t knowing what to do. Then said the pilot,
"We are not far from an isle where a holy hermit dwells alone in the
midst of the sea. It is said none seek his counsel or his aid in vain.
He hath wrought marvellous cures, and if you resort to that holy man
without doubt he can heal the knight." Orlando bade him steer thither,
and soon the bark was laid safely beside the lonely rock; the wounded
man was lowered into their boat, and carried by the crew to the
hermit's cell. It was the same hermit with whom Rogero had taken refuge
after his shipwreck, by whom he had been baptized, and with whom he was
now staying, absorbed in sacred studies and meditations.

The holy man received Orlando and the rest with kindness, and inquired
their errand; and being told that they had come for help for one who,
warring for the Christian faith, was brought to perilous pass by a sad
wound, he straightway undertook the cure. His applications were simple,
but they were seconded by his prayers. The paladin was soon relieved
from pain, and in a few days his foot was perfectly restored to
soundness. Sobrino, as soon as he perceived the holy monk perform that
wonder, cast aside his false prophet, and with contrite heart owned the
true God, and demanded baptism at his hands. The hermit granted his
request, and also by his prayers restored him to health, while all the
Christian knights rejoiced in his conversion almost as much as at the
restoration of Oliver. More than all Rogero felt joy and gratitude, and
daily grew in grace and faith.

Rogero was known by fame to all the Christian knights, but not even
Rinaldo knew him by sight, though he had proved his prowess in combat.
Sobrino made him known to them, and great was the joy of all when they
found one whose valor and courtesy were renowned through the world no
longer an enemy and unbeliever, but a convert and champion of the true
faith. All press about the knight; one grasps his hand, another locks
him fast in his embrace; but more than all the rest, Rinaldo cherished
him, for he more than any knew his worth.

It was not long before Rogero confided to his friend the hopes he
entertained of a union with his sister, and Rinaldo frankly gave his
sanction to the proposal. But causes unknown to the paladin were at
that very time interposing obstacles to its success.

The fame of the beauty and worth of Bradamante had reached the ears of
the Grecian Emperor, Constantine, and he had sent to Charlemagne