On both sides, to the uttermost, · they struggled manfully,
And many, that ne’er rose again, · bent to the earth the knee,
And streams of blood o’erspread the ground, · as on all sides you might see.
And knights were there, from good Navarre, · both numerous and bold,
Whom everywhere for brave and strong · true gentlemen would hold;
But still against the good Count’s might · their strength proved weak and cold,
Though men of great emprise before · and fortune manifold.
For God’s good grace still kept the Count · from sorrow and from harm,
That neither Moor nor Christian power · should stand against his arm, etc.[151]
This is certainly not poetry of a high order. Invention and dignified ornament are wanting in it; but still it is not without spirit, and, at any rate, it would be difficult to find in the whole poem a passage more worthy of regard.