Chapter III: Part 3

“L’emp«er»ers de France fist forem«ent» a loier
Il a fait un table sur .ij. trestes lever.
Et par de sur un paille q«ui» fu fait outre mer.
Illok fist Charlm̄ la corone aporter,
Puis ad fait l’arcevesqe p«ar»tir «et» deviser,
Si ad fait les reliqes m«u»lt b«ie»n envoluper,
Dedens son mestre coffres les a fait deffermer,
Et les altres reliqes qe il voudra aporter.
Les petites espignons qil vist esgruner,
De la saint corone qil fist demenbrer,
Trestote les acoillye n«os»tre emp«er»er ber,
Et les mist en son gant qanqil pout trover.
Un chivaler le tent qil vist lez ly ester,
Mais al ne l’ap«er»ceut my qe nele oit parler.
Charlemayn retiret sa mayne, si lesse le gant aler.
Et dex a fait le gant enmy l’air arester
Tant q«ue» d .j. leue en pout home b«ie»n aler;
Kar la presse fu grant, ne l’en puis remenbrer.
Charlemayn comande l’ewe apporter.
De son gant ly sovengre si «quant» il dust laver,
Mais ne seet a ky le comanda abailier,
Par desur la gent le vist en l’air esteer,
L’arcevesqe la monstre «et» tuit l’altre barne.
Ceo fu mult g«ra»nt m«er»veille, ho«m»e en doit b«ie»n p«ar»ler,
Charls a pris son gant, s’est assis au soper.”

«H», leaf 37, agrees with «F», l. 1043, in making Oliver drink of the bottles of balm, which is not mentioned in the «Sowdan», l. 1190 (cf. p. xxix). [p-lii]

Similarly we find «S» 2604 differing from «H», leaf 62, where we read «Basyns» (= «Basin», «F» 3313) instead of «Bryer».

Again «H», l. 40, agreeing exactly with «F», l. 1329 «et seq.», differs from «S» 1279–82 (cf. p. xxix).

Instead of Floripas, «S» 1515, it is Brulans, «H», l. 49, and «F» 1949, who advises the Soudan not to slay the prisoners.

The names of the twelve peers are the same in «H» as in «F» (cf. p. xxvii); and the whole scene of the peers being sent one after the other on a mission to Laban (cf. note to l. 1665 of the «Sowdan») is described exactly alike in «F» 2263–2282 and in «H», leaf 51, back, with the only difference that the names of the peers are given in a different order in both versions, Richard of Normandy, who is sent off as the sixth in «F», being the second in «H».

These variations of «S» from «H» clearly exemplify the impossibility of regarding the Hanover MS. as the original of the «Sowdan». But as on the whole these differences are not of a very significant nature, and as, moreover, part of these variations may perhaps be attributed to the favourite habit of the author of going his own way in the arrangement of the subject-matter and in some minor points, whereas in the essential course of the events he strictly adhered to his source (see above p. xxxviii, and cf. note to l. 2535); and as besides there are several names, the spelling of which differs in «F», agreeing in «S» and «H», I think there can be no doubt that the original of the second part of the «Sowdan» was a version similar to the Hanover MS.

If now we compare the Hanover version with the Ashmole «Ferumbras» more closely than has been possible on page xx, there are some instances where «A», whilst differing from «F», agrees with «H».

H. A.

lf. 27. Ha «Glout», dist 163. A «glotoun», saide þe Emperer
Karlemaines,
lf. 27. Que puis «vivre» que cest 175. Ke «lyve» he noȝt þys day to
jours fu passes be evene
lf. 25, bk. Ses chiuals ad reine 91. Þarto ys stede þan tyeþe he
à un arbre rasmee
Et garda les leges tote
contreval li pree

Nevertheless, the following passage in which «A» agrees with «F», but differs from «H», will at once show the impossibility of regarding «H» as the original of «A». [p-liii]

A. H.

302. Þanne þer come bifore lf. 28, bk. Atant se sunt drecie
Charloun, Gweneloun and Guinelons et «Alores»
«Hardree»

In other instances «A» is found differing from «H» as well as from «F». Thus the name of «Enfachoun», «A» 4652, which is «Effraons» in «F» 4900, does not occur at all in «H», which in the passage corresponding to «F» 4900, as well as in that corresponding to «F» 4913, reads «Affricons li Geans».

Again, in the story of Myloun, in which «A», l. 2008 «et seq.», differs from «F», we find «H» disagreeing from «F», 2734 «et seq.», and from «A»:—

“Volez vo«us» queor de feme essaier «et» esprover
Del riche duc Milon vo«us» deverez remenbrer,
Qe tant nori Galans qe ly fist adouber,
Puys ly tolly sa feile Gabaen au vis cler,
L’enfes Marsilion en fist desherriter.—
Qu«an»t l’entent Floripas, du sens quida deueer.”—(«H», leaf 56.)

But in most cases in which «F» differs from «A», «H» agrees with «F».

Thus we find Ferumbras challenging only «six» French knights in «H», lf. 26, as in «F», 84, 105, instead of «twelve» in «A», l. 102.

In «A», l. 5204, Floripas, swooning away, is upheld by Oliver, whereas in «F», 5373, and in «H», lf. 90, it is Guy who keeps her from falling.

For «Howel of saint Miloun», «A» 5574, we read «Huon de saint Lis» in «F» 5792, and «Hugon de saint Lis» in «H», lf. 95, bk.

As in «F» 2912 it is to Berard that Roland speaks in «H», lf 57, bk., and not to Olyver, as in «A» 2234.

That Maubyn scales the walls by means of a ladder of leather («A» 2406) is not mentioned in «F» 3061, nor in «H», lf. 59, bk.

In «A» 1386 Floripas gives Oliver, who is wounded, a warm draught, which heals every wound; in «F» 2209, as well as in «H», lf. 51, it is by a bit of the mandrake plant that he is healed.

