From Saint Michael's Mount to thy shrine, Cologne,
House unrifted was there none.
And a darkness spread in the noontide high--
No light, save gleams from the cloven sky.
On all who saw came a mighty fear.
They said, "The end of the world is near."
Alas, they spake but with idle breath,--
'Tis the great lament for Roland's death.

_The Horn._ During the brief respite allowed them, Roland informs
Oliver that he wishes to notify Charlemagne that France has been
widowed of many men. In reply, Oliver rejoins that no Frenchman will
leave this spot to bear such a message, seeing all prefer death and
honor to safety! Such being the case, Roland proposes to sound his
horn, whereupon Oliver bitterly rejoins, had his friend only done so
at first, they would have been reinforced by now, and that the emperor
can no longer reach them in time. He can, however, avenge them and
give them an honorable burial, Roland argues, and he and his friend
continue bickering until the archbishop silences them, bidding Roland
blow his horn. Placing Olifant to his lips, the hero, after drawing a
powerful breath, blows so mighty a blast that it re-echoes thirty
miles away.

This sound, striking Charlemagne's ear, warns him that his army is in
danger, although Ganelon insists Roland is hunting. While blowing a
second blast, Roland makes so mighty an effort that he actually bursts
the blood-vessels in his temples, and the Frenchmen, hearing that
call, aver with awe that he would never call that way unless in dire
peril. Ganelon, however, again insists that his step-son is in no
danger and is merely coursing a hare.