--- title: Of the Craft of Mawgis — Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of F… · full text with trees description: Of the Craft of Mawgis, «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: When King John of Gascony heard all the trouble that had befallen the brethren, on the one side, and the Empero --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/8/) [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 Craft of Mawgis # Of the Craft of Mawgis Of the Craft of Mawgis of «Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of France» by Alfred John Church: the whole text, 129 sentences and 2455 words. The small number after every sentence leads to its own page with its syntax tree and pragmatics, parsed by Mova itself. When King John of Gascony heard all the trouble that had befallen the brethren, on the one side, and the Emperor and his knights, on the other, he could not rest, so much did his conscience trouble him.[1](1/ "tree and pragmatics") So having bidden farewell to his sister Clare, Reynaud's wife, he sought a certain Abbey, and there took a monk's habit.[2](2/ "tree and pragmatics") But a certain man that was a spy was aware of the matter, and told it to Roland.[3](3/ "tree and pragmatics") Also he said that the brethren and Mawgis were journeying to Montalban.[4](4/ "tree and pragmatics") Then Roland, having first called Oliver, said, "We will go now and fight with the sons of Aymon, and we will take four thousand men only with us, so that we shall have no advantage over them, inasmuch as they have five thousand well horsed and well armed."[5](5/ "tree and pragmatics") Said Ogier the Dane, "I will go with you and see how you fare, and I promise that if you lay hands on them I will lend you a rope."[6](6/ "tree and pragmatics") Roland first came to the Abbey, and said to the Abbot. "[7](7/ "tree and pragmatics") You have here in a monk's habit a certain John, whom men call King of Gascony.[8](8/ "tree and pragmatics") Deliver him to me that I may hang him as a thief."[9](9/ "tree and pragmatics") And when the Abbot would not consent, Roland entered the cloister, and took King John by force, the man being known to him, and set him on a horse, with his face to the tail.[10](10/ "tree and pragmatics") The King said to a certain knight whom he knew, "Go now to Reynaud and say that I am in sore straits." "[11](11/ "tree and pragmatics") Sir," said the knight, "I doubt whether Reynaud will so much as stir a foot to help you."[12](12/ "tree and pragmatics") Nevertheless he consented to go.[13](13/ "tree and pragmatics") Now Reynaud had come by this time to the castle of Montalban.[14](14/ "tree and pragmatics") But when his wife the Lady Clare came forth to meet him, he would not suffer her to come near to him. "[15](15/ "tree and pragmatics") Go," he said, "to your false brother John."[16](16/ "tree and pragmatics") The children also, for he had two sons, he spurned away. "[17](17/ "tree and pragmatics") I will have none of this evil brood," said he.[18](18/ "tree and pragmatics") But when the Lady Clare swore by all the Saints that she had no knowledge of her brother's wickedness and fell in a swoon at his feet, and his brothers also made intercession for her, his heart was softened, and he consented to receive her again.[19](19/ "tree and pragmatics") As they sat at meat there came the knight from King John.[20](20/ "tree and pragmatics") He said, "King John is in sore straits.[21](21/ "tree and pragmatics") Roland has taken him prisoner, and is stedfastly purposed to hang him.[22](22/ "tree and pragmatics") The King knows that he has sinned grievously against you, nevertheless he prays that you will help him."[23](23/ "tree and pragmatics") Then cried Alard, "If Roland hang that traitor, he will do well."[24](24/ "tree and pragmatics") But Reynaud said nothing.[25](25/ "tree and pragmatics") When he had thought a long while he began to speak, telling all the story of his life, how he had himself done wrong to others, and how he had suffered many things, and was bound to show mercy rather than hardness. "[26](26/ "tree and pragmatics") King John," he said, "would have betrayed me, but he did it for fear of King Charles.[27](27/ "tree and pragmatics") It becomes me to help him in his need."[28](28/ "tree and pragmatics") To this the brethren consented, though not willingly.