The maid-attendant mentioned in «A» 1238 («chamberere») is a man-attendant in «F» 2083 («chamberlenc») and in «H», lf. 49, bk. («chamberlayn»).

There is no trace of the additional lines of «A», ll. 4867–4875, to be found in «H», lf. 86 bk., nor in «F», 5094.

Among the relics spoken of in «A», there is nowhere a mention made of the «signe». In «H» we find the «signe» always mentioned [p-liv] together with the crown and the nails, just as in «F». In the passage quoted above from «H», lf. 100, and in the line which corresponds to «F» 6094, we find «ensigne» instead of «signe»; but «ensigne» certainly must be looked upon as a clerical blunder. In the other passages in which we find “the winding sheet, or shroud, of the Lord” mentioned in «H» it is also called «signe»:—

“Et rendrai la corone et le «signe» honore.”
«H», lf. 42 = «F», 1498; and «H», lf. 45, bk. = «F», 1805.
“Et les saintismes clowes et le «signe» honores.”—«H»,
lf. 57 = «F», 2829.

That the «signe» cannot be the “inscription of the cross” (cf. «Introduction», p. xxx) is proved by an additional line of the Hanover MS., in which the Archbishop is said to have covered the heads of the French with the «signe»:—

“Puys a trait l’ensigne qui bien estoit ovres
Engenolant l’ad ly Rois tote oue lermes baises,
Plus flairoit ducement que basine enbasines.
Quant Franceis l’ont veu, ele vous effraes,
De pite et de ioy fu chescous enplores.
L’ercevesqe le prist, mult fu bien purpenses,
«Et nos Franceis en a les chefs envolupes»,
Puis le mist sur le paille qest a or ornes,
Od les altres relikes dont illi out asses.”
«H», lf. 98, corresponding to «F», 6094 «et seq.»

Abstaining now from citing any more passages where «H» agrees with «F», but differs from «A», I think the few quotations above will suffice to show the impossibility of regarding the Hanover MS. as the original of the Ashmole «Ferumbras», notwithstanding that there are some resemblances of «A» to «H» (cf. p. xx). Therefore the result arrived at on p. xxi as to the original of the Ashmolean version is in no way altered by the detailed comparison of «A» with «H».

FOOTNOTES:

[88] Cf. «Sir Ferumbras», 185/5988.

SKETCH OF THE STORY.

