rightful owner. Then, before conveying Astolfo
back to earth, St. John vouchsafes him a glimpse of the Fates, wearing
the web of Destiny, which they cast into the stream of Oblivion,
whence only a few shreds are rescued by poets!

On returning from this eventful trip to the moon, Astolfo joins the
Saracens. When they finally capture the mad Orlando, he produces his
vial, and, making his friend inhale its contents, restores him to his
senses. His mad passion for Angelica being now a thing of the past,
Orlando concentrates all his efforts to conquer the Saracens and
triumphs in many a fight.

Meantime Rogero, on his way to join Bradamant, has been shipwrecked on
an island, where a hermit converts him to the Christian faith. While
he is here, Orlando and Rinaldo arrive with their sorely wounded
friend, Oliver, whom they entrust to the hermit's care. Not only is
Orlando sane once more, but Rinaldo, having drunk the waters of the
contrary fountain, no longer loves Angelica, and willingly promises
the hand of his sister Bradamant to the new convert. But, when brother
and prospective bridegroom reach court, they learn Charlemagne has
promised Bradamant to a Greek prince, to whom the lady has signified
that ere he wins her he must fight a duel with her. On hearing that
the Greek prince is at present besieging Belgrade, Rogero hastens
thither, and performs wonders before he falls into the enemy's hands.
But the Greek prince has been so impressed by Rogero's prowess that he
promises him freedom if he will only personate him in the dreaded duel
with Bradamant. Rogero immediately consents to fight in the prince's
armor, and defeats Bradamant, whom Charlemagne thereupon awards to the
Greek prince.

In despair at having forfeited his beloved, Rogero rides off to die of
grief, but the Greek prince, riding after him to thank him, not only
discovers the cause of Rogero's sorrow, but generously relinquishes
all claim to Bradamant and volunteers to witness her marriage to
Rogero. The courage shown by the bridegroom while at Belgrade has
meantime so impressed the Bulgarians, that an embassy arrives to beg
him to mount their throne. But before Rogero can assume the Bulgarian
crown he is forced to conquer and slay the boastful Rodomont, who
envies his exalted position.

Many other characters appear in this poem, complicating the plot until
it seems hopelessly involved to most modern readers, but, owing to the
many romantic situations, t