s: So canter on, with what prowess you may!


s: Lords and barons, firmly your ground maintain!


s: Be minded well, I pray you in God's Name,


s: Stout blows to strike, to give as you shall take.


s: Forget the cry of Charles we never may."


s: Upon this word the Franks cry out amain.


s: Who then had heard them all "Monjoie!" acclaim


s: Of vassalage might well recall the tale.


s: They canter forth, God! with what proud parade,


s: Pricking their spurs, the better speed to gain;


s: They go to strike,--what other thing could they?--


s: Pagans and Franks, you'ld see them now engaged.


s: First of them all canters before the host,


s: Says of our Franks these ill words as he goes:


s: "Felons of France, so here on us you close!


s: Betrayed you has he that to guard you ought;


s: Mad is the King who left you in this post.


s: So shall the fame of France the Douce be lost,


s: And the right arm from Charles body torn."


s: When Rollant hears, what rage he has, by God!


s: His steed he spurs, gallops with great effort;


s: He goes, that count, to strike with all his force,


s: The shield he breaks, the hauberk's seam unsews,


s: Slices the heart, and shatters up the bones,


s: All of the spine he severs with that blow,


s: And with his spear the soul from body throws


s: So well he's pinned, he shakes in the air that corse,


s: On his spear's hilt he's flung it from the horse:


s: So in two halves Aeroth's neck he broke,


s: Nor left him yet, they say, but rather spoke:


s: "Avaunt, culvert!  A madman Charles is not,


s: Proudly he did, who left us in this post;


s: The fame of France the Douce shall not be lost.


s: Strike on, the Franks!  Ours are the foremost blows.


s: For we are right, but these gluttons are wrong."


s: A duke there was, his name was Falfarun,


s: He held their land, Dathan's and Abirun's;


s: Between his eyes so broad was he in front


s: A great half-foot you'ld measure there in full.


s: His nephew dead he's seen with grief enough,


s: Comes through the press and wildly forth he runs,


s: Aloud he shouts their cry the pagans use;


s: "Honour of France the Douce shall fall to us!"


s: His horse he pricks with both his golden spurs,


s: And goes to strike, ev'n as a baron doth;


s: The shield he breaks and through the hauberk cuts,


s: His ensign's fringe into the carcass thrusts,


s: On his spear's hilt he's flung it dead in dust.


s: Looks on the ground, sees glutton lying thus,


s: And says to him, with reason proud enough:


s: "From threatening, culvert, your mouth I've shut.


s: Strike on, the Franks!  Right well we'll overcome."


s: "Monjoie,"  he shouts, 'twas the ensign of Carlun.


s: A king there was, his name was Corsablix,


s: He's called aloud to the other Sarrazins:


s: "Well may we join battle upon this field,


s: For of the Franks but very few are here;


s: And those are here, we should account them cheap,


s: This is the day when they their death shall meet."


s: Has heard him well that Archbishop Turpin,


s: No man he'ld hate so much the sky beneath;


s: Spurs of fine gold he pricks into his steed,


s: To strike that king by virtue great goes he,


s: The hauberk all unfastens, breaks the shield,


s: Thrusts his great spear in through the carcass clean,


s: Pins it so well he shakes it in its seat,


s: Dead in the road he's flung it from his spear.


s: Looks on the ground, that glutton lying sees,


s: Nor leaves him yet, they say, but rather speaks:


s: "Culvert pagan, you lied now in your teeth,


s: None of our Franks hath any mind to flee.


s: Your companions all on this spot we'll keep,


s: I tell you news; death shall ye suffer here.


s: Strike on, the Franks!  Fail none of you at need!


s: Ours the first blow, to God the glory be!"


s: "Monjoie!" he cries, for all the camp to hear.


s: So his good shield is nothing worth at all,


s: Shatters the boss, was fashioned of crystal,


s: One half of it downward to earth flies off;


s: Right to the flesh has through his hauberk torn,


s: On his good spear he has the carcass caught.


s: And with one blow that pagan downward falls;


s: And his comrade Gerers strikes the admiral,


s: The shield he breaks, the hauberk unmetals,


s: And his good spear drives into his vitals,


s: So well he's pinned him, clean through the carcass,


s: Dead on the field he's flung him from his hand.


s: Sansun the Duke goes strike that almacour,


s: The shield he breaks, with golden flowers tooled,


s: That good hauberk for him is nothing proof,


s: He's sliced the heart, the lungs and liver through,


s: And flung him dead, as well or ill may prove.


s: Says the Archbishop: "A baron's stroke, in truth."


s: The shield he breaks, its golden boss above,


s: The hauberk too, its doubled mail undoes,


s: His good spear's point into the carcass runs,


s: So well he's thrust, clean through the whole steel comes,


s: And from the hilt he's thrown him dead in dust.


s: Then says Rollant: "Great prowess in that thrust."


s: Spurs on his horse, lets fall the reins as well,


s: The shield he breaks and shatters on his neck,


s: The hauberk too, he has its chinguard rent,


s: Between the arm-pits has pierced him through the breast,


s: On his spear's hilt from saddle throws him dead;


s: After he says "So are you turned to hell."


s: Upon the shield, before its leathern band,


s: Slices it through, the white with the scarlat;


s: The hauberk too, has torn its folds apart,


s: And his good spear thrusts clean through the carcass,


s: And flings it dead, ev'n as the horse goes past;


s: He says: "You have no warrant afterward."


s: The shield he breaks, the hauberk tears and splits,


s: Thrusts his stout spear through's middle, and him flings


s: Of their dozen peers ten have now been killed,


s: No more than two remain alive and quick,


s: Being Chernuble, and the count Margariz.


s: Both fair and strong, and swift he is and light;


s: He spurs his horse, goes Oliver to strike,


s: And breaks his shield, by th'golden buckle bright;


s: Along his ribs the pagan's spear doth glide;


s: God's his warrant, his body has respite,


s: The shaft breaks off, Oliver stays upright;


s: That other goes, naught stays him in his flight,


s: His trumpet sounds, rallies his tribe to fight.


s: The count Rollanz no way himself secures,


s: Strikes with his spear, long as the shaft endures,


s: By fifteen blows it is clean broken through


s: Spurs on his horse, is gone to strike Chemuble,


s: The helmet breaks, where bright carbuncles grew,


s: Slices the cap and shears the locks in two,


s: The hauberk white, whose mail was close of woof,


s: Down to the groin cuts all his body through


s: To the saddle; with beaten gold 'twas tooled.


s: Upon the horse that sword a moment stood,


s: Then sliced its spine, no join there any knew,


s: Dead in the field among thick grass them threw.


s: After he said  "Culvert, false step you moved,


s: From Mahumet your help will not come soon.


s: The count Rollanz, he canters through the field,


s: Holds Durendal, he well can thrust and wield,


s: Right great damage he's done the Sarrazines


s: You'd seen them, one on other, dead in heaps,


s: Through all that place their blood was flowing clear!


s: In blood his arms were and his hauberk steeped,


s: And bloodied o'er, shoulders and neck, his steed.


s: And Oliver goes on to strike with speed;


s: No blame that way deserve the dozen peers,


s: For all the Franks they strike and slay with heat,


s: Pagans are slain, some swoon there in their seats,


s: Says the Archbishop: "Good baronage indeed!"


s: "Monjoie" he cries, the call of Charles repeats.


s: And Oliver has cantered through the crush;


s: Broken his spear, the truncheon still he thrusts;


s: Flowers and gold, are on the shield, he cuts,


s: Out of the head both the two eyes have burst,


s: And all the brains are fallen in the dust;


s: He flings him dead, sev'n hundred else amongst.


s: Right to the hilt, his spear in flinders flew.


s: Then says Rollant: "Companion, what do you?


s: In such a fight, there's little strength in wood,


s: Iron and steel should here their valour prove.


s: Where is your sword, that Halteclere I knew?


s: Golden its hilt, whereon a crystal grew."


s: Time left to strike enough good blows and true."


s: In knightly wise the blade to him has shewed;


s: Justin he strikes, that Iron Valley's lord,


s: All of his head has down the middle shorn,


s: The carcass sliced, the broidered sark has torn,


s: The good saddle that was with old adorned,


s: And through the spine has sliced that pagan's horse;


s: Dead in the field before his feet they fall.


s: Says Rollant: "Now my brother I you call;


s: He'll love us for such blows, our Emperor."


s: On every side "Monjoie" you'ld hear them roar.


s: That count Gerins sate on his horse Sorel,


s: On Passe-Cerf was Gerers there, his friend;


s: They've loosed their reins, together spurred and sped,


s: One on the shield, on hauberk the other fell;


s: And their two spears went through the carcass well,


s: A fallow field amidst they've thrown him dead.


s: Which of the two was nimbler as they went.


s: And the Archbishop, he slew them Siglorel,


s: The enchanter, who before had been in hell,


s: Where Jupiter bore him by a magic spell.


s: Then Turpin says "To us he's forfeited."


s: Answers Rollanz: "The culvert is bested.


s: Such blows, brother Olivier, I like well."


s: The battle grows more hard and harder yet,


s: Franks and pagans, with marvellous onset,


s: Each other strike and each himself defends.


s: So many shafts bloodstained and shattered,


s: So many Franks lose their young lustihead,


s: Who'll see no more their mothers nor their friends,


s: Nor hosts of France, that in the pass attend.


s: Charles the Great weeps therefor with regret.


s: What profits that?  No succour shall they get.


s: Evil service, that day, Guenes rendered them,


s: In court, at Aix, to gallows-tree condemned;


s: And thirty more with him, of his kindred,


s: Were hanged, a thing they never did expect.


s: Right well they strike, Olivier and Rollant,


s: A thousand blows come from the Archbishop's hand,


s: The dozen peers are nothing short of that,


s: With one accord join battle all the Franks.


s: Pagans are slain by hundred, by thousand,


s: Who flies not then, from death has no warrant,


s: Will he or nill, foregoes the allotted span.


s: The Franks have lost the foremost of their band,


s: They'll see no more their fathers nor their clans,


s: Nor Charlemagne, where in the pass he stands.


s: Torment arose, right marvellous, in France,


s: Tempest there was, of wind and thunder black,


s: With rain and hail, so much could not be spanned;


s: And verily the earth quaked in answer back


s: From Besencun to the harbour of Guitsand;


s: No house stood there but straight its walls must crack:


s: In full mid-day the darkness was so grand,


s: Save the sky split, no light was in the land.


s: Beheld these things with terror every man,


s: And many said: "We in the Judgement stand;


s: They spake no truth; they did not understand;


s: 'Twas the great day of mourning for Rollant.


s: The Franks strike on; their hearts are good and stout.


s: Pagans are slain, a thousandfold, in crowds,


s: Left of five score are not two thousands now.


s: Says the Archbishop: "Our men are very proud,


s: No man on earth has more nor better found.


s: In Chronicles of Franks is written down,


s: Then through the field they go, their friends seek out,


s: And their eyes weep with grief and pain profound


s: For kinsmen dear, by hearty friendship bound.


s: King Marsilies and his great host draw round.


s: Shone too their shields and sarks embroidered.


s: Sounded the charge seven thousand trumpets,


s: Great was the noise through all that country went.


s: Then said Rollanz: "Olivier, brother, friend,


s: That felon Guenes hath sworn to achieve our death;


s: Right great vengeance our Emperour will get.


s: Battle we'll have, both long and keenly set,


s: With Durendal my sword I'll strike again,


s: And, comrade, you shall strike with Halteclere.


s: These swords in lands so many have we held,


s: Battles with them so many brought to end,


s: No evil song shall e'er be sung or said."


