King Canabeus, the Emir's brother, spurs

His courser on; his crystal-hilted sword

Unsheathes, and deals Naimes' princely helm a blow

Which splits the crest in twain; the trenchant blade

Severs the five strong bands which to his head

Fast bound it; now not worth a denier was

The steel-mailed hood; down to the flesh the casque

Sheer cleft—a fragment falls upon the earth.

The blow was great; the Duke, astounded, reeled,

And would have fallen but for God's help. He clasps

His courser's neck, and should the Pagan deal

Another stroke, the noble Duke has breathed

His last; but to his help comes Carle of France.

Aoi.