The two kings, who had been companions in arms under the walls of Paris, embraced one another affectionately.  Gradasso learned with regret the reverses of Agramant, and offered him his troops and his person.  He strongly deprecated resorting to Egypt for aid.  “Remember the great Pompey,” said he, “and shun that fatal shore.  My plan,” he continued, “is this:  I mean to challenge Orlando to single combat.  Possessed of such a sword and steed as mine, if he were made of steel or bronze, he could not escape me.  He being removed, there will be no difficulty in driving back the Abyssinians.  We will rouse against them the Moslem nations from the other side of the Nile, the Arabians, Persians, and Chaldeans, who will soon make Senapus recall his army to defend his own territories.”

Agramant approved this advice except in one particular.  “It is for me,” said he, “to combat Orlando; I cannot with honor devolve that duty on another.”

“Let us adopt a third course,” said the aged warrior Sobrino.  “I would not willingly remain a simple spectator of such a contest.  Let us send three squires to the shore of Africa to challenge Orlando and any two of his companions in arms to meet us three in this island of Lampedusa.”

This counsel was adopted; the three squires sped on their way; and now presented themselves, and rehearsed their message to the Christian knights.

Orlando was delighted, and rewarded the squires with rich gifts.  He had already resolved to seek Gradasso and compel him to restore Durindana, which he had learned was in his possession.  For his two companions the Count chose his faithful friend Florismart and his cousin Oliver.

The three warriors embarked, and sailing with a favorable wind, the second morning showed them, on their right, the island where this important battle was to be fought.  Orlando and his two companions, having landed, pitched their tent.  Agramant had placed his opposite.

Next morning, as soon as Aurora brightened the edges of the horizon, the warriors of both parties armed themselves and mounted their horses.  They took their positions, face to face, lowered their lances, placed them in rest, clapped spurs to their horses, and flew to the charge.  Orlando met the charge of Gradasso.  The paladin was unmoved, but his horse could not sustain the terrible shock of Bayard.  He recoiled, staggered, and fell some paces behind.  Orlando tried to raise him, but, finding his efforts unavailing, seized his shield, and drew his famous Balisardo.  Meanwhile Agramant and the brave Oliver gained no advantage, one or the other; but Florismart unhorsed the King Sobrino.  Having brought his foe to the ground, he would not pursue his victory, but hastened to attack Gradasso, who had overthrown Orlando.  Seeing him thus engaged, Orlando would not interfere, but ran with sword upraised upon Sobrino, and with one blow deprived him of sense and motion.  Believing him dead, he next turned to aid his beloved