id the King, 'and as I have commanded
you, you will go.'

'I can go, but it will be my death, as it was the death of Basil and
of his brother Bazan. Who goes there, returns not. But, sire, do not
forget that your sister is my wife and that I have a son Baldwin, who,
if he lives, will be the bravest of the brave. To him I leave all my
lands. Guard him well, for I shall see him no more.'

'Your heart is too tender,' said Charles, 'but there is no help for
it, you must go.'

At the words of the King, Ganelon flung his fur mantle to the ground
in fury. 'It is to you,' he cried, turning to Roland, 'that I owe this
peril. I am your stepfather, and that is reason enough that you send
me to lose my head at the Court of King Marsile. Let it be so; but if
ever I return I will bring on you such trouble that it will only end
with your life.'

'You talk like a madman,' said Roland. 'All men know that I care
nothing for threats. But it needs a wise man to go on such a mission,
and if the King pleases, I will go in your place.'

'You will not go in my place,' answered Ganelon. 'I am not your
vassal, to do as you bid me. Charles has commanded me to go to
Saragossa, therefore to Saragossa I go. But beware of what I do when I
get there.'

At this Roland began to laugh, and when Ganelon saw him laughing, it
seemed as if his heart would burst with anger. 'I hate you,' he
muttered to Roland. 'I should never have been chosen but for you.
Great Emperor,' he said aloud to Charles, 'behold me ready to obey
your orders.'

[Illustration: MARSILE THREATENS GANELON WITH A JAVELIN]

'Listen, fair Count,' replied Charles, 'for this is the message I
would have you bear to King Marsile. If he agrees to become my vassal,
and to receive Holy Baptism, I will give him half of Spain as a fief.
The other half will be held by Roland, my nephew. If these terms do
not please King Marsile, I will myself besiege Saragossa, and will
take him and bind him in chains. Then he shall be brought to Aix,
where he shall be put to a shameful death. So take this letter which
is sealed with my seal, and give it into the hand of the Infidel.'
When Ganelon had put the letter in safety, the King held out to him
his glove, but the Count was not quick to seize it, and it fell to the
ground. 'Heavens,' cried the Franks who were standing round, 'how
dreadful an omen! This message will be the cause of dire misfortunes.'
'I will send you news of them,' Ganelon answered. An