was their deity.
And now, no longer by the enchantment stayed,
Each ran alike towards the dame, for she
Had placed the ring upon her hand anew,
Which old Atlantes’ every scheme o’erthrew.
