Page:The Song of Roland.djvu/106

 His right-hand glove, to God he offers it Saint Gabriel from ’s hand hath taken it. Over his arm his head bows down and slips, He joins his hands: and so is life finish’d. God sent him down His angel cherubin, And Saint Michael, we worship in peril; And by their side Saint Gabriel alit; So the count’s soul they bare to Paradis.

Rollant is dead; his soul to heav’n God bare. That Emperour to Rencesvals doth fare. There was no path nor passage anywhere Nor of waste ground no ell nor foot to spare Without a Frank or pagan lying there. Charles cries aloud: “Where are you, nephew fair? Where’s the Archbishop and that count Oliviers? Where is Gerins and his comrade Gerers? Otès the Duke, and the count Berengiers And Ivorie, and Ive, so dear they were? What is become of Gascon Engelier, Sansun the Duke and Anséis the fierce? Where’s old Gerard of Russillun; oh, where The dozen peers I left behind me here?” But what avail, since none can answer bear? “God!” says the King, “Now well may I despair, I was not here the first assault to share!” Seeming enraged, his beard the King doth tear. Weep from their eyes barons and chevaliers, A thousand score, they swoon upon the earth; Duke Neimes for them was moved with pity rare.

No chevalier nor baron is there, who Pitifully weeps not for grief and dule; They mourn their sons, their brothers, their nephews,