--- title: How Charlemagne Sought Vengeance — Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of F… · full text with trees description: How Charlemagne Sought Vengeance, «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: Not many hours after these things King Charles came to Roncesvalles. --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/36/) [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 Charlemagne Sought Vengeance # How Charlemagne Sought Vengeance How Charlemagne Sought Vengeance of «Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of France» by Alfred John Church: the whole text, 231 sentences and 3902 words. The small number after every sentence leads to its own page with its syntax tree and pragmatics, parsed by Mova itself. **1** [2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/36/page/2/) Not many hours after these things King Charles came to Roncesvalles.[1](1/ "tree and pragmatics") It was a grievous sight that he saw; there was not a foot of earth on which there lay not the body of some Frenchman or heathen.[2](2/ "tree and pragmatics") And the King cried aloud, calling the dead men by name. "[3](3/ "tree and pragmatics") Where are you, Roland?" he said; "and you, Oliver?"[4](4/ "tree and pragmatics") All the Twelve Peers whom he had left behind to guard the passes he called, but no man answered.[5](5/ "tree and pragmatics") Charles wept for sadness of heart, and his nobles wept with him; there was not one of all that company but had lost son or brother or comrade or friend.[6](6/ "tree and pragmatics") Then spake up the Duke Naymes, "Sire," said he, "see you that cloud of dust, two leagues away? '[7](7/ "tree and pragmatics") Tis the dust of a great multitude, even of the heathen army.[8](8/ "tree and pragmatics") Ride, Sire, and take vengeance for these warriors whom you have lost." "[9](9/ "tree and pragmatics") What!" answered the King, "are they already so far?[10](10/ "tree and pragmatics") Then must we make haste, for they have robbed me of the very flower of France."[11](11/ "tree and pragmatics") Then he turned to his nobles, and called four by name, and said to them, "Guard this field, these valleys and these hills.[12](12/ "tree and pragmatics") Let the dead lie as they are, but take good care that no beast of the field touch them, nor any follower of the camp.[13](13/ "tree and pragmatics") Make sure that no one lay a hand upon them till I come back."[14](14/ "tree and pragmatics") And the four answered, "So will we do, Sire;" and the King left with them a thousand horsemen for a guard.[15](15/ "tree and pragmatics") This done, he made haste to pursue the army of the heathen.[16](16/ "tree and pragmatics") The day was drawing to sunset, but yet he overtook the enemy before darkness fell.[17](17/ "tree and pragmatics") Some say that God wrought a great miracle for the King, staying the sun in the heaven, till he should have avenged him of his enemies.[18](18/ "tree and pragmatics") Be that as it may, this is certain, that he overtook the Saracens and slew them with a great slaughter.[19](19/ "tree and pragmatics") Many fell by the sword, and they who escaped the sword threw themselves into the river, the river Ebro, and thus perished by drowning.[20](20/ "tree and pragmatics") And the men of France cried, mocking them, "You have seen Roland; but it has not turned to your good."[21](21/ "tree and pragmatics") And now the night came on, and the King said, "We must think of our camp; 'tis over-late to return to Roncesvalles." "[22](22/ "tree and pragmatics") It is well," answered his nobles.[23](23/ "tree and pragmatics") So they unsaddled their horses, and laid themselves down on the green grass and slept.[24](24/ "tree and pragmatics") None kept watch that night.[25](25/ "tree and pragmatics") As for the King, he lay down to rest in a certain meadow, his spear by his pillow, for he would not be far from his arms.[26](26/ "tree and pragmatics") His good sword Joyous was on his side.[27](27/ "tree and pragmatics") It was a marvellous weapon, for it had in its hilt the iron of the spear with which the side of the Lord Christ was pierced as He hung upon the cross.[28](28/ "tree and pragmatics") For a time the King thought with tears about the good knights whom he had lost, Roland his nephew, and many another who had fallen on his field.[29](29/ "tree and pragmatics") But at last his weariness overcame him, and he slept.[30](30/ "tree and pragmatics") And as he slept he dreamed two dreams.[31](31/ "tree and pragmatics") In the first dream he saw how there gathered a great tempest in the heavens, with thunders and lightnings and hail and wind, and how this fell upon his army, and how the lances caught fire, and how the shields glowed with heat, and the corslets rattled with the stroke of the hail.[32](32/ "tree and pragmatics") After this he saw how a multitude of wild beasts, bears, and leopards, and snakes, and monsters such as griffins rushed upon the host as to devour them.