lemagne. Then farewell to the wondrous army
of France. Never again shall Charlemagne gather such a company, and
within the borders of Spain there shall be peace for evermore."

When Ganelon had finished speaking, the King threw his arms about his
neck and kissed him. Then turning to his slaves, he commanded them to
bring great treasure of gold, and silver and precious stones, and lay
it at the feet of the knight.

"But swear to me," said Marsil, "that Roland shall be in the
rear-guard, and swear to me his death."

And Ganelon, laying his hand upon his sword Murglies, swore by the
holy relics therein, that he would bring Roland to death.

Then came a heathen knight who gave to Ganelon a sword, the hilt of
which glittered with gems so that the eyes were dazzled in looking
upon it. "Let but Roland be in the rear-guard," he said, "and it is
thine." Then he kissed Ganelon on both cheeks.

Soon another heathen knight followed him, laughing joyfully. "Here is
my helmet," he cried. "It is the richest and best ever beaten out
of steel. It is thine so that thou truly bring Roland to death and
shame." And he, too, kissed Ganelon.

Next came Bramimonde, Marsil's queen. She was very beautiful. Her dark
hair was strung with pearls, and her robes of silk and gold swept
the ground. Her hands were full of glittering gems. Bracelets and
necklaces of gold, rubies and sapphires fell from her white fingers.
"Take these," she said, "to thy fair lady. Tell her that Queen
Bramimonde sends them to her because of the great service thou hast
done." And bowing low, she poured the sparkling jewels into Ganelon's
hands. Thus did the heathen reward Ganelon for his treachery.

"Ho there!" called King Marsil to his treasurer, "are my gifts for the
Emperor ready?"

"Yea, Sire," answered the treasurer, "seven hundred camels' load of
silver and gold and twenty hostages, the noblest of the land; all are
ready."

Then King Marsil leant his hand on Ganelon's shoulder. "Wise art thou
and brave," he said, "but in the name of all thou holdest sacred,
forget not thy promise unto me. See, I give thee ten mules laden with
richest treasure, and every year I will send to thee as much again.
Now take the keys of my city gates, take the treasure and the hostages
made ready for thine Emperor. Give them all to him, tell him that I
yield to him all that he asks, but forget not thy promise that Roland
shall ride in the rear-guard."

Impatient to be gone, Gane