“My lords, you are well aware of the causes of the hatred I bear toward Renaud; you know the last outrage he has committed was to tear the golden eagle from the top of my tent; he hath even attacked our royal person, and had it not been for the aid of Olivier and divine Providence, which always protects the cause of the just, I should at least have been wounded. It was his intention to kill me none the less. He is therefore culpable. Even if I did not occupy the elevated rank which places me at your head, I would not pardon him. Settling the matter between us by personal combat is out of the question. I am an emperor, and I must see that justice is rendered, and I must set the example. I will not accuse him of having attempted my life. I will not seek to punish him for his crime of lese-majesty, but he shall suffer the direst punishment like a traitor to his oath for having supported the four sons of Aymon, and above all, for having taken up arms against me.” “I now order that he be immediately given to the flames.” Then arose Leon de Hautfeuille, a wise courtier. “Sire,” said he, “there can be no exception taken to thy just resentment, but if thou dost carry thy sentence out immediately, will it not encourage Maugis and his brothers in the belief that thou fearest a rescue from them so much thou decidest to be rid of Renaud at once?” If there was one point upon which Charlemagne was sensitive it was self-pride; a mere suggestion of this kind would arouse him, and it was through this weakness in his noble character that Ganelon and others accomplished their designs; although Leon was honest, the suggestion was sufficient to cause the emperor to postpone the execution until the morrow, and he further ordered that this time, that there might be no possibility of a rescue, that Renaud be placed under a strong guard composed of twelve peers, Charlemagne telling them that he would hold them responsible for his person. Renaud gave his word, to the twelve peers who guarded him, laughingly, that he would not stir during the night without their permission, and did he do so he would not go without first seeing the emperor. His words were prophetic. Meanwhile, the news of the terrible position of Renaud reached Montaubon. It caused the utmost concern to all, for Renaud was dearly beloved. The enemy being now thoroughly prepared for surprise, a rescue by means of a sortie was out of the question. Now for the first time in all their trials was an appeal made to Maugis to exercise his occult powers. There was no hope for Renaud otherwise. To these pleadings Maugis replied: