CCXVI
Through all the field dismount the Frankish men,
Five-score thousand and more, they arm themselves;3000
The gear they have enhances much their strength,
Their horses swift, their arms are fashioned well;
Mounted they are, and fight with great science.
Find they that host, battle they’ll render them.
Their gonfalons flutter above their helms.3005
When Charlès sees the fair aspect of them,
He calls to him Jozeran of Provence,
Naimon the Duke, with Antelme of Maience:
“In such vassals should man have confidence,
Whom not to trust were surely want of sense;3010
Unless the Arabs of coming here repent,
Then Rollant’s life, I think, we’ll dearly sell.”
Answers Duke Neimes: “God grant us his consent!”
CCXVII
Charlès hath called Rabel and Guineman;
Thus said the King: “My lords, you I command3015
To take their place, Olivier and Rollant,
One bear the sword and the other the olifant;
So canter forth ahead, before the van,
And in your train take fifteen thousand Franks,
Young bachelors, that are most valiant.3020
As many more shall after them advance,
Whom Gebuins shall lead, also Lorains.”
Naimes the Duke and the count Jozerans
Go to adjust these columns in their ranks.
Find they that host, they’ll make a grand attack.3025
CCXVIII
Of Franks the first columns made ready there,
After those two a third they next prepare;
In it are set the vassals of Baiviere,
Some thousand score high-prizèd chevaliers;
97
