an
armor-bearer holding his shield. Each in turn told of
finding the knight slain and the jewel gone. Last of all 25
came Milon. Gloomily he made his way to the throne
to repeat the story that had already been told so often.
But as he went, there followed behind him, with a radiant
face, young Roland, proudly bearing his father's shield,
in the center of which shone the precious jewel. At the 30
sight of this all the nobles started, and whispered to one
another that Milon had done the deed. Then when he
dismally told how he too had found the knight dead a
shout of incredulity greeted him. Turning his head, he
saw to his amazement that his own shield bore the dazzling
gem. At the sight of it he appeared so amazed that
Charlemagne set himself to question Roland and thus soon 5
learned how it had been obtained. In reward for his bravery
in this encounter Roland was knighted, and allowed to
take his place among the paladins of the emperor. Nor was
it long before he further distinguished himself, becoming,
to his father's delight, the most renowned of that famous 10
company.

--_Myths and Legends of the Middle Ages._

1. Explain fully the relationship between
Charlemagne and Roland.

2. How did Roland first attract the emperor's
attention? What do these early acts of the youth
show about the life and living of the times?

3. When did Charlemagne live? Over what country did
he rule? Explain the difference between an emperor
and a king; a page and a knight.

4. What feat did Roland perform when he was yet a
page? One of the characteristics of a legend is its
overstatement of fact. Is there anything improbable
in Roland's overthrow of the knight? In a series of
legendary stories, statements often conflict. What
conflict of statement about Roland's father is
there in this story?

5. Any encyclopedia and many books of legends will
tell you more about Roland. See what you can find,
make brief notes of what you read, and report your
findings from your notes to the class.

6. Pronounce, spell, and define: amused; attracted;
acute; interfere; triumph; gallant; separately;
courtiers; distinguish; gigantic; opponent;