THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
people, all through the fault of your two kings, who fled without even breaking a lance.” Almont,
much grieved, vowed to the gods that, if he returned to Reggio, he would cut them to pieces with
his own hands.
That same day, in the course of the battle, Almont had ordered a brigade toward a valley under the
command of King Salatiel, who was a most deadly archer. Almont now summoned him and urged
him into the fight. That man now began a fearsome attack, wreaking great slaughter among the
Christians.
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King Charles was very wroth with his lords, seeing them killed in this manner. He called Namo,
Ogier, King Solomon, King Desiderius, the Vassal Richier, and Fulk, and said to them: “How many
knights are guarding our banners?” They replied: “My lord, by our faith, there are few good knights
among them, and their whole number is some thirty thousand.” “Ah!’ said Ogier then, “have no
fear, for they will put up a valiant defense.”
The enemy assault abated somewhat at that point, and while they were speaking about the
disposition of the army, behold a knight , bathed in sweat, came riding through the plain, whose
shield and armor and helmet was all battered, and he was dragging a great banner along the ground
behind him. He saluted King Charles, saying: “God bless King Charles and all his lords!” Charles
replied: “You come in good time, dear vassal. What tidings do you bring?” The knight replied:
“Gerard, Duke of Burgundy, sends you a thousand greetings and informs you that he has captured
King Almont’s banners, and that Almont now has no other forces at his command than those you
have at hand here. You may do battle against them without fear, for, if Almont loses this hill, he has
no other resource.” King Charles said: “My noble servant, tell me truly: Is the good Duke Gerard