THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
As the second day dawned, Anglant sent out his fifth rank under Pantaleon, Asmagon and Dalfren. Fugitives from
the other ranks were still hurrying toward them, but some of them, seeing help on the way, turned back to the fight.
Among the noble Christians who met their deaths then were Gilfroy Greymantle, Samson of Normandy, Manfred of
Laldeonis. But when Astolph mortally wounded Aliadas, the Christians launched a countercharge in which Lord
Clare struck down Pantaleon, Roland beheaded Dalfren, and Ogier the Dane dispatched Asmagon with a swordthrust
through the teeth. Anglant sent in the sixth rank under Calinder, Abilas and the Almansor of India. He said
to Abilas: “I have raised you from infancy. I have given you a noble wife, daughter to Bramant and sister to
Triamides. I have crowned you king of two realms. Now let us see how you thank me.” That man rode out and
immediately killed Guyon of Navarre (that former Saracen whom Ogier caused to be baptized). In response, Charles
dispatched King Druon, Hubert of Anjou, Duke Aymon, Gryphon and Hugh. The battle that then began was
fiercer than the one the Greeks fought at Troy. The three saints were everywhere present and the Christians steadily
gained ground.
As the sun declined toward the southwest, Lord Bussy saw Ulien draw part on a little hill to survey the field. Bussy
immediately challenged him and as he turned, others rode up on both sides to engage. Gerard and his kin performed
great feats of valor, though Astolph twice needed to be rescued. (The first time, when Alicard unhorsed him, Roland
helped him back on his steed, saying: “You are none too steady in the saddle, cousin.” Astolph was somewhat angry
at this.) Meanwhile Anglant had sent out his seventh and last rank of picked men under Alchin and the Mustapha.
They launched a two-pronged attack, from both the Saracen camp and the Vale of Pines. With Alicard still
confronting them, the Christians were no beset on three sides.
Never had there been a more terrible battle. The ground was covered with dead bodies and the rivers ran blood.
Seventy thousand Christians were facing three hundred thousand Saracens. Even Roland blanched, but the three
saints cried to him with one voice: “Have no fear, O champion of God. We shall win this battle.” Then did the
pagan numbers seem paltry to Roland and he attacked with all his strength. Yet were the Christians hard beset and
only the great deeds of Roland, Clare, Ogier, Angelet, Solomon and Richier held them together. Here and there they
were beginning to flee.
When Charles saw this, he commanded Fulk of Normandy to take up the Oriflamme and, amid a great noise of
trumpet, himself rode into the fight. His charge somewhat rallied the Christian host. He overthrew the Almansor of
India and killed him. Then he drew Joyous and hurled himself into midst of the fight, under a rain of lances and
arrows. Seeing him in such danger, the Christians began to falter again, but Roland cried: “By the God who made
me, if any man dares to flee, I shall make a corpse of him.” This turned the tide. Seeing the Oriflamme, the
Christians to a man rushed forward bravely and the Saracens gave ground everywhere. Gerard and his kinsmen took
possession of the hilltop; Charles commanded the mountainside beneath; Desiderius, with Namo, Druon, Orlando and
Ugier were in control of the whole valley. In vain did Ulien sound his horn to hold the pagans; they were running
away on every side. At last he, too, with Alicard and Maladin, fled across a river and through a swamp beyond it.
The Mustapha Plots Treason
82
While the Saracens were in flight, Ulien, Alicard and Maladin reached King Anglant’s pavilion. They
each saluted him in turn, but he answered none but Ulien, to whom he said: “My nephew Ulien, you