LXXVI
From the other part, a pagan Esturganz;940
Estramariz also, was his comrade;
Felons were these, and traitors miscreant.
Then said Marsile: “My Lords, before me stand!
Into the pass ye’ll go to Rencesvals,
Give me your aid, and thither lead my band.”945
They answer him: “Sire, even as you command.
We will assault Olivier and Rollant,
The dozen peers from death have no warrant;
For these our swords are trusty and trenchant,
In scalding blood we’ll dye their blades scarlat.950
Franks shall be slain, and Charlès be right sad.
Terra Major we’ll give into your hand;
Come there, Sir King, truly you’ll see all that;
Yea, the Emperour we’ll give into your hand.”
LXXVII
Running there came Margariz of Sibile,955
Who holds the land by Cadiz, to the sea.
For his beauty the ladies hold him dear;
Who looks on him, with him her heart is pleased,
When she beholds, she can but smile for glee.
Was no pagan of such high chivalry.960
Comes through the press, above them all cries he,
“Be not at all dismayed, King Marsilie!
To Rencesvals I go, and Rollanz, he
Nor Oliver may scape alive from me;
The dozen peers are doomed to martyry.965
See here the sword, whose hilt is gold indeed,
I got in gift from the admiral of Primes;
In scarlat blood I pledge it shall be steeped.
Franks shall be slain, and France abasèd be.
To Charles the old, with his great blossoming beard,970
Day shall not dawn but brings him rage and grief,
Ere a year pass, all France we shall have seized,
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