THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
great and terrible roars, so that it seem to make the whole ground shake, and both Saracens and
Christians grew afraid. Balant was much amazed by the strange sound, which seemed of a more
than natural kind. The two brothers drew their swords and that day engaged in three engagements,
and the battle was ever equal, so that none had vantage over the other. After each exchange the lion
let out three roars. By evening both their shields and armors were cut to pieces, and they in pleasant
words concluded a truce, swearing to return to combat in the morning. Gisbert returned to Paris,
and Octavian and Giliant to their tents. Each of them gave great praise to his adversary. On the
next morning they returned to the fight with better shields. After they broke their lances, the lion
gave out three roars. Balant said: “That lion signifies a great mystery. May Balaam help us!”
The two brothers once again seized their swords and on that day engaged in many attacks and
terrible combat, and they were ever equals. They grew to love each other’s prowess so much that,
toward evening, neither wished to wound the other. Fearing to hurt the other, each would beg the
other to turn to his faith. Octavian said: “Adore the God of my mother, for he is so good a God
that he helps me whenever I call on him.” And Gisbert said: “Adore Jesus Christ, who was willing
to die for us on the cross.” And at each exchange the lion roared.
King Balant asked his soothsayers what the roaring of Octavian’s lion might signify. One of them
said: “Either our side or the others’ must renounce its God.” Balant believed he had won the war
when he said: “Floravant is taken; he will renounce his.” But the contrary was true.
In the evening Octavian besought Gisbert so hard that he trusted him and went with Octavian to
Drusolina’s tent. She was pacing back and forth, for she had ever much honored them. When
Floravant saw Gisbert, he sighed and was afraid, but Octavian said: :My lord Floravant, have no fear.
Gisbert is as safe here as in Paris.” Drusolina helped Octavian doff his armor, and Floravant and