The Song of Roland.

Vol. 49, pp. 166-173 of The Harvard Classics

(Roland died at Roncesvaux, Aug. 15, 778.)

Charlemagne's rear guard was attacked by the Basques in the valley of Roncesvaux. Roland, its leader, fought a courageous fight, and, though conquered, became immortal.

Part II: The Prelude of the Great Battle

Death of Olivier

[…]

CLXXXI

The heathens said, “We were born to shame.

This day for our disaster came:

Our lords and leaders in battle lost,

And Karl at hand with his marshalled host;

We hear the trumpets of France ring out,

And the cry ‘Montjoie!’ their rallying shout.

Roland’s pride is of such a height,

Not to be vanquished by mortal wight;

Hurl we our missiles, and hold aloof.”

And the word they spake, they put in proof,—

They flung, with all their strength and craft,

Javelin, barb, and plumèd shaft.

Roland’s buckler was torn and frayed,

His cuirass broken and disarrayed,

Yet entrance none to his flesh they made.

From thirty wounds Veillantif bled,

Beneath his rider they cast him, dead;

Then from the field have the heathen flown:

Roland remaineth, on foot, alone.