Who holds the land unto the Vale Sevree;
He’s shewn to him Carlun’s ten companies:
“The pride of France, renownèd land, you see.3315
That Emperour canters right haughtily,
His bearded men are with him in the rear;
Over their sarks they have thrown out their beards
Which are as white as driven snows that freeze.
Strike us they will with lances and with spears:3320
Battle with them we’ll have, prolonged and keen;
Never has man beheld such armies meet.”
Further than one might cast a rod that’s peeled
Goes Baligant before his companies.
His reason then he’s shewn to them, and speaks:3325
“Pagans, come on; for now I take the field.”
His spear in hand he brandishes and wields,
Towards Carlun has turned the point of steel.
CCXXXIX
Charlès the Great, when he sees the admiral
And the dragon, his ensign and standard;—3330
(In such great strength are mustered those Arabs
Of that country they’ve covered every part
Save only that whereon the Emperour was.)
The King of France in a loud voice has called:
“Barons and Franks, good vassals are ye all,3335
Ye in the field have fought so great combats;
See the pagans; they’re felons and cowards,
No pennyworth is there in all their laws.
Though they’ve great hosts, my lords, what matters that?
Let him go hence, who’ld fail me in the attack.”3340
Next with both spurs he’s gored his horse’s flanks,
And Tencendor has made four bounds thereat.
Then say the Franks: “This King’s a good vassal.
Canter, brave lord, for none of us holds back.”
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