--- title: How Charlemagne Sought Vengeance — Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of F… · full text with trees · page 2 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/page/2/) [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 · page 2 [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/36/) **2** Meanwhile the envoys of the Emir returned to him. "[114](../../114/ "tree and pragmatics") We have seen King Charles," they said. "[115](../../115/ "tree and pragmatics") He is brave, and brave are they that follow him, nor will they fail the King.[116](../../116/ "tree and pragmatics") You will have to do battle with them.[117](../../117/ "tree and pragmatics") Therefore arm yourself." "[118](../../118/ "tree and pragmatics") That is good news for all that are of a good courage," said the Emir. "[119](../../119/ "tree and pragmatics") Sound the trumpets, that my people may make themselves ready."[120](../../120/ "tree and pragmatics") A mighty warrior was he, with deep chest and broad shoulders, over which his hair fell in curls, with fair face and shining eyes; of his courage he had given proofs without number.[121](../../121/ "tree and pragmatics") What a gallant knight he had been, were he but a Christian man\![122](../../122/ "tree and pragmatics") He had a sword of renown, which he called Precious, and a great bear-spear, Matté by name.[123](../../123/ "tree and pragmatics") A gallant knight also was the Prince Malprime, his son. "[124](../../124/ "tree and pragmatics") Forward, Sire," said the Prince to his father. "[125](../../125/ "tree and pragmatics") Shall we see King Charles to-day?" "[126](../../126/ "tree and pragmatics") Yes," answered the Emir, "for he is a brave man, and all speak of him with honour.[127](../../127/ "tree and pragmatics") Nevertheless, now that he has lost the Count Roland his nephew, he can scarcely hold his ground before us.[128](../../128/ "tree and pragmatics") Yet we shall have a great battle to fight." "[129](../../129/ "tree and pragmatics") Be it so," said the Prince. "[130](../../130/ "tree and pragmatics") I ask from you the honour of striking the first blow." "[131](../../131/ "tree and pragmatics") It shall be yours," said the Emir.[132](../../132/ "tree and pragmatics") Then the Emir set his battle in array, so that the two hosts stood over against each other.[133](../../133/ "tree and pragmatics") There was neither hill nor valley nor forest between them; each was in full sight of the other.[134](../../134/ "tree and pragmatics") Splendid and terrible they were to view, so brightly shone the helmets and bucklers and shields and spears.[135](../../135/ "tree and pragmatics") And bright and clear was the sound of the trumpets; but the brightest and clearest of all was the horn of Charles the great King.[136](../../136/ "tree and pragmatics") And first the Emir rode forth in front of his army. "[137](../../137/ "tree and pragmatics") Follow me!" he cried to his army, "I will show you the way."[138](../../138/ "tree and pragmatics") And he brandished his spear, turning the point towards the King of France.[139](../../139/ "tree and pragmatics") And King Charles, on his part, when he saw the Emir, and his standard, the Dragon, borne after him, cried with a loud voice, "Lords of France, you have fought many battles, and now there is yet one more for you to fight.[140](../../140/ "tree and pragmatics") See, then, this host of heathens.[141](../../141/ "tree and pragmatics") Many they are in number.[142](../../142/ "tree and pragmatics") But what matters the multitude of them?[143](../../143/ "tree and pragmatics") Follow me!"[144](../../144/ "tree and pragmatics") Thereupon he spurred his charger.[145](../../145/ "tree and pragmatics") The good steed bounded forward, and all the men of France cried out, "A brave man is our King; not one of us will fail him."[146](../../146/ "tree and pragmatics") The first that dealt a blow to the enemy was the Count Rabel.[147](../../147/ "tree and pragmatics") Spurring his horse, he charged Torlen, the King of Persia, and struck his shield fairly with his spear.[148](../../148/ "tree and pragmatics") The good steel pierced shield and corslet, and the King fell dead upon the field. "[149](../../149/ "tree and pragmatics") Strike! strike for Charles and the Right!" cried all the men of France when they saw the Persian fall.[150](../../150/ "tree and pragmatics") On the other side the Prince Malprime, son to the Emir, rode forward on his white horse, charging into the midst of the army of France, and striking down warrior after warrior. "[151](../../151/ "tree and pragmatics") See!" cried the Emir, "see, my son, how he is seeking for the King of the French\![152](../../152/ "tree and pragmatics") There is no better soldier than he.[153](../../153/ "tree and pragmatics") Follow him and the victory shall be yours, and all the prizes of victory, lands, and castles, and gold and fair women."[154](../../154/ "tree and pragmatics") Nor did the chiefs of the heathen delay to charge.[155](../../155/ "tree and pragmatics") Fiercely did they ride forward, and the battle raged over the plain.