XIX “But tell me first thy name, and by what art Thou dost these wonders strange, above our skill; For full of marvel is my troubled heart, Tell then and leave me not amazed still.” The wizard smiled and answered, “In some part Easy it is to satisfy thy will, Ismen I hight, called an enchanter great, Such skill have I in magic’s secret feat;
XX “But that I should the sure events unfold Of things to come, or destinies foretell, Too rash is your desire, your wish too bold, To mortal heart such knowledge never fell; Our wit and strength on us bestowed I hold, To shun the evils and harms, mongst which we dwell, They make their fortune who are stout and wise, Wit rules the heavens, discretion guides the skies.
XXI “That puissant arm of thine that well can rend From Godfrey’s brow the new usurped crown, And not alone protect, save and defend From his fierce people, this besieged town, Gainst fire and sword with strength and courage bend, Adventure, suffer, trust, tread perils down, And to content, and to encourage thee, Know this, which as I in a cloud foresee:
XXII “I guess, before the over-gliding sun Shall many years mete out by weeks and days, A prince that shall in fertile Egypt won, Shall fill all Asia with his prosperous frays, I speak not of his acts in quiet done, His policy, his rule, his wisdom’s praise, Let this suffice, by him these Christians shall In fight subdued fly, and conquered fall.
XXIII “And their great empire and usurped state Shall overthrown in dust and ashes lie, Their woful remnant in an angle strait Compassed with sea themselves shall fortify, From thee shall spring this lord of war and fate.” Whereto great Solyman gan thus reply: “O happy man to so great praise ybore!” Thus he rejoiced, but yet envied more;
XXIV And said, “Let chance with good or bad aspect Upon me look as sacred Heaven’s decree, This heart to her I never will subject, Nor ever conquered shall she look on me; The moon her chariot shall awry direct Ere from this course I will diverted be.” While thus he spake, it seemed he breathed fire, So fierce his courage was, so hot his ire.
XXV Thus talked they, till they arrived been Nigh to the place where Godfrey’s tents were reared, There was a woful spectacle yseen, Death in a thousand ugly forms appeared, The Soldan changed hue for grief and teen, On that sad book his shame and loss he lead, Ah, with what grief his men, his friends he found; And standards proud, inglorious lie on ground!