THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
When Roland hand the three barons in his company stood on the shore of that dangerous island,
they could go neither forward nor backward, for the island was densely forested, overgrown with
ash trees, acacias and poplars, so it could not be traveled on horseback. Before long the knights
began to complain of their great hunger. Liadras said: “Ah Divine Mahound, what a villain I was to
renounce you for that prophet who let himself be crucified by the Jews! Where now are the dainties
that I used to eat, where is the fine bed on which I was wont to lie?” Liadras was lamenting in this
manner, and Samsonet tired to console him, saying: “My brother, be of good cheer. Do you not see
that Count Roland is with us? Have you no hope that Christ will aid us?” Liadras answered; “if the
count has as much power as you say, why is not saying a prayer to bring us help?”
Then Roland moved away from the knights until they could see him, dismounted and knelt in
prayer, beseeching Christ to grant him the grace of leading Liadras and Samsonet to Charles, and to
allow him to cross the island with his companions. At Roland’s mighty prayer, the center of the
island opened and showed a path along which the knights could in a group leading across it. Then
Roland leapt to horse, called to his companions, and said: “Now let us ride, for Jesus Christ has
manifested us a great miracle. See how the island has parted in the middle?” Liadras said to Count
Roland: “Ah, noble baron, servant of Christ, forgive me if I have offended against you.”
So the knights mounted: Hugh of Floraville rode ahead, with Samsonet and Liadras behind him,
while Roland remained on watch against any savage beasts that might annoy or attack them. The
knights were riding as you have heard, and as they were riding the island forests closed behind them.
They knights rode until the reached the tip of the island. Roland looked ahead and saw a mountain
too high for any man to pass. None but savage beasts dwelt upon it. When the knights came up to
that mountain, they could go neither forward no backward, for the island was deserted. The knights
made stay here unwillingly, for when they looked behind they saw the island desert, and when they