The felon Guenes had treacherously wrought;
From pagan king has had his rich reward,845
Silver and gold, and veils and silken cloths,
Camels, lions, with many a mule and horse.
Barons from Spain King Marsilies hath called,
Counts and viscounts and dukes and almacours,
And the admirals, and cadets nobly born;850
Within three days come hundred thousands four.
In Sarraguce they sound the drums of war;
Mahum they raise upon their highest tow’r,
Pagan is none, that does not him adore.
They canter then with great contention855
Through Certeine land, valleys and mountains, on,
Till of the Franks they see the gonfalons,
Being in rereward those dozen companions;
They will not fail battle to do anon.
LXIX
Marsile’s nephew is come before the band,860
Riding a mule, he goads it with a wand,
Smiling and clear, his uncle’s ear demands:
“Fair Lord and King, since, in your service, glad,
I have endured sorrow and sufferance,
Have fought in field, and victories have had.865
Give me a fee: the right to smite Rollanz!
I’ll slay him clean with my good trenchant lance,
If Mahumet will be my sure warrant;
Spain I’ll set free, deliver all her land
From Pass of Aspre even unto Durestant.870
Charles will grow faint, and recreant the Franks;
There’ll be no war while you’re a living man.”
Marsilie gives the glove into his hand.
AOI.
LXX
Marsile’s nephew, holding in hand the glove,
His uncle calls, with reason proud enough:875
“Fair Lord and King, great gift from you I’ve won.
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