Lyf of the noble and Crysten prynce, Charles the Grete / translated from the French by William Caxton and printed by him 1485 ; edited from the unique copy in the British Museum by Sidney J.H. Herrtage

¶ Here begynneth the ij book of thys present werke, whyche conteyneth thre partyes by chapytres folowyng' declared'.

[col. 2]

¶ The fyrst partye of the second book conteyneth xvj chapytres and' speketh of the batayll doon by Olyuer & Fyerabras a meruayllous geaunte.

¶ How in a place which was called' mormyonde charles abode folowyng' the warre ayenst the paynems, after a lytel prologue.
¶ The fyrst chapytre.

I Haue spoken tofore in the fyrst book superfycyally of the first kyng of fraunce baptysed̛, in descendyng̛ after my purpoos vnto Kynge charles of whome may not wel be recounted the valyaunce of hym and̛ of hys barons, whych were named & called pyeres of fraunce. Of whome & of their behauyng̛ I sℏal make mencion after that I sℏal mowe conceyue by trouthe, ["after that I sℏal mowe, &c.:" Fr. selon que ien pourray concepuoir.] but thys that I haue tofore wryton I haue taken it oute of an autentyke book named "myrrour hystoryal" and̛ in auncyent cronycles, And̛ haue onelye translated̛ them oute of latyn in to frensshe. And̛ the mater folowyng whyche sℏal be the second book is of a Romaunce maad̛ of thauncyent facyon wythoute grete ordynaunce in frensshe wherof I haue been encyted̛ for to reduce in prose by chapytres ordeyned. which book after somme [sign. B viij] and̛ moost comunely is called̛ "Fyerabras," by cause that thys Fyerabras was so meruayllous a geaunte as I sℏal make mencyon whyche was vanquysshed

by Olyuer, And̛ at the laste baptysed̛ & was after a saynt in heuen. And̛ in effect it speketh of that bataylle and of the relyques conquered̛ whiche had ben taken of rome ["of rome:" orig. a rome.] and were in the puyssaunce of the admyrall whyche was fader of fyerabras. wherfore in thys book folowyng I ne entende but onely to reduce thauncyent ryme in to prose & to deuyde the mater by chapytres in the best ordynaunce that I sℏal conne, wythoute to adiouste [ "adiouste:" add. Fr. adioindre. On the word adjust, as representing the two Latin forms adjuxtare and adjustare, see Dr. Murray's paper in the Philological Society's Transactions, 1880.] ony thynge that I haue not founde in the book competent, [ "I haue not founde in the book competent:" this, unintelligible in itself, is explained by the original French, which reads, ou liure competent, the last word meaning containing.] & in lyke wyse as I sℏal fynde I sℏal reduce. And̛ thys book is applyed̛ to thonour of Olyuer one partye, Not-wythstondyng that there ben many other maters. For I suppose that of eueriche of the barons pryncypal of themperour Charles whyche ben sayd̛ comynly in nombre xij or xiij, and̛ pyeres of Fraunce, whyche were capytaynes of thexcercyte and̛ moche stronge and̛ valyaunte of theyr persones, & were grete lordes and̛ noble. But of the lordes valyaunte capytaynes were more than xiij after that I fynde. [See the different lists of the douzeperes, as given in the various romances in my note to Sir Ferumbras, l. 259, where the list given as that found in the Sowdane of Babyloyne should be read as that of the original French version in the Grenville copy, 10531. The names given in the Sowdone will be found in Dr. Hausknecht's Introduction to his edition of that romance, p. xxvii. For the names in Roland and Otuel, see my edition, note to l. 688.] Fyrst there was rolland, Erle of Cenonia, sone of myllon [col. 2] erle and̛ of dame berthe propre syster of kyng̛ Charles: After hym was Olyuer Erle, sone of Reyner of gennes, which Reyner was also at thexcersyte of kyng̛ charles: After hym Rychard̛ of Normandye, Garyn duck of Lorayn, Geffroy lord̛ of bourdeloys, Hoel Erle of Nauntes, Ogyer the danois, kyng of denmarke, Lamberd̛ prynce of bruxellys, Naymes Duk of bauyer, Thiery duc of ardanne, Basyn of beneuoys, Guy of bourgoyne, Caudeboy kyng̛ of Fryse, Ganellon whych dyd the treson at the ende of the iij book at rouncyuale, Sampson duk of bourgoyne: Also there was Ryol du mauns, Alory, & guyllermet the scot and̛ many other that were subgettes to Charles. And̛ notwythstondyng̛ that they were not alwaye with hym They that I haue tofore named̛ were alwaye redy for to

doo his commaundement. And the moost parte of them that I haue tofore named̛ were wyth hym contynuelly.

¶ Of Fyerabras how he came to excyte thexcersyte of Charles: capitulo ij

The admyral of spayne named ballan, a paynym moche grete & puyssaunt of body and̛ of peple, had̛ a sone [sign. B viij, back] named̛ Fyerabras the moost meruayllous geaunt that euer was seen borne of moder, for of the gretenes & hugenes of hys body and̛ also of his strengthe to hym was none like. the whyche was kyng̛ of Alexandrye & helde vnder hym the contree of babylone vnto the rede see, and̛ he was lord̛ of roussye, & of coulloygne, & more ouer vnder hym was Iherusalem, & reteyned the holy sepulcre of our lord̛ Ihesu Cryst: & by hys grete puyssaunce entred̛ on a tyme in to Rome where he dyd̛ moche euyl & bare awaye the holy crowne of our lord̛ & the holy naylles & other relyques ynoughe, Of whome thys book shal in thende recounte how they were recouerd̛. And̛ he was called̛ Fyerabras of alexandrye, whyche after that many warres & bataylles were maad̛ in Mormyonde bytwene the paynyms and̛ thexcersyte of Charles Thys fyerabras moche dyssolute came rydyng by grete furour for to fynde somme cristen man for to fyght ayenst hym; & came vnto the lyces of Kynge Charles moche furyous and eschauffed̛ as he shold̛ fyght al armed̛ and̛ wel fournysshed of wepen, & was ryght euyl contente that he fonde no persone to whome he myght fyght, & nygh vnto the lyces he went to beholde the armes of them-perour charles [col. 2] whyche were of the aygle sℏynyng̛, [Compare Sir Ferumbras, l. 78.] And̛ he sware by Mahommet his god̛ & by his myȝt that he wold̛ neuer departe tyll he had̛ foughten & made batayll to somme crysten man. And̛ he seeyng

that no man cam to hym began to crye with an hye voys: "O kyng of Parys, coward withoute hardynesse, sende to Iuste ayenst me somme of thy barons of fraunce the moost stronge & the moste hardy, as Rolland, olyuer, Thyerry, or ogyer the danoys; & swere to the by my god Mahon that I sℏal not refuse vnto the nombre of vj or vij that they sℏal be receyued̛ of me. and yf thou make to me reffuse of thys that I of the demaunde I promyse the that tofore or it be nyȝt thou sℏalt of me be assaylled̛ & dyscomfyted̛ & I sℏal smyte of thy heed as meschaunt withoute ony fayllyng̛; and after I sℏal lede with me Rolland̛ & Olyuer vnhappy, meschaunt, & caytyfs. For oultragyously & folyly as euyl and̛ olde ["as euyl and̛ olde:" Fr. comme mauvais viellat.] thou hast enprysed̛ to come in to thys contreye wherfro thou sℏalt haue cause hastely to departe." These wordes or semblable spoken Fyerabras wente hym vnto the sℏadowe of a tree and laye there & dysarmed hym of the armes of whyche he was cladde, and̛ bonde his hors vnto a tree. and whan he was thus at his ease he began to crye [sign. C j] with an hye voys: "o charlemayn, kyng̛ of Parys, where art thou now whome I haue thys day so ofte called̛? wythoute more lenger delaye sende to Iuste ayenst me rolland or Olyuer, of whom thou makest so grete counte and been so valyaunte, or ogyer the danoys whom I haue herde preysed̛. And yf perauenture one of them dare not come allone hardyly late come the two or thre or foure of the moost valyauntest and that they be courageous hardy and̛ wel armed. And̛ yf the four dare not come late come fyue, For vnto the nombre of vj of the moost valyauntest of thyn excersyte I sℏal not refuse. And̛ I thynke not to retorne tyl they be confused̛ and̛ destroyed̛ by me. for be ye sure that it shal neuer be to me reproche that I be fugytyf ["that I be fugytyf:" Fr. ie soie fugi.] for ony frensshe man lyuyng̛. I haue here tofore put to deth by the valyaunce of my persone ten

kynges of grete puyssaunce, and̛ that they coude not resyste ageynst my strengthe in no wyse.

¶ How Richard' of Normandye sayd' to Charles what maner man Fyerabras was: ca. iij

Assone as fyerabras had̛ fynysshed̛ hys wordes the Emperour Charles whyche [col. 2] wel had̛ herde hym meruaylled̛ moche of hys langage, And̛ demaunded̛ Rychard̛ of Normandye what was that Turke that so had cryed̛ wyth soo hye a voys vpon the valyaunce of hys persone. For kyng Charles sayd̛: "I haue wel herkened what he hath said that he sℏal not fayle to fyght ayenst vj of the moost valyauntest of myn excersyte." To whome Rychard̛ Duke of normandye ansuerd: "Syr kyng, thys is a man meruayllous ryche and̛ one of the strengest borne of moder: And̛ he is a sarasyn of so grete fyerste that he ne preyseth kyng ne erle ne none other persone of the world̛."

¶ Whan Charles vnderstood̛ hym he began to clawe his heed̛, And sware by Saynt Denys of fraunce that he sℏold̛ not ete ne neuer drynke tyl one of the pyeres of fraunce sℏold̛ goo Iuste ageynst hym, And̛ demaunded̛ of Rychard of Normandye how thys Paynym was named̛. ¶ Rychard̛ answerd̛: "syr Emperour, this paynym nameth hym self Fyerabras, which is moche to redoubte and hath done moche harme to [Ed. or.] crysten men. He hath slayn the Pope, hanged̛ abbottes, monkes, and̛ nonnes, and̛ hath deffuled̛ chyrches [These exploits are related in the Sowdone of Babytone, pp. 4 et seq.] . ¶ And he hath robbed & taken awaye the holy crowne of our lord and̛ many other relyques [sign. C j, back] for whome ye take grete payne. And̛ he holdeth Iherusalem in grete subjectyon And̛ the holy sepulcre wherin god̛ was buryed̛." Wherupon Charles ansuerd: "of thys that thou hast sayd̛ to me I

am more angry than I was, but knowe thou for certayn I sℏalle neuer haue Ioye tyll that my desyre be accomplysshed̛ and that he be vaynquysshed̛." And̛ of that fayt al the frensshe men were commoeued̛ and̛ troubled And̛ ther was not one that presented̛ hym for to goo to hym. And̛ whan charles sawe that noo persone was of courage for to goo and̛ fyght agenst thys geaunt Fyerabras He sayd̛ to Rolland̛: "My dere neuewe, I praye that thou dyspose the for tassaylle thys turke & that thou doo there thy deuoyr."

¶ Of the answer of Roulland to the Emperour sodeynlye and' what it was: capitulo iiij

Whan themperour Charles had spoken thus curtoysly vnto his neuewe Rolland̛, Folyly & wythoute reason Rolland̛ answerd̛ hym thus: "Fayr vncle, speke neuer to me therof, For I had̛ leuer that ye were confused̛ and̛ dysmembred̛ than I shold take armes [col. 2] or hors for to Iuste lyke as ye say. For on the last day that we were so nyghe taken of the paynyms, that is to say of moo than fyfty thousand̛, we yonge knyghtes bare the burthen and suffred̛ many mortal strokes, of whych olyuer my felowe is quasi hurt vnto the deth. ["quasi hurt, &c.:" hurt almost to the death.] For yf ye had̛ not be socoured̛ of vs the hole destructyon had̛ been of vs and thende: & whan we repayred and were in our lodgys for to take reste at euen, whan ye were wel dronken ye maad̛ auaunte openlye that the olde and̛ auncyent knyghtes whyche ye had̛ brouȝt wyth you for to ayde vs had̛ moche better borne them in the fayt of armes and had more stronge bataylle than the yonge knyghtes. ¶ And euery man knoweth wel how I was that euenyng̛ assembled̛ and̛ wery of trauaylle that I took in that day. And̛ by my faders soule that was euyll sayd̛ of you. ¶ And̛ now it sℏal be knowen how the olde & auncyent knyghtes sℏal

bere them, for by god whyche ought to haue al in his subjectyon there is noo yonge man in my companye that euer sℏal be in my fauour and̛ loue yf he take vpon hym to Iuste ageynst the Paynym." Also sone as Roulland̛ had̛ spoken that worde Themperour hys vncle hauyng moche Indignacion therat [sign. C ij] smote hym thwarte the vysage wyth hys ryght gauntelet [Ed. ganntetet.] that hys nose breste a blood̛ habundauntly of the stroke. Thenne Roulland̛ in a grete furye sette honde on hys swerde whan he sawe hys blood̛, and̛ had̛ smeton hys vncle yf he had̛ not be lette by them that were presente. And̛ whan Charles sawe thentencyon of Roulland̛ he was meruayllously abasshed̛ & sayd̛: "O god̛ of heuen, who wold haue thought that I sℏold̛ haue had̛ vylonye of Rolland̛ my neuew whyche been knytte to-gyder in one fayth ayenst our aduersaryes? And̛ he cometh rennyng̛ agenst me wyth affectyon mortal—He that is moost nexte of my blood̛ and lignage that here is present, And̛ that more sonner sℏold̛ socoure me than ony other! ¶ Now I beseche God̛ that on the crosse suffred̛ passyon that this day he be punysshed as he is worthy." And̛ this said in a grete furour he comaunded̛ the frensshe men & sayd̛ to them anone: "take ye hym, for I sℏall neuer ete tyl he be delyuerd̛ to deth." Whan the frensshe men vnderstood̛ the commaundement of Charles for to haue accomplyssℏed̛ it that one loked̛ vpon that other for to see who wold̛ sette fyrst honde vpon hym. And whan Roulland̛ sawe the fayt he withdrewe hym a litel a-parte [col. 2] wyth hys swerde in hys honde, cryeng̛ with an hyghe voys and sayeng̛ to theym: "yf ye be wyse holde you stylle, For I make a-vowe to god̛ that yf ony of you moeue to come to me I sℏal make of hys heed̛ two partes." wherfore there was not one that durst ne that was soo hardy to meue ageynst hym in malyce but were ryght sory & euyll contente of theyr debate. and there

vpon the noble Ogier came swetelye to Roulland̛ and̛ sayd̛ to hym: "Syr Roulland̛, me semeth ye doo not wel for to angre thus your vncle the emperour, whom by reason ye ought aboue alle other to loue and̛ defende & also supporte." Roulland̛ answerd̛, whyche thenne was refrayned̛ of hys Ire: "Syr Ogyer, I promyse you for a lytel fayt I was determyned̛ to a grete oultrage wythoute aduys and̛ enclyned, wherof now I am sory and me repenteth."

¶ How the kyng charles and' Roulland' been repreued' by the auctour and' somwhat excused' vpon the debate aforesayd': ca. v

Vpon the debate of themperour and̛ Rolland̛ hys neuewe I wyll a lytyl tarye, and̛ speke fyrst to [sign. C ij, back] the kyng̛ Charles, whyche haste be Instructe syth thyn Infancye in alle scyences ful of maners digne of commemoracyon: whiche knewest the constaunce of the auncyents and̛ the mutabylyte of the yonge peple. why saydest thou on the euene that the auncyent and̛ olde knyghtes in the warre of that day had̛ borne them better than the yonge knyȝtes? And̛ thou knewest wele that Olyuer was gretely hurte by hys valyaunce, in suche wyse that he kepeth hys bedde. And̛ also Rolland̛ thy neuewe had̛ borne the grete burthen of the bataylle. And̛ yf he had̛ spoken folily thou oughtest to haue supported̛ hys fyrst moeuyng̛ whiche is not in the puyssaunce of a man. yf thou haddest taken aduys at the word̛ that sayth: "Vindictam differ donec pertranseat furor: That is to say thou oughtest to dylate thy vengeaunce tyll the furour be passed̛, Thou sholdest not haue smyton Rolland̛, Sythe whan he sayd̛ euyl it was wythout aduys of grete dycrescyon. thou smotest hym semblably, wythout aduys he drewe hys swerde

ayenst the, And̛ though thou haddest not smeton hym thou myghtest well haue reprehended hym of his offence. Thou oughtest to remembre ecclesyastes whyche sayth: "Nichil agas in operibus iniurie:" whan [col. 2] a man receyueth wronge & Iniurye it is not good̛ that he doo that whyche he may doo. And̛ also it is whan a persone hath wel doon hys deuoyr, And̛ of hym of whome he ought to haue hys thanke and̛ preysyng̛ is blamed̛, of soo moche the more is he euyll contente and̛ wrothe. For hys fayt is reputed̛ for nought. In lyke wyse was it of Rolland̛ whyche thought more to haue be alowed̛ & preysed̛ for the grete deuoyr that he dyd̛ than to here that the Emperour sayd̛ that tholde knyghtes had̛ doon better than the yonge. but now I wyl retorne to the, O Rolland̛, whiche hast been so noble. Fro whens cometh in the suche audacyte to speke ageynst thyn vncle whyche hath allwaye doon so wel to the that hys werkes been worthy to be remembred̛? To hym wℏich is emperour Kynge of Fraunce and̛ lord̛ of so grete cremeur ["cremeur:" in the original the same. ] , and to thyn vncle as ["as," read hast: Fr. qui as.] taken debate and ansuerd̛ outrageously was it not reason that thou oughtest to suffre hym, and̛ he not the? yf he smote the wyth hys gauntelet by maner of correctyon oughtest thou to drawe thy swerde to hym? Thou hast not in rememberaunce the obeyssaunce of ysaac whyche he had̛ to hys fader: thou were not aduysed̛ of thys that thappostle saith: "ye yonge men [sign. C iij] kepe your courage And̛ put not the furour therof in exersite." yf the Emperour for hys dysporte preysed̛ thauncyent knyghtes yet sayd̛ he not that thou haddest not doon wel. ¶ And̛ Saynt Poule sayth in hys epystle, that a man shold not repreue hym that is more auncyent than hym self, but a man ought to entretene and̛ supporte hym as his fader. but the dede is suche that a persone reputeth not an Iniurye to hym sayd̛ to be lytel ne yf he be hurte that he be pacyent:

wherfore it is good̛ to thynke tofore or he speke it, And̛ gladly to doo ne say thynge but yf it be good̛.

¶ How Olyuer was dysposed to fyght agenst Fyerabras, notwythstondyng that he was hurt, after many wordes: capitulo vj

Moche wroth was Charles wyth Rolland̛ hys neuewe And̛ sayd̛ to hys Peres of Fraunce: "Lordes, O how I am in dyuers thoughtes of my neuewe Rolland̛, whyche wold̛ haue Iniuryed̛ my persone, To whome I had̛ more affyaunce than to ony man lyuyng̛! I wote neuer whome I ought to loue, ne whome I ought to hate. And̛ yet furthermore [col. 2] I haue noo man now present for to Iuste ageynst thys Paynym that hath chalenged̛ me." ¶ Thenne aroos vp tofore hym Naymes the Duc of bauyers whych sayd to the kyng: "Syr Emperour, I praye you & requyre that ye leue these wordes noyouses. Alle sℏal be wel And̛ another shal goo Iuste ageynst the sarasyn." But neuertheles the kyng̛ was in grete thougℏt, For there was none that wold̛ goo ne take it on hym. ¶ Incontynente the tydynges of the debate of charles and̛ Rolland̛ were brought to Olyuer, whyche was in another place seek in hys bedde. And̛ also how Fyerabras was comen And̛ that there was no persone present wyth the kynge for to Iuste ayenst hym. And̛ hereupon the noble erle Olyuer, replenyssℏed̛ wyth a noble courage and wyth an ardaunt desyre for to playse the kynge, whan he had̛ herde these tydynges aroos oute of hys bedde and̛ began for to scratche and̛ strayne hys armes and̛ to fele yf it were possyble to hym to bere armes.

And̛ he thus dooyng̛ his woundes began newely to opene that the blood̛ sprange oute of the dystresse. ¶ And̛ not wythstondyng̛ alle that as he that sette not moche therby

For the grete loue and̛ desyre [sign. C iij, back] that he had̛ to the kyng̛ he dyd̛ do bynde hys woundes the beste wyse he myght and after sayd̛ to garin his squyer that he shold brynge hym hys armes, For he wold arme hym for to goo Iust ayenst the saresyn. To whome garyn sayd̛: "syr Olyuer, in thonour of god̛ take pyte of your owne persone. For me thynketh ye wil willynggly slee your self." Olyuer sayd̛ to hym: "do my commaundement no man ought to tarye to seche hys honour and̛ auauncement and̛ renommee. And̛ wyth good̛ ryght I may employe my self for to serue my prynce and̛ synguler lord̛, and sythe that I see that noo frensshe man auaunceth hym I sℏall not faylle at the poynte, for the comyn prouerbe sayth: 'At nede a man knoweth hys frende.' ["At nede a man knoweth hys frende." See the Gesta Romanorum, p. 131.] Now anone brynge to me myn armes wythoute more taryeng̛." And̛ so Olyuer dyd̛ doo arme hym by the sayd̛ Garyn hys squyer, whiche sette on his legge harnays, hys hawberke, hys helme, and̛ hys harnays necessarye. And̛ whan he was alle furnysshed̛ he took hys swerde named̛ hauteclere, the whyche swerde he moche loued̛. [See note to Sir Ferumbras, l. 988.]

After brought he hym hys hors the moost specyall that he loued̛ whyche was named̛ Ferraunt despaygne. And̛ whan he was brought tofore hym alle sadled̛ [col. 2] and̛ brydled The Ioly and gentyl Olyuer sprange in to the sadle wythoute settynge foot in the styrop, and̛ sette hys sℏelde at hys ease and̛ in hys honde a myghty spere & sℏarpe whych garyn took to hym ["took to hym." The original adds, qui estoit estachie a dix riches cloux de fin or.] . And̛ after smote the hors wyth the sporres so harde that in the leepyng̛ he maad̛ hys hors to bowe vnder hym. It was a good̛ syght to see Olyuer on horsback wyth a moche fyers countenaunce. And they that were presente bysought Ihesu Cryst our redemar that he sℏold̛ take hym in hys kepyng. For in that day he sℏold̛ fyght ageynst the moost stronge and̛ moost fyers paynym that euer

was born of moder or euer was in thys world̛, That is Fyerabras of Alexandrye, sone of the admyral Ballant of spayne, of whome we sℏalle see by the playsyr of god̛ the termynacyon after. ¶ He beyng̛ thus on horsback in grete poynt vpon hys vysage and vpon his body he maad̛ the sygne of the crosse in the name of Ihesus and̛ commaunded̛ hym self to the wylle of god̛, whyche that day sℏold̛ be to hym in comforte and̛ ayde after hys good̛ entencyon. And̛ of euery man he was byseen and̛ knowen that he had̛ hys hert hole in hys body for to do grete feat of armes: & so rode forth vnto the lyces of [sign. C iiij] themperour Charles with whom was the Duc naymes, guyllam de scot, Gerard̛ de mondydyer, and̛ Ogyer the danoys, wyth other barons of fraunce [Ed. Freunce.] : & emonge alle other there was Rolland̛ moche sorouful of the wordes that he had̛ ayenst his vncle the kyng, for gladly he wold haue doo the bataylle yf he had not wythsayed̛ it tofore the kyng̛ whan he was requyred̛. Thus Olyuer beyng̛ seen tofore Charles was moche alowed̛ & preysed̛ of one and̛ other & moche affectuously byholden. And the said̛ olyuer put doun his helme and̛ byhelde the lodgyce ["lodgyce:" Fr. logis] of the kyng̛, And̛ reuerently came & salewed̛ hym, and̛ after sayd to hym: "Noble emperour, puyssaunt, redoubted, and my synguler lord, I beseche you to here me ye know wel that there ben iij yeres past that I haue been in your seruyce and haue had of you no rewarde ne wages. I you supplye with al myn herte that now ye wyll rewarde me wyth a yefte that I sℏal desyre." To whom the kyng ansuerd̛: "Olyuer, noble erle, I assure to you by my fayth that I sℏal do it wyth a good̛ wylle. And̛ assone as we shall be in fraunce there is neyther cyte, borugh, ne castel that ye wyl haue ne none other thyng̛ that to me is possyble & faysyble that sℏal be denyed to you." "Syr kyng," said [col. 2] Olyuer, "I am not comen

to you for to demaunde suche thynge. But I demaunde and̛ requyre of you the bataylle ayenste the paynym so oute of mesure. ["oute of mesure:" so outrageous in his conduct and language. "At thys houre, &c.:" Fr. de cette heure ie vous ottroie.] And at thys houre I graunte to you alle my goodes and̛ seruyces & for this yefte to be quyte of them." whan the frensshe men had̛ herde Olyuer they were all abasshed̛ of hys prowesse & eche of them loked on other and said emonge them: "A! saynt marie, what hath Olyuer founden, whyche is hurt quasi to deth & wyl now goo to fyght and̛ bataylle?" "O Olyuer," answerd̛ charles, "thou hast loste thy wytte, For thou knowest wel that wyth a spere heed̛ square and̛ sℏarpe thou hast be hurte and̛ wounded̛ mortally and̛ now thou wylt abandonne thy self to a gretter daunger mortall. beware! Retorne, and̛ take thy reste. For truste well that for noo thynge I sℏal suffre the to do that fayte sythen that thou arte not presently in helthe of thy body." Vpon thys poynte aroos ganellon and̛ Andrewe ["Andrewe:" Fr. Andrieu, does not appear again in the present or any other account of the treason at Roncesvalles, so far as I am aware.] the traytres that dyd̛ the trayson as the laste book shall make mencyon.

¶ And̛ Ganellon sayd̛: "Syr Kyng̛, ye haue ordeygned̛ in Fraunce that it, whyche by ij of vs is Iuged̛, ought to be holden, and̛ so is it that we ij Iuge & ordeyne that Olyuer sℏalle goo and̛ doo [sign. C iiij, back] the bataylle." [Compare the corresponding passages in Sir Ferumbras, ll. 310 et seq., and the notes.] wherfore the kyng̛ ful of maltalente, wyth coloure chaunged̛, answerd̛: "Ganellon, thou arte of euyll dysposycyon wythoute spekyng that whyche is honourable. Sythe it so is he sℏal doo the bataylle & it may none otherwyse be but that he be dede. But I swere to the my trouth that yf he be taken or put to deth al the gold of the world sℏal not saue the but that thou sℏalt dye a vylaynous deth & I shal destroye thy lygnage." "Syr Emperour," sayd̛ Ganellon, "god̛ and̛ our lady kepe me;" & after the traytre sayd̛ to hym self secretly [ "secretly:" Fr. comme entre ses dens. Cf. Sir Ferumbras, 322.] : "God̛ forbede that euer Olyuer retorne but that he haue hys heed̛ smyton of." and̛ whan themperour sawe that

he myght not gaynsaye but that olyuer sℏold̛ goo and̛ doo the bataylle ayenst Fyerabras he sayd: "I praye god̛ of the fyrmamente gyue the grace to do wel & that thou mayst retorne wyth Ioye," And̛ took hys ryght gloue and threwe it to Olyuer, the which he receyued̛ wyth grete desyre & wylle in thankyng̛ hym ryght humbly and̛ takyng leue of al moche swetely.

¶ How Olyuer was requyred' by his fader reyner that he shold not fyght wyth the geaunt, but for al that he went forth: ca. vij

[col. 2]

Whan that Olyuer was lycenced̛ for to goo do hys bataylle and̛ was redy to departe, Reyner of genes hys fader came to the kyng and by grete compassyon kneled doun at hys feet and̛ sayd: "Syr kyng, I crye you mercy haue pyte of my sone and̛ me. I say as for me ye wyl al dyscomforte me whan I see that my sone gooth to perdycyon seeyng the daunger that hys persone is in. I say also that ye take pyte of his presumptuous yongthe, of hys desyre ouer couetous, and̛ of hys body wounded̛ daungerously. ye knowe wel that a man that is hurte so sore and̛ that hath loste of hys blood̛ may not wel endure bataylle." But Reyner loste hys payne, For the kyng had gyuen to hym hys gloue in sygne of lycence, ["the kyng had gyuen to hym hys gloue in sygne of lycence." The usual mode of giving permission to undertake a duel: compare Roland and Otuel, l. 1366, and the Song of Roland, l. 482, and notes.] And̛ not-wythstondyng̛ these wordes doubted̛ no thyng̛ but that he sℏold̛ wel do hys deuoyr and̛ valyauntly. And yet ageyn reyner requyred the kyng and sayd: "Syr kyng, in thonour of hym that for vs deyed̛ on the crosse suffre not my sone to Iust. Alas! whan I shal haue lost my sone where sℏal I become? ["where shal I become:" what will become of me? See Prof. Skeat's note to P. Plowman, B. v. 651.] and ye may wel fynde other for to take thys bataylle in honde." Themperour Charles answerd̛: "Reyner, ye knowe wel that

I may not gaynsaye that I haue to hym graunted̛. For in sygne of lycence [sign. C v] I haue gyuen hym my gloue, wherof Olyuer was contente." & thenne Olyuer sayd̛ wyth an hye voys tofore alle the people: "Syr kyng̛, and̛ alle ye barons, I beseche you alle of a yefte, that is that I requyre you yf I haue mesprysed or mysdoon in dede or in worde ony ayenst you that in the name of god̛ ye pardonne me." whan the frenssh men herde hym so speke There was none but that he wepte ten-derly, and̛ soo takyng̛ hys leue wyth his standard̛ reysed̛ The kyng̛ blessyd hym in makyng the sygne of the crosse, And̛ wepyng comaunded hym in the kepyng of the fader of the sone & of the holy ghoost.

¶ How Olyuer spake to Fyerabras, whyche sette noo thynge by hym, with other disputacions: capitulo viij

Olyuer departed̛ & rode forth on hys waye & taryed̛ not tyl that he cam where as fyerabras was, which was al vnarmed̛ and̛ laye in the sℏadowe. and̛ whan Olyuer had̛ aresonned̛ hym The paynym torned̛ his heed ayenst hym and̛ dayned̛ vnnethe to loke on hym. For he setted̛ nought by hym ["he setted nought by hym:" took no thought or heed of him.] by-cause he was so lytel of stature to the regarde of Fyerabras. And̛ thenne Olyuer said to the sarasyn: "Awake, thou, [col. 2] thou hast thys day so ofte called̛ vs that I am come hyther. And̛ I praye the that thou telle to me thy name." Fyerabras ansuerd̛ to hym: "by Mahoun, my god, to whome I owe honour I am the moost ryche man that is in the world̛ borne. Fyerabras of alexandrye am I named̛: I am he that thou knowe that dyd̛ doo destroye rome your cyte, & slewe the Pope and̛ many other and bare awaye the relyques that I there founde, For which ye take grete payne and̛ laboure to recouer them. And̛

furthermore I holde Iherusalem that fayre cyte, and̛ the sepulcre in whych your god̛ rested̛." Olyuer ansuerd̛: "by my fayth, I haue gladly herde the say that whyche thou hast sayd̛. And̛ yf it be trouthe that thou hast sayd̛ for certeyn now thou mayst repute thy self well vnhappy and̛ myschaunt. Now wythoute more talkyng̛ make the redy and arme the. seest thou yonder the frensshe men that doo no thynge but byholde vs? wherfore depesshe the, or [Ed. For; "or:" I have corrected the reading in accordance with the original, which has ou.] by the god on whome I byleue I sℏalle smyte the there as thou lyest." whan Fyerabras herde that he spake soo hardyly he began to lawhe and sayd̛: "I am wel admeruaylled̛ fro whens that cometh to the suche presumpcion to speke so hastyly, but for trouthe I sℏal not remeue fro hens tyll [sign. C v, back] I knowe who thou arte and̛ of what lygnage. And whan thou hast tolde to me thy name thou sℏalt see me armed̛." Olyuer ansuerd̛ to hym: "O paynem, know thou for trouthe that or it be nyght thou sℏalt knowe what I am. by me sendeth to the charles the Emperour, my redoubted̛ lord̛, that for the conservacion [Ed. consecracion.] of thy body and̛ the saluacyon of thy soule thou leue the creaunce of thy god̛ Mahoun, & of other ydolles, whyche ben but abusyon and̛ decepcyon: whych haue neyther wytte, ne reason, ne feelyng, ne good̛ vnderstondyng. wherfore that thou enclyne the to consente and̛ thynke fro hens forth to byleue in god̛ almyghty the holy Trynyte, the fader, the sone, and̛ the holy ghoost, iij persones in one essence & of one wylle: whyche hath made heuen & erthe and̛ al that there in dwelleth: whyche for our saluacion wold̛ be borne of the vyrgyn marie. & whan thou sℏalt haue this byleue wyth the holy sacrament of baptesme, which is vpon this establysshed̛, thou mayst come to the glorye eternal. and̛ yf thou do not lyke as I haue taught the

I am here redy to doo bataylle ayenst the, and̛ of two thynges thou must doo that one. Fyrst, that thou departe oute of thys contree as ouercomen & to bere nothyng with the, or thou must [col. 2] come and̛ fyght ayenst me For tenhaunce thy body & to susteyne thy fals lawe." Fyerabras answerd̛: "whatsomeuer thou arte thou arte ouer presumptuous to haue Intencyon for to fyght ageynst me. For surely yf thou see me on fote wythoute armes thou sℏalt be wel hardy yf thou tremble not for drede to approche me. But by the god̛ in whome thou byleuest Say to me what man is Charlemayn, For it is long sythe I herde hym fyrst preysed̛ and̛ redoubted in many contrees: and also that I may haue tydynges of rolland̛ & Olyuer, of Ogyer the danoys and of gerarde de mondydyer, For by my trouthe I wold fayn be acqueynted̛ with them." [Compare Chanson de Roland, 376. "Jamais n'iert hum qui encuntre lui vaillet."] Olyuer ansuerd: "Paynym, vpon that thou me demaundest I telle to the that Charles themperour is so grete a maystre that there is no man in the World̛ may compare to hym, as wel for the valure of hys persone, of hys counceyl, & of hys maners, as of hys puyssaunce and̛ rychesses Innumerable of regarde. Of hys neuewe Rolland̛ he is wythoute pere, Olyuer lytel lasse than he; and as for the other frensshe men emonge al people humayn they be valyaunte men. but thyse wordes haue noo place here, depesshe the and̛ arme the, For by the god̛ on whom I byleue yf thou [sign. C vj] auaunce the not I sℏalle smyte the wyth thys swerde of stele." Fyerabras began to lyfte vp hys heed̛ and̛ sayd̛: "By my god̛ mahommet, yf I thought not that it sℏold̛ be my dysℏonour I sℏold̛ now smyte of thy heed̛." Olyuer ansuerd: "I praye the leue thys pletyng̛, For or it be euen thou sℏalt knowe what I am, For certeyn I haue entencyon to plunge my swerde in thy bely." where vpon Fyerabras was not wroth, so moche noble was he, and̛ rested̛ hys heed̛ vpon hys

sℏelde and̛ sayd̛ to Olyuer: "I sette not therby, but I praye the telle to me thy name & thy lygnage." Olyuer sayd̛ to hym: "my name is garyn, and am borne in perrogort, sone of a man called̛ Iosue, whyche came that other day in to fraunce where I was adoubed̛ knyght by the noble kyng̛ Charles and̛ am ordeyned̛ for to defende hys ryght & also to fyght ayenst the. wherfor conclude wythoute more taryeng & arme the & take thy hors, for I am redy to doo the bataylle yf thou be soo hardy to abyde me." Fyerabras wold not consente to the bataylle, For hym thought that olyuer was to litel to Iuste ayenst hym and̛ sayd̛ to hym: "Garyn, I demaunde of the wherfore is not comen hyther rolland̛ ne Olyuer or Gerard̛ or Ogyer, whyche been of so grete renommee [col. 2] as I haue herd̛ say?" Olyuer ansuerd: "The cause wherfore they be not comen to the is for they sette nought by the & they haue desdayn to come, but I am comen to the as he that taketh noo regarde to theyr Intencyon and̛ sℏal do the bataylle ayenst the yf thou wylt abyde it. But I swere to the by saynt Petre the appostle of Ihesu Cryst that yf thou arme the not I sℏal smyte the to the deth wyth thys darte that I holde in my honde." "Garyn," answerd̛ Fyerabras, "I sℏal say to the that sythe I was adoubed̛ knyght I Iusted neuer but ayenst a kyng̛, an erle, or a baron of grete valure, and thou art departed̛ of a lowe hous ["thou art departed̛ of a lowe hous:" Fr. tu es bien de basse main party] for to say that I sℏold̛ haue adoo wyth the: it sℏold̛ be to me ouer grete dysℏonour yf thou were put to deth by me. but for the goodwylle that I knowe in the whycℏ is moche noble I am contente that thou smyte me and̛ I sℏal falle doun to therthe, and̛ take thou my hors & my sℏelde and̛ goo thou to kyng̛ Charles and̛ say to hym that thou hast vaynquysshed̛ me. And yf I do thys for the I do to the grete amytye And̛ thou oughtest for thys tyme to be contente." ¶ On whiche wordes Olyuer coude

not haue pacyence but that he sayd̛ to hym: "Thy fayt lyeth in noo thynge but in wordes full of [sign. C vj, back] folysshe presumpsyon. I am of thys intencion that byfore euensonge tyme I sℏal make thy hede flee from thy sℏoldres. I am none hare ne wylde beest for to be aferde, And̛ thou knowest the comyn prouerbe that sayth that there is a tyme of spekyng̛ and̛ tyme of beyng̛ stylle, And̛ of one and̛ that other one may be reputed̛ a fool. Now come of & depesshe the of that I haue sayd̛ the or ellys I sℏal slee the." Fyerabras answerd: "I desyre ne praye the of no thynge but that thou sende to me Rolland or olyuer or one of thother knyghtes of the rounde table. ["of the rounde table." An addition of the translator.] And̛ yf one of them be not hardy for to come, late come ij or iij or iiij attones For by me they sℏal not be refused̛." In makyng̛ these desputacyons Olyuer which sore was hurte the day tofore his woundes opened̛ by force of rydyng̛ and̛ of chauffyng̛ & bledde sore so that fyerabras sawe the blood renne doun by is knee, And demaunded of hym fro whens came that blood̛ that soo renneth doun to therthe: "I trowe thou be hurte." ["I trowe thou be hurte." Not in the original.] Olyuer sayd̛: "I am not hurte but my hors is harde atte spore wherof he is blody." Fyerabras behelde & sawe it was not of the hors and̛ answerd̛: "Certes, garyn, thou sayest not sooth for thou art hurte in thy body & I knowe it wel by the blood̛ that cometh [col. 2] doun by thy knee: but see what I shal do for the: there been two flagons ["flagons:" barilz: "botelles" in the Sowdan, l. 1185: "costrel" in Sir Ferumbras, l. 510, on which see note and Introd., p. xii; at p. 60, l. 6, below, they are called "barylles."] hangyng̛ on the sadle of my hors whyche ben full of the bawme that I conquered̛ in Iherusalem, & it is the same of whyche your god̛ was enbawmed̛ wyth whan he was taken doun fro the crosse and̛ layed̛ in hys graue. hye the, and̛ goo drynke therof, & I promyse to the that Incontynent thou sℏalte be hole and thenne thou sℏalt mowe defende the wel wythoute daunger." ¶ Olyuer ansuerd that he wold̛ not & that he sayd̛ was folye. Thenne

fyerabras ansuerd that he was a fool wythoute reason, And̛ that it myght happe to repente hym.

¶ How after many dysputacyons Olyuer ayded' arme Fyerabras, and' of the ix meruayllous swerdes, And' how olyuer named' his name: ca. ix

Whan fyerabras had long abyden lyeng̛ wythoute arysyng̛ for Olyuer he satte vp and̛ after sayd̛: "Garyn, I demaunde the wythoute hydyng̛ of what strengthe is Rolland & Olyuer that been soo moche redoubted̛ of paynems, & of what gretenes ben they of?" Olyuer answerd̛: "as towchyng to rolland̛ he is a lytel lasse of body than [sign. C vij] I am, but of courage he is right hardy to fyght and̛ so chyualrous that there is no man lyuyng in the world lyke to hym. For he neuer faught yet ayenst ony man in the world̛ but he vaynquysshed̛ hym. and as for Olyuer thou mayst wel apperceyue that he is a man moche semblable and̛ lyke to me and of the same gretenes that I am." Thenne sayd̛ Fyerabras: "by the fayth that I owe to my god appollyn & to Termagaunt [ "Termagaunt:" Fr. Taluagaunt.] thou tellest to me a thynge wherof I am moche abasshed̛. For yf they were suche foure as thou tellest to me I wold̛ not refuse them ne leue them tyl I had put them to deth wyth my swerde." Olyuer coude no lenger forbere ne haue pacyence vnto the delayes of fyerabras but made redy to smyte hym, wherfore Fyerabras sayd̛ to hym: "thou wylt haue no pyte on thyn owne persone, [Ed. personr.] By mahoun my god̛ yf I aryse & take my hors Charles thy kyng̛ ne alle thy goddes [Ed. goodes; "goddes:" the reading has been corrected on the authority of the original, which has dieulx.] sℏal not redeme the but that thou sℏalt Incontynente be slayn. For onely yf thou see me tofore the on my feet thou sℏalt be moche corageous yf thou tremble not for fere."

