It needed but these firm and modest words to add to the evident signs of disapproval on the part of his courtiers to convince Charlemagne that he had gone too far; that with but few exceptions his entire court was against him, and that if he continued his policy there would be no other outcome than his own humiliation, if not defeat. Quick of resource, however, he pondered but a moment before he made reply, and turning to Maugis, said: “Art thou prepared to make thy cause good, in single combat arms in hand?” This change in the aspect of the subject by an appeal to a single combat was a happy thought; it restored the emperor in the opinion of his knights and offered a solution of the differences customary and honorable in those warlike times. Maugis, on his part, hailing any prospects to secure peace with joy, promptly answered: “Right willingly, sire, will I accept thy challenge; and all I ask is, that the Archbishop Turpin, Oger, the Duke de Naimes and Olivier will be my seconds.” The knights mentioned immediately gave their consent. Maugis was at once liberated. Here Roland came forward, saying: “Sire! I beg thee that I may be allowed to take thy place in the coming duel.” “I cannot consent,” responded Charlemagne. “And it please thy majesty,” cried Maugis, “right willingly will I accept him as thy substitute.” “Then be it so,” replied Charlemagne. Maugis then quickly mounted his horse, saluted all present, departed, having previously taken leave of his new friends, all promising to meet at the rendezvous fixed for the duel on the following day. Upon the return of Maugis to Montaubon, his people, thinking peace had been concluded, greeted him with congratulations and rejoicings; he only pausing long enough on it to thank them warmly, hastened to Yolande, who from the time of his departure had suffered a constant inquietude; after reassuring her, he turned to his brothers, saying: “My friends, on the morrow I go to engage in a most terrible combat with one of the bravest of knights. Shall I conquer? I know not! If I succumb, in the name of the love which you have always had for me, I commend to your care my wife and my children; save them from the rage of Charlemagne. I have right on my side. My courage is equal to that of Roland. I have confidence in divine justice, but against all that I may fall.” At these words everyone had tears in their eyes though they tried to conceal them, and the three brothers of Maugis insisted that Renaud should be left in command of Montaubon while they accompanied him to the field of the combat. CHAPTER XIV.