aces are ready for you in His Paradise."

Thereupon the men of France dismounted, and knelt upon the ground, and
the Archbishop blessed them in God's name. "But look," said he, "I set
you a penance--smite these pagans." Then the men of France rose to their
feet. They had received absolution, and were set free from all their
sins, and the Archbishop had blessed them in the name of God. After this
they mounted their swift steeds, and clad themselves in armor, and made
themselves ready for the battle.

Said Roland to Oliver, "Brother, you know that it is Ganelon who has
betrayed us. Good store he has had of gold and silver as a reward; 'tis
the King Marsilas that has made merchandise of us, but verily it is
with our swords that he shall be paid." So saying, he rode on to the
pass, mounted on his good steed Veillantif. His spear he held with the
point to the sky; a white flag it bore with fringes of gold which fell
down to his hands. A stalwart man was he, and his countenance was fair
and smiling. Behind him followed Oliver, his friend; and the men of
France pointed to him, saying, "See our champion!" Pride was in his eye
when he looked towards the Saracens; but to the men of France his regard
was all sweetness and humility. Full courteously he spake to them:

"Ride not so fast, my lords," he said; "verily these heathen are come
hither, seeking martyrdom. 'Tis a fair spoil that we shall gather from
them today. Never has King of France gained any so rich." And as he
spake, the two hosts came together.

Said Oliver, "You did not deem it fit, my lord, to sound your horn.
Therefore you lack the help which the King would have sent. Not his the
blame, for he knows nothing of what has chanced. But do you, lords of
France, charge as fiercely as you may, and yield not one whit to the
enemy. Think upon these two things only--how to deal a straight blow and
to take it. And let us not forget King Charles' cry of battle."

Then all the men of France with one voice cried out, "Mountjoy!" He that
heard them so cry had never doubted that they were men of valor. Proud
was their array as they rode on to battle, spurring their horses that
they might speed the more. And the Saracens, on their part, came forward
with a good heart. Thus did the Frenchmen and the heathen meet in the
shock of battle.

Full many of the heathen warriors fell that day. Not one of the Twelve
Peers of France but slew his man. But of all none bore himself so
valia