--- title: The Battle — Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of F… · full text with trees description: The Battle, «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: The first that rode forth from the array of the heathen was Ælroth, nephew to King Marsilas. --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/31/) [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 Battle # The Battle The Battle of «Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of France» by Alfred John Church: the whole text, 141 sentences and 2298 words. The small number after every sentence leads to its own page with its syntax tree and pragmatics, parsed by Mova itself. The first that rode forth from the array of the heathen was Ælroth, nephew to King Marsilas.[1](1/ "tree and pragmatics") Good were his arms, and his horse was both swift and strong.[2](2/ "tree and pragmatics") Grievous were the reproaches that he uttered against the men of France. "[3](3/ "tree and pragmatics") Are you come," said he, "ye robbers of France, to fight with us to-day?[4](4/ "tree and pragmatics") Know ye not that he who should have helped you has betrayed you?[5](5/ "tree and pragmatics") Verily, a fool was your Emperor to leave you in these passes, for the honour of fair France has perished to-day, and the great Charles has lost, as it were, the right arm from his body.[6](6/ "tree and pragmatics") So shall Spain have peace at last."[7](7/ "tree and pragmatics") Roland heard these words with great grief in his heart.[8](8/ "tree and pragmatics") He spurred his steed with spurs of gold, and smote the heathen warrior with all his might.[9](9/ "tree and pragmatics") He brake his shield in twain, and severed the mail of his hauberk, and clave his body into two parts.[10](10/ "tree and pragmatics") A mighty stroke it was, and Roland cried aloud as he dealt it, "Learn now, thou wretch, that King Charles knows well what he does.[11](11/ "tree and pragmatics") He loves not treason or traitors.[12](12/ "tree and pragmatics") It was well done of him to leave us in these passes.[13](13/ "tree and pragmatics") France shall have no loss of honour this day.[14](14/ "tree and pragmatics") Strike, men of France, strike\![15](15/ "tree and pragmatics") The first blood is for us; these dogs of heathen shall suffer for their misdeeds."[16](16/ "tree and pragmatics") Then came forth a Duke from the host of the Saracens, brother to King Marsilas, Fausseron by name.[17](17/ "tree and pragmatics") Never was a man on the earth more insolent and villainous.[18](18/ "tree and pragmatics") When he saw that his nephew was dead it cut him to the heart.[19](19/ "tree and pragmatics") He rushed out of the crowd, and, shouting out the battle-cry of the heathen, hurled himself on the ranks of France. "[20](20/ "tree and pragmatics") Fair France," said he, "shall lose her honour this day."[21](21/ "tree and pragmatics") Great was the rage of Oliver when he heard these mischievous words.[22](22/ "tree and pragmatics") He struck his spurs of gold into his charger's flanks, and smote Fausseron with a right knightly blow.[23](23/ "tree and pragmatics") His shield he shore in twain, and burst the links of his hauberk, and hurled him dead from his saddle. "[24](24/ "tree and pragmatics") Lie there," he said. "[25](25/ "tree and pragmatics") Who cares for thy threats, thou coward!"[26](26/ "tree and pragmatics") And, turning to the Frenchmen, he cried, "Strike, friends, strike! and we shall conquer the enemy.[27](27/ "tree and pragmatics") \_Mountjoy\![28](28/ "tree and pragmatics") \_ 'Tis the King's own battle-cry!"[29](29/ "tree and pragmatics") Then came forth another King, Corsablis by name.[30](30/ "tree and pragmatics") From the distant land of Barbary he came.[31](31/ "tree and pragmatics") He cried to his fellows in the army of the heathen, "Easily can we bear up the battle.[32](32/ "tree and pragmatics") Few are these Frenchmen, and of no account.[33](33/ "tree and pragmatics") Not a man of them shall escape, nor shall Charles their King help them.[34](34/ "tree and pragmatics") Verily the day has come for them to die."[35](35/ "tree and pragmatics") Turpin the Archbishop heard him--not one was there in all the heathen host whom Turpin more hated--and charged him, spear in hand, and bore him dead to the ground.[36](36/ "tree and pragmatics") Full many of the heathen warriors fell that day.