The Emp'ror ended thus. But Count Rollánd

Approving not the terms, stands forth and speaks

Unto the King with arguments adverse:

"Trust never more Marsile. 'Tis full seven years

Since we came into Spain. For you I took

Both Noplés and Commiblés; gained Valterne

And all the land of Pine, and Balaguer,

And Tuele and Sebile—yet King Marsile

Still plotting treachery, sent from his horde

Of Pagans, fifteen men; each bore in hand

Like these, a branch of olive-tree, and spake

The self-same words. On that you counsel took

From your too lightly flattering French; two Counts

Of yours you to the Pagan sent, the one,

Bazan, Bastile the other, and their heads

He struck off near Haltoie. As you began,

War on! To Sarraguce your army lead,

Besiege her walls, though all your life it take,

And thus avenge the knights the felon slew."

Aoi.