THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
seen a knight better armed than you. The trim of your helmet 58 alone is worth a whole city. I ask
for nothing but this armor of yours. Therefore, if you will not come with me, get off your horse,
give me that armor, and I will spare your life.”
Charles answered: “It would have been easier for you to defeat me. But, upon my faith, before you
get that armor, you shall discover whether Joyous can cut. Know that I am Charles, King of France,
to whose court you sent Balant with his threats. I vowed to him that three months should not pass
until I came to find you. Does it seem to you that I been as good as my word? Therefore defend
yourself, you had better.”
Said Almont, looking up to the heavens: “Ah, Mohammed, wonderful is the grace you have
bestowed upon me, to let me avenge my dead nobles upon this man!” and he continued: “Are you
the great Charles, then? Well, tell me, Charles: do you know who I am? Know therefore that, if I
were master of those lands which I have sworn to conquer even now, I would not be content until I
had bathed my sword in your blood. I would not have you ransomed for all the gold in the world.
If I do not kill you with my own hands, I will kill myself. You acted like a fool, to follow me with
your people from so far away. Once I have killed you, I will go from here to Reggio and lead out
such multitudes that I will subjugate all Christendom, and sell its people throughout the world more
dearly than Vespasian did the Jews.”
Charles answered: “You have good cause to say so, since the Christians have inflicted so much
damage on you and your people. But I will have you thrown into my dungeon with a chain around
your neck, and inflict upon you as many torments as will please the French.” Almont laughed at this
under his helmet and presently replied: “The lands that you hold belonged to Alexander, and I am of
58 your helment: This is Bramante’s enchanted helmet, conquered by young Charlemagne in Spain (see: Reali,
VI.27)