s: When the Franks see so many there, pagans,


s: The dozen peers, to be their safe warrant.


s: And the Archbishop speaks to them, as he can:


s: "My lords barons, go thinking nothing bad!


s: For God I pray you fly not hence but stand,


s: Lest evil songs of our valour men chant!


s: Beyond this day shall no more live one man;


s: But of one thing I give you good warrant:


s: By the Innocents your thrones you there shall have."


s: Upon these words grow bold again the Franks;


s: There is not one but he "Monjoie" demands.


s: 'Twas Climborins, a man was nothing proof;


s: And kissed his mouth in amity and truth,


s: Gave him his sword and his carbuncle too.


s: Terra Major, he said, to shame he'ld put,


s: From the Emperour his crown he would remove.


s: He sate his horse, which he called Barbamusche,


s: Never so swift sparrow nor swallow flew,


s: He spurred him well, and down the reins he threw,


s: Nor shield nor sark him any warrant proved,


s: The pagan spear's point did his body wound,


s: He pinned him well, and all the steel sent through,


s: From the hilt flung him dead beneath his foot.


s: After he said: "Good are they to confuse.


s: Pagans, strike on, and so this press set loose!"


s: "God!" say the Franks, "Grief, such a man to lose!"


s: Than whom we'd no more valiant chevalier."


s: Answered that count: "God, let me him avenge!"


s: Spurs of fine gold into his horse drove then,


s: Held Halteclere, with blood its steel was red,


s: By virtue great to strike that pagan went,


s: Brandished his blade, the Sarrazin upset;


s: The Adversaries of God his soul bare thence.


s: Then said Rollanz: "My comrade shews anger,


s: So in my sight he makes me prize him well;


s: More dear by Charles for such blows are we held."


s: Aloud he's cried: "Strike on, the chevaliers!"


s: And lord, by sea, of four hundred dromonds;


s: The Partiarch had slain before the fonts.


s: He'd pledged his oath by county Guenelon,


s: Gave him his sword, a thousand coins thereon.


s: He sate his horse, which he called Gramimond,


s: He's pricked him well, with sharp spurs he had on,


s: Going to strike e'en that rich Duke, Sanson;


s: His shield has split, his hauberk has undone,


s: The ensign's folds have through his body gone,


s: Dead from the hilt out of his seat he's dropt:


s: "Pagans, strike on, for well we'll overcome!"


s: "God!" say the Franks, "Grief for a brave baron!"


s: The count Rollanz, when Sansun dead he saw,


s: You may believe, great grief he had therefor.


s: His horse he spurs, gallops with great effort,


s: Wields Durendal, was worth fine gold and more,


s: Goes as he may to strike that baron bold


s: Above the helm, that was embossed with gold,


s: Slices the head, the sark, and all the corse,


s: The good saddle, that was embossed with gold,


s: And cuts deep through the backbone of his horse;


s: He's slain them both, blame him for that or laud.


s: The pagans say: "'Twas hard on us, that blow."


s: Answers Rollanz: "Nay, love you I can not,


s: For on your side is arrogance and wrong."


s: 'Twas Malquiant, the son of king Malcud;


s: With beaten gold was all his armour done,


s: Fore all men's else it shone beneath the sun.


s: He sate his horse, which he called Salt-Perdut,


s: The scarlat with the blue he sliced it up,


s: Of his hauberk he's torn the folds and cut,


s: The steel and stock has through his body thrust.


s: Dead is that count, he's no more time to run.


s: Then say the Franks:  "Baron, an evil luck!"


s: Swift through the field Turpin the Archbishop passed;


s: Such shaven-crown has never else sung Mass


s: Who with his limbs such prowess might compass;


s: To th'pagan said  "God send thee all that's bad!


s: One thou hast slain for whom my heart is sad."


s: So his good horse forth at his bidding ran,


s: He's struck him then on his shield Toledan,


s: Until he flings him dead on the green grass.


s: From the other part was a pagan Grandones,


s: He sate his horse, the which he called Marmore,


s: He's loosed the reins, and spurring on that horse


s: He's gone to strike Gerin with all his force;


s: The scarlat shield from's neck he's broken off,


s: And all his sark thereafter has he torn,


s: The ensign blue clean through his body's gone,


s: Until he flings him dead, on a high rock;


s: Next a rich duke he's gone to strike, Austore,


s: That held Valence and the Honour of the Rhone;


s: He's flung him dead; great joy the pagans shew.


s: Then say the Franks: "Of ours how many fall."


s: The count Rollanz, his sword with blood is stained,


s: Well has he heard what way the Franks complained;


s: Such grief he has, his heart would split in twain:


s: To the pagan says: "God send thee every shame!


s: One hast thou slain that dearly thou'lt repay."


s: He spurs his horse, that on with speed doth strain;


s: Which should forfeit, they both together came.


s: He'd never seen, yet knew him at a glance,


s: By the proud face and those fine limbs he had,


s: He could not help but he grew faint thereat,


s: Struck him the count, with so great virtue, that


s: To the nose-plate he's all the helmet cracked,


s: Sliced through the nose and mouth and teeth he has,


s: Hauberk close-mailed, and all the whole carcass,


s: Saddle of gold, with plates of silver flanked,


s: And of his horse has deeply scarred the back;


s: He's slain them both, they'll make no more attack:


s: Then say the Franks: "He strikes well, our warrant."


s: The Franks there strike with vigour and with heat,


s: Cutting through wrists and ribs and chines in-deed,


s: Through garments to the lively flesh beneath;


s: On the green grass the clear blood runs in streams.


s: The pagans say: "No more we'll suffer, we.


s: There was not one but cried then: "Marsilie,


s: Canter, O king, thy succour now we need!"


s: The Franks there strike, their good brown spears in hand.


s: Then had you seen such sorrowing of clans,


s: So many a slain, shattered and bleeding man!


s: Biting the earth, or piled there on their backs!


s: The Sarrazins cannot such loss withstand.


s: Will they or nill, from off the field draw back;


s: By lively force chase them away the Franks.


s: Their martyrdom, his men's, Marsile has seen,


s: So he bids sound his horns and his buccines;


s: Then canters forth with all his great army.


s: He fears not God, the Son of Saint Mary;


s: Black is that man as molten pitch that seethes;


s: Never has man beheld him sport for glee;


s: Yet vassalage he's shown, and great folly,


s: So is he dear to th' felon king Marsile;


s: Dragon he bears, to which his tribe rally.


s: That Archbishop could never love him, he;


s: Seeing him there, to strike he's very keen,


s: Rather I'ld die, than not slay him clean,


s: Sitting the horse which he took from Grossaille


s: --That was a king he had in Denmark slain;--


s: That charger is swift and of noble race;


s: Fine are his hooves, his legs are smooth and straight,


s: Short are his thighs, broad crupper he displays,


s: Long are his ribs, aloft his spine is raised,


s: White is his tail and yellow is his mane,


s: Little his ears, and tawny all his face;


s: No beast is there, can match him in a race.


s: So strikes that shield, is wonderfully arrayed,


s: Whereon are stones, amethyst and topaze,


s: So Turpin strikes, spares him not anyway;


s: After that blow, he's worth no penny wage;


s: The carcass he's sliced, rib from rib away,


s: So flings him down dead in an empty place.


s: Then say the Franks: "He has great vassalage,


s: With the Archbishop, surely the Cross is safe."


s: "Sir companion, witness you'll freely bear,


s: The Archbishop is a right good chevalier,


s: Well can he strike with lance and well with spear."


s: Answers that count: "Support to him we'll bear!"


s: Upon that word the Franks again make yare;


s: Hard are the blows, slaughter and suffering there,


s: For Christians too, most bitter grief and care.


s: With their good swords to strike and to slaughter!


s: And the Archbishop lays on there with his spear.


s: Those that are dead, men well may hold them dear.


s: In charters and in briefs is written clear,


s: Four thousand fell, and more, the tales declare.


s: Gainst four assaults easily did they fare,


s: But then the fifth brought heavy griefs to bear.


s: They all are slain, those Frankish chevaliers;


s: Only three-score, whom God was pleased to spare,


s: Before these die, they'll sell them very dear.


s: The count Rollant great loss of his men sees,


s: His companion Olivier calls, and speaks:


s: "Sir and comrade, in God's Name, That you keeps,


s: Such good vassals you see lie here in heaps;


s: For France the Douce, fair country, may we weep,


s: Ah!  King and friend, wherefore are you not here?


s: And by what means our news to him repeat?"


s: Rather I'ld die than shame come of this feat."


s: Then says Rollanz: "I'll wind this olifant,


s: If Charles hear, where in the pass he stands,


s: I pledge you now they will return, the Franks."


s: Says Oliver: "Great shame would come of that


s: That shall endure while each lives in the land,


s: When I implored, you would not do this act;


s: Doing it now, no raise from me you'll have:


s: So wind your horn but not by courage rash,


s: Seeing that both your arms with blood are splashed."


s: Answers that count: "Fine blows I've struck them back."


s: Then says Rollant: "Strong it is now, our battle;


s: I'll wind my horn, so the King hears it, Charles."


s: Says Oliver: "That act were not a vassal's.


s: When I implored you, comrade, you were wrathful.


s: Were the King here, we had not borne such damage.


s: Nor should we blame those with him there, his army."


s: Says Oliver: "Now by my beard, hereafter


s: She in her arms, I swear, shall never clasp you."


s: Then says Rollanz: "Wherefore so wroth with me?"


s: He answers him: "Comrade, it was your deed:


s: Vassalage comes by sense, and not folly;


s: Here are Franks dead, all for your trickery;


s: My lord were here now, had you trusted me,


s: And fought and won this battle then had we,


s: In your prowess, Rollanz, no good we've seen!


s: Charles the great in vain your aid will seek--


s: None such as he till God His Judgement speak;--


s: Here must you die, and France in shame be steeped;


s: Before this night great severance and grief."


s: That Archbishop has heard them, how they spoke,


s: His horse he pricks with his fine spurs of gold,


s: Coming to them he takes up his reproach:


s: "Sir Oliver, and you, Sir Rollant, both,


s: For God I pray, do not each other scold!


s: No help it were to us, the horn to blow,


s: But, none the less, it may be better so;


s: The King will come, with vengeance that he owes;


s: Our Franks here, each descending from his horse,


s: Will find us dead, and limb from body torn;


s: They'll take us hence, on biers and litters borne;


s: With pity and with grief for us they'll mourn;


s: They'll bury each in some old minster-close;


s: No wolf nor swine nor dog shall gnaw our bones."


s: Answers Rollant: "Sir, very well you spoke."


s: Rollant hath set the olifant to his mouth,


s: He grasps it well, and with great virtue sounds.


s: High are those peaks, afar it rings and loud,


s: Thirty great leagues they hear its echoes mount.


s: So Charles heard, and all his comrades round;


s: Then said that King: "Battle they do, our counts!"


s: The Count Rollanz, with sorrow and with pangs,


s: And with great pain sounded his olifant:


s: Out of his mouth the clear blood leaped and ran,


s: About his brain the very temples cracked.


s: Loud is its voice, that horn he holds in hand;


s: Charles hath heard, where in the pass he stands,


s: And Neimes hears, and listen all the Franks.


s: Then says the King: "I hear his horn, Rollant's;


s: He'ld never sound, but he were in combat."


s: Answers him Guenes "It is no battle, that.


s: Now are you old, blossoming white and blanched,


s: Yet by such words you still appear infant.


s: You know full well the great pride of Rollant


s: Noples he took, not waiting your command;


s: Thence issued forth the Sarrazins, a band


s: With vassalage had fought against Rollant;


s: A He slew them first, with Durendal his brand,


s: Then washed their blood with water from the land;


s: So what he'd done might not be seen of man.