[29](29/ "tree and pragmatics") So they set forth, having six thousand men on horseback, and one thousand on foot, and before they had gone many hours' journey there came Roland and Oliver and Ogier the Dane, having King John with them, as has been said.[30](30/ "tree and pragmatics") When Ogier saw them, he greatly rejoiced. "[31](31/ "tree and pragmatics") If one had given me a thousand marks in gold," he said, "it had not pleased me so well as that Roland should meet the brethren and Mawgis and learn of what quality they are."[32](32/ "tree and pragmatics") To Roland he said, "See now what you have desired so long.[33](33/ "tree and pragmatics") If you take these men alive the King will give you great thanks therefor, and you will have Bayard for your own, and the war will be ended."[34](34/ "tree and pragmatics") Roland answered "Ogier, you say not this in kindness, but I will do my best."[35](35/ "tree and pragmatics") Reynaud, on the other part, when he saw Roland and his company, said to his brothers, "Stay you behind till you are wanted.[36](36/ "tree and pragmatics") I will make trial of this great Roland."[37](37/ "tree and pragmatics") And when they would have kept him back he said, "I know that he is the strongest knight in all the world.[38](38/ "tree and pragmatics") Nevertheless I will meet him, for mine is the right cause and his the wrong.[39](39/ "tree and pragmatics") Therefore I shall certainly prevail."[40](40/ "tree and pragmatics") When the two armies were now near, Oliver said to Roland, "these men are too many for us." "[41](41/ "tree and pragmatics") Not so," answered Roland, "the Gascons are but cowards." "[42](42/ "tree and pragmatics") Maybe," said Turpin the Archbishop, "but they have a good leader this day, and a valiant man has ever valiant men to follow him."[43](43/ "tree and pragmatics") Roland, liking this talk but little, rode forth to meet Reynaud.[44](44/ "tree and pragmatics") But Reynaud, when he was now at the distance to charge, lighted down off Bayard, and fixing his spear in the earth, tethered his horse, and running forward knelt before Roland and said to him, "I pray you to have pity on me, for you are of kin to me.[45](45/ "tree and pragmatics") I will give you Bayard my horse, that is the most precious thing I have, and my lordship of Montalban, if you can make the King to be at peace with us.[46](46/ "tree and pragmatics") Further, I promise that I will leave France for the rest of my days, and go to the Holy Land with my brothers and Mawgis, and there make war upon the Saracens."[47](47/ "tree and pragmatics") Roland was much troubled at these words, and said, "I would that it might be, but the King will not make peace except you deliver to him Mawgis." "[48](48/ "tree and pragmatics") Mawgis," said Reynaud, "is not one that a man can give or take.[49](49/ "tree and pragmatics") And now seeing that I have humbled myself in vain let us two settle this matter.[50](50/ "tree and pragmatics") There is no need that others should shed their blood, but we only.[51](51/ "tree and pragmatics") If you overcome me then shall you take me to the King, that he may do with me as he will; but if I, on the other hand, overcome, then will I take you to Montalban, but you shall suffer no harm or shame."[52](52/ "tree and pragmatics") To this Roland consented, but his friends would not suffer it to be so.[53](53/ "tree and pragmatics") So the two armies met together in battle, and many were slain on both sides, but in the end Reynaud and his men prevailed over Roland and his army.[54](54/ "tree and pragmatics") Nevertheless Reynaud suffered this great loss and damage, that his brother Richard, having assailed Roland, was overthrown and taken prisoner.[55](55/ "tree and pragmatics") When Reynaud heard these tidings he was greatly troubled, and would have given himself up to King Charles, if he might so deliver his brother.[56](56/ "tree and pragmatics") But this the others would not suffer.[57](57/ "tree and pragmatics") Then said Mawgis, "Trouble not yourselves about Richard, I will set him free.[58](58/ "tree and pragmatics") Do you go to Montalban."[59](59/ "tree and pragmatics") But they doubted how he should do this, and were in great heaviness.[60](60/ "tree and pragmatics") Meanwhile Mawgis disguised himself in such a fashion that no one could know him.[61](61/ "tree and pragmatics") By eating of a certain herb he made himself much bigger to see, and with another herb he darkened his face almost to blackness.