Bid him come here, his homage to declare.2680
To France I’ll go, and war with Charles again;
Save at my feet he kneel, and mercy beg,
Save all the laws of Christians he forget,
I’ll take away the crown from off his head.”
Answer pagans: “Sire, you say very well.”2685
CXCIV
Said Baligant: “But canter now, barons,
Take one the wand, and the other one the glove!”
These answer him: “Dear lord, it shall be done.”
Canter so far, to Sarraguce they come,
Pass through ten gates, across four bridges run,2690
Through all the streets, wherein the burghers crowd.
When they draw nigh the citadel above,
From the palace they hear a mighty sound;
About that place are seen pagans enough,
Who weep and cry, with grief are waxen wood,2695
And curse their gods, Tervagan and Mahum
And Apolin, from whom no help is come.
Says each to each: “Caitiffs! What shall be done?
For upon us confusion vile is come,
Now have we lost our king Marsiliun,2700
For yesterday his hand count Rollanz cut;
We’ll have no more Fair Jursaleu, his son;
The whole of Spain henceforward is undone.”
Both messengers on the terrace dismount.
CXCV
Horses they leave under an olive tree,2705
Which by the reins two Sarrazins do lead;
Those messengers have wrapped them in their weeds,
To the palace they climb the topmost steep.
When they’re come in, the vaulted roof beneath,
Marsilium with courtesy they greet:2710
87
