Vast is the plain and broad the field. Behold

Those dazzling helms inlaid with gold and gems,

Those shields, those coats of mail with saffron edged,

Those spears and pennons rolled; hearken ye the voice

Of trumpets blowing clear and strong, and hark

The olifant's shrill blast, which sounds the charge.

The Emir calls his brother, Canabeu,

The King of Floredée, who rules the land

As far as Val-Sevrée, and points to Carle's

Ten must'ring legions: "See the pride of France

The praised; amid his bearded knights how proud

The Emperor rides! O'er their hauberks stream

Their beards as white as snow upon the frost.

Forsooth! These valiant warriors will strike hard

With lance and sword, and such a fight be ours

As never man has fought." Then Baligant,

Urging his courser further than a man

Can hurl a staff, gave reasons and their proof:

"Come forward, Pagans; follow where I go!"

Brandishing high the shaft of his own lance,

At Carle he levels fair its trenchant steel.

Aoi.