¶ Olyuer answerd̛: "thou hast vaunted̛ the ouerlonge to doo thyng whiche thou neuer sawest in thy lyue. For better it were to speke by mesure, for by ouer [col. 2] moche spekyng̛ otherwyse than trouthe may brynge the soone to myschyef." Herof was fyerabras strongely despyteous And̛ roos on hys feet in a grete fyersnes, whyche was by comyn estymacyon xv foot longe. And yf he wold̛ haue be baptysed̛ and̛ byleue in Ihesu Cryst ther had̛ neuer be seen a man of his valure. And whan he was a-foot he had grete dysplaysyr by cause he had̛ not a valyaunte man to Iuste agenst hym, and̛ sayd̛ to Olyuer: "In trouthe I haue grete pyte of thyn affaire for the noblesse of the courage that I see in the. I am yet contente for this present tyme that thou retorne And̛ sende to me Rolland̛, or Olyuer, or Ogyer, or Gerard̛ de mondydyer, and̛ expressely say to Olyuer that I sℏall not passe thys auauntgarde tyl I haue conquerd̛ hym." Olyuer myght no lenger abyde the paynym for yf it had̛ not be for hys honour he had smyten hym dyuers tymes vnarmed̛. And̛ whan he must nedes fyght Fyerabras called̛ Olyuer and̛ prayed̛ hym that he wold̛ helpe to arme hym. Olyuer demaunded̛ yf he myght truste hym. Fyerabras ansuerd̛: "helpe me hardyly, For I swere and assure the that neuer whyle I lyue sℏal I be traytour to no man lyuyng̛." And̛ vpon that promyse olyuer dyd his diligence [sign. C vij, back] to arme hym, and̛ he took fyrst lether of arabye ["lether of arabye:" Fr. cuir de capadoce.] and cladde hym therwyth, & after hys cote & his habergeon of stele wele boucled̛ & polysshed̛: & after sette on hys heed̛ an helme garnysshed̛ wyth precyous stones rychely. But wel consydered̛ the facyon of thys paynym and̛ of this cristen man there was grete loyalte & curtosye bytwene them whyche were assembled for to make mortal warre and̛ eche to slee other, and̛ yet they dyd̛ eche to other synguler

seruyce. Fyrst, the paynym had̛ grete pyte for to destroye Olyuer For he was not hys pere ne egal to the regarde of hys persone ["to the regarde of hys persone:" i. e. in comparison with himself.] . And̛ on that other parte whan he sawe hym hurte and̛ the blood̛ descende to therthe he wold̛ haue gyuen to hym of the precyous bawme. Semblably Olyuer, whan he fonde hym dysarmed̛ he had̛ slayne hym wythoute grete payne yf he had̛ wold̛, and̛ after he was soo curtoys that he ayded̛ to arme hym that sℏold̛ fyȝt ayenst hym. ¶ O, what grete loyalte of noblesse was bytwene them whyche were of fayth and̛ creaunce contrarye! I suppose ["I suppose:" i. e. I am sure.] that god̛ sℏold̛ be wel pleased̛ yf there were suche confyaunce emonge crysten men and̛ so ful of naturel noblesse. But I retorne ageyn to my mater. Whan Fyerabras was wel armed̛ he thanked̛ [col. 2] moche Olyuer, And̛ after gyrde hys swerde named̛ plourance. [Ed. plousance.] and̛ in the arson of his sadyl he had̛ tweyne other of whom that one was named̛ baptysme and̛ that other grabam [ "grabam." The names of Ferumbras' swords are not given in Sir Ferumbras or the Sowdan, but in the verse Fierabras are said to have been Plorance, Baptism, and Garbain.] , the whyche swerdes were maad in suche wyse that there was none harnoys but they wold̛ breke and̛ cutte a-sondre. And̛ who that wyl demaunde the manyer how they were made & by whom I wyl saye ["I wyl saye:" omitted also in the original, but plainly needed. ] after that whyche I haue founden by wrytyng̛. ¶ On a tyme there were thre brethern of one fader engendred, of whome that one was named̛ Galaus, that other Munyfycans, & the thyrd̛ was called̛ Agnisiax. [In the verse Fierabras the names appear as Galans, Munificans, and Aurisas.] These iij brethern made ix swerdes, eche of them thre. Agnisiax the thyrd brother maad̛ the swerde named baptesme, whiche had̛ the pomel of gold̛ and̛ wel enameld̛, & also plourance, [Ed. plousance.] and̛ after Grabam; whyche thre swerdes fyerabras had̛ as I haue sayd̛. Munyficans, that other brother, made another swerde whyche was named durandal, Whyche Rolland had̛. that other was called sauuognye and that other Cortan whyche Ogyer the danoys had̛. [The verse Fierabras gives the names of the swords made by Munificans as Durendal, Musaguine, and Courtain.] ¶ And galaus, that other brother, maad̛

the swerd that was named̛ Floberge, another called̛ haulteclere, and̛ that other Ioyouse, whyche Charlemayn had̛ for a grete specyalte. and̛ these [sign. C viij] iij brethern aforesayd were smythes & wrought the sayd̛ swerdes. And̛ in thys poynte Fyerabras mounted̛ on hors backe And̛ took hys two barylles ["barylles." See p. 56, l. 27, and note.] by hym ful of bawme, And henge aboute his necke his sℏelde wℏiche was heuy and̛ bended̛ ["bended̛:" bound, banded: Fr. bende.] wyth yron and̛ stele by meruayllous strengthe. And̛ in the myddle of the same sheld̛e was paynted̛ hys god̛ Appollyn. and̛ after that he had̛ commaunded̛ hym to hys god̛ he took his spere in hys honde, whyche was sℏarpe & mortally heded with stele. It was meruaylle to see the corpulence of the sayd̛ Paynym which sat on hys hors named̛ feraunt of spayne, grete, thycke, & pommellyd̛, whyche had a specyal condycyon: For whan his mayster in fyghtyng put to the grounde hys aduersarye this hors maad gretter warre wythout comparyson than hys mayster. and thus they beyng on horsback Fyerabras sayd to Olyuer: "O garyn, gracyous and curtoys, yet I admoneste the for the gentylnesse that thou hast doon to me that thou wilt retorne without fyghtyng̛, For I haue pyte of thy valyaunte courage." Olyuer answerde: "alwaye thou spekest of grete folye for I shal not departe for to be in daunger to be dysmembred̛. For I am not he that thou wenest to make aferde: for [col. 2] by the helpe of the blessyd Ihesus thys day sℏalt thou be yelden or deed or lyuyng vnto charles the emperour." Whan Olyuer had so spoken Fyerabras was meruayllously abasshed̛ of thys man that wold̛ not lete for menace that he maad̛ to hym, but wold haue the bataylle ayenst hym & sayd̛ to hym: "Thou art a crysten man and hast grete fayth at the mysteryes by you ordeyned, but I coniure the by the fonte in whyche thou were baptysed, and by the fayth that thou hast gyuen to the crosse wheron thy god̛ henge and̛ was

naylled̛, And by the loyalte that thou owest to charles themperour, to rolland, and to the other pyeres of fraunce, thou say and telle to me the veryte of thy ryght name and̛ of thy lygnage." Olyuer answerd̛: "Certes, Paynem, he that enduced the to speke to me in suche wyse hath wel taught the, For gretter ne more hyely myghtest thou not adiure me. Wherfore knowe thou that I am Olyuer the sone of Reyner, the Erle of Genes, the moost especyal felowe of rolland, and am one of the twelue peres." "In fayth," sayd Fyerabras, "I alwaye thought wel that thou were another than thou saydest to me, seen ["seen:" i. e. seeing, considering.] thyn ardaunt courage and̛ that I coude not make the aferde vpon the fayt of bataylle. And how, sir Oliuer, [sign. C viij, back] are ye hurte in the body? it sℏold̛ be grete dysℏonour for me to ouercome you in bataylle & destroye you. For I acounte you but a dede man whyche sℏold̛ be a grete reproche, wherfore retorne ageyn for we haue don for this tyme: For alle the golde in the world̛ I wold̛ not doo suche a shame as to Iuste ayenst you." Thenne ansuerd̛ Olyuer: "certeynlye ye sℏal. For by my hede whan we sℏal be assembled̛ ye sℏal haue no courage to Iape ne playe wyth me for I sℏal make you wel to fele that I am noo dede man." And̛ after Olyuer admonested̛ hym swetely in this manere and̛ sayd̛: "O paynym, or we procede ony ferther now I admonest the that thou byleue in god̛ of heuen almyghty whiche hath made the and̛ fourmed̛, to whome al thyng̛ owen honoure and̛ synguler creaunce. For he that taketh not aduys is borne in an euyl houre. And̛ forsake Mahoun and̛ thy goddes ful of abuse and̛ decepcyon, & dyspose the to be baptysed̛, & thou sℏalt haue to thy frende the grete charles and̛ a specyall felowe of Rolland̛ the chyualrous. And furthermore al the dayes of my lyf I shal neuer forsake thy companye." fyerabras ansuerd to hym: "thou remembrest ["thou remembrest:" Fr. tu tauises, i. e. thou thinkest of.] a grete folye.

For for no thyng̛ I sℏalle not byleue in your god ne sℏal [col. 2] forsake ne abandoune Mahoun. But on thys day yf thou arte frende of rolland̛, as thou sayest, so desplaysaunt ne sory was he neuer as I sℏal make hym for the."

¶ How Olyuer and' fyerabras began to fyȝt, & of the prayer of Charles for Olyuer, & of other maters: capitulo x

Fyerabras & olyuer were longe on horsback and̛ it was so that fyerabras wold̛ not lete hys hors renne ageynst Olyuer, But sayd̛: "my frende, I praye the þat thou drynke of my barylles & by the vertue of the bawme that is therin Incontynent thou sℏalt be heled̛ & sℏal mowe wel defende thy self ayenst me." "God̛ forbede," sayd̛ olyuer, "that by drynke thou be conquerd̛ of me but by franke bataylle and harnoys fourbysshed." And̛ thys sayd̛ they lete theyr horses renne wyth a grete courage for to Iuste at vtteraunce. ["vtterance:" Fr. a oultrance.] And̛ as they came that one ageynst that other the frensshe men whyche were in their lodgys had̛ grete fere and̛ drede leste it shold̛ mysfalle to Olyuer. And emonge al other charles al wepyng̛ sayd̛: "O blessyd̛ Ihesus, I requyre the that at this stroke [ "at this stroke:" Fr. a cestuy cop.] thou haue pyte of Olyuer my [sign. D j] baron in suche wyse that I may see hym ageyn alyue & in helthe!" and̛ after feruently came in to hys chapel hydyng̛ his vysage wyth hys mantel and̛ kneled̛ before the crosse and̛ enbraced̛ the crucyfyx wyth grete teeres, sayeng̛: "My lord god̛, of whome I see here the remembraunce, I byseche the to helpe Olyuer, whyche for thexaltacyon of the crysten fayth is in daunger." Thus in contemplacyon of Charles fyerabras and̛ olyuer gaf so grete strokes vpon theyr sℏeldes that the hedes of their speres were by force bowed̛ and̛ entred̛ ["bowed̛ and entred̛:" Fr. ploiez et entrez.] that the fyre sprange out on al

sydes, and̛ the shaftes of theyr speres were trouchonned̛ ["tronchonned̛:" Fr. tronconne, i. e. broken to pieces.] that the pyeces flewe in the ayer. The reynes of the brydles of theyr horses wente oute of theyr hondes. Bothe tweyne were so astoned̛ of the stroke and̛ theyr eyen so troubled̛ that in a grete whyle ["in a grete whyle:" Fr. dune grant peece, i. e. for a great while.] they knewe not on whos syde they were torned. and after that bothe were comen to them self Fyerabras drewe plouraunce hys swerde that henge by hys syde, And̛ Olyuer took haulteclere meruayllously sℏynyng̛ & cam vpon Fyerabras and̛ on hyghe on hys helme gaf hym so grete a stroke that the floures and̛ precyous stones wherof it was ennobled̛ and̛ garnysshed made [ "made:" an instance of the omission of the subject pronoun he before the verb. See p. 19, l. 27, and note.] to flee to the grounde; and with [col. 2] the same stroke in descendyng̛ he touched̛ hys sℏolder, but the lether of capadoce saued̛ hym. And the paynym was smyton so harde and sore that bothe hys feet were oute of the styroppes and̛ almoost was ouerthrowen, wherof the frensshe men sayden al wyth one voys: "A! saynt marye, what a stroke hath Olyuer gyuen [Ed. gynen.] to thys paynym!" "ye," sayd̛ rolland, "meruayllously he smote hym! ¶ Now wold̛ god of heuen," sayd̛ Rolland̛, "that I were now vnder the sℏelde of my gentyl felowe Olyuer, For of me or of the paynym sℏold̛ sℏortly be seen the ende." ¶ To whom the Emperour answerd̛: "Ha! euyl gloton, I haue wel herde the spoken felon coward. It is not now tyme that thou so say, For atte beginnyng thou woldest not goo, wherof many tymes shalt thou be of me reproched." vpon whych thyng rolland ansuerd no thyng but that he sℏold do as it plesed hym. fyerabras al astoned of the stroke & replenysshed̛ of grete wrath with his swerd named plouraunce came wyth a course vpon olyuer, & gaf hym a stroke [Ed. stcoke.] vpon his helme so sℏarply that he trenched moo than vc maylles, and̛ hurte euyl hys hors and̛ smote of the spore of his foot & a parte of ℏys thye, wheroute the blode ranne

habundantly & the swerde of fyerabras [sign. D j, back] was al blody: of whiche stroke olyuer was moeued & troubled̛ that he had̛ fallen ne had̛ hys sadel haue been, For he was bowed̛ afterward̛ ["he was bowed̛ afterward̛:" Fr. par derriere.] that he was al to broken. And̛ his hors began to halte of the stroke & whan he was comen to ℏym self wyth an hye voys began to crye: ¶ "O lord̛ god, my creatour, o what an euyl stroke haue I receyued̛! O vyrgyn marye, moder of Ihesus, haue pyte of me! For ouer fyersly cutteth the swerde of thys paynym. yeue me grace that I may ones haue hym:" and made vpon hym self the sygne of the crosse. & after fyerabras sayd to hym: "Olyuer, by Mahoun my god̛, wyth thys stroke I maad̛ the aferde: now mayst thou wel fele how I can playe, ["playe:" the regular technical term for fencing or fighting with swords. Thus the Catholicon Anglicum has: "a Bucler plaer, gladiator; a Bucler playnge, gladiatura. Þ^e Swerde & y^ebucler (bukiller A.) playnge, gladiatura." In the Ancren Riwle, p. 212, we have the expression "pleieð mid sweordes." See further in my notes in the Catholicon.] & I haue no meruaylle though thou commaunde the to thy god̛, but I am euyl contente that I haue hurte the ouer sore with þe stroke. ¶ Neuertheles be sure that thou sℏalt not see the sonne goo to reste for thou begynnest now to chaunge colour and̛ thy fyerce manere: neuertheles I am contente that thou retorne, and̛ that shall be for the the best tofore thou knowe more fully my strengthe: for I warne the of one thynge that whan I see my blood̛ yssue out of my body thenne doubleth my myght and̛ my strengthe. And̛ I wote wel that charles loueth [col. 2] the not moche whan he sendeth the to me, yf he had̛ lodged̛ the in a fayre bedde & whyte sℏetes thou haddest been moche better." whan Olyuer herde hym so saye he was replenysshed̛ with a feruent courage & began to lyfte vp hys heed̛ and̛ sayd̛: "O Paynym, dysmesured̛ al day thou vauntest the for to brynge me to thende of my dayes. I praye to god almyghty that he wyl reioye [ "reioye:" Fr. resioyr.] my courage. kepe the wel, I deffye the! we haue ouer long pleted." vpon these wordes they ranne to-gydre, smytyng̛ meruayllously eche other vpon their helmes in suche wyse that boucles,

naylles, and̛ crochettes, precious stones, or faueryes, and floures been hewen, broken, and̛ flowen to the grounde. the fyre yssued̛ oute largely, makyng̛ grete bruyt with the swerdes vpon their harnoys. In this whyle Charles was in grete medytacyon and̛ thought that the quarele of Olyuer was trewe and̛ Iuste and̛ that god ought to preserue hym, and̛ whan he thought that Olyuer myght deye As Inpacyent of a perfayte fayth he sayd̛: ¶ "O gloryous god̛, for whome we take payne, I praye the to conserue oliuer that he be not slayn ne taken. For I swere by the soule of my fader that yf he be now slayn of thys paynym that neuer in fraunce in ony chirche shal [sign. D ij] clerke ne preest be reuested̛ ne enhabyted̛, but I shal do brenne monasteryes, chyrches, aulters & crucyfyxes." "Alas," sayd̛ Duc naymes, "Syr kyng, leue these wordes vayne and̛ ydle, & praye god̛ for Olyuer that he be in his ayde for hys holy mercy." Al thys whyle perseuerd̛ the ij champyons fyghtyng and smytyng̛ eche on other in suche maner that Fyerabras wyth hys swerde brake the cercle of Olyuers helme and made hym falle on hys vysage, and̛ hys hors had̛ be slayn yf he had not lepte a syde. and̛ Olyuer was hurte in hys body and̛ specyally in the breste and̛ had̛ thenne loste soo moche of hys blood̛ that he was moche feble, whyche was no merueylle, seen that he had resysted̛ ageynst the moost terryble man that euer was borne of moder.

¶ How Olyuer made his prayer to god' whan he felte hym hurte: capitulo xj

Olyuer the noble erle beyng in this malancolye of the grete woundes that he had̛ in hys body took his recomforte sayeng in this manere: "O gloryous god̛, cause & begynnyng̛ of al that is aboue & vnder the fyrmamente, which for your owne playser fourmed

our fyrst fader Adam and̛ for [col. 2] hys companye gauest vnto hym Eue, by whome al humayn generacyon is conceyued̛, gyuyng̛ to them lycence to ete al maner fruytes reserued̛ onely one, of whyche Eue by the moeuyng of the serpent caused̛ Adam to ete, wherfore they loste paradys, & by the seductyon of the fendes of helle many haue ben deceyued̛ & dampned: wherof ye had̛ pyte of the perdycyon of the world̛ and̛ came for to take flesshe humayn in the wombe of the gloryous vyrgyn marye by thannuncyacion of the holy Aungel Gabryel, and̛ were borne as it pleased̛ you. And̛ anone after the thre kynges camen to adoure & make obeyssaunce and̛ wyth golde, encence, and̛ myrre made to you their presentes. After for you herodes made to be slayne many chyldren, whiche now been in Ioye permanable. And whan ye were in age by you determyned̛ ye went in the world̛ prechyng̛ to your frendes. Thenne afterward by thenuyous Iewes ye were hanged on the crosse, in whiche so hangyng longyus the knyght by the Induction of the Iewes percyd your syde; & whan he byleued in you & wesshe hys eyen with your precious blode he recouerd his syȝt fayre & clere & cryed you mercy wherby he was saued. After by your frendes ye were layed in the holy sepulture: [sign. D ij, back] the thyrd̛ day after aroos and̛ took ageyn lyf and̛ descended̛ in to helle, And̛ took out Adam and̛ Eue and al them that were worthy to haue paradys. And̛ the day of your meruayllous ascencyon ye ascended̛ in to heuen in the presence of al your apostles. Thus my god̛, my maker, as thys is trouthe and̛ I byleue it verayly and̛ fermly, be ye in my comforte ageynst thys myscreaunte that I may vaynquysshe hym in suche wyse that he may be saued̛." [ll. 7-32. Caxton carefully distinguishes between you and ye: the former never being used for the nominative.] And̛ this said he blessyd̛ hym with his swerde in makyng the sygne of þ^e crosse in the name of god̛ the holy trynyte, and̛ smote his hors vpon the hope of

the helpe of god̛. and Fyerabras sayd̛ to hym lawhyng̛: "Olyuer, fayre frende, I praye the that thou hyde not fro me the oryson that thou hast said now, for by my god termagaunt I wold̛ gladly here it." "Now wold god of heuen," sayd Olyuer, "that thou were in suche grace that thou sholdest byleue it also fermly as I doo, For I assure the I sℏold̛ loue the thenne as moche as I doo Roulland̛."

¶ And̛ Fyerabras ansuerd̛ to hym: "by my god̛ Mahoun and̛ Termagaunt, thou spekest now of a moche grete folye?"

¶ How after a grete bataylle Olyuer conquerd' the bawme & [col. 2] dranke therof at hys ease, and how he fyl to therthe whan hys hors was slayn: capitulo xij

Fyerabras beyng̛ wroth of the wordes of oliuer in grete Ire sayd̛ to hym: "kepe the wel fro me, for I deffye the!" "I am redy," sayd̛ Olyuer, "for to god̛ I commaunde me." & so thenne they recountred̛ to-gyder so sℏarply and̛ so hard strokes they gaf that the fyre myȝt haboundantlye be seen sprynge oute of theyr harnoys. Theyr horses bowed̛ vnder hem and the erthe trembled̛ of the bruyt in the medowe vnder mormyonde. Fyerabras took hys swerde in hys honde and̛ smote Olyuer there as he was euyl hurte in the breste vnder the pappe, & of that stroke the eyen torned̛ in hys heed̛, And̛ had̛ hys face alle chaunged̛. And̛ thenne ageyn he cryed̛ on god and̛ on the virgyn marie that he wold saue his soule. Fyerabras by grete curtosye sayd̛ to hym: "Olyuer, vnderstonde me, descende doun surely and goo take of the bawme and drynke at thyn ease, and anone thou shalt be al guarysshed and hole, and̛ thenne mayst thou the better

defende the ageynst me and̛ thou sℏalte recoure newe strengthe." But olyuer for noo thynge that he coude do though [sign. D iij] he sℏold̛ dye he wold̛ not, For by trewe fightyng he wold haue it. And̛ anone came that one ageynst that other and̛ smyten in suche wyse that Fyerabras was hurte daungerously, For olyuers swerde entred in to his thye an halfe foot depe, and̛ of the blood̛ that yssued̛ oute alle the grasse was reed. And whan he sawe hym so hurte he dranke of hys bawme and̛ was anone al hool, wherof olyuer was moche sorouful, by cause therof he coude make none ende of thys paynym. And̛ the frensshe men that saw this made to god their prayers deuoutly that he wolde conserue that day Olyuer, And̛ in especyal Charlemayn whiche emong al other loued hym moast entyerly. But whan Olyuer sawe the paynym al hole & for the bawme so comforted̛, by the ayde of god̛ he came to hym and smote hym vpon the helme soo harde that the stroke descended̛ vpon the sadel & cutte the corde by whyche the barylles were bounden and̛ fastned̛, and̛ the hors of fyerabras was aferde of the stroke and̛ made a lytel course ["made a lytel course:" ran away a little distance.] by the playsyr of god. Thenne Olyuer or the paynym toke ony hede bowed̛ to the grounde and̛ took vp the barylles & dranke at hys ease and largely, & anon he was al hole & reconfermed in newe strengthe, [There is no mention of Oliver's drinking any of the balm in Sir Ferumbras or the Sowdan. See Dr. Hausknecht's note to the latter, l. 1191.] & thought that [col. 2] yf by aduenture fyerabras were more hurte by hym and myght ageyn haue hys barylles that in thende it myght euyl happe and̛ come to hym. wherfore he beyng̛ nyghe vnto a grete ryuer took the barylles & threwe them therin whyche were anone sonken ["beyng̛ nyghe vnto a grete ryuer, &c." See note 1 in Introduction to Sir Ferumbras, p. xii.] . And as it is redde at alle the festes of saynt Iohan these ij barylles ben sℏewed aboue the water euydently. whan fyerabras sawe that the barilles were loste all most for angre he was oute of hys mynde & by grete reproche sayd̛ to Olyuer: "O euyl man that

thou arte, thou hast loste my barylles whyche were more worth than al the golde in the world̛: but I promyse the that or it be euen they sℏal to the ben dere solde, For I sℏall not cesse tyl I haue smyton of thy heed̛:" and thys sayeng̛ he came ayenst hym, but Olyuer as he that doubteth hym not soo moche as he dyd̛ tofore eschewed hym not but put ℏym at the defence wyth his sℏelde to auoyde the stroke. Neuertheles Fyerabras smote hym so hard þat hys helme was desmaylled & broken, but he was not hurte, & the stroke descended so inpytuously þat he cutte asondre the necke of oliuers hors, & he ["he:" the omission of the subject pronoun frequently causes ambiguity when two persons are spoken of: the he here, of course, refers to Oliver's horse.] fyl to grounde and̛ thenne was Olyuer on fote. but a grete myracle it was of the hors of fyerabras that maad no semblaunte [sign. Diij back] to renne vpon hym as he had ben taught, lyke as I haue sayd̛ byfore, but helde hym stylle aboue ["aboue:" Fr. oultre, i. e. out of, away from.] hys propre custome.

¶ How Fyerabras and' Olyuer foughten togyder afote merveyllously, and' of the prayer that Charles maad' for Olyuer: capitulo xiij

[For number of chapter given as "viij" read "xiij."]

Moche sorouful were the frensshe men whan they sawe Olyuer on fote, and̛ wold̛ haue armed̛ hem for to socoure hym, But Charles wold̛ not consente for to mayntene hys honour & hys trouthe. ¶ And̛ thenne kyng̛ Charles kneled̛ doun to therthe & maad̛ his prayer to god that he wolde comforte Olyuer whyche was thus dyspourueyed̛ of his hors. whan Olyuer sawe hym self on fote he was moche sorouful & came a foure paas nyghe vnto Fyerabras, and̛ sayd̛ to hym: "o kyng of Alexandrye, thou hast borne the foule this day ageynst me. In the mornyng thou hast so moche preysed̛ thy self that thou hast sayd̛ yf v knyghtes came ageynst the thou woldest abyde and̛

conquere them, and̛ thou knowest that the kyng that sleeth an hors ought to haue no parte of therytage." Fyerabras ansuerd: "I knowe wel that thou [col. 2] sayest trouthe, but I dyd it not wyth my wylle. Neuertheles to thende that thou be not euyl contente wyth me I sℏal descende doun of my hors & sℏal gyue to the my hors pomeld̛: And̛ I promyse the thou sℏalt be well horsed̛. And̛ knowe thou that neuer in my lyf I was so abassℏed̛ as whan he sawe the at erthe that he strangled̛ the not, for I neuer put man to the erthe and thys hors present but that anone he was by hym slayn & dede." Olyuer ansuerd: "I promyse the that I sℏal neuer take thyn hors but yf he be first by me conquered̛ and̛ Iustly wonne." wherupon fyerabras was soo moche noble that for the valyaunce of Olyuer sayd̛: "Certeyn for the noblesse that I knowe in the I wyl do that I neuer dyd for man:" and̛ sprange of his hors & stode a-foote & was contente to fyght ayenst hym a foote, by-cause he had̛ no hors of hys owne. and the sayd̛ fyerabras was moche heyer than Olyuer. and by one accorde they Iusted̛ afoote that one ayenst that other so meruayllously that it was wonder that bothe tweyne remayned̛ not in the felde a-swoune of the trauaylle that they toke. Thus contynueng the bataylle which coude take none ende they spaken many reproches and̛ despytous wordes that one of theym vnto [sign. D iiij] other. The kyng̛ Charles seyng al thys had̛ grete pyte on Olyuer. Thenne the Erle Reyner, fader of Olyuer, whyche was moche sorouful came & kneled̛ at the feet of Charles and̛ sayd̛: "O noble emperour, in thonour of god̛ take remors of my sone whome I see lykly anone to dye. Atte leste make prayer to Ihesus our maker that he be in ayde to hym that I may see hym nyghe to me in helthe." ¶ Incontynent Charles seyng̛ thys sayd̛: "O lord̛ god̛, yf ye suffre that Olyuer be ouercome and̛ that my ryght at

thys tyme be loste and̛ defyled̛, I make auowe that al crystyante sℏal be destroyed. I shal not leue in Fraunce chirche ne monasterye, ymage ne aulter." & after kneled̛ doun with bothe his knees [Ed. kuees.] to the grounde & prayed̛ in this manere: "My creatour, whyche for our sauacyon was borne of the gloryous vyrgyn marie in bethleem, as I wel by-leue, that of your glorious byrth al the world was enlumyned̛, whiche abode in thys world̛ ful xxxij yere & more, & made atte begynnyng̛ Adam and Eue, of whom we ben comen, & that was in paradys tenestre ["tenestre:" read "terrestre."] a place moche delectable. And there by you were alle fruytes abandoned to them except one onely, whyche was of knowyng good & euyl, as it plesed you to ordeyne: of [col. 2] whiche adam ete & was dysobeysaunt, for whom to the reparacion of his misdede & for to redeme hym fro eternal captyuyte & vs also ye were contente to take the deth in the tree of the crosse, after that the traytour [Ed. traycour.] Iudas solde you for xxx pens: & on a friday ye were payned̛ & your handes & feet mortally naylled, & crowned with a moche sharpe crowne of thornes: and̛ after Longyus ["Longyus." On the legend of Longinus, see Prof. Skeat's notes to P. Plowman, C. xxi. 82—90.] smote you in the ryght syde to the hert, whiche was blynde & after that he had leyed on hys eyen of your precyous blood he sawe moche clerely: & after ye descended in to helle & toke out your frendes, & sythe aroos fro deth to lyf, & tofore al your apostles ye ascended̛ in to heuen & lefte for your lyeutenaunt saynt Peter thappostle in erthe; and ordeynest baptesme for the regeneracyon of vs and̛ to make vs crysten for to haue saluacyon. O lord̛, as alle thys is truthe and̛ that I byleue it stedfastly, so on thys day be thou [ "thou." Here the singular pronoun is used rightly as in a prayer addressed directly to our Lord: in the previous lines youand ye were used, as they were not of the character of a prayer.] in ayde and̛ socoure vnto Olyuer for to preserue hym that he be not slayn ne vaynquysshed̛." ¶ He thys sayeng̛ & other deuoute wordes in hys secrete oratorye Our [Ed. Out.] lord sente to hym an aungel fro heuen whyche sayd̛ to hym: ¶ "O Charles, Emperour

of noblesse, knowe thou for trouthe that I am sente from [sign. D iiij, back] god̛ for to say to the that thou doubte no thynge of Olyuer, for wythout faylle he sℏal wynne the bataylle; though it be late, but he sℏal vaynquysshe the paynym." thys sayd, the aungel departed̛ and̛ charles thanked̛ god̛ deuoutelye for hys gloryous medytacyon. [ "for hys gloryous medytacyon." In the original French, par glorieux meditacion. "Neuertheles:" Fr. touttefois.] Neuertheles after many bataylles bytwene fyerabras and̛ Olyuer maad̛, and̛ grete menaces by grete furour, wyllyng̛ to haue gyuen to Olyuer a grete stroke oute of mesure. But Olyuer whyche sawe the stroke comyng̛ deuaunced̛ hym in suche wyse that he gaf two euyl strokes to Fyerabras, wherof Fyerabras was passyng angry vpon Olyuer, and̛ Olyuer on hym, so that bothe were ryȝt actyf neuer to departe tyl that one of them were vaynquysshed̛ and̛ destroyed̛. & at that tyme Olyuer was soo coueytous in smytyng ["soo coueytous in smytyng:" Fr. conuoiteulx et affoibly.] that his honde in whiche he helde hys swerde was a-slepe ["a-slepe:" i. e. numbed. Fr. endormie. ] and swollen for the payne that he had̛ of smytyng̛, and he desyryng̛ to smyte hys enemye at vtteraunce ["at vtteraunce:" a oultrance: comp. p. 62, l. 18.] hys suerde flewe a-ferre fro hym out of his hande, wherof he was sore moeued and abasshed̛—and̛ it was no meruaylle—and̛ moche courageously ranne for to take vp his swerde, And̛ layed̛ hys sℏelde on hys hede for to preserue it. But not wythstondyng the paynym smote [col. 2] hym twyes so myghtyly that he brake hys sℏelde in dyuers places and̛ hys hauberke, so that he was sore astonyed̛ for that tyme And̛ doubted̛ soo moche the paynym that he durst not take hys swerde: and̛ moche sodeynlye the frensshe men which sawe so Olyuer dyspourueyed̛ of his swerde armed̛ them anone and̛ were in purpoos to renne vpon the sarasyn for to socour olyuer. but Charles wold̛ not consente that any man sℏold̛ goo sayeng to them that god̛ is almyghty for to saue and̛ mayntene hym in hys good ryght, for yf he had not gaynsayed it more than xiiij thousand̛ men were thenne redy for to haue rescowed̛

hym. and̛ notwythstondyng̛ al thys the paynym dyd̛ but laughe & said to Olyuer: "In trouthe, Olyuer, I haue opteyned̛ vpon the a lytel of myn entente, but wherfore darst not þou take thy swerde I knowe now wel that thou art ynougℏ vaynquysshed sythe that thou art so aferde that thou darst not stoupe for all the tresour of the world̛. and̛ I am wel contente for to apoynte wyth the ["for to apoynte wyth the:" Fr. te faire vne pache.] that is that thou renye the fayth that thou holdest, the baptesme that thou hast receyued̛ & the god̛ in whom thou byleuest, and for whome thou hast had al thys payne, & byleue in Mahoun, my god̛ ful of bounte, & [sign. D v] I sℏal suffre the to lyue & more ouer I sℏal be contente to gyue to the my sister to wyf to whom thou sℏalte be rychely maryed̛. Hyr name is Florypes, the fayrest of moder borne, & after we shal conquere Fraunce or thys yere be paste, And̛ of one of the royames I sℏal crowne the kyng." Olyuer ansuerd̛ to hym: "Paynym, thou spekest to me of grete folye, for god̛ forbede that euer I sℏold̛ be of entencion to forsake my god̛, whyche hath created̛ & fourmed̛ me, and his holy sacrements which haue been establysshed̛ for my [Ed. fo rmy.] sauacyon, for to byleue in mahoun and in thy goddes ful of abusyon: whiche haue neyther strengthe ne vertue but cause of dampnacyon." Fyerabras sayd̛ to hym, "by mahoun my god̛, thou art alwaye moche obstynat that ne for payn ne for torment thou wylt not denye thy fayth, & of one thynge which is more grete thou [Ed. thon.] mayst wel auaunte the. For neuer was I of persone so trauailled ne greued̛ as I am of the. ¶ Thou oughtest wel to be praysed̛. I am contente that thou take thy swerde hardyly and̛ surely for withoute competent wepen thou mayst not preuaylle ne more than a woman." Olyuer answerd̛: "Paynym, I can not say the contrarye but that thou offrest to me seruyce and̛ bounte, but for the [col. 2] valewe of x thousand̛ marke of

golde I wyl not take it, ne for to deye therfore. For yf I had recouerd̛ my swerde by thy curtosye And̛ it happed̛ that thou were vnder my puyssaunce and thou thenne demaundest of me amytye & frendsℏyp & thenne I put the to deth it sℏold̛ to me be vylete ["vylete:" Fr. vilte.] and̛ reproche. And at thys tyme my lyf and my deth be in the wylle of god̛ to whom I haue gyuen my self ouer. But and̛ yf I may wynne my swerde thou sℏalt bye it dere & here deye, For other thynge sℏal thou not haue." ¶ "By my fayth," sayd̛ Fyerabras, "thou art moche surquydrous & gloryous, wherfore be thou sure that shortely thou shalt be confused̛ descomfyte and̛ matte." ["matte." In the original the same. See Sir Ferumbras, ll. 2506, 2590, and Glossary.]

¶ How at thys bataylle Fyerabras was vanquysshed' by Olyuer after that he had' recouerd' one of the swerdes of fyerabras: capitulo xiiij

Whan Fyerabras herde that oliuer was so fyers of fayt and of courage he had̛ grete meruaylle. For he wold̛ not haue hys swerde but yf he myght by Iuste warre conquere it, wherfore the paynym dysmesurably came ageynst hym and̛ [sign. D v, back] helde in hys hande plorance hys swerde. Thenne it was no meruayle though olyuer was aferde to abyde hys enemye he beyng̛ dyspourueyed̛ of swerde & of sℏelde, For that was broken in two partyes. but as it playsed to god̛ he loked̛ besyde hym & sawe the hors of fyerabras and̛ on the arson of the sadel were ij other swerdes of whych I haue spoken afore. And̛ anone Olyuer ranne ryght quyckely and̛ took one of the swerdes whych was named̛ baptesme, whyche had̛ the blade moche large and̛ shone meruayllously, & after came ageynst the paynym & put tofore parte of hys sℏelde suche as was lefte and whan he was nyghe hym he began to say: "O kyng̛ of

Alexandrye, now is tyme to compte. For I am pourueyed̛ of your swerde of whych I sℏal make you wroth & kepe you wel from me for I haue deffyed̛ you." Thenne whan Fyerabras sawe it and̛ had̛ herde hym so speke anone began to chaunge colour and sayd: "O baptym, good̛ swerde, I haue kepte the many a day for one of the beste that euer henge by my syde or by ony mans that is lyuyng̛." And̛ after behelde olyuer sayeng̛: "By my god̛ Mahoun, I knowe the a man of grete fyerste. I wold that thou woldest take thyn owne swerde and̛ late me [col. 2] haue myn and̛ thenne late vs fyght as we haue begonne." "by my hede," sayd̛ Olyuer, "that sℏal neuer be by my wylle, for tofore I make ony pacte with the I sℏal assaye and̛ approue thys swerde vpon thy persone. kepe the wel fro me For ouer long haue we sermoned̛." Tℏys sayeng̛ & other thynges Olyuer came as a lyon hungry ayenst fyerabras & smote hym fyrst, but he myȝt not attayne hym on the hede but that he recountred first the sℏelde of the paynym, whyche he brake and̛ al to-frusshed̛ euyl ["whyche he brake and al to-frusshed euyl:" Fr. cassa et rompi mallement.] that the half flewe in the felde. Thenne fyerabras was sore aferde of that stroke For aboue alle thys the swerde wyth that stroke entred̛ nygh half a foot within therthe. Thenne olyuer blessyd hym that had̛ forged̛ that swerde and̛ so wel tempred̛, and̛ after many menaces rygorous they were in partye descouuerd̛ of theyr helmes. And̛ whan Olyuer sawe the Paynym Fyerabras in the vysage fyers and̛ courageous he sayd̛: "O lord̛ god̛ of heuen, maker of heuen & of erthe, that thys paynym is noble and̛ ful of cruelte. Now wold̛ god̛ that Charles had̛ ℏym in his power and̛ yf he wold̛ be baptysed̛ Rolland̛ and̛ I sℏold̛ be hys pryue felowes. O glorious vyrgyn marie moder of god̛, praye our lord̛ Ihesu Cryste thy sone [sign. D vj] that he gyue grace to thys sarasyn that he may byleue in the cristen fayth, for by hym it may be moche

enhaunced̛." Fyerabras ansuerd̛ in thys manere: "Olyuer, leue suche wordes: telle me yf thou wylt fyght like as thou hast enterprysed̛." "ye," sayd olyuer, "kepe the wel fro me for I deffye the," and̛ ranne vpon hym: [ "and ranne vpon hym:" Fr. et se coururent. The succeeding passage is awkwardly expressed in the translation. The original reads: et fut premierement frappe Oliuer sur son escu par telle fierte, qu'au prez le poinz de Oliuer a mis en pieces son escu, which is not much better. The he, of course, is Ferumbras.] and̛ Olyuer was smyton fyrst vpon his sℏelde by suche fiersnes that he smote his sℏelde in pyeces nyghe to hys fyste, and it was meruaylle that he cut it not of: wherfore Fyerabras sayd̛ that he had̛ put hym in suche caas that he sℏold not longe lyue in thys world̛. Olyuer sayd̛ noo worde but came with his swerde ayenst the paynym Fyerabras moche furyously. ¶ Thenne the paynym that sawe þ^e stroke come threwe hys shelde ayenst olyuer wherfore anone it was quartred̛, and̛ was so astoned̛ that the eyen in hys heed were al troubled̛ of the payne and̛ the fyre was seen sprynge oute of the swerdes and̛ sℏeldes moche habundantlye. and̛ thus in smytyng̛ fyerabras sayd in this manere: "now is the houre come that thou shalt neuer haue ayde of thy god̛ Ihesus in whome thou byleuest, but that anone thou shalt be deed̛ sythe thou felest thy self ouercomen. And Olyuer anone ansuerd̛: "Ihesus is wel myghty [col. 2] for to sℏewe hys puyssaunce. But anone thou sℏalt knowe that Mahoun ne Termagaunte sℏal not mowe ayde the ne be so myghty but that thou sℏalte be deed̛, I shal wel gyue the knowleche." And̛ herupon came that one vpon that other. And̛ olyuer was smyton on the helme al vnto the flesshe in suche wyse that al that the swerde araught it sℏare and̛ passed̛ thorugh, & thenne he sayd to olyuer: "I swere to the by my god̛ that I haue wel araught the and̛ smyton. Neuer shal charles ne Rolland̛ see the be thou wel sure." Olyuer ansuerd̛: "O Fyerabras of alexandrye, be not thou so proude for or I departe fro the I shal rendre the dede or vaynquysshed̛, & god̛ graunte to me that whyche I haue alwaye desyred̛!" And̛ therupon eche smote

other so merueyllously that the bodyes of them bothe swette for anguysshe and payne. Fyerabras smote olyuer vpon the helme soo harde that the stroke came to the flessh, and̛ yf god̛ had̛ not wrought he had̛ be slayn at that tyme. wherfore Olyuer as a man enraged̛ came ayenst the paynym & the sarasyn lyfte on hyghe hys sℏelde so that he was al dyscouerd̛ vnder the arme and̛ hys flanke was there vnarmed̛. Olyuer was wyse & took good hede and came lyghtly & smote [sign. D vj, back] fyerabras in hys flanke so myghtyly & contynued in suche wyse that he thrested̛ his swerde in one of hys flankes wel depe, & hys swerde hym self & the place was alle bybled̛ of the blood̛. Thus was Fyerabras hurte in suche manere that almoost hys bowellys yssued̛ oute of his bely, For thenne at that stroke olyuer employed al his strengthe for to make an ende of the bataylle so longe foughten.

¶ How fyerabras beyng vaynquysshed' byleued' in god', and' how he was borne by Olyuer, And' how Olyuer was assaylled' of the sarasyns and tormented': capitulo xv

After that the Paynym was smyton and̛ hurte mortally as I haue sayd̛, And̛ he seyng̛ that he myght nomore resyste ayenst Olyuer, by the vertu of god̛ he was enlumyned̛ in suche wyse that he had̛ knowleche of the errour of the paynyms and̛ lyfte vp hys eyen vnto heuen and̛ began to escrye the holy trynyte and the grace of the holy ghoost. And̛ after loked̛ on Olyuer and̛ sayd̛ to hym: "O noble Olyuer & valyaunt knyght, in thonour of god on whome thou byleuest and to [col. 2] whome I consente I crye the mercy and̛ requyre the that I dye not tyl I be baptysed̛ & yelden vaynquysshed̛ vnto Charles the Emperour

whyche so moche is redoubted̛. For I sℏal byleue in the crysten fayth & sℏal yelde the relyques for whyche ye be assemblyd̛ and̛ haue taken soo moche payne. And̛ I swere to the that yf by thy defaute I dye sarasyn I make the culpable of my dampnacyon, And̛ yf thou take not me in to thy garde I sℏal lose my blood̛. Thou sℏalt see me deye tofore thyn eyen wherfore in the honour of god̛ haue pyte on me." Olyuer had̛ so moche compassyon of hym for hys soor that he sore wepte, and after he layed̛ hym in the sℏadowe vnder a tree and there bounde his mortal woundes in suche wyse that he staunched̛ hys bledyng̛. And̛ after the paynym prayed̛ hym that it myght plese hym to bere hym awaye For hym self myght not goo. but whan Olyuer sawe that he was so heuy he sayd̛ that it was not to hym possyble to bere hym. Fyerabras enforced̛ ["enforced̛:" exerted. Compare Sir Ferumbras, 782—

"Þan Firumbras enforcede hym þer to arise vp-on ys fete."

