So deemed Rinaldo too: and contest sore

  'Twixt him and Malagigi hence begun;

  But he would not confess the charge; nay swore,

  Even by the light which lights the glorious sun,

  That he might clear him of the blame he bore,

  He had not that which was imputed done.

  Whether a fiend or fowl, the pest descends,

  And good Baiardo with his talons rends.