Chapter CXXXIX

The ev'n is clear, the sun its radiant beams
Reflects upon the marching legions. Spears,
Hauberks and helms, shields painted with bright flowers,
Gold pennons all ablaze with glitt'ring hues.
Burning with wrath the Emperor rides on;
The French with sad and angered looks. None there
But weeps aloud. All tremble for Rolland.

* * * * *

The King commands Count Ganelon be seized
And given to the scullions of his house.
Their chief, named Begue, he calls and bids: "Guard well
This man as one who all my kin betrayed."
Him Begue received, and set upon the Count
One hundred of his kitchen comrades--best
And worst;--they pluck his beard on lip and cheek;
Each deals him with his fist four blows, and falls
On him with lash and stick; they chain his neck
As they would chain a bear, and he is thrown
For more dishonor on a sumpter mule,
There guarded so until to Carle brought back.
Aoi.