Laban, the Soudan of Babylon, who was residing at Agremore in Spain, went to the chase in a wood near the sea (p. 2). Being tired of hunting he sat down under a tree, and, perceiving a ship drawing near unto the shore, he sent one of his men to hail the vessel and to inquire for news. The interpreter of the vessel informs the soudan that the ship, freighted with a rich cargo at Babylon designed as a [p-lv] present to Laban, had been driven by violent storms to the shore near Rome, where the ship had been robbed, and many of its people had been slain by the Romans. He solicits the Soudan to revenge this insult. Laban promises to make them pay dearly for it (p. 3). He convokes a war-council, and assembles a hundred thousand men and seven hundred sail. Himself goes, with Ferumbras his son and Floripas his daughter, in a dromond richly adorned (p. 4). They disembark in the haven of Rome, slay all Christians, and burn towns, abbeys, and churches. The pope of Rome assembles his council (p. 5). Duke Savaris is to meet the Saracens. With ten thousand men he draws near the Soudan’s pavilion on the shore (p. 6); they slay ten thousand Saracens. The Romans, though masters of the field, cautiously retire within the walls of the city. Lukafer of Baldas, having scoured the country, brings ten thousand Christian maidens to the Soudan, who orders them to be put to death (p. 7). Lukafer demands Floripas for his wife, in return for which he promises her father to bring Charlemagne and his twelve peers to the foot of his throne. Floripas agrees to accept him when he has fulfilled his promise. The next morning Lukafer assaults the city, but the ditches being too deep (p. 8), the Saracens are obliged to retire. On the following day the assault is renewed, the ditches are, on Mavon’s advice, filled with faggots. After a sharp conflict, where there were ten thousand Saracens slain by the stones of the Romans, the heathens are obliged to withdraw (p. 9). This second repulse makes the Soudan almost mad with vexation; he chides his gods. But Lukafer told him that he had learned from a spy that Savaris would, on the following day, come out again to fight with them. He now intended, when Savaris was engaged in the battle, to unfold a banner made exactly like that of the Romans, and to attempt, by this stratagem, to be admitted within the gates. And so it turned out: the Romans mistaking him for Savaris returning from his sally, he entered the main tower, and slew all therein. Savaris, noticing the artifice of the enemy, and seeing his troop reduced to seventy-two men, turned back, but found the gate shut (p. 10). Estragot, a black giant of Ethiopia, slays him with his steel-mace. The Pope having summoned his council, a senator suggested the necessity of [p-lvi] sending messengers to Charlemagne to ask his aid. They all assented, and three messengers (p. 11) left the city by a postern at midnight; they passed the enemy’s camp without being noticed by any wight. On the next morning Laban attempted a third assault; he commanded every man to throw pikes and bills over the walls to kill the Romans, and ordered the ships to go up the water with their boats bound to the mast, that they might fight in close combat. Near the tower there stood a bulwark, or “bastile,” which was a strong defence to the wall. It was thrown down by stones hurled from an engine. Laban, growing proud from this event, summoned the Romans to surrender. Instead of an answer a Roman hurled a dart at his breast-plate, but his hauberk shielded him. The Soudan, more than mad, charged Ferumbras to destroy them all (p. 12), and enjoined Fortibrance and Mavon to direct their engines against the walls. The great glutton Estragot, with his heavy mace, smote on the gates and brake them in pieces. But as he was entering one of the gates, they let the portcullis fall, which crushed him to the ground, where he lay crying like a devil of hell. The Romans rejoiced, but the Saracens grieved. They withdrew to their tents, leaving behind the corpse of Estragot, whose soul went up to Mahound (p. 13). The Pope called all his people to St. Peter’s and proposed to them to attempt a sally with twenty thousand men, to attack the enemy before day-break within their camp, and to leave ten thousand for the defence of the city. In the morning the Pope displayed the banner of Rome, and after a prayer for the preservation of the city, they marched out. But Ferumbras, going his rounds (p. 14), noticed their coming, sounded the alarm, and drew up his troops. Then began a fierce struggle. Ferumbras slew Sir Bryer of Apulia (p. 15) and the worthy Hubert. Nine thousand heathens were killed and eight thousand Romans. Lukafer destroyed eighteen Romans; he also slew Gyndard, a senator of Rome, who had killed ten Saracens. Then came the Pope with a great escort and his banner before him. Ferumbras, supposing him to be the sovereign (p. 16), burst open the thick crowd and threw him down to the ground. But having opened his ventail, he saw his tonsure, and recognized the Pope. “Fie, priest,” he said, “what doest thou here in the battle-field? [p-lvii] It would be a shame for me to slay thee. Go home and think of thy choir-service.” The Pope, being glad to get off so easily, retired to Rome with five thousand men, fifteen thousand being killed. Charlemagne, having learned from the messenger the great disaster which had befallen the Romans, said he would not desist until he had chased the Soudan and Ferumbras out of Christendom (p. 17). He gave ten thousand pounds of francs to his nephew, Guy of Burgundy, and sent him off with orders to advance against the Soudan by forced marches. Himself would follow as soon as possible. In the mean time Laban reminded Lukafer of his vaunting promise to bring him Charlemagne and his twelve peers in return for his daughter Floripas. Lukafer said he would do all he had promised. With ten thousand men he attacked the city on one side, the other being assaulted by Ferumbras. The combat continued as long as daylight lasted. At night they retired to their tents (p. 18). Then treason was planned by Isres, who by inheritance possessed the guard of the chief gate of the town. He went to the Soudan and offered to betray the city on condition that his life and property should be spared. The Soudan promised it. Ferumbras with twenty thousand men went with Isres, but on entering the gate he caused the traitor’s head to be struck off by the portcullis and to be carried on the point of a spear through the city. “Treason,” cried the people (p. 19), when Ferumbras advanced into Rome. All the streets were soon covered with dead men. Ferumbras went to St. Peter’s, seized the relics, the cross, the crown, and the nails, burned the whole city, and carried away all the treasures and the gold to Agremore in Spain, where the Soudan went back to stay. Three months and three days they spent there in great festivities, making offerings to their gods, and burning frankincense in their honour. They drank the blood of beasts and milk, and ate honey, and snakes fried with oil (p. 20). When Sir Guy, approaching, drew near Rome, he found the whole city in flames. He grieved much that he had arrived too late, and resolved to wait there for Charlemagne, and then to tell him how Laban had burnt the city, and had sent the relics to Agremore, his principal town in Spain. Soon king Charles advanced to rescue Rome with his twelve peers and three hundred thousand soldiers (p. 21). Roland [p-lviii] led the vanguard, Oliver the rear, and the king was with the main body. The provisions were conveyed by sea. Guy, seeing the army come, went to meet the