Assembled them at Aix, in his Chapelle.
Holy that day, for some chief feast was held,3745
Saint Silvester’s that baron’s, many tell.
Thereon began the trial and defence
Of Guenelun, who had the treason spelt.
Before himself the Emperour has him led.
CCLXXII
“Lords and barons,” Charlès the King doth speak,3750
“Of Guenelun judge what the right may be!
He was in th’ host, even in Spain with me;
There of my Franks a thousand score did steal,
And my nephew, whom never more you’ll see,
And Oliver, in ’s pride and courtesy,3755
And, wealth to gain, betrayed the dozen peers.”
“Felon be I,” said Guenes, “aught to conceal!
He did from me much gold and wealth forfeit,
Whence to destroy and slay him did I seek;
But treason, no; I vow there’s not the least.”3760
Answer the Franks: “Take counsel now must we.”
CCLXXIII
So Guenelun, before the King there, stood;
Lusty his limbs, his face of gentle hue;
Were he loyal, right baron-like he’d looked.
He saw those Franks, and all who’ld judge his doom,3765
And by his side his thirty kinsmen knew.
After, he cried aloud; his voice was full:
“For th’ Love of God, listen to me, baruns!
I was in th’ host, beside our Emperour,
Service I did him there in faith and truth.3770
Hatred of me had Rollant, his nephew;
So he decreed death for me and dolour.
Message I bare to king Marsiliun;
By my cunning I held myself secure.
To that fighter Rollant my challenge threw,3775
To Oliver, and all their comrades too;
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