Cunning and keen they speak then, each to each,
Says Blancandrins: “Charles, what a man is he,370
Who conquered Puille and th’ whole of Calabrie;
Into England he crossed the bitter sea,
To th’ holy Pope restored again his fee.
What seeks he now of us in our country?”
Then answers Guene: “So great courage hath he;375
Never was man against him might succeed.”
AOI.
XXIX
Says Blancandrins: “Gentle the Franks are found;
Yet a great wrong these dukes do and these counts
Unto their lord, being in counsel proud;
Him and themselves they harry and confound.”380
Guenes replies: “There is none such, without
Only Rollanz, whom shame will yet find out.
Once in the shade the King had sate him down;
His nephew came, in sark of iron brown,
Spoils he had won, beyond by Carcasoune,385
Held in his hand an apple red and round.
“Behold, fair Sire,” said Rollanz as he bowed,
“Of all earth’s kings I bring you here the crowns.”&
His cruel pride must shortly him confound,
Each day t’wards death he goes a little down,390
When he be slain, shall peace once more abound.”
AOI.
XXX
Says Blancandrins: “A cruel man, Rollant,
That would bring down to bondage every man,
And challenges the peace of every land.
With what people takes he this task in hand?”395
And answers Guene: “The people of the Franks;
They love him so, for men he’ll never want.
Silver and gold he show’rs upon his band,
Chargers and mules, garments and silken mats.
13
