--- title: How Oliver Fought With Fierabras — Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of F… · full text with trees description: How Oliver Fought With Fierabras, «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: Fierabras, seeing that he must needs fight, said to Oliver, "Come now, help me to arm myself." --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/17/) [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 Oliver Fought With Fierabras # How Oliver Fought With Fierabras How Oliver Fought With Fierabras of «Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of France» by Alfred John Church: the whole text, 82 sentences and 1735 words. The small number after every sentence leads to its own page with its syntax tree and pragmatics, parsed by Mova itself. Fierabras, seeing that he must needs fight, said to Oliver, "Come now, help me to arm myself."[1](1/ "tree and pragmatics") Said Oliver, "Can I trust you?" "[2](2/ "tree and pragmatics") Yea," answered Fierabras, "that can you: never have I been traitor to any man, nor ever will."[3](3/ "tree and pragmatics") So Oliver armed him; he helped him to don first a suit of leather of Arabia and after this a coat and habergeon of steel, and an helmet richly garnished with jewels for his head.[4](4/ "tree and pragmatics") Was ever such courtesy in this world, Oliver helping this pagan to arm, whom, being unarmed, he might full easily have slain, and the pagan having pity upon Oliver as not being his match in fighting and all the more when he saw that he had been wounded?[5](5/ "tree and pragmatics") Would that there were more of such courtesy between Christian men\![6](6/ "tree and pragmatics") When he was armed, Fierabras took the three swords that he had, Pleasance and Baptism and Grabon, all being of so fine a temper that there was no armour made but they could break through it.[7](7/ "tree and pragmatics") The three were made by one of three brothers; another of these three made three more, of which Durendal, the sword of Roland, was the most famous; and yet another brother also made three, of which it suffices to name Hautclere that was the sword of Oliver, and Joyous that was one of the chief treasures of King Charles.[8](8/ "tree and pragmatics") On his shield he had the image of his god, Apollyon to wit, to whom when he had commended himself, he yet once again besought Oliver to depart.[9](9/ "tree and pragmatics") And when Oliver had again refused, saying that he trusted to prevail by the help of his God, Fierabras said to him, "Now as you are a Christian man, I adjure you by the font wherein you were baptized and by the cross to which your God was nailed, to tell me truly your name and lineage."[10](10/ "tree and pragmatics") Oliver answered, "You could not have adjured me by greater things than this same font and cross; know therefore that I am Oliver, the son of Reyner, close comrade of Roland, and one of the Twelve Peers of France."[11](11/ "tree and pragmatics") Then said Fierabras, "I knew that you were no poor and unknown knight, but a great warrior and a famous, so great was your courage.[12](12/ "tree and pragmatics") But you are wounded, and it would be dishonour to me should I overcome you by means of your weakness."[13](13/ "tree and pragmatics") But Oliver answered him fiercely, "Enough of these idle words; when we come to fight together you shall see that I am no dead man.[14](14/ "tree and pragmatics") Nevertheless as you are a courteous knight, I will require you once again to forsake Mahomet and your false gods, and submit yourself to be baptized.[15](15/ "tree and pragmatics") So shall you have Roland and King Charles for your friends." "[16](16/ "tree and pragmatics") Nay," said Fierabras, "but this is folly.[17](17/ "tree and pragmatics") Let us address ourselves to battle without more delay."[18](18/ "tree and pragmatics") Then did these two champions lay their spears in rest and make ready to charge.[19](19/ "tree and pragmatics") When the men of France saw this they were in great fear lest some mischance should befall Oliver; as for the King, he hid his face in his mantle and kneeling before the crucifix embraced it, weeping the while, and crying, "O Lord, I beseech Thee keep Oliver and suffer not the Christian faith to be dishonoured by his downfall."