69–71. At the first encounter Orlando is left without a horse.

XLI. 72–6. Brandimarte and Orlando change places.

XLI. 77–87. Orlando, remounted, continues combat with Gradasso.

XLI. 87–93. Brandimarte takes action.

XLI. 94–101. Gradasso turns from pursuing Orlando to rescue Agramante; he mortally wounds Brandimarte.

XLI. 102; XLII. 8–15. Orlando, looking back, sees Brandimarte wounded and avenges him.

NOTES

CANTO XXIV

4. cf. Vol.I, XXIII. 129–36.

10.l. 5. cf. XII. 49. ll. 6–8. God on high had planned… cf. St John’s words to Astolfo in the Terrestrial Paradise (XXXIV.62–6).

11.l. 2. Ariosto avoids the issue of Orlando’s death at Roncevaux. His invulnerability is not, however, inconsistent with the manner of his death; cf. Chanson de Roland (Laisse 134–5;156; 168).

14. The bridge and tower mentioned here have been constructed by Rodomonte (XXIX. 33–5).

15.ll. 1–3.