During the time occupied by this parley, Richard had recovered himself, and had bound up his wounds from strips from his cloak. Alard likewise had bound up the wound in his thigh, stopping the flow of blood, and to the astonishment of the assembled host they all grimly ranged themselves side by side and awaited the onslaught of their astonished enemies, who marvelled at their courage; then, touched by compassion, Oger halted his soldiers, saying to them he would endeavor to persuade them to surrender. He then approached near to the rock, and thus addressed them in kindly tones: “My dear cousin, I pray you to surrender; it will be impossible for you to resist long; you will surely be slain, because nothing can prevent my soldiers from successfully assaulting the rock that shelters you. You have not sufficient means of defense in your swords and your lances. You have not even the resource of a pile of heavy stones with which to beat down your assailants when they seek to climb up the rock, and though you may see how much I admire your bravery, I shall stay here until you are completely subdued for want of food.” “I thank you, my cousin,” replied Maugis in the same spirit, “and I should profit by thy advice, but that we never can forget the baseness of the plot which brought us to this dire extremity.” At these words Oger shook his head sadly, and returned to his command, and Maugis climbed to the top of the rock to see in what way he could provide some means of defense. From the height thus gained he contemplated with pride the number of enemies they had slain, and then chancing to raise his eyes to the horizon he beheld a sight which caused the blood to leap quickening to his heart; a body of troops were advancing in all haste. He could hardly conceal his joy when he recognized at their head his cousin Renaud, mounted on Bayard, his own famous horse. He whispered joyfully in the ear of Guichard the welcome news, warning him to quietly acquaint the other brothers, in a manner that would not arouse the suspicion of their waiting and watching enemy. Maugis now descended from the rock and sought to occupy in some manner the attention of Oger, in order to gain delay. Though entirely deceived by Maugis, Oger could hear the murmurings of his soldiers, who demanded an assault on the rock should be made. He was about to return to them, when he was arrested by the voice of Maugis, saying: “My good cousin, if thou hast kindly feeling to us, grant us an hour’s truce; you cannot refuse this request with a good conscience; you have three thousand men against four miserable knights; thou art assured of victory; never fear that Charlemagne will address you one reproach in that regard.” “I will grant it thee willingly,” replied Oger, so he withdrew to his troops, and gave them the order to wait. At this their murmurings were loud and deep.