[33](33/ "tree and pragmatics") And he heard the men cry, "Help us, King Charles, help us!"[34](34/ "tree and pragmatics") But when he would have gone to help them a great lion out of the forest flew on him.[35](35/ "tree and pragmatics") Then he and the great beast wrestled together.[36](36/ "tree and pragmatics") But who prevailed, he knew not.[37](37/ "tree and pragmatics") He did not wake from his sleep, but his dream was changed.[38](38/ "tree and pragmatics") And the second dream that he dreamed was this: He thought he was at his palace at Aachen, and that he sat upon steps, holding a bear that was bound with a double chain.[39](39/ "tree and pragmatics") And in his dream he saw how that there came out of the forest of Ardennes thirty other bears who spake each with the voice of a man. "[40](40/ "tree and pragmatics") Give him back to us, Sire," they said. "[41](41/ "tree and pragmatics") It is not right that you should keep him so long.[42](42/ "tree and pragmatics") He is our kinsman, and we must help him."[43](43/ "tree and pragmatics") And then--this was his dream--a fair greyhound came and attacked the greatest of these wild beasts.[44](44/ "tree and pragmatics") But who was the conqueror in this conflict also, he could not see.[45](45/ "tree and pragmatics") After this King Charles awoke from his sleep.[46](46/ "tree and pragmatics") Meanwhile King Marsilas came in his flight to Saragossa.[47](47/ "tree and pragmatics") He gave his sword and his armour to his servants, and laid himself down in sore distress upon the green grass under an olive-tree.[48](48/ "tree and pragmatics") He had lost his right hand, and was faint with the bleeding.[49](49/ "tree and pragmatics") Loudly did his Queen Branimonde lament over him.[50](50/ "tree and pragmatics") As for his servants they cursed King Charles and the land of France, and vehemently reproached their god Apollyon. "[51](51/ "tree and pragmatics") Villain of a god!" they cried, "why dost thou put us to such shame?[52](52/ "tree and pragmatics") Why dost thou so confound our King?[53](53/ "tree and pragmatics") This is an ill return to those who do thee honour."[54](54/ "tree and pragmatics") So saying they took from the god his sceptre and crown, and brake him to pieces with their staves.[55](55/ "tree and pragmatics") Never before was a god so ill-treated of his worshippers.[56](56/ "tree and pragmatics") Then said the Queen to herself, in the midst of her tears, "Now a curse upon these gods who have failed us in the day of battle.[57](57/ "tree and pragmatics") We have the Emir only who can help us.[58](58/ "tree and pragmatics") Surely he cannot be so base as not to fight against these men of France!"[59](59/ "tree and pragmatics") So King Marsilas sent an ambassador praying him for help. "[60](60/ "tree and pragmatics") Of a truth," he said, "if you fail me I will cast away my gods, and take upon me the faith of Christ, and make peace with King Charles."[61](61/ "tree and pragmatics") When the Emir heard this he gathered together the people of his four kingdoms, and put them on board a fleet of ships, and set forth to sea.[62](62/ "tree and pragmatics") Quickly did they come to the land of Spain; nor did they halt till they came to the city of Saragossa.[63](63/ "tree and pragmatics") Then the servants of the Emir spread on the grass a carpet of white silk, and on it they set an ivory chair.[64](64/ "tree and pragmatics") The Emir sat upon it, and his chiefs stood round about.[65](65/ "tree and pragmatics") "Listen!" said the Emir, "This Charles has troubled the land of Spain too long.[66](66/ "tree and pragmatics") I will attack him in his own country, even in France.[67](67/ "tree and pragmatics") Nothing shall hinder me from bringing him to my feet or slaying him."[68](68/ "tree and pragmatics") And as he spake he struck his knee with the gauntlet of his right hand.[69](69/ "tree and pragmatics") Then he called to him two of his chiefs and said, "Go now to King Marsilas and say to him: I come to help you against the men of France.[70](70/ "tree and pragmatics") Come and pay me homage, and I will make war upon King Charles, even in his own land of France.[71](71/ "tree and pragmatics") Verily if he do not fall at my feet and beg for pardon, and renounce the faith of Christ, I will tear his crown from his head.[72](72/ "tree and pragmatics") Take him also, for a token, this gauntlet and this staff of gold."[73](73/ "tree and pragmatics") And all his nobles cried, "It is well said."[74](74/ "tree and pragmatics") So the two envoys went, carrying, one the gauntlet and the other the staff.[75](75/ "tree and pragmatics") When they had passed through the gates of Saragossa, they saw a great multitude of men lamenting. "[76](76/ "tree and pragmatics") The gods have dealt ill with us," said they; "our King is wounded to the death, and his son is dead, and Spain will be the prey of the Christian dogs."