THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
lances shattered, went to swords. They gave such cruel battle that all who watched trembled with
fear, considering the peril into which these two were venturing. When the first assault was done,
they rested.
Now Roland began to speak: “O noble Lord Clare, why is Fortune intent on visiting so much harm
upon us as to make us want to kill each other?” Lord Clare replied: “It is by doing of mine, but in
my uncle’s cause, as well as by your own fault.” Roland answered: “By my faith, Lord Clare, if you
would be guided by my counsel, I could leave Charles and you could leave Gerard and let them
finish this war between them.” Lord Clare thought over Roland’s words and the words that Gerard
had spoken to him. He feared that Roland intended to betray him. Roland continued: “We can
conquer cities and lands in another country. Ah, for God’s sake, be not pleased that one of us
should remain dead on the field.” Thereupon Lord Clare said: “If I were to abandon my uncle in
this war, I should be forever shamed. Truly, swords decide this matter.” With this, he rushed at
Roland with great fury and they resumed a combat more terrible than before, breaking and slashing
each other’s armor and shields.
That day, Gerard did not go to his tower, but climbed to the top of his palace where he could see
the whole battle. Many said that he was alone and had brought with him a crucifix as tall as a man
which he kept by his side. At every blow that the two knights gave each other, Gerard threatened
the crucified Savior and reminded Him that he had gone to Aspramont for Him.
The two battling knights struck out at each other bitterly, and until the ninth hour neither had the
advantage. At that hour, when the second onslaught was finished, Roland once more pleaded as
mentioned before. Roland felt more pity for Lord Clare than for himself, but the other always
answered that nothing would make him abandon Gerard. After the ninth hour had passed, they