Page:The Song of Roland.djvu/127

 The overlord of them is named Oedon, Who doth command the county Nevelon, Tedbald of Reims and the marquis Oton: “Lead ye my men, by my commission.” AOI.

That Emperour hath now six columns yare Naimès the Duke the seventh next prepares Of Peitevins and barons from Alverne; Forty thousand chevaliers might be there; Their horses good, their arms are all most fair. They’re neath a cliff, in a vale by themselves; With his right hand King Charlès hath them blessed, Them Jozerans shall lead, also Godselmes. AOI.

And the eighth column hath Naimès made ready; ’Tis of Flamengs, and barons out of Frise; Forty thousand and more good knights are these, Nor lost by them has any battle been. And the King says: “These shall do my service.” Between Rembalt and Hamon of Galice Shall they be led, for all their chivalry. AOI.

Between Naimon and Jozeran the count Are prudent men for the ninth column found, Of Lotherengs and those out of Borgoune; Fifty thousand good knights they are, by count; In helmets laced and sarks of iron brown, Strong are their spears, short are the shafts cut down; If the Arrabits demur not, but come out And trust themselves to these, they’ll strike them down. Tierris the Duke shall lead them, of Argoune. AOI.