Chapter 17 - Page 2

together, not knowing what to do. Then
said the pilot, "We are not far from an isle, where a holy hermit
dwells alone in the midst of the sea. It is said none seek his counsel
or his aid in vain. He hath wrought marvellous cures, and if you
resort to that holy man, without doubt he can heal the knight."
Orlando bade him steer thither, and soon the bark was laid safely
beside the lonely rock; the wounded man was lowered into their boat,
and carried by the crew to the hermit's cell. It was the same hermit
with whom Rogero had taken refuge after his shipwreck, by whom he
had been baptized, and with whom he was now staying, absorbed in
sacred studies and meditations.
The holy man received Orlando and the rest with kindness, and
inquired their errand; and being told that they had come for help
for one who, warring for the Christian faith, was brought to
perilous pass by a sad wound, he straightway undertook the cure. His
applications were simple, but they were seconded by his prayers. The
paladin was soon relieved from pain, and in a few days his foot was
perfectly restored to soundness. Sobrino, as soon as he perceived
the holy monk perform that wonder, cast aside his false prophet, and
with contrite heart owned the true God, and demanded baptism at his
hands. The hermit granted his request, and also by his prayers
restored him to health, while all the Christian knights rejoiced in
his conversion almost as much as at the restoration of Oliver. More
than all, Rogero felt joy and gratitude, and daily grew in grace and
faith.
Rogero was known by fame to all the Christian knights, but not
even Rinaldo knew him by sight, though he had proved his prowess in
combat. Sobrino made him known to them, and great was the joy of all
when they found one whose valor and courtesy were renowned through the
world no longer an enemy and unbeliever, but a convert and champion of
the true faith. All press about the knight; one grasps his hand,
another locks him fast in his embrace; but more than all the rest,
Rinaldo cherished him, for he more than any knew his worth.
It was not long before Rogero confided to his friend the hopes he
entertained of a union with his sister, and Rinaldo frankly gave his
sanction to the proposal. But causes unknown to the paladin were at
that very time interposing obstacles to its success.
The fame of the beauty and worth of Bradamante had reached the
ears of the Grecian Emperor Constantine, and he had sent to
Charlemagne to demand the hand of his niece for Leo, his son, and
the heir to his dominions. Duke Aymon, her father, had only reserved
his consent until he should first have spoken with his son Rinaldo,
now absent.
The warriors now prepared to resume their voyage. Rogero took a