Chapter V: Part 5

By Mahounde, thou shalt abye!” now thou shalt pay Tho thai dongen̄ faste to-gede[rh] the penalty!” The While the longe day endured, 1264 fight continued the Nowe hithe[rh] and nowe thide[rh]; whole day. Fro strokes wytħ sheeld«es» here bodies þai couered. And at the laste Olyue[rh] smote him so At last Oliver, Vppon̄ the helme, þat was of stele, 1268 smiting Ferumbras That his swerde brake in two. upon the helmet, has Tho wepen̄ had he nevere a dele. his sword broken. Who was woo but Olyuere than? He saugh noone other remedy. 1272 He saide “si[rh], as thoᶙ arte gentile man, On me nowe here haue mercy. It were grete shame I-wis, And honu[rh] were it noon̄, 1276 To sle a man wepenles; That shame wolde neve[rh] goon̄.” “Nay traito«ur», thou getiste noon̄. Hade I here an hundred and moo! 1280 Knele down̄ and yelde the here anoon̄, And eles here I woole the sloo.” Olyue[rh] saugh, it wolde not be, To truste to moch in his grace. 1284 He ranne to the stede, þ«a»t stode by the He ran to the steed tr«e», at the tree and A swerde he raught in þat place, seized a sword that That was trussed on Ferumbras stede, was hanging there; Of fyne stele goode and stronge. 1288 He thought he quyte[129] Ferumbras his mede. Almoost hadde he abyde to longe; For in turnynge Ferumbras him smote, [leaf 32] That stroke he myghte welle fele, 1292 but in turning on It come on hym so hevy and hoote, Ferumbras he received That down it made hym to knele. a blow that made him Tho was Olyue[rh] sore ashamede kneel down. And saide “thou cursed Sarasyne, 1296

[p038 CHARLES PRAYS TO GOD.]

Thy proude pride shall be atamed, By God and by seinte Qwyntyne. Thou hast stole on me that dynte, I shall quyte the thyn̄ hire.” 1300 A stroke than Olyue[rh] him lente, But Oliver returns That hym thought his eyen̄ we[rh] on him fearful stroke. fi[rh]. Kinge Charles in his pavilon̄ was Charles, seeing And loked towarde þat fyghte 1304 Oliver on his knees, And saugh, howe fiers Ferumbras Made Olyuere knele down̄ right. Wo was him tho in his herte; To Ih«es»u Criste he made his mone; 1308 prayed to Christ It was a sight of peynes smerte, That Olyuere kneled so sone: “O Lord, God in Trinite, That of myghtis thoᶙ arte moost, 1312 By vertue of thy maieste That alle knoweste and woste, Lete not this hethen man Thy seru«au»nte ouercome in fyght, 1316 That on the bileve ne kan, Ih«es»u, Lorde, for thy myghte! But gr«a»unte thy man the victorye, that he might grant And the Paynym̄ skomfited to be, 1320 the victory over the As thou arte Almyghty God of glorye! Pagan. Nowe mekely, Lorde, I pray to the.” To Charles anoone an Aungel came And broght him tidingges sone, 1324 An angel announces That God had herde his praie[rh] than̄ him, that his prayer And gr«a»unte him his bone. was heard. Charles Tho Charles thanked God aboue[130] thanks God. With herte and thought, worde and dede, 1328 And saide “blessed be thoᶙ, lorde almyghty,† That helpiste thy seru«au»nte in nede.” These Champions to-gedir thai gone [leaf 33]

[p039 FERUMBRAS BEING WOUNDED CRIES MERCY.]

With strokes grete and eke sure, 1332 They begin again. Eche of hem donge othir on̄, Alle the while thai myghte endu[rh]. Ferumbras brake his swerde Ferumbras breaks his On Olyueris helme on hye. 1336 sword on Oliver’s Tho wexe he ful sore a-ferde; helmet. He ranne for an othir redyly He runs for another And saide “Olyuere, yelde the to me and asks Oliver to And leve thy Cristen̄ laye, 1340 surrender. Thou shalte have alle[131] my kingdome free And alle aftir my daye.” “Fye, Saresyne” q«uo»d Olyuere than̄, “Trowest thou, that I were wode, 1344 To forsake him, þat made me man̄ And boght me with his hert blode.” He raught a stroke to Ferumbras, But Oliver aims at On his helme it gan down̄ glyde, 1348 Ferumbras a blow It brast his hawberke at þat ras which cuts his And carfe hym throughe-oute his syde, hauberk, so His bare guttis men mygħt see; that his bowels are The blode faste down̄ ranne. 1352 laid bare. “Hoo, Olyvere, I yelde me to the, Ferumbras implores And here I become thy man. his mercy, and I am so hurte, I may not stonde, I put me alle in thy grace. 1356 My goddis ben false by water and londe, consents to be I reneye hem alle here in this place,[132] christened, his gods Baptised nowe wole I be. having proved false. To Ih«es»u Crist I wole me take, 1360 That Charles the kinge shal sene,[133] And alle my goddes for-sake. Take myn hawberke and do it on the, He requested him to Thou shalte haue fu[l~l] grete nede. 1364 take his hauberk, to

[p040 THE SARACENS RUSH OUT OF THE WOOD.]

X thousande Saresyns waiten vppon̄ me, And therfore go take my stede. fetch his horse, Lay me to-fore the, I the praye, and to carry him And lede me to thy tente. 1368 to his own tent. Hye the faste forth in thy way, [leaf 34] That the Saresyns the not hente.” A-noon̄ it was done, as he ordeynede, And faste forth thai ryden.[134] 1372 The Saresyns anone assembled, But the Saracens, For to haue with hem foghten. who lay concealed Ferumbras saugħ the feelde thore in the wood, rush Of Sarsynes fully filled; 1376 out. Oliver, being Of Olyvere dradde he ful sore, surrounded, sets That Saresyns shulde him haue killed. He praide, that he wolde let him down̄ “Vndir yonde Olyfe tree, 1380 For if ye cast me down̄ here, with hors shoon̄[135] Alle to-treden̄ shalle I be.” down Ferumbras under He priked forth and layde him tha[rh],† an olive-tree, and Out of the horses trase, 1384 defends himself with And with his swerde by-gan him we[rh], his sword, For amonge hem alle he was. A Saresyn̄ smote him witħ a spere, That it brake on pecis thre; 1388 His hauberke mygħt he not de[rh], So stronge and welle I-wroght was he. He hit þat Saresyns with his swerde dealing the Saracens Througħ the helme in-to the brayne. 1392 many a hard blow. He made an other as sore aferde, He smote of his Arme with mayne. Then Roland rushed But than̄ come Roulande witħ Durnedale into the throng of And made way him a-bowte. 1396 the enemy and slew He slowe hem down̄ in the vale, many; Of him hade thai grete dowte. The prees of Saresyns was so stronge

[p041 ROLAND AND OLIVER ARE MADE CAPTIVES.]

