Literature, Medieval -- Translations into English; Tales
Thus did Charles mourn for Orlando to the very last day of his life. On
the spot where he died he encamped; and caused the body to be embalmed
with balsam, myrrh, and aloes. The whole camp watched it that night,
honouring his corse with hymns and songs, and innumerable torches and
fires kindled on the adjacent mountains.
CHAPTER XXVI.
_How the Sun stood still for three Days; the Slaughter of four thousand
Saracens; and the Death of Ganalon._
Early on the next day they came to the field of battle in Ronceval, and
found the bodies of their friends, many of them still alive, but
mortally wounded. Oliver was lying on his face, pinioned to the ground
in the form of a cross, and flayed from the neck to his finger-ends;
pierced also with darts and javelins, and bruised with clubs. The
mourning was now dismal; every one wept for his friend, till the groves
and valleys resounded with wailing. Charles solemnly vowed to pursue the
Pagans till he found them; and, marching in pursuit with his whole army,
the sun stood still for three days, till he overtook them on the banks
of the Ebro, near Saragossa, feasting and rejoicing for their success.
Attacking them valiantly, he then slew four thousand, and dispersed the
rest. What further? We now returned to Ronceval, bearing with us the
sick and wounded to the spot where Orlando fell. The Emperor then made
strict inquiries after the treachery of Ganalon, which began to be
universally rumoured about. Trial was ordained by single combat, Pinabel
for Ganalon, and Theodoric for the Accuser; when, the latter gaining the
victory, the treason was proved. Ganalon was now sentenced to be torn to
pieces by four wild horses, which was accordingly his end.
CHAPTER XXVII.
_The Embalming of the Dead._
They now embalmed the dead bodies of their friends; some with myrrh and
balsam, some with salt, taking out the bowels, and filling the bodies
with aromatic drugs, or with salt only. Some were buried on the spot;
others conveyed to France; but many that became putrid and offensive
were buried on the road. Wooden carriages were made for the dead, but
the sick and wounded were borne away on litters upon their shoulders.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
_Of the consecrated Cemeteries of Arles and Bordeaux._
Two chief burying grounds were now consecrated at Arles and Bordeaux by
seven Bishops: Maximin of Aix, Trophimus of Arles, Paul of Narbonne,
Saturnine of Thoulouse, Frontorne of Perigord, Martial of Limoges, and
Eutropius of Xaintonge; where the major part of the warriors were
interred that fell in the battles of Ronceval and Mount Garzim.
CHAPTER XXIX.
_Of the Burial of Orlando and his Companions at Blaye and other Places._
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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