LXIV.

The Emperor calls to Rollánd and says:-- "Fair sire, my nephew, truly you must know Half of my army will I leave with you; Keep them; in their good help your safety lies." Then said the Count:--"Of this will I do naught! May God confound me, ere my race I shame; But twenty thousand valiant knights I keep! Through the defiles you can in safety pass And fear no harm from man while yet I live." Aoi.