Chapter 17

CHAPTER XVII.
ROGERO AND BRADAMANTE. AFTER the interruption of the combat with Rinaldo, as we have
related, Rogero was perplexed with doubts what course to take. The
terms of the treaty required him to abandon Agramant, who had broken
it, and to transfer his allegiance to Charlemagne; and his love for
Bradamante called him in the same direction; but unwillingness to
desert his prince and leader in the hour of distress forbade this
course. Embarking, therefore, for Africa, he took his way to rejoin
the Saracen army; but was arrested midway by a storm which drove the
vessel on a rock. The crew took to their boat, but that was quickly
swamped in the waves, and Rogero with the rest were compelled to
swim for their lives. Then while buffeting the waves Rogero
bethought him of his sin in so long delaying his Christian profession,
and vowed in his heart that, if he should live to reach the land, he
would no longer delay to be baptized. His vows were heard and
answered; he succeeded in reaching the shore, and was aided and
relieved on landing by a pious hermit, whose cell overlooked the
sea. From him he received baptism, having first passed some days
with him, partaking his humble fare, and receiving instruction in
the doctrines of the Christian faith.
While these things were going on, Rinaldo, who had set out on his
way to seek Gradasso and recover Bayard from him, hearing, on his
way of the great things which were doing in Africa, repaired thither
to bear his part in them. He arrived too late to do more than join his
friends in lamenting the loss of Florismart, and to rejoice with
them in their victory over the Pagan knights. On the death of their
king, the Africans gave up the contest, Biserta submitted, and the
Christian knights had only to dismiss their forces, and return home.
Astolpho took leave of his Abyssinian army, and sent them back laden
with spoil to their own country, not forgetting to entrust to them the
bag which held the winds, by means of which they were enabled to cross
the sandy desert again without danger, and did not untie it till
they reached their own country.
Orlando now, with Oliver, who much needed the surgeon's care, and
Sobrino, to whom equal attention was shown, sailed in a swift vessel
to Sicily, bearing with him the body of Florismart, to be laid in
Christian earth. Rinaldo accompanied them, as did Sansonnet and the
other Christian leaders. Arrived at Sicily, the funeral was solemnized
with all the rites of religion, and with the profound grief of those
who had known Florismart, or had heard of his fame. Then they
resumed their course, steering for Marseilles. But Oliver's wound grew
worse instead of better, and his sufferings so distressed his
friends that they conferred