--- title: Of the Plot Against Roland — Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of F… · full text with trees description: Of the Plot Against Roland, «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: And now King Charles had come on his homeward journey to the city of Volterra (Count Roland had taken it an --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/29/) [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 Plot Against Roland # Of the Plot Against Roland Of the Plot Against Roland of «Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of France» by Alfred John Church: the whole text, 88 sentences and 1494 words. The small number after every sentence leads to its own page with its syntax tree and pragmatics, parsed by Mova itself. And now King Charles had come on his homeward journey to the city of Volterra (Count Roland had taken it and laid it in ruins three years before).[1](1/ "tree and pragmatics") There he awaited Ganelon and the tribute of Spain, and before many days had passed the traitor came. "[2](2/ "tree and pragmatics") Sire," said he, "I greet you in the name of God.[3](3/ "tree and pragmatics") I bring you the keys of Saragossa, also great treasure which King Marsilas has sent you, and twenty hostages, the noblest in the land.[4](4/ "tree and pragmatics") King Marsilas also bids me say that he is not to be blamed because he does not send the Vizier.[5](5/ "tree and pragmatics") The Vizier, with many thousands of armed men, took ship--I saw them with my own eyes--because they were not content to accept the law of Christ.[6](6/ "tree and pragmatics") But before they had sailed four leagues, there came suddenly upon them a great storm of wind, so that their ships sank.[7](7/ "tree and pragmatics") You will never see them more, for they were all drowned.[8](8/ "tree and pragmatics") As for the King himself, you may rest assured that before this month is spent he will follow you to France, and that he will receive the law of Christ, and will become your vassal holding the kingdom of Spain from you." "[9](9/ "tree and pragmatics") Thanks be to God for all these blessings," cried the King.[10](10/ "tree and pragmatics") And to Ganelon he said, "You have served me well, and shall have due recompense."[11](11/ "tree and pragmatics") Then the trumpets sounded, and the army went on its way to France.[12](12/ "tree and pragmatics") That night the King had a certain dream in his sleep.[13](13/ "tree and pragmatics") He thought that he stood in the pass of Cizra, holding in his hand an ashen spear, and that Ganelon laid hold of it and shook it in such a fashion that it was broken into a thousand pieces, and the fragments flew up to the sky.[14](14/ "tree and pragmatics") After this he had another dream.[15](15/ "tree and pragmatics") He was in his chapel at his city of Aachen, and a bear bit him so cruelly on the right arm that the flesh was broken even to the bone.[16](16/ "tree and pragmatics") After the bear there came a leopard from the Ardennes, which made as if it would attack him.[17](17/ "tree and pragmatics") And lo! a greyhound came forth from the hall, and ran to him with great bounds.[18](18/ "tree and pragmatics") First the greyhound laid hold of the bear by the right ear, and then it assailed the leopard furiously. "'[19](19/ "tree and pragmatics") Tis a great fight," cried they who stood by, but no one knew who would prevail.[20](20/ "tree and pragmatics") The next day the King called his lords together. "[21](21/ "tree and pragmatics") You see," said he, "these narrow passes.[22](22/ "tree and pragmatics") Whom shall I place to command the rearguard?[23](23/ "tree and pragmatics") Choose you a man yourselves."[24](24/ "tree and pragmatics") Said Ganelon, "Whom should we choose but my son-in-law, Count Roland?[25](25/ "tree and pragmatics") You have no man in your host so valiant.[26](26/ "tree and pragmatics") Of a truth he will be the salvation of France."[27](27/ "tree and pragmatics") The King said when he heard these words, "What ails you, Ganelon?[28](28/ "tree and pragmatics") You look like to one possessed.[29](29/ "tree and pragmatics") But tell me--who shall command my vanguard?" "[30](30/ "tree and pragmatics") Let Ogier the Dane be the man," answered Ganelon. "[31](31/ "tree and pragmatics") There is no one who could acquit himself better."[32](32/ "tree and pragmatics") When Count Roland knew what was proposed concerning him, he spake out as a true knight should speak. "[33](33/ "tree and pragmatics") I am right thankful to you, my father-in-law, that you have caused me to be put in this place.[34](34/ "tree and pragmatics") Of a truth the King of France shall lose nothing by my means, neither charger, nor mule, nor pack-horse, nor beast of burden." "[35](35/ "tree and pragmatics") You speak truly," said Ganelon; "I know it well."[36](36/ "tree and pragmatics") Then Roland turned to him again, and said, "Villain that you are, and come of a race of villainy, did you think perchance that I should let the gauntlet fall, as you let it fall when you would have taken it from the King?"[37](37/ "tree and pragmatics") Then Roland turned to the King and said, "Give me the bow that you hold in your hand.[38](38/ "tree and pragmatics") It shall not fall from my hand as the gauntlet fell when Ganelon would have taken it from your hand."[39](39/ "tree and pragmatics") The King said to Roland, "Nephew, I will gladly give you the half of my army.[40](40/ "tree and pragmatics") That will provide for your safety without fail." "[41](41/ "tree and pragmatics") Not so, my lord," answered Roland, "I need no such multitude.[42](42/ "tree and pragmatics") Give me twenty thousand only, so they be men of valour, and I will keep the passes in all safety.[43](43/ "tree and pragmatics") So long as I shall live, you need fear no man."