THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

Roland Demands a Knighthood
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© 2009 Max Wickert
As soon as young Roland entered the pavilion, he took Duke Namo by the hand and said: “Lord
Duke, what is it that Charles means to do? Does he want us to remain forever imprisoned? There
is no man in the army so poor but that, if he desires arms, Charles will furnish him with them. But
not us. Therefore, if Charles is not willing to arm us, we will go to Duke Gerard and ask him to
employ us. For I have no desire to continue living like a sluggard. Until now he has employed me
like a wretched vassal, and I have been riding a mule. But now that I have a good horse, I have no
wish to squander more of my time.” Ogier, who standing nearby, answered: “My sweet young
Roland, you shall have armor and a horse and whatever you like. Leave it to us to speak for you.”
Then Ogier and Namo went in to the king, and young Roland entered behind them. Ogier said:
“Sire, here is young Roland with his companions, and the beg you to employ them; otherwise they
will go elsewhere.” “So help me God,” said Charles, “I shall not, for they are too young.” Young
Roland rejoined: “By my faith, let us go to Duke Gerard.” “Ah!” said Charles; “I want you to wait
until we return to Paris. On Ascension Day I will knight you, and then we will take an oath to go to
war against Marsilius, King of Spain.” “By my faith,” said young Roland, “I will not. If you will
grant our desire, we will serve you no longer from this day forth.” But for Duke Namo, he would
have rushed away, but Duke Namo reasoned with him and he stayed. The Duke whispered to
young Roland: “My son, it is because he loves you so much that he fears for you. That is why he
wants to knight you in Paris.” Young Roland replied: “We want to serve God now when there is
opportunity.” And a blush was reddening his whole face. He was growing angry.
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