THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
Oliver answered: “I cannot make peace without the consent of my grandfather, therefore this battle
must be the end of one of us.” Then they defied each other, and Roland, as he was taking his
position, thought of his love for Alda and began to sigh, saying: “If I kill Oliver, Alda will never love
me; but if I do not fight, it will be said that I am acting out of fear or cowardice.” He entered the
lists, and they charged each other with lances at rest.
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As the two knights entered the lists, all the walls of the city were crowded with people. Gerard was
ready near the jousting field, attended by many knights, and all Charles’ host approached to watch
them and the ladies that were seen nearby. Astolph, Otho and Berlingher stood near with many
armed men on horseback, fearing that the ladies’ presence was Gerard’s doing and a sign of his
malice or deceit.
The two knights broke their lances and, drawing their swords, began a most bitter battle. Roland
kept holding his strength and gently besought Oliver to put an end to the fight. Oliver, thinking that
Roland was doing his utmost, believed that he would be the victor.
When the third hour had passed, they put an end to their first assault. Roland once more besought
him, but Oliver fought was all the more determined to fight. They commenced the second assault,
which lasted a great while, until the ninth hour well into the evening. All who watched the battle
believed that Roland was having the worst of it, except Rainier, who was watching, well aware of
Roland’s true strength. As evening approached, Charles declared that Oliver was a better knight
than Lord Clare.