A-boute Roulande that tyde. 1400 Thai sloughen̄ his horsys with thronge, his horse being And dartis throwen̄ on every syde. killed by arrows and Whan Roulande was on his Fete, darts, Than̄ was he woo witħ-alle. 1404 he fights on foot, Many of hem he felte yete And dede to grounde made hem falle. At the last his swerde brake, Than̄ hadde he wepyn̄ noon̄, 1408 but his sword As he smote a Saresyns bak«e» breaking, [leaf 35] A-sundre down̄ to the Arson̄. Tho was he caught, he mygħt not flee, he is taken His hondes thai bounden̄ faste 1412 And lad him forth to here Cite, and led away. And in depe prison̄ they hem caste. Olyue[rh] sawe, howe he was ladde, A sorye man̄ than̄ was he; 1416 Him hadde leuer to haue bene dede Than suffren that myschief to be. Smertly aftire he pursued tho, Oliver rides to To reskue his dere brother. 1420 rescue him, The prees was so grete, he myghte not so, It myghte be no othir, Be he was cowþe[136] by ver[rh] force With LX of Astopartes.[137] 1424 Thai hurte him foule and slougħ his hors but his horse being With gauylokes and wyth dartis. also killed, Yet on foote, ere he were foolde, He slough of hem fiftene. 1428 He was not slayn̄, as god woolde, he is overpowered But taken and bounded[138] w«i»t«h» tene. and bound. Both were Tho were taken̄ to Lucafe[rh], conducted to Lukafer The proude kinge of Baldas, 1432 of Baldas. Both Roulande and Olyue[rh].

[p042 CHARLES FINDS FERUMBRAS.]

Gladde was he of that cas. Kinge Charles was in herte woo, When he saughe his neuewes so ladde, 1436 Charles sees them, He cried to the Frenshmen̄ tho: and calls for a “Reskue we these knyghtes at nede.” rescue. Many enemies The kyng«e» himselfe slough many one, were slain, but the So dede the Barons bolde. 1440 Saracens had fled It wolde not bene, thai were agon̄, with their prisoners, Magre who so woolde. and Charles is The Saresyns drewe hem to here Cite, obliged to turn back. Kinge Charles turned agayne. 1444 Under a holm tree He saugħ under an holme tre, they find Ferumbras. Where a knight him semed lay slayn̄. Thederward he rode witħ swerde in honde. Tho he saugħ, he was alyve; 1448 He lay walowynge vppon the sonde With blody woundes fyve. [leaf 36] “What arte thow?” q«uo»d Charlemayne, “Who hath the hurte so sore?” 1452 “I am Ferumbras” he saide certayn̄, “That am of hethen̄ lore.” “O fals Saresyn̄” q«uo»d the kinge, “Thou shalte have sorowe astyte; 1456 whom he is going to By the I haue lost my two Cosynes, put to death. Thyn̄ hede shalle I of-smyte.” “O gentil kinge” q«uo»d Ferumbrase, “Olyuere my maister me hight 1460 But on his requesting To be Baptised by goddis grace, to be baptized, And to dyen̄ a Cristen̄ knight«e». Honu[rh] were it noon to the A discoumfite man̄ to slo, 1464 That is conu«er»ted and Baptized wolde be And thy man bycomen̄ also.” The kinge hade pite of him than̄, Charles took pity He toke him to his grace 1468 with him, And assyned anoon̄ a man

[p043 ROLAND AND OLIVER ARE BROUGHT TO THE SOUDAN.]

To lede him to his place. led him to his tent, He sende to him his surgyne and ordered a surgeon To hele his woundes wyde. 1472 to attend him. He ordeyned to him such medycyn̄, That sone myght he go and ryde. He soon recovered, The kinge commaunded bishop«e» Turpyn̄ To make a fonte redye, 1476 To Baptise Ferumbras þ«er»in In the name of god Almygħtye. He was Cristened in þat welle, and bishop Turpin Floreyne the kinge alle him calle, 1480 baptised him, by the He forsoke the foule feende of helle name of Floreyn. And his fals goddis alle. But he continued to Nought for than̄ Ferumbras be called Ferumbras Alle his life cleped was he, 1484 all his life. And aftirwarde in so«m»me place, Afterwards he was Floreyne of Rome Cite. known as Floreyn of God for him many myracles shewe[d+], Rome So holy a man he by-came, 1488 on account of his That witnessitħ both lerned and lewde, holiness. The fame of him so ranne. NOWE for to telle of Roulande Roland and Oliver And of Olyuere, that worthy wos,[139] 1492 being brought to Howe thai were brougħt to þ^e Sowdan̄ the Soudan, Laban By the kinge of Boldas. enquires their names. The Sowdan̄ hem sore affrayned, What þat here names were. 1496 Rouland saide and noght alayned: “Syr Roulande and sire Olyuere, They confess their Nevewes to Kinge Charles of Fraunce, names. That worthy kinge and Emp«er»oure, 1500 That nowe are takyn by myschaunce To be prisoneres here in thy toure.” “A, Olyue[rh], arte thou here? That haste my sone distroyede, 1504

[p044 ROLAND AND OLIVER ARE IMPRISONED.]

And Rouland that arte his fere, That so ofte me hatħ anoyed. To Mahounde I make a vowe here, The Soudan swears That to morue, ere I do ete, 1508 they shall both be Ye shulle be slayn̄ botħ qwik in fere, executed the next And lives shalle ye bothe lete.” morning before his Tho saide maide Florepas: dinner. “My fader so derewortħ and de[rh], 1512 But Floripas advises Ye shulle be avysed of this cas, him to detain them as How and in what manere hostages, and My brothir, þat is to prison̄ take, May be delyu«er»ed by hem nowe, 1516 By cause of these two knight«es» sake, That bene in warde here with yoᶙ. Wherefore I counsaile yoᶙ, my fader dere, To have mynde of Sir Ferumbras. 1520 to remember his son Pute hem in youre prison̄ here, Ferumbras, Tille ye haue better space. So that ye haue my brother agayn̄ for whom they might For hem, þat ye haue here; 1524 be exchanged. And certeyn̄ elles wole he be slayn̄, That is to you so lefe and dere.” “A, Floripp, I-blessed thou bee, Thy counsaile is goode at nede, 1528 The Soudan finds her I wolde not leve my sone so free, counsel good, So Mahounde moost me spede, For al the Realme of hethen Spayne, [leaf 38] That is so brode and large. 1532 Sone clepe forth my gaylo«ur» Bretomayne, and orders his gaoler That he of hem hadde his charge, Bretomayn to imprison “Caste hem in your prison̄ depe, them, Mete and drinke gyfe hem none, 1536 but to leave them Chayne hem faste, þat thay not slepe; without food. For here goode daies bene a-gone.” Tho were thay cast in prison depe[140];

[p045 FLORIPAS COMPASSIONATES THEIR SUFFERINGS.]

