French and Arabian warriors emulate

In valor each the other. Ashen shafts

Break from their brazen heads. Whoso then saw

Those shields defaced, who heard those hauberks white

Resound with blows, this dinning clash of shields

'Gainst helmets grinding, saw those knights and men

Fall and with dying shrieks roll on the earth,

Of greatest anguish could the memory keep;

So fierce this battle raged. The Emir calls

Upon Apollo, Tervagan, upon

Mahum: "Till now I served you well, O Gods!

And I will have an image made for each,

Molten of purest gold [if ye but help]!"

Before him then his favorite Gemalfin

Appears. He brings ill news. "Sire Baligant

This day brings you mishap; Malprime, your son

Has fall'n! Your brother Canabeus is dead.

Two Franks the glory have of their defeat,

One, Carle the Emperor, I deem, so vast

His fame, his air as Marchis grand, his beard

As white as April blossom!" At these words

The Emir's helm declines, his visage sinks

Low on his breast. Such is his grief, he thinks

Death nears him. Calling Jangleu d'ultremer,

Aoi.