tching courage from the
cavalier, rally, change front, and chase the Grecian troops, who fly in
their turn. Leo, the prince, was at a distance when this sudden
skirmish rose, but not so far but that he could see distinctly, from an
elevated position which he held, how the changed battle was all the
work of one man, and could not choose but admire the bravery and
prowess with which it was done. He knew by the blazonry displayed that
the champion was not of the Bulgarian army, though he furnished aid to
them. Although he suffered by his valor, the prince could not wish him
ill, for his admiration surpassed his resentment. By this time the
Greeks had regained the river, and crossing it by fording or swimming,
some made their escape, leaving many more prisoners in the hands of the
Bulgarians. Rogero, learning from some of the captives that Leo was at
a point some distance down the river, rode thither with a view to meet
him, but arrived not before the Greek prince had retired beyond the
stream, and broken up the bridge. Day was spent, and Rogero, wearied,
looked round for a shelter for the night. He found it in a cottage,
where he soon yielded himself to repose. It so happened, a knight who
had narrowly escaped Rogero's sword in the late battle also found
shelter in the same cottage, and, recognizing the armor of the unknown
knight, easily found means of securing him as he slept, and next
morning carried him in chains and delivered him to the Emperor. By him
he was in turn delivered to his sister Theodora, mother of the young
knight, the first victim of Rogero's spear. By her he was cast into a
dungeon, till her ingenuity could devise a death sufficiently painful
to satiate her revenge.

Bradamante, meanwhile, to escape her father's and mother's importunity,
had begged a boon of Charlemagne, which the monarch pledged his royal
word to grant; it was that she should not be compelled to marry any one
unless he should first vanquish her in single combat. The Emperor
therefore proclaimed a tournament in these words: "He that would wed
Duke Aymon's daughter must contend with the sword against that dame,
from the sun's rise to his setting; and if, in that time, he is not
overcome the lady shall be his."

Duke Aymon and the Lady Beatrice, though much incensed at the course
things had taken, brought their daughter to court, to await the day
appointed for the tournament. Bradamante, not finding there him whom
her heart required, di