THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
conquering these other parts, when shall we conquer Rome and Paris, which are held in such great
estimation, while this town is hardly esteemed at all? Therefore, this very night one from this city has
come to me who has earlier been one of our captives, and his name is Bertram.” Then he told them
of the whole agreement he had reached with Bertram. All present applauded the plan and wanted it
put in effect, except King Almont, who said that it would bring great shame on them. However, he
did not wish to contradict what pleased his father. And perhaps he consented because of the way in
which Richier had shamed him by thrice overthrowing him.. So the former prepared for entering
the city as the traitor had counseled them in despite of his father and out of the envy he felt for his
brothers.
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When the next day and night had passed, Bertram took up the evening watch, and since that evening
was not so apt, he waited for the next night watch to relieve that of the day. When Richier, whose
turn it was for the second watch, had completed it, he called for Bertram and went to sleep. When
Richier was in bed, Galiziella kissed him and said, “May God protect us, for I have had a dream!”
and continued: “I dreamt that a flame came toward me through the air, and it was driven by a strong
wind, and it burnt down your whole kingdom. It began with Reggio, and it seemed to issue from
your mother’s womb, and it burned all of you. God keep us from treason!” Richier answered: “You
women are ever swayed by your suspicions and dreams! Now let me sleep.” And within a short
time he fell into a slumber. But Galiziella could not sleep, ever brooding about that vision. The
traitor Bertram, once on watch, redoubled all the guards, for he had been told of some commotion
in the camp, where they were waiting for the traitor to bring about the promised and sworn treason.
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