] hym self moche & came nyghe to hym, "O noble and̛ redoubted̛ Erle Olyuer, in the honour of god̛ lede me to charles or I be dede for I am nyghe at myn ende, for al my body bledeth. take that hors and mounte theron and̛ come as nyghe to [sign. D vij] me as thou may and yf I may lye thwart tofore the vpon the sadel thou mayst lede me; & take my swerde by thy syde. ¶ Now hast thou foure that been moche worthe. and hye and̛ depesshe the, For thys day in the mornyng I lefte in the wode that thou there seest here by fyfty thousand men whyche been al my subgettes, & comanded̛ them that none sℏold moeue tyl I were retorned̛ fro the bataylle." Whan Olyuer vnderstood̛ hym he was al afrayed and̛ abasshed̛ for fere, but not wythstondyng̛ he sayd̛: "Syr kyng̛, sythe that it plese you I am contente," & took hym thwart the hors as it was sayd & went forth on the waye in grete sorowe. And sodeynly departed out of the wode where as were the subgettes of Fyerabras a moche fyers paynym named

bruyllant of Mommere. And̛ after hym Sortybrant of nonymbres, and̛ the kynge of Mantryble; after hym maradas, Pynan, & Tenebras, & wel fyfty thousand̛ sarasyns after. whan Olyuer sawe theym come he smote the hors wyth the spores but the charge was so heuy that he myȝt not goo so faste as his enemyes came to hym. Whan the frensshe men sawe the paynyms come in so grete nombre anon lyghtely they armed̛ them. And emonge other rolland, Gherard of mondydyer, [col. 2] Guyllam the scot, naymes of bauyere, Ogier, Rychard of normandye, Guy of bourgoyn, Geffroy lantiguy, Basyn, the duc Thyery of ardeyne, And̛ Aubert, And̛ semblably Reyner of genes fader of Olyuer faylled̛ not. Olyuer saw alonge the medowe and̛ sawe come to fore thother brullant of mommyere which rode on an hors as swyft as a grehounde and̛ made grete bruyt emonge the other, For it semed̛ as it had̛ be thonder and tempeste; and̛ bare in hys honde a faus dart ["a faus dart:" Fr. ung faulx dart. Properly a hand-bill. See Sir Ferumbras, l. 966, and note—

"falsarz an feþerd dart."

The expression occurs again, p. 81, l. 28, below.] with a grete hede of stele square and̛ sℏarpe whyche was alle enuenymed̛ wyth the blood̛ of a crapauld̛ ["crapauld:" Fr. crapaulx, a toad.] and̛ was ryght daungerous. whan Olyuer sawe him he was al amoeued̛ and abasshed̛ and̛ sayd̛ to Fyerabras in thys manere: "Sir kyng̛, ye must needs descende; I may no ferther conduyte you, wherfore I am meruayllously sory and̛ dysplaysaunt. For I knowe that I must nedes be oppressyd̛; ye see it wel. And yf they may attayne I sℏal be put to deth, And Charles shal neuer see me whyche shall be to hym grete dyscomforte." Thenne anone Fyerabras cryed with an hye voys: [Ed. veys.] "O noble Olyuer, wyl ye now leue me? Ye haue conquerd̛ me, to you I am yeuen and yelden. it sℏal not be reputed̛ noblesse determyned̛ whan [sign. D vij, back] I am youres and ye forsake me. Alas poure sorouful and caytyf that I am, yf I deye paynym what shal come of me? Virgyn marie, moder of god̛, haue pyte on me vnworthy that I

am to retorne me to you!" And̛ after he sayd̛ to Olyuer: "I am conquerd̛ by the and̛ haue promysed̛ to the that I sℏal be baptysed̛. Yf thou leue me thou oughtest lytel to be preysed̛." Olyuer ansuerd̛: "Fyerabras, thou spekest as a knyght. But I auowe to god̛ and̛ to the courte of heuen that I sℏal not leue the, I sℏal take the bataylle in honde for the and̛ sℏal deffende the as longe as I sℏal be on lyue: thou mayst wel truste therto." & there vpon he took the hauberk of the sarasyn and̛ wyth suche as he myȝt haue he armed̛ hym, & prestly he abylled̛ hym and put on his heed̛ an hatte of fyne stele, and̛ helde hys swerde drawen named haultclere, wyth whiche he coude wel helpe hym. & herupon came anone brullant wyth his faus darte & atteyned̛ Olyuer in the breste & gaf hym an euyl stroke so that the dart brake. thenne said fyerabras: "Syr Olyuer, ye haue doon ynough for me, For ye be hurte. late me descende doun and laye me a-parte out of the waye to thende that I be not defoulled̛ of these sarasyns, ne taken and̛ destroyed̛." Therof had̛ Olyuer [col. 2] grete compassyon & layed̛ Fyerabras in the sℏadowe of a pynapple tree ["a pynapple tree:" a pine or fir-tree. The Catholicon Anglicum gives: "a Pyne tre (A Pyne Appyltre A.); pinus (pinum fructus eius A.)." Apple was the ordinary word for the cones of the pine or fir. Lyte, Dodoens, p. 769, speaking of the pine, says: "his fruite is great Boulleans or bawles of a browne chesnut colour, and are called pine-apples." See other instances in my note in the Catholicon.] ferre out of the waye. and̛ whan he wold haue fledde he sawe aboute hym wel x thousand̛ sarasyns and̛ sayd̛: "Alas! god̛ Ihesus, my creatour, thou knowest myn entencyon. I requyre the to gyue me grace that I deye not at thys tyme present vnto the tyme that for thexaltacion of thy fayth I may be wyth Rolland̛ my felawe:" & in the name of Ihesus drewe out haulteclere and̛ came in to the waye, & the first that he recountred was the sone of the grettest lord that was there, and gaf hym suche a stroke that he clefte hym to the breste and̛ he fyl doun dede. & Olyuer was abylle & delyuer, and took fro hym hys sℏelde whyche was al newe: for in the bataylle tofore maad̛ he had̛ loste hys, & also he had̛ his spere & lete hys hors renne emonge

the myscreauntes. And̛ atteyned̛ at the fyrst stroke Clorgys & smote hym vnto the hert. And̛ in retornyng̛ he slewe thre sarasyns & they ranne tofore hym as sℏeep tofore the wulf whiche is hongry. Thenne came on hym marabas, Turgys, Sortybrant of conymbres, and̛ the kyng Margaris, and̛ they cryed̛ with an hye voys to-gydre: "by Mahoun our god̛, thou frensshe man thou shalt not escape vs; kepe the wel [sign. D viij] for by vs thou shalt deye!" And̛ thenne cam Olyuer emonge his enemyes and̛ smote and̛ slewe on al sydes. And the saresyns smote on hym in suche wyse that it was grete meruaylle that he was not slayne and̛ ouercomen but by force of [Ed. and.] sℏotte and̛ of strokes ["by force of shotte and of strokes." Altered on the authority of the original, which reads: "a force de coup et de trais."] hys hors was slayn vnder hym. And̛ he beyng̛ on the erthe as sone as he myght he aroos and̛ beyng̛ afoot sette hys sℏelde tofore hym whyche he had goten, and̛ helde fast haultclere whyche was alle hys comforte for to socoure hym. And alwaye whome he raught fyl doun and̛ was slayn. It is not redde in ony book that euer ony man so hurt as he was bare hym so wel and̛ dyd so grete portemente of armes.

¶ How Olyuer was taken & blynfeld' pyteously, & myght not be socoured' by the Frensshe men: ca. xvj [Ed. xvij.]

Olyuer was al allone on fote emonge the sarasyns ageynst whome he made grete resystence & meruayllous: but it is not a thynge possyble that he myght escape fro theyr handes, for wyth glaues, with swerdes and with faus dartes ["faus dartes." See p. 79, l. 18, and note.] of yron they pressyd hym so sore that hys sℏelde was perced̛ in [col. 2] moo than xxx places: & whan hys hauberk was broken & perced̛ wyth foure sharpe dartes they perced̛ and̛ wounded̛ hym in his body meruaillously. Wherfore by veray force & for feblesse he fyl to the erthe & there they took hym

moche outerageously, and̛ after blynfelde hys eyen & bonde hym straytely soo that he myȝt not see, ne wyst not where he was & they sette hym vpon a good̛ hors & bonde hym surely. And̛ whan thys valyaunt olyuer was thus dyspourueyed̛ fro al helpe, fro al syȝt, fro al hope, and̛ fro al comforte, it is good̛ to wete ["it is good̛ to wete:" this does not at all convey the meaning of the original, which runs: sans le dire se peult entendre.] that he was in grete desplaysaunce, For he knewe not what they wold doo wyth hym. Thenne wyth an hye voys by a compassyon of hert he sayd̛: "O Charlemayn kyng̛ of noblesse Emperour of valure, where art thou now & knowest thou not where I am? seest thou not what I do? remembrest not me, Noble felawe Rolland̛? thou art all a slepe. am I deef or how I may not here the? is there none of you crysten that remembreth me?" These and suche other complayntes makyng̛ [The omission of the pronoun before makyng̛ makes the sentence rather awkward.] the kyng̛ Maradas sayd̛ to hym: "Frensshe man, whatsomeuer thou be thou spekest of folye, For I sℏal not ete tyl thou be hanged̛." These sarasyns ranne wyth olyuer, hys eyen blynfelde and hys hondes [sign. D viij, back] straytly bounden, in the garde of four fals tyraunts. Thenne vpon thys in especyal came Rolland̛, Thyerry, & al the peres & charles hym self also, but thys was ouer late for to saue Olyuer. wyth grete cryes they cryed̛ on god̛ & on al the sayntes of heuen. And̛ wyth grete Ire Rolland̛ smote Corsuble in the brest, Gherard of mondydyer came ayenst Turgys, Ogyer smote athenas, And̛ Rychard̛ Amancdys; ["Amancdys:" Fr. Amandis.] Guy of bourgoyne atteyned̛ brullant. There was none of the peres of fraunce but that ouerthrewe hys man and made so grete dyscomfyte of the sarasyns that they were al empesshed to holde them to-gyders and to goo theyr waye, but the other paynyms that conduyted̛ Olyuer wente alwaye forth. And̛ in thys bataylle was slayn guyllam, gualtier, & other ynow of valyaunte peple & many other of the moyen people & others, and laye on the grounde. [In the Sowdone it is Roland and Oliver that are captured: see Dr. Hausknecht's note to l. 1433.] And̛ gherard̛ de mondydier,

the sone of Duke Thyerry, and̛ geffroy langeuyn they bonde dylygently to theyr horses & rode aweye wyth them hastely. but whan charles sawe theym thus ladde for angre he loste almoost hys wytte, And̛ wyth an hyghe voys cryed̛: "saue, kepe, and̛ socoure the barons. O knyȝtes desloyal, that ye be slowe! yf they lede awaye the barons [col. 2] neuer shal ye fare wel." whan the Frensshe men herde Charles thus moeued as enraged smote theyr horses wyth theyr spores and wente doun of a mountayn. [ "wente doun of a mountayn." In Sir Ferumbras, 984:

"at aualyng of an hulle."

] And̛ there was Rolland̛ fyrst that helde hys swerde durandall drawen for tauenge hym fyersly, and̛ hym that he atteyned̛ was sure to passe by the deth. For he was al enraged̛ by cause that they ledde awaye his felowe Olyuer, & smote a paynym that he clefte hym to the myddle of hys body. at that tyme rolland bare hym myghtely: by cause of the multytude of the paynyms he myght not passe forth for to socoure the barons prysonners and̛ chaced̛ them more than v myle ferre & coude not approche them. & thenne were many good knyghtes deed̛, morfounded, ["morfounded:" Fr. morfondus, lit. chilled, affected by cold.] and wery. And̛ not wythstondyng Rolland̛ sware that he wold neuer retorne tyl the barons of fraunce were taken fro the handes of theyr enemyes. But he myght not do it, For the nyght came on & wyst neuer whyther to goo. The sarasyns that were tofore went fleyng̛ alwaye at theyr playsyr. ¶ Thys seyng̛ Charles wyst not what he sℏold doo ne say, For he doubted that the paynyms made a watche & a ryere garde for to close them, ¶ And̛ therfore by force they must leue the felde in ryȝt grete [sign. E j] dysplaysyr & anguysshe; and so al they retorned̛.

The second' partye of the second' book conteyneth xvij chapytres & speketh of the tormente of the barons of fraunce, & how they that were taken spaken to ballant thadmyral of spayne.

¶ How Fyerabras was founden by Charles, and after was baptysed' and' heled' of his wonde: ca. primo

After that charles knew that he myght not haue ageyn Olyuer ne the other prysoners it was force to hym to retorne wyth hys people for the nyght was thenne to them greuous; & also in retornyng̛ they fonde fyerabras vnder a tre languysshyng, to whom þ^ekyng said: O vnhappy paynym, I ouȝt wel to hate the for by the been my men prysonners and̛ loste. thou hast take fro me oliuer one of the best byloued̛ that I had̛ emonge al thumayn creatures: ℏym þat hath be synguler to mayntene my good̛ name. & by the in the ende in stede of Ioye thou yeldest me sorowe." whan fyerabras vnderstode hym he sore syghed̛ & sayd: "O ryche emperour & noble, the moost myghty of human lygnage, In thonour of [col. 2] god̛ I crye the mercy & pardone me. It is trouthe that Olyuer hath conquerd̛ me, I shal not hyde it, and̛ I haue promysed̛ hym that I shal be crystned̛. I haue left & forsaken al my goddes and̛ yelde me to Ihesus the creatour of the world̛. And I requyre the yet that I may be baptysed̛, and̛ yf I were heled̛ of my woundes I shal enhaunce to my power the crysten fayth & many sarasyns shal be maad̛ crysten; and̛ by my moyan the holy sepulcre & the holy reliques shal be delyuerd̛, for whome ye take grete payne and trauaylle. And also I make an oth to you by god in whom I now byleue that I am more heuy & sory for Olyuer that noble knyȝt whiche is taken prysonner than I am for my body whyche is mortally wounded̛, & by the grace of god we shal haue hym ones; ["ones:" at some time or other.] wherfore conclude we that I be crystened̛, For yf I deye sarasyn it shal be to you reproche." ¶ And vpon thys Charles, whyche had̛ grete compassyon on hym, made hym to be borne in to hys lodgyng by his barons. and whan they

saw hym so hugely membred̛ they al were abasshed of his gretenes and̛ largenes, for whan he was vnarmed̛ he was one of the semelyest men that euer was. ¶ And̛ al the Frensshe men gaf grete loes and̛ honour [sign. E j, back] to Olyuer that had̛ foughten & ouercomen suche a man; and as he was vnclothed̛ partye of hys woundes opened̛ and̛ began to blede wherof hys hert faylled & fyl doun a-swoune, & rolland̛ anone lyfte hym vp. And in al haste they made redy a fonte, & sente for tharche-bysshop Turpyn ["Turpyn." For an account of this celebrated Knight-Bishop, see Dr. Hausknecht's note to the Sowdone, l. 1711.] and Naymes, which were moche Ioyous of this that the paynym sℏold̛ be crystend̛. & after that the baptesme was redy the godfaders gaf hym another name & was named floren, (but as longe as he lyued̛ he was called̛ Fyerabras,) and thenne he was layed in a bedde honourable. And̛ at the laste ende of hys dayes he was a saynt and̛ god̛ sℏewed̛ for hym myracles, and is now called̛ Saynt Floren of Roye. And thenne anone charles made hym to be vysyted̛ by his medycynes & surgyens wel expert, & sercheden ["sercheden:" compare Sir Ferumbras, l. 1093-4.

"is wounde to enserche and saye.At is heste þey wente þer-to & softe gunne taste is wounde."

] al his woundes, and as god wolde they fonde none of his bowellys entamed ne hurt, wherfore the leches were sure for to delyuer hym al hole wythin ij monethes next after comyng̛. In makyng thys vysytacion the Emperour charles was present & sayd̛ to fyerabras: "yf now olyuer & the other barons were here present tofore the we sℏold̛ wel be contente." And charles was thenne al pencyf and heuy moche thynkyng̛ vpon hys barons [col. 2] prysoners, but he maad̛ no more semblaunte.

¶ How Olyuer & his felowes were presented' to ballant thadmyral and' cruelly passyoned in pryson: capitulo ij

The Sarasyns after they had the barons of fraunce tofore named for prysoners they taryed̛ not but ranne tyl they came in to a ryche cytee named̛

Agrymore; and at the entre of the sayd̛ cyte they sowned̛ and blewe vp trumpes makyng̛ grete bruyt. whan ballant thadmyral, ["ballant thadmyral." Laban in the Sowdone throughout. ] fader of Fyerabras, sawe them he came vnto them & fonde there brullant of mommyer, to whome he sayd̛: "O brullant my frende, telle to vs of your tydynges, how ye haue borne you in my warre and affayres. haue ye taken Charles the emperour whyche so moche is redoubted̛, & his peres of fraunce be they dyscomfyted̛?" Brullant sayd̛ to hym: "O syr admyral, the tydynges that I brynge you been alle otherwyse, and̛ of lasse valewe than ye say. by Charles the kyng we haue been almoost defeated̛ and̛ dyscomfyted̛. For of hys puyssaunce it is a meruayllous thynge. Fyerabras your sone is with hym vaynquysshed̛ by one of his barons and is made crysten, & he was taken vaynquysshed̛ & dyscomfyted in loyal batayl without doyng ony treson." [sign. E ij] whan thadmyral vnderstode this he fyl to therthe al in a traunse, And̛ or he came ageyn to hys mynde it was a grete whyle for the sorowe that he had̛ of hys sone. and̛ whan he was releued he cryed̛ wyth an hye voys: "O dolaunt vnhappy that I am! ha! poure caytyf! what sℏal bycome of me? O Fyerabras, my ryght dere sone and heyer, whyther art thou gone? Fro whens cometh thys trespaas? wherfore were thou taken whyche neuer in bataylle were wery ne had reproche? ¶ O what euyl tydynges been brought to me of the! yf he be crysten I am sory that he lyueth: I had moche leuer that he were dysmembred̛ and̛ put to deth:" & thenne as a man feble for sorowe fyl doun to the grounde and cryed̛: "O brullant of mommyere, what is betyd of the noble kyng of Cordube and̛ of my neuewe bruchart? sythe ["sythe." By using this word to render the original puis, Caxton has made the whole sentence almost unintelligible. It should run: "O brullant of mommyere, what is betyd of the noble kyng of Cordube and̛ of my neuewe bruchart, and also of my sone fyerabras, the ledar and̛ captayn of all?"] my sone fyerabras the ledar and̛ captayn of all, yf it be trewe that he be lost I sℏal smyte oute the brayne of Mahommet the god̛ whiche hath promysed̛ to me so moche good̛, to whome I haue gyuen my self and̛ yolden." Thus sayeng̛ alle in a rage he tormented̛

hym self greuously vpon the grounde. [Ed. grouude.] And̛ whan thadmyral was a lytel coled̛ of hys grete yre He demaunded̛ of Brullant: "whiche is the knyȝt that hath vaynquysshed [col. 2] fyerabras my sone?" brullant answerd: "Syr admyrall, your sone hath be conquerd̛ by yonde knyght:" ["knyght:" Fr. damoiseau.] in sℏewyng Olyuer whiche was so fayr & wel formed & membred & had emonge al other his eyen bended. Now anone sayd thadmyral of spayn: "hye you & brynge hym to me for I shal neuer ete tyl he be dysmembred̛." whan the frenssh men vnderstode that he wold do put Olyuer to deth, whiche was al theyr comforte, begonne to wepe greuously, & olyuer whiche vnderstode it sawe them waylle he recomforted them sayeng, in suche manere that the sarasyns wyst not what they sayd̛, "My lordes & my brethern, ye knowe our necessite, yf thadmyral myȝt know that we be of the peres of fraunce our lyues shal be sone termyned, for no thyng shal he take pyte of vs but that we shal deye shamefully. wherfor I praye you that we al say as I shal begynne:" [In the Sowdone the French knights tell their true names.] to whome alle the other frensshe men prysonners dyd consente, & wold say & do lyke as he counceylled them. after that thadmyral had comanded them to come tofore hym the paynyms vnarmed them & bonde faste theyr hondes & blynfelde theyr eyen, wherof they were moche greued̛ & daungerously hurt: & anon thadmyral furiously demaunded olyuer: "þou frenssh man, beware that þou [sign. E ij, back] lye not but say to me the trouthe how thou arte named̛ & hyde it not." Olyuer ansuerd & sayd: "syr, I am named eugynes, sone vnto a yeman ["yeman:" Fr. vassal.] of poure lygnage, and was borne in lorayne & cam on a tyme to the courte of Charles emperour, whiche gaf to me armes & after adoubed me knyght: & also my felawes that ye see tofore you ben poure knyghtes aduenturous & haue enterprysed̛ payne to serue our kyng, by cause þat by our seruyce we myȝt be auaunced & haue somme good̛ guerdon & rewarde."

"O Mahoun," sayd̛ thadmyral, "now I am wel deceyued̛. I supposed̛ by my god̛ that I had̛ had̛ fyue of the valyauntest erles of fraunce & of the grettest, & thought I had the kayes of fraunce by the moyen of these barons," & anone called̛ barbacas his chamberlayn and̛ sayd̛ to hym anone: "depesshe the, take these frensshe men and̛ despoyle them & bynde them harde to that pyler & after brynge me my dartes wel sℏarped wyth yron, & I shal shote at them and̛ smyte hem at my playsyr." thenne aroos brullant ["brullant:" in the Sowdone, 1512, it is Floripas who advises her father to imprison the Frenchmen, not to slay them.] & sayd̛: "syr admyral, I praye you that at thys tyme that ye do not that enterpryse, for it shal not be wel doo. ye see wel that it is in the euentyde & ouer late to do Iustyce, & so ye myght be blamed̛, seen that your seygnorye ne your lordes [col. 2] be not here now present. wherfore I praye you that at thys tyme ye do no thyng to them tyl to-morowe atte houre that eche man knowe it, & your Iugement shal the better be approued̛. For I knowe wel that they haue deserued̛ it wel euydently. And̛ on that other syde yf charles the emperour wold̛ yelde ageyn to you Fyerabras your sone wyth his good̛ wylle ye myght semblably remyse to hym these frenssh men that ye now haue." "for your loue," sayd̛ thadmyral, "I am contente," and̛ sente for Brutamont whych was kepar of the pryson, and̛ gaf to hym grete charge to kepe the frensshe men and̛ that he be wel sure of them, and̛ that he sette them in suche place for to lerne how they haue wrought folyly for to come it to hys kepyng̛.

¶ Of the pryson wherin that the Frensshe men were lodged', And how they were vysyted by the fayre Florypes doughter of the admyral, and' of the beaulte of hyr: ca. iij

After that ballant thadmyral of Spayne had̛ commaunded̛ that the Frensshe men were sette in

greuous pryson [sign. E iij] brutamont the geayler made Olyuer & his felawes to auale doun in to a pryson moche daungerous, whyche was so depe and strayt ["strayt:" Fr. estroite.] in the grounde that no lyȝt myght be seen: in the which were put & nourysshed serpentes, crapauldes, and̛ other beestes venemous and̛ detestable; [See note to p. 79, l. 20.] in whyche place al stenche was comprysed̛. and there passed a streme of the salte see whiche had hys entree wythout conduyt, by whiche water myght one passe whan the tyde was passed. & or the kepar of the pryson went he blynfeld̛ them & sℏet the dore aboue them, & they beyng in this fylthe and̛ stenche anon the water came so habundantly that the poure frenssh men were in the water vnto their shoƚdres. Thenne the woundes of olyuer began to smerte by cause of the salte water that it perced hys hert. ye may wel thynke the payne was grete, But in especyal of olyuer, which was hurt mortally in many places & had̛ grete necessyte of remedye, & he was in a place where al his paynes were renewed & his woundes opened̛: for anon as he felte hym bayned̛ in the salte water he fyl doun a swoune & had̛ be dede that tyme ne had be gherard de mondydyer who susteyned̛ hym. & ye may demaunde me how they were not drowned seeyng̛ that the water grewe alwaye. [col. 2] ye shal vnderstonde that in that pryson of aduenture were two grete pylers wel xv fote hye vpon wℏiche by grete force they gate vp olyuer whicℏ myȝt not helpe hym. & whan olyuer was sette therupon in grete anguysshe he waylled & sayd: "o poure man & vnhappy put vnder by fals fortune! ["put vnder by fals fortune:" Fr. soubmis a faulx fortune.] O Reyner my dere fader, for goddes sake what do ye? knowe ye where I am? thynke ye what I make? ["what I make": Fr. que ie fays, i. e. what I am doing, how I fare.] knowe ye my sorowe? ye shal neuer see me." this sayeng & other lamentable wordes of desolacyon the valyaunt man Gherard sayd to hym: "Syr oliuer, wayle nomore: vnto suche a knyght as ye be it apperteyneth

not to make suche complainte. reioyce we our self & traiste we in god, whych I wold it plesed̛ that now we that be here were aboue at large al armed & eche a good swerde in his hande onely: for I make a vowe to god̛ that or we shold̛ be put in to this pytte vaynquysshed I sℏold put to deth iijC sarasyns or moo." the frensshe men beyng̛ on these pylers of marble afore sayd̛ in suche wyse sayeng & other wordes Florypes the syster of fyerabras & doughter of thadmyrall herd them & had grete compassyon of þ^e complayntes that Olyuer made. [Compare the description of Floripas as given in Sir Ferumbras, l. 5789, et seq.] this douȝter was yonge & not maryed̛, was wel comprysed of body; resonable of lengthe, [sign. E iij, back] whyt & rody as rose in maye. hyr heyre was sℏynyng as the fyne golde, & hir vysage termyned in lytel of lengthe: and̛ hyr chere lawhyng, hyr eyen clere as fawcon mued, & sparklyng lyke ij sterres. the vysage had sℏe deuysed̛ moche egally, her nose strayt whiche was wel semely; the ij browes whiche were aboue the eyen appyeryng made shadowe; hyr chekys rounde, whyt as the flour de lys, a lytel tyssued with reed̛; & vnder the nose was her mouth roundette, enhaunced̛ in competent space, fro the chynne al wel proporcyoned̛ to the remenaunte of the hede: with litel sℏoldres strayte & egalle: & tofore aboue the gyrdle hir pappes were reysed̛ after the facyon of ij apples, rounde and euen as the coppe of a litel montayn. And̛ she was cladde wyth a robe of purple meruayllously ryche fylled̛ & pouldred̛ with sterres of fyn golde, whyche was made of one of the fayrye, ["whyche was made of one of the fayrye:" Fr. faicte dune fae.] & it was of grete vertu for the persone that had̛ it myght neuer be poysoned̛ of herbe ne of venym. And florypes was so fayre wyth hyr abyllements that yf a persone had̛ fasted̛ iij or iiij dayes with out etyng̛, & he myght see hyr he sℏold be replenysshed & fylled. & more ouer she bare a mantell whiche was made in the yle of colchos of a woman of the fayrye [col. 2] (there as Iason gate the

fliese of golde, as it is redde in the destructyon of troye almoost at the begynnyng) [Caxton's translation of Raoul Lefevre's Jason was printed in 1477 (Blades). Several copies are still in existence.] whiche mantel had̛ so swete an odour that it was meruaylle. wherfor of the beaulte of this damoysel eche man meruaylled̛. & as I haue said tofore she had wel herde the complaynt of the frensshe men in pryson & in especyal of Olyuer of whome sℏe had grete pyte, and departed̛ fro hyr chambre with xij maydens hir subgettes, & entred first in to the halle where as the paynyms were moche desolate for fyerabras wℏiche was taken & many other grete lordes whiche were deed. & whan the doughter ["doughter:" Fr. la fille.] had̛ demaunded̛ tydynges they tolde ℏyr þat hir broder fyerabras was taken & vaynquysshed; wherfore anone sℏe made a grete crye and syghed for anguysshe. thenne was al the sorowe renewed for hyr sake emonge them, & whan she had cessyd a lytel of wepyng̛ she sente anone for brutamont & sayd to ℏym, "what be they that I haue herde speke in the pryson that ben so sorouful?" ¶ "Madame," said the porter, "they be frenssh men longyng to Charles the Kyng̛ whiche neuer cesse to destroye our lawe, slee our peple, repreue our creaunce, and sette a nought our goddes: & haue ben aydyng̛ to slee Fyerabras your broder. emong whom ther is one of grete [sign. E iiij] valure whyche is one of the best made men that euer was knowen, and̛ hath ben so mygℏty that he conquerd in loyal batayl Fyerabras." Anone florypes had enuye to here hym speke ["Anone florypes had enuye to here hym speke:" Fr. eult enuie les oyr parler, i. e. had a great desire to hear them speak.] & sayd to brutamont: "I wyl speke with hem; come and̛ opene the pryson, for I wyl knowe of theyr fayt." brutamont answerd̛ and sayd̛: "Madame, ye shal pardonne me: ye may not see them by cause of the fylthe and dysℏoneste ["dysℏoneste:" Fr. inhonnestete.] of the place: it apperteyneth not to you. and̛ on that other syde ["on that other syde:" i. e. on the other hand, again.] your fader hath deffended̛ me that noo persone shal approche the pryson. And̛ I remembre me now wel that oftymes by a woman I have knowen somme sℏamed̛ & deceyued̛."

whan floripes vnderstood sℏe was for angre almoost fro hyr self and̛ sayd̛ to hym: "O euyl glouton despytous, oughtest thou to yeue me suche langage? I promyse the that I shal make the to be payed̛ sℏortly," & called̛ hyr chamberlayn whyche gaf to hyr a staffe, and she made semblaunte to opene the pryson and̛ brutamont gaynsayed̛ it, & sodeynly she, seyng̛ the porter wythstonde hyr, gaf hym suche a stroke on the vysage þat sℏe made hys eyen flee oute of his heed̛, & after he fyl doun & there she slew hym & threwe hym wythout knowyng of the sarasyns in to the pryson where the frensshe [col. 2] men were: wherof they were sore aferde and̛ abasshed̛ whan they herd hym, wenyng to them that it had be the deuyl which wold haue tempted̛ & deceyued̛ them. Thenne anone florypes dyd̛ doo lyght a torche & dyd do open the pryson & put in the lyght tofore hyr for to see the prysonners, & cam nyghe to the pyler & sayd to them: ¶ "O ye lordes, telle to me what ye ar & how ye be named̛: hyde ye no thyng fro me." Olyuer ansuerd & said: "My fayr lady, we ben of fraunce & men of charlemayns, [ "charlemayns:" evidently a misprint for "charlemayne," and not a genitive case.] & haue ben brouȝt hyther to thadmyral, which hath comaunded vs to be here in thys cruel prison: & moche better were it for vs that he dyd̛ vs to be dysmembred & dye than tabyde in this place." the curtoys florypes, not-withstondyng þat she was not crystened, had so grete noblesse & so grete compassyon and said to them: "I promyse you that I shal put you out of this pryson, so that ye promette & swere that ye shal helpe me to that that I shal say to you." Olyuer ansuerd: "therof, madame, I you assure, & that ye shal fynde vs all suche by effecte as ye shal desyre, & faythful & trewe. For neuer were we other ne neuer shal be. & be ye sure that we shall neuer fayle you as longe as we shall haue lyf in our bodyes, so þat we be furnysshed of armes & been [sign. E iiij, back] aboue for to meddle wyth [p. 92, l. 35. "for to meddle wyth:" Fr. pour vous mesler = to engage.]

the sarasyns, I sℏal make to them a grete dyscomfyte." "vassal," sayd the doughter, "ye may auaunte you ouer moche: yet ye be there and̛ wel ferre for to be oute ["wel ferre for to be oute:" i. e. very far from being out. Perhaps we should read "wel ferre fro to be oute."] and yet menace ye them that ben at theyr lyberte. It is better a man wysely to be stylle than folysshly to speke." Gherard sayd̛ to the lady: "Damoysel, I sℏal saye to you one worde. he that is deteyned̛ and̛ strongely empesshed̛ singeth gladly for to forgete his payne and̛ melancholye." And̛ Floripes byhelde gherard the curtoys whyche excused̛ Olyuer of that whyche he spake ouer hardyly, but thys was not grete meruaylle. For of the Ioye that olyuer had whan the lady said to hym that they sℏold̛ be put oute of pryson hym thought thenne to be out and armed at his free wylle. But the lady sayd̛ to gherard: ¶ "In trouthe, syr, ye can wel say and̛ excuse your felowe redyly. And̛ I byleue veryly that ye can wel playe with maydens of eage in somme chaumbre vnder curteynes & dysporte you in loue: ["ye can wel playe with maydens, &c." Compare the corresponding passage in Sir Ferumbras, l. 1303, and Dr. Hausknecht's note to the Sowdone, l. 1723.] I trowe ye knowe how and what maner." Guillam the scot answerd̛ and̛ sayd̛: "by my sowle, madame, ye say soth, & of hym ye haue wel deuyned: for fro hens vnto iijC myle ye sℏal not fynde hys pere.

[col. 2]

¶ How the frensshe men were put oute [Ed. outo.] of pryson and were vysyted' by the noble mayde Floripes and' of the beaulte of hyr chaumbre: capitulo iiij

Whan the fayr Florypes had̛ spoken at hir playsyr wyth the barons prysonners sℏe called hir chamberlayn and̛ made hym to brynge a corde & a staffe ["a corde & a staffe." In Sir Ferumbras, 1308, Floripas sends for "anuylt, tange, & slegge." The Sowdan agrees with Caxton, for in l. 1647 we are told that she

"a rope to hem lete down goon̄ That aboven̄ was teyde faste."

] bounden ouerthwart, & after lete it doun. And̛ whan the frensshe men sawe it they made fyrst Olyuer to goo vp, & the lady and̛ hyr chamberleyn drewe hym vp by grete force: & after that the other wente vp lyghtly

ynough. and̛ after sℏe ledde them by an olde gate and secrete, and wythoute knowyng of ony paynym sℏe made them to entre in to hyr chambre, wherof thentre was made meruayllously after the sarasyns werke. Aboue the chyef yate was made by grete scyence the heuen & the sterres, the sonne, the mone, the tyme of somer & of wynter; wodes, montaynes, byrdes, beestes, & fysshe were there paynted̛ of all fygures and̛ lykenesse by meruayllous facyon: & after somme scryptures the sone of mathusale dyd̛ do make it. And̛ thys chambre stood̛ vpon a blacke rocke al enuyrouned̛ wyth the see, and̛ in one of the quarters [sign. E v] was a gardyn pretoyre ["a gardyn pretoyre:" Fr. avoit ung pretoire, i. e. an enclosed yard or space.] meruayllously fayr wherin floures ne fruytes faylled̛ neuer, & there of al maladyes and sekenesses sauf onely of the maladye of deth was founden comforte and̛ good̛ helpe. There within grewe mandegloyre. And with the fayre Floripes were in the gallerye these ladyes, Clarmondyne, florette, Florymonde, & many other fayr vyrgynes. And̛ hir maistresse named̛ maragonde sayd to Florypes: "A, madame, I knowe wel these frensshe men. yonder goodly man that ye there see is Olyuer, whyche is sone to Reyner of genes and̛ broder to Audeyne, one of the fayrest that is borne of a woman. And̛ thys is he that hath vaynquysshed fyerabras thy broder. & that other is gherard of Mondidier, which oftymes hath be praysed̛ & honoured̛. And̛ there is willyam de scot: & the camuse ["camuse:" flat-nosed. See note to Sir Ferumbras, 4437, and Glossary.] whyche is the hyndmest is geffroy langeuyn. but I praye to my god mahomet that he curse me yf I euer ete or drynke tyl I haue tolde your fader my lord̛ thadmyrall." Floripes anone chaunged al her colour whan sℏe herde these wordes, & moche secretly sℏe reteyned̛ hyr Ire ayenst hyr & called thys woman to hir by the wyndowe, & gaf hyr so grete a stroke that sℏe fyl to the grounde: and̛ called̛ her varlet ["varlet:" a repetition of the original French word.] whyche cam to [col. 2] hyr prestly and̛ threwe

the woman in to the see. For Florypes redoubted moche hyr fader & his malyce. & whan thys olde woman tombled̛ in to the see Florypes sayd̛ to hyr: ¶ "Now goo, thou olde & despytous wretche; thou hast thy guerdon. I am now sure that the frensshe men that ben here ne shal neuer be encombred̛ ne in daunger by the." and herof the barons made grete Ioye; & thenne Floripes the noble lady came vnto the Frensshe men and̛ kyssed̛ them swetely, & whan sℏe sawe oliuer, whyche was al blody, and̛ knewe wel that he was hurte sℏe sayd̛ to hym: "Syr Olyuer, ne doubte ye not for I shal rendre you anone al hole and̛ in good̛ helthe:" & wente to the mandegloyre and̛ took a lytel: & anone as oliuer had̛ vsed̛ it he was al hole & reduced̛ in to good̛ helthe. The barons beyng in this noble chambre anone had̛ good̛ fyre, and̛ after were fette to the table and̛ wel pourueyed̛ of al good̛ vytaylle and̛ delycyous metes, of whyche they had̛ grete nede by cause of the grete hungre that they thenne had̛ endured̛. and after mete they had̛ the baynes chauffed̛, And̛ thenne they bayned̛ and refayted them at theyr ease; and̛ at the comyng̛ out of theyr baynes they were wel adoubed̛ wyth mantels ryche of [sign. E v, back] sylke & golde broudred̛. & thenne Floripes sayd̛: "lordes barons, ye knowe wel how I haue put my self in grete daunger to brynge you oute of pryson mortal, and ye be here in surete as ferre as no man hath herde vs. ["ye be here in surete as ferre as no man hath herde vs." This hardly conveys the meaning of the original, which runs: se dauenture quelque, i. e. so long as, or, provided that no man hath heard us.] For yf of aduenture it were knowen it sℏold̛ turne vs to euyl. I am not in doubte ["I am not in doubte:" Fr. en aultre doubte, i. e. fear.] Olyuer whyche is here present hath ouercomen my brother, to whome naturelly I ought to do repreef. I knowe you wel alle, be ye nothyng abasshed̛: ye knowe wel that ye haue promysed̛ that my secrete shal be hydde emonge you." and̛ after the sayd̛ Florypes sayd̛: "lordes, I sℏal say to you there is a knyght in fraunce [Ed. frannce.] whome I haue longe tyme loued̛: he is named̛ guy of

bourgoyne, whiche is the moost godelyest man that I knowe & is of the parentage of Charlemayn & of the myȝty Rolland̛. ¶ On a tyme whan I was at Rome I sawe hym, & sythe that tyme I haue gyuen to hym myn hert. whan my fader the admyral destroyed Rome, ["when my fader the admyral destroyed Rome." See my Introduction to Sir Ferumbras, p. xii, and Dr. Hausknecht's edition of the Sowdan, Introd.] lucafar ["lucafar:" in the French versions of the romance Luciferthroughout.] of bandas which was moche redoubted̛ emonge the Paynyms & the sayd̛ guy of bourgoyne Iusteden togyder, but the sayd̛ guy valyauntly smote hym doun to the erthe from hys hors, whyche moche plesyd̛ me, And̛ took in gree the valyaunce of hym in suche wyse that yf I haue [col. 2] hym not to husbond̛ I sℏal neuer marye. And̛ for the loue of hym I wyl be baptysed & byleue in the god̛ of crysten men." With these wordes the frensshe men were moche Ioyous, and̛ gyuen grete thankynges to god for the good wylle of thys fayre mayde. and Gherard̛ de mondydyer sayd to hyr: "Madame, I swere to you that yf we now were armed̛ & were in the halle emonge the sarasyns we shold make on them a grete dyscomfyture." But florypes was wyse and̛ sayd̛: "lordes, late vs thynke wysely on our affayres. And̛ sythe that ye be in surete take a litel reste. Loo, here vj maydens of grete noblesse: Eche of you take one for hys owne, for the better to passe wyth the tyme: & reste and̛ take your playsyr, And̛ I sℏal warante you. For as for myself I shal neuer haue to do with man but wyth Guy of bourgoyne to whome I haue gyuen my herte." Neuertheles for to consyder wel this chapytre there was a grete werke comprysed̛ whan fyrst florypes the curtoys which was a paynym had̛ desyre to speke wyth the frensshe men. alle this toucheth wel the desyre & wylle of wymmen for to knowe newe thynges and̛ tydynges, but as moche as touched the werke that she dyd̛ ayenst the kepar of the pryson & how they were taken [sign. E vj] oute That was the werke of a man wel approued̛, and it had ben grete

damage ["damage:" Fr. dommaige.] yf these barons had̛ abyden in pryson. But the fayth of persones doth grete alegement of tormente, for the sayntes of heuen by theyr holy fayth haue obteyned̛ heuen, and many other terryen men victorye of theyr enemyes. [The French reads: et plusieurs aultres terriennes victoires.] and̛ wyth good ryght he that fyghteth for the fayth, and̛ it happe that he be deteyned̛, ["deteyned̛:" Fr. detenu.] the mercy of god̛ is nyghe for to delyuer hym. The cause wherfore they were delyuerd̛ fro pryson was come fro ferre, that was of rome, for guy of bourgoyne whome sℏe had in loue, and̛ was contente for to be baptysed̛ and̛ byleue in god̛ for to haue the sayd̛ guy in maryage to hyr husbond̛. wherfore it may not wel be comprysed̛ how loue in thys damoysel was fyxed̛ and̛ comprysed of longe affectyon, the which was cause of sauyng̛ of the prysoners whyche were, as I haue sayd̛, in grete daunger.

