THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

Marsilius’ Embassy
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© 2009 Max Wickert
King Marsilius left his council and betook himself to one of his gardens, a very delightful place
planted with verdant trees, in which there stood a silver basin. Marsilius was much versed in the arts
of astrology and necromancy, and had caused the vessel’s rim to be inscribed round about in the
Saracen manner with all the kingdoms, lands and cities from East to West. Next to the basin, stood
the carving of a lighted torch. Whenever there was war, this basin turned in the direction of the
fighting. Now Marsilius, by his magic art, spun the vessel three times, and it turned to show Spain.
When Marsilius saw this, his countenance grew pale with fear at the thought of war.
At last his heart persuaded him that it was great folly in him to trust his magic art, and that he would
do better to learn the truth by messages. He summoned one of his wisest chancellors and made him
compose a letter in the Latin tongue. Then he called for two of the best knights in his retinue and
said to them: “Take this letter to the Emperor of France, and come back to tell me how he receives
it.” These two knights left on the next morning and rode with great speed through shrubs, valleys
and forests until they reached Paris. Outside the city they found a huge gathering, with tents and
pavilions, for Roland and his knights had that very day arrived from Rome, to bring the Pope’s
greetings to the Emperor and all his barons.
Thereupon the two messengers mounted the palace stairs, where they found a great assembly of
princes and marquises. They saluted Charles most courteously in the Christian tongue and
presented him with the letter on Marsilius’ behalf. The emperor took it from them without a frown,
called for his chancellor, Gaylord of Tourenne, saying, “Break the seal of this letter,” and then,
“Read the letter in a loud voice so that all may hear.” The chancellor took the letter from him at