For Rollant’s sake pity for Tierri feel.
God knows full well which way the end shall be.
CCLXXXI
Down under Aix there is a pasture large
Which for the fight of th’ two barons is marked.
Proof men are these, and of great vassalage,3875
And their horses, unwearied, gallop fast;
They spur them well, the reins aside they cast,
With virtue great, to strike each other, dart;
All of their shields shatter and rend apart.
Their hauberks tear; the girths asunder start,3880
The saddles slip, and fall upon the grass.
Five score thousand weep, who that sight regard.
AOI.
CCLXXXII
Upon the ground are fallen both the knights;
Nimbly enough upon their feet they rise.
Nimble and strong is Pinabels, and light.3885
Each the other seeks; horses are out of mind,
But with those swords whose hilts with gold are lined
Upon those helms of steel they beat and strike:
Great are the blows, those helmets to divide.
The chevaliers of France do much repine.3890
“O God!” says Charles, “Make plain to us the right!”
CCLXXXIII
Says Pinabel: “Tierri, I pray thee, yield:
I’ll be thy man, in love and fealty;
For thy pleasure my wealth I’ll give to thee;
But make the King with Guenelun agree.”3895
Answers Tierri: “Such counsel’s not for me.
Pure felon I, if e’er I that concede!
God shall this day the right shew, us between!”
AOI.
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