_Orl._ Lords of the south, and princes of esteem, Viceroys unto the state of Africa, I am no king, yet am I princely born, Descended from the royal house of France, And nephew to the mighty Charlemagne, Surnam'd Orlando, the County Palatine. Swift fame hath sounded to our western seas The matchless beauty of Angelica, Fairer than was the nymph of Mercury, Who, when bright Phœbus mounteth up his coach, And tracts Aurora in her silver steps, And sprinkles from the folding of her lap White lilies, roses, and sweet violets. Yet thus believe me, princes of the south, Although my country's love, dearer than pearl Or mines of gold, might well have kept me back; The sweet conversing with my king and friends, Left all for love, might well have kept me back; The seas by Neptune hoisèd to the heavens, Whose dangerous flaws[144] might well have kept me back; The savage Moors and Anthropophagi, Whose lands I pass'd, might well have kept me back; The doubt of entertainment in the court When I arriv'd, might well have kept me back; But so the fame of fair Angelica Stamp'd in my thoughts the figure of her love, As neither country, king, or seas, or cannibals, Could by despairing keep Orlando back. I list not boast in acts of chivalry (An humour never fitting with my mind), But come there forth the proudest champion That hath suspicion in the Palatine, And with my trusty sword Durandell, Single, I'll register upon his helm What I dare do for fair Angelica. But leaving these such glories as they be, I love, my lord; Angelica herself shall speak for me. _Mars._ Daughter, thou hear'st what love hath here alleg'd, How all these kings, by beauty summon'd here, Put in their pleas, for hope of diadem, Of noble deeds, of wealth, and chivalry, All hoping to possess Angelica. Sith father's will may hap to aim amiss (For parents' thoughts in love oft step awry), Choose thou the man who best contenteth thee, And he shall wear the Afric crown next me. For trust me, daughter, like of whom thou please. Thou satisfied, my thoughts shall be at ease.