THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
Upon entering the city of Lazara, Ferrau was met by his man Sinagon and they proceeded to the
palace where the prisoners were kept. There Astolph rose to say: “Sir Ferrau, where is your captive?
Why have you not brought him to town to imprison him?” Ferrau began to talk with the other
lords that were seated with him at table. Ferrau sat at table with the prisoners, except Astolph, who
sat on the ground beneath the table like a clown .
As Roland was crossing the bridge, Charles with many of his lords was coming to meet him and
said: “Tell me, my good nephew, do you think you will overcome that fierce Saracen? He seems too
strong to me.” Roland answered not a word, and hung his head somewhat, for he could not think
of an answer regarding the Saracen’s power, and his great size and valor. After a short while,
Charles spoke again: “Tell me about this giant, my dear nephew. Is he really so strong?” Then
Roland replied: “Your majesty, I will tell you this: if I should happen to lose this fight, you must
needs return to France rather than face Ferrau’s power. But I firmly promise you that when we
return to the field tomorrow, one of us shall die. I shall never return to the host unless I kill this
man or he is brought to believe in Christ and the Virgin Mary.” After these words, they had the
tables put up and went in to eat. Then they all took their repose, and the Emperor sighed heavily,
remembering the words that his nephew Roland had spoken.
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In the morning, after Roland had risen, he commanded his arms to be brought to him. His hauberk,
which had been fashioned for Hector of Troy, was made in the following manner: Its center shone
with a magic light like a crystal, and never was there seen a lovelier. He placed it on his shoulders.
Then King Thierry of Arden 82 led out his horse Veliantin, Count Bon of Frisia readied his shield and
82 Thierry of Arden: orig. Therix de Herdengia. This person appears in no other text. The Italian scholar Catalani
suggests that Herdengia refers to the Monastery of Ardenga in Valdombrone, rather than to Arden