stake back to back. It is in
this position, and while in imminent peril of death, that the young
man deplores the fact he is to die beside the one he hoped to marry
and with whom he expected to spend a long and happy life. The
executioners are about to set fire to the pyre where these generous
young lovers are to end their days, when a young knight steps forward
loudly proclaiming none of the Christians are to blame for the
disappearance of the image, since Allah himself removed it from the
temple because he considered it desecration to have such an image
within its walls. This young knight turns out to be the warrior maid
Clorinda, who not only convinces Aladine that the young people are
guiltless, but bribes him to release them, in exchange for her
services in the coming war. Touched by each other's devotion, the
young couple marry as soon as released, and, instead of dying, live
together as husband and wife.

Restored to life and liberty, how blest,
How truly blest was young Olindo's fate!
For sweet Sophronia's blushes might attest,
That Love at length has touch'd her delicate
And generous bosom; from the stake in state
They to the altar pass; severely tried,
In doom and love already made his mate,
She now objects not to become his bride,
And grateful live with him who would for her have died.

Meanwhile two ambassadors have come from Egypt to visit Godfrey in his
camp, and try first by persuasions and then by threats to dissuade him
from his projected attack upon Jerusalem. In spite of all Alethes and
Argantes can say, Godfrey insists upon carrying out his purpose, and,
after dismissing these ambassadors with a haughty speech, marches on
with his host.

"Know, then, that we have borne all this distress
By land and sea,--war, want, reverses--all!
To the sole end that we might gain access
To sacred Salem's venerable wall;
That we might free the Faithful from their thrall,
And win from God His blessing and reward:
From this no threats our spirit can appal,
For this no terms will be esteem'd too hard--
Life, honors, kingdoms lost, or dignity debarr'd."

_Canto III._ When they come within sight of Jerusalem, the Crusaders,
overjoyed, hail the Holy City with cries of rapture, and, falling on
their knees, swear to deliver it from the hands of the infidels.
Seeing them advance, the pagans make hasty preparations to oppose
them, and Clorinda, at the head o