THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

469
© 2009 Max Wickert
While Roland was listening to this parley, he said in his heart: “O Christ, never let the Saracens
resolve this ugly quarrel and help Marsilius against the Christians. Before I leave Persia, let me sow
such discord between them that more than three thousand Saracens shall die.” With this, Roland
entered the pavilion where they were gathered and called a squire apart, saying: “Tell me, good
fellow, which one is the Sultan? I wish to tell him something, for I come from far away.” Samsonet,
who had overheard the knight’s words, said: “What is your pleasure?” Roland replied: “I want to
talk to the Sultan and give him some unexpected tidings.” So Samsonet took the stranger by the
hand and brought him to the Sultan.
When the Sultan saw the knight, he asked: “Where do you come from?” Roland answered: “I am a
farmer from the city of Napal, and a poor vassal.” “What’s this?” said the Sultan; “you seem like a
knight to me.” Roland replied: “Not many days ago Roland, Charles’ nephew, made me flee from
Napol because I refused to be baptized. As I was leaving the city, I met a Christian and gave him a
thrust of the dagger so that I killed him and took his arms and his horse. I must inform you that
Roland has conquered Lazara, and killed Ferrau with his sword, and had all parts of Napal
baptized.”
Upon hearing this news, all the Saracens were much troubled and said: “It would be well if we set
out together to aid Marsilius.” Said Machidant to the Sultan: “If you give me your daughter to wife,
we can make peace, and then we will succor King Marsilius.” The Sultan replied: “Gladly would I
give her to you, and half of my realm to boot.” But Dionysia said: “I vow to Mahound that I will
not marry a man of eighty like Machidant, so long as I live.” Pelleas, enraged, cried out: “What a
stubborn whore you are! But for my fear of giving offence to Machidant, I would cast you into a
raging fire with my own hands.” Then Roland said: “It is not the custom of knighthood to insult a
lady as you have, you villainous churl!” Pelleas said: “Are you offering to defend that strumpet?”