XLVIII. An ivory-faldstool there was set. Marsile The order gives to bring a book before it, Mohammed's law and that of Tervagant, The Spanish Saracen thus took his oath: "If in the rear-guard Count Rolland be found, He will attack him there with all his men; And, if it may be, there Rolland shall die." Ganelon answers:--"May [our treaty thrive!]" Aoi. XLIX. Behold a Pagan, Valdabrun, who armed Marsile a Knight; with cheerful smile he said To Ganelon:--"Take this my sword; no man E'er drew its peer; the hilt alone is worth More than a thousand marks.--For love I give it, But lend us help against the Count Rolland, And show us how to find him in the rear." "--So shall it be," replies Count Ganelon; Whereon they kissed each other's chin and face. L. Another Pagan came. 'Twas Climorin Who gayly smiling, said to Ganelon: "My helmet take--None better have I seen, But help us now against _Marchis_ Rolland That we may throw dishonor on his name." "--Well shall it be," responded Ganelon, And then they kissed each other's lips and cheek. Aoi. LI. And now behold, comes Bramimunde the Queen; "Sire Ganelon," said she, "I love you much, You, by my sire and all our men esteemed. Two necklaces unto your wife I send, With jacinths and with amethysts and gold Adorned, worth more than all the wealth of Rome; Jewels so rich your Emp'ror never had." The Count receives and puts them in his hose. Aoi. LII. The King calls up Malduit, his treasurer: "Hast thou prepared my gifts for Carle the King?" Malduit responds:--"Yea sire, the whole are there: Seven hundred camels with their loads of gold And silver; then of hostages a score, The noblest ever lived beneath the stars." Aoi LIII. Marsile took by the shoulder Ganelon And told him:--"Thou hast wisdom and art brave. By that great law ye hold the best, beware Thy heart fails not. Rich treasures will I give To thee: ten mules laden with purest gold From Araby; each year shall bring the like. Meantime of this great city take the keys, And in my name present this wealth to Carle. But let Rolland be ordered to the rear. If in the pass or mount I find the knight, I swear to give him combat to the death." Says Ganelon:--"Methinks too long I stay."-- He mounts his horse and goes upon his way. Aoi. LIV. The Emperor nears his realm, and reaching now The city of Valterne sacked by Rolland And left in ruins, which thereafter lay A hundred years a desert; there he waits For news of Ganelon, and tribute due By the great land of Spain. One morning when The early dawn was brightening into day, Count Ganelon drew nigh unto the camp. Aoi. LV.