ristian Faith is in peril: do ye
fight for it. Fight ye must; be sure of that, for there under your
eyes are the Saracens. Confess, therefore, your sins, and pray to God
that He have mercy upon you. And now for your soul's health I will
give you all absolution. If you die, you will be God's martyrs, every
one of you, and your places are ready for you in His Paradise."

Thereupon the men of France dismounted, and knelt upon the ground, and
the Archbishop blessed them in God's name. "But look," said he, "I set
you a penance--smite these pagans." Then the men of France rose to
their feet. They had received absolution, and were set free from all
their sins, and the Archbishop had blessed them in the name of God.
After this they mounted their swift steeds, and clad themselves in
armor, and made themselves ready for the battle.

Said Roland to Oliver, "Brother, you know that it is Ganelon who has
betrayed us. Good store he has had of gold and silver as a reward;
'tis the King Marsilas that has made merchandise of us, but verily it
is with our swords that he shall be paid." So saying, he rode on to
the pass, mounted on his good steed Veillantif. His spear he held with
the point to the sky; a white flag it bore with fringes of gold which
fell down to his hands. A stalwart man was he, and his countenance was
fair and smiling. Behind him followed Oliver, his friend; and the men
of France pointed to him, saying, "See our champion!" Pride was in his
eye when he looked towards the Saracens; but to the men of France his
regard was all sweetness and humility. Full courteously he spake to
them:

"Ride not so fast, my lords," he said; "verily these heathen are come
hither, seeking martyrdom. 'Tis a fair spoil that we shall gather from
them today. Never has King of France gained any so rich." And as he
spake, the two hosts came together.

Said Oliver, "You did not deem it fit, my lord, to sound your horn.
Therefore you lack the help which the King would have sent. Not his
the blame, for he knows nothing of what has chanced. But do you, lords
of France, charge as fiercely as you may, and yield not one whit to
the enemy. Think upon these two things only--how to deal a straight
blow and to take it. And let us not forget King Charles' cry of
battle."

Then all the men of France with one voice cried out, "Mountjoy!" He
that heard them so cry had never doubted that they were men of valor.
Proud was their array as they rode on to battle,