--- title: The Treason of Ganelon — Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of F… · full text with trees description: The Treason of Ganelon, «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: Before he had travelled far, Ganelon overtook the Saracen ambassadors, and, indeed, Blancandrin had delayed his --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/28/) [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/) / The Treason of Ganelon # The Treason of Ganelon The Treason of Ganelon of «Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of France» by Alfred John Church: the whole text, 145 sentences and 2086 words. The small number after every sentence leads to its own page with its syntax tree and pragmatics, parsed by Mova itself. Before he had travelled far, Ganelon overtook the Saracen ambassadors, and, indeed, Blancandrin had delayed his journey that this might be so.[1](1/ "tree and pragmatics") Said the Saracen, "What a wonderful man is your King Charles\![2](2/ "tree and pragmatics") He has conquered Italy, and New Rome and Germany, and is ready to lay his hands on England.[3](3/ "tree and pragmatics") But why is he bent on persecuting us?" "[4](4/ "tree and pragmatics") Such is his will," answered Ganelon, "and there is no man of such stature as to be able to contend with him." "[5](5/ "tree and pragmatics") You are brave men, you lords of France," said Blancandrin, "but you serve your master ill when you give him such counsel.[6](6/ "tree and pragmatics") You will bring him to destruction, and many others with him." "[7](7/ "tree and pragmatics") Nay," said Ganelon. "[8](8/ "tree and pragmatics") I am not one that deserves such blame, nor indeed does any man deserve it, except Roland only.[9](9/ "tree and pragmatics") Of a truth this will bring him to shame at the last.[10](10/ "tree and pragmatics") Now listen to me.[11](11/ "tree and pragmatics") The other day the King was sitting under a tree when Roland came to him clad in his cuirass.[12](12/ "tree and pragmatics") He had taken great spoil at the town of Carcassonne.[13](13/ "tree and pragmatics") In his hand he had an apple.[14](14/ "tree and pragmatics") Take this," said he to his uncle the King. "[15](15/ "tree and pragmatics") As I cast this apple at your feet so will I cast at your feet the crowns of all the Kings of the earth.[16](16/ "tree and pragmatics") Such pride must surely have a fall.[17](17/ "tree and pragmatics") Every day he exposes himself to death.[18](18/ "tree and pragmatics") I would that some one would slay him.[19](19/ "tree and pragmatics") We shall never have peace but at the price of his life."[20](20/ "tree and pragmatics") Blancandrin answered, "This Roland must be hard of heart if he would subdue every nation and lay his hands upon every country.[21](21/ "tree and pragmatics") But on whom does he count to help him in so vast an enterprise?" "[22](22/ "tree and pragmatics") He relies on the French," said Ganelon. "[23](23/ "tree and pragmatics") There is nothing that he refuses them, neither gold, nor silver, nor chargers, nor mules, nor silk, nor armour.[24](24/ "tree and pragmatics") To the King himself he gives as much as he desires.[25](25/ "tree and pragmatics") I doubt not that he will conquer the world even as far as the sun rising."[26](26/ "tree and pragmatics") The Saracen cast his eyes on Ganelon, and saw that he was of a fair countenance, but had an evil look.[27](27/ "tree and pragmatics") And Ganelon, when the Saracen's eyes were upon him, felt his whole body tremble from head to foot.[28](28/ "tree and pragmatics") Blancandrin said, "Are you minded to revenge yourself on this Roland?[29](29/ "tree and pragmatics") If you be, deliver him up to us.[30](30/ "tree and pragmatics") King Marsilas is a right generous giver, and will willingly share his treasures with you."[31](31/ "tree and pragmatics") Thus the two talked together, and by the time that they came to Saragossa they had agreed together to seek the means by which Roland might come by his death.[32](32/ "tree and pragmatics") The King of Spain was sitting under a pine-tree on a throne that was covered with silk of Alexandria.