THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
the central square to defend it. King Desiderius, when he had secured the gate, also hurried toward
the square with his men, crying: “Death to the cursed Saracen race!” So great was the valor of the
Lombards, that they gained the square despite all resistance, killing countless Saracens. Malzarisse,
seeing that he could not hold the city, fled to the fortress, along with sixty of his strongest knights,
while the Lombards occupied every quarter of the city.
Charles, meanwhile, hearing the loud noise that came from the city, mounted his horse and rode
toward the it, accompanied Roland and the Twelve Peers of France. Charles looked up and saw the
Lombard banners flying on the walls of Pamplona. He exclaimed: “Holy Mary, for ten years I have
lain near Pamplona, unable to conquer it. Not two months have passed since Desiderius arrived at
Pamplona, and he has conquered it in such a short time. And the French go about deriding the
Lombards, who are such excellent people!” Charles rode on with his company, and when they
arrived under the gate, Charles called out to the guard, saying: “Open up!” The guard replied: “I
wouldn’t think of doing so, for King Desiderius has not yet returned from the square.” Not long
after, Desiderius rode up with some two hundred knights (he had left the others at the fortress
where Malzariss and his company were holding out) and climbed the gate tower. When Charles saw
him, he said: “Ah, noble King of Lombardy, have them open the gate for me!” “Indeed, I shall
not,” said Desiderius; “for it is I who have conquered the city, and I want it for myself and my
people.” At this Roland said, with a little smile: “Ah, noble king, have the gate opened to me, in
token of the good company we have kept together.” Then Desiderius answered: “For your sake,
noble Count, I shall do whatever you please.” Desiderius climbed down from the tower, ordered
the gate to be opened, and said: “I should like to make a pact with you: let the city’s treasure to go to
me and my people.” “Make any conditions you please,” said Roland.
. . . . . . .