When Rollant sees that now must be combat, More fierce he's found than lion or leopard;The Franks he calls, and Oliver commands:
"Now say no more, my friends, nor thou, comrade.
That Emperour, who left us Franks on guard, A thousand score stout men he set apart, And well he knows, not one will prove coward.
Man for his lord should suffer with good heart, Of bitter cold and great heat bear the smart, His blood let drain, and all his flesh be scarred.
Strike with thy lance, and I with Durendal, With my good sword that was the King's reward.
So, if I die, who has it afterward Noble vassal's he well may say it was."