king, and told him the mischief done by the Soudan, who, moreover, had made a vow to seek Charles in France in order to afflict him with grief. “He will find me near,” said Charles, “and shall pay dearly for it. Unless he consents to be baptized (p. 22), he shall never see Babylon again.” They all took ship without delay. Propitious winds drove them into the river Gase, where they landed, thirty miles from Agremore, and laid waste the country. Laban, hearing this news, was astonished at Charles’s presumption (p. 23). He assembled all his barons, and charged them to bring him alive that glutton that called himself king of France, and to slay the rest of his army. Ferumbras went forth with many Saracens. He meets with Roland. They deal each other heavy strokes. Oliver cuts off a quarter of Lukafer’s shield. The combat lasted the whole day. Well fought the twelve peers (p. 24). Ferumbras charges Oliver. King Charles, seeing this, rides at Ferumbras, and strikes his helm with a heavy mace. Ferumbras cannot approach him on account of the crowd. Charlemagne slew thirty Saracens with his sword Mounjoy. Lukafer of Baldas encountering Charles told him that he had promised the Soudan to bring him Charles and the twelve peers. Charles strikes him on his helmet (p. 25), but Lukafer is rescued by a great throng. Roland, drawing Durnedale, cleared a space around him, and hammered the heads of the Saracens. So did the other peers, and thirty thousand Saracens were slain. At night the pagans quit the field. Ferumbras vows never to desist until he has conquered Roland and Oliver (p. 26) and been crowned king at Paris. Charles went to his pavilion and thanked God and St. Mary of France. He praised the elder knights for having won the victory, and exhorted the young ones to take example by them. They all make merry and go to supper. The Saracens address a prayer to the red Mars Armipotent (p. 27), to grant the Mahometans the victory over the Christians (p. 28). In order to recruit the late losses in his army, the Soudan sent for his vassals, and assembled more than three hundred thousand Saracens at Agremore. He addressed them (p. 29) in order to increase their [p-lix] ardour, ordered a solemn sacrifice to his gods, and charged Ferumbras to march with thirty thousand of his people against the Christian king (whom he wished to teach courtesy), and to slay all his men except Roland and Oliver (p. 30), if they would renounce their gods. Ferumbras led out his troops; until arriving near Charles’s camp, he ordered them to halt in a wood, and advanced with only ten of his men to the camp of Charlemagne, and offered to fight at once against six of his peers. If he should conquer them, he would lead them away to his father’s hall; but if he should be conquered, he would be Charles’s man. The king sent for Roland and ordered him to undertake the combat. Roland refuses (p. 31), because Charles had praised the old knights: they might show their prowess now. Charles, vexed, smites Roland on the mouth, so that the blood springs from his nose, and he calls him a traitor. Roland draws his sword, but the other barons separate them and try to conciliate them. Meanwhile Oliver, who being sorely wounded kept his bed, on hearing of this dispute, had armed himself and went to Charles. He reminds the king of his long services, in reward for which he demands the battle. Charles remonstrates with him. But Oliver insists (p. 32). He rides to the forest, and finds Ferumbras alighted under a tree, to a branch of which his steed was tied. “Arise,” he said, “I am come to fight with thee.” Ferumbras, without moving, demands his name. “I am Generyse, a young knight lately dubbed.” Ferumbras observes: “Charles is a fool to send thee; go and tell him to send me Roland and Oliver and such four other douzeperes. For little honour were it to me to fight with thee.” “Spare thy words,” replies Oliver, “and take thy arms” (p. 33). Ferumbras is wrath and seizes his helmet, which Oliver assists him to lace. Ferumbras thanks him, courteously bowing to him. They mount their steeds, and rushing together like fire of thunder, they have their lances broken. They draw their swords. Ferumbras smites Oliver on his helmet so that the fire flies. Oliver strikes at the head of Ferumbras, breaks away the circle of his helmet, and the sword glancing off down his back, he cuts off two bottles of balm (p. 34), which he throws into the river. Ferumbras tells him that they were invaluable to a wounded man, and that he should atone for their loss with his life. He [p-lx] strikes at Oliver, who wards off the blow with his shield, but his steed is killed under him. Oliver quickly starts up and tries to kill his adversary’s horse, but Ferumbras rides off and ties it to a hazel. “Yield thyself to me,” says Ferumbras, “believe on Mahound, and I will make thee a duke in my country, and give thee my sister” (p. 35). “Ere I yield to thee,” answered Oliver, “thou shalt feel my strokes.” They fight for a considerable time; the blood runs from both their bodies. By mutual consent they stop to take breath. Ferumbras again asks Oliver his name and kin. “Thou must be one of the twelve peers, as thou fightest so well.” “I am Oliver, cousin to Charlemagne.” “Thou art welcome here,” says Ferumbras; “thou slewest my uncle (p. 36); now thou shalt pay the penalty.” The fight continued the whole day. At last Oliver, smiting Ferumbras upon the helmet, had his sword broken. He ran to the steed at the tree and seized a sword that was hanging there, but in turning on Ferumbras, he received a blow that made him kneel down (p. 37). But he returns Ferumbras a fearful stroke. Charles, seeing Oliver on his knees, prayed to Christ that he might grant the victory over the pagan. An angel announced to him that his prayer was heard. Charles thanks God (p. 38). The fight begins again. Ferumbras breaks his sword on Oliver’s helmet. He runs for another and asks Oliver to surrender. But Oliver aims at him a blow which cuts his hauberk, so that his bowels are laid bare. Ferumbras implores his mercy, and consents to be christened, his gods having proved false. He requested him to take his hauberk (p. 39), to fetch his horse, and to carry him to his own tent. But the Saracens who lay concealed in the wood rush out. Oliver, being surrounded, sets down Ferumbras under an olive-tree, and defends himself with his sword, dealing the Saracens many a hard blow. Then Roland rushed into the throng of the enemy and slew many (p. 40). His horse being killed by arrows and darts, he fights on foot, but his sword breaking, he is taken and led away. Oliver rides to rescue him, but his horse being also killed, he is overpowered and bound. Both were conducted to Lukafer of Baldas (p. 41). Charles sees them, and calls for a rescue. Many enemies were slain by the French barons, but the Saracens had fled with their prisoners, and [p-lxi] Charles is obliged to turn back. Under a holm tree they find Ferumbras, whom the king is going to put to death. But on his requesting to be baptized Charles took pity on him (p. 42), led him to his tent, and ordered a surgeon to attend him. He soon recovered, and bishop Turpin baptized him by the name of Floreyn. But he continued to be called Ferumbras all his life. Afterwards he was known as Floreyn of Rome on account of his holiness. Roland and Oliver being brought to the Soudan, Laban enquires their names. They confess their names (p. 43). The Soudan swears they shall both be executed the next morning before his dinner. But Floripas advises him to detain them as hostages, and to remember his son Ferumbras, for whom they might be exchanged. The