XXXVI In haste, they through the forest, here and there, So scorned of her, still gaze with stupid face; Like questing hound which loses sight of hare Or fox, of whom he late pursued the trace, Into close thicket, ditch, or narrow lair, Escaping from the keen pursuer's chase. Meantime their ways the wanton Indian queen Observes, and at their wonder laughs unseen. XXXVII In the mid wood, where they the maid did lose, Was but a single pathway, left or right; Which they believed the damsel could not choose But follow, when she vanished from their sight. Ferrau halts not, and Roland fast pursues, Nor Sacripant less plies the rowels bright. Angelica, this while, retrains her steed, And follows the three warriors with less speed. XXXVIII When pricking thus they came to where the way Was in the forest lost, with wood o'ergrown, And had begun the herbage to survey For print of recent footsteps, up and down, The fierce Ferrau, who might have borne away From all that ever proudest were, the crown, With evil countenance, to the other two Turned him about, and shouted "Whence are you?" XXXIX "Turn back or take another road, save here, In truth, you covet to be slain by me. Nor when I chase or woo my lady dear, Let any think I bear with company." And -- "What more could he say, sir cavalier," (Orlando cried to Sacripant) "if we Were known for the two basest whores that pull And reel from spindle-staff the matted wool?" XL Then turning to Ferrau,, "But that thine head, Thou brutish sot, as I behold, is bare, If thy late words were ill or wisely said, Thou should'st perceive, before we further fare." To him Ferrau: "For that which breeds no dread In me, why should'st thou take such sovereign care? What I have said unhelmed will I prove true, Here, single as I am, on both of you." XLI "Oh!" (to Circassia's king cried Roland dread) "Thy morion for this man let me entreat, Till I have driven such folly from his head; For never with like madness did I meet." -- "Who then would be most fool?" the monarch said; "But if indeed you deem the suit discreet, Lend him thine own; nor shall I be less fit Haply than thee to school his lack of wit." XLII -- "Fools, both of you!" (the fierce Ferrau 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."