nd sagacious, but envious, false, and
treacherous. Gan prevailed on Charles to send him as ambassador to
Marsilius, to arrange the tribute. He embraced Orlando over and over
again at taking leave, using such pains to seem loving and sincere,
that his hypocrisy was manifest to every one but the old monarch. He
fastened with equal tenderness on Oliver, who smiled contemptuously in
his face, and thought to himself, "You may make as many fair speeches
as you choose, but you lie." All the other paladins who were present
thought the same, and they said as much to the Emperor, adding that Gan
should on no account be sent ambassador to the Spaniards. But Charles
was infatuated.

Gan was received with great honor by Marsilius. The king, attended by
his lords, came fifteen miles out of Saragossa to meet him, and then
conducted him into the city with acclamations. There was nothing for
several days but balls, games, and exhibitions of chivalry, the ladies
throwing flowers on the heads of the French knights, and the people
shouting, "France! Mountjoy and St. Denis!"

After the ceremonies of the first reception the king and the ambassador
began to understand one another. One day they sat together in a garden
on the border of a fountain. The water was so clear and smooth it
reflected every object around, and the spot was encircled with
fruit-trees which quivered with the fresh air. As they sat and talked,
as if without restraint, Gan, without looking the king in the face, was
enabled to see the expression of his countenance in the water, and
governed his speech accordingly. Marsilius was equally adroit, and
watched the face of Gan while he addressed him. Marsilius began by
lamenting, not as to the ambassador, but as to the friend, the injuries
which Charles had done him by invading his dominions, charging him with
wishing to take his kingdom from him and give it to Orlando; till at
length he plainly uttered his belief that if that ambitious paladin
were but dead good men would get their rights.

Gan heaved a sigh, as if he was unwillingly compelled to allow the
force of what the king said; but unable to contain himself long he
lifted up his face, radiant with triumphant wickedness, and exclaimed:
"Every word you utter is truth; die he must, and die also must Oliver,
who struck me that foul blow at court. Is it treachery to punish
affronts like these? I have planned everything,--I have settled
everything already with their besotted