Chapter XXXVII

Then Ganelon strode nearer to the King
And said:--"All idle is this wrath of yours.
This is the message of King Carle of France;
Hear his command:--"Receive the Christian law"--
One half of Spain he grants to you in fief,
And to Rolland, his nephew, he will give
The other half. (A haughty partner he
Will prove.) To this agreement should you not
Consent, 'gainst Sarraguce his host will lay
The siege; by force you will be tak'n and bound,
And brought to Aix, the royal seat. Hope not
To ride on palfrey, nor on steed, on mule
Female or male;--on a vile beast of burden
You shall be thrown, and doomed to have your head
Struck off.--Behold the Brief our Emp'ror sends!"
With his right hand he gives it to the King.
Aoi.