CLXXX.

No baron is there now, no chevalier Who, in his pity, sheds not tears for sons, For brothers--nephews--friends--and for liege-lords. Many have fallen swooning on the earth, But Duke Naimes bore himself as valorous knight: He foremost said to Carle:--"Behold two leagues Away!--The roads are dark with clouds of dust. There swarm the Pagan tribes.... Ride on them now, Avenge this bitter woe."--"O God," said Carle, "Are they already flown so far?--our rights And honor shield! Those Pagans took from me The flower of my Sweet France!"--The King commands Gebuin, Otun, Tedbalt de Reins and Count Milun:--"Watch ye the field, the vales, the mounts; The slain, leave to their rest; see that no beast Nor lion, squire nor page approach. I charge You, let no man upon them lay his hand Until, with God's assistance, we return." They lovingly and with sweet tone reply: "Thus shall we do, just Emperor, dear sire!" Upon the field they keep one thousand knights. Aoi.