Every tyde the see came inne. 1540 At high tide the sea Thay myght not see, so was it myrke, filled their deep The watir wente to her chynne. cells. They suffered The salte watir hem greved sore, much from the salt Here woundis sore did smerte. 1544 water, from their Hungir and thurste greved heme yet more, wounds, and from It wente yet more nere here herte. hunger. Who maye live withoute mete? vj dayes hadde thay rigħt none, 1548 On the sixth day, Ner drinke that thay mygħt gete, Bute loked vppon the harde stone. So on a daye, as God it wolde, Floripas to hir garden̄ wente, 1552 Floripas, who was To geder Floures in morne colde. gathering flowers in Here maydyns from̄ hir she sente, her garden, heard For she herde grete lamentacion̄ them lament. In the Prison̄, that was ther nye; 1556 She supposed by ymagynacion̄, That it was the prisoners sory. She wente he[rh] ner[rh] to here more, Thay wailed for defaute of mete. 1560 Moved to compassion, She rued on hem anoon̄ ful sore, she asks her She thought, how she myght hem beste it gete. governess Maragound She spake to her Maistras Maragounde, to help her in Howe she wolde the prisoneres fede. 1564 getting food for the The develle of helle hir confounde, prisoners. Maragound She wolde not assente to þat dede, refuses, and reminds But saide “Damesel, thou arte woode, Floripas of her Thy Fadir did vs alle defende, 1568 father’s command. Both mete and drinke and othere goode [leaf 39] That no man shulde hem thider sende.” Floripe by-thought hir on a gyle Floripas, thinking of And cleped Maragounde anoon rigħt, 1572 a trick, called to To the wyndowe to come a while her governess to come And se ther a wonder syght: to a window and “Loke oute” she saide “and see a fer[rh]

[p046 FLORIPAS KILLS THE GAOLER.]

The Porpais pley as thay were wode.” 1576 see the porpoises Maragounde lokede oute, Floripe come ne[rh] sporting beneath. And shofed hire oute in to the flode. Maragound looking “Go there” she saide “the devel the spede! out, is pushed into My counsail shaltowe never biwry. 1580 the flood. Who so wole not helpe a man̄ at nede, On evel deth mote he dye!” She toke witħ hire maidyns two, To Britomayne she wente hir waye 1584 Floripas asks And saide to him, she moste go Bretomayn to let her To viseten̄ the prisoneris that daye, see the prisoners. And saide “sir, for alle loues, Lete me thy prisoneres seen̄. 1588 I wole the gife botħ goolde and gloues, And counsail shalle it been̄.” Brytomayne that Iaylor kene Answered to hir sone agayne 1592 And saide “Damesel, so mote I then̄, Than̄ were I worthy to be slayn̄. Hath not youre Fader charged me, To kepe hem from̄ every wyght? 1596 And yet ye wole these trayto«ur»s see? I wole goo telle him Anoon̄ right.” He gan to turne him anone for to go, To make a playnte on Floripas. 1600 The gaoler threatened She sued him as faste as she myghte go, to complain to her For to gif him harde grace. father, but Floripas, With the keye cloge, þat she caugħt, having seized his Witħ goode wille she maute[141] than, 1604 key-clog, dashed Such a stroke she hym the[rh] raught, out his brains. She The brayne sterte oute of his hede þan̄. then went to tell To hire Fader forth she gotħ her father, she had And saide “Sire, I telle you here, 1608 surprised [leaf 40] I saugħ a sight, that was me lotħ, the gaoler feeding Howe the fals Iailo«ur» fedde your prisone[rh], the prisoners and

[p047 THE SOUDAN GIVES THE PRISONERS INTO HER GUARD.]

And how the coven«au»nte made was, promising to deliver Whan thai shulde delyu«er»ed be; 1612 them; wherefore she Wherefore I slougħ him witħ a mace. had slain him. Dere Fadir, forgif it me!” “My doghtir dere, that arte so free,[142] The warde of hem now gif I the. 1616 The Soudan gives the Loke, here sorowe be evere newe, prisoners into her Tille that Ferumbras delyu«er»ed be.” guard. She thanked her Fadere fele sithe And toke her maydyns, and forth she gotħ, 1620 She now proceeded to To the prisone she hyed hire swytħ. the prison, The prison̄ dore vp she dothe And saide “sires, what be ye, That make here this ruly moone? 1624 What yoᶙ lakkitħ, tellyth me; asked the prisoners For we be here nowe alle alone.” what they wanted, Tho spake Roulande with hevy chere To Floripe, that was bothe gente and fr«e», 1628 And saide “lo, we two caytyfes here For defaute of mete dede moste be. vj dayes be comyn̄ and goon̄, Sith we were loked in prison̄ here, 1632 That mete nor drinke hade we noon̄ To comforte witħ oure hevy che[rh]. But woolde god of myght«es» moost, The Sowdon̄ wolde let vs oute goon̄, 1636 We to fight witħ alle his Ooste, To be slayn̄ in feelde anoon̄. To murthir men̄ for defaute of mete, It is grete shame tille a kinge; 1640 For every man most nedes ete, Or ellis may he do no thinge.” Tho saide Floripe with wordes mylde, and promised to “I wolde fayne, ye were now here, 1644 protect them from any From harme skatħ[143] I wole you shelde, harm.

[p048 CHARLES DESPATCHES GUY TO THE SOUDAN.]

And gife you mete with right gode che[rh].” A rope to hem she lete down̄ goon̄, She let down a rope, That aboven̄ was teyde faste. 1648 [leaf 41] and drew up She and hir maydyns drewe þer vppon̄, both, and led them to Tille vp thay hadde hem at the last. her apartments. She led hem into here chambir dere, That arrayed for hem was rigħt wele, 1652 Both Roulande and Olyvere, And gafe hem̄ there a right gode mele. There they ate, And whan thay hadde eten̄ alle her fille, A batħ for hem was redy there, 1656 took a bath, Ther-to thay went ful fayre and stille, And aftyr to bedde with right gode che[rh]. and went to bed. Now Floripas chamber is here prisone, Withouten̄ wetinge of the Sowdon̄; 1660 The Soudan knew Thai were ful mery in that Dongeon̄, nothing of his For of hem̄ wiste man̄ never oone. prisoners being in Now lete we hem be and mery make, Floripas’ chamber. Tille god sende hem gode delyueraunce. 1664 Aftir the tyme, þat thay were take, What did Charles, the kinge of Fraunce, Ther-of wole we speke nowe, Howe he cleped forth Sir Gy 1668 Meanwhile Charlemagne And saide “on my message shaltowe, tells Guy that he Therfore make the faste redy, must go to the To bidde the Sowden̄ sende me my Nevewes botħ Soudan to demand the And the Releqes also of Rome; 1672 surrender of Roland Or I shal make him so wrotħ, and Oliver, and of He sha[l~l] not wete what to done. the relics of Rome. And by þat god, þat hath me wroght, I shal him leve Towre ner Town̄. 1676 This bargan̄ shal so dere be bought In dispite of his god Mahoun̄.” Naymes of Bavaria DUKE Neymes of Baue[rh] vp stert than̄ represents that a And saide “Sir, hastowe no mynde, 1680 messenger to the How the cursed Sowdan̄ Laban Soudan should

[p049 THE OTHERS REMONSTRATE, BUT MUST GO TOO.]

