This change of theme almost necessarily leads to the mention of Angelica, and the rivals, being kindled by the discourse which ensues between them, into new animosity, remount their horses and attack each other in the dark.
The contest is thus continued with various success, and day breaks upon this desperate and unheard-of duel. At length, however, the fortune of Orlando prevails, and he after receiving many desperate contusions (for wounded he could not be), inflicts a deadly gash in his adversary's side.
Agrican is now deserted by his lofty spirit, and demands baptism from the hands of Orlando:
While tears descending bathed his manly face, The gentle count dismounted to his aid, Then locked the wounded knight in his embrace, Upon the fountain's grassy border laid: And kiss'd his fading lips, and sought his grace, And of the mischief done forgiveness prayed. The speechless Tartar king his head inclin'd, And with the cross his brows Orlando sign'd.
When having to his sorrow found that he Was breathless, and all vital warmth was fled; He weened his gallant spirit was set free, And by the crystal fountain left him dead; Clad as he was in armour cap-a-pe, With sword in hand, and crown upon his head: Then first towards his courser turn'd his view, And in that steed the good Bayardo knew.
He is assured of this by a closer examination of the gentle horse, who comes neighing to greet the kinsman and comrade of his master.
Mounted upon him, and leading his own Brigliadoro, the count leaves the place, but has not rode far, before he hears the clash of weapons; when, having first secured Brigliadoro, he rides in the direction of the sound; and, guided by it, discovers a damsel, whom three giants were conducting, with a camel and much treasure, which they had carried away by force. One of the giants had charge of the lady; while the other two maintained a combat with a cavalier: but this story is broken off, by the author, who hastens to tell the effects, produced by the death of Agrican.
All was rout and dismay in the Tartarian army; and Galaphron entering the enemy's camp, set free Astolpho and the other prisoners, who were detained there. Astolpho is scarcely presented to Angelica, before he demands the means of avenging himself on the enemy, and being furnished with a horse and arms, immediately returns into the field. Here he is fortunate enough to meet one clad in his own armour, and armed with the enchanted lance.