Carle our most noble Emperor and King,

Hath tarried now full seven years in Spain,

Conqu'ring the highland regions to the sea;

No fortress stands before him unsubdued,

Nor wall, nor city left, to be destroyed,

Save Sarraguce, high on a mountain set.

There rules the King Marsile who loves not God,

Apollo worships and Mohammed serves;

Nor can he from his evil doom escape.

Aoi.