Alle messengeris doth he shende? certainly be slain; Ye haue lost inowe, lese no mo and that they ought Onworthily Olyue[rh] and Roulande.” 1684 to be anxious not to “By god, and thou shalt with him go, lose any more besides For al thy grete brode londe.” Rouland and Oliver. THO Ogere Danoys, þat worthy man̄, [leaf 42] Then said “Sir” he saide “be not wrotħ! 1688 the king, ‘By god, For he saitħ soutħ.”—“go thoᶙ than̄! thou shalt go with By Gode thou shalte, be thoᶙ never so loth.” Guy.’ Ogier the Dane “A Sire” quod Bery Lardeneys, remonstrates, but is “Thoᶙ shalte hem se never more.”— 1692 ordered to go too. So “Go thou forth in this same rees, are Thierry of Ardane Or it shalle the repente ful sore.” FOLK Baliante saide to the kinge, and Folk Baliant, “Liste ye youre Barons to lese?”— 1696 “Certis, this is a wondir thinge! Go thou also, thoᶙ shalte not chese!” ALEROYSE rose vp anone Aleroys And to the kinge þan gan̄ he speke 1700 And saide “what thinke ye, sir, to done?”— “Dresse the forth witħ hem̄ eke!” MIRON of Brabane spake an worde and Miron of Brabant. And saide “Sir, thou maiste do þy wille. 1704 Knowist thou not that cruel lorde, How he wole thy Barons spille?”— “Trusse the forth eke, sir Dasaberde, Or I shalle the sone make! 1708 For of all thinge thou arte aferde, Yet arte thoᶙ neyther hurte ner take.” BISSHOPE Turpyn̄ kneled adown̄ Bishop Turpin kneels And saide “lege lorde, mercy!” 1712 down to implore the The kinge him swore by seynt Symon̄: king’s mercy, but he “Thou goist eke, make the in hast redye!” must go too, BERNARDE of Spruwse, þat worthy knygħt, as well as Bernard of Saide “sir, avyse yoᶙ bette, 1716 Spruwse Set not of youre Barons so ligħt,

[p050 THE SOUDAN ASSEMBLES HIS COUNCIL.]

Thou maiste haue nede to hem̄ yette.”— “Thou shalte goon̄ eke for alle thy boost, Haue done and make the fast yare! 1720 Of my nede gyfe thoᶙ no coost, Ther-of haue thou right no care!” BRYE[RH] of Mounteȝ, þat marqwyȝ bolde, and Brier of Was not aferde to him to speke. 1724 Mountdidier. To the kinge sharply he tolde, His witte was not worth a leke: [leaf 43] “Woltowe for Angre thy Barons sende To þat Tiraunte, þat alle men sleitħ? 1728 Or thou doist for þat ende, To bringe thy xij peres to the detħ.” The kinge was wrotħ and swore in halle By him, þat boght him witħ his blode: 1732 “On my messange shall ye gon̄ alle! Be ye never so wrotħ or wode.” Thay toke here lefe and fortħ thay yede, The knights take It availed not agayne him to sayne. 1736 leave and start. I pray, god gif hem gode spede! Ful harde it was to comen̄ agayn̄. NOWE let hem passe in goddis name, And speke we of the Sowdon̄, 1740 The Soudan assembled Howe he complayned him of his grame, his council. And what that he myght beste done. “Sortybrau«n»nce and Bronlande[144]” seyde he, Sortibrance and “Of counsail ye be fulle wyse. 1744 Brouland How shal I do to avenge me Of kinge Charles, and in what wyse? He brennyth my Toures and my Citees, And Burges he levethe me never oon̄. 1748 He stroieth my men̄, my londe, my fees. Thus shalle it not longe goon̄. And yet me greveth most of alle, He hath made Ferumbras renay his laye. 1752

[p051 HE DESPATCHES XII MESSENGERS TO CHARLES.]

Therfore my counselors I calle, To remedy this, howe thay best maye. For me were lever that he were slayn̄, Thane he a Cristen̄ hounde shulde be, 1756 Or witħ Wolfes be rente and slayn̄, By Mahounde mygħty of dignyte.” To answerde Sortybraunce and Broulande advise him And saide “gode counsaile we shal yoᶙ gyfen̄, 1760 If thoue wilte do aftyr coven«au»nte, It shal yoᶙ profit, while yoᶙ lyven̄. Take xij knightis of worthy dede to send 12 knights, And sende hem to Charles on message nowe. 1764 and to bid Charles A-raye hem welle in roial wede, For thȳ honou[rh] and for thy prowe. [leaf 44] Bidde Charles sende thy sone to the to give up Ferumbras And voyde thy londe in alle haste, 1768 and to withdraw from Or ellis thou shalt him honge on a tr«e», his country. As hye, as any shippes maste.” “Nowe by Mahounde” q«uo»d Laban, “This counseil is both trewe and goode, 1772 I shalle him leve for no man̄ To parforme this, though he we[rh] woode.” He did his lettris write in haste, The knight«es» were called to goo þ«er»witħ, 1776 The knights are That thay hyȝe hem̄ to Charles faste dispatched. And charke[145] hym̄ vppon̄ life and lithe. Fortħ thai ride towarde Mantrible þan̄, In a medowe, was fayre and grene, 1780 Near Mantrible Thai mette witħ Charles messageris ten̄. they meet with the Duke Neymes axed hem̄, what thai wolde mene, Christian messengers. And saide “Lordynges, whens come ye? Duke Naymes inquires And whider ye are mente, telle vs this tyde.” 1784 whither they intend “From̄ the worthy Sowdon̄” than̄ saide he, to go. “To Charles on message shalle we ride,

[p052 THE PEERS KILL THE SOUDAN’S MESSENGERS.]