¶ How kyng' charles sente to Ballant thadmyral, seuen peres of Fraunce whyche wold' not haue goon: capitulo v

The Duc of genes, fader of Olyuer, whicℏ myȝt not slepe ne ete ne drinke for the sorowe that he had̛ for [sign. e vj, col. 2] his sone, whan he myght no lenger endure, he came to kyng charles, and̛ sayd̛ to hym: "Syr Emperour, for the loue of god̛ haue pyte on me! ye knowe my sorowe: ought I to lose olyuer my sone, for whome I am in contynuell anguysshe? yf I haue none other tydynges, I sℏal deye or ij dayes of melancolye, or of force I must put my self on the waye to goo thyder." whan charles vnderstode hym, he was moeued̛ and̛ full of compassyon for the melancolye of Reyner, & sente for Rolland̛ ["Rolland." In the Sowdone, l. 1668, it is Guy whom Charles orders first to go on the message to Balan. See Introduction, and Dr. Hausknecht's note to l. 1665.] and̛ sayd̛ to hym: "Fayre neuewe rolland̛, vnderstonde me. To-morne in the mornyng̛ thou must goo to Aygremore, & shalt say to ballant thadmyral wythoute ony hydyng̛, that he delyuer to the

the crowne of Ihesu cryst & the other relyques for which I haue taken grete payne: And̛ after aske of hym my barons whom he holdeth in pryson. And̛ yf he wythsaye the, say to hym that I shal hym do be drawen vylaynously, & after hange hym by the necke, his eyen bounden as a theef." whan he had said, Rolland̛ answerd̛: "Syr kyng̛ and̛ fayre vncle, haue mercy on me! I am wel sure that yf I goo, verayly I sℏal neuer see you." ¶ The duke naymes was there, whyche sayd̛: "syr emperour, take hede what ye doo. Rolland̛ is your neuewe; ye knowe of what [sign. e vj, back] valewe he is of. yf he goo thyder, he shal neuer come ageyn." "And̛ I assure you," sayd̛ Charles, "that ye shal goo wyth hym, and̛ bere my letters that I sende to thadmyral." Thys sayd̛, Basyn the genewey came forth, and̛ sayd̛ to hym: "& how, syr, wyl ye thus lese your knyghtes? I am certayn that yf they goo as ye haue sayd̛, that there sℏal not one retorne." ¶ Charles sware by his eyen in his heed, that basyn shold goo wyth the other tweyne, and so ther sℏal be thre. Thyerry, duc of ardayne, sayd̛ lyke to thother; therfore he was ordeyned̛ to goo also. Ogyer the danoys semblably sayd̛ they ought not goo; and̛ therfore he was ordeyned to bere them felywsℏyp. Rychard̛ of Normandye came to the emperour and̛ sayd̛: "Syr kyng̛, I am al abasshed how ye haue noo pyte of your knyghtes, whyche wyllyngly ye wyl make them to deye. I wote wel yf they goo thyder, ye haue loste them." "by the god̛ on whome I byleue," sayd̛ charles, "ye sℏal goo wyth the other; and̛ thenne shal ye be vj for to bere my letters to ballant thadmyral whome I soo moche hate." And̛ after, he behelde guy of bourgoyne, and̛ sayd to hym: "come to me: ye are my cosyn, ["cosyn." Guy was Charles's nephew: see Sir Ferumbras, 1922, 2091, &c., and see Dr. Hausknecht's note to the Sowdone, l. 1888.] and of my next parentage; ye shall be the seuenth for to doo my message to thadmyral of spayne. [sign. e vj, back, col. 2] And̛ ye shal say to hym that I purpose to baptyse hym,&

that he holde of me his Royame, hys townes and̛ hys cytees, & that he delyuer to me the relyques for whome I take on me soo grete payne and trauaylle. And yf he gaynsaye it, say ye to hym that I shal doo hange hym, and̛ make to dye vylaynously." "alas!" sayd̛ Guy of bourgoyne, "ryght dere syr and emperour, I knowe now wel that ye wyl lese ["lese:" destroy. Fr. perdre.] me. yf I goo, I am sure I shal neuer retorne." & thenne at euen they went al to souper. And̛ on the morne, assone as the sonne aroos, the seuen barons aforesayd̛ came tofore Charles, And̛ syr Naymes said for them al: "Emperour of noblesse, redoubted̛ in al places, we been here for tobeye thy commaundement. We praye the that thou gyue vs lycence and̛ congie for to departe; & yf there be ony persone here present, or in al thexcersyte, that hath trespaced̛ to vs, we pardonne hym, & semblably yf we haue offended̛ to ony, In thonour of god that it be pardonned to vs." with these wordes all the frensshe men that were present began to wepe for pyte. And̛ charles sayd̛ to the barons: "Ryght dere and̛ wel byloued̛, vnto god̛ of heuen I commaunde you; and̛ the meryte of his holy passyon and of the holy crosse be in your ayde & comfort."

And̛ so they departed̛ on theyr waye hastely, transportyng them vnto the straunge contreye.

¶ How the admyral sente xv kynges sarasyns to Charles for to haue ageyn fyerabras, which were recountred' by the peres of fraunce, and' slayn: capitulo vj

In aygremore was thenne ballant thadmyral, al sorowful and̛ angry, & had̛ sente for xv kynges sarasyns for to haue theyr counceyll, whiche at hys commaundement came: & one maradas, the moost fyerce of the xv, spake fyrst to ballant and̛ sayd̛: "Syr admyral,

wherfore hast thou sente for vs?" ballant answerd̛ and̛ sayd: "lordes, I shal say to you þ^e trouth. Charlemayn of fraunce requyreth of me grete folye. For he wyl that I be subgette to hym, & that I holde al my londes of hym. but thys shal not be; and he is a moche fole, me thynketh, to enterpryse suche folyes. It were better to hym to take hys playsyr to slepe, & reste in his chambres hys olde body, & praye god in his chyrches, and̛ ete suche as he hath. Neuertheles I counceyl you that ye goo to hym to mormyonde where as he is lodged̛, and̛ say to hym that I comaunde [sign. e vij, col. 2] hym, olde dotard̛, that he byleue in mahoun our god̛ wythoute delaye; & aboue that, for to sende and̛ yelde to me ageyn my sone Fyerabras, for whome I am deteyned̛ in grete anguysshe and̛ sorowe. And furthermore I wyl that he holde of me al Fraunce and̛ hys regyons: and̛ yf he do not as ye shal deuyse, I shal goo fetche hym wyth an hondred̛ thousand̛ men armed̛. And̛ yf by aduenture ye fynde in your waye ony crysten man, smyte of his heed̛ wythout ony mercy:" whan thadmyral had̛ sayd, Maradas answerd̛: "Syr admyrall, I knowe now wel that ye wyl haue vs destroyed̛, for the frenssh men ben moche felons. And̛ yf we say that ye haue purposed, he shal sone make an ende of vs, for we shal be dysmembred̛. but byleue ye not that I say thys for cowardyse or for to eschewe your commaundement, but that I wyl accomplysshe it. For I haue suche courage, that yf by aduenture I medle wyth these crysten men, I sℏal put to dethe ten or I be wery. And̛ yf I do not as I haue sayd̛, I wyll that ye do smyte of my hede." alle his felawes sayden that eche of them shold̛ do as wel as Maradas; wherfore wythoute more delyberacyon they wente to horse-backe, wel armed̛, & grete speres in theyr hondes, with penouns [sign. e vij, back] reysed̛ puyssauntly, and̛ Iourneyed̛ forth on theyr waye, and̛ rested̛ not tyl they

passed̛ the brydge of mantryble; & assone as they myght, they passed ouer. And̛ the frensshe men afore named̛ came and recountred̛ those sarasyns. And̛ fyrst, due Naymes espyed̛ them, & sayd̛ to his felowes: "O lord̛ god̛ of heuen, what enterpryse hath these sarasyns made! See ye not them, how they come ayenst vs wyth grete puyssaunce? aduyse we vs what is best to doo." Rolland sayd: "my lordes, ne doubte ye noo thynge. Beholde, and̛ see them; they be not passyng̛ xx or xxx; late vs ryde strayte to them." They alle were of hys oppynyon, and ryde forth fast ayenst them. ¶ Of the partye of the sarasyns was Maradas puyssaunt & wel armed̛, whyche went and̛ sayd̛ to the frensshe men: "how be ye so Infortunat and̛ cursed̛ to come and̛ mete wyth vs, and ye be cristen?" ["and:" if.] Duke Naymes ansuerd̛: "what someuer thou be, thou spekest vylaynnously and̛ ouer folysshly: we be men longyng to þ^e redoubted̛ emperour Charles, and goo in ℏys name to do a message to Ballant thadmyral." Maradas sayd̛ to hym: "ye be in daunger: wyl ye defende you or doo otherwyse?" Naymes ansuerd̛: "we wyl defende vs by the helpe of Ihesu our maker." maradas said: "which [sign. e vij, back, col. 2] of you dare Iuste ayenst me?" "I am al redy," sayd̛ Naymes. Maradas sayd̛: "thou art moche presumptuous; For yf I had̛ suche ten as thou arte, I wold̛ confounde [Orig. confonnde.] them al wyth my swerde, and̛ bere theyr hedes to thadmyral, wythout gretely to wery me." and̛ after sayd̛ to hys felawes: "herkene ℏyther, syrs, I wyl that no persone of you moeue, For I allone wyl conquere them alle; and̛ after I sℏal present them to ballant thadmyrall." whan rolland had̛ herde, he was almoost araged̛ for anger, and̛ after sayd̛ to Maradas: "thou hast folyly spoken and thougℏt thyng whyche thou shalt neuer see. or it be euen, þou sℏalt knowe what we can do. kepe the fro me, for I deffye the." And̛ whan he had̛ thus sayd̛, he broched̛

hys hors wyth his spores sℏarply. And̛ they recountred̛ soo harde with their speres square & sℏarpe, that it was grete meruayle that bothe were not dede with þ^e stroke, theyr hawberks were al to-broken. And̛ wyth theyr swerdes they smote the helmes rychely wrought. Rolland̛ was so furyous, that he [Orig. he he.] helde [Comparing p. 183, l. 32, it is clear that we should read "he behelde." On Durandal, see note to Sir Ferumbras, l. 988, and the Sowdone, l. 875.] durandal, and araught maradas vpon ℏis helme, that he descerkled̛ ["descerkled̛:" cut off the circle or band of gold worn round the helmet. Compare Sir Ferumbras, l. 622, and note, and the corresponding passage in the Sowdone, l. 1182, and Dr. Hausknecht's note.] and̛ departed̛ it; & after by grete force recouerd̛ hys stroke vpon hys bare hede, and̛ clefte it vnto vnder hys brayne: and̛ al dede maradas [sign. e viij] fyl doun to therthe. whan the other sawe kynge Maradas dede, and̛ that Rolland̛ wolde haue borne awaye hys heed, they loked̛ eche on other as al abasshed̛, and̛ concluded̛ to take vengeaunce on the frensshe men, and̛ ronnen vpon rolland for to haue put hym to deth, but he deffended̛ hym ouer meruayllously. And̛ there-vpon that one partye came vpon that other, & helde them in bataylle so valyauntlye, in especyal the frensshe men ayenst the sarasyns, that alle the paynyms were slayne, & none saued̛ of the xv, but one, wℏiche fledde whan he sawe his felowes dede, and went for to sℏewe how they were destroyed by the frenssh men, & neuer cessed tyl he came to thadmyral. To whome thadmyral sayd̛: "Syr kynge, ye be wel hasty to retorne! telle me now how ye haue done." That other sayd̛ to hym: "syr admyrall, by mahoun, it gooth ryght euyl. beyonde the brydge of mantryble we recountred̛ seuen glotons of fraunce, which were men of kyng̛ Charles al enraged̛, and sayd̛ that they came in hys name to do a message vnto you. & after, they ranne vpon vs, and̛ haue doon theyr deuoyr so gretely ayenst vs, that al be dede sauf I, whyche am escaped̛ wyth grete payne for to come and sℏewe to you." whan thadmyral vnderstode [sign. e viij, col. 2] thys, he was almoost dede for sorowe of the deth of hys kynges aforesayd̛.

¶ Of the meruayllous bridge of Mantryble; of the trybute there payed' for to passe ouer, and' how wyth fayr wordes the frenssh men passed ouer the said brydge: capitulo vij

Whan the frensshe men aforesayd had put to deth the sarasyns, they were al trauaylled̛ and̛ wery, and̛ wente and̛ rested̛ them in a medowe al grene and ful of swete floures: and after sayd̛ the duc naymes: "my lordes, I counceylle you that we retorne to Charles, and̛ say to hym how we haue doon; & I wote wel that he sℏal be wel contente whan he shall knowe how we haue gouerned̛ vs." Thenne Rolland̛ answerd̛ and̛ sayd̛: "How, Syr naymes, speke ye of retornyng̛? Speke not therof, For as longe as I may holde durandal in my hond, by the playsyr of god I thynke not to retorne. For we wyl doo our message to ballant thadmyral, how someuer it be. and late vs do one thynge wherof euery man shal speke. late eche of vs take one of these hedes, and̛ we sℏal presente them to thadmyral." Naymes sayd̛ to hym: "syr [sign. e viij, back] rolland, it semeth that ye be oute of your wytte. For yf we do so, we shal be anone slayn." Thyery and̛ the other were of thoppynyon of Rolland̛; and̛ so eche of them toke an hede, and̛ rode forth on theyr waye. Duc naymes was the fyrst that wente & behelde the brydge of mantryble, whyche was meruayllous, as ye shal here, and̛ sayd̛ to his felowes: "lordes, ye shal vnderstonde that beyonde the brydge is Aygremore, where we shal fynde thadmyral." Ogyer ["Ogyer:" in Sir Ferumbras it is Richard of Normandy who gives the account of Mantrible, which he was able to do, because, as we learn, "he knew all the cost."] the danoys sayd̛: "vs byhoueth fyrst to passe by thys brydge, whych is moche daungerous. There ben xxx arches of marble wel spacyous & brode, whyche been soulded wyth leed̛ and̛ cyment, & with grete barres of yron: vpon [Orig. wpon.] whyche brydge been grete towres wyth

fayr pylers rychely ordeyned̛, & the walles ben of grete strengthe. For at the lowest may wel be mesured̛ ten ellys a brede. hyt is soo brode that xx knyghtes may goo arme in arme at their ease. & there is a drawebrydge for to drawe vp, whiche descendeth wyth ten grete chaynes of yron. And̛ aboue on hye is an egle of golde moche replendyssℏaunte and̛ sℏynyng̛ lyke the sonne, that it semeth that it were a flame of fyre, whyche is seen a large myle ferre. and̛ the ryuer that passeth vnder is named flagot, [sign. e viij, back, col. 2] whyche is bynethe the arche by mesure xv foot, and renneth so Inpytuously as a quarel out of an arbalastre, in suche wyse that neyther bote ne galeye may passe ouer, for the grete cours of the water. And̛ more ouer this brydge is kepte wyth a geaunte for thadmyral, whyche geaunte is named̛ Galafre, one of the moost terryble of humayn people. And̛ he holdeth a grete axe of stele for to destroye them that wyl doo ayenst hys wylle. And̛ who that wyl speke wyth thadmyral must nedes passe by hym." "Seygnours," sayd̛ rolland̛, "doubte ye no thynge, I praye you: care not for passyng̛ ouer the brydge, For I swere to you that as longe as it sℏal please god̛ to kepe my body, & that I may holde durandal in my honde, I sℏal not doubte ony paynym the valewe of a peny, what someuer he be. And̛ by god that henge on the crosse, I shal smyte the porter yf he come tofore me, what someuer shal happe." Duc naymes of bauyere reprysed̛ hym: "Rolland̛, ye speke not wysely. It is not good to gyue a stroke for to receyue therfore fyftene: late me do; For by the playsyr of god̛ and̛ of hys sayntes, I sℏal say to hym suche lesynges and̛ other thynges that we shal passe wyth oute daunger." whan the frensshe men came tofore the [sign. f j] brydge, the porter toke an hondred knyghtes, & came & aualed the lytel brydge wyth as many guysarmes & other glayues of defence. The fyrst that went byfore was

duc naymes with hys whyte heeres, for he was older than ony of the other. Anon the porter passed̛ ouer & toke Naymes by the honde, & drewe hym ouer, & after sayd̛ to hym: "whyther wylt thou goo?" Naymes ansuerd: "I shal say you the trouth. we be men of charles, the noble emperour, & goo to Aygremore to do a message to ballant thadmyral. But certeynly he hath quytte ℏis contreye of fals peple, ["he hath quytte his contreye of fals peple." There can be little doubt that we should read "he hath not quytte."] for it is not longe tyme passed̛ that on the felde we fonde xv gloutons, whyche wold̛ haue taken fro vs our lyf & our horses. Neuertheles we haue gouerned them in suche manere that here ben the hedes. beholde them wel what they be, yf ye byleue me not." whan the porter herde hym, he was almoost oute of hys wytte for angre, & sayd̛ to Naymes: "vassal, vnderstonde me! ye must paye the passage of the brydge tofore al thyng." Duc Naymes sayd̛: "porter, demaunde what ye ought to haue, & we shal contente you." "by mahoun," sayd̛ the porter, "it is not a lytel. For I aske of you xxx couple houndes, after, an C maydens chaste & of good maners, an C fawcons mewed̛, [sign. f j, col. 2] an C palfroyes in good̛ poynte & rested̛, and̛ for euery foot of the horses a marke of fyn gold; & atte last I must haue iiij sommyers charged with golde & syluer. thus ought ye paye, or ellys come not here. and he that may not paye the trybute tofore deuysed, he must lese hys heed̛ wythoute other excusacyon." duc Naymes was not abasshed̛, Notwithstondyng that he knewe the occasyon that the porter sought that they shold̛ deye, by cause that it was not possyble to paye that he had̛ deuysed̛: & ansuerd to the porter in this manere, and sayd̛: "Syr porter, yf I owe noo more than ye haue sayd̛, ye shal be contente or mydday be passed̛. Our bagayge cometh after vs, and̛ harnoys more in nombre than an hondred thousand, where there be maydens fayr, &

gentyl fawcons, & dogges grete plente, hawberks, helmes, and good sℏeldes wythoute nombre, And̛ many other Iewellys noble and ryche: take of them as it shalle playse your wylle." ¶ The portyer supposed that he had said trouthe, and̛ was wel contente, and̛ lete the brydge doun, and̛ after they passed ouer lyghtly. Rolland, which myght not forbere lawhyng̛, sayd: "In trouthe, syr Duc Naymes, ye haue wel spoken, for by lesynges we passe thys brydge." and̛ rolland̛ came [sign. f j, back] behynde alle the other; & whan they were a lytel forth vpon the brydge, Roulland̛ encountred̛ a Turke, and̛ sythe sayd in his courage: "A, lord̛ god̛ of paradys, late me do a thynge wherof thow mayst be honoured, and alle thynge happe wel," and withoute sayeng of ony worde to his felowes, he lyghted̛ doun from hys hors, and̛ toke thylke turk by the myddel, and threwe hym hastely in to the ryuer. ¶ Duc Naymes loked̛ behynde hym, and̛ sawe the paynym falle, and was moche angry, and sayd: "lord god̛ of heuen, I trowe the deuyl is in the body of Roulland̛! he can haue noo pacyence in hym. and yf god helpe vs not, he sℏal cause vs al to be slayn and̛ vylaynsly deye." For Rolland was so fyers of courage that he toke none hede of the tyme ne the place how to gouerne [Orig. gruerne.] hym, but wold alwaye auenge hym on his enemye where he myȝt fynde hym.

¶ How the barons came and' spake to the Admyrall, and' how they dyd' theyr message: capitulo viij

The barons afore sayd̛, whan they had̛ passed̛ the brydge and were nyghe vnto aygremore, where as ballant was, they entred̛ in to the towne in [sign. f j, back, col. 2] good̛ ordynaunce, and̛ wyth countenaunce of fyersnes and of noblesse. And̛ they sawe in the stretes, fawcons and̛

other byrdes of proye vpon the perches, grete oxen and̛ buefs slayn & flayn, fayre hangyng̛, and grete swyn strangled̛; and̛ they recountred̛ a sarasyn whome they demaunded where thadmyral was. And̛ he shewed̛ hym to them, where he satte vnder a tree in the sℏadowe. and thenne they alyghted̛, and̛ duc Naymes sayd̛: "my fayre lordes, I sℏal bere the letter and̛ sℏal speke fyrst, and̛ ye after." Roulland was there, and present hym, and̛ wold̛ by force haue spoken fyrst. & duc Naymes sayd̛ to hym "Say not one word̛, for ye be al fro your self, wythoute hauyng̛ attemperaunce. but god̛ do not to vs grete grace, ye shal make vs alle to deye or the day be passed̛." And̛ herupon they entred̛ and̛ presented̛ them al tofore the admyral wythoute ony reuerence. And̛ duc Naymes ["Naymes": in Sir Ferumbras, Roland: the Sowdoneagrees with our text, see l. 1821.] of bauyere spake fyrst in thys manere: "The maker of alle the world̛, to whom onely ouȝt to be gyuen creaunce entyere and honoure, saue and̛ kepe the noble kyng charlemayn, puyssaunt, stronge & wyse emperour, rolland̛ & olyuer, & al the other pyeres of fraunce, and̛ confounde, fro the toppe of the hede vnto the plantes of the feet, the Admyral [sign. f ij] here present, as moche as tofore yesterday hys subgettes were euyl pourueyed̛ beyonde þe bridge of mantryble. we fonde fyftene glotons on the felde, which wold haue taken from vs our horses and̛ do to vs vylonnye, but, god of heuen be thanked̛, they bought it gretely and̛ dere." ¶ Whan the Admyral vnderstoode this langage, vnnethe he myght kepe hymself fro enragyng̛. And̛ there tofore hym came the kyng̛ that escaped̛, of whome I haue spoken tofore, and sayd̛ to thadmyral in thys manere: "Ryght dere syr, thynke to aduenge you. These been the seuen glotons of whyche I tolde to you, whyche haue slayn your kynges, and̛ haue doon to you suche vylonnye." The admyral Ballant ansuerd̛: "late them be for thys tyme:" and sythe after sayd̛ to Naymes the duc [Ed. dnc.] , that

be sℏold̛ fynysshe hys message. And̛ the duc ansuerd that he so do wold̛ gladly, and̛ sayd̛ in thys manere: "The grete noble kyng̛ of Fraunce commaundeth the that thou rendre to ℏym the crowne, with whyche the blessyd̛ Ihesu Cryste was crowned̛ wyth, and̛ the other relyques for whome he hath taken grete trauaylle and̛ payne; & also his knyghtes whom thou holdest in pryson folysshly. and̛ yf thou do not as I haue to the deuysed̛, Charles shal make the [sign. f ij, col. 2] to be hanged̛ by the necke on a gybet and̛ strangled vylaynously." Thadmyral ballant, replenysshed̛ of an entencyon moche oultrageous, sayd̛ to Naymes the duc: "Thou hast gretely defouled̛ me by oultrage, and̛ I haue wyllyngly herde the. Goo forth and̛ sytte doun by yonde pyler, & these other shal speken whom I haue not yet herde. Mahommet my god̛, to whome I haue gyuen myself, gyue me an euyl deth yf euer I ete or drynk tyl I see thy hede flee fro thy sℏoldres." The duc Naymes ansuerd: "yf it playse god̛ my maker, & his blessyd moder, þou sℏalt haue made a lesyng." After hym spake Rychard̛ duc of Normandye, & said: "vnderstonde me, syr admyral! Charles the kyng, with his berde florysshed, ["with his berde florysshed." Compare Roland and Otuel, 82; where Naymes, describing Charles, says:

"He sittes his duspers Imange.With white berde large and langeFaire of flesche & felle.With a floreschede thonwange,Oure noble kynge þat es so strange,His doghety men imelle."

] comandeth the by me, y^t thou do the baptyse for tamende thy ryght euyl lyf, & that thou sende to hym the relyques that thou hast in thy puyssaunce, & also that thou rendre to ℏym hys knyghtes, wℏyche thou holdest wythout reson for prysoners. & yf thou do not as thou hast herde, charles shal do hange the by the necke on a gybet & strangle þ^e, & sℏal neuer haue mercy on the." Thadmyral ballant supposed̛ to haue knowen hym, & sayd̛ thus: "mahommet, in whom I byleue, curse the! thou resemblest wel Rychard of normandye, whych slewe my [sign. f ij, back] vncle corsuble. Now wold̛ Mahoun the god̛ that he were here! he shold̛ neuer ete mete tyl he were dede. Goo and̛ sytte doun

by thy felowe, vnto I haue herde thy felowes." Aftyr thys thenne came basyn the genewey, & stode tofore ballant and̛ sayd̛: "Ballant admyral, the noble charles, aboue al humayn creatures redoubted̛, commaundeth the to rendre to hym the relyques whyche haue been requyred̛ of the, or ellys he sℏal do hange and strangle the as a theef proued." whan he had̛ sayd̛ thus, he went and satte wyth the other. And after came thyerry, duc of Ardayne, & dyssymyled̛ his chyere & countenaunce of manere. whan thadmyral sawe that he had̛ the regarde so ℏydous, he was moche abassℏed̛, and̛ supposed̛ that he had ben a deuyl. And̛ after, thyerry sayd̛: "herkene to me, admyral, & reteyne wel my wordes. Charles, the noble emperour redoubted̛, commaundeth the that thou sende to hym the relyques which thou barest awaye fro Rome, & also sende vnto hym hys barons whyche thou hast in thy power, or ellys be thou sure that he sℏal do dysmembre the, & doo hange the vylaynsly by the necke." Thadmyral answerd̛: "vassal, I praye the to telle to me, and ℏyde it not, what man is charlemayn, and̛ of what force & strengthe [sign. f ij, back, col. 2] is he, of the wℏiche I haue herde moche preysed̛ & vaunted?" Thenne the duc Thyerry ansuerd̛: "I telle to the, admyral, & lete the wete, that Charles is noble & hardy, curtoys and̛ of good̛ lyf. And be thou sure, that yf he were present here wyth hys excersyte, moche sone he shold̛ gyue the a buffet vpon thy vysage. And̛ on that other syde, he setteth nomore by the than of an olde hounde dede, or of a roten apple." Incontynent tho ballant the admyrall bygan to lawhe for felonnye, & after sayd̛ to Thyerry: ¶ "My frende, by thy fayth that thou owest to thy god̛, say to me now the trouth. yf I were now in thy wylle and̛ subgectyon, as thou arte in myn, by thy fayth what woldest thou do wyth me?" "by my fayth," sayd̛ Thyerry, "I shal not lye.

I shold̛ doo hange the by the necke, and̛ strangle the vylaynsly on a gybet or it were yet nyght." ¶ "Vassal," sayd̛ the Admyrall, "thou hast sayd̛ grete folye. For by Mahommet my god̛, in lyke wyse shal I doo of the, as thou hast sayd̛ of thy self. Goo thou and sytte by thy felawes." ¶ Thenne after hym came the good̛ Ogyer the danoys tofore hym, and̛ sayd̛: "O Admyral of Spaygne, vnderstonde what Charles, the moost noble of humayn creatures and moost ryche [sign. f iij] wythoute comparyson, demaundeth of the. Rendre and̛ yelde to hym the relyques whyche thou hast borne awaye, or ellys he shal do dysmembre the, and̛ doo the deye sℏamefully." Thadmyral, beynge al wroth, made hym to sytte wyth the other. After hym, rolland̛ the courageous came tofore Ballant thadmyral, wythoute doyng̛ to hym ony reuerence, and̛ sayd̛ to hym: "Thou sarasyn, vnhappy & cursed, take hede to my wordes! Charles, the noble kyng̛ and̛ Emperour redoubted̛, sendeth to the by me, that thou byleue in god̛ Ihesu cryst, the maker of al the world̛, & in the gloryous vyrgyn marie his moder; and̛ do the to be baptysed̛, and̛ thynke to rendre the relyques whiche thou occupyest and̛ atteynest ayenst hys wylle. And also see that hys barons be rendred̛ and̛ delyuerd hole and̛ in good̛ poynte. For yf thou do otherwyse than I haue sayd to the, Charles the valyaunte shal make the to be hanged̛ as a theef." Thadmyral sayd to hym: "thou hast rebuked̛ and̛ blamed̛ me proudly, but I swere to the by Mahoun, my god, & by Termagaunte, that I shal not ete tyl thou be hanged̛ & strangled̛." Thenne Roulland̛ answerd: "for trouthe, sarasyn, yf thou abyde to that houre, thou holdest faste ouer longe. Thou shalt not do so, [sign. f iij, col. 2] For I doubte the not the valure of an olde dede hounde & drowned̛." ¶ Guy of bourgoyn came after hym tofore ballant thadmyral, and̛ sayd to hym in thys manere: "Charles

commaundeth the that thou make to hym obeysaunce, and̛ that thou restore the relyques and̛ hys barons; and̛ thenne shalte thou do as a wyse man: and̛ yf thou wylt byleue me, I wyl wel counceyl the. Byleue in god̛ Ihesu Cryste, whyche is almyghty, wythoute ende and̛ wythoute begynnynge. And̛ yf thou byleuest my counceyl, thou mayst be in his grace. And lo! what thou shalt do: take of thy robe, thy hosen, & thy sℏoon of thy body, and goo in thy sherte, and̛ bere on thy body a sadel of an hors, and reste not tyl thou come before the face of Charles, and̛ humbly presente thy self to hym, & crye for mercy to god̛ thy maker almyghty, for thyn errours and̛ oultrages. ¶ And̛ crye hym mercy in the honour of god̛ almyghty; and̛ yf thou doo not thus as I haue sayd̛, he shal make the be hanged̛, brente, or drowned, and̛ sℏamefully [Orig. shameflluy.] to dye."

¶ The Admyrall was more determyned̛ and̛ araged̛ than he had̛ been tofore, and̛ sent anone for Brullant de Mommyere, Sortybrant de Conymbres, and̛ for the other that were of hys [sign. f iij, back] counceyl, and̛ demaunded theyr aduys and̛ counceyl vpon these thynges aforesayd̛. Anone sortybrant sayd̛ to hym: "Syr admyral, I counceylle you that anone they be dysmembred̛ and slayn, and̛ after ye may goo and ryde with your strengthe oueral, and come to mormyonde where charles is pensyf: yf ye may take hym, ye shal put hym to deth. ¶ After ye shal descende in to fraunce, & doo you be crowned̛ there as kyng̛." "by mahoun," sayd ballant, "ye haue wel sayd̛. Now be it doon after your deuyse: goo in to the pryson, & brynge wyth you the other theyr felowes, for to do after the enterpryse." And̛ thus as I haue sayd̛, Thadmyral was of entencyon to make of the frensshe men aforesayd̛, after that is tofore deuysed̛.

¶ How by the moyen of florypes al the frensshe men were saued', and' lodged' togydre,

and' the relyques shewed', and other thynges: capitulo ix

Floripes the curtoys, after that sℏe had̛ wel secretly herde al the debate toforesayd̛, sℏe came out of hyr chambre, and̛ salewed̛ hir fader, & demaunded of hym: "What been these knyghtes sette there aparte?" [sign. f iij, back, col. 2] Thadmyral ansuerd̛: "my doughter, they be borne in fraunce: the whyche haue sayd̛ to me wordes of grete Importaunce ful of reproches, and̛ haue blamed me and̛ offended gretely, more than I can telle you or say. What counceyl gyue ye to me that I ought to do wyth them?" The doughter sayd̛: "I shal say to you, my fader, that ye wythoute longe taryeng do smyte of theyr heedes, for they haue wel deserued̛ it. And̛ do smyte of theyr hondes, & brenne them in a fyre without your cyte." "my doughter," sayd̛ the admyral, "ye haue ryght wel sayd̛: ryght soo shal it be doon. Goo ye in to the pryson, and̛ brynge to me the other." "good̛ fader," ansuerd̛ the doughter, "it is tyme to dyne, and̛ yf ye wyl begynne to do Iustyce, ye may not ete tyl mydday be passed̛." This doughter sought none other thyng but occasyon by fayr wordes, accordyng̛ to the wylle of hyr fader thadmyral, for to brynge al the frensshe men to-gyder wyth them that were prysonners. ¶ And after sayd̛ to hyr fader: "gyue to me these Frensshe men! I shal make theym wel to be kepte; and̛ after your dyner ye shall do Iustyce wyth lasse tedyacyon, and̛ thenne your people sℏal be assembled̛." ¶ To the whyche the Admyral consented̛, And̛ was contente thyt hys doughter [sign. f iiij] sℏold̛ haue them in kepyng̛. Alwaye sortybrant, which knewe the mutabylyte of wymmen & thynconstaunce, sayd to Ballant: "Syr Admyral, it is noo thynge couenable that vpon thys fayte ye ought to truste in a woman, by cause of theyr

mutabylyte, & ye haue oft herd say ensaumples. and̛ also ye knowe the trouthe how many haue ben deceyued by wymmen." Moche angry & euyl content was floripes of the wordes of Sortybrant And̛ sayd̛: "horson Traytour, desloyal, pariured̛, yf I thought not it shold̛ torne me to ouermoche blame, I shold̛ gyue to the suche a buffet on thy vysage, that the blode shold auale doun habundauntly." And̛ after these wordes thadmyral was euyl contente of thys debate. And̛ therupon she took the frensshe men & ladde them in to hyr chambre wythoute ony lenger taryeng. And̛ goyng̛ by the waye Syr naymes the duc sayd̛: "A god̛ of heuen, kyng of eternal glorye, who is he that euer sawe a more fayrer lady in hys lyf? Moche wel shold̛ he be Inspyred̛ with the grace of god that shal haue hyr in ℏys courage in loue." Rolland was euyl contente and̛ sayd̛ to Naymes: "What hondred̛ thousand̛ of deuyls hath maad̛ you to speke now of loue? It is not now tyme to speke of suche thynge." [sign. f iiij, col. 2] Duc Naymes sayd̛ thus: "Syr Rolland̛, dysplese you not, For I was ones amerous." the douȝter sayd̛ to them that they were not assembled̛ to plede that one ageynst that other. and also sone as they were wythin the chambre, the doughter made to shette faste the yates, & anone rollandimette wyth Olyuer, and̛ enterbraced̛ eche other & kyssed ["enterbraced̛ eche other & kyssed:" Fr. se font baisser et accoller.] wyth franke and̛ tender herte in wepyng̛ moche tenderly, and̛ alle the other semblably; & Rolland sayd̛: "Alas, Olyuer, my faythful felowe, how is it with you sythe I last sawe you?" "Ryght wel," answerd̛ Olyuer. and eche demaunded of other of theyr feates, of the contreyes, and̛ of theyr lordes & tydynges. Now ye may thynke that they were gladde eche of other that they were al togyder in good̛ poynte by the moyen of Florypes the fayr lady, whyche dyd̛ grete socours to crystendom, whan by hyr, hyr wysedom and̛ dyscrescyon the

captayns of the crysten fayth, as moche as toucheth the excersyte of bataylle to destroye the myscreauntes and paynyms, ben founden alle togyder in surete, whyche fyrst were comen in to the hondes of theyr enemyes mortall.

¶ But it is grete scyence for to eschewe the wylle of a woman, whan by effecte she putteth hyr entente [sign. f iiij, back] to a thynge, that her hert dyrectly draweth, and̛ taketh no regarde to the ende of her entente but onely that she may achyeue hyr enterpryse and̛ determynacyon. Florypes retched̛ of noo thynge but that sℏe myȝt haue tydynges certeyn of guy of bourgoyne, to whome sℏe had gyuen hyr hert, and̛ was contente to be crystened for the loue of hym. Thys fayr Florypes, whan sℏe sawe these barons to-gydre, she sayd̛ to them: "lordes, I wyl that ye alle of one accorde promyse to me the fayth of loyalte that ye sℏal ayde and̛ helpe me of that I sℏal demaunde you, & toward̛ me ye shal truly bere and endeuoyre you." "Ryght gladly;" ansuerd̛ duc Naymes, "and̛ also ye sℏal assure vs that we sℏal be here in surete withoute ony doubte of ony man lyuyng̛." sℏe was contente, & they were contente, and̛ promysed̛ fydelyte that one to the other. whan this was doon, the doughter came to duc naymes for to knowe what he was, and demaunded̛ of hym hys name. the duc sayd̛ to hyr: "Madame, I am called̛ Naymes of bauyere, Man and counceyllour to Charles the Emperour redoubted̛." "Alas!" sayd the douȝter, "your kyng̛ is sory for you." After sℏe came to Rychard and demaunded̛ of hym how he was named. he ansuerd to hyr: "dame, [sign. f iiij, back, col. 2] I am Rychard̛ of Normandye." the doughter sayd̛ to hym: "Mahomet curse the l thou puttest to deth on a tyme corsuble myn vncle. But for the loue of these other thou sℏalt be in no daunger." Florypes came after to rolland̛, and̛ prayed̛ that he wold̛ telle hys

name. "I am named rolland," sayd̛ he, "sone to duc Myllon, & am neuewe to charles, sone of hys syster." Anone the doughter cryed̛ hym mercy & kneled doun to hys feet, and̛ Rolland̛ toke hyr swetely vp. ¶ After, the doughter sayd̛: "ye knowe what ye haue promysed̛ to me. I sℏal say to you myn entencyon. It is trouthe that I loue a knyght of fraunce aboue al them of the world̛, whyche is named guye of bourgoyne, of whom I wold̛ gladly haue tydynges." rolland sayd̛: "I swere to you by my hede that he is here in your syght, & that there is not bytwene you tweyne the space of foure foot of mesure." "Seynours," sayd̛ she, "I praye you that I may knowe hym, and̛ that he be gyuen to me, for of hym is alle my playsyr." Rolland̛ ansuerd̛ and sayd: "syr guy of Bourgoyne, come ye hyther to thys mayde and receyue hyr Ioyously." Guy of bourgoyn ansuerd̛: "god̛ forbede that euer I sℏold̛ take wyf, but yf sℏe were gyuen to me by Charles themperour." ¶ Whan Florypes [sign. f v] vnderstode hym, anone she chaunged̛ colour, and sware by mahommet hyr god̛ that yf he gaynsayed it sℏe sℏold̛ make them alle to be hanged̛ by the necke on a gybette. Rolland̛ enhorted̛ Guye that he sℏold̛ do hyr wylle, and vpon that he aduaunced̛ hym, & hath graunted̛. Thenne florypes sayd̛: "the sone of god̛ of crystyante be preysed̛ and̛ honoured̛, For I haue tofore myn eyen the moost grettest playsyr that euer myn hert desyred̛. For ℏis loue I shal byleue in Ihesu Cryst, & shal do me be baptysed̛:" & after, sℏe approched̛ to hym for to treate a lytel the desyre of hir hert, and sℏe durst not kysse hym on the mouthe, but on hys chekes & chynne, by cause sℏe was a paynym. Thenne florypes Ioyously and̛ by grete loue came vnto a cheste and̛ opened̛ it tofore the barons, and̛ spredde a fayr cloth of sylke. And̛ after sℏe dysclosed̛ and̛ sℏewed̛ the relyques of whyche I haue spoken tofore, emonge

whome was the gloryous crowne wyth whiche Ihesu cryste was crowned̛ with in the tyme of hys passyon, and̛ the holy naylles whyche perced̛ hys holy handes and feet: and after sayd̛ to Rolland̛: "Loo! here is the tresour that ye haue so moche desyred̛." Whan the frensshe men sawe thus tofore them the relyques, For Ioye they alle wepte [sign. f v, col. 2] moche tenderly, and̛ one after the other wente & kyssed̛ them, knelyng moche humbly; & after, they were layed̛ in to the cheste where as they had ben tofore.

