"Fair son Malprimes," then says t'him Baligant, "Was slain yestreen the good vassal Rollanz, And Oliver, the proof and valiant, The dozen peers, whom Charles so cherished, and Twenty thousand more Frankish combatants.
For all the rest I'ld not unglove my hand.
But the Emperour is verily come back, -- So tells me now my man, that Sulian --Ten great columns he's set them in their ranks;He's a proof man who sounds that olifant, With a clear call he rallies his comrades;These at the head come cantering in advance, Also with them are fifteen thousand Franks, Young bachelors, whom Charles calls Infants;As many again come following that band, Who will lay on with utmost arrogance."Then says Malprimes: "The first blow I demand."AOI.
