THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
faith,” answered Hugh, “I would not do so if you offered me the rule of all Europe, even if I met my
death in Aspramont, for they would say that I had gone out of fear.”
Solomon then called young Meschin Aymeric, count of Berry, Gerard of the Thicket’s nephew (he
was later called Aymeric of Narbonne, and asked him to go and tell Charles. He replied: “By my
faith, I will not do so; but when I have fought until I am near death, that is when I shall go. My
shield and my lance and my spear are strong, so that none shall esteem me a coward who leaves the
field to go on an embassy.” Next Solomon called upon Gilfroy Greymantle to go and he too
replied: “By my faith, I shall not; I want to make trial of the enemy first.” Then Solomon
summoned Anthelm the Red, and he would not go. Next he summoned Berard of Vilmer, and he
replied like the others—and so much the worse, that they began to quarrel over it. Then an
archbishop intervened and said: “My lords, leave off this dispute, for I myself shall go, since I do not
know how to fight.” So the embassy was bestowed upon him and he departed from them.
5
As that archbishop left the army, he did not stop giving his horse the spurs until he arrived at
Charlemagne’s pavilion amid the host. He found him spreading certain banners, and as he drew
near him gladly leapt from his horse. As soon as Charles saw the archbishop, he asked t what
tidings he was bringing, since his mount seemed so winded. He answered: “The news are not
good.” “What do you mean?” said Charles; “what are Solomon and Hugh doing?” The archbishop
answered; “The Saracens are advancing with banners spread, and there are so many that the earth
seems to tremble.” King Charles smiled at this and said: “These tidings are good, and we shall ride
out bravely to meet them,” and ordered the alarm to be sounded.