¶ How Lucafer neuewe of the admyral vyolently entred' in to the chambre, & after was slayn of duc Naymes in blowyng of the cool: capitulo x

Ballant thadmyral beyng moche wroth & syttyng̛ at the table, A paynym fyers & proude, a specyal frende of thadmyral, named lucafer of bandas, sayd̛ to thadmyral affectuously: ¶ "Syr admyral, is it trouthe that I haue herde say, that Fyerabras, your sone and my ryght dere brother, is taken and̛ vaynquysshed, whiche was the beste knyght that euer was a-lyue?" Thadmyral said to hym: "by my fayth I sℏal not hyde it fro you. A frensshe man hath conquerd̛ hym —whome Mahoun confounde!" Brullant of Mommyere made grete deffence, and̛ the kyng̛ of Sulye. They bare them soo wel that they brought to vs fyue of the gloutons ["gloutons." Cf. Sir Ferumbras, 1634, 3841, &c.] of fraunce, knyghtes of Charles, whyche ben in pryson. and sythe ryght now we haue other seuen whiche ben comen as messagers [sign. f v, back] fro the sayd charles, whicℏ haue vytupered̛ and̛ blamed̛ vs gretelye in reprochyng̛ our lawe & despysyng̛ my goddes. Florypes my doughter hath conduyted̛ them in to pryson." "Syr," sayd̛ lucafer, "ye do grete folye. Wymmen al day for

lytel thynge ben chaunged̛ and torned fro theyr thouȝt. neuertheles for the more surete, yf it playse you, and̛ by your comaundement, I sℏal goo to them, and̛ shal knowe what they be, and̛ of what condycion." "Goo forth," said thadmyral, "ye say rygℏt wel, and make my doughter to retorne wyth you." herupon lucafer, moche proude and̛ replenysshed wyth grete fyersnes, cam in to the chambre where the douȝter was and̛ the frensshe men, wythoute demaundyng to opene the dore but lyfte vp his ryght fote, and smote it so strongely wyth hys foot that the barres & lockes flewe vnto the grounde. Whan Florypes saw that sℏe was al abasshed̛, And̛ anone sayd̛ to Rolland̛: "Syr noble knyght, I am ryght euyl contente of the vyolence that is thus done to me. this is he that shold be my husbond ageyn my wylle. I requyre you in as moche as ye wyl do me playsyr that ye wyl auenge thys dysℏonour, For I complayne me wythoute makyng̛ ouermoche euyl semblaunte." to whome Rolland answerd̛: [sign. f v, back, col. 2] "doubte ye no thyng, madame, For, or he departe hens, he shal knowe that he hath euyll doon. And̛ I promyse you that he bought neuer locke so dere ne of the prys as he shal for the brekyng̛ herof." Hereupon Lucafer entred̛ in to the chambre, and behelde the frensshe men al armed̛ wythout ony doubte that he had to them. And̛ came fyrst to duc Naymes whych was dyscouered and̛ bare hede, & wythoute other delyberacyon took hym by the berde, and̛ drewe hym to hym so boystously that almoost he had̛ ouerthrowen hym, & after sayd̛ to hym: "of whens art thou, veyllard̛? hyde it not fro me." The duke Naymes ansuerd: "paynym, I am of bauyere, and that is my contree, and̛ am specyal counceyllour of Charlemayne, And̛ al these barons that ben here been al erles and̛ grete lordes, and̛ ben comen for to sℏewe to ballant the admyral a message fro the sayd̛ charles,

redoubted̛ Emperour; & by cause that we haue not spoken to hys entencion he hath made vs prysonners. Neuertheles take your hande from my berde, ye haue holde me longe ynough; And̛ be ye sure that I say not al that I thynke." ¶ The paynym ansuerd̛: "I am contente thy folye be pardonned̛ the; but I demaunde of the by thy loyalte, what maner folke ben they of [sign. f vj] fraunce, and̛ of what enterpryse, and what playes vse they whan they been in your royame?" "In trouthe," sayd̛ the duc, "Whan the kyng hath dyned̛, who that wyl may goo playe where hym lyste. Somme ryde oute on horsback, & somme goo in to the feldes and̛ synge, other make good̛ chere at tables, at the chesse, & other playsaunte games. and̛ in the morne euery man gooth gladly & hereth masse at the houre whan it is sayd̛, and̛ been wel charytable to gyue almesse to þe poure peple largely and customably. Also whan they goo to bataylle they been fyers and̛ hardy, and̛ been not lygℏtly vanquysshed̛. Suche been the peple in the contreye of crystente." lucafer began to lawhe and̛ sayd: "by my god̛ Mahoun, vylayne & olde dotard̛ that thow arte, thow spekest folyssℏly. It is no thynge so of your feat, ne frensshe men be of no valure but yf they can blowe at the grete cole." "In trouth," said the duc, "I herde neuer therof." the Paynym ansuerd̛: [Compare the account of the game "at the coal," given in the Sowdone, ll. 1999—2003. In it Lucifer burns the beard of Naymes, who at once kills him. ] "I shal teche you the manere," and̛ he approched̛ to the duc nyghe by a grete fyre, and̛ in goyng̛ Rolland̛ made sygne to the duc that he sℏold̛ bere hym wel. Anone lucafer toke the grettest bronde that was on the fyre, And̛ blewe so sℏarply that the fyre flewe alle aboute habundantly, and̛ after [sign. f vj, col. 2] said to duc naymes that he must also blowe. The Duc took the bronde, and̛ knewe wel the manere that the paynym wold hurt hym, and̛ approched to hym, and blewe the bronde so puyssauntly that it fyl al on a flame and̛ came

to the vysage of the Paynym, in suche wye that it brente al hys berde. Whan the paynym sawe that, he was almoost out of his wytte for angre. The Duc Naymes wyth that smote hym wyth the bronde in the necke that he brake the bone, and so raught hym wyth so grete myght that his eyen flewe oute of hys heed̛ to the grounde, and sayd̛ to hym: "Fals creature that thou arte, Whome I byseche god̛ confounde, thou wendest to haue made me to muse in thy folyes. ["thou wendest to haue made me to muse in thy folyes:" Fr. tu me cuidas il na pas gaires bon faite muser en tes folies.] Now lye there wyth sorowe." Rolland said to hym: "by my fayth, syr duc, ye can wel playe and̛ blowe atte cole. blessyd̛ be that arme that gaf that stroke!" ¶ "Lordes," sayd duc Naymes, "yf I haue maad̛ hym to vnderstonde hys folye ye ought not to blame me. ye haue seen how he truffed̛ wyth me." Florypes the curtoys came ner vnto duc Naymes, And̛ sayd̛: "Certes, syr, ye be worthy to be honoured̛. I see wel that Lucafer hath no more charge to playe ["no more charge to playe:" Fr. na plus cure de ioeur.] wyth you at the cole; he is now at his ease; I see wel that he remeueth not. And I wote now [sign. f vj, back] that he neuer shal haue grete desyre to espouse me. For by force he wold̛ haue had̛ me and my fader had gyuen me to hym, but neuer wold̛ I haue suffred̛ it, but rather haue myn hede smyton of, or suffred vylaynous deth."

¶ How, by the counceyl of floripes, the frensshe men dyslodged' thadmyral fro his paleys wyth grete bataylle, and' how by enchauntement a gyrdle was taken awaye fro the douȝter: ca. xj

Florypes was wyse, and had̛ consyderacyon that Lucafer, whyche was dede, was wel byloued̛ wyth thadmyral, and̛ sayd̛ to the frensshe men: "lordes, knowe ye for trouthe that my fader loueth more thys

man than ony man lyuyng̛. he abydeth for hym to come to dyner, & wyl not be at ease tyl he shal be retorned̛. and̛ yf by aduenture he knowe what is doon ye shal be here encombred̛ and assaylled̛, and̛ al the golde of the world̛ shal not redeme you but that ye sℏal be dede. Wherfore I counceyl you that ye doo arme you and̛ put you in poynte. ["put you in poynte:" Fr. mis en point = arm yourselves completely.] take lyȝtly your helmes and your sℏeldes, For people that been armed̛ be moche redoubted̛ of other vnarmed̛. therfore I wyl not that ye [sign. f vj, back, col. 2] be closed̛ ne sℏette herin, Whan ye come in the paleys where thadmyral is, See that ye bere you and̛ behaue you soo that ye be maysters and lordes of the place, and̛ thenne sℏal ye be wel lodged̛." Whan the doughter had̛ thus sayd̛, they were ryght wel contente, & prestly armed them, and̛ gyrde their swerdes aboute them, And̛ two & two yssued̛ oute of the chambre, and̛ goon corageously as lyons, boystously as wulues hungry, in suche wyse as they that wold̛ abyde them ought sore to doubte and̛ haue grete fere. And they went oute at the tyme that the sonne wente vnder, & bytwene nyght and̛ day. And̛ the formest of them in the waye was rolland̛, and̛ the other folowed hym ryȝt fyersly for to fyght. Roulland̛ cryed̛ to hys felowes that eche man shold̛ do hys parte, & slee al the paynyms and̛ sarasyns that they fonde in the paleys, whyche faylled̛ not. Roulland̛ smote corsuble mortally; Olyuer put to deth the Kynge Coldroe. Ther was not one but that they alle bare them wel. The soupper whyche was wel appoynted̛ ["whyche was wel appoynted̛, &c.:" Fr. trestien appareille tantost fut par terre verse] anone was torned̛ vp so doun & caste to the grounde; cuppes of golde and̛ of syluer flewe and̛ sowned in the place; Sarasyns goon to therthe slayn and̛ dysmembred̛: Other lepe out of the [sign. f vij] wyndowes, whyche after were founden dede: Other were all to-hewen, sℏoldres & legges smyton of. Thadmyral, all araged̛, put hym self to flyght oute of a wyndowe and̛ lepe doun in

to the depe dyche. Rolland went, after whyche had̛ hym gretely at the hert, & supposed̛ to haue smyten hym, And̛ atteyned the marble stone of the wyndowe in suche wyse that his swerde entred̛ a foot depe. "Brother," sayd̛ Olyuer, "the admyral is escaped̛ fro you." "Certeyn," ansuerd Rolland, "thereof am I euyl contente." Neuertheles they dyd̛ so grete portement and̛ bare them so wel that they were lordes & maysters of the chyef toure of the castel & palays. And̛ after shetted fast the yates and̛ were alle sure wythoute daunger. Sauf they myght haue noo mete. This passed a lytel whyle the Admyral was in the dyches al affrayed̛, and yf there had̛ not be somme for to haue drawen hym oute he had neuer departed; and began to crye to his men that they shold come to hym to drawe hym oute. Brullant of mommyere and sortybrant of conymbres drewe hym out. And after that sayd̛ Sortybrant: "Syr Admyral, byleue me another tyme: Alwaye atte tayl of an olde dogge kepe you." [Fr. tousiours a la cue dung viel chien vous tenez.] Thadmyrall answerd̛: "I praye you scorne me nomore, I shal [sign. f vij, col. 2] wel aduenge me or two monethes be passed̛. Doo sowne to assaulte for tassaylle the toure." Sortybrant sayd: "it is reson that your wylle be doon; but the nyȝt is ouer nyghe; by myn aduys it is better to abyde tyl to morowe, And thenne your excersyte shal be assembled̛ for to werke more surely." thadmyral was contente, and sayd by grete dysplaysaunce: "Ha, fayr Lucafer! neuer shal I see you more, I haue loste alle my ioye. O ye frensshe men, accursed̛ be ye! ye haue taken hym awaye fro me, but by Mahoun my god, to whome I haue gyuen my lyf, to morne shal the syege be layed tofore the toure. And I shal neuer departe for none euyl wether that sℏal come, Ne for thynge that may be, tyl the toure be taken and the walles layed on the erthe. And I sℏal make the frensshe men to be drawen at the taylles of my horses;

And̛ after I sℏal make florypes the putayn to be brente in a fyre openly, and I am wel sure that they shal yelde them, For they be not vytaylled̛ scars for foure dayes. And̛ of that other parte I knowe wel they may haue no socours of no man whatsomeuer he be. For we holde the stronge brydge of mantryble, & they may haue noo socours but yf it come ouer that brydge; & of that other parte, charles shal [sign. f vij, back] haue noo tydynges of his barons ne shal not knowe whether they be dede or a-lyue, or in lyberte or in subiectyon." & here vpon they concluded̛ and̛ went to their lodgys tyl on the morne. And̛ on the morne erly, thadmyral sente for al hys subgettes & concluded̛ to laye the syege, and sware to holde it seuen yere longe but yf he had̛ of them his wylle. Thenne come there so many paynyms in the contreye aboute that theyr lodgyses helde foure myle of space. ye may thynke in what daunger the frensshe men were, whyche were but twelue persones onely, and̛ had̛ none other conduyte ne comforte but to be wythin assyeged̛ in grete peryll of famyne. Neuertheles alwaye where as the sarasyns dyd gretely theyr deuoyr for to entre, yet they coude no thyng gryeue them̛. Thadmyral called̛ one marpyn, a moche fals theef emonge alle humayn creatures, & sayd to hym: "Marpyn, ["Marpyn:" in the Sowdone, Mapyne; in Sir Ferumbras, l. 2387, Maubyn.] by the berde that I bere on my chynne yf thou mayst do soo moche as for to stele awaye the gyrdle that Florypes bereth, I sℏal rewarde and gyue to the largely of my golde & syluer, & thou shalt be my grete frende. For yf I may haue it, I am sure that the frensshe men shal sone be dede for hungre, and thenne may they nomore greue me." ¶ That gyrdle was of suche vertu that [sign. f vij, back, col. 2] as longe as it sℏold haue dured wythin the toure, they wythin sℏold̛ neuer haue be famyned̛. "Syr," sayd̛ the theef, "abyde tyl it be nyght, & I swere to you that to morne, or the sonne aryse, I sℏal sℏewe to you the gyrdle, &

sℏal delyuer it to you." & herupon, whan it was nyght, he entred secretlye in to the dyches, whyche were ful of water, and̛ passed̛ ouer, and after whan he was at the fote of the toure, moche subtylly with his engynes he mounted̛ vp in to the wyndowes, & entred̛ in to the toure, and took a candel, & after cam to the chambre of Florypes, & fonde it faste sℏette. But with fals & dyabolyke wordes he opened̛ it; and̛ whan he was wythin, he sawe that al þ^e barons were fast a-slepe, and̛ he made so enchauntements that for no thynge they myght awake. and̛ thenne he came to Florypes, and̛ serched so pryuely that he took the gyrdle, & after gyrde hym self wyth-al. and̛ after thys he behelde the doughter al naked̛, whiche was moche fayre; & was enclyned̛ anone to haue defouled̛ hyr, & began to take hyr aboute the necke, whyche sodeynly awoke, & began to crye mochestrongely, and̛ called hyr maydens & the barons. Wherfore the maydens came anone al abasshed̛ & aferde. & whan they saw marpyn the theef as blacke [sign. f viij] as a moore, the moost hardyest of them began to flee. Anon as Guye of Bourgoyn herde the voys of florypes, he came to hyr wyth hys naked̛ swerde in his honde, and̛ escryed̛ to hyr that sℏe shold̛ not be aferde of ony thynge. And̛ he came so wel to poynte, ["he came so wel to poynte, &c.:" slightly different in the French, il vient la bien a point, car le larron.] that yf he had not come, the theef had defowled̛ florypes. but as sone as the theef herde hym, he sprange oute of the bedde wyth grete haste, and̛ Guye of bourgoyne recountred̛ hym, and gaf hym so grete a stroke that he clefte hym by the myddel, and cutte a two the gyrdel, and̛ the candel quenched̛. The other barons came after, and̛ whan they sawe the werke, & the theef dede, they threw the body in to the see wyth the gyrdle. And̛ whan it was knowen that he had stolen the gyrdle, and was loste wyth hym in the see, there was moche sorowe for the losse of soo noble a Iewel. And̛ Florypes wepte ryght sore, sayeng̛ that

the losse of the gyrdle may neuer be recouuerd̛. Neuertheles the barons wyth fayre wordes comforted̛ hyr, in suche manere that they alle were contente.

¶ How the barons were assyeged' in the toure wyth Florypes and hyr maydens, which suffred grete hungre, and' how the goddes [sign. f viij, col. 2] by them were confounded': capitulo xij

Whan the day was comen, and thadmyral sawe not Marpyn thenchauntour retorne, he was moche abasshed̛, and̛ demaunded̛ brullant, Sortybrant, and̛ hys other lordes, counceyl what he shold̛ doo, consydered̛ that Marpyn was not retorned̛. Sortybrant sayd̛: "Syr admyral, knowe ye for certayn that the theef is deed̛, sythe he is not retorned̛ and̛ comen; but I counceyl you that ye doo soune your trompettes for tassemble your subgettes, for tassaylle the toure and̛ confounde the crysten men." And̛ wyth slynges and̛ other engynes they doo caste stones & dartes enuenymed̛, but—blessyd be god̛!—the frensshe men doubted them no thynge After they had contynued̛ the syege a whyle, brede and wyn began to faylle to the barons and̛ maydens, in suche wyse that they had̛ noo thynge to ete. Thenne the sorowe of the maydens, whyche were so fayre & ful of compassyon, was ouer grete, and were al desolate. And̛ emonge the other, the noble florypes was moche dysplaysaunte for the necessyte of the frensshe men, of hyr self, and of hyr damoyselles. often tymes sℏe swowned̛ & fyl to grounde [sign. f viij, back] as dede: Guy of bourgoyne, hyr spouse that sℏold̛ be, [ "hyr spouse that shold̛ be:" Fr. son espoux advenir. Compare p. 134, l. 27.] took hyr vp moche swetely, and̛ recomforted̛ hyr to hys power, & sayd to hys felawes: "My brethern & lordes, ye see the necessyte that we suffre; it is now thre dayes passed̛ syth we had̛ ony brede. And yet it greueth me more for these

damoyselles than for my self, And̛ I say you for trouthe that I may no lenger endure but yf we do otherwyse. And̛ be ye sure, that I had̛ leuer to put my body in auenture to be hurt and wounded̛ mortally, than I sℏold abyde here wythin enclosed wyth thys melancolye. Wherfor, I say, late vs goo oute for to gete somme vytaylle; for better is to vs to deye wyth honour than to lyue with sℏame." Al the frenssh men were of thoppynyon of guy. There vpon Florypes sayd̛: "My lordes, I wote now wel that your god̛ is of lytel power, whan he gyueth to you none ayde ne comforte; And̛ I say you wel, that yf ye had̛ adoured̛ our goddes, they had̛ pourueyed̛ for you mete and̛ drynke." Tofore that sℏe had̛ fynysshed̛ hyr wordes, Roulland̛ ansuerd and̛ sayd̛: "Madame, I praye you that ye sℏewe to vs your goddes that ye speke of. And̛ yf they haue the power that ye say, that they may gyue to vs mete and̛ drynke, & that they do soo moche that the [sign. f viij, back, col. 2] puyssaunce of fraunce come hyther for to socoure vs, we sℏal al byleue on them wythout varyeng̛." The mayde sayd̛: "Anone ye shal see them," & Incontynent after that she had taken the kayes, sℏe ladde the barons vnder the erthe, and̛ shewed̛ to them the goddes of the sarasyns, whiche were in a place moche noble, precyous, and̛ ryche. And there were in grete mageste, Appolyn, Mahoun, and̛ Termagaunt, the god̛ Margot, and̛ Iupyn, and̛ many other, whyche were alle massy of fyn golde of Arabye, enorned̛ wyth many Iewellys, Odoraunt of bame and encenc. and̛ many other tresours were there assembled̛. Guy of bourgoyne sayd̛, whan he sawe soo grete tresour: "A! lord̛ god̛, who wold̛ haue wende that in thys place had be so grete rychesse assembled̛? Wold̛ god̛ that Rychard̛ of normandye had̛ now Iuppyn in hys cyte of Roan, For he shold̛ wel accomplysshe wyth it the chyrche of the holy Trynyte. And̛ that

kyng charles had thother goddes, he sℏold repayre ageyn þ^e chyrche of rome whyche is destroyed̛. And with the remenaunte he sℏold̛ make men ryche, and̛ to sette them in good̛ poynte." Florypes ansuerd̛ and̛ sayd̛: "Syr Guye, ye speke vylaynsly ayenst the goddes; crye them mercy & adoure them̛, [sign. g j] to thende that they enclyne them to you to doo you comforte." guy sayd̛ vnto hyr: "I can not praye to them, Madame, for I see theyr eyen al a-slepe, and̛ ye shal see that they may not here ne see." and̛ therwyth he smote Iupyn, And̛ Ogyer danoys smote margot, that they flewe to the erthe, and̛ were anone alle to-broken. Wherfore Roulland̛ sayd̛ to the doughter: "In trouthe, madame, I see that ye haue goddes that be not worth. Of them that been fallen to therthe I see not one of them remeue, ne make semblaunte to releue hym." Fro thenne forthon Florypes had̛ al theyr goddes in despyte, and̛ byleued in Ihesu Cryste, sayeng̛ thus: "I see, syr Roulland̛, that ye say the veray trouthe; but yf euer I byleue on them, I wyl that my body come to an euyl ende. and̛ with good̛ herte I requyre that god̛ that was borne of a vyrgyn, of whome ye haue enformed̛ me, that he sende to you socours of fraunce, and̛ that we fynde maner to gete vytalle for to satysfye our hungre."

¶ How the peres of Fraunce went out of the toure, and dyd a grete bataylle, In which they recouerd' twenty sommyers charged' of vytaylle: capitulo xiij

[sign. g j, col. 2]

Whan Florypes had sayd, sℏe fyl doun to the erth a-swoune for sorowe & anguysshe. Wherfor guy of bourgoyn wept moche soroufully for the loue of hyr. Hereupon Olyuer the courageous came tofore them and̛ sayd: "My lordes,

I you assure, by the god̛ that suffred̛ deth for creatures humayn, I had̛ leuer that my body were quartred̛ and̛ smyton in pyeces than I shold̛ suffre this pryson, but that I shold̛ fyght quyckely wyth the paynyms;" & semblably sayd̛ rolland̛. Wherfore, wythout other delyberacion, they sette theyr sℏeldes in good̛ poynte, and mounted on horsback, and aualed the brydge, & wyth a stedfast courage made them redy. & whan they were alle afore the toure of marble, Rolland̛ sayd to the other: "Syr Naymes, or ye, syr Ogyer, it byhoueth that one of you [orig. yon.] abyde for to kepe the place, that at the retornyng̛ we may entre surely." ¶ The Duke Naymes coude take noo pacyence, but that he answerd̛ thus: "Syr Roulland̛, thynke not that I be so vnhappy of persone ne of lygnage that euer I shold̛ be reproched̛, and̛ that euer I shold̛ be your portyer. I wyl not doo so in noo wyse: though I be olde, yet can I torne myn hors. For I am harde of [sign. g j, back] synewes, and̛ haue myn herte wel assured̛, and̛ wyl be hardy ynough for to smyte vpon myn enemyes whan tyme shal requyre, ne doubte ye no thynge therof." Rolland ansuerd: "syr, ye say wel, ye shal come wyth vs. Thyerry or geffroy, that one of you two shal abyde." but it was not their playsyr to abyde enclosed̛. Neuertheles, at the request of Rolland̛, tℏyerry abode with geffroy, whyche sℏetted̛ the yates surely after that the other barons were wythoute, whyche, eche with his sℏelde tofore hym and swerde in hys hande, wente mustryng them tofore the castel. Thadmyral lokyng out at a wyndowe, knewe the frensshe men, Wherfor hastely he sente for brullant and̛ Sortybrant to come to hym wyth other, to whome he sayd̛: "my barons and̛ subgettes, the frensshe men ben comen, and̛ me semeth they wyl fyght. yf they be not al slayn, i shal be euyl contente. Wherfore do sowne your hornes for tassemble your peple; ye tary ouer longe."

And̛ assone as they had̛ so doon, a grete multytude of sarasyns were there assembled̛, & came and̛ assaylled̛ the frensshe men. But rolland̛, that helde durandal in ℏys honde, with his felowes came vpon the mastyn sarasyns by suche a furour, that in a lytel whyle moo than an hondred̛ were slayn. [sign. g j, back, col. 2] For vnhappy was he that came to socoure the sarasyns. Thenne came Clacyon, whyche was neuewe to the admyral, with xv thousand̛ fygℏtyng̛ men.—And know ye for certayn, that in that tyme in spayn was noo sarasyn more doubted̛ ["doubted̛:" feared. Fr. redoubte.] than he.—Whan the barons sawe hym come, Rolland escryed̛ gherard̛, Ogyer & Guy: "O noble knyghtes! in thonour of god, eche of you do so his deuoyr that at thys tyme, wyth vyctorye, we may obtayne vytaylle for the maydens in the toure." That sayd̛, Rolland̛ smote his hors wyth hys spores, and wyth durandal smote a fyers Paynym named̛ Rampyn soo myghtely, that he clefte hede and̛ body at a stroke; wherof they þat were there present were abasshed. & thenne the sarasyns doubted so strongly rolland̛, that there was not a man durst put hym self tofore hym, but yf he thought to deye. Gherard of mondydyer sayd: "My brethern & lordes, Who wyl here-after haue playsyr & be honoured, it is tyme that he sℏewe ℏym, for often by one vnhappy man a valyaunt man is in daunger." Wherfor with that word al these barons were moche more feruent than they had be, to thende that euery man sℏewed hym self suche as he ouȝt to be. & after that þ^e batayll was fynysshed̛ for that day, as god wold, the barons fonde by [sign. g ij] the tour aforesayd̛ a grete auenture, For they sawe passe by the castel xx sommyers laden wyth vytayl, that is to say, brede, wyn, venyson, & other vytaylles ynow, and̛ a paynym conduyted them of margote vnto the sarasyns: but Incontynent the ledars of the sarasyns and̛ of theyr vytayl

were slayn anone of the barons, & the duc Naymes & Wyllyam the scot conduyted̛ & ledde them forth. And̛ Rolland̛ and̛ the other came & auoyded̛ the place, in suche wyse that they were dryuen in to the tour; but this thyng was not doon without daunger and̛ grete payne.

¶ How guy of bourgoyn was taken of the sarasyns, beten vylaynously, and' demaunded' of thadmyral, and the complayntes that Florypes made for hym, & other maters: capitulo xiiij

As I haue sayd tofore, the barons of fraunce, thus as they wente in theyr repayre, ["wente in theyr repayre:" went on their way back. Fr. alloient en leur repaire.] and̛ ladde the sommyers afore sayd̛, there came so grete habundaunce of men of armes of the partye of kyng̛ Claryon, that it was merueylle. There was thenne an harde and̛ stronge recountre, in so moche that duc basyn was slayn, & Aulbery hys [sign. g ij, col. 2] sone. For whan he sawe his fader deye, Incontynent he fyl vpon hym, and there he was slayn and abode. and̛ yet thys was not the moost harm, For the noble guy of bourgoyn, after that he was menaced̛ of kyng̛ Claryon, he auaunced̛ hym for to smyte hym. that came hym so euyl to passe, that hys hors was slayn vnder hym of the paynyms, & sodeynly he was enuyronned̛ of moo than an hondred knyghtes sarasyns, whyche took hym, & took of hys helme fro hys hede, & after bounde hys eyen, so that he saw nothyng, and ledde hym forth, hys handes bounden behynde hym at his backe. and̛ whan guy sawe hym thus deteyned̛, he began to crye wyth an hye voys: ¶ "O Ihesus, veray god̛, whych hast made & formed me! whyther goo I now, that am euyl fortuned̛? O Ihesus, comforte me! O noble Charlemayn, ryght noble emperour, and̛ myn

vncle, thou sℏalt neuer see me!" The kyng̛ claryon sayd̛ to hym: "Fayr frende, no thynge sℏal auayle the, thy cryeng ne thy brayeng̛. I shal delyuer the al lyuyng̛ to the admyral of spayn thys day, And̛ to-morne thou sℏalt be hanged̛." But now ye may wel thynke how the other peres of Fraunce, hys felowes, were euyl contente whan they sawe the Erle Guye soo prysonner. ¶ Neuertheles [sign. g ij, back] they dyd grete feates of armes or they were constrayned to entre in to the tour, & assone as they were descended, & the yates barred, eueryche went to dyner: and̛ thenne floripes cam anon to rolland, & said̛ to hym: "syr rolland̛, I requyre you that ye say to me where is syr guye of bourgoyne my husbond become. I wote wel, whan ye departed hens, that he went wyth you emonge thother. Ye ought to brynge hym to me ageyn. I shal neuer be Ioyous at the hert tyl I knowe where he is." Rolland̛ ansuerd̛: "ha, Florypes, curtoys lady! in hym trust ye no more, for certes ye haue lost hym. ye shal neuer see hym; the paynyms haue ledde hym maulgre vs, & we knowe not what they wyl do wyth hym." florypes heer yng these wordes, for sorowe & anguysshe fyl to the erth alle a-swoune more than iiij tymes as dede; but rolland̛, whych wepte for hyr, oft releued hyr: & whan she was rysen, she began to crye with an hye voys: "O barons of fraunce, by that god̛ that maad heuen & erthe, yf I haue not guy of bourgoyn, to whome I ought to be maryed̛, I shal yelde thys toure or the nexte day be passed̛. O holy vyrgyn marye! I sℏold be espoused to hym, and for loue of hym be baptysed and̛ be crysten. Alas! our loues haue sone faylled̛. This sorowe hath made me [sign. g ij, back, col. 2] wel to forgete the hungre that I haue had̛ these iij dayes. Alas! I am vnhappy." Rolland̛ myght not see the melancolye of thys Florypes, but promysed̛ hyr to make hyr glad̛ wythin ij dayes, for

thenne atte ferthest sℏe sℏold̛ see syr guye at hyr playsyr, and that sℏe sℏold no thyng̛ doubte therof; "for knowe ye surely," sayd̛ rolland̛, "I had leuer to be quarterd̛ than he sℏold̛ not come ageyn, & he sℏal be rendred to you, or his deth shal be sore auenged̛. &, madame, ye knowe wel that your sorow & wepyng may not brynge hym ageyn, & ye wote wel that it is thre dayes passed̛ syth we ete. we haue purchaced̛ vytayl for vs & these damoyselles, of whome ye see the pyte, late vs take pacyence of the lytel quantyte, & be we contente to entretiene the lyf:" for ye ouȝt to knowe that they myght not recouure the sommyers with vytaylle, by cause of the trouble of guy of bourgoyne, whyche was deteyned prysoner. After that Rolland̛ had̛ said̛ thys, the barons and̛ the damoyselles thanked̛ god̛ of al, and̛ fedde them suffysauntlye, in praysyng̛ and̛ lawdyng̛ god̛ deuoutelye.

Now late vs speke a lytel of Guye of bourgoyn, whiche was ledde tofore the admyral. moche troubled̛, dyscolourd, & chaunged̛ of vysage was the sayd̛ Guye [sign. g iij] by cause he had not eten in thre dayes tofore, & for þ^edaunger that he felte hym to be in the handes of his enemyes. & there tofore the admyral he was al despoyled of his armes; & thenne appyered his body wel membred, & ballant demaunded what was his name & who he was. the baron ansuerd: "Admyral, I fere not to say the trouthe; I am called guy of bourgoyn, subgette to the crowne of fraunce, & cosyn germayn to rolland̛ the valyaunt, which is the man that ought wel to be doubted." ballant ansuerd: "I knowe the wel ynough. it is more than vij monethes goon that my douȝter hath had the in grete loue, which dyspleseth me gretely: & I know wel that sℏe loueth the more than ony man lyuyng; & I for that loue haue lost many men of grete facion, & am put out of my tour, the chyef

strengthe of al my contreye. but yf al be yolden to me ageyn sℏortly, þou shalt be quarterd in sℏort tyme, & dysmembred̛. & more-ouer I demaunde þat thou say to me the trouthe, who been they that ben enclosed in the tour, of whom we haue ben assaylled with so daungerously." Guy ansuerd: "gladly I shal say to the. Be thou wel sure that rolland̛ the valyaunte is there, Olyuer, his felowe, ryght courageous, Thyerry, duc of Ardayne, Rychard of Normandye, Gherard̛ [sign. g iij, col. 2] of Mundydyer, Naymes duc of bauyere, & basyn the genewey, whom ye haue slayn; but, by the grace of god & helpe of charles, his deth shal be to you dere solde." Thadmyral was ryȝt euyl contente of the menaces of Guye; Wherfore a moche fyers sarasyn took hys fyste and smote guye on the vysage in suche wyse that the blood̛ yssued̛ oute of hys nose & mouth habundantly. wyth that stroke, guy was sette a-fyre for angre and̛ furour, and̛ lefte not for to be forthwith quartred, ["lefte not for to be forthwith quartred, &c.:" he did not hesitate, though he should be at once cut to pieces. In the French, et pour estre esquartelle presentement il ne se fust tenu quil ne prist celluy sarrazin.] & he was not holden, but that he toke that same sarasyn by the heyre wyth one of hys handes, and̛ wyth that other hande he smote hym vpon the grete bone of þ^e necke behynde, that he brake it, And̛, wythoute moeuyng of hande or foot, he fyl doun deed̛ to the grounde tofore the admyral. ¶ Ballant was soo euyl contente wyth that stroke, that he was al enraged̛ for the deth of the paynym, as for the mysprysyng̛ that guy had̛ doon in hys presence to-fore ℏis eyen, and cryed with a loude voys that he sℏold be taken. & assone as he had sayd̛ the worde, the sarasyns as wulues enraged̛, whyche wyth theyr feet and̛ handes al to-bete hym, in suche wyse that he knewe not where he was, ["whyche wyth theyr feet and handes al to-bete hym in suche wyse, &c.:" Fr. que des pies que des mains ilz le vont tant battre = both with hands and feet they beat him, &c. Compare the corresponding passage in Syr Ferumbras, p. 90, l. 2790, and note.] And̛ had̛ slayne ℏym yf the admyral had not commaunded̛ theym that [sign. g iij, back] he sℏold̛ not be put to deth in suche manere.

¶ How the paynyms had' purposed' to haue hanged' Guye of bourgoyne, seeyng' the crysten men, whyche socoured' hym myȝtely: capitulo xv

After that guye of bourgoyn was wel bounden and̛ straytly, Thadmyral sente to come to hym brullant of mommyere, Sortybrant of conymbres, and̛ for many other of ℏis counceyl, and̛ sayd̛ to them: "my frendes, I praye you that ye gyue to me counceyl what I ought to do wyth thys prysonner, whyche dothe me so grete reproche & despysyng̛, as ye see and̛ knowe." "Syr," sayd̛ Sortybrant, "I sℏal gyue to you good̛ counceyl. yf ye wyl byleue me, ye shal doo reyse vp a galowe tree nyghe to the dyches of the toure, in whych been the prysonners of fraunce, & to-morne ye sℏal do hange this prysoner; & see that ye haue in a secrete place, nyghe vnto þ^e said galowes, v thousand turkes, wel armed̛ & in good̛ poynte: and̛ I am sure that the freynsshe men be so hardy and oute of mesure, ["so hardy and oute of mesure:" Fr. si hardis et desmesurez.] that, whan they shal see their felowe for to be hanged̛, they sℏal come oute for to socoure hym; & your peple that shal be hydde in [sign. g iij, back, col. 2] the busshement sℏal come out on them & take them. Thenne shal ye haue them al surely, for to do wyth, your playsyr." this counceyl was approued by thadmyral to be good, & was therwyth wel content; wherfore, wythoute takyng̛ of ony other delyberacyon, the galowes were made as afore is sayd̛. & ryght nyghe to the place was a lytel wode, & lete put therin secretly xx M fyghtyng men, & comanded them to be gouerned by the kyng claryon & other capytayns. & after, thadmyral made guy of bourgoyne to be ledde with xxx sarasyns vnto the galowes, whyche cessed not to bete and̛ smyte on hym with grete staues, whyche greued hym sore: & they bonde his handes behynde hys backe moche

straytly. & whan he felte a grete corde aboute his necke, and hys eyen bounden, & sawe no thynge whyther he went, Thys thynkyng̛, wyth an hye voys he began to crye: "O redemptour of the world̛, my maker and my god̛, for whos name I am in payne, and̛ goo to deye an euyl deth, the meryte of thy passyon take my soule in to thy kepyng̛, for the body taketh hys ende! And̛ lyke as I haue nede of thy helpe, So I beseche and requyre the to counceyll and̛ comforte me. ¶ O noble barons of fraunce, ye shal neuer see me: yf [sign. g iiij] ye suffre me to be hanged, it sℏal be to you grete sℏame. O Roulland̛, fayr cosyn, remembre me! or ellys shal ye neuer see me on lyue." he thus sayeng̛, and other pyetous wordes, Rolland̛ was in a wyndowe, and behelde ouer a lytel roche, and̛ sawe the galowes reysed̛. Wherfore he came to hys felawes and̛ sayd̛: "I meruaylle moche what thys meneth, that I haue seen the galowes sette vpon the dyches. I wote neuer to what purpoos it is doon." Whan the other had seen it, Duc Naymes sayd to them, that withoute faute they were made for to hange on guye of bourgoyne. & forthwith they saw hym comyng al despoyled̛, and̛ was ledde toward̛ the galowes; & they knewe wel that yf he were not socoured̛ and rescued, that he shold be hanged̛ & put to deth. Whan the fayr florypes herde them plede, sℏe came to them for to wete what it was; and̛ after whan sℏe sawe the galowes reysed̛, and guy, hir loue and tocomyng husbond̛, ["hir loue and tocomyng husbond̛:" Fr. son espouse aduenir. Compare p. 124, l. 29.] so sℏamefully ledde, ye may thynke in what estate she was reduced̛; and began to crye: "O noble knyghtes, shal ye suffre guy of bourgoyn your felawe to be hanged tofore your eyen? Truste ye none other, that yf he deye, by the same god that fourmed̛ me I shal lepe out of the wyndowe, & sℏal deye in desperacyon." ["Truste ye none other, &c.:" be sure of this only, that if he die I shall leap out of the wyndowe, &c. Fr. ne vous fies point que sil meurt.] [sign. g iiij, col. 2] and̛ after she came to rolland̛, & kneled doun on both hyr knees, and kyssed̛ hys feet humbly, in sayeng̛: "Syr Rolland̛, in

thonour of god̛ I requyre the that it may playse the to take the payne for to rescowe & socoure my loue guye, and̛ ellys I am a loste woman. Thynke for to arme you, and I sℏal goo and make redy your horses, for the tyme is ouer sℏort; so that by the playsyr of god ye shal be there in tyme." Thenne Rolland & his felowes armed̛ them moche hastely, and̛ gyrde theyr swerdes and sℏeldes, and̛ wente oute of the toure, and on hors backe sprange oute. And̛ or they rode ony ferther, rolland̛ sayd: "lordes, at thys houre lyeth our deth & our lyf in suche wyse, that yf we haue not good conduyte & [orig. boyal.] loyal, we sℏal neuer retorne. We ne ben but x, & the paynems ben Innumerable & of grete force. In thonour of god I praye you, that alwaye we holde vs togyder, & that eche take hede of other as moche as he may, For yf we be deuyded̛, we shal sone be taken and̛ hanged̛. And̛ on that other parte, yf one of vs falle to the grounde, that prestly he be reysed̛, And̛ not to leue hym for lyf ne deth, And̛ that none faylle other. And̛ I shal be he that shal brynge you to-gyder by thayde of god; for I swere [sign. g iiij, back] to you by my lyf, that as long as I may holde durandal, and̛ may kepe the lyf in my body, ye shal haue of me a good deffendour and waraunt." and in lyke wyse sayd̛ al the other. Florypes answerd̛: "my lordes, ye may tarye ouer longe;" & sℏe went in to hyr chambre, and̛ opened̛ a coffre, in whiche was the crowne of Ihesu Cryste, and moche reuerently they kyssed̛ it & sette it on theyr heedes. Wherfor with a good courage they yssued out, noo thynge dredyng̛ the puyssaunce of the paynyms. & after, Florypes and hyr damoysellys lyft vp the brydge, & sℏette fast the toure. ¶ The noble peres of fraunce, fayr and in good̛ ordenaunce, wente toward̛ the galowes alonge the medowes, & the paynyms were vnder the galowes, and̛ were besy to brynge vp guy of bourgoyn, which had hys eyen

bounden, & hys handes also, and̛ a grete corde aboute hys necke. and̛ whan Rolland sawe that, he hasted̛ hys hors, & the other after, & began to crye to the paynyms sayeng̛: "ha! trayters, mastyns! It shal not be as ye thynk: ye haue begonne suche a thynge wherof ye sℏal repente." Of thys bruyt wℏich was made so Impetuously, the moost hardy of xxx that helde guye began to flee; and̛ they were so hastely poursyewed̛ that xx of them [sign. g iiij, back, col. 2] were slayn. here vpon they that were in the wode camen out, makyng a grete bruyt; and al afore came Cornyfer, a meruayllous paynym, vpon a morel of grete facyon, ["a morel of grete facyon:" Fr. moreau de grant fasson.] And̛ began to crye: "ha! ye frensshe men dysmesured! come ye for to socoure hym that is Iuged̛ by thadmyral to be hanged? ye haue enterprysed̛ a grete folye; For al ye shal be hanged̛ wyth hym." Whan rolland̛ herde the paynym so say, he was moche angry, & helde durandal in hys hande, & came ageynst hym as a wulf enraged̛. Neuertheles the paynym smote on his sℏelde daungerously; but after that he was recoured̛, ["after that he was recoured̛:" as soon as he had recovered himself. Fr. aprez quil se fut recouure.] he atteyned̛ and̛ smote the paynym so puyssantly that he clefte hys heed̛ doun to the body. and̛ after that he was dede, rolland̛ came rennyng̛ vnto the galowes, and vnblynfelde & vnbonde syr guye of bourgoyne, and̛ bad hym holde hym by hym tyl he was armed̛. & after that Roulland̛ had̛ slayn another paynym, Guye, beyng̛ in thassuraunce of thother peres of fraunce, he armed hym Incontynent with tharmes of that paynym by the helpe of hys felowes, & mounted̛ vpon the Paynyms hors. but thys was not doon wythoute grete payne and meruayllous deffence that they made, for anone al the sarasyns that were in the wode came vpon the barons [sign. g v] of fraunce, and̛ dyd̛ grete Inconuenyents. ["Inconuenyents:" Fr. inconueniens = damage.] Neuertheles, by thayde of god̛, the barons were of so good̛ gouernement & of so entyer courage, of so meruayllous deffence and̛ puyssaunce, that at that tyme they put soo many sarasyns

to deth, that the place was al encombred, and al were empesshed̛ to goo further. Emonge whome guye of bourgoyne dyd̛ meruaylles: for after that he was armed̛ by the conseruacyon of hys felowes, he dyd̛ gretely hys deuoyr, & sayd̛ to the sarasyns: "O ye traytres mastyns, I sℏal sℏewe you in thys Iourney that I am escaped̛ fro your handes." & by thus fyghtyng̛ they made the sarasyns to withdrawe a grete bowe draught. They thus fyghtyng̛, on that other syde were moo than ten thousand̛ sarasyns redy to empesshe them the passage, that they myȝt not wythdrawe them. Wherfore Rolland̛, holdyng durandal in hys honde, seeyng that, called̛ al ℏys felowes and sayd̛ to them: "lordes, it is noo tyme now to wythdrawe vs, but of necessyte we must auance vs for our owne conseruacyon: yf we may gete the brydge, doubte we no thyng̛, & thenne may we wel saue vs." "Roulland̛," Sayd̛ Guye of bourgoyne, "Ye knowe wel that in the toure we haue noo thynge to ete, & yf we were [sign. g v, col. 2] wythin, how shold̛ we lyue? yet had I leuer to haue my body daungerously wounded in fygℏtyng̛ vpon the sarasyns, than to deye for hungre were wythin, & wythoute daunger. and yf it be the wylle of god̛ that in thys day we shold̛ deye, al be it at hys playsyr, and we shal take it a worth, as good̛ and̛ trewe knyghtes of god̛." Al the other barons were of hys oppynyon, & goon forth in grete purpoos for to bere them valyauntly. They beyng̛ in thys purpoos to bere them valyauntly, as sayd̛ is, Florypes was in a wyndowe of the toure, and̛ sawe Guye of bourgoyne hyr loue, wherof sℏe was moche Ioyous, and̛ cryed̛ to hym wyth an hye voys, that hit wold̛ plese hym to come to hyr, sayeng, that yf she lyued, for the prowesse of the barons that hyr fader thadmyral sℏold̛ ones be in hys daunger. ["cryed̛ to hym wyth an hye voys, &c.:" Fr. luy cria a haulte voix quil luy pleust de la venir baisier, en disant que selle viuoit pour la prousse des barons que son pere ladmiral seroit vne ffoys en son dangier. The whole passage is very obscure, nor does the corresponding line in Sir Ferumbras help much to make it any clearer.] Wherfor Ogyer the danoys sayd̛: "Lordes, haue ye not herde how nobly

sℏe speketℏ. She is wel worthy that we doo for hyr. And̛ knowe ye that I shal not be at ease yf we thus retorne." Thenne, wythoute more langage, the frensshe men ronnen vpon the sarasyns hastely, of whome Roulland̛ was alwaye formest, and̛ made soo grete bruyt and descomfyture of paynyms, that they eschewed̛ & made them to flee tofore him as [sign. g v, back] the byrde tofore the sperhawke. Guye of bourgoyn came with a grete cours ageynst a paynym moche fyers, named̛ Rampyer, and̛ attayned̛ hym so harde on the somette of the heed̛, that he clefte hym to the myddel of hys body. Wherfore whan Roulland̛ sawe hys grete valyaunce, he said to hym: "Guy, fayr cosyn, I haue wel seen how ye haue menaced̛ the paynym. Ye haue so doon that Florypes the fayr lady ought to loue you and̛ holde you ryȝt dere."

