REMARKS ON THE MORGANTE MAGGIORE OF LUIGI PULCI, (Concluded from page 442 of this Volume.) A FEW more friends and followers had now joined the little band of warriors, Avino, Avolio, Duke Richard, Egibard, and the three Anjolins; and the ambassador was scarcely departed before the out-posts of the enemy were visible from the hills round Roncesvalles. Orlando is still slow to suspect treason; but Guottiboffii, a Burgundian, and one of his band of officers, foresees the gathering mischief, and takes measures to fortify their little camp. The night passed away sad and sorrowfully to all. Oliver was warned, by a terrible dream, of the approaching tempest. Even Orlando felt presages of his fate, but scorned to betray any symptoms of alarm. Early in the morning Oliver ascended a hill, and from thence beheld the whole host of Marsilius advancing in battle-array, and the countless standards of the nations that composed it. He called Orlando to join him, and that renowned hero soon surveyed the dismal spectacle with his own eyes. He then looked back upon Roncesvalles, and, weeping for his ill-fated companions, exclaimed, "Oh, sad and sorrowful valley! This day shall be for ever noted with: blood." After this, no farther possibility of deJusion remained for them. Even a retreat was impossible; and not a soul there but would have shunned to entertain a thought of submission. The most vigorous preparations were made for the bloody sacrifice, which alone remained for them to offer up; and Orlando went about to all of them, one by one, encouraging and exhorting them singly to die for the honour of Christianity as gallantly and nobly as they had lived. The confused shout of arms proclaimed the enemy at hand; and the melancholy sound of the trumpets blowed that day in Roncesvalles, might be compared t the trump that is to call the dead to ther last judgment. All the Paladins assenbled at the sound, and Orlando wept aloud when he beheld so many vicims to their affection for him. Oliver spoke to him with tenderness and affection, but could not help expressing his regret that he had not before listened to the many warning voices that had foretoke to him the treachery of Marsilius, to which Orlando made no answer, but slewed his contrition by his silence; and hen, in a loud and encouraging voice, thus hahis little army of broners :— rangued burn'd For all mankind, with equal love return'd. "Yet the deceiver shall himself deceive, On his own head the dreadful thunder call; While ye, who in eternal truth believe, Sure of approving heav'n, shall nobly fall: Soon shall ye all rejoice, tho' now ye grieve, Celestial manna shall succeed to gall; If now your bread is mix'd with tears and sighs. Your souls this night shall feast in Paradise. "So to his Greeks the generous Spartan said; Whose promises were far less sure than And skew how sweet a thing it is to die When the blest soul is rapt and fixed on high. "And now, while little life is yet your own, All fearless mingle in the bloody fray! Now, Paladins, be all your prowess shewn ; So shall your bodies only die this day. Now let the fathers by their sons be known, And cast delusive, fruitless, hope away! fight not for life-caught in this fatal snare, Our hope is death, our remedy despair. "And yet it grieves me, noble Charles, for thee; Is That, after such high fame, thy noble head doom'd, so sad, so dark, a change to see, Thine honours blasted, and thy glory fed! But ah! no human state rom change is free, Whole empires hang upon a slender thread; And often fate, at Heav'n's app intel hour, Exalts the meek, and blasts the proud man's pow'r. «Also this faithful bosom blee is for thre, My brother, my Rinaldo! Once again Might I that much lov'd form in battle see, Proud in the field, and dreadful o'er the slain! Ev'n while I speak, strange visions come to "I fear not death, but hope my worth to And, nobly, on the bloody field to lie; woe, On baneful fraud, and curs'd impiety. Think how the self-devoted Decii died, And leave their mem'ries when they were no more. To you, Death is a pilot, and will guide Your parted spirits to an happier shore. love, Is that which hopes and pants for things above! "And now, my friends and brothers, oh receive The last fond blessing that your chief can Your parting souls shall holy Turpin shrieve, Thus said, he once more vaulted on his And loudly cried, "Now for our treache rous foes!" Yet, when he saw his comrades doom'd to bleed, Some tender tears of human pity rose. "Oh vale accurst!" he cried, "Oh vile, decreed For orphan's sufferings, and the widow's woes ! The latest ages shall thy name deplore, ferual machinery of Astaroth and his attendant