THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
had it carried to the gate of Vienne on a sumptuous bier. The citizens, with Gerard’s permission,
carried it amid great lamentation to the church of Saint Anthony of Vienne, and there gave it burial.
Roland returned to his tent. As he entered, he found Count Flamingon, who was very pleased at
Lord Clare’s death.
In a rage, Roland drew his sword against him, shouting, “You traitor, do you smile at our
misfortune, of which you yourself are the cause?” and cut his head from his shoulders. None of the
Maganzas present dared say a word, and none of the others did anything but praise Roland’s actions.
That evening Roland went to bed full of grief, and Charles rejoiced in his victory.
Gerard and His Sons
145-146: Gerard’s Alliance with Marsilius [summary]
That night, Duke Gerard secretly left Vienne. He made his way to King Marsilius of Spain and asked him to
become his ally against Charles. Meanwhile, Gerard’s sons surrendered Vienne to Charles, who graciously left the city
in their charge and returned to Paris. When their father, accompanied by Marsilius’ armies, arrived to reclaim his
possessions, they sent a message to Charles, who decided at once to come to their aid.
Gerard Seeks the Death of His Own Sons
When Marsilius heard of Charlemagne’s coming, he gathered his barons to council and asked what
they advised him to do. Pantaleon suggested immediate battle. Marsilius replied; “When King
Anglant’s son Troyan was in these parts with King Pantalis, we lost the battle. Duke Gerard
answered: “You did so thanks to me and my nephew Lord Clare. But now there is neither Gerard
nor Lord Clare. I now insist on being the first to attack Charles and that bastard Roland.” Because
of these words, battle was decided upon. Gerard now said: “I will die in despair unless I first have
my four sons hanged on the gallows.” He called for his armor and armed, carrying a white shield
with the following device: Our Lady hanging from one foot with her child in her arms. He bore the