No baron is there now, no chevalier

Who, in his pity, sheds not tears for sons,

For brothers—nephews—friends—and for liege-lords.

Many have fallen swooning on the earth,

But Duke Naimes bore himself as valorous knight:

He foremost said to Carle:—"Behold two leagues

Away!—The roads are dark with clouds of dust.

There swarm the Pagan tribes.... Ride on them now,

Avenge this bitter woe."—"O God," said Carle,

"Are they already flown so far?—our rights

And honor shield! Those Pagans took from me

The flower of my Sweet France!"—The King commands

Gebuin, Otun, Tedbalt de Reins and Count

Milun:—"Watch ye the field, the vales, the mounts;

The slain, leave to their rest; see that no beast

Nor lion, squire nor page approach. I charge

You, let no man upon them lay his hand

Until, with God's assistance, we return."

They lovingly and with sweet tone reply:

"Thus shall we do, just Emperor, dear sire!"

Upon the field they keep one thousand knights.

Aoi.