THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
bitter blows as well. Now a harsh contest began between the two and they fought for a long while.
Then Roland drew back a little, astonished at Pantalis’ prowess, and Pantalis, equally astonished at
Roland’s, demanded: “Sir knight, what are you, French or Burgundian?” Roland replied: “I am
nephew to King Charles of France. My name is Roland, Count of Angrant.” “Are you then,” said
Pantalis, “that same Roland who, as Troyan has told me, slew Almont when you found him asleep?
Accursed Christian, it was great folly in you to follow me so far from your people. Perhaps you
thought to find me sleeping, tired out in combat.” Roland answered him: “I had neither armor nor
sword when I killed Almont. Now see whether he was sleeping, for he was holding the very sword
with which I shall presently cut your head from your shoulders.” Pantalis spurred his horse in a rage
and struck Roland above his visor. Roland shifted his shield upon his back and spurred Veliantin
toward Pantalis. Pantalis’ horse turned to the rear, so that the point of Roland’s sword pierced its
saddle and killed the horse. He at once dismounted and they continued the combat on foot.
Already the sun was in decline, and still the two knights were fighting. At this, Ogier the Dane rode
up and leapt quickly from his horse with sword in hand to kill Pantalis, but Roland shouted: “Lay
off, Ogier, unless you want to fight with me.” So Ogier halted, while Roland cried out to Pantalis:
“Surrender and turn Christian. If you do not, your death is near.” Pantalis in his wrath gave
Orlando such a mighty blow that Roland was struck senseless. Pantalis heaved another blow
equally mighty, so that Roland was about to fall and hastened to strike once more. But Roland
withstood these sword blows and regained his senses, much enraged. By that time a circle of more
than a hundred knights had arrived to join Ogier the Dane. Roland struck a two-handed blow upon
Pantalis’ helmet, so powerful that it stunned him and gave his body a half turn. Then Roland, whose
sword was raised in the air, hit him across his visor, severed it, and slashed sideways beneath his eyes
the whole breadth of his face, so that the top of his skull and his eyes and his hair were left hanging.