THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
you.” Ogier controlled his rage, and defied him to the death. In the battle that followed, Ogier was overthrown and
brought as a prisoner into the city. Now Richard of Normandy begged Charlemagne for the honor of the next fight.
The emperor consented, and Turpin gave him his blessing. But Richard fared no better and was captured also. Thus
the first day ended. On the next morning, Ferrau once more rode out. The brothers Angelin and Angolier of
Bordeaux now rode against him and they too went down in defeat. Namo’s four sons, Gawain, Gavor, Otho and
Berlingher fought next and suffered the same fate. By the day’s end, Ferrau had captured over one hundred and sixty
of the best Christian knights.
On the third day, Charlemagne, hearing Ferrau sound his horn, cried out: “This is a devil from hell sent out to destroy
us.” Oliver heard him, rushed forward and demanded the next encounter. Ferrau was much impressed with Oliver’s
strength and valor, but in the end Oliver fared no better than the rest. Of the Twelve Peers of France, nine were now
in fetters, along with many other Christian knights. Astolph of England seemed next in line, but when he came face
to face with Ferrau, he handed him his sword, saying: “It is not to you I surrender, but to the best man in the world,
whom you will face tomorrow.” “What do you mean?” said Ferrau, and Astolph answered: “It is Roland in whom I
trust so much that I leave myself in your hands until tomorrow.” “If you are wrong,” Ferrau answered, “I will have
you hanged on the gallows.” “I have no fear of that,” said Astolph and was taken away to prison. When Astolph
joined the other prisoners, he told them that Ferrau would either hang them all or have them taken to Marsilius.
That evening, Ferrau entertained his captives at supper. All the other Peers were seated honorably at the high table,
except Astolph who ate with the lesser gentry. When supper was over, Ferrau mockingly asked Astolph how he was
doing. “Very well,” answered Astolph with a smile, “for I found Oliver and my other friends in prison.” And thus
all went to sleep.
Roland and Ferrau
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The story now relates that in the morning, when Ferrau had risen, knowing that he was to joust with
the best knight in the world, rejoiced and prayed to Mohammed to give him the power and skill to
defeat Count Roland. At once he donned his best armor. Tied to his saddle-bow he carried a great
iron mace of three balls of lead, each of immense weight, hanging from three iron chains. His
sword, his shield, and his lance were of the best, and he was clad in excellent armor. He came to the
bridge, demanding battle with Count Roland.
Roland, hearing the sound of his horn, at once armed head to foot, mounted his horse, and came to
Charlemagne’s pavilion. He dismounted and received the gage of battle. Then Archbishop Turpin
came to say mass, and he received the archbishop’s blessing. He remounted, took his leave of