THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
whose armor and horse I took. I left that city because I refused to be baptized.” The sailors said to
him: “What shall we call you?” Roland replied: “I call myself Lionas of Napal, and I will gladly go
where such mighty war is being waged as you sailors report.” The sailors said: “We will gladly take
you anywhere you ask.” The ship’s captain said: “Lionas, come on board, if you wish, and I will take
you to Persia. From there you can go wherever you want.” Roland gladly heard the captain’s words.
He took his horse and boarded the ship. It greatly pleased him to hear that the Saracens were
waging war against each other.
They hoisted sail and began to pass over the high seas toward Persia. The captain had food and
drink brought to Roland, which greatly restored him. After Roland had eaten, he stayed on the ship
for several days. The captain, observing how well-formed and courteous the knight was, proclaimed
Roland master of them all, saying: “Lionas, ask whatever you please, and it shall be done.” “A
thousand thanks,” said Roland.
Now Roland sailed night and day with these mariners for three months. They sailed until they
arrived at Machidant’s city in Persia. When Roland saw its many fortifications, he said: “Tell me,
captain, what it is this place that have we come to?” He answered; “This is Machidant’s city.” Then
Roland gazed toward the mountains and saw tents and pavilions, with more than two thousand
Saracens. Said Roland: “Whose men are these?” The captain answered: “These belong to
Machidant, King of Jerusalem. He is at war with the Sultan of Persia, who is trying to carry off his
daughter, named Dionysia, the most beautiful woman in the world.”
At this point, Roland leapt to land from the ship, in full armor, and behaving like the paladin he was.
He vaulted into the saddle and galloped off toward the host. The paladin rode until he came to a
pavilion in which many lords were gathered at council. On one side stood the Sultan, with his