[33](33/ "tree and pragmatics") There were thousands of his people around him, but not a word was said, so greatly did they all desire to hear the tidings that Ganelon and Blancandrin might be bringing with them.[34](34/ "tree and pragmatics") Blancandrin came forward and stood before King Marsilas holding Ganelon by the right hand, and said, "In the name of the Prophet, health, O King.[35](35/ "tree and pragmatics") We delivered your message to King Charles.[36](36/ "tree and pragmatics") He lifted his hands to the sky and gave thanks to God, but he made no other answer.[37](37/ "tree and pragmatics") Nevertheless he has sent to you one of his chief nobles, who is a great man in France. '[38](38/ "tree and pragmatics") Tis from him you will hear whether you will have peace or no." "Let him speak," said the King, "and we will listen."[39](39/ "tree and pragmatics") Ganelon stood a while, thinking within himself.[40](40/ "tree and pragmatics") Then he began to speak, nor could any one have spoken better. "[41](41/ "tree and pragmatics") Health, O King, in the name of God, the God of Glory, to whom all honour is due.[42](42/ "tree and pragmatics") Hear now what King Charles commands.[43](43/ "tree and pragmatics") You must receive the Christian Faith.[44](44/ "tree and pragmatics") Then will he grant unto you half of the land of Spain to be held of him.[45](45/ "tree and pragmatics") The other half he grants to the Count Roland.[46](46/ "tree and pragmatics") Verily you will have a proud companion\![47](47/ "tree and pragmatics") If this please you not, then he will lay siege to Saragossa, will take you captive and carry you to Aachen, where he has his Imperial Throne.[48](48/ "tree and pragmatics") There shall sentence be pronounced upon you, and you will end your days in shame."[49](49/ "tree and pragmatics") The King's face was changed with anger when he heard these words.[50](50/ "tree and pragmatics") He had a gilded staff in his hand, and would have struck Ganelon therewith, but that by good fortune his people held him back.[51](51/ "tree and pragmatics") When Ganelon saw it, he drew his sword two fingers' breadth out of the scabbard. "[52](52/ "tree and pragmatics") Sword," he said, "thou art fair and bright.[53](53/ "tree and pragmatics") So long as I have thee in my hands the King of France shall not say that I perished alone in the land of strangers; no verily, but their best warriors shall have paid for my death with their blood."[54](54/ "tree and pragmatics") And now King Marsilas had been persuaded to sit down again on his throne. "[55](55/ "tree and pragmatics") You had put yourself in evil case," said his Vizier to him, "had you struck this Frenchman.[56](56/ "tree and pragmatics") Rather you must listen to his words."[57](57/ "tree and pragmatics") "Sire," said Ganelon, "I will put up with this affront, but never will I consent, for all the treasures that there are in this land, nay, not for all the gold that God has made, not to speak the words that King Charles has commanded me to speak."[58](58/ "tree and pragmatics") And he threw to the ground his mantle of sable, covered with silk of Alexandria; but his sword he kept, holding its hilt in his right hand. "[59](59/ "tree and pragmatics") This is a noble baron," said the heathen chiefs.[60](60/ "tree and pragmatics") Then Ganelon spoke the same words as before, and when he had ended them, he gave King Charles's letter into the King's hand.[61](61/ "tree and pragmatics") Now King Marsilas was a scholar, having learnt in the schools of the heathen.[62](62/ "tree and pragmatics") So when he had broken the seal of the letter, he read it from end to end; and having read it, the tears came into his eyes with rage, and he pulled his beard, and cried with a loud voice, "Listen, my lords, to this foolishness.[63](63/ "tree and pragmatics") Charles, who is King of France, bids me remember the two ambassadors whom I beheaded, and commands me, if I would redeem my life, to send him my Vizier.[64](64/ "tree and pragmatics") If I fail in this, he will be my enemy for ever."