s: He for a hare goes all day, horn in hand;


s: Before his peers in foolish jest he brags.


s: No race neath heav'n in field him dare attack.


s: So canter on!  Nay, wherefore hold we back?


s: The count Rollanz, though blood his mouth doth stain,


s: And burst are both the temples of his brain,


s: His olifant he sounds with grief and pain;


s: Charles hath heard, listen the Franks again.


s: "That horn," the King says, "hath a mighty strain!"


s: Answers Duke Neimes: "A baron blows with pain!


s: He is betrayed, by one that still doth feign.


s: Equip you, sir, cry out your old refrain,


s: Enough you've heard how Rollant doth complain."


s: That Emperour hath bid them sound their horns.


s: The Franks dismount, and dress themselves for war,


s: Put hauberks on, helmets and golden swords;


s: Fine shields they have, and spears of length and force


s: Scarlat and blue and white their ensigns float.


s: His charger mounts each baron of the host;


s: They spur with haste as through the pass they go.


s: Nor was there one but thus to 's neighbour spoke:


s: "Now, ere he die, may we see Rollant, so


s: Ranged by his side we'll give some goodly blows."


s: But what avail?  They've stayed too long below.


s: Their armour shines beneath the sun's clear ray,


s: Hauberks and helms throw off a dazzling flame,


s: And blazoned shields, flowered in bright array,


s: Also their spears, with golden ensigns gay.


s: And all the Franks with wonder and dismay;


s: There is not one can bitter tears restrain,


s: And for Rollant they're very sore afraid.


s: The King has bid them seize that county Guene,


s: And charged with him the scullions of his train;


s: The master-cook he's called, Besgun by name:


s: "Guard me him well, his felony is plain,


s: Who in my house vile treachery has made."


s: He holds him, and a hundred others takes


s: From the kitchen, both good and evil knaves;


s: Then Guenes beard and both his cheeks they shaved,


s: And four blows each with their closed fists they gave,


s: They trounced him well with cudgels and with staves,


s: And on his neck they clasped an iron chain;


s: So like a bear enchained they held him safe,


s: On a pack-mule they set him in his shame:


s: Kept him till Charles should call for him again.


s: High were the peaks and shadowy and grand,


s: The valleys deep, the rivers swiftly ran.


s: Trumpets they blew in rear and in the van,


s: And all the Franks dismay and wonder have;


s: There is not one but weeps and waxes sad


s: And all pray God that He will guard Rollant


s: Till in the field together they may stand;


s: There by his side they'll strike as well they can.


s: But what avail?  No good there is in that;


s: They're not in time; too long have they held back.


s: In his great rage on canters Charlemagne;


s: Over his sark his beard is flowing plain.


s: Barons of France, in haste they spur and strain;


s: There is not one that can his wrath contain


s: That they are not with Rollant the Captain,


s: Whereas he fights the Sarrazins of Spain.


s: If he be struck, will not one soul remain.


s: --God!  Sixty men are all now in his train!


s: Rollant regards the barren mountain-sides;


s: Dead men of France, he sees so many lie,


s: And weeps for them as fits a gentle knight:


s: "Lords and barons, may God to you be kind!


s: Ever you've served me, and so long a time,


s: By you Carlon hath conquered kingdoms wide;


s: That Emperour reared you for evil plight!


s: Douce land of France, o very precious clime,


s: Barons of France, for me I've seen you die,


s: And no support, no warrant could I find;


s: God be your aid, Who never yet hath lied!


s: I must not fail now, brother, by your side;


s: Save I be slain, for sorrow shall I die.


s: The count Rollanz, back to the field then hieing


s: Holds Durendal, and like a vassal striking


s: Faldrun of Pui has through the middle sliced,


s: With twenty-four of all they rated highest;


s: Was never man, for vengeance shewed such liking.


s: Even as a stag before the hounds goes flying,


s: Before Rollanz the pagans scatter, frightened.


s: Says the Archbishop: "You deal now very wisely!


s: Such valour should he shew that is bred knightly,


s: And beareth arms, and a good charger rideth;


s: In battle should be strong and proud and sprightly;


s: Or otherwise he is not worth a shilling,


s: Should be a monk in one of those old minsters,


s: Where, day, by day, he'ld pray for us poor sinners."


s: Answers Rollant: "Strike on; no quarter give them!"


s: Upon these words Franks are again beginning;


s: Very great loss they suffer then, the Christians.


s: The man who knows, for him there's no prison,


s: In such a fight with keen defence lays on;


s: Wherefore the Franks are fiercer than lions.


s: Sitting his horse, the which he calls Gaignon;


s: He spurs it well, going to strike Bevon,


s: That was the lord of Beaune and of Dijon,


s: His shield he breaks, his hauberk has undone,


s: The count Rollanz, being not far him from,


s: To th'pagan says: "Confound thee our Lord God!


s: So wrongfully you've slain my companions,


s: A blow you'll take, ere we apart be gone,


s: And of my sword the name I'll bid you con."


s: He goes to strike him, as a brave baron,


s: And his right hand the count clean slices off;


s: Then takes the head of Jursaleu the blond;


s: That will not leave the fight before they drop."


s: Says each to each: "Nay let us fly!"  Upon


s: That word, they're fled, an hundred thousand gone;


s: Call them who may, they'll never more come on.


s: But what avail?  Though fled be Marsilies,


s: He's left behind his uncle, the alcaliph


s: The blackamoors from there are in his keep,


s: Broad in the nose they are and flat in the ear,


s: These canter forth with arrogance and heat,


s: Then they cry out the pagans' rallying-cheer;


s: And Rollant says: "Martyrdom we'll receive;


s: Not long to live, I know it well, have we;


s: Felon he's named that sells his body cheap!


s: Strike on, my lords, with burnished swords and keen;


s: Contest each inch your life and death between,


s: That neer by us Douce France in shame be steeped.


s: When Charles my lord shall come into this field,


s: For one of ours he'll find them dead fifteen;


s: He will not fail, but bless us all in peace."


s: When Rollant sees those misbegotten men,


s: Who are more black than ink is on the pen


s: With no part white, only their teeth except,


s: Then says that count: "I know now very well


s: That here to die we're bound, as I can tell.


s: Strike on, the Franks!  For so I recommend."


s: Says Oliver: "Who holds back, is condemned!"


s: Upon those words, the Franks to strike again.


s: Franks are but few; which, when the pagans know,


s: Among themselves comfort and pride they shew;


s: Says each to each: "Wrong was that Emperor."


s: And pricked it well with both his spurs of gold;


s: Struck Oliver, behind, on the back-bone,


s: Clean through his breast the thrusting spear he drove;


s: After he said: "You've borne a mighty blow.


s: Charles the great should not have left you so;


s: He's done us wrong, small thanks to him we owe;


s: I've well avenged all ours on you alone."


s: Holds Halteclere, whose steel is rough and brown,


s: Strikes the alcaliph on his helm's golden mount;


s: Flowers and stones fall clattering to the ground,


s: Slices his head, to th'small teeth in his mouth;


s: So brandishes his blade and flings him down;


s: Thou'lt never say that Charles forsakes me now;


s: Nor to thy wife, nor any dame thou'st found,


s: Thou'lt never boast, in lands where thou wast crowned,


s: One pennyworth from me thou'st taken out,


s: Nor damage wrought on me nor any around."


s: After, for aid, "Rollant!" he cries aloud.


s: Oliver feels that death is drawing nigh;


s: To avenge himself he hath no longer time;


s: Through the great press most gallantly he strikes,


s: He breaks their spears, their buckled shields doth slice,


s: Their feet, their fists, their shoulders and their sides,


s: Dismembers them: whoso had seen that sigh,


s: Charles ensign he'll not forget it quite;


s: Aloud and clear "Monjoie" again he cries.


s: To call Rollanz, his friend and peer, he tries:


s: With bitter grief we must us now divide."


s: Then Rollant looked upon Olivier's face;


s: Which was all wan and colourless and pale,


s: While the clear blood, out of his body sprayed,


s: Upon the ground gushed forth and ran away.


s: "God!" said that count, "What shall I do or say?


s: My companion, gallant for such ill fate!


s: Neer shall man be, against thee could prevail.


s: Ah!  France the Douce, henceforth art thou made waste


s: Of vassals brave, confounded and disgraced!


s: Our Emperour shall suffer damage great."


s: And with these words upon his horse he faints.


s: You'd seen Rollant aswoon there in his seat,


s: So much he's bled, his eyes are dim and weak;


s: Nor clear enough his vision, far or near,


s: His companion, when each the other meets,


s: Slicing it down from there to the nose-piece,


s: But not his head; he's touched not brow nor cheek.


s: At such a blow Rollant regards him keen,


s: And asks of him, in gentle tones and sweet:


s: "To do this thing, my comrade, did you mean?


s: This is Rollanz, who ever held you dear;


s: I see you not: may the Lord God you keep!


s: I struck you now: and for your pardon plead."


s: Answers Rollanz: "I am not hurt, indeed;


s: I pardon you, before God's Throne and here."


s: Upon these words, each to the other leans;


s: And in such love you had their parting seen.


s: Oliver feels death's anguish on him now;


s: And in his head his two eyes swimming round;


s: Nothing he sees; he hears not any sound;


s: Dismounting then, he kneels upon the ground,


s: Proclaims his sins both firmly and aloud,


s: Clasps his two hands, heavenwards holds them out,


s: Blessings on Charles, and on Douce France he vows,


s: And his comrade, Rollanz, to whom he's bound.


s: Then his heart fails; his helmet nods and bows;


s: Upon the earth he lays his whole length out:


s: And he is dead, may stay no more, that count.


s: Rollanz the brave mourns him with grief profound;


s: Nowhere on earth so sad a man you'd found.


s: So Rollant's friend is dead whom when he sees


s: Face to the ground, and biting it with's teeth,


s: "Unlucky, friend, your courage was indeed!


s: Together we have spent such days and years;


s: No harmful thing twixt thee and me has been.


s: Now thou art dead, and all my life a grief."


s: And with these words again he swoons, that chief,


s: Upon his horse, which he calls Veillantif;


s: Stirrups of gold support him underneath;


s: Soon as Rollant his senses won and knew,


s: Bitter great loss appeared there in his view:


s: Dead are the Franks; he'd all of them to lose,


s: Save the Archbishop, and save Gualter del Hum;


s: He is come down out of the mountains, who


s: Gainst Spanish men made there a great ado;


s: Dead are his men, for those the pagans slew;


s: Will he or nill, along the vales he flew,


s: And called Rollant, to bring him succour soon:


s: "Ah!  Gentle count, brave soldier, where are you?


s: Broken my spear, and split my shield in two;


s: Gone is the mail that on my hauberk grew;


s: This body of mine eight lances have gone through;


s: I'm dying.  Yet full price for life I took."


s: Rollant has heard these words and understood,


s: Has spurred his horse, and on towards him drew.


s: Grief gives Rollanz intolerance and pride;


s: Through the great press he goes again to strike;


s: To slay a score of Spaniards he contrives,


s: Gualter has six, the Archbishop other five.


s: The pagans say: "Men, these, of felon kind!


s: Lordings, take care they go not hence alive!


s: Felon he's named that does not break their line,


s: Recreant, who lets them any safety find!"


s: From every part they come to break the line.


s: Count Rollant is a noble and brave soldier,


s: Gualter del Hum's a right good chevalier,


s: That Archbishop hath shewn good prowess there;


s: None of them falls behind the other pair;


s: Through the great press, pagans they strike again.


s: And on horseback some forty thousand men.


