CXX
From the other part was a pagan Grandones,1570
Son of Capuel, the king of Capadoce.
He sate his horse, the which he called Marmore,
Never so swift was any bird in course;
He’s loosed the reins, and spurring on that horse
He’s gone to strike Gerin with all his force;1575
The scarlat shield from’s neck he’s broken off,
And all his sark thereafter has he torn,
The ensign blue clean through his body’s gone,
Until he flings him dead, on a high rock;
His companion Gerer he’s slain also,1580
And Berenger, and Guiun of Santone;
Next a rich duke he’s gone to strike, Austore,
That held Valence and the Honour of the Rhone;
He’s flung him dead; great joy the pagans shew.
Then say the Franks: “Of ours how many fall.”1585
CXXI
The count Rollanz, his sword with blood is stained,
Well has he heard what way the Franks complained;
Such grief he has, his heart would split in twain:
To the pagan says: “God send thee every shame!
One hast thou slain that dearly thou’lt repay.”1590
He spurs his horse, that on with speed doth strain;
Which should forfeit, they both together came.
CXXII
Grandonie was both proof and valiant,
And virtuous, a vassal combatant.
Upon the way there, he has met Rollant;1595
He’d never seen, yet knew him at a glance,
By the proud face and those fine limbs he had,
By his regard, and by his contenance;
He could not help but he grew faint thereat,
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