Arriving in the presence of the Saracen king, Ganelon reports
Charlemagne ready to accept his offers, provided he do homage for one
half of Spain and abandon the other to Roland. Because Ganelon adds
the threat that, should this offer be refused, Charlemagne proposes to
seize Saragossa and bear Marsile a prisoner to Aix, the Saracen king
angrily orders the execution of the insolent messenger. But the
Frenchmen's truculent attitude forbids the guards' approach, and thus
gives the ambassadors a chance to inform Marsile that Ganelon has
promised to help them to outwit Charlemagne by depriving him of his
most efficient general. Hearing this, Marsile's anger is disarmed; and
he not only agrees to their plan to surprise Roland while crossing the
Pyrenees, but sends Ganelon back laden with gifts.

On rejoining his master at the foot of the mountains, Ganelon delivers
the keys of Saragossa, and reports that the caliph has sailed for the
East, with one hundred thousand men, none of whom care to dwell in a
Christian land. Hearing this, Charlemagne, imagining his task
finished, returns thanks to God, and prepares to wend his way back to
France, where he expects Marsile to follow him and do homage for
Spain.

Karl the Great hath wasted Spain,
Her cities sacked, her castles ta'en;
But now "My wars are done," he cried,
"And home to gentle France we ride."

_The Rear-guard and Roland Condemned to Death._ On the eve of his
return to "sweet France," Charlemagne's rest is disturbed by horrible
dreams, in one of which Ganelon breaks his lance, while in the other
wild animals are about to attack him. On awaking from this nightmare,