Chapter 5

CHAPTER V.
ADVENTURES OF RINALDO AND ORLANDO. WE left Rinaldo when, having overcome the monster, he quitted the
castle of Altaripa, and pursued his way on foot. He soon met with a
weeping damsel, who, being questioned as to the cause of her sorrow,
told him she was in search of one to do battle to rescue her lover,
who had been made prisoner by a vile enchantress, together with
Orlando and many more. The damsel was Flordelis, the lady-love of
Florismart, and Rinaldo promised his assistance, trusting to
accomplish the adventure either by valor or skill. Flordelis
insisted upon Rinaldo's taking her horse, which he consented to do, on
condition of her mounting behind him.
As they rode on through a wood, they heard strange noises, and
Rinaldo, reassuring the damsel, pressed forward towards the quarter
from which they proceeded. He soon perceived a giant standing under
a vaulted cavern, with a huge club in his hand, and of an appearance
to strike the boldest spirit with dread. By the side of the cavern was
chained a griffin, which, together with the giant, was stationed there
to guard a wonderful horse, the same which was once Argalia's. This
horse was a creature of enchantment, matchless in vigor, speed, and
form, which disdained to share the diet of his fellow-steeds,- corn or
grass,- and fed only on air. His name was Rabican.
This marvellous horse, after his master Argalia had been slain by
Ferrau, finding himself at liberty, returned to his native cavern, and
was here stabled under the protection of the giant and the griffin. As
Rinaldo approached, the giant assailed him with his club. Rinaldo
defended himself from the giant's blows, and gave him one in return,
which, if his skin had not been of the toughest, would have finished
the combat. But the giant, though wounded, escaped, and let loose
the griffin. This monstrous bird towered in air, and thence pounced
down upon Rinaldo, who, watching his opportunity, dealt her a
desperate wound. She had, however, strength for another flight, and
kept repeating her attacks, which Rinaldo parried as he could, while
the damsel stood trembling by, witnessing the contest.
The battle continued, rendered more terrible by the approach of
night, when Rinaldo determined upon a desperate expedient to bring
it to a conclusion. He fell, as if fainting from his wounds, and, on
the close approach of the griffin, dealt her a blow which sheared away
one of her wings. The beast, though sinking, gripped him fast with her
talons, digging through plate and mail; but Rinaldo plied his sword in
utter desperation, and at last accomplished her destruction.
Rinaldo then entered the cavern, and found there the wonderful
horse, all caparisoned. He was coal-black, except for a star of