[156](../../156/ "tree and pragmatics") When the Duke Naymes saw how the Prince Malprime was breaking the ranks of France, dealing death at every blow, he charged him, spear in rest.[157](../../157/ "tree and pragmatics") He drave the point through the upper rim of his shield and through his corslet, deep into his side, and laid him dead on the field.[158](../../158/ "tree and pragmatics") But when King Canaben, who was uncle to the Prince, saw what had befallen his nephew, he rode at the Duke, and, drawing his sword, dealt him a great blow on the helmet.[159](../../159/ "tree and pragmatics") Half of the helmet and laces wherewith it was laced were shorn off by the stroke, and the edge of the sword touched the flesh itself.[160](../../160/ "tree and pragmatics") The Duke yet clung with one arm to the neck of his horse; if the heathen deal him another such blow he is lost.[161](../../161/ "tree and pragmatics") But, thanks to God, King Charles came to his help.[162](../../162/ "tree and pragmatics") He struck King Canaben through the vizor of his helmet with his boar-spear, and with the one blow laid him dead to the ground.[163](../../163/ "tree and pragmatics") Elsewhere in the field the Emir wrought great havoc in the ranks of France, slaying chief after chief, among them the old man Richard, Duke of the Normans.[164](../../164/ "tree and pragmatics") Behind him followed many heathen knights.[165](../../165/ "tree and pragmatics") Many valorous deeds they did.[166](../../166/ "tree and pragmatics") Where the Emir led the ranks of the heathen there the men of France suffered grievous loss, and now there came one who brought him tidings of ill. "[167](../../167/ "tree and pragmatics") The Prince Malprime, your son, is slain," said the man; "also King Canaben, your brother, is slain."[168](../../168/ "tree and pragmatics") The Emir had well-nigh died of grief to hear such evil news; but he called to him one of his wisest counsellors. "[169](../../169/ "tree and pragmatics") Come near," said he; "you are loyal and wise, and I have ever followed your counsel.[170](../../170/ "tree and pragmatics") Tell me now, will the day go for the Arabs or for the men of France?" "[171](../../171/ "tree and pragmatics") Sire," the sage replied, "you are in evil case.[172](../../172/ "tree and pragmatics") As for your gods, look not to them for help.[173](../../173/ "tree and pragmatics") Call now your Turks and Arabs, and, above all, your Giants to the front.[174](../../174/ "tree and pragmatics") With them you may yet win the day."[175](../../175/ "tree and pragmatics") Then the Emir put his horn to his mouth and blew a call, loud and clear.[176](../../176/ "tree and pragmatics") The Turks and the Arabs and the Giants answered thereto.[177](../../177/ "tree and pragmatics") Mighty warriors they were, and fierce was the charge they made; so fierce that they brake the army of France in twain.[178](../../178/ "tree and pragmatics") But when Ogier the Dane saw what had befallen the King's army he said to him, "See you how the heathen are breaking our ranks and slaying our men.[179](../../179/ "tree and pragmatics") If you would bear your crown where it should be borne you must strike with all your might."[180](../../180/ "tree and pragmatics") Then the King rode forward, and with him the Duke Naymes, and Ogier the Dane, and Geoffrey Count of Anjou.[181](../../181/ "tree and pragmatics") All quitted themselves as good knights, but there was none who bore himself so bravely as Ogier the Dane.[182](../../182/ "tree and pragmatics") Many he slew, among them the heathen knight who carried the Emir's standard.[183](../../183/ "tree and pragmatics") Sore discouraged was the Emir when he saw his standard in the dust, but the heart of King Charles was high with hope. "[184](../../184/ "tree and pragmatics") Sons of France, will you help me?" he cried. "'[185](../../185/ "tree and pragmatics") Tis a wrong even to ask us," said they; "cursed be he who shall not strike with his whole heart!"[186](../../186/ "tree and pragmatics") And now, as the day drew to the evening, these two met in combat, King Charles and the Emir.[187](../../187/ "tree and pragmatics") Fierce was the encounter between them, and many and sore were the blows they dealt the one to the other.[188](../../188/ "tree and pragmatics") At last it chanced that the bands of each man's saddle was cleft through, so that they fell both to the ground.[189](../../189/ "tree and pragmatics") Quickly did they rise to their feet, and drawing their swords, closed fiercely in fight.[190](../../190/ "tree and pragmatics") It was, indeed, a battle to the death.[191](../../191/ "tree and pragmatics") First the Emir spoke, saying, "King Charles, you have slain my son; you have wrongfully invaded my land.[192](../../192/ "tree and pragmatics") Yet if you will pay me homage I will grant it to you to hold in fief." "[193](../../193/ "tree and pragmatics") That were a foul disgrace," King Charles made answer; "never will I grant to a heathen either peace or life.