CCLVIII

Passes that day, turns into vesper-tide.

Franks and pagans still with their swords do strike.

Brave vassals they, who brought those hosts to fight,

Never have they forgotten their ensigns;

That admiral still "Preciuse" doth cry,

Charles "Monjoie," renowned word of pride.

Each the other knows by his clear voice and high;

Amid the field they're both come into sight,

Then, as they go, great blows on either side

They with their spears on their round targes strike;

And shatter them, beneath their buckles wide;

And all the folds of their hauberks divide;

But bodies, no; wound them they never might.

Broken their girths, downwards their saddles slide;

Both those Kings fall, themselves aground do find;

Nimbly enough upon their feet they rise;

Most vassal-like they draw their swords outright.

From this battle they'll ne'er be turned aside

Nor make an end, without that one man die.

AOI.

The Song of Roland · 第 254 / 288 题