--- title: How Fierabras Defied King Charles — Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of F… · full text with trees description: How Fierabras Defied King Charles, «Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of France» by Alfred John Church: the whole chapter, every sentence with its dependency tree and pragmatics. It begins: Balan, who was admiral of the Moors in Spain, had a son, Fierabras by name, who was the most marvell --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/16/) [home](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [corpora](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/) / [tales](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/) / [Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve…](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/) / How Fierabras Defied King Charles # How Fierabras Defied King Charles How Fierabras Defied King Charles of «Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of France» by Alfred John Church: the whole text, 105 sentences and 2176 words. The small number after every sentence leads to its own page with its syntax tree and pragmatics, parsed by Mova itself. Balan, who was admiral of the Moors in Spain, had a son, Fierabras by name, who was the most marvellous giant that ever was born of woman.[1](1/ "tree and pragmatics") There was no man that could be matched with him for height, and bigness of limb, and strength of body.[2](2/ "tree and pragmatics") This Fierabras was King of Alexandria, and ruled the whole land of Babylon from the Red Sea eastwards.[3](3/ "tree and pragmatics") Russia also he possessed, and Cologne; he was lord, moreover, of Jerusalem, and had possession of the Sepulchre of our Lord.[4](4/ "tree and pragmatics") It happened on a certain day that this man came riding furiously to the camp where King Charles lay with his army, and asked that some one should come forth and fight with him.[5](5/ "tree and pragmatics") No man answering him or coming forth, he fell into a great rage and sware by his god Mahomet that he would not depart from the place till he should have done battle with some Christian man; but still no one came forth to him.[6](6/ "tree and pragmatics") Then he cried with a very loud and terrible voice, "King of Paris, send out to me your strongest and bravest knight, be he Roland, or Oliver, or Thierry, or Ogier the Dane, that he may fight with me.[7](7/ "tree and pragmatics") Nay, and if you will send out against me six or seven of your strongest knights, I swear by my god Mahomet that I will not refuse to fight with them all.[8](8/ "tree and pragmatics") But if you will not send out any man, then I will assuredly assail your camp before nightfall this very day, and strike off your head, and lead away Roland and Oliver as prisoners.[9](9/ "tree and pragmatics") You have come into this my land without cause, and verily you shall depart without honour."[10](10/ "tree and pragmatics") When he had thus spoken he lay down under a tree, and having tied his horse to one of the boughs, took off his armour.[11](11/ "tree and pragmatics") This done, he cried to the King, "Send now Roland or Oliver to fight with me.[12](12/ "tree and pragmatics") And if these dare not come alone then let two others come together with them; and if the four be afraid let six come.[13](13/ "tree and pragmatics") Ten kings have I slain already in single combat; there was not one of them, for all that they were mighty men of valour, that could stand against me."[14](14/ "tree and pragmatics") When King Charles heard these threatenings and challenges he said to Richard of Normandy, "Who is this knight that speaks so boldly?"[15](15/ "tree and pragmatics") Duke Richard answered, "This, my lord King, is the strongest of all men born of women, and he is persuaded that there is no king in the whole world that is a match for him."[16](16/ "tree and pragmatics") "For all that," said the king, "I will find one of my knights that shall encounter him.[17](17/ "tree and pragmatics") But tell me his name."[18](18/ "tree and pragmatics") "His name," answered Duke Richard, "is Fierabras.[19](19/ "tree and pragmatics") He is an infidel, and has done much harm to Christian men.[20](20/ "tree and pragmatics") For he slew our lord the Pope, and hanged many holy men and women, and to this day he holds possession of the holy Sepulchre of our Lord."[21](21/ "tree and pragmatics") "I am the more firmly resolved," said the King, "hearing what you say, that one of my knights shall meet him."[22](22/ "tree and pragmatics") Thereupon he turned to Roland and said, "I pray you, dear nephew, go forth and meet this Turk in battle."[23](23/ "tree and pragmatics") But Roland answered him, "Not so, fair uncle; why should I do your bidding in this matter?[24](24/ "tree and pragmatics") Do you bear in mind what happened but yesterday, when we were so near to being taken by the heathen, how they fell upon us with fifty thousand men and how we the younger knights bore the burden and brunt of the day and suffered many grievous wounds, so that Oliver my comrade was brought near to death, and indeed, but for your help, we had all perished?[25](25/ "tree and pragmatics") And do you remember further how last night, when we were resting in our tents, you, being full of wine, declared stoutly that your old knights would have borne themselves better than we of the younger sort had done?