. 'Lady Countess,' said Rainouart, 'do not weep. As long
as my staff is whole William shall be safe.'

'My friend, may Heaven protect you,' she answered, 'but a man without
armour is soon cut down; one blow will be his death. So take these
things and wear them in battle,' and she laced on the helmet, and
buckled the breastplate, and fastened the sword on his thigh. 'If your
staff breaks, it may serve you,' said she.

Rainouart's heart was proud indeed when the armour was girded on him,
and he sat himself down well pleased at William's table. The Knights
vied with each other in pouring him out bumpers of wine, and after
dinner every man tried to lift his iron-bound staff, but none could
raise it from the ground, except William himself, who by putting forth
all his strength lifted it the height of a foot.

'Let me aid you,' said Rainouart, and catching it up he whirled it
round his head, throwing it lightly from hand to hand. 'We are wasting
time,' he went on. 'I fear lest the Pagans should fly before we come
up with them. If I only have the chance to make them feel the weight
of my staff, I shall soon sweep the battle-field clean.' And William
embraced him for these words, and ordered the trumpets to be sounded
and the army to march.

From her window Gibourc watched them go. She saw the Knights, each
with his following, stream out into the plain, their banners floating
on the wind, their helmets shining in the sun, their shields
glittering with gold. She heard their horses neigh with delight, as
they snuffed up the air, and she prayed God to bless all this noble
host.

After two days' march they came within sight of the Aliscans, but for
five miles round the country was covered by the Pagan army. William
perceived that some of his men quailed at the number of the foe, so he
turned and spoke to his soldiers. 'My good lords,' he said, 'a fearful
battle awaits us, and we must not give way an inch. If any man feels
afraid let him go back to his own land. This is no place for cowards.'

The cowards heard joyfully, and without shame took the road by which
they had come. They spurred their horses and thought themselves safe,
but they rejoiced too soon.

At the mouth of a bridge Rainouart met them, and he took them for
Pagans who were flying for their lives. But when he saw that they were
part of the Christian host he raised his staff and barred their
passage. 'Where are you going?' asked he. 'To France, for rest,'
answ