When Ganelon saw the laughter of Rolland, It seemed as though his breast would burst with wrath; His brain was well-nigh maddened by his rage. Unto the Count he cried:--"I love you not; This judgment have you caused on me to fall! Right Emp'ror, in your presence, lo! I stand, And I am ready to fulfill your word." Aoi. XXVI. The King presents to him his right hand glove; But Ganelon would well have ne'er stood there, For ere he touched the royal glove, it fell. The French exclaim:--"What bodes this omen? Shall This embassy not have a woeful end?--" "_Seigneurs_," said Ganelon, "you will hear of this!" Aoi. XXVII. Said Ganelon:--"Give me dismissal, Sire! Since I must go, my time is precious." Then Adjured the King:--"For Jesus' sake and mine!" With his right hand he Ganelon absolved And blessed, deliv'ring up the brief and staff. Aoi. XXVIII. Count Ganelon his own house seeks, to make Equipment and prepare his arms: his choice The best that he can find. With golden spurs He clasps his heels; belts to his side his sword, Murgleis, and mounts his courser Tachebrun. His uncle Guinemer the stirrup held; There many a chevalier you might have seen In tears, who said: "Baron, such evil fate Was yours. You, in the King's Court so long, and there Revered as liege-man high!--The man who judged That you should go, not Carle himself shall cure Or save; the Count Rolland bethought him not Of that high lineage whence you sprang!"--And they Entreat:--"My lord with you take us along!" But Ganelon replies:--"Lord God forbid! Better to die alone than with me fall So many brave!--Lords, to sweet France ye will go. Salute for me my wife, and Pinabel, My friend and peer, and my son Baldewin whom Ye all know--guard him--hold him for your lord." The Count departs and goes upon his way. Aoi. THE EMBASSY AND CRIME OF GANELON. XXIX. The Count rides on beneath tall olive trees And joins the messengers of King Marsile. To meet him Blancandrin has checked his speed: With skillful words each to the other spake. Blancandrin said: "A wond'rous man is Carle Who conquered Pouille and overran Calabre, Crossed the salt-seas to England, and from thence Gained tribute for _Saint-Pierre_. In this our land What claims he?" "Such his might," said Ganelon, "No man shall ever match with him in arms." Aoi. XXX.