THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

265
© 2009 Max Wickert
assembled nobility had drawn their swords to strike him dead. Only with great difficulty did Duke
Namo get him away, for the king was much enraged against Balant. The Ogier the Dane rose to his
feet. He went to kneel to King Charles, and on his knees spoke the following words:
7
Ogier the Dane spoke: “O sacred Emperor, give me leave by your grace to knock down the
arrogance of this blackguard who has so badly defamed you noble people. If you do not grant me
this grace, I shall never more lay down my head in any of your lands or lodgings; and if you grant it,
and I do not prove him a recreant, have me hanged by my neck, for he is not an ambassador, but a
wicked spy. For if he were a gentleman, he should have spoken in gentle words of the honor and
embassy of King Anglant, who is the king of the parts of the East. It must not be believed that
King Anglant, so noble a man and so great a lord, should have sent so proud and foolish a man as
this, in saying that you should surrender like a rebel and defeated king. How much stupidity has
reigned in his words! He says he has sworn to kill a Frenchman; but if God grants me combat with
him, he shall never carry back any tidings, or if does carry them back, he shall bring such news to
King Anglant as will humble his pride, nor do I believe that he awaits your power.” King Charles
said to Ogier: “By my faith, you speak truly. I intend for the battle to go ahead.” But then the wise
Duke Namo spoke up, saying: “By my faith and by the love I bear to the crown, I will say (insofar as
it is my power) that this battle should not take place. Rather I desire that he should be sent back
safe and sound to his master, King Anglant. You will be praised by all the rulers of the world.”
Ogier was much vexed by these words; nonetheless he stayed silent for a while, but hen said to the
duke: “My lord Duke Namo, you are too anxious for honor of this court. Well do I know that you
do this so that I may not have its honor.” Duke Namo answered: “Ogier the Dane, do not talk in
this manner, for I am not acting for the reasons you claim, but only to safeguard the honor of our
lord, considering that no offense should be offered to any herald for the message he speaks.” King