CCLIX.

Hard strikes Carlemagne the king, hard strikes Duke Naimes, Ogier de Dannemark, Geffrei d'Anjou, Who bears the royal pennon. But o'er all Ogier de Dannemark puts forth his might; He pricks his courser, drops the rein and falls Upon the Pagan who the Dragon holds, So fiercely, that both Dragon and the King's Own flag is crushed before him on the spot. When Baligant beholds his gonfalon fall And Mahum's flag defenseless, in his heart Springs quick the thought, wrong may be on his side And right on Carle's. The Pagans [waver now]. The Emperor Carle around him calls his (Franks): "Barons, in God's name, do you stand by me?" Respond the French:--"To ask is an offense. Accurst be he who deals not glorious strokes!" Aoi.