🧚 How Peace Was Made

It happened about seven days after these things that the King rode by the castle, for he would fain know how the besieged fared.1 When he could see no man on the walls, he was not a little astonished, and going back straightway to the camp called his Barons together and told them of this matter.2

The Duke Naymes said, "We must find out what has overtaken these people; let us feign to make an assault."3 So they feigned to make an assault, but no man came forth to defend the castle.4 Then the King said: "They are all dead of hunger," and he commanded that a long ladder should be set against the walls.5 By this certain of the Peers mounted, Roland being first of all, and after him Ogier the Dane and Oliver.6 But finding no man they descended on the other side and opened the gates that the King might come in.7

So the King came in; but when he saw neither man, woman, or child in the whole place he was much astonished.8 And as he searched he found the secret way, which when he had seen he cried, "This has that false knave Mawgis done.9 Verily he will break my very heart for anger."10 But the Duke Naymes answered, "Not so, my lord; this way has been made many years."11

Then by commandment of the King, Roland and a company of men went by the secret way till he came to the Wood of the Serpent.12 Nor were there wanting signs that many people had passed that way.13 So he returned to the castle and told what he had seen to the King, and the King with his host tarried awhile in Montalban.14

A messenger came to the King, with tidings of the brethren.15 He said that he had seen them keeping a great court at the city of Ardennes, and that they had much treasure with them, and a great company.16

When the King heard this he swore by St. Denys that he would not rest in his bed till he had besieged Reynaud and his company.17 So he commanded his Barons that they should make ready their baggage and march with all the haste they could on to Ardennes, and this they did.18

When Reynaud was aware of their coming he swore a great oath that he would not suffer himself to be besieged. "19 Rather," said he, "would I fight with the King in the open field; verily, if by chance he should come into my hands I would not have pity on him as I did in past time." "20 Now, my brother," said Richard, "you speak as a man; if it come to fighting I will not fail of my duty."21 And Guichard and Alard said the same.22

Then Reynaud ordered his host in a very skilful fashion, and mounting on Bayard rode towards the van of the King's army.23 When the King saw him coming, he grew so mad with rage that he was ready to fight with him, man to man.24 When the Duke Naymes perceived this, he said, "Sire, what mean you to do?25 It were folly to fight with these men.26 Rather make peace with them.27 For whether we prevail or they, there were a grievous loss of brave men, such as shall never be recovered." "28 Have done with such counsel," said the King, "I had rather be torn in sunder than make peace with these villains.29 Speak to me, therefore, no longer on this matter, but do you bear the Oriflamme of France as becomes a noble knight." "30 That will I do," said the Duke. "31 Verily, there is no man so old but that he will get hot in battle."32

Then the hosts joined in battle, and the fight grew fiercer and fiercer.33 First Reynaud and the brethren drave back the King's hosts.34 With his first blow Reynaud clave a knight's head to the teeth, and with his sword shore the head of another clean from his neck.35 Then with a loud voice he cried, "Ardennes," and the courage of his men waxed so high that the King's men could in no wise stand against them.36

When the King saw this he charged with all his might against his adversaries, slaying a knight at each blow.37 And when his spear was broken, he drew his sword, and did therewith marvellous deeds of arms.38 Never did he bear himself more valiantly than he did that day.39

When Roland saw how his uncle fought in the very front of the battle, he was greatly afraid lest some mischance should befall him.40 Wherefore, spurring his horse, he made all haste to help him.41 The rest of the Twelve Peers did the same, and the King's host was stayed up against Reynaud's men.42 From prime to noon the battle was so equal that no man could say whether this side or that prevailed.43 But when the sun began to move to its setting, Reynaud's men began to give way, being fewer in number and spent with fighting.44 Then Reynaud said to him that bear his standard, "It is time to rest, carry the standard homeward."45

When the King perceived this, he cried with a loud voice, "They fly; follow them with all speed; suffer them not to escape."46 This thing was the cause of no small damage; for Reynaud and his brothers and the knights that were of his side turned upon them that followed and slew many, and took prisoner Richard, Duke of Normandy.47 Him they carried into Ardennes and shut to the gates.48

Roland went to the King and said, "The brethren have taken Duke Richard; lest, therefore, he come to any harm, offer conditions of peace.49 Remember, Sire, that you have now made war upon the sons of Aymon for fifteen years.50 Truly, had you done as much against the Saracens as you have done against them, you had brought them by this time under the Christian faith."51

The King said, "Speak no more of peace; it shall not be save on conditions that you know.52 As for the Duke Richard they will not dare to harm him."53

So the King laid siege against the city, and brought up great engines of war against it, expecting that Reynaud would deliver it into his hands, for he thought that by this time his strength must be well-nigh spent.54 But when many days had gone by, and there came no messenger from the town, he began to doubt within himself.55 So he called his lords together, and said to them, "It troubles me that we have no tidings of Duke Richard."56 Roland answered, "Sire, I marvel that you do not perceive the truth.57 The Duke Richard we shall never see again, unless you make peace with Reynaud and his brethren."58

When the King had considered the matter awhile, knowing that Roland had spoken truth, he said, "Go now, three of you, to wit, Duke Naymes, Ogier the Dane, and Roland, with olive branches in your hands, and say to him, 'Thus saith the King, deliver to me Mawgis into my hands, and I will give you peace; you and your brothers shall have your lands again, and your two sons I will receive at my court, and I will make them knights with my own hands.'"59

The three Barons went, with olive branches in their hands, and delivered the King's message to Reynaud.60 He answered, "My lords, I am glad with all my heart to see you; nevertheless I marvel much at the King's message.61 He demands that I shall give over Mawgis to him.62 Now all the world knows that I have not Mawgis to give or not to give.63 Truly I have lost him, and better friend or kinsman never was, by the King's cruelty and hardness of heart.64 Return therefore to the King and say, 'Mawgis I have not to give, nor would I give him if I had.65 As for the Duke Richard, I will hang him to-morrow over the chief gate at Ardennes.'66 And you, come no more on such an errand to me.67 I promise you that if any man come hereafter with such a message from the King, I will smite off his head."68