XXXVII.

Then Ganelon strode nearer to the King And said:--"All idle is this wrath of yours. This is the message of King Carle of France; Hear his command:--"Receive the Christian law"-- One half of Spain he grants to you in fief, And to Rollánd, his nephew, he will give The other half. (A haughty partner he Will prove.) To this agreement should you not Consent, 'gainst Sarraguce his host will lay The siege; by force you will be tak'n and bound, And brought to Aix, the royal seat. Hope not To ride on palfrey, nor on steed, on mule Female or male;--on a vile beast of burden You shall be thrown, and doomed to have your head Struck off.--Behold the Brief our Emp'ror sends!" With his right hand he gives it to the King. Aoi.