Now, seeing all will fail him, o'er Carle's eyes And features gloom descends; by grief o'erwhelmed He cries: "Unhappy that I am!" Then stood [Tierri], the brother of Geffrei, the Duke D'Anjou, before the King. Thin, light of frame, Hair raven-black, [face] somewhat brown of hue, In height nor tall nor short; with courtesy He spake thus to the Emp'ror: "Fair sire King, Be not cast down. That I have served you well Ere this, you know. 'Tis my ancestral right To sit among the judges of the plea. However guilty was Rolland against Count Ganelon, his duty to the King Should have restrained his hate. A treason foul Ganelon wrought against Rolland; forsworn In perjury tow'rd you, he lost himself. For all his crimes his death I here demand, Death by the cord; his body to the dogs Be thrown away--the perjurer's just doom. Should any of his kin deny the words I speak, this sword of mine girt to my side Will make them good."--All cry: "Well have you said." Aoi. CCLXXX. Then toward the King advances Pinabel; Tall, strong and swift, and brave. Strike he but once, No second blow need follow; to the King He said: "Sire, unto you belongs this plea. Command these clamors to be hushed. There stands Tierri who now his judgment has pronounced. The lie I give him and to fight defy!" With this his right hand glove of deer-skin gave Unto the King who said: "I must receive Good pledges." Of his kin then thirty knights Were given as legal sureties of his pledge. "I also give my pledge," the Emperor said, "And have them guarded safe till judgment pass." Aoi. CCLXXXI. When Tierri sees that now the fight is near, He gives the Emperor his right hand glove. To him the sureties Carle himself provides, Bids that they bring four benches to the place Whereon the combatants shall sit. The terms Are judged by all the others as most fair. Ogier de Dannemarche was chosen to rule The lists. Then for their steeds and arms both called. Aoi. CCLXXXII. Both knights now made them ready for the fight, Were shriven, assoiled, and blessed; a mass have heard, Communion have received, and richest alms Bequeathed to monasteries.--Before striking They both appear.--Gold spurs their heels adorn; They wear white hauberks light and strong; bright helms Clasp on their heads, and gold hilt swords are girt Upon their thighs, and to their necks are bound Strong quartered shields; they wield in each right hand A trenchant sword, and on fleet steeds they mount; Then melt in tears one hundred thousand knights Who for Rolland's sake wish Tierri well. Yea--but God knows what way the thing will end. Aoi. CCLXXXIII.