[194](../../194/ "tree and pragmatics") Become a Christian, and you shall have all that I have to give." "[195](../../195/ "tree and pragmatics") These are but idle words," answered the Emir; "I had sooner die."[196](../../196/ "tree and pragmatics") And as he spake he dealt King Charles a mighty blow upon the helmet.[197](../../197/ "tree and pragmatics") The sword brake the iron, and shore away a palm's breadth of the scalp.[198](../../198/ "tree and pragmatics") The King reeled in his place, and had well-nigh fallen to the ground.[199](../../199/ "tree and pragmatics") But God willed otherwise, for the angel that guarded him whispered in his ear, "Charles, what doest thou?"[200](../../200/ "tree and pragmatics") And when he heard the angel's voice he thought no more of danger or death.[201](../../201/ "tree and pragmatics") Gathering all his strength into one mighty blow, he severed the enemy's head in twain.[202](../../202/ "tree and pragmatics") Down to the chin he cleft it, and the Emir fell dead upon the plain.[203](../../203/ "tree and pragmatics") So soon as the heathen saw that their leader was slain they fled in hot haste, and the men of France pursued them even to the walls of Saragossa.[204](../../204/ "tree and pragmatics") There stood Queen Branimonde, with her priests about her, waiting and watching for news of the war.[205](../../205/ "tree and pragmatics") But when the Queen saw the multitude of them that fled she hastened to King Marsilas, and said to him, "O Sire, our people are vanquished, and the Emir is dead."[206](../../206/ "tree and pragmatics") When King Marsilas heard these words he turned him to the wall, and covered his face and wept.[207](../../207/ "tree and pragmatics") So great was his grief that his heart was broken in his breast, and he died.[208](../../208/ "tree and pragmatics") As for the town, none of the heathen had any thought of defending it.[209](../../209/ "tree and pragmatics") They suffered the gates to be broken down without any hindrance, and the Queen surrendered to King Charles all the towers, great and small.[210](../../210/ "tree and pragmatics") Of a truth, he works well who works with God.[211](../../211/ "tree and pragmatics") As soon as it was day King Charles bade his men break down all the things that the heathen counted holy.[212](../../212/ "tree and pragmatics") As for the people, they were brought to the water of baptism.[213](../../213/ "tree and pragmatics") Such as were not willing to be baptized into the faith, these the King caused to be hanged, or slain with the sword, or burnt with the fire.[214](../../214/ "tree and pragmatics") But the greater part readily obeyed the King's command, and were made good Christians, one hundred thousand of them at the least.[215](../../215/ "tree and pragmatics") After these things the King departed from Saragossa, leaving a thousand men to keep the town for him.[216](../../216/ "tree and pragmatics") He took Queen Branimonde with him; also he took the bodies of Roland and Oliver and of Turpin the Archbishop, and caused them to be honourably buried at Blois.[217](../../217/ "tree and pragmatics") When King Charles was come back to the fair town of Aachen, it was told him that a fair lady desired to see him.[218](../../218/ "tree and pragmatics") So he commanded that she should be brought before him.[219](../../219/ "tree and pragmatics") When she came back she was Alda the Fair.[220](../../220/ "tree and pragmatics") She said, "Tell me, O King, where is the Earl Roland?[221](../../221/ "tree and pragmatics") He is promised to be my husband."[222](../../222/ "tree and pragmatics") The King was greatly troubled to hear these words.[223](../../223/ "tree and pragmatics") He wept and tore his white beard. "[224](../../224/ "tree and pragmatics") My sister," he said, when he found his speech, "my dear sister.[225](../../225/ "tree and pragmatics") You ask me news of a dead man.[226](../../226/ "tree and pragmatics") But comfort yourself.[227](../../227/ "tree and pragmatics") Roland we shall see no more, but you shall have my son Lewis, he that is to be Warden of the Marches, in his place." "[228](../../228/ "tree and pragmatics") These are strange words," said Alda the Fair; "God and His blessed saints forbid that I should live now that my Roland is dead," and as she spake she grew deadly pale, and fell at the King's feet, and when they took her up, lo! she was dead.[229](../../229/ "tree and pragmatics") When the King saw this he called to him four countesses and bade them carry her to a nunnery that was hard by.[230](../../230/ "tree and pragmatics") All that night these noble ladies watched by her dead body; the day following she was buried by the altar with great honour.[231](../../231/ "tree and pragmatics") [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/36/) **2** - ← previous: [page 1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/36/) - next →: [Of the Punishment of Ganelon](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/37/) - ↑ back to [Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of France](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/)