Great are the forces of their hostile horde; They swiftly skim the waves, and steer, and sail; Their masts and yards so blazing with the light Of carbuncles and lanterns, night gives up Its darkness and still fairer shows the sea. As they approached the shores of Spain, the land Was all aglow, and tidings reached Marsile. Aoi. CXCIII. The Pagans halt no moment; soon they leave The deep, and in fresh water steer; Marbreise And then Marbruse is passed; along the shores Of winding Ebro glides the armament, Setting the night aflame with carbuncles And lights: the same day reached they Sarraguce. Aoi. CXCIV. Clear is the day and bright the sun; descends The Emir from his ship. Espaneliz Walks forth upon his right; a train of Kings In number seventeen, with Dukes and Counts Innumerable, follow. 'Mid the plain Grows a great laurel, and beneath its shade They spread a _pallie_ of white silk upon The verdant grass, and place a faldstool there Of ivory. In this sits Baligant The Pagan. All the others stand. First spake The chief:--"Oyez, all ye, most valiant Knights! King Carle, the Emperor, who leads the Franks, Shall eat not, save by my command. Throughout All Spain, 'gainst me a cruel war he waged: Now I will seek him in sweet France, nor, while My life lasts, cease until he dies the death, Or, living, yields, and mercy begs." He spake And struck his right-hand glove upon his knee. Aoi. CXCV. His word once spoken was to him a law: Though it cost all the gold beneath the sky, Yet would he march to Aix, where Carle was wont To hold his court. Some praise him, even give Him counsel. Two from out his host of Knights He summons, Clarien, and Clarifan: "Ye are the sons of King Maltraien, A willing message bearer: 'tis my will Ye go to Sarraguce; there in my name Give ye this message to the King Marsile: I have come to succor him against the French, And if I find them, great the fight will be. Give him this gold-embroidered glove, and place it On his right hand; give him this staff of gold; And when he comes to pay me homage, as A vassal to his lord, I then will lead My force to France to fight with Carlemagne. If he fall not before my feet to pray For mercy, and abjure the Christian law, I from his head will tear away the crown." The Pagans answer all:--"Well spoken, Sire." Aoi. CXCVI.