"If Marsilius offers to do fealty for Spain, and to hold it as a gift
from you, wherefore should we refuse his plea? He who would advise you
otherwise cares not what manner of death we die."

And Namon of Bavaria added, "If the Moor is beaten, and cries for
mercy, it would be an unknightly act to continue warring against him.
My voice is for peace."

And all the peers, save Roland and Oliver, cried out, "The duke hath
spoken wisely. Let us have peace!"

"It is well," answered Charlemagne, "and so it shall be. But whom
shall we send to Saragossa to treat with Marsilius, and to receive the
pledges of good faith which he shall give?"

Then arose a great dispute among the peers as to which should undertake
this dangerous errand. Duke Namon, who was never known to shirk a
duty, offered to go; but the king would not consent. He liked not to
part with his wise old friend, even for a single day.

"I will carry the message," said Roland.

"Not so, my brother," interrupted Oliver. "Thy pride will get the
better of thy judgment, and thou wilt act rashly. Let me undertake the
errand."

But Charlemagne refused them both. "Neither of you shall go," said he.
"But you may choose one from among these other barons to be the
messenger."