he had not held in high esteem, was astonished at his
strength and valor. Ogier's young companions imitated him, supplying
themselves with armor from the bodies of the slain; they followed Ogier
and carried death into the ranks of the Saracens, who fell back in
confusion upon their main body.

Duke Namo now ordered a retreat, and Ogier obeyed with reluctance, when
they perceived Charlemagne advancing to their assistance. The combat
now became general, and was more terrible than ever. Charlemagne had
overthrown Corsuble, the commander of the Saracens, and had drawn his
famous sword, Joyeuse, to cut off his head, when two Saracen knights
set upon him at once, one of whom slew his horse, and the other
overthrew the Emperor on the sand. Perceiving by the eagle on his
casque who he was, they dismounted in haste to give him his deathblow.
Never was the life of the Emperor in such peril. But Ogier, who saw him
fall, flew to his rescue. Though embarrassed with the Oriflamme, he
pushed his horse against one of the Saracens and knocked him down; and
with his sword dealt the other so vigorous a blow that he fell stunned
to the earth. Then helping the Emperor to rise, he remounted him on the
horse of one of the fallen knights. "Brave and generous Alory!" Charles
exclaimed, "I owe to you my honor and my life!" Ogier made no answer;
but, leaving Charlemagne surrounded by a great many of the knights who
had flown to his succor, he plunged into the thickest ranks of the
enemy, and carried the Oriflamme, followed by a gallant train of
youthful warriors, till the standard of Mahomet turned in retreat, and
the Infidels sought safety in their intrenchments.

Then the good Archbishop Turpin laid aside his helmet and his bloody
sword (for he always felt that he was clearly in the line of his duty
while slaying Infidels), took his mitre and his crosier, and intoned Te
Deum.

At this moment Ogier, covered with blood and dust, came to lay the
Oriflamme at the feet of the Emperor. He was followed by a train of
warriors of short stature, who walked ill at ease loaded with armor too
heavy for them. Ogier knelt at the feet of Charlemagne, who embraced
him, calling him Alory, while Turpin from the height of the altar,
blessed him with all his might. Then young Orlando, son of the Count
Milone, and nephew of Charlemagne, no longer able to endure this
misapprehension, threw down his helmet, and ran to unlace Ogier's,
while the other young men laid