THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
kneeled to Gerard, who made him remain on his knees for more than an hour. Then he told him: “I
will have both you and Charles hanged on a pair of gallows.” Duke Namo answered: “Make sure
that I do not see Charles’ death before my own.” Gerard laughed at this. Then he bade him rise
and said: “I desire Roland to be betrothed to Alda before you return to Paris.” Duke Namo
promised him all this. Then Gerard said: “What I have done was meant to show Charles that I do
not hate him as much as he believes. Indeed, I have him at my disposal, and could put him to death,
if I wanted.”
Then he had Charles released from prison and told Duke Namo to send for Roland. He, however,
refused to go without a safe-conduct, until Oliver said, “I will go myself,” and mounted his horse
unarmed. As he was leaving, he had the gallows thrown into the outside moat. When he arrived at
the pavilion, he told Roland all that had passed.
Roland trusted Oliver and came with him, where there was great rejoicing. After they entered the
city, many of the barons in the camp entered likewise. Roland betrothed Alda, swearing not to lie
carnally with her in marriage until he crowned her queen of Spain. A three-day festival was held
then, and after those three days, Charles craved leave to depart. He left in anger for the injuries he
had suffered, and Roland remained to escort Alda, with twenty thousand and six hundred men.
Charles had hardly left when Gerard tried to kill Roland, but his sons with one accord arrested him
and confined him in the dungeon of a tower, where he ended his life in despair. Roland led out fair
Alda and Oliver went with him.
A great feast was held in Paris at this and throughout the realm of France. Then Charles pardoned
Gerard’s sons and bestowed the rule of the Dauphinée and a part of Burgundy upon Oliver. He