CX He in the monster's eyes the radiance throws, Which works as it was wont in other time. As trout or grayling to the bottom goes In stream, which mountaineer disturbs with lime; So the enchanted buckler overthrows The orc, reversed among the foam and slime. Rogero here and there the beast astound Still beats, but cannot find the way to wound. CXI This while the lady begs him not to bray Longer the monster's rugged scale in vain. "For heaven's sake turn and loose me" (did she say, Still weeping) "ere the orc awake again. Bear me with thee, and drown me in mid-way. Let me not this foul monster's food remain." By her just plaint Rogero moved, forebore, Untied the maid, and raised her from the shore. CXII Upon the beach the courser plants his feet, And goaded by the rowel, towers in air, And gallops with Rogero in mid seat, While on the croup behind him sate the fair; Who of his banquet so the monster cheat; For him too delicate and dainty fare. Rogero turns and with thick kisses plies The lady's snowy breast and sparkling eyes. CXIII He kept no more the way, as he before Proposed, for compassing the whole of Spain: But stopt his courser on the neighbouring shore Where lesser Britain runs into the main. Upon the bank there rose an oakwood hoar, Where Philomel for ever seemed to plain; I' the middle was a meadow with a fountain, And, at each end, a solitary mountain. CXIV 'Twas here the wishful knight first checked the rein, And dropping in the meadow, made his steed Furl, yet not shut so close, his wings again, As he had spread them wide for better speed. Down lights Rogero, and forbears with pain From other leap; but this his arms impede: His arms impede; a bar to his desire, And he must doff them would he slake the fire. CXV Now here, now there, confused by different throng, Rogero did his shining arms undo: Never the task appeared to him so long; For where he loosed one knot, he fastened two. But, sir, too long continued is this song, And haply may as well have wearied you; So that I shall delay to other time, When it may better please, my tedious rhyme. CANTO 11 ARGUMENT Assisted by the magic ring she wears, Angelica evanishes from view. Next in a damsel, whom a giant bears Beneath his arm, his bride Rogero true Beholds. Orlando to the shore repairs, Where the fell orc so many damsels slew; Olympia frees, and spoils the beast of life: Her afterwards Oberto takes to wife. I Although a feeble rein, in mid career, Will oft suffice to stop courageous horse; 'Tis seldom Reason's bit will serve to steer Desire, or turn him from his furious course, When pleasure is in reach: like headstrong bear, Whom from the honeyed meal 'tis ill to force, If once he scent the tempting mess, or sup A drop, which hangs upon the luscious cup.