THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
positions. They exchanged two might thrusts with their lances. As they were coming to swords,
Roland said to Oliver: “Why do you insist on believing that renegade, Gerard?” Oliver made no
answer and gave him a great blow with Hautclair. Roland, who had drawn Durandel, struck his
helmet with the flat of his blade and Oliver, little concerned by that blow, cried out: “Roland, today
I do not bear a sword that will break. Therefore defend yourself, for today Lord Clair and Bussy will
be avenged upon you.” Still Roland begged him not to let the battle take place, but Oliver gave him
another blow that stunned all his senses.
Now Roland grew somewhat angry, seeing that nothing could make Oliver listen. He gave him a
blow on his crest, so cast the whole silver gryphon to the ground, and knocked the teeth in his jaws
together. Oliver, feeling that blow, said to himself: “That was a blow unlike the last.” He shifted his
shield to his shoulders and struck Roland another terrible blow. Roland struck back, but not with all
his power, for he hesitated to kill him, saying to himself: “If I make him die, I shall never enjoy fair
Alda’s love.” They exchanged three assaults that day, during which Roland kept begging Oliver to
make peace, and Oliver would consent to nothing.
As the day was ending, they agreed to leave off the combat. Roland said: “Oliver, for God’s sake,
do not return to this fight. Rather, let us make peace and I promise to be allied to you by marriage.
I will crown fair Alda queen of all Spain, and you shall be captain of my company.” Oliver replied:
“My grandfather will never give her to you.” Roland answered; “I granted you a favor yesterday. If
you are as courteous a knight as you say, grant me one tomorrow.” Said Oliver: “I will grant you
any favor except one: that the fight be finished by one of our deaths, if no other accord can be
reached.” Said Roland: “I will not ask to cancel the fight; all I ask is that you bring Alda up to the
high terrace of that garden by the gate, so that she can watch our battle. If then I die at your hands,