s: But well I know, to approach they never dare;


s: Lances and spears they poise to hurl at them,


s: Arrows, barbs, darts and javelins in the air.


s: With the first flight they've slain our Gualtier;


s: Turpin of Reims has all his shield broken,


s: And cracked his helm; he's wounded in the head,


s: From his hauberk the woven mail they tear,


s: In his body four spear-wounds doth he bear;


s: Beneath him too his charger's fallen dead.


s: Great grief it was, when that Archbishop fell.


s: Turpin of Reims hath felt himself undone,


s: Since that four spears have through his body come;


s: Looks for Rollant, and then towards him runs,


s: While life remains, no good vassal gives up."


s: He's drawn Almace, whose steel was brown and rough,


s: Through the great press a thousand blows he's struck:


s: As Charles said, quarter he gave to none;


s: He found him there, four hundred else among,


s: Wounded the most, speared through the middle some,


s: Also there were from whom the heads he'd cut:


s: So tells the tale, he that was there says thus,


s: The brave Saint Giles, whom God made marvellous,


s: Who charters wrote for th' Minster at Loum;


s: Nothing he's heard that does not know this much.


s: The count Rollanz has nobly fought and well,


s: Great pain he has, and trouble in his head,


s: His temples burst when he the horn sounded;


s: But he would know if Charles will come to them,


s: Takes the olifant, and feebly sounds again.


s: That Emperour stood still and listened then:


s: "My lords," said he, "Right evilly we fare!


s: This day Rollanz, my nephew shall be dead:


s: I hear his horn, with scarcely any breath.


s: Your trumpets sound, as many as ye bear!"


s: The mountains ring, the valleys answer them.


s: The pagans hear, they think it not a jest;


s: Says each to each: "Carlum doth us bestead."


s: The pagans say: "That Emperour's at hand,


s: We hear their sound, the trumpets of the Franks;


s: If Charles come, great loss we then shall stand,


s: And wars renewed, unless we slay Rollant;


s: All Spain we'll lose, our own clear father-land."


s: Four hundred men of them in helmets stand;


s: The best of them that might be in their ranks


s: Make on Rollanz a grim and fierce attack;


s: Gainst these the count had well enough in hand.


s: The count Rollanz, when their approach he sees


s: Is grown so bold and manifest and fierce


s: So long as he's alive he will not yield.


s: He sits his horse, which men call Veillantif,


s: Pricking him well with golden spurs beneath,


s: Through the great press he goes, their line to meet,


s: And by his side is the Archbishop Turpin.


s: "Now, friend, begone!" say pagans, each to each;


s: "These Frankish men, their horns we plainly hear


s: Charle is at hand, that King in Majesty."


s: The count Rollanz has never loved cowards,


s: That Archbishop, Turpins, he calls apart:


s: "Sir, you're afoot, and I my charger have;


s: For love of you, here will I take my stand,


s: Together we'll endure things good and bad;


s: I'll leave you not, for no incarnate man:


s: We'll give again these pagans their attack;


s: The better blows are those from Durendal."


s: Says the Archbishop: "Shame on him that holds back!


s: Charle is at hand, full vengeance he'll exact."


s: For we have lost our peers and all our lords.


s: Charles his great host once more upon us draws,


s: Of Frankish men we plainly hear the horns,


s: "Monjoie" they cry, and great is their uproar.


s: The count Rollant is of such pride and force


s: Let's aim at him, then leave him on the spot!"


s: And aim they did: with arrows long and short,


s: Lances and spears and feathered javelots;


s: Count Rollant's shield they've broken through and bored,


s: The woven mail have from his hauberk torn,


s: But not himself, they've never touched his corse;


s: Beneath the count he's fallen dead, that horse.


s: Pagans are fled, and leave him on the spot;


s: The count Rollant stands on his feet once more.


s: Home into Spain with speed they make their way;


s: The count Rollanz, he has not given chase,


s: For Veillantif, his charger, they have slain;


s: Will he or nill, on foot he must remain.


s: To the Archbishop, Turpins, he goes with aid;


s: I   He's from his head the golden helm unlaced,


s: And cut the gown in strips, was round his waist;


s: On his great wounds the pieces of it placed,


s: Then to his heart has caught him and embraced;


s: On the green grass he has him softly laid,


s: Most sweetly then to him has Rollant prayed:


s: "Ah!  Gentle sir, give me your leave, I say;


s: Our companions, whom we so dear appraised,


s: Are now all dead; we cannot let them stay;


s: I will go seek and bring them to this place,


s: Arrange them here in ranks, before your face."


s: Said the Archbishop: "Go, and return again.


s: This field is yours and mine now; God be praised!"


s: So Rollanz turns; through the field, all alone,


s: Searching the vales and mountains, he is gone;


s: To the Archbishop with each of them he comes,


s: That Archbishop, he cannot help but sob,


s: After he's said: "Unlucky, Lords, your lot!


s: But all your souls He'll lay, our Glorious God,


s: For my own death such anguish now I've got;


s: So Rollant turns, goes through the field in quest;


s: He has embraced him close against his breast,


s: To the Archbishop returns as he can best;


s: Upon a shield he's laid him, by the rest;


s: And the Archbishop has them absolved and blest:


s: Then says Rollanz: "Fair comrade Olivier,


s: You were the son of the good count Reinier,


s: Who held the march by th' Vale of Runier;


s: To shatter spears, through buckled shields to bear,


s: And from hauberks the mail to break and tear,


s: Proof men to lead, and prudent counsel share,


s: Gluttons in field to frighten and conquer,


s: The count Rollanz, when dead he saw his peers,


s: No longer could he stand, for so much grief,


s: Will he or nill, he swooned upon the field.


s: Said the Archbishop: "Unlucky lord, indeed!"


s: When the Archbishop beheld him swoon, Rollant,


s: Never before such bitter grief he'd had;


s: Stretching his hand, he took that olifant.


s: He would go there, fetch water for Rollant.


s: Went step by step, to stumble soon began,


s: So feeble he is, no further fare he can,


s: For too much blood he's lost, and no strength has;


s: His heart grows faint, he falls down forwards and


s: Death comes to him with very cruel pangs.


s: The count Rollanz wakes from his swoon once more,


s: Climbs to his feet; his pains are very sore;


s: Looks down the vale, looks to the hills above;


s: On the green grass, beyond his companions,


s: 'Tis the Archbishop, whom in His name wrought God;


s: There he proclaims his sins, and looks above;


s: Joins his two hands, to Heaven holds them forth,


s: And Paradise prays God to him to accord.


s: The count Rollant sees the Archbishop lie dead,


s: And sees the brains that surge from his forehead;


s: Between his two arm-pits, upon his breast,


s: Crossways he folds those hands so white and fair.


s: Then mourns aloud, as was the custom there:


s: "Thee, gentle sir, chevalier nobly bred,


s: Neer shall man be, that will Him serve so well;


s: Since the Apostles was never such prophet,


s: To hold the laws and draw the hearts of men.


s: Now may your soul no pain nor sorrow ken,


s: Then Rollanz feels that death to him draws near,


s: For all his brain is issued from his ears;


s: He prays to God that He will call the peers,


s: Bids Gabriel, the angel, t' himself appear.


s: Takes the olifant, that no reproach shall hear,


s: And Durendal in the other hand he wields;


s: Further than might a cross-bow's arrow speed


s: Climbs on a cliff; where, under two fair trees,


s: Four terraces, of marble wrought, he sees.


s: There he falls down, and lies upon the green;


s: He swoons again, for death is very near.


s: High are the peaks, the trees are very high.


s: On the green grass count Rollant swoons thereby.


s: Who feigning death among the others hides;


s: Blood hath his face and all his body dyed;


s: He gets afoot, running towards him hies;


s: Fair was he, strong and of a courage high;


s: A mortal hate he's kindled in his pride.


s: He's seized Rollant, and the arms, were at his side,


s: "Charles nephew," he's said, "here conquered lies.


s: To Araby I'll bear this sword as prize."


s: As he drew it, something the count descried.


s: So Rollant felt his sword was taken forth,


s: Opened his eyes, and this word to him spoke


s: "Thou'rt never one of ours, full well I know."


s: Took the olifant, that he would not let go,


s: And broke its steel, his skull and all his bones,


s: Out of his head both the two eyes he drove;


s: Dead at his feet he has the pagan thrown:


s: After he's said: "Culvert, thou wert too bold,


s: Or right or wrong, of my sword seizing hold!


s: They'll dub thee fool, to whom the tale is told.


s: Fallen from it the crystal and the gold."


s: Then Rollanz feels that he has lost his sight,


s: Climbs to his feet, uses what strength he might;


s: In all his face the colour is grown white.


s: In front of him a great brown boulder lies;


s: Whereon ten blows with grief and rage he strikes;


s: The steel cries out, but does not break outright;


s: And the count says: "Saint Mary, be my guide


s: I've need of you no more; spent is my pride!


s: We in the field have won so many fights,


s: That Charles holds, whose beard is hoary white!


s: Be you not his that turns from any in flight!


s: A good vassal has held you this long time;


s: Never shall France the Free behold his like."


s: Rollant hath struck the sardonyx terrace;


s: The steel cries out, but broken is no ways.


s: "Ah!  Durendal, white art thou, clear of stain!


s: Beneath the sun reflecting back his rays!


s: Girt thee on me that noble King and great.


s: I won for him with thee Anjou, Bretaigne,


s: And won for him with thee Peitou, the Maine,


s: And Lumbardie and all the whole Romaigne,


s: I won Baivere, all Flanders in the plain,


s: Also Burguigne and all the whole Puillane,


s: Costentinnople, that homage to him pays;


s: With thee I won him Scotland, Ireland, Wales,


s: England also, where he his chamber makes;


s: Won I with thee so many countries strange


s: That Charles holds, whose beard is white with age!


s: For this sword's sake sorrow upon me weighs,


s: Rather I'ld die, than it mid pagans stay.


s: Lord God Father, never let France be shamed!"


s: Rollant his stroke on a dark stone repeats,


s: And more of it breaks off than I can speak.


s: The sword cries out, yet breaks not in the least,


s: Back from the blow into the air it leaps.


s: Destroy it can he not; which when he sees,


s: Within himself he makes a plaint most sweet.


s: Saint Peter's Tooth, the Blood of Saint Basile,


s: Some of the Robe, was worn by Saint Mary.


s: It is not right that pagans should thee seize,


s: For Christian men your use shall ever be.


s: Many broad lands with you have I retrieved


s: Which Charles holds, who hath the great white beard;


s: Wherefore that King so proud and rich is he."


s: But Rollant felt that death had made a way


s: Down from his head till on his heart it lay;


s: Beneath a pine running in haste he came,


s: On the green grass he lay there on his face;


s: His olifant and sword beneath him placed,


s: Turning his head towards the pagan race,


s: Now this he did, in truth, that Charles might say


s: (As he desired) and all the Franks his race;--


s: 'Ah, gentle count; conquering he was slain!'--


s: He owned his faults often and every way,


s: And for his sins his glove to God upraised.


s: But Rollant feels he's no more time to seek;


s: Looking to Spain, he lies on a sharp peak,


s: And with one hand upon his breast he beats:


s: Me from my sins, the mortal and the mean,


s: Which from the hour that I was born have been


s: Until this day, when life is ended here!"


s: Holds out his glove towards God, as he speaks


s: Angels descend from heaven on that scene.


s: The count Rollanz, beneath a pine he sits;


s: Turning his eyes towards Spain, he begins


s: And France the Douce, the heroes of his kin,


s: And Charlemagne, his lord who nourished him.


s: Nor can he help but weep and sigh at this.


