"Let all that be!" cried to the messengers The King Marsile--"Seigneurs, speak but to me, You see me now crushed unto death. No son Nor daughter have I left, nor other heir; One son I had, who yestereve was slain. Say to my Lord his coming I beseech. Some rights to Spain the Emir has; to him I grant the realm in full, if he accept. Let him defend this land against the French, To meet Carlemagne good counsel I will give, And victor he will be before this day A month. Bear him the keys of Sarraguce; Thence, if he trust my words, he ne'er will be Expelled." They answer:--"Sire, you speak the truth." Aoi. CC. "The Emperor Carle," said King Marsile, "has slain My men, ravaged my land, shattered and stormed My cities; now on Ebro's banks he camps, But seven counted leagues away. Bid ye The Emir march up all his force. Bear him My order for the fight." With this he gives Into their hands the keys of Sarraguce. Upon these words the messengers bent low In last salute, took leave, and went their way. Aoi. CCI. The messengers upon their horses mount And gallop from the city in hot haste. With terror struck, both to the Emir come, Deliv'ring up the keys of Sarraguce. Said Baligant:--"What found ye there? Where is The King Marsile whom I commanded forth?" Clarien makes answer:--"He is hurt to death; The Emp'ror yesterday marched through the pass Upon his homeward way into sweet France. For greater honor, in the rear, Rolland, His nephew, had a post with Olivier, All the twelve Peers and twenty thousand knights. The King Marsile, the valiant Baron, fought And fierce encounter had with Count Rolland, Who dealt with Durendal so dire a blow, The king's right hand was severed from his arm. Slain was the son he loved so tenderly, With all the Barons he had brought with him; Unable to resist, he took to flight, And Carle, the Emperor, followed close behind. Now give your help to King Marsile, who craves Your aid, and as your guerdon all the realm Of Spain receive." But Baligant remains Deep sunk in thought, nigh maddened by his grief. Aoi. CCII.