--- title: Of the Doings of the French Knights — Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of F… · full text with trees description: Of the Doings of the French Knights, «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: As the Admiral sat at dinner there came into the hall the chieftain who was named Lucifer, and was --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/22/) [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/) / Of the Doings of the French Knights # Of the Doings of the French Knights Of the Doings of the French Knights of «Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of France» by Alfred John Church: the whole text, 110 sentences and 2134 words. The small number after every sentence leads to its own page with its syntax tree and pragmatics, parsed by Mova itself. As the Admiral sat at dinner there came into the hall the chieftain who was named Lucifer, and was a special friend to the Admiral.[1](1/ "tree and pragmatics") He said, "Is it true, as I have heard, that Fierabras, your son, who was the very best knight in the whole world, has been overcome and taken prisoner?" "[2](2/ "tree and pragmatics") It is true," answered the Admiral, "I will not hide the thing from you.[3](3/ "tree and pragmatics") A French knight, whom may Mahomet confound, overcame him.[4](4/ "tree and pragmatics") But we have taken five of King Charles's knights; seven other knights came hither bearing a very insolent message to me from the King, all these therefore are in prison.[5](5/ "tree and pragmatics") I gave them into the hands of Floripas my daughter, and she has shut them up in prison."[6](6/ "tree and pragmatics") "Sir," said Lucifer, "this was not well done of you, to trust these prisoners to a woman, for women are apt to change, and to turn from one thing to another.[7](7/ "tree and pragmatics") If it please you I will go and see in what condition they are."[8](8/ "tree and pragmatics") Then said the Admiral, "That is well counselled; go and see, and when you return make my daughter to return with you."[9](9/ "tree and pragmatics") So Lucifer went, and when he came to the chamber where Floripas was he did not seek to have the door opened to him, but smote it so stoutly with his foot that he brake down the bolts and bars.[10](10/ "tree and pragmatics") When Floripas saw this she was very wroth, and said to Roland, "This violence is ill-pleasing to me, Sir Roland, all the more because this man that has done it should have been my husband, though I loved him not.[11](11/ "tree and pragmatics") I pray you avenge me of this wrong."[12](12/ "tree and pragmatics") "Be content, fair lady," answered Roland, "this fellow shall be made to know of his misdoing ere he depart hence.[13](13/ "tree and pragmatics") Never did he pay so much for the making of a lock as he shall pay for the breaking of it."[14](14/ "tree and pragmatics") Meanwhile Lucifer entered the chamber, and coming up to the Duke of Naymes, who was bareheaded, took him by the beard, and drew him to himself so roughly that he had well-nigh thrown him to the ground. "[15](15/ "tree and pragmatics") Whence come you, old man?" said he, "Tell me the truth."[16](16/ "tree and pragmatics") The Duke told him, "I am Duke of Naymes, and I am a councillor of King Charles, from whom I have come, with these lords whom you see, bringing a message to the Admiral.[17](17/ "tree and pragmatics") And because what we said was not to his liking, he has made us prisoners.[18](18/ "tree and pragmatics") But now take your hand from my beard, you have held me long enough.[19](19/ "tree and pragmatics") And be sure that I say not all that I think."[20](20/ "tree and pragmatics") The pagan answered him, "May be the Admiral will forgive you your folly.[21](21/ "tree and pragmatics") But come, tell me truly of your countrymen, how do they bear themselves, and what games do they play?"[22](22/ "tree and pragmatics") The Duke answered, "When the King has dined every man may go where he will.[23](23/ "tree and pragmatics") Some ride on horses, and some go into the fields, and some play at chess or tables.[24](24/ "tree and pragmatics") In the morning every man hears Mass when it is said; they are wont also to give alms to such as are in need.[25](25/ "tree and pragmatics") And in battle they are not easily to be overcome."[26](26/ "tree and pragmatics") Lucifer said, "Old man, you dote; these things are naught; say, can your folk blow at the great coal?" "[27](27/ "tree and pragmatics") I never heard of the great coal," said the Duke.[28](28/ "tree and pragmatics") Then said Lucifer, "I will teach you the manner of it," and he came near to a great fire that was in the chamber, Roland making a sign meanwhile to the Duke that he should bear with the man's way.[29](29/ "tree and pragmatics") Then Lucifer took the biggest brand that was on the fire, and blew it so strongly that the sparks flew about abundantly. "[30](30/ "tree and pragmatics") And now," said he to the Duke, "You must blow also."[31](31/ "tree and pragmatics") Thereupon the Duke took the coal, and blew it so strongly that the flame came near to the pagan's face, and burnt his beard.