THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
cast out of France through the great envy of others.” Here Charles said no more, and he had
finished his oration. “Now let my knights stand up, and let each declare his will.”
2
When Charles’ nobles understood his wishes, most showed themselves strongly displeased at leaving
their children and wives to set out to conquer the realm of Spain and the Highway of Saint James.
Wherefore there first rose a baron whose name was Galles of Normandy. There was no wiser man
at Charles’ court. “By my faith, my lords,” said Galles, “it is not reasonable for the lord of a realm
(be he king or marquis) to launch himself, for a dream that has befallen him, toward pitfalls that he
will be unable to escape without much sweat and danger, to become a jest to his enemies. So help
me God, it would seem to me (if I did not know better) that the wicked demon takes a man to a
great height in order to lead him to the castle of Hell. As the saying goes: ‘He who wants it all, loses
all himself.’ Surely you are acquainted with the men of Galicia, and those of Spain, Castile and
Aragon. They do not easily give up what is theirs except by selling it dearly with their swords, lances
and arrows. Too late in your life do you think of destroying their religion; therefore, so please you
(if you will be governed by my counsel) leave the conquest of the Highway of Saint James to your
children. Do not undertake a thing that you cannot bring to an end.”
3
At these words Count Roland leapt to his feet and said: “So help me God, you have made a fine
speech, Giles, you and those who are of your mind; though every man who speaks his mind need
not be blamed for it. Know now, Sir Galles,” Roland continued, “that we are aware (be not wroth
at my saying so) how you and your lineage have never loved our liege’s honor. You never loved
him, who has been ill repaid for ever creating you duke or naming you to a council as high as this.