Soudan, finding her counsel good, orders his gaoler Bretomayn to imprison them, but to leave them without food (p. 44). At high tide the sea filled their deep cells, so that they suffered much from the salt water, from their wounds, and from hunger. On the sixth day Floripas, who was gathering flowers in her garden, heard them lament. Moved to compassion, she asks her governess Maragound to help her in getting food for the prisoners. Maragound refuses, and reminds Floripas of her father’s command. Floripas, thinking of a trick, called to her governess to come to a window (p. 45) and see the porpoises sporting beneath. As Maragound is looking out, Floripas pushes her into the flood. She then asks Bretomayn to let her see the prisoners. The gaoler threatened to complain to her father, but Floripas, having seized his key-clog, dashed out his brains. She then went to tell her father she had surprised the gaoler feeding the prisoners (p. 46) and promising to deliver them, wherefore she had slain him. The Soudan gives the prisoners into her guard. She now proceeded to the prison, asked the prisoners what they wanted, and promised to protect them from any harm (p. 47). She let down a rope, and with her maidens drew up both, and led them to her apartments. There they ate, took a bath, and went to bed. The Soudan knew nothing of his prisoners being in Floripas’s chamber. Meanwhile Charlemagne tells Guy that he must go to the Soudan to demand the surrender of Roland and Oliver, and of the relics of Rome. Naymes of Bavaria represents that a messenger to the Soudan [p-lxii] (p. 48) would certainly be slain; and that they ought to be anxious not to lose any more besides Roland and Oliver. Then said the king: “By God, thou shalt go with Guy.” Ogier the Dane remonstrates, but is ordered to go too. So are Thierry of Ardane, and Folk Baliant, Aleroys, and Miron of Brabant. Bishop Turpin kneels down to implore the king’s mercy, but he must go too, as well as Bernard of Spruwse (p. 49) and Brier of Mountdidier. The knights take leave and start. About the same time the Soudan having assembled his council, Sortibrance and Brouland (p. 50) advise him to send twelve knights, and to bid Charles to give up Ferumbras and to withdraw from his country. The knights are despatched; near Mantrible they meet with the Christian messengers. Duke Naymes enquires whither they intend to go (p. 51). Having heard their message, the delegates of Charlemagne cut off their heads, which they take with them to present to the Soudan at Agremore. Laban was just dining when Naymes delivers his message: “God confound Laban and all his Saracens, and save Charles, who commands thee to send back his two nephews and to restore the relics” (p. 52). They then produce the heads of the Soudan’s messengers. The Soudan vowed a vow that they should all ten be hanged as soon as he had finished his dinner. But Floripas recommended him to put off his resolution until a general council of his barons had determined on the best way to procure the liberation of Ferumbras. Thereupon the Soudan gives the prisoners into her guard. Floripas leads the knights into her tower (p. 53), where they were glad to find Roland and Oliver. They told each other how they had fared. After washing, they dined off venison, bread, and wine. The following day Floripas asks Naymes his name, and enquires after Guy of Burgundy, whom she had loved for a long time (p. 54), and for whom she would do all she could for their benefit, and would be baptized if he would agree to love her in return. Naymes tells Guy to take her for his wife; but Guy refuses, as he never will take a wife unless she be given him by Charles. But Roland and Oliver persuade him, so that he at last consents. Floripas, holding a golden cup of wine (p. 55), kissed him, and requested him to drink to her after the fashion of her country; she then would drink to him in return. They all [p-lxiii] make merry, and prepare to assail the Soudan at supper on the following day. Meanwhile Lukafer comes to the Soudan and asks leave to see the prisoners, in order to know how Floripas guards them. Finding the door locked (p. 56), he burst it open with a blow of his fist, and told them he was come to speak to them, and to enquire after Charlemagne. Duke Naymes answers. Lukafer then asks what amusements they have after dinner. Naymes says: “Some joust, some sing, some play at chess.” “I will teach you a new game,” says Lukafer (p. 57). With a thread he fastened a needle on a pole and put a burning coal upon it. He blew it at Naymes’s beard and burnt it. Naymes waxed wroth, and snatching a burning brand from the fire he smites at Lukafer, and throws him into the fire, where he was burnt to charcoal. Floripas applauds this, but points out their danger, and advises them to arm. At supper time she goes to her father (p. 58). As they were sitting at table, the twelve peers rushed in and slew all whom they met. Laban, pursued by Oliver, jumps out of a window on to the sea-shore and escaped without injury. They killed all in the castle, and then drew up the bridges and shut the gates. Laban vowed a vow that he would hang them all and burn his daughter. He sent to Mantrible for troops (p. 59) and engines and besieged Agremore. Floripas recommends the peers to enjoy themselves. In the morning the Soudan attacks the castle, but is repulsed (p. 60). He accuses his gods of sleepiness and shakes them to rouse them out of sleep. Brouland tells him, as the castle is strong and well stored with provisions, the peers will hold it very long; but if he would send orders to Alagolofer, the bridge-keeper at Mantrible, not to allow any one to pass without leave (p. 61), they would get no assistance from Charles and die from hunger. Espiard, the Soudan’s messenger, is despatched to Mantrible, and commands the giant not to suffer any one to pass the bridge (p. 62). Alagolofer drew four and twenty chains across the bridge. Meanwhile the Soudan assaults the castle again, but the twelve peers slew three hundred Saracens (p. 63). Laban threatens to hang them, and utters imprecations against Floripas, who returns them. He then calls for Mavon, his engineer, and orders him to direct a mangonel against the walls. Mavon knocked down a piece of the battlements. [p-lxiv] Roland and Oliver lament; they are comforted by Floripas (p. 64). Guy kills Marsedage, the king of Barbary, by throwing a dart at him. The Saracens stop the attack to bury Marsedage, and bewail him seven nights and seven days. Then the Soudan more closely blockades the castle (p. 65). The provisions being exhausted, Roland complains of Charles’s forgetfulness; but Floripas cheers him up, saying she possessed a magic girdle, which was a talisman against hunger and thirst for those who wore it. They all successively put it on, and felt as if they had feasted (p. 66). Laban wondered at their endurance, but at last remembering the girdle, he induced Mapin to attempt to steal it at night. Mapin entered the chamber of Floripas (p. 67) through a chimney. He finds the girdle and puts it on, but Floripas perceives him and cries out. Roland hurries to her assistance, cuts off Mapin’s head, and throws him out through the window into the sea without noticing the girdle. Floripas, seeing her girdle lost, is much grieved; Roland comforts her. They agree to attempt a sally to obtain food (p. 68). In the morning Naymes and Ogier remain in the castle, while the others start and surprise the Saracens sleeping in their huts. They slew three hundred, and carried off as much food as they could bear (p. 69). The Soudan is enraged and is going to burn his