Chapter XLII

The Pagan said:--"Amazed am I at Carle
So old and so white-haired; his age, I know,
Two hundred years and more. His limbs he toiled
Across so many lands; so oft was struck
By swords and spears; so many kings compelled
To beg!--When will he cease to war?"--"Carle?--ne'er!"
Ganelon answered, "while his nephew lives:
No vassal like him 'neath the starry arch;
And bold as he his comrade Olivier.
The twelve Peers held by Carle so dear, behold!
The vanguard form of twenty thousand knights;
With them King Carle is safe, and fears no man."
Aoi.