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Updated: May 10, 2025
Then he said: 'There is no further need of speech between us; swear that I shall find him in the rear-guard, and I shall swear that you shall have your revenge. And Ganélon swore. But Marsile was not content with the oath that Ganélon made. He commanded that a copy of the Koran should be brought, the sacred book of Mahomet, and placed it on a chair of ivory, which stood under an olive tree.
The King Marsile sent for fresh forces, and at sight of them the Franks embraced each other for the last time, while the Archbishop promised them a speedy entrance into Paradise. 'The Emperor will avenge the treachery of Ganélon, cried Roland, 'whether we live or die, but the worst part of the fight is before us, and we shall need all our strength to beat back the Unbelievers.
'Believe none of us, he said; 'think of nothing but your own advantage when Marsile offers to become your vassal, and to do homage for the whole of Spain, and to receive baptism besides; he who wishes you to reject such offers cares nothing for the deaths the rest of us may die. Pay no attention to such madness, but listen to your wise men.
Montjoie! The remnant that was left closed eagerly round him, and the battle-cries were fierce and loud. If Marsile and his host fled before them, others not less valiant remained behind, and Roland knew that the hour of his doom was come. And in valour, Oliver was no whit behind him, but flung himself into the thickest of the battle. It was the Caliph who gave Oliver his death blow.
The noble King Marsile beseeches you not to blame him, because the Caliph, his uncle, has not come with me. I have seen seen with my own eyes three hundred thousand men all covered with armour sail away in ships with the Caliph for their leader, because they could neither defend their own faith nor forswear it.
'Good Frankish Knights, said Charles, 'choose me a baron from my own land, who shall be envoy to King Marsile, and who, at need, can fight well. 'Ah, cried Roland, 'let it be Ganélon, my stepfather; you will not find a better man. 'Yes, said the Franks, 'he is the man; let him go if the King pleases.
'What you say is wonderful, replied Marsile, 'but after all he has done, will repose never seem sweet to him? 'Not while his nephew Roland lives, said Ganélon. 'There is not such a fighter under heaven, and his comrade Oliver is famous also for his prowess.
With his hand on the book Marsile also took his oath, that if among the rear-guard of Charlemagne's army he found Roland, he would fall upon him with all his host and compass his death, and that of the twelve peers of France. So the bond of treachery was sealed.
Blancandrin advanced to the King's throne, leading Ganélon by the wrist. 'Greeting, great King, said he; 'we delivered your message to Charles, and he raised his two hands to heaven, and answered nothing. But he has sent you one of his great lords, and he will tell you if it is peace or no peace. 'Let him speak, replied Marsile, 'and we will listen.
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.
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