Literature, Medieval -- Translations into English; Tales
Both armies now prepared for battle in the morning, contending for their
different faiths. The King mustered one hundred and thirty thousand
men, but Argolander only one hundred thousand. The Christians formed
themselves into four squadrons; the Saracens into five; whose first
corps being speedily discomfited, they all joined in one phalanx, with
Argolander in the midst. The Christians then surrounded them on all
sides. First Arnaldo de Berlanda and his troops; then Astolfo; next
Aristagnus, Galdebode, Ogier, and Constantine; lastly the King himself,
and his innumerable warriors. Arnaldo was the first that broke in upon
the enemy, overthrowing them right and left till he reached Argolander
himself in the centre, and slew him with his own hand. Then ensued a
great shout, and the Christians, rushing in upon the Saracens, slew them
on all sides, making so great a slaughter that none escaped but the
Kings of Seville and Cordova, and a few of their troops. So great,
indeed, was the effusion of blood, that the Christians waded in it to
their very knees. They slew likewise all the Saracens left in the city.
Charles fought for the faith, and therefore triumphed over Argolander.
Note then, O Christian, that whatsoever thou undertakest thou likewise
shalt accomplish if thou hast faith, for all things are possible to them
that believe. Greatly rejoiced at this victory, the King marched
forward, and came to the bridge of Arge in the Compostella road.
CHAPTER XV.
_Of the Christians that returned unlawfully to Spoil the Dead._
Certain of the Christians however, coveting the spoils of the dead,
returned that same night to the field of battle, and loaded themselves
with heaps of gold and silver. But as they were returning to the camp,
Almanzor, King of Cordova, who had fled for refuge to the mountains with
the Saracens that made their escape, came pouring down, and slew them
all to the number of a thousand men. These, then, are types of such as
strive against sin, but afterwards relapse; who, when they have overcome,
continue not stedfast, but seek unlawful pleasures, suffering themselves
to be mastered in turn by their grand adversary. So likewise the religious,
that forsake their vocations to re-engage in worldly concerns and
profits, lose the reward of eternal life, and entail upon themselves
everlasting perdition.
CHAPTER XVI.
_Of the War of Furra._
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