Then Tierri spake:—"I hold thee, Pinabel,

As Baron true, great, strong, of handsome mold;

Thy peers acknowledge thee as valiant knight;

Well, let this combat cease, between the King

And thee a covenant I will strive to make.

On Ganelon such justice shall be done

That future ages shall record the doom."

They grasp again their swords and hew

Each other's gold-encrusted helm with rage

So rash that sparkling fires spurt through the air.

No power will now disjoint the combatants:

The death of one can only close the strife.

Aoi.