[62](62/ "tree and pragmatics") Then he put on him the habit of a pilgrim, having a mantle and hood, and great boots on his feet, and a staff in his hand.[63](63/ "tree and pragmatics") This done, he conveyed himself with more speed than if he had ridden the swiftest of horses to the King's camp, for he was a magician, as has been said.[64](64/ "tree and pragmatics") This speed he used that he might be beforehand with Roland.[65](65/ "tree and pragmatics") When he was come to the Camp, he watched till the King came forth from his tent, and said to him, "God keep you, Sir, from all treason!"[66](66/ "tree and pragmatics") Now the King, having been deceived many times, said, "Who is this knave?[67](67/ "tree and pragmatics") Does he compass some treason?"[68](68/ "tree and pragmatics") For a while the false pilgrim made no answer.[69](69/ "tree and pragmatics") But then, as one that takes courage to speak, he said, "Sir, you may see that I am a poor man that has more need of health than of compassing treason.[70](70/ "tree and pragmatics") I am newly come from Jerusalem, where I worshipped at the Holy Sepulchre, and now I must go to Rome and to St. James of Compostella, but I am in great trouble.[71](71/ "tree and pragmatics") Yesterday, as I was passing over the river Gironde with ten men that I had to guard me, there fell upon me some thieves that slew all my men and took all that I had.[72](72/ "tree and pragmatics") These thieves told me that they were the four sons of Amyon, and one Mawgis, their cousin.[73](73/ "tree and pragmatics") And when I asked them why they dealt so hardly with me, they answered that they were in such sore need at their castle of Montalban that they could not choose but rob all wayfarers.[74](74/ "tree and pragmatics") Then they beat me and let me go.[75](75/ "tree and pragmatics") And now, Sire, I pray that you will avenge me of these robbers."[76](76/ "tree and pragmatics") The King answered, "Gladly would I avenge you if I might, but I can do nothing against these men."[77](77/ "tree and pragmatics") And the false pilgrim said, "If I cannot have help of man, yet surely I shall have it of God."[78](78/ "tree and pragmatics") The King said, "This seems to be a godly man."[79](79/ "tree and pragmatics") And he turned to his lords. "[80](80/ "tree and pragmatics") It would be a good deed to give this pilgrim alms."[81](81/ "tree and pragmatics") And he commanded his steward to give him twenty pounds in silver.[82](82/ "tree and pragmatics") When Mawgis received the money, he said to himself, "Surely you shall have a reward for this."[83](83/ "tree and pragmatics") But aloud he said, "I pray you, Sire, to give me some meat, for since yesterday I have neither eaten nor drunk."[84](84/ "tree and pragmatics") And the King commanded that he should be served with the very best.[85](85/ "tree and pragmatics") So Mawgis ate and drank; he said nothing, but looked very earnestly at the King.[86](86/ "tree and pragmatics") And Charlemagne said, "Tell me, pilgrim, why you look so earnestly upon me?"[87](87/ "tree and pragmatics") The false pilgrim answered, "Sire, I have travelled in many lands, but never saw I, whether among Saracens or Christian men, so godly and courteous a prince.[88](88/ "tree and pragmatics") Now, therefore, of all the pardons that I have I will give you half." "[89](89/ "tree and pragmatics") That," answered the King, "is a fair gift.[90](90/ "tree and pragmatics") I take it willingly."[91](91/ "tree and pragmatics") So the false pilgrim gave him his staff to kiss for a token.[92](92/ "tree and pragmatics") And now came Roland with Richard his prisoner.[93](93/ "tree and pragmatics") But before he had audience of the King, the Duke Naymes and other Barons said to him, "It will be ill done if you deliver Richard to the King.[94](94/ "tree and pragmatics") Let him depart in peace." "[95](95/ "tree and pragmatics") That," answered Roland, "I will do right willingly if I may."[96](96/ "tree and pragmatics") But a certain yeoman that was standing by heard the Barons and Roland talking together, and told the matter to the King.[97](97/ "tree and pragmatics") And he, coming forth from his tent, when he saw Richard, cried, "Villain, now that I have you, I will see that you are hanged by the neck," and he smote him with his staff.[98](98/ "tree and pragmatics") Then Richard leapt upon the King, for he had been unbound, and the two wrestled together and fell to the earth.