Chapter CCXVIII

Spread o'er the field the men of France dismount.
More than one hundred thousand arm themselves
Together--Brilliant their array! Their steeds
Are fleet, arms gleaming; bright the pennons float
Above their helms: The foe once found, they give
Them certain battle. Mounted thus, how brave
Their show! When Carle beholds their faces bright,
Joseran de Provence he calls, the brave
Duke Naimes, also Anselme de Maience:
"In knights so good behooves men to have faith,
And mad indeed who doubts of the event.
Should not the Arabs their approach repent,
Rolland's death I to them will dearly sell."
Responds Duke Naimes:--"May God vouchsafe your prayer."
Aoi.