[37](37/ "tree and pragmatics") Not one of the Twelve Peers of France but slew his man.[38](38/ "tree and pragmatics") But of all none bare himself so valiantly as Roland.[39](39/ "tree and pragmatics") Many a blow did he deal to the enemy with his mighty spear, and when the spear was shivered in his hand, fifteen warriors having fallen before it, then he seized his good sword Durendal, and smote man after man to the ground.[40](40/ "tree and pragmatics") Red was he with the blood of his enemies.[41](41/ "tree and pragmatics") Red was his hauberk, red his arms, red his shoulders, aye, and the neck of his horse.[42](42/ "tree and pragmatics") Not one of the Twelve lingered in the rear, or was slow to strike, but Count Roland was the bravest of the brave. "[43](43/ "tree and pragmatics") Well done, Sons of France!" cried Turpin the Archbishop, when he saw them lay on in such sort.[44](44/ "tree and pragmatics") Next to Roland for valour and hardihood came Oliver, his companion.[45](45/ "tree and pragmatics") Many a heathen warrior did he slay, till at last his spear was shivered in his hand. "[46](46/ "tree and pragmatics") What are you doing, comrade?" cried Roland, when he was aware of the mishap. "[47](47/ "tree and pragmatics") A man wants no staff in such a battle as this. '[48](48/ "tree and pragmatics") Tis the steel and nothing else that he must have.[49](49/ "tree and pragmatics") Where is your sword Hautclere, with its hilt of gold and its pommel of crystal?" "[50](50/ "tree and pragmatics") On my word," said Oliver. "[51](51/ "tree and pragmatics") I have not had time to draw it; I was so busy with striking."[52](52/ "tree and pragmatics") But as he spake he drew the good sword from its scabbard, and smote a heathen knight, Justin of the Iron Valley.[53](53/ "tree and pragmatics") A mighty blow it was, cleaving the man in twain down to his saddle--aye, and the saddle itself with its adorning of gold and jewels, and the very backbone also of the steed whereon he rode, so that horse and man fell dead together on the plains. "[54](54/ "tree and pragmatics") Well done!" cried Roland; "you are a true brother of mine. '[55](55/ "tree and pragmatics") Tis such strokes as this that makes the Emperor love us."[56](56/ "tree and pragmatics") Nevertheless, for all the valour of Roland and his fellows the battle went hardly with the men of France.[57](57/ "tree and pragmatics") Many lances were shivered, many flags torn, and many gallant youths cut off in their prime.[58](58/ "tree and pragmatics") Never more would they see mother and wife.[59](59/ "tree and pragmatics") It was an ill deed that the traitor Ganelon wrought when he sold his fellows to King Marsilas\![60](60/ "tree and pragmatics") And now there befell a new trouble.[61](61/ "tree and pragmatics") King Almaris, with a great host of heathen, coming by an unknown way, fell upon the rear of the host where there was another pass.[62](62/ "tree and pragmatics") Fiercely did the noble Walter that kept the same charge the new-comers, but they overpowered him and his followers.[63](63/ "tree and pragmatics") He was wounded with four several lances, and four times did he swoon, so that at the last he was constrained to leave the field of battle, that he might call the Count Roland to his aid.[64](64/ "tree and pragmatics") But small was the aid which Roland could give him or any one.[65](65/ "tree and pragmatics") Valiantly he held up the battle, and with him Oliver, and Turpin the Archbishop, and others also; but the lines of the men of France were broken, and their armour thrust through, and their spears shivered, and their flags trodden in the dust.[66](66/ "tree and pragmatics") For all this they made such slaughter among the heathen that King Almaris, who led the armies of the enemy, scarcely could win back his way to his own people, wounded in four places and sorely spent.[67](67/ "tree and pragmatics") A right good warrior was he; had he but been a Christian but few had matched him in battle\![68](68/ "tree and pragmatics") He came to King Marsilas, where he stood among his princes, and fell at his feet; for indeed there was no strength left in him. "[69](69/ "tree and pragmatics") To horse!" he cried, "my lord, to horse\![70](70/ "tree and pragmatics") You will find the men of France worn out with the slaughter that they have wrought among us.