First of them all the Emperor is armed.

Quick donned his hauberk,—laced his helm—Joyeuse,

Whose brightness vies with the sun's dazzling rays,

Is girded on—a shield of Girunde hangs

Upon his neck,—his lance, forged in Blandune

He wields, and mounts his good steed Tencendur

Which nigh the ford below Marsune he won,

When he struck dead Malpalin de Nerbune.

Quick to a gallop spurred, rein loosed, the steed

Sped on, before one hundred thousand men.

Carle calls on Rome's Apostle and on God.

Aoi.