THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
Duke Namo, seeing Roland returning alone, came toward him to question him regarding Ferrau’s
prowess, and so did Charles and the other lords. Roland answered: “We have to finish our battle in
the morning.” They went to supper and then took their repose. In the morning the knight made
ready for the second battle.
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At daybreak the next morning, Count Roland, who had been u since midnight to worship and
beseech Christ and his Mother (as was ever the custom of this holy and just warrior), called for his
servants and bade them make haste to ready his arms and his horse Veliantin. That horse
understood human speech and Roland had conquered it from a mighty Saracen warrior whose name
was Clarel.
Once armed, Roland mounted his steed and came to Charlemagne’s tent, where many crowned
kings, princes, counts and marquises were gathered. Duke Namo of Bavaria, Charlemagne’s
counselor, was there, as were Astolph’s father, Duke Otho of England, and Solomon of Brittany,
and countless other knights from Germany, France, Picardy, Burgundy, Gascony, and Flanders, all
desirous to witness Count Roland’s combat with Ferrau. They all besought Christ to aid Count
Roland, for they well knew that if Roland lost the fight, they would all be made to renounce their
faith in Christ, for fear of the Saracen sword.
As soon as Roland had heard mass and received Archbishop Turpin’s benediction, he mounted
Veliantin and took his leave from Charles and the other nobles, who all wept fearing that he would
lose the battle. Roland galloped toward the bridge and the giant came out against him. Veliantin,
when he behold how huge he was, gave a loud neigh of fear, but Roland said: “Have no fear, for
Christ will be our aid.” He crossed the bridge and there found Ferrau armed and on horseback.