Euel tithyngg«es» we shalle him telle, Fro Laban, that is lorde of Spayne. 1788 Farewele, felowes, we may not dwelle.” “A-byde” q«uo»d Gy “and turne agayne, Having heard their We wole speke with yoᶙ, er ye goon̄, message, For we be messengeris of his. 1792 Ye shal aby everichone, So God brynge me to blis.” Anoon̄ here swerdes oute thay brayde And smoten̄ down̄ right al a-boute. 1796 Tille the hethen̄ were down̄ layde, Thai reseyued many a sore cloute. Thai smyten̄ of here hedes alle, the delegates of Eche man̄ toke one in his lappe. 1800 Charles cut off their Fal what so euer byfalle, heads, which they To the Soudon̄ wole they trappe. take with them to Tille thai come to Egremoure, present to the Soudan Thai stynte for no worldes thinge; 1804 at Agremore. Anone thai fonde the Sawdan̄ thore, At his mete proudely sittynge, [leaf 45] The Soudan And þat maide fai[rh] Dame Floripas was just dining. And xiiij princes of grete price 1808 And kinge Lukafe[rh] of Baldas, Thas was both bolde, hardy and wyse. Doughty Duke Neymes of Baue[rh] Naymes delivers To the Sowdone his message tolde 1812 his message: ‘God And saide “god, þat made heven̄ so cle[rh], confound Laban and He saue kinge Charles so bolde all his Saracens, and And confounde Laban̄ and all his men̄, save Charles, That on Mahounde byleved[146] 1816 And gife hem evel endinge! amen̄. To morue, longe er it be even̄, who commands thee He co«m»maundith the vppon̄ thy life to send back his His Nevewes home to him sende, 1820 two nephews and to And the Religes[147] of Rome withoute strife; restore the relics.’

[p053 THE PEERS ARE IMPRISONED IN FLORIPAS’ TOWER.]

And ellis getist thou an evel ende! xij lurdeynes mette vs on the waye; Thai saide, thay come streight fro the. 1824 Thai made it botħ stoute and gay; Here hed«is» here maistowe see. They then produce the Thai saide, thai wolde to Charles goon̄, heads of the Soudan’s Evel tidingg«es» him to telle. 1828 messengers. Loo here here heddis eu«er»ychone, Here soulis bene in helle.” “O” q«uo»d Lavane “what may this be, To suff[rh] this amonge my knight«es» alle? 1832 To be rebuked thus here of the The Soudan vowed At mete in myn owen̄ halle! a vow that they To Mahounde myghty I make a vowe, should all ten be Ye shall be hanged alle ten, 1836 hanged as soon as Anoon as I have eten̄ I-nowe, he had finished In presence of alle my men̄.” his dinner. But Maide Floripas answered tho Floripas recommended And saide “my derworth Fadir de[rh]! 1840 him to put off his By my counsaile ye shal not so, resolution, until Tille ye haue your Barons alle in fe[rh], a general council That thai may se what is the best, of his barons had For to delyu«er»e my brother Sir Ferumbras. 1844 determined on the And aftirward, if þat ye liste, best way of the Ye may gife hem ful evel grace.” liberation of “Gramercy, doghter, thou saieste welle, Ferumbras. [leaf 46] Take hem alle into thy warde. 1848 The Soudan gives them Do feter hem faste in Iren̄ and stele into her guard. And set hem in strayȝte garde. Thus was I neuer rebukede er nowe; Mahounde myghty gyfe hem̄ sorowe! 1852 Thay shalle be flayn and honged on a bowe, Longe ere tyme[148] to morowe.” Floripas leads the Florip̄ toke these messangeris knights into her And ladde hem vp in-to here tou[rh], 1856 tower, where

[p054 FLORIPAS ENQUIRES AFTER GUY.]

There thai founde two of here feris. they were glad to Thay thanked thereof god of honoure. find Roland and Tho sayde Duke Neymys of Baue[rh]: Oliver. “Gladde men we be nowe here, 1860 To fynde Roulande and Olyue[rh] In helthe of bodye and of goode che[rh].” Thai kissed eche other with herte gladde And thanked god of his grace; 1864 And eche toolde othir, howe thay sped hadde, They told each other And howe thay come in-to that place how they had fared. By helpe of mayde Florip̄ hire self, “God kepe hir in honoure! 1868 For thus hath she brought vs hider alle twelfe, To dwelle in hir owen̄ boure.” Tho thay wessh and wente to mete, After washing, And were served welle and fyne 1872 Of suche goode, as she myght gete, Of Venyson̄, brede and gode wyne. There thai were gladde and wel at ease; they dined off The Soudon̄ ne wist it noght. 1876 venison, bread and Aftyr thay slepe and toke her ese, wine, and then Of no man than̄ thay ne roght. went to sleep. The On the morowe Florip̄, that mayde fre, following day, To Duke Neymes spake in game: 1880 Floripas asks Naymes “Sir gentil knigħt,” tho saide she, his name, “Telle me, what is your name.” “Whi axe ye, my lady dere, My name here to knowe alle?” 1884 “For he[149] spake with so bolde chere To my Fadir yestirdaye in his halle. Be not ye the Duke of Burgoyne, sir Gȳ, and enquires after Nevewe unto the king«e» Charles so fre?” 1888 [leaf 47] Guy of “Noe, certes, lady, it is not I, Burgundy, whom she It is yondir knight, þat ye may see.” had loved for a long “A, him have I loved many a day; time, and for

[p055 GUY CONSENTS TO TAKE HER FOR HIS WIFE.]

And yet knowe I him noght. 1892 whom she would do all For his loue I do alle that I maye, she could for their To chere yoᶙ witħ dede and thought. benefit, and would be For his love wille I cristenede be baptised, And lefe Mahoundes laye. 1896 Spekith to him nowe for me, As I yoᶙ truste maye; And but he wole gr«a»unte me his loue, if he would agree to Of yoᶙ askape shalle none here. 1900 love her in return. By him, þat is almyghty aboue, Ye shalle abye it ellis ful dere.” Tho wente Duke Neymes to Sir Gye And saide “This ladye lovetħ the, 1904 Naymes tells Guy For thy loue she maketħ us alle merye, And Baptizede wole she be. Ye shalle hir take to your wedded wife, to take her for his For alle vs she may saue.” 1908 wife, “By God” q«uo»d Gye “þat gafe me life, But Guy refuses, Hire wole I never haue, Wyle I neuer take hire ner no woman̄, as he never will take But Charles the kinge hir me gife. 1912 a wife, unless she be I hight him, as I was trewe man̄, To holden̄ it, while I lyve.” given him by Charles. Tho spake Roulande and Olyue[rh], Rouland and Oliver Certyfyinge him of he[rh] myschefe, 1916 persuaded him, Tellinge him of the parelles, þ«a»t þay in we[rh], For to take this lady to his wedded wife. “But thoᶙ helpe in this nede, We be here in grete doute. 1920 Almyghty god shalle quyte thy mede, Elles come we nevere he«n»nys oute.” Thus thay treted him to and fro; At the laste he sayde, he wolde. 1924 so that he at last Floripas thay cleped fortħ tho; consented. And brought fourth a Cuppe of golde, Floripas, holding a Ful of noble myghty wyne, golden cup of wine,

[p056 LUKAFER VISITS THE PRISONERS.]

