THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
becomes Charles’ men. Therefore I beg you now not to abandon your father, for this would shame
you. But pay no attention to his words.”
Clare told him once more why he wished to go, and Bussy helped him arm at all points. When he
was armed, Bussy mounted his horse and went together with him to the gate, which was heavily
guarded, and ordered it opened. Clare rode out with lance in hand. Bussy did not leave the gate, but
waited there for his return.
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Clare’s departure caused Bussy much anxiety. Clare himself rode toward Charles’ camp, and the
watch rode toward him. When they discovered who it was who paid them such a great honor, they
wondered why he was alone. He went from there to Roland’s tent. Roland embraced him when he
arrived and asked the reason for his coming. Clare told him of the whole matter. The Roland
replied: “I shall not come without Charles’ permission.” He armed, mounted his horse, and they
went to Charles’ tent. He was very surprised when he saw Lord Clare. Clare bowed to him and then
told him the reason for his coming. Charles at once replied: “I would not be pleasing to God for me
to send Roland into the hands of a man who hates me more than Troyan, my enemy. Were it not
for my love of you, of Bussy, of Arnaut, and your brothers, I would never have moved a foot to
succor the proudest old man in the world.” Clare said: “I does not befit me replay by speaking ill of
the man who has made me his knight. But I beg you to let Roland come with me. If Gerard dares
to bestow so much as an evil glance on Roland, I swear by that God who was crucified for our
salvation that I will cut off his head with this sword, with never a thought that he made me his
knight. However, my lord, send him under my protection, for if we defeat that Saracen we need
have little thought for what comes after.” Roland knelt and begged Charles to let him go. Charles