CIV But none with her opine, and, in the lack Of a companion, singly must she fare, So then, alone and friendless, she a track Uncouth pursues, and through a wooded lair. Gryphon the white and Aquilant the black Take road more beaten with the other pair; And on the following day a castle see, Within which they are harboured courteously. CV Courteously I, in outward show, would say; For soon the contrary was made appear. Since he, the castellain, who with display Of kindness sheltered them and courteous cheer, The night ensuing took them as they lay Couched in their beds, secure and void of fear. Nor from the snare would he his prisoners loose, Till they had sworn to observe an evil use. CVI But I will first pursue the martial maid, Ere more of these, fair sir, I shall proclaim. Beyond the Durence, Rhone, and Saone she strayed, And to the foot of sunny mountain came; And there approaching in black gown arrayed, Beside a torrent, saw an ancient dame; Who with long journey weak, and wearied sore, Appeared, but pined by melancholy more. CVII This was the beldam who had wont to ply Serving the robbers in the caverned mount; Whither stern Justice sent (that they might die By that good paladin) Anglante's count. The aged harridan, for cause which I To you shall in another place recount, Now many days by path obscure had flown, Still fearing lest her visage should be known. CVIII The semblance now of foreign cavalier She in Marphisa saw, in arms and vest; And hence she flies not her, though wont to fear, (As being natives of that land) the rest; -- Nay, with security and open cheer, Stops at the ford the damsel to arrest: Stops at the ford -- where that old beldam meets Marphisa, and with fair encounter greets. CIX And next implored the maid, she of her grace Would bear her on the croupe to the other shore. Marphisa, who was come of gentle race, The hag with her across the torrent bore; And is content to bear, till she can place In a securer road the beldam hoar, Clear of a spacious marish: as its end They see a cavalier towards them wend. CX In shining armour and in fair array, The warrior rode on saddle richly wrought Towards the river, and upon his way With him a single squire and damsel brought. Of passing beauty was the lady gay, But little pleasing was her semblance haught; All overblown with insolence and pride, Worthy the cavalier who was her guide. CXI He of Maganza was a count, who bore The lady with him (Pinabello hight): The same who Bradamant, some months before, Had plunged into a hollow cave in spite. Those many sobs, those burning sighs and sore, Those tears which had nigh quenched the warrior's sight, -- All for the damsel were, now at his side; And then by that false necromancer stied.