“God grant it,” answered Roland. “'Tis our duty to hold the place for the King, and we will do it, come what may. As for me, I will not set an ill example.”
2Oliver climbed to the top of a hill; and saw from thence the whole army of the heathen. He cried to Roland his companion, “I see the flashing of arms. We men of France shall have no small trouble therefrom. This is the doing of Ganelon the traitor.”
“Be silent,” answered Roland, “till you shall know; say no more about him.”
Oliver looked again from the hilltop, and saw how the Saracens came on. So many there were that he could not count their battalions. He descended to the plain with all speed, and came to the array of the French, and said, “I have seen more heathen than man ever yet saw together upon the earth. There are a hundred thousand at the least. We shall have such a battle with them as has never before been fought. My brethren of France, quit you like men, be strong; stand firm that you be not conquered.” And all the army shouted with one voice, “Cursed be he that shall fly.”
Then Oliver turned to Roland, and said, “Sound your horn; my friend, Charles will hear it, and will return.”
“I were a fool,” answered Roland, “so to do. Not so; but I will deal these heathen some mighty blows with Durendal, my sword. They have been ill-advised to venture into these passes. I swear that they are condemned to death, one and all.”
After a while, Oliver said again, “Friend Roland, sound your horn of ivory. Then will the King return, and bring his army with him, to our help.” But Roland answered again, “I will not do dishonor to my kinsmen, or to the fair land of France. I have my sword; that shall suffice for me. These evil-minded heathen are gathered together against us to their own hurt. Surely not one of them shall escape from death.”
“As for me,” said Oliver, “I see not where the dishonor would be. I saw the valleys and the mountains covered with the great multitude of Saracens. Theirs is, in truth, a mighty array, and we are but few.”
“So much the better,” answered Roland. “It makes my courage grow. 'Tis better to die than to be disgraced. And remember, the harder our blows the more the King will love us.”
Roland was brave, but Oliver was wise. “Consider,” he said, “comrade. These enemies are over-near to us, and the King over-far. Were he here, we should not be in danger; but there are some here today who will never fight in another battle.”