Page:The Song of Roland.djvu/57

 The felon Guenes had treacherously wrought; From pagan king has had his rich reward, Silver and gold, and veils and silken cloths, Camels, lions, with many a mule and horse. Barons from Spain King Marsilies hath called, Counts and viscounts and dukes and almacours, And the admirals, and cadets nobly born; Within three days come hundred thousands four. In Sarraguce they sound the drums of war; Mahum they raise upon their highest tow’r, Pagan is none, that does not him adore. They canter then with great contention Through Certeine land, valleys and mountains, on, Till of the Franks they see the gonfalons, Being in rereward those dozen companions; They will not fail battle to do anon.

Marsile’s nephew is come before the band, Riding a mule, he goads it with a wand, Smiling and clear, his uncle’s ear demands: “Fair Lord and King, since, in your service, glad, I have endured sorrow and sufferance, Have fought in field, and victories have had. Give me a fee: the right to smite Rollanz! I’ll slay him clean with my good trenchant lance, If Mahumet will be my sure warrant; Spain I’ll set free, deliver all her land From Pass of Aspre even unto Durestant. Charles will grow faint, and recreant the Franks; There’ll be no war while you’re a living man.” Marsilie gives the glove into his hand. AOI.

Marsile’s nephew, holding in hand the glove, His uncle calls, with reason proud enough: “Fair Lord and King, great gift from you I’ve won.