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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44428 ***
+
+THE DAYS OF CHIVALRY
+
+OR THE LEGEND OF CROQUEMITAINE
+
+By Ernest Louis Victor Jules L’Epine
+
+
+FREELY TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH OF L’EPINE BY TOM HOOD.
+
+ILLUSTRATED WITH 177 DESIGNS ON WOOD
+
+BY GUSTAVE DORÉ.
+
+[Illustration: 008]
+
+[Illustration: 009]
+
+[Illustration: 013]
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+IN translating L’Epine’s charming legend, I have felt it my duty to
+adhere as closely as possible to the text. “Adaptations” and “versions,”
+ whether presented on the stage or set down in black and white, seem to
+claim for those, who give them in English, a greater share of the
+glory than I feel myself to deserve, in the slightest degree, in
+this instance. The delicacy with which the moral is interwoven in the
+narrative, without in the least injuring the true legendary tone of the
+adventures related, is as far beyond any improvement I could make, as
+it is above the usual clap-trap “tag” with which dramas and children’s
+stories are ordinarily burdened.
+
+I scarcely know to whom I should appeal as my readers, for the story I
+have delighted in rendering into English seems to me likely to afford
+pleasure in the perusal to older heads than those which I am sure would
+gather over the pages in the nursery. For there are a quiet humour and
+a delicate fancy running through the legend, amid all the exciting
+accounts of loves and wars, tourneys and battles, accidents and
+adventures, which do not lose interest because they are illustrated by
+the powerful pencil of Gustave Doré. That great artist’s fancy supplies
+these introductory lines with a tail-piece, which aptly typifies the
+book. Its author has ably made the doings of knights and paladins point
+a useful moral as well as adorn an interesting tale, just as the artist
+makes the arms of the chivalric age serve to frighten the birds from the
+fields that supply our humble daily bread.
+
+[Illustration: 014]
+
+
+
+
+BOOK THE FIRST -- THE TOURNEY AT FRONSAC -- A.D. 769.
+
+[Illustration: 017]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I. CHARLEMAGNE.
+
+THE story which I am about to relate happened (if it ever did happen)
+in the time of the famous Emperor Charlemagne. There is no necessity,
+in speaking of that remarkable epoch, to invent facts. The truth is so
+astounding that it will make you open your eyes quite wide enough. What
+marvellous doings of fairies, ogres, or demons, can compare with the
+deeds of Charlemagne? and what magic ring could be as potent as his
+sword?
+
+But before I proceed further it will be as well to sketch for you, in a
+few lines, the portrait of this hero.
+
+He was eight feet in height, according to the measurement of his own
+feet, which historians allege with fervour were of remarkable length.
+His eyes were large and piercing. When he was enraged you could almost
+have fancied they flashed fire. His face was broad and ruddy, his hair
+brown, and he wore a beard that was innocent of the barber’s shears.
+Although he measured eight feet round the middle, his figure was
+wellproportioned. He devoured with ease at one repast a quarter of
+mutton, or a goose, or a ham, or a peacock. He was moderate in the
+matter of wine, which he used to take with water. His strength was so
+enormous that it was mere child’s play to him to straighten with his
+naked hands three horse-shoes at a time. He could lift at arm’s length,
+on the palm of his hand, a knight in full armour; and lie could cleave
+in twain, with one blow of his sword, a horseman in panoply of war--aye,
+and his horse into the bargain. This was mere sport to him, and often,
+with a charming complaisance which was peculiarly his own, he would take
+pleasure in thus giving those about him an ocular demonstration of his
+superhuman strength.
+
+His anger was as terrible as the thunder, for it was as ready to burst
+forth and to strike.
+
+He carves out a kingdom, with the compassion of a Titus, the sound
+judgment of a Solomon, the piety of a Joseph, the magnificence of a
+Sardanapalus, and the wisdom of an Æsop, he united two qualities more
+rare than all these put together? when he spoke he meant what he said,
+and when others spoke to him he took time for reflection, in order to
+make sure that he thoroughly understood their meaning.
+
+The dominion which his father bequeathed him did not suit the largeness
+of his views, so he carved out for himself a kingdom which was more in
+harmony with his gigantic instincts.
+
+[Illustration: 018]
+
+Born in 742, and raised to the throne in 768, he had in 770 already
+made conquest of Aquitaine and Lombardy. Four years after Germany was
+subjugated by him. He made fifty-three military expeditions, and he
+began the ninth century by having himself crowned Emperor of the West by
+Pope Leo the Third. He was a generous dispenser of crowns, and gave
+away principalities and duchies as freely as now-a-days we give away
+recorderships. Pie had two capitals in his dominions: the one was Rome,
+the other was Aix-la-Chapelle. He promulgated the code of laws known as
+Capitularies. He defended religion, spread the Gospel, encouraged the
+fine arts, and introduced into his cathedrals organs which he imported
+from Lombardy. Surrounded by mighty minds, whose efforts he stimulated,
+and whose labours he shared, he founded many schools and
+universities. He died in 814, after three-and-forty years of sovereign
+power--three-and-forty years of victories and wonders.
+
+Really, my dear readers, if you are not satisfied with Charlemagne for a
+hero, you must be very difficult to please!
+
+[Illustration: 019]
+
+[Illustration: 020]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II. WHICH THE AUTHOR CONGRATULATES HIMSELF ON NOT HAVING TO
+READ.
+
+I SHOULD be extremely sorry to weary you, my dear readers; in fact,
+I should be wretched if you were to look on this volume as serious
+reading, and yet I am compelled to sum up in a few words the great
+events which agitated France at the time my story commences. However,
+put a bold face on it, and bolt this chapter without taking breath, as
+you would swallow any peculiarly nauseous draught.
+
+After the death of Pepin the Short, in 768, his two sons, Carloman and
+Charlemagne, divided his kingdom. Carloman, who was the elder, took
+Burgundy, Provence, Septimania, and the chief part of Neustria. His
+coronation took place on the 9th October, 768, at Laon. Charlemagne had
+part of Neustria, Bavaria, and Thuringia. He was crowned at Soissons
+on the same day as Carloman. Aquitaine was also shared between the
+brothers. You are probably aware that Pepin the Short was the founder
+of the second line of French kings. The first line, that of the
+Merovingians, was not, however, extinct when he came to the throne, for
+the Dukes of Aquitaine were of Merovingian descent. They sprang from
+Caribert, King of Toulouse, the son of Clotaire the Second. Eudes, who
+shares with Charles Martel the glory of having conquered the Saracens in
+the sanguinary battle of Poitiers, in 732, was also of this family.
+
+Hunald, the son of Eudes, had, at the time of Pepin’s death, lived
+five-and-twenty years in the convent to which that monarch had consigned
+him. Now, the Merovingian Dukes of Aquitaine had a fierce hatred of the
+Carlovingian Kings of France, and accordingly, as soon as Hunald heard
+of the accession of Carloman and Charlemagne, he quitted the monastery,
+took up arms, and proclaimed the independence of Aquitaine.
+
+[Illustration: 021]
+
+The two newly-crowned kings had reason to be alarmed at an outbreak like
+this, for, unless put down at the outset, it might arouse and encourage
+the pretensions of the descendants of Clovis with regard to Neustria.
+Charlemagne summoned a Parliament, to which he invited his brother. They
+both came to it, attended by their ecclesiastics and nobles, and war was
+decided upon.
+
+The two kings crossed the Loire together; but Carloman, who, if one
+may judge from the chronicles of the period, was of an un-amiable
+disposition, had such quarrels with his brother about the partition of
+their inheritance, that it was even feared they would come to blows.
+They therefore determined to part company. Carloman returned to Laon,
+and Charlemagne prosecuted the enterprise alone. He overran Aquitaine
+without meeting any resistance, as Charles Martel had done before him.
+Hunald, a fugitive, and hard pressed, found himself obliged to seek
+shelter with his nephew Wolf, Duke of Gascony. Wolf! When was a name in
+a fairy tale bestowed with more propriety? This Wolf was most deservedly
+called so, as you will see. As soon as Charlemagne discovered where his
+enemy had found an asylum, he dispatched some of his foremost knights
+to the Duke of Gascony, commanding him to deliver up the fugitive, and
+threatening, if he refused, to enter his duchy and lay it waste.
+
+[Illustration: 022]
+
+In those days, my dear readers, travelling was not quite so expeditious
+as it ‘s now! so Charlemagne, foreseeing he would have to wait some
+months, established his camp on the borders of the forest. In the next
+place, in order to put the time of his stay to profitable use, and to
+give employment to his troops, about five leagues from Bordeaux he had a
+strong fortress which was called Fronsac, or rather Fransiac, the castle
+of the Franks. The building of the castle was hardly completed when the
+by Wolf of Gascony, who did not in the least scruple to deliver up to
+Charlemagne, as a proof of his fealty, Hunald and his family, who had
+claimed shelter of him.
+
+The insurrection having been thus deprived of its leader, Aquitaine
+submitted to Charlemagne.
+
+[Illustration: 022]
+
+[Illustration: 023]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III. CHARLEMAGNE’S CORTEGE.
+
+CHARLEMAGNE determined to celebrate the fortunate issue of his campaign.
+Jousts and tourneys were organised, and heralds were sent out far
+and wide; and before long knights began to pour in from the various
+provinces: some to show their courage and exercise their strength and
+skill, others in the hope of enriching themselves with the spoils of
+their vanquished adversaries.
+
+The spot chosen for the tournament was an extent of velvet sward
+situated at the edge of a forest of oaks that were five hundred years
+old. A semi-circle of low hills formed a sort of amphitheatre, in the
+centre of which a vast area, reserved for the combatants, was surrounded
+with palisades. There were two entrances to the lists--one on the north,
+the other on the south--each wide enough to admit of the passage of six
+knights on horseback abreast. Two heralds and six pursuivants had charge
+of each of these entries. Small detachments were scattered about here
+and there to maintain order--no easy task, for the inhabitants of the
+surrounding country, with their wives, had assembled from all quarters
+alongside of the camp. On them it was difficult to impress a due
+observance of discipline, and the unmanageable came in for showers of
+blows that were not laid on less heavily because it was a conquered
+country.
+
+On a level space not far from the northern gate were raised twelve
+gorgeous pavilions, reserved for the twelve principal French champions
+who held the lists. Pennons with their colours, and those of their
+lady-loves, fluttering in the wind, waved in the sunlight like flying
+serpents. Each knight had his shield suspended before his tent, under
+the charge of a squire.
+
+Further off, less costly tents served as lodgings for numerous warriors,
+who were drawn together either by friendship or want of means. This
+community formed a quaint sort of town, which had, as it were,
+suburbs consisting of stable-sheds, and huts of all sorts, occupied
+by armourers, farriers, surgeons, and artisans, whose presence on such
+occasions was indispensable. Merchants at these times were exempted from
+all tolls and taxes, and accordingly the Jews had come to sell Venetian
+trinkets and Oriental perfumes to the ladies; the Bretons brought their
+honey for sale, and the Provencals displayed their clear olive oil; and
+amid all these good things were to be seen, rambling about at random,
+jugglers, troubadours, minstrels, and all other classes of poor
+Bohemians, whose wits are sharp if their purses are scant. On the
+borders of the wood was erected a pavilion more magnificent than all the
+others--it was that of Charlemagne; it was of cloth of gold, with purple
+stripes, powdered with gold eagles, and it was so bright that one would
+have needed the eye of an eagle to support its lustre for an instant.
+All about it were knights, squires, lackeys, and pages, coming and going
+as thickly as bees in a hive around their queen. On either side of the
+royal tent, and all along the edge of the forest, were erected seats
+for the spectators of rank, who promised to be numerous. They flocked-in
+every hour in crowds, so delighted were they with spectacles of
+this description, and, above all, so desirous were they of beholding
+Charlemagne, whose name had already begun to resound through Europe. The
+royal box, more lofty than the others, and more richly decorated, was a
+little in front of the tent. Charlemagne had ordained that the Queen of
+Beauty should share this with him, in order that she might be surrounded
+by the most valiant knights and the most lovely ladies. The two retinues
+attended on her amid incessant peals of mirth and merriment.
+
+Finally, my dear readers, to finish the picture, figure to yourselves,
+situated half-way between the lists and the forest, and surmounted by
+a huge iron cross, a Gothic chapel, in which, each morning, Turpin, the
+good and gallant Bishop of Rheims, officiated as priest in the presence
+of the kneeling multitude.
+
+[Illustration: 025]
+
+At length the day of the tournament arrived. There had been many jousts
+before, but never had there been one of equal magnificence. From the
+earliest dawn the places were all occupied. Even the old trees were as
+thickly loaded with curious spectators as a plum-tree in August; and the
+good folks were right to crowd so, for had they lived their lives six
+times over, they would never have seen anything equal to the sight
+again, it was absolutely necessary for the soldiers to lay about
+with their pike-staves, in order to calm the eager ardour of the most
+enthusiastic; but nobody took any notice of thumps that, under any other
+circumstances, would have been received with an ill grace.
+
+All of a sudden a flourish of trumpets made the air resound. A
+glittering advanced-guard entered the enclosure and took up their
+position, and then Charlemagne entered the arena at the head of a
+numerous escort of knights and nobles, and of ecclesiastics in rich
+vestments. Enthusiasm knew no bounds. “Montjoie! Montjoie!” resounded
+on every side. Charlemagne, who later in life affected the greatest
+simplicity in dress, had assumed for this great occasion the most
+brilliant attire. His shirt was of fine linen, its border enriched
+with gold embroidery. His tunic was of silk, plated with gold, and was
+covered with precious stones of surpassing brightness--emeralds, rubies,
+and topaz. His armlets and girdle were chased with the most exquisite
+art, and his alms-pouch, which hung at his side, was besprinkled with
+pearls and gems enough to dazzle a blind man. His brow was bound with
+a glittering diadem. His whole figure shone with an unaccustomed
+splendour, and he greatly surpassed in magnificence the grandest of
+his dukes, counts, or barons. His steed, covered with gold and rich
+trappings, seemed proud of the burthen it carried.
+
+The Queen Himiltrude, a Frank by birth, advanced in the midst of her
+attendants. Her neck was tinged with a delicate rose, like that of a
+Roman matron in former ages. Her locks were bound about her temples
+with gold and purple bands; her robe was looped up with ruby clasps. Her
+coronet and her purple robes gave her an air of surpassing majesty. She
+was a worthy queen of Charlemagne. But if the queen surpassed all other
+women in nobleness of mien, Aude, the niece of Gerard of Vienne, and
+sister of Oliver the Brave, surpassed her as much by her beauty, her
+grace, and her attractiveness. She wore a light crown, embossed with
+jewels of all colours. Her hair was fair, falling naturally into
+becoming curls; her eyes were blue as the sea of the south; her
+complexion was pink, like the heart of a white rose; and her hands were
+marvellously small. As she passed Roland, she turned slightly pale. If
+she had been less lovely, I should have said more about her rich attire;
+but what is the use, since nobody notices it? The queen must have been
+very strong-minded, to retain so charming a lady of honour about her
+person. On seeing the beautiful Aude, every one said, “There, or I’ll
+die for it, is the Queen of Beauty!”
+
+Aude had near her her sister Mita, fair as herself, but slightly browned
+by the Spanish sun under which she had been brought up. Two black eyes,
+full lips, a finely-cut and regular nose, hair hanging down entwined
+with long strings of threaded pearls and diamonds--there you have her
+portrait in a few words.
+
+Her bodice was covered with small pearls; yu might have called it a
+pearl corslet. Indeed, those who saw her pass, admiring her martial
+bearing and her rich breastplate, gave her the nickname of “the little
+knight in pearl.”
+
+After Aude and her sister came a bevy of beautiful young girls, but the
+people hardly cared to look at them.
+
+[Illustration: 027]
+
+At last came the peers and barons, clad in their most splendid armour.
+What a clash of gold, iron, and steel! How many swords that had won
+renown! Every one of these puissant arms was worth ten ordinary knights
+in the tourney-ground--in battle worth a thousand!
+
+It is difficult to explain the agility displayed by these men under such
+a formidable weight of armour. An ox in these days could scarcely carry
+one of them. The helmet alone weighed a hundred and twenty-five pounds.
+They handled like playthings swords which we can hardly lift. “At the
+battle of Hastings,” says Robert Wace, “Taillefer threw his up, and
+caught it as if it had been a light stick.” The horses were as powerful
+as the men. Reared in the rich pastures of the Rhine borders or Bavaria,
+high-standing and big-chested, they often took part in the contest,
+tearing with their splendid teeth the enemies of their masters. As soon
+as they were broken they were clad in iron, to protect them against
+javelins, spears, and swords.
+
+[Illustration: 031]
+
+Last of all appeared Roland, Count of Mans and Knight of Blaives, son
+of Duke Milo of Aiglant, and of Bertha, the sister of Charlemagne. You
+would have taken him for a statue of iron and marble. His right hand
+brandished a spear that in these days would serve for the mast of a
+frigate; his left reposed on his faithful sword Durandal. I know of no
+one to whom to compare him but the Archangel Michael. His air is at once
+terrible and tender: should one love him or fear him? He is of such a
+majestic, awe-inspiring presence, that one can hardly be astonished at
+any wonders he performs. He appears to belong to a race that is more
+than human, and you would hardly be surprised were he to drag a star
+from its sphere or seize a comet by the beard. He is of the same
+height as Charlemagne, but more imposing in figure and gait. His open
+countenance invites confidence and inspires respect. When Roland gives
+a man his hand, the lucky fellow, who is thus honoured as with a royal
+favour, feels, in the pride of having achieved such a distinction, a
+greater confidence in his own worth. Roland is mounted on Veillantif,
+the only horse in the world worthy of such a rider.
+
+Close at hand is Oliver, Count of Genes, the brother of the beautiful
+Aude. He is hardly second to Roland in strength, in agility, and in
+appearance. At his side gleams Haute-Claire, and he is mounted on
+Ferrant d’Espagne, a steed that darts straight towards the foe like an
+arrow. Then follow Duke Oger, Richard of Normandy, Thibault of Rheims,
+Guy of Burgundy, Ogier the Dane, Duke Naimes of Bavaria, Girard of
+Montdidier, Bernard, the uncle of Charlemagne; Miton of Rennes, the
+friend of Roland; William of Orange, with the short nose, whose name
+made evil-doers tremble (as you have trembled, little people, at the
+name of Bogey!); besides a thousand others, not forgetting Turpin, the
+good Archbishop of Rheims, so learned in the council-hall, so pious
+in the cathedral, so brave on the field of battle. Turpin was armed
+in warlike fashion; his rosary and his mace hung side by side; in the
+handle of the latter was enclosed a precious relic, a bone of St. Clet.
+He could not wield a sword, for his religion forbade him to shed blood;
+but it is a fact that his mace weighed a hundred and fifty pounds.
+
+Near Charlemagne was to be seen Wolf, Duke of Gascony--Wolf, who sold
+his guest and his family--Wolf, who was without a rival in treachery,
+except Ganelon. Oh, how you will hate the pair of them, my friends,
+if you read my story to the end! Wolf was chiefly noticeable for his
+armour, which was of browned steel, damasked with silver, and which he
+had purchased of the Saracens in Spain. He is more terrible in peace
+than in war, and his favourite weapon is the gallows. He was less feared
+by his enemies than by his subjects, and would sooner knock a man down
+with a blow of his fist than say, “Thank you.” He was noted for his
+ingenuity in matters of torture, and has the credit of being the
+originator of the plan of tying wetted ropes round the temples of his
+prisoners to make their eyeballs start out of their sockets. It was he,
+too, who had them sewed up in freshly-stript bulls’ hides, and exposed
+to the sun until the hides in shrinking broke their bones. But what is
+the most awful to tell is that no one had ever seen him in a rage. He
+was cruel in cold blood from inclination and appetite. The smell of
+blood delighted him more than frankincense or verbena. Charlemagne
+hardly spoke to him, and it was with difficulty that he could prevent
+his dislike of him from appearing.
+
+Count Ganelon, of Mayence, was not quite so base a savage. At all
+events, his bravery was unquestionable; he could be a useful councillor,
+and if the envy with which Roland inspired him had not driven him to
+evil deeds, he might have been one of the foremost of Charlemagne’s
+followers. A lover of solitude, a taciturn and even savage man, an
+irreligious unbeliever in all noble sentiments--such was Ganelon in
+moral disposition. Need I say he had no friends? In height he was hardly
+six feet and a half, and he wished all those who were taller than he
+was, even by the breadth of a line, were of his height. His eyes glared
+from beneath the shadow of his fiery locks, like those of a savage
+hound. He loved gold only to hoard it, and affected great poverty.
+You would have thought him one of Attila’s Huns rather than one of the
+paladins of Charlemagne’s court. Ganelon could not forgive Roland for
+having rendered him a service on several occasions. The superiority of
+Charlemagne’s nephew drove him mad. This may, perhaps, surprise some,
+of the younger of my readers, but it is too true that to evil minds
+gratitude is displeasing and troublesome. But I had better make you
+acquainted with the particular grievances of the Count of Mayence.
+
+[Illustration: 033]
+
+[Illustration: 034]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV. HOW GANELON, COUNT OF MAYENCE, WAS NEARLY SMOKED IN THE
+COMPANY OF TWO HOGS, AND WHAT FOLLOWED THEREAFTER.
+
+GANELON’S castle was situated on the loftiest peak of the Hartz
+Mountains, the Blocksberg. There, in the midst of the Hercynian forest,
+which cannot be less than twenty-four leagues in length by ten in
+breadth, towered the eyrie of this vulture. One road, and only one,
+traversed this vast extent of forest, but Ganelon took care that it
+should always be in good repair; it was a courtesy which he felt was due
+from him to the travellers he despoiled.
+
+[Illustration: 035]
+
+The count had gathered round him a collection of the best assorted
+ruffians of every country; Saxons, Danes, Lombards, Jews, and Saracens,
+lent him a hand to forward the interests of the Evil One. One morning he
+called them all together, and said to them---
+
+“I have pleasant news for you. We have the opportunity of playing a
+pretty trick on some Saxon traders. I have just been informed that a
+caravan, consisting of thirty mules, laden with treasure, and conveyed
+by a small escort, is about to cross the Hartz Mountains this morning,
+to attend the fair of St. Denis. I have conceived the design of
+protecting French commerce, and putting a stop to the opposition which
+is meditated against it. Under the protection of our patron saints, the
+two thieves, we will make ourselves masters of this venture.”
+
+Ganelon and his rascals placed themselves in ambush along the border of
+the forest, and before long saw a thick cloud of dust rising along the
+road in the distance.
+
+“Here,” cried they, “beyond a doubt, are those we are waiting for. Let
+us save them three-quarters of their journey;” and they rushed forward,
+sword in hand. The two opposing storms of dust approached each other,
+and from the further came the cry, “i’ what are you doing? You’ll
+destroy the beasts!”
+
+Ganelon and his men had charged into the midst of an army of porkers,
+driven by Westphalian swineherds.
+
+[Illustration: 037]
+
+The surprise of the assailants was so great that it allowed the
+swineherds time to form in a body and draw their knives; and those
+weapons were not to be sneered at, readers mine, for they were those
+which butchers use for quartering and cutting up carcases.
+
+Ganelon remained for a moment undecided. That hesitation was fatal. The
+Jews and Saracens, to whom pork is a forbidden dish, did not think it
+worth while to press matters further. They accordingly retreated, taking
+with them several of their fellows, who thought their chief would retire
+into ambuscade again. But a Count of Mayence is not the man to despise
+bacon and sour-crout. So Ganelon, gazing over the ocean of lard which
+grunted at his feet, began to lick his lips, and think that here was
+a booty which was quite as well worth having as the other. But the
+swineherds knew with whom they had to deal, and, indeed, had come in
+such numbers solely because they expected an attack. They rushed on the
+count and his lances, and began to hamstring the horses. The horsemen
+were soon rolling in the dust among the hogs. Two of them, who showed an
+inclination to resist, were very properly run through on the spot, and
+mingled their lifeblood with that of two pigs that had been run down
+by the horses. The others were disarmed, and allowed to escape. As for
+Ganelon, they tied his hands tightly behind his back.
+
+“Now then,” said the head swineherd, “before they pluck up courage to
+come back in force, suppose we hang their leader?”
+
+[Illustration: 038]
+
+This idea appeared very agreeable to everybody except Ganelon, who
+uttered the most furious oaths. But they dragged him, armed as he was,
+under an oak, and then, having chosen a stout bough worthy of such fine
+fruit, they adjusted the cord round his neck. Then they brought the two
+slaughtered pigs--the only victims of the Count of Mayence--and having
+fitted each with a strong hempen cravat, suspended them one at each
+end of the bough, reserving the post of honour for the knight. These
+preparations concluded, Ganelon was dragged, bound hand and foot, to the
+place of execution. He writhed about in the madness of his rage, foaming
+at the mouth, calling on his companions in villany, and cursing them
+for their desertion. In vain did he struggle--a score of sturdy arms
+speedily hoisted him up between his two companions.
+
+“Pull down his visor,” said the head swineherd to the man who was on the
+bough adjusting the noose, “the monster is hideous enough at the best of
+times--what will he look like presently?”
+
+Ganelon continued to struggle at the end of the cord, to the great
+delight of the spectators, who, though they found him tenacious of life,
+did not complain on that account.
+
+Meanwhile, the count began to find that death was rather slow in coming.
+He had hanged too many not to know something about it, and in this
+instance it was so personally interesting to him that it could not fail
+to arrest his attention. “These knaves,” said he to himself, “have made
+a sad bungle of the job. I ought to have been dead some time.” And
+then it dawned on him that he was only suspended, not hanged. His
+executioners had put the noose round the gorget of his helmet.
+
+“Oho!” said Ganelon to himself, “this is quite another affair, and
+all is not yet lost, possibly. Only, if I continue my gambols, I may,
+perhaps, give the hint to these idiots, and they might hang me again
+more carefully. I’ll sham dead, and it’s odd if the Evil One doesn’t
+send some one to my aid. It would be very inconsiderate of him to let me
+die like this!”
+
+Nevertheless, for one who wasn’t dead, the count was uncommonly near
+death. The blood rushed to his head, and filled his eyes. He began to
+hear a dismal noise in his ears, like the tolling of a bell. His mouth
+grew dry, his lips were contracted, and presently his limbs gave one
+last convulsive struggle. Ganelon confessed to himself that all
+was over, and lost consciousness while faintly murmuring a final
+imprecation. The swineherds, encouraged by their success, and not
+wishing to leave the two hogs for the enemy, resolved to cook and eat
+them. They posted sentinels, collected their herds, and prepared to
+celebrate their victory with a feast.
+
+“It strikes me,” said the chief swineherd, “if we were to omit an
+opportunity of throwing a light on a point of interest to culinary
+science, we should regret it all our lives. A rare and remarkable
+opportunity offers itself to us now--we must not allow it to escape us.
+Are you not all equally anxious, with myself, to learn whether it takes
+longer to smoke a peer than a pig?”
+
+The suggestion was a great success. They collected a heap of sticks
+and leaves under each of the three victims, and lighted it. And then,
+joining hands, they began to dance round, uttering wild shouts.
+
+Roland, it so chanced, was returning this way from Saxony, whither he
+had been sent by Charlemagne. He had, certes, in war laid many a man
+dead in his path, but he had never permitted a cruelty to be committed
+in his presence. His indignation was roused by these vile chantings,
+this demoniac dance, and all the hideous apparatus of torture. He was
+not long in deciding what course to pursue. He rode at the dancers, and
+dispersed them with the flat of his sword, not deigning to honour them
+by using against them the edge, which he reserved for foemen more worthy
+of him.
+
+Then he made to the hanging man, and in order to cut the roue, had to
+keep Veillantif for a few seconds trampling on the embers in the midst
+of the flames. The Count of Mayence tumbled heavily into the middle of
+the fire. Roland dismounted, with one hearty kick sent him rolling some
+fifty paces, and then ran to assist him.
+
+[Illustration: 040]
+
+His first care was to relieve him of his helmet. When he recognised
+whose life he had saved, I must admit he made a grimace. The Count of
+Mans, the faultless mirror of chivalry, could feel no liking for such
+wretches, but he was not the less ready to aid them.
+
+Ganelon re-opened his eyes. His succession of tumbles had done more to
+recover him than all the eau-de-cologne in the world would have done.
+When he saw his preserver, he heartily wished it had not been Roland.
+
+[Illustration: 041]
+
+“Are you hurt, count? What can I do to assist you?”
+
+“I don’t want your pity, Knight of Blaives. Why have you rescued me? I
+am not of a race or of a disposition likely to love those who place me
+under an obligation, and it would have been less bitter for me to die
+than to owe my life to you!”
+
+[Illustration: 042]
+
+“I forgive these words, Sir Ganelon. You have just undergone such a
+shock, that you have evidently not quite recovered your senses!”
+
+At these words the Count of Mayence was seized with such a paroxysm
+of rage, that he found strength enough to try to avenge the insult. He
+flung himself on his preserver, and seized him by the throat.
+
+“You’ll make yourself ill again,” said Roland, coolly freeing himself
+from the other’s grasp. “You forget that you are not quite well yet.
+Allow me to administer a curative process which you ought to undergo.”
+
+With these words he caught his adversary by the scruff of the neck,
+dragged him beside his horse into the heart of the forest, tied his
+hands with the cord that had already served him as a halter, and bound
+him fast to a tree.
+
+Ganelon foamed at the mouth, and bit his lips till the blood came. The
+fury in his eyes would have been terrible to any but Roland.
+
+“Now, count, calm yourself. You see I am anxious to cure you in spite of
+yourself. Nothing conduces to meditation like solitude. Now that you are
+alone, you will have time for reflection; and if you are a wise man, you
+will say to yourself, ‘This Roland is a very good fellow not to break
+every bone in my body;’ and, since you are a coward and a villain, you
+will possibly say, ‘This Roland was a fool not to kill me outright.’ You
+will finish by perceiving that such a man as I can only despise one
+like you. Meditate, and if Heaven is kind, it will counsel you prudence.
+Anyhow, do not make an uproar, for fear your enemies should disturb
+your reflections, which, in that case, very likely, might come to a
+termination at the end of a rope. I will call at your castle, and
+send some one to your assistance: as my royal uncle is awaiting me at
+Cologne, you must excuse my attending on you further. Don’t forget,
+moreover, that I am, and always shall be, ready to honour you with a
+thrust of my lance or blow of my sword, in spite of the disgust I should
+feel at having to cross swords with a highway robber!”
+
+[Illustration: 043]
+
+Ganelon’s thoughts were so frightful that the human language is unable
+to express them. He hung down his head, and when he found himself
+alone he wept. His tears fell upon the grass; an innocent caterpillar,
+wandering in search of food, mistook them for dewdrops, tasted them, and
+died of the poison.
+
+Two hours after, the swineherds had disappeared, and Ganelon re-entered
+his castle. Eight hours after, all whom Ganelon believed to be
+acquainted with his mishap were dead.
+
+Six months after, he was at the court of Charlemagne, seated at the same
+table as Roland. Pork was placed on the table, but the Count of Mayence
+refused it.
+
+“You bear malice, count,” said Roland; “that is wrong. Who knows?
+perhaps you are refusing an old brother in misfortune.”
+
+Ganelon turned livid, but he did not stir. After the feast was over
+Roland came to him.
+
+“Have you forgotten,” he asked, “the threats you uttered and the offer I
+made to you in your domain on the Hartz?”
+
+“I never forget,” said the Count of Mayence.
+
+Here, then, was the prime cause of Ganelon’s hatred of Roland.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V. ANGOULAFFRE OF THE BRAZEN TEETH, GOVERNOR OF JERUSALEM.
+
+WHILE I have been wandering with you, my friends, on the Blocksberg,
+Charlemagne, followed by his brilliant retinue, has been making a tour
+of the list upon his prancing charger. He had just regained the royal
+tent when a shout was heard from the crowd. All eyes were turned towards
+the Southern gate, whence proceed strains of wild music and strange
+cries. Charlemagne halted, and sent to inquire who ventured to disturb
+the ceremony. A squire rode off at full galop, and promptly returned to
+make the following report:--
+
+“Sire, certain miscreant Saracens from Spain have come to challenge your
+peers in the name of King Marsillus, who holds his court at Saragossa.
+Their appearance is frightful. They come in procession, preceded by a
+band of unearthly music truly worthy of pagans, and demand admittance to
+your presence.”
+
+“Let them enter,” said Charlemagne, motioning to the heralds who guarded
+the gate. “See,” he added, turning to his barons, “what a lucky to try
+your hands 011 the Spanish hounds in anticipation of the time when we
+shall pay them a visit at Saragossa--ay, and even at Granada, for we
+must compel then to be baptised for the glory of God and the safety of
+their souls.”
+
+“Have they lost all shame that they dare look a Christian in the face?”
+ said Miton of Rennes. “Why, the earth has barely yet had time to drink
+up all the blood that was shed on the plains of Poitiers.”
+
+“No doubt they are bent upon a pilgrimage thither,” remarked Turpin, “to
+pray for the repose of their sires--that is, if such miscreants have
+fathers, and do not spring fully grown and ready armed from the jaws of
+hell!”
+
+“How could they blush?” said Aude, pointing to the first of the Saracens
+who had passed the barriers; “their complexion is of the colour of our
+horses’ harness.”
+
+“Oh, the hideous brutes!” said Himiltrude, shutting her eyes. “It is
+impossible they can be men.”
+
+“Let none forget that these are our guests,” said Charlemagne. “We must
+be courteous even to Pagans.”
+
+Curiosity was at its height. Every one rose to catch a glimpse of the
+emissaries of Marsillus; even the knights of Charlemagne’s escort raised
+themselves in their stirrups to obtain a view of the strangers.
+
+There entered first sixty horsemen, blacker than Satan. Their flattened
+noses, their huge ears decorated with large ear-rings, their thick lips,
+were for the spectators so many objects of ridicule. Their bare arms
+were loaded with bracelets from wrist to shoulder; their heads were
+protected by light casques, around which were wound turbans of white
+silk. All were clad in the richest stuffs, and vied with one another in
+appearance. Some were loudly beating kettle-drums; others were blowing
+with distended cheeks horns of extraordinary shape; others, again, were
+ringing hand-bells or striking triangles of steel; while from time
+to time there resounded the deep bellowing of ten bronze gongs, whose
+vibrations so vehemently shook the spectator as even to induce a desire
+to cough!
+
+Immediately after these came a hundred knights, of noble aspect, clad in
+triple mail, so flexible and light that a girl of fifteen might wear it
+with ease, and yet so stout that it was proof against the thrust of a
+Saracen lance; as for the thrust of a French lance, we will see about
+that by and by. Their faces were protected by Saragossan helmets, and
+they were armed with the heavy spear of Valence; while their swords’,
+although light, could cut through or hack away steel armour, so
+dexterous were they in wielding them.
+
+Behind them marched twelve standard-bearers. Here the crescent and
+the horse-tail of the Moslem took the place of the red cross and the
+bannerets which led the Christians to combat.
+
+Last of all, ten horse-lengths from this vanguard, appeared the envoys
+of Marsillus, King of Portugal, Castile, Arragon, Leon, and Valence. All
+who beheld them trembled, and ridicule gave place to alarm.
+
+[Illustration: 044]
+
+He was twelve cubits in height, and his face measured three feet across,
+his nose being nine inches long. His arms and legs were six feet long;
+his fingers were six inches and two lines. His inordinately large mouth
+was armed with sharp-pointed yellow tusks, and seemed less like human
+jaws than the portcullis of some rude stronghold. He was descended from
+Goliath, and assumed the title of Governor of Jerusalem. He had the
+strength of thirty men, and his mace was made of the trunk of an oak
+three hundred years old.*
+
+This monster was attired in the hides of strange wild beasts, slain by
+himself on the peaks of Atlas, whither no other mortal had been able to
+penetrate.
+
+His horse was without a match in the world, for it was up to his
+enormous weight. It gave a loud neigh on entering the list, and so
+alarmed all the other steeds that they reared, and in some instances
+unseated their riders--a disaster at which the Saracens burst into roars
+of laughter.
+
+Himiltrude, in her terror, crossed herself, convinced that the
+new-comers would vanish in smoke before she could say “Amen!” But the
+Pagans continued to advance in good order.
+
+[Illustration: 046]
+
+“Hell must surely have gaped to-day!” said Mita.
+
+“I do not know,” said Oliver, “whether these miscreants have issued
+thence this morning, but I’m sure they will sleep there to-night!”
+
+Charlemagne knitted his brows. Aude trembled for Roland, whose thoughts
+she could read in his face.
+
+Hard by Angoulaffre of the Brazen Teeth rode Murad Henakyeh
+Meimoumovassi, son of Marsillus. He was styled “The Lord of the Lion.”
+
+     * Some of the learned have alleged that Angoulaffre
+     travelled in Italy, and that one evening, while at Pisa,
+     being a little the worse for his potations, he leant against
+     the well-known tower, which, unable to bear his weight, lost
+     from that moment its centre of gravity. This is an error,
+     which I am glad to have an opportunity of rectifying. The
+     Leaning Tower, begun in the year 1174 was not finished until
+     the middle of the fourteenth century.
+
+[Illustration: 047]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI. MURAD’S THREE WHIMS.
+
+MARSILLUS one day observed that his son’s manner was more caressing than
+usual, so he took him on his knee and said--
+
+“What does my child want to-day? Generally he does not embrace me at
+all, but since the morning he has done so three times!”
+
+“Sire,” said Murad, leaning his little head on his father’s shoulder, “I
+should like to have your yataghan that hangs at your side!”
+
+“What! Have you broken all your toys, or are you tired of play that you
+ask me for such a formidable weapon?”
+
+“I am seven years old,” said Murad, drawing himself up; “I am no longer
+a child, and can carry arms. The sight of blood has no terror for
+me--nay! look”--and rapidly snatching the yataghan before the king
+had time to stop him, he gave himself a gash in the arm. Then, without
+flinching, he looked at his father, and said, “You see you can trust me
+with it!” The king staunched the blood and bound up the gash with his
+scarf. Then, embracing his son, he gave him the coveted weapon.
+
+The same evening Murad was seized with a second whim.
+
+He had never been allowed to to out alone--what could be more delightful
+than to take a stroll abroad at night? He only knew the face of Nature
+by day, he wished to see her in her silent moments, in the hours
+of gloom and half-obscured moonlight. He had heard of the songs of
+night-birds, of the roar of the hungry lion; of those insects which,
+glittering among the leaves, turn every bush into a casket of diamonds;
+of the mysterious odours which earth yields to the flowers only in the
+solemn hours of darkness; but now he determined to see, to hear, and to
+learn all these for himself.
+
+[Illustration: 048]
+
+He retired to rest as usual, placed his yataghan under his pillow, and
+waited till all was quiet in the palace. Then he rose softly, dressed
+himself, and walked to the door of his apartments. There he found his
+governor sleeping across the threshold. He paused to reflect.
+
+“If I try to open this door, I shall rouse my guardian. If I wake him,
+will he grant my prayers? Certainly not. Will he yield to my threats?
+No; he will only laugh at them. If I disturb his slumbers, therefore, it
+will be to place him in a position of great difficulty, which I should
+exceedingly regret. It will be better, then, not to wake him!”--and
+Murad quietly thrust the point of his sword down the sleeper’s throat,
+and quitted the place.
+
+The first thing he had to do was to cross the gardens. It seemed as if
+he had never seen them before. The fountains falling back into their
+basins made a silvery tinkling, which formed a ravishing accompaniment
+to the song of the nightingales. The bats, which looked like great
+leather birds, wheeled in circles through the air upon noiseless wings.
+The trees, allowing the moonbeams to filter through their foliage, flung
+mosaics of light and shade upon the sward.
+
+Murad fancied he saw one of the marble lions move, and started back, but
+speedily seeing his mistake, was heartily ashamed of himself, although
+he knew there was no one near to laugh at his alarm. If a real lion had
+chanced to pass at that moment he would have had to pay for the fright
+which the statue had cost Murad. As soon as he had recovered the first
+feeling of surprise at the novelty, of the scene, Murad, who was not
+exactly of a poetic temperament, hurried on. What he wanted to see was
+not the garden--fine enough in its way, but only a prison, beyond the
+walls of which he had never wandered at liberty--where every step he
+set was on a well-kept lawn. He wanted freedom of space and chance
+adventure. He sprang over the wall and fell into the midst of a
+detachment of Nubians going their rounds.
+
+When he saw the guards coming he said to himself, “These people have run
+away once, so they may do it again. Ought I to wait for them to come?
+No! My best plan is to rush upon them.”
+
+He did so. They met. The first who encountered him had reason to regret
+it, but his regret did not last long. In two minutes he was dead. Murad
+flung some silver to the others and plunged into the thicket.
+
+[Illustration: 049]
+
+The Nubians left their dead comrade on the ground, but they picked up
+the money. It is, however, a matter of time to find coins in long grass,
+even by the bright light of an Eastern moon, so that Murad could escape
+at leisure, and at last reached a sombre and dense wood. When, however,
+the Nubians had divided the spoil, their captain called them together,
+and said--
+
+“You are a pack of cowards and fools. This was but a lad we had to do
+with--some precious young rascal, who has just been making a hole in
+the royal treasury. Why, he’s a mine of wealth, that boy--a stream of
+riches, which glided away between our legs after besprinkling us with a
+few silver drops. We must track it to the fountain head. He escaped
+in this direction. Our own interests, as well as our duties, point out
+plainly enough the course we should take.”
+
+The nine guards set forward, marching carefully, and trying the bushes
+with their spears.
+
+Murad heard them approaching, but remained quite still in his
+hiding-place.
+
+At last they had to cross an open glade flooded with moonlight. They
+held a brief consultation as to the direction in which they should
+prosecute the search. The leader, picking out the darkest nook at
+the edge of the wood, pointed it out to his men. The unthinking and
+inexperienced always pitch on the darkest spot for a hiding-place,
+overlooking the fact that it is sure to be the first to be searched. At
+the moment when the officer was indicating to his men the direction
+they should take, Murad, who was crouching in the underwood, felt a warm
+breath upon his neck and ten sharp claws on his shoulders.
