THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
him. He had not quite fallen, when Almont struck him with his sword, and therefore it was said that
Almont slew him. So died Miles of Angrant, young Roland’s father. There was a great outcry at his
death in the Christian camp, and his body was brought where other dead lords lay. Charles wept
bitterly for him.
Gerard Captures Almont’s Banner Train
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When Gerard had seen Almont’s banner train, he gathered his forces in the evening and sent word
to Charles that he wished to approach these banners by night and would bravely offer battle. He
gave orders accordingly, first sending for four guides from the countryside, and then summoning
Lord Clare and Lord Bussy. He gave them four thousand knights and ordered them to position
themselves on a hill that overlooked Almont’s banners. In this manner they approached by night,
without being discovered. Gerard moved nearby and then went to join his two nephews, remaining
with them until daybreak. He had constant news from Charles about the battle in which Almont
had greatly discomfited the Christians. The whole army was in battle order.
It was the third hour when Gerard exhorted his troops, saying: “ My dear sons and nephews and
other lords, keep in mind that we have nor city nor castle nor dwelling nearby which can be
defended except by our swords. If these men wins the field, we are all dead men, for we have such a
long way to retreat that we shall all be killed. Then they will seize all our territories, and will defile
our wives and children and villainously make slaves of them. This must not happen, for God’s sake.
Therefore fight bravely. We are close to Almont’s banner train, which is poorly guarded. We shall
easily conquer them and seize King Almont. Charles meanwhile is staying in the field and only waits
for us to cast these banners to the ground. As soon as he hears the noise, he give order for attack.