LXXIII
An almacour is there of Moriane,
More felon none in all the land of Spain.910
Before Marsile his vaunting boast hath made:
“To Rencesvals my company I’ll take,
A thousand score, with shields and lances brave.
Find I Rollanz, with death I’ll him acquaint;
Day shall not dawn but Charles will make his plaint.”915
AOI.
LXXIV
From the other part, Turgis of Turtelose,
He was a count, that city was his own;
Christians he would them massacre, every one.
Before Marsile among the rest is gone,
Says to the King: “Let not dismay be shewn!920
Mahum’s more worth than Saint Peter of Rome;
Serve we him well, then fame in field we’ll own.
To Rencesvals, to meet Rollanz I’ll go,
From death he’ll find his warranty in none.
See here my sword, that is both good and long925
With Durendal I’ll lay it well across;
Ye’ll hear betimes to which the prize is gone.
Franks shall be slain, whom we descend upon,
Charlès the old will suffer grief and wrong,
No more on earth his crown will he put on.”930
LXXV
From the other part, Escremiz of Valtrenne,
A Sarrazin, that land was his as well.
Before Marsile he cries amid the press:
“To Rencesvals I go, pride to make less;
Find I Rollanz, he’ll not bear thence his head,935
Nor Oliver that hath the others led,
The dozen peers condemnèd are to death;
Franks shall be slain, and France lie deserted.
Of good vassals will Charles be richly bled.”
AOI.
31
