That you cry quits with county Guenelun,
So he may serve you still in love and truth;3810
Nay let him live, so noble a man ’s he proved.
Rollant is dead, no longer in our view,
Nor for no wealth may we his life renew.”
Then says the King: “You’re felons all of you!”
AOI.
CCLXXVII
When Charles saw that all of them did fail,3815
Deep down he bowed his head and all his face;
For th’ grief he had, caitiff himself proclaimed.
One of his knights, Tierris, before him came,
Gefrei’s brother, that Duke of Anjou famed;
Lean were his limbs, and lengthy and delicate,3820
Black was his hair and somewhat brown his face;
Was not too small, and yet was hardly great;
And courteously to the Emperour he spake:
“Fair Lord and King, do not yourself dismay!
You know that I have served you many ways:3825
By my ancestors should I this cause maintain.
And if Rollant was forfeited to Guenes
Still your service to him full warrant gave.
Felon is Guene, since th’ hour that he betrayed,
And, towards you, is perjured and ashamed:3830
Wherefore I judge that he be hanged and slain,
His carcass flung to th’ dogs beside the way,
As a felon who felony did make.
But, has he a friend that would dispute my claim
With this my sword which I have girt in place3835
My judgement will I warrant every way.”
Answer the Franks: “Now very well you spake.”
CCLXXVIII
Before the King is come now Pinabel;
Great is he, strong, vassalous and nimble;
Who bears his blow has no more time to dwell:3840
Says to him: “Sire, on you this cause depends;
Command therefore this noise be made an end.
See Tierri here, who hath his judgment dealt;
123
