THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
the mountains in pursuit of Almont. That brave young Roland spurred his mule in the direction of
Charlemagne. Astolph, Otho and Berlingher set off behind him, but did not spur their miles as hard
as young Roland, but slowed their pace after the victory. Ogier and Namo caught up with Charles.
At that point, Sinagon, Almont’s tutor, fell behind because his horse was winded. Almont said to
Balant: “Sinagon’s horse cannot come. Let us turn back toward the three knights yonder. Perhaps
we shall be able to seize one of their horses.” Balant answered: “By my faith, my lord, do not do so.
For if you are recognized, no gold in the world will ransom you.” At this point, Sinagon’s horse
collapsed, and Ogier rode up to Sinagon and cut his head from his chest as he was trying to get up.
So died Sinagon, Almont’s tutor, and Ogier sheathed his sword and once more seized his lance.
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When Almont saw Sinagon decapitated, he grasped his shield in fury and put his lance in rest. He
turned his horse around and rode toward Duke Namo. The duke struck him but inflicted no
damage, but Almont cast him from his horse to the ground completely stunned. Ogier the Dane
once more grasped his lance and charged Gorant the Seneschal, whose lance shattered, but the Dane
thrust his through his opponent’s breast and hurled him dead from his horse.
When Almont saw his seneschal slain, he was greatly enraged. Drawing Durandel, he rode at Ogier
and raised his sword in both hands. If Ogier’s steed had not risen on its hind legs so that it reared
almost erect in front of Almont’s, that blow would have been Ogier’s death. Instead, it struck the
horse and cast it dead to the ground. Ogier, having fallen to the ground, rose again and valiantly
drew his own sword.