spirit first making themselves known to the Paladin and his brother Richardetto, and of the Ethiopian plant by which they were rendered invisible, is managed with a great deal of spirit, Astaroth entertains them with an account of the state of Hell, the Laws of the lower Empire, and the several ranks and conditions of the Dæmons. When all is ready for their departure, the two De mons enter into the bodies of the Knights' horses, and bear them on their backs over hill and dale with greater rapidity than imagination can conceive. Their first halt is on the banks of the African river Bagrada, where they are provided by their infernal conductors with a magnificent entertainment previously fetched from Marsilius's stores; and Rinaldo is a little scandalized at the assurance of Astaroth, that their next meal shall be taken out of the kitchen of the Christian Emperor. The arrival of the aerial voyagers at the straits of Gibraltar, and pillars of Hercules, gives occasion to a grave dissertation of the Dæmon on an undiscovered hemisphere existing far beyond those fabled limits of the world. Pulci must have written before the first voyage of Columbus, so that this passage is either a subsequent interpolation, or is very remarkable in the light of a prophecy of the astonishing discovery that was shortly to be made. The latter supposition is not perhaps improbable; for Columbus's expectations were formed on a solid theory, and were long known and canvassed in many societies throughout Spain and Italy. Lorenzo de Medici cannot be supposed to have been ignorant of them; and And mark with blood, till time shall be no among the philosophers of his court, some more "" On every head the holy Turpin trac'd A sacred cross, and benediction gave; And pardon'd them thro' him in whom were plac'd Their hope and trust, who died mankind to save. Then all the valiant band in tears embrac'd, and brave; Almonte's banner wav'd their bands before, One of the last wishes expressed by. Orlando was, in effect, about to be grant ed him; for Rinaldo, after an aerial voyage of three days from the pyramids of Egypt, arrived at Roncesvalles before the fatal conflict ended. The whole in were, doubtless, inclined to favour the belief. The ardent mind of a Poet is still more likely to have caught at so subime a vision, and to have embodied at hto a real existence. We cannot pursue this romantic journey of the Dæmons and Paladins through all its particulars, but will refer to the book for he curious incidents relating to the olerdamonic Fountain at Toledo, the Victory of Astaroth over the Spint Squariaferro, and for the ludicrous adventury at the Palace of Saragossa, where Rinald enters invisible into the presence of his qondam mistress, the fair, Luciana, for whor he feels his ancient passion re kindled. To amuse the Paladins far some partof their voyage, Astaroth resumes the orthodox discourse that he formerly formerly held with Malagigi, and asserts our Author's favourite doctrine of Universal Salvation in strains of very sublime Poetry. He concludes thus: with romantic absurdity; we shall con- Before his eyes the father's image stood, dew'd. "Thy form thy face, (he cried) the truth declare; My ancient friend I here behold renew'd. Yet, 'twas ill done, young warrior, to oppose Thy father's friends, and arm to serve his Forse ch'è'l vero, dopo lungo errore Adorerete tutti di Concordia, E troverete ognun Misericordia! The arrival of Rinaldo and Richardetto, with their aerial guides, determined the fortune of the first grand division of the Pagan army, and of the first day's battle, which had already inclined to favour the undaunted bravery and perseverance of Orlando and his companions. They alighted on the plain towards evening; and while the brothers of Montauban pressed forwards to assist their victorious friends, the Dæmons fixed their stand on a church-tower, where they employed themselves in catching the souls of the Pagans as they attempted to fly upwards from their bodies. The sudden apparition of two warriors descending from the skies, completed the rout and consternation of the enemy, and, night coming on, the Christians were left possessors of the field, and of the honours of victory, Rinaldo and Richardetto, weary with slaughter, pressed to the spot where the other Paladins were beginning to rest from their fatigues; and if their sudden appearance among the Pagans had filled the field with confusion and dismay, their re-union with their friends produced at least as sudden and wonderful an impression, though of a contrary nature. Orlando's joy exceeded all bounds of moderation, and Oliver fared away at their approach. The