Chapter 2

The Count rides on beneath tall olive trees And joins the messengers of King Marsile. To meet him Blancandrin has checked his speed: With skillful words each to the other spake. Blancandrin said: "A wond'rous man is Carle Who conquered Pouille and overran Calabre, Crossed the salt-seas to England, and from thence Gained tribute for _Saint-Pierre_. In this our land What claims he?" "Such his might," said Ganelon, "No man shall ever match with him in arms." Aoi.

XXX.

Said Blancandrin: "The Franks are noble, but Those Dukes, those Counts harm much their lord, who give To him such counsels, wronging him and all." Ganelon answered: "No man, save Rollánd, Know I, who should this blame incur; it was But yestermorn, the King sat in the shade, When Rollánd came before him, all encased In glittering arms, fresh from the siege and sack Of Carcasonne, holding an apple red; And thus his uncle greeted: 'Sire, behold! I lay the crowns of all Kings at your feet.' Swift punishment should overtake such pride, For ev'ry day he blindly runs to death. Were he but slain, all lands might rest in peace." Aoi.

XXXI.

Blancandrin said: "Most cruel is Rollánd Who makes all nations cry for mercy thus, And will o'er all the lands his power impose. Upon what people doth he then rely For such attempt?" Ganelon said: "The French!... They love him so, they fail him ne'er in aught. Lavish is he of gifts: Silver and gold, Mules, chargers, silken robes and garnitures, He gives the King himself all that he craves; From here to the far East, all lands must fall!" Aoi.

XXXII.

Blancandrin with Count Ganelon rode on, Until together had they pledged their faith To snare Rollánd and lead him to his death. Thus on they rode through vales and mountain-paths, Till Sarraguce was reached. Beneath a yew They lighted: a faldstool by shady pines O'erhung, was spread with Alexandrine silk. There sat the King who ruled all Spain, and stood Around him twenty thousand Saracens, Who neither spoke nor breathed, to hear the news; And lo! came Blancandrin with Ganelon. Aoi.

XXXIII.

Blancandrin stepped before the Pagan King With Ganelon the Count held by the wrist. Thus to Marsile he said: "Mohammed save The King! Apollo, too, whose holy law We keep. We bore your message to Carl'magne; Both hands he lifted, praying to his God; No other answer gave.--He sends you here One of his noble Barons, a rich Frank. Learn from his lips if it be peace or war." Responds Marsile: "Then let him speak. We hear!" Aoi.

XXXIV.

Then Ganelon, who well had weighed his thoughts, Begins to speak as one of knowledge vast, And says unto the King: "By God be saved, The Glorious God we must adore! Carl'magne The Baron, sends his message to Marsile: The holy Christian Faith if you receive, One half of Spain he grants to you in fief. These terms refuse, and your fair Sarraguce He will besiege, and drag you forth in chains To Aix, his royal city, there to meet A felon's doom."--Quivering with rage and fear, The King Marsile, who held a gold-winged dart, Aims it at him; but others stayed his hand. Aoi.

XXXV.

The King Marsile turned pale, and full of wrath, Brandished the shaft of his winged dart on high. Ganelon saw, laid hand upon his sword, And quick unsheathed two fingers' breadth of blade, Saying: "Sword of mine you are most fair and bright; As long as by me borne in this King's court, Never shall say the Emperor of France Ganelon died alone in foreign land, Ere a high price for you the best have paid!" The Pagans cry in haste: "Check this affray." Aoi.

XXXVI.

The wisest Pagans urged the wrathful King, Till, yielding, on his throne he has resumed His seat. The Kalif said: "Great wrong you brought Upon us, menacing to strike the Frank. You should have hearkened to his words." "This wrong," Said Ganelon, "I calmly will endure; But for the gold that God hath made all wealth Stored in this land, I would not leave untold, While I have power of speech, the message sent By Carle, the mighty Emperor, through me His messenger, to thee his mortal foe." Ganelon on the ground his mantle dropped Of Alexandrine silk, and richly lined With zibelline; Blancandrin took it up: But from his sword the Count would never part; And his right hand still grasps the golden hilt. The Pagans say:--"Behold a Baron true!" Aoi.

