the other side of the Nile, the Arabians,
Persians, and Chaldeans, who will soon make Senapus recall his army to
defend his own territories."

Agramant approved this advice except in one particular. "It is for me,"
said he, "to combat Orlando; I cannot with honor devolve that duty on
another."

"Let us adopt a third course," said the aged warrior Sobrino. "I would
not willingly remain a simple spectator of such a contest. Let us send
three squires to the shore of Africa to challenge Orlando and any two
of his companions in arms to meet us three in this island of Lampedusa."

This counsel was adopted; the three squires sped on their way; and now
presented themselves, and rehearsed their message to the Christian
knights.

Orlando was delighted, and rewarded the squires with rich gifts. He had
already resolved to seek Gradasso and compel him to restore Durindana,
which he had learned was in his possession. For his two companions the
Count chose his faithful friend Florismart and his cousin Oliver.

The three warriors embarked, and sailing with a favorable wind, the
second morning showed them, on their right, the island where this
important battle was to be fought. Orlando and his two companions,
having landed, pitched their tent. Agramant had placed his opposite.

Next morning, as soon as Aurora brightened the edges of the horizon,
the warriors of both parties armed themselves and mounted their horses.
They took their positions, face to face, lowered their lances, placed
them in rest, clapped spurs to their horses, and flew to the charge.
Orlando met the charge of Gradasso. The paladin was unmoved, but his
horse could not sustain the terrible shock of Bayard. He recoiled,
staggered, and fell some paces behind. Orlando tried to raise him, but,
finding his efforts unavailing, seized his shield, and drew his famous
Balisardo. Meanwhile Agramant and the brave Oliver gained no advantage,
one or the other; but Florismart unhorsed the King Sobrino. Having
brought his foe to the ground, he would not pursue his victory, but
hastened to attack Gradasso, who had overthrown Orlando. Seeing him
thus engaged, Orlando would not interfere, but ran with sword upraised
upon Sobrino, and with one blow deprived him of sense and motion.
Believing him dead, he next turned to aid his beloved Florismart. That
brave paladin, neither in horse nor arms equal to his antagonist, could
but parry and evade the blows of the terrible Durindana. Orla