+
+If I said he was not frightened I should tell a falsehood, especially
+when, on turning his head, he saw two eyes--two glowing red
+stars--gazing on him in the gloom. But fear did not abide long in the
+breast of Murad. He saw, however, close by him another group of stars,
+an alarming constellation; in short, the young prince had hidden himself
+in a den with three young lions.
+
+[Illustration: 050]
+
+Unseen danger could make him tremble, but when he knew what he had to
+deal with he recovered himself, and began to reflect on what he had to
+do.
+
+“Here I am, between three lions and nine Nubians, armed to the teeth;
+which should I dread most? The latter, of course, for I frightened them,
+and I killed one of them. They have two things to avenge on me. If I
+kill one of the lions he will roar, and at his voice these birds of
+night will run away.”
+
+[Illustration: 051]
+
+Murad then seized by the throat the brute which was still tearing at his
+flesh, and drove the yataghan into his breast. But he miscalculated for
+the cub paid the penalty of his life without uttering a single growl.
+
+Still the little army of invaders continued to advance, only instead of
+coming on steadily they did so at the double. The child sprang to his
+feet, seized the second of the lions, and flung him straight in the
+teeth of the advancing’ band when it was but a few steps from the copse.
+This new style of projectile had a most telling effect. The Nubians
+retraversed in ten seconds the ground it had taken them five-and-twenty
+minutes to get over in the first instance.
+
+The field was Murad’s. Of the three lion whelps one was dead, and a
+second one was struggling on the ground with a huge wound in the flank.
+He did not emulate the taciturnity of his brother, for he filled the air
+with piercing yells. The third was squatting under some thick boughs,
+uttering a low growling.
+
+And now Murad was seized with a third whim. It was not a bad one for a
+beginner.
+
+He wished to carry off the third cub as a memento of his first
+expedition. He re-entered the bushes and searched about. Before long
+the two youngsters came face to face. The cub, warned by the fate of
+his brothers, stood on the defensive, and, as soon as Murad came within
+reach, plunged his talons into his neck. Murad smiled. He would not have
+cared to bag his game without some trouble, so taking his captive by the
+throat he made him loose his hold. The lion gasped, choked, and at last,
+half-strangled, fell on his side, whereon the son of Marsillus took him
+by the scruff of the neck and carried him off.
+
+[Illustration: 052]
+
+The wounded cub continued its moanings, which were soon answered by a
+fierce and formidable cry. The mother was coming to the rescue of her
+young! Murad saw that flight was impossible. The lioness came to a halt
+on a neighbouring height, relieved in profile against the pale sky.
+
+She searched with anxious and terrified eyes the glade whence the cries
+proceeded. Perceiving the wounded cub she made but one bound to it,
+rolled it over and over, licking its wounds, trampling and tearing
+the ground with her claws. At intervals she raised her head, and gave
+utterance to a menacing roar. Her fierce caresses hastened the cub’s
+death. When she saw he no longer stirred she devoted herself to
+searching for some one on whom to avenge the great calamity which had
+overtaken her. Then she heard the complainings of the other cub which
+was being carried off, and she stood astonished at the audacity of the
+robber. You would have declared she knew Murad could not fly. Without
+hurrying herself at all, she advanced towards him in narrowing circles,
+of which he was the centre, lashing her sides with her tail, lowering
+her head, laying back her ears, and opening her terrific jaws.
+
+Murad availed himself of the delay to drag off his clothes, and roll
+them round his left arm; and then, scimitar in hand, awaited her attack,
+determined to make a stout defence, but feeling certain he had but few
+minutes to live. He continued to retreat, fixing his eyes on those of
+his terrible adversary, until he reached a rock, against which he placed
+his back.
+
+On arriving within a few paces of the lad, the lioness sprang upon him.
+Murad sank on one knee, and thrust nearly the whole of his left arm down
+the monster’s throat. The pain he suffered was horrible, and drew from
+him so savage a shout that even the lioness was terrified. Then, not
+knowing what he was doing, mad with rage and pain, and guided less by
+presence of mind than instinct, he drove his steel into the creature’s
+belly, and ripped it entirely open. Then, bathed in blood, he sank
+beneath the corpse of his victim, and lost consciousness.
+
+[Illustration: 053]
+
+And now, my young friends, we will no longer stop out of doors at this
+time of night, but re-enter the palace, and see what is going on there.
+
+Every hour the guards went the rounds of the building. One of the
+soldiers, in passing the door of Murad’s chamber, slipped, and fell
+at full length on the pavement, to the great scandal of his commanding
+officer. Picking himself up, he beat a retreat to the guard-room, amid
+the jeers of his brothers-in-arms.
+
+[Illustration: 054]
+
+The guard-room was dimly lit by a smoky lamp, which, however, gave
+enough light to enable the soldier, on approaching it, to perceive that
+his hands were covered with blood. Thinking that he was wounded, he felt
+himself all over, and found that his clothes were similarly discoloured.
+
+“This is odd,” said he to his officer. “I am not wounded, and yet look
+at the state of my hands and my uniform!”
+
+The officer seized a lantern, and hastened to retraverse the rounds of
+the palace. On arriving at the door of Murad’s apartment, he paused in
+alarm, for he perceived a slender stream of blood, which took its rise
+within the chamber. He rushed off in haste to inform the commandant in
+charge for the night.
+
+[Illustration: 055]
+
+The commandant, terrified at the news, flew to inform the governor
+of the palace of the discovery. He, in turn, hurried off to the lord
+chamberlain, who, dreading the responsibility of waking the sultan,
+went, at the top of his speed, to find the prime minister. The prime
+minister ran, out of breath, to break the alarming intelligence to his
+master.
+
+Marsillus dressed in a twinkling.
+
+Pale and trembling, with his eyes but half open, and his clothes huddled
+on anyhow, he hastened to the sultana. She, not expecting such a visit,
+and never having seen her lord in such trim before, gave a loud shriek,
+at which her fifty attendants rushed in in alarm. On hearing the
+news Marsillus had to impart, the lovely Hadrama and ten of her
+ladies-in-waiting fainted away.
+
+“By the beard of the Prophet!” said the sultan, impatiently, “this is no
+time for such monkey tricks! We have not a moment to lose. That one of
+you that is last to recover her senses shall receive fifty strokes of
+the bastinado.”
+
+In an instant all were on their feet, and prepared to depart.
+The sultan, the sultana, the prime minister, the chamberlain,
+the commandant, the officer of the guard, the sentry, the fifty
+ladies-in-waiting, the fifty life guards, and the eunuchs, set forward,
+preceded by twenty black slaves bearing torches. The procession arrived
+at Murad’s apartment; the door was burst open; his majesty perceived who
+was the victim, and breathed more freely.
+
+“Really,” said the fair Hadrama, “this tutor has given us a most
+unnecessary alarm.”
+
+“This is your stupidity, vizier!” said the king, frowning. “How dare you
+disturb us for a trifle like this?”
+
+“Sire, it was your lord chamberlain who roused me, and stated that the
+prince was murdered. If I had for a moment supposed----” but at this the
+chamberlain, seeing himself in danger of losing the royal favour,
+threw the blame on the governor, who turned upon the commandant. The
+commandant passed on the charge to the officer of the guard; and he,
+being a man of action, promptly ordered a hundred blows of the bamboo to
+be administered to the soldier who was the prime origin of the mishap.
+
+The procession, reassured, was about to resume its progress, when the
+queen suddenly uttered a piercing shriek.
+
+[Illustration: 056]
+
+“What’s the matter now?” said Marsillus, giving a start, which was
+repeated by all around him.
+
+“Do you not see that the room is empty? They have killed my child. There
+is no doubt about it: I was dreaming of a cat when you woke me! My child
+is dead!”
+
+“Then,” said the chamberlain, “the tutor must have killed him.”
+
+“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” said Marsillus; “and as for
+you, madam, you’re a fool. Retire to your apartments. And do you take
+notice, governor of the palace, that if my son is not found by sunrise,
+you will be honoured by immediate impalement. Go!--I rely upon your zeal
+and activity!”
+
+Marsillus retired to bed again, flung himself on his pillow, and slept
+till nine, which was a thing he never did before. On waking, he saw the
+governor of the palace seated motionless at the foot of his couch.
+
+“Oh, there you are! You bring good news?”
+
+“Sire, the young prince is found!”
+
+“There!” said the sultan to the fair Hadrama, who had just come in, “you
+see you were too ready to alarm yourself.”
+
+The sultana only answered by wiping away a tear.
+
+“And pray where did you find Murad?”
+
+“In the olive-grove which borders the royal park.”
+
+“Oh, ho! so my young eaglet is trying his wings. What was he doing?”
+
+“The prince was taking a nap, surrounded by a lioness and three young
+lions.”
+
+“That is impossible, governor. I know you too well: you would never have
+gone to look for him _there!_”
+
+“My lord, the lioness was dead, and so were two of the cubs. The third,
+failing to obtain any other nutriment from its dam, was breakfasting off
+her.”
+
+“And pray who had done all this slaughter?”
+
+“I!” said Murad, who entered, pale and gory, followed by two slaves
+dragging the young lion along in chains.
+
+Marsillus rose, ran to his son, clasped him in his arms, and covered him
+with caresses.
+
+His son did not return them, for he had fainted, overcome with pain and
+loss of blood. I need hardly say he was tended as became the son of a
+king, and the slayer of lions.
+
+[Illustration: 057]
+
+A few days after, the prime minister submitted a report to the sultan,
+proving in the clearest manner that the prince’s tutor had committed
+suicide. Marsillus smiled.
+
+“Well done, vizier! I see how to reward you: you shall take the place
+left vacant by my son’s tutor.”
+
+Murad grew up. He and the young lion were never separated. They were
+seen together everywhere--even on the field of battle, and thus it
+was that in course of time they made their appearance in the lists at
+Fronsac.
+
+Now that you have, made the acquaintance of Murad Henakyeh
+Meimoumovassi, we will return to Charlemagne.
+
+[Illustration: 058]
+
+[Illustration: 059]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII. A FORMIDABLE FRIEND.
+
+WHEN the Saracens had entered the lists they formed in a semi circle,
+and the two ambassadors rode forward.
+
+Murad was spokesman.
+
+“I come to thee Charles, King of the French, on the part of my father,
+Marsillus, King of Portugal, Valentia, Leon, and Castile. My name
+is Murad Henakyeh Meimoumovassi; that of my companion in arms is
+Angoulaffre. He is governor of Jerusalem, and direct lineal descendant
+of Goliath. We come to challenge to combat _à l’outrance_ your peers and
+barons, for whom, we here declare to you, we care no more than for the
+pip of a pomegranate. We will compel those who hear us to reverence the
+name of Allah and his prophet Mahomet. We offer combat singly against
+twenty, thirty, forty, on foot or on horseback, armed or unarmed,
+accepting in anticipation all the conditions which you or your knights
+may choose to make. If you decline the meeting, we here proclaim our
+intention of holding you up to the scorn and derision of all quarters of
+the globe, regarding as felons and cowards those who refuse to measure
+their strength with us. In support whereof, there lies my glove!”
+
+Murad flung his gauntlet into the midst of the lists, and Angoulaffre
+did the same. A low murmur ran round the assembled multitude, but
+Charlemagne silenced it with a motion of his hand, and spoke as
+follows:--
+
+“I thank King Marsillus of Saragossa for the honour he has done us in
+sending his son among us. But his son is a young man, and his words
+are the words of youth. He appears to be ignorant of our history, our
+tastes, and our customs. Nothing delights us more than to do battle in
+a righteous cause, and it was not therefore necessary to accompany with
+threats an offer which would be well received on its own merits, and
+which, too, would have lost nothing by being conveyed in courteous
+terms. We accept your challenge, glad to fight for the love of Heaven
+and the Trinity, and to the confusion of Mahomet. None of us, it is
+true, is accompanied by wild beasts as a guard, but we have all hunted
+large game--the bear, or the huge-horned buffalo, so that we do not fear
+the cautious master or his attendant. Neither is any one of us descended
+from Goliath, or any other misbegotten child of the Evil One; but we all
+know how to show ourselves worthy of the divinely-favoured David. What
+brave and good men, animated by the love of God and their country, can
+accomplish, we will do, relying on Him who disposes the victory.”
+
+The escort of Charlemagne on this uttered loud shouts of approval, which
+were answered by the Saracens with cries in honour of Mahomet.
+
+Charlemagne appointed his uncle Bernard, and Maynes, Duke of Bavaria,
+marshals of the list, to arrange the conditions of battle. Murad
+selected Priamus, King of Persia, and Garlan the Bearded, alcalde of
+Valentia. While this was going on, Murad’s lion, who was called Oghris,
+which is, in the Saracen tongue, “Throat of Brass,” had ceased to roar;
+and, marvellous to relate, his eyes, usually filled with fire, had
+become as gentle as those of a lamb. Everything about him grew mild. He
+gazed as if fascinated at Aude, who, ignorant of the charm her beauty
+had wrought, was talking with Roland. The lion approached her softly,
+never taking his eyes off her, and growing ever more submissive as he
+came near her.
+
+Every one was so pre-occupied that the monster had reached almost to the
+spot where Aude was standing before any one noticed him. But the horses
+shied as he came near, and began to tremble so violently, that the
+jingling of their accoutrements attracted the attention of Charlemagne
+and his suite. Their eyes fell on the lion, but he, lost in
+contemplation, continued to advance, more submissively than ever. The
+knights, perceiving his object, drew their swords and shouted at
+him, but he continued to advance without regarding them. Murad, in
+astonishment, called to his lion; three times did he utter the call
+which always brought the animal to his feet, but the lion continued to
+advance without paying any attention to his voice. Murad, pale with fury
+and disappointment, sprang on him, and struck him with the flat of his
+sword, but the lion continued to advance without turning his head.
+
+Aude, who was surprised;--Aude, who only did not tremble because she
+had Roland and Oliver at her side;--Aude, who took pity on the poor
+fascinated monster that came towards her, docile and trembling, had the
+courage to dismount and approach the lion. When he saw her near him how
+great was his delight! You would have vowed that in order to reassure
+her and make her forget his power he made himself as small as possible.
+When she came up to him he lay down and licked her feet. Aude bent down
+and ran her fingers through his mane. The great brute licked her hand
+tremblingly. Then the fair one took her scarf and bound it round the
+neck of Oghris, who, rising gently on his feet for fear of alarming her,
+allowed her to lead him in a string.
+
+Great was the astonishment of the spectators; but the most astounded of
+all was Murad. He did not pride himself particularly on gallantry and
+good manners, so, dismounting from his horse, he seized the lion by the
+mane, and, without taking the least notice of the slight bunds by Avhich
+Aude the Fair held the lion, strove to drag him with him. But the lion,
+furious, showing his teeth angrily, began to roar in such sort that a
+terrible confusion ensued.
+
+The horses reared, unseating knights even who were usually firmest in
+their saddles. The spectators, on hearing it, took to flight in every
+direction, and for two leagues round the startled peasantry looked with
+astonishment at the clear sky, convinced that the sound was that of
+thunder.
+
+After a time the uproar subsided, and they beheld with horror Murad
+extended on the ground. They did not, however, so much recognise him as
+guess that he was represented by fragments of flesh and broken steel,
+and a few fluttering rags of cloth--all that remained of the son of
+Marsillus.
+
+[Illustration: 061]
+
+[Illustration: 063]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII. WHEREIN THE GOVERNOR OF JERUSALEM BEGINS TO SHOW HIS
+TEETH.
+
+ANGOULAFFRE, who up to this had remained unmoved, now began to choke
+with rage. He rushed at the lion, who had again laid himself at the feet
+of the mistress of his choice, and, catching it up by the ear, as one
+would serve a rabbit, began to twist its neck. On this Oliver stepped
+forward.
+
+“What ransom do you set on the lion? It is a pet that my sister has
+taken a fancy to, and I should like to present it to her. Will you take
+a ransom in gold or precious stones?”
+
+“In the land I govern, on the shores of the Red Sea, I have a palace of
+turquoise, built upon pillars of crystal. It is so vast that the best
+walker cannot make the circuit of it between sunrise and sunset. There a
+hundred silver towers rise into the air; on each is a choir of singers,
+or a band of musicians. In the centre is a gigantic dome of embossed
+gold, surmounted by a diamond so huge and so bright, that even at night
+it can be seen thirty leagues off at sea. It is called ‘The Diamond
+Beacon of Safety,’ because it guides our sailors as surely as the north
+star.”
+
+“I have,” said Oliver, “a sword called Glorious. Galas, Munifican, and
+Ansias laboured at its forging two years each. You are aware that they
+made nine other swords--three each. Ansias made Baptism, Florence, and
+Graban for Strong-i’-th’-Arm; Munifican made Durandal for Roland, and
+Sauvagine and Courtain for Ogier the Dane; and Galas made Flamberge and
+Joyeuse for Charlemagne, and Hauteclair, the third, for Closamont. When
+the ten swords were made, the three brothers summoned a giant, and bade
+him smite with Glorious against the edges of the nine others.
+Glorious came out of the trial triumphant, and hacked each of the other
+blades about a foot from the pommel. Give me the lion, and Glorious is
+yours!”
+
+Angoulaffre smiled, showing his double row of teeth, yellow as brass,
+and sharp as pikes.
+
+“What could I do with your arms? Look at me, and tell me if I need them.
+See these nails!--they pierce deeper into wrought steel than your weapon
+can into flesh. Behold these teeth! what engine of war is so powerful?
+With them I can with one gnash divide a knight in half at the waist.
+Look at these hands!--they can snap off an oak as you would pick a
+violet. Regard these arms, and tremble! With these, one day, while out
+hunting with the King of Persia, I strangled an elephant. Observe these
+feet, and dread to come near them! In Nubia a mad rhinoceros dared to
+attack me; he struck me in the calf; the horn broke off, and remained in
+the wound, while I trampled the huge beast to death under my feet. What
+use would your weapon be to me?”
+
+“Nevertheless, I must have that lion; and, since you will not accept any
+ransom for it, let it be the prize of our combat.”
+
+“And do you suppose you can encounter me alone?” asked Angoulaffre,
+grinning so horribly that the lion thought his last hour was come.
+
+“Does it want more than one to kill a dog?”
+
+The giant, furious, let go the lion, which hurried off, crouching behind
+Aude for shelter, like a chastised cur.
+
+“Well! I am in good humour to-day,” said Angoulaffre. “You see I am
+disposed to smile. Be thankful for it. I shall be happy to show you how
+the dogs of my country bite.”
+
+During this discussion the spectators, whose curiosity overcame their
+fears, had resumed their places. The knights, by the aid of their
+squires, had remounted their horses, and the mangled remains of Murad
+had disappeared. Charlemagne, reaching the royal seats, gave the signal
+for the commencement of the tourney.
+
+The trumpets again resounded, mingling their music with the discordant
+notes of the Saracen instruments. The heralds scoured the lists,
+arranging all in their places. Then Angoulaffre approached Charlemagne.
+
+[Illustration: 065]
+
+“Are you, then, he whom they call the king? What sort of people are
+these French, who are satisfied with such a sovereign? Is it an emperor
+I see before me, dressed in silk like a woman? You call us dogs,
+accursed Christians, and you dwell in burrows, as if you knew you shamed
+the sun, that deigns to touch you with a few unimportant beams. In my
+land the king is king not only by birth. If he were disguised amid
+a multitude, you would say, on beholding him, “This is the king!” He
+clothes his limbs in steel, and would blush to be seen in soft attire
+when his faithful knights are going to do battle. Coward and effeminate!
+You have allowed a hero, the son of a king, to be slain before your eyes
+without attempting to rescue him. You have had more regard for yourself
+and your knights than for your guest; and indeed you, all of you, have
+reason to rejoice at his fall. Mahomet has summoned him to his presence,
+ashamed to see that there were two of us to defend his name against
+such wretched adversaries. I alone am sufficient for such a task.
+Send, therefore, your peers and knights against me, either in a body or
+singly; and if they dare undertake the adventure, believe me, you had
+better give each a farewell embrace before you part.” Then pointing to
+Oliver, Angoulaffre continued--“This pigmy here has dared to challenge
+me. Give him a guard worthy, if possible, of my attention, and I consent
+to waste a few seconds upon him!”
+
+Charlemagne was not accustomed to hear such language. His blood boiled
+with rage, and, coursing wildly through his veins, made him at one
+moment red as fire and the next pale as death. It must be held a final
+proof that a man cannot expire of rage that Charlemagne continued to
+live. His nobles were not a whit less moved than he. As for Angoulaffre,
+he continued to smile savagely.
+
+“It is by sword-stroke and lance-thrust that such words are answered,”
+ said Charles, “and you will receive a hundred blows for every syllable
+you have dared utter.”
+
+“Ill-said, paltry kingling!” replied the giant. “_Our_ warriors never
+need two blows at a foeman.”
+
+“Enough of parley, sir,” said Roland. “Do you not see how you are
+delaying us?” and then he added, aside, to Oliver, “My brother and dear
+friend, you admire, I know, my castle on the banks of the Seine. Take
+it, and let _me_ fight him first.”
+
+“No,” said Oliver, “not for the crown would I resign this chance of
+earning my passport to heaven.”
+
+“Take my horse, and give me up your place,” said Ogirr the Dane. “You
+know that Tachebrune is a horse without peer.”
+
+“You are mad to persist in asking me. You do me a wrong. Neither of you
+would do what you ask of me.”
+
+And saying this, Oliver, having kissed the king’s hand, assumed his
+arms, and ran to take his post at the extremity of the lists, opposite
+to Angoulaffre, who continued to grin horribly.
+
+[Illustration: 067]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX. WHEREIN THE EAGLE STOOPS, THE RAVEN CROAKS, THE WOLF HOWLS,
+AND THE LION ROARS.
+
+LARGE tears coursed down the cheeks of Charlemagne, as he gazed sadly
+on his nobles and knights, and asked himself if Heaven would permit such
+heroes to fall ingloriously by the hand of a miscreant.
+
+[Illustration: 068]
+
+Oliver crossed himself, and rode at the giant. All trembled; Oliver
+alone trembled not.
+
+It is hardly necessary to say that the usual conditions of this class
+of duel were, perforce, somewhat modified on this occasion, for they
+forbade any blows except at the body, and permitted only cuts, not
+thrusts. As Angoulaffre was six times the height of Oliver, it was
+impossible they could be strictly adhered to.
+
+The two combatants rushed at each other, and quickly disappeared in a
+cloud of dust. Then came the clash of steel, which sent a chill to all
+hearts. Was Could that be the noise of his fall? No! the dust cleared
+away, and Oliver was seen firmly seated in his saddle at the end of the
+lists, prepared for another course. His lance had broken the buckle of
+Angoulaffre’s sword-belt. The huge weapon, in falling, had made a great
+dent in the soil.
+
+Frantic cries of “Hurrah for the brave knight!” rent the air.
+
+“Charge!”
+
+Again they dashed forward, and disappeared in the storm of dust. This
+time, too, Oliver escaped unharmed; but the giant, confused by the
+limited area of the lists, and miscalculating his distance, came down
+full tilt upon the public gallery, his terrible lance made a deadly
+passage through the crowd, and smashed the timber-work, which fell
+in upon the sitters. In the crash Angoulaffre’s horse lost its
+breast-piece.
+
+Ganelon had never been so delighted. He hated Oliver, whose friendship
+for Roland was proverbial. “This evening,” said he to himself, “these
+boasters will sleep between four planks.”
+
+[Illustration: 069]
+
+Wolf was as pleased and malicious as Ganelon.
+
+The Duke of Aquitaine, you must know, had been struck with Aude’s
+beauty, and had demanded her hand; but Gerard de Vienne had rejected the
+offer with scorn, and Oliver had said, with a laugh, “Go and ask Roland
+for it.”
+
+Wolf and Ganelon were made to understand each other: they did not fail
+to joke together in a whisper while Oliver was doing battle.
+
+Now Charlemagne was never particularly pleased to see people jesting
+on such occasions, and he was not slow to perceive their smothered
+laughter, and grew very angry at it. This sarcastic sniggering enraged
+him. The words of Angoulaffre still grated in his ears, and he fancied
+that he was the subject of pleasantry for his vassals. Turning round,
+delighted at a chance of relieving his anger, he said to Ganelon and
+Wolf--
+
+“The wolf and the crow, Heaven help us! dare to laugh at the eagle! Has
+he sunk so low that he must submit to this?”
+
+“Nay, His Majesty must not misunderstand us thus,” said Wolf. “Our
+recent submission to his commands should place our loyalty beyond
+suspicion of that sort.”
+
+“What, then, is the reason of this unwholesome pleasantry? When the wolf
+is pleased, the shepherd should be on his guard.”
+
+“An awkward blow of Oliver’s made us laugh,” said Ganelon, scowling at
+the combatants.
+
+“Oho! so that Gallant knight must serve you for a laughing-stock?
+In truth, you would have done better to laugh at me. Am I no longer
+Charlemagne? Did that miscreant say true? Because a giant dares look
+me in the face, these dwarfs must snap at my heels! One of my bravest
+knights undertakes, out of regard for me, an enterprise, the very
+thought of which is enough to turn one’s head; he is in danger of his
+life, and people dare laugh at him under my very eyes! You have done
+ill, let me tell you; and, since the venture which Oliver undertakes is
+such good sport, you shall, both of you, take part in it at once. Now,
+raven!--now, wolf! to your prayers for this hero; for I swear by Heaven
+you shall take his place in the field!”
+
+Then, leaving Ganelon and Wolf dumb with confusion, Charlemagne resumed
+his place. Angoulaffre and Oliver, who only awaited the monarch’s
+return, ran another course. This time Ferrant d’ Espagne arrived alone
+at the end of the lists. The giant had adopted surer measures.
+
+He had couched so low in the saddle that his face had touched his
+horse’s neck. Oliver, taking advantage of this, had thrust his lance
+into his left eye, whereon Angoulaffre had seized him in his mighty
+grasp, and had gripped him so hard, that his armour, bent and bruised,
+forced itself into his flesh. Then the giant was seen to rise in his
+saddle, and hurl the luckless knight to the ground, where he lay without
+stirring, his armour broken, and bathed in blood.
+
+[Illustration: 070]
+
+Cries of horror resounded on all sides, but they were speedily drowned
+by the shouts and music of the Saracens.
+
+Charlemagne sat motionless, with his eyes fixed on the body of Oliver.
+His bravest knights pressed round him, imploring him to send them to
+fight the giant, but he did not hear them.
+
+They brought a litter; the surgeons entered the lists, and soon the cry
+was raised, “Oliver still breathes!” Then Charles roused himself, and,
+with tears in his eyes, exclaimed--
+
+“Blessed St. James! I have ever had full faith in you. Save this gallant
+champion, and I promise you a chapel in the land of the Saracens. It
+shall be so lovely, it shall be the envy of all the calendar.”
+
+Then, turning to Ganelon and Wolf, he said, “Now, as for you, Count of
+Mayence, and you, Duke of Aquitaine, if you do not accept the combat, I
+swear by Heaven that to-morrow you shall be degraded from the order of
+knighthood on the very spot where this brave knight has just fallen.”
+
+“So be it,” said Ganelon, “‘twill be strange if we do not let you see we
+are of as gallant and noble a lineage as your favourites!” and, followed
+by Wolf, he descended into the lists.
+
+[Illustration: 071]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X. ANGOULAFFRE THE MERCIFUL!
+
+WHEN Angoulaffre saw these new adversaries approaching he frowned.
+
+“Aha! for what do you take me, and why do you send these brats against
+me? By my faith, Kingling, I do not thank you. If this be a sample of
+your court it is but a poor one, and it is no wonder you are foremost in
+it. But, in truth, I believe you are but sending me the refuse of your
+knighthood, which you are not sorry to be rid of. You hope thus to tire
+me, and to rid yourself of these small fry of warriors. I shall not
+satisfy your wishes. I should blush to deal seriously with these puny
+creatures. By the Prophet, my father would be astonished to see the task
+I have had set me!”
+
+Shrugging his shoulders, Angoulaffre took his post at the end of the
+lists. He refused the lance which was brought him by thirty squires.
+
+“It would be a rare jest if I needed arms to fight these pigmies,” said
+he, as he rode forward at an easy pace. Ganelon and Wolf charged upon
+him, lance in rest, but instead of aiming at the giant they aimed at his
+horse.
+
+“Cowards and bunglers!” shouted Angoulaffre. “Oh, Charlemagne, I shall
+not do you the pleasure of ridding you of such knights. I intend to
+spare them, and let them go in peace for your disgrace for ever after.”
+
+So saying, the giant stooped, and, seizing the two as he had done
+Oliver, he looked at them quite unconcernedly.
+
+“Faugh! the wretched Christians! it would be a murder to put them to
+death;” and with these words he rode off towards the chapel, still
+holding Ganelon and Wolf in his grasp.
+
+[Illustration: 072]
+
+You have, of course, my dear readers, not forgotten the chapel of which
+I spoke at the beginning of the story. It was surmounted by a huge iron
+cross. Angoulaffre went up to it, and without injuring his prisoners, he
+hung them by their belts, one on each limb of the cross, like a couple
+of rings on a ringstand.
+
+[Illustration: 073]
+
+“Gallant defenders of the cross,” said the colossus, as he rode back to
+his place in the lists; “become its guardians also!”
+
+[Illustration: 074]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI. HOW ANGOULAFFRE HAD AN ATTACK OF TOOTHACHE, WHICH WAS THE
+DEATH OF HIM.
+
+ROLAND heard no further. The insolence of the giant had aroused in his
+heart one of those fits of fury which, when coupled with strength and
+courage like his, nothing can resist. The dishonour done to Ganelon and
+Wolf enraged him, for he no longer saw in them either rivals or unworthy
+opponents. They were knights--they were Christians, and he felt a share
+of the insult offered to them.
+
+He sprang on the back of Veillantif, and dashed into the lists. A murmur
+of applause saluted his entrance. People felt that the real struggle was
+only now commencing, and that if Roland were vanquished there was no one
+to take his place. The honour of the French name was the stake of this
+contest.
+
+Three pages ran to pick up the gauntlet which Angoulaffre had flung
+down in defiance, and dragged it with difficulty into the middle of the
+lists. Roland stooped, picked it up, and flung it in the giant’s face.
+
+On receiving this insult the Saracen lost his self-possession, and gave
+vent to an oath so terrible that all the assemblage crossed themselves.
+You will not, therefore, be surprised, my friends, that I do not repeat
+it, although it formed the entire speech of the Governor of Jerusalem.
+He felt himself in the presence of an enemy worthy of him, and
+understood that the time for words was gone by. As an habitual drinker
+likes wine that is rough, warriors delight in foemen who smite hard.
+
+This time the giant assumed his lance and his vast shield. The
+spectators had not a drop of blood left in their veins, and many prayers
+were breathed to Heaven for the success of the Christian knight.
+
+The signal was given. The combatants dashed forward and encountered
+half way. Angoulaffre had stooped down to await Roland, but he, with
+superhuman activity, avoided the fearful blow which was aimed at him,
+and struck his adversary on the face with his lance.
+
+The spear lodged between two of his teeth and broke.
+
+The greatest courage is often accompanied by little weaknesses.
+
+The hero who sports with life on the battle-field will often shrink at
+the sight of a spider. Angoulaffre, now, had a horror of a dentist--as,
+my young readers, is the case, I conjecture, with most of you.
+
+[Illustration: 075]
+
+A decayed grinder had given him considerable pain for the last six
+weeks. Imagine his rage, then, when he received a tremendous blow from a
+lance on that particular tooth. He ceased to be a man--to be a giant:
+he was a wild beast, mad with fury. He lost his presence of mind, which
+until now had lent him double strength. Flinging aside his arms he flung
+himself blindly upon his foe.
+
+But Roland, whom danger never stirred, evaded him craftily, and harassed
+him. He seemed to be playing with his formidable adversary. A deft
+stroke severed the girths of Angoulaffre’s horse; the saddle turned
+round; the giant lost his balance, and fell to earth amid shouts of
+laughter from the spectators. Roland approached him, gave him his hand,
+and assisted him to rise. Then he asked him if he required rest.
+
+“I never leave a fight half finished,” said the giant; “but I am
+thirsty, that is all.”
+
+Charlemagne, hearing these words, ordered his pages to roll a hogs-head
+of Spanish wine into the middle of the lists. Angoulaffre broached it
+with one blow of his fist, emptied it at one draught, and then, flinging
+the cask beyond the barriers, remounted his steed.
+
+[Illustration: 076]
+
+The combatants selected fresh spears, and, having taken their places
+on the field, rode at each other once more. This time they smote one
+another full on the breast. What a terrific crash, my young friends! No
+ironclad of our day could have resisted it. Angoulaffre was driven back
+on his horse’s crupper; he stuck his knees in so tight, to save himself
+from a second fall, that the unhappy animal had all the breath knocked
+out of its body. It was a misery to hear it cough.
+
+Roland had bent beneath the stroke. His back had touched the crupper of
+Veillantif, but the brave knight did not lose his seat. The spear had
+glanced off his excellent armour from girdle to shoulder, and he escaped
+unhurt, though the blood flowed from his mouth.
+
+“I should be loth to kill so brave a knight,” said the Governor of
+Jerusalem. “I offer you your life; take it at my hands.”
+
+“I can accept nothing from you but blows,” said Roland, quietly;
+“because I feel certain I can give you as good as I take, and perhaps
+even throw in a little over.”
+
+“As you please,” said Angoulaffre; and once more they resumed the fight.
+
+The giant flung aside his lance, and took a battle-axe, the sight of
+which gave the spectators a fit of cold shivers. Roland also laid aside
+his spear, and drew Durandal from its sheath.
+
+Veillantif seemed endowed with human intelligence. The brave creature
+divined the slightest wish of its master. Now it bounded, now it scoured
+the plain; anon it charged or it reared, and ever it went unhurt through
+the shower of blows. The horse of the Saracen was not worth half of
+Roland’s. Its size and weight rendered it difficult to manage. For some
+minutes it coughed incessantly, and scarcely obeyed bit or spur. Roland,
+by a clever turn, took the giant in flank, and with one blow of his
+tremendous sword clove in two the horse of his opponent.
+
+Angoulaffre came to earth, seated between the two severed halves of his
+steed, and bellowing with astonishment and anger.
+
+[Illustration: 077]
+
+The Saracens had left off laughing now. Their music was silenced. Garlan
+the Bearded, who commanded them, foamed with rage; he tore out a good
+tenth of his beard by the roots. The Alcalde of Valentia foresaw the
+fate of Angoulaffre, and was asking himself whether he and his men
+should ever see Spain again.
+
+Roland was loudly cheered; but, without taking any heed of it, he
+dismounted, and, approaching the colossus, who had not yet regained his
+feet, he said---
+
+“Keep your seat, governor, and while you rest yourself, send some of
+your warriors to me; there will then be no time lost.”
+
+“May I be struck by a thousand thunderbolts, if I give you a moment’s
+respite! Mount, and defend yourself!”
+
+“I am not in the habit of taking any advantage in a combat. Since you
+are dismounted, I will continue the contest on foot.”
+
+During this conversation ten horses had drawn from the lists the remains
+of Angoulaffre’s steed.
+
+[Illustration: 078]
+
+Then began a combat yet more terrible than any of its predecessors. The
+marvel was how Roland escaped the rain of blows aimed at him; but the
+bold knight managed so admirably, that he got close to the monster, and
+cut off his right leg at the knee.
+
+You will guess, my friends, how sad a figure the Governor of Jerusalem
+cut with such a very ill-assorted pair of legs. He fell, biting the
+ground with rage, and rolling to and fro in his attempt to rise, until
+he wept at his own impotence. Roland approached him.
+
+“You cannot continue the struggle. Your life is in my power. Accept
+Christian baptism, and I will spare you.”
+
+Angoulaffre, without answering, rolled himself to the place where his
+axe had fallen, seized it, and cut off his left leg at the knee. Then
+raising himself on his stumps, he gazed sternly at Roland, and said,
+simply--
+
+“I am ready!”
+
+[Illustration: 080]
+
+At the sight of this act of Spartan heroism both Christians and Pagans
+applauded. Charlemagne himself was touched.
+
+“Governor of Jerusalem,” said he, “desist from this useless struggle.
+What greater proof could you give of your courage? Believe me, when you
+appear again before your king in this guise, and tell him, ‘It is Roland
+who has conquered me,’ you will not see him sneer at you.”
+
+“You--you Christians, then--can live after the shame of having been
+vanquished? That, and that only, is beyond our power. Behold, faint
+hearts! You have seen how we can fight; see now how well we know how to
+die!”
+
+I will not, my dear young friends, relate to you the end of this fearful
+conflict. It was no longer a battle--it was a butchery. Blows followed
+one another without pause. Roland was covered with wounds; his armour
+was hacked away piece by piece, but he did not give ground. He felt his
+strength failing, and desired at any price to bring the contest to an
+end. Without regarding the almost certain death to which he exposed
+himself, he closed with his foe, and dealt him a tremendous blow, which
+stretched him at his feet.
+
+There was one short minute, during which the impressed spectators kept
+silence. The respect which bravery always commands restrained the burst
+of the general rejoicing; but, these first few seconds past, every one
+felt himself relieved of an immense peril.
+
+The sight of Roland, to whom Charlemagne had hastened, was the signal
+for an outburst of frantic cheering from every side.
+
+The king embraced his nephew, and said--
+
+“I would reward you for so splendid a victory. What would you have? My
+gratitude is unbounded: let your desire be without limit. Which of my
+provinces shall I bestow on you?”
+
+“I am yet more ambitious. When I wish to own a province, I will go win
+it with my sword.”
+
+“What would you have, then?”
+
+Aude had just left Oliver, who had no longer need of her care. She felt
+that the triumph of her lover would not be complete if she did not share
+it.
+
+Roland gazed at her so meaningly, that Charles turned to Gerard de
+Vienne, and said--
+
+“Here is an ambitious gallant, who seeks his reward at your hands. What
+say you, Gerard, and you, Lady Guibourg? Does it not seem to you that
+your niece will be fortunate in having for a spouse my friend and
+nephew, Roland? I ask her hand of you for him.”
+
+“Sire,” said Gerard, “it is doing us too great an honour.”
+
+“Aude could not have a nobler husband than Roland, who comes of your
+royal line, sire,” said the Lady Guibourg.
+
+“I was not rich enough to satisfy this grasping soul,” replied
+Charlemagne, “and I thank you, Gerard, for coming to my help. Ah!
+Turpin, here is work for you. No other is worthy to celebrate such
+nuptials as these. Have ready a splendid sermon for the occasion, for
+the wedding shall take place on our return to Cologne.”
+
+[Illustration: 081]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII. THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF ANGOULAFFRE.
+
+ANGULAFFRE was stretched on the ground, surrounded by his companions in
+arms when the surgeons came to dress his wounds, he rejected their aid.
+
+“Go to the Evil One, vile concocters of drugs! My soul is not foolish
+enough to dwell in so dilapidated a mansion as that which I have to
+offer now. All your remedies will but drive her away the sooner. Come
+hither, Alcalde of Valentia, Corsablix, Margariz--all of you--come round
+me, that I may die while looking on the faces of friends. Tell to King
+Marsillus the manner of Murad’s death--and mine. Tell him that: with my
+last breath I called for vengeance on Roland. I bequeath to you a hatred
+so fierce and strong, that it cannot but survive me. I leave all my
+property, without exception, for the furtherance of vengeance. If
+bribery can help you, spare nothing: there is no human integrity that
+could withstand the sight of the wealth you have to offer. Swear to me
+you will spare no means of hastening the downfall of this accursed one,
+and I shall die more happy.”
+
+“Rely upon us,” said Priamus. “We inherit your hatred; and whether it be
+ten years, or whether it be twenty years hence, rely on it, this Roland
+shall perish by our hands!”
+
+“We will hew him into as many pieces as he has given you wounds,” said
+Garlan the Bearded.
+
+[Illustration: 083]
+
+“His death shall become a tradition,” added Abysm, the favourite
+of Marsillus. “I swear to you, people shall speak of it when the
+recollection of this petty Charles shall be extinct.”
+
+[Illustration: 082]
+
+“You had better implore the aid and protection of the Prophet in
+your undertaking, for he who has vanquished me is not to be lightly
+overcome,” said Angoulaffre.
+
+“If we have to unpeople Nubia, Persia, Egypt, the Atlas, the Caucasus,
+Scythia, and Spain, to swell our forces,” said Ecremis of Vauterne, “as
+sure as Mahomet is greater than St. Peter, Charles and his knights shall
+perish ere long.”
+
+“Before a year elapses we will sleep at Cologne,” said another.
+
+“Enough, babblers and boasters!” said Angoulaffre, who felt the chills
+of death approaching; “do your best to carry back your carcasses whole
+to Spain, and if Mahomet grants you that favour, renew there these
+promises. In the meantime, take care of your precious hides in
+to-morrow’s tourney. Death grasps me by the throat--farewell! Ah, dog of
+a Roland!”
+
+These were the last words of the Governor of Jerusalem.
+
+Sixty Saracens, marching in two files, bearing thirty spears between
+them (a soldier holding each end of a spear), extemporised a litter, on
+which the dead body of the giant was placed.
+
+Two hours before, he had entered the lists, mounted on his steed,
+followed by a brilliant suite of kings, emits, and alcaldes, and
+preceded by a band of barbarous music; proud of his strength, relying
+on his own bravery, boasting, and threatening. But if Heaven does not
+favour the cause of the lion, it not unfrequently happens that the Iamb
+gets considerably the better of him.
+
+The enraged Garlan.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII. THE TWO ROGUES RELEASED.
+
+THE whole assembly was so full of other matters, that no one gave a
+thought to Ganelon or Wolf. Pinabel, the nephew of the Count of Mayence,
+was the first to recollect them. Approaching Charlemagne, he inquired if
+it would not be proper to release the two suspended knights, and if the
+king would entrust the task to him.
