the enemy, calls out that this ambush is the result of Ganelon's
treachery, only to be silenced by Roland, who avers none shall accuse
his step-father without proof. Then, hearing of the large force
approaching, Roland exclaims, "Cursed be he who flees," and admonishes
all present to show their mettle and die fighting bravely.

_The Pride of Roland._ Because the enemies' force so greatly
outnumbers theirs, Oliver suggests that Roland sound his horn to
summon Charlemagne to his aid; but, unwilling to lose any glory, this
hero refuses, declaring he will strike one hundred thousand such
doughty blows with his mighty sword (Durendal), that all the pagans
will be laid low.

"Roland, Roland, yet wind one blast!
Karl will hear ere the gorge be passed,
And the Franks return on their path full fast."
"I will not sound on mine ivory horn:
It shall never be spoken of me in scorn,
That for heathen felons one blast I blew;
I may not dishonor my lineage true.
But I will strike, ere this fight be o'er,
A thousand strokes and seven hundred more,
And my Durindana shall drip with gore.
Our Franks will bear them like vassals brave.
The Saracens flock but to find a grave."

In spite of the fact that Oliver thrice implores him to summon aid,
Roland thrice refuses; so his friend, perceiving he will not yield,
finally declares they must do their best, and adds that, should they
not get the better of the foe, they will at least die fighting nobly.