The King Marsile turned pale, and full of wrath,

Brandished the shaft of his winged dart on high.

Ganelon saw, laid hand upon his sword,

And quick unsheathed two fingers' breadth of blade,

Saying: "Sword of mine you are most fair and bright;

As long as by me borne in this King's court,

Never shall say the Emperor of France

Ganelon died alone in foreign land,

Ere a high price for you the best have paid!"

The Pagans cry in haste: "Check this affray."

Aoi.