[77](77/ "tree and pragmatics") When they were come to the palace they made their salutations, saying,[78](78/ "tree and pragmatics") "Now may Apollyon and Mahomet have King Marsilas and Queen Branimonde in their keeping!" "[79](79/ "tree and pragmatics") Nay," said the Queen, "what folly is this?[80](80/ "tree and pragmatics") Our gods have deserted us.[81](81/ "tree and pragmatics") See what they suffered to befall the King my husband."[82](82/ "tree and pragmatics") The envoy answered, "A truce to such words\![83](83/ "tree and pragmatics") The Emir our master bade us say, 'I will deliver King Marsilas; as for this Charles, I will attack him in his own land of France.[84](84/ "tree and pragmatics") This gauntlet and this staff he sends for a proof of his words.'"[85](85/ "tree and pragmatics") Queen Branimonde made answer, "You have no need to go to France.[86](86/ "tree and pragmatics") Here in this land of Spain you may meet King Charles, and of a truth you will find him a great warrior."[87](87/ "tree and pragmatics") Then said the King, "You see, my lords, that I am in evil case.[88](88/ "tree and pragmatics") I have none to come after me, neither son nor daughter.[89](89/ "tree and pragmatics") A son I had but yesterday, but the Count Roland slew him.[90](90/ "tree and pragmatics") Say to your master for me, I yield you this land of Spain; only guard it against the Christians\![91](91/ "tree and pragmatics") And bid him come to me; I will give him useful counsel about King Charles; and take him the keys of this city of Saragossa.[92](92/ "tree and pragmatics") As for Charles he is encamped by the river Ebro, seven leagues hence.[93](93/ "tree and pragmatics") There will the Emir find him, for of a truth the men of France will not refuse the battle."[94](94/ "tree and pragmatics") Then the envoys returned to the Emir, and told him all that happened--how King Charles had left Roland and the Peers to guard the passes, and how they had been slain, and what great loss King Marsilas had suffered, and how he yielded to him the whole land of Spain, and how King Charles and his men were in camp by the Ebro.[95](95/ "tree and pragmatics") Then the Emir commanded his men that they should make ready for the march. "[96](96/ "tree and pragmatics") Make haste," he said, "or these Frenchmen will escape us."[97](97/ "tree and pragmatics") Meanwhile King Charles had made search for the body of his nephew, the Count Roland, and for the others that had fallen with him.[98](98/ "tree and pragmatics") And when these had been found, he caused that the rest should be buried with great honour, but three of the bodies, Roland, to wit, and Oliver, and Turpin the Archbishop, he commanded to be set aside.[99](99/ "tree and pragmatics") The hearts of these three were taken out of their bodies and wrapped in silk, and then enclosed in coffins of white marble.[100](100/ "tree and pragmatics") But the bodies were wrapped in deer-skins, with store of spices, and set each in a carriage, that they might be taken to the town of Blois.[101](101/ "tree and pragmatics") When these things had been done, there came two envoys from the Emir, bearing this message. "[102](102/ "tree and pragmatics") The Emir brings against you a great army from the land of Arabia.[103](103/ "tree and pragmatics") Take heed, therefore, for he will make proof of you to-day, whether you are indeed a man of courage."[104](104/ "tree and pragmatics") The King made no answer to these words, save that he cried to his men, with a loud voice, "To arms\![105](105/ "tree and pragmatics") To arms!"[106](106/ "tree and pragmatics") Then without delay he armed himself, donning his corslet and lacing his helmet, and taking in his hand his good sword Joyous, and when he had mounted his good steed he rode forth in front of his army. "[107](107/ "tree and pragmatics") Never was more kingly man!" said all the army.[108](108/ "tree and pragmatics") And the King said, as he looked upon the army, "Who would not trust such men?[109](109/ "tree and pragmatics") If only these heathen stand their ground, surely they shall pay dearly for the death of Roland." "[110](110/ "tree and pragmatics") God grant it be so!" said the Duke Naymes.[111](111/ "tree and pragmatics") Then the King called to him two lords: "You shall take the place of Roland and Oliver; one of you shall carry the sword, and one the horn."[112](112/ "tree and pragmatics") And after this he set his whole army in array.[113](113/ "tree and pragmatics") **1** [2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/36/page/2/) - ← previous: [The Death of Roland](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/35/) - next →: [page 2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/36/page/2/) - ↑ back to [Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of France](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/)