[32](32/ "tree and pragmatics") Lucifer was almost out of his wits for anger, but before he could as much as speak the Duke smote him with the brand upon the neck so strongly that the bone was broken, and the man fell dead upon the floor. "[33](33/ "tree and pragmatics") By my faith," said Roland, "you can play right well at blowing of the coal.[34](34/ "tree and pragmatics") Now blessed be the arm that struck that blow."[35](35/ "tree and pragmatics") The Duke said, "Blame me not, my friends, for ye saw how the man trifled with me."[36](36/ "tree and pragmatics") Then said Floripas, "Sir, you are worthy of all honour.[37](37/ "tree and pragmatics") Lucifer, I reckon, will have no more desire to play with you at the great coal.[38](38/ "tree and pragmatics") Nor will he wish to marry me.[39](39/ "tree and pragmatics") For indeed that was his purpose.[40](40/ "tree and pragmatics") Verily I had rather died the most villainous death than have had him for my husband."[41](41/ "tree and pragmatics") After a while Floripas, being a woman of wise counsel, said to the knights, "This Lucifer that is now dead was a man much beloved by my father, who doubtless is even now waiting for him to come to dinner.[42](42/ "tree and pragmatics") As soon as it shall be known that he has been slain, you will be assailed; and if you be vanquished, not all the gold in the world will redeem you from death.[43](43/ "tree and pragmatics") Arm yourselves, therefore; and, being armed, wait not till you are assailed in this place, but issue forth and yourselves assail the Admiral's palace, and be sure that you do this in such fashion as to become masters of it."[44](44/ "tree and pragmatics") This counsel seemed good to the Knights.[45](45/ "tree and pragmatics") So they armed themselves, and went forth, bold as lions and fierce as hungry wolves, and the time of going forth was the hour that is between day and night.[46](46/ "tree and pragmatics") First of all went Roland, and slew King Corsablis; next came Oliver, and he also smote a king, Coldro by name; great was the slaughter, for the Saracens were taken as they sat at meat.[47](47/ "tree and pragmatics") Many were killed and not a few leapt from the windows and so perished.[48](48/ "tree and pragmatics") As for the Admiral he escaped most narrowly; for as he leapt from a window Roland dealt a great blow at him with his sword, and the sword made a hole of a foot deep in the marble stone of the window. "[49](49/ "tree and pragmatics") Brother," said Oliver, "the Admiral has escaped from you." "[50](50/ "tree and pragmatics") You say true," answered Roland, "and I am but ill content."[51](51/ "tree and pragmatics") But the Frenchmen made themselves masters of the palace, and having shut fast the gates, were safe.[52](52/ "tree and pragmatics") But this was like to trouble them, that they had no meat.[53](53/ "tree and pragmatics") Now the Admiral had lighted in a ditch, and now began to cry to his men that they should draw him out.[54](54/ "tree and pragmatics") And this service Brullant and Sortibrant did for him.[55](55/ "tree and pragmatics") And when he was drawn out, Sortibrant said to him, "Sir Admiral, did I not say to you that you should not trust a woman?[56](56/ "tree and pragmatics") See now what has happened.[57](57/ "tree and pragmatics") Another day you had better believe me.[58](58/ "tree and pragmatics") Keep by the tail of an old dog, and you will not go out of the way."[59](59/ "tree and pragmatics") The Admiral said, "Sortibrant, reproach me no more.[60](60/ "tree and pragmatics") I will be avenged of these men before many days be passed." "[61](61/ "tree and pragmatics") That is well," answered Sortibrant, "but now the night is far spent.[62](62/ "tree and pragmatics") I would counsel you to do nothing before the morrow."[63](63/ "tree and pragmatics") With this the Admiral was fain to be content.[64](64/ "tree and pragmatics") But he made great lamentation over Lucifer.[65](65/ "tree and pragmatics") As for the Frenchmen, he vowed that he would drag them at the tails of his horses, making sure that they could not hold out, because they had nothing to eat, nor could their King send them any help, "for," said he, "all help must needs come over the bridge Mantryble, and that bridge we hold."[66](66/ "tree and pragmatics") The next day the Admiral having assembled a great host, began to assail the castle with stones from slings and poisoned darts.[67](67/ "tree and pragmatics") In this way they did but little damage, but the knights and the maidens in the castle were sorely pressed for want of food, nor did any one suffer more than Floripas herself, who was grieved not for herself only, but for the knights also, and for the maidens that waited on her.[68](68/ "tree and pragmatics") When Guy of Burgundy saw this, he said to his fellows, "It is now three days since we had any bread. '[69](69/ "tree and pragmatics") Tis a grievous thing to endure; and I suffer more for these damsels than for myself.[70](70/ "tree and pragmatics") It were better to die than to endure this pain.[71](71/ "tree and pragmatics") Let us, therefore, sally forth, and get for ourselves some victuals."[72](72/ "tree and pragmatics") This counsel pleased all the Frenchmen.