[65](65/ "tree and pragmatics") All held their peace save the King's son, who cried, "Ganelon has spoken as a fool speaks; verily he deserves to die.[66](66/ "tree and pragmatics") Deliver him to me, and I will deal with him."[67](67/ "tree and pragmatics") But Ganelon drew his sword, and stood with his back to a pine.[68](68/ "tree and pragmatics") King Marsilas stood up from his throne, and went into the orchard hard by, bidding the chief of his counsellors follow him.[69](69/ "tree and pragmatics") When they were assembled there, Blancandrin said to the King, "You do ill to deal harshly with Ganelon.[70](70/ "tree and pragmatics") He has pledged his faith to serve us." "[71](71/ "tree and pragmatics") Bring him hither," said the King.[72](72/ "tree and pragmatics") So Blancandrin brought him before the King, holding him by the right hand.[73](73/ "tree and pragmatics") "My lord Ganelon," said Marsilas, "I was ill-advised when in my anger I sought to strike you.[74](74/ "tree and pragmatics") I would make amends for the wrong with these skins of martens which I have purchased this very day.[75](75/ "tree and pragmatics") They are worth more than five hundred pieces of gold."[76](76/ "tree and pragmatics") Then the King hung them about Ganelon's neck. "[77](77/ "tree and pragmatics") I accept them," said he; "may God Himself make it up to you for your bounty!"[78](78/ "tree and pragmatics") Said the King, "Believe me, Ganelon, that I greatly desire to be your friend.[79](79/ "tree and pragmatics") Come, now, tell me about Charlemagne.[80](80/ "tree and pragmatics") He is an old man, is he not?[81](81/ "tree and pragmatics") One who has lived his life?[82](82/ "tree and pragmatics") He must be two hundred years old.[83](83/ "tree and pragmatics") Over how many countries he has passed! and how many blows has he taken on his shield, and what mighty kings has he brought to beg their bread\![84](84/ "tree and pragmatics") When, think you, will he be tired of waging war?[85](85/ "tree and pragmatics") Surely 'tis time that he should be taking rest at Aachen."[86](86/ "tree and pragmatics") Ganelon answered, "You do not know King Charles the Great.[87](87/ "tree and pragmatics") No man is a better knight than he, so say all that know him.[88](88/ "tree and pragmatics") As for myself, I cannot praise him enough; I had rather die than cease to be one of his barons.[89](89/ "tree and pragmatics") But for his ceasing to make war, that cannot be so long as Roland lives.[90](90/ "tree and pragmatics") There is no such knight in all the East.[91](91/ "tree and pragmatics") A right valiant warrior, too, is Roland's companion, Oliver; right valiant are the Twelve Peers also.[92](92/ "tree and pragmatics") Of a truth King Charles need fear no man alive."[93](93/ "tree and pragmatics") "But," answered the King, "there is no people that can be compared with mine.[94](94/ "tree and pragmatics") Four hundred thousand horsemen I have with whom to fight against King Charles and his Frenchmen." "[95](95/ "tree and pragmatics") Yet," said Ganelon, "it is not thus that you will answer him.[96](96/ "tree and pragmatics") Rather will you lose thousands and thousands of your soldiers.[97](97/ "tree and pragmatics") Listen now to my counsel.[98](98/ "tree and pragmatics") Give the King money in abundance; give him hostages.[99](99/ "tree and pragmatics") Then he will go back to France, and so going he will leave behind him his rearguard.[100](100/ "tree and pragmatics") In the rearguard I know well will be Roland, his nephew, and Oliver, who is Roland's companion.[101](101/ "tree and pragmatics") And being there, they are doomed to die.[102](102/ "tree and pragmatics") So will the great pride of King Charles have a fall.[103](103/ "tree and pragmatics") Never again will he rise to wage war against you."[104](104/ "tree and pragmatics") "Ganelon," said the King, "tell us more plainly yet how I shall slay this Roland."[105](105/ "tree and pragmatics") Ganelon answered, "He and twenty thousand men of France will be in the rear of the King's army.[106](106/ "tree and pragmatics") It is your part, my lord, to gather your whole host.