He was plunged in a dungeon where no ray of daylight ever penetrated, loaded with chains, and scantily supplied with the coarsest food.  No wonder despair took possession of his heart, and he longed for death as a relief, when one night (or one day, for both were equally dark to him) he was roused with the glare of a torch and saw two men enter his cell.  It was the Prince Leo, with an attendant, who had come as soon as he had learned the wretched fate of the brave knight whose valor he had seen and admired on the field of battle.  “Cavalier,” said he, “I am one whom thy valor hath so bound to thee, that I willingly peril my own safety to lend thee aid.”  “Infinite thanks I owe you,” replied Rogero, “and the life you give me I promise faithfully to render back upon your call, and promptly to stake it at all times for your service.”  The prince then told Rogero his name and rank, at hearing which a tide of contending emotions almost overwhelmed Rogero.  He was set at liberty, and had his horse and arms restored to him.

Meanwhile, tidings arrived of King Charles’ decree that whoever aspired to the hand of Bradamante must first encounter her with sword and lance.  This news made the Grecian prince turn pale, for he knew he was no match for her in fight.  Communing with himself, he sees how he may make his wit supply the place of valor, and employ the French knight, whose name was still unknown to him, to fight the battle for him.  Rogero heard the proposal with extreme distress; yet it seemed worse than death to deny the first request of one to whom he owed his life.  Hastily he gave his assent “to do in all things that which Leo should command.”  Afterward, bitter repentance came over him; yet, rather than confess his change of mind, death itself would be welcome.  Death seems his only remedy; but how to die?  Sometimes he thinks to make none but a feigned resistance, and allow her sword a ready access, for never can death come more happily than if her hand guide the weapon.  Yet this will not avail, for, unless he wins the maid for the Greek prince, his debt remains unpaid.  He had promised to maintain a real, not a feigned encounter.  He will then keep his word, and banish every thought from his bosom except that which moved him to maintain his truth.

The young prince, richly attended, set out, and with him Rogero.  They arrived at Paris, but Leo preferred not to enter the city, and pitched his tents without the walls, making known his arrival to Charlemagne by an embassy.  The monarch was pleased, and testified his courtesy by visits and gifts.  The prince set forth the purpose of his coming, and prayed the Emperor to dispatch his suit—­“to send forth the damsel who refused ever to take in wedlock any lord inferior to herself in fight; for she should be his bride, or he would perish beneath her sword.”