when I tell you that, in slaying him, you will restore not
only Rogero, but with him many of the bravest knights of France, whom
the wizard's arts have withdrawn from the camp of their sovereign."

Bradamante promptly armed herself, and mounted her horse. Melissa led
her by forced journeys, by field and forest, beguiling the way with
conversation on the theme which interested her hearer most. When at
last they reached the forest, she repeated once more her instructions,
and then took her leave, for fear the enchanter might espy her, and be
put on his guard.

Bradamante rode on about two miles when suddenly she beheld Rogero, as
it appeared to her, hard pressed by two fierce giants. While she
hesitated she heard his voice calling on her for help. At once the
cautions of Melissa lost their weight. A sudden doubt of the faith and
truth of her kind monitress flashed across her mind. "Shall I not
believe my own eyes and ears?" she said, and rushed forward to his
defence. Rogero fled, pursued by the giants, and Bradamante followed,
passing with them through the castle gate. When there, Bradamante was
undeceived, for neither giant nor knight was to be seen. She found
herself a prisoner, but had not the consolation of knowing that she
shared the imprisonment of her beloved. She saw various forms of men
and women, but could recognize none of them; and their lot was the same
with respect to her. Each viewed the others under some illusion of the
fancy, wearing the semblance of giants, dwarfs, or even four-footed
animals, so that there was no companionship or communication between
them.

ASTOLPHO'S ADVENTURES CONTINUED, AND ISABELLA'S BEGUN

When Astolpho escaped from the cruel Alcina, after a short abode in the
realm of the virtuous Logestilla, he desired to return to his native
country. Logestilla lent him the best vessel of her fleet to convey him
to the mainland. She gave him at parting a wonderful book, which taught
the secret of overcoming all manners of enchantments, and begged him to
carry it always with him, out of regard for her. She also gave him
another gift, which surpassed everything of the kind that mortal
workmanship can frame; yet it was nothing in appearance but a simple
horn.

Astolpho, protected by these gifts, thanked the good fairy, took leave
of her, and set out on his return to France. His voyage was prosperous,
and on reaching the desired port he took leave of the faithful
mariners, and continued