feelings of the whole camp were in proportion, and the rejoicings which so happy an event occa sioned, seemed to have changed the face of attairs, and substituted hope and confidence in the place of their late despair. Orlando, however, as soon as the first Who transports were over, returned to a caln sense of the real condition of Ins litt) army. He took Rinaldo aside, a poured out to him his whole soul. morrow, my Cousin, if my mind dece's me not, we all must perish in this vay But we shall first prove the deaths, So many Pagans, that the latest agchall speak of Roncesvalles." fo.s!" C. 26. St. 146. With this gentle admonition he dismissed.promising, if he should meet him fifty tiues that day, to spare him for his father sake; but he first received from him, à gratitude, intelligence of the supposer treachery of his follower, Baldwin, who vas then clad in a vest of king Marsiliu, known to all the Pagans, and presered as by an Amulet from their arins. T relationship of this brave and unfounate youth to the detestable Gano, cafirmed the suspicion to which Orlando o lightly gave way: rlando now had leit the old man's son, And, warm in rage, sought Baldwin o'er the course, call'd for death which seem'd his path to shun; And turn no less adventurous heads its force: At length he saw swift Vegliantino run Hot o'er the field, (Orlando's well-known horse,) And rush'd to meet his friend belov'd, and cried "What woes, unfortunate! this head betide! Mean time the morning dawn, and I seek, this day, among the brave to die, the second squadron of the ener manded by the Traitor Blaardin, com And many Pagans by my hand lie slain, But none against this arm their force will try: I call, I challenge to the fight in vain !" they'll Ay, followed closely by the third grandFalse wretch," Orlando cried, "no more division: there Marsilius himse resided, and had already taken the d. The whole work of carnage is cribed by Pulci, with Homeric prec, mixed Lay but that gaudy garment on the plain, Which to thy traitor-sire Marsilius gave, "If on this day," the unhappy youth replied, "These noble souls my father has betray'd; And if I'm curs'd to live, this hand shall guide, Keen to his heart the parricidal blade; But I, Orlando," thus in tears he cried, Was never, never, for a traitor made, The death of this ill-fated, but genes rous youth, was shortly followed by those of Anjolin de Bellande, and of the brothers of St. Michel. To supply their places, Rinaldo, and Richardetto, Egibard, Anselin, and the good and martial Archbishop, all rushed forwards. The Unless I've earn'd the name in following battle became more and more trenfen thee, With firm and stedfast love o'er land and sea. "Now to the battle I return once more, The traitor's name I will not carry long:" The gaudy, fatal, vest away he tore, And said, "My love for thee was firm and strong; This heart, no guile, this soul no treason bore; Indeed, Orlando, thou hast done my wrong!" Then burst away: Orlando mark'd his air With aching heart that bled for his despair. C. 27. St. 4. Marsilius's division had by this time joined, and the work of death was commenced among the christian heroes, who, strange to tell, had not before suffered any diminution of their numbers, though the field was loaded with slaughtered Pagans. The first of the maryrs was the gallant Sansonetto, who, like Baldwin, had followed Orlando over the world from strong and personal atWalter de Montleor, and tachment. Anjolin of Bayonne, next fell beneath the swords of Marsilius and Grandio; and Orlando coming up,discovered Civer alone and oppressed by numbers, surrounded by his fallen companions. The resistless arm of the hero soon freed Im from immediate danger, and he lamentd with the sorrow of affection his faithf Sansonetto, whose corpse gave t Terigi, to convey to the camp. Nor did he suffer him to remain unrevenged, for Grandonio soon after fell in single coinbat with Orlando, and Marsilius would he dous, and the cries of war were mixed with the horrible shouts of Astaroth, and his Fellow-Dæmons, who were busily employed in their infernal pastime of catching the souls of the Pagans. The sun turned of a bloody red; Roncesvalles was crowded with devils seeking their prey, and there was a grand festival in the Palace of Pluto. A braver champion than had hitherto fallen was now made a sacrifice to the sword of king Balsamin; Astolpho himself, the good Duke of England, whose gallant actions on that, and the preceding day, had been innumerable. His dead body was discovered in the press by Rinaldo, and that illustrious warrior was not slow in revenging his fate. Meanwhile the treacherous attack of the Arcaliff