--- title: Of the Punishment of Ganelon — Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of F… · full text with trees description: Of the Punishment 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: The King sent messengers to all parts of his dominions, bidding all the judges learned in the law come to --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/37/) [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 Punishment of Ganelon # Of the Punishment of Ganelon Of the Punishment of Ganelon of «Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of France» by Alfred John Church: the whole text, 80 sentences and 1219 words. The small number after every sentence leads to its own page with its syntax tree and pragmatics, parsed by Mova itself. The King sent messengers to all parts of his dominions, bidding all the judges learned in the law come to him at his palace at Aachen.[1](1/ "tree and pragmatics") So the judges came as he commanded, and were gathered together on the Feast of St. Silvester, which was the last day of December.[2](2/ "tree and pragmatics") When they were all assembled he bade the Serjeants fetch Ganelon out of his prison, and bring him before the judges.[3](3/ "tree and pragmatics") When they had done this, the King said, "My Lords, I would have you judge this man Ganelon.[4](4/ "tree and pragmatics") He came with me when I went with my army to the land of Spain; he has robbed me of twenty thousand men of France; he has robbed me of Roland my nephew, whom we shall see no more, and of Oliver the courteous knight, and of the Twelve Peers of France--and all this he has done for the sake of money."[5](5/ "tree and pragmatics") "It is true," said Ganelon; "may a curse fall on me if I deny it.[6](6/ "tree and pragmatics") But listen; Roland did me wrong in the matter of gold and silver.[7](7/ "tree and pragmatics") Therefore I sought to revenge myself upon him; and I compassed his death.[8](8/ "tree and pragmatics") That I confess; but I deny that I wrought any treason."[9](9/ "tree and pragmatics") So Ganelon spake, as he stood before the King.[10](10/ "tree and pragmatics") He was of a fair presence, and had been a noble knight if only he had been true of heart.[11](11/ "tree and pragmatics") Ganelon spake again, saying, "I beseech you, my lords, to hear my defence.[12](12/ "tree and pragmatics") When I was in the King's army I served him loyally and well.[13](13/ "tree and pragmatics") But my nephew Roland cherished in his heart a great hatred of me, and would have done me to death.[14](14/ "tree and pragmatics") Did he not bring it about that I was sent on an embassy to King Marsilas?[15](15/ "tree and pragmatics") If I escaped, it was of my own contriving.[16](16/ "tree and pragmatics") Thereupon I bade defiance to Roland and to Oliver and to all his company, as the King and all here present will bear witness.[17](17/ "tree and pragmatics") This was revenge, I confess, but I affirm it was not treason."[18](18/ "tree and pragmatics") Now there had come to the support of Ganelon thirty men of his kindred, of whom the chief was a certain Pinabel.[19](19/ "tree and pragmatics") A great orator was this Pinabel, when there was need of pleading a cause, and a good soldier also, when there was need of arms.[20](20/ "tree and pragmatics") To him said Ganelon, "I trust in you, and you only; you can deliver me from dishonour and death." "[21](21/ "tree and pragmatics") You shall have a champion," answered Pinabel; "the first man that shall pronounce against you the sentence of death, to him will I give the lie with the edge of this sword."[22](22/ "tree and pragmatics") Thereupon Ganelon fell at his feet and thanked him.[23](23/ "tree and pragmatics") A great company from many regions were gathered together to the King at Aachen; men from Saxony and from Bavaria, and from Poitou, Normans, and French, and Germans from beyond the Rhine.[24](24/ "tree and pragmatics") And of all none had more favour for Ganelon than the barons of Auvergne. "[25](25/ "tree and pragmatics") Let the matter rest where it is," said they. "[26](26/ "tree and pragmatics") We will beseech the King to show mercy to Ganelon.[27](27/ "tree and pragmatics") Roland is dead, and all the gold and silver in the world will not bring him back.[28](28/ "tree and pragmatics") As for fighting, it is sheer folly."[29](29/ "tree and pragmatics") To this all the barons agreed--all save one, Thierry, to wit, that was brother to Geoffrey of Anjou.[30](30/ "tree and pragmatics") Thereupon the barons of Auvergne went to the King and said, "Sire, we beseech you, to hold the Count quit of this charge.[31](31/ "tree and pragmatics") Henceforth he will serve you with all good faith and loyalty.[32](32/ "tree and pragmatics") Suffer him to live, for he is a nobleman.[33](33/ "tree and pragmatics") As for Roland, he is dead and neither gold nor silver will bring him back." "[34](34/ "tree and pragmatics") You are nothing but traitors, all of you!" cried the King in great anger.