"Fair Sire," said King Marsile to Ganelon,

"Than mine no fairer people can you see:

Four hundred thousand knights I can array

In combat 'gainst King Carle and 'gainst his Franks."—

Ganelon says:—"The time has not yet come,

Yea, and great loss your people then will have.

But leave this folly, and to wisdom hold;

Offer the King of treasures such a store

That all the French will marvel at the gift.

For twenty hostages that you will send,

Back to Sweet France will Carle ere long repair.

His rear-guard, notice well, will rest behind:

There will Rollánd, his nephew, be, I trow,

With Olivier the brave and courteous knight.

Trust to my counsel and both Counts are doomed,

Nay, Carle shall see his lofty pride cast down

And never more shall covet war with you."

Aoi.