XXXVII.

Then Ganelon strode nearer to the King And said:--"All idle is this wrath of yours. This is the message of King Carle of France; Hear his command:--"Receive the Christian law"-- One half of Spain he grants to you in fief, And to Rollánd, his nephew, he will give The other half. (A haughty partner he Will prove.) To this agreement should you not Consent, 'gainst Sarraguce his host will lay The siege; by force you will be tak'n and bound, And brought to Aix, the royal seat. Hope not To ride on palfrey, nor on steed, on mule Female or male;--on a vile beast of burden You shall be thrown, and doomed to have your head Struck off.--Behold the Brief our Emp'ror sends!" With his right hand he gives it to the King. Aoi.

XXXVIII.

White with exceeding wrath, the King Marsile Has brok'n the seal, let fall the wax on earth, And, glancing on the Brief, has read the script: "I learn from Carle who holds France in his sway, That I should bear in mind his ire and grief: Bazan--Basile, his brother, they whose heads I took on Mount Haltoïe, his anger's cause. If I my body's life would save, to him The Kalif, my good uncle, I must send, Or else can he ne'er be my friend."--Then spake To King Marsile his son:--"This Ganelon," Said he, "speaks madly, and such wrong hath done, That he should live no more. Now give him up To me, that I to him quick justice deal!" Ganelon, hearing this, unsheathed his sword, And set his back against a branching pine. Aoi.

XXXIX.

Into his orchard King Marsile repaired, Attended only by his wisest men; Came thither too the gray-haired Blancandrin With Turfaleu his son and heir; with them The Kalif, brother and good friend of King Marsile.--Said Blancandrin:--"Recall the Frank; To serve us he has pledged his faith."--The King Replied:--"Go, bring him hither."--Then he took Ganelon's fingers into his right hand, And brought him to the grove before the King; And lo! was woven there the traitor's plot. Aoi.

XL.

The King Marsile said:--"Fair Sire Ganelon, Unwise and all too hasty was I, when In my great wrath I poised my lance to strike. This gift of sables take as your amends: More than five hundred marks their weight in gold. Before to-morrow-eve the boon is yours." Ganelon answers:--"I reject it not. May God, if 'tis his will, your grace reward." Aoi.

XLI.

Marsile spake thus:--"Sire Ganelon, believe, Much I desire to love you, and of Carle I crave to hear. Is he not old, his prime Has he not passed? Men tell me he has lived More than two hundred years; his body dragged Throughout so many lands; so many blows Upon his shield!--So many mighty Kings To beggary reduced!--When will he cease To march on battle-fields?"--Then Ganelon Responded:--"Such is not King Carle; no man Alive who sees and knows him but will tell How our great Emperor is Baron true. I could not praise and honor him enough, For no man lives so valiant and so good. His valor ... who on earth could ever tell? His soul God with such virtue has illumed, I'd rather die than quit my noble lord!" Aoi.

XLII.

The Pagan said:--"Amazed am I at Carle So old and so white-haired; his age, I know, Two hundred years and more. His limbs he toiled Across so many lands; so oft was struck By swords and spears; so many kings compelled To beg!--When will he cease to war?"--"Carle?--ne'er!" Ganelon answered, "while his nephew lives: No vassal like him 'neath the starry arch; And bold as he his comrade Olivier. The twelve Peers held by Carle so dear, behold! The vanguard form of twenty thousand knights; With them King Carle is safe, and fears no man." Aoi.

XLIII.

Again the Pagan:--"I am wonder-struck On knowing Carle so old and so white-haired! Methinks he passed two hundred years; by arms He won so many lands--so many wounds In battle he received from trenchant swords! So many powerful kings on battle-fields Conquered or slew!--When will he cease to war?" "--Never!"--said Ganelon, "while lives Rollánd: From here to farthest east no knight his peer E'er lived: his comrade too, Count Olivier, Is brave; and the twelve Peers, so dear to Carle, The van-guard make of twenty thousand knights. Carle may have peace, and fears no living man!" Aoi.

