-- "Twere not so easy to obtain this quest As 'twere that other," Rodomont replied;
And thus pursued: "I unto thee protest, If any evil shall our king betide, Thine is the fault not mine; for I am prest To do whate'er is fitting, on my side."
Small heed to that protest Rogero paid, And stung by fury, griped his trenchant blade.