Hero-Myths & Legends of the British Race

“‘Not thus will you overcome him; Leave this folly, turn to wisdom. Give the Emperor so much treasure That the Franks will be astounded. Send him, too, the promised pledges, Sons of all your noblest vassals. To fair France will Charles march homeward, Leaving (as I will contrive it) Haughty Roland in the rearguard. Oliver, the bold and courteous, Will be with him: slay those heroes, And King Charles will fall for ever!’ ‘Fair Sir Ganelon,’ quoth Marsile, ‘How must I entrap Count Roland?’ ‘When King Charles is in the mountains He will leave behind his rearguard Under Oliver and Roland. Send against them half your army: Roland and the Peers will conquer, But be wearied with the struggle— Then bring on your untired warriors. France will lose this second battle, And when Roland dies, the Emperor Has no right hand for his conflicts— Farewell all the Frankish greatness! Ne’er again can Charles assemble Such a mighty host for conquest, And you will have peace henceforward!’”