Page:The Song of Roland.djvu/151

 That you cry quits with county Guenelun, So he may serve you still in love and truth; Nay let him live, so noble a man ’s he proved. Rollant is dead, no longer in our view, Nor for no wealth may we his life renew.” Then says the King: “You’re felons all of you!” AOI.

When Charles saw that all of them did fail, Deep down he bowed his head and all his face; For th’ grief he had, caitiff himself proclaimed. One of his knights, Tierris, before him came, Gefrei’s brother, that Duke of Anjou famed; Lean were his limbs, and lengthy and delicate, Black was his hair and somewhat brown his face; Was not too small, and yet was hardly great; And courteously to the Emperour he spake: “Fair Lord and King, do not yourself dismay! You know that I have served you many ways: By my ancestors should I this cause maintain. And if Rollant was forfeited to Guenes Still your service to him full warrant gave. Felon is Guene, since th’ hour that he betrayed, And, towards you, is perjured and ashamed: Wherefore I judge that he be hanged and slain, His carcass flung to th’ dogs beside the way, As a felon who felony did make. But, has he a friend that would dispute my claim With this my sword which I have girt in place My judgement will I warrant every way.” Answer the Franks: “Now very well you spake.”

Before the King is come now Pinabel; Great is he, strong, vassalous and nimble; Who bears his blow has no more time to dwell: Says to him: “Sire, on you this cause depends; Command therefore this noise be made an end. See Tierri here, who hath his judgment dealt;