Page:The Song of Roland.djvu/49

 Was a fald-stool there, made of olifant. A book thereon Marsilies bade them plant, In it their laws, Mahum’s and Tervagant’s. He’s sworn thereby, the Spanish Sarazand, In the rereward if he shall find Rollant, Battle to give, himself and all his band, And verily he’ll slay him if he can. And answered Guenes: “So be it, as you command!” AOI.

In haste there came a pagan, Valdabrun, Warden had been to King Marsiliun, Smiling and clear, he’s said to Guenelun, “Take now this sword, and better sword has none; Into the hilt a thousand coins are run. To you, fair sir, I offer it in love; Give us your aid from Rollant the barun, That in rereward against him we may come.” Guenès the count answers: “It shall be done.” Then, cheek and chin, kissed each the other one.

After there came a pagan, Climorins, Smiling and clear to Guenelun begins: “Take now my helm, better is none than this; But give us aid, on Rollant the marquis, By what device we may dishonour bring.” “It shall be done.” Count Guenès answered him; On mouth and cheek then each the other kissed. AOI.

In haste there came the Queen forth, Bramimound; “I love you well, sir,” said she to the count, “For prize you dear my lord and all around;