THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

506
© 2009 Max Wickert
After these words were spoken, Ganelon took leave of Blanzardine and soon after daybreak found
himself near the city of Saragossa. There he saw many tents, barracks and pavilions spread
throughout the plain. Presently Ganelon entered the city, somewhat ashamed of the words he had
spoken to King Blanzandrine, for he somewhat loved the emperor Charles. Ganelon rode on until
he arrived in the square where Marsilius was sitting under his canopy. Ganelon at once dismounted
and cried out in a loud voice: “What, is that you, Marsilius, resting under that canopy?” When he
knew that his voice was heard, Ganelon continued: “I come from Charles, who has sent me to tell
you to renounce Mahound and Apollyon and to believe in Christ and the Virgin Mary, his mother.
Moreover I tell you that you must send the twenty-two years’ tribute to Roland. If you do not, he
will ride against Saragossa with all his host.”
Then Marsilius, in a great rage, cried in a loud voice: “Size that traitor, for I swear by Mahound to
make him die an evil death.” At once Ganelon drew his sword and withdrew to a corner of the
square. More than three hundred knights surrounded Ganelon and assailed him for a long time.
Meanwhile Blanzardine had arrived in the square; he now cried out in a loud voice: “Ah, King
Marsilius, do not kill this knight. By means of him you will either retain your rule or be undone, for
he is Charles’ cousin and the lord of many cities and castles.” Thereupon Blanzardine recounted to
Marsilius all that he had said to Ganelon the night before.
At this Marsilius at once pressed forward and commanded that none should give offense to Count
Ganelon, and all his men at once drew apart. Marsilius took Ganelon’s hand, and presently
Blanzardine said: “Sir knight, will you bear witness to what you said last night?” Ganelon answered:
“I will not, for I am one of Count Roland’s knights.” Then Blanzardine said: “Do not let yourself
be killed for such a worthless cause. Can you not see that Charles sent you on this embassy to kill
you?”