[20](20/ "tree and pragmatics") Meanwhile the two warriors met in the shock of battle, and that so fiercely that the sparks flew from their spearheads when they smote on the shields, and that the shafts of both were broken.[21](21/ "tree and pragmatics") The reins dropped from their hands, and they were both so astonied that they scarce knew where they were.[22](22/ "tree and pragmatics") But then coming to themselves they drew each man his sword.[23](23/ "tree and pragmatics") And first Oliver with Hautclere smote Fierabras so fiercely on the helmet that he shore off a great portion of it, and the jewels wherewith it was garnished fell to the ground.[24](24/ "tree and pragmatics") Nor was the force of the blow yet spent: it reached the giant's shoulder, but the cuirass which was of stout leather of Cappadocia, stayed it; nevertheless the giant's feet were thrust out of the stirrups, and he came very near to being overthrown.[25](25/ "tree and pragmatics") And all the men of France cried with one voice, "Blessed Mary, what a mighty stroke has Oliver dealt to this pagan!" "'[26](26/ "tree and pragmatics") Tis true," said Roland, "would I were with him this day!"[27](27/ "tree and pragmatics") Then Fierabras, in his turn, smote Oliver with his sword Pleasance on the helmet.[28](28/ "tree and pragmatics") From the helmet it glanced down and grievously wounded the Christian's horse.[29](29/ "tree and pragmatics") Then Oliver was not a little dismayed, and commended himself to God and the Virgin.[30](30/ "tree and pragmatics") Which, when Fierabras heard, he said, "I am ill content to have so hurt you.[31](31/ "tree and pragmatics") Hardly shall you see the sun set this day, for already you grow faint.[32](32/ "tree and pragmatics") But this has befallen you because you are already wounded.[33](33/ "tree and pragmatics") Be wise therefore and leave the battle while there is yet time."[34](34/ "tree and pragmatics") But Oliver would have none of such counsel.[35](35/ "tree and pragmatics") Therefore they fell to fighting again, and this so fiercely that the armour of the two of them was well-nigh broken to pieces.[36](36/ "tree and pragmatics") When the King saw this, and perceived that Oliver was in no little danger, he was greatly troubled.[37](37/ "tree and pragmatics") He prayed aloud, saying, "O Lord God, now keep the valiant Oliver, that he be not slain or taken.[38](38/ "tree and pragmatics") Verily, if aught happen to him, I swear by my father's soul that I will burn every monastery and church and altar in the land."[39](39/ "tree and pragmatics") But the Duke Naymes rebuked the King, saying, "Speak not thus, Sir King.[40](40/ "tree and pragmatics") Rather pray to God that of His goodness He will help Oliver."[41](41/ "tree and pragmatics") And the King said, "You are right; I spake foolishly."[42](42/ "tree and pragmatics") Meanwhile the two champions continued to fight fiercely, more fiercely than befitted prudent or experienced warriors.[43](43/ "tree and pragmatics") Oliver especially was so carried out of himself that his hand grew numb with the frequency of his blows, and at last his sword flew out of his hand.[44](44/ "tree and pragmatics") Straightway he ran to regain it, putting his shield over his head to cover himself from the enemy's blows.[45](45/ "tree and pragmatics") But this did not avail him, for Fierabras smote twice on the shield, and so mightily that he brake it into pieces, and the breastplate under it also.[46](46/ "tree and pragmatics") And Oliver durst not go forward to take up his sword, for he feared greatly what the giant might do to him.[47](47/ "tree and pragmatics") When the men of France saw in what straits he was, they made as if they would arm themselves and go to his help.[48](48/ "tree and pragmatics") But this King Charles would not suffer. "[49](49/ "tree and pragmatics") Not so," said he; "God can save him and maintain him in the right, and He will do so."[50](50/ "tree and pragmatics") Then the others abode in their place.[51](51/ "tree and pragmatics") But now Fierabras began to jeer and scoff at Oliver, "Now I know that you are vanquished, for you dare not put out your hand to take your sword for fear of me; no, you would not stoop to the ground to gain the wealth of the whole world.