THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
The Holy Father left Charlemagne’s council and rode toward Gerard’s tower, with four archbishops
of the court and many other clergymen. When he was taken to the tower, he found, pitched outside
it, the tent where Gerard lodged, with Gerard himself at table, eating. The Holy Father made the
sign of the Cross and blessed him, and Gerard rose to his feet. The Pope asked him to be seated;
then sat down likewise and delivered Charlemagne’s message about how the Saracens were moving
from Reggio. “Noble duke,” he said, “the Holy Christian Faith is lost, unless it is defended.”
Gerard answered: “O Holy Father, cursed be the man who refuses to defend it; let him die (say I)
with all of his lineage.”
When he had eaten, he instantly mounted and, along with the Holy Father, made his way to the
pavilion where Charles was waiting. Lord Clare, Lord Bussy, Arnaut and Rainier accompanied
Gerard. Having dismounted, they entered the pavilion which had been Almont’s, and Charles
received them with great honor. After he had embraced Gerard, they left the pavilion. There was
much talk between them, and Charles said to Duke Gerard: “You should have been a crowned
king.” Gerard replied that a king’s responsibilities were too heavy: “And I am a sinner too readily
made angry. It is a king’s duty to be temperate, to love his true friends, and to maintain great
temperance.”
The Pope interrupted their talk and began to point toward the city of Reggio, saying: “My lords, the
Saracens are beginning to come into view. Over there is the Lighthouse of Messina, where so many
ships of our foes lie at anchor.” All paid close heed.
Then Veltachin Balant was summoned and he pointed out everything in turn with his finger, for
none knew the place better than he. While he was pointing toward the city, he said that the queen