A massive epic poem in 46 cantos by Ludovico Ariosto, written 1516-1532. Orlando Furioso ("Mad Orlando") continues the story begun in the unfinished epic poem, Orlando Innamorato ("Orlando in Love") by Matteo Maria Boiardo, Conte di Scandiano (1441-1494). Charlemagne (Carlo) is at war with the Saracens, and his paladin Orlando (Roland), the world's greatest knight (and hero of the French Chanson de Roland), goes mad from Unrequited Love for a pagan princess named Angelica of Cathay. Has a Beta Couple, which also consists of a pagan and a Christian: Ruggiero (Roger) of Risa and Bradamante, the mythical ancestors of Boiardo's and Ariosto's employers, the Este family, ducal house of Ferrara.