To Rencesvals too late to go again.
Our horses are worn out and founderèd:
Unsaddle them, take bridles from their heads,2485
And through these meads let them refreshment get.”
Answer the Franks: “Sire, you have spoken well.”
AOI.
CLXXXII
That Emperour hath chosen his bivouac;
The Franks dismount in those deserted tracts,
Their saddles take from off their horses’ backs,2490
Bridles of gold from off their heads unstrap,
Let them go free; there is enough fresh grass—
No service can they render them, save that.
Who is most tired sleeps on the ground stretched flat.
Upon this night no sentinels keep watch.2495
CLXXXIII
That Emperour is lying in a mead;
By ’s head, so brave, he’s placed his mighty spear;
On such a night unarmed he will not be.
He’s donned his white hauberk, with broidery,
Has laced his helm, jewelled with golden beads,2500
Girt on Joiuse, there never was its peer,
Whereon each day thirty fresh hues appear.
All of us know that lance, and well may speak
Whereby Our Lord was wounded on the Tree:
Charles, by God’s grace, possessed its point of steel!2505
His golden hilt he enshrined it underneath.
By that honour and by that sanctity
The name Joiuse was for that sword decreed.
Barons of France may not forgetful be
Whence comes the ensign “Monjoie,” they cry at need;2510
Wherefore no race against them can succeed.
81
