s, like the craftsman
who sees his work unfinished while the day is wellnigh spent. O
miserable damsel! didst thou know whom thou wouldst kill,--if, in that
cavalier matched against thee thou didst but know Rogero, on whom thy
very life-threads hang, rather than kill him thou wouldst kill thyself,
for he is dearer to thee than life.

King Charles and the peers, who thought the cavalier to be the Grecian
prince, viewing such force and skill exhibited, and how without
assaulting her the knight defended himself, were filled with
admiration, and declared the champions well matched, and worthy of each
other.

When the sun was set Charlemagne gave the signal for terminating the
contest, and Bradamante was awarded to Prince Leo as a bride. Rogero,
in deep distress, returned to his tent. There Leo unlaced his helmet,
and kissed him on both cheeks. "Henceforth," said he, "do with me as
you please, for you cannot exhaust my gratitude." Rogero replied
little, laid aside the ensigns he had worn, and resumed the unicorn,
then hasted to withdraw himself from all eyes. When it was midnight he
rose, saddled Frontino, and sallied from his tent, taking that
direction which pleased his steed. All night he rode absorbed in bitter
woe, and called on Death as alone capable of relieving his sufferings.
At last he entered a forest, and penetrated into its deepest recesses.
There he unharnessed Frontino, and suffered him to wander where he
would. Then he threw himself down on the ground, and poured forth such
bitter wailings that the birds and beasts, for none else heard him,
were moved to pity with his cries.

Not less was the distress of the lady Bradamante, who, rather than wed
any one but Rogero, resolved to break her word, and defy kindred,
court, and Charlemagne himself; and, if nothing else would do, to die.
But relief came from an unexpected quarter. Marphisa, sister of Rogero,
was a heroine of warlike prowess equal to Bradamante. She had been the
confidante of their loves, and felt hardly less distress than
themselves at seeing the perils which threatened their union. "They are
already united by mutual vows," she said, "and in the sight of Heaven
what more is necessary?" Full of this thought she presented herself
before Charlemagne, and declared that she herself was witness that the
maiden had spoken to Rogero those words which they who marry swear; and
that the compact was so sealed between the pair that they were no
longer free,