Olivier, who had left at the head of his troops against the dictates of his own heart to fulfill the mission for the emperor, was the first to accept this explanation joyfully, in which he was quickly joined by Roland, who said: “We join you, with our brave companions; not only will we not arrest you, but if Maugis wishes we will all accompany you direct to the tent of Charlemagne. We could not do otherwise; we are all united in the same thought that Maugis should be accorded peace, plain and entire, and now is the time to have this miserable war terminated.” In saying this, Roland uttered the sincere sentiments of his heart toward Maugis, having always found him so brave, so loyal, and so true, and he could not restrain from testifying to his feelings on this occasion. Entirely reassured by this friendliness, Maugis yielded himself into their hands, and they all, once more, took up their march for the camp. On their arrival the emperor greeted them with a stern brow, and his face flushed with anger; a great hush fell upon the assembled company and an embarrassing silence ensued that was of ominous portent. Oger would have spoken, but Charlemagne, with an imperious gesture, stopped him, saying in a voice hoarse with passion: “Silence! I am your master, let it suffice, once for all that I have decided that this traitor Maugis shall be punished like a rebel, as he is, and this time he shall not escape me.” “Sire, that we shall not willingly permit,” responded the veteran Oger, fearlessly gazing into the face of Charlemagne. “No! it shall not be said we have given our word in vain; our honor is above all and unto the gravest consequences, understand, we shall defend him against you.” At these defiant words a great hush fell upon the assembled courtiers, and so intense was the moment that not a word was said, while Charlemagne sat with eyes blazing, clutching his robe in his hands too amazed for utterance. It was at this moment that Maugis, perceiving a situation so tense would evidently lead to a conflict, advanced and modestly addressing the emperor, said: “Sire! I have complied with all the conditions you have imposed upon me. I have not swerved from a single point. I came here alone, without arms, on the faith of these brave knights to ratify with you the basis of a peace. What reproaches can I merit for this? If I have fought against thee, it is because thou hast incessantly pursued me; because thou hast tracked me like a wild beast, and all because at the beginning I refused to sustain thee in a war where my honor commanded me to remain neutral. Ah, sire!” earnestly pleaded Maugis, “reflect, examine my actions well; judge my conduct with impartiality, and thou wilt end in rendering me the justice which is my due.”