[44](44/ "tree and pragmatics") Then Roland mounted his horse.[45](45/ "tree and pragmatics") With him were Oliver his comrade, and Otho and Berenger, and Gerard of Roussillon, an aged warrior, and others, men of renown.[46](46/ "tree and pragmatics") And Turpin the Archbishop cried, "By my head, I will go also."[47](47/ "tree and pragmatics") So they chose twenty thousand warriors with whom to keep the passes.[48](48/ "tree and pragmatics") Meanwhile King Charles had entered the valley of Roncesvalles, his vanguard being led by Ogier the Dane.[49](49/ "tree and pragmatics") High were the mountains on either side of the way, and the valleys were gloomy and dark.[50](50/ "tree and pragmatics") But when they had passed through the valley, then they saw the fair land of Gascony, and as they saw it they thought of their homes and their wives and daughters.[51](51/ "tree and pragmatics") There was not one of them but wept for very tenderness of heart.[52](52/ "tree and pragmatics") But of all that company there was none sadder of heart than the King himself, when he thought how he had left his nephew Count Roland behind him in the passes of Spain.[53](53/ "tree and pragmatics") Duke Naymes, who rode beside him, said, "What troubles you?" "[54](54/ "tree and pragmatics") There is cause enough," answered Charles. "[55](55/ "tree and pragmatics") I fear me much that this Ganelon will be the ruin of France.[56](56/ "tree and pragmatics") Did he not cause me to leave Roland behind me in the passes?[57](57/ "tree and pragmatics") And if I lose my nephew when shall I find his like again?"[58](58/ "tree and pragmatics") And he told the Duke of his dream, how Ganelon had broken the spear that he held in his hands.[59](59/ "tree and pragmatics") And now King Marsilas began to gather his army.[60](60/ "tree and pragmatics") He laid a strict command on all his nobles and chiefs that they should bring with them to Saragossa as many men as they could gather together.[61](61/ "tree and pragmatics") And when they were come to the city, it being the third day from the issuing of the King's command, they saluted the great image of Mahomet, the false prophet that stood on the topmost tower.[62](62/ "tree and pragmatics") This done they went forth from the city gates.[63](63/ "tree and pragmatics") They made all haste, marching across the mountains and valleys of Spain till they came in sight of the Standard of France, where Roland and Oliver and the Twelve Peers were ranged in battle array.[64](64/ "tree and pragmatics") The nephew of King Marsilas rode to the front of the army and said to his uncle, "Sire, I have served you faithfully, enduring much labour and trouble, fighting many battles, and winning not a few victories.[65](65/ "tree and pragmatics") And now all the reward that I ask is that you suffer me to smite down this Roland.[66](66/ "tree and pragmatics") I will slay him with the point of my spear if Mahomet will help me.[67](67/ "tree and pragmatics") So shall I deliver Spain from the enemy, these Frenchmen will give themselves up to you, and you shall have no more wars all the days of your life."[68](68/ "tree and pragmatics") When King Marsilas heard these words, he reached out his hand, and gave his gauntlet to his nephew.[69](69/ "tree and pragmatics") Then said the young man, "You have given me a noble gift, my uncle.[70](70/ "tree and pragmatics") Now choose me eleven of your nobles, and we will fight with the Twelve Peers of France."[71](71/ "tree and pragmatics") The first that came forth to offer himself for the battle was Fausseron, the King's brother. "[72](72/ "tree and pragmatics") My lord nephew," said he, "we will go together, you and I--between us we shall win this victory.[73](73/ "tree and pragmatics") Woe to King Charles's rearguard.[74](74/ "tree and pragmatics") We will destroy it to a man."[75](75/ "tree and pragmatics") The next that stood up was Corsablis, King of Barbary.[76](76/ "tree and pragmatics") He was an evil man and a treacherous, but that day he spoke as a loyal vassal of the King. "[77](77/ "tree and pragmatics") This is no time," he said, "for drawing back.[78](78/ "tree and pragmatics") If I find Roland, I will attack him without delay."[79](79/ "tree and pragmatics") After him rose nine other chiefs, till the number of champions was accomplished, twelve against the Twelve Peers of France.[80](80/ "tree and pragmatics") The Saracen champions donned their coats of mail, of double substance most of them, and they set upon their heads helmets of Saragossa of well-tempered metal, and they girded themselves with swords of Vienna.[81](81/ "tree and pragmatics") Fair were their shields to view, their lances were from Valentia, their standards were of white, blue, and red.[82](82/ "tree and pragmatics") Their mules they left with their servants, and, mounting their chargers, so moved forwards.[83](83/ "tree and pragmatics") Fair was the day and bright the sun, as their armour flashed in the light and the drums were beaten so loudly that the Frenchmen heard the sound.[84](84/ "tree and pragmatics") Said Oliver to Roland, "Comrade, methinks we shall soon do battle with the Saracens." "[85](85/ "tree and pragmatics") God grant it," answered Roland. "'[86](86/ "tree and pragmatics") Tis our duty to hold the place for the King, and we will do it, come what may.[87](87/ "tree and pragmatics") As for me, I will not set an ill example."[88](88/ "tree and pragmatics") - ← previous: [The Treason of Ganelon](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/28/) - next →: [How the Heathen and the French Prepared For Battle](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/30/) - ↑ back to [Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of France](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/)