# Canto XLIV explained — Orlando Furioso > Chapter companion for Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto. ## What happens Rinaldo pledges his sister to Rogero, and they journey to Marseilles. After a fierce battle, King Otho's son arrives. They proceed to Paris, where great honor is bestowed upon the company. Rogero departs, intent on killing Leo, to whom Duke Aymon had betrothed his daughter. The hermit's counsel unites Rinaldo and Rogero in friendship and affinity, but Aymon's promise to Constantine for Leo creates turmoil. Bradamant boldly petitions Charlemagne to let her choose her husband through combat. Rogero laments his lowly fortune and fears losing Bradamant, who sends him a message of unwavering fidelity. ## Themes in this chapter ### Love and Chivalry Rogero's deep love for Bradamant and his chivalric resolve to fight for her, even against a prince, highlight the theme of love intertwined with knightly honor. ### Betrayal and Deception Aymon's promise to Constantine for Leo, despite Rinaldo's earlier pledge to Rogero, creates a sense of betrayal and broken faith. ### Honor and Reputation Rogero's lament over his lack of wealth and status, and Bradamant's bold petition to choose her own husband, both center on personal honor and reputation. ### Constancy and Fickleness Bradamant's message of unwavering fidelity contrasts with the fickleness of courtly alliances and Aymon's changing plans. ## Character check-ins ### Rinaldo Rinaldo pledges his sister to Rogero and travels with him to Marseilles, showing great favor and obligation toward Rogero. ### Rogero Rogero is honored by Rinaldo and the hermit, but is tormented by the prospect of losing Bradamant to Leo, lamenting his humble fortunes. ### Bradamant Bradamant boldly petitions Charlemagne to decide her own marriage through combat, and sends a message of steadfast love to Rogero. ### Charlemagne Charlemagne grants Bradamant's request to choose her husband through combat, praising her valor. ### Aymon Aymon intends to give Bradamant to Leo, the son of Constantine, causing conflict with Rinaldo's promise to Rogero. ### Leo Leo is the Grecian prince to whom Aymon has betrothed Bradamant, becoming Rogero's rival. ### Constantine Constantine, the Grecian emperor, seeks Bradamant for his son Leo. ### Orlando Orlando, along with Olivier, lauds the counsel for Rogero and Bradamant's union. ## Key lines > In poor abode, ’mid paltry walls and bare, Amid discomforts and calamities, Often in friendship heart united are, Better than under roof of lordly guise, Or in some royal court, beset with snare, Mid envious wealth, and ease, and luxuries; Where charity is spent on every side, Nor friendship, unless counterfeit, is spied. True friendship often thrives in humble, difficult circumstances, unlike the false alliances found in wealthy courts. _The narrator contrasts genuine bonds formed in poverty with the counterfeit friendships of the powerful._ > Rogero, I what I was till death will be; And be more faithful, if I can be more: Deals Love in kindness or in scorn with me; Hath doubtful Fortune good or ill in store; I am a very rock of faith, by sea And winds unmoved, which round about it roar. Bradamant declares her unwavering faithfulness to Rogero, comparing her constancy to a rock unmoved by storms. _Bradamant's message reassures Rogero of her eternal love and loyalty._ > The boon for which I to your highness sue, Is not to let my parents me accord (Pursued the martial damsel) save he shew More prowess than myself, to any lord. Let him contend with me in tourney, who Would have me, or assay me with the sword. Me as his wife let him that wins me, wear; Let him that loses me, with other pair. Bradamant asks Charlemagne to let her choose her husband through combat, so only a knight who can defeat her may win her hand. _Bradamant asserts her agency and martial prowess in determining her own marriage._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters/canto-xliv - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/orlando_furioso_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/orlando_furioso_se/chapters