And saide “my loue and my lorde, 1928 [leaf 48] Myn herte, my body, my goode is thyn̄,” And kissed him witħ that worde, kissed him, and And “sir” she saide “drinke to me, requested him to As the Gyse is of my londe; 1932 drink to her after And I shalle drinke agayn̄ to the, the fashion of her As to my worthy hosbonde.” country. She also Thay clipped and kissed botħ in fere drinks to him. They And made grete Joye and game, 1936 all make merry. And so did alle, that were the[rh], Thai made ful mery alle in same. Tho spake Floripas to the Barons boolde And saide “I haue armu[rh] I-nowe; 1940 Therfore I tel yoᶙ, what I wolde, And þat ye dide for your prowe. To morue, whan̄ my Fadir is at his soupe[rh], For the following day Ye shalle come in alle attonys; 1944 Loke ye spare for no fere, Sle down̄ and breke botħ bake and bones; Kithe yoᶙ knightis of hardynesse! Ther is none helpe, but in this wyse, 1948 Then moste ye shewen̄ youre prowes, And wynne this Castel in this guyse.” Thai sayden alle, it was welle saide, And gladde thay were of this counsaile. 1952 Here armu[rh] was fortħ layde, they all prepare to At souper the Sowdon̄ to assaile. assail the Soudan at Kinge Lucafere prayde the Sawdon̄, supper. Lukafer comes That he wolde gif him lysence, 1956 to the Soudan and To the prisoners for to goon̄, asks leave to see the To see the maner of her presence. prisoners, in order He gafe him lefe, and forth he wente to know the manner of Vp vnto Floripas Toure. 1960 their detention. To asspie the maner was his enten[t|], Hem̄ to accuse agayne honoure. Finding the door Whan̄ he come, he founde the dore fast I-stoke, locked, he burst it

[p057 HE TEACHES THEM A NEW GAME.]

He smote there-on with his fist, 1964 open with a blow of That the bar[rh] began̄ to broke. his fist. To make debate, wel him list. “Who artowe” q«uo»d Floripas[150] “Þ«a»t maketh he[rh] sucħ araye†?” 1968 “I am kinge Lucafere of Baldas, [leaf 49] The Sowdon̄ sente me hidir in faye; To seen̄ his prisoneris is my desire And speke with hem everychon̄, 1972 He told them that he To talke with hem by the fire was come to speak to And speke of dedis of Armes amonge.” them, Tho saide Duke Neymes “welcome be ye To us prisoners here! 1976 What is your wille, nowe telle ye; For we be men̄ of feble chere.” “I woolde wete of Charles the kinge, and to enquire after What man̄ he is in his contre, 1980 Charlemagne. And what meyne he hatħ, and of what thinge He rekyneth moost his dignyte.” Duke Neymes saide “an Emp«er»oure Duke Naymes answers. And kinge he is of many a londe, 1984 Of Citeis, Castels, and many a Toure, Dukes, Erles, Barons bowynge to his honde.” “But saye me, felowe, what is your vse, To do in cont[rh] aftyr the none. 1988 He then asks what And what is the custome of your hous, amusements they have Tille men̄ to souper shalle gone?” after dinner. Naymes “Sir, so«m»me men̄ iouste[151] witħ spe[rh] and shelde, says, ‘Some joust, And so«m»me men̄ Carol and singe gode songes, 1992 some sing, some play Some shote with dartis in the feelde, at chess.’ And so«m»me play at Chesse amonge.” “Ye bene but foulis of gode dissporte; ‘I will teach you I wole yoᶙ tech a newe play. 1996 a new game,’ says Sitte down̄ here by one assorte, Lukafer.

[p058 LUKAFER IS ROASTED TO CHARCOAL.]

And bett«er» myrthe never ye saye.” He teyde a tredde on a pole With a thread he With an nedil ther-on I-fest, 2000 fastened a needle And ther vppon̄ a qwi[k|] cole. on a pole and put a He bade every man blowe his blast. burning coal upon it. Duke Neymes hade a long berde, He blew it at Kinge Lucafe[rh] blewe even̄ to hym̄, 2004 Naymes’s beard and That game hade he never before lered. burnt it. Naymes He brent the he[rh] of Neymes berde to the skyne. waxed wroth, and Duke Neymes than̄ gan wex wrotħ, snatching a burning For he hade brente his berde so white 2008 [leaf 50] brand from To the Chymneye forth he goth the fire he smites at And caught a bronde him witħ to smyte. Lukafer and throws Witħ a goode wille he him smote, him into the fire, That both his eyen̄ bresten̄ oute. 2012 He caste him in the fire al hote; For sothe he hadde a rigħt gode cloute. And with a fyre forke he helde him doune, Tille he were rosted to colis ilkadele. 2016 where he was roasted His soule hade his god Mahoun̄. to charcoal. Floripas Florip̄ bade him̄ warme him wele. applauds this, “Sires” tho saide Floripas, “Entendith nowe al to me! 2020 This Lucafe[rh] of Baldas Was a lorde of grete mayne. My Fadir hade him eu«er» yn che[rh] I telle you for sothe everydele, 2024 He wolde anoon̄ aftyr him enque[rh], but points out their And therefore loke, ye arme you we[l~l]!” danger, and advises Florip wente in, as the maner was, them to arm. At To here Fadir at soup«er» tyme. 2028 supper time she goes No man spake worde of kinge Baldas, to her father. Ner no man knewe of his sharp pyne. The xij peris armed hem wel and fyne With swerdes drawe and eg[rh] chere. 2032 While thay mery[152] drinkyn[g|] the wyne

[p059 THE PEERS TURN THE SARACENS OUT OF THE CASTLE.]

And sittinge alle at here soupe[rh]. As they were sitting Thai reheted the Sowdon̄ and his Barons alle at table, the twelve And maden̄ orders wondir fast, 2036 peers rushed in and Thai slowe down̄ alle, þat were in the halle, slew all whom they And made hem wondirly sore a-gast. met. Olyvere egerly sued Laban̄ Laban, pursued by With swerd I-drawe in his honde. 2040 Oliver, jumps out of Oute at the wyndowe lepte he þan̄ a window on to the Vppon̄ the salte see stronde,[153] sea-shore and escaped And he skaped away from̄ hime, But woo was he þerfore, 2044 That he went awaye witħ lym̄ without injury. To worche hem sorowe more. Roulande than̄ came rennynge And axed, where was Laban. 2048 Olyuere answerede moornynge [leaf 51] And saide, howe he was agoon̄. Tho thai voided the Court«es» at the last They killed all in And slowen̄ tho, that wolde a-byde, 2052 the castle, and then And drewe the brigge and teyed it fast, drew up the bridges And shitte the gatis, that were so wyde. and shut the gates. Laban, that by the ebbe escapede, Of harde, er he come to londe, 2056 He alle astonyed and a-mapide,[154] For sorowe he wronge botħ his honde And made a vowe to Mahounde of myght, Laban vowed a vow He wolde that Cite wynne 2060 And never go thens by day nor nyght, For foo, for frende, ner for kynne. “And tho traytouris will I do honge, On a Galowes hye with-oute the gate; 2064 that he would hang And my Doghter, þat hore stronge, them all and burn his I-brente shal be there-ate.” daughter. He sent to To mauntryble he gan sende anoon̄ Mantrible for troops Aftir men and tentis goode, 2068 and

[p060 THE SOUDAN BESIEGES THE CASTLE.]