+
+“That concerns Roland,” said the king; “he has achieved their
+deliverance, and therefore they are his property. Go, then, nephew,
+and take down the two heroes, who are cutting so very sorry a figure
+up yonder. You will, of course, think it proper to give them the use of
+their wings.”
+
+Roland was talking with Aude, and was not particularly pleased at the
+interruption. However, he went to the chapel, where he arrived in a very
+bad humour.
+
+“It is very hard,” said he to Ganelon, “to be put to inconvenience every
+minute for people who are not the least grateful for what one does.
+When a man hasn’t the strength to carry out an enterprise, he should not
+attempt it. This is the second time that I have had to release you from
+a state of suspense, and for no fault of mine. For Heaven’s sake, in
+future don’t put the credit of France in jeopardy lightly. Remember, you
+are not the only Frenchman in the world, and also that I cannot always
+be close at your heels to repair your blunders.” And, without further
+delay, he restored the two suspended knights to the ground, and returned
+to the fair Aude.
+
+“Well,” said Wolf to Ganelon, “are you in the humour to digest affronts
+like those?”
+
+“I fancy, my lord duke, you have had your share of them too, and they
+don’t seem to disagree with you.”
+
+“It would be only right to chastise him for his insolence.”
+
+“And pray what hinders you?” said the count, smiling.
+
+“The same reason that teaches you patience. This Roland is a brute and
+a----”
+
+Cut here the idlers congregated around the two vanquished knights, and
+mocked at them unsparingly. Not being anxious to supply public amusement
+gratis, they thought fit to retreat, and returned to their tents, where
+they passed the night in the formation of projects that were far from
+Christian, though they originated in Christian brains.
+
+[Illustration: 085]
+
+[Illustration: 086]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV. THE CORSELET OF CAMBRIC.
+
+IT is nine o clock. All is quiet in the camp. The fires have been
+extinguished as a measure of prudence, and only the moon is allowed to
+gleam.
+
+In the plain, however, a few tumblers displayed their feats by
+torchlight to a few spectators, but ere long, losing their public, they
+were fain to pack up their traps and seek repose beneath some forest
+tree. By degrees every noise died away. Hardly a chirrup was heard to
+give life to a lovely night; still, now and then, one heard from afar
+the ringing of steel. It was some watch on its rounds. The armour
+glittered a moment in the moonbeams and then disappeared, and that was
+all.
+
+Let us, too, go our rounds, and see what is passing in the camp. We
+will begin with the Royal tent. If you were not with me, my dear young
+people, I would defy you to enter it. Never was treasure or sacred
+relic so carefully guarded. Charles slept in a great bed of state, and
+a hundred of his bravest and stoutest men were appointed to guard him.
+Forty knights kept watch, changing guard three times a night, according
+to the muster-roll--ten at the head, ten at the foot, and ten on either
+side, each with a drawn sword and a torch.
+
+Aude, too, had retired to her pavilion. She could not sleep, however,
+for thinking of all that had happened during the day--a day that had
+been at once hateful and glad: hateful, because it had nearly deprived
+her of her dear Oliver; joyful, because it had decided her marriage with
+Roland--her dear Roland. Her waiting-women surrounded her. Ten Moorish
+maidens sang to her Spanish ballads, which she preferred to all others,
+but to-night she heard them not--she was lost in meditation. Four Saxon
+damsels combed her long tresses, waiting for the signal to dress it for
+the night, a signal she forgot to give. Eight Lombard girls had made
+ready a perfumed bath, but it had been three times prepared already, for
+it grew cold while she was musing. Oghris was not more fortunate. He
+had gently placed his head in her lap, but she had not bestowed on him
+a single glance. He was a guard that made a mockery of the precaution
+taken to put sentinels at the tent-door.
+
+Roland slept beside Oliver. The two gallant fellows had fallen asleep
+hand in hand. The friends were now virtually brothers.
+
+[Illustration: 087]
+
+Meanwhile Ganelon and Wolf had concocted a murderous undertaking.
+
+“Don’t you think Marsillus would give a handsome price for Roland’s
+body?”
+
+“I believe you,” answered the Duke of Aquitaine; “but it would be better
+to deliver him up alive, and let the king manage him. It is by craft we
+must oppose him; as to force, we must not dream of that, for neither you
+nor I could do anything with him in that line.”
+
+Let us take a Stroll now Roland and Oliver reposing, beyond the
+camp, and see who they are that wander in the skirts of the forest. A
+delightful couple are whispering together. Mita, the worthy sister of
+Aude, whom we remarked at the head of the royal _cortège_, and who was
+called “the little knight of pearls,” Mita was walking along, leaning on
+the arm of Miton of Rennes, the friend of Roland. They were followed by
+a waiting-maid and a page.
+
+“My sister is fortunate in having for her knight such a man as Roland.”’
+
+“Cannot you see how it breaks my heart to hear you speak so? To win your
+favour must one be the only knight who has no equal in the field?”
+
+“I know my own value, and it seems to me that I deserve to have
+prodigies of valour done to win me. Listen, Sir Miton. You would wed
+me: is it not so? You repeat, over and over again, you would achieve
+miracles for my sake!”
+
+“It is true.”
+
+“Then I shall seek a proof of this to-morrow. At daybreak you will
+receive my commands. If you carry out well the enterprise I shall plan
+for you, I will be yours--yours devotedly. If you attempt it, but do not
+succeed, I shall be your friend as heretofore, but nothing beyond. If
+you draw back, never speak to me again, for I should speak to you as to
+a poltroon.”
+
+They had now reached the camp, where they must part.
+
+“Farewell, Miton; may you succeed to-morrow. I go to pray for your
+success.”
+
+She reached out a hand, which trembled in that of the knight, and which
+he kissed respectfully. Miton returned to his tent, but did not close
+his eyes all night. Every time a footstep passed near his tent he rushed
+to the door, expecting to receive the message from Mila. At early dawn
+an attendant came with a packet, which she gave to him, and said--
+
+“My mistress sends me to you to communicate her wishes. ‘Go seek Sir
+Miton,’ she said to me, ‘and bid him rejoice it he be truly desirous of
+proving to me that he is worthy of my love, for I am going to give him
+an opportunity of proving it. Give to him this cambric garment of mine,
+and bid him wear it to-morrow in the fight. If he loves me he will
+consider it a talisman more potent and more secure than steel, and, full
+of confidence, will present himself at the tournament without any other
+armour except his greaves, his shield, and his helmet. If he does this
+and triumphs, I shall be ready to give him any proof of my love that he
+may demand. If he does not succeed, he shall none the less have my
+esteem and friendship for having essayed it. If he should fall, I
+will wear mourning for him and die in a convent. If he refuse, I shall
+despise him as the falsest and most cowardly of men.’”
+
+[Illustration: 088]
+
+Miton, who had sunk on his knees to receive from the messenger of his
+love the packet, which he covered with kisses, rose smilingly, and spoke
+thus to the attendant:--
+
+“Return to her whom you have the honour to serve, and tell her that I
+am happy and proud that she has given me an opportunity of dying for her
+pleasure. Without her, life is nothing to me: and this is putting me to
+too easy a trial, for I feared she would send me away from her, and that
+would have been to put me to a slow and lingering death. I feel truly
+blest now, since I can devote to her openly every minute as it passes to
+her service.”
+
+Miton gave all the gold and silver he possessed to the messenger,
+dismissed her, and prepared himself for the battle.
+
+He put on the garment sent him by Mita, and I assure you he looked very
+well, and not at all ridiculous, when he was equipped as his lady had
+commanded.
+
+I ought to tell you, my friends, that our knight was about twenty-three,
+and had a handsome face, framed in long yellow locks. He was second to
+none in either elegance or strength.
+
+The cambric corselet which he had assumed, bound round his waist with
+a rich girdle, came down to his knees, leaving bare his neck and arms,
+which were very white.
+
+Thus equipped he visited the Archbishop Turpin, related to him his
+adventure, confessed to him, took the sacrament, and then gave himself
+up to prayer until the hour for entering the lists.
+
+[Illustration: 089]
+
+[Illustration: 090]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV. MONTJOIE! MONTJOIE! ST. DENIS!
+
+IT was nine o’clock in the morning. The heralds went about everywhere,
+shouting aloud, “Lace your helms, brave knights! lace your helms!”
+
+The combatants got ready for the conflict. They examined for the last
+time with the greatest care every minute point of their armour, and
+made sure that their horses were properly equipped and saddled. These
+precautions taken, they hurried off to the lists; the Saracens by the
+southern gate, the Christians by the northern.
+
+Charlemagne took his place in the Royal pavilion, with Himiltrude by
+his side. Aude placed herself on the throne reserved for the Queen
+of Beauty. Oghris laid himself at her feet, surveying the crowd with
+wondering eyes.
+
+The benches were crowded. The knights took their places. Trumpet-peal
+and shout rent the air. The Emperor was in his place.
+
+The heralds next proclaimed silence, read the conditions of the
+tournament, and called on the knights to do their duty, for the honour
+of Heaven, the Emperor, and the ladies. Then they called the two
+leaders, Christian and Saracen, to take command of their forces.
+
+Garlan the Bearded rode forth, and reviewed his men. Miton did the same,
+and advanced into the centre of the lists. His novel style of armour
+attracted some attention.
+
+“What is this?” said Charlemagne. “Is Miton out of his senses, or does
+he come here to seek certain death? Go instantly, and command him to
+quit the lists.”
+
+Ogier the Dane darted forward to convey the Royal command, but was
+stopped by Turpin, who had heard Charles’s exclamation.
+
+“Pardon me, sire, for thus suspending the execution of an order you have
+given; but Miton is performing a vow. Your Majesty would find it vain to
+forbid him the combat. Heaven alone is able to preserve him.” The severe
+eye of the bishop met the supplicating looks of Mita, and her eyes
+sought the ground.
+
+Aude understood all, and wished to interpose.
+
+“Sire, you will not suffer so brave a knight to be slain----”
+
+Charlemagne shook his head sadly. “I know Miton, and nothing will
+prevent him from carrying out his enterprise.”
+
+Then turning towards the suite of the Queen of Beauty, he said--
+
+“I have among you, ladies, a cruel foe, who thus devotes to death one of
+my bravest knights. Let us say the prayer for the dead on behalf of the
+victim of this relentless beauty.”
+
+All rose, and repeated the supplication in a low voice, Turpin leading
+them. The terrified Mita alone had not the power to rise. She sank on
+her knees, and would have remained there motionless and overcome, had
+not her sister raised her.
+
+In the meantime Miton, ignorant of what was passing, and not even
+hearing the shouts of the crowd, or the entreaties of his comrades, who
+begged him not to devote himself in this way to destruction--
+
+Miton, gay and proud, to think of the trial he was subjected to, had
+made all his dispositions for the combat.
+
+[Illustration: 091]
+
+There were a hundred horsemen in the field--fifty on either side.
+Their leaders drew them up in two lines of twenty-five. It was truly an
+imposing sight--these brave fellows, clad in their glittering arms; in
+firm and compact lines, planted well in their war-saddles. One might
+have called them a column of iron. The horses, no less impatient than
+their masters, whinnied and pawed the ground.
+
+At last Charlemagne gave the signal.
+
+“Charge!” shouted the heralds.
+
+Scarcely were their voices heard ere the first rank of combatants dashed
+forward. The two parties met halfway with an alarming crash. In vain did
+the spectators attempt to make out the result of this first onset. They
+were obliged to wait till the dust had blown off. The heart of Mita beat
+very fast during those few seconds, but at last she beheld her knight
+hand-to-hand with Garlan the Bearded. One half of the combatants were
+stretched on the earth; some so sorely wounded, that their squires had
+to come, raise them, and drag them out of the _mêlée_. Others, however,
+got up without aid, and went to seek fresh adversaries.
+
+Priamus had his spear broken, but he had kept his seat in the saddle.
+Seeing Girars of Roussillon engaged with Corsablix, a wild chief
+from the Atlas, he rushed towards them with uplifted blade. But the
+Burgundian knight perceived his approach, and rapidly dashing at his
+first opponent, he seized him by the throat, made him do service as a
+shield against the blows of the King of Persia, and finally flung him, a
+bleeding and mangled corpse, under the feet of the horses. Then, having
+but one enemy to deal with, he determined to seize Priamus’s horse, and
+made such good use of his feet, nails, and teeth, that in a twinkling
+he was in the saddle; while the King of Persia, rolling in the dust,
+yielded up his impious soul through twenty gaping wounds.
+
+“Allah Akbar! Allah is great!” cried the Saracens.
+
+“St. Denis, Montjoie! Montjoie!” cried the knights; and, lo! the second
+rank flung itself into the conflict.
+
+The blare of trumpets and Saracen horns, the beating of drums and gongs,
+drowned the noise of groans and imprecations.
+
+The dead and dying were once more dragged out. The wounded sought
+shelter as best they could. Forty warriors yet remained to contest the
+field--twenty-five Saracens and fifteen Franks.
+
+For a quarter of an hour Miton and Garlan had fought together, with no
+advantage on either side. With his keen blade the Count of Rennes had
+cleft the casque of the Alcalde of Valentia, and would have split his
+skull open but for the turban, which deadened the blow. Garlan had
+hacked in pieces his adversary’s shield, and the corselet of cambric
+began to be marbled with streaks of gore. Miton saw that the ranks of
+his warriors were thinning, and was anxious to make an end of his foe in
+order to hasten to their aid. He closed with him, knee to knee, foot to
+foot, and, regardless of the danger to which he exposed himself, seized
+Garlan by the gorget of his coat of mail, dragged him from his horse,
+and then passing him from his right hand to his left, held the point of
+his sword to his throat, and compelled him to yield to his mercy. Then
+he sent the miscreant a foot beyond the barriers, and gave his charger
+to Thierry, Duke of Ardennes, who had just been unhorsed.
+
+Cha’chaân el Da’djah, Emir of Toledo, entertained the presumptuous idea
+of avenging Garlan the Bearded, as if, because he had strangled a few
+lions in the desert, ripped up a few elephants, and cut in pieces a
+million or so of enemies, he could pretend to hope for, the conquest of
+a French knight. He shouted his war-cry, and darted forward to meet
+the Count of Rennes, brandishing, as he did so, a huge flail with seven
+chains, the same with which Attila armed himself when fighting the
+legions of Aétius. But the blow was delivered in empty air--dragged the
+Emir forward, and made him lose his balance. Miton took advantage of
+this miss to seize Cha’chaân el Da’djah by the leg, and dragged him from
+his seat with such violence as to break the saddle, entangle him with
+the harness, and throw the horse down on its side. Then the spectators
+beheld a strange sight. The Count of Rennes grasped his foeman by the
+ankles, rose in his stirrups, and, using the body as a mace, swung it
+round his head, dashed into the thick of the fight, and began laying
+about right and left at the Saracens with the Emir. Every time this
+novel arm fell it encountered some weapon of defence, so that before
+long little was left of it but shreds. After a time the mortal
+instrument of war lost its weight, and became useless. When Miton flung
+it away it had stretched eight Saracens on the plain.
+
+He cast his eye over the field. Marganice, Governor of Carthagena, was
+fighting with Roard of Limoges and Itiers of Clermont; Garnaille,
+King of Ethiopia, confronted Lambert the Short and Humbert, Count of
+Bourges; M’kamat Iladdada, Caliph of Mecca, was showing a bold front
+to Riol of Mans, Hoël of Nantes, and Bazin of Geneva. Alis, King of
+Morocco, was engaged with Pinabel; while Sangaran, who ruled at the
+source of the Niger, Baimalanko, chief of the tribes on the borders
+of the Dead Sea--each one of these two blacker than the other--and
+Zunizum-Kalakh, King of Garbe, pressed hard on Aimery of Narbonne, who
+was, however, giving them two blows for one.
+
+Miton flew to his rescue, and in three minutes, and with twenty strokes
+of his sword, had ridded him of his foes. Sangaran and Baimalanko fell
+before his arm, and went to rejoin the Evil One whose livery they wore.
+
+“Thanks, I owe you a similar service,” said Aimery to the Count of
+Rennes. “I shall have finished with this villain in a few seconds. I am
+not afraid of a single encounter, so leave me and go succour Pinabel,
+who has scarce blood enough left to keep him alive.”
+
+And, in truth, the nephew of Ganelon was fighting in the dark, for
+he was blinded with his own blood. The King of Morocco, who saw a
+new foeman coming towards him, determined to abandon the contest with
+Pinabel and charge at once on Miton, a manouvre he accomplished so
+rapidly that he took the latter by surprise. For four seconds the
+Count of Rennes was exposed defenceless to the fury of Alis, and this
+unguarded moment cost him a gash which laid open his left arm from
+shoulder to elbow, and marked him with a purple chevron on the wrist.
+Mita uttered a shriek as if she had received the blow, and hid her face
+in her hands.
+
+“See,” said Himiltrude, “what interest the little Mita takes in the
+combat, sire. The wound the Count of Rennes has just received makes her
+heart bleed.”
+
+“Keep your nonsense to yourself, madam,” said the Emperor, who hated to
+be interfered with at the wrong moment. “When men wield the sword,
+women should not wag the tongue and he abruptly turned his back on his
+consort. In point of fact, it was not a well-chosen time for talking.”
+
+And now Riol of Mans had, with a dexterous back stroke, sent the head
+of M’kamat Haddada flying, and this new kind of projectile had struck
+Marganice, Governor of Carthagena, in the face, and so confused him that
+he neglected to parry a furious blow aimed at him by Itiers of Clermont.
+This really excusable oversight cost him his life. One sharp thrust
+pinned him to his horse’s crupper like a butterfly on a cork.
+
+[Illustration: 095]
+
+Garnaille also perceived his end approaching. Lambert the Short gave him
+no respite.
+
+“It shall never be said,” cried, fiercely, the King of the Ethiopians,
+“that I received my death-blow from a Christian hand.” Thereupon,
+resting the pommel of his sword on the ground, he flung himself on the
+point and expired shouting, “Allah!”
+
+Aimery of Narbonne, a lad of sixteen, seemed to be playing with his
+opponent.
+
+“Dog!” exclaimed Zumzum-Ivalakh, “cannot you fight more steadily?”
+
+“I will give you a lesson in politeness,” said Aimery, still smiling.
+“First of all, I don’t approve of people addressing me without baring
+their heads.” As he spoke, his sword sent the King of Garbe’s helm
+flying. It was one of the famous casques of the ancient tribes of
+Beni-Ad.
+
+“Bravo, Pagan. Are not you afraid of getting sunburnt?”
+
+A blow of the battle-axe, which shivered the Count of Narbonne’s shield,
+was all the answer vouchsafed by Zumzum-Ivalakh.
+
+“Bless me! he’s getting vicious,” said Aimery, without being in the
+least put out. “We must teach him to say he’s sorry.”
+
+His sword whirled in the air and smote off the wrist of the King of
+Garbe, and so brought the combat to a close.
+
+The King of Morocco alone continued to make resistance. Miton hastened
+to dispatch him, for he felt his strength failing him. However, he would
+receive aid from no quarter save Heaven. His shield was riven, his left
+arm, laid open with a terrible gash, hung powerless by his side, and
+every blow he dealt his enemy cost him five in return.
+
+Mita had no eyes for any but the Count of Rennes. She lived with his
+life, she suffered for his wounds, and she would have fallen dead had he
+perished. How she blamed her cruel commands, and how she hated the King
+of Morocco! In truth few men’s deaths have been as fervently prayed for
+as his was.
+
+Miton felt a cold sweat seize him; a mournful singing in his ears made
+him fancy his end was approaching. He struggled against death, and gave
+one last blow at his opponent, then fell senseless under his horse’s
+hoofs. That blow was the last the Moorish king received. The sword
+pierced his bosom, and the steel remained fast in the wound. He was
+immediately seized with the death shudder, flung wide his arms, dropped
+his weapons, and uttered so terrible a cry that his frightened steed ran
+away at full speed straight ahead until he dashed against the walls
+of the lists. His rider rolled in the dust. The King of Morocco was no
+more.
+
+Charlemagne sprang up beaming with joy.
+
+“Ogier,” said he to the King of Denmark, “go bring me news of Miton, and
+tell him how I prize his valour. I am, moreover, not the only one who
+prizes him here, it appears. Well, little one,” he added, turning to
+Mita, “you have perilous fancies. For this once all has turned out well,
+but you must promise me not to tempt the devil a second time.”
+
+Mita flung herself at the Emperor’s feet, and kissed his hand in
+silence. Charlemagne smiled.
+
+“Come,” said he, “rise, Countess of Rennes.”
+
+[Illustration: 096]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI. A FUNERAL MARCH.
+
+THUS ended this brilliant passage of arms. Was I not right, my children,
+when I told you that its equal was never seen?
+
+The wounded Saracens were conveyed to hospital, and I need hardly
+add, they were as well cared for as if they had been duly-baptised
+Christians.
+
+The dead were buried; they were sixty-three in number, neither more nor
+less. There were, after this tournament, a great many thrones to let in
+the East.
+
+The surgeons declared that the wounded would not be fit to move for a
+month at the very least.
+
+Charlemagne loaded the survivors with rich gifts, and then, after
+four or five days of rejoicing, he prepared to depart, leaving Fronsac
+strongly garrisoned. He wished to spend Advent Sunday at a town
+anciently called Durie, in the diocese of Julliers, and the Feast of the
+Resurrection at the Cathedral of St. Lambert, in Liege.
+
+When the Saracens were left alone, they determined, after a long
+consultation, to inform King Marsillus without delay of the melancholy
+fate of his envoys, and to bear to him the mortal remains of his son.
+Nobody, however, cared to be the bearer of such tidings, and one and all
+professed to suffer horribly from their wounds. In short, of all that
+brilliant expedition, there were none left to perform this duty except
+the band.
+
+The solemn procession set out for Spain. The drums, covered with
+mourning, preceded the hearse about twenty paces.
+
+Thus it was that Murad Henakyeh Meimoumovassi re-entered his father’s
+dominions!
+
+[Illustration: 096]
+
+
+END OF THE FIRST BOOK,
+
+
+
+
+BOOK THE SECOND -- THE PROPHET’S PARADISE.
+
+
+[Illustration: 099]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I. HOW CROQUEMITAINE WAS CHRISTENED.
+
+IN turning over the last page, my young friends, you have grown nine
+years older. You see time flies quickly when you read my writings. Do
+I ask too much in begging you to make a hasty flight with me, in five
+minutes, from the year 769 to the year 778?
+
+Charlemagne, after having, as I said just now, performed his religious
+duties at Duren and at Liege, returned to Worms at the beginning of the
+year 770. There Miton and Mita were married, and there, subsequently,
+the latter gave birth to a lovely little girl, who was called Mitaine--a
+lovely little angel, plump and soft, with large black eyes, and golden
+locks as bright as the glory of a saint. Charlemagne saw the infant one
+day in its mother’s arms, and believed he beheld a vision.
+
+“Surely,” said the good Emperor, “this is Our Lady with her holy babe!”
+
+When he came nearer, he recognised the Countess of Rennes.
+
+“You are too blest, Lady Mita. You are favoured of Heaven indeed.
+It is not possible but that this little angel should bring good fortune
+to all who approach her; and, if she has not already been christened,
+I should like to be one of her sponsors. Would you wish me to be her
+godfather?”
+
+[Illustration: 100]
+
+Charlemagne took one of the child s tiny hands, and kissed it, the
+little arm disappearing entirely in the monarch’s bushy beard and
+moustache.
+
+Then, radiant with joy at this meeting, which he looked upon as a good
+omen, the Emperor hastened to an assembly of the people that he had
+convened. He was so happy and devoid of anxiety, that he yielded to the
+intercession of his mother, Bertha of the Big Feet, who had long been
+trying in vain to bring about a reconciliation between him and his
+brother Carloman.
+
+During this same year Himiltrude bore a son, who was charming in face,
+but, unfortunately, deformed in figure. Charles christened him Pepin,
+but the people nick-named him Hunchback; and when the populace takes
+upon itself to act as sponsor, the names it gives do not die out.
+
+This son and heir was not calculated to flatter the Emperor’s dignity.
+His father did not receive him very favourably, and determined to
+divorce Himiltrude.
+
+Aude and Roland, less fortunate than Miton and Mita, were not yet
+married.
+
+“Sire, is it not time to celebrate our nuptials?” said the Count ot
+Mans one day to Charlemagne. “For eight months I have been waiting your
+pleasure, and I trust you will at last fix a day for the marriage.”
+
+The Emperor had just had a dispute with his queen about the child, so
+that he did not just then regard marriage very favourably. He did not
+listen with a very good grace to his nephew’s entreaty.
+
+“By my beard, I consider you’re in too great a hurry:--know that!
+Your beard is scarce grown, and yet you want to be at the head of an
+establishment. That is not what I consider proper. You have to make
+a name for yourself before you think of transmitting it to others.
+Besides, a man never fights so well if he has a wife and family; so
+don’t bother my head any more about it. You are, both of you, young
+enough to wait--wait!”
+
+Queen Bertha, who had no more affection for her daughter-in-law
+than Charles had for his wife set out for Lombardy to settle a fresh
+alliance, and before long returned with Desiderade, daughter of Didier,
+King of Lombardy. Himiltrude, I should add, was divorced, despite the
+threats of the Pope, Stephen the Third.
+
+Charlemagne spent his Christmas this year in Burgundy, and Easter at
+Valenciennes, in Hainault.
+
+The reconciliation of the brothers had never been more than a formal
+one; so that when, about the second week in December, 771, Charles heard
+of Carloman’s death at Samoucy, a royal palace in the old diocese of
+Laon, he did not waste any time on tears. He called together a full
+court at Valenciennes, announced to his lords the death of his brother,
+and led them into Neustria. He encamped on the royal farms of Carbonac,
+in the midst of the forest of Ardennes. The formidable appearance of the
+forces he commanded induced the nobles and bishops to do fealty to him.
+Gerberge, daughter of Didier, and widow of Carloman, endeavoured vainly
+to assert her children’s rights. She was compelled to fly with them
+and a few attendants, and seek refuge at the court of her father.
+Charlemagne was then proclaimed sole ruler of all the realm of the
+Franks.
+
+Queen Bertha’s choice had not proved a very fortunate one. Desiderade,
+sister of the dethroned Queen of Neustria, did not make a very sprightly
+appearance at the Court of France, so Charles determined to get rid of
+her.
+
+Roland, who was ever lamenting the indefinite postponement of his
+marriage, once more addressed his uncle on the subject.
+
+“You do not intend, I am sure, sire, to do me a wrong, but you inflict
+more suffering on me than I can express by thus perpetually adjourning
+my union with Aude.”
+
+[Illustration: 101]
+
+Charlemagne, who had just been having high words with the queen, was not
+favourably disposed to marriages. He replied, in an ill humour--? “Do
+you want to drive me crazy, my fine nephew? Marriage is a folly, take
+my word for it. Resides, I have a fancy to ravage the land of Saxony. I
+hear that in a town they call Eresburg--I don’t know why--they worship
+an idol named Irminsul, and I have set myself the task of burning this
+impudent divinity. I count on your assistance. On my return we will talk
+about your marriage.”
+
+[Illustration: 102]
+
+Roland went away sadly to find his Aude.
+
+In the year 771, the Emperor spent Easter at Herstall, and Christmas at
+Attigny. About the beginning of the year 772 he convened his nobles
+at Worms, placed himself at their head, and invaded Saxony. This land,
+subdivided into numerous petty states, was inhabited by Westphalians,
+Osterlindsi, Sclaves, Hungarians. All these tribes were driven back
+to the Baltic, their idols were destroyed, and their lands devastated.
+Compelled to sue for peace, they came in and did homage 011 the banks of
+the Weser.
+
+Charlemagne, who was no less terrible to his wives than to his enemies,
+got rid of Desiderade, his second queen, and determined to marry a
+third. He was of this mind when Roland once more sought him.
+
+“Sire, since you have given me encouragement to hope, I come to remind
+you that I love Aude, the niece of Gerard of Vienna, your friend, and
+that you have promised her to me in marriage as a reward for conquering
+Angoulaffre. You desired me to follow you to Saxony, and I did so; no
+one can say, surely, that I was sparing of my person in the campaign.
+You have often spoken severely against marriage, but I understand you
+have changed your views, since you are, for a third time, going to do
+yourself what you used to say was bad for others. I am your sister’s
+son. I have served you to the best of my ability, and every one agrees
+that the ability of Roland is no trifle. Will you not please to fix a
+day for my nuptials?”
+
+Charlemagne was in a particularly good humour that day. He burst out
+laughing at his nephew, and said--
+
+“By my beard? and sceptre, I believe this youngster is going to set me
+to school. My friend Ganelon was right when he had me beware lest this
+rogue should lead me by the nose. So-ho! my warrior, have I not made you
+Count of Mans and peer of the realm? Have not I granted you the Marches
+of Brittany? And must I now reward you for the blows you have struck in
+defence of your own precious hide? No, my fine nephew; I don’t approve
+of people who try to force my game. Besides, I have a notion, after my
+marriage, of making an excursion in the direction of Lombardy. You will
+accompany me. When we come back we will see what is to be done.”
+
+[Illustration: 103]
+
+This year (772) Charles kept the festivals of Easter and Christmas at
+Herstall, on the Meuse. About this period Didier, King of Lombardy,
+invaded the states of St. Peter. Coming at the head of ten thousand
+stout lances, he laid siege to Rome. Pope Adrian did not lose heart for
+a trifle like that. He closed the gates of the Eternal City, carefully
+inspected the walls, and manned them with troops, determined to perish
+amid the ruins of his capital rather than surrender.
+
+Then he sent a deputation of bishops and men of distinction to
+Charlemagne, to remind the son of King Pepin that he was a Roman noble,
+and that it was his duty to defend the Church in the person of
+its supreme head. The Emperor was not desperately fond of his
+ex-father-in-law, at whose court all his enemies found refuse. He had
+lone meditated an expedition in his direction, and so, accepting with
+joy this providential chance, he convened a full court at Paderborn. The
+expedition was resolved on enthusiastically, and Geneva was chosen as
+the rendezvous of the forces. The army was divided into two sections.
+Bernard, Charlemagne’s uncle, had command of one column, with orders
+to cross Mount Joux (St. Bernard), and open a campaign in the plains of
+Milan, while the Emperor led his half of the army over Mount Cenis.
+
+In vain did Adalgisus, son of Didier, attempt to defend the passes of
+the Alps. He was everywhere repulsed, and was hemmed in at Pavia, where
+his father joined him (October, 773). Pavia was then a castle, which
+would well have deserved the reputation of being impregnable if it had
+not (as is the case with all impregnable places) been taken several
+times. Nevertheless, it displayed some coquettishness in the matter,
+never permitting itself to be captured till after a wearisome war; for
+it required no less than a whole winter to scale its walls, which were
+seventy feet high, to carry its seventeen gates, and make oneself master
+of its sixty-two towers.
+
+[Illustration: 104]
+
+Charlemagne went to Rome to spend the Holy Week. He entered it in
+triumph on the 2nd of April, 774. A grand procession of bishops and
+nobles went out to meet him at Novi, and accompanied him to St. John at
+the Lateran, where Adrian waited to receive him. The crowd hailed him
+as a preserver. He was surrounded by banners and crosses; people of
+distinction vied for the honour of carrying his victorious arms; and
+little children, dressed in ancient costume, strewed flowers in his
+horse’s path. The Pope and the Emperor embraced, and the latter, after
+having taken the sacrament, visited, attended by his suite, all the
+sacred spots in the great capital of the Christian world.
+
+A council was called, at which one hundred and fifty-three bishops and
+priests assembled to assist the Pope in conferring on Charlemagne the
+most extensive powers and privileges.
+
+During this time famine was making fearful havoc in Pavia. Every day
+people died of starvation in hundreds, but the town did not surrender.
+Charlemagne was not one who liked to see work long about. He quitted
+Rome and assumed the command of the army, and a few days after Didier
+was forced to surrender. Neither his courage nor his submission could
+appease the Emperor, and the conquered prince, his head sprinkled with
+ashes, had to kneel to his new lord. The last of the Lombard kings
+became a monk, and finished his days, under the name of Brother
+Desiderat, in the monastery of Corbie. Ansa, his wife, the two sons of
+Carloman, and Gerberge their mother, with Desiderade, the divorced
+wife of the King of the Franks, all fell into Charles’s hands, and he
+condemned them to the cloister. Lombardy was thus made the property of
+the crown of France.
+
+[Illustration: 105]
+
+Aude and Mita had retired to Paris, where they awaited mournfully the
+return of Roland and Miton. Here the Countess of Rennes gave birth to a
+marvellously beautiful boy, who was christened Mitis. Never was a baby
+made so much of. Nothing was good enough for him. The two women, left
+to themselves, formed endless projects, and counted with impatience the
+hours which seemed to pass so slowly. But one day the weeping attendants
+made their appearance, bearing the dead body of the little cherub. They
+related that a knight, with his visor closed, had attacked them and
+snatched the child from his nurse; that, without regarding their cries
+or supplications, he had made his way at full galop to a neighboring
+stream, where he had dismounted, and, thrusting the child into the
+water, had held it down with his foot for some minutes. Despite the
+threats he uttered they came up with him, but too late. The monster,
+having lifted the corpse ashore with his foot, remounted his horse and
+fled.
+
+[Illustration: 106]
+
+The two sisters were for a long time like a couple of mad women. So
+excessive was the grief of each that one might fairly have asked which
+was the mother of the murdered babe.
+
+Now it happened that on the day of the murder Ganelon had passed through
+Paris on his way to Brittany.
+
+The Saxons, taking advantage of Charlemagne’s absence, had invaded the
+territory lying between the Rhine and the Weser. The Emperor, but just
+returned from Lombardy, sent against them four formidable armies; then,
+having held an assembly at Duren, he placed himself at the head of a
+fifth column and crossed the Rhine (775). He made himself master of
+Eresburg, and left a garrison there to hold it, and next defeated at
+Brunsberg the masses of Saxons that endeavoured to stop his passage
+of the Weser. He advanced as far as the Oder, cutting the Westphalian
+forces into pieces on his route, and then marched back after having
+reinforced the garrison of Eresburg, which was to serve as a prison for
+his Saxon captives.
+
+This year Hildegarde presented Charlemagne with a daughter, who was
+christened Rotrude. The Emperor was so delighted with her that Roland
+ventured to renew his request.
+
+“Sire, you bade me share the campaigns in Saxony and Lombardy, and I did
+my duty to the best of my power. Is it not time----”
+
+“My dear nephew, spare your eloquence. I see you coming, and begin to
+know your petition by heart. Well, by St. Nazaire! I will grant you the
+request you press so warmly. In one month you shall be wed.”
+
+Five days after they had to mount, and march for Italy again. Rotgause,
+Duke of Friuli, and Adalgisus, son of Didier, had resolved to attack
+Rome and Italy by sea and land (776).
+
+Charles once more crossed the Alps, took Rotgause a prisoner, and,
+having cut his head off, handed over the government of Friuli to one of
+his French nobles, the Count Markaire. Then he set out for Worms.
+
+One day the Emperor was riding at the head of his army, with Roland
+beside him. They were marching alongside of a splendid corn land. The
+reapers, terrified at the sight of the soldiers, had flung down their
+sickles, and fled; but, their curiosity restoring them their courage to
+some o o degree, they ventured to watch the column from a safe distance.
+
+“Have you never, sire, envied the lot of these peasants?” asked the
+Count of Mans.
+
+Charles looked at his nephew in wonderment, thinking he was gone mad.
+
+“When once their work is over,” continued Roland, “they return to their
+homes to find a wife waiting on the threshold to embrace them, and a
+bevy of children who storm them for kisses; while we----”
+
+“I understand you, nephew mine. This is a new way of putting it that you
+are trying, and if I let you have your talk out, it would infallibly
+end in the old question, ‘When is the marriage to be?’ I am not more
+hard-hearted than most people; and, by the mass! on my return---”
+
+The Emperor paused. He had just caught sight of a whirlwind of dust a
+long way off. By degrees the whirlwind lessened to a cloud--the cloud
+turned into a horseman--the horseman proved to be Hugo of Cotentin.
+
+[Illustration: 107]
+
+The Count Palatine had spurred fast to tell Charles that the Saxons were
+again in revolt, and were ravaging the banks of the Rhine.
+
+Roland sighed. “Aude--dearest Aude!” said he, “shall we never be united
+except in Paradise? If I thought so, I would hasten the period, and get
+myself killed in the very next fight.”
+
+But I should never finish my story if I were to relate to you all the
+expeditions of Charlemagne against the Saxons. He was always crossing
+the Rhine, sweeping away whole nations, receiving their submission, and
+taking hostages; but scarcely had he turned his back before he heard the
+growlings of a fresh eruption. You will learn all this from pages more
+serious than mine. I will only add, that in 777 Charlemagne assembled
+the Saxons and their rulers at Paderborn, and that a great many came,
+and were baptised.
+
+I must now resume my story.
+
+Charlemagne is at Paderborn, surrounded by his Court. Hildegarde had
+borne him a son, who received the name of Carloman. Aude was more lovely
+than ever. Miton was now thirty-two, Mita twenty-seven, and Mitaine
+eight. Oghris was growing old now. His coat was turning silvery. He now
+required a long ten minutes to quarter an ox, but his claws were still
+good. He had taken a mighty fancy to Mitaine; and often, when they had
+tried to separate them, the lion had grown so thin, and the child so
+melancholy, that they were compelled to abandon the idea.
+
+The god-child of Charlemagne had often been made the aim of assassins,
+and, without doubt, the same fate was intended for her that had befallen
+her brother. But Oghris was always at hand, and the murderers had to
+take to flight. On one occasion, however, one of them had not got off
+quickly enough, and so paid the penalty for the others.
+
+“Now, at last,” said Miton, “I shall understand the meaning of all
+this!”
+
+Unfortunately, the lion had not thought of this, and his victim was
+reduced to such small fragments that nothing could be discovered from
+them.
+
+[Illustration: 109]
+
+Charles flew into a great rage on hearing of the attempts to which his
+god-child had, more than once, nearly fallen a victim.
+
+“By Joyeuse! he who touches my god-child is a bold man. Tell me,
+Mitaine, have you no indication to give me which might put us on the
+track of this devourer of babes?”
+
+“None, my lord; the monster appears and disappears as if by magic.”
+
+“Well, be he fay, ogre, or vampire, I swear to Heaven I will deliver him
+into your hands. But until it is in our power to hang, draw, and quarter
+him, how shall we distinguish this monster, who wishes to devour you, by
+name?”
+
+“Let us call him Croquemitaine!”
+
+“So be it. Well, then, Croquemitaine shall be hanged: take my word for
+it.”
+
+In the year 777 Charlemagne celebrated Easter at Nimègue.
+
+[Illustration: 110]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II. THE KING OF BEAUTY,
+
+ONE chronicle which I have discovered, and which is only known to me,
+assures us that Charlemagne was devotedly fond of children. It was his
+pleasure one day to call a couple of hundred of them together, in his
+royalty of Paderborn, and say to them--
+
+“You are the masters here, and my servants are at your disposal. Make
+hay of all the flowers in my gardens, and my gardeners shall assist you.
+Plan a dinner tremendous enough to kill my friend Guy of Burgundy with
+indigestion, and my cooks are under your orders. Ransack my illuminated
+books; and if by chance you tear them, Eginhard will restore them so
+that it can’t be detected. Break the silver strings of the queen’s harp,
+and they shall be replaced before she suspects mischief. Command, bully,
+pillage, if you like, to your hearts’ content. There is but one thing
+I forbid”--and Charles, knitting his great brows, spoke in a voice
+of thunder--“one thing I forbid, do you hear? I forbid you to put
+yourselves out of the way in the slightest degree.”
+
+This speech was calculated to raise the wildest enthusiasm. In a moment
+the palace was ravaged. Mad with liberty, the little folks rushed hither
+and thither, pillaging everywhere at random, and to no purpose, like
+silly butterflies. The happiness of being free to do what they pleased
+was enough.
+
+It was indeed a deafening tumult, an unequalled outburst of jollity.
+They tore down the hangings; they broke open the aviaries; they
+smashed the statues; they ransacked the sideboards; they tore up the
+flowers--until, at last, by degrees, their impetuosity wore itself
+out. At the end of an hour the children, left to themselves, and
+having nothing more to destroy, could not invent any means of amusing
+themselves.
+
+When the Emperor returned he found his little visitors scattered
+throughout the palace, tired, idle, and melancholy. Charles called them
+all round him, and inquired if they, were all enjoying themselves.
+The children hung down their heads without answering. He repeated the
+question with the same result. At last Mitaine, more confident than the
+rest, opened her mouth--
+
+“God-papa--not to keep anything from you--we don’t know what to do, and
+were never so bored in all our lives.”
+
+“My children,” answered Charlemagne, “let this be a timely lesson to
+you. In pleasure, as in war, everything goes wrong without a clever
+commander. To play well, just as to fight well, you need a captain.
+Choose some one who shall be general of your games; and, by my beard!
+you will see that all will go well.”
+
+“Beloved sire!” said the children, trooping round him, “choose our
+general for us.”
+
+“I will,” said Charles; “but you must at least promise me to obey him
+whom I select.”
+
+“We will! we will!”
+
+Charles perceived a fair boy of twelve in the crowd; and, taking him
+gently by the ear, he led him out, and presented him to his small
+subjects.
+
+“Here is the little king I offer you. Obey him as you would me; and as
+for you, Joel the Fair, will you take my advice?”
+
+“I permit you to offer it, cousin,” said the youngster, drawing himself
+up grandly.
+
+“Then, sire, since you deign to listen to me, accept this hint. Would
+you rule without discomfort, sleep without fearing some evil dream, and
+live at ease?”
+
+“That would suit me nicely!”
+
+“Well, then, Joel the Fair, make yourself beloved!”
+
+“We will take care to do so,” said the boy, and immediately gave one
+of his subjects a rare buffet for leaning too familiarly on his royal
+shoulder.
+
+Charlemagne withdrew to rejoin Eginhard, Theodulph, Leidrade, and
+Alcuin, with whom he had shut himself up to work at his code of laws.
