Clear is that day, and the sun radiant.
Out of his barge issues their admiral, Espaneliz goes forth at his right hand, Seventeen kings follow him in a band, Counts too, and dukes; I cannot tell of that.
Where in a field, midway, a laurel stands, On the green grass they spread a white silk mat, Set a fald-stool there, made of olifant;Sits him thereon the pagan Baligant, And all the rest in rows about him stand.
The lord of them speaks before any man:
"Listen to me, free knights and valiant!
Charles the King, the Emperour of the Franks, Shall not eat bread, save when that I command.
Throughout all Spain great war with me he's had;I will go seek him now, into Douce France, I will not cease, while I'm a living man, Till be slain, or fall between my hands."Upon his knee his right-hand glove he slaps.