And Engynes to throwe witħ stoon̄ engines, And goode armu[rh] many foolde. The sege he did leyen a-bowte and besieged Agremore. On every side of that Cite. 2072 To wallis with Engynes thai gan rowte, To breke the Toures so fre. Tho saide Florip̄, “lordingg«es» goode, Floripas recommends Ye bene biseged in this toure, 2076 the peers As ye bene wight of mayne and moode, Proveth here to saue youre honou[rh]. The toure is stronge, drede yoᶙ nought, And vitayle we have plente. 2080 Charles wole not leve yoᶙ vnsougħt; Truste ye welle alle to me. Therefore go we soupe and make merye, to enjoy themselves. And takith ye alle your ease; 2084 And xxx^{ti} maydens lo here of Assyne,[155] The fayrest of hem ye chese. Take your sporte, and kith yoᶙ knyght«es», Whan ye shalle haue to done; 2088 For to morowe, when the day is light, [leaf 52] Ye mooste to the wallis goon̄ And defende this place witħ caste of stoon̄ And with shotte of quarelles and darte. 2092 My maydyns and I sha[l~l] bringe goode wone, So eu«er»yche of us shalle bere hir parte.” On morowe the Sowdon̄ made assaute In the morning the To hem, that were witħ-Inne, 2096 soudan attacks the And certes in hem was no defaute, castle, For of hem̄ myght thay nought wynne. Here shotte, here cast was so harde, Thay durste not nyȝhe the walle. 2100 Thay drowen̄ hem bakwarde, but is repulsed. Thay were beten̄ over alle. King Laban̄ turnede to his tent«es» agayn̄,

[p061 HE ASKS BROULAND’S ADVICE.]

He was nere wode for tene, 2104 He cryede to Mahounde and Apolyne He accuses his gods And to Termagaunte, þat was so kene, of sleepiness, and And saide “ye goddes, ye slepe to longe, shakes them to wake Awake and helpe me nowe, 2108 up. Or ellis I may singe of sorowe a songe, And of mournynge right I-nowe. Wete ye not wele, that my tresoure Is alle witħ-inne the walle? 2112 Helpe me nowe, I saye therfore, Or ellis I forsake yoᶙ alle.” He made grete lamentacion̄, His goddis byganne to shake. 2116 Yet that comfortede his meditacion̄, Supposinge thay didde awake. He cleped Brenlande to aske counsaile, What was beste to done, 2120 And what thinge myght him̄ moste avayle, To wynne the Cite sone. “Thou wotist welle, þat alle my tresou[rh] Is there in here kepinge, 2124 And my doughter, þat stronge hore, God yif her evelle endyn[g|]!” “Sir” he saide “ye knowe welle, [leaf 53] Brouland That Toure is wondir stronge. 2128 tells him, as the While þay haue vitayle to mele, castle is strong and Kepen̄ it thay wole fulle longe. well stored with Sende to Mauntreble, you[rh] cheif Cite, provisions, the peers That is the keye of this londe, 2132 will hold it very That non̄ passe, where it so be, long; With-oute youre speciall sonde, but if he would send To Alagolofu[rh], þat geaunte stronge, orders to Alagolafre, That is wardeyne of þat pas, 2136 the bridge-keeper at That no man passe that brigge alonge, Mantrible, not to But he have special grace. allow any one to pass So shalle not Charles witħ his meyne without leave,

[p062 ESPIARD IS DESPATCHED TO MANTRIBLE.]

Reskowe than̄ Agramoure. 2140 they would get no Than̄ thay shalle enfamyched be, assistance from That shalle hem rewe ful sore.”— Charles, and die from “Mahoundis blessynge have thoᶙ and myne, hunger. Sortybraunce, for thy rede.”— 2144 “Espyarde, messange[rh] myne, Espiard is despatched In haste thou most the spede to Mantrible, To my Cite Mavntreble, To do my message there, 2148 To Alogolof[rh], þat giaunte orrible. Bydde him his charge wele lere, And tel him, howe that the last daye Ten fals trayto«ur»s of Fraunce 2152 Passed by that same waye By his defaute witħ myschaunce, Charginge him vppon̄ his hede to lese, That no man by the brigge,[156] 2156 Be it rayne, snowe or freze, But he his heede down̄ ligge.” Espiarde spedde him in his waye, Tille he to Mauntrible came, 2160 To seke the geaunte, ther he laye On the banke bysyde the Dame, And saide “the worthy Sowdon̄, That of alle Spayn̄ is lorde and si[rh], 2164 Vppon̄ thy life co«m»maundeth the anoon̄, and commands the giant To deserue bett«er» thyn hire. The laste day thoᶙ letist here passe Ten trattoures of douse Fraunce. 2168 God giffe the evel grace, And hem̄ also moche myschaunce! He charged the vppon̄ life and detħ, To kepe this place sikerlye; 2172 While in thy body lastetħ the bretħ, not to suffer any one Lette noon̄ enemye passe the[rh]-bye.” to pass the bridge.

[p063 ALAGOLAFRE BARRICADES THE BRIDGE.]

Alagolofur rolled his yen̄ And smote with his axe on̄ the stone 2176 And swore by Termag«a»unte and Apolyne, That ther-by shulde passe«n» never one, But if he smote of his hede, And brought it to his lorde Laban̄, 2180 He wolde never ete no brede, Nere never loke more on man̄. xxiiij^{ti} Cheynes he didde ou«er»-drawe, Alagolafre drew 24 That noo man passe mygħt, 2184 chains across the Neyther for loue nere for awe, bridge. No tyme by daye, nere by nyghte. “Go, telle my lorde, I shalle it kepe; On payne of my grete heede 2188 Shalle ther no man̄ goo ner crepe, But he be take or dede.” This geaunte hade a body longe And hede, like an libarde. 2192 Ther-to he was devely stronge, His skynne was blake and harde. Of Ethiope he was bore, Of the kinde of Ascopartes. 2196 He hade tuskes, like a bore, An hede, like a liberde. Laban nolde not forgete The soudan assaults The saute to renewe,[157] 2200 the castle again, To wynne the Toure, he wolde not lete. Here trumpes lowde thay blewe. Every man wente to the walle, With pikeys or witħ bowe. 2204 [leaf 55] Thai made assaute generalle, The walles downe to throwe. But thay witħ-inne bare hem̄ soo, but the 12 peers slay Thay slowe of the Saresyns iij hundre[d+]. 2208 300 Saracens. Thay wroghten̄ hem both care and woo,

[p064 MAVON BATTERS THE CASTLE.]

