In presence of the King stands Ganelon With bearing hardy, florid countenance; Were he but loyal, as a Baron true His mien. Upon the French and judges he Has cast a glance, and on his thirty kin Who 'round him stand; then with firm voice exclaims: "Barons! Now hear me all, for love of God! I to the Emperor's host belonged, and served Him ever in all faith and love. Rolland, His nephew, hatred bore to me, and fain Had doomed my days to torture and to death. As message-bearer I to King Marsile Was sent, wisdom alone my shield and guard; I gave defiance to Rolland the bold, To Olivier and to their comrades all: By Carle and all his Barons this was heard. Revenge this was, but treason it was none." Reply the French:--"All this we well shall weigh." Aoi. CCLXXVI. On seeing the great plea was to commence, Thirty good Knights were called by Ganelon Out of his kin, and one among them makes A speech all others hark: 'tis Pinabel Of Castel de Sorence, of greatest skill In words, and apt with reason plausible; Withal, a vassal brave to guard his arms. Thus to him Ganelon:--"In you my trust I place; my life from death, my name from shame Preserve!"--Said Pinabel:--"Thou shalt be saved. Dare one French Knight condemn thee to be hanged, And would the Emperor make us both to meet In combat, my good sword will his rash word Believe."--And at his feet falls Ganelon. Aoi. CCLXXVII. Baiviers, Saines, Poitevins, Normans and French In council met;--Allemans, Tiedeis in great Array. Those from Alverne most courteous prove And show more kindness unto Pinabel. One to the others said:--"To leave this plea Right would it be, and pray Carl'magne, this once To pardon Ganelon who, from this day, Will serve his lord with truer faith and love. Rolland lies in his grave; nor wealth, nor gold Restores him to your eyes. This cruel fight Is folly."--All the Knights approve, save one, Tierri, a brother of the Lord Geffrei. Aoi. CCLXXVIII. To Carle his Barons come again, and say: "We pray you, sire, acquit Count Ganelon; Then will he serve you with true faith and love. Grant him his life which springs from noble race. Rolland lies in his grave; ne'er shall we see Him more, nor treasures e'er can bring him back." Exclaimed the King: "Vile traitors are ye all!" Aoi. CLXXIX.