The Saracen Council
The Saracen king gathered a council around him, as he reclined on a seat of blue marble in the shade of an orchard, and asked the advice of his wise men.
“‘My lords,’ quoth he, ‘you know our grievous state.
The mighty Charles, great lord of France the fair,
Has spread his hosts in ruin o’er our land.
No armies have I to resist his course,
No people have I to destroy his hosts.
Advise me now, what counsel shall I take
To save my race and realm from death and shame?’”