Before Rollanz the pagans scatter, frightened.1875
Says the Archbishop: “You deal now very wisely!
Such valour should he shew that is bred knightly,
And beareth arms, and a good charger rideth;
In battle should be strong and proud and sprightly;
Or otherwise he is not worth a shilling,1880
Should be a monk in one of those old minsters,
Where, day by day, he’ld pray for us poor sinners.”
Answers Rollant: “Strike on; no quarter give them!”
Upon these words Franks are again beginning;
Very great loss they suffer then, the Christians.1885
CXLII
The man who knows, for him there’s no prison,
In such a fight with keen defence lays on;
Wherefore the Franks are fiercer than lions.
Marsile you’d seen go as a brave baron,
Sitting his horse, the which he calls Gaignon;1890
He spurs it well, going to strike Bevon,
That was the lord of Beaune and of Dijon,
His shield he breaks, his hauberk has undone,
So flings him dead, without condition;
Next he hath slain Yvoerie and Ivon,1895
Also with them Gerard of Russillon.
The count Rollanz, being not far him from,
To th’ pagan says: “Confound thee our Lord God!
So wrongfully you’ve slain my companions,
A blow you’ll take, ere we apart be gone,1900
And of my sword the name I’ll bid you con.”
He goes to strike him, as a brave baron,
And his right hand the count clean slices off;
Then takes the head of Jursaleu the blond;
That was the son of king Marsilion.1905
Pagans cry out: “Assist us now, Mahom!
God of our race, avenge us on Carlon!
62