+
+But he had hardly been in his closet half an hour when a great hubbub
+was heard under the windows; shouts, laughter, and cries were mingled
+together, and soon rose to such a pitch that the Emperor rose, curious
+to see what was the cause of the tumult, and went to the window.
+
+I can assure you, young people, that he was not a little astonished to
+see Mitaine fighting with a big boy, whom she had just thrown down and
+was kneeling upon.
+
+“So, Master Joel, you have a strange way of ruling,” said Charles,
+opening the window. “Is this the way in which you ensure the peace of
+your dominions? What is the meaning of this?”
+
+The tumult ceased. Mitaine released her victim, and Joel advanced and
+addressed Charles.
+
+“I must remind you, sire, that you promised us uninterrupted liberty,
+and I have therefore some right to feel astonished when you interfere
+with my kingdom. What would your Majesty say if the King of Saragossa
+or of Persia were to question you about your doings in your own realm?
+However, I have not forgotten that it is to you I owe my crown, and as
+I am a gallant prince, I will consent to answer your questions. We had
+determined to hold a tournament, and in order that it might be done in
+a manner becoming my state, I first chose myself a court. It is
+composed of those whom you see yonder, half-inclined to quarrel over
+the scrag-end of a pie. I armed my knights--those are they on the lawn
+yonder, where they are now holding gallant encounters, which will prove
+to you I have chosen well. I improvised arms as I had invented knights.
+The ladies chose their gallants. Mitaine was unanimously elected Queen
+of Beauty, and she selected for her knight that big boy to whom she has
+just been giving such thumps. The trumpets sounded, and I took my place
+on the throne with a majesty that could not have failed to please you.
+The jousts commenced, and all went well enough. Riolet received a blow
+on the eye from Chariot, which lends quite a martial air to his visage;
+Loys has had two teeth knocked out; and Ode has left two handfuls of
+hair on the field.”
+
+[Illustration: 112]
+
+“We did not expect it to stop here when Berart, the chosen cavalier of
+Mitaine, entered the lists. He presented himself proudly, and arrogantly
+defied Odille, who, without disturbing himself, gave him a kick on the
+shin, so dexterously applied that the unhappy youth lost heart and ran
+away. At this sight Mitaine was transported with anger, and jumping
+quickly down from her throne, she rolled the astonished and terrified
+Berart in the dust; and then, turning on his opponent, upbraided him for
+his cowardice--in short, you can see what has befallen poor Odille. For
+my part, I abstained from placing any obstacle in the way of Mitaine’s
+triumph. She was hitherto our queen by virtue of her rank and beauty:
+now she has won the title by her courage also.”
+
+[Illustration: 113]
+
+Charlemagne laughed for seven minutes without stopping--so says the
+historian--as he had never laughed before. Then he called his god-child
+to him.
+
+[Illustration: 114]
+
+“By my sceptre! this is the conduct of a heroine, and you shall be well
+rewarded. It seems to me that a triumphant march would be about
+the right thing at this period. What thinks our brother Joel of the
+proposal?”
+
+“Excellently said, sire. Let there be a march of triumph.”
+
+“There’s only one thing that puzzles me. If we crown Mitaine for her
+valour, we shall have no Queen of Beauty.”
+
+“By my beard, sire,” said little Joel, stroking his smooth, twelve-year
+old chin, and aping Charles to the best of his ability--“by my beard,
+sire, you are puzzled about trifles.” Then he went in search of his
+friend Riolet, whose eye was getting blacker every minute.
+
+“What do you say to a King of Beauty like that? It is but right that
+both sexes should have their part in the triumph as usual.”
+
+“What a philosopher he is!” said Charles, laughing till the tears ran
+down his face. “Let Oghris be brought--he is the only animal worthy
+to carry my courageous god-child. And you, rival and discomfited
+knights--it is to you, Berart, and you too, Odille, that I am
+speaking--go, conduct your conqueror in triumph. But now, what are we to
+do with the King of Beauty, brother?”
+
+Joel, without answering, called on four knights to volunteer, and placed
+Riolet on their shoulders, the pain and confusion making him pull some
+very strange grimaces. In this fashion the procession set out amid loud
+laughter and cheering.
+
+In the evening Charles took Miton aside with him, and said, “Learn, my
+friend, that our Mitaine is not intended to wear a petticoat for long.
+A sword will suit her hand better than a needle. The secret attacks from
+which, thank Heaven, she has till now escaped unhurt may be renewed, and
+I would fain have her under my own guardianship. I have an offer to make
+to you, Count of Rennes. Give her to me for a page, and I will have her
+brought up to the use of arms. I am greatly mistaken if I do not thus
+rear a staunch supporter of my son.”
+
+The offer was accepted, and from the next day Mitaine, to her delight,
+took rank with the pages, whose male attire she adopted.
+
+[Illustration: 115]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III. HOW THE EMPEROR CHARLEMAGNE SAW A VISION.
+
+CHARLEMAGNE only took repose in order to give others an opportunity of
+resting. The chronicles tell us that he used to break off his slumbers
+four or five times during the night, rise, dress himself, and dispatch
+some matters of business. At Paderborn he occupied a chamber on the
+ground floor, and was often seized with the inclination to go down into
+the park, where, being alone with his thoughts, he used to allow himself
+to become lost in reverie.
+
+One beautiful night in the spring he perceived in the heavens what
+seemed like an immense causeway, paved with stars, which commenced
+above the Gulf of Friesland and disappeared about the Galician frontier,
+passing over Germany, Aquitaine, Gascony, and Navarre.
+
+[Illustration: 117]
+
+Little by little there seemed to him to glitter an unusual number of
+luminaries; they increased in size, changed their forms, and began to
+move all in the same direction from the northeast to the south-west,
+and presently he beheld, moving across the heavens, crowds of armed
+warriors. He had mistaken for stars the glint of the moon upon their
+armour. For a whole hour troop succeeded troop; the horses, excited to
+a mad ardour, galloped among the clouds, raising a dust of star-sparkles
+with their hoofs. Then all became motionless as at first. The night grew
+dark and silent, and Charles, lost in reflection, turned his eyes to
+earth. The sight he saw froze for some seconds the blood in his veins.
+It appeared like a moving light, which had assumed a human shape--a
+lingering sunbank forgotten by the twilight, and animated by some
+supernatural power. It advanced slowly, its outline showing clearly
+against the darkness of the park. At last the Emperor could distinguish
+a form more beautiful than is granted to the mortal inhabitants of the
+globe. The figure spoke, and the air became laden with odours. Its
+voice hushed the songs of the nightingales, who perched on the boughs to
+listen.
+
+“My son, why have you forgotten me?”
+
+“My lord, who are you?” inquired Charles.
+
+“I am St. James, the apostle, the brother of St. John the Evangelist.”
+
+The Emperor fell on his knees.
+
+“You called upon me at the tournament of Fronsac, and promised me a
+chapel in exchange for Oliver’s life, and I heard you. Oliver lives, and
+nine years have passed and still my bones lie in Galicia, forgotten by
+Christians and given up to Saracens. You have led your legions to the
+Roman shores, to the ocean, and to the Gulf of Friesland. One part of
+Europe only have you omitted to visit: it is that where my bones are
+laid, and to which you swore to me to make an expedition in my honour.
+I am sent to you from above. If Heaven makes you the most powerful among
+the mighty ones of earth, it is that you may accomplish its designs.
+Arise, then; rescue my remains from profane hands, and open the route
+for pilgrims to my shrine. Arm your brave Franks, Lombards, Saxons, and
+Austrians, and march straight for the Saracens of Spain. I shall be with
+you in danger, and by-and-by you will find me ready to conduct you to
+Heaven.”
+
+The vision vanished. Two hours later Eginhard, coming to seek
+Charlemagne, found him still upon his knees in the park praying, with
+tears in his eyes.
+
+[Illustration: 116]
+
+[Illustration: 120]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV. HOW KING MARSILLUS SAW A VISION.
+
+A SHORT time previous to the foregoing events, Marsillus had a vision at
+Saragossa.
+
+Come with me now to Spain, my young friends. Do not murmur, for there
+exists nothing so lovely as Spain, unless it be “the terrestrial
+paradise,” of which I am not in a position to form an opinion.
+
+There the sandal-wood, the spikenard, the saffron, the ebony, and the
+clove, the most extraordinary flowers, the most delicious fruits, all
+grow wild. The streams prattle more gaily there than anywhere else,
+joyfully sprinkling with dewy drops the ever-verdant banks. On all sides
+trees, clothed with luxuriant foliage, provide shelter for the
+most musical birds in the world. The choir numbers the tomtit, the
+nightingale, the phoenix, the turtle-dove, and a thousand others. Must
+I, at the risk of making your mouths water, mention a few of the fruits
+of this marvellous land? What do you say to the fig, the grape, the
+pomegranate, the almond, the lemon, the pine-apple, the olive, and
+the orange? And the flowers!--clumps of roses everywhere, lilies,
+chrysanthemums! Here, grow ox-eyes; there, spring violets; yonder bloom
+the narcissus and the balsam. The cool brooklets, abundant and limpid
+as glass, flow over pebbles as bright as crystal and topaz. There are
+gardens like those of Persia, minarets like those of Bagdad, a blue sky’
+like that of no other part of the world. The nights are so delicious,
+one is sorry to go to sleep. Everywhere are seen wealth, beauty, joy,
+and plenty! Such is Spain.
+
+All this, however, was ruined by the presence of the Saracens.
+
+Marsillus was taking a nap. He was lying on cushions of priceless
+material. The pavilion in which he had sought repose was of stained
+ivory, inlaid with gold. In the midst a joyous fountain diffused
+coolness around it; while an incense, compounded of musk, ambergris,
+and camphor, made into a paste with distilled otto of roses, burning in
+marble bowls, filled the air with sweetness.
+
+All at once the daylight turned sickly pale. A chill like that of
+the tomb succeeded the agreeable coolness and the perfumes yielded to
+sickening odours like those of the grave. The flowers faded; all that
+was brightest became dull and tarnished; and a corpse came and seated
+itself beside the King of Saragossa. It scarcely retained the human
+form, being made up of shreds and rags of flesh, and rendered only the
+more hideous by the gay robes in which it was enveloped.
+
+“My father!” said the corpse, “have you, then, forgotten me?” Marsillus
+opened his eyes, uttered a shriek, and, after gazing round vainly
+for some way of escape, sank back motionless, with haggard eyes and
+bristling locks, and bathed in a cold sweat.
+
+[Illustration: 121]
+
+“Is it thus you receive your son, after a separation of ten years? Open
+your arms to me, beloved monarch, for I hunger for your embrace!” On
+seeing Murad approaching him, the terrified Marsillus sprang to his
+feet, and strove to get out of his way, but in vain. The corpse caught
+him in its arms, folded him to its bosom, which cracked in a ghastly way
+with the force of the hug, and “covered with cold and clammy kisses the
+face and white locks of the King of Saragossa, on which they left gory
+stains!
+
+“Leave me--depart!” shrieked the old man. “What have I done to you, or
+what would you have me do?”
+
+“I would be avenged on Roland of France.”
+
+“I will avenge you, Murad. But now leave me, if you do not wish me to
+perish on the spot.” And Marsillus, putting forth all his strength,
+freed himself from the embraces of his son, and rushed to the other end
+of the chamber.
+
+“In truth, my lord, you are not altered. As I left you nine years ago I
+find you now. You have just asked me two questions. I will answer them.
+You have asked what I would have you do? To that I answer, Avenge my
+death! I would see this accursed Roland and his friends punished in
+a way that should never be forgotten by the rest of mankind. I am
+astonished that so affectionate a father and so just a king should have
+been so long thinking about vengeance. Your other question was, ‘What
+had you done to me?’ Those words, by the Prophet! should have died away
+on your lips; but since your conscience does not assist your memory, I
+will take its place. You do not question, of course, my dear lord, that
+death reveals everything to us? One has reason to complain of it not so
+much because it takes us from this world, as because it places the past
+before us in naked truth--brings in review before us all our errors
+and our beliefs--and teaches one, for instance, that one has had such a
+father as you.”
+
+Marsillus dug his nails into the wall, against which he had placed his
+back, as if he would fain scoop out for himself some place of refuge.
+
+Murad continued:--“While I was a child, happily for me, I did not occupy
+any place in your life; but from the hour when you saw me return the
+conqueror of the lioness and her cubs, you began to keep an eye on me. I
+grew up under your personal superintendence, and if the queen, Hadrama,
+my mother, had not at times pressed me to her bosom, I believe I should
+have become a wild beast, and not a man. My name became famous; the
+prodigies of my valour, my wisdom, and bravery won you many kingdoms. In
+a short time I had doubled your empire. Your jealousy increased with
+my fame, until, unable to look undazzled at the glory of my renown, you
+determined to make away with me. From that moment I had to encounter
+a thousand plots--a thousand treacheries, over which I triumphed by a
+miracle, but of which I never once suspected the origin.”
+
+Marsillus would fain have denied this, but his voice stuck in his
+parched throat.
+
+“Your slaves one day found a huge snake, a venomous monster, which they
+at once slew. It was a female, and would have left twenty little ones to
+lament her loss if you had not considerately ordered the destruction of
+the whole family. The father alone escaped. Once in possession of this
+little stock of poison, you asked yourself how you could best dispose
+of it, and being neither selfish nor thoughtless--you see, I do you the
+fullest justice--you were not long in remembering me. Your creatures
+took the twenty young snakes and scattered them from their nest to my
+room, where they concealed the mother’s body under my bed. As soon as
+night came, the male snake traced from corpse to corpse the path you had
+so obligingly mapped out for him, and, full of fury, arrived almost
+at the bed where I was sleeping. I will spare you the recital of what
+followed, for it would wring your heart. All I have to observe is, that
+on my making my appearance before you next day, you knitted your brows;
+you were even put out when I laid at your feet the two serpents, one
+only of which owed its destruction to me. It was fortunate for you that
+on the previous night I had struck one of your slaves, for it was at
+once decided that he had attempted to revenge himself on me, and, in
+your anxiety to see me righted, you sliced his head off before he had
+time to utter a word in defence.”
+
+[Illustration: 123]
+
+[Illustration: 124]
+
+“I shall only briefly recall to you the horse, which, maddened with some
+noxious drench, almost leaped with me into a bottomless abyss.
+Thanks to Allah, I did not lose my self-possession, and gave the animal
+such a blow behind the ear with my fist that he dropped lifeless,
+sending me rolling within a few paces ot the gulf which you had intended
+for my grave. Next day, on rising, I beheld a startling sight. You
+had, in your stern sense of justice, ordered the impalement of all
+my faithful grooms, who were devoted to me, and you replaced them by
+creatures of your own.”
+
+Marsillus hid his face in his hands.
+
+“Finally, after ten years spent in futile efforts to get rid of me, you
+determined to send me to the French tournament, where I met my death.
+Now I might certainly desire, and insist, that you should pay dearly for
+your past vagaries; but I offer you pardon, and only ask one thing in
+return; but that I must and will have.”
+
+Marsillus raised his head.
+
+“Angoulaffre, Priamus, Corsablix, and all the other victims who shared
+my fate, speak to you with my lips. We demand the death of Roland and
+the knights of Charlemagne. Swear to avenge us!”
+
+“I swear!” murmured the old man.
+
+“Give me your hand on it!” And Murad strode towards him. But at that
+Marsillus shouted so lustily, that his guards rushed in. They found
+the King stretched on the ground, his robes dishevelled, and his lips
+uttering disconnected sentences.
+
+“Don’t leave me!--don’t leave!” he cried, dragging himself to the feet
+of the guard. “I have seen Murad! He calls for vengeance! His kisses
+have chilled my very marrow. You won’t leave me?--promise me you won’t!
+If you do, I’ll have you all put to death!”
+
+The most experienced physicians were at once sent for. They agreed
+that His Highness was suffering from brain fever. But as nobody had the
+courage to convey this intelligence to His Majesty, no attempt was made
+to cure him; to which circumstance he owed his recovery.
+
+By degrees the dreadful scene vanished from his mind, and in a month he
+had almost forgotten it.
+
+[Illustration: 125]
+
+“Go to war at my age!” said the King to himself. “What nonsense!
+I have the finest kingdom in the world. Charlemagne leaves me alone: why
+should I provoke him? Not I, i’faith! I must have had a bad dream, and
+I must mind I don’t get an unpleasant waking-up by going to tweak
+Charlemagne by the beard. Sleep sweetly, Prince Murad, and let me live
+in peace!”
+
+From that time Marsillus never passed a day without receiving a visit
+from his son. He had a guard constantly in his presence, but it was no
+use.
+
+Then he tried to discover some means of ridding himself of this
+frightful spectre; and, at length, one night determined to await its
+approach resolutely, yataghan in hand.
+
+Murad came as usual, and approached his father; but he, with four blows
+of his sword, sliced off the head, legs, and arms of the corpse. Then he
+breathed more freely. But the head immediately burst out laughing, while
+the right arm politely picked up the weapon Marsillus had let fall, and
+handed it to him.
+
+“Take this yataghan, sire; it is one I wore for a long time--the one, in
+short, you gave me as a boy. Have you forgotten it?”
+
+[Illustration: 126]
+
+The King, more driven to his wits’ end than ever, tremblingly flung his
+son’s limbs into a mat, and tied the four corners together. Then he ran
+at full speed into the garden, accompanied by roars of laughter from the
+head, which did not cease to move as he bore it. Arrived at the end of
+the park, he dug six deep holes; put the head in the first, the right
+arm in the second, the left arm in the third, the right leg; in the
+fourth, the left leg in the fifth, and the trunk in the sixth. Then he
+threw the earth in upon them, and ran in again, without daring to look
+behind him.
+
+Marsillus by this means gained a month’s respite. But, at last, the
+Sultana one day begged him to accompany her to the bottom of the
+grounds, where she had discovered some unknown description of flowers,
+which gave out an odour so sweet, it was almost impossible to tear
+yourself away from them when once you had gone near them. The King
+refused with such evident horror, that the surprised Hadrama only
+persisted the more, and he had to give way. As he approached nearer,
+his blood froze in his veins; his eyes were blinded with mist; his teeth
+chattered horribly. Walk slowly as he would, he _must_ at last reach the
+terrible spot where his son’s remains were concealed.
+
+[Illustration: 127]
+
+On arriving there, the Sultana said, “See how thick the turf is! Did you
+ever see anything like it?”
+
+To the terrified Marsillus it seemed as if human hair was growing and
+covering the ground on which he trod.
+
+“Is there anything more delicious than the scent of these flowers?” But
+Marsillus could only smell the foul odours of a grave.
+
+“See what flocks of birds perch in the branches! Hark! how sweetly they
+sing!”
+
+But Marsillus seemed but to hear a laugh that came from under the
+ground. He saw that the leaves of this strange tree were shaped
+like human tongues, and when the breeze shook them, low’ voices
+murmured--“Revered sovereign, avenge my death!”
+
+The King of Saragossa fell on his knees and to his prayers. The big
+tears ran down his white beard. “Sow sin, and you will reap remorse!” he
+exclaimed, with his eyes fixed on the earth.
+
+The next day he called together his nobles, and announced to them his
+intention of avenging the death of Murad!
+
+[Illustration: 128]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V. THE TWO ALCALDES.
+
+MARSILLUS commenced his address in the following words:--
+
+“May Allah enlighten you, and shed his glory on you, for I have
+assembled you to a council. Listen to this brief recital, and give me
+your opinion on it.
+
+“A lion, full of youth and strength, was gaping and yawning enough to
+put his jaws out of joint. He had done nothing for the day, but yet,
+wholly given up to idleness, he stretched himself on the warm sand,
+roasting first one side and then the other in the hot rays of the sun.
+An ant happened to pass close by him, painfully dragging a small fly.
+Seeing such great labour bestowed on so small an object, the lion burst
+out laughing. ‘It is not very becoming in you to make a jest of me,’
+said the toiler, without ceasing from his task; ‘I am weak, but I make
+full use of the little strength Heaven has given me, while you, who
+might do anything, are giving way to slumber before you have earned it
+by fatigue. Leave off smiling, for you are in the wrong. I am stronger
+and braver than you. Remember, ‘a busy ant does more than a dozing
+lion.’”
+
+Mahomet, who was leaning on a cloud, and happened to hear them, greatly
+approved of the ant’s remarks.
+
+[Illustration: 129]
+
+“By the divinity of the Ka’abah, by the shrine of Mecca, are not we like
+this lion? We pass our lives in sloth and luxury, while the ruler of the
+Franks is hard at work extending his dominions. The day before yesterday
+he was in Aquitaine--yesterday he was in Lombardy--to-day he is in
+Saxony--to-morrow he may be in our kingdom. But do you, the sons of
+those whom Mussa led along the banks of the Rhone and the Saone--do
+you feel inclined to sit still and wait his coming? If, gorged with
+prosperity, you have forgotten the past, the people of Nimes and Arles,
+of Narbonne and Bordeaux, of Toulouse and Chalons, do not forget it
+when they gaze on their ruined cities, their desolated cathedrals, their
+overthrown fortresses. Children of Alsamah, of Abdel-Rahman, Ambissa,
+and Marsufle, have at the descendants of Charles Martel, Eudes, and
+Pepin! If these victorious names do not make your hearts leap, will they
+quail at the recollection of our disasters at Poitiers? The bones of
+our sires enrich French soil--the harvests the Franks reap have been
+fattened by the blood of our bravest, which fed the fields. They are
+ours, but we have been robbed of them. Let us go and win them back
+again!”
+
+The assembly received this harangue with terrific cheering. Shouts,
+observations, threats, and warnings were mixed in such inextricable
+confusion that Marsillus did not know what to listen to. He remarked,
+however, that two of his emirs held themselves apart and maintained
+silence. When the tumult had subsided, he beckoned to them to draw near.
+
+“Why do you keep aloof instead of sharing in the general enthusiasm?
+Answer, Abiathar--answer, Ibn al Arrabi. You are generally more lively
+when there is a prospect of war.”
+
+“Sire,” said Abiathar, the Alcalde of Huesca, “I grieve to behold you
+undertaking an enterprise which will bring you no credit.”
+
+A threatening murmur ran through the assembly.
+
+“This is a fearful responsibility you take on yourself,” said, in his
+turn, Soleyman Jaktan Ibn al Arrabi, Alcalde of Saragossa. “Is it not
+possible you may have reason to repent having called down upon yourself
+the wrath of the King of the Franks?”
+
+This speech caused such an outburst of anger, that some of Marsillus’s
+knights drew their swords and threatened the lives of the two emirs.
+
+“Verily, I feel no gratitude to you,” said the King of Saragossa. “I
+hope I may attribute the cowardly expressions you have just uttered to
+your increasing years!”
+
+[Illustration: 130]
+
+“In spite of our age, we lack neither strength nor valour,” said
+Abiathar, who turned a ghastly white with sheer rage; “and we prove
+that, I think sufficiently, by having the courage to talk reason to
+madmen!” Several chiefs rushed at them with drawn swords.
+
+“We don’t in the least lack strength,” said Ibn al Arrabi, as he seized
+one of the most violent of his assailants by the throat, and flung
+him twenty paces away. “Any one who doubts it can easily try the
+experiment.”
+
+Marsillus descended from his throne, and placed himself between the
+contending parties.
+
+“Do you,” he said to his knights, “reserve your ardour for a more
+fitting occasion. I thank you for having proved that I was right in
+relying on your support. As for you, Abiathar, and you, Ibn al Arrabi, I
+feel obliged to you for your frankness. But your prophetic powers will,
+of course, have enabled you to guess that I shall confide the defence of
+Huesca and Saragossa to others. Having, then, no office under the crown,
+you will be enabled to hear without regret the plans about which you are
+so full of caution and prudence.”
+
+With that he gave them the signal to withdraw. The two emirs bowed and
+departed. One month after they presented themselves at the Court of
+France.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI. CHARLEMAGNE IN SPAIN.
+
+[Illustration: 131]
+
+ABIATHAR and il Ibn al Arrabi found Charlemagne at Paderborn, where he
+immediately accorded them an audience.
+
+“Sire,” said Abiathar, “we come, accompanied by a hundred followers, to
+do homage and service to you. The report of your unrivalled glory has
+reached even us, and we have arrived at the conclusion that he who
+accomplishes so many great things must be the favourite of Heaven. We
+have studied in secret the teachings of your faith, and we have found in
+them the springs of truth and virtue. They have, in short, convinced us,
+and inspired us with an ardent wish to become Christians. We would then
+strive to make proselytes, and, trampling the crescent under foot, would
+raise the cross on high. Martyrdom in our case almost preceded baptism.
+Marsillus is in pursuit of us, and has commanded that when taken we
+shall be subjected to the most hideous tortures. But Heaven has been our
+aid. We have escaped the executioners who were on our track, and here
+we are at the feet of the most powerful monarch in the Christian
+world, asking of him to baptise us!” These falsehoods made the greatest
+impression on Charles.
+
+“We come, moreover, sire,” said Ibn al Arrabi, “to announce to you that
+Marsillus is busily preparing a religious war, and is ready to invade
+your realms. We do not bring, it is true, the ordinary gifts of
+envoys--gold, jewels, and fine merchandise; but we do what is better, we
+bring you Spain as a present. The chief people of Huesca, Valentia, and
+Saragossa are yours. These cities are devoted to us, and wait but
+our signal to tear down the crescent and erect the cross. We announce
+ourselves from this moment to be vassals of the Crown of France, and
+we undertake to show to you the only four practicable passes of the
+Pyrenees which exist--those of Barcelona, Puycerda, Pampeluna, and
+Toulouse. The Christians in Aragon, Castille, and Leon, are ripe for
+revolt. At the first hint they will descend from the inaccessible
+fastnesses in which they find shelter, to join your triumphant armies.
+In Asturia and Catalonia the standard of the cross is ready to be
+displayed. Call together, therefore, a large army, and hasten to
+anticipate the measures of those who wish to take you by surprise.”
+
+Charlemagne was so delighted that he clasped the two emirs in his arms,
+and kissed them on the cheek and chin. Subsequently he presented them
+to his peers, knights, and bishops, and invited a new recital of the
+intelligence they had brought him. They acceded to his request.
+
+“It is St. James who has sent them,” said the Emperor; adding, “he shall
+not have to wait, I swear by Our Lady!”
+
+The war had been resolved upon more than a month, when the two alcaldes
+arrived at Paderborn. They soon beheld the forces which Charles had
+called together marching in from all quarters.
+
+You must know, my young friends, that the nobles who held fiscal
+territory--that is to say, belonging to the Crown lands--were bound to
+hold themselves always in readiness for warfare, to present themselves
+at the first summons, with their contingents of men-at-arms, at the
+place where the sovereign ordered them to assemble. Charlemagne had
+never made such gigantic preparations as he did for this Spanish
+expedition. He called together the whole of his faithful vassals
+of Neustria, Burgundy, Austrasia, Germany, Bavaria, Septimania, and
+Provence; he even summoned the Lombards, although they had only just
+been reduced to submission.
+
+It was the beginning of spring, a time which the Emperor thought
+favourable for commencing his campaign. He set out for his country
+estate of Casseneuil, in Poitou, whence, after celebrating Easter, he
+marched to Spain at the head of the most wonderful army he had ever led.
+
+The two Saracens, who were present at the inspection of this vast force,
+were astounded at it. There passed before them two hundred thousand
+soldiers, armed in a hundred different styles, according to the fashion
+of the country from which they came,--and they had come from every part
+of Europe. Then followed the machines of war--towers, balistæ, onagri, *
+scorpions, and catapults. Next rode the paladins, the nobles and knights
+of the realm, followed by the bishops, priests, and clerks of the
+Chapel Royal. When Charlemagne appeared, clad in his panoply of war, the
+Saracens shook with terror.
+
+     * Onagri were machines which discharged large stones.
+     Scorpions flung showers of arrows darts, and small missiles.
+
+“All is over with Spain,” said they, shedding abundant tears. “What
+people, what cities, what fortresses could resist such armies? An iron
+tempest is about to burst over the heads of the children of the Prophet.
+What could we do in this world after that? Let us return and die in the
+land that gave us birth.”
+
+And the Saracens, without waiting to see the end of the spectacle, rode
+off at full gallop. At a later period they were recognised among the
+slain before the walls of Saragossa. The Emperor divided his army into
+two columns. One, consisting of the Lombards and Austrasians, marched
+from narbonne under the command of Count Bernard, entered Spain at
+Perpignan, marched along the coast to Barcelona, and overran Catalonia
+as far as the Ebro. The second column, composed of the flower of the
+army, knights and nobles, and commanded by the Emperor in person,
+crossed the Pyrenees from Gascony and Navarre, and sat down before
+Pampeluna, whither in his turn came Count Bernard.
+
+The siege lasted three months, and was carried on, with great losses
+on both sides, until one day Charlemagne, being at prayers, petitioned
+Heaven to allow him, since he had entered Spain for the glory of the
+Christian faith and the destruction of the Saracen race, to take this
+stronghold of the infidels, which he would purify, and where sacred
+chants should rise instead of incense offered up to false deities.
+“Saint James,” said the Emperor, “if it was really you who appeared to
+me--if I have rightly obeyed the orders you gave to me--intercede for me
+that I may win this city.”
+
+He rose, comforted in his mind, ordered an assault, and on that day
+Pampeluna fell. One hundred thousand Saracens received baptism; all who
+wished to persist in error were put to death.
+
+The Franks marched along the banks of the Ebro and laid siege to
+Saragossa, which made as stout a resistance as it could; but it was
+fated to fall, as Pampeluna had done. The Saracens, growing alarmed at
+Charlemagne’s success, submitted. Alcaldes and emirs came in from all
+sides to render homage to the Frank monarch; even those who could not
+come sent him hostages and tribute.
+
+Charles overran the whole of the north of Spain with his victorious
+army. From Catalonia to Galicia, and extending to the line of the Ebro,
+he was everywhere received by, rather than took possession of, cities
+and fortresses. Arriving at Compostella, he paid a devout visit to the
+sepulchre of St. James, according to his promise, and had baptised there
+those of the Galicians who had forsaken the faith of their forefathers
+for the service of Mahomet. He established priests of the Holy Church
+in all the chief towns of Spain, and assembled in the month of July
+a council of sixty bishops and a parliament of peers, by whom it was
+decided that all the archbishops, bishops, kings, and princes of Spain
+and Galicia, present or future, should recognise the authority of the
+Archbishop of Compostella. The church was dedicated to St. James, Turpin
+officiating. It was endowed by means of a tax of four deniers per annum
+imposed upon the innkeepers, and was released from all feudal service.
+The King also declared it to be his wish that all the bishops of the
+country should be ordained, and all the kings crowned, by the archbishop
+of the diocese.
+
+In this way the King discharged his obligation to the saint. This done,
+he pursued his route to the southern extremity of Spain, now known as
+Cape Finisterre. There, finding he could advance no further, he flung
+his lance into the sea, and returned thanks to Heaven and St. James for
+having aided him to bring his expedition to a successful issue. The gold
+and silver which the Emperor brought back with him from Spain enabled
+him to restore and found many churches--to wit, one to Our Lady at
+Aix-la-Chapelle, and also of St. James; a second of St. James at
+Beziers; a third at Toulouse; a fourth in Gascony, between the village
+of St. Jean de Sorgeat and Ax; and, finally, one at Paris, between the
+Seine and Montmartre, of which nothing remains but the lofty tower known
+as the St. James’s Shambles. The Emperor divided his new provinces into
+two Marches, called those of Septimania and Gascony. The first, which
+consisted of Catalonia proper, had its capital at Barcelona; the second,
+embracing Navarre and Aragon, had Saragossa as its seat of government.
+To Louis of Aquitaine, Charlemagne’s son, was committed the task of
+keeping the country in submission as far as the Ebro.
+
+[Illustration: 134]
+
+[Illustration: 135]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII. THE TRAP.
+
+MITAINE had followed Charlemagne into Spain. She was now so skilful in
+the use of her sword that her want of strength was not noticeable.
+She rode well, and easily bore the weight of hauberk and suit of mail,
+casque and greaves of steel. She only needed wings to be so like, as
+to deceive the spectator, one of the armed cherubs who accompany the
+Archangel Michael.
+
+Charlemagne, who had not forgotten the attacks of which Mitaine had
+more than once been the object, gave her a command of twenty men, under
+pretence of rewarding her for her good services. It was, in reality, a
+body-guard which he established about her.
+
+From this moment, then, please to picture to yourselves our fair young
+friend marching proudly at the head of her twenty veterans.
+
+The precaution was a wise one. It happened, however, that Mitaine one
+day wandered forth beyond the bounds of the camp. Night overtook her
+in a forest, which, however lovely by daylight, was not at all an
+inspiriting spot at night. She dismounted in the midst of a glade, where
+she resolved to await the return of day rather than venture further.
+It was so dark that the Old Gentleman himself--sharp-sighted as he
+is--could not have seen his tail before him or behind him.
+
+Mitaine stretched herself on the sward, sleeping with one eye and waking
+with the other. Before lone the moon showed herself above the horizon,
+but her light could scarcely penetrate the thick foliage, and only
+lighted imperfectly some portions of the thicket.
+
+Mitaine heard approaching footsteps, and was instantly on the alert.
+“What a fool I am!” she said to herself, after listening for a few
+seconds; “it is my horse trampling on the broken branches.” Again she
+heard it: it was impossible for her to close her eyes. All was now
+silent, but the silence alarmed her more than the noise. Three times she
+called her steed--“Vaillant, Vaillant, Vaillant!” A distant neigh was
+the only response. She rose and went on tiptoe to inspect the spot where
+she had tied up her horse, but her horse was gone. Then she fancied she
+could make out under one of the trees a human form--a little further off
+another,--a third--in short, she counted eight. She saw them move, and
+come towards her in a circle, which narrowed every moment. She drew her
+sword, and rushed on them; but soon found herself seized by powerful
+hands, which grasped her like a vice. Nevertheless she did not lose
+heart, but began to fight and struggle, to bite and hit out to such
+effect that, if the night had been less dark, one might have seen a
+writhing mass of human forms struggling fearfully. Every time when they
+thought they held her prisoner she contrived to break loose. It was no
+easy work for the attackers or the attacked, for none of them could see
+a bit. One would have declared it was blind men quarrelling over their
+booty.
+
+“Why don’t you use your weapons?” said a sinister voice. The speaker was
+merely a spectator of the combat.
+
+“It is easier to say use your weapons than to do it,” answered one of
+the ruffians. “One can’t see a bit, and the young demon goes on so that
+we don’t know how to get hold of her.”
+
+Mitaine continued to lay about her on all sides until one of her
+opponents cried out, with a fierce oath, “Curse the girl! she has
+stabbed me in the eye!” And the wounded man in his fury, listening only
+to the voice of rage, struck out wildly and hit one of his comrades,
+whereupon ensued a general _melee_, of which the young girl availed
+herself to escape.
+
+“Farewell, Croquemitaine!” she cried; “he will have to be swift of
+foot who overtakes me in running.” But instead of making her escape she
+climbed into a tree, and hid herself among the branches.
+
+“Follow her! I swear by the Evil One that I’ll hang every one of you if
+she escapes!”
+
+Mitaine now heard her enemies groping among the underwood, trying the
+holly and juniper bushes with the points of their swords, until at last
+the sound died away, and she heard no more. However, she determined on
+remaining in her place of concealment until dawn.
+
+“I shall know how to recognise you this time, Master Croquemitaine! One
+of your fellows has lost an eye, and I have noticed that they have a
+Westphalian accent,” said the brave girl, as she reached the ground. “If
+Heaven conducts me safely to the camp of my royal sponsor, you shall be
+uncloaked, I will promise you on my faith!”
+
+She knelt down, breathed her matin prayer, and resumed her way, trusting
+to Providence to recover her right path. When she had walked for about
+an hour she heard distant shouts, and the blast of a horn.
+
+“Who can tell what I may have to encounter now? Prudence is not
+cowardice; so I had better conceal myself, and reconnoitre.”
+
+Again Mitaine climbed into a tree, and watched. Before long she saw a
+party of soldiers approaching, exploring the forest, beating the bushes,
+and shouting to the full extent of their lungs. She then heard her
+own name, and recognised her father, who, in great alarm, headed the
+searchers in person. She was not long in descending from her perch, I
+assure you. How delighted she was to fling herself into Miton’s arms!
+
+For a minute they occupied themselves in exchanging embraces and broken
+sentences, to which neither thought of listening, and which had to be
+begun afresh as soon as the first outbreak of joy was over. The Count of
+Rennes related his fears at not seeing his beloved child return on the
+previous evening, his alarm when Vaillant returned home alone, and how
+he had spent the night in searching the forest. Having said thus much,
+he allowed his words to give place to renewed caresses.
+
+[Illustration: 139]
+
+When they were once more on the move, Mitaine informed her father of the
+dangers she had escaped. She also recited her adventures to Charles.
+
+The Emperor listened attentively, and then said to Miton--
+
+“Count of Rennes, send out in every direction, and bid them bring before
+me, dead or alive, all the one-eyed men within ten leagues round.”
+ Bodies of cavalry were dispatched in every quarter, and acted with
+such vigour, that by the next morning early forty blind men awaited
+His Majesty’s inspection. They were of all races--Franks, Jews, and
+Saracens. Charles examined them carefully; and when he had rejected
+those who seemed to him to have been blind for a long period, or
+those whose presence in camp for two days past was established on good
+evidence, he remarked, with great astonishment, that there only remained
+ten men in the livery of the Count of Mayence, and that they were all
+recently wounded in the right eye. The emperor knit his brows, and sent
+for Ganelon.
+
+“Prithee, friend, can you explain to me how it is that all your men here
+have become blind since yesterday, and all of the same eye, too?”
+
+“Nothing can be more simple. Because I am short-sighted.”
+
+“You dare jest with me!” shouted the Emperor, with a voice of thunder.
+
+“Heaven preserve me if I should!” said the count, with a low reverence.
+“Your Majesty will perceive that there is nothing in this at all
+unnatural. Having very weak sight, I am always seeking for anything
+that will strengthen it. I have tried all remedies, and have found only
+quacks in France. One physicked me; another bled me; a third invoked the
+devil; a fourth sent me to take the waters at Aix-la-Chapelle----”
+
+“Speak no evil against those waters!” interposed Charlemagne, who
+frequently had recourse to them, and believed in them firmly.
+
+“Some put the bones of St. Ursula on my eyes; others wished me to remain
+for five years in complete darkness. I had quite given up all hope of
+any good results, when chance flung in my way a Saracen more learned
+than Esculapius, or even Hermes Trismegistus himself. This wise person
+explained to me that in all things it was necessary to make the most of
+your powers; that I had only a certain strength of vision to dispose
+of, and that in dividing it between my two eyes I employed it without
+profit. It would be better for me to have one eye that saw as well as
+two, than two eyes which only saw as well as one; and he recommended me
+to have one eye put out. His discourse appeared to me so full of logic
+and common sense, that I gave him his freedom.”
+
+“But that does not explain----”
+
+“One moment’s patience, sire. The remedy appeared to me good, but
+extreme; and I confess I hesitated, for fear of committing a mistake
+which would be irreparable. It was then that I sent for these objects
+that you observe: they all complained of being short-sighted. I deprived
+them of their right eyes----”
+
+“And--?”
+
+“They can’t see any better now than you and I!”
+
+“Speak for yourself, count. If you are short-sighted, I have a tolerably
+keen vision. It would serve you right, by St. James! if I were to have
+both your eyes put out for telling me such absurd nonsense. Now, I
+am neither an Esculapius nor a Hermes Trismegistus; but I am going to
+prescribe a remedy which will do you a very great deal of good. You will
+start, with your one-eyed warriors, for Aquitaine, where the air is said
+to be very beneficial to the sight, and you will take a letter for me to
+your friend Wolf, and bring me back an answer.”
+
+Charlemagne thereupon turned his back on the count, who set out the same
+night for Toulouse.
+
+The meeting of Miton and Milaiue
+
+[Illustration: 140]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII. HOW ROLAND UNDERTOOK TO CARRY SARAGOSSA BY STORM.
+
+IF, my young friends, I have for some few chapters omitted mention of
+Roland, don’t jump at the conclusion that he did not distinguish himself
+during the war in Spain, for he took the most notable part in it, as you
+may judge for yourselves.
+
+After three months spent in fruitless attacks, Saragossa still stood
+as strong as it was on the first day of the siege. The catapults and
+balistæ had become disabled without making the slightest impression on
+the ramparts. The scaling parties had been repulsed, and the stormers,
+hacked in pieces with daggers and lances, had been flung from the
+walls into the fosse, or fell among the flames of the raging fires--for
+burning pitch had been flung over the walls until it had covered them
+with a coating of bitumen as impenetrable as iron.
+
+Roland lost patience. “Prepare everything for the storm to-morrow,”
+ said he to Charlemagne. “In one hour the breach shall be made!” And he
+descended into the fosse with no other arms, offensive or defensive,
+than Durandal and his shield.
+
+“Whither goes your nephew, sire?” said Turpin to Charlemagne, following
+Roland with his eyes. “Is he mad, or tired of life?”
+
+“I don’t know what he is going to do, but he has bidden me have all
+ready for the assault, saying that within an hour the breach will be
+made.”
+
+“He will do it, then, sire, as he has said it; and, by my faith! I am
+grateful to him, for we are beginning to grow mouldy here.”
+
+Charles mounted his horse, and began to make his dispositions for the
+assault. The Saracen sentries on guard on the rampart hardly took any
+notice of the single warrior who approached the city; but, hearing a
+great noise, they leant over and saw Roland, who was hammering at the
+wall with repeated strokes of the pommel of Durandal.
+
+The Saracens laughed, and asked one another what the idiot wanted.
+
+“Shall we smash him?” said one of them, preparing to roll a huge stone
+over the rampart.
+
+“What for?” said another. “Is there any reason to be afraid of him?
+Shouldn’t you like; to know what he has come here to do?”
+
+Curiosity is the worst of advisers. The sentinels exposed themselves in
+order to see better, and four arrows struck them in the face. It was the
+hour of target-practice with the pages of Charlemagne.
