Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: June 3, 2025
I had thought that Charlemagne had been old and worn. Then if it is not so, when will he cease his wars?" "Ah," said Ganelon, "that he will never do so long as his nephew Roland lives. Under the arch of heaven there bides no baron so splendid or so proud. Oliver, his friend, also is full of prowess and of valor. With them and his peers beside him, Charlemagne feareth no man."
This night I dreamed I saw him break my lance in twain. And this same Ganelon it is that puts my nephew in the rear-guard. And I, I have left him in a strange land. If he die, where shall I find such another?" It was in vain that Duke Naimes tried to comfort the Emperor. He would not be comforted, and all the hearts of that great company were filled with fearful, boding dread for Roland.
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.
Charles slept, and in his sleep he dreamed that Ganélon took his stout lance of ash wood from his hands and brandished it in the air, then broke it with his fists. After this dream came another. He was no longer shut fast in by the mountains, but was at home in France, standing in his chapel at Aix. Here a bear appeared before him and bit so deep into his arm that it reached the bone.
This nobleman has two sons, the elder heir to his dignity and apparently to his good qualities; the younger heir to I know not what, unless it be the treachery of Vellido and the falsehood of Ganelon.
Then, walking alone with the King, Blancandrin told of all that he had done, and of how even upon the way hither, Ganelon had promised to betray Roland, who was Charlemagne's greatest warrior. "And if he die," said Blancandrin, "then is our peace sure." "Bring hither the Christian knight to me," cried King Marsil.
"He is in favor of this peace, and he is most fit to carry the message." "Yes, send Ganelon of Mayence!" cried all the peers. Ganelon rose from his seat in rage. Fire flashed from his hazel eyes; his lips quivered; he tore the sable border from his crimson tunic, and stood proudly before Roland. "Fool!" cried he. "Who art thou who wouldst send me to Marsilius?
At this Roland began to laugh, and when Ganélon saw him laughing, it seemed as if his heart would burst with anger. 'I hate you, he muttered to Roland. 'I should never have been chosen but for you. Great Emperor, he said aloud to Charles, 'behold me ready to obey your orders. 'Listen, fair Count, replied Charles, 'for this is the message I would have you bear to King Marsile.
None can so praise or honor him, but that there shall yet be in him more worth and goodness." "Yet, methinks," said the Moor, "that he is very old. His beard is white; his hair is flowered. It is strange that he grows not tired of fighting." "That he will never do so long as Roland, his nephew, lives," answered Ganelon.
"'Tis our duty to hold the place for the King, and we will do it, come what may. As for me, I will not set an ill example." Oliver climbed to the top of a hill; and saw from thence the whole army of the heathen. He cried to Roland his companion, "I see the flashing of arms. We men of France shall have no small trouble therefrom. This is the doing of Ganelon the traitor."
Word Of The Day
Others Looking