If the King wills it I might go there well.”
Answers the King: “Be silent both on bench;
Your feet nor his, I say, shall that way wend.260
Nay, by this beard, that you have seen grow blench,
The dozen peers by that would stand condemned.
Franks hold their peace; you’d seen them all silent.”
XIX
Turpins of Reins is risen from his rank,
Says to the King: “In peace now leave your Franks.265
For seven years you’ve lingered in this land;
They have endured much pain and sufferance.
Give, Sire, to me the glove, also the wand,
I will seek out the Spanish Sarazand,
For I believe his thoughts I understand.”270
That Emperour answers intolerant:
“Go, sit you down on yonder silken mat;
And speak no more, until that I command.”
AOI.
XX
“Franks, chevaliers,” says the Emperour then, Charlès,
“Choose ye me out a baron from my marches,275
To Marsilie shall carry back my answer.”
Then says Rollanz: “There’s Guenès, my good-father.”
Answer the Franks: “For he can wisely manage;
So let him go, there’s none you should send rather.”
And that count Guenes is very full of anguish;280
Off from his neck he flings the pelts of marten,
And on his feet stands clear in silken garment.
Proud face he had, his eyes with colour sparkled;
Fine limbs he had, his ribs were broadly archèd;
So fair he seemed that all the court regarded.285
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