¶ How the peres of Fraunce aforesayd' were pourueyed' of vytaylles, and' after assyeged' and' foughten by the paynyms: ca. xvj

Whan Florypes the curtoys, beyng̛ wyth hyr damoyselles in the toure, sawe the barons of Fraunce to be assured tofore the castel, sℏe cryed to hem hyely: "O ye lordes, I praye you to remembre to gete somme vytaylles or ye come entre herein, to thende that we deye not for famyne. Olyuer vnderstode wel the damoysel, and̛ also roulland, whyche sayd̛ that sℏe had̛ wel spoken, and̛ in tyme: "for yf we entre in to the castel, we may not departe wyth our ease," and̛ therupon al the barons with one [sign. g v, back, col. 2] courage goon ageynst the sarasyns, & smote on them & brake theyr aray, in suche wyse þat they made them to voyde the place, & to wythdrawe and̛ goo backe a grete dele. and̛ thus as they retorned̛ vnto the toure, a ryght good̛ aduenture came ageynst them. For xx sommyers passed̛ forth by, which certeyn paynyms ledde, whyche al were charged̛ wyth

wyn, brede, and̛ flesshe habundauntly. And̛ anone they that ledde them were slayn and̛ put to deth, And̛ thenne the barons enforced them for to lede them hastelye, and̛ so conduyted̛ them tyl they brought them in to the toure. & in the waye as they retorned, they fonde the body of basyn whyche had̛ be slayn the day byfore, which they took vp, and̛ brought wyth them in to the toure, and were there in surete. For they lyfte vp the brydge, and̛ entred̛, and̛ after aualed̛ the drawe brydge, and̛ made faste the yates, and̛ surely. And̛ thus were they wel vytaylled̛ for ij monethes & more. ye may wel wete that thadmyral was not ouer Ioyous whan he sawe that Guye of bourgoyn whyche had̛ ben in his subgectyon was wyth hys felawes, And̛ also whan he knewe that they were furnysshed̛ wyth vytaylle so habundantlye. Wherfor ryght angry and̛ euyl contente [sign. g vj] dyd̛ doo calle hys counceyl, and demaunded brullant of mommyere, and Sortybrant of Conymbres, and other of hys counceyllours, sayeng̛ to them: "My barons, ye knowe that these frensshe men haue ryght euyl gouerned̛ vs. They haue garnysshed̛ the toure wyth brede, wyn, and̛ other vytaylles: and̛ yf by aduenture it come to the knowleche of kyng Charles, we shal be enpesshed̛, for he sℏal come & socoure them, and we shal come make to hym contynuel resystence, For hys puyssaunce is ouer grete, ye knowe it wel. Wherfore I am in grete thought and̛ melancolye what we may best doo."

To thys, Sorty brant answerd̛ & sayd̛: "syr admyral, I counceyl that euery man be armed, and in grete poynte, for to sette vp the engynes to assaylle the toure & breke it, & after to make sowne and̛ to trompe vp a thousand̛ trompes and̛ hornes Impetuously. And̛ whan the Frenssh men shal here them, they shal be so aferdethat we at our playsyr shal mowe entre in to the toure." Brullant of mommyere answerd̛ to hym & sayd̛:

"Sortybrant, frende! ye speke of a grete folye. Byleue not þat the frenssh men that be within the toure ben of soo feble condycyon that ye sℏal make theym aferde wyth blowyng̛ & sownyng̛ of hornes. [sign. g vj, col. 2] Certeyn ye haue nothyng to fere them wyth, And̛ I shal say to you the reason. The flour of the barons of fraunce is there wythin: the moost puyssaunt & the moost noble Rolland̛ is there, whych is so puyssaunt and̛ courageous that who-someuer Ioyneth to hym, he putteth hym to deth: And̛ there is the counte olyuer: knowe ye not of his grete fyersnes, whycℏe conquerd̛ Kynge Fyerabras, the myghtyest of all the paynyms? And̛ I swere to you by Mahoun that he is in theyr companye. For I haue herde say also that there is the counte of mondydyer, Gherard̛, whyche hath doon to vs grete dommage. Also there is thyerry, the duc of ardayne, and another fals olde olde knygℏt that named̛ hym self Naymes, duc of Bauyere, semblably Guy of bourgoyne, whyche was taken from vs whan he was ledde to be hanged̛. And̛ other ther be whyche I haue not named̛. There ben but xj, for one of them was slayn, and̛ ye knowe wel they ben alle of grete resystence.

Roulland̛, the [orig. nenewe.] neuewe of charles, is of soo grete fyersnes that he doubteth no man lyuyng̛, ne stroke ne sℏotte that is gyuen hym: and̛ doubte ye not, that, yf they were al suche as he is, that ben in the castel, they sℏold chace vs oute of thys royame or they [sign. g vj, back] sℏold slee vs. And̛ I knowe wel that theyr god waketh for them, for he hath ryȝt wel kepte them. Our goddes ben accursed̛ and̛ vnhappy, For it is longe sythe that they haue ony thynge holpen vs." ¶ Of these wordes that brullant thus sayd, thadmyral was passyng̛ angry, & sayd̛ to hym: "ye haue ryght euyl and folysshly spoken." and̛ so sayeng, he wold̛ haue smyton ℏym wyth hys staf, but the kyng Sortybrant wythdrowe the stroke, sayeng̛:

"Syr admyral, leue your angre, and̛ late vs thynke for to assaylle thys toure, and late vs so do that these fals frenssh men be vaynquysshed̛ and̛ smyton in pyeces." and̛ thus as he had said, thadmyral made to come hornes, trompettes, and̛ other Instrumentes for to sowne & to make bruyt and̛ noyse, in suche wyse that al the sarasyns were there assembled, that they helde þ^e space of a myle longe aboute the toure. After, thadmyral made to come a man Ingenyous & enchauntour, whyche was named Mahon, that made two meruayllous engynes, & with couertures surely made kept them that were there vnder, that they myght not be hurte of the frensshe men. And̛ by the moyen of these engynes they conquerd̛ the fyrst wardes of the castel. wherfore the frensshe men, furyous and̛ [sign. g vj, back, col. 2] wode as lyons, came to the yates of the toure, & the maydens also al armed̛, wℏyche with the barons dyd̛ so wel theyr deuoyr, that he that was raught and̛ smyton by them, was so terrybly hurt, that he ouerthrewe and fyl doun dede. For they were aboue on hye, and̛ threwe doun grete stones, dartes of yron, & other mortal engynes, wyth whyche they made contynuel resystence

¶ How the toure was broken and' brente by enchauntement, & the barons in grete peryl of deth, and' restored' by assaulte maad' on the Paynyms: capitulo xvij

The Paynyms perseueryng̛ in thassault afore sayd̛, Thenchauntour came tofore the admyral, and̛ sayd̛ to hym: "Ryȝt dere syr, I haue made myn engynes al redy, by moyen of whyche I shal delyuer to you the frensshe men: make your men of armes to goo a parte, & that I may haue somme to awayte on me." And̛ whan they were alle redy as he had̛ deuysed̛, he sette them rounde aboute the tour. And̛ by hys crafte and̛

arte he made a flamme of fyre so meruayllous, that þe pylers of marble & other stones bygonnen to brenne & make fyre at vtteraunce, ["at vtteraunce:" Fr. a oultrance = exceedingly.] [sign. g vij] wherfore the frensshe men were so perturbed̛ that the one sayd to the other, that by force they must yelde the toure, for they had no moyen to saue theyr persones. Wyth thys, florypes sayd to them: "lordes, esmaye you nothyng̛ yet [ "esmaye you nothyng̛ yet:" Fr. ne vous esmaies eneore.] vnto the tyme ye see more." And̛ anone sℏe wente, & took somme herbes and̛ other medecynes, & dyd̛ tempere them in wyn, For she knewe the manere how that fyre artyfycyally brente the stones. thus she made this beurage; ["beurage:" Fr. beuuraige, a draught.] and̛ whan it was caste vpon the fyre, it brenned̛ nomore. Wherfore the admyral wende to haue been out of hys wytte for angre. But Sortybrant tolde hym that al was quenched̛ by the moyen of floripes his doughter; wherfore thadmyral was of entencyon to make hys doughter to deye of an euyl deth. The kyng̛ Sortybrant sayd̛ that he shold̛ do sowne his hornes and̛ trompettes, and̛ recommence the assaulte al newe, and̛ at that tyme by force the frensshe men sℏold̛ be vaynquysshed̛: "For I am sure," sayd̛ he, "that they haue nomore to caste oute vpon vs. For they haue nomore sℏotte ne stones, but al is faylled to them." And̛ thassaulte was made as it was ordeyned Impetuous, that it semed̛ derke for the sℏotte of arowes, of dartes, stones, & other engynes: in suche wyse that the [sign. g vij, col. 2] grete quarters of the murayl & walles fyl and̛ tombled̛ doun to the erthe. the barons of fraunce moche abasshed̛, sayd̛ one to another, that thenne they must nedes be vaynquysshed̛, For they sawe parte of the walles & the pryncipal of the castel falle doun. ["For they sawe parte of the walles, &c.:" Fr. car ilz vcoient a terre ruer les murailles principalles du chasteau. ] And they beyng in grete thouȝt, Florypes sayd̛ to them thus: "Lordes, dysmaye ye noo thynge! thys toure is stronge ynough for to kepe vs yet. And̛ of that other parte, the tresour of my fader is herin, which is in grete wedges and̛

plates of golde & buyllyon. late vs goo fetche it, And̛ as wel may we slee the paynyms therwyth, as wyth stones, and̛ better." Thenne Guy of bourgoyn, hyr loue, came to hyr wyth grete Ioye, & kyssed̛ hyr moche amerously and swetelye. And̛ after sℏe wente & opened̛ the toure and̛ place where the tresour [orig. tresour.] was Innumerable, and̛ wyth grete quantyte therof they wente to the batylments of the toure, and̛ threwe vpon the paynyms, in suche wyse that they made grete dyscomfyture. And̛ more-ouer the paynems, seeyng̛ the golde falle on them in suche habundaunce, anone they cessyd̛ their fyghtyng ayenst the frenssh men, And̛ for the concupyscence of that golde they faught and̛ slewe eche other. Wherfore thadmyral was so dysplaysaunt & [sign. g vij, bk.] angry that he wende to haue dyed̛, and̛ began to crye wyth an hye voys: "O ye barons sarasyns, leue ye thassaulte, whiche torneth to me grete dommage Innumerable. For I see that my tresour wasteth & is loste, which I haue wyth grete payne [orig. payue.] & dylygence assembled̛, And̛ had̛ recomaunded̛ it to my god mahon, and̛ had̛ made ℏym kepar of it, whyche how hath faylled̛ me. but by my soule, yf I may take hym, and that he come in to myn holde, I shal make hym wepe." The kyng Sortybrant answerd̛: "Syr Admyral, be ye noo thyng ameruayllyd of your tresour, ne wroth ayenst Mahon, ["be ye…ne wroth ayenst Mahon:" in the SowdoneBalan smashes Mahound.] for he may nomore do; they may wel take it fro hym, for he is a-slepe; I byleue none other: for in tyme passed he hath wel watched̛ & kepte it; but those frenssh men ben so wyly theues þat they haue stolen it fro hym subtylly." Thadmyral beyng̛ al angry bycause the nyght came on repayred̛ [orig. And' repayred'.] with his peple toward hys souper. After thys, whan thadmyral was sette atte table, Roulland̛, whyche was in the hye toure surely with his felowes, laye in a wyndowe for to ease hym;

and̛ as he thought & was pensyf, he sawe thadmyral syttyng̛ at the table through the wyndowe, and̛ after cam to the other barons and̛ sayd to them: [sign. g vij, back, col. 2] "my lordes and̛ brethern, I see that the Admyral is wyth hys pryncypal barons at souper, and thynketh to holde hem wel at his ease. and̛ me semeth it shold̛ be grete honour and̛ prowesse to vs to make hym leue [orig. lene.] his repaste." The other barons, hys felowes, were of hys accorde, & hastely they armed̛ them and̛ put them in poynte, and̛ fayr yssued out, comyng̛ to the place where the admyral was. but the admyral, whiche was subtyl, apperceyued theyr feat, and̛ sente hastely for a paynym, wℏyche was moche fyers, and̛ was hys neuewe. And̛ sayd̛ to hym: "Espoulart, cosyn, peraduenture the frensshe men purpose to dystrouble vs at our souper, ["the freushe men purpose to dystrouble vs at our souper:" Fr. les francoys nous veullent faire refrodier notre soupper = wish to make our supper cold.] Therfore depesshe the, and̛ be redy anone, and̛ doo so that they be taken & destroyed." and̛ anone he was redy. And̛ forthwyth Espoulart took hys hors, and came ayenst the barons, holdyng̛ in hys honde a dart of stele. And̛ fyrst he encountred̛ Rolland̛, and̛ hytte hym in his sℏelde in suche wyse that of the stroke he was al astonyed̛; but it came soo to passe that it touched̛ not hys flesshe, ne he was not hurte. After this, Rolland̛ came vpon the paynym, and̛ gaf hym a good̛ stroke that he made hym ouerthrowe fro hys hors; but the turke was so valyaunte, and̛ a man of so grete myght, [sign. g viij] that moche lyghtly he remounted̛ vpon hys hors. And̛ Roulland came to hym, & smote hym wyth hys swerde in suche wyse that the paynym wyst not where he was. And̛ as he was fallyng̛ doun of hys hors, Rolland̛ moche puyssauntly caught hym, & layed̛ hym thwart vpon hys hors, and̛ bare hym awaye. The admyral, seeyng thys, al in a rage escryed hys peple that they sℏold socoure hys neuewe. but they wyst not what to doo, For in defendyng̛ them many of them were slayn and̛ hurte

wythoute nombre; wherfor of veray force the other paynyms must retorne: ["wherfor of veray force the other paynyms must retorne:" Fr. pourquoy force fut aux aultres, &c.] & rolland cessed̛ not to renne tyl that he was at the toure. And̛ whan al the barons of Fraunce were wythin, they sℏette the yates wel surely, and̛ had̛ noo feare of ony empesshement.

¶ Here begynneth the thyrd' partye of the second' book which conteyneth xvj chapytres, And' speketh how the barons of fraunce were socoured & the paynyms confused'.

¶ Of the moeuyng of the peres of fraunce for to goo shewe theyr affayres vnto kyng' Charles; And' how Rychard of Normandye was ordeyned' for to goo: capitulo primo

The peres of fraunce beyng̛ thus assyeged and deteyned̛, as I haue said afore, had̛ taken a turke moche fyers, and̛ grete frende of the admyral, whome they gaf to florypes for to do wyth hym as it plesed̛ hyr: & they demaunded̛ of hyr what man he was, & of hys estate. Florypes ansuerd: "he is sone of myn aunte, & neuewe to thadmyral, and̛ he is ryche & hath grete puyssaunce. And̛ yf ye wyl doo grete dysplaysyr to my fader, put hym to deth." The duc Naymes moche wyse sayd̛ to hyr: "Madame, it is not behoeful to put hym so to deth; but sythe he is a man of auctoryte, ["sythe he is a man of auctoryte:" Fr. puis quil est homme de audience.] and̛ hath audyence wyth your fader, we been the more Ioyous. and̛ I shal say to you wherfore: yf peraduenture one of vs were taken of our enemyes, by the moyen of this man he myght be rendred̛ and chaunged for hym." And̛ of thys conclusyon were contente al the peres of fraunce. Thenne after thys, Rychard̛ of Normandye called the other his felawes, and̛ sayd̛ to them: "ye knowe wel how we ben here

enclosed̛ in thys toure. And I am wel sure that at the laste we must nedes faylle, and̛ deye by these Sarasyns. We haue noo moyen by whyche we may saue our lyf; and me thynketh that it shold̛ be good̛ that we shold̛ [sign. g viij, bk] conclude to sende to themperour, to thende that he sℏold come and socour vs, or ellys of vs sℏal sone be an ende." The duc Naymes ansuerd̛ and̛ sayd̛: "Syr rychard̛, me semeth ye speke of a grete folye. For there is noo man here wythin, that wyl take vpon hym for to do this message that ye speke of. For ye see that the contree is al couerd with sarasyns. for assone as he sℏal be oute fro vs, it is Impossyble to escape wyth hys lyf. And be ye sure, but yf god̛ doo for vs and̛ sℏewe hys grace, we shal neuer departe fro hens." herupon Florypes sayd̛: "I can not say at thys tyme none other thynge, but that we lede the moost Ioyous lyf that we may, as longe as we shal mowe endure. Ye haue here fayre maydens, eche of you take one at hys playsyr." Thenne Rolland̛ and̛ his felowes, for these wordes of Florypes were reioyced̛, and̛ thanked & preysed̛ hyr affectuously. Thyerry the duc of Ardayne, whyche was moche angry, sayd̛: "My brethern and̛ my lordes, I am in grete thought, For we be faste sℏette here wythin, and̛ knowe wel that in sℏorte tyme we shal be dyscomfyted̛: we haue therof experyence ynough tofore our eyen. late us soo conclude that our fayte may be notefyed̛ vnto charles, that he or hys pussyaunce [sign. g viij, bk, col. 2] may come socoure vs." ¶ Ogyer ansuerd̛ and̛ sayd̛: "for to sende to charles, there is none here soo hardy that dare presume it ne take it on hym." "Yes," said rolland, "I shal do it, and̛ shal enterpryse it myself to goo to hym to morn, and̛ sℏal doo my deuoyr." The duc naymes, or he had fynysshed hys wordes, ansuerd̛ and̛ sayd̛: "Syr rolland, dysplayse you not, for emonge vs ye are the moost vncouenable for to goo thyder: for

whan the Paynyms shold̛ knowe it, we shold̛ not be redoubted̛ as we be. And̛ whan we haue you wyth vs, we been in surete, and̛ our enemyes in drede of vs." Guyllam profred̛ hym self to goo forth gladly, Soo dyd̛ Gherard̛; Semblably guye abandonned hym self to goo ["abandonned hym self to goo:" offered himself, volunteered.] wyth good̛ affectyon, but Florypes wold̛ neuer consente therto. ¶ Neuertheles, after many dysputacyons, rychard̛ sayd for conclusion: "My lordes, ye knowe that I am of grete parentage, & haue a sone of grete noblesse, suffysaunt to bere armes, and̛ as I suppose, he shal be valyaunte. And̛ yf it happene that in doyng̛ thys message I be taken & slayn of the paynyms, After my deth he may receyue & hold, myn herytage in my name, and̛ doo seruyce to Charles. And̛ I ought wel to doo it, for to doo playsyr to Charles aforesayd. [sign. h i] For whan he had gyuen to me my lande, and̛ possessed̛ me in my contrey, I wold not accepte it but by one moyen, which is suche, that yf it happed̛, a strange man not subgette to my contreye, & that he were bonde, & of thral condycyon, and̛ yf he duellyd̛ a yere in my londe, that after he sℏold̛ be free al his lyf, & many other thynges:" & thenne thus it was concluded̛ that rychard̛ shold̛ goo forth on the message. But Rolland̛ maad hym to promyse tofore his departyng̛, that he shold̛ not tarye in ony place, ne soiourne nowhere, vntil the tyme that he were with Charles, but yf he were greued in hys persone ["greued in hys persone:" wounded. Fr. greue de sa personne.] or deteyned prysoner. Rychard̛ promysed it & sware, as it is afore sayd̛. Thenne Rychard̛, after his oth made, sayd̛ that, "now we haue not to sorowe, but the maner how I shal mow departe and̛ passe forth, that the men of armes see me not; for yf I be knowen by them in ony wyse, It shal be Impossyble to me to resyste them." Rolland̛ sayd̛: "by my fayth, I shal say myn opynyon here vpon. I counceyll that to morn erly we be wel armed, and we sℏal goo out and̛ make a cours

vpon the sarasyns, & do gretely our deuoyr, & they sℏal be besy with vs for to defende them & hurte vs. Rychard̛ sℏal departe & passe forth & leue [sign. h i, col. 2] vs, & we sℏal remyse vs to-gyder for to retorne in surete. in the mene whyle Rychard, that knoweth wel the region, sℏal mowe be wel ferre forth on his waye tofore they shal know ony thyng therof; and̛ if it playse god̛ & hys swete moder, he sℏal saue hym self, by suche manere, that in shorte tyme we sℏal haue Ioye & consolacyon that we sℏal hastely goo out surely." Thys sayeng̛, the peres of fraunce, seeyng̛ that thys thyng̛ was not yet achyeued̛ surely, begonnen al to wepe tenderly for the pyte of theyr affayre. The noble duc [orig. dul.] rychard̛, seeyng̛ his felowes wepyng̛ for hym, sayd to them: "my lordes, ne doubte ye noo thynge! yf god̛ gyue me the grace, to whom I comaunde my self, that I may passe thys hoost and̛ thys contreye, and in especyal that I may fynde myself a-lyue by-yonde the brydge [orig. brydde.] of mantryble, I may wel ensure you that I shal brynge you socours in suche wyse that by the grace of god ye sℏal sone be delyuerd̛." The barons ansuerd̛ to hym: "Ihesus, by hys myght and puyssaunce, graunte you wel to goo, & better to retorne!" After this conclusyon they sayd̛ nomore: the nyȝt cam on, & eueryche of them went to hys repayre, vnto atte morne for to begynne to complysshe theyr enterpryse.

[sign. h i, back]

¶ How after that rychard was departed, kyng claryon, a ryght myghty kyng', ranne after hym, the whyche was slayn by the sayd' Rychard valyauntly, & of other thynges: capitulo ij

Grete gryef and̛ annoye cam to þ^e peres of fraunce whan Rychard̛ of Normandye sℏold departe for to goo to kyng̛ charles. On the morne whan

they came to the gates of the toure, in whych they were in, they fonde grete multytude of peple sarasyns, whyche kepte the passage that none of the frensshe men sℏold̛ yssue out. Wherfore by the space of ij monethes they coude not fynde the moyen to yssue oute; but on a day emonge al other, ["on a day emonge al other:" Fr. ung iour entre les aultres.] whan thadmyral was on huntyng̛ a lytel waye of, & that on a nyght the garde of the bridge was forgoten, Thenne the barons armed̛ them & mounted̛ on horsback, and̛ wente out rennyng vnto theyr lodgynges; but assone as they were seen of the paynyms, they blewe vp hornes & trompettes, & began to sowne so terrybly, that anone peple Innumerable were there assembled for to renne vpon the peres of Fraunce. and̛ thus whan they were al enclosed̛ wyth theyr enemyes, & that euery man was besy for to fyght, The duc Rychard̛ al in wepyng̛ commaunded̛ [sign. h i, back, col. 2] to god̛ hys felawes, And secretely departed̛, and̛ took hys waye at al aduenture. [ "at al aduenture:" Fr. a son aduenture.] & tofore that his felawes were at theyr lodgyng̛, many of the sarasyns were hurte & slayn. and̛ in this maner they reentred̛ in to the toure surely, and̛ mounted in to the bataylement, & sawe a-ferre duc rychard̛, whyche thenne had passed beyonde all the hoost; and̛ in wepyng̛ they recommaunded̛ hym swetely to god̛ many tymes. Rychard̛ of Normandye thus rydyng̛ allone, had̛ feare alwaye that he sℏold be assaylled̛. whan he had̛ ferre ryden vnto a toppe of a montayn, his hors was sore chauffed, & bledde habundantly. Thenne he doubted entyerly ["he doubted entyerly:" Fr. il doubta entierement = feared greatly, or in his heart. See Glossary.] that he shold be empessℏed̛, and lyfte vp his mynde to heuen & sayd̛: "O lord̛ god̛, my creatour, to whom alle my wylle is ordeyned̛, thys day preserue my body from myn enemyes, in suche wyse that I lose not my lyf," & blessid hym self with the signe of the crosse many tymes. he beyng in that place, the day appyered wel clerely; & fyrst, brullant of mommyere apperceyued

hym, & after, sortybrant of Conymbres, whyche were bothe to-gydre, the whyche wente hastely to Kynge Claryon, a moche myghty paynym, neuewe of thadmyral, and̛ brullant sayd̛ fyrst to hym: "Syr Claryon, see ye yonde messager, [sign. h ij] one of the prysoners of fraunce, whyche is departed fro his felawes, & gooth toward̛ Charles for socours? And̛ yf ye see not for remedye, there may come therby harme to vs; for yf he recounte theyr affayres to the kyng charles, It may happen to retorne to vs grete dommage." Also sone as claryon herde these tydynges, anone he armed̛ hym, & mounted̛ vpon hys hors, the moost merueyllous that euer was seen, For for to renne xxx leghes he wold̛ not be wery; & took hys sℏelde & his swerd of stele square & sℏarpe, & ranne toward̛ Duc Rychard̛ as he had̛ be enraged̛, & other sarasyns folowed̛ after hym. Rychard̛ mounted̛ on hys hors, wythoute knowyng̛ that he was poursyewed̛, & sayd̛: "O my Creatour, holy Trynyte, gyue to me consolacyon & grace, that I may see Charles the myghty Emperour, to whom I am sente for the rescows & comfort of my felawes, whiche ben in the toure, sorouful and̛ sore greued̛, and̛ that I may make them Ioyeful," & thus as he was in this thouȝt he loked̛ behynde hym, & sawe the sarasyns come hastely after hym, whyche were by comyn estymacyon moo than xiiij M, Of whom the Kyng̛ Claryon, neuewe of the Admyral, vpon the courser tofore sayd̛, came tofore the other a grete waye. Neuertheles, [sign. h ij, col. 2] Rychard beyng on a lytel montayn, & byhelde the hoost of the paynyms came ageynst hym with grete courage, ye may wel ymagyne in what estat his hert was. what thyng myȝt he thynk that they wold do wyth hym, & what tidynges his felowes shold haue of hym, whan he was there allone for tabyde & susteyne the furour & malyce of so moche peple? Thus ymagynyng̛ that he myght not flee, Anone was claryon

vpon the sayd̛ coursour, whyche ranne faster and̛ more swyftlyer than a grehounde; the whyche coursour was alle whyt on the one of hys sydes as a flour delys, & on that other syde as rede as fyre enflammed, The tayle after the facion of a pecock, the croupe behynde somwhat reysed̛ & dropped, ["dropped:" Fr. platz = broad.] as smal as of a partryche; grete thyes & sℏort feet, & platte & rounde, wyth lytel eeres; the mane of the necke whyt, his nosethrylles large & ample; he was tofore moche brode, & had eyen grene & clere, a lytel heed, a brode fronte, with a smal mosel; & he was sadled with a sadle of yuorye, & the raynes of þ^e brydle entrelaced with gold; styroppes of fyn gold; the poytral wel enorned & rychely. & was gyrde with iiij stronge syngles, & had on hym moo than an C of smal bellys of fyn golde, sownyng̛ moche melodyously. & þ^e paynym [sign. h ij, back] smote hym with the spores moche sℏarply, in suche wyse that the hors made a leep more than xxx foot longe. And̛ after escryed̛ duc Rychard̛ the noble knyght, sayeng̛ wyth an hye voys: "by Mahoun, my souerayn god, thou messager sℏalt neuer acℏyeue thyn enterpryse, For wythoute goyng̛ ony ferther, thou shalte here ende thy lyf." whan rychard vnderstode hym, alle the blode in hys body was moeued & chaunged̛, & ansuerd: "Sarasyn, wherfore arte thou of suche entencion ayenst me? What haue I trespaced to the? I neuer offended the, ne robbed̛ thy tresour. I requyre the by loue that thou dystrouble me not; and̛ yf thou suffre me to passe, I shal take it for a grete seruyse, & I promyse to the that ones it shal be rewarded̛ to the by me." The paynym answerd̛: "certayn, frensshe man, thou spekest of grete folye; & of mahoun be I cursed̛ yf I doo ony thyng̛ for the. I shal not suffre the to passe for half the tresour of the world̛." Also sone as Rychard̛ knewe hys entencyon, he auaunced̛ ayenst hym, & the paynym came to Rychard, & wyth

hys swerde he smote hym hard̛ vpon hys sℏelde; but it was so harde that it wente not thurgh. here-vpon richard̛, which was ful of grete yre ayenst the paynym, by effectuel deth came to hym wyth hys [sign. h ij, back, col. 2] swerde which was trenchaunte, & as the hors lepe forth, the paynym, lyfte vp ℏis hede, & richard attayned ouerthwart the necke ["attayned ouerthwart the necke:" Fr. lattaint du trauers du col.] so ryȝt in a Ioynte, that he smote of ℏis nede, in suche wyse that it flewe ferre fro the body, ye, wel a spere lengthe, & he put þ^e trunke of the body to the erthe al dede; & forthwyth he descended̛ fro hys hors, & mounted̛ vpon that the good̛ courser of the Paynym, whyche was the best hors of the world̛. Thenne Rychard myght wel say that he was neuer soo wel pourueyed̛ of an hors; For he was so myghty, that yf he had born vij knyghtes armed̛ vpon hym, he wold not haue swette a droppe of water; & for to swymme & passe a depe ryuer, ther was noo hors lyke hym. & after that he was thus horsed̛ at his ease, he said to ℏis owen hors by moche good affection: "O gentyl hors doulstyn, for the I am sorouful that I may not conduyte the in to som place at my playsyr. I praye to God of heuen that he drawe þ^e in to suche a waye that þou mayst come in to the hondes of crysten men & serue them. in many grete bataylles & euyl passages thou hast wel serued me, & of thy grete seruyce, as moche as apperteyneth to me I thanke the gretely." & here vpon he wente and̛ rode forth hys waye. And̛ anone the sarasyns that followed̛ after, came [sign. h iij] & fonde the kyng̛ Claryon deed, theyr mayster, of whos deth they were so surprysed of melancolye & of sorowe, that they coude doo none other thynge but fyrst to renne for to take Rychards hors. But there was none soo hardy to approche hym ne sette honde on hym, but the hors maad̛ grete deffence, & took hys waye rennyng̛ for to retorne to the place that he was departed fro.

¶ How Rychards hors cam & passed' thurgh thexcersyte of the admyral, & was seen & knowen of the peres of Fraunce, in soo moche that they thought that duc Rychard' had' been deed'; & how the brydge of Mantryble was kepte: capitulo iij

Rychard̛ of Normandye wyth his swerde in hys fyste rode hastely, & the sarasyns whych ranne after hym came and̛ fonde theyr kyng deed, of whome the hede was on that one syde of the waye, & the body on that other. It byhoueth not to recounte the sorowe that they were in, whan the chyef of alle the sarasyns of myght and̛ parentage was descomfyted̛ and̛ slayn; and̛ for thyng that they coude do, they coude not reteyne Rychards hors. & the fyrst that [sign. h iij, col. 2] sawe the hors come rennyng was thadmyral, whiche called gorant, sone of kyng̛ grehier, & also sortybrant of conymbres, & sayd to them: "by my god̛ appolyn, whan I wel aduyse and̛ remembre me, I ought wel to loue my neuewe Claryon, and̛ holde hym dere emonge al other. I see wel that he hath put to deth the messager of the Frensshe men: that it is trouthe, ye may see his hors that yonder cometh." and̛ thadmyrall commanded that he sℏold hastely be taken. but whan the hors saw that they wold haue taken hym, he ranne and̛ smote out, & cessed not tyl he cam to the yate of the castel in whyche the barons of Fraunce were enclosed̛. & whan the frensshe men sawe thus the hors come, whyche was longyng to rychard̛, they were al affrayed̛ and̛ moeued̛, and̛ came & opened̛ the gate, and̛ anone he entred̛ in; and̛ after that the yate was sℏette, they arenged̛ them aboute the sayd̛ hors, for compassyon of sorowe, wepyng̛ pyetously. ¶ And̛ Duc Naymes spake fyrst and̛ sayd̛:

"Ha, Richard of Normandye! I praye to god that he be in thy comfort and̛ that he haue pyte of thy soule. I knowe wel that for thy deth we shal neuer haue socoure, Ne of thy partye ["of thy partye:" = so far as thou art concerned. Fr. de ta part.] we shal neuer haue none helpe." Roulland̛ and̛ Olyuer heryng these [sign. h iij, back] wordes, & also the other, wepte bytterly. here-vpon came florypes the curtoys in grete heuynes, and̛ sayd̛ to them: "Lordes, in the honour of god, leue your lamentyng̛ and̛ sorowe: we knowe not yet the trouthe of the mater." thus as they were in these grete thoughtes, the Sarasyns came, whyche had̛ lefte Rychard̛ ryde forth, And̛ in grete sorowe & torment brouȝt the body of kyng̛ Claryon. And̛ whan thadmyral sawe them come, he beyng̛ in the ethroclytes in hys entendement, [Fr. Et quant ladmiral les vit venir tout ethroclite en son entendement. I can make nothing of "the ethroclytes."] cryed̛ and sayd̛: "and how is it? is myn neuewe in good̛ poynte?" The sarasyns ansuerd̛: "Syr admyral, we may not lye to you. Claryon is dede, it nedeth nomore to demaunde therof." Thadmyral heryng thoo wordes, fyl doun to therth al in a traunse, and̛ he swouned̛ more than iiij tymes as he had̛ been dede. thus emonge al the sarasyns was a grete wepyng̛, & made grete sorowe. The sarasyns thus makyng thys lamentacyon, the barons of fraunce herde and̛ vnderstood̛ them, & specially florypes, which knewe better the langage. & after that sℏe knewe the cause of theyr sorowe, sℏe came to the barons, and sayd to them in spekyng to rolland: "Syr, knowe ye wherfore the sarasyns demene suche sorowe? it is trouth that Rychard̛ your messager [sign. h iij, back, col. 2] hath slayn the kyng claryon & wonne his hors, to whom is none lyke ne pareylle of bounte in al the world̛. ["To whom there is none like or equal in goodness in the world:" Fr. quil non y a point de pareil.] & as wel for þ^edeth of claryon as for the losyng of the hors, they demene & make al thys sorowe & torment that ye see & here. Wherfore I praye you that euery man doo hys deuoyr, to lede a good lyf and̛ to make good chyere." Olyuer sayd to rolland Ioyously: "O my felawe of

armes, ye knowe not how glad I am of these tydynges that we here, & I ensure you by my soule that I am as sure to passe thys daunger that we be in, as though I were in the strengest castel of fraunce. blessyd be richard of god, for he hath borne hym nobly!" and semblably sayd̛ al the other his felawes. After that richard rode thus, thadmyral made a man to come to hym named̛ Orages, ["Orages:" in Sir Ferumbras, 3823, Malyngras; in the Sowdone, 2145, Espyard.] & made hym to take a dromedary hastely, & comanded hym to bere his lettres to galafre, which kept the stronge brydge of mantryble: "I charge the to renne as faste as the dromydary may bere the, to mantryble, and̛ say to Galafre wherfore he suffred̛ the messagers of charles to come ouer the brydge, the whyche haue doon to vs so moche greuaunce and̛ ennoyaunce, as thou can wel telle to hym. & I swere by mahon my god̛, that he dyd̛ a grete folye. & sythe on that other parte the [sign. h iiij] messager of the frensshe men goeth thyder, and̛ yf he recounte his message to Charles, it myght happen he shold put me in subgectyon, Therfore say to galafre that he kepe soo wel the brydge, that noo persone passe: and̛ say to hym more ouer, that, yf he do otherwyse, I shal put oute hys eyen, and̛ make hym deye shamefully." "Syr admyral." sayd̛ Orages the messager, "I shal do your commaundemente; and I assure you I shal ryde as moche waye in one day as that other shal do in foure dayes. for. for to ryde an hondred̛ leghes contynuelly, I shal neuer be wery." And̛ thus he departed from the admyral vpon a dromydary, & taryed̛ not tyl he came to mantryble, and̛ spake to Galafre, sayeng̛: "Galafre, I shal not hyde fro the that the admyral is not contente wyth the, by cause thou suffredest the frenssℏ men to passe ouer the brydge, whyche haue doon to hym grete dommage, for they be lodged in the chyef toure, & holden in their subgectyon the goddes, with floripes his douȝter, and̛ haue slayn

many of the moost valyaunte of the courte of thadmyral. & the cause wherfore I am thus hastelye come, is thys: After me cometh a messager, whyche is one of the barons of Fraunce, whyche gooth for to fetche ayde, vnto Charles theyr [sign h iiij, col. 2] kyng̛; the whyche hath slayne kyng̛ Claryon. wherfore kepe wel thys passage that he passe not. For yf thou doo otherwyse, thou sℏalt not conne fynde the manere to saue thy lyf, but that thou sℏalt deye vylaynsly." Of these wordes Galafre was perturbled̛ and̛ replenysshed of yre, & for hys angre he made moche foule chyere, and began to scumme at the mouth lyke a bore enchaffed̛, and̛ took a staffe, and̛ had̛ smyton the messager yf it had̛ not be letted̛ by them that were presente. ¶ Neuertheles he mounted̛ vpon a tourrette, and with the sowne of a trompette he assembled̛ many men of armes, whyche were in nombre xv M, whyche were anone of horsback, and̛ passed̛ the brydge. And̛ whan they were ouer, it was anone lyfte vp, and they wente and̛ rode here and̛ there for to recountre þ^e messager of the frenssh men, yf by aduenture they myȝt fynde hym.

¶ How rychard of normandye passed the ryuer of flagot by myracle, by the moyen of a whyt hert which cam tofore hym: ca. iiij

Rychard̛ of Normandye, messager of the frensshe barons prisoners, rode in grete doubte, ye may wel thynke and̛ ymagyne, how he onely by [sign. h iiij, back] hym self myght passe the stronge and̛ daungerous brydge. And in rydyng̛ he behelde behynde hym, and̛ sawe al the contree couerd̛ wyth men of armes. thus byholdyng̛ theym he was sore troubled̛ in hys mynde, & began to crye: "O Ihesus, kyng̛ of glorye, at thys tyme be thou kepar of my body, & conseruatour of my soule, For I

see wel the declyne of my lyf. yf I put my self to fyght, I shal haue my hede smyton of; and̛ yf I entre in to this hydous ryuer, I shal not conne passe ouer. Thus at thys tyme I muste nedes deye. And̛ yf I by force retorned to my felawes, I shold make a grete defaulte to therle Rolland, to whom I haue promysed̛ [orig. pormysed'.] faythfully to doo my deuoyr for to doo my message. Wherfore, my god̛, my maker, I wote not what to say, but that thy wylle be fulfylled and doon of me. thou knowest myn entencion: after the same gouerne me!" he beyng̛ nyghe the ryuer, the sarasyns maden grete bruyt in comyng̛ to hym, emonge whom a neuewe of the admyral auaunced̛ hym to renne ageynst hym, & cryed̛ wyth an hyghe voys: "O messager, what someuer thou be, thynke for to dye! thou hast now ryden ouer ferre; now is þ^e houre come that the deth of kyng claryon sℏal be aduenged̛." These wordes so herde of rychard were [sign. h iiij, back, col. 2] not to hym ouer playsaunt; but he was euyl contente, and̛ sodeynly he spored his hors ayenst hym, holdyng̛ a swerde in hys honde, square & sℏarpe, whych he had̛ conquerd of Claryon: and came to hym, and̛ smote hym so daungerously ayenst the breste, that it perced̛ thorugh the sℏelde in to hys body, that he fyl doun to therthe al deed̛; & after took hys hors by the brydle, whyche was ryche of golde, and went to the ryuage of the water, and byhelde it that it ranne lyke a quarel out of a crosbowe, and rored̛ lyke thundre, in suche wyse that galeye ne other engyne myght not goo surely vpon hyt.

¶ Thenne by grete contrycion of hert he recommaunded̛ ℏym self to our lord̛, that he sℏold̛ preserue hym from deth tyl that he had̛ sayd̛ hys message to the Emperour Charles. Thenne god of heuen, that neuer leueth hys seruauntes at their nede, sℏewed vnto hym a grete token of loue that he had̛ to Charles. for Rychard̛ of Normandye beyng̛ in thys medytacyon and̛ thought

for to passe ouer, god̛ sente a whyte herte which passed tofore rychard̛: & in comyng ["in comyng, &c.:" as we should now see, en passant, or by the way. Fr. en venant vous debuez scauoir.] ye ought to wete that the ryuage of the water was moche hye, ye, as hye as a man from bynethe myght caste vp a stone wyth hys honde. And̛ the ryuer began to aryse [sign. h v] soo hye that it flowed̛ ouer the banke, and̛ the herte entred̛ in to the water; [The miracle of the water rising to a level with the banks, and afterwards subsiding, is not given in the English metrical versions of the romance. See Dr. Hausknecht's note to the Sowdone, l. 2810.] and̛ Rychard̛ loked̛ behynde hym, & sawe many sarasyns come in a grete multytude for to put hym to deth; and thenne he recommaunded̛ hym to god̛ wyth good̛ hert, and made the sygne of the crosse vpon his body, hauyng̛ in hys hert the holy name of Ihesus, that he myȝt perseuere fro drede in suche wyse that he myght passe ouer the ryuere; and̛ soo toke the water & folowed̛ the hert. The paynyms seyng̛ that, were al abasshed and troubled̛, and̛ there was not one that durst folowe hym. Fro Incontynent the water aualed̛, and̛ retorned̛ in to hys former estate and̛ beyng̛. Thenne the paynyms made grete duel and̛ sorowe by cause they myȝt not haue the messager. ¶ Galafre, whyche that was moost wroth & werst contente, cam to the bridge and̛ aualed̛ the chaynes, and̛ commanded̛ the paynyms, vpon payne of deth, that they sℏold̛ not cesse tyl that rychard̛ were taken, or ellys they shold̛ be all in the Indygnacyon of thadmyral, and̛ in daunger to be loste. Rychard̛ of Normandye came ouer in good̛ poynte, and̛ deuoutelye thanked̛ god̛ of the grace that he had̛ sente to hym, and̛ descended̛ fro hys hors for to vngyrde and̛ lose hys sadle. [sign. h v, col. 2] And̛ after resengled̛ hym, and̛ took his hors and̛ rode forth at hys ease, and̛ ladde that other hors on hys ryght syde. & doubted thenne nomore, For in sℏorte tyme he supposed̛ to fynde thexcersyte of kyng̛ Charles. The paynyms seeyng thys, retourned soroufully, & wente to vnarme them, For other thynge coude they not do.