[26](26/ "tree and pragmatics") Now it shall be seen how these said old knights shall stand up against this heathen man, for indeed of the younger no one will go forth against him."[27](27/ "tree and pragmatics") When the King heard this he smote Roland his nephew in the face with his gauntlet so sharply that the blood gushed out abundantly.[28](28/ "tree and pragmatics") Thereupon Roland drew his sword and would have smitten his uncle had he not been held by the bystanders.[29](29/ "tree and pragmatics") And the King cried, "Now, this is a most monstrous thing for any man, much more a kinsman.[30](30/ "tree and pragmatics") Seize him, for he shall die the death for this wickedness."[31](31/ "tree and pragmatics") But when the courtiers made as if to lay hands upon him Roland cried, "Now, if any man touch me I will cleave his head in two."[32](32/ "tree and pragmatics") Nor did any man dare to come near him.[33](33/ "tree and pragmatics") But Ogier the Dane said, "Now, Roland, you did ill to threaten your uncle, whom you are bound to honour above all men." "[34](34/ "tree and pragmatics") It is true," answered Roland. "[35](35/ "tree and pragmatics") I was greatly provoked; nevertheless I repent of my deed."[36](36/ "tree and pragmatics") The King said to the Peers of France, "I am much troubled in this matter.[37](37/ "tree and pragmatics") First Roland my nephew, that should have been zealous to help me, threatens to slay me, and then there is no man that is willing to do battle with this pagan."[38](38/ "tree and pragmatics") "Take courage, my lord King," said the Duke Naymes, "some one will be found to do you this service."[39](39/ "tree and pragmatics") But the King refused to be comforted.[40](40/ "tree and pragmatics") Now Oliver lay sick in bed, for he had been sorely wounded in battle.[41](41/ "tree and pragmatics") But when he heard how the King and Roland had fallen out, and how Fierabras had defied the King and his army, and no man had gone forth to meet him, he straightway rose from his bed and began to stretch and try himself to see whether by any means he could bear his armour.[42](42/ "tree and pragmatics") In so doing he made his wounds bleed afresh.[43](43/ "tree and pragmatics") But when he had bound them again as best he could, he said to Garin his squire, "Come, bring me my arms, for I will go out and meet this pagan."[44](44/ "tree and pragmatics") Said Garin the squire, "Now, my lord Oliver, have pity on yourself.[45](45/ "tree and pragmatics") You will compass your own death."[46](46/ "tree and pragmatics") Oliver answered, "Do my bidding, for this is an occasion of honour that no man should miss."[47](47/ "tree and pragmatics") So Oliver put on his armour, Garin helping him.[48](48/ "tree and pragmatics") This done, he took his sword, Hautclere by name, which he loved above all things.[49](49/ "tree and pragmatics") Then they brought him Ferraunt his horse, ready saddled and bridled.[50](50/ "tree and pragmatics") And Oliver leapt lightly into the saddle without so much as touching it, and put his shield into place, and took a spear very long and sharply pointed.[51](51/ "tree and pragmatics") Then he struck his horse with his spurs, and Ferraunt leapt up under him.[52](52/ "tree and pragmatics") It was a noble sight to see, so gallant was the knight and so brave the steed.[53](53/ "tree and pragmatics") Oliver rode up to the King's tent and saluted him, saying, "My lord, I have served you faithfully for these three years past without reward or wages.[54](54/ "tree and pragmatics") I pray you, therefore, that you give me this day the thing I shall desire of you."[55](55/ "tree and pragmatics") The King answered, "Most noble Earl, I will do this with a good will.[56](56/ "tree and pragmatics") There is not in this land of France a city or town or castle that I will not give you at your desire."[57](57/ "tree and pragmatics") But Oliver said, "My lord King, I ask neither towns nor castles, but only this--that you suffer me to do battle with this pagan."[58](58/ "tree and pragmatics") When the other knights heard this they were not a little shamed that a wounded man should take up the challenge, while they themselves held back. "[59](59/ "tree and pragmatics") What is this," they said, "that Oliver, who was hurt well-nigh to death, would now go forth to battle!"[60](60/ "tree and pragmatics") As for the King, he said, "Now, Oliver, you have surely lost your wits.[61](61/ "tree and pragmatics") You know that you have been sorely wounded, and yet you will run into a worse danger.[62](62/ "tree and pragmatics") Go back to your bed and rest; assuredly I will not suffer you to do battle with this pagan."[63](63/ "tree and pragmatics") Then Ganelon, who was afterwards the traitor, rose up in his place and said, "Sir, this is against the custom of France that you should deny Oliver his request."[64](64/ "tree and pragmatics") The King was very angry and said, "Ganelon, you are not well disposed in this matter.[65](65/ "tree and pragmatics") If this be as you say, then Oliver shall fight with this pagan, and if he fight, then he can hardly escape death.