“Sire!” replied Aymon, “we are the sons of a knight whom you have honored with your esteem and for whom you have never hidden your admiration, even when you were enraged with him. Our father had the misfortune to incur your displeasure for not being willing to submit, when his honor opposed, and you forced him to defend himself against you and against the deceitful counsels of perfidious and jealous courtiers. Ah, sire, in spite of all these trials you placed upon him, our father never ceased to love you and to bless you. He has also taught us to venerate and cherish you. Our father is the brave Maugis, who during three years passed his time in exile to repair the wrongs he incurred by activity and courage so astonishing as to give his name universal renown.” At these words the emperor arose, descended from his throne and embraced the two handsome young men, who had come to place their young lives under his high protecting care. Said he: “Your father is one of the noblest and most honorable knights I ever knew. Strive, both of you, to equal him. I could not offer a better wish for your welfare.” The emperor then took pride in presenting the young men to the court. The etiquette compelled by ceremony being cast aside, the emperor inquired with great solicitude concerning their father. “Our father,” replied Yon, “is now old and infirm, and bodily exercise has become too fatiguing for him. Now, instead of following campaigns, he lives amid his vassals, to whom he renders justice, gives counsel, and encourages in their labor; in a word, sire, with him rank is but a distinction. It is as nothing before intelligence, even if those who possess it are inferior in position. Unfortunately, our father is very feeble, and we have feared that he is breaking down.” “A man like your father should live always,” cried Charlemagne. “Seigneurs!” continued he, turning to his courtiers, “these sons of Maugis are my sons; you will so consider them.” Then addressing the young men, he promised that he would himself arm them as knights; also would give them additional lands, and as a token of love for their father and themselves, he accorded benefits to the one hundred other young men who constituted their suite. Maugis, after the departure of his sons, employed himself in putting his affairs in order. He bequeathed Dordogne to Yon, his younger son, and to Aymon, the eldest, he left Montaubon. Then having assembled his brothers, he said to them: “I have suffered many trials in the course of my existence. I have always been first in advancing our general interests. I will to-day make my farewell. I have vowed to consecrate to God the few years that remain to me, and to expiate for my sins by passing my remaining days in an absolute retreat far from the world.”