THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

Ferrau Arms
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© 2009 Max Wickert
Ferrau put on his armor, which was carried to him by two Saracens named Braites and Brion. His
shin-guards were of steel and his spurs were golden. His hauberk was so hard that neither sword
nor arrow could pierce it. He had conquered it beyond the seas when he slew the Emir Solomon,
who had cast his father Falseron into prison. That Ferrau also had his skin enchanted, so that
neither sword nor iron point could cut it, except at his navel. He was thus so strongly armed that he
feared no man. All the rest of the armor he wore made him appear like the splendid lord that he
was.
When he had donned his hauberk, he threw over it a surcoat of golden mail. Then he took up a
sword that Marsilius had given him. It was so long that no other man could wield it. Finally he put
on the helmet that he had conquered in the Valley of Jehosaphat by killing King Jostant in combat.
For a crest that helmet bore a silver hawk with a quail in its talons. When he put it upon his head, it
seemed to fly through the air. After he had finished arming, two fierce Saracens brought his mace,
which consisted of three great balls of lead wrapped in bands of steel. Then his great steed was led
in, clad in a purple coverlet, a gift of love from the King of Carthage.
Ferrau now mounted, grasping a shield entirely covered with ivory. He had his banner, which bore
an image of Mohammed, unfurled, and commanded the city gate to be opened. Then he led out his
troops, riding ahead of them all.
Now Ogier pointed him out to the French and said: “Can you see the man, Ferrau, the great
pagan?” Roland, Oliver and the rest rode up quickly to see the great lord. The Saracen stopped in