s: But his own self, he's not forgotten him,


s: He owns his faults, and God's forgiveness bids:


s: Saint Lazaron from death Thou didst remit,


s: And from the sins I did in life commit!"


s: His right-hand glove, to God he offers it


s: Saint Gabriel from's hand hath taken it.


s: Over his arm his head bows down and slips,


s: He joins his hands: and so is life finish'd.


s: So the count's soul they bare to Paradis.


s: Rollant is dead; his soul to heav'n God bare.


s: Nor of waste ground no ell nor foot to spare


s: Charles cries aloud: "Where are you, nephew fair?


s: Where's the Archbishop and that count Oliviers?


s: Where's old Gerard of Russillun; oh, where


s: But what avail, since none can answer bear?


s: "God!" says the King, "Now well may I despair,


s: I was not here the first assault to share!"


s: Seeming enraged, his beard the King doth tear.


s: Weep from their eyes barons and chevaliers,


s: A thousand score, they swoon upon the earth;


s: Duke Neimes for them was moved with pity rare.


s: They mourn their sons, their brothers, their nephews,


s: And their liege lords, and trusty friends and true;


s: Thereon Duke Neimes doth act with wisdom proof,


s: First before all he's said to the Emperour:


s: "See beforehand, a league from us or two,


s: From the highways dust rising in our view;


s: Canter therefore!  Vengeance upon them do!"


s: "Ah, God!" says Charles, "so far are they re-moved!


s: They've torn from me the flower of France the Douce."


s: "Guard me this field, these hills and valleys too,


s: Let the dead lie, all as they are, unmoved,


s: Let not approach esquire, nor any groom;


s: These answer him sweetly, their love to prove:


s: "Right Emperour, dear Sire, so will we do."


s: A thousand knights they keep in retinue.


s: That Emperour bids trumpets sound again,


s: Then canters forth with his great host so brave.


s: Of Spanish men, whose backs are turned their way,


s: Franks one and all continue in their chase.


s: When the King sees the light at even fade,


s: On the green grass dismounting as he may,


s: He kneels aground, to God the Lord doth pray


s: That the sun's course He will for him delay,


s: Put off the night, and still prolong the day.


s: An angel then, with him should reason make,


s: Nimbly enough appeared to him and spake:


s: "Charles, canter on!  Light needst not thou await.


s: The flower of France, as God knows well, is slain;


s: Thou canst be avenged upon that crimeful race."


s: Upon that word mounts the Emperour again.


s: For Charlemagne a great marvel God planned:


s: Making the sun still in his course to stand.


s: So pagans fled, and chased them well the Franks


s: Through the Valley of Shadows, close in hand;


s: Towards Sarraguce by force they chased them back,


s: And as they went with killing blows attacked:


s: Barred their highways and every path they had.


s: The River Sebre before them reared its bank,


s: 'Twas very deep, marvellous current ran;


s: No barge thereon nor dromond nor caland.


s: A god of theirs invoked they, Tervagant.


s: And then leaped in, but there no warrant had.


s: The armed men more weighty were for that,


s: Downstream the rest floated as they might hap;


s: So much water the luckiest of them drank,


s: That all were drowned, with marvellous keen pangs.


s: "An evil day," cry Franks, "ye saw Rollant!"


s: When Charles sees that pagans all are dead,


s: Some of them slain, the greater part drowned;


s: (Whereby great spoils his chevaliers collect)


s: That gentle King upon his feet descends,


s: Kneels on the ground, his thanks to God presents.


s: Says the Emperour "Time is to pitch our tents;


s: Unsaddle them, take bridles from their heads,


s: And through these meads let them refreshment get."


s: Answer the Franks: "Sire, you have spoken well."


s: The Franks dismount in those deserted tracts,


s: Their saddles take from off their horses' backs,


s: Bridles of gold from off their heads unstrap,


s: Let them go free; there is enough fresh grass--


s: No service can they render them, save that.


s: Who is most tired sleeps on the ground stretched flat.


s: Upon this night no sentinels keep watch.


s: By's head, so brave, he's placed his mighty spear;


s: He's donned his white hauberk, with broidery,


s: Girt on Joiuse, there never was its peer,


s: Whereon each day thirty fresh hues appear.


s: All of us know that lance, and well may speak


s: Whereby Our Lord was wounded on the Tree:


s: Charles, by God's grace, possessed its point of steel!


s: His golden hilt he enshrined it underneath.


s: The name Joiuse was for that sword decreed.


s: Whence comes the ensign "Monjoie," they cry at need;


s: Wherefore no race against them can succeed.


s: Clear was the night, the moon shone radiant.


s: Charles laid him down, but sorrow for Rollant


s: For's dozen peers, for all the Frankish band


s: He could not help, but wept and waxed mad,


s: And prayed to God to be their souls' Warrant.


s: Weary that King, or grief he's very sad;


s: He falls on sleep, he can no more withstand.


s: Through all those meads they slumber then, the Franks;


s: Who would eat grass, he takes it lying flat.


s: He has learned much, can understand their pangs.


s: Charles, like a man worn out with labour, slept.


s: Saint Gabriel the Lord to him hath sent,


s: Whom as a guard o'er the Emperour he set;


s: Stood all night long that angel by his head.


s: A battle, should be fought against him yet,


s: Charles looked up towards the sky, and there


s: Thunders and winds and blowing gales beheld,


s: Lightnings and flames he saw in readiness,


s: Apple and ash, their spear-shafts all burned,


s: Also their shields, e'en the golden bosses,


s: Crumbled the shafts of their trenchant lances,


s: Crushed their hauberks and all their steel helmets.


s: His chevaliers he saw in great distress.


s: Bears and leopards would feed upon them next;


s: Adversaries, dragons, wyverns, serpents,


s: Griffins were there, thirty thousand, no less,


s: Nor was there one but on some Frank it set.


s: And the Franks cried: "Ah!  Charlemagne, give help!"


s: Wherefore the King much grief and pity felt,


s: He'ld go to them but was in duress kept:


s: 'Twas very proud and fierce and terrible;


s: His body dear sought out, and on him leapt,


s: Each in his arms, wrestling, the other held;


s: But he knew not which conquered, nor which fell.


s: That Emperour woke not at all, but slept.


s: Himseemed in France, at Aix, on a terrace,


s: Out of Ardenne saw thirty bears that came,


s: And each of them words, as a man might, spake


s: Said to him: "Sire, give him to us again!


s: It is not right that he with you remain,


s: He's of our kin, and we must lend him aid."


s: Among them all the greatest bear assailed


s: On the green grass, beyond his friends some way.


s: There saw the King marvellous give and take;


s: But he knew not which fell, nor which o'ercame.


s: The angel of God so much to him made plain.


s: Charles slept on till the clear dawn of day.


s: His sword and sark and helm aside he put,


s: On the green grass lay down in shame and gloom;


s: For his right hand he'd lost, 'twas clean cut through;


s: Such blood he'd shed, in anguish keen he swooned.


s: Bewailed and cried, with very bitter rue;


s: Twenty thousand and more around him stood,


s: All of them cursed Carlun and France the Douce.


s: And threaten him, and ugly words pronounce:


s: "Such shame on us, vile god!, why bringest thou?


s: This is our king; wherefore dost him confound?


s: Who served thee oft, ill recompense hath found."


s: Then they take off his sceptre and his crown,


s: With their hands hang him from a column down,


s: Among their feet trample him on the ground,


s: With great cudgels they batter him and trounce.


s: From Tervagant his carbuncle they impound,


s: Where swine and dogs defile him and devour.


s: And has him borne his vaulted roof beneath;


s: And Bramimunde laments for him, the queen,


s: Tearing her hair; caitiff herself she clepes;


s: Also these words cries very loud and clear:


s: "Ah!  Sarraguce, henceforth forlorn thou'lt be


s: Of the fair king that had thee in his keep!


s: All those our gods have wrought great felony,


s: Who in battle this morning failed at need.


s: Unless he fight against that race hardy,


s: Who are so fierce, for life they take no heed.


s: That Emperour, with his blossoming beard,


s: Great grief it is, no man may slay him clean."


s: I  Full seven years in Spain now has he been,


s: And castles there, and many cities seized.


s: King Marsilies was therefore sore displeased;


s: In the first year he sealed and sent his brief


s: To Sarraguce, with succour bade him speed,


s: For, if he failed, Marsile his gods would leave,


s: Long time that one came not, far off was he.


s: Through forty realms he did his tribes rally;


s: His great dromonds, he made them all ready,


s: Barges and skiffs and ships and galleries;


s: That was in May, first summer of the year,


s: All of his hosts he launched upon the sea.


s: Great are the hosts of that opposed race;


s: With speed they sail, they steer and navigate.


s: High on their yards, at their mast-heads they place


s: Lanterns enough, and carbuncles so great


s: Thence, from above, such light they dissipate


s: The sea's more clear at midnight than by day.


s: And when they come into the land of Spain


s: All that country lightens and shines again:


s: Of their coming Marsile has heard the tale.


s: The pagan race would never rest, but come


s: Out of the sea, where the sweet waters run;


s: They leave Marbris, they leave behind Marbrus,


s: Upstream by Sebre doth all their navy turn.


s: Lanterns they have, and carbuncles enough,


s: That all night long and very clearly burn.


s: Counts too, and dukes; I cannot tell of that.


s: Where in a field, midway, a laurel stands,


s: On the green grass they spread a white silk mat,


s: Set a fald-stool there, made of olifant;


s: And all the rest in rows about him stand.


s: "Listen to me, free knights and valiant!


s: Shall not eat bread, save when that I command.


s: Throughout all Spain great war with me he's had;


s: I will go seek him now, into Douce France,


s: I will not cease, while I'm a living man,


s: Till be slain, or fall between my hands."


s: Upon his knee his right-hand glove he slaps.


s: He is fast bound by all that he has said.


s: He will not fail, for all the gold neath heav'n,


s: But go to Aix, where Charles court is held:


s: His men applaud, for so they counselled.


s: Against the Franks I'm come to give him help,


s: Find I their host, great battle shall be there;


s: Give him this glove, that's stitched with golden thread,


s: On his right hand let it be worn and held;


s: This little wand of fine gold take as well,


s: Bid him come here, his homage to declare.


s: To France I'll go, and war with Charles again;


s: Save at my feet he kneel, and mercy beg,


s: Save all the laws of Christians he forget,


s: I'll take away the crown from off his head."


s: Answer pagans: "Sire, you say very well."


s: Take one the wand, and the other one the glove!"


s: These answer him: "Dear lord, it shall be done."


s: Pass through ten gates, across four bridges run,


s: Through all the streets, wherein the burghers crowd.


s: From the palace they hear a mighty sound;


s: About that place are seen pagans enough,


s: Who weep and cry, with grief are waxen wood,


s: And curse their gods, Tervagan and Mahum


s: Says each to each: "Caitiffs!  What shall be done?


s: For yesterday his hand count Rollanz cut;


s: We'll have no more Fair Jursaleu, his son;


s: The whole of Spain henceforward is undone."


s: Both messengers on the terrace dismount.


s: Which by the reins two Sarrazins do lead;


s: Those messengers have wrapped them in their weeds,


s: To the palace they climb the topmost steep.


s: When they're come in, the vaulted roof beneath,


s: Preserve the, king and guard from harm the queen!"


s: Says Bramimunde "Great foolishness I hear:


s: Those gods of ours in cowardice are steeped;


s: In Rencesvals they wrought an evil deed,


s: Our chevaliers they let be slain in heaps;


s: My lord they failed in battle, in his need,


s: For that rich count, Rollanz, hath made him bleed.


s: All our whole Spain shall be for Charles to keep.


s: Alas!  That I've no man to slay me clean!"


s: To Marsilies, he says, he'll be warrant,


s: So sends him here his glove, also this wand.


s: Vessels we have, are moored by Sebres bank,


s: Barges and skiffs and gallies four thousand,


s: Dromonds are there--I cannot speak of that.


s: And Charlemagne he will go seek through France


s: And quittance give him, dead or recreant."


s: Says Bramimunde: "Unlucky journey, that!


s: Far nearer here you'll light upon the Franks;


s: For seven years he's stayed now in this land.


s: Rather he'ld die than from the field draw back;


s: No king neath heav'n above a child he ranks.


s: Charles hath no fear for any living man.


s: Says Marsilies the king: "Now let that be."


s: To th'messengers: "Sirs, pray you, speak to me.


s: That one I had, they slew him yester-eve.


s: Bid you my lord, he come to see me here.


s: My claim to him, if he will take't, I yield;


s: But from the Franks he then must set her free.


s: Gainst Charlemagne I'll shew him strategy.


s: Within a month from now he'll conquered be.


s: He'll go not hence, say, if he trusts in me."


s: They answer him: "Sir, 'tis the truth you speak."


s: Then says Marsile: "The Emperour, Charles the Great


s: Hath slain my men and all my land laid waste,


s: I've counted well, 'tis seven leagues away.


s: Bid the admiral, leading his host this way,


s: Do battle here; this word to him convey."


s: Gives them the keys of Sarraguce her gates;


s: Both messengers their leave of him do take,


s: Both messengers did on their horses mount;


s: Then, sore afraid, their admiral they sought,


s: To whom the keys of Sarraguce they brought.


s: Says Baligant: "Speak now; what have ye found?


s: Where's Marsilies, to come to me was bound?"


s: Says Clarien: "To death he's stricken down.


s: To France the Douce he would be homeward-bound,


s: Rereward he set, to save his great honour:


s: His nephew there installed, Rollanz the count,


s: A thousand score of Franks in armour found.


s: Marsile the king fought with them there, so proud;


s: He and Rollanz upon that field did joust.


s: From his body he cut the right hand down.


s: His son is dead, in whom his heart was bound,


s: And the barons that service to him vowed;


s: Fleeing he came, he could no more hold out.


s: The king implores, you'll hasten with succour,


s: Yields to you Spain, his kingdom and his crown."


s: And Baligant begins to think, and frowns;


s: Such grief he has, doth nearly him confound.


s: The dozen peers whom Charle so cherished,


s: And of their Franks are twenty thousand dead.


s: King Marsilie's of his right hand bereft,


s: And the Emperour chased him enow from thence.


s: Throughout this land no chevalier is left,


s: But he be slain, or drowned in Sebres bed.


s: By river side the Franks have pitched their tents,


s: Into this land so near to us they've crept;


s: But, if you will, grief shall go with them hence."


s: And Baligant looked on him proudly then,


s: From the fald-stool upon his feet he leapt,


s: Then cried aloud:  "Barons, too long ye've slept;


s: Forth from your ships issue, mount, canter well!


s: If he flee not, that Charlemagne the eld,


s: King Marsilies shall somehow be avenged;


s: For his right hand I'll pay him back an head."


s: Then mount upon their horses and their mules,


s: And canter forth, (nay, what more might they do?)


s: Their admiral, by whom they all were ruled,


s: Called up to him Gemalfin, whom he knew:


s: "I give command of all my hosts to you."


s: On a brown horse mounted, as he was used,


s: And in his train he took with him four dukes.


s: Where four counts were, who by his stirrup stood;


s: To meet him there came running Bramimunde,


s: Who said to him: "Accursed from the womb,


s: That in such shame my sovran lord I lose!


s: Fell at his feet, that admiral her took.


s: In grief they came up into Marsile's room.


s: Calls to him then two Spanish Sarazands:


s: "Take me by the arms, and so lift up my back."


s: One of his gloves he takes in his left hand;


s: Then says Marsile: "Sire, king and admiral,


s: Quittance I give you here of all my land,


s: With Sarraguce, and the honour thereto hangs.


s: He answers him: "Therefore the more I'm sad.


s: Full well I know, Charles waits not our attack,


s: I take the glove from you, in spite of that."


s: He turned away in tears, such grief he had.


s: Down by the steps, out of the palace ran,


s: Mounted his horse, to's people gallopped back.


s: Cantered so far, he came before his band;


s: From hour to hour then, as he went, he sang:


s: "Pagans, come on: already flee the Franks!"


s: In morning time, when the dawn breaks at last,


s: Saint Gabriel, who on God's part him guards,


s: Raises his hand, the Sign upon him marks.


s: Rises the King, his arms aside he's cast,


s: The others then, through all the host, disarm.


s: Through those long ways, and through those roads so large;


s: In Rencesvals, there where the battle was.


s: Begins to weep for those he finds there dead;


s: Says to the Franks:  "My lords, restrain your steps,


s: Vaunted them there my valiant chevaliers,


s: With reason thus I heard Rollant speak then:


s: Ere he'd surpassed his peers and all his men.


s: To the foes' land he would have turned his head,


s: Conqueringly his gallant life he'ld end."


s: Further than one a little wand could send,


s: When the Emperour went seeking his nephew,


s: He found the grass, and every flower that bloomed,


s: Turned scarlat, with our barons' blood imbrued;


s: Pity he felt, he could but weep for rue.


s: Beneath two trees he climbed the hill and looked,


s: And Rollant's strokes on three terraces knew,


s: On the green grass saw lying his nephew;


s: `Tis nothing strange that Charles anger grew.


s: Dismounted then, and went--his heart was full,


s: In his two hands the count's body he took;


s: With anguish keen he fell on him and swooned.


s: That Emperour is from his swoon revived.


s: Take up the King, bear him beneath a pine.


s: There on the ground he sees his nephew lie.


s: "Rollant, my friend, may God to thee be kind!


s: Charle swoons again, he cannot stand upright.


s: Charles the King returned out of his swoon.


s: Him in their hands four of his barons took,


s: He looked to the earth, saw lying his nephew;


s: He turned his eyes, were very shadowful.


s: "Rollant, my friend, God lay thee mid the blooms


s: Thou cam'st to Spain in evil tide, seigneur!


s: Day shall not dawn, for thee I've no dolour.


s: None shall I have now to sustain my honour;


s: I think I've not one friend neath heaven's roof,


s: Kinsmen I have, but none of them's so proof."


s: He tore his locks, till both his hands were full.


s: Five score thousand Franks had such great dolour


s: There was not one but sorely wept for rue.


s: "Rollant, my friend, to France I will away;


s: Strange men will come from many far domains,


s: Who'll ask me, where's that count, the Capitain;


s: I'll say to them that he is dead in Spain.


s: In bitter grief henceforward shall I reign,


s: Day shall not dawn, I weep not nor complain.


s: "Rollant, my friend, fair youth that bar'st the bell,


s: Men coming there will ask what news I tell;


s: I'll say to them: `Marvellous news and fell.


s: My nephew's dead, who won for me such realms!'


s: Romain, Puillain, all those are in Palerne,


s: Afresh then will my pain and suffrance swell.


s: For who will lead my armies with such strength,


s: When he is slain, that all our days us led?


s: Ah!  France the Douce, now art thou deserted!


s: Such grief I have that I would fain be dead."


s: All his white beard he hath begun to rend,


s: Tore with both hands the hair out of his head.


s: Five score thousand Franks swooned on the earth and fell.


s: "Rollant, my friend, God shew thee His mercy!


s: Who hath thee slain, exile for France decreed.


s: I'ld live no more, so bitter is my grief


s: For my household, who have been slain for me.


s: God grant me this, the Son of Saint Mary,


s: Ere I am come to th' master-pass of Size,


s: And let my flesh upon their flesh be heaped."


s: Still his white beard he tears, and his eyes weep.


s: Duke Naimes says: "His wrath is great indeed."


s: "Sire, Emperour," Gefrei d'Anjou implored,


s: "Let not your grief to such excess be wrought;


s: Bid that our men through all this field be sought,


s: Whom those of Spain have in the battle caught;


s: In a charnel command that they be borne."


s: Answered the King: "Sound then upon your horn."


s: Gefreid d'Anjou upon his trumpet sounds;


s: As Charles bade them, all the Franks dismount.


s: All of their friends, whose bodies they have found


s: Bishops there are, and abbots there enow,


s: Canons and monks, vicars with shaven crowns;


s: Absolution in God's name they've pronounced;


s: Incense and myrrh with precious gums they've ground,


s: And lustily they've swung the censers round;


s: With honour great they've laid them in the ground.


s: They've left them there; what else might they do now?


s: And all their hearts in silken veils to wind,


s: And set them in coffers of marble white;


s: After, they take the bodies of those knights,


s: Each of the three is wrapped in a deer's hide;


s: They're washen well in allspice and in wine.


s: Along the road in three wagons to drive.


s: They're covered well with carpets Galazine.


s: Now to be off would that Emperour Charles,


s: When pagans, lo! comes surging the vanguard;


s: Two messengers come from their ranks forward,


s: From the admiral bring challenge to combat:


s: "'Tis not yet time, proud King, that thou de-part.


s: Great are the hosts he leads from Arab parts;


s: This day we'll see if thou hast vassalage."


s: Charles the King his snowy beard has clasped,


s: In a loud voice he cries with all his heart:


s: "Barons and Franks, to horse, I say, to arms!"


s: First before all was armed that Emperour,


s: Laced up his helm, girt on his sword Joiuse,


s: Outshone the sun that dazzling light it threw,


s: Hung from his neck a shield, was of Girunde,


s: And took his spear, was fashioned at Blandune.


s: On his good horse then mounted, Tencendur,


s: Which he had won at th'ford below Marsune


s: Let go the reins, spurred him with either foot;


s: Five score thousand behind him as he flew,


s: Through all the field dismount the Frankish men,


s: Five-score thousand and more, they arm themselves;


s: The gear they have enhances much their strength,


s: Their horses swift, their arms are fashioned well;


s: Mounted they are, and fight with great science.


s: Find they that host, battle they'll render them.


s: Their gonfalons flutter above their helms.


s: When Charles sees the fair aspect of them,


s: Naimon the Duke, with Antelme of Maience:


s: "In such vassals should man have confidence,


s: Whom not to trust were surely want of sense;


s: Then Rollant's life, I think, we'll dearly sell."


s: Answers Duke Neimes: "God grant us his consent!"


s: Thus said the King: "My lords, you I command


s: To take their place, Olivier and Rollant,


s: One bear the sword and the other the olifant;


s: And in your train take fifteen thousand Franks,


s: Go to adjust these columns in their ranks.


s: Find they that host, they'll make a grand attack.


s: Of Franks the first columns made ready there,


s: After those two a third they next prepare;


s: Some thousand score high-prized chevaliers;


s: Never was lost the battle, where they were:


s: Charles for no race neath heaven hath more care,


s: Save those of France, who realms for him conquered.


s: The Danish chief, the warrior count Oger,


s: Shall lead that troop, for haughty is their air.


s: Three columns now, he has, the Emperour Charles.


s: Naimes the Duke a fourth next sets apart


s: Germans they are, come from the German March,


s: A thousand score, as all said afterward;


s: They're well equipped with horses and with arms,


s: Rather they'll die than from the battle pass;


s: They shall be led by Hermans, Duke of Trace,


s: The fifth column have mustered, of Normans,


s: A thousand score, or so say all the Franks;


s: Well armed are they, their horses charge and prance;


s: Rather they'ld die, than eer be recreant;


s: No race neath heav'n can more in th'field compass.


s: Richard the old, lead them in th'field he shall,


s: He'll strike hard there with his good trenchant lance.


s: The sixth column is mustered of Bretons;


s: Thirty thousand chevaliers therein come;


s: Upright their spears, their ensigns fastened on.


s: Naimes the Duke the seventh next prepares


s: Forty thousand chevaliers might be there;


s: Their horses good, their arms are all most fair.


s: They're neath a cliff, in a vale by themselves;


s: With his right hand King Charles hath them blessed,


s: Them Jozerans shall lead, also Godselmes.


s: And the eighth column hath Naimes made ready;


s: Tis of Flamengs, and barons out of Frise;


s: Forty thousand and more good knights are these,


s: And the King says: "These shall do my service."


s: Shall they be led, for all their chivalry.


s: Are prudent men for the ninth column found,


s: Of Lotherengs and those out of Borgoune;


s: Fifty thousand good knights they are, by count;


s: In helmets laced and sarks of iron brown,


s: Strong are their spears, short are the shafts cut down;


s: And trust themselves to these, they'll strike them down.


s: Tierris the Duke shall lead them, of Argoune.


s: The tenth column is of barons of France,


s: Five score thousand of our best capitans;


s: Lusty of limb, and proud of countenance,


s: Snowy their heads are, and their beards are blanched,


s: In doubled sarks, and in hauberks they're clad,


s: Girt on their sides Frankish and Spanish brands


s: Soon as they mount, the battle they demand,


s: "Monjoie" they cry.  With them goes Charlemagne.


s: Saint Peter's  twas, and bare the name Roman,


s: But on that day Monjoie, by change, it gat.


s: That Emperour down from his horse descends;


s: To the green grass, kneeling, his face he bends.


s: Out of the whale's belly, where he was pent;


s: And who didst spare the king of Niniven,


s: When he was caged within the lions' den;


s: And three children, all in a fire ardent:


s: Thy gracious Love to me be here present.


s: In Thy Mercy, if it please Thee, consent


s: When he had prayed, upon his feet he stepped,


s: With the strong mark of virtue signed his head;


s: While Jozerans and Neimes his stirrup held;


s: He took his shield, his trenchant spear he kept;


s: Fine limbs he had, both gallant and well set;


s: Clear was his face and filled with good intent.


s: In front, in rear, they sounded their trumpets,


s: Above them all boomed the olifant again.


s: Then all the Franks for pity of Rollant wept.


s: Over his sark all of his beard displays;


s: For love of him, all others do the same,


s: Five score thousand Franks are thereby made plain.


s: They pass those peaks, those rocks and those mountains,


s: Those terrible narrows, and those deep vales,


s: Then issue from the passes and the wastes


s: Till they are come into the March of Spain;


s: A halt they've made, in th'middle of a plain.


s: "We have seen Charles, that haughty sovereign;


s: Fierce are his men, they have no mind to fail.


s: Arm yourself then: Battle you'll have to-day."


s: Says Baligant: "Mine is great vassalage;


s: Let horns this news to my pagans proclaim."


s: Through all the host they have their drums sounded,


s: And their bugles, and, very clear trumpets.


s: Pagans dismount, that they may arm themselves.


s: Puts on a sark, embroidered in the hems,


s: Laces his helm, that is with gold begemmed;


s: After, his sword on his left side he's set,


s: Out of his pride a name for it he's spelt


s: Like to Carlun's, as he has heard it said,


s: Twas their ensign when they to battle went,


s: His chevaliers'; he gave that cry to them.


s: His own broad shield he hangs upon his neck,


s: (Round its gold boss a band of crystal went,


s: He grasps his spear, the which he calls Maltet;--


s: So great its shaft as is a stout cudgel,


s: Beneath its steel alone, a mule had bent;


s: Marcules, from over seas, his stirrup held.


s: That warrior, with a great stride he stepped,


s: Small were his thighs, his ribs of wide extent,


s: Great was his breast, and finely fashioned,


s: With shoulders broad and very clear aspect;


s: Proud was his face, his hair was ringleted,


s: White as a flow'r in summer was his head.


s: God! what a knight, were he a Christian yet!


s: His horse he's spurred, the clear blood issued;


s: He's gallopped on, over a ditch he's leapt,


s: Full fifty feet a man might mark its breadth.


s: Pagans cry out: "Our Marches shall be held;


s: There is no Frank, may once with him contest,


s: Will he or nill, his life he'll soon have spent.


s: Charles is mad, that he departs not hence."


s: White is his beard as flowers by summer burnt;


s: In his own laws, of wisdom hath he much;


s: He's great and strong;--his ancestors were thus.


s: Says to his sire: "To canter then let us!


s: I marvel much that soon we'll see Carlun."


s: Says Baligant: "Yea, for he's very pruff;


s: He hath no more Rollant, his sister's son,


s: He'll have no strength to stay in fight with us."


s: "Fair son Malprimes," then says t'him Baligant,


s: "Was slain yestreen the good vassal Rollanz,


s: The dozen peers, whom Charles so cherished, and


s: Twenty thousand more Frankish combatants.


s: For all the rest I'ld not unglove my hand.


s: Ten great columns he's set them in their ranks;


s: He's a proof man who sounds that olifant,


s: With a clear call he rallies his comrades;


s: These at the head come cantering in advance,


s: Also with them are fifteen thousand Franks,


s: Young bachelors, whom Charles calls Infants;


s: Then says Malprimes: "The first blow I demand."


s: "Fair son Malprimes," says Baligant to him,


s: "I grant it you, as you have asked me this;


s: Against the Franks go now, and smite them quick.


s: And take with you Torleu, the Persian king


s: "I thank you, Sire!"  Malprimes answers him;


s: 'Tis of that land, was held by king Flurit.


s: After, his son with's great body follows,


s: Torleus the king, and the king Dapamort;


s: They've chevaliers in marvellous great force;


s: Fifty thousand the smallest column holds.


s: The first is raised of men from Butenrot,


s: The next, after, Micenes, whose heads are gross;


s: Along their backs, above their spinal bones,


s: As they were hogs, great bristles on them grow.


s: The third is raised from Nubles and from Blos;


s: The fourth is raised from Bruns and Esclavoz;


s: The fifth is raised from Sorbres and from Sorz;


s: The sixth is raised from Ermines and from Mors;


s: The tenth is raised from Balide the stronghold,


s: That admiral hath sworn, the way he knows,


s: Battle he'll have, unless he take him home;


s: No more he'll wear on's head that crown of gold."


s: Ten great columns they marshal thereafter;


s: Who from Val-Fuit came across country there;


s: The next's of Turks; of Persians is the third;


s: The fourth is raised of desperate Pinceners,


s: The fifth is raised from Soltras and Avers;


s: The eighth is from Bruise; the ninth from Esclavers;


s: That is a tribe, do not the Lord God serve,


s: Of such felons you never else have heard;


s: Hard is their hide, as though it iron were,


s: Wherefore of helm or hauberk they've no care;


s: The first is raised of Giants from Malpruse;


s: The next of Huns; the third a Hungar crew;


s: And from Baldise the Long the fourth have trooped;


s: The fifth is raised of men from Val-Penuse;


s: The sixth is raised of tribesmen from Maruse;


s: The seventh is from Leus and Astrimunes;


s: The eighth from Argoilles; the ninth is from Clarbune;


s: The tenth is raised of beardsmen from Val-Frunde,


s: That is a tribe, no love of God e'er knew.


s: Gesta Francor' these thirty columns prove.


s: Great are the hosts, their horns come sounding through.


s: He makes them bear before him his dragon,


s: And their standard, Tervagan's and Mahom's,


s: "Let who would from our gods have garrison,


s: Serve them and pray with great affliction."


s: Their breasts abase, their polished helmets doff.


s: And the Franks say: "Now shall you die, gluttons;


s: This day shall bring you vile confusion!


s: His son to him and those two kings calls he:


s: But of the best I'll keep beside me three:


s: And the third is the Giants of Malpreis.


s: And Occiant's, they'll also stay with me,


s: Until with Charles and with the Franks they meet.


s: Must lose his head, cut from his shoulders clean;


s: He may be sure naught else for him's decreed.


s: Great are the hosts, and all the columns fair,


s: No peak nor vale nor cliff between them there,


s: Across the plain they see each other well.


s: Says Baligant: "My pagan tribes adverse,


s: Carries the ensign Amboires of Oluferne;


s: And the Franks say: "Great hurt this day you'll get!"


s: And very loud "Monjoie!" they cry again.


s: That Emperour has bid them sound trumpets;


s: And the olifant sounds over all its knell.


s: The pagans say: "Carlun's people are fair.


s: Battle we'll have, bitter and keenly set."


s: Great is that plain, and wide is that country;


s: Also their sarks embroidered and their shields,


s: And the ensigns fixed on all their burnished spears.


s: The trumpets sound, their voice is very clear,


s: And the olifant its echoing music speaks.


s: Then the admiral, his brother calleth he,


s: Who holds the land unto the Vale Sevree;


s: He's shewn to him Carlun's ten companies:


s: "The pride of France, renowned land, you see.


s: His bearded men are with him in the rear;


s: Over their sarks they have thrown out their beards


s: Which are as white as driven snows that freeze.


s: Strike us they will with lances and with spears:


s: Battle with them we'll have, prolonged and keen;


s: Further than one might cast a rod that's peeled


s: His reason then he's shewn to them, and speaks:


s: "Pagans, come on; for now I take the field."


s: His spear in hand he brandishes and wields,


s: Towards Carlun has turned the point of steel.


s: Charles the Great, when he sees the admiral


s: And the dragon, his ensign and standard;--


s: (In such great strength are mustered those Arabs


s: Of that country they've covered every part


s: Save only that whereon the Emperour was.)


s: The King of France in a loud voice has called:


s: "Barons and Franks, good vassals are ye all,


s: Ye in the field have fought so great combats;


s: See the pagans; they're felons and cowards,


s: No pennyworth is there in all their laws.


s: Though they've great hosts, my lords, what matters that?


s: Let him go hence, who'ld fail me in the attack."


s: Next with both spurs he's gored his horse's flanks,


s: And Tencendor has made four bounds thereat.


s: Then say the Franks: "This King's a good vassal.


s: Canter, brave lord, for none of us holds back."


s: The hosts are fair, the companies are grand.


s: The first columns are come now hand to hand.


s: Let fall the reins on their swift horses' backs,


s: Spurring in haste; then on rush all the Franks,


s: And go to strike, each with his trenchant lance.


s: That count Rabel, he was a hardy knight,


s: He pricked his horse with spurs of gold so fine,


s: The Persian king, Torleu, he went to strike.


s: Nor shield nor sark could such a blow abide;


s: The golden spear his carcass passed inside;


s: Charles we must not fail; his cause is right."


s: And Guineman tilts with the king Leutice;


s: Has broken all the flowers on his shield,


s: Next of his sark he has undone the seam,


s: All his ensign thrust through the carcass clean,


s: So flings him dead, let any laugh or weep.


s: Upon that blow, the Franks cry out with heat:


s: "Strike on, baron, nor slacken in your speed!


s: Charle's in the right against the pagan breed;


s: God sent us here his justice to complete."


s: Pure white the horse whereon Malprimes sate;


s: Guided his corse amid the press of Franks,


s: Hour in, hour out, great blows he struck them back,


s: "Barons, long time I've fed you at my hand.


s: Ye see my son, who goes on Carlun's track,


s: And with his arms so many lords attacks;


s: Go, succour him, each with his trenchant lance!"


s: Grim blows they strike, the slaughter's very grand.


s: Great are the hosts; the companies in pride


s: Come touching, all the breadth of either side;


s: And crumpled shields, and sarks with mail untwined!


s: So spattered all the earth there would you find


s: That through the field the grass so green and fine


s: With men's life-blood is all vermilion dyed.


s: That admiral rallies once more his tribe:


s: "Barons, strike on, shatter the Christian line."


s: As never was, before or since that time;


s: The finish none shall reach, unless he die.


s: "Pagans, strike on; came you not therefore here?


s: I promise you honours and lands and fiefs."


s: Answer pagans: "We must do well indeed."


s: With mighty blows they shatter all their spears;


s: Five score thousand swords from their scabbards leap,


s: Slaughter then, grim and sorrowful, you'd seen.


s: Battle he saw, that stood those hosts between.


s: That Emperour calls on his Franks and speaks:


s: "I love you, lords, in whom I well believe;


s: So many great battles you've fought for me,


s: Kings overthrown, and kingdoms have redeemed!


s: My lands, my wealth, my body are yours to keep.


s: Who in Rencesvals were slaughtered yester-eve!


s: Mine is the right, ye know, gainst pagan breeds."


s: Answer the Franks: "Sire, 'tis the truth you speak."


s: Twenty thousand beside him Charles leads,


s: Who with one voice have sworn him fealty;


s: In straits of death they never will him leave.


s: There is not one thenceforth employs his spear,


s: But with their swords they strike in company.


s: Across that field the bold Malprimes canters;


s: Who of the Franks hath wrought there much great damage.


s: Naimes the Duke right haughtily regards him,


s: And goes to strike him, like a man of valour,


s: And of his shield breaks all the upper margin,


s: Tears both the sides of his embroidered ha'berk,


s: Through the carcass thrusts all his yellow banner;


s: So dead among sev'n hundred else he casts him.


s: Has pricked his horse with spurs in either flank;


s: He's drawn his sword, whose hilt is of crystal,


s: And strikes Naimun on's helmet principal;


s: Five of the links his brand of steel hath knapped;


s: Right to the flesh he slices through the cap;


s: One piece of it he's flung upon the land.


s: Great was the blow; the Duke, amazed thereat,


s: Had fallen ev'n, but aid from God he had;


s: His charger's neck he clasped with both his hands.


s: Had the pagan but once renewed the attack,


s: Then was he slain, that noble old vassal.


s: Came there to him, with succour, Charles of France.


s: Keen anguish then he suffers, that Duke Naimes,


s: And the pagan, to strike him, hotly hastens.


s: "Culvert," says Charles, "You'll get now as you gave him!"


s: With vassalage he goes to strike that pagan,


s: Shatters his shield, against his heart he breaks it,


s: Tears the chin-guard above his hauberk mailed;


s: So flings him dead: his saddle shall be wasted.


s: Bitter great grief has Charlemagne the King,


s: On the green grass all his clear blood shedding.


s: Then the Emperour to him this counsel gives:


s: "Fair master Naimes, canter with me to win!


s: The glutton's dead, that had you straitly pinned;


s: Through his carcass my spear I thrust once in."


s: Answers the Duke: "Sire, I believe it, this.


s: Great proof you'll have of valour, if I live."


s: They 'ngage them then, true love and faith swearing;


s: A thousand score of Franks surround them still.


s: Nor is there one, but slaughters, strikes and kills.


s: Then through the field cantered that admiral,


s: Against his heart his argent shield he cracked,


s: The folds of his hauberk apart he slashed,


s: Two of his ribs out of his side he hacked,


s: So flung him dead, while still his charger ran.


s: Richard the old, the lord of those Normans.


s: Baron, strike on; here have we our warrant!"


s: Who then had seen those Arrabit chevaliers,


s: From Occiant, from Argoille and from Bascle!


s: And well they strike and slaughter with their lances;


s: But Franks, to escape they think it no great matter;


s: On either side dead men to the earth fall crashing.


s: Till even-tide 'tis very strong, that battle;


s: Barons of France do suffer much great damage,


s: Grief shall be there ere the two hosts be scattered.


s: Right well they strike, both Franks and Arrabies,


s: Breaking the shafts of all their burnished spears.


s: Whoso had seen that shattering of shields,


s: Whoso had heard those shining hauberks creak,


s: And heard those shields on iron helmets beat,


s: Whoso had seen fall down those chevaliers,


s: And heard men groan, dying upon that field,


s: That battle is most hard to endure, indeed.


s: And Tervagan and Mahum, prays and speaks:


s: "My lords and gods, I've done you much service;


s: Comes before him his dear friend Gemalfin,


s: Evil the news he brings to him and speaks:


s: "Sir Baliganz, this day in shame you're steeped;


s: For you have lost your son, even Malprime;


s: And Canabeus, your brother, slain is he.


s: Great limbs he has, he's every way Marquis,


s: White is his beard as flowers in April."


s: That admiral has bent his head down deep,


s: And thereafter lowers his face and weeps,


s: Fain would he die at once, so great his grief;


s: Says the admiral, "Jangleu, beside me stand!


s: For you are proof, and greatly understand,


s: Counsel from you I've ever sought to have.


s: How seems it you, of Arrabits and Franks,


s: Shall we from hence victorious go back?"


s: He answers him: "Slain are you, Baligant!


s: For from your gods you'll never have warrant.


s: So proud is Charles, his men so valiant,


s: No more delay: what must be, take in hand."


s: That ev'n so white as thorn in blossom seems;


s: He'll no way hide, whateer his fate may be,


s: Then to his mouth he sets a trumpet clear,


s: And clearly sounds, so all the pagans hear.


s: Throughout the field rally his companies.


s: From Occiant, those men who bray and bleat,


s: And from Argoille, who, like dogs barking, speak;


s: Seek out the Franks with such a high folly,


s: Break through their line, the thickest press they meet


s: Dead from that shock they've seven thousand heaped.


s: He sees the Franks, their columns broken through,


s: So calls to him Duke Tierris, of Argune,


s: And to Carlun most proud his reason proves:


s: "Behold pagans, and how your men they slew!


s: Now from your head please God the crown remove


s: Unless you strike, and vengeance on them do!"


s: They spurred in haste, their horses let run loose,


s: And, wheresoeer they met the pagans, strook.


s: Now very well strikes the King Charlemagne,


s: Geifreid d'Anjou, who that ensign displays.


s: He spurs his horse, and lets him run in haste,


s: So strikes that man who the dragon displays.


s: Both in the field before his feet he breaks


s: That king's ensign and dragon, both abased.


s: And Mahumet's standard thrown from its place;


s: That admiral at once perceives it plain,


s: That he is wrong, and right is Charlemain.


s: That Emperour calls on his Franks again:


s: "Say, barons, come, support me, in God's Name!"


s: Answer the Franks, "Question you make in vain;


s: All felon he that dares not exploits brave!"


s: Passes that day, turns into vesper-tide.


s: Franks and pagans still with their swords do strike.


s: Brave vassals they, who brought those hosts to fight,


s: Never have they forgotten their ensigns;


s: Charles "Monjoie," renowned word of pride.


s: Each the other knows by his clear voice and high;


s: Amid the field they're both come into sight,


s: Then, as they go, great blows on either side


s: They with their spears on their round targes strike;


s: And shatter them, beneath their buckles wide;


s: And all the folds of their hauberks divide;


s: But bodies, no; wound them they never might.


s: Broken their girths, downwards their saddles slide;


s: Both those Kings fall, themselves aground do find;


s: Nimbly enough upon their feet they rise;


s: Most vassal-like they draw their swords outright.


s: From this battle they'll ne'er be turned aside


s: Nor make an end, without that one man die.


s: A great vassal was Charles, of France the Douce;


s: Those swords they had, bare from their sheaths they drew;


s: Many great blows on 's shield each gave and took;


s: The leather pierced, and doubled core of wood;


s: Down fell the nails, the buckles brake in two;


s: Still they struck on, bare in their sarks they stood.


s: From their bright helms the light shone forth anew.


s: But one of them must in the wrong be proved.


s: Says the admiral: "Nay, Charles, think, I beg,


s: And counsel take that t'wards me thou repent!


s: Thou'st slain my son, I know that very well;


s: Most wrongfully my land thou challengest;


s: Become my man, a fief from me thou'lt get;


s: Come, serving me, from here to the Orient!"


s: Charle answers him: "That were most vile offence;


s: Receive the Law that God to us presents,


s: Christianity, and then I'll love thee well;


s: Says Baligant: "Evil sermon thou saist."


s: They go to strikewith th'swords, are on their belts.


s: In the admiral is much great virtue found;


s: He strikes Carlun on his steel helm so brown,


s: Through his thick hair the sword goes glancing round,


s: A great palm's breadth and more of flesh cuts out,


s: So that all bare the bone is, in that wound.


s: Charles tottereth, falls nearly to the ground;


s: God wills not he be slain or overpow'red.


s: Saint Gabriel once more to him comes down,


s: And questions him "Great King, what doest thou?"


s: Charles, hearing how that holy Angel spake,


s: Had fear of death no longer, nor dismay;


s: Remembrance and a fresh vigour he's gained.


s: So the admiral he strikes with France's blade,


s: Slices his head, to scatter all his brains,


s: And, down unto the white beard, all his face;


s: "Monjoie," cries Charles, that all may know the tale.


s: Upon that word is come to him Duke Naimes,


s: Holds Tencendur, bids mount that King so Great.


s: Pagans turn back, God wills not they remain.


s: And Franks have all their wish, be that what may.


s: Pagans are fled, ev'n as the Lord God wills;


s: Chase them the Franks, and the Emperour therewith.


s: Says the King then: "My Lords, avenge your ills,


s: Unto your hearts' content, do what you will!


s: For tears, this morn, I saw your eyes did spill."


s: Answer the Franks: "Sir, even so we will."


s: Then such great blows, as each may strike, he gives


s: That few escape, of those remain there still.


s: Great was the heat, the dust arose and blew;


s: Still pagans fled, and hotly Franks pursued.


s: The chase endured from there to Sarraguce.


s: Around her there the clerks and canons stood


s: Of the false law, whom God ne'er loved nor knew;


s: Orders they'd none, nor were their heads tonsured.


s: And when she saw those Arrabits confused


s: Aloud she cried: "Give us your aid, Mahume!


s: Ah!  Noble king, conquered are all our troops,


s: And the admiral to shameful slaughter put!"


s: When Marsile heard, towards the wall he looked,


s: Wept from his eyes, and all his body stooped,


s: So died of grief.  With sins he's so corrupt;


s: The soul of him to Hell live devils took.


s: Pagans are slain; the rest are put to rout


s: Whom Charles hath in battle overpowered.


s: Of Sarraguce the gates he's battered down,


s: For well he knows there's no defence there now;


s: And all that night they lie there in their pow'r.


s: Fierce is that King, with 's hoary beard, and proud,


s: And Bramimunde hath yielded up her towers;


s: But ten ere great, and lesser fifty around.


s: Great exploits his whom the Lord God endows!


s: Passes the day, the darkness is grown deep,


s: But all the stars burn, and the moon shines clear.


s: And Sarraguce is in the Emperour's keep.


s: A thousand Franks he bids seek through the streets,


s: With iron malls and axes which they wield


s: They break the idols and all the imageries;


s: That King fears God, and would do His service,


s: On water then Bishops their blessing speak,


s: Then hanged or burned or slaughtered shall he be.


s: Five score thousand and more are thus redeemed,


s: Very Christians; save that alone the queen


s: By love the King will her conversion seek.


s: Passes the night, the clear day opens now.


s: Of Sarraguce Charles garrisons the tow'rs;