XC.
By a long flight of steps was the descent
Into the cave; where, in the rocky tomb,
Buried were living folk. Of wide extent,
The grot was chiselled into vaulted room;
Nor was, although its entrance little lent,
All daylight wanting to disperse the gloom:
For much was furnished by a window dight,
Within a natural fissure on the right.
XCI.
In the mid cave, beside a fire was seen
A gentle maid of pleasing look and guise;
Who seemed to Roland little past fifteen,
As far as at first sight he might surmise.
With that so fair she made the rugged scene
Seem in the warrior’s sight a paradise.
Although this while her eyes with tears o’erflow,
Clear tokens of a heart oppressed with woe.
XCII.
An aged dame was with her, and the pair
Wrangled, as oftentimes is women’s way;
But when the County was descended there,
Concluded the dispute and wordy fray.
Orlando hastens to salute them fair
(As still is due to womankind) and they
To welcome him rise lightly from their seat,
And with benign return the warrior greet.
