Then Apollin in ’s grotto they surround,2580
And threaten him, and ugly words pronounce:
“Such shame on us, vile god!, why bringest thou?
This is our king; wherefore dost him confound?
Who served thee oft, ill recompense hath found.”
Then they take off his sceptre and his crown,2585
With their hands hang him from a column down,
Among their feet trample him on the ground,
With great cudgels they batter him and trounce.
From Tervagant his carbuncle they impound,
And Mahumet into a ditch fling out,2590
Where swine and dogs defile him and devour.
CLXXXVIII
Out of his swoon awakens Marsilies,
And has him borne his vaulted roof beneath;
Many colours were painted there to see,
And Bramimunde laments for him, the queen,2595
Tearing her hair; caitiff herself she clepes;
Also these words cries very loud and clear:
“Ah! Sarraguce, henceforth forlorn thou’lt be
Of the fair king that had thee in his keep!
All those our gods have wrought great felony,2600
Who in battle this morning failed at need.
That admiral will shew his cowardice,
Unless he fight against that race hardy,
Who are so fierce, for life they take no heed.
That Emperour, with his blossoming beard,2605
Hath vassalage, and very high folly;
Battle to fight, he will not ever flee.
Great grief it is, no man may slay him clean.”
CLXXXIX
That Emperour, by his great Majesty,
Full seven years in Spain now has he been,2610
And castles there, and many cities seized.
King Marsilies was therefore sore displeased;
In the first year he sealed and sent his brief
To Baligant, into Babilonie:
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