The Punishment of Ganelon

From Spain at last the Emperor has returned To Aix, the noblest seat of France; ascends His palace, enters in the stately hall.— Now comes to greet him the fair [lady] Aude, And asks the King:—"Where is Rolland the chief Who pledged his faith to take me for his wife?" Sore-pained, heart-broken, Carle, with weeping eyes, Tears his white beard.—"Ah! sister well beloved, Thou askest me of one who is no more. A worthier match I give thee in exchange; Loewis it is. I can not better say. He is my son, and will protect my realms." Aude answers:—"To my ear these words are strange. May God, His saints, His angels, all forfend That, if Rolland lives not, I still should live." Her color fades, she falls prone at the feet Of Carlemagne—dead ... God's mercy on her soul! Barons of France mourn her with pitying tears. Aoi.

Such was the end of Aude the beautiful. The King, in hope 'tis but a swoon, with tears And pity taking both her hands, uplifts Her form; the head upon the shoulders sinks. As soon as Carle knows it is death indeed, Four countesses he summons, bids them bear In haste the Lady to a nunnery.—— All night they watched the body, and at morn Beside a shrine gently she was entombed With highest honors by the King's command. Aoi.

The Emperor is once more at Aix. There stands Amid the city 'fore the palace gate, In iron chains, the traitor Ganelon. His hands are fastened to a stake with thongs Of deer-skin by the sergeants who then beat His body well with staves and heavy cords. Such treatment was his true desert. He waits His coming doom, in agony of soul. Aoi.

Written it is in ancient Geste of France That Carle then summoned men from all his lands, Who met at Aix's Chapelle. A solemn feast It was; some say the Baron Saint Silvestre's. This day began the plea and history Of Ganelon who wove the treason's plot. The Emperor bade them drag him to his bar. Aoi.

"Seigneurs Barons," said to them Carle the King, "Judge Ganelon according to the law.— Among my host with me to Spain he came; His craft lost twenty thousand of my Franks; My nephew, whom ye nevermore shall see, And Olivier, the brave and courteous Knight. The traitor sold my brave twelve Peers for gain." Then Ganelon:—"May I be cursed ere I Deny. Of wealth and honors had [Rolland] Deprived me, and for this, his loss and death I wrought, but treason none I will confess." Respond the French:—"On this we counsel take." Aoi.

In presence of the King stands Ganelon With bearing hardy, florid countenance; Were he but loyal, as a Baron true His mien. Upon the French and judges he Has cast a glance, and on his thirty kin Who 'round him stand; then with firm voice exclaims: "Barons! Now hear me all, for love of God! I to the Emperor's host belonged, and served Him ever in all faith and love. Rolland, His nephew, hatred bore to me, and fain Had doomed my days to torture and to death. As message-bearer I to King Marsile Was sent, wisdom alone my shield and guard; I gave defiance to Rolland the bold, To Olivier and to their comrades all: By Carle and all his Barons this was heard. Revenge this was, but treason it was none." Reply the French:—"All this we well shall weigh." Aoi.

On seeing the great plea was to commence, Thirty good Knights were called by Ganelon Out of his kin, and one among them makes A speech all others hark: 'tis Pinabel Of Castel de Sorence, of greatest skill In words, and apt with reason plausible; Withal, a vassal brave to guard his arms. Thus to him Ganelon:—"In you my trust I place; my life from death, my name from shame Preserve!"—Said Pinabel:—"Thou shalt be saved. Dare one French Knight condemn thee to be hanged, And would the Emperor make us both to meet In combat, my good sword will his rash word Believe."—And at his feet falls Ganelon. Aoi.

Baiviers, Saines, Poitevins, Normans and French In council met;—Allemans, Tiedeis in great Array. Those from Alverne most courteous prove And show more kindness unto Pinabel. One to the others said:—"To leave this plea Right would it be, and pray Carl'magne, this once To pardon Ganelon who, from this day, Will serve his lord with truer faith and love. Rolland lies in his grave; nor wealth, nor gold Restores him to your eyes. This cruel fight Is folly."—All the Knights approve, save one, Tierri, a brother of the Lord Geffrei. Aoi.