[66](66/ "tree and pragmatics") But mark you this: I swear by my faith that if he be slain or taken in this battle, then not all the gold in the world can save you from a shameful death; aye, and all your house shall perish with you."[67](67/ "tree and pragmatics") "Sir King," said Ganelon, "may God and Our Lady keep me!" but to himself he said secretly, "Now God forbid that Oliver should come back safe.[68](68/ "tree and pragmatics") Rather may this pagan smite off his head!"[69](69/ "tree and pragmatics") But when King Charles saw that he could not hinder Oliver from doing battle with Fierabras, he said, "Now may God be with you, and help you, and bring you back with joy!" and he reached to him his glove, which Oliver took with much pleasantness and humility.[70](70/ "tree and pragmatics") But Reyner, that was father to Oliver, when he saw his son ready to go forth, came to the King, and knelt down at his feet, and cried in sore trouble, "Now, my lord King, have pity on my son and me.[71](71/ "tree and pragmatics") He is young and presumptuous, full of pride and ambition, but so sorely wounded that he cannot fight; forbid him, therefore, to go forth."[72](72/ "tree and pragmatics") But the King said to Reyner, "What I have given I may not withdraw."[73](73/ "tree and pragmatics") Then Oliver stood up and spake with a loud voice, "Sir King and all you lords of France, if I have offended any man in word or deed, I pray him to forgive me."[74](74/ "tree and pragmatics") There was not a man but wept to hear these words.[75](75/ "tree and pragmatics") The King himself wept, and commended him to the keeping of God.[76](76/ "tree and pragmatics") Oliver rode forth and came to the tree where Fierabras lay at ease and unarmed.[77](77/ "tree and pragmatics") The giant did not so much as look at him, but turned away his head, for he despised Oliver as being but little of stature in comparison with himself.[78](78/ "tree and pragmatics") Oliver said to him, "Awake, you have called me many times this day; lo! now I have come.[79](79/ "tree and pragmatics") And first tell me your name."[80](80/ "tree and pragmatics") Fierabras answered him, "I am Fierabras, of Alexandria.[81](81/ "tree and pragmatics") It was I that destroyed the city of Rome and slew the Pope, and carried away the holy things.[82](82/ "tree and pragmatics") And Jerusalem is mine, and the place where, as you say, your God is buried."[83](83/ "tree and pragmatics") Oliver said, "If these things are true, it is time that you should suffer due punishment for your misdeeds.[84](84/ "tree and pragmatics") But enough of talking.[85](85/ "tree and pragmatics") Make ready and arm yourself, or else, by the God in whom I believe, I will smite you where you lie!"[86](86/ "tree and pragmatics") When Fierabras heard him speak so fiercely, he began to laugh, and said, "You are a bold talker, but first tell me who you are, and of what rank."[87](87/ "tree and pragmatics") Oliver answered, "Before night come, pagan, you shall know full well who I am.[88](88/ "tree and pragmatics") But now hear this: my lord the King has sent this message by my mouth: 'Renounce Mahomet your God, and all other idols, and believe in the true God that made heaven and earth and all that is therein.[89](89/ "tree and pragmatics") Meanwhile take your choice of two things: either depart out of this country, taking nothing with you, or stand forth and fight with me.'"[90](90/ "tree and pragmatics") Fierabras said, "Fellow, you are not able to meet me, even were I without arms.[91](91/ "tree and pragmatics") But tell me now thy name and lineage."[92](92/ "tree and pragmatics") Oliver answered, "My name is Garin, and I am a poor knight; King Charles has sent me to do battle with you; make ready, therefore, for battle."[93](93/ "tree and pragmatics") But Fierabras would not consent. "[94](94/ "tree and pragmatics") Now tell me, Sir Garin," said he, "why Roland, or Oliver, or Ogier the Dane, who are all, men say, of high renown, have not come out against me." "[95](95/ "tree and pragmatics") They have not come," answered Oliver, "because they think too meanly of you."[96](96/ "tree and pragmatics") This he said with such vehemence that his wounds opened again.[97](97/ "tree and pragmatics") When Fierabras saw the blood he said, "Are you perchance wounded, Sir Garin?" "[98](98/ "tree and pragmatics") Not I," answered Oliver; "this blood that you see comes from my horse where I spurred him."[99](99/ "tree and pragmatics") But Fierabras saw that the blood was not from the horse and said: "You speak no truth when you say that you are not hurt.[100](100/ "tree and pragmatics") This is no horse's blood but of your own body that I see.[101](101/ "tree and pragmatics") Now drink of this flagon of balm that I took from the city of Jerusalem.[102](102/ "tree and pragmatics") When you have drunken you shall be whole in body, and then you shall be fit to defend yourself in battle."[103](103/ "tree and pragmatics") But Oliver would have none of it. "[104](104/ "tree and pragmatics") This," said he, "is but folly."[105](105/ "tree and pragmatics") - ← previous: [How Ralph Went to Court](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/15/) - next →: [How Oliver Fought With Fierabras](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/17/) - ↑ back to [Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of France](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/)