Page:The Song of Roland.djvu/83

 A devil’s gift it was, in Val Metase, Who handed it to the admiral Galafes; So Turpin strikes, spares him not anyway; After that blow, he’s worth no penny wage; The carcass he’s sliced, rib from rib away, So flings him down dead in an empty place. Then say the Franks: “He has great vassalage, With the Archbishop, surely the Cross is safe.”

The count Rollanz calls upon Oliver: “Sir companion, witness you’ll freely bear, The Archbishop is a right good chevalier, None better is neath Heaven anywhere; Well can he strike with lance and well with spear.” Answers that count: “Support to him we’ll bear!” Upon that word the Franks again make yare; Hard are the blows, slaughter and suffering there, For Christians too, most bitter grief and care. Who could had seen Rollanz and Oliver With their good swords to strike and to slaughter! And the Archbishop lays on there with his spear. Those that are dead, men well may hold them dear. In charters and in briefs is written clear, Four thousand fell, and more, the tales declare. Gainst four assaults easily did they fare, But then the fifth brought heavy griefs to bear. They all are slain, those Frankish chevaliers; Only three-score, whom God was pleased to spare, Before these die, they’ll sell them very dear. AOI.

The count Rollant great loss of his men sees, His companion Olivier calls, and speaks: