Then Ganelon strode nearer to the King

And said:—"All idle is this wrath of yours.

This is the message of King Carle of France;

Hear his command:—"Receive the Christian law"—

One half of Spain he grants to you in fief,

And to Rollánd, his nephew, he will give

The other half. (A haughty partner he

Will prove.) To this agreement should you not

Consent, 'gainst Sarraguce his host will lay

The siege; by force you will be tak'n and bound,

And brought to Aix, the royal seat. Hope not

To ride on palfrey, nor on steed, on mule

Female or male;—on a vile beast of burden

You shall be thrown, and doomed to have your head

Struck off.—Behold the Brief our Emp'ror sends!"

With his right hand he gives it to the King.

Aoi.