La Chanson de Roland : Translated from the Seventh Edition of Léon Gautier
General
La Chanson de Roland : Translated from the Seventh Edition of Léon Gautier
Epic poetry, French -- Translations into English; Knights and knighthood -- Poetry; Roland (Legendary character) -- Romances
Carl calls Rabel and Guineman:--"Seigneurs,
I will that ye should take the place of Counts
Rolland and Olivier--One bear the sword;
The olifant, the other--Be the chiefs
Of fifteen thousand bachelors of France,
In youth and valor famous among all--
As many more will follow after these,
Conducted by Gebuin and by Laurant."
Duke Naimes and Joseran the Count with speed
And care these hosts in full array dispose.
Let them encounter, great will be the fight.
Aoi.
CCXX.
These first two cohorts were from out the French
Composed; and after those a third was formed:
The vassals of Baviere--Their numbers mount
To thirty thousand knights who ne'er would blench
Before the foe. Beneath the sky live not
A people dearer to the heart of Carle,
Save those of France, the conquerors of realms.
The Count Ogier de Danemarche, the brave,
Will lead--What beauty sits upon their brows!
Aoi.
CCXXI.
Now has the Emp'ror Carle three squadrons; Naimes
The Duke, then forms the fourth with truly brave
Barons from Allemagne, who left La Marche.
These, twenty thousand count, so all report;
Well furnished with good steeds and arms; for dread
Of death in battle they will never yield.
Herman the Duke of Thrace, their chief, will die
Before he guilty proves of cowardice.
Aoi.
CCXXII.
Duke Naimes and Joseran the Count, have formed
The fifth of Normans, twenty thousand men,
Say all the Franks. Their arms are bright, and fleet
Their steeds. These welcome death ere they succumb.
None under Heav'n more valiant in the fight.
Richard the old will lead them on the field,--
And with his trenchant lance will bravely strike.
Aoi.
CCXXIII.
Composed of Bretons the sixth squadron was:
Full forty thousand chevaliers are they;
Barons in mien when mounted thus, each lance
In rest, its pennon rolled. Their lord is named
Oedun: These led by Nevelon the Count,
Tedbald de Reins and the Marchis Othon--
"My people guide," said Carle; "in ye my trust."
Aoi.
CCXXIV.
King Carle has now six squadrons on the field.
Barons d'Alverne and Peitevins Duke Naimes
Has mustered in the seventh. They may count
Full forty thousand knights. How good their steeds,
How finely wrought their arms! They stand aloof
Within a shady vale. With his right hand
He gives to these his blessing. Joseran
And Godselmes their appointed leaders are.
Aoi.
CCXXV.
Barons of Frise and Flamengs Naimes enrolled
For the eighth legion. Knights in number more
Than fifty thousand, men who never yield
In battle. Thus the king: "My service these
Will do, Rembalt and Hamon de Galice
Shall lead them forward in all chivalry."
Aoi.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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