gods, but, appeased by his wise men, he sacrifices again, and is assoiled by the priests. Laban holds council (p. 70). A new assault begins, but so many of the assailants were slain by the showers of stones hurled down by the peers that the ditches are filled with dead bodies. The Saracens retire. But soon a second attack ensues. There being no stones, Floripas gave them her father’s silver and gold to cast amongst the assailants. The Soudan in alarm for his treasure gives up the assault (p. 71). He is enraged with his gods, and smites Mahound so that he fell on his face; but the priests induce him to kneel down and ask forgiveness (p. 72). Meanwhile Roland exhorted Richard of Normandy to go on a message to Charles, that he might come to their rescue. They all would, the following morning before day-break, make an attack on the Saracens, and meanwhile he should steal off in the darkness. In the morning they sally out. Floripas and her maidens draw up the bridges after them. Richard went off towards Mantrible (p. 73). [p-lxv] The others slay many Saracens; but Guy, overpowered by the Babylonians, is taken prisoner. Laban asks his name. Guy tells him. He is to be hanged. Three hundred Saracens crowding near the gate of the castle, attempted to prevent the other peers from entering. A fearful struggle begins (p. 74), in which Sir Bryer is killed. At last the Saracens take to flight. The peers retire inside the castle, taking the corpse of Bryer with them. Floripas enquires after Guy, and on hearing of his capture, begins to lament despairingly. Roland promises to rescue Guy (p. 75). On the following morning Laban orders Sir Tamper to erect a gallows before the castle, where Floripas could see it. Guy is led bound. Roland calls his companions to arms. They rush forth (p. 76). Oliver cuts down Sir Tamper, Roland kills a king of India, takes his sword and horse, and gives them to Guy, having unbound him. They slay many Saracens, and put the rest to flight. Retiring towards the castle, they see Admiral Costroye, and the Soudan’s standard-bearer, escorting a great convoy, destined for the sultan, across a field near the high road (p. 77). Roland calls to them to share the provisions with them. Costroye refuses, and is slain by Roland. Oliver kills the standard-bearer, and the convoy is conveyed into the castle (p. 78). Floripas thanks Roland for bringing back Sir Guy, and proposes that he shall choose himself a mistress from amongst her maidens. But Roland refuses to take any that is not a Christian. The Soudan, on hearing such bad news, again defies his gods, and threatens to throw them into the flames (p. 79). But bishop Cramadas kneels before him and appeases him. The Soudan makes an offering of a thousand besants to his gods. When Richard arrived as far as Mantrible, he found the bridge barred by twenty-four chains, and Alagolofer standing before it. Determined not to leave his errand unperformed, he knelt down and commended himself to God. A hind appears (p. 80) and swims across the river; Richard follows her, and passing over in safety, hurries on to Charlemagne. Meanwhile Genelyn, the traitor, had advised Charles to retire to France, because the twelve peers were all slain. The king believed him, and marched homeward, lamenting for his peers. Richard overtakes him, and is recognized by Charles, who asks him about the others. [p-lxvi] Richard tells the king how they are besieged within the castle of Agremore, and are waiting for his assistance. Charles, vowing vengeance on Genelyn (p. 81), turned and marched to Agremore. Richard informed him of the giant who kept the bridge, and how he had passed the river by a miracle. He proposed a plan that twelve knights, disguised as merchants, with their arms hidden under their clothes, should pay the toll, and the bridge being let down, they should blow a horn as a signal for the others to approach. They start and arrive at Mantrible (p. 82). Alagolofer asks whither they are going. Richard says they are merchants on their way to the Soudan, and they are willing to pay the toll. Alagolofer refuses to let them pass, and tells them about the ten knights, who had passed there and done so much mischief to the Soudan; therefore he will arrest them all. Sir Focard draws his sword and smites at him, Richard blows his horn, and Charles advances (p. 83). Alagolofer fights them with a great oak club. Richard seizes a bar of brass and knocks him down. Four men get hold of him and throw him into the river. They loosened the chains; but the Saracens assembling on the walls of the city, many Christians were slain. Alagolofer’s wife, Barrock the giantess, comes on with her scythe and mows down all whom she meets. Charles dashes out her brains (p. 84), and with fifteen knights enters the outer gate of the town, thinking his army would follow him. But the gate was instantly closed upon him, and his men came too late. Charles was in great danger; but Genelyn, seeing him shut in, exclaimed that the king and the twelve peers were dead, and proposed to retire, as he wished to be king himself. They were going to return, but Ferumbras (p. 85) calls him a traitor; he rallies the French, and with his axe bursts open the gate. He chased the Saracens and rescued the king. Mantrible is taken with all its engines and treasures. Richard found two children of seven months old (p. 86), and four feet high. They were sons of Barrock, begotten by Astragot. Charles caused them to be baptized, and called the one Roland and the other Oliver. But they soon died for want of their mother’s milk. The king appoints Richard governor of the city, and hurries on to Agremore with his army and with Ferumbras (p. 87). Laban, being told by a spy [p-lxvii] that his city was taken and the bridge-ward killed, swears to avenge him. He calls a council, and charges his barons to take Charles alive that he might flay him. Charles approaches. Floripas first recognizes the banner of France and tells the others (p. 88). Roland and all his companions sally forth to meet Charlemagne. Laban draws up all his people in battle-order. The French make a great slaughter of the Saracens. Charles encounters the Soudan; he unhorses him, and would have cut off his head, but for Ferumbras, who requested that his father might be baptized. The Saracens, seeing Laban a prisoner, fly; but the Christians pursue them. Three hundred escaped to Belmarine. Charles leads Laban to Agremore. Floripas welcomes her father (p. 89), but he is enraged at seeing her. She then bids Charlemagne welcome, and presents the holy relics to him. Charles kisses them, and says a prayer; he then thanks Floripas for her assistance to his knights, and for having preserved the precious relics. He orders Turpin to prepare a vessel wherein to baptize the Soudan, and to wash off his sin in the water (p. 90). Turpin leads Laban to the font, but the Soudan strikes at him, spits on the vessel, utters invectives against all Christians, and curses Ferumbras. Charles commands Naymes to cut off his head. He is executed; his soul goes to hell, there to dance with devils. Floripas was baptized with all her maidens, and was wedded to Guy. Charles divided Spain between Guy and Ferumbras (p. 91), and charges Sir Bryer of Bretayne to take care of the relics, and to bring all his treasure to Paris. After taking leave of Guy and Floripas, Charles sails to Monpilier, where he thanks God for the victory (p. 92), and for the relics. He presents the cross to Paris, the crown to St. Denis, the three nails to Boulogne. Charles well remembered the treachery of Genelyn, and ordered him to be drawn and hanged at Montfaucon in Paris (p. 93).

