XLII.
—“Fools, both of you!” (the fierce Ferrâu replied)
“As if, did I to wear a helm delight,
“You would not be without your casques of pride,
“Already reft by me in your despite;
“But know thus much, that I by vow am tied
“To wear no helm, and thus my promise quite;
“Roaming without, till that fine casque I win
“Worn by Orlando, Charles’s paladin.”
XLIII.
—“Then (smiling, to the Spaniard said the count)
“With naked head, thou thinkest to repeat
“On Roland what he did in Aspramont,
“By Agolant’s bold son: but shouldst thou meet
“The warrior whom thou seekest, front to front,
“I warrant thou wouldst quake from head to feet;
“Nor only wouldst forego the casque, but give
“The knight thine other arms to let thee live.”
XLIV.
—“So oft have I had Roland on the hip,
“And oft,” (exclaimed the boaster) “heretofore;
“From him it had been easy task to strip
“What other arms, beside his helm, he wore;
“And if I still have let the occasion slip,
“We sometimes think of things unwished before:
“Such wish I had not; I have now; and hope
“To compass easily my present scope.”
