The Emperor calls to Rollánd and says:—

"Fair sire, my nephew, truly you must know

Half of my army will I leave with you;

Keep them; in their good help your safety lies."

Then said the Count:—"Of this will I do naught!

May God confound me, ere my race I shame;

But twenty thousand valiant knights I keep!

Through the defiles you can in safety pass

And fear no harm from man while yet I live."

Aoi.