Charlemagne divides his army so as to thread his way safely through
the narrow passes of the mountains, arranging that a force shall
remain twenty miles in his rear to make sure he shall not be surprised
by the foe. When he inquires to whom this important command shall be
entrusted, Ganelon eagerly suggests that, as Roland is the most
valiant of the peers, the task be allotted to him. Anxious to keep his
nephew by him, Charlemagne resents this suggestion, but, when he
prepares to award the post to some one else, Roland eagerly claims it,
promising France shall lose nothing through him.

"God be my judge," was the count's reply,
"If ever I thus my race belie.
But twenty thousand with me shall rest,
Bravest of all your Franks and best;
The mountain passes in safety tread,
While I breathe in life you have nought to dread."

Because it is patent to all that his step-father proposed his name
through spite, Roland meaningly remarks that he at least will not drop
the insignia of his rank, and in proof thereof proudly clutches the
bow Charlemagne hands him, and boastfully declares twelve peers and
twenty thousand men will prove equal to any emergency.

Fully armed and mounted on his steed (Veillantif), Roland, from an
eminence, watches the vanguard of the French army disappear in the
mountain gorges, calling out to the last men that he and his troop
will follow them soon! This vanguard is led by Charlemagne and
Ganelon, and, as it passes on, the heavy tramp of the mailed steeds
causes the ground to shake, while the clash of the soldiers' arms is
heard for miles around. They have already travelled thirty miles and