Orlando Furioso · Chapter
Canto XL explained
Agramant flees the burning Biserta as the Christian fleet, led by Sansonetto, attacks.
What happens
Agramant flees the burning Biserta as the Christian fleet, led by Sansonetto, attacks. Orlando, Olivier, and Brandimart lead the assault on the city. Brandimart climbs a ladder but it breaks; he alone holds the wall. Meanwhile, Rogero, torn between loyalty to Agramant and his oath to Rinaldo, decides to follow his king to Africa. Dudon captures seven Moorish kings and their ships.
Themes in this chapter
War and Conflict
The canto depicts the brutal assault on Biserta, naval combat, and the chaos of battle.
Honor and Reputation
Rogero struggles with his oath to Rinaldo versus his duty to Agramant, fearing accusations of baseness or fear.
Betrayal and Deception
The broken pact between Agramant and Charlemagne is investigated; Rogero learns Agramant broke faith first.
Characters to notice
- Agramant
Flees Biserta in a boat with Brigliador and precious things, grieving his earlier disbelief of Sobrino's warnings.
- Orlando
Leads the assault on Biserta, ordains fast and prayer, and later walks on the shore with companions.
- Brandimart
Climbs a ladder to the walls of Biserta, fights valiantly, and remains on the battlement when the ladder breaks.
- Rogero
Renews his compact with Rinaldo, inquires who broke faith, and decides to follow Agramant to Africa out of honor and duty.
- Dudon
Assaults the Moorish fleet, captures seven kings and their ships, and brings them to Marseilles.
- Sansonet
Leads the Christian fleet against Biserta, anchoring a mile off the port.
- Astolpho
Commands the Nubian troops with sling and arrow to harass the Moors during the assault.
- Sobrino
Flees with Agramant, having foreseen the disaster.
Key passages
“To fly the royal Agramant is fain, And sees Biserta burning far away;”
King Agramant is eager to flee and watches Biserta burn in the distance.
Agramant's flight from the destruction of his city.
“Rogero ponders if he should remain, Or rather should his sovereign lord attend:”
Rogero debates whether to stay or follow his king.
Rogero's internal conflict between love and duty.
“Brandimart to the walls a ladder brought, Climbed, and to climb withal to others cried:”
Brandimart brings a ladder to the wall, climbs it, and urges others to follow.
Brandimart's heroic assault on Biserta's walls.