THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
Aspramont within the appointed three-month term. He ordered a proclamation that all men in his
own territories should depart for their own lands, and in three months time be at Rome with all their
forces. He also made proclamation throughout the Christian world of the remission of sin and
punishment for any who went with Charlemagne against the Saracens. And so every man departed
and returned to his own land.
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Charles was very glad that King Anglant’s messenger had arrived at court during festival time, so
that his nobles had seen and heard him. And, after dismissing his nobles, had a proclamation made
that any knight who lacked armor or a steed should present himself to Charles and he would
provided with horse and weapons and money, so that none would be prevented from going by
poverty. He thus encouraged all his nobles to come, and said to all that whoever did not come
would be proclaimed a traitor, but he and his issue. He quickly had many messages and sealed
letters prepared and sent them to those who had not been in Paris during the ambassador’s visit,
promising every man who bravely fought against the enemy in Aspramont cities and castles,
possessions and gold upon his return. Also, he at once had many letters written and sealed. He
dispatched one ambassador to the island of England, to King Otho upon whom he had bestowed its
rule. The ambassador traveled to Harfleur, crossed the sea to England and, after arriving at
Hampton, proceeded to London and presented his letter to the king. He, when he had read the
letter, very graciously answered that he would come to the aid of his liege-lord Charles. He had
many ships outfitted, created ten-thousand knights, left England and made his way toward France.
So great was the treasure he brought with him, of vessels of gold and silver and of gold and silver
money that it was counted a marvel and gave great comfort to Charles and all the Christians—and
there was wealth even greater that remained unseen and of which many had no suspicion. He had
five thousand crossbow archers in his host, each of whom brought along two horses and two suits