Canto XLII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Love and Chivalry

  Rinaldo's persistent love for Angelica and Bradamant's lament for Rogero highlight the theme of love intertwined with knightly honor.

• Betrayal and Deception

  Bradamant feels betrayed by Rogero's broken oath; the magical cup tests marital fidelity.

• Honor and Reputation

  Orlando's vengeance for Brandimart and the cup's test of a wife's faithfulness underscore concerns with honor.

Characters to notice

• Orlando

  Slays Agramant and Gradasso in vengeance for Brandimart's death.

• Rinaldo

  Still loves Angelica; seeks Malagigi's help and later is tested with a magical cup.

• Bradamant

  Grieves over Rogero's perjury and seeks comfort from Marphisa.

• Rogero

  Accused by Bradamant of breaking his oath.

• Malagigi

  Consulted by Rinaldo about Angelica; summons a demon to explain Rinaldo's love.

• Marphisa

  Offers comfort to Bradamant and promises to confront Rogero.

Key passages

• “The victory with Count Orlando lies; But good Rinaldo and Bradamant at heart, (One for Angelica, the other sighs For young Rogero) suffer cruel smart.”

  Orlando is victorious, but Rinaldo and Bradamant are tormented by love—Rinaldo for Angelica, Bradamant for Rogero.

  Introduces the emotional contrast between Orlando's triumph and the lovers' suffering.

• “Drink, and a mighty marvel shall be seen; For if thou wearest Cornwall's lofty crest, No drop of wine shall pass thy lips between, And all the draught be spilt upon thy breast. If faithful is thy wife, thou shalt drink clean.”

  The host explains that if Rinaldo drinks from the cup and his wife is unfaithful, the wine will spill; if she is faithful, he will drink without incident.

  The magical cup serves as a test of marital fidelity.