XCIII.
The warriors to the left-hand might incline,
As plainer and more full of pleasant cheer,
Where still along the sea extends their line;
But take the right-hand path, abrupt and drear;
Since the chief city of all Palestine,
By six days’ journey, is, through this, more near.
Water there is along this rugged track,
And grass; all other needful matters lack.
XCIV.
So that, before they enter on their road,
All that is needful they collect, and lay
Upon the giant’s back the bulky load,
Who could a tower upon his neck convey.
The Holy Land a mountain-summit showed,
At finishing their rough and salvage way;
Where heavenly love a willing offering stood,
And washed away our errors with his blood.
XCV.
They, at the entrance of the city, view
A gentle stripling; and in him the three
Agnize Sir Sansonet of Mecca, who
Was, in youth’s flower, for sovereign chivalry,
For sovereign goodness, famed the country through,
And wise beyond his years: from paganry
Converted by Orlando to the truth,
Who had, with his own hands, baptized the youth.
