Chapter CXLIII

Soon to the field returns the Count Rolland
With Durendal in hand; as a true knight
He fights. Faldrun del Pin he cleaves in half
With twenty-four among the bravest foes.
Never was man so bent upon revenge.
As run wild deer before the chasing hounds,
Before Rolland the Pagans flee.--"Well done!"
The Archbishop cries, "Such valor a true Knight
Should have, when mounted, armed, on his good steed!
Else, not four deniers is he worth: a monk
In cloister should he be, and spend his life
In praying for our sins!...." "Strike," said Rolland,
"No quarter!"--At the word the French renew
The combat ... yet the Christian loss was great.
Aoi.