THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
Morand drew the Duke apart and told him who Galeana was. At once the Duke called for his
widowed mother and she embraced and kissed and blessed Charlot, and the Duke, weeping, put
Galeana’s hand in hers, and said: “Dear mother, this is the queen of France, wife to Charlot and
daughter to the king of Spain. Show her as much honor as you can.” The duchess embraced and
kissed her and then took her to her chamber. It is past telling how highly she was honored and how
attired and adorned like a queen. And so she returned to the hall while Charles was telling Duke
Namo who Ogier was, and he, for Charles’ sake, was shown much honor. Charles was given a rich
apartment, with many adjoining rooms. After he disarmed, the duke had royal garments brought for
him, so that when her returned to the hall, it was clear that this was indeed Charles, son of Pepin,
true heir to the lordship of France. The duke sent letters and ambassadors through all Christendom
and to Hungary, with notice that Charles, son of King Pepin, was in Bavaria.
The king in Paris constantly maintained spies in all the territories of Charles’ friends, since they
refused all obedience to him. Hearing that this was Charlot, some of these spies came to Paris and
reported the matter to King Ulric and to Lanfroy. That news was a great cause of fear in Paris.
Finally they levied forces throughout the kingdom, and sent for Marquis Belingher of Maine, and
Agnentin of Sens to come to their aid against that man who said he was Charles and who was
staying in Bavaria. When the Marquis and Agnetine her the news about Charles from Ulric’s
messenger, they dressed themselves in purple upon hearing the tidings and sent word to Lanfroy and
Ulric that they should come to see them joining with Charles.
Duke Gerard set out from Burgundy with his three brothers and three thousand knights and came
to Lanfroy’s and Ulric’s aid, along with Gryphon and his brothers and many others of Maganza. The
Pope sent to Ireland and commanded armies to be sent from Burgundy and Ireland. Twenty