[73](73/ "tree and pragmatics") But Floripas said to them: "Now I see that the God whom you worship is of little power, seeing that he suffers you to remain in such straits.[74](74/ "tree and pragmatics") Now, if you had worshipped our gods, they would, beyond all doubt, have furnished you with abundance of meat and drink."[75](75/ "tree and pragmatics") Roland said, "Madam, let us see your gods.[76](76/ "tree and pragmatics") If they have such power as you say, we will surely worship them."[77](77/ "tree and pragmatics") Then Floripas took the keys, and took the French Knights to a place that was under the castle, where the gods were set in great state, Apollo, to wit, and Mahomet, and Termagaunt, and Jupiter, and others with them.[78](78/ "tree and pragmatics") Very splendid was the place, and full of gold and jewels.[79](79/ "tree and pragmatics") Guy of Burgundy said, "Here is store of gold: did King Charles possess this, he could set up the churches that have been overthrown."[80](80/ "tree and pragmatics") Floripas said: "Sir Guy, you spake blasphemy against the gods; do you now worship them, that they may be inclined to help you."[81](81/ "tree and pragmatics") Sir Guy answered, "Madam, I cannot pray to them, for it seems to me that they are all asleep and take no heed of what may be said."[82](82/ "tree and pragmatics") So saying he smote the image of Jupiter that it fell to the ground, and Ogier the Dane smote another of the images.[83](83/ "tree and pragmatics") When they were all brought to the ground, Roland said to Floripas, "Madam, these gods are of no power and avail nothing."[84](84/ "tree and pragmatics") After this the maiden believed in them no longer.[85](85/ "tree and pragmatics") After these things, Floripas having swooned for trouble and hunger, the knights sallied forth.[86](86/ "tree and pragmatics") And Roland said, "Now some one must keep the gates that we may be able, when the occasion comes, to enter it again.[87](87/ "tree and pragmatics") Let the Duke Naymes therefore keep it, or Ogier the Dane."[88](88/ "tree and pragmatics") The Duke said, "Think you, Sir Roland, that I am of estate so poor that I will serve as your porter?[89](89/ "tree and pragmatics") Assuredly I will not do so.[90](90/ "tree and pragmatics") Old I am, but yet I can ride my horse in battle, and my sinews are well set, and I have enough of strength to fight my enemies." "[91](91/ "tree and pragmatics") You shall do as you will, Sir Duke," said Roland.[92](92/ "tree and pragmatics") No man desired to take the place.[93](93/ "tree and pragmatics") Nevertheless, at the last Thierry abode with Geoffrey to keep the gate.[94](94/ "tree and pragmatics") Meanwhile the Admiral, sitting at a window, saw how the Frenchmen came forth to battle.[95](95/ "tree and pragmatics") He sent, therefore, for Sortibrant and Brullant, and said to them, "I see that the Frenchmen are coming to fight.[96](96/ "tree and pragmatics") If they be not all slain, I shall be very ill content."[97](97/ "tree and pragmatics") Then the Saracens, of whom there was a great host, assailed the Frenchmen, but could not stand against them.[98](98/ "tree and pragmatics") Roland, having his sword Durendal in his hand, did great deeds of valour.[99](99/ "tree and pragmatics") Nor were the knights beaten back, even though King Clarion, who was the Admiral's neighbour, came to his help with 15,000 men.[100](100/ "tree and pragmatics") That day, therefore, the knights fought with much glory.[101](101/ "tree and pragmatics") And when the battle was ended, there came to them a marvellous good fortune.[102](102/ "tree and pragmatics") For they saw that there passed by the castle twenty beasts laden with provender, bread to wit, and wine, and venison, and a store of other victuals.[103](103/ "tree and pragmatics") These were on their way to the Admiral, but the French knights straightway slew the escort, and drove the beasts into the town.[104](104/ "tree and pragmatics") This thing, however, was not accomplished without much toil and trouble.[105](105/ "tree and pragmatics") Now the trouble was this.[106](106/ "tree and pragmatics") The French knights were so hard pressed by a multitude of Saracens that followed King Clarion that some were slain, as the Duke Basyn and Aubrey his son, and that Guy of Burgundy was taken prisoner, his horse having been killed under him.[107](107/ "tree and pragmatics") The Saracens blindfolded him and led him away, King Clarion meanwhile scoffing at him and saying, "Cry and bray as you will, my fair friend," for Guy called upon God to help him, "nothing will avail you.[108](108/ "tree and pragmatics") This day I will deliver you to the Admiral, and to-morrow you shall be hanged."[109](109/ "tree and pragmatics") The Frenchmen did marvels of valour, but they could not stand against the multitude of their enemies, and were constrained to take refuge within the Tower.[110](110/ "tree and pragmatics") - ← previous: [Of the Doings of Floripas](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/21/) - next →: [Of Guy of Burgundy](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/23/) - ↑ back to [Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of France](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/)