"Lords my barons," the Emperor said, "King Marsil to me hath his envoys sped. He proffers treasure surpassing bounds, Bears and lions, and leashèd hounds; Seven hundred camels that bend the knee; A thousand hawks that have moulted free; Four hundred mules with Arab gold, Which fifty wains might scantly hold. But he saith to France must I wend my way: He will follow to Aix with brief delay, Bend his heart unto Christ's belief, And hold his marches of me in fief; Yet I know not what in his heart may lie." "Beware! beware!" was the Franks' outcry. XIV Scarce his speech did the Emperor close, When in high displeasure Count Roland rose, Fronted his uncle upon the spot, And said, "This Marsil, believe him not: Seven full years have we warred in Spain; Commibles and Noples for you have I ta'en, Tudela and Sebilie, cities twain; Valtierra I won, and the land of Pine, And Balaguet fell to this arm of mine. King Marsil hath ever a traitor been: He sent of his heathens, at first fifteen. Bearing each one on olive bough, Speaking the self-same words as now. Into council with your Franks you went, Lightly they flattered your heart's intent; Two of your barons to him you sent,-- They were Basan and Basil, the brother knights: He smote off their heads on Haltoia's heights. War, I say!--end as you well began, Unto Saragossa lead on your van; Were the siege to last your lifetime through, Avenge the nobles this felon slew." XV The Emperor bent him and mused within, Twisted his beard upon lip and chin, Answered his nephew nor good nor ill; And the Franks, save Ganelon, all were still: Hastily to his feet he sprang, Haughtily his words outrang:-- "By me or others be not misled,-- Look to your own good ends," he said. "Since now King Marsil his faith assures, That, with hands together clasped in yours, He will henceforth your vassal be, Receive the Christian law as we, And hold his realm of you in fee, Whoso would treaty like this deny, Recks not, sire, by what death we die: Good never came from counsel of pride,-- List to the wise, and let madmen bide." XVI