After two days' march they came within sight of the Aliscans, but for
five miles round the country was covered by the Saracen army. William
saw that some of his men quailed at the number of the foe, so he turned
and spoke to his soldiers. "My good lords," he said, "a fearful battle
awaits us, and we must not give way an inch. If any man feels afraid
let him go back to his own land. This is no place for cowards."
The cowards heard joyfully, and without shame took the road by which
they had come. They spurred their horses and thought themselves safe,
but they rejoiced too soon.
At the mouth of a bridge Rainouart met them, and when he saw that they
were part of the Christian host he raised his staff and barred their
passage. "Where are you going?" asked he. "To France, for rest,"
answered the cowards; "the Count has dismissed us, and when we reach
our homes we shall see to the rebuilding of our castles, which have
fallen into ill-repair during the wars. Come with us, if you are a
wise man."
"Ask some one else," said Rainouart; "Count William has given me the
command of the army, and it is to him that I have to render account.
Do you think I shall let you run away like hares?" And, swinging his
staff round his head, he laid about him.
Struck dumb with terror at the sight of their comrades falling rapidly
round them, they cried with one voice, "Sir Rainouart, we will return
and fight with you."
[Illustration: Rainouart stops the cowards]
So they turned their horses' heads and rode the way they had come, and
Rainouart followed, keeping guard over them with his staff. When they
reached the army he went straight to William, and begged that he might
have the command of them. "I will change them into a troop of lions,"
said he.
Harsh words and gibes greeted the cowards, but Rainouart soon forced
the mockers to silence. "Leave my men alone!" he cried, "or by the
faith I owe to Gibourc I will make you. I am a King's son, and the
time has come to show you what manner of man I am. I have idled long,
but I will idle no longer. I am of the blood royal, and the saying is
true that good blood cannot lie."
"How well he speaks!" whispered the Franks to each other, for they
dared not let their voices be heard.