THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
fortune succeeded in freeing him. He runs faster than any deer or stag, and he has a sharp nose and
is a strong archer. If you promise to free him from prison and his chains, he will overtake Bevis and
offer battle, and meanwhile your people will be at his back. In this way you will regain the lady and
cause Bevis’ death.”
Pulican was at once sent for. Brought in fetters before the king, he in brief words told him how
things stood and said: “If you promise me to overtake him and succeed to get him into my hands, I
swear by this crown to give you the rule of a city and to enfranchise you and make you exceedingly
cherished at my court.”
Pulican, in his desire to escape prison and gain his freedom, promised him all he wished and
requested a light armor of tempered leather, a bow with many arrows, a sword, and three javelins.
He dressed himself in the pilgrim garb that Bevis had worn, and then he said to the king: “Have
your men follow me.” He took up a tattered piece of flag and said: “If I enter the forest, I will tie
small strips of this flag to some branches, and by that sign your people can follow, for I will quickly
overtake him.” Having said this, he left by the gate Bevis had used and followed his tracks. A great
crowd of armed men rode out behind him, following the tokens and signs that Pulican provided.
And he ran right along the track that Bevis had taken, knowing it by his scent and by the tracks.
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Bevis had traveled with Drusiana until noon, when the lady, exhausted by waking and riding, said to
Bevis: “O my lord, I am so tired that I can no longer sit on a horse. I pray you, let us move a little
away from the road, so that I may snatch a few moments of rest.” And Bevis, having no other
choice, did so.