THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
Gerard ordered them to be hanged and would have done so, had not Marsilius commanded him to
desist until the battle with Charles was done. Therefore he had them conveyed to King Marsilius’
tent and put them under heavy guard. Presently he gave commands for the order of battle.
148-150: Gerard Captured [summary]
Presently the battle commenced. Ogier the Dane fought several combats with Gerard, but moderated the violence of his
blows, not wishing to strike the sacred image on Gerard’s shield. But Ogier finally succeeded in taking Gerard prisoner
and brought him to Charlemagne’s tent.
Victory and Truce
151
As Roland was riding through the field of battle, he saw King Pantaleon who carried a red shield
charged with a great black scorpion. He immediately turned toward him, crying: “Defend yourself,
Sir Knight, who have caused the death of so many of my people.” They began a most cruel combat.
Already nightfall was making it difficult to fight. At last, after they had exchanged many blows,
Roland cut through both his helmet and his head, down to the collarbone, and this put an end to the
battle.
Both armies retreated to their banners. Roland returned to the royal pavilion, where he found
Gerard as a prisoner. Roland wished his head to be struck off in revenge for Sir Clare, but Duke
Namo advised the lesser evil of keeping him imprisoned. Thus it was decided, and he was kept
under strong guard.
While Charles was about to dine, King Balugant, Marsilius’ brother, arrived, along with King
Mazzaregis. They had been sent as ambassadors by King Marsilius. Charles was astonished when