Roland will not Blow his Horn
Project Gutenberg EPUB3 edition
Ebbutt, M. I. (Maud Isabel)
“‘Comrade Roland, sound your war-horn, Your great Olifant, far-sounding: Charles will hear it and return here.’ ‘Cowardice were that,’ quoth Roland; ‘In fair France my fame were tarnished. No, these Pagans all shall perish When I brandish Durendala.’
“‘Comrade Roland, sound your war-horn: Charles will hear it and return here.’ ‘God forbid it,’ Roland answered, ‘That it e’er be sung by minstrels I was asking help in battle From my King against these Pagans. I will ne’er do such dishonour To my kinsmen and my nation. No, these heathen all shall perish When I brandish Durendala.’
“‘Comrade Roland, sound your war-horn Charles will hear it and return here. See how countless are the heathen And how small our Frankish troop is!’ ‘God forbid it,’ answered Roland, ‘That our fair France be dishonoured Or by me or by my comrades— Death we choose, but not dishonour!’”
Roland was a valiant hero, but Oliver had prudence as well as valour, and his advice was that of a good and careful general. Now he spoke reproachfully.