[99](99/ "tree and pragmatics") But the Barons laid hands upon them and held them apart.[100](100/ "tree and pragmatics") When Mawgis saw how the King had smitten Richard, he had much ado to keep still.[101](101/ "tree and pragmatics") Nevertheless he restrained himself, making a sign to Richard, and when Richard knew him he was glad, being sure that he should be delivered by his means.[102](102/ "tree and pragmatics") After this Mawgis departed from the King's camp, and went with all speed to Montalban.[103](103/ "tree and pragmatics") Being come there, he said to the three brethren, "Richard is yet alive, but he is in great straits.[104](104/ "tree and pragmatics") Come and deliver him while there is yet time."[105](105/ "tree and pragmatics") Thereupon they all set out.[106](106/ "tree and pragmatics") But when they were come near to the camp, and had hidden themselves in a wood that was hard by, it so happened that for weariness they all fell into a deep sleep.[107](107/ "tree and pragmatics") And this thing came near to the undoing of Richard.[108](108/ "tree and pragmatics") Meanwhile the King called his Barons together.[109](109/ "tree and pragmatics") First he said to Berenger, Lord of Valois, "I will make you quit of all service to me if you will take this knave Richard and see that he is hanged."[110](110/ "tree and pragmatics") Berenger answered, "You love me little, my lord King, if you make such a demand of me.[111](111/ "tree and pragmatics") I will not do this thing."[112](112/ "tree and pragmatics") Then the King said to another of the Barons, "You hold Bavaria of me, and are bound to serve me with three thousand men.[113](113/ "tree and pragmatics") I will quit you of this service if you will hang this knave Richard." "[114](114/ "tree and pragmatics") I will not hurt the man," answered the Earl.[115](115/ "tree and pragmatics") Then he turned to Ogier the Dane and said, "Now, if you would prove me your love, hang this fellow." "[116](116/ "tree and pragmatics") Nay," answered Ogier, "I will not, and, moreover, I hold any man to be my enemy that shall harm Richard."[117](117/ "tree and pragmatics") At the last he said to Turpin the Archbishop, "Hang this Richard, and I will make you Pope of Rome." "[118](118/ "tree and pragmatics") Sire," answered Turpin, "to do so would be against my priest's duty."[119](119/ "tree and pragmatics") At last the King prevailed with a certain knight, Ripus by name, that he should do this deed.[120](120/ "tree and pragmatics") So this Ripus, having put a halter about Richard's neck, led him to the gallows which had been set up outside the wood.[121](121/ "tree and pragmatics") And when Richard would have given him gold he would have none of it.[122](122/ "tree and pragmatics") Only he suffered that a priest should shrive him, to whom indeed Richard confessed more sins than he had committed in his whole life, so gaining a little time, for he yet looked for help.[123](123/ "tree and pragmatics") And when the shriving was ended, then he begged for time wherein he might make his prayers, nor could Ripus say him nay.[124](124/ "tree and pragmatics") And now, when he was in the greatest need, did the good horse Bayard help him, for he, having such wit as never horse had before, seeing that Reynaud his master was fast asleep, smote with his hoof on his shield that he woke him, and he, looking up, the gallows being hard by the wood, saw Richard now beginning to mount the ladder that was set against the gallows.[125](125/ "tree and pragmatics") Then he leapt on Bayard's back, and made all haste to deliver Richard, Mawgis and Alard and Guichard following him with all the speed they could use.[126](126/ "tree and pragmatics") As for Ripus and his men, they could make no stand against the brothers and Mawgis.[127](127/ "tree and pragmatics") Many were slain, and the rest were right glad to fly.[128](128/ "tree and pragmatics") Then Reynaud took the bodies of Ripus and fifteen of his knights that lay dead upon the plain and hanged them on the gallows that had been set up for Richard.[129](129/ "tree and pragmatics") - ← previous: [Of the Treachery of King John](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/7/) - next →: [More Deeds of Mawgis](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/9/) - ↑ back to [Stories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of France](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg75339/)