At these words Maugis commanded his troops to charge, and they threw themselves upon the guard with such fury that they were all either killed or dispersed, and finally the unfortunate King Yon was delivered from their hands. He then threw himself at the feet of his brother-in-law, saying: “I am not worthy to live in thy presence; the sole grace I can implore of thee is that I may meet death at thy hands.” At the sight of Maugis fighting the guardians of King Yon, the troops on each side all along the line became engaged in a murderous conflict, and intermingling formed a vast struggling mass, in the midst of which could be seen the swords rising and falling, at each stroke meeting a victim. Roland, in the meantime, was not inactive; he wrought upon his enemy injury equal to that of Maugis. Richard, who was still weak from his wounds, and fought but little, became surrounded, and Roland perceiving it, rode toward him, and not deeming it chivalrous to accept his defiance, ordered him to be taken alive. Richard defended himself like a lion at bay, but was very soon buried under a mass of the enemy, hurled from his horse and compelled to yield. He refused to give his sword to any one but Roland, whom he considered only worthy to receive it. It was in the midst of the fight that the sorrowful news of the capture of Richard was borne to Maugis; it made him furious; he declared he would at any price secure the liberty of Richard, and he was about to appoint Alard and Guichard to act in his place, while he proceeded against the camp of Charlemagne to deliver his brother, but his cousin Renaud arrested him. “Thy project is foolish,” said he; “if you take such a step you will certainly be yourself captured, then what can you do? Listen, I have myself an account to settle with the emperor, and if Richard has not already been executed, I will enter the camp of Charlemagne in disguise, will learn what they intend doing with him, and we can then know better what steps to take for his rescue.” “Thy plan is wise,” said Maugis, “and knowing thy discretion, am assured thou wilt return from thy perilous mission in safety.” Accordingly, Renaud at once retired, and hastily disguising himself as a pilgrim, leaning wearily upon a stick, proceeded to the camp of Charlemagne, whither Richard had been borne. On nearing the camp he walked very feebly, and assumed such a miserable aspect that all gates were opened before him; such was the reverence for holiness and sanctity, that pilgrims from the holy land were held in those days, and when, at last, he had arrived before the tent of the emperor, and was ushered into his presence, he said to Charlemagne: “Pax Vobiscum, great ruler, I have just returned from Jerusalem, where I prostrated myself before the tomb of our Divine Master,” and reverently crossing himself he bowed his hooded head upon his breast and stood silent.