CXLIV They hence, by strange and solitary way, Rove, as the beldam does her will betoken, Nor climbing, nor descending hill, survey Each other's face, nor any word is spoken. But when the sun upon the middle day Had turned his back, their silence first was broken By cavalier encountered in their way: What followed the ensuing strain will say. CANTO 21 ARGUMENT Zerbino for Gabrina, who a heart Of asp appears to bear, contends. O'erthrown, The Fleming falls upon the other part, Through cause of that despised and odious crone, He wounded sore, and writhing with the smart, The beldam's treason to the prince makes known, Whose scorn and hatred hence derive new force. Towards loud cries Zerbino spurs his horse. I No cord I well believe is wound so tight Round chest, nor nails the plank so fastly hold, As Faith enwraps an honourable sprite In its secure, inextricable, fold; Nor holy Faith, it seems, except in white Was mantled over in the days of old; So by the ancient limner ever painted, As by one speck, one single blemish tainted. II Faith should be kept unbroken evermore, With one or with a thousand men united; As well if given in grot or forest hoar, Remote from town and hamlet, as if plighted Amid a crowd of witnesses, before Tribunal, and in act and deed recited: Nor needs the solemn sanction of an oath: It is sufficient that we pledge our troth. III And this maintains as it maintained should be, In each emprize the Scottish cavalier, And gives good proof of his fidelity, Quitting his road with that old crone to steer; Although this breeds the youth such misery, As 'twould to have Disease itself as near, Or even Death; but with him heavier weighed That his desire the promise he had made. IV Of him I told who felt at heart such load, Reflecting she beneath his charge must go, He spake no word; and thus in silent mode Both fared: so sullen was Zerbino's woe. I said how vexed their silence, as they rode, Was broke, when Sol his hindmost wheels did show, By an adventurous errant cavalier, Who in mid pathway met the crone and peer. V The hag, who the approaching warrior knew, (Hermonides of Holland he was hight) That bore upon a field of sable hue A bar of vermeil tint, transversely dight, Did humbly now to good Zerbino sue, -- Her pride abased, and look of haught despite -- And him reminded of the promise made, When her Marphisa to his care conveyed. VI Because as foe to her and hers she knew The knight they were encountering, who had slain Her only brother and her father true; And was advised, the traitor would be fain By her, the remnant of her race, to do What he had perpetrated on the twain. "Woman, while guarded by my arm (he said) I will not thou shouldst any danger dread."