XCIII No mouth was opened and no eyelid fell, Nor breath was drawn, amid the observant crew: So sore intent was every one to spell Which should be conqueror of the warlike two. Marphisa the black champion from his sell, So to o'erthrow he shall not rise anew, Levels her lance; and the black champion, bent To slay Marphisa, spurs with like intent. XCIV Both lances, made of willow thin and dry, Rather than stout and stubborn oak, appeared; So splintered even to the rest, they fly: While with such force the encountering steeds careered, It seemed, as with a scythe-blade equally The hams of either courser had been sheared. Alike both fall; but voiding quick the seat, The nimble riders start upon their feet. XCV Marphisa in her life, with certain wound, A thousand cavaliers on earth had laid; And never had herself been borne to ground; Yet quitted now the saddle, as was said. Not only at the accident astound, But nigh beside herself, remained the maid. Strange to the sable cavalier withal, Unwont to be unhorsed, appeared his fall. XCVI They scarcely touch the ground before they gain Their feet, and now the fierce assault renew, With cut and thrust; which now with shield the twain Or blade ward off, and now by leaps eschew. Whether the foes strike home, or smite in vain, Blows ring, and echo parted aether through. More force those shields, those helms, those breast-plates show Than anvils underneath the sounding blow. XCVII If heavy falls the savage damsel's blade, That falls not lightly of her warlike foe. Equal the measure one the other paid; And both receive as much as they bestow. He who would see two daring spirits weighed, To seek two fiercer need no further go. Nor to seek more dexterity or might; For greater could not be in mortal wight. XCVIII The women who have sate long time, to view The champions with such horrid strokes offend, Nor sign of trouble in the warriors true Behold, nor yet of weariness, commend Them with just praises, as the worthiest two That are, where'er the sea's wide arms extend. They deem these of mere toil and labour long Must die, save they be strongest of the strong. XCIX Communing with herself, Marphisa said, "That he moved not before was well for me! Who risqued to have been numbered with the dead, If he at first had joined his company. Since, as it is, I hardly can make head Against his deadly blows." This colloquy She with herself maintained, and while she spoke, Ceased not to ply her sword with circling stroke. C " 'Twas well for me," the other cried again, "That to repose I did not leave the knight. I now from him defend myself with pain, Who is o'erwearied with the former fight: What had he been, renewed in might and main, If he had rested till to-morrow's light? Right fortunate was I, as man could be, That he refused my proffered courtesy!"