THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
your grandfather, I will pardon your life, and for the love of your lineage. Go, return to the city!”
Bevis replied: “I have not come here to return without a fight; and I have vowed to Drusiana that I
would bring her your head and return her father Armin. Therefore be on your guard, for I shall
trust you with nothing but death.”
In a rage, Luciferus attacked, and they gave each other great knocks with their lances. Then they laid
hands on their swords and turned to the combat and began a great and perilous battle. Drusiana
from her palace watched the battle, and knelt down, praying to God for Bevis. Whatever blows
Bevis received on his armor, Drusiana received in her heart.
As the two engaged in hand-to-hand combat, Bevis had already received many wounds, but could
not pierce the Saracen’s armor. Filled with wrath, he took Clarenza in both hands and, shifting his
shield upon his back, gave him a mighty blow. The air was filled with sparks, but other hurt he
could not give him. Luciferus roared and struck at him with such fury that he made him bow down
to the mane of his horse, utterly stunned. At this Drusiana fell down full length upon the ground as
if she herself had suffered the blow. Bevis received it upon his armor, and Drusiana received it in
her heart.
Bevis, feeling his inward wrath increasing, began a mighty assault. While he was fighting, Drusiana
returned to her window, and by chance Bevis at that moment lifted his gaze toward that part of the
palace and saw Drusiana. Imagining that she saw him also, he throw away his shield and too
Clarenza in both hands, and smote at Luciferus bitterly. He likewise threw away his shield and took
his sword in both hands and, letting go the reins of his bridle, dealt a great blow.
Bevis had pricked Swallowtail with his spurs. The horses clashed, and Luciferus’ steed veered to the
left in such a manner that his blow did not reach Bevis, but went to leftward, and so great was the