Book 12 Summary

That night, as the other members of the pagan army are tending to their wounds and resting, Clorinda is restless. She formulates a plan to go into the Crusaders' camp and burn down their assault tower. Argantes volunteers to accompany her, and Soliman, jealous of Argantes' reputation and eager for glory, volunteers to go as well. Clorinda firmly tells him he must remain and lead both the citizens and the army. Aladine agrees, embracing Argantes and Clorinda.

As Ismen prepares firebombs, Clorinda tells Aladine to take care of her slaves and servants, giving the indication that she believes she will die on this mission. Hearing her talk, her oldest slave decides it is time for her to know the truth of her origins. He tells her she, a white woman, was born to a black king and queen in Africa. He says the...