ROLAND AND FERRAGUS.

F

67

Koland and Ferragus.

SOLDAN came across the sea,

When, in the land of Spain,

Before the fight of Roncesval,

March'd noble Charlemagne.

He was a giant foul and grim,

And Ferragus was hight,

So strong, that on his hand he could

Sustain an armed knight:

The Peers of France did gallant deeds

Throughout Hispania's land ;

But chief of all for bravery

Was the King's nephew-Roland.

And he burned to let the Paynim feel

What a christian knight could do, And to plunge Durenda's blade of steel The giant's bosom through;

For he trusted to his nimble limbs,

His goodly falchion's blade,

And to Christ, whose holy faith and land The soldan did invade.

Then Roland to the giant sent
A message of disdain,

In presence of the Emperor,

And all his courtly train.