XLIV.

"Fair Sire," said King Marsile to Ganelon, "Than mine no fairer people can you see: Four hundred thousand knights I can array In combat 'gainst King Carle and 'gainst his Franks."-- Ganelon says:--"The time has not yet come, Yea, and great loss your people then will have. But leave this folly, and to wisdom hold; Offer the King of treasures such a store That all the French will marvel at the gift. For twenty hostages that you will send, Back to Sweet France will Carle ere long repair. His rear-guard, notice well, will rest behind: There will Rollánd, his nephew, be, I trow, With Olivier the brave and courteous knight. Trust to my counsel and both Counts are doomed, Nay, Carle shall see his lofty pride cast down And never more shall covet war with you." Aoi.

XLV.

[Thus King Marsile] said:--"Fair sire Ganelon, What means have I to kill the Count Rollànd?" Ganelon answered:--"This can I well say: The King will reach the wider pass of Sizre And leave his rear behind, where great Rollànd Eke Olivier, whom both he greatly trusts, Will be the chiefs of twenty thousand Franks. On these your hundred thousand Pagans throw, And let them straightway make an onset fierce: Stricken and slain shall be the men of France; I say not that of yours none shall be slain, But follow up this fight with like attack, And Count Rollánd cannot escape them both, Then will you deeds of chivalry achieve, And free your life from war for evermore." Aoi.

XLVI.

"Who could contrive that there Rollánd should die, Would strike off Carle's right arm. Then on the field That wond'rous host in death shall lie. No more Thereafter could King Carle such forces raise, And the Great Land at last would rest in peace." Marsile, this hearing, kissed him on the neck, And then began his treasures to display. Aoi.

XLVII.

Exclaimed Marsile:--"What further [shall I say?] No good adviser he of faith unsure. Swear if Rollánd be there that he shall die!" Thus answered Ganelon:--"Your will be done." Upon the relics of his sword Murgleis The treason swore; thus forfeited himself. Aoi.

XLVIII.

An ivory-faldstool there was set. Marsile The order gives to bring a book before it, Mohammed's law and that of Tervagant, The Spanish Saracen thus took his oath: "If in the rear-guard Count Rollánd be found, He will attack him there with all his men; And, if it may be, there Rollánd shall die." Ganelon answers:--"May [our treaty thrive!]" Aoi.

XLIX.

Behold a Pagan, Valdabrun, who armed Marsile a Knight; with cheerful smile he said To Ganelon:--"Take this my sword; no man E'er drew its peer; the hilt alone is worth More than a thousand marks.--For love I give it, But lend us help against the Count Rollánd, And show us how to find him in the rear." "--So shall it be," replies Count Ganelon; Whereon they kissed each other's chin and face.

L.

Another Pagan came. 'Twas Climorin Who gayly smiling, said to Ganelon: "My helmet take--None better have I seen, But help us now against _Marchis_ Rollánd That we may throw dishonor on his name." "--Well shall it be," responded Ganelon, And then they kissed each other's lips and cheek. Aoi.

LI.

And now behold, comes Bramimunde the Queen; "Sire Ganelon," said she, "I love you much, You, by my sire and all our men esteemed. Two necklaces unto your wife I send, With jacinths and with amethysts and gold Adorned, worth more than all the wealth of Rome; Jewels so rich your Emp'ror never had." The Count receives and puts them in his hose. Aoi.

LII.

The King calls up Malduit, his treasurer: "Hast thou prepared my gifts for Carle the King?" Malduit responds:--"Yea sire, the whole are there: Seven hundred camels with their loads of gold And silver; then of hostages a score, The noblest ever lived beneath the stars." Aoi

LIII.

