Page:The Song of Roland.djvu/126

 Never was lost the battle, where they were; Charles for no race neath heaven hath more care, Save those of France, who realms for him conquered. The Danish chief, the warrior count Oger, Shall lead that troop, for haughty is their air. AOI.

Three columns now, he has, the Emperour Charles. Naimes the Duke a fourth next sets apart Of good barons, endowed with vassalage; Germans they are, come from the German March, A thousand score, as all said afterward; They’re well equipped with horses and with arms, Rather they’ll die than from the battle pass; They shall be led by Hermans, Duke of Trace, Who’ll die before he’s any way coward. AOI.

Naimès the Duke and the count Jozerans The fifth column have mustered, of Normans, A thousand score, or so say all the Franks; Well armed are they, their horses charge and prance; Rather they’ld die, than e’er be recreant; No race neath heav’n can more in th’ field compass. Richard the old, lead them in th’ field he shall, He’ll strike hard there with his good trenchant lance. AOI.

The sixth column is mustered of Bretons; Thirty thousand chevaliers therein come; These canter in the manner of barons, Upright their spears, their ensigns fastened on.