THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
Have no fear, for we shall always be with you.” Roland gave them hearty thanks, once more grasped
his shield, resheathed his sword, put his lance in rest, and rode back toward the Saracens.
When Anglant saw him returning, and rode toward him. Then one of the three saints rode before
him and the other two behind him, and by their power brought him through that formation. He
made his way back through all the others and rejoined his own men. During his return, he had
merely broken his lance, and he was holding his sword in his hand. There was great rejoicing at his
coming, for a rumor of his death had already spread through the army, and the Christians had lost
many men to Maldachin. King Anglant betook himself to Alicard’s division to urge the Saracens
into battle.
74-81: The Battle Continues [summary]
Upon returning to battle, Roland was attacked by Maldachin. He was very much afraid of him, but Saint George
cheered him to stand his ground until he kills Maldachin by cleaving in two from head to saddle. The terrified infidels
began to flee as Astolph, Berlingher, Otho and Angelet entered the fray. Buterant nearly killed Astolph, but was
killed when Ogier came to the rescue. The pagan first rank gave way, but Anglant sent in the second rank under
Maderas’ command. Though the Christians stood firm, their advance was thwarted.
Seeing their peril, Charles sent in Ansewig of Brittany with his five thousand. In addition, Gerard’s men, led by
Clare and Bussy. Once more the Saracens began to flee, and once more their rout was halted, this time by Danflor
and Alicard. At this point, Gerard of the Thicket entered in person. The Duke of Nasor and Alterachin, Ulien’s
nephew, then fell to the Christians, and now Ulien himself, sounding his horn, led a fierce countercharge.
Ulien immediately cut down Clare’s cousin, Walter of San Romano; then brought his banner guard into the fight.
(The device on his banner was a black dragon led on a scarlet chain by a maiden. It signified Ulien’s love for the fair
Calindes. Much did that love cost the Christians.) During this charge he slew Morand of Riviera. The Christians
wavered even more when Aliadas joined him. This caused Charles to send in Desiderius of Pavia, Solomon, Thierry
and Ganelon. On the pagan side, Ulien, together with Aliadas and his son Maladin, fought mightily and were soon
joined by Alicard, Danflor, and Caruel. The battle hung in the balance until Duke Namo was sent in by Charles,
who, with Roland and Ogier, finally made the pagans turn in flight.
With three of the pagan ranks routed, the fourth attacked under Florion, Passamont and Artoan. Many Christians
fell to their charge, including Guiscard of Natuel, Rambaud of Lorraine, Thierry of Brois, Guy of Pavia and
Angeliers of Unismars. Charles sent in the Marquis Berlingher next, and in the desperate struggle that followed,
King Artoan falls to Lord Clare and King Florion to Orlando, and Ulien at last withdrew, shouting: “Ah Fortune,
none can resist you. In this short while you have taken from us all that spent so much time and toil to conquer!”
Then nightfall ended the first day of battle.