THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
Bramant’s great mace, but could not penetrate his enchanted helmet. As the struggle continued, Mainet finally found
the vulnerable spot at his enemy’s neck, slashed through his helmet laces, laid bare his head, and decapitated him.
At Bramant’s fall, the Saracen army was thrown into disorder and surrendered. Mainet claimed Bramant’s charmed
helmet, the only piece of armor that had withstood the irresistible force of Durandel. Morand, King Galafron, and his
sons were set free, and the king, amid general rejoicing, appointed Mainet (the secret of whose identity was still safe)
commander-in-chief of the Spanish army.
Ogier the Dane
A New Friendship
34
For many days was a great feast in the city of Saragossa and throughout Spain to celebrate the
victory. At that same time, King Anglant in order to assist his brother Bramant sent forth a most
valiant knight whose name of King Walfredian, King of Genturia and Sarais and of the mountains
of Tubari, Circassia and Cinabor bordering Numidia and Mauritania. He controlled three cities on
the sea. One was called Arzous, the next Arram, and the third, Sarrem. It was King Gualfedrian
whom Anglant now sent to aid his brother, who had earlier requested assistance when he set out for
Aragon. When that king disembarked at Cartagena, he landed with eighty thousand Saracens, and
with one of his sons, eighteen years of age, whose name was Ogier. He was an exceedingly
handsome youth, of a most courageous and valiant character. The news of that army reached King
Galafron at Saragossa, and there was a great uproar in the city because of it. He ordered the recall
of all his army, which had recently disbanded. While his forces were coming back, news arrived that
King Gualfedrian was one day’s journey from Saragossa. Thus they decided to sally out against
King Gualfedrian the next day, but during the night his entire host made camp at Saragossa.
King Gualfedrian had learned of the deaths of King Bramant and King Polynor from some men
who had escaped from the recent battle, wherefore he decided that he wanted to see Mainet and