which Astolpho secured, in spite of his terror. As soon as the sound
had ceased Rogero recognized Bradamante, whom he had daily met during
their imprisonment, but had been prevented from knowing by the
enchanter's arts. No words can tell the delight with which they
recognized each other, and recounted mutually all that had happened to
each since they were parted. Rogero took advantage of the opportunity
to press his suit, and found Bradamante as propitious as he could wish,
were it not for a single obstacle, the difference of their faiths. "If
he would obtain her in marriage," she said, "he must in due form demand
her of her father, Duke Aymon, and must abandon his false prophet, and
become a Christian." The latter step was one which Rogero had for some
time intended taking, for reasons of his own. He therefore gladly
accepted the terms, and proposed that they should at once repair to the
abbey of Vallombrosa, whose towers were visible at no great distance.
Thither they turned their horses' heads, and we will leave them to find
their way without our company.

I know not if my readers recollect that at the moment when Rogero had
just delivered Angelica from the voracious Orc that scornful beauty
placed her ring in her mouth, and vanished out of sight. At the same
time the Hippogriff shook off his bridle, soared away, and flew to
rejoin his former master, very naturally returning to his accustomed
stable. Here Astolpho found him, to his very great delight. He knew the
animal's powers, having seen Rogero ride him, and he longed to fly
abroad over all the earth, and see various nations and peoples from his
airy course. He had heard Logestilla's directions how to guide the
animal, and saw her fit a bridle to his head. He therefore was able,
out of all the bridles he found in the stable, to select one suitable,
and, placing Rabican's saddle on the Hippogriff's back, nothing seemed
to prevent his immediate departure. Yet before he went he bethought him
of placing Rabican in hands where he would be safe, and whence he might
recover him in time of need. While he stood deliberating where he
should find a messenger, he saw Bradamante approach. That fair warrior
had been parted from Rogero on their way to the abbey of Vallombrosa,
by an inopportune adventure which had called the knight away. She was
now returning to Montalban, having arranged with Rogero to join her
there. To Bradamante, therefore, his fair cousin, Astolpho committe