Vppon̄ her fightinge thay wondride. Tho cryed Laban̄ to hem on hye, “Trayto«u»rs, yelde yoᶙ to me, 2212 Laban threatens to Ye shall be hongede els by and bye hang them, and utters Vppon̄ an hye Galowe tree.” imprecations Tho spake Florip̄ to the Sowdon̄ And sayde “thou fals tyraunte, 2216 Were Charles come, thy pride we[rh] done Nowe, cursede myscreaunte. against Floripas, who Alas! that thou ascapediste soo returns them. By the wyndowe vppon̄ the stronde. 2220 That thy ne[k|] hade broke a-twoo! God sende the shame and shonde!”— “A! stronge hore, god gife the sorowe! Tho[u] venemouse serpente. 2224 Withe wilde horses[158] thoᶙ shalt be drawe to morowe, And on this hille be brente, That al men may be wa[rh] by the, That cursed bene of kynde. 2228 And thy love shalle honged be, His hondes bou«n»de him byhynde.” He called forth Mavon̄, his Engynou[rh], The soudan calls for And saide “I charge the, 2232 Mavon, his engineer, To throwe a magnelle to yon tou[rh], and orders him to And breke it downe on thre.” direct a mangonel Mavon set vp his engyne against the walls. With a stoon̄ of .vj. C wigħt, 2236 Mavon knocked down That wente as even̄ as eny lyne, a piece of the And smote a cornell down̄ right. battlements. Woo was Roulande and Olyue[rh], That þat myschief was be-falle, 2240 And so were alle the xij peres; Roland and Oliver But Florip̄ than̄ comforte hem alle: lament; they are “Sires” she saide “beitħ of goode chere! comforted by Floripas. This Toure is stronge I-nowe. 2244

[p065 MARSEDAGE IS KILLED AND BURIED.]

He may cast twies or thries or he hit ayen þ«er»,[159] [leaf 56] For sothe I telle it yoᶙ.” Marsedage, the roialle kinge, Rode in riche weede, 2248 Fro Barbary co«m»myng, Vppon̄ a sturdy stede, Cryinge to hem vppon̄ the walle: “Trayto«u»ris, yelde yoᶙ here! 2252 Brenne you alle ellis I shalle, By myghty god Iubyte[rh].” Gy aspied, that he came ne[rh], Guy kills Marsedage A darte to hime he threwe ful even̄, 2256 the king of Barbary, He smote him throwe herte & liver in fe[rh]. by throwing a dart at Dame Florip«e» lough witħ loude steven̄ him. And saide “Sir Gye, my loue so free, Thou kanste welle hit the prikke. 2260 He shall make no booste in his contre; God giffe him sorowe thikke!” Whan̄ Laban̄ herde of this myschie[f|], A sory man̄ was he. 2264 He trumped, his mene to relefe; They stop the attack For to cease that tyme mente he. Mersadage, kinge of Barbarye, He did carye to his tente, 2268 And beryed him by right of Sarsenye to bury Marsedage, With brennynge fire and riche oynemente, And songe the Dirige of Alkaron̄, That bibill is of here laye, 2272 And wayled his deth everychon̄, and bewail him 7 days vij nyghtis and vij dayes. and nights. Anoon̄ the Sowdon̄, south to say, Then the soudan more Sente iij hundrid of knightis, 2276 closely blockades the To kepe the brigge and the waye castle. Oute of that Castil rightis, That noon̄ of hem shulde issue oute,

[p066 FLORIPAS PRODUCES A MAGIC GIRDLE.]

To feche vitayle by no waye. 2280 He charged hem to wacche wel a[l~l] abowte, That thay for-fameli[d+] myght dye. Thus thay kepte the place vij dayes, [leaf 57] Tille alle hire vitaile was nyȝe spente. 2284 The provisions being The yates thai pas the streyte weyes. exhausted, Tho helde thai hem with-in I-shente. Tho spake Roulande with hevy chere Woordes lamentable, 2288 Whan̄ he saugħ the ladies so whiȝte of le[rh], Faile brede on here table, And saide “Charles, thoᶙ curteys kinge, Roland complains Why forgetist thoᶙ vs so longe? 2292 of Charles’s This is to me a wondir thinge; forgetfulness; Me thinkitħ, thou doiste vs grete wronge, To let vs dye for faute of mete, Closed thus in a dongeon̄. 2296 To morowe wol we asaye what we kon̄ gete, By god, that berithe the crown̄.” Tho saide Floripas “sires, drede noghte but Floripas cheers For noon̄ houng[rh] that may befalle. 2300 him up, I knowe a medycyne in my thoughte To comforte yoᶙ witħ alle. I have a girdil in my Force[rh], saying she possessed Who so girde hem̄ ther-with aboute, 2304 a magic girdle which Hunger ner thirste shal him neu«er» dere, was a talisman Though he were vij yere witħ-oute.” against hunger and “O” q«uo»d Sir Gy “my loue so trewe, thirst for those who I-blessed mote ye be! 2308 wore it. I pray yoᶙ, that ye wole us alle hit shewe, That we may haue oure saule.” She yede and set it fortħ anoon̄, Thai proved alle the vertue, 2312 They all successively And diden it aboute hem̄ eu«er»ychon̄. put it on and felt as It comforted alle both moo and fewe, if they had feasted. As thai hade bene at a feste.

[p067 MAPYN ENTERS FLORIPAS’ CHAMBER.]

So were thay alle wele at ease, 2316 Thus were thai refresshed botħ moost & lest And weren bifore in grete disese. Laban̄ wondred, how thai myght endu[rh] Witħ-outen̄ vitaile so longe. 2320 Laban wondered at He reme«m»bred him on Floripas senctu[rh], their endurance, but And of the vertue so stronge. at last remembering Tho wiste he welle, that throgħ famyne the girdle, [leaf 58] Might he hem̄ never wynne. 2324 He cleped to him fals Mapyne, he induced Mapyne For he coude many a fals gynne: He coude scale Castel and Toure And over the walles wende. 2328 “Mapyne” he saide “for myn̄ honoure, Thou mooste haue this in mynde: That hore, my doght«er», a girdil hatħ she, From̄ hounger it savyth hem̄ alle, 2332 That wonnen may thay never be, That foule mote hir bifalle! Kanstowe gete me that gyrdill by craft, to attempt to steal A thousande pounde than̄ shal I gefe the; 2336 it at night. So that it be there not lefte,[160] But bringe it hithi[rh] to me. Thoᶙ kanste see by nyghte as welle As any man doth by daye. 2340 Whan thay bene in here beddes ful sti[l~l], Than go forth thider right in thy waye. Thou shalt it in here Chamber fynde, Thou maist be thereofe sure.” 2344 “Sir, there-to I wole me bynde, If my life may endure.” Fortħ wente this fals Mapyne By nyght into the Tou[rh]— 2348 Mapyne entered the God gife him evel endinge!— chamber of Floripas Euen in to Floripas bou[rh]. through

[p068 MAPYN WITH THE GIRDLE IS THROWN INTO THE SEA.]