With my good sword that by my side doth sway;
Till bloodied o’er you shall behold the blade.
Felon pagans are gathered to their shame;
I pledge you now, to death they’re doomed to-day.”
LXXXV
“Comrade Rollanz, once sound your olifant!1070
If Charlès hear, where in the pass he stands,
I pledge you now, they’ll turn again, the Franks.”
“Never, by God,” then answers him Rollanz,
“Shall it be said by any living man,
That for pagans I took my horn in hand!1075
Never by me shall men reproach my clan.
When I am come into the battle grand,
And blows lay on, by hundred, by thousand,
Of Durendal bloodied you’ll see the brand.
Franks are good men; like vassals brave they’ll stand;1080
Nay, Spanish men from death have no warrant.”
LXXXVI
Says Oliver: “In this I see no blame;
I have beheld the Sarrazins of Spain;
Covered with them, the mountains and the vales,
The wastes I saw, and all the farthest plains.1085
A muster great they’ve made, this people strange;
We have of men a very little tale.”
Answers Rollanz: “My anger is inflamed.
Never, please God His Angels and His Saints,
Never by me shall Frankish valour fail!1090
Rather I’ll die than shame shall me attain.
Therefore strike on, the Emperour’s love to gain.”
LXXXVII
Pride hath Rollanz, wisdom Olivier hath;
And both of them shew marvellous courage;
Once they are horsed, once they have donned their arms,1095
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