THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
his lineage. Therefore their rule is due to me.” Charles said: “Little does it cost you to claim it in
words.” At this answer, Almont grew enraged and defied Charles. They then took up their
positions.
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Having claimed their ground, the two valiant lords struck each other so mightily with their lances
that they pierced each other’s shields and some of their armor. The lances shattered and both riders
and steeds fell to the ground. Almont rose and drew Durandel, even as Charles drew Joyous, and
they began so terrifying a battle that it was a marvel. It lasted for a long while, so that both were
bathed in sweat. Neither had the advantage of the other. They dented the shields on their arms,
slashed their armor, and wounded each other in many places, until both bled terribly. Almont saw
Charles’s splendid armor and was filled with desire for it. He especially coveted his helmet, since no
sword could ever pierce it. He was burning with wrath and powerful in body, and Charles was a
wily and practiced swordsman. One of them invoked Jesus Christ, and the other, Mahound or
Termagant.
Almont now sensed himself wounded in several places, and it seemed to him that Charles had
suffered fewer wounds than himself, wherefore he exclaimed: “Ah, Mohammed, how is it that this
man’s helmet cannot be pierced?” He stared at the edge of his sword and cried: “Ah, good sword of
mine, how is it that I have become so worthless a knight in wielding you that Charles has endured so
long, and has battered me so sorely? The soothsayer deceived me who said that I would overcome
Charles and be myself overcome by another man. I declare there has never been a man more
valorous than this Charles.” Charles, too, said that Almont was the bravest knight in the world.
Each of them praised the other. Almont felt a great desire for Charlemagne’s helmet, telling himself