THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

359
© 2009 Max Wickert
As the two ambassadors were riding a way, Calinder said: “In faith, Ulien, I fear that this tribute may
be a jest. Look how all the Christians gather to do battle, and how everything seems prepared for a
fight. May Mahound grant that this be no false tribute.” Ulien answered: “We shall see about this
when we reach Emir Anglant.” As they arrived at the ranks commanded by Maldachin, Buterant,
and Caruel, they made much of the tribute and continued on their way with those three kings.
When they came up to the ranks of Maderant, Alicard and Danflor, they did likewise, and reached
those of Aliadas, and then those of Passamont, Artoas and Florion; and then, of Dalfren, Pantaleaon
and Asmagon; and finally those of Calinder himself and of the Emir of Syria and Abilant, with the
ones of Alchin and the Mustapha. All of these had come to see the tribute that they had gathered.
They found Anglant by his pavilion.
When King Anglant saw this, he hurried toward them smiling and said: “Welcome back, Ulien and
Calinder. What will Charles do? Will he come to us, or does he send us the tribute?” Ulien
answered: “He is indeed sending you tribute, but we do know what it is that he sends in this chest.
He made us swear not to open it until we reached you. He said that he brought nor falcons nor
hawks nor kestrels, much less greyhounds, from France, but that he brought lances, swords, and
armor. He said he would not come to see you on foot to avoid shaming the Empire of Rome. And
yet, by Mahound, he has few men, though they are all in armor.” Calinder added: “My lord, have
this chest broken open, for it seems to me, judging by Charles’s word, that he is making fools of us.
He says you were mad to trespass into his lands.”
Anglant, surrounded by such a crowd of kings and dukes (for a huge crowd has come to see and
hear) had the drapery removed and the chest forced upon. When the saw head and arm of his son,
he fell down upon the chest half beside himself.