And Blancandrin, good reason to decree:
Ten hath he called, were first in felony.
“Gentle Barons, to Charlemagne go ye;70
He is in siege of Cordres the city.
In your right hands bear olive-branches green
Which signify Peace and Humility.
If you by craft contrive to set me free,
Silver and gold, you’ll have your fill of me,75
Manors and fiefs, I’ll give you all your need.”
“We have enough,” the pagans straight agree.
VI
King Marsilies, his council finishing,
Says to his men: “Go now, my lords, to him,
So Olive-branches in your right hands bearing;80
Bid ye for me that Charlemagne, the King,
In his God’s name to shew me his mercy;
Ere this new moon wanes, I shall be with him;
One thousand men shall be my following;
I will receive the rite of christening,85
Will be his man, my love and faith swearing;
Hostages too, he’ll have, if so he will.”
Says Blancandrins: “Much good will come of this.”
AOI.
VII
Ten snow-white mules then ordered Marsilie,
Gifts of a King, the King of Suatilie.90
Bridled with gold, saddled in silver clear;
Mounted them those that should the message speak,
In their right hands were olive-branches green.
Came they to Charle, that holds all France in fee,
Yet cannot guard himself from treachery.95
AOI.
VIII
Merry and bold is now that Emperour,
Cordres he holds, the walls are tumbled down,
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