Both knights now made them ready for the fight,

Were shriven, assoiled, and blessed; a mass have heard,

Communion have received, and richest alms

Bequeathed to monasteries.—Before striking

They both appear.—Gold spurs their heels adorn;

They wear white hauberks light and strong; bright helms

Clasp on their heads, and gold hilt swords are girt

Upon their thighs, and to their necks are bound

Strong quartered shields; they wield in each right hand

A trenchant sword, and on fleet steeds they mount;

Then melt in tears one hundred thousand knights

Who for Rollánd's sake wish Tierri well.

Yea—but God knows what way the thing will end.

Aoi.