"Let all that be!" cried to the messengers

The King Marsile—"Seigneurs, speak but to me,

You see me now crushed unto death. No son

Nor daughter have I left, nor other heir;

One son I had, who yestereve was slain.

Say to my Lord his coming I beseech.

Some rights to Spain the Emir has; to him

I grant the realm in full, if he accept.

Let him defend this land against the French,

To meet Carlemagne good counsel I will give,

And victor he will be before this day

A month. Bear him the keys of Sarraguce;

Thence, if he trust my words, he ne'er will be

Expelled." They answer:—"Sire, you speak the truth."

Aoi.