CLXXIX.

Now, seeing all will fail him, o'er Carle's eyes And features gloom descends; by grief o'erwhelmed He cries: "Unhappy that I am!" Then stood [Tierri], the brother of Geffrei, the Duke D'Anjou, before the King. Thin, light of frame, Hair raven-black, [face] somewhat brown of hue, In height nor tall nor short; with courtesy He spake thus to the Emp'ror: "Fair sire King, Be not cast down. That I have served you well Ere this, you know. 'Tis my ancestral right To sit among the judges of the plea. However guilty was Rollánd against Count Ganelon, his duty to the King Should have restrained his hate. A treason foul Ganelon wrought against Rollánd; forsworn In perjury tow'rd you, he lost himself. For all his crimes his death I here demand, Death by the cord; his body to the dogs Be thrown away--the perjurer's just doom. Should any of his kin deny the words I speak, this sword of mine girt to my side Will make them good."--All cry: "Well have you said." Aoi.