Chapter 4

CHAPTER IV.
THE SIEGE OF ALBRACCA. AT the very time when Charlemagne was holding his plenary court
and his great tournament, his kingdom was invaded by a mighty monarch,
who was moreover so valiant and strong in battle that no one could
stand against him. He was named Gradasso, and his kingdom was called
Sericane. Now, as it often happens to the greatest and the richest
to long for what they cannot have, and thus to lose what they
already possess, this king could not rest content without Durindana,
the sword of Orlando, and Bayard, the horse of Rinaldo. To obtain
these he determined to war upon France, and for this purpose put in
array a mighty army.
He took his way through Spain, and, after defeating Marsilius, the
king of that country, in several battles, was rapidly advancing on
France. Charlemagne, though Marsilius was a Saracen, and had been
his enemy, yet felt it needful to succor him in this extremity from
a consideration of common danger, and, with the consent of his
peers, despatched Rinaldo with a strong body of soldiers against
Gradasso.
There was much fighting, with doubtful results, and Gradasso was
steadily advancing into France. But, impatient to achieve his objects,
he challenged Rinaldo to single combat, to be fought on foot, and upon
these conditions: If Rinaldo conquered, Gradasso agreed to give up all
his prisoners and return to his own country; but if Gradasso won the
day, he was to have Bayard.
The challenge was accepted, and would have been fought had it not
been for the arts of Malagigi, who just then returned from
Angelica's kingdom with set purpose to win Rinaldo to look with
favor upon the fair princess who was dying for love of him. Malagigi
drew Rinaldo away from the army, by putting on the semblance of
Gradasso, and, after a short contest, pretending to fly before him, by
which means Rinaldo was induced to follow him into a boat, in which he
was borne away, and entangled in various adventures, as we have
already related.
The army, left under the command of Ricciardetto, Rinaldo's brother,
was soon joined by Charlemagne and all his peerage, but experienced
a disastrous rout, and the Emperor and many of his paladins were taken
prisoners. Gradasso, however, did not abuse his victory; he took
Charles by the hand, seated him by his side, and told him he warred
only for honor. He renounced all conquests, on condition that the
Emperor should deliver to him Bayard and Durindana, both of them the
property of his vassals, the former of which, as he maintained, was
already forfeited to him by Rinaldo's failure to meet him as agreed.
To these terms Charlemagne readily acceded.
Bayard, after the departure of his master, had been taken in
charge by Ricciardetto, and