At this the Emperor, bending low his head,

Twists his mustache and plucks his hoary beard,

Answering his nephew neither yea nor nay.

The Franks keep silence—all save Ganelon

Who rose and stood before the King, and spake

Bold words and haughty:—"Put not faith in fools,

Nor me nor others; follow your own rede!

Since King Marsile makes offer to become

Your man, with hands joined; furthermore will hold

Spain as a fief from you; yea, will receive

Our law as his law, he who counsel gives

Such proffer to reject, cares not a whit

What death we die. No counsel take of pride;

Let pass the fools and listen to the wise."

Aoi.