"How They Brought the Good News" is without historical basis; the ride occurred only in the imagination of the poet. The inspiration came from Browning's longing for a horseback gallop over the English downs.
Notes and Questions.
Find Ghent and Aix la Chapelle on your map.
What was probably the nature of the "good news" carried by the messengers?
How many messengers were there?
What makes you think so?
What does the fifth stanza tell you?
What tells you the praise given Roland?
The rhythm suggests the gallop of the horses. In which lines is this suggestion most marked?
Indicate the rhythmic movement.