+
+“I am afraid this is likely to make the infidels squint!” said Mitaine,
+choosing a new arrow.
+
+Roland, heedless of all that was passing around him, continued his work
+of destruction. The wall began at last to yawn, and the knight to smile,
+delighted at his success.
+
+[Illustration: 141]
+
+By-and-by the tremendous hammering excited the curiosity of the
+besieged, and some of the soldiers, seeing the sentinels leaning over
+the ramparts and never stirring, were anxious to discover what was so
+engrossing their attention. They in their turn leant over, and each
+received an arrow in his ear.
+
+“What do you think of those ear-rings?” said Mitaine, laughing. “Were
+ever such lovely trinkets seen? Saint Eloi, the goldsmith, could not
+have fashioned finer!”
+
+During this time Roland redoubled his force. A rent thirty cubits long
+began to threaten the wall with ruin. Marsillus, who was passing in the
+neighbourhood, felt the earth tremble beneath his feet. Every blow of
+the pommel of Durandal made the whole quarter of the city shake to its
+foundation.
+
+“So, then,” said the King of Saragossa, “these wretches have brought new
+engines of war against us! Why has no one told me of this? Ebrechin, go
+see what it is, and hasten back with intelligence of what is passing.”
+
+The earth continued to quake, and several houses began to tremble to
+their fall.
+
+“It is not an ordinary balista at work there,” said Marsillus. “None of
+those in use now can deliver such hard blows.”
+
+But hardly had the King finished his sentence when a mosque fell in
+ruins within a hundred paces of where he stood. Then a still more awful
+noise froze his blood with terror. The breach was made: Roland had kept
+his word.
+
+[Illustration: 142]
+
+[Illustration: 143]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX. A TRIP TO MAHOMET’S PARADISE.
+
+WHILE Roland was descending into the fosse of Saragossa, Mahomet was
+taking his afternoon nap in his Paradise. A houri had rolled a cloud
+under his head, and he was snoring serenely near the fountain.
+
+The first blow of Durandal’s pommel awoke the Prophet.
+
+“Come in,” said he, turning round, in no pleasant humour at being
+disturbed. The second stroke put him out still more; and he rang for the
+angel Namous, and inquired of him who dared to make such an uproar.
+
+“Great Prophet,” said the heavenly messenger, “it’s that Roland at his
+tricks again. He has undertaken to fling down the walls of Saragossa;
+and I really can’t help trembling for the fate of your followers!”
+
+“I must see to this,” said Mahomet; “I feel certain you are exaggerating
+as usual, and that my brave Marsillus will not let himself be beaten by
+a Christian.”
+
+The Prophet stepped down into his observatory, and turned his telescope
+on Saragossa.
+
+[Illustration: 144]
+
+“By the crescent! I never remember anything like it. The dog has the
+mien of a demigod! I am anxious to see him more closely. Etiquette and
+propriety will not permit me to go to him. Namous, saddle Borak, and
+seek Roland. Tell him I shall have much pleasure in seeing him, and
+don’t fail to bring him.”
+
+The Prophet’s horse was turned out to graze in the Milky Way. Namous
+called him.
+
+“Come here, Borak. You have browsed enough here; you feed too freely,
+and will injure yourself. A peck of stars ought to suffice you for one
+feed. We have got to descend to earth, and you can hardly stir. If the
+Blessed Prophet knew it----” With that the angel sprang into his saddle,
+and began to ply his spurs. In a quarter of an hour they had left the
+planets behind them.
+
+When Namous alighted, Saragossa was taken and sacked; and Roland was
+wondering how on earth to spend the evening. The angel approached him
+respectfully and said, “I am Namous, the envoy and familiar minister
+of the Prophet. The Lord of the Iva’abah has noted you chief among the
+Christians, and he desires a visit from you. Be pleased, therefore, to
+follow me at once.”
+
+“Your master does me a great honour, and one of which many of my
+brothers in arms are more deserving than I. You must convey to him my
+excuses, and tell him that I lead a very quiet life; that I have my
+religious duties to attend to; that, in short, I don’t go much into
+society.”
+
+“The Prophet will very justly feel surprised and hurt at such an answer.
+He will demand of me the real reason of your refusal. Are you afraid you
+may be led astray by the beauties of his paradise?”
+
+“If you had known Aude, my beloved Aude, that foolish notion would never
+have crossed your mind.”
+
+“Are you afraid of a trip through the air?”
+
+“If I thought I might tumble I would set out at once. Fear is a complete
+stranger to me; but I have heard of it so often that I should be anxious
+to make its acquaintance.”
+
+“You are fatigued with your day’s work, perhaps?”
+
+“Offer me an opponent worthy of my sword, and you shall see if it is
+possible to weary Roland.”
+
+The angel bowed, and prepared to spring into his saddle again. The
+attention of the Count of Mans was attracted by Borak, who fretted,
+pranced, champed his bit, and pawed the ground, impatient to return to
+his celestial stable.
+
+“What a fine animal!” said Roland, admiringly.
+
+In truth, one rarely sees one so handsome. Borak was a fine-limbed,
+high-standing horse, strong in frame, and with a coat as glossy as
+marble which is constantly laved by a fountain. His colour was saffron,
+with one hair of gold for every three of tawny; his ears were restless,
+pointed like a reed; his eyes large, and full of fire; his nostrils
+wide and steaming, with a white star on his forehead, a neck gracefully
+arched, and decked with a mane soft and silky enough to make a young
+girl envious. He had a long, thick tail, that swept the ground.
+
+“It is the Prophet’s favourite mount. He has sent it in your especial
+honour.”
+
+Roland was touched at the delicate attention.
+
+“I wished,” continued the angel, “to bring you some quieter animal; but
+Mahomet said you were the best rider he knew, and he was sure you would
+be able to master it. At the same time,” added Namous, treacherously,
+“if it be that which stops you, I can provide you with other means of
+transport.”
+
+The Count of Mans simply shrugged his shoulders, and by way of answer
+leaped into the saddle--despite the weight of his armour--without
+setting foot in stirrup, or putting hand to mane. Borak swerved an
+instant, then dashed into space, scaling the cloud-mountains at full
+gallop. The angel spread his wings, and took the lead.
+
+[Illustration: 146]
+
+When Roland recovered the surprise, he was as high as the constellation
+Scorpio. He felt anger would be out of place; so, assuring himself that
+Durandal was at his side, he resigned himself to circumstances.
+
+The journey was made without difficulty. Only once was the knight in
+danger of falling, when Borak, scared by a shooting star, which passed
+between his legs, almost unseated him with a buck-jump. At length, after
+an ascent of half an hour, the steed paused, while the angel knocked at
+the largest of the eight gates of Paradise. As soon as it opened Roland
+uttered a cry of admiration.
+
+How can I--with only human language--describe to you so many superhuman
+wonders? I ought first of all to tell you that all the faculties of our
+brave knight acquired an immense augmentation on passing the threshold
+of Paradise. His sight, for instance, although good enough, had only
+permitted him on earth to distinguish objects at an inconsiderable
+distance. Imagine his surprise on beholding clearly and minutely the
+most tiny creatures six or seven hundred leagues off--and that without
+the laws of perspective being in the least degree deranged. The same
+thing occurred with regard to hearing and smelling. He used subsequently
+to relate the pleasure with which he smelt the perfume of a flower which
+had just come in bloom in a neighbouring state, while listening at the
+same time to the song of a bird which was warbling at the opposite pole.
+His mind, too, had become so enlarged that he felt no inconvenience from
+this vastly increased acuteness of the senses. At one glance he gazed
+over two thousand square parasangs of country, each parasang being
+something larger than a league. The virgin forests of America are but
+brushwood compared with those he beheld. On all sides were cities of
+shining whiteness, surmounted by thousands of spires and cupolas of gold
+and silver. At the foot of their walls flowed majestic rivers, in which
+the Rhine, the Euphrates, and the Nile would have been swallowed
+up. Nothing which troubles the inhabitants of earth existed in this
+enchanted clime. The lion, the tiger, the serpent, and the leopard were
+but the ornaments of the forest. They fed upon the green herbage, and
+submitted to human rule with perfect docility. There was no wind--only
+a gentle breeze; no storms--only perfumed showers. It was an Italian
+climate beneath an Egyptian sky!
+
+[Illustration: 147]
+
+A winged band, commanded by Israfel, the angel of the resurrection, came
+to meet Roland.
+
+[Illustration: 150]
+
+“The Prophet has sent us to you to announce his approach. Will you
+follow us, or will you await him here?”
+
+“I will follow you,” said Roland, joining the troop. He saw with wonder
+that the forests retired to make way for him; the rivers changed their
+courses on his approach. He wished to assure himself that this was not
+a deception of the mirage, and galloped rapidly towards a lake which
+lay beside his route. His horse did not refuse the leap, but the water
+respectfully drew back, and he alighted on level and thickly-blossomed
+sward.
+
+Israfel, remarking Roland’s astonishment, said, “The Prophet has taken
+care that all here shall do you homage. He is aware that you go through
+life, as through battle, straight at your mark, and he wished to prove
+that he knew your tastes and habits.”
+
+Roland continued his progress until he met the procession, when he
+halted to let it pass. The ground, before he was aware of it, rose
+beneath his horse’s feet, and he found himself in a minute on a mound,
+from which he gazed down on the crowd. Israfel made a sign: two trees at
+once sprang from the soil, and afforded the knight a pleasant shade. The
+Count of Mans, in silent astonishment, watched the procession without
+stirring.
+
+First came a thousand horsemen, each bearing a white and ruby banner,
+and mounted on a white charger. Next to these came a thousand more, clad
+in suits of mail, armed with maces, and riding on bay horses; behind
+them came two thousand Berbers from the regions of Timbuctoo, who
+brandished lances with green pennons, and bore sword-proof bucklers
+of rhinoceros hide. Their steeds were as black as their faces. Then
+followed three thousand more horsemen, with serpent-skin girdles. They
+carried hide shields, and had bows hung at their saddle-pommels. Long
+lances, furnished with sharp barbs, gleamed in their hands; their horses
+were cream-coloured. To these succeeded an army composed of soldiers,
+as many in number as there are drops in the sky; some were armed with
+spears or bills, others with javelins or maces. A hundred paces behind
+these came eight thousand elephants, in ranks of twenty-five abreast,
+the first line white, the second black, and so on.
+
+[Illustration: 151]
+
+On the back of each was a tower, containing twenty armed men. Behind
+these, again, came thirty white elephants, covered with golden stars,
+and so richly caparisoned you could hardly look at them without winking.
+On these were borne the favourite wives of the Prophet, twenty on each
+elephant. Canopies of dazzling whiteness, raised upon silver columns,
+shielded them from the sun. Ten thousand chosen warriors formed their
+escort. Last came an endless number of camels, laden with palanquins,
+whose curtains fluttered in the breeze. Each animal was led by a
+richly-clad Ethiopian, who held the zimzam, or nose-bridle, in his
+hands. In each palanquin ten houris, far more lovely than anything you
+can conceive, fluttered their feather fans.
+
+[Illustration: 153]
+
+Then followed twenty thousand dancing girls, attired in light drapery,
+with bare arms and legs. You saw, as they moved, among their tresses and
+round their necks, coruscations of precious stones, so bright you were
+compelled to shade your eyes. The bracelets that quivered on their
+wrists, the bangles that gleamed on their ankles, kept up a musical and
+enticing tinkling.
+
+Shall I enumerate to you the multitude of female performers on the
+guitar, the tambourine, and the mandolin, and of the singers as well? Of
+what use is it to crowd the page with strings of numerals?
+
+These houris were of no common origin. Mahomet had formed their bodies
+of musk, saffron, amber, and frankincense. Their faces were so radiant
+with beauty, that they diffused a gentle splendour in the night, like
+the moon when she mounts above the horizon amid the mists of earth.
+Their voices were so sweet, that every syllable which fell from their
+lips was precious.
+
+After these beauties came the Prophet, attired in a green robe, and
+seated on a white palfrey. He was dressed with the greatest simplicity,
+and far from showily mounted, and yet one felt an inward inclination to
+bend the knee to him as he passed. On his right hand rode his grandsire,
+Abd el Motalleb; on his left his father, Abdallah; and he was surrounded
+by Ali, his cousin and most warm disciple; by Said, his adopted heir;
+by the four sages of Mecca--Waraca, Othman, Obaydallah, and Zaid; by
+the fiery Omar, the faithful Aboubeker, and thousands of others just as
+famous.
+
+A hundred thousand horsemen brought up the rear of the cavalcade.
+
+As the troops took up their positions, the scenery underwent a
+complete change, unobserved of Roland, who was absorbed in watching the
+procession. When he cast a look around him, he beheld himself surrounded
+by mountains whose summits were beyond his ken. These gigantic heights,
+which were composed of gneiss, mica, agate, onyx, trap, and porphyry
+were clothed halfway up by forests whose flora comprised the growths of
+all climes. The vast baobab spread its branches in close contiguity to
+an island of palms, which displayed their delicate foliage against the
+blue sky. The silvery mohonono contrasted well with the dark motsouri;
+the moupanda-panda of Central Africa, the jacquier of Malacca, the oak
+of Europe, mingled their boughs. Rivers, whose source was hidden in the
+clouds, bounded from rock to rock, flinging up at every obstacle crests
+of feathery spray, spanned by rainbows.
+
+[Illustration: 155]
+
+The troops occupied positions on the heights. Roland beheld clouds of
+warriors proudly occupying apparently inaccessible peaks. The elephants
+were drawn up in two lines, four thousand in each, and the thirty white
+elephants of the Prophet’s favourites were grouped in front of them. And
+now angels appeared, who, spreading their wide wings, offered their aid
+to enable the six hundred chosen beauties to dismount. They alighted
+close to the Count of Mans, before whom they bowed low, and then took
+their places on a carpet spread for them on his right. The camels came
+next, and knelt down gently, whereupon the houris sprang from their
+palanquins with a lightness and grace which astonished Roland more than
+all. Their feet hardly left an imprint in the sand. Like the favourites
+of the harem, they also approached Roland, and, kissing the ground
+before him, ranged themselves on his left. Then like a flood advanced
+the troop of celestial dancers, tripping along to the sound of
+castanets, flutes, theorbos, timbrels, guitars, and mandolins, amid loud
+singing, accompanied by the most lively strains of music.
+
+The animation of their movements increased or diminished according to
+the rhythm, which they marked by accurate beats of the foot and clapping
+of hands, in slow or quick time. Their eyes were now filled with soft
+languor--now darted glances of fire. Balancing themselves from the hips,
+they swung their bodies and waved their arms with ease and grace. At
+times a comb, unable to imprison such a wealth of tresses, fell out, and
+freed locks that were as dark as the night.
+
+But now the Prophet gave the signal: the dances ceased, and the houris
+flew, like a flock of frightened birds, to take their position opposite
+Roland, and under shelter of the elephants.
+
+Mahomet, in his turn, drew nearer to the nephew of Charlemagne,
+who immediately dismounted--an act of courtesy to age he invariably
+observed.
+
+“May Allah, who has made all things of earth and heaven, of day and
+night, extend his blessing to you in this world and in the one you
+inhabit! You are welcome,” said the Prophet! “I must ask your pardon for
+the poverty of this reception, as our meeting has been arranged at such
+short notice that I have only had time to bring as my suite a few of
+my immediate followers, and the troops which happen to be my guard of
+honour for the day. Besides, I feared that in surrounding myself with
+too great pomp, I might seem to be offering a defiance to a late enemy,
+whom I only desire to make a friend of. If I have not treated you with
+more ceremony, it is because I wish to treat you like a brother.”
+
+Roland made a wry face, which the Prophet thought it convenient to
+attribute to the glare of the sun in his eyes, and therefore made a sign
+to four angels, who immediately flew off and spread a rosy cloud before
+the luminary. .
+
+“I accept your explanation,” said Roland, coolly, half doubting whether
+the Prophet were not making fun of him. “I have equal need of pardon;
+but if I have come without a fitting retinue, you must attribute it to
+my desire to answer your invitation promptly.”
+
+After this exchange of courtesies, Roland commenced the conversation by
+saying, “You will forgive me if I beg you at once to inform me what it
+is that has obtained me the honour of this interview, as I am in a hurry
+to return to earth. I mount guard to-night in the Emperor’s tent, and I
+never like to fail in the performance of duty.”
+
+“Never fear,” said Mahomet; “I’ll have the sun put back. We have all
+time for our interview.”
+
+“I am all attention.”
+
+“There is not a more valiant knight than you living. Your single arm is
+worth an army. Your judgment is sound, your decision speedy----”
+
+“How much do you expect for this panegyric? I warn you, before you
+go any further, not to set too high a price on it, as I have a clear
+estimate of my modest worth.”
+
+“I am in the habit of giving far more than I get, so fear not, but
+suffer me to proceed. In my youth I was called El Amin--‘the Safe Man.’
+I know that I possess a generous soul, and that none can be more loyal
+than you.”
+
+“This eulogy is evidently the prologue of some treason you are going to
+ask of me.”
+
+“If it be treason to leave a bad cause for a good one, to renounce
+attempts which are futile, and to accept good fortune when it is
+offered, I have, in effect, treason to propose to you.”
+
+“By the Trinity! but you are putting a high price on compliments for
+which nobody asked you!”
+
+“I swear by the holy mountain--by the temple of pilgrimage--by the vault
+of heaven and the depths of ocean--that the divine vengeance is about
+to fall! nothing can delay it. The convulsed skies shall totter! the
+uprooted mountains shall move! I swear by the resting-place of the
+star--”
+
+“Of a truth, here is plenty of fine words!” said Roland, shrugging his
+shoulders. “When we gallant Christian knights make a statement, they
+believe us without our having to call in the aid of the sky, and sea,
+and stars.”
+
+“As surely as I overthrew the three idols of Mecca, Lata, Aloza, and
+Menât, the Christians shall be driven from Spain, and their lands
+invaded. Their army shall be dispersed, and shall fly shamefully. Their
+hour is come, and it will be bitter and terrible.”
+
+“I have read all that in the Koran,” answered Roland, who felt his
+patience failing him. “But that does not say what you want of me, or why
+you are thus wasting my time. Since the future is revealed to you,
+and you are so certain of our approaching overthrow, there can be no
+obstacle to my returning to my post.”
+
+“Yes, the future is ours. You alone delay the coming of the day of
+glory. We shall conquer, but while you live it will be only at the price
+of terrible sacrifices that we can purchase victory. Why persist
+in returning to a world in which death awaits you? I offer you the
+sovereignty of this realm, its wealth, its women, its warriors. The
+inhabitants of air, earth, and water, the stars which move in the
+firmament--all that is gifted with reason or instinct, essence and
+matter--in one word, everything shall belong to you and owe to you
+unreserved obedience. If the sun annoys you, the moon shall take its
+place. Give but the sign, and rivers shall dry up to let you pass. A
+population more vast than all the nations of earth put together shall
+live only to serve you. These warriors are brave.”
+
+“Of what use is their bravery if they have no enemies to contend with?”
+
+“These horses are more swift than the wind.”
+
+“Of what service is their speed, since there is here no goal that I
+desire to reach?”
+
+“These women are lovely.”
+
+“Their beauty is sheer waste, for I do not love them!”
+
+“Durandal is famous on earth, and yet the humblest of these soldiers
+could cut it in two with the edge of his poniard.”
+
+“Enough!” interposed Roland. “I have already told you I am in a hurry.
+You have not, I imagine, the impudence to suppose you are rich enough in
+wonders to induce me to commit a base action--your Allah himself would
+be ashamed of such a thing. You have told me I am the bravest of living
+knights: should I be so if I feared the death you threaten me with? ‘My
+single arm is worth a whole army,’ you add. Have I any right, then, to
+deprive my comrades of its aid at that moment, of all others, when you
+profess that they are in danger? ‘My judgment is sound:’ allow me
+to offer you a further proof of it by laughing at your menaces, and
+predicting your complete overthrow. Mahomet and Jupiter will soon meet
+and shake hands, and the crescent will be sent where the old moons go.”
+
+“You will not listen?”
+
+“I have heard too much already!”
+
+“Behold these lovely creatures, who stretch out their arms towards you!
+
+“They but make me see how far lovelier my Aude is.”
+
+“See the lands I offer you!”
+
+“What is a region of wonders compared with the spot where a man was
+born?”
+
+“Roland, by the faith of Mahomet! you shall never again behold the land
+of France!”
+
+“I am a Christian, besides being a Frenchman. The native land to which
+I aspire is Heaven, and that birthplace you cannot prevent me from
+beholding once more.”
+
+“Infidel hound!” said the Prophet, “I----” But the words were such
+as Roland could not listen to patiently. Mahomet did not finish his
+sentence, for the gauntlet of the knight smote him on the mouth.
+
+[Illustration: 159]
+
+[Illustration: 160]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X. WHEN ROLAND REMEMBERS HIS LATIN, AND THE DEVIL FORGETS HIS.
+
+I AM unable to tell you what followed. Even Roland had no clear
+recollection. When he recovered his senses, he rose and cast his
+eyes round him, to find himself in the midst of a vast sandy plain,
+stretching on all sides to the horizon. The sun poured its hostile
+rays upon him so fiercely, that in a few minutes his armour became
+insupportably hot. The atmosphere was so charged with electricity,
+that the plume of his helmet crackled, and gave out sparks. In vain he
+searched the horizon for a place of shelter--there was nothing to be
+seen but level plain and blue sky. Gigantic red ants came and went
+busily--they were the only occupants of this desert. All of a sudden he
+beheld before him in the distance white mosques, knots of palms, and
+a sea-port with some vessels at anchor, and others sailing out of the
+harbour. He saw, too, long caravans, which journeyed to the city gates.
+
+Roland felt his courage revive, and set out in the direction of the
+city. But he did not appear to come any the closer to it; he took to
+running until he fell down with fatigue on the burning sand. Then the
+city seemed to turn of a yellow hue, the blue of the sea grew paler, and
+was lost in that of the sky; the trees vanished, and the Count of Mans
+found himself once more alone in the desert.
+
+“Why come to a halt?” said he to himself. “Better move forward in any
+direction at hap-hazard. I can only gain by the change.”
+
+He rose, determined to struggle on as long as his limbs would sustain
+him. What was his surprise to see, in an opposite direction to that he
+had just been pursuing, a mountain covered with verdure, on the summit
+of which stood a castle! Three walls of circumvallation surrounded it.
+At the foot of each flowed a river covered with vessels of war. Three
+hanging ladders of marvellous workmanship united the three platforms of
+the fortress, and four bastions guarded the approach to each ladder.
+
+[Illustration: 161]
+
+Roland once more pushed on; but as he advanced, the fortress rose into
+the skies, until, after about an hour’s walking, he found himself with
+nothing before him save the blank horizon of the desert. Then despair
+seized him. He sank on his knees, crossed himself, and shed four tears,
+the first he had ever wept. They fell on the sand, and there formed four
+springs for a stream of cool and clear water. Roland received from this
+new vigour, and having rendered thanks to Providence, he was preparing
+to move forward, when he remarked with surprise a great stirring of the
+sand. Little clouds of dust began to rise in all directions, although
+there was not a breath stirring. Then the sand began to whirl round
+incessantly, marking a great circle at a short distance from our hero.
+
+As it began to whirl, it heaped itself up, drawn towards the centre
+by some strange force of attraction. You would have said that some
+gigantic polypus was sucking up all the sand of the desert. After a few
+minutes there mounted, still eddying round, a huge column, which grew as
+Roland watched it, until the summit was lost to sight in the sky. A hot
+wind, like the harmattan of the Guinea coast, rose and drove the sand
+before it in clouds. The sun turned red as molten iron.
+
+The pillar of sand at last lost its equilibrium, and fell with a
+horrible rushing sound. Roland closed his eyes, but he did not recoil.
+Hearing a great roar of laughter, he instinctively clutched his sword by
+the hilt. What he saw next induced him to draw it from its sheath.
+
+The sand, in falling, had reared a mound, the base of which formed an
+enormous circle, in the centre of which Roland perceived, with surprise,
+a huge monster buried in sand to his waist. It was Eblis, the Devil of
+the East.
+
+[Illustration: 162]
+
+His Majesty was a hundred feet in height, which is a respectable size,
+even for a demon of the highest rank. His black skin, striped with red,
+was covered with small scales, which made it glisten like armour. His
+hair was so long and curly, a snake might have lost its way in it. His
+flat nose was pierced with a ring of admirable workmanship, as you see
+done to the wild bulls of the Roman Campagna. His white teeth, set with
+precious stones, gave to his smile a very variegated appearance. His
+small eyes assumed, one after the other, all the prismatic colours,
+which made it impossible to sustain his gaze. His ears, which exactly
+resembled those of an elephant, flapped on his shoulders; but he had,
+to make up for it, a tail sixty feet long, terminating in a hooked claw,
+which could have wielded the Monument easily as a toothpick.
+
+Eblis had no other covering than his wings, which were large, soft,
+and marvellously pliable, and in which he delighted to wrap himself.
+Conceive, further, that a phosphorescent gleam played incessantly over
+the monster’s skin, and you will easily understand why Roland unsheathed
+Durandal.
+
+Eblis was writhing with laughter.
+
+“I haven’t roared so through all eternity, upon my honour! Here, I say,
+my little man, do you know you have just done a master-stroke?”
+
+This familiar tone displeased Roland.
+
+“I have just met Mahomet,” continued Eblis, “and you have broken five of
+his front teeth. I have seen a good many prophets in my time, but I vow,
+on the faith of the accursed, I never saw one in such a rage. I have, in
+honour of the blow, given three days’ holiday in the infernal regions.
+There will be concerts, balls, hunts, and theatres. I have had written,
+by one of our best authors, a little comedy in the style of Apollodorus,
+in the last scene of which Mahomet receives a hundred strokes of the
+bastinado. I have given orders to an army of cooks; you can hear even
+here a rattle of stew-pans altogether refreshing. I will undertake to
+let you see we are not so backward in this respect as people pretend.
+You will meet with many old friends among the guests; we have quite
+a crowd of visitors just now. My wife, who is a lively one, will be
+delighted to make your acquaintance. Come, let me present you to her as
+the best of my friends.”
+
+“Babbler!” exclaimed Roland, but little flattered at these marks of
+friendship. “What right have you to address me in this style?”
+
+Eblis, who was not accustomed to be treated so cavalierly, was dumb with
+surprise for a moment.
+
+“By my father’s horns!” said he, at last, “I must have misunderstood
+you. Give me your hand, Roland, to disabuse me of the error.”
+
+He stretched out his tail to the knight, who, however, only drew back a
+few steps.
+
+“What, puny wretch!” shrieked Eblis, turning as white with rage as it
+was possible for one so black to do. “I shall send you back to earth. Do
+you think I am of the same stuff as Mahomet?”
+
+“But here Roland flung his second gauntlet in the demon’s face.
+
+“That makes the pair!” said the nephew of Charlemagne, placing himself
+in an attitude of defence.
+
+“Zacoum Zimzim Galarabak!” shouted Eblis, mad with fury. (You must
+know that is the most terrible oath that can be uttered in the Saracen
+tongue.) The earth shook and gaped at Roland’s feet. He felt himself
+launched into space. His armour suddenly became icy cold.
+
+“If I get back without an attack of rheumatism I shall be lucky,” said
+the knight.
+
+He heard around him the flapping of wings; it was a troop of afreets and
+djins.
+
+“Reflect, Roland. There is yet time. Mahomet is prepared to forgive
+you.”
+
+All the answer Roland vouchsafed was the intoning of the canticle--
+
+“Sub tuum Fræsidium confugimus.”
+
+“In a few moments your body will be dashed to pieces on earth. Remember
+the wondrous things the Prophet offered to share with you.”
+
+“_Sancta Dei genitrix; nostras deprecationes ne despicias_,” continued
+Roland. And now it seemed to him that, instead of falling at hazard, he
+was being gently carried. The chorus of afreets and djins was left far
+behind, but he still heard the sound of pinions.
+
+[Illustration: 163]
+
+“Set your mind at rest,” said a voice so exquisitely musical that Roland
+trembled to hear it. “I am the Archangel Michael. Our Blessed Lady has
+sent me to preserve you. She had been touched by your constancy and
+courage. Repose in safety on my wings, and we shall soon reach earth.”
+
+And, in truth, in a few minutes’ time the Count of Mans, to his
+astonishment, found himself before Saragossa. He was at prayer in his
+tent when he heard the voice of Miton.
+
+“My dear Roland, where are you?” cried the Count of Rennes, anxiously.
+
+“Here I am,” said the knight, hurrying to his friend.
+
+[Illustration: 166]
+
+“Charlemagne, who knows how punctual you are, seeing you were ten
+minutes behind your time to take on your guard, has sent to look for you
+in every direction. You are pale, my dear Count; what has happened to
+you?”
+
+“I will tell you all about it,” said Roland, as he hastened to his post
+near the Emperor.
+
+
+END OF THE SECOND BOOK.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK THE THIRD -- THE FORTRESS OF FEAR.
+
+[Illustration: 169]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I. THE FOUR FOES OF CROQUEMITAINE.
+
+CHARLEMAGNE had an excellent memory. He never omitted to ponder over the
+dangers to which Mitaine was exposed at every turn. He had the scene of
+the late ambush carefully searched by his spies in the first place, and
+afterwards by his soldiers. All, on their return, made the same report.
+They said the forest was inhabited, and there was a good deal of talk
+about a castle called “The Fortress of Fear,” which was to be found
+somewhere in the neighbourhood, although nobody they met with had seen
+it. None, however, doubted its existence. If a child disappeared, or
+any cattle were carried off, the trembling peasants said, “The Lord of
+Fear-fortress had taken them.” If a fire broke out anywhere, it was the
+Lord of Fear-fortress who must have lit it. The origin of all accidents,
+mishaps, catastrophes, or disasters was traced to the mysterious owner
+of this invisible castle.
+
+“I should like to have the mystery cleared up,” said Charlemagne to
+himself. “I can hardly resign myself to the belief that it is Ganelon,
+my old brother-in-arms.”
+
+He called his knights together.
+
+“My faithful champions, I need four of you for a perilous adventure, I
+know not where I am sending you--I know not whether you will return. Who
+will risk death for my good favour?”
+
+All the knights at once flung themselves at his feet, each entreating
+the Emperor to honour him with his choice.
+
+“You place me in a difficult position,” said the Emperor, greatly moved;
+“I see that chance must point out the four champions. I can without fear
+trust to it, for you are all equally brave.”
+
+The names of all the knights present were put into a helmet, and Mitaine
+played the part of Destiny to the best of her power, little thinking she
+was choosing her own champions and avengers. The first name she called
+out was that of Allegrignac of Cognac, Count of Salençon and Saintonge.
+
+“The lot suits me admirably,” said the Emperor, giving a friendly wave
+of his hand to the knight. “You know the language of the country, and
+will be a safe guide for your companions.”
+
+Mitaine next named the Baron of Mont-Rognon, Lord of Bourglastic,
+Tortebesse, and elsewhere.
+
+“This is indeed a capital choice! There is no stouter arm in the
+Arvennes than yours; and if there be a postern to be burst open by a
+powerful shoulder, you will be there, Mont-Rognon.”
+
+“Porc-en-Truie, Lord of Machavoine,” cried Mitaine.
+
+“I am in luck to-day, by St. James! You are known to be experienced,
+Porc-en-Truie, and you will conduct the adventure, I entrust to you, to
+a prosperous end, I feel sure. But I am curious to know who is my fourth
+champion.”
+
+“Maragougnia, Count of Rioin,” said Mitaine.
+
+“Now we have wisdom, strength, and cunning. Maragougnia can give the
+serpent points at wisdom, and beat him. If I do not succeed with such
+knights I shall despair altogether.”
+
+Charlemagne withdrew with his four champions, told them of the perils
+to which his god-child had been exposed, the investigation he had
+instituted, the suspicions he had entertained; and finally, he spoke of
+the Fortress of Fear, winding up in these terms:--
+
+“I am anxious to square accounts with this Croquemitaine. You will pass
+through the forest till you arrive at Alagon, a little hamlet on the
+banks of the Ebro. There you will inquire for the Fonda del Caïman,
+or, if you prefer it, the sign of the Crocodile. You will there rest
+yourselves for a short time, and then set out on your quests. You,
+Allegrignac, striking off from the river, will pursue your course
+towards Pampeluna. You, Mont-Rognon, will proceed in the direction of
+Catalyud; and look out for the Saracens, my friend, who on that side
+are disgusted enough with the trouble we have given them. You,
+Porc-en-Truie, will make for Fuentes. If you are guided by me, you will
+travel by night only, and conceal yourself carefully by day. You will
+appreciate my counsel when once you are on the road. You, finally, my
+gallant Maragougnia, will have to direct your steps towards Lerida,
+but you will not go beyond the river Alcander. I have reserved this
+expedition for you because it is the most hazardous--there, you need
+not thank me. I understand you! Quarter the country in every direction,
+and find out for me this Fortress of Fear. He who brings me the head of
+its dreaded lord shall be created a baron and peer of my realm.”
+
+The Emperor replenished the purses of his champions, and took leave
+of them with an embrace. When they’ found themselves alone they
+interchanged looks of bewilderment.
+
+“What do you think of that?” said Porc-en-Truie, with a grimace.
+
+“That I shall be a duke,” said Allegrignac, cutting a caper. “This
+adventure won’t take me a minute!”
+
+“To think that we must set out to-night!” said Mont-Rognon, in tones
+of regret; “and to think that I have ordered a splendid supper for
+to-night, which my fellows will get the benefit of!”
+
+“To think that we shall none of us ever come back again!” said
+Maragougnia, in a melancholy voice, as he wiped away a tear with the
+sleeve of his chain-mail.
+
+“Pshaw! who knows?” broke in Porc-en-Truie, with a smile. “Let us set
+out, and then we can see!”
+
+They appointed to meet on the borders of the forest, and within an hour
+afterwards they’ were all on the spot, equipped for war or for travel.
+
+Porc-en-Truie, Lord of Machavoine, was a great fellow of thirty years of
+age, more skilled in avoiding blows than in dealing them. He invariably
+shirked all his military duties, not because he was a coward, but
+because he was incorrigibly idle. He had been known to tramp three hours
+afoot to save himself the trouble of saddling his horse, and he had
+killed his dearest friend in a tournament, in order to terminate a long
+and fatiguing tilting match. He arrived at the rendezvous on horseback,
+with no weapon but his sword.
+
+“How imprudent!” cried Allegrignac, the moment he saw him coming. “Are
+we going to a wedding only, or are you desirous of emulating Miton’s
+great feat at the Tourney of Fronsac?”
+
+“I hate a load of weapons, and I don’t mean to kill myself for
+this Mitaine--for whom, between you and me, I don’t care a grain of
+mustard-seed!”
+
+[Illustration: 172]
+
+Allegrignac of Cognac, Count of Salençon, was twenty-five years of age,
+and six feet six high. He had an open countenance, a stout heart,
+an untiring tongue, limbs of steel, a stomach of leather, and a very
+slender patrimony. His hair was curly, his teeth were white. He was
+as proud as a Spaniard, as brave as a Frenchman, as simple-minded as
+a goose. He was possessed of a pleasant contralto voice, a cheerful
+spirit, and a grey horse called Serenade.
+
+Picture to yourself a figure clad in complete steel, and with weapons of
+vast weight, like one of those armed and bandy-legged giants you see
+in a procession of trades, capable of lifting enormous weights, not to
+mention cattle, and any other unconsidered trifles he could lay hands
+on, and you have a portrait of the Baron of Mont-Rognon, Lord of
+Bourglastic, Tortebesse, and elsewhere. This huge mass of muscle existed
+only to eat and drink. He was a descendant of Esau on his father’s side,
+and of Gargantua on his mother’s. He once performed a gigantic feat--he
+killed six hundred Saracens who happened to get in his way as he was
+going to dinner. He had an elastic stomach, and a mouth armed with four
+rows of teeth.
+
+Having described his stomach and his mouth,
+
+I need not go on with the likeness, for all that remained were mere
+incidental appurtenances.
+
+He arrived third at the place of meeting, leading by the halter a mule
+laden with provisions and bottles.
+
+“What’s this?” said Allegrignac, laughingly.
+
+“That!” said Mont-Rognon, offended at his bluntness. “That’s supper.”
+
+“What’s the use of that?” said Porc-en-Truie.
+
+Mont-Rognon the Monstrous.
+
+Mont-Rognon in a hurry for his dinner
+
+“Charlemagne has ordered us to perish for him,” broke in the Lord of
+Bourglastic, “but he did not stipulate that we should perish of hunger.”
+
+[Illustration: 173]
+
+Maragougnia, Count of Riom, was the last to arrive. He was equipped in
+the most gloomy style. His armour was of browned steel, sprinkled with
+silver tears. From the coronet that surmounted his helmet sprang a few
+mangy black feathers, which drooped over his shoulders like the branches
+of a weeping willow, and all the rest of his accoutrements were to
+match.
+
+He had one extraordinary quality, which was his strong point--instead of
+making him lose his head, fear only gave him increased presence of
+mind. They related deeds of prowess of his which were, in reality,
+only prodigies of cowardice. He did everything with a profound air
+of melancholy. His first wife, they say, died of yawning; the second
+perished of sheer weariness in three weeks.
+
+Behind him came a page, who might be considered to have originated the
+sombre livery worn nine hundred years later by the page of the Duchess
+of Marlborough.*
+
+     * Vide “Malbrouck:”--
+
+     “Elle voit venir son page
+     De unir tout habillé.”
+
+This lugubrious squire bore the count’s change of arms--to wit: two
+daggers of mercy; three swords, various; one lance; one helmet; one
+morion; two daggers, poisoned; one battle-axe; one flail, iron; one
+shield; one breastplate; one shirt of mail; two pairs of gauntlets;
+three pairs of spurs.
+
+“Good heavens!” said Allegrignac; “are we going to equip all the
+nation for war? Look, Porc-en-Truie! the Count of Riom has stripped the
+armouries of his ten castles.”
+
+“I wouldn’t stir an inch,” said Porc-en-Truie, in the interval of a
+couple of yawns, “to assure myself that Maragougnia has done something
+silly. If you assured me to the contrary, I might perhaps be surprised
+into getting up to see. And yet no! I couldn’t believe it; so I should
+stay where I was.”
+
+Porc-en-Truie, I must observe, sat himself down on the grass the moment
+he arrived.
+
+“You’re quite welcome to laugh at my prudence,” said Maragougnia, “but I
+don’t forget we are going to certain death.”
+
+“Certain death! Fiddlesticks! I mean yet to rival the Methusalems of the
+period,” said Porc-en-Truie, rising. “And now let’s be off, if we are to
+reach Alagon to-night.”
+
+“To prepare for death,” said Maragougnia, dashing away a tear with his
+gauntlet.
+
+“To go to sleep,” said Porc-en-Truie, with a yawn.
+
+“To try a throw with the dice,” said Allegrignac, jingling the money in
+his purse.
+
+“To make a good supper,” said Mont-Rognon, with a hollow voice, gnashing
+his teeth like castanets.
+
+In ten minutes the four knights had entered the wood. At sunset
+Alleericmac was hammering with his fist at the door of the Fonda del
+Caïman.
+
+[Illustration: 174]
+
+[Illustration: 175]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II. THE SIGN OF THE CROCODILE.
+
+THE innkeeper was a man of middle size, half Spaniard and half Moor,
+with a big body and thin leys, a brown skin and grey eyes. He had
+acquired considerable reputation in the district for his mode of
+dressing calves’ feet with saffron, and his handiness in stabbing people
+in the right place. He made everything a matter of trade, and used to
+regret that he had inherited no religious opinions which he could have
+abjured at a fixed price to be got either from the Saracens or the
+Christians. For the rest, he was a most obliging host, provided your
+purse was well supplied; and I believe I shall put the finishing stroke
+to the likeness when I say he was the biggest robber in all Spain, from
+Pontevedra to Girone.
+
+Ali Pépé opened the door. One is always forgetting something, and I
+forgot to tell you his name was Ali Pépé.
+
+“Where’s the landlady?” asked Allegrignac, twisting his moustache.
+
+“I want a bed,” yawned Porc-en-Truie.
+
+“Some supper!” growled Mont-Rognon.
+
+Maragougnia said nothing. He was absorbed in studying the inn, and the
+estimate he formed seemed far from satisfactory.
+
+Ali Pépé stood on the defensive, blocking the entrance of the inn.
+
+“Your lordships appear of too exalted a station for me to omit to inform
+you that you will find the accommodation here very unsuited to you.”
+
+“Here’s frankness and disinterestedness! But where can we find better
+accommodation?”
+
+[Illustration: 176]
+
+“My inn is the only one in the district.”
+
+“Then make way for us,” said Mont-Rognon, catching up Ali Pope by the
+girdle, and carrying him in at arm’s length into the kitchen. “We shall
+be able to converse better here!” Maragougnia entered last. He tried
+all the locks, in order to see whether the doors closed securely. He
+examined all the outlets, sounded the panels, and ordered his squire to
+bring him his arms.
+
+“We want four beds,” said Porc-en-Truie.
+
+“In the same room,” said Maragougnia, who had a horror of being
+solitary.
+
+“First of all we want supper,” bellowed Mont-Rognon; “don’t let us
+forget the most important of our wants.”
+
+“A modest supper,” suggested Maragougnia, who was afraid of the expense.
+
+“A modest supper!” bellowed the Lord of Bourglastic. “Don’t you do
+anything of the kind, landlord, or I’ll burn the place about your ears.
+Empty your poultry-yard, drag your fish-ponds, uncork your bottles; set
+to work--kill, pluck, draw, and broach,--in short, make ready, to the
+best of your power, a feast for an emperor or a sultan!”
+
+“You will lay for me separately,” said the Count of Riom, tearfully, “a
+few radishes and some wine of first-rate----”
+
+“Cheapness,” kindly suggested Allegrignac, with a smile.
+
+“May I know whom I have the honour to serve?” said Ali Pépé, with a bow
+so respectful that Maragougnia was horrified to see it, fearing it would
+be included in the bill.
