XXV Because she could not go, one in her stead To send to Vallombrosa she devised, Who thither in the damsel's name should speed; By whom should young Rogero be apprised What kept her thence; and prayed, if prayer should need, That there he for love would be baptised; And next, as was concerned, would intend What might their bridal bring to happy end. XXVI She purposed the same messenger should bear As well to her Rogero his good steed; Which he was ever wonted to hold dear, Worthily dear; for sure so stout at need And beauteous was no courser, far or near, In land of Christian or of Paynim creed, In occupation of the Gaul or Moor; Except Baiardo good and Brigliador. XXVII Valiant Rogero, when too bold of sprite He backed the hippogryph and soared in air, Frontino left (Frontino he was hight), Whom Bradamant then took into her care, And to Mount Alban sent; and had him dight, And nourished, at large cost, with plenteous fare; Nor let be rode except at easy pace, Hence was he ne'er so sleek or well in case. XXVIII Each damsel and each dame who her obeyed, She tasked, together with herself, to sew, With subtle toil; and with fine gold o'erlaid A piece of silk of white and sable hue: With this she trapt the horse; then chose a maid, Old Callitrephia's daughter, from the crew; Whose mother whilom Bradamant had nursed; A damsel she in all her secrets versed. XXIX How graven in her heart Rogero lies, A thousand times to her she had confessed; And had extolled above the deities The manners, worth, and beauty be possessed. "No better messenger could I devise," (She said, and called the damsel from the rest,) "Nor have I one, Hippalca mine, more sage And sure than three, to do my embassage." XXX Hippalca was the attendant damsel hight. "Go," (says her lady, and describes the way) And afterwards informs the maid aright Of all which to Rogero she should say; And why she at the abbey failed the knight, Who must not to bad faith ascribe her stay, But this to Fortune charge, that so decides, Who, more than we ourselves, our conduct guides. XXXI She made the damsel mount upon a pad, And put into her hand Frontino's rein; And, if she met with one so rude or mad, Who to deprive her of the steed were fain, Her to proclaim who was his owner, bade, As that which might suffice to make him sane. For she believed there was no cavalier, But that Rogero's name would make him fear. XXXII Of many and many things, whereof to treat With good Rogero, in her stead, she showed; Of which instructed well, her palfrey fleet Hippalca stirred, nor longer there abode. Through highway, field, and wood, a gloomy beat, More than ten weary miles the damsel rode, Ere any crossed her path on mischief bent, Or even questioned witherward she went.