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Updated: June 22, 2025
King Marsil, not knowing how to save his city from the conqueror, called a council of his wise men. Blancandrin, a knight of great valor, was chosen with ten others to set out with olive-branches in their hands, followed by a great train of slaves bearing presents, to seek the court of the great Christian King and sue for peace.
His pride is so great that he thinks no sword can touch him, but until he is really dead peace we can never have. Here the Saracen glanced at Ganélon beside him. 'He is a fine man, thought he, 'but there is cunning in his eye, and then Blancandrin spoke. 'Let us understand each other plainly, he said; 'is it your wish to be avenged of Roland?
It was Blancandrin who first spoke, showing with his hands the presents he had brought with him, and offering that the King would receive baptism, and do homage for his lands, if only the Emperor Charles would return with his army into France, 'for, said Blancandrin, 'you have been too long in this country.
"You Franks are gallant men indeed," said Blancandrin, "but your dukes and counts deserve blame when they counsel the Emperor to fight with us now." "There is none deserveth that blame save Roland," said Ganelon. "Such pride as his ought to be punished. Oh, that some one would slay him!" he cried fiercely. "Then should we have peace."
It was not long before he overtook the Saracens, who had lingered, hoping he might join them, and Blancandrin began to sing the praises of Charles and his conquests. 'He is a wonderful man, answered Ganélon, 'and of such a strong will that no man may strive against it.
When Blancandrin had spoken, the Emperor sat silent with his head bent, thinking of the words of the Saracen, for never was it his custom to be hasty in his speech. At length he looked up, and a proud look was on his face. 'You have said well, he answered, 'yet King Marsile is my deadly enemy, and how do I know that I can put my trust in your offers?
Evil days are upon us, for the Emperor of fair France will never rest until he has driven us out of our country, and I have no army wherewith to meet him. Then counsel me, my wise men, how to escape both death and shame. At the King's speech there was silence, for none knew how to reply, till Blancandrin, Lord of Val-Fonde, stood up.
Give him unto me, and I will see that justice is done upon him." So saying, he laid his hand upon his sword. Like a flash of lightning Ganelon's good blade Murglies sprang from its sheath, and with his back against a tree, the Christian knight prepared to defend himself to the last. But once again the fight was stopped, and this time Blancandrin led Ganelon away.
King Marsile rose and went into his orchard, followed by his best councillors, Jorfalon his son, his uncle the Caliph, and others whom he most trusted. 'Summon the Frank also, Blancandrin whispered in his ear, 'for he has promised to throw in his lot with us. 'Bring him, answered the King, and Blancandrin brought him into the orchard, where the web of treason was woven.
Then, by the beard of Mahomet, deliver him into our hands. King Marsile is a generous master, and knows how to repay those who serve him. Ganélon heard his words, and bent his head in silence. But the silence did not last long: before they had arrived at Saragossa, Ganélon had made an agreement with Blancandrin, that they would find some means of causing Roland to perish.
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