[71](71/ "tree and pragmatics") Their spears are shivered and their swords broken; a full half of them are dead, and they that are left have no strength remaining in them.[72](72/ "tree and pragmatics") It will cost you but little to take vengeance for the multitudes whom they have slain.[73](73/ "tree and pragmatics") Believe me, my lord, these Frenchmen are ready to be conquered."[74](74/ "tree and pragmatics") Then King Marsilas bade his host advance.[75](75/ "tree and pragmatics") A mighty army it was, divided into twenty columns, and the trumpets sounded the charge.[76](76/ "tree and pragmatics") Never was heard such a din in the land! "[77](77/ "tree and pragmatics") Oliver, my comrade," said Roland, when he heard it, "this traitor Ganelon has sworn our death.[78](78/ "tree and pragmatics") But if he compass it, surely our King will take a terrible vengeance.[79](79/ "tree and pragmatics") But as for us, we must do our duty as good knights, for verily this battle will be no child's play.[80](80/ "tree and pragmatics") Strike thou with thy sword Hautclere, and I will strike with my sword Durendal.[81](81/ "tree and pragmatics") Many a time have we wielded them side by side; many a victory have we won with them.[82](82/ "tree and pragmatics") Verily if we fall this day, these pagans shall not despise us."[83](83/ "tree and pragmatics") The Archbishop, on his part, spake words of comfort to his people. "[84](84/ "tree and pragmatics") Let no one think of flight," he said; "never shall these heathen make songs upon us. '[85](85/ "tree and pragmatics") Tis better far to die in battle.[86](86/ "tree and pragmatics") And if we die, as well may be, there is this of which I can assure you: the gates of Paradise shall be open to you.[87](87/ "tree and pragmatics") To-morrow, if so it be, you shall have a place among the saints."[88](88/ "tree and pragmatics") Then the men of France took fresh courage and made themselves ready for the battle.[89](89/ "tree and pragmatics") King Marsilas said to his people, "Listen to me.[90](90/ "tree and pragmatics") This Roland is a great warrior; it will be no easy thing to conquer him.[91](91/ "tree and pragmatics") One battle we have fought against him and not prevailed; now will we fight another; if need be, and you will follow me, we will fight even a third.[92](92/ "tree and pragmatics") Of these twenty columns ten shall set themselves in array against the men of France, and ten shall remain with me.[93](93/ "tree and pragmatics") As I live, before this day is over, the power of King Charles shall be broken."[94](94/ "tree and pragmatics") So saying he gave a banner, richly embroidered, to the Emir Grandoigne; "Lead your men against the French," said he; "this shall be your warrant from me."[95](95/ "tree and pragmatics") So the King abode where he was on the hilltop, but Grandoigne descended into the plain, having his banner carried before him. "[96](96/ "tree and pragmatics") To horse!" he cried, and the trumpets sounded, and the host moved on to the battle.[97](97/ "tree and pragmatics") And the French cried when they saw it, "Now what shall we do?[98](98/ "tree and pragmatics") Curses on this traitor Ganelon, who has sold us to the heathen!"[99](99/ "tree and pragmatics") But Turpin the Archbishop bade them be of good courage. "[100](100/ "tree and pragmatics") Bear you as men!" said he, "and God shall give you the crown of glory in Paradise.[101](101/ "tree and pragmatics") Only know that into Paradise a coward can in nowise come." "[102](102/ "tree and pragmatics") So be it," said the men of France, "we are few indeed, but we will not fail of our duty."[103](103/ "tree and pragmatics") The first to charge from out of the ranks of the heathen was Chimborin, the same that had given to Ganelon the helmet with the great carbuncle on the vizor.[104](104/ "tree and pragmatics") His horse, Barbemouche by name, was swifter than a sparrow-hawk or a swallow.[105](105/ "tree and pragmatics") He rode at full speed, levelling his lance at Engelier the Gascon, and smote him through shield and hauberk so stoutly that the spear stood out of his body on the other side. "[106](106/ "tree and pragmatics") These Frenchmen are easy to conquer," he cried. "[107](107/ "tree and pragmatics") Strike, comrades, strike, and break their rank!"[108](108/ "tree and pragmatics") But all the Frenchmen cried out, "This is a grievous thing that so brave a warrior should be slain!"