Chapter XXXVIII

White with exceeding wrath, the King Marsile
Has brok'n the seal, let fall the wax on earth,
And, glancing on the Brief, has read the script:
"I learn from Carle who holds France in his sway,
That I should bear in mind his ire and grief:
Bazan--Basile, his brother, they whose heads
I took on Mount Haltoie, his anger's cause.
If I my body's life would save, to him
The Kalif, my good uncle, I must send,
Or else can he ne'er be my friend."--Then spake
To King Marsile his son:--"This Ganelon,"
Said he, "speaks madly, and such wrong hath done,
That he should live no more. Now give him up
To me, that I to him quick justice deal!"
Ganelon, hearing this, unsheathed his sword,
And set his back against a branching pine.
Aoi.