“Who Shall Go to Saragossa?”
“‘My lords and peers, whom shall we send
To Saragossa to Marsile?’
‘Sire, let me go,’ replied Duke Naimes;
‘Give me your glove and warlike staff.’
‘No!’ cried the king, ‘my counsellor,
Thou shalt not leave me unadvised—
Sit down again; I bid thee stay.’
“‘My lords and peers, whom shall we send
To Saragossa to Marsile?’
‘Sire, I can go,’ quoth Roland bold.
‘That canst thou not,’ said Oliver;
‘Thy heart is far too hot and fierce—
I fear for thee. But I will go,
If that will please my lord the King.’
‘No!’ cried the king, ‘ye shall not go.
I swear by this white flowing beard
No peer shall undertake the task.’
“‘My lords and peers, whom shall we send?’
Archbishop Turpin rose and spoke:
‘Fair sire, let me be messenger.
Your nobles all have played their part;
Give me your glove and warlike staff,
And I will show this heathen king
In frank speech how a true knight feels.’
But wrathfully the king replied:
‘By this white beard, thou shalt not go!
Sit down, and raise thy voice no more.’”