Hero-Myths & Legends of the British Race

Marsile’s anger was so great at this insulting message that he sprang to his feet, and would have slain Ganelon with his gold-adorned javelin; but he, seeing this, half drew his sword, saying:

“‘Sword, how fair and bright thou art! Come thou forth and view the light. Long as I can wield thee here Charles my Emperor shall not say That I die alone, unwept. Ere I fall Spain’s noblest blood Shall be shed to pay my death.’”