IX.

Blancandrin was the first to speak, and said Unto the king:--"Hail! in the name of God, The Glorious One we must adore! To you I bring this message from Marsile the brave: Well has he studied your Salvation's Law; And would upon you lavish his great wealth. Bears--lions--packs of hounds enchained he gives, Seven hundred camels also--fifty score Of molted falcons--mules, four hundred, packed With gold and silver--fifty carts to carry These gifts, and _bezants_[4] of the purest gold He also sends, which will your soldiers pay. Too long within our land you have remained; To France--to Aix he wills you straight return. There will he follow you: so says my lord." To God the Emperor uplifts his hands; Bends low his head and counsel takes in thought. Aoi.