By his great power the Emperor in Spain

Full seven years remained; he castles took

And many cities, bringing sore distress

To King Marsile. The year had scarce begun

Before his word went forth to seal the briefs

Which summoned Baligant from Babylone,

(The aged Emir, he whose life outlived

Homer and Virgil). Now the King Marsile

Had begged the Baron's help for Sarraguce.

Should he not come, gods, idols, once adored

He will renounce, the holy Faith of Christ

Embrace, and join in friendship with King Carle.

Afar was Baligant, and tarried long;

From forty realms his people had he called

And ordered to prepare his dromonds vast,

Barks, galleys, ev'ry vessel. In the port

Of Alexandria the fleet had met;

In May it was, the first of summer-days,

A mighty host he launched upon the deep.

Aoi.