Another vision followed hereupon: He is in France, in his _Chapelle_, at Aix. A bear his right arm caught with such sharp fangs [That from the bone the flesh is torn away.] From toward Ardennes he saw a leopard come, Which in his dream, made on him fierce attack; But then a greyhound dashes from the hall Unto Carle's rescue, swift of leap and bound; First from the treach'rous bear the hound tears off An ear, then with the leopard combat makes. "See!" cry the French, "what battle fierce is here." But they know not which of the two will win The field--Carle still asleep naught can awake. Aoi. LIX. Vanished the night, and the clear dawn appeared. With noble mien the Emperor mounts his steed, And 'mid the host one thousand trumpets sound: "_Barons_," said Carle:--"You see those deep defiles And narrow passes--judge who in the rear Will take command." Said Ganelon:--"Rolland, My step-son, whom among your valiant knights You prize the most." Carle hearing this, upon Him sternly looked:--"Thou art the devil's self," Said he, "or else a mortal rage has stung Thy heart! Say, who before me in the van Will march? 'Twill be Ogier de Dannemarche! You have no better Baron for the post." Aoi. LX. When hears the Count Rolland the lot has fallen Upon himself, as loyal knight he speaks:-- "You, sire step-father, dear and well beloved Must be, since you have named me for the rear; Nor shall Carl'magne, the King of France, lose aught, Nor palfrey, nor fleet steed, if knowledge true I have, nor male nor female mule that man Can ride, nor beast of burden, horse or ass, Unreckoned for with these good swords of ours." Said Ganelon:--"The truth you speak, I know." Aoi. LXI. When hears Rolland the rear shall be his lot, To his step-father thus in wrath he speaks:-- "Ah! traitor, evil man of race impure, Thou thought'st to see me here let fall the glove As thou erst dropped the staff before the King!" Aoi. LXII. The Count Rolland [addressing thus Carl'magne:] "Give me the bow that now your hand doth hold, For, to my knowledge, none will e'er throw blame On me for dropping it, as fell on earth Your right hand glove, when he received the staff." With head declined the Emperor remains: Oft plucks and twists the beard on lip and cheek, Nor can his eyes restrain their falling tears. Aoi. LXIII.