University of Virginia Library

SCENE VIII.

Godfrey, Eustatio, &c. enter to Rinaldo, who stands immoveable with his Eyes fix'd on the Ground.
Godf.
What unaccustom'd Grief, illustrious Friend,
Has fix'd those piercing Eyes?

Eust.
What wondrous Chance
Has from thy Looks exhal'd the sparkling Fire?
Thou, that like fabled Jove,
Wer't wont to hurl loud Thunder thro' the Camp;
Can'st thou be subject to a Change like this?
Can Sadness seize Rinaldo?

Rin.
Such new Amazement has my Senses seiz'd,
Such Grief unbounded, galls my panting Soul,
That 'tis with mortal Pain my Words find way;
As here in Peace and Innocence I stood,
And held the lovely Almirena's Hand,
Unbosoming my heavy Load of Love,
A furious Amazon, (O painful Thought)
Entred, and fiercely seiz'd the trembling Maid.
Enrag'd, I, swift as Light'ning, drew my Sword,
In the Defence of my assaulted Dear,
When an amazing Host of Hell's black Fiends,
With sudden Horrour, burst in Clouds upon me,—
And, in a moment hurried, thro' the Air,
My Mistress, and my Foe—Pluto, perhaps,
Mistook the Fair one for his Proserpine,
And, ravish'd with her Charms, has stole her from me.

Godf.
Paternal Sorrow freezes up my Thoughts.

Eust.
Unusual, and amazing Accident!
But hope Rinaldo, Brother droop not thus;
Not distant far from you tall Mountain's Foot,
A gloomy Cave of rocky Entrance lies,
Where dwells a Man, who by his magick Skill,
Can read the starry Characters of Heav'n;
And tell the Virtues, Stones and Herbs contain;
This Man, by long familiar Converse bound,
Is my fast, faithful Friend; thither we'll go,
And from his Councils our best Measures know.

Godf.
Revive, distemper'd Heart!

Eust.
'Tis brave to hope!

All but Rinaldo go out.