CCLX
Says the admiral: “Nay, Charles, think, I beg,
And counsel take that t’wards me thou repent!3590
Thou ’st slain my son, I know that very well;
Most wrongfully my land thou challengest;
Become my man, a fief from me thou’lt get;
Come, serving me, from here to the Orient!”
Charle answers him: “That were most vile offence;3595
No peace nor love may I to pagan lend.
Receive the Law that God to us presents,
Christianity, and then I’ll love thee well;
Serve and believe the King Omnipotent!”
Says Baligant: “Evil sermon thou saist.”3600
They go to strike with th’ swords, are on their belts.
CCLXI
In the admiral is much great virtue found;
He strikes Carlun on his steel helm so brown,
Has broken it and rent, above his brow,
Through his thick hair the sword goes glancing round,3605
A great palm’s breadth and more of flesh cuts out,
So that all bare the bone is, in that wound.
Charles tottereth, falls nearly to the ground;
God wills not he be slain or overpow’red.
Saint Gabriel once more to him comes down,3610
And questions him: “Great King, what doest thou?”
CCLXII
<poem>Charles, hearing how that holy Angel spake,
Had fear of death no longer, nor dismay;
Remembrance and a fresh vigour he’s gained.
So the admiral he strikes with France’s blade,3615
His helmet breaks, whereon the jewels blaze,
Slices his head, to scatter all his brains,
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