THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

492
© 2009 Max Wickert
As the knights were conversing, Charles himself arrived with a great following. When Roland saw
Charles, he stepped from the company of knights and knelt in the road at half a bowshot’s distance
from Charles. Here Charles dismounted, took his nephew in his arms, and said: “Ah, how I have
missed you, dear nephew! For since you have left, neither food nor provender has reached me from
France, and a great hunger pursues me from all directions.” Hearing this, Roland smiled a little.
Charles then said to him: “Who is that young man with you?” Roland replied: “This is the Sultan’s
son, and he is called Samsonet.” Then Charles said, “You are very welcome, Samsonet, my son,”
and kissed his face. All showed honor and gladness to Samsonet, and there was much rejoicing at
Roland’s return throughout the camp.
Then King Charles mounted his horse with all his nobility, and made Samsonet ride alongside
himself, doing him great honor. Duke Name rode next, between Roland and Oliver. Said Duke
Namo to Roland: “Noble Count, I beg you to give me a boon.” Roland answered: “Ask what you
please, and it shall be done.” Said Duke Namo: “I ask you, by the love of your knighthood, to let
me have that crucifix that the hermit gave you.” Then Roland took the crucifix and gave it to Duke
Name, but somewhat grudgingly, for it was very dear to Roland. However, he did not wish to
rebuff him, for he was his friend and a knight of high standing.
Charles rode until he arrived most joyfully at his army. Meanwhile evening was falling, and the
tables were put up for supper. Astolph said, “By Our Lady, the tables are set and there is nothing to
eat,” whereat Roland smiled a little, put his hand in his pocket, and took out a little of the bread that
Hermit Samson had given him. He distributed it, giving every knight of high degree a little, and they
all ate gladly, and when they were finished, it seemed to them that they had eaten meat and choice
viands, and a great many knights ate their fill of that bread. Night was approaching, and they all
went to repose in their tents.