Excerpt from the Song of Roland (11th century)

Note: Oliver and Roland (Rollanz) are knights in the service of Charlemagne (9th century). They were leaders of Charlemagne's army as it withdrew from Spain after an unsuccessful campaign against the Muslim kingdom in Spain. This poem was written centuries later, and elaborates the story of their gallant stand as a model of chivalry. The olifant is the horn Oliver wants Roland to blow to get help from the main part of Charlemagne's army.

XXX

Oliver mounts upon a lofty peak,

Looks to his right along the valley green,

The pagan tribes approaching there appear;

He calls Rollanz, his companion, to see:

"What sound is this, come out of Spain, we hear,

What hauberks bright, what helmets these that gleam?

They'll smite our Franks with fury past belief,

He knew it, Guenes, the traitor and the thief,

Who chose us out before the King our chief."

Answers the count Rollanz: "Olivier, cease.

That man is my good-father; hold thy peace."

LXXXI

Upon a peak is Oliver mounted,

Kingdom of Spain he sees before him spread,

And Sarrazins, so many gathered.

Their helmets gleam, with gold are jewelled,

Also their shields, their hauberks orfreyed,

Also their swords, ensigns on spears fixed.

Rank beyond rank could not be numbered,

So many there, no measure could he set.

In his own heart he's sore astonished,

Fast as he could, down from the peak hath sped

Comes to the Franks, to them his tale hath said.

LXXXII

Says Oliver: "Pagans from there I saw;

Never on earth did any man see more.

Gainst us their shields an hundred thousand bore,

That laced helms and shining hauberks wore;

And, bolt upright, their bright brown spearheads shone.

Battle we'll have as never was before.

Lords of the Franks, God keep you in valour!

So hold your ground, we be not overborne!"

Then say the Franks "Shame take him that goes off:

If we must die, then perish one and all."

LXXXIII

Says Oliver: "Pagans in force abound,

While of us Franks but very few I count;

Comrade Rollanz, your horn I pray you sound!

If Charles hear, he'll turn his armies round."

Answers Rollanz: "A fool I should be found;

In France the Douce would perish my renown.

With Durendal I'll lay on thick and stout,

In blood the blade, to its golden hilt, I'll drown.

Felon pagans to th' pass shall not come down;

I pledge you now, to death they all are bound.

LXXXIV

"Comrade Rollanz, sound the olifant, I pray;

If Charles hear, the host he'll turn again;

Will succour us our King and baronage."

Answers Rollanz: "Never, by God, I say,

For my misdeed shall kinsmen hear the blame,

Nor France the Douce fall into evil fame!

Rather stout blows with Durendal I'll lay,

With my good sword that by my side doth sway;

Till bloodied o'er you shall behold the blade.

Felon pagans are gathered to their shame;

I pledge you now, to death they're doomed to-day."

LXXXV

"Comrade Rollanz, once sound your olifant!

If Charles hear, where in the pass he stands,

I pledge you now, they'll turn again, the Franks."

"Never, by God," then answers him Rollanz,

"Shall it be said by any living man,

That for pagans I took my horn in hand!

Never by me shall men reproach my clan.

When I am come into the battle grand,

And blows lay on, by hundred, by thousand,

Of Durendal bloodied you'll see the brand.

Franks are good men; like vassals brave they'll stand;

Nay, Spanish men from death have no warrant."