e for Bradamante
called him in the same direction; but unwillingness to desert his
prince and leader in the hour of distress forbade this course.
Embarking, therefore, for Africa, he took his way to rejoin the Saracen
army; but was arrested midway by a storm which drove the vessel on a
rock. The crew took to their boat, but that was quickly swamped in the
waves, and Rogero with the rest were compelled to swim for their lives.
Then while buffeting the waves Rogero bethought him of his sin in so
long delaying his Christian profession, and vowed in his heart that, if
he should live to reach the land, he would no longer delay to be
baptized. His vows were heard and answered; he succeeded in reaching
the shore, and was aided and relieved on landing by a pious hermit,
whose cell overlooked the sea. From him he received baptism, having
first passed some days with him, partaking his humble fare, and
receiving instruction in the doctrines of the Christian faith.

While these things were going on, Rinaldo, who had set out on his way
to seek Gradasso and recover Bayard from him, hearing on his way of the
great things which were doing in Africa, repaired thither to bear his
part in them. He arrived too late to do more than join his friends in
lamenting the loss of Florismart, and to rejoice with them in their
victory over the Pagan knights. On the death of their king the Africans
gave up the contest, Biserta submitted, and the Christian knights had
only to dismiss their forces, and return home. Astolpho took leave of
his Abyssinian army, and sent them back laden with spoil to their own
country, not forgetting to intrust to them the bag which held the
winds, by means of which they were enabled to cross the sandy desert
again without danger, and did not untie it till they reached their own
country.

Orlando now, with Oliver, who much needed the surgeon's care, and
Sobrino, to whom equal attention was shown, sailed in a swift vessel to
Sicily, bearing with him the body of Florismart, to be laid in
Christian earth. Rinaldo accompanied them, as did Sansonnet and the
other Christian leaders. Arrived at Sicily, the funeral was solemnized
with all the rites of religion, and with the profound grief of those
who had known Florismart, or had heard of his fame. Then they resumed
their course, steering for Marseilles. But Oliver's wound grew worse
instead of better, and his sufferings so distressed his friends that
they conferred together, no