“Sire!” said he, “I am Roland, the son of Milon and of your sister. I have come to place myself at your service. Therefore deign to accept me and your majesty will ever find me a faithful and loyal servitor.” Charlemagne could hardly conceal his joy, because he thought at last he had secured a knight who could equal the prowess of Maugis. Some days later Charlemagne armed his nephew and knighted him with great pomp and ceremony, giving _fêtes_ and tournaments more extraordinary than usual in honor of the event. It was at tournaments in those days that the knights exhibited their power and skill, and this occasion gave Roland the opportunity to display a force and address that seemed irresistible, and gave color to the hope of the emperor that he had finally discovered a knight who could match Maugis, who now bore the reputation of being the foremost warrior in France, a hope which subsequent events, as we shall see, fully justified. That tried, skilled and experienced knight, Oger, to satisfy himself of the courage and endurance of the young knight, entered the tourney against him, and for a time he was able to make a gallant fight; but he was finally forced to declare himself conquered by his young adversary, and thereupon Roland was, amid great acclaim, crowned the first knight of the court.[2] [Footnote 2: History tells us that not only was Roland renowned for his prowess as a warrior, but his beauty of person and grace of manner charmed the emperor and the entire court, and further, not only was he a favorite with the ladies, but later became the idol of the people as well.—G.] So the days devoted to pleasure succeeded each other without interruption, when all at once the startling news came of an invasion of the Saracens from the north. They were advancing along theRhine, killing, burning and destroying all in their path. Charlemagne determined to send Roland to meet the infidels, giving him twenty thousand men, ordering him to go at once, and sternly adding not to return unless victorious. [Illustration: MAUGIS.] By means of forced marches Roland came upon the Saracens so suddenly as to take them completely by surprise. They, on seeing the royal troops, flew to arms, but Roland, not giving them time to recover from the surprise, threw his army upon them with great impetuosity and cut them to pieces. Oger and Roland then followed the flying enemy in close pursuit, they having divided, one part crossing the Rhine, was followed by Roland, who caught up with them. Almonasar, king of the infidels, was made prisoner, and begged Roland to spare him and those with him. The nephew of Charlemagne, granting them quarter, they laid down their arms and he marched them in return to the point where Roland had parted from Oger, whom he met, followed by a large number of prisoners he had also captured, all of whom were bound and placed in charge of the Duke de Naimes. To save his life, Almonasar abjured the Mohammed faith.