Marsile took by the shoulder Ganelon And told him:--"Thou hast wisdom and art brave. By that great law ye hold the best, beware Thy heart fails not. Rich treasures will I give To thee: ten mules laden with purest gold From Araby; each year shall bring the like. Meantime of this great city take the keys, And in my name present this wealth to Carle. But let Rollánd be ordered to the rear. If in the pass or mount I find the knight, I swear to give him combat to the death." Says Ganelon:--"Methinks too long I stay."-- He mounts his horse and goes upon his way. Aoi.

LIV.

The Emperor nears his realm, and reaching now The city of Valterne sacked by Rollànd And left in ruins, which thereafter lay A hundred years a desert; there he waits For news of Ganelon, and tribute due By the great land of Spain. One morning when The early dawn was brightening into day, Count Ganelon drew nigh unto the camp. Aoi.

LV.

In early morn the Emperor arose. Having attended mass and matins both, Upon the verdant grass, before his tent He stood, surrounded by the Count Rollánd, The valorous Olivier, and the Duke Naimes, With many more besides. There also came The perjurer, the treacherous Ganelon, Who, stepping forth, with most perfidious tongue Began to speak:--"Hail! God save Carle the King!-- I bring you here the keys of Sarraguce: Great treasures follow through my care conveyed With hostages a score. So, guard them well. The King Marsile the brave bears not the blame If I bring not the Kalif unto you. Myself three hundred thousand men in arms Beheld, with hauberks clad, and helmets clasped, Swords by their sides, hilts bright with gold inlaid, Who with him crossed the sea, not to submit To Christ's law which they will not hold nor keep. But scarce five leagues had they sailed on the main, When wind and tempest rising, down they sank. All perished!... Never shall you see them more. Had but the Kalif lived, I would have brought Him hither. For the Pagan King, know well, Ere you shall see this first month pass away, Your vassal will he be, with joinèd hands, And hold the realm of Spain a fief from you." Thus said the King:--"Thanks be to God for this! Well have you done, and great your recompense Shall be."--He bids a thousand trumpets sound... The camp is struck:--the Franks then load their mules And set forth on their journey to Sweet France. Aoi.

THE REAR GUARD.

ROLLÁND DOOMED TO DEATH.

LVI.

King Carle the Great has made a waste of Spain, The cities violated, the castles seized. Now saith the King his war is at an end, And toward Sweet France the Emperor directs His steed.... The Count Rollánd the pennon white Has planted on a hill, high 'gainst the sky. In all the country round the Franks their tents Are pitching, while the Pagans ride along The mighty vales. In hauberk clad--their backs In armor cased; with helmets clasped--sword girt On thigh--shields on their necks--each lance in rest, Within a thicket on the mount they halt. Four hundred thousand men there wait the dawn. The French yet know it not. Ah God! what woe! Aoi.

LVII.

Passes the day; the shades of night have fallen. Carle the great Emp'ror sleeps; and in a dream He marches through the deep defiles of Sizre. In his right hand his ashen spear he holds, Which suddenly Count Ganelon has snatched From him, and shook and brandished in such wise That, breaking, high tow'rd Heav'n the splinters flew. Carle sleeps--naught from his slumber can arouse him. Aoi.

LVIII.

Another vision followed hereupon: He is in France, in his _Chapelle_, at Aix. A bear his right arm caught with such sharp fangs [That from the bone the flesh is torn away.] From toward Ardennes he saw a leopard come, Which in his dream, made on him fierce attack; But then a greyhound dashes from the hall Unto Carle's rescue, swift of leap and bound; First from the treach'rous bear the hound tears off An ear, then with the leopard combat makes. "See!" cry the French, "what battle fierce is here." But they know not which of the two will win The field--Carle still asleep naught can awake. Aoi.

LIX.

Vanished the night, and the clear dawn appeared. With noble mien the Emperor mounts his steed, And 'mid the host one thousand trumpets sound: "_Barons_," said Carle:--"You see those deep defiles And narrow passes--judge who in the rear Will take command." Said Ganelon:--"Rollánd, My step-son, whom among your valiant knights You prize the most." Carle hearing this, upon Him sternly looked:--"Thou art the devil's self," Said he, "or else a mortal rage has stung Thy heart! Say, who before me in the van Will march? 'Twill be Ogier de Dannemarche! You have no better Baron for the post." Aoi.