of Baldacca had inflicted a deep and deadly wound on the head of the Marquis Oliver, who was at the same another Pagan. moment engaged in single combat with His strength sufficed him to revenge the blow, and rid himself of both his assailants; but soon his head turned giddy, his eyes swam in darkness, and staggering and reeling back towards the camp, but still cutting out a passage through the enemy, he was met in this deplorable condition by his noble brother: Orlando felt his very bosom bleed For Oliver, his friend and better part, For now he saw the battle lost indeed, And curs'd the Pagan traitor from his heart. have experienced the same fate, but for By ev'ry thought of love, and courteous the interference of his own son, who intercepted the blow, and died at his feet. Just then, the appearance of a more terrible conflict, and of more general carnage, called him to another part of the field of battle. Rous'd by appalling sounds and barbarous Orlando hasten'd to the spot, and found, "I am no traitor now," he feebly cries, Then falls, a stiffen'd corpse, upon the With tears of grief, Orlando saw him die. deed," Thus said, they mingled in the thickest fight; Once more the dying warrior grasp'd his blade, And, though th' approach of death had dimm'd his sight, Among the ranks a bloody trophy made: Close on the confines of eternal night, Still his sad friend with wond'ring eye survey'd, Such acts as might have grac'd youth's vigorous day; For the soul's fire surviv'd the strength's decay. Thus thro' the storm of swords and spears they go, Still dealing vengeance and despair around; But Oliver, who now, more faint and slow, The heavy hand of Death oppressive found, Made for the tent; the end of all his woe He felt approaching from his mortal wound. "Oh! yet a little wait!" Orlando cries, "I'll sound my horn, assistance near us lies." "My cousin!" he replied, there is no need! My soul is struggling from its gaol to fleeIt soars expectant of the promis'd meed It beats it pants-it must-it will be free!" More words he would have said; but Heav'n decreed An instant change for immortality. Yet his last wish Orlando knew full well, "Guard and protect my sister Alda-belle!" Now, when he knew the gallant spirit filed, He seem'd on earth's wild coast alone to The third blast from Orlando's famous horn was so violent, as not only to burst the instrument, but to force blood through the eyes and nostrils of the gallant knight. The noise so alarmed the Pagan host, that they began to fly in all directions; Orlando drew, for the last time, lus Durindana, and returned to the field, disconsolate for the loss of his friend, and miserable and broken in spirit, "like one returning from the funeral of one much loved, to give comfort to the little afflicted family." Come chi torna dal funereo lutto, Alla sua Famigliuola a dar conforto. Here, however, be experienced little consolation, and was unable to render any. During the short period of his absence, Egibard, Avino, Avolio, Walter, MONTHLY MAG., No. 159. and Richard of Normandy had perished; Rinaldo and Richardetto, still alive, were at a distance engaged in the pursuit of flying squadrons; the brave Archbishop and Anselm, one of the most distinguish ed among the christian warriors, had alone of all the band besides, hitherto escaped. But the latter, exhausted, and worn out with wounds, and fatigued, was unhorsed and slain by a Saracen prince, just as Orlando returned to the ground. That illustrious paladin, careless of life, now rode like a madman into the thickest ranks of the enemy, and took an ample vengeance for the death of this last of his friends. At length, tired and spent with fatigue, wounded, and overcome with intolerable thirst, seeing the Pagans flying in all directions, the vanquished victor retreated to the borders of a fountain which he had discovered the preceding day. Oppress'd with wounds and toil, the valiant knight Could now support his helmet's weight no His faithful steed that long had serv'd him well In war and peace, now clos'd his languid eye, Knelt at his feet, and seem'd to say, "Farewell! "I've brought thee to the destin'd port, and die." Orlando felt anew his sorrows swell, When he beheld his Vegliantino lie Stretch'd on the field, the crystal fount beside, Stiffen'd his limbs, and cold his warlike pride. And Oh, my much-lov'd steed! my generous friend! "Companion of my better years (he said); And have I liv'd to see so sad an end To all thy toils, and thy brave spirit fled? Oh pardon me, if e'er I did offend With hasty wrong that kind and faithful head" Just then. his eyes a momentary light Flash'd quick-then clos'd again in endless |