Page:The Song of Roland.djvu/153

 For Rollant’s sake pity for Tierri feel. God knows full well which way the end shall be.

Down under Aix there is a pasture large Which for the fight of th’ two barons is marked. Proof men are these, and of great vassalage, And their horses, unwearied, gallop fast; They spur them well, the reins aside they cast, With virtue great, to strike each other, dart; All of their shields shatter and rend apart. Their hauberks tear; the girths asunder start, The saddles slip, and fall upon the grass. Five score thousand weep, who that sight regard. AOI.

Upon the ground are fallen both the knights; Nimbly enough upon their feet they rise. Nimble and strong is Pinabels, and light. Each the other seeks; horses are out of mind, But with those swords whose hilts with gold are lined Upon those helms of steel they beat and strike: Great are the blows, those helmets to divide. The chevaliers of France do much repine. “O God!” says Charles, “Make plain to us the right!”

Says Pinabel: “Tierri, I pray thee, yield: I’ll be thy man, in love and fealty; For thy pleasure my wealth I’ll give to thee; But make the King with Guenelun agree.” Answers Tierri: “Such counsel’s not for me. Pure felon I, if e’er I that concede! God shall this day the right shew, us between!” AOI.