French and Arabian warriors emulate In valor each the other. Ashen shafts Break from their brazen heads. Whoso then saw Those shields defaced, who heard those hauberks white Resound with blows, this dinning clash of shields 'Gainst helmets grinding, saw those knights and men Fall and with dying shrieks roll on the earth, Of greatest anguish could the memory keep; So fierce this battle raged. The Emir calls Upon Apollo, Tervagan, upon Mahum: "Till now I served you well, O Gods! And I will have an image made for each, Molten of purest gold [if ye but help]!" Before him then his favorite Gemalfin Appears. He brings ill news. "Sire Baligant This day brings you mishap; Malprime, your son Has fall'n! Your brother Canabeus is dead. Two Franks the glory have of their defeat, One, Carle the Emperor, I deem, so vast His fame, his air as _Marchis_ grand, his beard As white as April blossom!" At these words The Emir's helm declines, his visage sinks Low on his breast. Such is his grief, he thinks Death nears him. Calling Jangleu d'ultremer, Aoi. CCLVI. The Emir said:--"Jangleu, step forth; most wise Art thou, thy knowledge great; thy counsel e'er I followed; what the chance of victory For Franks or Arabs deemest thou?" Jangleu Responds:--"Death, Baligant, hangs o'er your head. Ne'ermore your gods can save you; Carle is proud, And valiant are his men. Ne'er lived a race So strong in battle; yet call up your knights Of Occiant, Enfruns and Arabs, Turks And Giants. Do your duty with all speed." Aoi. CCLVII. The Emir spreads out to the breeze his beard As hawthorn blossom white; betide what may, Escape he will not seek, puts to his lips A trumpet clear, whose blast the Pagans hark, And fast their cohorts rally on the field. They bray and neigh, the men of Occiant, While those of Arguile yelp as curs, and charge The Franks so rashly, they mow down and break Their thickest ranks, and by this blow Throw seven thousand dead upon the field. Aoi. CCLVIII. To Count Ogier is dastardy unknown; No better vassal buckled hauberk on. When the French legions broken thus he saw, He called Tierri Duke of Argonne, Geffrei D'Anjou and Jozeran the Count, and spoke These haughty words to Carle:--"Behold our men By Pagans slaughtered! May God ne'er permit Your brow to wear its crown if unrevenged Your shame remains!" None dared reply a word, But spurring hard their steeds, with loosened reins They rush in fury 'gainst the Pagan ranks And strike the foes where'er they can be met. Aoi. CCLIX.