[p001]

The Romaunce of the Sowdone of Babylone and of Ferumbras his Sone who Conquerede Rome:

«From the unique MS. of the late Sir Thos. Phillipps.»

GOD in glorye of myghteste[89] moost, 1 God has ordained all That al thinge made in sapience things wisely. By vertue of woorde and holy goost, Gyvinge to man grete excellence, 4 He has subjected the And alle, þat is in erthe, wroght earth to man, and man Subiecte to man and man̄ to the, to God. That he shoulde witħ herte and thought To loue and serve, and nooɳ but the: 8 The man who keeps His For ȝyfe man̄ kepte thy co«m»maundemente commandments and loves In al thinge and loued the welle Him well, will feel And hadde synnede in his entente, His grace. But many Thaɳ shulde he fully thy grace fele; 12 who offended Him have But for the offences to God I-doo«n»[90] felt His vengeance. I Many vengeaunces haue be-falle. will tell you of one; Where-of I wole yoᶙ telle of ooɳ, it would take too long It were to mocħ to telle of alle. 16 to tell of all. Listen While þat Rome was in excellence to me, and ye shall Of alle Realmes in dignite, hear how Rome, the And howe it felle for his offence, former mistress of all Listinythe a while and ye shal see, 20 nations, came to fall Howe it was woneɳ and brente by its sins, and was Of a Sowdoɳ, that heatheɳ was, destroyed by a heathen And for synne howe it was shente; Soudan. King Lewis has As Kinge Lowes witnessith þat cas, 24 borne witness to

[p002 LABAN, THE SOUDAN OF BABYLON, HEARS]

As it is wryten in Romaunce that story, which, And founden in bokes of Antiquyte written in Romance At Seinte Denyse Abbey in Fraunc[e],[91] and found in very There as Cronycles remembrede be, 28 old chronicles at Howe Laban, the kinge of hie degre, St Denys in France, And sy[rh] and Sowdoɳ of hie Babiloɳ, relates how Laban, the Conquerede grete parte of Christiante, king of Babylon, who That was born in Askaloɳ. 32 was born at Ascalon, And in the Cite of Agremare[92] conquered a great part Vppon̄ the Rivere of Flagote of Christendom. He was At þat tyme he soiorned the[rh]† holding his court in Fulle roially, wel I wote, 36 the city of Agremore, With kinges xij and Admyralles xiiij, on the river Flagot, With many a Baron̄ & Kniȝtis ful boold, with 12 kings and 14 That roialle were and semly to sene; admirals, and many Here worþynesse al may not be told. 40 worthy barons and Hit bifelle by-twyxte March and Maye, [lf 1, bk] knights, Whan kynde corage begynneth to pryke, when, in the time Whan̄ ffritħ and felde wexen gaye, between March and And every wight desirith his like, 44 May, Whan̄ lovers slepen̄ withe opyn̄ yȝe, As Nightyngalis on grene tre, And sore desire þat thai cowde flye, That thay myghte withe here lou«er»e be: 48 This worthy Sowdon̄ in this seson̄ he went to the chase Shope him to grene woode to goon̄, To chase the Bore or the Veneson̄, The Wolfe, the Bere and the Bawson. 52 He roode tho vppon̄ a fforeste stronde in a wood near the With grete rowte and roialte, sea. The fairest, þat was in alle þat londe, With Alauntes, Ly«m»meris and Racches free. 56 His huntes to chace he co«m»maunde, Here Bugles boldely for to blowe, To fere the beestis in þat launde.

[p003 OF THE CAPTURE OF A SARACEN SHIP BY THE ROMANS.]

The Sowdon̄ woxe wery I-nowe; 60 Being weary with He rested him vndere an holme tre hunting, he sat down Sittynge vppon̄ a grene sete under a holm tree, Seynge a Dromonde com seilyng in þ^e see and, seeing a dromond Anone he charged to bekyn̄ him w«i»t«h» sailing on the sea, he honde 64 charged one to enquire To here of him tidinges newe. for news concerning the The maist«er» sende a man to londe, ship. The interpreter Of diuers langages was gode and trewe, of the vessel being And saide “lorde, this Dromonde[93] 68 sent ashore, informed Fro Babyloyne comen̄ is, the soudan, that this That was worþe thousande poundis, dromond, freighted at As[94] it mete with shrewes I-wis, Babylon, with a cargo Charged with perle and p«re»cious stones 72 of rich furs, spices, And riche pelure and spicerye, oil, brass and pearls, With oyle and bras qweynte for the nones intended as a present To presente yow, my lorde worthy. to the soudan, had been A drift of wedi[rh] vs droffe to Rome, 76 driven by stress of The Romaynes robbed vs anone; weather to Rome, where Of vs thai slowgh ful many one. they had been robbed by With sorwe and care we be bygone. the Romans. Whereof, lorde, remedye 80 [leaf 3] Ye ordeyne by youre Barons boolde, Therefore he solicited To wreke the of this vilane; that the soudan would Or certes oure blis is coolde.” take revenge on those The Soudon hirynge this tyþinge, 84 who had done such With egre chere he made a vowe villainy to him. To Mahounde and to Appolyne, The soudan, hearing That thai shulde by it dere I-nowe, these tidings, made Er that he wente fro theyme.[95] 88 a vow to Mahound and “Where be ye, my kinges boolde, to Apolyn, that they My Barons and my Admyral? should dearly pay for Thes tidinges make myn herte coolde, it. But I be venged, dyen I shalle. 92 ‘Ferumbras, my son,’ he Sire Ferumbras, my sone so dere, said, ‘and my daughter Ye muste me comforte in this case; Floripas, ye must

