XLVII With the good spear new levelled in his fist, At Oran's king behold Rinaldo dart. Of bulk, and bone, and sinew, to resist The monarch was, but ill supplied with heart. And his might pass for a fair stroke in list, Though planted in the buckler's nether part. Let those excuse it who refuse to admire, Since the good paladin could reach no higher. XLVIII Nor did the buckler so the weapon stay, Though made of palm within, and steel without, But that it pierced the paunch, and made a way To let that mean and ill matched spirit out. The courser, who had deemed that all the day He must so huge a burden bear about, Thanked in his heart the warrior, who well met, Had thus preserved him from so sore a sweat. XLIX Rinaldo, having broke his rested spear, So wheels his horse, he seems equipt with wings; Who, turning swiftly with the cavalier, Amid the closest crowd, impetuous springs. Composed of brittle glass the arms appear Where Sir Rinaldo red Fusberta swings. Nor tempered steel is there, nor corslet thick, Which keeps the sword from biting to the quick. L Yet few the tempered plates or iron pins With which encounters that descending brand; But targets, some of oak and some of skins, And quilted vest and turban's twisted band. Lightly such drapery good Rinaldo thins, And cleaves, and bores, and shears, on either hand; Nor better from his sword escapes the swarm, Than grass from sweeping scythe, or grain from storm. LI The foremost squadron had been put to flight, When thither the vanguard Zerbino led. Forth pricking from the following crowd, in sight Appeared, with levelled lance, their youthful head: With no less fury those who trooped to fight Beneath his banner, to the combat sped; Like lions, like so many wolves, who leap In fury to the assault of goat or sheep. LII Both spurred their coursers on, with rested lance, When either warrior to his foe was near; And that short interval, that small expanse, Of plain, between, was seen to disappear. Was never witnessed yet a stranger dance! For the Scots only ply the murderous spear; Only the scattered paynims slaughtered lie, As if conducted thither but to die. LIII It seemed as if each coward paynim grew More cold than ice, each Scot more fierce than flame. The Moors believed that with Rinaldo's thew And muscle fortified, each Christian came. Sobrino quickly moved his ordered crew, Nor stayed till herald should his call proclaim: Better were they than those which went before, For captain, armour, and for martial lore.