Chapter CCLXX

From Spain at last the Emperor has returned
To Aix, the noblest seat of France; ascends
His palace, enters in the stately hall.--
Now comes to greet him the fair [lady] Aude,
And asks the King:--"Where is Rolland the chief
Who pledged his faith to take me for his wife?"
Sore-pained, heart-broken, Carle, with weeping eyes,
Tears his white beard.--"Ah! sister well beloved,
Thou askest me of one who is no more.
A worthier match I give thee in exchange;
Loewis it is. I can not better say.
He is my son, and will protect my realms."
Aude answers:--"To my ear these words are strange.
May God, His saints, His angels, all forfend
That, if Rolland lives not, I still should live."
Her color fades, she falls prone at the feet
Of Carlemagne--dead ... God's mercy on her soul!
Barons of France mourn her with pitying tears.
Aoi.