Page:The Song of Roland.djvu/152

 I cry him false, and will the cause contest.” His deer-hide glove in the King’s hand he’s left. Says the Emperour: “Good pledges must I get.” Thirty kinsmen offer their loyal pledge. “I’ll do the same for you,” the King has said; Until the right be shewn, bids guard them well. AOI.

When Tierri sees that battle shall come after, His right hand glove he offereth to Charlès. That Emperour by way of hostage guards it; Four benches then upon the place he marshals Where sit them down champions of either party. They’re chos’n aright, as the others’ judgement cast them; Oger the Dane between them made the parley. Next they demand their horses and their armour. AOI.

For battle, now, ready you might them see, They’re well confessed, absolved, from sin set free; Masses they’ve heard, Communion received, Rich offerings to those minsters they leave. Before Carlun now both the two appear: They have their spurs, are fastened on their feet, And, light and strong, their hauberks brightly gleam; Upon their heads they’ve laced their helmets clear, And girt on swords, with pure gold hilted each; And from their necks hang down their quartered shields; In their right hands they grasp their trenchant spears. At last they mount on their swift coursing steeds. Five score thousand chevaliers therefor weep,