THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
Count Roland’s hands. There begin a great assault and battle with the Christians.” Then Marsilius
summoned Grandonio of Valnoir and said: “Take another hundred thousand knights and let them
assault Roland’s host from the other side. As soon as you arrive in the valley, have your men cry out
‘Death! Death to Charlemagne and his nephew Roland, and to all the rest of his men!’ Then begin a
fierce battle, for you shall find all the French and the others sleeping. You will be able to wreak
great damage before Roland has time to arm.” Grandonio answered: “I shall gladly do so, for love
of my nephew Ferrau.” When Marsilius has thus ordered all his forces, he said: “I myself shall
remain here, with a hundred thousand knights, alongside Blanzardine and the other barons. All of
them shall follow at your rear.” And Marsilius spoke at great length to hearten his knights for the
combat.
Roland’s Last Stand
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When Marsilius had put all his battle plans in order, he led his army out of Saragossa, with may
standards and banners flying. Falsiron took his men on the road to Savra. Grandoino rode in
another direction, his men closing ranks behind countless pennants and banners. Behind them all
rode Marsilius and his host. The day had not yet dawned.
Roland, however, had not gone to sleep, for he was in prayer to Christ. As the Paladin was praying,
Falsiron and his army arrived, with a great outcry and noise. Walter of Lyon grew aware of it and
called out to his troop, who were all asleep. In a trice all Walter’s men were armed, and said to each
other: “Alas, noble knight, here we are staying at Savra with three thousand knights, but it would be
better to send word of this to Roland’s tent.” Walter replied: “I shall not do so, for I intend to ride
out into battle against the Saracens, after this deadly betrayal by Ganelon.” At once Walter charged