+
+“Nothing easier,” said Allegrignac, returning Ali’s bow. “The short
+gentleman you see there is Purveyor-in-Chief to Charlemagne and all the
+crowned heads of the civilised world, from Armenia to Lusitania, from
+Scandinavia to Tripoli. He travels from district to district in search
+of new dishes to delight the royal tables. His dissertation on roasts is
+in everybody’s mouth. He has proved satisfactorily that beef ought not
+to be taken from the spit until the meat begins to turn brown and show
+the gravy; that mutton should be taken from the fire as soon as it
+begins to redden; and that veal should not be dished up until the meat
+is quite white. This man, who seems so unpretending, has discovered that
+thirst is fostered by currents of air; that the Scythians have stomachs
+an inch smaller than the Germans have; but then, on the other hand,
+deeper by seven times than those of the Cimmerians. He was the first who
+fried carp in rose-water; and he has, at last, after long and wearisome
+research, found in an old manuscript the recipe for garum, which was
+so highly prized by the ancients, but was thought to be lost. He has
+confided the secret to me, and I reveal it to you, in the hope that it
+will incite you to give us a better supper. Learn then, profane wretch!
+that in order to prepare this dainty dish, you must let a hen-mackerel
+lie in pickle with small mushrooms for seventeen nights at the full of
+the moon. The inside must be removed carefully, pounded, soaked, and
+braized with religious care in a bag of rose-coloured silk--and mind, it
+must be rose-coloured. The liquor thus procured is gathered in a silver
+vessel, when the weather is fine--or stormy. It must be left to settle
+for three weeks and seven hours, after having been mixed with a
+preparation, of which I forget the composition, but which is the chief
+ingredient, and gives all the value to the dish. You see with whom you
+have to deal: be sure, therefore, that the repast is worthy of this
+great dignitary and of us!”
+
+Ali Pépé bowed.
+
+“That gentleman who is snoring yonder travels in the hope of introducing
+some improvement into the royal sleeping arrangements. No one knows
+better than he the wisest adjustment of counterpanes, quilts, blankets,
+bolsters, pillows, and valances. His comparative treatise, entitled
+‘Lectus cubilaris, Lucubratorius, Emortualis, Genialis et Decubitorius,’
+has been engrossed on vellum by the monks of Monte Casino. To him
+belongs the honour of superseding the sack of maize-straw by the
+down-bed, which he imported from Cimbria; as also that of adding a
+second mattress to the sleeping-tackle of Royalty, which used to consist
+solely of a ticken, a pillow, and a bundle of straw. You see, therefore,
+that you must be careful to lodge us well for the night.”
+
+Ali Pépé made another low bow.
+
+“I don’t like talking about myself,” said Allegrignac, “but for this
+once I will yield to your importunity, ami inform you who I am. You
+must surely have heard of the great giantess
+Alcomiroziropoulopilousitounitapignac!”
+
+The landlord eyed the Count of Salgoon askance for awhile, then,
+resigning himself to his fate, he made an assenting gesture.
+
+“She was my mother,” said Allegrignac. “She perished after six: years of
+married happiness, murdered by my unhappy father, who was never tired
+of beating her. Disgusted with matrimony--and not without cause--she
+determined to live single. I came into the world within twelve months
+afterwards, and chose the profession of arms. My fortune, my noble
+birth--everything assured me that I must owe everything to my own
+prowess. I cheerfully accepted my lot, and crossed the Alps to avenge
+my father. I laid siege to Toulouse. Need I continue to relate my
+misfortunes?”
+
+“Not on my account, my lord. The particulars you have just related
+suffice to inform me with whom I have to deal. I have only to ask you
+who the fourth warrior of your party is?”
+
+“This weeping willow----”
+
+“I am a poor devil of a wanderer in search of fortune,” hastily
+interposed Maragougnia. “My wants are as modest as my means: I know how
+to be satisfied with little.”
+
+“I treat my customers according to their tastes and their purses,” said
+Ali Pépé. “You have, noble sirs, asked for a good many things. I will
+now give you a sketch of the accommodation I have to offer. I have but
+one room and one bed to let----”
+
+“I’ll take it, then,” said Porc-en-Truie, promptly: “I wouldn’t sleep
+out of doors to-night for the world. I shall not resume my journey till
+to-morrow. In the meantime, though, if either of you wishes to have half
+the bed----”
+
+“Thanks, I shall push on to-night,” said Maragougnia, as he left the
+room to find his squire, and tell him not to give the horses a feed.
+“They will find grazing on the road,” he remarked.
+
+“As for me,” said Mont-Rognon, “I give up the room to you with all my
+heart. I intend to spend the night in eating. I shall not start till
+to-morrow morning.”
+
+“I’ll keep you company till then,” said Allegrignac; “we have a few
+bottles and an old dispute to settle. You owe me a dozen, and I’ll bet
+you that you’ll be under the table by the ninth. I feel just in the
+humour for the trial to-day.”
+
+A scornful smile was the only answer vouchsafed by Mont-Rognon, who
+turned to the host, and asked, “What soup do you think you can give us?”
+
+“Can your lordship put up with pomegranate soup?”
+
+“Let us see the pomegranates.”
+
+Ali ran to his larder, and returned with a basket-full of fruit.
+Mont-Rognon selected a dozen.
+
+“Don’t forget to serve it up warm, and with a slice or two of orange in
+it. What next?”
+
+“If your lordship will leave it to me, you shall have no reason to
+complain. I have been head cook to the King of Mesopotamia for ten
+years, and His Majesty told me, only eight days since, that he has no
+pleasure in eating now I have left him. I would suggest, for soups,
+pomegranate, water-gruel, and ortolan; for entrees, calves’ feet and
+saffron, and fillet of venison with sweetbreads. For the next course,
+chicken _farci a la Madame Râpée_, heron garnished with woodcocks, roast
+sucking-pig with cameline sauce.”
+
+“I should like well enough a quarter of whale served up on a layer of
+eggs,” said Allegrignac, carelessly.
+
+“You might have had it this morning. Unfortunately, they had the last of
+it for King Marsillus to-day.”
+
+“You will give us, instead, a peacock. You will stuff it with chestnuts
+and saffron, and serve it up with fennel and powdered sugar.”
+
+“I can also offer your lordships dory with orange-juice, and lampreys
+with lily sauce.”
+
+“Is that all?”
+
+“Yes, sir. The bill of fare is simple, but select!”
+
+“Now, by Lenten fasts! you want to starve us to death,” said
+Mont-Rognon. “You must improve this poor fare, Master Head Cook of the
+King of Mesopotamia. Let us have ragout of venison, salt quarter of
+hare, preserved cabbage, purée of foreign figs _à la Sardanapale_, pigs’
+chitterlings with sweet wine sauce, and ribs of beef in honey. Now, be
+off to your kitchen, and if we want anything else, we’ll let you know.”
+
+Ali made a low bow, and was about to leave the room.
+
+“One word more,” said Allegrignac. “Don’t forget to send up the roasts
+on the spit, and, above all, be particular about the wine Don’t be
+afraid of sending up plenty of bottles.”
+
+“And, stay, landlord!” said Porc-en-Truie, “as you go you can show me my
+room. Farewell, Allegrignac! Your hand, Mont-Rognon! Good luck to you,
+Maragougnia! I shall be asleep, no doubt, when you start. I trust you
+will succeed, and take back to the Emperor what he wishes.”
+
+“We shall be sufficiently fortunate if we take back a whole skin!”
+ sighed the Count of Riom, preparing to depart.
+
+In the next chapter you will see how the four knights set about the
+accomplishment of Charlemagne’s wishes.
+
+[Illustration: 180]
+
+[Illustration: 181]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III. HOW ALLEGRIGNAC, MARAGOUGNIA, PORC-EN-TRUIE, AND
+MONT-ROGNON OPENED THE CAMPAIGN.
+
+PORC-EN-TRUIE followed Ali, who conducted him to the first floor, where
+they entered a chamber that was shabby enough in appearance in all
+conscience.
+
+“Are you silly enough to think of putting me to sleep here?”
+
+“It is the best room in the inn. King Marsillus slept here the day----”
+
+“Come! I hope you are not going to talk more absurdity of that kind to
+me. Learn to understand better those with whom you have to deal. Where’s
+the bed?”
+
+“Yonder, sir.”
+
+“That a bed! By the beard of Solomon! what you have the impudence to
+call a bed would have horrified Job himself, and he passes for a person
+not easily dissatisfied. What is all that hanging about the curtains?”
+
+“Those are cobwebs,” said Ali, with an air of satisfaction. “We take
+them down when our customers wish it, but they never do.”
+
+“How is that?” asked Porc-en-Truie.
+
+“Why, you see,” said the other, quietly, “the spider is insectivorous.”
+
+“And you dare bring me here?” asked Porc-en-Truie, pale with rage. “I
+dare swear to your lordship there is not a better bed in the house.”
+
+“Let me see yours;” and the knight seized the landlord, and made him
+conduct him to his own bedroom. It was not palatial by any means, but
+all was clean and neat in the host’s room, and the bed looked inviting.
+
+“How, rogue! you would sleep in this lordly bed without a scruple, while
+I am served as food for the spiders you rear! Leave the room, and thank
+Heaven that you leave it by the door instead of the window!”
+
+The Lord of Machavoine thrust the landlord out of the room. He, poor
+wretch! gave up his apartment with a very bad grace, and strove to
+argue the matter, but he got no answer. The shooting of the bolts,
+the creaking of the bed, were soon succeeded by a loud snoring, which
+deprived the defeated wretch of his last hope.
+
+He was going down-stairs in anything but a good temper, when he heard
+some one moving cautiously at the bottom. The host of the “Crocodile”
+ possessed the courage of those cowards who lie in wait to strike, but
+who succumb before a hidden danger or an imaginary one, and shrink
+from an open attack. Porc-en-Truie had kept the lamp--all was buried in
+complete darkness.
+
+“Who is that?” asked Ali, in a disquieted tone.
+
+“A friend,” answered a voice no less apprehensive.
+
+The landlord drew from the folds of his tunic one of those formidable
+knives which are still the fashion in Spain, and, having opened it,
+softly descended the last few stairs.
+
+“Who are you?--what do you want?”
+
+“Don’t speak so loud, for goodness’ sake? Don’t you recognise my voice?
+I am one whom you supplied with radishes an hour since.”
+
+“The knight with the black plume?”
+
+“The same. Can I have a word with you in private?”
+
+“We should find it difficult to discover a more secret and solitary spot
+than this. What is it you wish?”
+
+“I should like to stop here a month, unknown to my four travelling
+companions--why, I will tell you later.”
+
+“Nothing is easier. They will leave to-morrow.”
+
+“I want a very humble lodging, which I expect I shall occupy for a
+month. But what I want more than all is your silence.”
+
+“I am as mute as my conscience, and I have a room that will suit you
+to a nicety.” And Ali flattered himself that he had virtually let the
+lumber-room which had so distrusted Porc-en-Truie.
+
+He retired for an instant, then returned with a light, and once more
+ascended the stairs, followed this time by Maragougnia. He opened the
+door, entered first, and putting his hand behind the flame to throw a
+good light on the scene, turned and said, with the tone of a man who
+feels he had done the right thing, “There--that’s the article for you.”
+
+[Illustration: 183]
+
+The sudden appearance of the light put to flight a myriad of little
+black specks, that, hustling, scrambling, and running to and fro over
+the walls, finally disappeared in the hangings and wainscot.
+
+“I want something more unpretending,” said Maragougnia, shading his
+eyes, dazzled by the light.
+
+Ali could scarcely refrain from expressing his surprise in a shout.
+“More unpretending!” said he to himself, utterly disheartened. “These
+travellers are all alike--there’s no satisfying them!” But the landlord
+of “The Crocodile” was not the man to let himself be beaten by such a
+trifle. “If you will follow me, I have exactly what you require. I can
+let it you for next to nothing;” and he led the knight to a wretched
+outhouse, without either air or light, except such as came to it by
+reversion from the stable.
+
+“There!” said Ali, briefly.
+
+“This will suit me admirably. The smell of a stable is good for the
+lungs, so this atmosphere ought to be very healthy.”
+
+“I let it to invalids,” said the landlord, stopping his nose. “Sleep
+in comfort; the straw is this year’s;” and Ali, taking the lamp, left
+Maragougnia alone with his thoughts.
+
+“Go,” said the Count of Riom--“go, my dear fellow-travellers; go and get
+your necks twisted, and your bones broken. Go and seek a castle in the
+air for the satisfaction of a royal vagary. I, more wise than you,
+shall stop here. Who knows but that fortune may not visit me here?” Thus
+musing, he fell asleep, and dreamt that his squire had obtained for him
+a reduction of rent by turning the spit in the inn kitchen.
+
+[Illustration: 185]
+
+When the host re-entered the supper-room he was astonished to see
+the table overturned, with its legs in the air, and Allegrignac and
+Mont-Rognon making a bed of it. They were sound asleep, far gone in that
+state of intoxication of which in after years the Templars afforded so
+many instances. Wrapt, up in the most brotherly way in the table-cloth,
+they reposed on a heap of odds and ends and broken crockery. The lamp
+had succumbed to the general disaster, and was sputtering and mouldering
+in the ruins of a venison pasty.
+
+“Bravo!” said Ali, rubbing his hands. “These are the sort of customers
+I like. Furniture never gets faded with them, for one is always having
+new.” With that he set himself to break whatever had escaped the general
+smash; he even brought in a few damaged chairs, and distributed them
+artistically in fragments all over the room. Then, having picked up some
+gold pieces that had fallen on the floor, he went and lay down in the
+stable till morning.
+
+[Illustration: 186]
+
+Mont-Rognon, whose normal state was semi-intoxication, was the first to
+wake next day. He gazed unmoved on the scene of destruction in the midst
+of which he had slept, and then went out into the yard to give himself
+a washing at the trough. Ali Pépé, hearing him on the move, immediately
+made his appearance.
+
+“Listen, landlord,” said the Lord of Bourglastic, “I like your style
+of cookery, and your wine suits my palate. I should like to stop here
+a month; but, for reasons best known to myself, I wish my
+fellow-travellers not to know that I have put up here. When that drunken
+fellow who dined with me last night wakes up, you must tell him I
+started without waiting for him. You will do the same with that sluggard
+up-stairs, and when they are fairly off, come and let me know. I will
+take your dining-room for a month, and I intend never to quit the table.
+I shall not stir out, and nobody save you must come near me. I will
+defray the charges, including this last dinner, but I must insist on
+being well served. Recruit your forces, stock your larder and your
+cellar, for by Bacchus! you have got a tough job before you. Only I warn
+you, if you tell a single soul that I am here, you had better make your
+will, and order your coffin!”
+
+“What an odd lot!” said Ali, as he went in-doors. “Must I send my stingy
+customer of last night packing? Or must I tell my drunken friend of this
+morning that he is here? Pshaw! They are both afraid of being seen,
+and won’t stir out an inch. One ought not to miss any profits, however
+small.” With this reflection he went into the dining-room.
+
+“Is that you, landlord? asked Allegrignac, without opening his eyes.
+‘Can you tell me what has become of my friend?’ It’s no use for me to
+kick about--he’s not in the bed.”
+
+“He is gone, my dear sir--gone quite an hour ago. He said to me, ‘Tell
+the knight I leave in your room on the ground-floor, that I am sorry I
+cannot stop to say good-bye, for the heat is coming on, and I don’t wish
+to delay my journey.’”
+
+“Oh, so the drunken dog has gone--wonderful! I suppose he has paid?
+
+“Not he, sir, truly. He told me you would see to that.”
+
+Allegrignac not only opened his eyes at this, but he sat up on end. “At
+any rate, he paid his share?”
+
+“He has not given me a penny piece; he told me he had won a wager of
+you.” Before Ali had finished the sentence Allegrignac was on his legs.
+“You’re no better than a brigand, and I’ll wring your neck for you!”
+
+“I swear to you I have not received a farthing this blessed morning!”
+
+“Well, well,” said the Count of Salençon, recovering his good humour,
+“I’m well enough off not to bother myself about a trifle like that. So
+you tell me my bed-fellow is really gone?”
+
+“He is.”
+
+“And the one who was here last night, too?”
+
+“You saw him go yourself.”
+
+“True. Then, if I calculate rightly, there’s only one more of us left.”
+
+“The one who is snoring in my bed,” sighed Ali, spitefully.
+
+“Very well, then; open your ears wide, and listen attentively to what
+I say. If you let a syllable escape you, you and I shall quarrel.
+For reasons that I need not state, I wish to put up at your inn for a
+month.”
+
+“He, too!” thought Ali. “What is going to happen to the house?”
+
+“You will choose me apartments opening on the garden. I shall not go
+out, and nobody must have access to me save you and the sun. You will
+have the room adorned with flowers. I never grumble at the accounts
+which innkeepers present to me. I satisfy myself with the explanation
+that they are not strong in their arithmetic; I am not myself, either.
+But I insist on being treated well. One word more: you give me the idea
+of a man who is rather proud of his ears. I always respect people’s
+tastes, but I shall be compelled to deprive you of those ornaments if
+you mention to a single soul that I have stayed here. You understand
+me?”
+
+“Clearly!”
+
+“Then lead me to my prison!”
+
+It was not long before Allegrignac was duly installed. His furniture
+consisted of a bed, a table, some flowers, and a guitar. He ordered
+breakfast, and desired to be left to himself.
+
+“I am curious to learn what these strange people want here,” said
+Ali, as he went up-stairs. “I only hope the fourth knight won’t take
+possession of my bed for an indefinite period. Let us try and get him
+out of it at once.”
+
+The host gave a vigorous push at Porc-en-Truie’s door.
+
+“Sir! you bade me call you in good time. The sun has been up some hours.
+Are not you going to start?”
+
+“Come in!” said the Lord of Machavoine. “I want to have a word with
+you.”
+
+“But, my dear sir, I can’t come in. You shut yourself in when you turned
+me out, and I know from experience that one cannot break in the door.”
+
+Porc-en-Truie was reluctantly compelled to get out of bed and open the
+door, jumping into bed again, however, immediately, and turning his face
+to the wall.
+
+“Do you know this bed is delicious! I have slept splendidly in it, and I
+am not such a fool as to go scouring the highways while I can get a good
+rest here. Listen to me attentively, and don’t let me have to repeat
+anything, for I’m dying for sleep. You will place beside me on a table a
+venison pasty, two cold dishes, some preserved fruit, and thirty bottles
+of wine. Thirty--you hear?”
+
+“Only too well!”
+
+“Once a week you will come in on tip-toe, and lay the repast afresh. I
+am going to take a nap--you may call me in a month’s time.”
+
+“I trust you won’t think of doing so--keeping me out of my bedroom for a
+month-”
+
+“I warn you that I do not know how much money there is in my purse, and
+that I sleep so soundly, you might rob me of it without my opening
+my eyes. Ah, by the way, I forgot! As I don’t wish to be disturbed, I
+command you not to tell a soul that I am here. I don’t care a bit if
+your inn is on fire, if the enemy is coming, or an earthquake happens.
+I mean to have my sleep out. Above all, don’t let my fellow-travellers
+know of my determination. Nothing less than your life or death depends
+on that. Now, set everything out properly here, and don’t let me hear
+any more of you for a month.”
+
+“Sir--sweet sir--dear sir--great sir!” sighed the host, little elated
+at the prospect of sleeping for the next thirty nights in the stable,
+“can’t you choose some other resting-place? I can assure you, that
+if you go nearly as far as Montella--about half a day’s journey from
+here--you will find a magnificent hotel, where you will be infinitely
+better lodged than here. Are you listening to me, my dear sir?”
+
+A vigorous snore proved to Ali that he was simply throwing away his
+eloquence. To make quite sure the knight was asleep, the landlord began
+to inspect his purse, but Porc-en-Truie did not stir.
+
+“Well, this is sleeping like a nobleman,” said Ali, not half satisfied
+by the self-appointed award of a handful of gold pieces. “For this
+amount I can afford to let him finish his nap!”
+
+[Illustration: 189]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV. ALI PÉPÉ’S LITTLE HARVEST.
+
+ALLEGRIGNAC, Porc-en-Truie. Mont-Rognon, and Maragougnia continued to
+dwell in unconscious propinquity.
+
+“Who can tell what has become of my companions?” said all four, each
+to himself. “They have perished beyond doubt, or are prisoners at best.
+Faith! that’s their look-out! Success is very properly the prize of
+superior intelligence.”
+
+For a whole month Porc-en-Truie slept, Mont-Rognon ate, Allegrignac
+played the guitar in a whisper, and Maragougnia plotted impossible
+meannesses.
+
+On the twenty-eighth day of his captivity Mont-Rognon greeted Ali with
+a smile which he struggled to make as gracious as possible. Ali was
+terrified to see it, dreading lest his customer should ask him for
+credit on the strength of such an act of condescension.
+
+“Sit down here opposite to me,” said Mont-Rognon, growing every moment
+more agreeable to Ali, who was growing every moment more uncomfortable.
+“I am tired of eating alone. Besides, I have something to say to you.”
+
+The landlord sat down, poured himself out a bumper, and listened.
+
+“Since I have been here I have watched you closely, and the result of
+my examination is favourable to you. Occupied as I have been, it was
+impossible for us to exchange much talk, but it was enough to make
+me appreciate you. I recognise in you one of those bold spirits who,
+regarding life as a journey, reject from the outset whatever may
+encumber their progress. Conscience is to them a stranger whose name
+gives rise to a smile, and remorse a bugbear invented by the weak to
+restrain the strong. They only require in life that which it is able to
+offer, but they are not of the kidney to forego one single opening for
+enjoyment, let the price be what it may. People of my way of thinking
+are always ready to encourage that spirit. Do you comprehend?”
+
+[Illustration: 191]
+
+“That depends on what is to follow. I’ll tell you presently. Go on!”
+
+“I travel, as you have been told, in the gastronomical interests of
+various sovereigns. One of them, whose name I choose to withhold, has
+sent me to this country with a mission so truly extraordinary that I
+dread to impart it to you.”
+
+“Fear not, sir. I flatter myself I shall understand you.”
+
+“The king, whose envoy I am, has a daughter as fanciful as she is
+beautiful, and he is the slave of her lightest caprice. She has read in
+some writer of this country that the Saracens owe the clearness of their
+complexion to a peculiar ointment. I am really afraid to tell you of
+what it is composed.”
+
+“Don’t be afraid of anything with me, sir.”
+
+“Well, then, they say that one must have, to make it properly, a human
+head----”
+
+“Ah?” said Ali, pushing back his chair; “you are terribly plain to
+understand,--rest assured of that!”
+
+“They assert that for this purpose the heads of the inhabitants of these
+parts are superior to all others. I have unluckily promised to procure
+one, and if I fail to keep my word, my own head, for lack of better,
+will have to serve the princess’s turn. They persuaded me that to
+ensure the preservation of the beauty of young girls was an act of
+philanthropy, and I foolishly committed myself to the undertaking. I
+offer with all my heart one-half of the sum promised me to any one who
+will assist me out of my scrape.”
+
+“And how much have you been promised?” said Ali, bringing his chair to
+the table again.
+
+“A hundred ounces. Do you know any respectable man of business who will
+undertake to supply such an article as I have named?”
+
+“Possibly--but all trouble deserves payment. If I act as your go-between
+shall I get nothing?”
+
+“Your claim is a fair one. I promise you fifty ounces--twenty-five for
+him, and twenty-five for yourself.”
+
+“You shall have what you require.”
+
+“To-morrow?”
+
+“This evening! But you must pay me half in advance. If you were to
+change your mind, and leave me with the goods on my hands----”
+
+“Between men of honour--”
+
+“Between men of honour like us it is right to take precautions.”
+
+“Well! There’s the money.”
+
+Ali Pépé took the gold, counted it, tried each coin in succession,
+weighed them with an air of wisdom, and said, quietly, “The money is
+quite correct; you shall have just the sort of article you want; and,
+what is more, I’ll throw you the sack in!” With these words he left the
+apartment.
+
+It was Allegrignac’s lunch-time; so the host went up-stairs to the
+count’s room, and found him plunged in deep thought.
+
+“Tell me, Ali Pépé,” said he, “did you ever happen to be married?”
+
+“Never, sir. I am the oldest representative of a race which will die
+with me.”
+
+“Then you cannot understand my sufferings!”
+
+“Your sufferings, my dear sir?”
+
+“My heart is bursting, and I feel I can trust myself with you. Listen
+to my history, and sympathise with your unhappy guest. My early life was
+passed in bliss on the shores of the Sarmatian Sea, till one day I met
+the daughter of the King of Scandinavia. This marvel of the North had a
+skin as white as snow, hair as golden as sunlight, and she was as plump
+as a partridge. Her beauty dazzled me, and I swore I would die to serve
+her----”
+
+“Your worship will excuse me if I beg you to commence your history at
+the conclusion. I have several customers waiting below.”
+
+“I will be brief. It is the custom in certain cold regions for every
+young girl who has reached her seventeenth year to make a tour for
+a couple of months to look out for a husband. Those who make any
+impression on her, or on whom she makes an impression, accompany her
+home to her father, who then makes his choice among the suitors. The
+fair Wahallaaka had just reached her seventeenth year, when I fell in
+with her at the close of the circuit. My attention was first attracted
+by the splendour of the sledge in which she rode. It was drawn by thirty
+wolves, which shook the crimson silk tassels and jingled the steel
+chains of their harness. Seven hundred and sixty-seven suitors rode
+behind her. The eyes of the fair Scandinavian met mine, and she felt at
+once that her journey was completed. Could she meet with a more suitable
+husband? She was not foolish enough to suppose so; and, giving me a
+sign to join the _cortège_, she gave the order to return to
+Khétakous-Mouvoskaïa, which is the capital of her father’s dominions.
+He, a man full of judgment and taste, confirmed his daughter’s choice,
+and it was decided that at the expiration of two months I should
+become the husband of the beauteous Wahallaaka. For fifty days we had
+a succession of festivals. Sledge races by torchlight were followed by
+balls and concerts. White bear-hunting, whale-catching, and a thousand
+other innocent diversions, furnished me with opportunities for the
+display of my brilliant intelligence, my strength, my courage, my
+address, my presence of mind, my grace, my agility, my----”
+
+Ali Pépé threw an imploring glance at Allegrignac.
+
+“I will be brief. Nothing in this world is perfect, and the incomparable
+Wahallaaka had her share of imperfections. She was given to flirting and
+fibbing: she was fickle, she was foolish, she was vain, she was rash.”
+
+“Sir!” sighed the count’s wretched listener.
+
+“I will be brief. You are right; why should I open again these
+scarce-healed wounds? A page one day brought me a letter from my future
+bride. ‘Go,’ it said; ‘leave me, to prove your love for me. The
+ties which are about to unite us are so serious that I wish, before
+confirming them irretrievably, to assure myself that I have not been
+mistaken in my choice of you. Go; during your absence I intend to give
+myself, without reserve, to all the pleasures of society. I shall
+do everything I can to forget you, and if in a year’s time, when you
+return, I still love you, then, my knight, I will be your bride. You
+will go to Spain. I do not give you that Eden for your place of exile
+without good reason. They assert that the men there are the handsomest
+in the world. Well, my betrothed, when your time comes to return, choose
+one of the finest of these wretches, cut off his head, and bring it to
+me, that I may judge with my own eyes of the beauty of the barbarian
+type.’”
+
+“Well done!” thought Ali; “here are my four guests beginning again. In
+everything they do they follow suit, and I feel sure the other two will
+make the same request. What is to be the end of this?”
+
+“‘Should you triumph in this trial,’ added the fair Wahallaaka, ‘from
+that moment none shall be as dear to me as you.’ When I read this letter
+my heart was torn with conflicting passions, but I had the strength of
+mind to leave without seeing my beloved. For a whole year I dragged out
+my miserable existence in all quarters of the globe. Now, however, my
+time of trial is past, and I am about to return to my beloved country.
+One thing alone remains to do. Can I present myself to her, who is so
+dear to me, without offering her that head which is the object of her
+desires?”
+
+“But how is it that, brave and mighty as you describe yourself to be,
+you have not already procured it?”
+
+“The reason is clear, as you will see. I am in the ordinary affairs of
+life a very lion for courage; the panther and white bear I care not a
+jot for; but as soon as the idea of fighting presents itself---whenever
+I find myself in the presence of danger--I tremble, lest I should prove
+unworthy of the fair Wahallaaka. The thought unnerves my arm, and a
+child might conquer me. In short--I’ll give you forty ounces for your
+head.”
+
+Ali scowled at the knight. “If it be to finish in this manner that your
+worship has taken the trouble to relate this history, we might both of
+us have employed our time better.”
+
+“If your head appears to me the finest model of Oriental beauty, there
+is no reason for you to be offended. You appear to be attached to it’,
+well, let’s say no more about it, but get me for the same price some
+other specimen of the Asiatic tribes.”
+
+“How much did you say you were willing to give?”
+
+“Forty gold pieces.”
+
+“You won’t get anything worth looking at for that sum? Everything has
+risen in price since the war.”
+
+“Well, then, fifty pieces.”
+
+“Say sixty pieces--thirty down, and I’ll promise you the best that can
+be had.”
+
+“I am anxious to start, remember.”
+
+“You shall have what you want by to-morrow.”
+
+“Very well! I rely upon you to keep your word.”
+
+Ali, as soon as he had the thirty pieces safe in his pocket, went
+downstairs, and entered the apartment of the knight of Machavoine.
+Porc-en-Truie was not asleep.
+
+“I thought so,” said the innkeeper to himself; “here’s the sleeper as
+wide awake as a squirrel,” and he made as if he would go out again.
+
+“Come in,” said the knight, “I have something to talk to you about.”
+
+“I am all attention,” said Ali, bowing.
+
+“I leave to-morrow!”
+
+“So soon?” said Ali, looking at his long-lost bed with affectionate
+interest.
+
+“That depends on you. Travellers like to carry away some little
+remembrance of places they have visited, and I have too much reason to
+be pleased with my treatment here not to keep up the custom. What do you
+advise me to get? You see, you must aid me in choosing, for I haven’t
+stirred out, and know nothing about the place.”
+
+“Our grapes are very fine here in the north of Spain. Possibly----”
+
+“No. That won’t do. I want something that will keep.”
+
+“The young girls of our country come from ten leagues round to Alagon
+to buy plated gold and silver trinkets, and necklaces of seed-pearl and
+coral.”
+
+“You must find out something better than that.”
+
+“Your worship puzzles me. The country has nothing else remarkable to
+offer except its inhabitants; but, of course, I could not offer you one
+of our people to take away.”
+
+“That’s a notion! It suggests an idea to me--only it is so peculiar I
+hardly like to mention it.”
+
+“Pshaw! a little shyness will soon wear off.”
+
+“I’ll give you a thousand guesses, and you’ll puzzle your brains over it
+in vain to all eternity.”
+
+“Then, sir, don’t let me have to guess.”
+
+“You say your knaves here are handsome?”
+
+“They have adorable almond-shaped eyes, red lips, white teeth, and
+complexions of a delightful olive, covered with black down.”
+
+“You only speak of their heads.”
+
+“I have a reason for doing so, for it is the only good thing they
+possess; for which reason our girls are accustomed to say, ‘The heart of
+Castile, the soul of Catalonia, the form of Leon, the limbs of Navarre,
+and the head of Arragon make a perfect man.’”
+
+“By my faith! the idea is a jolly one, and I must give you all credit
+for having been the first to think of it.”
+
+“Your honour is too good. You accredit me with more spirit than I
+possess.”
+
+“Since you originated the notion, you must assist me to put it into
+execution. Well, then, how can you get me the head of an Arragonese?”
+
+“What! you wish to take away a real head--a living head?”
+
+“Living is scarcely the word--but a head that has been alive.”
+
+“Well, that is an idea that no one has had before you.”
+
+“I hope so.”
+
+“Our country, sir, is a wonderful one, for this reason--that you can get
+whatever you want, provided you have the money. If, therefore, you will
+allow me to manage----”
+
+“Do so, and do so quickly. That is all I require, and I shall leave
+to-morrow.”
+
+“I must have thirty pieces of gold in advance. The game you want is
+strictly preserved, and difficult to procure, Nothing inspirits the
+hunter so much as to be paid ready money.”
+
+So Ali added thirty more pieces to the sixty he had already received,
+and hastened off to hide it in a secret spot known only to himself.
+
+“Now I’ll go and see my fourth customer. I am curious to learn what he
+has to propose to me.”
+
+Maragougnia had not during the whole month left the horrid little hole
+which he had chosen for his lodgings. Anxious to make a profit by his
+isolation, he had spent the time in _déshabille_, in order to save his
+clothes. When Ali entered he found the knight patching his shirt with
+his pocket-handkerchief. “You come just at the right moment; I wish to
+speak to you.”
+
+“I am listening.”
+
+“I hope you will not take amiss what I have to say to you, nor
+misunderstand my intentions. I think I ought first of all to tell
+you that I am even more wretched than I look. You will understand, of
+course, that it is not from a feeling of greed that a man denies himself
+everything as I do. I should certainly not despise the good things of
+life if I had the means of getting them. Picture to yourself that my
+misery is such----”
+
+“Excuse me,” said Ali, sharply; “I see that you are going to take an
+hour in framing a demand which could be expressed in a few seconds. I am
+quite willing to give up my time to those who pay me, but you are either
+too poor or too stingy to justify my so doing. You want a Saracen’s
+head, and you are afraid to ask for it.”
+
+“Good heaven! who could have told you that?”
+
+“You yourself.”
+
+“I? When?”
+
+“You talk in your sleep, sir, and are more communicative then than when
+you are awake. I sleep in the stable close by, and have overheard you.
+Now that you see I am so well informed as to your wants, let’s settle
+the matter at once.”
+
+Maragougnia became infinitely whiter than his shirt.
+
+“I can procure you what you want. But you must understand perfectly that
+it is not a stock article, so I must have a good price. Fifty pieces of
+gold down, and fifty more to-morrow on delivery.”
+
+Maragougnia fell fainting on the floor. Ali feared for a moment that he
+had gone too far. The knight’s heart no longer beat, his body was icy
+cold, his breathing had stopped.
+
+“Come, come!” said Ali, “recover yourself. You shall have it for
+ninety-five pieces, or say ninety, in consideration of my having waited
+on you for a month.”
+
+The Count de Riom did not stir.
+
+“Well, we will fix it at eighty-five, but I won’t abate a penny.”
+
+The knight opened his right eye.
+
+“Come, I am less hard than I look,” said the innkeeper, rubbing
+Maragougnia’s hands. “I will make you an offer.”
+
+The dying man opened his other eye.
+
+“Must you have a head? because---I’ll tell you what, I have an order for
+a head on hand, I’ll let you have the remnant cheap.”
+
+The knight closed his eyes again, and sank back motionless.
+
+“That doesn’t suit you? Well! say no more about it. I am going to show
+you how willing I am to serve you by lowering my demands.” The knight’s
+eyes re-opened, and his heart began to beat again.
+
+“Say eighty pieces, but I shan’t come down any lower.”
+
+Ali rose to go. Maragougnia gave a heavy sigh, that would have softened
+the heart of a famished tiger, but made no impression on the innkeeper.
+
+“Eighty pieces of gold! Why, it is more than I should spend in eight
+years. You’ll reduce me to beggary.”
+
+“Pshaw! you are no better off now.”
+
+“You might as well take my life.”
+
+“You may accept my offer or leave it. People don’t buy things of this
+sort every day. Will you have it?--Once!”
+
+“I’d rather die.”
+
+“Twice!”
+
+“Ten pieces--I’ll give you ten pieces.”
+
+“Thrice!”
+
+“Wait a minute! one must take time to think over, such bargains.”
+
+“Well, I’ll come back presently, but I vow you will regret not having
+taken my offer at once.”
+
+[Illustration: 197]
+
+Ali went out, leaving Maragougnia pale, trembling, broken-hearted, a
+prey to a thousand conflicting emotions.
+
+[Illustration: 198]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V. HOW ALI PÉPÉ, HAVING DONE ALL THAT COULD BE EXPECTED OF AN
+HONEST MAN, WAS HANGED.
+
+THAT evening the doors of the inn were closed earlier than usual. Ali
+had given his servants a holiday to go to the fair at Montella, and was
+thus left alone with his four lodgers. He locked all the doors, put up
+the chain at the front gate, ascertained that the shutters were closed,
+all of which were precautions he did not usually take. Then he went
+down into the cellar, where there was a collection of weapons of all
+descriptions.
+
+He selected a large knife, which he carefully sharpened; put on a shirt
+of mail, as easy-fitting as silk, but perfectly sword-proof; put on a
+helmet of extraordinary shape, which completely concealed his face, and
+went up-stairs again softly. On arriving at the top of the stairs he put
+out his lamp, and stole forward on tiptoe. He stopped in succession at
+the doors of the four knights, and peeped through the keyhole to
+see what they were doing. Mont-Rognon was at his eighth bottle;
+Porc-en-Truie was asleep; Allegrignac was taking the fresh air in the
+garden; Maragougnia was furtively counting his money.
+
+“Good!” said Ali to himself. “In one hour the gentleman who is at supper
+will have finished his ninth bottle, and tumbled under the table; the
+one who is dozing will be snoring soundly; the one who is meditating
+will be asleep; and as to the fourth-”
+
+The proprietor of the “Crocodile” said no more; he had reached the
+stable, where he flung himself down on the straw.
+
+At midnight Allegrignac woke up in a fright. He thought he heard a
+piercing cry.
+
+“Somebody’s having his throat cut,” said the Count de Salençon. He sat
+down on the foot of his bed and listened. All was silent; you might have
+heard the spiders spinning their webs.
+
+“I wasn’t dreaming, nevertheless--no; I am sure I heard a cry.”
+
+He continued to listen, and now the silence made him tremble. He
+remembered his bargain with the innkeeper. The idea that he was the
+instigator of the crime which undoubtedly had just been committed
+deprived him of sleep. He dressed himself, and sat himself down on the
+side of his bed, with his drawn sword in his hand. In a quarter of an
+hour two more shrieks resounded through the night. Allegrignac sprang
+up as briskly as if in obedience to a hidden spring. These renewed cries
+alarmed him.
+
+“Everybody is having his throat cut!” said he to himself, growing more
+and more frightened. “My conscience has only to answer for one of the
+crimes; so, if Master Ali is too zealous, I am not responsible.”
+
+As a precaution, he rolled his bed against the door, put the table and
+chairs on the top of it, and kept watch. The rest of the night passed
+peaceably and quietly. The moon accomplished her nocturnal round, and
+when the sun reappeared, Allegrignac, ashamed of his panic, restored
+everything to its place. At seven o’clock Ali knocked at the door.
+
+“Here is what you want,” said he, placing a small sack on the count’s
+bed. “Have you the money ready?”
+
+“There it is.”
+
+“I should recommend you to lose no time in setting out, for I think I
+saw one of your companions this morning.”
+
+Allegrignac did not wait to hear this advice repeated. He went
+down-stairs, and, finding his horse ready at the door, he tied the sack
+to the saddle-bow, set spurs to his nag, and rode off at a gallop. Ali
+smiled to see him go, and then, when he was no longer in sight, turned
+into the apartment of the Baron of Mont-Rognon.
+
+“I have obeyed your orders, sir. Here is what you required.” And
+he flung a sack on the table, as he had already done in the case of
+Allegrignac.
+
+“There is the sum we agreed on,” said the baron, tendering him the
+twenty-five pieces. “Saddle my horse, I am in a hurry to be off!”
+
+“It is ready saddled,” said the landlord, taking the money; “your honour
+will find it at the foot of the stairs.”
+
+Mont-Rognon went out for the first time for a month. He attached the
+small sack to the saddle-bow as Allegrignac had done, and in a few
+minutes was out of sight. Ali did not on this day enter the two rooms
+occupied by Porc-en-Truie and Maragougnia. He spent his time in counting
+his money.
+
+“Fifty gold pieces from the drunken knight, plus forty for his keep,
+will be ninety. Sixty from the talkative knight, plus thirty-five for
+his board and lodging, will be ninety-five. That makes one hundred and
+eighty-five pieces in all, if I know anything of arithmetic. Add to this
+the purses of the lazy knight and the knight of the raven plumes--the
+one containing one hundred and fifty and the other a hundred and forty
+pieces, amounting to two hundred and ninety--which I must add to one
+hundred and eighty-five, leaving a total four hundred and seventy-five
+pieces of good new money. This is more than one wants to begin life with
+honestly, so I can afford myself that little whim--and will do so!” Ali
+Pépé was unable to realise this laudable purpose. He was hanged eight
+days after, as you, my young friends, will learn, if you continue to
+read this history.
+
+[Illustration: 200]
+
+[Illustration: 201]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI. SHOULDER TO SHOULDER, FACE TO FACE!
+
+CHARLEMAGNE was playing at chess with Naymes, Duke of Bavaria, for a
+couple of hours, when he was informed that Allegrignac had returned. The
+Emperor, who had lost five games out of seven, was in anything but an
+agreeable mood. The news of the count’s arrival completely cured him.
+
+[Illustration: 202]
+
+“At last we shall learn the truth about the Fortress of Fear. I feel
+sure Allegrignac will have acted vigorously and wisely. Fetch him a
+stoup of wine while I go to assemble my peers, barons, bishops, and
+clerks. I will hear what he has to say before them.”
+
+When these orders had been carried out, Charlemagne caused the Count of
+Salençon to be summoned into his presence.
+
+“Approach, Allegrignac. You have proved yourself, I doubt not, possessed
+of endurance and bravery. I shall be glad to have to award the prize to
+you. Tell us what happened to you.”
