THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
dispatched many and commanded many to dispatch others, for he was well advised that these things
were needful for his army.
37-38:Gorant [summary]
The Saracen spy, Subrin 55 , who had been concealed at Charlemagne’s camp, was just then returning to King Anglant.
He reported that Charles himself was approaching with a fearfully large army. Anglant was secretly afraid at the
news, but showed no outward sign of it. He assembled his nobles and addressed them as follows:
“My lords, we have come to conquer all Christendom. King Charles has arrived in Aspramont to bar our way. It is
therefore my will that one of us ride out to discover the number and quality of these Christians.” Ulien, Salatiel,
Moadas, and Triamides declared themselves ready, but Anglant refused them all. At last Gorant, Balant’s young
son, offered to go, provided he be given the splendid white stallion that Jesuant had brought from India, and the great
sword that his father Balant had taken from the giant Brunor. Gorant was King Anglant’s seneschal and the queen’s
lover. His offer was accepted and he rode forth on his mission.
A Roadside Encounter
39
Gorant was riding toward Aspramont on his dappled white horse, in the best of cheer and in love,
for the queen had bestowed a look of favor on him. He was rich, nobly-born and courteous,
beautiful in face and attire, a good chess player, a brave fighter and a pleasant speaker. That is why
the queen was in love with him. Riding toward the mountains, he arrived where Namo of Bavaria
was coming down in the other direction.
When each saw the other, they drew closer and met. Then Duke Namo said: “God save you, sir
knight!” and continued: “For heaven’s sake, gentle sir, have pity on your horse; for if you manage
him as you have done hitherto, you shall shortly ruin him on the rough roads of Aspramont.”
Gorant replied: “Sir knight, are you a Christian? Or if not, of what race?” Duke Namo said: “What
is it to you?” Said Gorant: “King Anglant has bidden me to inquire about it, and that is why I ask.”
55 Subrin: The original reads Saladin, surely a scribal error.