When all the preparations were concluded the monarchs and their attendants retired each to his own side, and the champions were left alone.  The two warriors advanced with measured steps towards each other, and met in the middle of the space.  They attacked one another at the same moment, and the air resounded with the blows they gave.  Sparks flew from their battle-axes, while the velocity with which they managed their weapons astonished the beholders.  Rogero, always remembering that his antagonist was the brother of his betrothed, could not aim a deadly wound; he strove only to ward off those levelled against himself.  Rinaldo, on the other hand, much as he esteemed Rogero, spared not his blows, for he eagerly desired victory for his own sake, and for the sake of his country and his faith.

The Saracens soon perceived that their champion fought feebly, and gave not to Rinaldo such blows as he received from him.  His disadvantage was so marked that anxiety and shame were manifest on the countenance of Agramant.  Melissa, one of the most acute enchantresses that ever lived, seized this moment to disguise herself under the form of Rodomont, that rude and impetuous warrior, who had now for some time been absent from the Saracen camp.  Approaching Agramant, she said, “How could you, my lord, have the imprudence of selecting a young man without experience to oppose the most redoubtable warrior of France?  Surely you must have been regardless of the honor of your arms, and of the fate of your empire!  But it is not too late.  Break without delay the agreement which is sure to result in your ruin.”  So saying, she addressed the troops who stood near, “Friends,” said she, “follow me; under my guidance every one of you will be a match for a score of those feeble Christians.”  Agramant, delighted at seeing Rodomont once more at his side, gave his consent, and the Saracens, at the instant, couched their lances, set spurs to their steeds, and swept down upon the French.  Melissa, when she saw her work successful, disappeared.

Rinaldo and Rogero, seeing the truce broken, and the two armies engaged in general conflict, stopped their battle; their martial fury ceased at once, they joined hands, and resolved to act no more on either side until it should be clearly ascertained which party had failed to observe its oath.  Both renewed their promise to abandon forever the party which had been thus false and perjured.

Meanwhile, the Christians, after the first moment of surprise, met the Saracens with courage redoubled by rage at the treachery of their foes.  Guido the Wild, brother and rival of Rinaldo, Griffon and Aquilant, sons of Oliver, and numerous others whose names have already been celebrated in our recitals, beat back the assailants, and at last, after prodigious slaughter, forced them to take shelter within the walls of Arles.