Page:The Song of Roland.djvu/109

 To Rencesvals too late to go again. Our horses are worn out and founderèd: Unsaddle them, take bridles from their heads, And through these meads let them refreshment get.” Answer the Franks: “Sire, you have spoken well.” AOI.

That Emperour hath chosen his bivouac; The Franks dismount in those deserted tracts, Their saddles take from off their horses’ backs, Bridles of gold from off their heads unstrap, Let them go free; there is enough fresh grass— No service can they render them, save that. Who is most tired sleeps on the ground stretched flat. Upon this night no sentinels keep watch.

That Emperour is lying in a mead; By ’s head, so brave, he’s placed his mighty spear; On such a night unarmed he will not be. He’s donned his white hauberk, with broidery, Has laced his helm, jewelled with golden beads, Girt on Joiuse, there never was its peer, Whereon each day thirty fresh hues appear. All of us know that lance, and well may speak Whereby Our Lord was wounded on the Tree: Charles, by God’s grace, possessed its point of steel! His golden hilt he enshrined it underneath. By that honour and by that sanctity The name Joiuse was for that sword decreed. Barons of France may not forgetful be Whence comes the ensign “Monjoie,” they cry at need; Wherefore no race against them can succeed.