xiiij fote longe we[rh] thay, 4 feet high. Thay we[rh] Barrakes so«n»nes so boolde; They were sons of Bygote thay we[rh] of Astragot. Barrock, begotten by Grete joye the kinge of he«m» hade. 3024 Astragot. Hethen̄ thay we[rh] botħ, wele I wote, Therfore hem̄ to be cristenede he bade. Charles caused them He called þat one of hem Roulande, to be baptized, and And that other he cleped Olyue[rh]: 3028 called the one Roland “For thai shalle be myghty men of honde.” and the other Oliver. To kepen̄ hem, he was fulle chere. Thay myght not leve, her Dam was dede; But they soon died Thai coude not kepe hem fortħ. 3032 Thai wolde neyþer ete butt«er» nere brede, Ner no men̄[184] was to hem worthe. He[rh] Da«m»mes mylke they lakked the[rh], for want of their Thay deyden for defaute of here dam. 3036 mother’s milk. Kinge Charles made hevy che[rh], And a sory man̄ was than. The kinge lete ordeyne anoon̄, The Cite to be gouerne[d+] 3040 Of the worthyest of hem̄ ychon̄, That weren of wer[rh] best lerne[d+]. Duke Richarde of Normandy, The king appoints He was made chief gou«er»nou[rh]; 3044 Richard governor of And ij C with him in hys company the city, To kepe the brigge and tou[rh]. Fortħ he rode to laban̄ than̄, and hurries on With his Ooste and Si[rh] Ferumbras. 3048 to Agremore with A spye to the Sowdon̄ fast ran his army and with And tolde him al that cas, Ferumbras. How Charles was come with his ost, And Mountrible hade he wonne, 3052 “Alagolofur slayn̄ is for alle his bost, This game was evel begon̄.” Whane laban herde of his comynge, [p088 FLORIPAS RECOGNISES THE FRENCH BANNER.]