THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

267
© 2009 Max Wickert
After water for their hands had been brought to Balant and the Duke of Bavaria, Balant, seated at
table directly across from Charles, looked about and saw countless noblemen throughout the hall,
and marveled greatly. King Solomon of Brittany carved before Charles and was his cup-bearer, and
King Druon directed the serving of the meats. At a nearby table sat King Philip of Hungary and
King Gotteboeuf of Bohemia, and at various other tables there sat many kings, dukes, princes,
marquises, and lords. A huge multitude of young gentlemen were waiting on the tables. The whole
nobility was present, except Miles of Angrant who had been granted leave to depart on the
preceding day and had gone to Brava on some of Charlemagne’s affairs. There was such a mass of
gold and silver in the cups, basins and utensils, and such grand and rich ornament of gold and silver
throughout the hall, that Balant grew greatly astonished, and said to himself that he had never seen
such splendor. Among other causes of wonder was the great multitude of nobility that Balant
beheld, the greater part of them young warriors well prepared for battle. He said that Charles
himself was a very fierce king and a young one, for not one of his hairs had changed color yet. He
was in the prime of life. Balant guessed that King Charles might be some forty years old; and he was
so pleasant and familiar with his lords, so jocular and laughing when he spoke that Balant sighed,
remembering what ferocity he had shown at Balant’ arrival, and said to himself: “Verily, this king is
what a king ought to be, bright with his friends but gloomy with his enemies,” for he always showed
himself terrible when displeased, and wicked men were hateful to him. And, not to mention the
ornate table furniture, Balant saw many of the serving men with ornate armor on their backs, that is
of enamel chased with gold and silver. Guarding the hall on two sides were three thousand warriors,
armed to the teeth, so that any man could feel safe in the emperor’s presence. And above all Balant
was pleased by the suits of armor that were so shining and beautiful to the sight, and by the great
honor and reverence that was bestowed to Charlemagne, and by how human and mild and pleasant
he was to every man, and gave every man contentment. Balant said to himself: “Alas, my lord King