THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
Charles completely changed countenance and then drew himself up to his full height and said: “If I
had suspected this, I would never have granted you this boon. But since I now see that the thing is
done, I shall confirm it.” He gave a sigh and then said: “That boy shall not be Miles’ son, but my
own. I therefore desire him for my son. But you have tricked me; nevertheless I shall do as you
ask.” Then he made these three lords mount their horses, and they sent many a pack horse for the
women who had come to Bertha in order to provide her with an escort. Report of all this had
already spread through the city.
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As the cry went up through the city of Sutri that Orlando was Miles of Angrant’s son and that
Young Roland’s mother Bertha was Charles’ sister, all the people of the city ran to see Bertha and
Young Roland. All the following went to see him: Bernard of Clairmont, Aymon of Dordogne,
Bevis of Agrismont, Namo, Solomon, Ogier, Agnentin, the Marquis Berlingher, Gryphon, Ganelon,
William and Guinam. They wished to dress Young Roland in precious garments, but he wanted
nothing but his red-and-white-quartered garment, which he had since boyhood. He was placed
upon a steed and, for fear of losing his mother, kept ever by her side. In great honor, they turned
toward Sutri. They dismounted at the palace where Charles was waiting and were brought into the
hall. Namo, Solomon and Ogier conducted them before Charles, and she threw herself weeping at
his feet while Young Roland stood surrounded by the nobles. Bertha asked for mercy and
forgiveness from Charles. Charles could not restrain his wrath and raised his right foot, given her
such a heavy kick in her chest that she fell backwards. At this, Young Roland turned around to the
seneschal in the hall, who had a baton in his hand, and by sheer force threw him to the ground and
seized the baton from him. He was about to run up behind Charles to beat him over the head with
that baton and the nobles with difficulty restrained him. Duke Namo, Solomon and Ogier drew