Page:The Song of Roland.djvu/49

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XLVII

Was a fald-stool there, made of olifant.
A book thereon Marsilies bade them plant,610
In it their laws, Mahum’s and Tervagant’s.
He’s sworn thereby, the Spanish Sarazand,
In the rereward if he shall find Rollant,
Battle to give, himself and all his band,
And verily he’ll slay him if he can.615
And answered Guenes: “So be it, as you command!”

AOI.

XLVIII

In haste there came a pagan, Valdabrun,
Warden had been to King Marsiliun,
Smiling and clear, he’s said to Guenelun,
“Take now this sword, and better sword has none;620
Into the hilt a thousand coins are run.
To you, fair sir, I offer it in love;
Give us your aid from Rollant the barun,
That in rereward against him we may come.”
Guenès the count answers: “It shall be done.”625
Then, cheek and chin, kissed each the other one.

XLIX

After there came a pagan, Climorins,
Smiling and clear to Guenelun begins:
“Take now my helm, better is none than this;
But give us aid, on Rollant the marquis,630
By what device we may dishonour bring.”
“It shall be done.” Count Guenès answered him;
On mouth and cheek then each the other kissed.

AOI.

L

In haste there came the Queen forth, Bramimound;
“I love you well, sir,” said she to the count,635
“For prize you dear my lord and all around;

21