Chapter CXCIX

"Let all that be!" cried to the messengers
The King Marsile--"Seigneurs, speak but to me,
You see me now crushed unto death. No son
Nor daughter have I left, nor other heir;
One son I had, who yestereve was slain.
Say to my Lord his coming I beseech.
Some rights to Spain the Emir has; to him
I grant the realm in full, if he accept.
Let him defend this land against the French,
To meet Carlemagne good counsel I will give,
And victor he will be before this day
A month. Bear him the keys of Sarraguce;
Thence, if he trust my words, he ne'er will be
Expelled." They answer:--"Sire, you speak the truth."
Aoi.