Rollánd is brave and Olivier is wise;

Both knights of wond'rous courage—and in arms

And mounted on their steeds, they both will die

Ere they will shun the fight. Good are the Counts

And proud their words.—The Pagan felons ride

In fury on!—"Rollánd," said Olivier,

"One moment, look! Our foes so close, and Carle

Afar from us—you have not deigned to blow

Your horn! If came the king, no hurt were ours.

Cast your eyes toward the great defiles of Aspre;

There see this most unhappy rear-guard. [Those

Who here fight, ne'er shall fight on other fields."]

Rollànd retorts:—"Speak not such shameful words.

Woe unto him who bears a coward's heart

Within his breast. There firm shall we remain;

The combat and the blows from us shall come."

Aoi.