THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
struck his face with a gauntlet, making three drops of blood issue from his nostrils. This was the
cause that made Roland abandon Charles and undertake the conquests of which I have spoken.”
Then the hermit said: “I shall soon know whether you are a Christian.” He seized a crucifix that the
angel Gabriel had given him long ago, and said: “If you are a Christian, hold this crucifix in your
hand; if you are not, bring it back to the castle and I will kill you.” (He had vowed to God that he
would thus deal with any unchristian who entered the castle). “As you please,” said Roland.
The hermit took the crucifix and threw it toward Roland. Roland opened his palm and the crucifix
flew into his hand. When the hermit saw this, he said: “Please tell me: who are you and whence do
you come?” Roland replied: “My name is Roland, nephew to the Emperor of Rome.” At this
Samson ran down from the castle and opened the gate. (It had a wooden drawbridge suspended by
chains). He took Roland by the hand and led him inside the castle, giving him a very joyful
welcome. Roland told him how he had been in Syria and conquered Jerusalem and caused a
monastery to be erected on Mount Calvary in honor of the Holy Sepulcher and as a destination for
pilgrims.
Presently Roland said: “Let me have some of your bread, for I am very hungry.” Said the hermit: “I
don’t have a crust of bread, for though the angel Gabriel brought me what I needed every day, I
have not eaten more than a slice each day for seven years, and during those seven at herbs from
these meadows. It has been seven years since the angel Gabriel has carried me bread to sustain me.”
Then Roland said: “Please say a prayer to Christ to tell him I must eat, for I am very hungry.” The
hermit and Roland at once knelt in prayer to Christ to send them some bread. The angel Gabriel
answered them: “Rise, holy knights of Christ, for I will bring you what you need.” The angel
continued to the hermit: “Holy hermit, Christ sends to tell you that you must eat of this bread for