THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
with his wife Ermeline by him (he had his grandson Clare and Arnaut and Rainier to his right, and to
his left Duchess Ermeline with Lord Clare’s brother Bussy and his sons Guiscard and Miles, with all
the other barons gathered around), he spoke these words: “My lords, Charles has sent for help from
me as though I were a vassal of his. The time has come for my revenge. This is why I have sent for
you.” Then he called his grandsons and sons and said to them: “Those possessions which we hold
we hold neither from the Pope nor from the Emperor, but from God alone. Charles holds the
kingdom of France like a tyrant and a usurper and a thief. It is therefore my will that our men
should seize the whole realm of France.” When his lady heard him speak these words, she would let
him say no more, but exclaimed: “Oh my lord, I thought you had convened these nobles to go in
help of the Christian religion. What words are these that you are speaking?” Gerard replied: “I
would sooner die than go in aid of Charles. But let him fight and kill Saracens. What I want to do is
ride into the realm of France, burning and destroying. Let us take the kingdom of France from
Charles.”
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Then the duchess rose to her feet, full of confidence for having borne four sons and beloved by all,
and turning to Gerard spoke in this fashion: “My dear Duke Gerard, when will you mend your sinful
ways? Do you not remember when you had Duke Helenor in prison while you were in pursuit of
his two sons, and you caused him to be slain, blaming his sons so that they became as outlaws in the
world? Others hold their territory on whom you bestowed it. How will God ever pardon this sin in
you if now what there is need you do not go into combat for love of Him? And if they defeat
Charles, what defense can you make against King Anglant? And if Charles is victorious and returns,
do you think to rest in peace? For all Christians will be your enemies. For the love of God, do not
commit such folly, so that God may not grow angry with you and our children. Oh Gerard, how
many sins weigh down your person! Do you not remember the year when you took me to wife,