And their liege lords, and trusty friends and true;
Upon the ground a many of them swoon.
Thereon Duke Neimes doth act with wisdom proof,
First before all he’s said to the Emperour:
“See beforehand, a league from us or two,2425
From the highways dust rising in our view;
Pagans are there, and many of them, too.
Canter therefore! Vengeance upon them do!”
“Ah, God!” says Charles, “so far are they’re moved!
Do right by me, my honour still renew!2430
They’ve torn from me the flower of France the Douce.”
The King commands Gebuin and Otun,
Tedbalt of Reims, also the count Milun:
“Guard me this field, these hills and valleys too,
Let the dead lie, all as they are, unmoved,2435
Let not approach lion, nor any brute,
Let not approach esquire, nor any groom;
For I forbid that any come thereto,
Until God will that we return anew.”
These answer him sweetly, their love to prove:2440
“Right Emperour, dear Sire, so will we do.”
A thousand knights they keep in retinue.
AOI.
CLXXIX
That Emperour bids trumpets sound again,
Then canters forth with his great host so brave.
Of Spanish men, whose backs are turned their way,2445
Franks one and all continue in their chase.
When the King sees the light at even fade,
On the green grass dismounting as he may,
He kneels aground, to God the Lord doth pray
That the sun’s course He will for him delay,2450
Put off the night, and still prolong the day.
An angel then, with him should reason make,
Nimbly enough appeared to him and spake:
79
