THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
The Duke countered: “Who are you then? And what is your business here?” “By my faith,” said
Gorant, “I say that you shall first tell me who you are and what your business is.” The Duke
answered: “Know then that I am an envoy from Charlemagne, who has sent me to King Anglant to
find out on what pretext he has attacked and wasted his lands, and to discover whether he has fled
from hence or is waiting for battle; for indeed our people are much afraid that Anglant may have run
away.”
Gorant’s answer was: “Well then, I am one of King Anglant’s men, and you shall find him in that
great pavilion yonder.” He pointed it out with his finger before continuing, “He has not fled; rather,
he is coming to look for your king.” Not pausing, he added with an evil grace: “It behooves you,
false Christian, to let me have this horse of yours, so that I may give it to Almont, who is the best
rider in the world. You must needs continue your journey from here on foot.” Duke Namo
answered: “By my faith, you speak like a churl. Nonetheless, if you wait here until I have completed
my embassy to King Anglant, I will give you the horse, and no sooner.” Gorant cried: “Faith, you
shall not ride for one more pace on his back. Dismount at once!” Duke Name said: “You speak
villainy and not like a gentleman. Either wait until I have finished my embassy, or else give me your
own dapple, and I will give you my black stallion. May God strike me dead if I yield him on any
other terms, unless he be taken from me by force. But I scarcely think (please God!) that a single
knight will force me to lose him.”
Namo in Reggio
40-42: Arrival [summary]
At this they both reached for their swords. In the fierce contest that followed, Gorant received a blow from Namo that
left him half stunned. “Are all you Christians so strong,” he asked when he recovered. “I cannot tell you that,”
Namo replied, “but perhaps you are not facing the least of them.” Namo was glad that he had not killed Gorant, for
he feared that this would prevent him from accomplishing his mission. At last they agreed to defer their duel until both