THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

490
© 2009 Max Wickert
Hardly had Rambault launched the falcon, when that falcon rose into the sky as was his wont, and
Rambault followed it with a stick through the countryside, shaking the bushes here and there and
making a great noise. The falcon rose high in the air and Count Roland, who was sitting by the
fountain, saw it and knew it for his own. He rose, put a leather glove upon his left hand, and loudly
called to the falcon. The falcon at once knew the voice of his master, swooped down and perched
on Count Roland’s fist.
Rambault, seeing the falcon swoop and not continue to soar in the usual manner, was very angry and
rode up to the place where he had seen the falcon descend. Rambault rode following the sound of
the falcon’s bells until he entered the forest and arrived at a beautiful meadow. He looked ahead
and saw a knight with a falcon on his wrist. He rode another bowshot’s length and recognized the
son of Duke Miles of Angrant. Rambault spoke not a word, but at once rode off to Charles’
pavilion.
When Charles saw Rambault without his falcon, he said: “Ah, impudent traitor, what have you done
with my nephew’s falcon? If you have lost that falcon, I swear to God to have you hanged by the
neck.” Rambault replied: “I have no fear, for that falcon rests on the fist of knight who will easily
defend him and me. What I mean is: Roland and two of his companions is nearby, not two leagues
away.” Charles answered: “If things are not as you say, I swear to God that I shall make you die an
evil death.”
Duke Namo, who was present, without a moment’s delay mounted to horse, inquiring where Count
Roland could be found. Namo rode to the fountain and swathe knight with a falcon on his wrist.
He threw himself from his horse, knelt to Roland and kissed his feet. Then Count Roland bent
down and raised up Duke Namo, and the two barons greeted each other heartily. Roland called out