¶ How charles was in purpoos to retorne, wythout goyng ony ferther, by the counceyl of ganellon traytour, and his felowes; & other maters: capitulo v

In as moche as rychard̛ rode, whyche was moche wery; and out of grete thought Themperour Charles was passyng̛ moche pensyf & sorowful for hys barons, whyche were deteyned̛ of thadmyral. And̛ he, seeyng that he had no tydynges, he sente for to come to hym Ganellon, Geffroy, dantesuyle, ["dantesuyle." In the original French, dautefuille, evidently misread by Caxton.] aubert, machayre, and̛ many other. and̛ emonge the other, cam reyner, fader of Olyuer, to whome he sayd̛: "lordes and frendes, I am in moche grete trybulacyon. the cause is ynough apparent, whyche is of my specyal barons, whyche were sente as messagers to ballant, thadmyral. I see that [sign. h v, back] no persone reporteth ne bryngeth ony tydynges from them; wherfore knowe ye, that of my dede that I dyd̛ I despyse my self. Thenne by more strenger reason the other ought more to despyse me. And̛ I you ensure that I sℏal neuer regne more, but sℏal leue alle. Take ye there, loo! the crowne of mageste, take it! For I depose my self from hens forth." Ganellon was there wℏich was Ioyeful, what someuer semblaunt he made, and̛ sayd̛: "syr emperour, yf ye byleue me, I shal gyue to you good̛ counceyl. ¶ Anone comaunde that our lodgys and̛ habytacyons here be take vp, & that euery man trusse hys gheer vpon the sommyers, and thynke to retorne. For yf ye goo ony ferther, ye shal neuer retorne. The contree of Aygremore is moche stronge; And̛ sythe that, ballant the admyral is of grete fyersnes, and̛ wyth that, he hath alle the paynyms & sarasyns capytayns in to hys ayde; And̛ by cause that Fyerabras ℏys sone is deteyned̛ by you, & maad̛ crysten, so moche more is he affectyoned̛ ayenst you: And̛ on

that other parte your barons be not a-lyue, I ensure you: Retorne we in to Fraunce. We haue lefte there many of our chyldren and parents that shal wexe grete; and̛ or it be twenty yere, they shal bere armes. And̛ thenne they with vs [sign. h v, back, col. 2] shal come in to spayne, for to conqueste the londes and̛ seygnouryes that we haue enterprysed̛, And̛ shal recouure the holy relyques, of whome I haue grete pyte. And̛ more ouer ye sℏal reuenge the deth of Roulland, the noble erle, for whom ye haue thys melancolye; For certayn ye sℏal neuer see hym." Whan Charles herde these wordes of Ganellon, he was smyton wyth soo grete sorowe, that after, he fyl doun [orig. donn.] in a swoune, And̛ spake not the space of a grete houre; and̛ in wepyng bytterly he sayd̛ to hym self: ¶ "O poure caytyf and̛ vnhappy, what shalt thou do? yf thou retorne, þou sℏalt be dysℏonoured̛. yet were it better to lose the lyf than to be thus sℏamed̛." After that he was comen to hymself, he sayd̛ to hys barons that were there: "Loo! ye see the counceyl that ganellon gyueth to me, whych in no wyse may playse me. yf I retorne, wythout takyng vengeaunce of my noble barons which ben thus deteyned̛, there shal neuer man sette by me, but I sℏal be sℏamed̛, and̛ wyth good̛ ryght." Machayre, aulbery, and̛ geffroy, and̛ other, moo than an hondred, wℏyche al were parentes & traytres wyth Ganellon the moost parte, & also were moche myghty to-gydre, sayd̛ alle wyth one consente: "Syr emperour, purpose [sign. h vj] ye not to do otherwyse than ganellon hath sayd̛, For he hath spoken wysely; and therfor conclude ye to retorne in to fraunce wythout gooyng̛ ony ferther on. we ben xx thousand̛ that haue made oth to-gyder that, for ony thynge that ye say or do, we shal not goo noo ferther. For sythe that Roulland is dede, they haue loste theyr comforte, & hym that was chyef of the conseruacyon of their persones." Charles, al heuy, answerd̛: "O god̛ of

heuen, how am I determyned̛? ["how am I determyned̛:" Fr. comme suis ie determiné.] yf I retorne wythoute to auenge my barons, I shal doo pourely, sythe they haue susteyned̛ & borne vp the crowne Imperyal and̛ my wylle, and̛ I now to retorne wythoute to auenge them—He that gaf me suche counceyll, loueth me but lytel, I see wel." Reyner of genes, fader of Olyuer, aroos vp and̛ sayd̛: ¶ "O Emperour, yf thou byleue these wordes that haue ben said to the, thy gouernaunce sℏal be so euyl, that by them al fraunce shal be wasted̛ & brought to nought. And who someuer haue damage, they retche not, but passe ouer lyghtly." Thenne they that were of the partye of the traytres cam forth and̛ sayd̛: "Reyner of genes, ye haue lyed̛ of that whiche ye haue sayd̛. And̛ yf it were not by cause the kyng̛ is present, ye shold̛ lose your hede and̛ it [sign. h vj, col. 2] shold̛ be smyton of. we knowe wel what ye be: your fader garyn was neuer but a pour man and̛ of lowe condycyon: Alle your lygnage ne ben but people of nought." ¶ The duc Reyner myght not suffre thys Iniurye, but came to hym, and smote hym wyth hys fyst in suche wyse that he ouerthrewe to grounde; and̛ there were made many reproches and̛ ylle talent, in so moche that yf the kyng̛ had̛ not be present, and̛ made the pees and tranquylyte, they had slayn eche other. For anone there were moo than a thousand̛ of the lygnage of ganellon. But fyerabras, which was present, blamed them strongely; And on that other syde the kyng sware by hys crowne that yf there were ony persone that began bataylle or fyght, that he shold̛ do hym be hanged̛ as a theef attaynt, ["as a theef attaynt:" Fr. comme larron prouue.] of what someuer estate that he were. and̛ by thys they were aferde for to offende, and was nomore spoken. Not-withstandyng that, the counceyl was taken emonge them, that they shold̛ put Reyner to deth as sone as they shold̛ be in Fraunce. Charles sent for them to come to hym, and said to them: "ye haue done to me

a grete sℏame; but yf it be not amended now tofore me, I shal do opene Iustyce. Alwaye nedes must the kynge be obeyed." in suche wyse that alory [sign. h vj, back] on hys knees cryed̛ duc Reyner mercy, but he wold neuer haue doon it yf it had̛ not been for to appease the furour of kyng charles; & thus they maad̛ the pees. And̛ after themperour sayd his oppynyon, that yf he torned backe that it sℏold̛ be to hym grete dysℏonour. Therfor cam geffroy daulteuylle, fader of Ganellon, whyche sayd̛: "Syr Emperour, I am olde, and̛ haue seen moche thynge, wherfore me semeth that ye ought to byleue me as wel as ony persone of your companye. ye knowe wel that I and̛ Ganellon my sone haue alwaye loued̛ you, And̛, how that it be that he counceylleth you to retorne, hath good̛ ryght. I haue now my body alle to-brused̛ for beryng̛ of armes; and be ye sure, that tofore that twenty yere be passed, the chyldren that be now in fraunce shal be grete & myghty to bere armes, and̛ they shal be so grete a companye, that lyȝtely ye shal mowe conquere spayn, and̛ auenge the deth of rolland̛ and̛ of hys other felowes." Whan Charles vnderstode these wordes, he wepte bytterly, & saw that by force he must ayenst hys wylle retorne in to fraunce, and leue hys enemyes. Wherfore by the sowne of trompettes was cryed̛ the retraytte. And̛ anone the artylleryes were assembled̛ and̛ the harnoys trussed, wherof [sign. h vj, back, col. 2] the companye of traytres were Ioyous, and̛ many of the other were euyl contente, & in especyal Reyner, whych retorned withoute hys sone Olyuer, wherof ye may wel thynke in what estate was hys hert, by cause he hath [orig. hast.] loste al hys comforte.

¶ How after the complaynte of Charles, Rychard come vnto hym, whyche tolde to

hym thaffayres of the peres of Fraunce: capitulo vj

Whan charles was mounted̛ on horsback, and̛ in wage for to retorne, he took remors of Rolland, Olyuer, and of other, how he lefte them withoute to do otherwyse his deuoyr: he taryed̛ sayeng̛: "O vnhappy that I am, I may wel sorowe whan I now leue the men that I loue best in the world̛, and retorne fro them, whan I ought by good̛ ryght to auenge them. I shal be reputed̛ for a fool, & sore blamed̛. O Rolland̛, how I haue loued̛ you! may euer your vnclle so longe lyue that he may see your deth auenged̛? God̛ deffende ["deffende:" forbid. Fr. ne plaise pas a dieu que iamais.] that euer I bere crowne on my hede, seen the pouerte of my fayte." thys sayeng, almoost he fyl a swoune to the erthe for the dysplaysaunce that he had̛: [sign. h vij] moche heuynes had he that tyme. "Alas!" sayd̛ Charles, "Rolland̛, I was moche euyl auysed whan I consented̛ that thou sℏoldest goo to thadmyral! wel am I cause of al your perdycyon!" In makyng̛ thys heuynes, the hoost made soo grete bruyt to retourne, that it was meruaylle. & thus as they began to ryde forth, The emperour loked̛ toward the eest, and̛ from ferre he sawe rychard̛ come rydyng̛ vpon an hors sore rennyng̛, and helde in his hande a swerde al naked̛. wherfor the Emperour sente for to come to hym the moost grettest lordes of hys companye, and made thoost to tarye and goo no ferther forth. "I see," sayd̛ he, "yonder comyng̛ a man on horsback, which maketh grete haste, and̛ ledeth on hys ryght syde a fayr courser, as me thynketh; and̛ he semeth by hys rydyng̛ that he is Rychard̛ of normandye. Now I praye to god̛ almyghty that thys day he sende me tydynges of rolland and̛ of the other barons, that they be alyue." Thenne the hoost taryed̛, and anone came richard, whyche maad̛ hys hors to lepe

moche gentylly tofore the kyng, whome he salewed̛ moche humbly. And̛ thenne charles sayd̛ to rychard̛ of normandye: "Sone of noble baron, how is hyt wyth you? what is bycomen of my neuewe Rolland and of myn other [sign. h vij, col. 2] barons? be ye come allone? be they alyue or dede? telle me, I praye you." Rychard̛ ansuerd̛: "Syr Emperour, Rolland̛ & the other, whan I departed̛ fro them, were al hole and̛ in good̛ poynt, and been in aygremore, in a stronge toure, bysyeged̛ by ballant the admyral of spayne and fader of Fyerabras; & there been aboute them an hondred̛ thousand̛ sarasyns. And̛ knowe ye for certayn that thadmyral is a man moche fyers & terryble, whyche hath sworn by his god mahoun and̛ Termagaunt, that he shal neuer departe fro thens but that they shal be hanged by the necke. And̛ on that other syde your barons haue wyth them floripes, the curtoys doughter of thadmyral, the fayrest that euer was seen, the whyche hath in hyr kepyng̛ the relyques that ye soo moche desyre to haue. and sende you worde by me that ye sℏold̛ come and̛ ayde them for to saue theyr lyues. And̛ yf it please you to remembre them, ye sℏal mowe conquere the contreye of spayne, & other goodes ynough." Grete consolacyon had̛ kyng̛ Charles, And̛ thenne he conceyued̛ wel that Ganellon was a traytre and̛ ful of wyckednesse, And̛ neuer after hys counceyll ne sayeng̛ shold be herde ne alowed̛ in hys courte. For he sawe wel, that as for hym it abode not [sign. h vij, back] but Rolland̛ and̛ hys felowes sℏold haue dyed̛. "Now gentyl Rychard̛," sayd̛ the kyng̛, "is the toure in whyche they been bysyeged̛, stronge & wel garnysshed̛ of vytayl for to defende them ony whyle? yf they may holde vj dayes, I sℏal make thadmyral to dye, and al hys complyces." "Syr," answerd̛ Rychard̛, "I shal say to you the trouthe. they haue noo vytayl but they gete it with the swerde. thadmyral is meruayllously

fyers and̛ ful of cruelte, and̛ hath of people a multytude Innumerable, the whyche holde the space of two myle. the town is stronge, where he habyteth, & also there is on thys syde of the toun the brydge of mantryble, where the passage is moche daungerous. and̛ the walles of that cyte ben made of marble cymented̛ and̛ fortefyed̛ with toures, and̛ there renneth a ryuer ryȝt hydous, whyche is named̛ flagot, and̛ is of depthe of ij speres of lengthe, & renneth so fast and̛ brayeth, that there is noo bote ne sℏyppe may passe theron. and̛ the brydge is half a myle longe, And in the myddes there is a toure [orig. tonre.] of marble so stronge that it may not be beten doon; & the yate is garnysshed̛ & kepte wyth barryers of yron fast locked̛. ¶ The portyer that kepeth thys plase is a paynym hydous and̛ grete, massyf, stronge and [sign. h vij, back, col. 2] felonnous, whyche better resembleth the deuyl than ony man or persone. he is as blacke as pytche boylled̛, & hath x thousand̛ knyghtes in his companye. wherfore I wote wel that by force we may not passe; For by ony assaulte that may be doon to them, they doubte it not. And̛ yf we passe not by engyne and subtyllte, we may not goo ouer the brydge; For by force we may noo thyng̛ do. but it byhoueth vs to passe in guyse of marchaunts; And̛ somme of vs shal be wel armed̛ vnder our clothes; and̛ there aboue we sℏal were a mantel of cloth, & theyr swerdes vnder, And̛ there shal come after vs grete sommyers charged with marchaundyses. And̛ ye wyth al the chyualrye shal tarye in a lytel wode, & that euery man be in grete poynte. & after whan we haue goten the fyrst gate, I shal soune & blowe myn horne, And̛ wyth motye ["wyth motye:" Fr. a ce mouuement vous viendrez.] ye shal come on. And̛ thus we shal haue the passage, by the playsyr of god̛, and̛ we shal come to our entencyon." Thys counceyl was wel approued̛ by the kyng̛ Charles, whyche ofte blessyd̛ rychard by cause he had̛ so wel sayd̛, & thenne he resembled̛ al his peple.

The standardes were reysed, and̛ the loryflam dyscouerd̛. Rychard̛ took hys hors, and̛ gaf it to duc Reyner, And̛ wente & [sign. h viij] bonde heye and̛ grasse to-gydre, and̛ made trusses vpon many sommyers, in the guyse of marchauntes. euery man wel armed̛ vnder hys cloke, & swerde gyrde, and̛ so take theyr horses, to thende that they sℏold not be espyed̛: and̛ were in nombre v hondred knyghtes, alle men of grete facyon, and dryue tofore them the sommyers for a good̛ enterpryse. Rychard went tofore as chyef enterprenour, duc howel of Nauntes folowed̛, Guye de vallee, Ryoll du mauns, Duc Reyner, fader of Olyuer, & other, whyche rode forth wythout taryeng̛. And̛ Charles wyth alle hys baronnye abode in a wode, as tofore I haue maad̛ mencyon.

¶ How by the moyen & counceyl of Rychard of Normandye, wyth iij other barons, the strong brydge of mantryble was wonne, not wythoute grete payne; And what maner man galafre was: capitulo vij

Themperour charles, with an hondred thousand men, abode in the wode tofore sayd̛, & Rychard̛ of normandye, hoel of Nauntes, Ryoll, and̛ Reyner, & other peple wℏyche were valyaunte of theyr persone, were on the waye to goo toward mantryble, [sign. h viij, col. 2] and̛ ladde wyth them a quantyte of sommyers charged̛. whan the felowes of Rychard̛ sawe the ryuer of flagot so roryng, And thentree of the cyte of mantryble so stronge, the brydge soo daungerous to passe, & the yates barred̛ and̛ enchayned̛ so wyth yron, they were moche abasshed. For, for to come thyder by assaulte, alle the puyssaunce of crystendom myght not entre by that place, but they aualed̛ the brydge and̛ chaynes of yron. Ryol demaunded̛ of Rychard̛: "What may there be of this

place?" And he ansuerd: "knowe ye that thys is the strongest cyte that is bytwene thys and̛ Acres. And̛ there been in the same cyte moo than a thousand̛ men of armes." Hoel of Nauntes was alle afrayed̛, And̛ commaunded hym self to god, prayeng hym to kepe theyr persones. Rychard̛ sayd̛: "lordes, I wyl goo before, & shal speke fyrst; and whan we haue passed̛ the fyrst yate, see that ye take of your clokes for to smyte vpon the paynyms: & for ony thynge that happeth, see that the one of you faylle not the other." Ryol ansuerd̛: "doubte ye not that whan I am emonge the sarasyns but that I sℏal doo my deuoyr that it shal appyere: and̛ yf I doo not as I say, I wyl that ye reclame me recreaunte, and̛ repute me as rebouted̛." ["reclame me recreaunte, &c.:" Fr. reclame recreant et tenu reboute.] After [sign. h viij, back] these wordes they hasted̛ theyr sommyers toward̛ the brydge; & galafre sawe them fro ferre, and stode restyng̛ hym nygh to the fyrst gate, & helde in his honde a grete axe of fyn stele bended̛ and̛ affyled̛ that there was noo syde but it cutted̛. Thys paynym was grete, and̛ fourmed so ℏydously, and̛ of suche representacyon, that he semed̛ better a deuyl than a resonable persone. he had̛ eyen al enflammed̛ lyke fyre, & he was as blacke as boylled̛ pytche; hys necke large & grete, his nose half a fote longe, his eeres so grete that they myȝt conteyne wel half a busshel of whete, ℏys armes longe & croked̛, & his feet stode ouerthwart; & as of the remenaunte of hys body, was lothely ynough. Ballant thadmyral loued ℏym moche, & was his neuewe, and for the grete confydence that he had̛ in hym he gaf to hym the kepyng̛ of the brydge of mantryble, by cause that it was the moost strengest passage that was in al the marches of that contreye. And̛ the sayd̛ paynym was conestable of al the londes of thadmyral, wherfore it was necessarye that none of the frensshe men sℏold̛ haue be knowen of hym. For yf there had ony be knowen, there shold̛

neuer none haue escaped̛ but he shold haue ben dede. Thus, thenne, whan they were [sign. h viij, back, col. 2] at mantryble, Rychard passed̛ afore. and̛ whan he was at the entre of the gate, Galafre came to hym & sayd̛: "vassal, what are ye? wherfore come ye hyther?"

¶ Rychard̛, whyche was wyse, chaunged his langage, & began aragon, and̛ sayd̛: "Syr, I am a marchaunte whyche cometh fro Taraston wyth these other marchauntes, & brynge grete quantyte of draperye, and̛ wyl goo to the fayres, by the helpe of mahon, to whome we goo to present our marchaundyses; and yf we were at Aygremore, we sℏold soiourne there, and̛ gyue to thadmyral somme precyous yeftes that we here brynge. These other marchauntes that ben here wyth me ben al esclaues, and knowe not the langage, wherfor, fayre syr, we praye to aduyse vs what we may best do, & by what waye we ougℏt to goo." Galafre ansuerd̛: "knowe ye, that I am kepar of the brydge and̛ of the passages that been fyfty myle here aboute. But not longe sythen passed hereby xij glotons of fraunce, whiche were messagers of the emperour Charles, which yet owe to me theyr trybute for theyr passage. Neuertheles my lord̛ thadmeral kepeth them in pryson, And̛ one of them that other day escaped preuyly away as a theef, whiche rode vpon an hors the best that euer I sawe, & [sign. i j] passed̛ ouer thys rennyng water; whyche also slewe my cosyn the kyng̛ Claryon, for whome I am in grete melancolye. now wold̛ god̛ Mahon that he were now here vpon thys brydge, I sℏold̛ cleue hym vnto the myddle of his bely wythout to haue ony mercy or pyte on hym.

Syth that tyme thadmyral doubteth of treason, For his sone fyerabras whyche hath renyed̛ mahon and̛ the paynym lawe for to become crysten. And̛ he commaunded̛ me thre tymes that I sℏold̛ not suffre ony persone, lord̛, knyght, ne seruytour, to passe, And̛ that

I shold̛ serche wel al for to knowe the condycyon of theym that come thys waye. Therfore I wyl knowe what ye be." Rychard heryng thys, bowed̛ his hede: ["bowed̛ his hede:" Fr. baissa le menton.] Ryol du mauns, Hoel of Nauntes, and̛ Reyner of genes goon forth ouer the brydge. whan galafre saw them, he began to doubte, and̛ sayd̛ to them that there sℏold̛ nomoo entre, and̛ auaunced̛ hym and̛ drewe vp the brydge; and there were nomoo wythin but foure, whyche he dred̛ not, and̛ sayd̛ to them in grete fyerste: "ye are ouer bolde & hardy to entre herein wythout my commaundemente, And̛ therfor ye four shal be sette in pryson, and̛ the other that come after you also. And̛ to-morn I shal sende you prysoners [sign. i j, col. 2] to my lord̛ thadmyrall, he for to doo with you his playsyr. Take of your mantellys or clokes, for I wyl see what ye haue there vnder, For ye seme people for to do euyl." Thus sayeng, he toke noel by the cloke, & drewe hym therby foure tymes aboute: "By god̛," sayd̛ Ryol, "I may no lenger tarye to see hym do thys Iniurye to my cosyn; yf I suffre lenger, be I confounded̛!" And̛ therwyth he threwe of his cloke, and̛ smote vpon the paynym; but he was so strongely armed̛ that he myght do hym no harme, sauf that he smote of a lytel of hys ere. Rychard̛ and Reyner semblably caste of theyr clokes, and̛ eche of them with a swerde in theyr hondes smote to-gydre vpon Galafre, and gaf hym many strokes; but the heed ne the body they myght not hurte, For he was armed with the hyde of on olde Serpente harde and̛ maylled̛. ["of an olde Serpente, &c.:" Fr. dung viel serpent crote et moult endurcy.] ¶ Thys Paynym was angry, and̛ supposed for to haue smyton Ryol, and̛ enhaunced hys axe that was grete and̛ heuy and̛ also sℏarpe. but Ryol sawe the stroke come, and was habylle, and̛ lepte a syde, and̛ the stroke smote vpon the grounde in suche wyse that hyt claffe a marble stone on whyche the stroke lyghted̛.

"Ha! god̛ of heuen!" sayd Reyner, "how he smyteth oultrageously! [sign. i j, back] I am al abasshed̛ of the puyssaunce of thys deuyl whom we may not conquere ne gryeue." He thus sayeng̛, he took a grete braunche of a tree whyche was longe and̛ stronge, and aduysed̛ and̛ marked̛ the paynym wel, and̛ he smote hym therwyth in suche wyse that he made hym to ouerthrowe to therthe; & whan he was ouerthrowen, he maad a crye so hye and̛ hydous that the Ryuer and the rockes made grete bruyt. Wyth thys voys the paynyms of mantryble were moeued̛ and̛ assembled̛, that within a lytel whyle there were redy armed̛ moo than x thousand. there was thenne a grete commocyon; Rychard of Normandye ranne to the yate of the brydge, & aualed doun the drawe bridge, And̛ thenne entred̛ in v hondred̛ knyghtes whych the foure barons had̛ brought wyth them; but at the entre of the gate the paynyms encountred them: there was a grete medle and recountre; many mortal strokes were there gyuen, many were there slayne and hurte. Rychard̛ took hys horne and̛ sowned̛ it hyely thre tymes. Charles themperour vnderstood̛ it wel, whyche was in the wood̛ aforesayd with al his puyssaunce. Euery man was on horsback moche redyly, and̛ there was not one that cessed̛ to renne tyl he came to the brydge. [sign. i j, back, col. 2] ¶ Ganellon, whyche after was traytour, bare hym valyauntly. For he was the fyrst that cam to the brydge wyth hys confanon ["confanon:" so in the original French. ] reysed̛; but the loyalte & trouthe of hym ne of hys kynnesmen endured̛ not longe, as the laste book sℏal more playnly shewe, by the playsyr of god̛.

¶ How by force and' strengthe of bataylle Charles entred' in to mantryble, after that Galafre was slayn, not wythstondyng' that

alory the traytre was contrarye to hym; and' many other maters: capitulo viij

At thentre of mantryble were moche hurt people & confounded, as wel of frenssh men as of sarasyns. and at that tyme themperour bare hym wel, For whome he attayned̛ wyth hys swerde named̛ Ioyouse, he must nedes deye, he smote so rudely. and that day was alway by hym Ganellon, whych dyd̛ wel hys deuoyr. The dyches of the towne were depe and̛ ful of water, wherin many were drowned̛. ¶ Thus as Charles passed̛ tofore, and̛ hys people after, He sawe galafre on þ^e grounde, wℏich was not dede, and̛ that semed̛ better a deuyl than a resonable persone, And̛ helde alwaye hys [sign. i ii] axe in hys honde, wyth whyche he had̛ slayn thyrty frenssh men. And̛ the Emperour, seeyng̛ the harme that he had̛ doon to the frensshe men, anone commaunded̛ to slee hym; & so moche they smote at hym wyth axes and̛ stones, that they slewe hym. The bruyt and̛ noyse was so grete, that fyue myle aboute was anone knowen that the brydge of mantryble was taken and̛ conquerd̛; wherfore there came L thousand̛ sarasyns, for to gyue ayde to the cytyzeyns of mantryble, and to destroye the frenssh men. The walles of the towne were of marble, and̛ soo stronge that it semed̛ a thyng Impossyble to conquere or destroye. ¶ To thys medle came a geaunt moche fyers, named̛ Ampheon, And̛ had̛ a wyf named̛ Amyotte. And̛ she was departed fro her gesyne, ["she was departed fro her gesyne, &c.:" Fr. qui auoit faicte sa gessine de deux filz, that is, who had given birth to two sons.] For sℏe had̛ borne two sones, whyche were but iiij monethes olde, and̛ were two foot brode in the breste, and̛ ten foot longe, as thystorye sayth. Thys geaunt opened̛ the gate, & helde in his honde a club of yron grete and̛ massyf, And whan he was passed that yate, wyth hys voys tenebrouse and dyabolyke he cryed̛: "Where is charles the kyng̛ of fraunce? wyl he now bere wyth hym the

relyques to Saynt Denys? by mahon, by the whyche I comforte my self, it were better [sign. i ij, col. 2] for hym, olde dotard̛, that he were now at parys. And̛ late hym knowe certaynly, that yf thadmyral may haue hym, he sℏal neuer haue mercy on hym, but he shal do hym be flayn, & hanged̛ alle quycke, or brenne hym in a fyre." after that he had thus spoken, he smote doun many frensshe men wyth hys club of yron. ¶ In thys recountre were seen and̛ founden so grete a multytude of dede men that they letted men to passe. Charles, whyche sawe the facyon, ["facyon:" = state of affairs.] descended̛ and̛ lyght of hys hors, alle wroth in hys courage, & sette hys sℏelde tofore hym, wyth hys swerde in hys hande, and hys barons came after hym ayenst the geaunt. & after that the kyng̛ & he were assembled̛, Charles wyth hys swerde Ioyous smote hym soo myghtely that he clefte hym in two pyeces, & myghtely recouerd hys stroke, that he maad̛ hym falle to the erthe, And̛ soo he was deed̛. Wherfore the Sarasyns were all moeued̛ and̛ affrayed̛, And̛ as people enraged̛ smote vpon the Frensshe men with dartes, plombettes, and other engynes mortal.

¶ And̛ thenne Charles cryed̛ socours for to assemble hys people. And̛ wyth that crye came to hym Rychard of Normandye, Reyner of genes, hoel of nauntes, and̛ Syr Ryol du mauns, [sign. i ij, back] whyche alle had̛ courage lyke vnto lyons. These foure barons wyth charles made the paynyms to remeue, and̛ to reentre ageyn by force in to the towne of mantryble. And̛ anone the turkes, whyche were moo than x thousand, cam to the yate for to sℏette it, in makyng̛ grete defence with bowes and̛ other sℏotte, besyde them that came after, whyche kepte the passages, which were wel, as thystorye maketh mencyon, fyue thousand̛; but alle they coude not fynde the maner to lyfte vp the brydge, For it was conserued̛ and̛ kept ayenst the sarasyns by the frenssh men. There was

grete bruyt in thys recountre; And̛ though Charles doubted̛, it was noo meruaylle. For he knewe wel that yf the sarasyns had̛ lyfte vp the brydge to the yate of the towne, It had̛ not be possyble to hym to haue passed̛ ouer. And̛ he, seeyng̛ them reyse vp toward̛ the yate grete barres of yron, supposed̛ not to haue passed̛, And̛ wyth a moche wooful herte began to wayle Roulland his neuewe, and the other hys felowes, as he shold neuer haue seen them.

¶ Rychard̛ of Normandye consyderyng̛ thys, escryed and sayd: "Syr Emperour, in the honour of god esmaye you not, but thynke to destroye and̛ smyte doun these Turkes, and̛ god̛ sℏal ayde & [sign. i ij, back, col. 2] helpe vs. Ye knowe wel that there is none so franke ne valyaunte that wyl acoward̛ hymself, but that he ought to be despysed̛, and̛ wyth good̛ ryght. ¶ And̛ I praye to god̛ that he be confounded̛ that suffreth hymself to be taken a-lyue for to dye afterward̛, and̛ that had̛ not leuer be hewen in pyeces than to retorne. And̛ wythoute more, late vs auaunce vs, For now it is nede that eche man proue hys strengthe and̛ the valure of hys persone." Wyth these wordes of a grete courage, entred in to the towne, Charles, Reyner, Hoel, Ryol, and Rychard̛, These fyue onelye, eche wyth a swerde in hys honde. And̛ ye ought to wete that they entred̛ not wythout grete slaughter of turkes and̛ of Paynyms.

Charles, seyng̛ come grete multytude of sarasyns, cryed "a larme and̛ socours" moche hye and̛ furyously. Ganellon vnderstood̛ hym, and̛ had̛ of hym grete pyte; Not wythstondyng̛ at the laste he founde hym not good; & came to geffroy, & escryed hauteuyle his fader, & the other hys kynnesmen, whyche were armed̛ moche rychely to the nombre of M vij C, and̛ al they came afote for to assayle the yate. The turkes maad̛ grete deffence wyth brondes and̛ barres of yron and mortal sℏotte, where as

[sign. i iij] many were dede and hurte, of the people of the sayd̛ Ganelon.

Thenne alory, the traytre, sayd to ganellon: "in fayth, we ben grete foles for to late vs thus deye, & suffre thys torment." And̛ after he sayd to ganellon yet: "late vs goo and̛ departe. Charles is wythin wel empesshed̛: god forbede that he euer departe! & thou mayst wel see now, that of hym and̛ of Reyner we are wel auenged̛ of the contradyctyons that they made to vs, & of theyr subgettes also. And̛ euyl deth mote he deye that foloweth them ony ferther. for we may wynne Fraunce at our ease and wylle, & holde it wythout contradyctyon, Seen that there is no baron that wyl be to vs contrarye." Ganellon ansuerd: "God of glorye forbede that euer I shold̛ do suche trayson to my ryȝtful lord̛! we holde of hym al our londes & seygnouryes. I sℏold be holden for an ouer vntrewe man yf I consented̛ to hys deth. We haue none other cause but that we ought to do our deuoyr for hym." whan Alory vnderstood̛ hym, he enraged̛ almoost for angre, and after sayd̛ to ganellon: "ye be a veray fool, that ye tarye whan ye now may wel aduenge you. yf themperour Charles be slayn, al the other barons shal haue theyr heedes smyton of, And thus we sℏal be aduenged̛ on al our enemyes. [sign. i iij, col. 2] Therfore leue of, and̛ come on." Ganellon ansuerd: "god forbede that euer I sℏold̛ be a traytre to my lord̛, ne that I leue hym vnholpen, but doo my deuoyr to ayde hym. I had̛ leuer to be dysmembred̛, than to be sℏamed̛ and̛ blamed̛ in this dede." ¶ Of these wordes were euyl contente Alory and̛ also geffroy daulteuyle, in suche wyse that there was grete debate emonge them. Vpon this came Fyerabras in good̛ araye and̛ grete poynte, and began to crye: "where is Charles?"

¶ The Traytre answerd̛: "Syr, ye shal neuer see hym. He is wythin enclosed̛, and̛ I suppose he be

dede now." Fyerabras answerd̛: "And̛ ye emonge you, what doo you here? what tarye ye? why socoure ye hym not in thys nede? ye may be reproched̛ of treson wyth good̛ ryght." And̛ after bygan to crye "socours and̛ ayde" moche lowde; and̛ by hys voys all the frensshe men came, wythoute ony taryeng̛, to the belfraye, and̛ fonde Fyerabras and̛ Ganellon, that thenne had̛ lefte the Traytres at the entree of the brydge.

¶ And̛ Fyerabras thenne was wel Ioyous whan he sawe that the brydge was not drawen up, And̛ thenne he and̛ Ganellon dyd̛ gretely theyr deuoyr, for to entre in to the cyte. [sign. i iij, back] And̛ whan they were wythin, & the traytres sawe the toun wonne, by a manere to do gretely theyr deuoyr, entred̛ in a foot, & smote doun wyth the other comunelye. And̛ grete habundaunce of blode runne thurgh the towne oute of the dede bodyes, that eche man meruaylled̛ that sawe it. The paynyms cryed̛ and brayed as wulues enfamysshed, whan they sawe that they coude not resyste them. They sente to the admyral that he shold̛ socoure them, and̛ cryed on mahon & Termagaunt that they wold̛ come to theyr ayde; but for all that, they were dyscomforted̛ sorowfully, put oute of theyr habytacyons, robbed̛, pylled̛ of theyr rychesses and̛ goodes, and̛ destroyed̛. Thus doyng̛, ["Thus doyng̛:" = while this was happening.] a messager departed̛ secretely for to goo to Aygremore, for tacompte and telle the tydynges of theyr destructyons.

¶ How Amyotte, a geantesse, wyth a sythe greued' gretely the crysten men, and' how hyr two sones were baptysed of the Emperour Charles: capitulo ix

Whan mantryble was taken, many strokes were gyuen; but when Amyotte, ["Amyotte." Amyote, Sir Ferumbras, 4663; Barrok, in the Sowdone, 2939.] the geantesse, knewe & herd the crye of the cytezeyns, whiche [sign. i iij, back, col. 2] were

troubled̛,—She was as blacke as pytche boylled̛: hyr eyen were rede as brennyng fyre: sℏe had a grete vysage & croked, as hye of lengthe as a spere, & gretely affrayed̛ of the deth of hyr husbond̛, & also aferde for hyr ij sones, of whyche sℏe was late delyuerd̛;—soo sℏe in a rage lepte out of hyr hous, and fonde a sythe trenchaunt and̛ meruayllously sharpe, and cam vpon the frensshe men so Impetuously that sℏe maad̛ grete dyscomfyte, in suche wyse that none durst wel approche ℏyr. Kyng̛ Charles seeyng̛ thys, was euyl contente of the deth of hys peple, and demaunded̛ a crosse bowe. And̛ whan it was bende, he sℏotte so ryght that he atteyned̛ hyr bytwene the browes, so that sℏe fyl doun deed̛ to the erthe. She began to cast oute of hyr throte a flamme of fyre, moche hydous. Neuertheles, sℏe was smyton so wyth stones and̛ other thynges, that she neuer moeued̛ after; wherfore after that, the yates of the towne and̛ other deffences were not kepte ne defended̛, but that Charles dyd his wylle of alle. ¶ Grete rychesse was founde in that fayre towne, and the subgettes of the Emperour Charles were there wel refressℏed̛ of gold and syluer, whiche there habounded̛. For thadmyral Ballant, by cause that place [sign. i iiij] was so stronge & sure, had layed there grete tresours. The kyng̛ ordeyned̛ in suche manere, that bothe grete and smale were wel contente wyth hym. And̛ there he abode thre dayes in departyng [orig. dapartyng.] & destrybutyng the goodes, after the degrees & qualytees of hys subgettes. And̛ after, as charles wente sportyng by the ryuer flagot, In a caue were founden the ij sones, yonge chyldren, of the fornamed geauntesse Amyotte, of whome he was wel Ioyous, and̛ were baptysed̛; & one he named̛ Roulland̛, and̛ that other Olyuer; and dyd do them wel to be nourysshed. But after, wythin two monethes, they were bothe founden dede in theyr beddes, wherfore

themperour was euyl contente. Neuertheles, in that same tyme, whyche was the moneth of may, that the stronge cyte of mantryble was taken & put in subgectyon, charles made to come to hym Rychard of Normandye, Reyner of genes, hoel of nauntes, Ryol of mauns, & took counceyl who sℏold̛ kepe the brydge and̛ passage of mantryble, tyl they had̛ destroyed̛ ballant the admyral, & delyuerd̛ oute of pryson the other peres of fraunse. Rychard̛ [In the Sowdone, 3043, Richard is left as governor of Mantrible.] answerd̛: "syr emperour, me semeth it shold be good̛ that hoel & syr Ryol sℏold abyde for to kepe þ^e brydge & toun wyth fyue thousand men." [sign. i iiij, col. 2] and̛ lyke as Rychard̛ sayd̛, so was it doon. and̛ there they ij abode, and̛ the hurt men for to be heled̛ at theyr leyzer. and̛ after, with sowne of trompettes, the hoost of the emperour began to depart toward̛ aygremore; and̛ there was so moche peple and so grete estate, that it was merueylle. Thus as they were wel on theyr waye, The Emperour wente vpon a lytel hylle for to byholde his peple and subgettes; And̛ seeyng̛ the multytude, he lyfte vp hys eyen to heuen, and̛ sayd̛: "O lord̛ god̛, my creatour, whiche by thy grace and̛ playsyr hast made me lord̛ and conduytour of thys people, wyth ryght good̛ hert I gyue to the, thankynges and laude. Thou hast gyuen to me grete puyssaunce sythe they be at my wylle and̛ commaundemente." After that he had̛ sayd̛ thus, he blessyd̛ hym, And̛ in the name of Ihesus he took forth ℏys waye. And̛ the sayd Emperour had in hys companye an hondred thousand̛ men wel fyghtyng̛, And̛ the Admyral had̛ the fyghtars of thyrtene contreyes. the frenssh men rode forth: Rychard of normandye was in the auaunte garde, And̛ the Duke Reyner [orig. Reyuer.] in that other. Anone the tydynges came to thadmyral that galafre was slayn, & that mantryble was taken & dyscomfyted̛, [sign. i iiij, back] wherfore he swowned for sorowe, ["he swowned, &c.:" Fr. il pasma de dueil et cria comme tout hors du sens.] and̛ cryed̛ out, "haroo!" as a

man fro hym self, sayeng̛: "ha! ha! god mahon! thy power is nought. O cursyd̛ god̛ & recreaunte, thou art nothyng̛ worth to me! he is a moche fool that trusteth in the, whan thou suffrest my men to be slayn, and̛ hast consented to my dysℏonour, as I now wel see, whych ouȝtest wel to haue doon the contrarye." Thys sayeng̛, the admyral took a clubbe with his two handes, & ranne to mahon & his other goddes, & smote Mahon soo grete a stroke vpon the heed̛, that he fyl doun, & was al to-broken. yf thadmyral and the other paynyms were not wel abused̛, ["wel abused̛:" Fr. bien abusez = greatly deceived or mistaken. This is almost the oldest use of the word. "Abuser. To abuse, misuse ... deceive, disappoint, gull, cozen, beguile. S'abuser. To mistake, to be in error; to wronge himselfe, &c." Cotgrave.] they myght knowe clerely theyr Infydelyte and̛ fals creaunce, for to Inuoke the ymages that can not speke ne gyue comfort, and̛ haue no consolacion. A lytel vnderstondyng and lacke of wytte, & also contrarye to nature, for to gyue fayth of helpe to a thynge made with the hande of a man. Neuertheles, Sortybrant of Conymbres, seeyng̛ the desolacyon of thadmyral, counceylled̛ hym, that as moche as he myght, to chastyse hym self of the Iniurye doon to Mahon. Thadmyral said to hym: "I may not enclyne to do to hym obeyssaunce, Seeyng̛ that Charles hath wonne by his puyssaunce my cyte and stronge tour [sign. i iiij, back, col. 2] of mantryble, where as I had̛ my laste comforte to kepe me moost sure." Sortybrant ansuerd: "Syr admyral, sende forth an espye for to wete yf the hoost of charles cometh hyther ageynst you; And̛ yf it be soo, late vs ryde ayenst hym in bataylle to-gyder. And̛ yf ye may, late hym be taken, and̛ hange hys people, or brenne them, without ony mercy or pyte. And̛ thenne after ye may caste out of your tour these glotons that kepe it, and smyte of the heed̛ of Fyerabras, thy sone, that aydeth them." Whan the admyral ballant had herde Sortybrant, consyderyng̛ hys affectyon, humbly he retorned to mahon, purposyng̛ to do as he had̛ sayd̛.

