XIV. The former war was scarcely at a close Against great Charles, to fame so widely known, When in the Infernal Council there arose Another hellish plot to crush his throne. Christians and Saracens again as foes Had met, and Pluto's trump " To arms" had blown : Now harken while I tell the how, and why, These fatal new dissensions rose so high. XV. The Scricc, fell king of Cafria, had a son, 43 Of strength with Hercules himself to vie, And who the heart of Venus might have won By his vermilion cheek and jet-black eye. He in the former war to France had run, Bold lad! of strife and danger nothing shy, Where fighting fiercely once with Ricciardetto, He took from him a deadly stab in petto.44 XVI. Scricc had a daughter, too, Despina hight, With eyes bright sparkling like two brilliant stars; She ne'er had left her brother, day or night, And loved him so, that of this would-be Mars 45 XVII. "Farewell," she cries, " feast, joust, and revelry."-Then kindling vengeance in her father's heart, Full many an amorous chief assembleth she, To whom this firm resolve she doth impart : "That Prince alone my wedded spouse shall be, "Who, strong and bold, and stung by Cupid's dart, “ Shall, kneeling, on a charger, at my tent, 66 My brother's murderer's gory head present." XVIII. Bulasso, scepter'd chief of Negroland, 46 A hideous giant, measureless and strong, Straight sent his swarthy troops the stern command, Without delay to join the Cafrian throng; Resolved himself to follow out of hand. And lo! a club, as rafter thick and long, 47 Shaking with glee before Despina's eyes, He cried, "What think ye, shan't I win the prize ?” XIX. And, mad to gain this heiress of the Scricc, Of Egypt's Sultan, then, the son and heir, To his old father's palace did repair, And Lapland's Sire, all shaggy, lean, and lank, XX. Besides, of gay cadets, and volunteers, 49 XXI. But though this storm was gathering over France-As peasants, newly scaped from winter crude, Lead up, with violets crown'd, their rural dance; While, on some sunny bank, of gentler mood Others their carols chant, in mirthful trance, (Nature their teacher, though the song be rude!)Thus, spear and shield suspended on the wall, The peaceful Peers at court had given a ball. XXII. But some, more quiet, near the silver Seine Wooing some maiden coy in cool arcade; XXIII. Great Charles alone sat sorrowing at the tale Of matchless Rowland's wondrous strong insanity, 52 Thinking in quest of him to ride or sail. But his brave Barons, with true French urbanity, And floods of tears, beseech him (and prevail) To stay at home, leaving to their humanity To find the nook or crook where the Paládin |