Charlès heard that, and his noble baruns.
Vengeance I gat, but there’s no treason proved.”
Answered the Franks: “Now go we to the moot.”
CCLXXIV
When Guenès sees, his great cause is beginning,3780
Thirty he has around him of his kinsmen,
There’s one of them to whom the others listen,
’Tis Pinabel, who in Sorence castle liveth;
Well can he speak, soundly his reasons giving,
A good vassal, whose arm to fight is stiffened.3785
Says to him Guenes: “In you my faith is fixèd.
Save me this day from death, also from prison.”
Says Pinabel: “Straightway you’ll be delivered.
Is there one Frank, that you to hang committeth?
Let the Emperour but once together bring us,3790
With my steel brand he shall be smartly chidden.”
Guenès the count kneels at his feet to kiss them.
CCLXXV
To th’ counsel go those of Bavier and Saxe,
Normans also, with Poitevins and Franks;
Enough there are of Tudese and Germans.3795
Those of Alverne the greatest court’sy have,
From Pinabel most quietly draw back.
Says each to each: “’Twere well to let it stand.
Leave we this cause, and of the King demand
That he cry quits with Guenès for this act;3800
With love and faith he’ll serve him after that.
Since he is dead, no more ye’ll see Rollanz,
Nor any wealth nor gold may win him back.
Most foolish then is he, would do combat.”
There is but one agrees not to their plan;3805
Tierri, brother to Don Geifreit, ’s that man.
CCLXXVI
Then his barons, returning to Carlun,
Say to their King: “Sire, we beseech of you
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