THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
After Bertram had made the rounds of the rear walls, calling out to each watch, he turned to the gate
where the most numerous guard was assembled and said to the guardsmen: “I have a desire to go
forth to see what this commotion among our enemies may mean.” At this point one of the
townsmen (his name was Lothair), seeing Bertram’s whole countenance change, became suspicious
and said: “Bertram, what need is there for you to go forth into danger, since you are now in a safe
place? By God, watch what you are doing. Consider your ancient father and your native land!”
Bertram answered: “What makes you speak these words? Who should have more love for the city
than I, who expect to have its rule after my father’s death? Tend to your watch, and don’t trouble
your mind about other things.” Lothair was silent and Bertram left the city with three servants.
When he reached the vanguard of the camp, he had them kill all three, and went from there to King
Anglant, who was waiting for him and received him with great honor, embracing him and making
many promises. Meanwhile that townsman, Lothair, went to the bedchamber of Miles, the bastard,
and told him how Bertram had gone forth, and that it made him suspicious, remembering that he
hated Richier. Miles replied to him in a threatening voice: “What, do you call my brother a traitor?
Take yourself hence!” Lothair departed, greatly afraid, and returned to his watch. Nevertheless,
Miles, thinking of these words of his, was unable to sleep, and lay awake more than an hour
brooding on that speech. At last he called a servant and said to him: “Go to such-and-such a gate”
(and he gave its name) “and find out what Bertram is doing, and whether he has returned, and what
kind of watch is being kept.” The servant departed and turned his steps toward the gate.
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In the meantime the traitor had gone to King Anglant’s tent, as has been told above, and King
Anglant showed him great honor. Anglant did not know that Galiziella had been baptized. Bertram
once more swore to the pact and then said: “Give me some pack-mules, but command their drivers