[p004 THE SOUDAN STARTS FROM AGREMORE]

My ioye is alle in the nowe here be my comfort in this And in my Doghter Dame Florypas. 96 case. Sortybraunce, my Counselere, Order Sortibrance, Lete clepe him forthe to counsaile me, my counsellor, to be And Oliborne, my Chauncelere called for, and my And noble Clerke of hie degre, 100 chancellor Oliborn, And Espiarde, my messangere, and Espiard my To goon to Assye and to Aufrike, messenger, that he To kinges, princes fer[rh] and ne[rh], may go to Africa and Barons, Admyralls and Dukes frike, 104 to Asia and to all Comaundinge hem vppon̄ her legeaunce the princes, who owe To come in al hast vnto me, me allegiance, and Wel Armed with shelde and launse, command them hastily to To Egremoure þon̄ riche Cite.” 108 assemble with shield In shorte tyme this message was wroghte and lance at Agremore.’ An hundred thouusande on a rowte In a short time 100,000 That robbery was righte dere boght, men had assembled. Was never none derrer without«en» douȝte. 112 On the advice of The kinge of Baldas, sir Lukafe[rh], Lukafer, Of Aufryke lorde and governoure, king of Baldas, Spake to the Sowdon̄, that me«n» myghte the soudan also here, brought together 700 And saide “sir, for thyn honou[rh], 116 sail and a Do sende for shippes both fe[rh] and dromond for himself, nere.” for Ferumbras of Carrikes, Galeis and shippes shene, Alexandrie, for the vij hundred were gadered al in fere Asiatic king of And a Dromonde for the Sowden̄ kene. 120 [leaf 4] Chaunder and Sir Ferumbras of Alisaundre for Floripas. There In the Dromonde with him was, were two masters in Of Assy the kinge of Chaunde[rh], that vessel, and two And his faire dogħter Floripas. 124 idols placed on the Two maistres were in the Dromounde, main top, with round Two goddes on hye seten̄ thore maces, therewith to In the maister toppe, withe macis rounde, menace the Christians. To manace with the Cristen̄ lore. 128 The sails of red The sailes were of rede Sendelle, sendal-silk were Embrowdred witħ riche araye,

[p005 TO INVADE ROME WITH A GREAT ARMY.]

With beestes and breddes every dele, richly embroidered That was right curious and gaye; 132 with figures of The Armes displaied of Laban animals and birds. Of Asure and foure lions of goolde. Four golden lions, the Of Babiloyne the riche Sowdon̄, arms of the soudan of Moost myghty man he was of moolde, 136 Babylon, were also He made a vowe to Termagaunte, displayed thereon. Whan Rome were distroied & hade Laban made a vow to myschau«n»ce, Termagant, to destroy He woolde turne ayen erraunte Rome, and after that And distroye Charles the kinge of Fraunce. 140 Charlemagne. Fortħ thai sailed on the flode, Having disembarked in Tille thai come to the haven of Rome: the haven of Rome, The wynde hem served, it was ful goode. they slew all Ther londed many a grymlye gome. 144 Christians, and burned Thai brente and slowen, þat Cristen were, towns, abbeys and Town̄, Abbey and holy chirche. churches. The hethen hade such power there, The Pope of Rome, That moche woo gan thai there wircħ. 148 hearing of the heathens Tidinggis came to Rome anone laying waste the whole Unto the Pope, that þ^t tyme was, country, That the heþen came to bren and slone. This was to hem a sory cas. 152 He lete cal his counsaile to-geder assembled his council. To wete, what was beste to don̄. Anone as thai were come þede[rh], He asked of hem al ful sone: 156 “Lordinges, it is vnknowne[96] to you, That this cursed hathen Sowdon̄ Bre«n»nyth and stroyeth oure pepul nowe, Alive he leveth vnneth not one. 160 Seint Petir be oure governoure [leaf 5] And save this worthi Cite of Rome, And Seinte Poule be oure gydoure From this cursed hethen̄ houne[97]!” 164 Ifreȝ he bispake him than̄, Jeffrez, a senator

[p006 SAVARIS LEADS THE CHRISTIAN TROOPS]

Of Rome he was a Senatoure, of Rome, advised that And saide “senditħ some worthy man worthy men should be To Charles kinge of hye honoure. 168 sent to Charles of He wolde you helpe with al his mygħte, Douce France to implore That noble kinge of Dowse Fraunce.” his assistance. “Certes” q«uo»d Savaris “þat weren no But Duke Savariz, rigħte, thinking this to be It were right a foule myschaunce, 172 a wretched piece of To sende to þat worthy kinge. timidity, We have oure hedes yet al hole, as they had not tried Oure sheldes be not broke no-thinge, anything for Hawberke, spere, ner poleyne, ner pole. 176 themselves, Where-of shul we playn̄ to him, That no thinge yet have assaide? Mecħ uylanye we myght wynne, That for noght were so sone afrayed. 180 Ten thousande men delyu«er»e me tyte asked for 10,000 men Tomorue next in-to the feelde, to be put under his And I shall prove with al my myghte command. To breke there bothe spere and shelde.” 184 Vnto the Senatours it semed welle, His counsaile goode and honurable. This worthi Duke was armed in stele In armes goode and profitable; 188 He bare a Chek of goulis clere, An Egle of goolde abrode displayed. With him many a bolde Bachelere Tho spake Savaryȝ witħ wordes on hye 192 The next morning the And saide “my felowes alle, duke addressed his men, This daie prove you men̄ worthy, And faire you al shal befalle. Thenke yat Criste is more myghty 196 Than here fals goddis alle; And he shal geve vs the victorie, And foule shal hem this day bifalle.” Fortħ than rode þat faire Ooste 200 and directed them to With right goode chere and randon̄, the soudan’s

[p007 AGAINST THE SARACENS AND CONQUERS THEM.]