Chapter CLXXX

No baron is there now, no chevalier
Who, in his pity, sheds not tears for sons,
For brothers--nephews--friends--and for liege-lords.
Many have fallen swooning on the earth,
But Duke Naimes bore himself as valorous knight:
He foremost said to Carle:--"Behold two leagues
Away!--The roads are dark with clouds of dust.
There swarm the Pagan tribes.... Ride on them now,
Avenge this bitter woe."--"O God," said Carle,
"Are they already flown so far?--our rights
And honor shield! Those Pagans took from me
The flower of my Sweet France!"--The King commands
Gebuin, Otun, Tedbalt de Reins and Count
Milun:--"Watch ye the field, the vales, the mounts;
The slain, leave to their rest; see that no beast
Nor lion, squire nor page approach. I charge
You, let no man upon them lay his hand
Until, with God's assistance, we return."
They lovingly and with sweet tone reply:
"Thus shall we do, just Emperor, dear sire!"
Upon the field they keep one thousand knights.
Aoi.