Page:The Song of Roland.djvu/120

 From hour to hour then, as he went, he sang: “Pagans, come on: already flee the Franks!” AOI.

In morning time, when the dawn breaks at last, Awakenèd is that Emperour Charles. Saint Gabriel, who on God’s part him guards, Raises his hand, the Sign upon him marks. Rises the King, his arms aside he’s cast, The others then, through all the host, disarm. After they mount, by virtue canter fast Through those long ways, and through those roads so large; They go to see the marvellous damage In Rencesvals, there where the battle was. AOI.

In Rencesvals is Charlès enterèd, Begins to weep for those he finds there dead; Says to the Franks: “My lords, restrain your steps, Since I myself alone should go ahead, For my nephew, whom I would find again. At Aix I was, upon the feast Noel, Vaunted them there my valiant chevaliers, Of battles great and very hot contests; With reason thus I heard Rollant speak then: He would not die in any foreign realm Ere he’d surpassed his peers and all his men. To the foes’ land he would have turned his head, Conqueringly his gallant life he’ld end.” Further than one a little wand could send, Before the rest he’s on a peak mounted.

When the Emperour went seeking his nephew, He found the grass, and every flower that bloomed, Turned scarlat, with our barons’ blood imbrued;