Ten other legions are arrayed: the first Of Canelieux—ill-visaged people, come Athwart, from Valfuit; Turks the next; the third Persians; the fourth, Persians and Pinceneis; The fifth from Soltras come and from Avers; Englez and Ormaleis make up the sixth; The seventh scions are of Samuel's race; The eighth from Braise; Esclavers form the ninth; As for the tenth, a horde perverse that came From Ociant's deserted land—a race Not loving God the Lord; ne'er shall you hear Of viler breed: their heathen skin as hard As iron, whence it is they need no helms Nor hauberks mailed—in battle treach'rous fiends. Aoi.
[CCXXXVI.]
The Emir has himself ten legions armed. To form the first the giants of Malpruse Were summoned; to the second came the Huns; The Hungres made the third; Baldise-la-Lungue The fourth, and Val-Penuse the fifth; the sixth Maruse; the seventh Leuz and Astrimonies; The eighth Argoilles; Clarbone the ninth; the tenth Formed of the bearded men of Val-Fondé, A tribe that never would love God. The songs Of Geste of France thus thirty legions count: A mighty host where many a trumpet blasts. Forward, like valiant knights, the Pagans ride. Aoi.
[CCXXXVII.]
The Emir, rich and mighty lord, commands Before him to display his dragon-flag, The standard of Mahum and Tervagant; With it Apollo's image, evil god. Ten Canelieus about him ride, and cry This sermon with loud voice: "Who by our Gods Craves to be saved, with the most contrite heart Must pray!" And then the Pagans low incline Their heads and chins, with brilliant helms bent down To earth.—"Now, gluttons, comes your hour to die!" Cry out the French; "Confusion be your lot. This day, O God of ours, defend King Carle, Turn Thou the scale of battle to his side!" Aoi.
[CCXXXVIII.]
The Emir, great in wisdom, called his son And the two kings:—"Seigneurs Barons, in front Ride ye, and all my legions you shall lead; Among them only three will I retain, But of the best: The first shall be the Turks, The second of the Ormaleis composed, And third shall be the Giants of Malpruse, While those of Occiant shall near me stand To set them on King Carle and on his French. Should then the Emperor dare measure arms With me, struck from its trunk his head shall fall— No right has he to other fate than this." Aoi.
[CCXXXIX.]
Both armies are immense; their squadrons bright. Between the combatants nor height, nor hill, Nor vale, nor wood that shelter could afford; Foe looks on foe across the open field.— Said Baligant: "My Saracens, to horse! Ride forward to the fight!" The battle flag Is borne on high by Amboire d'Oliferne, And all shout "Precieuse!" The French exclaim: "May ye confounded be this day!" Aloud Rises their cry "Montjoie!" The Emperor Carle His trumpets bid resound, and the olifant Whose blast 'whelms all. The Pagans say: "Carle's host Is fair! Fierce battle shall we have and dire." Aoi.