XXIII

"Unto Saragossa I needs must go;--
Who goeth may never return, I know;--
Yet withal, your sister is spouse of mine,
And our son--no fairer of mortal line--
Baldwin bids to be goodly knight;
I leave him my honors and fiefs of right.
Guard him--no more shall he greet my sight"
Saith Karl, "Thou art over tender of heart.
Since I command it, thou shalt depart."


XXIV

"Fair Sir Gan," the Emperor spake,
"This my message to Marsil take:
He shall make confession of Christ's belief,
And I yield him, full half of Spain in fief;
In the other half shall Count Roland reign.
If he choose not the terms I now ordain,
I will march unto Saragossa's gate,
Besiege and capture the city straight,
Take and bind him both hands and feet,
Lead him to Aix, to my royal seat,
There to be tried and judged and slain,
Dying a death of disgrace and pain.
I have sealed the scroll of my command.
Deliver it into the heathen's hand."