THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
So died Pantalis of Pamphilia. Roland cut the severed skull from the helmet and remounted his
horse. Pantalis’ body was stripped and cast into the river.
Roland returned to the army and his deed was joyfully celebrated, but Gerard was stifled with wrath
and said: “Roland may have killed Pantalis, but it was Lord Clare who killed Troyan.” There was
much dispute in the royal pavilion about Troyan’s death. Many said: “If Roland had not cut off his
hands, he would not have died.” And Gerard said: “If Roland had not been rescued, Troyan would
have drowned him.”
Gerard, Clare, Roland
A Fragile Peace with Gerard
123
As Namo was listening to this debate, he said to Charles: “It would increase the honor of the crown
to celebrate the victory.” Just then Roland dismounted and entered the pavilion. All the lords rose
from their seats except Gerard. Roland presented Charles with Pantalis’ head, and Charles said: “O
noble knight, you began our triumph over Anglant, and now you have finished it. You are the man
who sustains our faith and who brings love and glory to the crown of France.” Gerard now said:
“O noble Lord Clare, you are the man who brings love and glory to the dukedom of Burgundy.” All
the same he said to Roland: “You are very welcome.” Afterwards he spoke as follows: “Your
majesty, King of France, now that Roland is back, give me leave to go and rest in my own country,
which I hold unbeholden to any man.” With this, he left, mounted his horse and returned to
Vienne, where there was much rejoicing over the victory that had been gained.