[52](52/ "tree and pragmatics") Now hearken to me: if you will deny your faith and declare that your God is no god, and believe in Mahomet, then I will give you my sister Floripas in marriage, than whom there is no fairer maid upon earth, and we two will conquer France or ever this year shall have passed, and I will make you King of one-half of this realm."[53](53/ "tree and pragmatics") Oliver answered, "Now God forbid that I should listen to such folly.[54](54/ "tree and pragmatics") These your gods are no gods at all, and have no goodness or strength."[55](55/ "tree and pragmatics") Fierabras said, "I see that you are firmly set in your mind not to do these things.[56](56/ "tree and pragmatics") Now there was never man on earth who has given me such trouble of mind as have you.[57](57/ "tree and pragmatics") But now take up your sword; for without it you can have no more strength in battle than a woman." "[58](58/ "tree and pragmatics") That will I not do," answered Oliver. "[59](59/ "tree and pragmatics") I will not take my sword by your courtesy.[60](60/ "tree and pragmatics") My life and death are with God; and I will win my sword by fair fight or not at all."[61](61/ "tree and pragmatics") Thereupon Fierabras came against Oliver, having his sword Pleasance in his hand.[62](62/ "tree and pragmatics") Then was Oliver in a great strait, for he had no sword, and his shield was cleft in twain, and his armour grievously broken.[63](63/ "tree and pragmatics") But God had mercy upon him, and put it in his head to look about him.[64](64/ "tree and pragmatics") And looking he saw the horse of Fierabras, and on the saddle two swords, Baptism and Grabon.[65](65/ "tree and pragmatics") Whereupon he made haste and laid hold on the sword Baptism.[66](66/ "tree and pragmatics") And when he had possessed himself of it, he said, "King of Alexandria, now the time of reckoning has come.[67](67/ "tree and pragmatics") See, I have one of your swords; you must take good care lest it be your destruction."[68](68/ "tree and pragmatics") When Fierabras saw what Oliver had done, he changed colour and said, "O Baptism, my good sword, what is this?[69](69/ "tree and pragmatics") Never did better weapon hang by my side or by the side of any man living upon earth."[70](70/ "tree and pragmatics") Then he said to Oliver, "You are, I well know, an honourable knight.[71](71/ "tree and pragmatics") Come, now, take your own sword and give to me that which is mine." "[72](72/ "tree and pragmatics") Not so," answered Oliver; "I will make no agreement with you, save this: that I will do my best to slay you, and you shall do the same with me."[73](73/ "tree and pragmatics") And when he had said this, Oliver ran at Fierabras as fiercely as a lion that leaps upon its prey.[74](74/ "tree and pragmatics") Nor was Fierabras slow to meet him.[75](75/ "tree and pragmatics") Indeed, he smote him so stoutly that he brake through his helmet, wounding the knight's head.[76](76/ "tree and pragmatics") Seeing this he cried, "Now you are wounded, Sir Oliver.[77](77/ "tree and pragmatics") Never more shall you see King Charles or Roland; so shall I at last have my desire."[78](78/ "tree and pragmatics") But Oliver answered, "Be not so proud nor boast overmuch.[79](79/ "tree and pragmatics") I have a good confidence that I shall either slay you or conquer you."[80](80/ "tree and pragmatics") Then he made a feint to strike the pagan on the head; and Fierabras, raising his shield over high to cover himself from the blow, left his side unguarded, which Oliver, quickly perceiving, drove his sword with all his might into the pagan's side.[81](81/ "tree and pragmatics") And the man fell with the blow, so mighty was it, for Oliver dealt it with all his strength that so he might put an end to the fight.[82](82/ "tree and pragmatics") - ← previous: [How Fierabras Defied King Charles](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/16/) - next →: [How Oliver and Others Were Taken Prisoners](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/18/) - ↑ back to [Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of France](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/)