That Emperour is now returned to Aix. The felon Guene, all in his iron chains Is in that town, before the King's Palace; Those serfs have bound him, fast upon his stake, In deer-hide thongs his hands they've helpless made, With clubs and whips they trounce him well and baste: He has deserved not any better fate; In bitter grief his trial there he awaits. CCLXXI Written it is, and in an ancient geste How Charles called from many lands his men, Assembled them at Aix, in his Chapelle. Holy that day, for some chief feast was held, Saint Silvester's that baron's, many tell. Thereon began the trial and defence Of Guenelun, who had the treason spelt. Before himself the Emperour has him led. AOI. CCLXXII "Lords and barons," Charles the King doth speak, "Of Guenelun judge what the right may be! He was in th'host, even in Spain with me; There of my Franks a thousand score did steal, And my nephew, whom never more you'll see, And Oliver, in 's pride and courtesy, And, wealth to gain, betrayed the dozen peers." "Felon be I," said Guenes, "aught to conceal! He did from me much gold and wealth forfeit, Whence to destroy and slay him did I seek; But treason, no; I vow there's not the least." Answer the Franks: "Take counsel now must we." CCLXXIII So Guenelun, before the King there, stood; Lusty his limbs, his face of gentle hue; Were he loyal, right baron-like he'd looked. He saw those Franks, and all who'ld judge his doom, And by his side his thirty kinsmen knew. After, he cried aloud; his voice was full: "For th' Love of God, listen to me, baruns! I was in th' host, beside our Emperour, Service I did him there in faith and truth. Hatred of me had Rollant, his nephew; So he decreed death for me and dolour. Message I bare to king Marsiliun; By my cunning I held myself secure. To that fighter Rollant my challenge threw, To Oliver, and all their comrades too; Charles heard that, and his noble baruns. Vengeance I gat, but there's no treason proved." Answered the Franks: "Now go we to the moot. CCLXXIV When Guenes sees, his great cause is beginning, Thirty he has around him of his kinsmen, There's one of them to whom the others listen, 'Tis Pinabel, who in Sorence castle liveth; Well can he speak, soundly his reasons giving, A good vassal, whose arm to fight is stiffened. Says to him Guenes: "In you my faith is fixed. Save me this day from death, also from prison." Says Pinabel: "Straightway you'll be delivered. Is there one Frank, that you to hang committeth? Let the Emperour but once together bring us, With my steel brand he shall be smartly chidden." Guenes the count kneels at his feet to kiss them. CCLXXV