THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
On the third day, Gualfedrian announced that, to avenge King Bramant and to maintain his honor,
he desired to do battle with Mainet, and Mainet, in order to avoid further war, agreed to fight him.
It was solemnly agreed that if Mainet should lose, King Galafron would do homage to King
Anglant, and if Mainet won, the army would turn back. It was further stipulated that King Galafron
should offer two hostages, 39 and King Gualfedrian likewise. The day of combat being determined,
King Gualfedrian returned to his camp and Ogier remained with Mainet.
When the day of battle arrived, King Gualfedrian made his son Ogier hostage, and King Galafron
wanted to send Marsilius as a hostage to the camp, but he refused to go, as did both his brothers.
They said they would not submit themselves to the son of a merchant burgher. King Galafron sent
them away from himself with harsh words, called for Mainet and said to him: “I cannot perform
what I have promised you, but before I break my word of honor, I shall go myself, by the
confidence I have in you.” He mounted his horse and took young Ogier with him. Arriving at the
tent of his father, he told him how things stood and that he had come in person to serve as a
hostage, so as not to violate his promise. King Gualfedrian, seeing Galafron’s noble nature, did not
wish to hold him and said: “Just take Ogier with you, for I am confident that you will keep your
royal word.” So Galafron returned to Saragossa, taking Ogier with him.
On the next morning, Mainet armed, and Galeana and Ogier assisted him. He rode out to battle,
wearing the helmet that had once belonged to Bramant, for it was of superior quality and superbly
and perfectly fashioned, and many believed that it was enchanted in a manner that no steel had
power pierce it.
35
39 Two hostages: Though the words clearly imply two hostages from each side, the context makes it clear that only
one is meant.