+
+“I am, sire, overcome at the thought of my great good fortune, and seek
+in vain for any past good deed of mine which has won for me the
+favour which Heaven lavishes on me. I will take care not to abuse your
+kindness, or the patience of so many learned and gallant listeners. I
+will begin my story from the moment when I left Alagon for the Fortress
+of Fear. Dawn was breaking when I started. The darkness which was still
+spread over the earth was beginning to vanish at the approach of the
+sun, whose welcome was being chanted by the lark. I was asking myself
+how so lovely a country could bring one to so dire a fortress, when
+my horse gave a start, stopped, and, lowering its head, began to snort
+loudly. I then saw, a short distance from me, a little dwarf, not
+ill-looking, who sat weeping by the road-side. ‘While there is yet
+time,’ said he, ‘abandon this insane adventure, and do not disturb
+the great master of Fear. Seeing you so young and so lovely, I cannot
+restrain my tears. Did you but know what obstacles you will find
+opposing you, you would certainly not encounter them.’ ‘I am the envoy
+of Charlemagne,’ said I, quietly.
+
+“‘Ask yourself, then, if I am a man likely to draw back.’ I had hardly
+mentioned your name, sire, when I beheld the dwarf flying in alarm. I
+went on. A little farther on my horse made a second start, and I found
+myself face to face with a giant, who was in command of a body of twelve
+armed men. He had a foot placed on either side of the road, like the old
+Colossus of Rhodes, and his men were drawn up, lance in rest, between
+his legs, seeking to bar my passage.”
+
+[Illustration: 203]
+
+“‘Whose servant are you, miscreant?’ cried I. ‘Mahomet has my faith--the
+Lord of Fear my allegiance.’ ‘And I will have your life. Hurrah for
+Charlemagne!’ I flung my lance at the monster with such force and skill
+that it pierced his body, and lodged in the ground, point downward,
+fifty paces off. I drew my sword, and rode at his twelve followers, whom
+I routed. Although charging at full gallop, I had the forethought
+to recover my lance on the way. By the time these enemies recovered
+themselves I was already in the midst of other perils. What more need
+I say? In vain did the elements assist the efforts of men and demons;
+strong in my loyalty to my king, I overcame all obstacles!”
+
+Charlemagne liked people to talk modestly, and the praises which
+Allegrignac did not cease to lavish on himself made him frown. “Action
+is for men, and words for women,” said he to himself. “This young man
+talks a little too much.”
+
+“Human strength has its limits,” continued Allegrignac; “even mine is
+exhaustible, and, taking advantage of an interval of quiet, I dismounted
+to take a rest. I was a short way from the top of a high mountain,
+on which the Fortress of Fear is built. I had a long time left the
+temperate zone, and was surrounded by snow. All of a sudden----”
+
+“I’ll wager his next words are a falsehood!” whispered Roland to Turpin.
+
+“Nonsense! You’re betting on a certainty,” said the bishop.
+
+“All of a sudden my horse gave a terrified neigh. I turned round as I
+sprang to my feet, and beheld an avalanche leaping from rock to rock,
+and coming to swallow us up. I did not waste a moment. I waited it with
+feet firmly planted, and arms outstretched. I caught it and held it back
+for some seconds. ‘Quick, Serenade!’ I cried to my horse. ‘Go along,
+make haste, poor beast!’ The animal understood my meaning, and escaped.
+It was time, for my strength was just exhausted. I made one final and
+supreme effort, flung the Titanic projectile on one side, and sank--I
+confess it--exhausted on the ground. The brave men who hear me will not
+ridicule my weakness.”
+
+Every one looked at his neighbour. They were more surprised at the
+impudence of the speaker than the strangeness of his story.
+
+“Enough of this sort of prattle,” said Charlemagne. “Here be plenty of
+great deeds--I’ll ask for the rest of the story another time. Meanwhile,
+tell me--and as briefly as possible--have you seen the castle and its
+owner?”
+
+“I have seen them, and I bring you, sire, the head of the monster as an
+evidence of my victory.”
+
+Allegrignac stooped down to take the bag, which he had placed beside him
+at the beginning of his story, when Mitaine entered and announced that
+the Baron of Mont-Rognon desired an audience.
+
+“By my beard! I am curious to see and hear him. Allegrignac, withdraw,
+and let the Knight of Bourglastic speak. Bid the baron enter.”
+
+Mont-Rognon stepped in proudly; he paused at a few paces from
+Charlemagne, bowed, placed beside him the bag about which we know, and
+waited to be interrogated.
+
+“I have often reproached myself for having sent you on so formidable an
+adventure, my brave baron; only the remembrance of your past feats of
+valour could make my mind easy about you. However, you have returned.”
+
+“I know not how to express to my Sovereign all my gratitude for the
+honour he does me. I always believed that the joy of victory is the
+greatest in the world, and the beating of my heart assures me that I was
+not mistaken.”
+
+“The joy of victory, do you say? Of what victory do you speak?”
+
+“Of that which I have just won over the Knight of Fear.”
+
+A murmur of surprise was heard on all sides.
+
+“Come forward, Allegrignac,” said the Emperor, in a severe voice. “What
+does this mean, and which of you is the impostor?”
+
+The consciences of the two pretended victors were not so clear that they
+could listen without alarm to the infuriated voice of Charlemagne. They
+felt that impudence alone could assist them; and Allegrignac coming
+forward, pointed to the Knight of Bourglastic, and said--
+
+“If, sire, this man pretends that he has vanquished the Knight of Fear,
+I declare that he lies.”
+
+“Lies!” cried Mont-Rognon, blinded with rage. “Who dares utter the
+word?”
+
+“I, Allegrignac, Count of Salençon.”
+
+“Traitor and perjurer! you shall not quit this place alive. A
+disgraceful death shall be your fate, and the fate of all belonging to
+you.” And he drew his sword. “Yes, you have lied, baron of the realm
+though you be, and I will teach you to change your note, perjured
+coward! I shall slay you and yours before the humblest lacquey in my
+service is the worse by a hair, for all your bravery.”
+
+“These two cocks,” said Oliver, “seem to me to crow too long before they
+begin fighting. It would be mockery to separate them.”
+
+Charlemagne raised his voice, and silence was at once restored.
+
+“I find you daring enough,” said he, “to deafen me with your clamour.
+This insolence is insufferable. The first who speaks without being
+questioned shall be punished; understand that, one and all!” and then he
+added, after a moment, “What proof have you of the victory you say you
+have won? Speak, Allegrignac.”
+
+“I have the head of the monster in this bag.”
+
+“And you, Mont-Rognon, what have you to say?”
+
+“This man is an impostor. I have here what will prove him so.” The
+Knight of Bourglastic seized his bag, and opened it; the Count
+of Salençon did the same, and then each held up a gory head for
+Charlemagne’s inspection.
+
+[Illustration: 205]
+
+At this sight the Emperor turned pale.
+
+He rose, and seemed anxious to speak, but could only utter the one word,
+“Murderers!”
+
+The whole assembly gave a cry of horror on recognising the heads of
+Porc-en-Truie and Maragougnia; but the most frightened of all were
+assuredly Mont-Rognon and Allegrignac, who, letting fall the two
+accusing heads, flung themselves at the Emperor’s feet.
+
+“Sire, do not hold us guilty. We have been the victims of some treason.
+Yes, we confess it; we were unable to carry out your instructions.
+Terrified and at our wits’ end, we lost our heads--”
+
+“Then no one will be surprised this evening to see they are no longer on
+your shoulders,” interposed the Emperor, who thus set a-going a horrible
+joke, which has done service so often since that it has well earned a
+retiring pension.
+
+The next day, after mass, the Lord of Bourglastic and the Count of
+Salençon underwent a final examination. By vespers Charlemagne had
+sentenced them to death. When the bugles sounded they had been beheaded,
+and flung out to feed the wolves.
+
+Eight days after Ali Pépé was hanged.
+
+[Illustration: 206]
+
+[Illustration: 207]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII. MITAINE OPENS THE CAMPAIGN.
+
+CHARLEMAGNE, on one occasion, committed an act of imprudence; he
+promised Mitaine that when she performed any remarkable feat of valour,
+she should be attached to Roland’s staff as a squire. From that moment
+she never rested; ambition constantly haunted her, and, without letting
+any one know her plans, she was always looking out for some opportunity
+of distinguishing herself. The Fortress of Fear seemed an object worthy
+of her labour, and the unfortunate issue of the expedition of the
+four knights induced her to undertake the adventure. “If my friend
+Croquemitaine lives in the castle, I will find him, and prove I am not
+afraid of him.”
+
+She set forth early one morning, accompanied by a young page of her
+acquaintance named Ortez; and when she found herself at what she
+believed a sufficient distance from the camp to render pursuit
+impossible, she told her companion to return to the Emperor, and inform
+him that she had resolved to find the Fortress of Fear.
+
+“Tell him not to be alarmed for me; he shall have no reason to blush for
+his godchild. I hope before long to remind him of his promise to make me
+a squire.”
+
+The page endeavoured in vain to dissuade her from her plan; in vain he
+threatened her with the anger of Charlemagne. “When I return,” said she,
+“he will gladly embrace me.”
+
+The more he described to her the magnitude of the dangers she would
+encounter, the more determined she was to face them.
+
+“Well, then, I shall follow you,” said Ortez, resolutely.
+
+“If you do anything of the sort I warn you that we shall quarrel.”
+
+“Do you think I am wanting in courage?”
+
+“No! I know you are brave; only I do not desire to lessen the merit of
+the deed I am resolved to accomplish by sharing its dangers with you.”
+
+“But it would be dishonourable in me to allow to go alone into danger
+one whom it is my duty to defend,” said the lad, planting his little
+fists on his hips.
+
+“By the Shrine of St. Landri! you are too importunate, Ortez. Girls like
+me have beak and talons like fully-fledged falcons. Return, then, to the
+camp to inform Charlemagne, and if in three days I do not come back, you
+will pray for a gallant girl who died in the quest of adventure.”
+
+The page was obliged to give way; he returned alone along the road which
+he had just traversed in company with Mitaine, and I will not swear that
+he had not tears in his eyes.
+
+As soon as she was alone, Mitaine assured herself that her sword was
+firmly buckled on at her side--that her dagger quitted its sheath
+easily; then she bent her steps towards a ruined hut which stood in the
+midst of a vast field of maize. Before long she reached it, and saw a
+peasant seated on the ground playing with his children. She was
+struck by his air of profound melancholy, and shocked at the wretched
+appearance of the little ones that were rolling’ about in the dust.
+
+[Illustration: 208]
+
+“Can you tell me the way to the Fortress of Fear?”
+
+On hearing this question the peasant rose hurriedly, and stared at
+Mitaine with frightened eyes. The youngsters took refuge between his
+legs as if they expected some calamity.
+
+“Do you know what you are asking?” said the terrified man. “It is
+doubtless a jest, or a bit of show-off inexcusable in a child of your
+age.”
+
+“You do not answer seriously a serious question. Not being a native of
+the country, I may not express myself properly; I believe, however, I
+spoke sufficiently plainly to be understood. Once more I ask you the way
+to the Fortress of Fear.”
+
+“It is the way to certain death.”
+
+“What does that matter?--it is the way I intend to take. I feel certain
+that they belie the lord of the castle, and wish to put his hospitality
+to the test.”
+
+“Here is a madman!” said the peasant to himself, sending the children
+into the hut; “nevertheless, I must not let him go without having told
+him the danger to which he exposes himself. For sixty years, my young
+traveller, I have inhabited this cottage. Not one of those who have put
+to me the question that you have just asked me has ever returned. At
+first, the people who travelled along this road came singly; careless,
+gay, foolish as you, they passed singing before my door: the same
+evening they were the captives of Fear. When it was found that there was
+danger in the voyage, there was quite a different sort of procession.
+Man spends his life in neglecting Heaven and courting death. When Death
+scowls at him, he believes it is smiling. The procession never returned.
+Gallant warriors came, and said to me, ‘Prepare a breakfast for us
+to-morrow, good man; on our return we will make great cheer, and tell
+you our adventures, and laugh over them.’ And the feast was wasted for
+want of guests; and so, later, when reason increased in my brain, as
+my beard grew on my chin, I made people pay in advance, but I made no
+preparations for their return. Then came troops of warriors fully armed,
+amid the flourish of trumpets, and with banners floating on the wind.
+They pillaged my house, and their horses wasted my crops. Fear made them
+captives like the others, and from that time I have lived alone in my
+ruined habitation, which no one dares to approach. I lost my father
+through his rashness, my wife through her curiosity; she left me these
+children. One of them wandered away one day when I was in the fields;
+what happened to him I have never known; he came back to me an idiot. I
+have never quitted this spot, though it is more like a burial-place than
+a birth-place. I am a solitary dweller on the frontiers of Death, an
+advanced outpost, crying to all such foolish people as you to turn
+back.”
+
+“I thank you,” answered Mitaine; “but if you had known me, you would
+have taken care not to tell me this history, for it only redoubles my
+desire to meet this dreadful tyrant.”
+
+The peasant raised his arms to Heaven, as if to call it to witness the
+efforts he had made; then he again sat down before his ruined cabin.
+
+“You must be poor,” said Mitaine, feeling in her purse. “Take this; you
+will be my heir if I die, which does not appear to me quite so certain.
+In any case, the money is yours. Pass the night in prayers for my
+success, and in the meantime point out to me the road that I must
+follow.”
+
+The peasant rose, took Mitaine by the hand, and climbed with her a naked
+height which overlooked the country.
+
+[Illustration: 209]
+
+“You see that footpath which borders the forest? That you must follow.
+Whither it leads no one knows. Heaven be with you! Farewell!”
+
+“Let me embrace you,” said Mitaine, holding out her arms to the peasant,
+who sank on his knees, as if in the presence of the dead. She flung her
+arms round his neck, and kissed him; the old man wept; one of his tears
+fell on Mitaine’s hand, she signed herself with it as if it had been
+holy water;--then she departed. The peasant remained on his knees
+praying until sunset; after that he sought his miserable home, put his
+children to bed, lit a taper, and again betook himself to prayer until
+morning.
+
+[Illustration: 210]
+
+[Illustration: 211]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII. THROUGH THE FORESTS.
+
+THE sun sank down in a flood of purple, the birds were chanting their
+vespers.
+
+“Come on, Croque-Miton-Mita-Mitaine!” cried the girl. “I would not stir
+from the spot for the spurs of knighthood.”
+
+The sky changed from gold to pale blue, from pale blue to violet, from
+violet to indigo, from indigo to black. A thousand stars peeped out
+to see what was going to happen. A waning moon climbed slowly up the
+heavens, shedding a feeble light and yellow, as if smitten with fever.
+The air became cooler, a gentle breeze began to stir the foliage,
+covered with the dust of day, and to awaken it to its morning toilet.
+Every sound was hushed, except the rustle of the leaves. The grass had
+growm so thick and long, Mitaine scarcely knew where to set her foot.
+She was not afraid, and yet, as she advanced, her thoughts became more
+grave. To be self-collected in danger is one of the signs of courage. A
+coward loses himself in the presence of peril.
+
+“What am I about to meet with yonder? What obstacles shall I fall in
+with? I have always heard my royal godfather say that there is nothing
+one cannot overcome by courage, skill, and perseverance; it he spoke the
+truth, I have nothing to fear. This Croquemitaine, perhaps, is, after
+all, only a robber chief, profiting by the public panic to pillage the
+passers-by. The passers-by?--but nobody does pass by, and, as a rule,
+people render pleasing, rather than terrible, the paths that lead to a
+snare. Pshaw! we shall soon see!”
+
+All her past life came back to Mitaine’s recollection. She seemed as if
+she should feel less solitary when surrounded by memories of those she
+loved. She seemed to hear friendly voices. “Be prudent,” whispered her
+mother.
+
+“Be resolute!” said Charlemagne.
+
+“Be bold!” said Roland.
+
+Thus accompanied, she pushed on with firmer tread, and halted not
+until she reached the border of the forest. As she entered it, her foot
+slipped upon some round slimy object, and a snake wound itself round her
+leg. “So the shame is beginning,” said Mitaine.
+
+There is room in the human heart for Prudence and Courage, they live
+together like good neighbours, and it would give you, my young friends,
+a very false idea of bravery to suppose that it cannot exist in company
+with caution.
+
+Mitaine had put on a suit of mail, and she congratulated herself on
+wearing her gauntlets, as she stooped down to seize hold of the reptile.
+She grasped a round and flexible object, and was about to crush it under
+her heel, when she discovered that what she had taken for a serpent
+was only a creeper, which broke in her hand. For an instant she felt
+ashamed.
+
+“This is the’ result of all the stories I have been so long listening:
+to about this absurd castle. If people had not tried to frighten me, I
+should not even have stooped down.” And she continued her route.
+
+The moon flung her rays over the forest, and Mitaine beheld in the
+distance a number of white menacing shapes. Some had burst their
+shrouds, and allowed their skeleton forms to be seen, clattering at
+every breath of air; others displayed fearful wounds, in which the
+weapons yet remained; fleshless arms stretched towards her, and the wind
+bore to her indistinct and threatening murmurs. She allowed herself
+to be betrayed into a gesture of alarm; immediately the spectres shook
+their dishevelled hair, waved their arms, and began to move towards her.
+She saw them approaching in countless numbers, with menacing aspect and
+hollow meanings.
+
+“By Roland!” said she, “I believe I’m a little frightened. My godfather
+would blush for me if he knew it.” She drew her sword, and rushed on.
+
+Hardly had the sense of alarm left her, when the appearance of all she
+saw was changed. The spectres vanished, and Mitaine saw before her only
+a few bleached tree trunks, on which the moon shed its rays. Instead of
+wounds, she saw inequalities of the bark; instead of outstretched arms,
+she saw branches; instead of unkempt locks, leaves; while in the place
+of threatening murmurs she heard only the wail of the wind.
+
+“I’m evidently growing foolish,” said she to herself; “I have lost my
+head, and my brain to-night is full of spectres. I must not let myself
+be caught again.”
+
+[Illustration: 213]
+
+Scarcely had the thought passed through her mind when she felt herself
+caught by the leg; this time there was no illusion. She turned round
+quickly, and saw with alarm a grim shape, which struggled out of the
+earth, and flung itself upon her. At the foot of every tree she could
+distinguish like forms buried in the earth breast high, and writhing in
+agony.
+
+Mitaine strove, but in vain, to release her leg; the shape clung to it,
+and its head seemed about to seize her in its jaws.
+
+“Reality or spectre--dead or alive--I will try how you will take this;”
+ and she struck fiercely at it with her sword. The blow fell upon the
+root of a tree.
+
+“How is it that I did not see this at once? I shall never forgive myself
+this foolish fear. I must admit, Master Croquemitaine, that your jokes
+are anything but pleasant. Still, I hope you will give me something more
+serious to do before long, or I shall cut but a sorry figure when I come
+to relate my adventures.”
+
+Observe, my children, that it is almost always thus in life: out of a
+hundred things which terrify you, at least ninety-five will only make
+you smile, if you look them boldly in the face.
+
+The sky had gradually become covered with clouds; large drops of rain
+began to fall; in the distance the thunder rumbled, but so faintly, that
+it seemed only like the snoring of an elephant or a hippopotamus.
+
+“The greatest danger I run is that of catching cold. The rain has
+already begun, and who can tell when I shall reach the Fortress of Fear?
+This coward of a Croquemitaine has so well concealed his abode, that one
+might just as well look for a pin at the bottom of the sea.”
+
+A terrific clap of thunder was the only answer she received, and the
+glare of the light allowed her to distinguish at a short distance
+the castle, which was perched, as if balanced, on the extreme point of a
+mountain of eccentric form.
+
+“So this, then, is the precious jewel which they have taken such pains
+to conceal from all eyes. By my faith! they were right to conceal it,
+for it appears to me the most hideous in the world.”
+
+Mitaine pushed forward. For a long time she followed the course of a
+ruined wall, when suddenly a flash of lightning cleaving the heavens
+enabled her to discover a horrible monster grazing at her from its
+crest. It resembled the skeleton of a horse, combined with those of an
+ostrich, a whale, and a giraffe. Its enormous head was supported by
+a disproportionately long neck, and its two claws, armed with immense
+talons, were seeking on the top of the wall for some point of vantage
+whence to leap upon her.
+
+[Illustration: 215]
+
+Mitaine, taken by surprise, sprang back twenty paces; the monster took
+as many in advance. She sank upon her knee as it drew near, and felt its
+hot breath blowing upon her.
+
+“By the Shrine of St. Landri! I am acting like a child, and show myself
+little worthy to follow Charlemagne and Roland to battle.”
+
+She sprang up; the monster immediately recoiled.
+
+“Will nothing teach me wisdom? Every obstacle that I meet boldly
+disappears, and yet I allow myself to be stopped by this vile form;”
+ and she gave the wall a vigorous kick. The stones fell crumbling, and
+dragged with them a number of creepers and brambles a century old,
+breaking a poor harmless tree which had stood for ages, with its
+branches resting on the wall. Mitaine shrugged her shoulders, and moved
+on, saying, “As I expected!”
+
+In a few minutes she found herself in the presence of a more serious
+obstacle. Before her rolled a torrent, which carried down in its rapid
+waters huge blocks of stone, as any other stream would carry down logs.
+This new barrier it was not easy either to overcome or avoid. The night
+was dark, and the moon faint and pale, and half hidden in masses of
+cloud. It seemed rather like a dying watch-fire than a luminary of the
+first magnitude. The water of the torrent gleaming in this half light
+rushed by with formidable violence, and Mitaine felt her brain swim
+whenever she looked at it. She hurried up and down the bank, seeking
+in vain for a means of crossing. The lightning, as if to confuse her,
+redoubled its intensity, and showed her the castle situated at a short
+distance on the further shore. At length, however, she discovered a tree
+which lay across the gulf. Every wave as it passed had washed away a
+portion of the bank; the tree, half uprooted, had held its own well for
+a time, until at last, weary of the struggle, it had suffered itself to
+sink to the ground.
+
+Mitaine contemplated this means of crossing not without apprehension.
+Tremblingly she placed her foot upon the trunk; it shook and rocked.
+She hesitated, and as her hesitation increased, so the tree became more
+shaky and uncertain.
+
+“What!” said she, impatiently; “am I so short a distance from my object,
+and must I draw back because the passage is not quite safe? No! it
+is fear that makes me awkward; every day I accomplish things far more
+difficult than this.”
+
+She set her foot resolutely on the trunk, and found, to her surprise,
+that it grew firmer as she went on.
+
+[Illustration: 217]
+
+“Why, I am on a wooden bridge,” said she, when she got half-way over.
+“Nay, indeed, it’s a fine stone bridge,” she cried, as she reached the
+farther shore.
+
+Of a truth, my children, fear doubles the importance of most obstacles,
+for it deprives us of half die faculties which should assist us to
+overcome them. Take away the ape’s intrepidity and give it to man, and
+man will become as agile as the ape.
+
+Mitaine saw before her but one road, and set out resolutely along it’
+although it wras so narrow that she brushed the rock on either side with
+her shoulders. It was, in fact, less a path than a cleft in the mountain
+side. She pushed forward on tip-toe, wondering a little what she should
+find at the other end of this burrow. Suddenly her head encountered an
+obstacle, and she discovered that the passage had become so low, that
+she must stoop to continue her path.
+
+“Do they want to bury me alive?” The thought made her hair bristle; and
+not without reason, I can assure you, for she was in utter darkness,
+with hardly a breath of air, and every instant she felt the four walls
+closing in.
+
+“Do your best, Croquemitaine; it shall never be said that I turned back,
+when I had got so close to you.”
+
+She was now compelled to continue her progress on her hands and knees.
+“Yu will get nothing by it; I will pay you for this when I meet you.”
+
+The ceiling was now so low, that she was obliged to drag herself along
+the ground. “If there be room for a mouse, I’ll get through, never trust
+me!”
+
+At last, she saw with joy a gleam of light, a few paces further on.
+This feeble ray gave her fresh courage, and she struggled on by dint of
+nails, knees, and feet so well, that in a few seconds she had reached
+the outlet. She was about to breathe again, to live again, to move
+freely! one more effort, and she would be at liberty! She perceived that
+the opening at the end of the passage was guarded by a strange sort of
+grating.
+
+“Well, this complicates the situation! I should be curious to know what
+my long-bearded godsire would do, if he found himself on all fours in
+this mole-run before these bars. Assist me to get out of this, St. J
+ames, and I will offer up to you a prayer of gratitude.”
+
+Mitaine made another movement to approach still nearer to the grating;
+she was about to take the bars in her hand, when she perceived there was
+nothing before her but a spider’s web.
+
+“Thanks, St. James! you have saved me from a terrible danger.”
+
+But now the spider came down into the middle of his web to defend his
+stronghold, and it was with no common insect that she had to deal.
+
+Picture to yourselves a body as big as your two fists, bloated
+and hairy; legs by the dozen, vying with each other in agility and
+flexibility, with two pinchers like those of a scorpion, and eyes that
+gleamed in the dark.
+
+If Mitaine had had the free use of her limbs she would not have taken
+much notice of such a trifle; but you must remember that she was lying
+flat upon the ground, hedged in on all sides as close as if in a coffin,
+and that she could only fight the creature by butting at it with
+her head. The spider, taking advantage of her hesitation, set about
+repairing its net, adding thread to thread with frightful rapidity.
+
+[Illustration: 223]
+
+“It is worth one’s while to be the godchild of an Emperor, the daughter
+of a knight, the friend of a hero, and, above all, a favourite of St.
+James, in order to run away from a spider. Mountjoy, St. Denis! let’s
+charge the foe!” She lowered her head, closed her eyes, and pushed her
+way on. The web broke; she felt her opponent glide over her shoulder,
+and run along her back. She immediately pressed herself with all her
+force against the roof, heard a sound like the breaking of an egg, and
+stepped forth mistress of the field. With what joy did she find herself
+in the open air! How did she rejoice in the rain that beat on her face
+and the whirlwind, whose violence tore up even the stones in her path!
+
+Before her rose the Fortress of Fear.
+
+[Illustration: 221]
+
+[Illustration: 224]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX. A NIGHT IN THE FORTRESS OF FEAR.
+
+I SHOULD like, my young friends, to give you a horrible--an alarming--a
+terrific description of the Fortress of Fear. The subject is a tempting
+one enough, but I am the slave of truth, and moreover, imagination has
+built it after such a fashion that every one sees it under a different
+aspect. I can, however, tell you a little about it.
+
+The Fortress of Fear is only seen at night, and scarcely can its black
+outline be made out against the black sky. If the moon shows herself,
+it is only with an evil purpose to bring out more clearly some hideous
+combination of lines. The stones are leperous, and the snakes that dwell
+among them seem like worms that feed on them. Life is represented there
+by the mere refuse of creation--vultures, adders, centipedes, rats,
+scorpions, toads, woodlice, and owls; and yet one could not help
+wondering how even such foul broods as these could inhabit such a place.
+Those who have had the misfortune to behold this ominous sight perceive
+only an irregular line of towers, half fallen into ruins, and resembling
+nothing so much as the fangs of some ogress seven hundred years old. The
+Fortress of Fear is the oldest of all fortresses; that it still stands
+is a miracle, for a breath can overthrow it;--and yet it is eternal.
+Each of us reckons an hour in his life in which it has appeared to him;
+and even the bravest of us must confess to having paid it a visit.
+
+[Illustration: 225]
+
+Mitaine discovered a low portal, almost concealed by the ivy; the wood
+was worm-eaten, the iron was rusty, there was the slimy track of a snail
+across the handle. In the archway roosted a flock of night birds, which
+flew out, expressing their disgust at being disturbed, by melancholy
+hooting. Mitaine pushed the door--it resisted; she smote it with the
+pommel of her sword--a hollow sound was the only answer; for ten minutes
+she struggled in vain to force an entrance, then, losing patience, she
+gave it a vigorous kick with her foot. The woodwork gave way, the lock
+came off, the hinges parted, and the barrier fell inwards. Immediately
+she heard a loud noise, and felt several severe blows. The stonework of
+the arch had given way, and fallen in upon her. Fortunately she was not
+alarmed; had she shrunk back, she must have been buried in the ruins.
+A formidable heap of rubbish blocked the entrance. Where Time busies
+himself in the work of destruction, and Accident assists him to build a
+barricade, they both do their work so well, that those most experienced
+in such constructions must bow admiringly to their superior skill.
+
+“Ho! Ho! What do they take me for here?” said Mitaine to herself, not
+without anger. “Do they fancy by any chance that I want to run away?
+This is a most needless precaution.”
+
+Mitaine was at the foot of a narrow spiral staircase, which led to the
+top of the castle. The walls, covered with thick moss, distilled an
+offensive moisture, which, falling on the stairs, encouraged the growth
+of forests of ferns, lichens, and toadstools, the pleasant homes of
+hundreds of wood-lice, and other creeping things. On the first step was
+seated a toad; a pale lambent flame played around it, the only light to
+be met with in this dismal spot. The toad rose on its hind legs like a
+kangaroo, and began to climb the staircase, leaving behind it on each
+step a slimy track, which spread out exhaling a noisome odour. Mitaine
+followed this phosphorescent guide. Hearing a hollow sound accompanying
+each step, she turned and saw the stairs crumble away one after another
+as she ascended.
+
+[Illustration: 226]
+
+“They are evidently bent on keeping me here, and I confess I shall have
+some difficulty in tearing myself away.”
+
+The toad continued to lead the way. At the sixtieth stair it paused
+before a door, which opened, although there was nobody to be seen:
+the toad again moved on, and Mitaine continued to follow it. She found
+herself in a vast gallery lighted only by the moon. Refreshed by the
+cool air which blew on her face, and by the glimpse of the open country
+which she caught through a window, she felt as if she had just emerged
+from the tomb. On her left hand was a blank wall; before her opened, one
+after another, a series of huge folding doors; on her right was a large
+array of columns and arches that flung their gloomy shadows on the
+floor and side of the chamber. Before her was the toad going on without
+stopping; gleaming with phosphorescent light, and leaving behind it, as
+if crawled along, a slimy and shining track. As Mitaine passed by the
+first column, it crumbled in pieces, and she beheld, standing upright on
+the pedestal, a corpse wrapped in its winding-sheet, and holding in its
+hand a lighted torch. It stepped down from its place, and, waiting until
+she passed, took up its position on her left. The second column sank in
+its turn, a second corpse descended and placed itself on her right hand,
+also bearing a torch. The same thing took place throughout the
+whole length of the gallery; but the attention of our young page was
+distracted by the spectacle she beheld on passing the first door. She
+saw an immense hole, the mere sight of which made her giddy; at one
+moment excessively bright, at the next equally gloomy, it seemed as if
+lighted by some gigantic forge, whose flame alternately blazed up and
+died at every successive blast of the bellows. This intermittent glare
+was insupportable, and for some minutes Mitaine was almost blinded.
+She heard groans, and, at length, contrived to distinguish thousands
+of unhappy wretches with their hands tied behind their backs, and their
+limbs fractured, suspended by their wrists from the roof. Her heart full
+of pity and rage, she was about to rush to their aid, when she perceived
+that the hall was without a floor; a gulf, at the bottom of which a
+torrent was roaring, yawned beneath the feet of the victims. She turned
+aside her head, wiped away a tear, and hastened onwards. Every door
+before which she passed afforded her a view of new tortures, and her
+impotence to relieve these agonies so infuriated her, that, not knowing
+how to vent her rage, she rushed, sword in hand, upon the melancholy
+procession that surrounded her; but she encountered nothing but empty
+air. The corpses, taking no heed, pursued their way without hurrying,
+without delaying. Then the anger of Mitaine knew no bounds. She rushed
+on recklessly in search of an enemy. The toad took to flight; the dead,
+observing their distance, seemed to glide, not walk over the floor.
+At the end of the gallery a door opened, on grating hinges, and closed
+again as soon as Mitaine had crossed the threshold. The darkness was
+impenetrable. She was compelled to halt. The dull flame of the torches
+flickered up and faded in the gloom without giving out any light. The
+corpses ranged themselves in an immense circle round the toad; the
+toad gave a bound at least ten feet high, and Mitaine observed that it
+increased in size.
+
+[Illustration: 227]
+
+As it swelled out, the hall became filled with light. Then the beast
+began to assume airs and graces, to attitudinise, and to ogle; and
+lastly, to finish these vagaries, it set about its toilet, and commenced
+scratching itself, emitting, at every touch of its foot, showers of
+venom and sparks.
+
+[Illustration: 230]
+
+The hall which Mitaine had just entered was the largest in the world. It
+seemed like some enormous square, in which met a number of wide roads,
+whose starting-points were lost in obscurity. The ceiling, which was
+low, was supported on huge granite cubes, whose sides were adorned
+with _bas reliefs,_ representing the most varied scenes in the dance of
+death. The toad took its seat on an overturned column, at the foot of
+one of the pillars, shining like some baleful meteor. In front of it,
+beneath a daïs of black serge, embroidered with silver, sat the Lord
+of the Fortress and his family, while in all the galleries legions of
+ghosts waited, motionless, the orders of their master.
+
+The throne was of aspen wood; it was no easy task to reach it.
+Oubliettes, traps, and snares defended the approach. The Lord of Fear
+was standing up. On either side of him were seated the noble dame
+Cowardice of St. Panic, and her daughters, Consternation, Fright,
+Terror, Alarm, Dismay, Apprehension, Trepidation, Timidity,
+Pusillanimity.
+
+[Illustration: 231]
+
+Poltroonry, and Dastardy. All were misshapen, and so accustomed to
+try to look on every side of them at once, for fear of being taken
+by surprise, that they squinted frightfully. They were all absolutely
+hideous to behold.
+
+The Lord of Fear was tall, but he stooped and kept his head sunk between
+his shoulders. His bristling locks were prematurely white; his hollow
+eye did not remain still for an instant, but wandered restlessly to
+every corner; his sunken countenance, pale and colourless as wax, was
+disfigured by green streaks; his purple lips, continually quivering with
+nervous excitement, endeavoured in vain to assume an air of bravery; his
+fidgety fingers wandered to his cuirass, his sword, his dagger, as if to
+assure themselves that they would not be wanting if needed.
+
+The family of Fear, perspiration bathed his face, in spite of the
+fever that consumed him. His teeth chattered, and every moment a fit of
+shivering set all his defensive armour rattling under his dingy cloak;
+and every time that she heard this sound of steel, Dame Coward gave a
+terrible jump, and gazed round her upon all sides for the cause of her
+alarm. She was seated on the very edge of her throne, with her two hands
+resting on the elbows, so that she might at once jump up and run away.
+Like her daughters, she was dressed in a material the colour of which
+was constantly changing. A hare reposed on her knees.
+
+“This little page would be nice to eat,” whispered Trepidation to her
+father; “don’t be too severe upon him.”
+
+“There you are again with your absurdities! you have no force of
+character,” interposed Alarm. “If one ever listened to you, Heaven knows
+what would become of us.”
+
+“We must, at any price,” said Dastardy, “get rid of this young vixen,
+and I feel sure that by attacking her in the rear----”
+
+“I am afraid our last hour is come,” said Apprehension, bursting into
+tears.
+
+“You are always the same,” said Alarm. “You would never tire of throwing
+the handle after the hatchet.”
+
+“Why don’t you speak, sister?” said Dastardy to Timidity, who was hiding
+herself. “Let us hear your opinion.”
+
+“I--but--I don’t know,” stammered Timidity.
+
+“You never know anything,” answered Dastardy, giving her sister a pinch
+that nearly brought the blood, and then running away.
+
+Poor Timidity gave a shriek that made all the family jump again. The
+Lord of Fear sprang back ten paces, and drew his dagger. Dame Coward
+jumped up and let fall her hare, which immediately hid itself under her
+petticoat.
+
+[Illustration: 235]
+
+“Be silent, idiots, and come round me again; that foolish Timidity
+has given me a fright. The first who speaks shall be put in the dark
+cupboard.” After this awful threat came the silence of death.
+
+“Well, and what would you do here, little one?” said the Lord of Fear,
+in the interval between two shivering fits.
+
+“By the Shrine of St. Landri,” said Mitaine, clapping her hands on her
+hips, “it must be admitted you have a strange way of receiving your
+guests. I have shrunk from nothing in order that I might see you, and my
+perseverance deserves a better return.”
+
+“You do not answer my question. Why do you come here?”
+
+“To drive you away.”
+
+On hearing these words the Lord of Fear shrank into himself until you
+would have thought that half of him had disappeared, and Dame Coward
+sank back into her chair, behind which her daughters concealed
+themselves.
+
+“Imprudent wretch!” stuttered Fear, shaking until he nearly fell. “How
+dare you defy me thus?”
+
+“To judge from your appearance,” said Mitaine, smiling, “there’s no
+great merit in that.”
+
+“You dare to doubt my courage? You deserve to suffer the terrors of my
+vengeance.” It was not without some difficulty that Fear uttered these
+words, for his tongue was almost paralysed.
+
+“You have no influence over me; and all the absurd scarecrows you have
+called up to terrify me are only fit to be laughed at!”
+
+“My name is the terror of the universe.”
+
+“You libel the universe by saying so. Because a few weak minds allow
+you to rule them, you consider yourself master of the world. Come out of
+your den into the light of day, and see how you will be received!”
+
+“The women are on my side!”
+
+“They are not! When they catch a glimpse of you they cannot in truth
+repress an exclamation of natural disgust. An insect, a shadow, an
+unusual noise can make them tremble; but when a serious danger presents
+itself, when a great sentiment animates them, they will, as Christians,
+die the death of martyrs; as wives, follow their husbands into battle,
+like the Gallic women; and, as mothers, struggle with lions for the
+safety of their children. They will, in short, achieve immortality, like
+Judith, like Lucretia, like St. Genevieve.”
+
+“Well, at any rate, I have the children. The little people are my
+subjects.”
+
+“And you dare to tell this to me? Why, you actually elevate impudence
+almost to the position of courage. The children would obey you least of
+any of us if wicked teachers and foolish parents did not place them in
+your power. They threaten them with the dark room, and they take care to
+lock you up there with them. They call the wolf to eat them. Did Romulus
+and Remus quake at the approach of their wild nurse? I am but a child,
+but I know how much you are worth, and, by St. Landri’s Shrine! I defy
+you utterly.”
+
+Mitaine became aware of a low sound, and noticed a stir among the
+corpses. At the end of one of the numberless passages that opened into
+the hall where this happened there appeared some pale rays of light
+which seemed to come nearer. As their light grew more distinct that of
+the toad began to die out, and the creature itself commenced shifting
+uneasily on its seat. The Lord of Fear seemed more alarmed than ever.
+His teeth chattered like castanets--he had to make three attempts before
+he could speak.
+
+“You do ill to deny my power; all these who surround me have
+acknowledged it!”
+
+“They are ashamed of it now,” cried Mitaine; and then turning to them,
+she shouted, “Can you submit to such a lord? You have only to make one
+step towards him, and you will drive him and his wretched race from the
+face of the earth. Your hands are not dead, they are but benumbed for a
+while. Make one more effort. Fling yourselves on the tyrant. I will show
+you the way!”
+
+At these words the dead let fall their winding-sheets, and discovered to
+view a legion of knights in rusty armour with their swords drawn. Alarm
+gave a shriek, which was answered by screams from Fear himself, from
+Dame Coward, from Consternation, Fright, Terror, Dismay, Apprehension,
+Trepidation, Timidity, Pusillanimity, Poltroonery, and Dastardy.
+
+Then was seen a strange sight. The _bas-reliefs_ began to start
+into life, and continued their wild dance along the pillars, to the
+accompaniment of alarming shrieks. The thunder rolled, and yawning
+fissures opened in the walls and ceiling. The earth gaped amid deafening
+clamours, and Mitaine found herself in the dark. She did not remain
+long thus, for the galleries sank by degrees, and day came on apace.
+Its first rays glittered on her arms; the cheery voice of Chanticleer
+resounded, and, as if it had but waited the signal, the Fortress of Fear
+vanished into air!
+
+Mitaine was mute with astonishment. How fair appeared the country to
+her! how beautiful the sun! and how softly did the breeze of morning woo
+her cheek! She fell on her knees, and uttered a heartfelt prayer.
+
+The fields were variegated with a thousand colours, as though they
+contained specimens of every kind of flower that blows. The birds joined
+in--never had they chanted a more joyous welcome to dawn. There was
+nothing left of the castle but the recollection, and that was already
+growing indistinct.
+
+When Mitaine had finished her orisons and rose to her feet, she
+beheld an old man and a young woman gazing at her with an affectionate
+expression. They were but a few steps from her, yet she could scarcely
+see them, for they were enveloped in a faint mist.
+
+“Who are you?” she asked.
+
+“Your grateful friends. You have delivered us from Fear, who used to
+hold us captive. For a long time we have ceased to breathe, but, thanks
+to you, we are about to see once more those from whom we were so hastily
+snatched away. To-day is the Feast of the Dead, and heaven allows us to
+pass the day on earth. All those whom you have delivered are going to
+escort you to Charlemagne’s camp to testify to your great courage and
+noble bearing.”
+
+Then Mitaine saw gathered around her from all quarters a number of
+knights clad in armour that was eaten up with rust. They were of all
+ages and of all countries, the greater part being mounted. A few women
+and children followed the procession. The footfalls were unheard, and
+left no mark behind them. The figures were transparent, bathed in a
+strange mist, to which the sun gave an opalescent gleam.
+
+Having ranged themselves in column, they began to march onward, and
+Mitaine retraversed the places which had seemed to her so terrific
+on the preceding night: the stone bridge across the torrent, the wall
+covered with creepers, and almost hidden by acacia boughs, the forest of
+naked stems--everything, in short, appeared full of gaiety now that the
+sun was shining.
+
+She called to her the old man who had lately addressed her, and bade him
+tell her what were the tortures, the sight of which had so roused her.
+
+“Those,” said the dead man, “were the halls of nightmare, my child. The
+Lord of Fear gives his victims no rest. He and Sleep, who delivers them
+into his hand, understand each other. Incubi, demons, vampires,
+and ghoules form his terrible executioners, and preside over the
+punishments. You have seen them at their task, I need not attempt to
+describe them!”
+
+“What can defend us against them?”
+
+“A clear conscience and a good digestion.”
+
+In a quarter of an hour Mitaine perceived the hut at which she had
+stopped on the night before. The peasant was seated on the ground among
+his little ones.