[35](35/ "tree and pragmatics") But when he saw how the barons favoured these words, he was greatly troubled.[36](36/ "tree and pragmatics") Thereupon Thierry, that was brother to Geoffrey of Anjou, stood before him, and said, "Trouble not yourself, my good lord.[37](37/ "tree and pragmatics") Beyond all doubt, this Ganelon is a traitor.[38](38/ "tree and pragmatics") Though Roland may have done him wrong, for your sake he should have suffered him to go unscathed.[39](39/ "tree and pragmatics") Therefore I pronounce sentence of death upon him, that he be hanged by the heels till he die, and that they throw his carcase to the dogs.[40](40/ "tree and pragmatics") This is the just punishment of traitors.[41](41/ "tree and pragmatics") And if any kinsman of his say me nay, then will I give him the lie with the edge of the sword."[42](42/ "tree and pragmatics") So spake the Count Thierry, and all the men of France cried with one voice, "It is well said."[43](43/ "tree and pragmatics") Pinabel, when he heard these words, came near to the King. "[44](44/ "tree and pragmatics") Sire," said he, "bid them cease from this clamour.[45](45/ "tree and pragmatics") The Count Thierry has given his judgment; I, for my part, say that he has lied.[46](46/ "tree and pragmatics") Let us put the matter to the trial of the sword." "[47](47/ "tree and pragmatics") So be it," answered the King; "but I must have hostages."[48](48/ "tree and pragmatics") Thereupon thirty kinsmen of the Count offered themselves.[49](49/ "tree and pragmatics") And the King, on his part offered hostages also.[50](50/ "tree and pragmatics") First the two champions made confession and received absolution.[51](51/ "tree and pragmatics") Also they gave great alms to the poor.[52](52/ "tree and pragmatics") After this they armed themselves for the battle.[53](53/ "tree and pragmatics") There is a great plain near to the city of Aachen; on this the two champions met to do battle, the one for the good name of Roland and his comrades, the other for Ganelon.[54](54/ "tree and pragmatics") First they charged with their spears in rest.[55](55/ "tree and pragmatics") So equally matched were they that neither gained any advantage in the encounter.[56](56/ "tree and pragmatics") The spurs of both were broken; the corslets of both were broken through, and the belts of the horses were so torn that the saddles turned in their place.[57](57/ "tree and pragmatics") So the two champions were unhorsed.[58](58/ "tree and pragmatics") Quickly did they leap to their feet, and fall to with their swords.[59](59/ "tree and pragmatics") Mighty blows did they both deal, and the men of France were in great fear.[60](60/ "tree and pragmatics") Then Pinabel cried aloud, "Take back your words, Count Thierry, I will be your friend and comrade, and divide my wealth with you, if only you will make Ganelon friends with the King." "[61](61/ "tree and pragmatics") Far be it from me!" answered Thierry. "[62](62/ "tree and pragmatics") Never will I do such a thing.[63](63/ "tree and pragmatics") God shall judge between us."[64](64/ "tree and pragmatics") After a while he spake again; "Pinabel, you are a true knight, strong, and of a noble presence, and all men know your courage.[65](65/ "tree and pragmatics") Have done with this battle.[66](66/ "tree and pragmatics") I will make peace between you and the King.[67](67/ "tree and pragmatics") As for Ganelon, let him have his deserts." "[68](68/ "tree and pragmatics") God forbid," answered Pinabel, "that I should desert my kinsman."[69](69/ "tree and pragmatics") So the champions turned again to the duel.[70](70/ "tree and pragmatics") First Pinabel struck a mighty blow, and wounded Thierry on the right cheek, coming near to slay him outright.[71](71/ "tree and pragmatics") But God preserved him, for was he not champion of the right\![72](72/ "tree and pragmatics") Then Thierry, in his turn, smote his adversary.[73](73/ "tree and pragmatics") On the helmet fell the blow, cleaving it in twain, and the skull beneath, so that the man's brain was scattered on the earth.[74](74/ "tree and pragmatics") Then came the punishment.[75](75/ "tree and pragmatics") The King asked, "What shall we do with those that pledged themselves for the traitor's innocence?" "[76](76/ "tree and pragmatics") Let them be hanged," answered the nobles.[77](77/ "tree and pragmatics") And this was done.[78](78/ "tree and pragmatics") As for Ganelon, they lashed his limbs to four horses, so that he was torn into four pieces.[79](79/ "tree and pragmatics") This was the end of the traitor.[80](80/ "tree and pragmatics") - ← previous: [How Charlemagne Sought Vengeance](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/36/) - next →: [How King Charles Sent Huon on an Errand](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/38/) - ↑ back to [Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of France](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/)