Chapter 11 - Page 2

cavaliers and
the necromancer with them, like a flock of pigeons at the sound of the
fowler's gun. Astolpho then renewed his efforts on the stone, and
turned it over. The under face was all inscribed with magical
characters, which the knight defaced, as directed by his book; and
no sooner had he done so, than the castle, with its walls and turrets,
vanished into smoke.
The knights and ladies set at liberty were, besides Rogero and
Bradamante, Orlando, Gradasso, Florismart, and many more. At the sound
of the horn they fled, one and all, men and steeds, except Rabican,
which Astolpho secured, in spite of his terror. As soon as the sound
had ceased, Rogero recognized Bradamante, whom he had daily met during
their imprisonment, but had been prevented from knowing by the
enchanter's arts. No words can tell the delight with which they
recognized each other, and recounted mutually all that had happened to
each since they were parted. Rogero took advantage of the
opportunity to press his suit, and found Bradamante as propitious as
he could wish, were it not for a single obstacle, the difference of
their faiths. "If he would obtain her in marriage," she said, "he must
in due form demand her of her father, Duke Aymon, and must abandon his
false prophet, and become a Christian." The latter step was one
which Rogero had for some time intended taking, for reasons of his
own. He therefore gladly accepted the terms, and proposed that they
should at once repair to the abbey of Vallombrosa, whose towers were
visible at no great distance. Thither they turned their horses' heads,
and we will leave them to find their way without our company.
I know not if my readers recollect that, at the moment when Rogero
had just delivered Angelica from the voracious Orc, that scornful
beauty placed her ring in her mouth, and vanished out of sight. At the
same time the Hippogriff shook off his bridle, soared, away, and
flew to rejoin his former master, very naturally returning to his
accustomed stable. Here Astolpho found him, to his very great delight.
He knew the animal's powers, having seen Rogero ride him, and he
longed to fly abroad over all the earth, and see various nations and
peoples from his airy course. He had heard Logestilla's directions how
to guide the animal, and saw her fit a bridle to his head. He
therefore was able, out of all the bridles he found in the stable,
to select one suitable, and, placing Rabican's saddle on the
Hippogriff's back, nothing seemed to prevent his immediate
departure. Yet before he went, he bethought him of placing Rabican
in hands where he would be safe, and whence he might recover him in
time of need. While he stood deliberating where he should find a
messenger, he saw Bradamante approach.