¶ How the peres of Fraunce were assaylled' more strongely than euer they were, And' the toure quasi put to therthe, and' recomforted' by the holy relyques, by them adoured, and other maters: capitulo x

Sortybrant prayed̛ soo moche thadmyral, & with hym the olde kyng̛ Coldroe tempested̛ hym, ["the olde kyng̛ Coldroe tempested̛ hym." Here Caxton has made a most curious mistake. The original runs: et auec luy le viel roy Coldroe, tempeste, et brullant de mommiere: tempeste being really the name of one of the Saracen kings, and not a verb.] & brullant de mommyere, that for thyniurye that he had̛ doon to Mahon tofore them al he sℏold̛ make amendes. The admyral beyng content for their [sign. i v] affectyon, sware that he shold̛ encreace Mahon, and̛ Augment of a thousand̛ weyȝt, after their custome, of fyn gold̛ and other precyosytees. And̛ anone dyd̛ do sowne trompettes and other Instrumentes, at the sowne of whome were assembled sarasyns Innumerable, al armed̛. And̛ the admyral maad̛ to brynge hys engynes for to throwe grete stones at the tour, for to brynge it doun, and̛ also for to destroye the frensshe men & hys doughter. And̛ thus, more feruent than euer he had been, cam for tassayle the toure, and̛ laye theyr engynes therto; wyth whych the paynyms made fyue grete hooles in the toure, that thurgh the leste myght passe a carte at his ease. whan thys was doon, Olyuer & Rolland̛, wyth theyr sℏeldes tofore them, and̛ theyr swerdes in theyr hondes, stode in the wyndowes, and̛ yet they were not soo hardy emonge them but that they were abasshed̛, not wythstondyng̛ they had̛ good̛ wylle to defende them. Alway hym that they myght attayne with stones or other thynges, they soo hurte hym that he dyd̛ them nomore hurt ne damage. This doyng̛, thadmyral cryed̛: "O my frendes and̛ subgettes, doo your deuoyr to brynge to the erth thys toure; For yf ye so do, ye shal haue my loue entyerly. And after I shal

[sign. i v, col. 2] make Florypes the putayne to deye sℏamefully in a brennyng̛ fyre, for sℏe hath wel deserued̛ it, doyng̛ to me the dysℏonour that euery man knoweth." ¶ After these wordes the paynyms were more feruent than they had̛ ben tofore, & surmounted̛ by strengthe, scaled̛ the toure, and̛ mounted̛ vp, and̛ entred in at holes, in suche wyse that the x barons helde not but þe last stage that was. Rolland seyng̛ thys, sayd̛ to them: "lordes & brethern! in thonour of god̛ our maker, late vs wyth one courage bere vs valyauntly, ellys we shal not passe thys day, but that we sℏal be surprysed, taken, and̛ deffeated̛." "Brother & felowe," sayd̛ Olyuer, "we been here of vs x, as longe as it sℏal please our creatour, & we been al good̛ fyghtars. In the name of God̛, I counceyl that we yssue oute for to assayle our enemyes. I had̛ leuer to dye there withoute, and suffre to be hewen, than to deye here wythin wyth dysℏonour." Ogyer the danoys, and the other, sayd̛ semblably. Florypes, seeyng̛ thys, was al abasshed̛, and̛ demaunded̛ the barons yf they wold goo out for to goo assaylle the paynyms, & sayd̛ to them: "ye noble knyghtes of honour & of good̛ partye, I praye to god̛ that at this tyme yeue you grace to doo wel, And I promyse you [sign. i v, back] yf ye put them oute from thys assaulte, I shal sℏewe to you a thyng wherof ye sℏal be Ioyeful." wyth tho wordes [orig. thordes.] the barons goo smyte and̛ hewe doun the turkes so vygorously, that many of them were dede & hurt whych were in the holes of the walle, & smote them wyth stoones in the tour, in suche wyse that they were caste in to the dyches and drowned̛. And̛ anone as they had̛ goten thoo holes, they stopped̛ them & faste enclosed̛ them. and̛ after florypes axed̛ fyrst of naymes duc of bauyere, & of Thyerry duc of Ardayne, and̛ sayd̛: "Lordes, on a tyme ye promysed̛ me, and sware, that ye shold not do ony thyng ayenst my wylle. I

wyl sℏewe to you the crowne of Ihesus, & two of the nayles that he was nayled with to the crosse, whyche I haue long kept." The barons heryng̛ thys, wepte for Ioye, & sworen to hyr that they sℏold̛ do no thynge to hyr, but al loyalte and̛ trouthe. Florypes wente thenne and̛ fette a lytel coffre, moche ryche & fayre, and̛ tofore them she opened̛ it; & assone as the relyques were taken & vnwounden, there was seen a grete clerenes and a meruayllous resplendysshour.

Thenne the barons kneled doun to the erthe, deuoutely smytyng̛ them self on their brestes by contrycyon of hert. Duc Naymes [sign. i v, back, col. 2] of bauyere was the fyrst that kyssed̛ them wyth grete reuerence, & the other after, & after came to the wyndowes, For the paynyms were mounted on hye. And̛ assone as they sawe them, they tombled̛ doun to þ^e grounde, dede, & al to-broken. Whan Naymes sawe that, he sayd: "O lord̛ god̛ of glorye, whyche mayst do al thynge, I thanke the, & gyue to the lawde & praysyng, For now I see wel and̛ knowe that these ben the reliques of whome we haue ofte spoken." And̛ Incontynent he took hardynes and courage, and̛ after sayd to hys felawes: "Brethern, now we be recomforted̛, so that we shal neuer fere ne doubte paynyms ne sarasyns." And̛ after, Florypes remysed̛ the relyques in the coffret honestly. Thadmyral sawe the prynces at the wyndowes, & hys doughter wyth them; & he, ful of a fals entencyon, escryed̛ hyr wyth an hye voys, by cause he wold̛ be vnderstonden: "O florypes, fayr doughter, I see wel where thou art. A grete fool was thy fader whan he trusted̛ the, & ful of folysshe counceyl was he that put in thyn hande, by the moyen of thy langage, the fyrst prysoners. I haue herde say longe sythe, that a man that trusteth in a woman, of thyng of Importaunce, is a moche fool. but neuertheles thy puterye shal [sign. i vj] not endure

longe, as I truste, For I swere to the that I shal departe the loue that thou hast wyth the glotons of Fraunce, & wythoute pyte I shal doo brenne you al." Florypes herde these wordes, & took a baston in her honde, & made a sygne as though sℏe had̛ menaced̛ ℏyr fader; wherfore thadmyral, seeyng̛ that, began to sowne to gadre hys peple, and̛ comaunded̛ to sℏote & lose the Instrumentes ayenst the toure, in suche wyse that anone a grete partye of the walle was ouerthrowen to therthe. Thenne the barons doubted moche of them vpon the walle. And Rolland̛, Olyuer, and̛ Ogyer went in to a chambre, where as were Mahon, Appolyn, Termagaunte, & Margotte, goddes of the Paynyms, whyche were moche ryche. And̛ Rolland̛ took Appolyn whyche was heuy, and̛ threwe it vpon the Paynyms: Olyuer lyfte vp termagaunte, & Ogyer Margotte, and̛ smote wyth them the sarasyns, in suche wyse that them that they attayned̛ dyd̛ them neuer hurte after.

Whan thadmyral sawe thus his goddes vytupered̛ and̛ throwen, he took suche angre and so grete yre in hys courage, that for sorowe he tombled doun as a dede man to the erthe. Sortybrant, with moche sorowe, took hym vp, and̛ many wepte & made grete [sign. i vj, col. 2] desolacyon for sorowe. and after thadmyral sayd: "lordes & frendes, he shal euer be my frende & specyal byloued, þat wyl aduenge the sℏame that these glotons haue doon to my goddes." Sortybrant dyd̛ grete payne to recomforte ℏym, sayeng̛ that in sℏort tyme he sℏold be auenged on them al, "seen that the toure is broken in moo than xv partyes." "O Mahon," sayd̛ the admyral, "thou hast wel forgoten me; at the moost nede thou fayllest me: thou arte now so olde that thou dotest. I haue seen the day that þou haddest grete puyssaunce." ¶ Sortybrant ansuerd̛: "Syr, ye haue an euyl custome, whan ye speke so euyl ayenst Mahon. Ye knowe wel that

there was neuer borne, ne neuer shal be, so good̛ a god̛: he gyueth vs plente [orig. pleute.] of whete, of wyn, and̛ of other goodes also; he sℏal doo for vs whan he hath bythought hym. he is yet euyl contente for the stroke that ye smote hym on the nose. Abyde a lytel tyl he be better aduysed̛, [ "better aduysed̛:" Fr. quil soit desensle (?).] And̛ the frensshe men shal yelde them vnto you soo that ye sℏal holde you pleased̛." Vpon these wordes Mahon was broughte tofore hym, And̛ a deuyl entred̛ in to hym, whyche sayd̛ in thys manere after that he had̛ adoured̛ hym: "Admyral, ryche lord̛, ne dyscomfort you not: do sowne your trompettes & hornes, [sign. i vj, back] and assemble your peple, & after assaylle the toure; and̛ at thys tyme ye shal take the Frensshe men." wyth these wordes thadmyral was al reioyced̛, and̛ alle thengynes and̛ Instrumentes he dyd̛ do sette ayenst the tour, and threwe stones and̛ maad̛ grete sℏotte ageynst the toure, whyche was thenne al to-broken, and̛ almoost al ouerthrowen. The peres of Fraunce seyng̛ thys, had̛ grete doubte of daunger, and not wythout cause. Neuertheles, Ogyer the danoys sayd̛ to hys felawes: "O loyal companyons, replenysshed̛ of fydelyte, For ony payne or doubte of deth emonge vs, late none be founde wyth ony treason, ne suffre to entre in to hym ony euyl thought of Infydelyte and̛ cowardyse. ye see now þat the tour gooth to grounde, And̛ almoost these sarasyns be medled̛ wyth vs. But as touchyng̛ to me, I swere by god̛ my maker, that tofore my soule sℏal departe fro my body, yf I haue the puyssaunce to holde in my hande Cortayn my swerde, I shal make so grete a dyscomfyture of these paynyms, that euery man sℏal meruaylle." With these wordes Rolland̛ byhelde durandal; and̛ Olyuer, with eueryche of the other, byhelde ["byhelde:" Fr. regarderent. See note to p. 102, l. 6.] theyr swerdes, & were alle renewed wyth strengthe and̛ courage. And al wyth one wylle goon vpon the [sign. i vj, back, col. 2] sarasyns, and̛ there dyd̛ suche dylygence, that allewaye

they were lordes of the toure, & made the sarasyns theyr enemyes to goo abacke. Florypes, consyderyng̛ theyr affayre, was sorowful that no socours com to hem, and̛ also remembryng̛ the menaces of hyr fader hadmyrall. But Guye of bourgoyn recomforted̛ hyr alwaye, in suche wyse, that of al sℏe was contente.

¶ How the peres of Fraunce had' tydynges of [orig. yf.] thoost of charles, and' the admyral also; and' how Ganellon bare hym merueyllously, which allone was sente to the admyral, and' what he dyd': capitulo xi

The Frensshe men beyng̛ in thys contynuel payn of bataylle for to defende þ^e toure, Duc Naymes ["Duc Naymes." In the Sowdone Floripas first sees the French army advancing.] of bauyere went vp on hye, and̛ sawe oute of a wyndowe, & sawe bynethe in a valeye the sygne of saynt denys, whyche was brought hastely, & after, a grete companye of men of armes: And̛ thought in hym self that they came for to socour and̛ ayde them. and̛ anone sent for hys felawes for to come & see them. Assone as Florypes vnderstood̛ it, sℏe came to Guy of bourgoyn, sayeng: "O gloryous [sign. i vij] vyrgyn marie, moder of Ihesus, worsℏypped̛ mote ye be for these tydynges that I haue herde! O noble knyght, guye of bourgoyn, my dere loue, approche ye to me yf it playse you, and̛ kysse me." Of the Ioye of Florypes, were Ioyeful the erles and̛ lordes, ye may thynke that they were wel comforted̛ whan they sawe the standard of fraunce, wherin was the dragon wel fygured̛. Grete Ioye and grete consolacion was emonge them, & they had̛ cause, seen the daunger wherin they were. Anone a paynym cam to thadmyral, & sayd̛ to hym, that Charles wyth an hondred thousand̛ men of armes came makyng̛ grete bruyt. The kynge Coldroe counceylled̛ anone that

euery man sℏold̛ be armed, and that they sℏold̛ goo mete wyth ℏym at the fyrst poynte. Hys counceyl was approued̛ by thadmyral and̛ by thother. Wherfore anone L thousand turkes were assembled̛ in grete poynte for to kepe the grete vale of Iosue, to thende that he myght not come in to Aygremore. Rolland sawe Rychard̛ of Normandye wyth hys confanon reysed̛ vp, whyche came al afore: and̛ alle taryed̛ in a medowe for to bayte and refresshe theyr horses, and̛ to tarye there al the nyght, whyche was nyghe. And̛ wythoute makyng lodgyses or other thynge, they [sign. i vij, col. 2] there rested them al nyght, For theyr tentes were lefte at mantryble. On the morne erly, the Emperour dyd̛ do arme his peple, & sette them in good̛ araye, and in grete poynte, And̛ after sente for Fyerabras, and sayd to hym: "Ryght dere frende, thou knowest that I haue doo the be baptysed̛, wherfore I loue the the better. yf thou myȝtest pourchace and make that thy fadre be baptysed̛, and renye Mahon and al hys dyabolike goddes, I shold be wel glad̛ and Ioyous. And̛ I promyse to the, that of al hys goodes I shal not take a peny. And̛ yf he wyl not so do, I promyse that by force I sℏal fygℏt ayenst hym; & yf he take harme, wyte it not me, ne conne me noo maulgre, for I may not lette it." "Syr Emperour," sayd Fyerabras, "take a messager, and̛ late hym demaunde hym, yf he wyl soo doo as ye say, and̛ I shal be content. For yf he gaynsaye it I sℏal neuer praye for hym, ne haue pyte of hym, though I see hym hewen and deye." Hereupon charles demaunded̛ Reyner and rychard of Normandye, whyche were his nexte counceyllours, and̛ sayd to them: "Lordes, whome seme you moost propyce for to sende on thys message to the Admyrall? By myn aduys, ganellon sℏold be good therfore, yf he wold̛, for to recounte & speke hooly thys [sign. i vij, back] message. I

knowe hym for wel suffysaunt, & ye knowe wel that he dyd̛ wel hys deuoyr at the entre of mantryble. yf ye wyl consente, he shal doo the message." Rychard̛ answerd̛, and Reyner also, that he sℏold doo wel the message. The kyng̛ sente for ganellon, and̛ sayd̛ to hym: "My frende, we haue chosen you for to goo say to thadmyral Ballant that he be baptysed̛ & renye mahon, & that he take Ihesu Cryste for hys god̛, & that he byleue in hym, & in hys passyon that he suffred̛ for al ℏumayn creatures; & after, that he yelde to me my barons, whyche he holdeth in hys pryson, & also the relyques that longe tyme I haue demaunded̛ of hym. & yf he wyl do this, we shal leue to hym hys contreye & hys landes: & yf he wyl doo otherwyse, we sℏal make to hym mortal warre, and sℏal take of hym no mercy." Ganellon was contente for to goo thyder allone, And̛ took & sette on his helme, & mounted̛ vpon ℏis hors, named̛ gascon, and̛ henge on hys necke his sℏelde, wherein was paynted̛ the lyon, & after went in to the vale of Iosue hastely. and̛ anone he was taken of the turkes that kept the passage; but whan they knewe that he was a messager for to speke to thadmyral, they troubled̛ hym not, but lete hym goo, & he taryed̛ [sign. i vij, back, col. 2] not tyl that he came tofore thabytacyon of thadmyral, & he lente vpon his spere with a knyghtly countenaunce, & moche resembled a baron of grete valure, for to say wel hys message. whan thadmyral knewe of his comyng̛, he came to hym, And̛ thenne Ganellon spake hardyly to hym in this manere: "Sarasyn, take hede & vnderstonde me: I am a messager of the noble charles, kyng of fraunce & ryght myghty Emperour, & he sendeth the worde by me, that thou renye and forsake Mahon & thyn other goddes dyabolyke, & byleue in Ihesu cryst, the redemptour of al the worlde, whyche took on hym humanyte, and̛ suffred̛

deth, cruel & bytter, in the tree of the [orig. ithe.] crosse, ["in the tree of the crosse:" Fr. en larbre.] for to redeme al the world̛. & yf thou so do, thou art assured̛ not onely not to deye, & also not to lese thy londe, ne none of thy good̛, but thou sℏalt alwaye be byloued of ℏym, & of Fyerabras thy sone. and yf thou wylt not accorde herto, & withstande it, knowe for certayn, that of Charles thou art deffyed, & al thy people. & yf thou wylt saue thy self, thynke to flee and̛ wythdrawe the fro thys contreye; For yf thou may be taken and̛ holden, thou shalt be delyuerd̛ to daungerous deth, and̛ alle thy subgettes shal be dysmembred & slayn, & after, he sℏal gyue thy royame and thy rychesses to his [sign. i viij] seruauntes. Therfore aduyse the wel." Whan thadmyral had herde hym, he was almoost in a rage of hys wordes, ["he was almoost in a rage of hys wordes:" Fr. a peu de fait quil ne fut enraige de ses parolles.] and̛ by destresse of angre he took a staffe for to smyte the messager, and̛ sayd̛ to hym: "Gloton payllard̛! thou art dysmesured̛ in thy langage. by mahon, to whome I am yeuen, at thys tyme thou hast be ouer hardy, & lytel loued the, Charles, whan he sente the to me. For thou sℏalt be wel sure that thou sℏalt neuer recounte to hym thy message." Ganellon, seyng̛ that he was not wel sure wyth them, he took hys swerde, whyche was heuy & sℏarpe, & gaf wythal a stroke to brullant of mommyere in the breste, that he ouerthrewe & fyl at the feet of the admyrall, whyche seyng that, escryed moche strongely tauenge hym. Thenne wyth thys voys assembled moo than fyfty thousand̛ turkes, for to take Ganellon, whyche ranne after hym thurgh the vale of Iosue; but he escaped̛ them al, and was not taken. Duc Naymes was at a wyndowe, and̛ sawe hym chaced̛, & demaunded̛ Rolland & Olyuer what he was; & they knewe for certayn that he was crysten, and by presumyng̛ [ "by presumyng̛:" Fr. par presumacion = by supposition.] made emonge them they Iudged̛ that it was Ganellon that had̛ spoken to thadmyral. ¶ "Alas!" sayd̛ Rolland, "I praye to

Ihesus our redemour that he graunte [sign. i viij, col. 2] hym grace to passe wel without daunger. I sℏal be euyl content yf he come not to his good̛ desyre." ¶ The other barons sayden semblably, & prayed god to kepe ℏym fro peryl. Ganellon ran alwaye forth tyl he came to the toppe of a montayne, and̛ there he torned̛ hym ayenst the Paynyms, & sawe comyng to hym a grete paynym of the cyte of Aygremore. and̛ anone he took hys swerde named̛ murgall, moche trenchaunte, & atteyned̛ the paynym vpon the helme, and̛ clefte hym to the breste: And̛ after, he slewe Tenebre, whyche was broder of kyng̛ Sortybrant. Olyuer sawe al hys feat, and̛ sayd̛ to Rolland̛: "Brother, beholde the valyaunce that thys baron dooth; I praye god̛ that he conserue hym. And̛ wete ye wel that in my hert I loue hym. Saue you & charles, I loue none better. Now wold̛ god that I were in ℏys companye, I shold̛ make grete marterdom on these Paynyms." Neuertheles he was strongely chaced̛ of the paynyms. But whan they sawe the hoost of Charles, they retorned aback, and wente & tolde the affayre to thadmyral, & how Charles had moo than an hondred̛ thousand̛ fyghtyng̛ men. wherfore they counceylled that euery man sℏold arme hym, & that counceyl was approued̛. but whan sortybrant [sign. i viij, back] knewe that hys broder was dede, he made to come an Innumerable companye of sarasyns, tauenge his deth in menacyng to do harm to Charles. Of hys entencyon was moche glad thadmyral, bycause he myght the better come to hys desyre.

¶ How Charles emperour ordeyned' ten bataylles, and how they dyd' & were recountred' of the puyssaunce of the admyral, where as themperour dyd' meruaylles, and' of other maters: capitulo xij

Whan Ganellon was comen to kyng̛ Charles, themperour ordeyned x bataylles after that Ganellon had̛ tolde hys message, whyche was suche: "Syr emperour, I say to you that thadmyral ne fereth you ne your dedes, neyther god ne hys sayntes. I was wel happy that I escaped̛, For I haue been chaced̛ wyth xx thousand sarasyns. after that thadmyral wold haue had me, & after these wordes, I slewe one of theyr kynges." wherfore he was praysed of the kyng & other. And̛ anone they sowned̛ hornes and̛ trompettes, & was open warre on alle partes in thoost of Charles. Rolland̛ herde the sowne, and the voys of [sign. i viij, back, col. 2] the frensshe hoost, wherof he and al the barons were al reioyced & made good̛ chyere. whan the ij hoostes recountred, al the contrey sℏone of theyr armes, ther were so many of them. after, as I haue sayd̛ tofore, kyng charles made ten bataylles: In the fyrst, he ordeyned̛ Rychard̛ of Normandye; Duc Reyner of genes had̛ the second̛, Ganellon the thyrd̛, Alory the fourth, Geffroy the fyfthe, Machayre the vj, Hardre the seuenth, Amangius the viij, Sampson the ix, And̛ of the tenthe was conduytour charles the kyng̛. & in eche bataylle were x thousand̛ men of armes wel fyghtyng atte leste. Whan Ballant the admyral sawe the kyng̛ comyng̛, he sayd̛ to brullant, "who sℏal be the fyrst that sℏal entre in to bataylle with an hondred̛ thousand̛ paynyms;" & sayd that yf he took Charles, he sℏold not slee them ne fyerabras, for he wold after smyte of theyr heedes. & vpon thys poynte the warre was open, & Brullant began to goo a grete bowedrauȝt tofore the other, and̛ began to crye "haro! haro! where is charles themperour wyth ℏis euyl chere? loo! I come to the! thou hast enterprysed̛ a grete folye whan thou passest the see, & ouer late thou sℏalt repente the. On thys day

sℏal be the ende of thy lyf and̛ of thy subgettes lyf. And [sign. k j] wythoute faulte ["wythoute faulte:" Fr. sans faulte = without fail.] thou sℏalte be yolden to thadmyral, & alle thy contreye shal be destroyed̛." Themperour herde wel these wordes; wherfore alle in a furye he lete renne hys hors, & came ageynst the paynym, & attayned̛ hym in suche wyse that hys harnoys brake, and̛ after, he drewe hys swerde, and̛ neuer lefte hym tyl he was dede. fro thens with ℏis spere he came to a turke kynge of pyetrelee, and̛ smote hym in the breste that he fyl deed̛ to the erthe. and̛ whan his spere was broken, he dyd grete deuoyr with Ioyouse hys swerd; for hym that he attayned̛, dyd neuer hurte after. At that tyme he bare hym meruayllously, that one of the hoostes medled̛ eche wyth other in suche wyse that there was neuer seen warre so mortal, for they that were lyuyng were lette by them that were dede. Thenne emonge the paynyms there was a turke, named Tenebres, which cam makyng̛ grete bruyt vpon the frensshe men, and̛ attayned̛ fyrst the noble Iehan of pountayse vpon his shelde, and̛ brake it in pyeces, & smote hym thurgh the body that he fyl deed̛ to the erthe; and after drewe hys swerde, & put to deth huon, and̛ guernyer thauncyen, and after sayd to the frensshe men that on that day Charles and̛ hys subgettes had loste theyr myght. Rychard̛ of [sign. k j, col. 2] Normandye had despyte of hys wordes, & came ageynste hym, & attayned hym so daungerously that he brake his hawberke, and brake his sℏelde in quarters, & so smote hym, that he fyl doun deed wythout ony more reprochyng̛ & sayeng euyl wordes. & after, by force of strengthe they passed̛ the vale of Iosue, & came and̛ fonde thadmyral wyth alle hys puyssaunce, whyche was accompanyed̛ wyth iiij kynges crowned̛, & wyth an CM fyghtyng̛ men, as wel a horsback as a fote. Anone a messager came to the admyral, & tolde hym

how brullant his brother was dede, and̛ many in hys companye. Thenne he sente for tempest, hys neuewe, & for Sortybrant of conymbres, his moost specyal frendes, & said to them: "My barons and̛ trewe frendes, yf euer ye haue loued me, & haue entencion to do me playsyr, Doo so moche that ye fynde charles the kyng̛. For I wyl goo to hym, and haue concluded̛ in my self to fyght in my persone ayenst hys persone; & sythe I shal deye ones, it suffyseth me that I myght slee hym, & thenne sℏal I be contente to deye, yf I deye after. For I retche not yf I aduenge me or I deye." Sortybrant & many other, consyderyng̛ thastate of thadmyral, bygonnen to wepe for pyte in comfortyng̛ hym.

[sign. k j, back]

¶ How in thys bataylle folowyng', Sortybrant was slayne by Reyner, fader of Olyuer, and after how thadmyral dyd' meruaylles and' grete ennoye to the frensshe men: capitulo xiij

Ballant thadmyral rode vpon an hors, the beste rennyng of alle the contreye, ryght wel armed̛, and it was blacke as a more, & hym self was grete of body, well membred̛, & had̛ hys berde hangyng̛ to the sadel, whyche was whyte as snowe. & after dyd do sowne hys trompettes & hornes tassemble his hoost, & made the archers to goo byfore, whyche coude wel sℏote wyth bowes turquoys, & al furyously that one ayenst the other goo sℏote, and make mortal warre, so that the sℏotte flewe in thayer thycker than hayl. So moche people was there slayn that the wayes were empesshed & lette by dede bodyes. The Duke Reyner passed̛ thurgh forth, & the fyrst that he encountred was kyng Sortybrant, & gaf to hym a grete stroke without faynyng, that ℏys sℏelde auaylled̛ hym not; hys

hauberk al to-brake, so that he made his spere to plonge and̛ bayne in hys body soo depe, that he abode there deed̛ lyke a beest; & after, wyth hys swerde made so grete murdre & slaughter of the fals turkes, þat it was [sign. k j, back, col. 2] meruaylle. Anone the admyral knewe the deth of Sortybrant, wherof he was almoost oute of hys wytte in a rage, and̛ sythe sayd̛: "O Sortybrant, my special frende, I see wel now that I shal be auenged yf I venge not thy deth." with thyse wordes he maad̛ ℏis hors to renne vpon þ^e frenssℏ men so despytously that whome he attayned̛ he put to deth, and̛ came to huon of myllan, & slewe hym. thenne he dyd̛ grete dommage, and fought that tyme so strongely, that he put to deth wel seuen frensshe men & xiiij Normans moche valyantly, sayeng̛: ¶ "O ye vnhappy frensshe men, I shal now make you knowe that thadmyral of spayne is comen. in this day shal thoost of fraunce be destroyed, & sℏal neuer repayre home ageyn in to fraunce. I shal lede awaye with me the kynge Charles with his florisshed berd, & I sℏal do hange or brenne hym, & also with hym, Rolland & Olyuer, & their felowes." & with these wordes the paynems enhardyed̛ them in suche wyse þat they dyd̛ gretely theyr deuoyr ayenst the frensshe men. At this medle the counte ganellon, haldre, alory, & geffroy daulteuyle, & þat lygnage, dyd̛ gretely theyr deuoyr and̛ bare them wel. For in a sℏorte space by them were slayn moo than a M paynyms. Thadmyral, moost valyaunt of the sarasyns, [sign. k ij] attayned̛ the counte myllon by hys helme, that almoost he had̛ abyden in the place, and with a stroke thadmyral smote of hys hors hede that he fyl to the erthe. and̛ after he took hym, & layed̛ hym tofore hym, for to haue born hym awaye, but the lygnage of ganellon saued̛ hym, notwythstondyng̛ that many of theym were slayn and̛ dede. Neuertheles the frensshe men surmounted the

paynyms, and̛ that was by the ayde of fyerabras, which for loue of Charles dyd̛ fyght, and̛ made grete dyscomfyture of the sarasyns. for there he put to deth Tempeste, and̛ the olde Rubyon, and̛ moo than fyfty other of these mastyns myscreauntes. & he there bare hym in suche wyse that there was not one persone that durst come tofore hym to resyste hym.

¶ How the peres of Fraunce whyche were in the toure came oute whan they sawe the hoost, & how thadmyral was taken & holden prysonner: capitulo xiiij

The paynyms & frensshe men, alwaye perseueryng in mortal bataylle, coude not make thende, eche one of other, For the multytude of the paynyms was so grete that they myȝt not be dyscomfyted. Whan [sign. k ij, col. 2] the barons that were in the tour sawe the fayt, & that they that kepte the toure were goon to the socours and̛ crye of thadmyral, they sprange out, & eche took an hors of them þat were dede, which ranne at al aduenture; and eche also took his swerde in ℏis hond, & sodeynly cam vpon the sarasyns for to passe thurgh them to the frensshe hoost, & made so grete bruyt that the moost hardyest of the paynyms gaf them waye, & lete them passe, and̛ in especyal rolland, for where he smote with durandal, cam neuer after tofore ℏym. & at thys departyng̛ was derly recomanded guy of bourgoyn of florypes, for she had fere of hym. Neuertheles, whan they were assembled̛ wyth the other, wythoute letyng them to be knowen, went vpon the sarasyns, & helde them soo sℏort that anone they slewe them in suche wyse þat the other put them to flyght ["helde them soo short, &c.:" Fr. et les tindrent si de prez quelz ne sceurent que faire.] : for there was neuer larke fledde more ferfully tofore þ^e sperhawke than the sarasyns fledde tofore rolland̛. Thadmyral knewe wel

hys destructyon by the comyng̛ of the peres that were in þ^e toure, & cryed̛ wyth an hye voys: "mahon, my god, to whome I haue gyuen my self, and̛ haue doon to so moche honour, thou hast forgoten [orig. forygoten.] me! Remembre me now! ¶ For and euer I may gete the, I sℏal bete the bothe flankes, [sign. k ij, back] hede & vysage, and̛ also put out thyn eyen, fals recreaunt god̛ that thou art." he thus sayeng̛, he was so pursyewed̛ and smyton that he fyl doun vnder his hors, and was taken, and̛ not slayn, at the request of hys sone fyerabras, to thende that he sℏold be aduysed̛ to byleue in Ihesu cryst, & in the holy Trynyte, & bycome crysten, & al his contreye. Thenne the bataylle took an ende; and̛ he that wold̛ not be conuerted̛ was incontynent put to deth. Somme fledde, and somme were taken. Thenne after thys the Frensshe men wente & vnarmed them, & Charles sawe there hys barons whom he desyred so moche to see, & in especial his neuew rolland, & Olyuer, whom he loued so moche, & were so gretly valyaunt. It can not be sayd̛ ne expressed̛ the Ioye that was emonge them; & the consolacyon & reioycyng̛ of kyng̛ charles was Inestymable. Thenne they recounted alle thynges what were happend̛ to them, & of theyr daungers and̛ Ieopardyes whiche they had̛ escaped̛, & sorowes & lamentacions that they had endured̛, wherfore Charles and̛ many other wept for pyte. And̛ thys endured̛ many dayes, there where as the hurt men & seek were heeled̛, & they that were hole passed theyr tyme in deduyte, tryumphe, and̛ Ioye.

[sign. k ij, back, col. 2]

¶ How ballant, thadmyrall, for ony admonycyon that was shewed' to hym, wold not be baptysed, and how after, guy of bourgoyn espoused florypes, & was crowned

kyng, and she quene of that contreye: capitulo xv

Whan charles had al appeased, he took ballant the admyral tofore hys noblesse, & sayd to hym in this maner: "ballant, al creatures resonable owen to gyue synguler honour & pertyculer loue to hym that hath gyuen to them beyng̛, knowleche, & lyf, & it is wel requesyte & nedeful that he haue honour and̛ reuerence that hath made heuen and erthe, & al that therein enhabyteth. Wherfore by good ryght he is superyour and abouen al; And̛ a grete abusyon ["a grete abusyon:" Fr. grant abusion.] is comprysed̛ in hym which gyueth fayth and̛ hope in that whyche he hath made wyth hys hondes, & of mater dede, Insensyble, and̛ that hath neyther reson ne soule, as thy goddes dyabolyke, whyche may not ne can gyue consolacyon to theyr subgettes. Wherfore I warne the for the helthe of thy soule, and̛ for the preseruyng̛ of thy body & of thy goodes, that thou take awaye alle these Iniquytees and̛ peruerse affectyons, & byleue in the holy Trynyte, fader, sone, [sign. k iij] and̛ holy ghoost, one onely god almyghty; and̛ byleue that the sone of god̛, for to repayre thoffence of our formest fader adam, descended̛ in to thys world̛, and took humanyte in the wombe of the blessed̛ vyrgyn marie, whyche was al pure and̛ wythoute spotte. And̛ byleue in the artycles of the fayth, and̛ obeye and kepe hys comandementes, which he hath gyuen to vs for our helth. and̛ byleue how he was taken of the Iewes, and̛ by enuy hanged̛ on the crosse for to redeme vs fro the paynes of helle. Byleue hys resurrexyon and ascencyon in hys body gloryfyed, and the other thynges, as the holy baptesme whyche he hath establysshed̛, wyth the other sacramentes. & yf thou wylt thus byleue thou sℏalt be saued, & thou sℏalt neyther lose body ne goodes."

Thadmyral answerd̛ that he wold no thynge do so, and̛ sware that for deth ne for lyf he wold̛ not leue Mahon. Themperour holdyng̛ a naked swerd, sayd̛ to hym, that yf he forsoke not Mahon he sℏold do put ℏym to deth. Fyerabras, seyng̛ thys, kneled̛ doun to therthe, & prayed̛ hys fader to do as the emperour had̛ sayd̛. Thadmyral fered̛ the deth, & sayd that he was contente that the fonte sℏold be blessed̛. Charles was glad, and dyd do make redy a fonte wyth [sign. k iij, col. 2] fayr water in a fayr vessel; and the bysshop wyth other mynystres of the chyrche dyd̛ halowe the fonte, and made alle redy. & after, whan thadmyral was vncladde, the bysshop demaunded̛ hym, sayeng̛: "Syr ballant, forsake ye mahon, and crye ye mercy to god of heuen for your trespaces? and̛ byleue ye in Ihesu cryst, the sone of the vyrgyn marye?" whan thadmyral vnderstode these wordes, al hys body began to tremble. than, in despyte of Ihesus, he spytte in the fonte, and̛ caught the bysshoop, & wold haue drowned̛ hym in the fonte, and̛ had̛ plonged̛ hym therin, ne had not Ogyer haue been, whyche letted̛ hym, & yet notwythstondyng, he gaf a grete stroke to thadmyral, that the blood̛ came oute of ℏys mouthe habondantly. Of thys were al abasshed̛ that were present; and̛ thenne the kyng sayd to Fyerabras: "ye be my specyal frende, Ye see that your fader wyl neuer be crystened̛, And̛ also the oultrage that he hath doon to the fonte, it can not be excused̛ but that he must be dede and dysmembred̛."

¶ Fyerabras requyred̛ hym yet of a lytel pacyence, and̛ yf he wold not amende hym, that thenne he sℏold doo hys wylle.

¶ Florypes, the doughter of the Admyrall, seeyng̛ thys, sayd̛:

¶ "O Syr Emperour, wherfore [sign. k iij, back] delaye ye so moche to put thys deuyl to deth? I retche not though

he be put to deth, so that I onely may haue guye of bourgoyne to myn husbond̛, whom I haue so moche desyred." Fyerabras answerd̛: "fayr suster, ye haue grete wronge. For I ensure you, and̛ swere by god whiche hath made me, that I wold that I had lost two of my membres, on the condycyon that he were a good cristen man, & were baptysed̛ and̛ byleued̛ in Ihesu Cryst. ye wote wel that he is our fader whiche hath engendred̛ vs; we ought to honour hym, and̛ to loue hys helth. ye are wel obstynat whan ye haue of hym noo pyte." And̛ after in wepyng̛ sayd̛ to his fader: "O moost dyer fader, I praye you to be better aduysed, and byleue in hym that hath fourmed̛ you to hys ymage, whyche is Ihesus, god souerayn, lyke as themperour hath sayd̛; and leue mahon, which hath neither wytte ne reason, ne noo thyng̛ is but gold & stones, wherof he is composed̛. yf ye thus do, ye sℏal do to vs grete Ioye, & of your enemyes ye shal make frendes."

Ballant ansuerd: "fool & glouton that thou art, speke nomore to me therof, thou art al oute of reson! I shal neuer byleue in hym that deyed V. C. yere a-goon, & acursed be he that putteth in hys byleue that he is arysen fro deth [sign. k iij, back, col. 2] to lyf. by mahon, my god̛, yf I were on my hors back, or I were taken, I shold angre charles, that fool." whan fyerabras had al vnderstonden hym, he said to charles that he shold do wyth hym hys playsyr, "For by good̛ ryght he ought to deye." Anon themperour demanded who wold̛ slee ballant, the vnmesurable felon. Thenne Ogier was present which hated hym in his hert, & forthwyth he smote of hys heed̛, & Fyerabras pardonned hym gladly. Thenne after this, florypes sayd to Rolland̛ that he sℏold accomplysshe his promesses by-twene ℏyr and guy of bourgoyn. rolland ansuerd: "ye say trouth," and̛

after sayd to guye: ¶ "Syr, ye remembre wel what wordes and loue hath been bytwene you & the curtoys Florypes: kepe your trouth and promesse to hyr." Guy ansuerd̛ that he was redy to do al that themperour wold̛ haue hym to doo. Charles was contente. Thenne anone afore theym alle sℏe was despoyled̛, and̛ vnclad hyr for to be baptysed̛. She beyng there al naked̛, sℏewed̛ hyr beaute, whyche was ryght whyte and̛ wel formed̛, so playsaunt and̛ amerouse for the formosyte of hyr persone, that euery man merueylled̛. ¶ For she had̛ hyr eyen as clere as two sterres, a fayre forhede and̛ large, hyr nose ryght wel stondyng in [sign. k iiij] the myddes of the vysage; hyr chekes were reed & whyt medled̛, hyr browes compaced̛ as it had̛ been a lytel sℏadowe to the colour of the vysage; hyr heyr sℏynyng as golde, & that in soo good an ordre accumyled that it henge bynethe hyr [orig. kuees.] knees; hyr mouth was wel composed̛ with an attemperat roundenes, a smal longe necke, and hyr sℏoldres fayr & wel syttyng, & ij pappes tofore, smale, rounde, & somwhat enhaunced lyke ij rounde apples. And̛ so wel was sℏe made, and so amerouse, that sℏe smote the hertes of many, and̛ enflammed̛ theyr entencyon wyth concupyscence, and̛ specyally of charles the Emperour, how wel that he was auncyen & olde; and in the fonte whyche was ordeyned̛ for the Admyral hyr fader, sℏe was baptysed̛. And̛ charles & Duc thyery of ardayne were her godfaders, wythout chaunchyng hyr name. And̛ anone after, whan sℏe was honourably cladde, the bysshop wedded̛ them, & after, themperour comanded to brynge forth the crowne of ballant, and̛ crowned̛ wyth-al guy of bourgoyn and̛ Florypes. And̛ the bysshop sacred and blessed them. And so tho said guy was kyng of that contreye, & gaf a partye to Fyerabras, by condycion, that yf Fyerabras wold̛ haue it, he sℏold̛ holde it of guye, and̛ all [sign. k iiij, col. 2] that

euer [orig. ener.] guye sℏold̛ haue, he sℏold̛ holde it of charles. After thys, the feest of the weddyng̛ and̛ espousaylles endured̛ viij dayes. And charles abode there two monethes and̛ two dayes, tyl that the contreye was wel assured̛.

¶ How Florypes delyuerd the reliques to themperour, and how they were proued' by myracle, & of the retournyng' of Charles, and of the ende of thys book. capitulo xvj

Charles dyd suche dylygence in aygremore and̛ in the contreye adiacent, that he that wold̛ not be baptysed was put to deth, and̛ so serched̛ oueral. And̛ on a sonday after masse he sente for florypes, and̛ sayd̛ to ℏyr: "fayr doughter, ye knowe how I haue crowned̛ you and̛ maad̛ you quene of thys contree. I haue accomplysshed̛ your desyre as to guye of bourgoyn, your husbond̛, And̛ more ouer ye be baptysed̛, and in waye of sauacyon, and ye haue one of the valyauntest body that is from hens in to Affryque. ¶ And̛ he and̛ fyerabras your broder sℏal haue thys regyon, And̛ I shal leue with hym xx M of my subgetes, to the ende that the paynyms be alwaye in drede; but ye haue not yet shewed [sign. k iiij, back] to me nothyng̛ of the holy relyques that ye kepe." Florypes answerd̛: "Syr emperour, they sℏal be redy whan it pleseth you," and thenne sℏe brouȝt forth the chest in whyche they were honestly.

¶ Themperour kneled̛ doun on bothe ℏys knees, and̛ enclyned bothe wyth hert & body, and bad the bysshop to opene it, & sℏewe them, and so he dyd̛. And fyrst he sℏewed̛ the precyous crowne with whyche Ihesu Cryst was crowned̛ wyth, whyche was of pryckyng

thornes & of Ionques of the see. and wyth grete deuocyon it was sℏewed̛ & adoured̛. And̛ many there wepte & wayled̛ the deth of our lord̛ Ihesu Cryst, and̛ were in grete deuocyon & contemplacyon. The byssℏop, which was deuoute & wyse, wold̛ preue it, And lyfte it vp on ℏye in the ayer, & wythdrewe hys hond, and the crowne abode by itself in the ayer. & thenne the bysshop certefyed to the [orig. peyle.] peple that was present, that it was the crowne of Ihesu cryst, which he had̛ on his hede in the tyme of his passyon. Thenne euery man honoured̛ it deuoutely; & it had̛ soo grete an odour that eueryche meruaylled̛. and after, the bysshop took the naylles by whyche god̛ had̛ hys handes [orig. haudes.] & feet perced̛, and̛ preued them as he had̛ proued̛ the crowne tofore, and semblably they abode [sign. k iiij, back, col. 2] in the ayer myraculously. And̛ Charles, seyng̛ al this, thanked humbly God̛ in sayeng̛: ¶ "O lord̛ god̛ eternal, whyche hast gyuen to me grace that I haue surmounted̛ myn enemyes Infydels, and̛ hast put & sette me in the waye, and gyuen conduyte to fynde your relyques whyche I haue so longe desyred, I humbly rendre and gyue to you thankes and̛ praysynges. For now my contrey may wel say that it shal be perpetuel honour to hit to possede and haue thys precious tresour, whan it sℏal be conteyned̛ therin." The bysshop blessyd̛ alle the people there in makyng̛ the sygne of the crosse with the said relyques, & after he sette them deuoutely ageyn in their places. And̛ the emperour dyd̛ do sette them on a ryche cloth of golde deuoutely. And̛ whan they were theron, the remenaunt that abode of them as smale pyeces, he took them deuoutely and̛ put them in hys gloue; and̛ after, he beyng̛ in purpoos to retorne in to hys contreye, he threwe the gloue to a knyght, but the knyght took none hede & took it not; & whan Charles was a litel withdrawen he took hede of hys gloue, &

retorned̛ and̛ sawe hys gloue,—in whyche the said smale pyeces of the sayd̛ relyques were,—abode hangyng̛ in thayer without susteynyng of ony thynge. Thenne [sign. k v] was this myracle seen euydently, and̛ al thys was sℏewed to the peple, For it abode in that maner whyles they myght haue goon half a leghe. And by this they were al reconfermed̛ to say that there was none abusyon in byleuyng̛ & adouryng the sayd̛ relyques. ["that there was non abusyon, &c.:" Fr. quil ny auoit point dabusion en croire et adorer les distes reliques.] And̛ these thynges tofore writon in this second book ben vnderstonden in the best partye & sygnyfycacion that I can or wold̛ say, And̛ I haue not sayd̛ ony thyng but that I haue been wel enformed̛ by writyng̛. And as for the book ensuyng, it sℏal make mencion of somme bataylles, and̛ of the ende of the barons of fraunce, of whome I haue tofore spoken al alonge.