[109](109/ "tree and pragmatics") Said Roland to Oliver, "Comrade, see Engelier the Gascon is slain; we had no braver knight in the host." "[110](110/ "tree and pragmatics") God grant that I may avenge him," answered Oliver, and struck spurs into his horse.[111](111/ "tree and pragmatics") In his hand was his trusty sword Hautclere, its blade red with blood.[112](112/ "tree and pragmatics") Therewith he smote Chimborin so mighty a blow that he slew both man and horse.[113](113/ "tree and pragmatics") Next he slew the Duke Alphais.[114](114/ "tree and pragmatics") Eight other Arab warriors he struck down from their saddles, and in such sort they would never join in the battle any more. "[115](115/ "tree and pragmatics") My comrade is in a goodly rage," cried Roland; "these are the blows that make King Charles love us.[116](116/ "tree and pragmatics") Strike, men of France, strike and cease not!"[117](117/ "tree and pragmatics") The next that rode forth was the Emir Valdabrun, the same that had given to Ganelon the sword.[118](118/ "tree and pragmatics") He was a great ruler of the sea.[119](119/ "tree and pragmatics") Four hundred ships he had, and there was not a sailor but complained of his robberies.[120](120/ "tree and pragmatics") The same had taken by treachery, and slain the Patriarch of Antioch with the sword.[121](121/ "tree and pragmatics") This man smote Duke Samson, breaking with his spear both shield and hauberk, and so did him to death. "[122](122/ "tree and pragmatics") So shall all these wretches perish," he cried.[123](123/ "tree and pragmatics") And the men of France were sorely dismayed.[124](124/ "tree and pragmatics") When Roland saw that the Duke Samson was dead, he rode fiercely at Valdabrun, and smote him so mightily with his great sword Durendal that he clave in twain helmet, head, and body, and saddle, and the very backbone of the horse, so that both fell dead together, both man and horse.[125](125/ "tree and pragmatics") After this Malquidant, son of King Malquid of Africa slew Ansol.[126](126/ "tree and pragmatics") Him the Archbishop speedily avenged.[127](127/ "tree and pragmatics") Never priest that sang mass was so sturdy a warrior as he.[128](128/ "tree and pragmatics") With one blow of his good Toledo sword he slew the African. "[129](129/ "tree and pragmatics") He smites sore, does the Archbishop!" cried all the men of France when they saw the deed.[130](130/ "tree and pragmatics") After this Grandoigne who was the leader of the host of heathen entered the battle.[131](131/ "tree and pragmatics") Five knights, valiant men of war all of them, he slew one after the other, so that the men of France cried, "How fast they fall, these champions of ours!"[132](132/ "tree and pragmatics") Roland heard the cry, and it went near to break his heart, so great was his wrath.[133](133/ "tree and pragmatics") He rode straight at Grandoigne, and these two met in the middle space between the hosts.[134](134/ "tree and pragmatics") Among the heathen no man was braver or better at arms than Grandoigne, but he was no match for Roland.[135](135/ "tree and pragmatics") They had scarce met in the shock of battle when Roland with one mighty blow cleft him to his saddle, aye, and slew the horse on which he rode.[136](136/ "tree and pragmatics") Many other valiant deeds he wrought that day, nor did Oliver lag behind, nor Turpin the Archbishop, riding on the famous horse which he took from the King of Denmark.[137](137/ "tree and pragmatics") But though these and others also bore themselves right bravely, such was the multitude of the Saracens that in the end it carried all before it.[138](138/ "tree and pragmatics") Four times did the host of the Saracens advance, four times did the Frenchmen beat it back.[139](139/ "tree and pragmatics") But when it advanced for the fifth time, things went ill for the Christians.[140](140/ "tree and pragmatics") Great was the price at which they sold their lives; but scarcely threescore were left.[141](141/ "tree and pragmatics") - ← previous: [How the Heathen and the French Prepared For Battle](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/30/) - next →: [How Roland Sounded His Horn](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/32/) - ↑ back to [Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of France](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/)