+
+“Thank heaven!” said she. “Poor old man, your feeble sight will not,
+doubtless, allow you to distinguish your son as yet. But you, his wife,
+you can no doubt perceive him.”
+
+“We have never ceased to see him since we parted,” said she. “There is
+neither limit nor let to the vision of the dead.”
+
+The peasant turned his head, saw the procession approaching, recognised
+Mitaine, and, with a shout of surprise, at once ran to meet her.
+
+Ere he had reached half-way, his glance fell on his father and his wife,
+and, overcome with joy, he sank on his knees, stretching out his arms
+towards them. He would fain have spoken, but could find no language
+to express in fitting terms the joy he experienced. He scarce dared to
+move, lest he should put to flight the beloved group he saw before him.
+When he had ascertained that he was not suffering from an illusion,
+tears filled his eyes, and, clasping his hands, he fell on his face,
+saying, “Kind Heaven, I am indeed grateful for this!”
+
+I will not attempt to describe to you the joy of these three, whom death
+had, for a while, no power to separate. The mother covered her babes
+with kisses. The peasant, now as aged as his father had been, could not
+tear himself from his arms. Their white beards mingled at each embrace.
+The first outburst of joy over, they all three turned to Mitaine, and
+kissed her hands.
+
+“Who could have forewarned you of all this happiness, my son?” said the
+father.
+
+“Do you not know, then? My child, who, some years ago lost his reason,
+has become the cleverest of the family since daybreak this morning.
+Henceforth there are no saints in the calendar I shall revere as I do
+you!” said he to Mitaine, who had no small difficulty in freeing herself
+from the demonstrations of gratitude of which she was the object. She
+called for the horse which she had left with her host of the previous
+night, and rode away at full gallop, followed by her fantastic escort.
+
+In about six hours she saw the camp of Charlemagne. The sentinels
+on outpost duty, seeing a cloud of dust in the distance coming along
+towards them with such speed, fell back and gave the alarm.
+
+“What is it?” said the Emperor. “Who are these that thus fall into our
+hands? Go, Miton; mount your horse, take an escort, and inspect these
+new comers.”
+
+In a moment the whole camp was alive. Every one put on his corslet,
+laced his helm, seized his lance, and sprang to saddle. Miton chose
+thirty mounted knights and led them out.
+
+“By my faith!” said he, “these be strange folks. To judge from their
+size they ought not to be far off, and yet I can hardly make them out.
+Can you see them better, Red John?” he asked one of his men.
+
+“Not I! My wonder is as great as yours. But is not that a page in the
+imperial livery who is riding at their head?”
+
+“By my life, it is Mitaine!” And Miton spurred forward at such speed
+that in three minutes he was in his daughter’s arms. The ghostly
+squadron halted, and the thirty knights halted likewise, striving to
+pacify their startled horses, which were snuffing the air, snorting with
+dilated nostrils, pawing the ground, and neighing as if ready to die of
+terror.
+
+“Who are these whom you are leading?”
+
+“Those whom I have liberated.”
+
+“Liberated! How?”
+
+“I will tell you all in the Emperor’s presence. The sun is low already,
+and we have no time to spare.”
+
+Miton and his thirty knights, and Mitaine with her strange followers,
+rode towards the camp. Charlemagne, surrounded by his peers, came out to
+meet them.
+
+“By St. James! these people look as if they didn’t belong to this world.
+And if I am not stupidly mistaken, it is my godchild who commands them.”
+
+Mitaine dismounted, and approached her royal godsire, who asked her,
+“Well, little one, what is this strange array? Do you know that I have
+a mind to punish you, and yet I haven’t the heart to scold you, I am so
+rejoiced to see you again, and so anxious to learn who these are that
+accompany you.”
+
+“My prisoners, sire!” And the spectres lowered their lances to show
+their submission to her.
+
+“But whence come they? Have you been to seek them in another world?”
+
+“By my faith, sire, I could almost believe I passed last night there;”
+ and she related her adventures briefly to Charlemagne in the presence of
+his peers and knights.
+
+“Come, let me embrace you, my darling. So it appears I have promised you
+something. What is it?”
+
+“You promised me, sire, to ask Roland to take me into his service as a
+squire.”
+
+“It is Roland whom I reward by giving him such a treasure. What say you,
+nephew mine?”
+
+The only answer Roland gave was to clasp Mitaine in his arms. The little
+heroine, ruddy with joy, turned to her escort to thank them. They had
+disappeared! On seeing this, Charlemagne sank 011 his knees; his example
+was followed by all the rest, and Turpin recited the prayers for the
+dead.
+
+Thus ended the adventure undertaken by Mitaine.
+
+I wish I could tell you, my friends, that the Fortress of Fear was
+destroyed for good and all. I am compelled, as a veracious chronicler,
+to confess that it was rebuilt the same evening.
+
+You will some day or other, my young friends, most assuredly fall in
+with the Lord of Fear. Call to mind Mitaine whenever you do meet him,
+and remember that the monster can boast no weapons save those you
+surrender to him--no power save that which you give him--no courage save
+that which you lose.
+
+[Illustration: 241]
+
+
+END OF THE THIRD BOOK
+
+
+
+
+EPILOGUE -- RONCESVALLES -- A. D. 778.
+
+[Illustration: 245]
+
+YOU have, I hope, not forgotten, my dear readers, that Charlemagne had
+dispatched Ganelon to Aquitaine. For the shame and injury of France, the
+Count of Mayence had turned this trip to good account, by establishing
+a perfect understanding between himself and our old and little-respected
+friend, Wolf. They decided on the destruction of Charlemagne and his
+peers; but as for attacking them openly, they did not dream of that!
+
+“I will undertake,” said Ganelon, “to lead them into the mountains, if
+you will only place some twenty thousand Navarrese and Gascons on the
+heights that I will show you. Then we shall be able in perfect safety to
+crush beneath the rocks this haughty and hated brood.”
+
+About the same period Marsillus had called his warriors together, and
+was conversing with them, reposing in the shade on the white marble
+steps of his palace.
+
+“My friends, since this accursed Charles has set foot in Spain, we
+have never had a moment’s peace. Great as has been the bravery we have
+displayed, we have been everywhere worsted. We can do no more, for each
+has done his best. I suppose you are none of you less desirous than I
+to yield this beautiful Spain to these Northern barbarians. Aid me,
+therefore, by your counsels to avenge our disasters.”
+
+Blancandrin, the wisest and most crafty of the Pagans, was the first to
+speak.
+
+“The fox often passes where the lion cannot. Well, then, since we fail
+as lions, let us assume the part of foxes, instead of wasting our time
+in idle laments, and our resources in vain endeavours. Charles is very
+proud; and when pride is warder, the city is ill-watched. Profess a
+respectful regard for this crowned bully; tell him you desire to be
+baptised, and appoint a meeting with him in his own dominions. Promise
+to meet him there by Michaelmas, with your principal nobles, to do
+homage to him, and to acknowledge the Christian faith. Add further, that
+you will make him a present of three hundred mules, laden with gold
+and silver; a hundred chariots, filled with a countless stock of rare
+stuffs; numberless war-steeds; three hundred trained falcons, lions,
+and leopards broken-in for the chase; besides five hundred fair Saracen
+damsels, if such be his good pleasure. The invaders have been a long
+time from home, and have left their estates in the charge of their
+wives. There is not one of them who would not be glad of a rest. As soon
+as they have divided the booty, they will all be pressing the king to
+return, and when once they get home again, he will have no easy task to
+prevail on them to stir a second time.”
+
+“The advice is good, possibly, but Charles is not the man to be
+satisfied with simple promises.”
+
+“Send him hostages--ten, twenty, thirty, if he asks for them. Would it
+not be better to lose a few women and children than the whole of Spain?
+I offer to give my son as a hostage, at the risk of his life.”
+
+This counsel was considered sound, and was approved by all.
+
+“Go, then,” said Marsillus to Blancandrin. “I promise you a splendid
+escort when you set out, and boundless rewards on your return. Exchange
+the sword for the olive branch, and be not sparing in promises.”
+
+The envoys were accordingly mounted on white mules, with trappings
+and bells of gold and silver, and before long set out for the camp of
+Charlemagne.
+
+When the envoys arrived, no time was lost in introducing them into the
+Emperor’s presence. His Majesty of the snowy beard was sitting in
+his orchard surrounded by his bravest warriors. The younger ones were
+practising the use of arms; the elder were talking or playing at chess.
+
+Blancandrin, after having saluted Charles with dignified courtesy,
+delivered his message so cunningly, that the nobles began to shout,
+“Hurrah, now we shall speedily return home!” Charlemagne, however,
+remained lost in meditation. It was not his habit to give way readily
+either to astonishment or disappointment. At last he rose and said, “The
+news you bring me causes me great pleasure. It King Marsillus is
+really desirous of securing his soul’s safety, let him meet me at
+Aix-la-Chapelle, and I will welcome him there as a brother.”
+
+A tent was prepared for Blancandrin and his suite, on whom every
+attention and boundless generosity were lavished.
+
+The next day, after mass and matins, the Emperor wisely called together
+his peers to learn what they thought of the speech of the envoy from
+the Court of the King of Saragossa. Naymes of Bavaria, a knight of great
+renown, and one of the king’s best counsellors, rose and spoke:--“Sire,
+you have beaten the enemy wherever he has dared to offer battle. Of his
+fortresses, not one stone rests on another; his cities have been burnt;
+his troops have been either killed or converted. You have raised the
+cross wherever it had been formerly overthrown; what can you desire
+more? You are offered a ransom for the kingdom in which you will hold
+the sovereign power; a nation of unbelievers demands baptism at your
+hands, and offers you hostages. It would be a sin to continue a warfare
+which has no longer any object. Such is my opinion!”
+
+After this speech, Roland was not slow to spring to his feet.
+
+“So it is you, then, Naymes, whom I hear? and can you give such counsel?
+Marsillus is your enemy, sire, and you have scarcely treated him in a
+way to make him very anxious to embrace you. Do not turn your back upon
+Spain until your undertaking is accomplished; we have been here longer
+already than was necessary for its completion. Send home those brave
+soldiers who have tired of war before they have completed their
+conquest, and I venture to say that with those who remain you shall
+plant the cross within sight of Africa, if such be your good pleasure.
+How can you trust the words of a Pagan? Have you already forgotten the
+fate to which Marsillus condemned two of your nobles, the Counts Basan
+and Basilic? They went on an embassy from you to the King of Saragossa,
+and he had them beheaded on Mount Hautille. It was your honour, sire,
+which that day fell beneath the infidel axe. Will you let them trample
+it under foot because a few prudent warriors would be glad to abandon
+this undertaking? Go, then, but I must remain! I shall stay here to make
+my death so glorious that you will all envy me.”
+
+During this speech Charles knitted his brows and tugged his long
+moustache; seeing which, Ganelon rose in his turn.
+
+“These be proud words, forsooth! I could not but ask myself when I heard
+them whether we live in the reign of Roland or of Charlemagne. This sort
+of thing is easily spoken, and sounds remarkably well, like everything
+that’s hollow. We are told to retreat; are we in the habit of doing
+so? Does it not look as if Roland had been conquering Spain while we
+followed at a respectful distance? Forgive my anger, sire, but I cannot
+help speaking somewhat freely. Take no one’s counsel but your own, sire,
+and you will do right.”
+
+Thereupon Charlemagne asked his knights which of them would like to
+carry his message to Marsillus. All rose and offered to go, Roland being
+more importunate than all the others.
+
+“You’ll deafen me, nephew,” said the Emperor. “I shall certainly not
+send you on a mission you have just condemned. My friend Ganelon shall
+carry my wishes to the King of Saragossa. To him will I entrust the
+gauntlet and truncheon.”
+
+“That is indeed a wise choice,” said Roland, laughing. “You will nowhere
+find a more cautious ambassador.”
+
+“Enough said! By my beard, nephew mine, you will provoke me too far
+presently. Be seated, and wait until I bid you speak.”
+
+“Sire,” said Ganelon, “from such a mission one does not always return.
+I recommend to your care my son Baldwin, who will one day be a brave
+warrior.”
+
+Charlemagne handed the gauntlet to the Count of Mayence, who let it fall
+on the ground. “A bad omen!” said the Franks, seeing it. “Roland may be
+right after all!”
+
+“You will hear of me before long, gentlemen,” said Ganelon, with an
+ill-favoured smile.
+
+Then, furnished with truncheon and letter, he made ready to set out on
+his mission.
+
+Ganelon and Blancandrin, followed by the Saracen body-guard, journeyed
+for three days side by side. The Pagan was not slow to perceive in a
+moment the hatred entertained by the Count of Mayence for Roland, and he
+rejoiced to see it. Let us hear what they are talking about.
+
+“Whence comes it,” said Blancandrin, “that your sovereign, instead of
+seeking an alliance with us, made war on us so fiercely?”
+
+“It is Roland who is always egging him on. But for him, we should long
+since have returned to France.”
+
+They reached the camp of Marsillus. Fifty thousand Saracens surrounded
+the King of Saragossa, but they maintained perfect silence, for fear of
+losing a syllable of what was going to be said.
+
+“May Allah and Mahomet preserve you, beloved sovereign! We have borne
+your message, and we bring back to you one of the noblest peers of the
+Court of France, to decide with you on peace or war.”
+
+“I am prepared to give him an immediate audience.”
+
+Marsillus and Ganelon remained shut up together for two hours--two
+hours, which laid the foundation of ages of regret. When the tent was o
+o re-opened the ‘King of Saragossa came out, leaning on the arm of the
+French envoy. Had Roland come instead of Ganelon, that would never have
+happened.
+
+“Gentlemen,” said Marsillus to his nobles, “welcome the preserver of
+Spain! This lord, although a Christian, is a true friend to us, and I
+desire that he be treated as such.”
+
+[Illustration: 248]
+
+A Saracen advanced, drew his sword from its sheath, and presented it to
+Ganelon.
+
+“This weapon is the best in the world,” said he. “Its jewelled hilt
+alone is estimated at thirty thousand bezants, at the lowest, and yet
+the blade is even more valuable. Accept it, and may it serve you well
+against Roland.”
+
+[Illustration: 250]
+
+“I will put it to the test,” said the Count of Mayence, coolly; and the
+traitor and unbeliever kissed each other.
+
+The queen passed by Marsillus stopped her _cortege_, and bade her
+dismount, saying, “This is our best of friends. You owe it to him that
+we shall remain under that Spanish sky which you love so much. Embrace
+him for the love of us all.”
+
+“With all my heart,” said the Sultana. “I wish you also, Sir Ganelon,
+to bear to your wife from me these bracelets, which are the finest in my
+possession. Neither the Pope at Rome nor the Emperor at Aix-la-Chapelle
+can boast anything to equal them among all their treasures.”
+
+All vied in paying the Count attention, and in loading him with the most
+precious gifts. .
+
+The same evening Ganelon returned to the French camp, accompanied by
+presents and hostages for the Emperor.
+
+Three days later, at early dawn, Ganelon and his escort arrived at
+Charlemagne’s quarters.
+
+“So you have returned,” said Charles. “Have you sped well with your
+mission?”
+
+“Sire, you have nothing more to do here! The gallant King Marsillus is
+altogether your devoted liegeman. Behold the treasures he sends you, as
+a guarantee of others yet more valuable. See, too, the hostages whom
+I have chosen, thirty in number, all of them of the noblest rank. In
+a month the King of the Saracens will visit you at the French Court to
+receive baptism, together with all his nobles and knights.”
+
+“You could not bring me more welcome news, and I rejoice greatly that I
+chose you for the mission. Before long _you_ will have reason to rejoice
+at it too!”
+
+His audience concluded, Ganelon retired with his nephew Pinabel, to whom
+he wished to reveal the real state of the case. It happened that Mitaine
+preceded them into the stable, towards which the traitor took his way,
+and knowing the hate the count bore to Roland, her friend, she was
+curious to hear him speak openly. She therefore crept up in the manger,
+and hid herself among the hay in the rack.
+
+[Illustration: 251]
+
+This second Judas, going up to his horse, began to talk as follows:--
+
+“Marsillus, who had treated me distantly enough in the morning,
+apologised at night for so doing, and, as a slight reparation, presented
+me with some valuable sables. I gave him to understand the dreadful fate
+that awaited him, and assured him that Roland was the only obstacle in
+the way of our return to France. ‘Hope for no mercy,’ said I, ‘while
+Roland lives.’ ‘How can we kill him?’ said he. Whereupon I answered, I
+would undertake to do it with his assistance. ‘What can I do?’ he asked.
+‘I will tell you what I have planned,’ said I. ‘Before long we shall be
+on the march for France. The most dangerous post is the rear-guard, and
+that Roland will claim. When he reaches the pass of Roncesvalles,
+surrounded by the flower of our chivalry, twenty thousand Navarrese and
+Gascons, posted there by me, will hurl down a very shower of rocks. Take
+advantage of the surprise, and with two hundred thousand men fall on
+them in the rear. I won’t guarantee your men’s lives, but you must carry
+on the battle incessantly, and at last Roland must be slain.’ ‘It is
+very well said,’ answered the king; ‘this counsel is worth ten mules,
+laden with gold pieces, and I will pay you that sum yearly as long as I
+live.’”
+
+At this point Pinabel, observing that Ganelon’s horse, although it had
+just come off a long journey, only smelt at the rack without touching
+its contents, took a pitchfork, and in order to find out what hindered
+the animal from eating, thrust it into the hay. One of the prongs
+pierced Mitaine’s thigh, but she nevertheless remained silent,
+determined not to lose for a cry the advantage of the conversation she
+had overheard.
+
+“There’s nothing there,” said Pinabel.
+
+“What did you think there would be? Don’t you know that a good horse
+never eats much in the morning?” And with that the worthy couple quitted
+the stable.
+
+Mitaine had great difficulty in crawling back to Miton’s tent. She
+dressed her wound with a celebrated ointment, which is still in great
+use--the “Balm of Miton-Mitaine”--and was able to present herself the
+same evening before Roland.
+
+The Count of Mans listened to what his squire had to tell.
+
+“This is good news you bring me, little one; and, with the aid of
+Heaven, I will find a way thereby to rid the world of this traitor
+Ganelon.”
+
+“What!” said Mitaine; “will you not alter your line of march?”
+
+“Remember this: he who finds a snake in his path has two alternatives to
+choose between. He can either make a _détour_, and continue his route,
+by doing which he leaves an enemy in his rear; or he can go straight
+to the monster and kill it, which is the safer course. There is, by
+the way, a third solution of the matter--flight; but, of course, no one
+would dream of that. I shall take care not to neglect the opportunity
+which is offered me. In the meantime, swear to keep strict silence on
+this point!”
+
+The trumpets resounded through the camp of Marsillus. The unbelievers
+placed themselves in ambush beside the French line of march, and waited
+for the next morning.
+
+The clarions rang out through the camp of Charlemagne. The hour of
+departure had come. Charles rode proudly amid his gallant knights.
+
+“Who will lead the rear-guard through the passes of Cisaire?” asked the
+Emperor of his nobles.
+
+“Count Roland,” suggested Ganelon, “since he is the bravest. Does not
+the place of danger belong to him?”
+
+“Count of Mayence, some evil intention influences that speech.”
+
+“Why so, sire?” interposed Roland. “Sir Ganelon is right. The task is
+mine--I claim it.”
+
+“So be it,” said the Emperor. “My peers shall accompany you with
+twenty-five thousand horsemen.”
+
+“The Saracens will have a hot day’s work,” said Ganelon to himself.
+
+The Saracens were concealed in the forests at the entrance of the pass.
+The Navarrese and Gascons (everlasting shame upon them!) were lying
+in ambush on the heights, ready to hurl death upon their brother
+Christians.
+
+The vanguard, consisting of twenty thousand men, led by Ogier the Dane,
+was first to present itself. But it was not they who were wanted---they
+were allowed to pass.
+
+Charlemagne came next, with Ganelon in attendance upon him. For six
+hours the troops, the wagons, the booty, were slowly marching through
+the defile. There was an abundance of wealth; but who dared touch it?
+They were suffered to pass. Finally came the rear-guard, led by Roland.
+Then the Pagans began to be on the move, the Gascons prepared for
+action. The great carnage was about to begin.
+
+Marsillus was on horseback at the head of his troops. Buriabel, King of
+Alexandria, came swaggering up to him.
+
+“Sire, I have brought you thirty thousand soldiers, fully armed. I have
+not hesitated to risk my life in your service. In return for this, I
+only ask one thing--the honour of despatching Roland. If I meet him, he
+dies!”
+
+“You forget, it appears to me,” said the King of Saragossa, in a severe
+tone, “that I am here. I am not in the habit of handing over difficult
+tasks to others; Roland belongs to me! You will have enough to do with
+the rest.”
+
+Then, armed to the teeth, they rode forward in serried ranks.
+
+The Franks entered the pass. Roland halted them, and spoke:--“Brothers
+in arms! We are going to have a tough day’s work. But few of us will
+ever again behold fair France. Ganelon, the traitor, has brought us to
+this evil pass! He has sold us to the Saracens. In a few minutes
+these rocks will be hurled down upon us, and we shall hear the Saracen
+trumpets sounding. They do not know that we are forewarned, and the
+sound of our bugles will be the signal. Let those who are in doubt about
+our safety, therefore, leave us to join the main body. But let those,
+who desire wounds more awful than death--those who are ready to
+sacrifice their lives, in order to be revenged on Ganelon--let those
+remain with me!” Not a single knight quitted the ranks.
+
+“If any one of us escapes, his life must be devoted to the extermination
+of Ganelon, and all his race. For my part, I swear to do this!”
+
+All repeated the oath. Roland heard behind him a voice, shriller than
+any of the others, cry, “By the Shrine of St. Landri, death to the Count
+of Mayence!”
+
+He turned, and saw Mitaine.
+
+“Ah, unhappy child, what are you doing here? You know well what fate
+awaits us. Is this a place for babes-in-arms?”
+
+“You do wrong to blame me, sir knight. You will, perhaps, have reason to
+be sorry for your words before sunset.”
+
+Mitaine was on the summit of a peak. She gazed around on all sides, and
+soon discovered the enemy. The sun was shining brightly, and glistened
+on corslet and casque, spear and pennon. At the same moment the neighing
+of horses reached her ear.
+
+[Illustration: 255]
+
+“The Saracens are coming from the Spanish side. They are so many in
+number, it is difficult to understand how any troops can be left to
+guard the cities. If we had to encounter so large a Christian army, the
+result would be doubtful. But these are Pagans, and Heaven will not fail
+us.”
+
+“If that be the case,” said Oliver, “you had better sound your horn,
+friend Roland. Charlemagne has not gone far and will return at once to
+our aid on hearing it.”
+
+“We must wield swords, not horns, here. The way is open, if you fear the
+adventure is too arduous.”
+
+“Trust me, comrade; in a few moments it will be too late. Wind your
+horn!”
+
+“You give me base counsel! It shall never be told that Roland quitted
+his grasp of Durandal to wind his horn for aid against Pagans!”
+
+“So be it,” said Oliver. “We will not quarrel about it.”
+
+Roland turned to Gautier de Luz, and said to him--
+
+“Dismount, Gautier, and let two thousand of our knights do the same.
+You will take the command of them, climb the mountain, and take these
+accursed Gascons in the rear before we enter the pass. Cut them
+up without mercy, like dogs as they are, and then, when you have
+accomplished the task, sound on your horn. We shall then draw on the
+Saracens in pursuit, and when I give the signal, do you roll down on
+them the rocks prepared for our destruction.”
+
+“Well conceived,” said Hoel of Nantes. “An excellent jest. I would not
+exchange my place here for anything in the whole world!”
+
+Two thousand knights dismounted, and with Gautier de Luz at their head,
+commenced the ascent. Mitaine, more active and lighter than the others,
+went first to reconnoitre. Roland followed them with his eyes until they
+disappeared behind the rocks.
+
+In about a quarter of an hour, which, I can assure you, seemed long
+enough to those below, a great uproar broke out, and the Navarrese and
+Gascons appeared in disorder on the cliffs. They were close pressed, and
+those who were not put to the sword on the spot, were flung down into
+the ravine, in which there was soon an almost insurmountable heap of
+dead bodies. There was hardly a bush that was not adorned with some
+bleeding fragment or other.
+
+Presently was heard the bugle note which announced that the heights were
+taken, and Roland, followed by some thousands of knights, rode out to
+meet the Saracens.
+
+“What is the meaning of this?” said Marsillus, on beholding the
+Christians issuing from the pass. “It strikes me these brave warriors
+are afraid to attempt the pass. But we know how to compel them to do so.
+Their graves are dug there, and there they must sleep this night--and
+nowhere else!”
+
+Thirty thousand Saracens spurred forward in haste, and grew doubly
+courageous on beholding the Christians turn to retreat.
+
+“What have they been telling us about the courage of these people?” said
+Arroth, the nephew of Marsillus. “So far, there has been more of the
+chase than the combat. We need hardly have come in such numbers.”
+
+“Your words are wanting in sense,” said Turgis of Toulouse. “Pray Heaven
+to allow your brains to grow old enough to perceive the folly.”
+
+The Saracens entered the defile in pursuit of the Franks, who had
+surmounted all the obstacles in the pass. Their pursuers, however,
+halted in wonder before the heap of dead bodies that barred their
+passage. Roland took advantage of their hesitation and gave the signal,
+on hearing Avhich Gautier de Luz set to work. Huge blocks of stone
+crashed down from overhead, involving horses and men; living, dead, and
+wounded; Saracens, Gascons, and Navarrese, in one common destruction.
+The pass was completely blocked up.
+
+[Illustration: 261]
+
+“Truly,” said Roland, “Ganelon contrived this trap very cleverly. But
+one cannot foresee everything in this world, and in this instance it is
+the hare that is hunting; the hounds!”
+
+The Pagans who returned to the King of Saragossa were barely eight
+thousand, including the wounded who had escaped destruction. They had
+flung away their banners and their arms in order to facilitate their
+flight.
+
+“Is this what you promised us?” they cried, threateningly, to Marsillus.
+“We have just fallen into a snare laid for us by Ganelon. Ah, dastard of
+a Roland, treacherous Count of Mayence, coward of an Emperor, you shall
+hear more of us yet! By Mahomet, our vengeance shall be something to
+speak of, rascals!”
+
+A hundred thousand Saracen knights pricked forward at full speed, taking
+a different road, which permitted them to cut off the retreat of the
+Franks. In the meantime Gautier de Luz and Mitaine had rejoined Roland.
+
+Archbishop Turpin had ridden to a slight eminence. The twenty thousand
+knights were on their knees around him.
+
+“Prepare to perish nobly, my brothers-in-arms,” said he to them. “The
+heroes who do not shrink from the fight will sleep in Paradise by
+sunset. All your past sins shall be atoned for by cuts or thrusts of
+sword or lance. I absolve you all from this moment!”
+
+He gave them his blessing, and they rose, comforted and encouraged.
+
+Presently the sound of the enemies’ horses was heard, and before long
+the two armies had encountered each other. Lances were shattered--the
+field wras covered with fragments of arms and armour. Death had made a
+speedy harvest, and riderless horses were galloping hither and thither,
+amid the groans and cries of the wounded.
+
+Everywhere destruction was being dealt out.
+
+At the head of the Saracens rode Arroth, nephew of Marsillus.
+
+“By Allah! Charlemagne must be childish to give the command of the
+rear-guard of his forces to Roland.”
+
+The Count of Mans heard him, but answered not. Lance in rest, he rode
+down on him. Good heavens! what a thrust!--nothing could resist it. It
+clave the shield of the nephew of the King of Saragossa, pierced his
+chest, broke his spine, and pinned him to the earth.
+
+Fauseron, brother of King Marsillus, beheld Miton, and shouted to
+him--“Your Emperor, Charlemagne, must be sorely jealous of the fame of
+his knights, to send them to be slaughtered thus.”
+
+Miton dashed at him with uplifted blade, and dealt him three terrific
+wounds: a partridge might have flown through any one of them with ease.
+
+“You lie, knave!” cried the father of Mitaine; “our Charles is the
+bravest of the brave, and whoever questions it shall die the death of a
+dog--as you die!”
+
+Anseis charged at Turgis of Toulouse, and ran him through with his
+lance. The white pennon was stained crimson with the thrust.
+
+But I should never finish if I told you all the wonderful blows they
+interchanged. At last the spear of Roland shivered. He drew Durandal and
+rushed into the thickest of the fight, slicing off heads with his sword
+as easily as a pigeon severs the heads of millet with its sharp beak.
+
+The fury of the combat was redoubled. The Franks performed prodigies of
+valour, but the Saracens seemed never to tire of being slaughtered. No
+sooner were thirty thousand Pagans stretched on the earth than thirty
+thousand more offered themselves for slaughter. The swords were blunted
+with repeated blows, but the strength of the heroes wearied not. How
+many Christians had received the crown of martyrdom! Yonder they lay,
+trampled under the horses’ hoofs, while their mothers, their wives,
+their daughters were, perchance, singing cheerily as they awaited their
+return.
+
+At length came a time when there were no more Saracens left to kill. Of
+a hundred thousand Pagans but two survived.
+
+“Mountjoy St. Denis!” resounded over the field. But lo! King Marsillus
+arrived with the main body.
+
+They had only encountered the advanced guard!
+
+“Brethren,” said Turpin, pointing to the Saracens with his mace, “yonder
+comes our death-struggle. Let us be polite, and go meet it; we shall
+only be in Paradise the sooner!” and he rode off as swiftly as if he
+bestrode a swallow.
+
+“Shame, false friend, to outstrip me!” cried Roland, spurring
+Veillantif. “Bishop, do not perish without e!”
+
+Once more the contest raged furiously. Turpin perceived Abyme, the most
+unbelieving Pagan of them all.
+
+“What deity do you serve?” cried the bishop.
+
+“None,” said the heretic; whereupon, with three mighty blows of his
+mace, Turpin scattered over the field the amethysts, topazes, and
+carbuncles that covered the Pagan’s shield. At the third blow the soul
+of Abyme fled to the regions below.
+
+Climborin smote down Angelier of Gascony, but he did not live more than
+ten seconds to enjoy his conquest. Miton had seen the deed, lowered his
+lance, and pierced the Pagan’s throat.
+
+“There, dog! you may go boast of your victory!” said he, as he rode off.
+
+Oliver had rested but little all this while; he drove right and left
+at the ranks of the enemy, brandishing Hauteclaire, mowing the Saracens
+down like stubble.
+
+His shield was of gold, charged with a red cross.
+
+“That is a foul blazon,” said Valdabron, striking the shield with his
+lance.
+
+“Nevertheless, you shall bow to it,” answered the brother of Aude, and
+with one back-stroke he beheaded the paynim.
+
+The Duke Sanche was slain: it was Haucuidant who struck the fatal blow;
+by his hand, too, perished Gerin and Anseis, Beranger and Guy de St.
+Antoine. But Roland rode right at the Pagan, and with the hilt of
+Durandal crushed his face in, and flung him, an unrecognisable corpse
+under his horse’s hoofs.
+
+“It is truly sad that we can only kill once a hound who has done so much
+mischief.”
+
+Then the knight stood up in his stirrups, and gazed around him. Merciful
+heavens, what a sight! Out of the twenty thousand Franks who had come
+there, but sixty remained alive.
+
+“By my hopes of Heaven!” said Roland, “I should die the happier if I
+could but bear Marsillus with me to the grave. But how can I find him
+amid such a mêlée?”
+
+Mitaine heard him.
+
+“I will show him to you, if you will follow me;” and she began to strip
+off her armour piecemeal. Roland caught her by the arm to stop her--?
+
+“What proof of madness are you going to give us now?”
+
+“You take wisdom for folly, my lord. Do you think I should be suffered
+to pass, wearing your colours? My mother used to scold me for spoiling
+my clothes; they might get damaged now.”
+
+“And you think I am going to let you perish like this?”
+
+“Is it not absurd to make all this difficulty about it? Have we not come
+here to die?”
+
+And Mitaine freed herself from his grasp, and sprang on a Saracen horse
+that she caught as it went riderless by. She was naked to the waist, and
+her golden hair floated around her shoulders. She seemed like the spirit
+of youth. Death fled from the presence of such lofty courage.
+
+“Come and seek me, dastard of a Croquemitaine!” she cried. “Here I am
+well protected from thee.”
+
+Roland followed her; his eyes were blinded with tears.
+
+“Merciful heaven! what will they say of me for all these deaths? I shall
+scarce dare to show myself to-night in Paradise.”
+
+Mitaine had caught sight of the King of Saragossa, and made direct for
+him, without looking right or left. Miton, whose headlong courage had
+carried him into the ranks of the foe, was beside her, surrounded by the
+Saracens. He was striking out right and left at random, thinking only
+to hack and hew the bodies of Pagans. Alas for the double misfortune!
+Mitaine drew near him and her father’s sword traced a gory slash across
+her shoulder. She turned, and father and child recognised each other.
+
+“Is it you my father? It was a good stroke, but ‘tis wasted!” Horrified
+at the sight, Miton for a second forgot to defend himself.
+
+In another moment poor Mita was a widow!
+
+Meanwhile Mitaine had ridden close up to Marsillus, and rising up in
+her stirrups, to make sure Roland should see her, smote him on the face,
+crying, as loud as she was able--“Behold the King of Saragossa! Mountjoy
+for Charlemagne!”
+
+She could say no more. Marganice, King of Carthage, and uncle of
+Marsillus, dealt her a blow on the chest that was far heavier than was
+needed. The poor girl sank, insensible, and rolled under the horse’s
+hoofs, with blood gushing from her lips and nostrils.
+
+When Roland saw this, his rage overpowered him. He drew near Oliver, and
+said, “Brother, shall we go slay that boastful Marsillus yonder?”
+
+“It shall be done,” said the other.
+
+They dashed forward, followed by a few of the Franks still remaining on
+the field--Beuve, Lord of Beaune and Dijon, whose death was a sore loss
+to Charles--Yve, and Yvoire, and Gerard of Roussillon. Roland and Oliver
+penetrated farthest into the infidel ranks; at last they came within a
+few paces of Marsillus.
+
+“Is it you, then, whom they call the King Marsillus?” said Roland.
+
+“It is a name the Franks will not forget.”
+
+“I am called Roland. If you never knew me before you shall know me
+to-day;” and with that he smote off the King’s right hand as he raised
+it to strike.
+
+The Saracens shouted in alarm, “Mahomet preserve us!” and fled like
+doves before an eagle. If they had found legs to bring them thither,
+they had found wings to take them away.
+
+There remained on the field only a thousand Ethiopians, the forces
+of Marganice. They were drawn up at a distance, and seemed undecided
+whether to advance. Roland put his horn to his lips, and blew a blast so
+powerful that it echoed and re-echoed for twenty leagues around.
+
+“What are you doing?” said Oliver. “Have you lost all shame, and do you
+no longer fear to sound for help against Pagans?”
+
+“These are cruel words, comrade!”
+
+“Why disturb Charlemagne for such a trifle? We are three yet. If you
+had been less brave we should not have bequeathed this defeat to
+our country. If you sound the bugle on my behalf, do not trouble
+yourself--henceforth I do not desire to live. If for Turpin, our friend
+only survives by a miracle, and will be dead before any one can come to
+his aid. If you sound, it is for yourself; and, by Heaven’s truth! you
+will be a brave man to face Charlemagne.”
+
+“Truly,” said Turpin, “you might do better than quarrel now. Wind your
+horn, Roland, not for our sakes, but for the honour of France. We shall
+be avenged, and our bones will be laid in consecrated soil. Wind your
+horn, Roland!”
+
+The Count of Mans lifted his bugle to his lips, and blew so loud and
+long, that the veins in his temples stood up like ropes, and the blood
+flowed from his mouth.
+
+The Emperor reined up his steed.
+
+“Did you hear, as I did, the bugle of Roland?”
+
+The Count of Mayence trembled, but he answered, “‘Tis some goatherd
+calling together his flock.”
+
+“Do you think I’ve grown childish, that I should mistake a horn for a
+pipe? It was Roland’s horn, past a doubt.”
+
+“Well, sire, he sounds his bugle for nothing often; perchance he is
+chasing some wild animal.”
+
+“By your leave, sire, the horn has a mournful sound,” said Naymes
+of Bavaria, “and it is but due to your peers to go and see what has
+befallen them.”
+
+“You are right, friend. Ganelon, you will remain here;” and Charles
+called for Besgue, his head cook, and entrusted to him the custody of
+the Count of Mayence.
+
+“It is the duty of your scullions to guard this criminal. Have you any
+stout rope to put him to the question with?”
+
+“I have, sire, the rope, saving your presence, with which I tie up the
+pigs when I stick them.”
+
+“That will do well! And now, my comrades, let us hasten to Roland.”
+
+“There is no need to hurry,” said Ganelon, with a grin; “Roland does not
+ring the bell until mass is over.”
+
+“Even so, renegade,” said the Emperor, “we may arrive in time for
+vespers, and so much the worse for the Pagans.”
+
+Roland was the only one left alive on the plains of Roncesvalles. To
+the shouts and yells of conflict had succeeded a silence infinitely more
+terrible.
+
+Dismayed at their success, the Saracens had fled. The work was
+accomplished; the vultures would fitly succeed them. Insatiable
+parasites of the King of Saragossa, these new comers seldom had time to
+wipe their beaks between the banquets.
+
+Roland dismounted for the first time in the four-and-twenty hours.
+The brave knight could scarcely stand. Leaning his brow on his horse’s
+saddle, he cried like a child--he had poured out all his blood, and he
+had nothing left to shed but tears!
+
+[Illustration: 267]
+
+His wounds seemed nothing to him. It was despair that was killing him.
+In his grief he knelt beside the body of Oliver, and clasped it in his
+arms. He laid it on the turf, unlaced the helmet, kissed the cold brow,
+stripped off the armour, and examined it all over, unable to believe
+that he had really lost such a friend and companion in arms.
+
+He did the same for Turpin, Miton, and Gautier de Luz. But of what avail
+was it to lavish cares upon the lifeless clay? Their spirits were in
+heaven.
+
+Roland raised his head. He fancied he heard a faint but sweet voice
+pronounce his name. What happiness if there yet survived some one!
+
+“Do you not know me, my dear lord? Come hither and bid me farewell!”
+
+Pale, stretched on the field among the slain, lay the godchild of
+Charlemagne.
+
+“Heaven be praised, my pretty one! To see you still alive makes me
+almost fancy Heaven smiles upon me. You will not die--I would not be the
+cause of your death! Charles will be here soon, and will bear you back
+to our own beloved France.”
+
+“You deceive yourself, Roland. I shall never again behold the great
+Emperor--never again my native land! Before long I shall meet my father
+once more. But tell me, have the Saracens retreated?”
+
+“They have retreated into Spain.”
+
+“Then the victory belongs to us two! By the shrine of St. Landri! I am
+happier than I ever dreamed of being.”
+
+Roland knelt down, took off one of his great gold spurs, and fixed it on
+Mitaine’s heel.
+
+“There, brave little hero, none ever better merited the rank of knight!”
+ and he buckled it on. The two little feet of the squire would have both
+fitted easily into the single spur.
+
+In an ecstacy of joy, Mitaine raised herself, and flung her arms round
+Roland’s neck.
+
+“Quick, quick, my beloved lord! give me the accolade, for I feel I am
+dying!”
+
+And Mitaine sank back on the turf, plucked with a last effort two blades
+of grass, which she fashioned into a cross, and expired while kissing it
+with fervour.
+
+[Illustration: 269]
+
+Roland felt very solitary now. Feeling the shades of death gathering
+round him, he stole up to Veillantif.
+
+“My brave charger, your mouth is not meant for the bit of the Saracen,
+nor your sides for the Pagan spur.”
+
+And Roland, having kissed its soft muzzle, killed his favourite steed
+with one blow of Durandal.
+
+“Now, my treasured Durandal, what shall I do with thee? Thy hilt
+encloses one of the teeth of St. Peter, and a hair from the beard of St.
+Denis. Neither must thou fall into the hands of unbelievers!”
+
+He called up all his strength, and struck his sword upon the granite. It
+clave the rock, without denting its blade. Three times he essayed again,
+but with no better success.
+
+His sight was failing him. A cold chill seized him. He sank down beside
+a granite peak, stretched upon his invincible sword, that people might
+know well that he died a conqueror.
+
+Roland had just ceased to breathe when Charlemagne arrived on the field.
+
+You will imagine, my young friends, that the Emperor made the Saracens
+pay dearly for the loss of his knights. It was not until he had utterly
+destroyed the infidel army that Charles would consent to dismount from
+his horse on the plains of Roncesvalles. Alas! the butchery of Saracens
+could not restore life to Roland or his companions.
+
+Poor Charlemagne! he tore his grey hair and long beard, and having
+ordered the bodies of the Count of Mans, Turpin, Oliver, Miton, and
+Mitaine to be placed in coffins of black marble, he had them borne back
+to France with every mark of honour.
+
+As he approached Aix-la-Chapelle the Emperor saw a long, long line of
+weeping women, all attired in black, coming out to meet him. It was the
+fair Aude, supported by her widowed sister Mita, and followed by a suite
+of three hundred ladies.
+
+Charlemagne, deeply affected by the sight of such affliction,
+dismounted, and pressed the fair Aude to his heart.
+
+“My poor child!” said he, “you are a widow or ever you were a bride.”
+
+The fair Aude opened her lips to reply, but she had not the strength to
+speak.
+
+The Emperor felt her sink back in his arms, and, turning to the
+attendants, he asked--
+
+“Is there a place for her in the coffin by the side of Roland?”
+
+[Illustration: 273]
+
+A few days later were celebrated with great pomp the obsequies of the
+betrothed of the Count of Mans. At the same hour, draged on a hurdle,
+between two of the executioner’s assistants, the disfigured corpse of
+the traitor Ganelon was carried to the charnel.
+
+“And Croquemitaine, won’t you tell us something about it?” you would ask
+me.
+
+Croquemitaine does not exist, my dears.
+
+[Illustration: 275]
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Days of Chivalry, by
+Ernest Louis Victor Jules L’Epine
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44428 ***