LX.

When hears the Count Rollánd the lot has fallen Upon himself, as loyal knight he speaks:-- "You, sire step-father, dear and well beloved Must be, since you have named me for the rear; Nor shall Carl'magne, the King of France, lose aught, Nor palfrey, nor fleet steed, if knowledge true I have, nor male nor female mule that man Can ride, nor beast of burden, horse or ass, Unreckoned for with these good swords of ours." Said Ganelon:--"The truth you speak, I know." Aoi.

LXI.

When hears Rollánd the rear shall be his lot, To his step-father thus in wrath he speaks:-- "Ah! traitor, evil man of race impure, Thou thought'st to see me here let fall the glove As thou erst dropped the staff before the King!" Aoi.

LXII.

The Count Rollánd [addressing thus Carl'magne:] "Give me the bow that now your hand doth hold, For, to my knowledge, none will e'er throw blame On me for dropping it, as fell on earth Your right hand glove, when he received the staff." With head declined the Emperor remains: Oft plucks and twists the beard on lip and cheek, Nor can his eyes restrain their falling tears. Aoi.

LXIII.

Naimes after came--no better ever was A vassal in the court. He said to Carle: "You hear him; greatly wroth is Count Rollánd; The rear guard is assigned to his command; No baron have you that with him would make Exchange. Give him the bow and your hand has bent, And look for those who best may lend him help." Carle gives the bow which Count Rollánd receives. Aoi.

LXIV.

The Emperor calls to Rollánd and says:-- "Fair sire, my nephew, truly you must know Half of my army will I leave with you; Keep them; in their good help your safety lies." Then said the Count:--"Of this will I do naught! May God confound me, ere my race I shame; But twenty thousand valiant knights I keep! Through the defiles you can in safety pass And fear no harm from man while yet I live." Aoi.

LXV.

Rollánd sits on his steed, and nigh him rides His comrade Olivier. There came Gerin, Gerier the brave, Othon and Berengier; There came Sansun, Anseïs the fierce; there came Also Gerard de Roussillon the old, Together with the _Gascuin_ Engelier. The Archbishop said:--"I, by my head, will go!" "--And I with you," exclaimed the Count Gualtier; "Rollánd's own man am I, and follow him!" From all are chosen twenty thousand knights. Aoi.

LXVI.

The Count Rollánd calls up Gualtier de l'Hum: "One thousand Franks of France, our land, array, And with them cover heights and passes, that The Emperor may lose none of his host." Responds Gualtier:--"This am I bound to do For you."--Forthwith one thousand Franks of France O'errun each height and pass.--None shall descend Despite ill news, ere seven hundred swords Unsheathe. That very day King Almaris Who rules Belferne, met them with battle fierce. Aoi.

LXVII.

High are the mounts, the valleys murky-dark-- The rocks are black, the gorges terrible. The French toiled through them painfully; their march Was heard for fifteen leagues; then the Great land Reaching, they viewed Gascuigne, their lord's estate, And sweet remembrance felt of honors, fiefs, Of lovely maidens and of noble wives: Not one is there but weeps from tenderness; But more than all is Carle distressed; he mourns His nephew left in the defiles of Spain.... By pity moved he cannot choose but weep. Aoi.

LXVIII.

The twelve Peers staid in Spain. A thousand score Of Franks are under their command, to whom Unknown is wavering fear or dread of death. Carl'magne to France returns--within his cloak He hides his face--Naimes, riding near, inquired: "What thought, O King, weighs now upon your heart?"-- "Who questions me doth wrong. So sad am I I can but mourn. Sweet France by Ganelon Shall be destroyed. An angel in my sleep Appeared, and, dreaming, I beheld my lance Broken up within my hand by him who named My nephew for the rear guard ... and I left Him in a foreign land;--O mighty God, Should I lose him, I ne'er should find his peer!" Aoi.

LXIX.