[107](107/ "tree and pragmatics") Send against them first a hundred thousand of your Saracens.[108](108/ "tree and pragmatics") I do not deny that they will be destroyed, but, on the other hand, the men of France will receive great damage.[109](109/ "tree and pragmatics") Then engage them in a second battle.[110](110/ "tree and pragmatics") It is not possible that Roland should escape both from one and from the other.[111](111/ "tree and pragmatics") And if he be slain, then you have taken from King Charles his right hand.[112](112/ "tree and pragmatics") France will have no more her marvellous armies; never again will King Charles lead such hosts into battle.[113](113/ "tree and pragmatics") So Spain will at last have peace."[114](114/ "tree and pragmatics") "Swear that this shall be," said the King; and Ganelon swore that it should be on his sword Murgleis.[115](115/ "tree and pragmatics") Then they brought to the King a great book in which was written the law of Mahomet, and the King made a great oath upon it, that if by any means it could be so ordered, Roland should die and the Twelve Peers with him. "[116](116/ "tree and pragmatics") May our purpose be accomplished!" cried Ganelon.[117](117/ "tree and pragmatics") Then the chiefs of the heathen came one after another to Ganelon with gifts in their hands.[118](118/ "tree and pragmatics") First came a certain Valdabrun. "[119](119/ "tree and pragmatics") Take this sword," he said; "no man has a better.[120](120/ "tree and pragmatics") The pommel and hilt are worth a thousand crowns.[121](121/ "tree and pragmatics") Let it be the pledge of our friendship.[122](122/ "tree and pragmatics") Only help us to bring Roland to his death." "[123](123/ "tree and pragmatics") It shall be done," said Ganelon.[124](124/ "tree and pragmatics") Then came one Chimborin. "[125](125/ "tree and pragmatics") Take this helmet," he said; "no man has a better.[126](126/ "tree and pragmatics") See this great carbuncle that glitters on the vizor.[127](127/ "tree and pragmatics") Only help us to slay Roland." "[128](128/ "tree and pragmatics") It shall be done," said Ganelon.[129](129/ "tree and pragmatics") Then came Queen Branimonde. "[130](130/ "tree and pragmatics") Sir," said she, "I regard you greatly.[131](131/ "tree and pragmatics") My lord and all his people much esteem you.[132](132/ "tree and pragmatics") I would send to your wife two bracelets.[133](133/ "tree and pragmatics") They are of amethysts, rubies, and gold.[134](134/ "tree and pragmatics") Your King has not, I well know, the like."[135](135/ "tree and pragmatics") Ganelon took the bracelets from her hand, and he stowed them in his riding-boot.[136](136/ "tree and pragmatics") King Marsilas said to his treasurer, "Have you made ready the presents that I purpose to send to King Charles?"[137](137/ "tree and pragmatics") The treasurer answered, "They are ready: seven hundred camels laden with gold and silver, and twenty hostages, the noblest in the land."[138](138/ "tree and pragmatics") And now the King would bid farewell to Ganelon. "[139](139/ "tree and pragmatics") I love you much," said he. "[140](140/ "tree and pragmatics") You shall not fail to have the best of my treasures, if you will only help me against Roland.[141](141/ "tree and pragmatics") Now I give you ten mules' burden of gold of Arabia, and every year you shall have the like.[142](142/ "tree and pragmatics") And now take the keys of this city, and give them to King Charles; when you present these treasures to him deliver to him also these twenty hostages, only see that Roland be put in the rearguard." "'[143](143/ "tree and pragmatics") Tis my thought," cried Ganelon, "that I tarry here too long."[144](144/ "tree and pragmatics") Thereupon he mounted his horse and rode away.[145](145/ "tree and pragmatics") - ← previous: [How Ganelon Went on an Errand to King Marsilas](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/27/) - next →: [Of the Plot Against Roland](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/29/) - ↑ back to [Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of France](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/)