THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
ride against the enemy. He ordered the cymbals and trumpets and tambours to sound, and the
ladies and maidens of the city stood by their windows to see the host marching in file through the
gate. The gonfalons and royal banner were unfurled toward Spain. The ladies and maidens cried
wept loudly, for they would never forget their gaieties and dances, and they prayed to God in the
Highest to protect their friends and relatives.
Charles rode with his army. Never was there seen a fairer host or a better armed. Caesar, the
Emperor of Rome, who ruled the whole world, never had a better. Making a show of clashing and
jousting, that army galloped through the plain, their lances raised high and threatening Spain. Never
was there seen an army so well furnished with means to endure a long campaign. They did not
make many days’ stay. For five days that army sped onward, and so arrived near Blaye. There they
found Ogier, who rode toward them to greet them with great honor. No sooner had he seen
Roland, than he told him that Ferrau had arrived in the region and had commenced the great war.
Roland said to him: “Tell me, Ogier, have you ever seen this Ferrau?” Ogier answered: “I have never
laid eyes on him, but I am eager to see him. If he is as they say, there was never seen a pagan as
strong so huge as he. A horse can scarce carry him, and he truly seems to be descended from
Goliath, whom the boy David slew with three pebbles.” Then Roland said: “I swear to God,
however strong and huge he may be, I will teach him a lesson (if my mind does not deceive me) and
make him regret to have begun this war.”
17: The French Cross the Frontier [summary]
At dawn the next day, Ogier’s forces set out under the Oriflamme and crossed the passes into Spain. Roland’s
company rode ahead, raiding and pillaging the countryside. In the course of the night following, Namo set out with the
main host and arrived beneath Lazara. Ferrau had not expected the French to move so speedily, but quickly mustered
a force of ten thousand knights for the defense of the city. He himself, the lord of vast domains, was of giant stature,
some fourteen cubits tall, with powerful thighs and hands. His fingers extended for a whole span, and his eyes were a
span apart. He was blond-haired and exceedingly strong and brave.