LXXIV Though it was noon in the happy islands, day Had vanished in this clime, displaced by night; And, underneath the moon's uncertain ray, And ill-discerned, were all things hid from sight; When to the fort Orrilo took his way. Since both the sable sister and the white Were pleased the furious battle to defer, Till a new sun should in the horizon stir. LXXV The duke, who by their ensigns, and yet more Had by the sight of many a vigorous blow, Gryphon and Aquilant long time before Agnized, to greet the brethren was not slow: And they, who in the peer, victorious o'er The giant, whom he led a captive, know The BARON OF THE PARD, (so styled at court) Him to salute, with no less love resort. LXXVI The ladies to repose the warriors led To a fair palace near, their sumptuous seat: Thence issuing courtly squire and damsel sped, Them with lit torches in mid-way to meet. Their goodly steeds they quit, there well bested, Put off their arms, and in a garden sweet Discern the ready supper duly laid Fast by, where a refreshing fountain played. LXXVII Here they bid bind the giant on the green, Fast-tethered by a strong and weighty chain To a tough oak, whose ancient trunk they ween May well be proof against a single strain; With that, by ten good serjeants overseen, Lest he by night get loose, and so the train Assault and haply harm; while careless they Without a guard and unsuspecting lay. LXXVIII At the abundant and most sumptuous board, With costly viands (its least pleasure) fraught, The longest topic for discourse afford Orrilo's prowess, and the marvel wrought; For head or arm dissevered by the sword, They (who upon the recent wonder thought) Might think a dream to see him re-unite, And but return more furious to the fight. LXXIX Astolpho in his book had found exprest (That which prescribed a remedy for spell) How he who of one hair deprived the pest Only could him in battle hope to quell: But this plucked out or sheared, he from his breast Parforce the felon's spirit would expell. So says the volume; but instructs not where, 'Mid locks so thickly set, to find the hair. LXXX The duke no less with hope of conquest glows Than if the palm he has already won; As he that hopes with small expense of blows To pluck the hair, the wizard-wight undone. Hence does he to the youthful pair propose The burden of that enterprize upon Himself to take: Orrilo will he slay, If the two brethren nought the intent gainsay, LXXXI But willingly to him these yield the emprize, Assured his toil will be bestowed in vain; And now a new Aurora climbs the skies, And from his walls Orrilo on the plain Drops, -- and the strife begins -- Orrilo plies The mace, the duke the sword; he 'mid a rain Of strokes would from the body at one blow Divorce the spirit of the enchanted foe: