The Song of Roland. Unknown

        That Emperour he sits with lowering front,

        He clasps his chin, his beard his fingers tug,

        Good word nor bad, his nephew not one.

        Franks hold their peace, but only Guenelun

        Springs to his feet, and comes before Carlun;

        Right haughtily his reason he's begun,

        And to the King: "Believe not any one,

        My word nor theirs, save whence your good shall come.

        Since he sends word, that King Marsiliun,

        Homage he'll do, by finger and by thumb;

        Throughout all Spain your writ alone shall run

        Next he'll receive our rule of Christendom

        Who shall advise, this bidding be not done,

        Deserves not death, since all to death must come.

        Counsel of pride is wrong: we've fought enough.

        Leave we the fools, and with the wise be one."

                            AOI.

        And after him came Neimes out, the third,

        Better vassal there was not in the world;

        And to the King: "Now rightly have you heard

        Guenes the Count, what answer he returned.

        Wisdom was there, but let it well be heard.

        King Marsilies in war is overturned,

        His castles all in ruin have you hurled,

        With catapults his ramparts have you burst,

        Vanquished his men, and all his cities burned;

        Him who entreats your pity do not spurn,

        Sinners were they that would to war return;

        With hostages his faith he would secure;

        Let this great war no longer now endure."

        "Well said the Duke." Franks utter in their turn.

                            AOI.

        "My lords barons, say whom shall we send up

        To Sarraguce, to King Marsiliun?"

        Answers Duke Neimes: "I'll go there for your love;

        Give me therefore the wand, also the glove."

        Answers the King: "Old man of wisdom pruff;

        By this white beard, and as these cheeks are rough,

        You'll not this year so far from me remove;

        Go sit you down, for none hath called you up."

        "My lords barons, say whom now can we send

        To th' Sarrazin that Sarraguce defends?"

        Answers Rollanz: "I might go very well."

        "Certes, you'll not," says Oliver his friend,

        "For your courage is fierce unto the end,

        I am afraid you would misapprehend.

        If the King wills it I might go there well."

        Answers the King: "Be silent both on bench;

        Your feet nor his, I say, shall that way wend.

        Nay, by this beard, that you have seen grow blench,

        The dozen peers by that would stand condemned.

        Franks hold their peace; you'd seen them all silent.

        Turpins of Reins is risen from his rank,

        Says to the King: "In peace now leave your Franks.

        For seven years you've lingered in this land

        They have endured much pain and sufferance.

        Give, Sire, to me the clove, also the wand,

        I will seek out the Spanish Sarazand,

        For I believe his thoughts I understand."

        That Emperour answers intolerant:

        "Go, sit you down on yonder silken mat;

        And speak no more, until that I command."

                            AOI.

        "Franks, chevaliers," says the Emperour then, Charles,

        "Choose ye me out a baron from my marches,

        To Marsilie shall carry back my answer."

        Then says Rollanz: "There's Guenes, my goodfather."

        Answer the Franks: "For he can wisely manage;

        So let him go, there's none you should send rather."

        And that count Guenes is very full of anguish;

        Off from his neck he flings the pelts of marten,

        And on his feet stands clear in silken garment.

        Proud face he had, his eyes with colour, sparkled;

        Fine limbs he had, his ribs were broadly arched

        So fair he seemed that all the court regarded.

        Says to Rollant: "Fool, wherefore art so wrathful?

        All men know well that I am thy goodfather;

        Thou hast decreed, to Marsiliun I travel.

        Then if God grant that I return hereafter,

        I'll follow thee with such a force of passion

        That will endure so long as life may last thee."

        Answers Rollanz: "Thou'rt full of pride and madness.

        All men know well, I take no thought for slander;

        But some wise man, surely, should bear the answer;

        If the King will, I'm ready to go rather."

                            AOI.

        Answers him Guene: "Thou shalt not go for me.

        Thou'rt not my man, nor am I lord of thee.

        Charles commnds that I do his decree,

        To Sarraguce going to Marsilie;

        There I will work a little trickery,

        This mighty wrath of mine I'll thus let free."

        When Rollanz heard, began to laugh for glee.

                            AOI.

        When Guenes sees that Rollant laughs at it,

        Such grief he has, for rage he's like to split,

        A